October 2011

FREE

OCTOBER 2011

Holiday Potpourri Timeless Recipes INHERITING BREAST CANCER Does my child have ADHD?

THE RIGHT EXPERIENCE, CONSERVATIVE VALUES AND PROVEN ABILITY TO LEAD MISSISSIPPI AS OUR NEXT GOVERNOR. Phil Bryant has always stood up for our traditional values of faith and family. He is the only candidate for Governor endorsed

by Mississippi Right to Life for his strong, consistent support of pro-life policies.

Phil and Deborah Bryant with their children, Katie and Patrick

PLEASE VOTE! TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8TH PhilBryant.com Paid for by Friends of Phil Bryant

2 OCTOBER 2011 â?˜ Metro Christian Living

Retirement living at St. Catherine’s Village offers solid financial protection through our Life

ACT NOW TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF END OF THE YEAR PACKAGES.

Care program, first-class services and amenities you need to continue living your vibrant, independent lifestyle – plus the most complete plan for your future.

UÊ fÎääÊ Ì ÞÊ` ÃV Õ ÌÊv ÀÊ>Ê iÊLi`À Ê

`i«i `i ÌÊ Û }Ê>«>ÀÌ i ÌÊv ÀÊà ÝÊ Ì Ã°

UÊ iviÀÀi`Êi ÌÀ> ViÊviiÊÕ«ÊÌ ÊxäÊ«iÀVi ÌÊv À

Predictable monthly costs for the rest of your life.

Call today to schedule a complimentary lunch

Ê

Õ«ÊÌ Ê iÊÞi>ÀÊÜ i ÊÃ> iÊ vÊ iÊ Ã

Ê

«i ` }°

and tour.

n

New Garden Homes

Call our marketing office for more details

n

Newly Refurbished Independent Apartments

(601) 856-0123 or (800) 223-0809

n

Alzheimer’s Assisted Living

n

Assisted Living

n

Skilled Nursing Care

Limited Time Only: 9/1/11 – 12/31/11

200 DOMINICAN DRIVE MADISON, MS 39110 village@stdom.com stcatherinesvillage.com St. Catherine’s Village is proud to be accredited by the Continuing Care Accreditation Commission.

personalized wireless

Cellular South is now C Spire Wireless.

What if a wireless network, that’s always been focused on its customers,

© 2011 C Spire. All rights reserved.

decides to change the game completely? They start personalizing your wireless experience — by adapting to you, and bringing you things that are right for you. Like apps that fit you, reward points for doing things you already do and services that anticipate your needs. And because it’s kind of like a whole new beginning, they even change their name. cspire.com

800.948.6262

Certified Breast Patient Navigator in Imaging and Cancer

contents OCTOBER 2011

metro ®

Volume 6, Number 5

columns 17 The Way I see it Big Rocks of Life

19 Modern Motherhood Twaining Wheels

23 Living my Call Barbara Beavers, Executive Director of Center for Pregnancy Choices

33 Let’s Get Real Intimacy is NOT for Faint Hearted

35 Family Focus Donna Sims: Special Mom Special Lady

37 HomeWorks De-Stress Dinner Plans

39 Education Connection Does my child have ADHD? (Part I of II)

features

24

40 Let’s Talk it Over Coming & Going

Maura McIntosh Fields

41 Legal Advice

Walking by Faith...and Singing as I Go

Do You Have a Will or a Trust?

42 Salt & Light Chris’s Cross Foundation

departments 20 Christian Commerce Corner Senior Transitions

28

37

28 Food For Thought Holiday Potpourri Timeless Recipes

30 Money Matters Market Comments

31 Our Daily Bread How do you keep the faith?

32 Fresh Finds

Publisher: MHS Publications, Inc., Member, M.I.P.A. Editor: Marilyn Tinnin marilyn@metrochristianliving.com Administrative Assistant: Carol Rodgers carol@metrochristianliving.com Art Direction/Graphic Design Sandra K. Goff Graphic Production Assistant Kate Thomas Sales Marilyn Tinnin, Shannon Collins Contributing Writers: Lydia Bolen, Kathy Tony Boyd, Roger Davis, Susan Deaver, Cathy Haynie, William B. Howell, Katie Kilgore, Barbara Knopes, Robin O’Bryant, Janie Pillow, Suzanne Russell, Susan E. Richardson, Suzanne Sansing, Marilyn Tinnin, Martin E. Willoughby, Jr. Cover Photo Zach Fields Distribution Assistants: Laura Blackledge, Kim Roberts, Carol Rodgers, Andrea Sabillion, Rachel Schulte, Jerri Strickland, Priscilla Sullivan, Tim Waldon, Bob Whatley

Metro Christian Living is committed to encouraging individuals in their daily lives by presenting the faith stories of others and by providing information that will point every person, at every stage of life, to a deeper, authentic, personal, and life changing encounter with Jesus Christ. Views expressed in Metro Christian Living do not necessarily represent those of the publisher. Every effort has been made by the Metro Christian Living staff to insure accuracy of the publication contents. However, we do not guarantee the accuracy of all information nor the absence of errors and omissions; hence, no responsibility can be or is assumed. All Rights Reserved.

Copyright 2008 by Metro Christian Living, Inc.

Fall Findings

34 Healthy Living Oncology Massage Therapy

42

33

36 This is my Story Inheriting Breast Cancer Martha & John Hill

44 Rave Reviews Books, movies and music

What’s Coming Next Month?

Ed and Dana Trim Living the Word

in every issue 10 45 46 46

Editor’s Letter Event Calendar Quips & Quotes Ad Directory

Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version, copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of International Bible Society.

Metro Christian Living is published monthly and is available at high traffic locations throughout the metropolitan area. Copies are also available by subscription, $29 for one year.

Single issues available for $3 an issue.

POSTMASTER: Send change of address to Metro Christian Living, 573 Highway 51 North, Suite C, Ridgeland, MS 39157, phone number 601-790-9076.

M I P A

➺

Mississippi Independent Publishers' Alliance

8 OCTOBER 2011 ❘ Metro Christian Living

St. Dominic’s Celebrates 65 Years of Excellence Sixty-five years! To some it may seem like a significant amount of time. To others it may seem very brief. But for the Dominican Sisters and their family of caregivers, it is a span of time filled with challenges, accomplishments and abundant blessings. It all began for the Dominican Sisters in 1946 when a small group of them arrived by train from Springfield, Illinois, to Jackson, Mississippi.

Today the mission, values and principles established by those founding sisters are all still alive and well at St. Dominic’s. It is this combination of clinical excellence and a dedication to healing the whole person, mind, body and spirit that has set St. Dominic’s apart, and will continue to do so far into the future.

Visit www.stdom.com/65 to learn more about our history.

➺editor’s letter Comfort Zones and Impossible Situations

I

I will instruct ❝ you and teach you the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.

❞

– Psalm 32:8

recently heard best-selling Christian author Lysa Terkeurst tell the story of her faith journey. She talked about God’s frequent habit of “interrupting” us in the middle of our ordinary lives to call us—regular people in the middle of our very regular days—to get out of our comfort zones and do something we absolutely could not do apart from His supreme power doing it through us.

My first thoughts go to Abraham, the patriarch of old, who was 75 when God told him to pack up all of his earthly goods as well as his family and “go to a land I will show you.” If God told me to go to Memphis on Thursday I would probably tell him I already had my Thursday planned and Memphis was not part of it, but suppose He told me to just start driving north without having any idea where I was going. Well, I am even more certain I would decline that invitation. Do you think we miss some of God’s greatest potential blessings because we trust ourselves and our plans more than we trust Him? Maura McIntosh’s story is a little like that. She relinquished her settled and secure day job—with benefits—to answer God’s persistent call to ministry. She is finding Him to be a true Promise Keeper as her dependence on Him has had to grow her way beyond her human comfort zone!

I can think of times in my life where I was “forced” out of my comfort zone and went “kicking and screaming” into something so unfamiliar that it was frightening. As a not-always-compliant Christfollower, it has been my experience that God has often had to lock me out of my comfort zone to get me to cease “leaning on my own understanding” and trust that He really meant it when He said He would never leave me or forsake me.

Some of the toughest challenges of life present themselves to us as “impossible situations.” Here at the sixth decade of my life I am finally catching on to the fact that God is indeed the God of the impossible. None of us are guaranteed a certain script for our lives, and sometimes even our best laid plans go awry. And in the middle of the very hard thing, God blesses where we could never imagine finding a blessing.

Donna Sims, President of the Madison County offices of BankPlus, has found being mom to a special needs son a cherished privilege. It was the “impossible situation” that took her relationship with God to a whole new place as He provided strength beyond her strength at every age and stage of Wade’s life. Read her story in “Family Focus.”

Living My Call features Barbara Beavers of the Center for Pregnancy Choices. There was not one thing comfortable to this wife, mom and Home Economics major when God interrupted her with an unexpected passion for the unborn and for the woman facing the “impossible situation “ of an unplanned pregnancy. She was propelled straight out of her comfort zone and to the front lines as an advocate in the Pro-life arena.

The best part of my job is meeting people like the ones we feature this month. I know there are people in offices all over the place who go to work every day and feel that their jobs are draining, dull, and negative. I am not one of them. Hearing the stories of so many regular people who are not out there seeking to fill themselves with whatever the world is peddling next, but who have a deliberate and very intentional faith walk…well, as Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” It is true. Thanks for sharing these stories with us. Y

From Marilyn’s Bookshelf Zoom Entrepreneur

By Gordon MacDonald

MCL’s “As I See It” columnist Martin Willoughby shares the five core skills of great entrepreneurs and as you would expect, there is a lot of heart and soul in Martin’s words. In fact, this book is not just for business. It’s a playbook for living life. Find out more at www.zoomyourbusiness.com

10 OCTOBER 2011 ❘ Metro Christian Living

Marilyn H. Tinnin, Publisher and Editor marilyn@metrochristianliving.com

`

9*1 9#.- +0 (#+6*X *1014 6*' 14&X #0& .'#& 9+6* 6*'+4 *'#46T

+5 #0 12214670+6; (14 *+)*g5%*11. 5'0+145 61 5*#4' 6*'+4 5614; 1( (#+6* #0& .'#&'45*+2T *' 612 (+0#.+56 #4' 5'.'%6'& $; # 2#0'. 1( ,7&)'5 (41/ #4170& 6*' /'641 #4'#T *'; 9+.. 4'%'+8' # 4'%1)0+6+10 2.#37'X )+(65X #0& 9+.. $' ('#674'& 10 6*' %18'4 1( 6*' #4%* FNEF '&+6+10 1( '641 *4+56+#0 +8+0)T *' /156 17656#0&+0) 567&'06 9+.. 4'%'+8' # 5%*1.#45*+2 (14 6*' %1..')' 1( 6*'+4 %*1+%'T 22.+%#6+105 #4' #8#+.#$.' #6U 999T /'641%*4+56+#0.+8+0)T%1/ 14 6*417)* ;174 5%*11. %1705'.14 14 ;176* 2#5614T

GX FNEE

14 14' 0(14/#6+10 %106#%6 '641 *4+56+#0 +8+0) JNEgKMNgMNKJ 14 .'#&'45u/'641%*4+56+#0.+8+0)T%1/

5210514'& $;U 6RXWKHUQ )DUP %XUHDX /LIH ,QVXUDQFH &RPSDQ\

metro r ®

At BankPlus, we are committed to supporting the Mississippi neighborhoods we serve.

We’re grateful for what this state has done for us, and it has been our privilege to show that gratitude by investing our time and resources back into our communities. From education, to community development, to children’s health, we’re working side-by-side with you to make our neighborhoods even better places to live, work and grow. After all, isn’t that what neighbors are for? For more information about BankPlus community support, visit BankPlus.net.

Š Copyright 2011 BankPlus.

www.BankPlus.net

Member FDIC.

Casual&Outdoor Furniture

SALE! Extra discounts

LANDSCAPE & MAINTENANCE County Line Rd at Pear Orchard, Ridgeland, MS

Over 55 years of service

WWW CALLAWAYSONLINE COM s 601-957-1731 12 OCTOBER 2011 â?˜ Metro Christian Living

-- 2089 Lakeland Dr., Jackson, Mississippi

W W W.T I N N I N I M P O R T S .C O M

Trustmark Mobile Banking.

Goes where you go.

New iPad app now available! ®

Wherever you go, you can now take Trustmark Bank with you.

With Trustmark Mobile Banking, you can use your phone or iPad® to transfer funds, check balances, make payments and more. Banking has never been more convenient.

Trustmark Mobile Banking is exclusively for Trustmark Online Banking customers. So if you’re not yet banking online with Trustmark, our Mobile Banking is a great reason to start.

To find out more, visit trustmark.com or any Trustmark office today.

People you trust.

Advice that works. trustmark.com

14 OCTOBER 2011 ❘ Metro Christian Living

Member FDIC

Holiday Potpourri A First Presbyterian Day School Fall Tradition

Friday, October 21, 2011

At the Home of

KIM & MIKE NICHOLS 4203 EASTOVER PLACE

Featured Artist

Lucy MazzaferRo

Let the light of your face shine upon us.

Psalm 4:6 metrochristianliving.com â?˜ OCTOBER 2011 15

Voted

2011 BEST Farmer’s Market BY

Mississippi Magazine WE’VE GOT THE CORNUCOPIA OF FALL DECOR & PRODUCE

FRESH-WAY P R O D U C E

PUMPKINS, GOURDS, CORNUCOPIA

VINE RIPE TOMATOES NEW LINES OF SOUPS, CHEESE & BUTTER

CANNED VEGETABLES & FRUITS SCHOOL SPIRIT WREATHS & FLAGS MESH BY ROLLS & WORKFORMS FOR WREATHS 4/;7:G =E<32 /<2 =>3@/B32 Â&#x2019; ESTABLISHED 1989

$' =:2 1/<B=< @=/2 Â&#x2019; @7253:/<2 ;A 601-956-3727

Jackson Healthcare for Women and Womanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hospital welcome

Dr. Amanda A. Reeves

Amanda A. Reeves, M.D. Obstetrics and Gynecology

Join us in welcoming Amanda A. Reeves, M.D., a board-certified obstetrics and gynecology physician, who is big on academic achievement and even bigger on helping others. After graduating from Mississippi State University, she earned her medical degree and completed her internship and residency at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Her many honors include the Humanism & Excellence Award to an outstanding resident role model, Resident All-Star, and the Best Teaching Resident Award. In her spare time, Dr. Reeves frequently volunteers to serve many worthy causes.

601-936-9190 r jhcfw.com 291 East Layfair Drive r Flowood, MS 39232

WomansHospitalMS.com

Charles C. Bush Jr., M.D. :: C. Shannon Carroll Sr., D.O. :: Karen F. Cole, M.D. :: John W. Cook, M.D. :: Lisa T. Gibson-McKee, M.D. Emily B. Johnson, D.O. :: Roy B. Kellum, M.D. :: Edra S. Kimmel, M.D. :: Mercer Lee III, M.D. :: Kimberly P. Nichols, M.D. :: Darden H. North, M.D. Joel G. Payne Jr., M.D. :: Earl T. Stubblefield, M.D. :: J. Martin Tucker, M.D. :: Christopher D. Wiggs, M.D. 16 OCTOBER 2011 â?&#x2DC; Metro Christian Living

by MARTIN E. WILLOUGHBY, JR.

➺

the way i see it

Big Rocks of Life tephen Covey, bestselling author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People shares in a impactful YouTube video about the importance of getting the “Big Rocks” of life straight by using rocks, gravel, and sand to fill a container. What he demonstrates is that the “Big Rocks” only fit in if you put them in first. He uses this metaphor to emphasize the importance of “putting first things first.” In an age when we have so many things competing for our time, this can be a big challenge. This skill of prioritization requires an awareness of what we truly value and deem important. If we don’t identify these big rocks and prioritize them in our schedules, then they

S

If I skip my daily quiet time, and I don’t get an angry voice message from God, I tend to spin around in circles and handle all of the urgent but not important things clamoring for my attention. tend to get pushed to the margins. As Christians, putting first things first means that we keep our eyes and focus on Christ. As it states in Matthew 6:33, we are to “seek first His kingdom and His righteousness...”

I attended a funeral recently of a friend and spiritual mentor of mine, David Dean. It was probably the most impactful funeral I have ever attended. By worldly standards, he had not necessarily achieved remarkable things. He was never particularly wealthy or successful in business. He never had a huge house or fancy cars. He never held elected office or held major leadership positions. In fact, before he became a Christian, he had been divorced and estranged from his children. However, he sought God with all of his heart and left a huge spiritual legacy.

As demonstrated by the testimony of his family and friends, he was a diligent man of faith and an outstanding father, husband, and friend.

For almost thirty years, David would go weekly to prisons to share the Gospel with prisoners and to offer them hope and encouragement. He took serious Jesus’ words in Matthew 25:36 that “I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’’

Thousands of people came to know Christ because Dean was a faithful servant and lived out what he read in Scripture. He would often get up in the middle of night and spend hours in prayer. He enjoyed spending uninterrupted time at the feet of our Father. For years, he would meet with other believers weekly to pray for revival, pray for the sick, and pray for those in need of deliverance. As he lay on his deathbed, he had assurance because he had truly “put first things first.”

There are many entertaining diversions to distract us from getting the Big Rocks in life on first. I find that most of the Big Rocks fall into the important, but not urgent category. If I skip my daily quiet time, then I don’t get an angry voice message or email from God. I tend to spin around in circles and handle all of the urgent but not important things clamoring for my attention. As the title of Charles Hummel’s book states, there is certainly a Tyranny of the Urgent! However, I am encouraged by faithful believers like Dean who show me what it means to get the Big Rocks right. I only hope that I can try and “put first things first” like he did and finish strong, leaving a legacy of what really matters in life and eternity. Y Martin E. Willoughby, Jr. is Chief Operating Officer of Butler Snow Advisory Services, LLC located in Ridgeland. He and his wife Nicki have two children, Ally and Trey, and live in Madison.

metrochristianliving.com ❘ OCTOBER 2011 17

ADV E NTUR E J OU R NA L

752 Pear Orchard Rd | Ridgeland, MS 39157 www.christcovenantschool.net 601.978.2272

ENTRY

27

First stop: the

gigantic toilet. (I love the look

, face when he hears the flushing sound.) on Dad’s Then I work the big , pretend I’m an

a crop

crane, race sailboats,

explorer, a Choctaw,

duster. Then, it’s, time to go. At least

Football & Cheering are all well underway— With games or practices nearly everyday!

And, October will be especially NEAT....

With The State Fair, Flea Market & Trick or Treat!!

October is National Orthodontic Month, as well— And time to focus on your Oral Health!

So, after eating that candy and masking your faces; Ask your dentist if it's time to see about braces!

The ADA says to check between ages seven & eight; Cause sometimes it's not so good to wait!

They'll take some x-rays and send you to Pop— And he'll straighten out whatever you've got!! ><>

Have a Happy Fall! Keep Smiling!!

Marcie McDaniel & Kayleigh Sykes Proverbs 3:5-6

until tomorrow. MCM is my destination imagination.

Eugene C. Brown, Jr., D.D.S., M.S., P.A. www.dreugenebrown.com

125 Jones St. • Madison, MS 39110 • 601-853-0303 5800 Ridgewood Rd., Ste. 103 • Jackson, MS 39211 • 601-957-1711

877.793.KIDS (5437) mschildrensmuseum.com

Visit us on Facebook at Dr. Brown’s SMILES BY DESIGN “The American Dental Association recommends that a child see an orthodontist by age seven.”

MEMBER OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF ORTHODONTISTS

This project is partially funded through a grant from Jackson Convention & Visitors Bureau.

18 OCTOBER 2011 ❘ Metro Christian Living

by ROBIN O’BRYANT

➺

modern motherhood

Twaining Wheels My five-year-old recently decided it was time to learn how to ride a bike. She told her Daddy with her hands on her tiny hips, “I want my twaining weews off.”

He grabbed a screwdriver and in less than five minutes my heart was hammering as my baby pedaled as fast as she could with my husband running beside her, one hand steadying the back of her seat. In a matter of seconds she was out of his reach and barreling towards the side of our house.

“Turn Emma! Turn!” I yelled as she panicked and tried to jump off her bike while it was still moving. She tumbled to the ground.

“I’m okay!” She yelled.

Fearless, she picked her bike turned it around and climbed back on, “I want to do it again, Daddy.” He steadied the seat, gave her a push and off she went. Her start was strong but after whizzing by for a few yards, she began heading straight for a huge pecan tree in our side yard.

“TURN EMMA!” I shouted again. This time she was able to slow down a bit before her front tire bounced off the tree trunk and she landed on the ground.

“Ouch,” she muttered, untangling her knobby kneed legs from her bike and wiping grass and dirt off of her palms.

“Honey, you have to stop looking at the things you DON’T want to hit and watch where you are going!” I said.

For days she rode like this, flying headlong into trees, bushes, our trampoline and occasionally a sister or two who happened to be standing in the driveway. Until one afternoon when she finally got it. My mother had come to visit and Emma wanted to show her how she could ride a bike. Her first attempt ended the same way it always had and as my mother picked her up and helped her right her bicycle she said, “Emma you have to keep your eyes on where you want to be!”

While slapping mosquitoes I had an epiphany in my front yard. How often do we focus on the distractions and obstacles in our path while barreling head first through our lives? Instead of avoiding these trials, the more we focus on them the more entangled we become until we find ourselves spiritually bouncing off of trees and running into shrubs. If we want to live a victorious life, we need to focus on Jesus and the promises in God’s Word.

After weeks of wobbling and skinned knees Emma had an epiphany, too. My mother started her off at one end of the driveway and I stood at the other. She gave Emma a push and yelled, “Look at your Momma! Keep looking at your Momma!” Emma never took her eyes off of mine as she soared through the yard, white blond curls streaming behind her. She squealed on the brakes right in front of me and hopped off her bike without hitting the ground. “I didn’t fall Momma!” She beamed and my heart was full as I watched my baby reached another milestone.

Now, would somebody mind holding my bike while I climb out of these bushes???

Ps 119: 105-6 (The Message) “By your words I can see where I’m going; they throw a beam of light on my dark path. I’ve committed myself and I’ll never turn back from living by your righteous order.” Y Robin O’Bryant is a wife, stay-at-home-mother to three daughters, author, humor columnist and speaker. She thanks God for the days she is successfully able to multi-task. Read her blog at www.robinschicks.com or contact her via email at robinschicks@gmail.com.

O! How Cute Gift Market

It’s ALL Treats no Tricks this Fall at O! How Cute!

Treat yourself to our New, “Boo”tiful Jewelry!

PEARL 200 Riverwood Dr., #106 Pearl, MS

601-939-5082 BRANDON 304 E. Government St., #2 Downtown Brandon

601-825-5080 metrochristianliving.com ❘ OCTOBER 2011 19

â&#x17E;şchristian commerce corner

by MARILYN TINNIN

% ( <2 1 ' < 2 8 5 % ( 6 7

Senior Transitions

([FHO EH\RQG \RXU KLJKHVW JRDOV

$W %HOKDYHQ 8QLYHUVLW\ \RX ZLOO ILQG \RXUVHOI LQ D SODFH ZKHUH WRS UDWHG IDFXOW\ DQG D QXUWXULQJ HQYLURQPHQW FRQYHUJH WR EULQJ \RX WR \RXU EHVW ÂŤ WKHQ SURSHO \RX EH\RQG ZKDW \RX EHOLHYH LV DFKLHYDEOH

1DWLRQDOO\ UHFRJQL]HG DFDGHPLFV 9LEUDQW FDPSXV OLIH &KULVW FHQWHUHG ZRUOGYLHZ 7KH IDLWK DIILUPLQJ VXSSRUW WR EHFRPH PRUH

$LP IRU H[FHOOHQFH IURP *RGÂśV SHUVSHFWLYH 9LVLW %HOKDYHQ 8QLYHUVLW\ ÂŤ \RXU SODFH WR GLVFRYHU \RXU SXUSRVH

MCL: Tell us a little about the services Senior Transitions provides.

Tiffany Grant: Senior Transitions is a full service move management service. We specialize in assisting senior citizens as they resize and move into a retirement community. If they chose to stay in their home, â&#x20AC;&#x153;age in place, we advise them of safety and assistive devices to make their surroundings as safe as possible.

David and I approach each client as if they were our own parents. Relocation for our clients is just so much more than just a move!

We help clients moving into a smaller living space to decide what to take, gift or sell. Then we execute the move and distribution of extra goods as best we are able. We can get one piece of furniture shipped across the country to a relative or assist with the arrangement of an estate sale.

Not everyone has need for the â&#x20AC;&#x153;full meal dealâ&#x20AC;?. We can help a little (just the move) or a lot. Some folks have us handle everything from change of address to lining their kitchen shelves. I always make sure my client comes into their new space to see their bed made up awaiting their first night in their new home.

EHOKDYHQ HGX

MCL: What is your favorite thing about what you do?

Tiffany: The people, of course. I meet so many nice people. I hear stories of their life and experiences. I love history and I get to ask questions about their experiences. Most of my clients remain dear friends. I have been blessed with this mission.

6FKHGXOH D SHUVRQDO YLVLW WR %HOKDYHQ 8QLYHUVLW\ &DOO RU RU HPDLO DGPLVVLRQ#EHOKDYHQ HGX

MCL: What inspired you to start a business of this type?

Tiffany: Frankly, I have wanted to work with senior citizens for quite awhile and prayed for direction. I also wanted a business

20 OCTOBER 2011 â?&#x2DC; Metro Christian Living

my husband and I could do together. My cousin told me about senior move management, and I investigated the business concept. I discovered the National Association of Senior Move Managers, joined and here we are enjoying a business that is extremely rewarding.

MCL: What role does your faith play in the mission of Senior Transitions?

Tiffany: I am a life-long Episcopalian. I believe we are here to serve and rejoice in everyday as a gift from God. With business, we simply follow the Golden Rule and treat clients as we would wish to be treated. David and I listen to their needs and treat them with the dignity they have earned and deserve.

MCL: Some experts say husbands and wives should not work together. What is it like for you?

Tiffany: Well that is a challenge. David and I often look at things from very different perspectives, but that is also a good element.

It allows us to bounce ideas off one another and serve our clients better and better.

MCL: Is there anything you would like to add?

Tiffany: â&#x20AC;&#x153;When a door closes, a window opensâ&#x20AC;? is so true. Sometimes you pray and wait to see that opening, but believe me, it is there. Prayers are answered every day. This business is now my mission to serve my elders.

After a long day of moving, unpacking and even making a bed, I can return home, feed my pets and horses and enjoy a delicious exhaustionâ&#x20AC;Śuntil the next morning when it starts again! Y

*VTL JOLJR V\[ [OL UL^ Ă&#x201E;J[PVU [P[SLZ [OH[ YLSLHZL PU 6J[VILY

Eye Exams and Cataract Surgery in One Convenient Setting.

-PUK .YLH[ =HS\LZ ;OYV\NOV\[ 6J[VILY

October Is Pastor Appreciation Month!

:OV^ `V\Y WHZ[VY OV^ [OHURM\S `V\ HYL MVY OPZ TPUPZ[Y` 0[ÂťZ HSZV )PISL TVU[O H[ 3PML>H` *OLJR V\[ V\Y NYLH[ KLHSZ

Join Us for Fall Fiction Days on OCT. 21-22!

$5 & $10 Christian Fiction. While supplies Last. Call store for more details.

25

off % one regularly

Elizabeth W. Mitchell, M.D.

William C. Ashford, M.D.

s #ATARACT 3URGERY s ,!3)+ s #HRONIC $ISEASE %YE #ARE

Jay Brown, M.D.

s -ULTIFOCAL 4ORIC ,ENS )MPLANTS s 'LAUCOMA -EDICAL ,ASER 4REATMENT s $RY %YE 4HERAPY

s 2OUTINE %YE %XAMS

priced item

New location in Jackson, next to OďŹ&#x192;ce Depot inside the County Line Plaza Shopping $FOUFS t 601.977.9676

Valid at the Jackson, Miss., LifeWay Christian Store only. One coupon per customer. Coupon must be presented and relinquished at time of purchase. Cannot be combined with any other discounts, including coupons, Savings Cards, Bonus Bucks, and LifeWay Rewards. Available on in-stock items only. Cannot be applied to the following: myMedia BurnBar CDs, gift cards, church supplies and programs, NAMB, WMU, LifeWay-branded products, Living Proof Ministries, Bargain Buys, prior purchases, Willow TreeÂŽ products, LOGOs & BibleWorks Software, Specialty Imprints, textbooks, robes, pre-sell oďŹ&#x20AC;ers, and homeschool products. VALID 10/8ď&#x161;ş10/29/11

Ask Us About PRELEX Vision Correction Surgery. #OLONNADES 3UITE s -ARSHALL 3T s *ACKSON -3 s s eyegroupms.com

C12572

December 8, 9 10 5 pm VQ 8 pm Mississippi Museum of Natural Science, Jackson

ÂŽ

$1.00 Admission ($5 max per family) Enjoy an old-fashioned Christmas by strolling through a path of twinkling lights while sipping hot apple cider, listening to Christmas carols performed by local choirs and orchestras, and watching the mystery of the nativity enacted live.

Experience a â&#x20AC;&#x153;snow showerâ&#x20AC;? of Blisslightsâ&#x201E;˘, a new lighting effect unlike ever seen before! Take your photo with Santa, ride the train, mail that allimportant letter to the North Pole, and listen to Christmas stories.

This family-friendly event is an enchanting evening for all ages. For more information, visit www.parents-kids.com or call Parents & Kids Magazine at 601-366-0901.

Christmas Tree Parade â&#x20AC;˘ Train Rides Christmas Carols â&#x20AC;˘ Polar Post Office Temporary Tattoos â&#x20AC;˘ Glow Bracelets Hot Apple Cider Appearances by Santa Claus Living Nativity And More

Call Cabot Lodge at 800-874-4737 and mention the Parents & Kids Magazine Christmas Fest to receive a special rate. metrochristianliving.com â?&#x2DC; OCTOBER 2011 21

Rooted in the

providing all of your life insurance needs

COMMUNITY Consumer Loans

CDs Timberland Loans

Insurance* Savings Accounts

Timberland Loans

Savings Accounts

SBA

Summit Checking

Consumer Loans

Insurance*

Insurance*

Insurance*

Investments*

Summit Checking

SBA

CDs SBA

CDs

SBA

Timberland Loans

A

B

S

Because life insurance isn’t for the people who die— It’s for the people they leave behind.

Member FDIC

Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company P.O. Box 78 Jackson, MS 39205 (601) 981-7422 • sfbli.com

M&F Bank has deep roots as a communityminded bank. You won’t just see M&F employees in the bank - you’ll find us at the ballpark, at PTO meetings, and at local events.

We, like you, are part of this community and we are committed to its continued growth.

Bank with a neighbor at M&F Bank.

FAST. SIMPLE. LOCAL.

w w w. m f b a n k . c o m • 1 . 8 0 0 . 3 7 9 . 5 4 6 5

*Certain restrictions may apply. Investment and Insurance products are not FDIC insured, not guaranteed by the Bank, and may lose value.

What are You “in the Mood”

for?

© 2011 M&F Bank

Wright & Ferguson Funeral Home Parkway Memorial Cemetery

Fine Dining? Casual Dining?

Fabulous Desserts? A Mocha Latte?

Char Julep Bravo Beagle Bagel Crazy Cat Bakers Paul Anthony’s Market The Java Werks Drive Thru

I-55 North at Northside Drive, Exit 100 • www.highlandvillagems.com www.facebook.com/highlandvillagems • twitter.com/HVMississippi Shops open Mon-Sat 10A-6P • Restaurant hours may vary 22 OCTOBER 2011 ❘ Metro Christian Living

JACKSON

RIDGELAND

CLINTON

RAYMOND

Serving Jackson Area Families With Dignity and Compassion for Over 75 Years WITH: Traditional Funeral Packages Cremation Options Mississippi’s Most Prestigious Perpetual-Care Cemetery Prearrangement Welcome

601.352.3632

living my call

by MARILYN TINNIN

Barbara Beavers

Executive Director of Center for Pregnancy Choices he Center for Pregnancy Choices annual fund-raiser will take a new twist this year. Rather than the usual dinner, they hope to pack the worship center at Broadmoor Baptist Church for an evening with Ryan Dobson, son of James Dobson, founder of Focus on the Family. He has a dramatic personal story to tell as he speaks to the moral relativism of today’s society.

Metro Christian Living recently spent an afternoon with Barbara Beavers, Executive Director for the CPC and learned much about why she does what she does.

Barbara Beavers had no aspirations to be the executive director of anything—certainly not a non-profit where funds are tight, staff is lean, and the needs are enormous. With college degrees in Home Economics and Education for the Blind and Visually Impaired, she planned to do a little school teaching and raise her family.

A graduate of Ohio State University, she moved to Mississippi in 1981 with her husband Jerry and their first baby girl. Jerry, also a schoolteacher and part time pastor, began taking some classes at Reformed Theological Seminary (RTS). He became involved in Pro-life issues and often stood silently outside local abortion clinics holding a sign. Barbara was busy being a mother and as sad as she thought abortion was, becoming an advocate for the unborn was not on her radar.

Everything changed the day she went along to the abortion clinic with her husband. She says, “I guess I had a pre-conceived idea of what a person who gets an abortion looks like, but I was wrong. The young college girls heading up the steps to the clinic looked like me! There but for God’s grace I was one of them!”

Any slight apathy Barbara may have had was replaced by a heartrending compassion. She was the one following the young girls up the sidewalk begging them to come home with her and allow her to take care of them.

From that moment on, she was on the front line of the Pro-Life cause.

The Center for Pregnancy Choices (under the name Crisis Pregnancy Center) opened its doors in 1990, a fledgling ministry organized by those same RTS Pro-lifers. Barbara was a volunteer and a board member and took over as interim director in 1992 planning to be there a few short weeks until a “real” director could be found. She is completing her nineteenth year and is more passionate for the cause today than ever.

Over time she has seen many changes in clientele, in prevailing attitudes in the culture, in perception of the issues surrounding babies out of wedlock, adoption, and the available options for women facing unplanned pregnancy.

Decades ago when girls became pregnant out of wedlock, there was such a shameful stigma attached. They were usually sent away to give birth and place their babies for adoption. Barbara explains that times have changed. “Today, when there is more acceptance in our society, it is a prevailing attitude that once you show, you are planning to keep the baby.

Most girls do not see adoption as a viable alternative. Many see adoption as shirking responsibility or being a bad mother.” They consider putting a baby up for adoption to be worse than having an abortion because they have been convinced that “it’s really not a baby yet, so I am not a mother yet.” Such changes in attitude made it easy to choose the words “Generation to generation” as part of the new logo CPC recently adopted.

Barbara and her board feel an urgency to expose the myth that abortion

T

doesn’t really hurt anyone and to pass the torch, so to speak, to the next generation of pro-lifers.

The CPC served close to 1800 girls in 2010. The typical client is usually not the poor among us. She is the person in the middle, who is trying to improve her lot in life. She has plans and dreams and this baby threatens to undo all of that. She comes in for a free pregnancy test. If it is positive, she is scheduled for a sonogram in a few weeks. The support services at CPC include compassionate client advocates who are committed to walking through this journey with their girls. Support Services fills needs like maternity clothing, baby clothing, referrals to community resources and agencies, an array of classes for first time moms and a 24 hour helpline.

Presently, there are two CPC’s in the metro area. There are only three full-time staff members, five part-time including two nurses. God has been faithful in supplying incredible volunteers Barbara says. There is a need for many more as they have such a need for mentors to stand in the gap for these young moms.

“I’m not a single issue candidate kind of person,” Barbara says, her eyes brimming. “But I’m here because I really believe this is where the Lord put me. I’ve got a testimony, and it’s this. It could have been me.”

For more information or to register for the evening with Ryan Dobson, go to www.cpcjacksonms.org or call 601 713 3133. See also www.mypregnancychoices.org. Y

metrochristianliving.com ❘ OCTOBER 2011 23

ij i

Maura McIn

Walking by Fa

M

aura McIntosh Fields thought she had faced the hardest challenges of her life a long time ago. She had dealt with the sudden death of her first true love; she had survived a divorce as the daughter of a high profile and much loved United Methodist minister; she had battled a tough period of severe depression and she had come out the other side with the resilience all believers hope would be theirs in the face of life’s challenges. Her life had finally settled into a predictable and safe routine. She adored her job as the public school music teacher at Pontotoc’s elementary school. It was pure delight and an opportunity to fill her days with two of her favorite priorities—music and children. She wrote many of the songs the students performed over the years, making them laugh as well as causing them to think deeply about values like love for country while mixing in a wealth of music appreciation. One of Maura’s favorite sayings had a prominent display in her classroom: “All Rock or all Bach makes Jack a dull boy.” Students emerged from Maura’s classes literate in music history—from Bach to Elvis, the Beatles and beyond. She was one of those teachers who touched lives and made a difference. The love of Christ kind of oozes forth from everything she does.

Then God began to stir the waters of her settled life. Was she hearing Him correctly?

She was sure God was nudging her to step out of her comfort zone and launch herself fulltime into singing for Him. She had long done weekend concerts, retreats, and conferences.

She had several recordings out there that had brought her some recognition and success. But still, there was no logic behind a decision to

ij i 24 OCTOBER 2011 ❘ Metro Christian Living

ij ij ij

ntosh Fields

aith…and Singing as I Go

by MARILYN TINNIN

leave her steady job with a secure retirement and believe that she could financially make it.

For every argument she had for God during His relentless pursuit, He seemed to remind her of a scripture or what she professed to believe about Him and the strangest affirming coincidences began to occur everywhere she turned. After months of wrestling with God and feeling very hounded, she uttered her final prayer of protest one night, spelled out her fears, and said, “Ok, God. I’ll do what you say and trust you to take care of me.” She slept better that night in the face of all the unknown than she had slept in all the previous months since God first introduced this preposterous idea.

The very next morning she began to mull over the challenges ahead and consider the timing and the way in which she would announce this radical career change. There was no turning back. “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not on thine own understanding. In all thy ways, acknowledge Him and He will direct thy paths.” (Proverbs 3:5,6). Maura clung to that scripture.. She was going to believe that the same God who had led the patriarchs of old to do bold things was the same God who was leading her in the here and now.

It was Thanksgiving, 2009 when the McIntosh clan gathered in Jackson. Maura told the family just before lunch that at the end of the school year, she would retire from teaching and begin to sing fulltime because God was calling her in a new direction and although she wasn’t sure how it was all going to work out, she had no doubt that she was acting in obedience to Him. She laughs that her family did not seem to have gotten the same memo

from God. Nobody cheered. The silence and the blank looks said it all.

Her parents, David and Rosemary McIntosh admit that when their only daughter made her announcement, they had mixed emotions, ranging from “scared to death” to “It was a mistake,” to “What are you thinking?” In the end it was Maura’s statement that, “I am only doing what you taught me to do…” that brought to mind all the times in their own journey God had called on them to do things that seemed so void of reason, total leaps of faith on their part, and how very blessed they had been for being willing to walk by faith and not by sight on more than one occasion.

Still, it was hard when it involved their daughter. Today, two years down the road, their faith has been encouraged by seeing how God has blessed Maura’s leap of faith. It is also encouraging as well as humbling to see that their faith was also deeply and personally Maura’s as well.

In the Beginning Growing up as a “preacher’s kid” was never an albatross for Maura. This was a close-knit family who enjoyed life, shared a love for music, and a great sense of loyalty to each other. They also had a lot of fun together. As the middle child, Maura confesses to being somewhat a “tom-boy” but she was equally musical. Her dad had been an outstanding athlete, a member of the MS Sports Hall of Fame, a Millsaps stand out who had turned down a professional contract with the Los Angeles Rams in order to attend seminary. He also sings. Her mom, Rosemary plays piano and sings, as do her brothers, David and Mark.

There was always music in the McIntosh

MAURA’S RECORDINGS Live for You When I Remember You Because of the Walk No More Couch Potatoes “The songs you will hear are a big part of me—written from experiences of great joy and deep pain. They tell of answered prayers – some in the ways I’d hoped for and some in ways I didn’t understand at that time. There are songs about the love of friends, shaing life, holding each other up when needed and ‘being Christ’ to each other. You’ll hear my questions of ‘why?’ and my discovery of the peace of just trusting God’s plan.” See MauraMcIntosh.com

ij ij ij metrochristianliving.com ❘ OCTOBER 2011 25

Top: Maura’s signature smile; right top: Maura and son Zach Fields; bottom right: Maura began performing in high school.

household just as there was always interest in following sports.

The difficult thing about being a Methodist preacher’s kid is the Methodist Conference shuffles pastors around and a very settled happy child can find his world turned upside down unexpectedly as Dad gets called to a new pulpit. Such was the worst and the best thing that happened to young Maura during her high school career.

When her dad accepted a call to Central United Methodist Church in Meridian, Maura was entering tenth grade. This was a difficult time to leave behind friends to enter an unfamiliar environment. She was not happy and made it abundantly clear in a very “passive aggressive” sort of way. Her tactic was to go into her room, close the door, come out only to eat and to obediently attend church. The rest of the time she and her guitar were inseparable. This was the summer she taught herself to play the guitar. It was also the summer she poured her passion into writing songs and discovered she was rather good at it.

After a summer of mostly sulking alone in her room, Maura was confronted by her dad, who asked a typical “McIntosh question.” It was a family tradition for the McIntosh kids to be asked “What is the good that has come from this situation?” It was his way to teach them the concrete reality of Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good for those who love God and are called according to His 26 OCTOBER 2011 ❘ Metro Christian Living

purpose.” Their father was simply teaching them to view all things through the lens of God. Maura did not hesitate. “I’ve learned to play this guitar,” she said. And oh how she had!

Being the “girl who wrote songs and played guitar” forged her identity in her new school.

She found herself being invited to sing on such venues as the state Junior Miss pageant held in Meridian. That was huge in those days and was her first real adventure of putting herself completely outside her comfort zone. But she thrived and grew and learned to take greater risks! Her song-writing flourished and there was nothing in it in those days that had a thing to do with God’s words or sacred themes.

Detours and College Lessons Without a lot of soul searching or deep thought, Maura enrolled at Millsaps and chose Vocal Music as her major. Being a “people” person, she quickly connected with every avenue of musical expression on campus. She joined the choir. She was selected as one of the very elite “Troubadours,” the small group who performed pop music and traveled abroad to perform. Maura poured herself into college life.

It was then she began to examine her faith.

For the first time she was away from the daily influence of her parents and a slightly sheltered life. This was the era of Vietnam and protests and the bedrock of Christian faith was challenged on college campuses almost everywhere. She realized that although she knew a lot about Jesus - he was more a “friend of the family” than her personal friend. Of course, she immediately wrote a song with that title!.

Her journals during that period recount her struggles although outwardly Maura appeared to be the happy-go-lucky girl who was everybody’s friend, who enjoyed the parties, the social life, and much that was not particularly serious. She realized she had to find a personal faith and she could not simply ride the coattails of her family anymore. But how would that happen?

Maura’s high school sweetheart planned to attend Millsaps also, but he took a year off after high school to serve as part of a mission team to Finland.

That year, his letters revealed a gradual transformation in his faith. He seemed to be dealing with some of the same questions Maura had, but he was growing closer to Christ by leaps and bounds and there was nothing lukewarm in his new found personal faith. Part of Maura was devastated as he told her they both needed to get their relationship with Christ firmly rooted before they moved forward in their relationship with each other.

Maura knew he was right, but she was slightly floundering in her willingness to let go and commit her life completely to Christ. She continued to struggle. When the young man came back to Millsaps in her sophomore year, he joined the choir and they were thrown together a lot. It was not until the spring that they had a deep conversation and she thought she was ready to commit her entire being to whatever path the Lord would call her. It looked like they would be moving forward as a pair. He was killed in an automobile accident on the way back to Jackson following one of the choir’s last concerts of the year, and Maura’s total commitment to Christ was interrupted as she dealt with the grief.

Maura says, however, that “God used that time so deeply in my life—the questioning ‘why’ was a good thing.” There was never a moment that she could dismiss God or think, “I’ll think about that question tomorrow.” She was constantly seeking God because she was constantly trying to find comfort and something that made sense in all of this.

It is noteworthy that her dad asked her the “McIntosh question” almost immediately. He said, “It may be a long time before you can find

anything good in this, but start looking because there will be something good that will come from this.”

Maybe it was that Maura kept seeking God, kept questioning and kept wanting to make that faith of her family’s her own. She was never bitter or blaming toward God. She knew with her head that everything her parents had taught her about God was true, but what she longed for was the relationship, the intimacy, that they seemed to have with Him that she did not.

A Brutal Conversion There was a Millsaps student who seemed to cross Maura’s path often. Her name was Lucy. She was not part of the group Maura associated with but she was someone who caught Maura’s attention. Looking back she says, “It was as though the Holy Spirit kept telling me to pay attention” and she did. Lucy seemed to show up at the same social functions, in the same classes, in the dorm, on the weekend…everywhere. And Maura was drawn to her because she had a steadiness about herself, a constant something that was like joy…not fake but just deep. Since they didn’t travel in the same group, Maura did not really know her but there was a part of her that thought she would like to know her. She obviously had some component to her life that Maura wanted to have, too.

At the end of the 1975 school year, a big

wanted to go and would not let her swim back in. She was dragged down, would come up for air and find herself carried farther and farther out. Fighting against the tide, she grew so tired and finally went under for what she was sure was the last time. She passed out, and her limp body washed up on the beach. When she came to, she opened her eyes to see Lucy standing over her.

The Lord had definitely gotten Maura’s attention.

When the group came back to Jackson a few days later, the Billy Graham Crusade was underway at Jackson Memorial Stadium. Lucy invited Maura to go with her on Saturday night.

Maura says, “I made a decision that night.”

All the events of recent months and years had brought her to this point. She was ready to take hold of HER faith. It was now personal and not just something she took lightly because her parents had told her she “ought” to do this.

Happy Endings

The Sunday morning after the Billy Graham event, Maura sat in the choir at Christ United Methodist in Jackson. Her dad was preaching and every word seemed to be just for her.

Principles she had heard her entire life made sense in a way they never had. And at the close of the service, as he issued the invitation for anyone who wanted to commit their lives to Christ—either for the first time or in rededication—Maura went forward.

A tremendous angst had been lifted. All of the searching and questioning was replaced by a new peace and a sense that she understood that illusive term she had heard all of her life—“personal relationship with Jesus Christ.” And she knew it was for keeps.

Maura went back to campus that afternoon, sought out Lucy and told her that she had had a profound influence on her during the past year, that in all of her months of seeking she had been quite aware of Lucy’s consistent way of living the gospel David, David, Jr., Rosemary, Mark and Maura McIntosh. right before her eyes. Lucy had absolutely no idea that God was using group decided to rent two cabins at the beach. her in such a way to touch Maura. “It’s not Maura describes the group as “two small always what we say,” Maura says, “but how we groups within a larger group.” Although they live it out that touches others.” were all “friends,” there were the “Bible Study” Maura had decided to go one extra year of girls and the “Hanging out fun girls.” Maura school to get her teaching certificate, and so in was part of the second group. that year, as she continued to be invited to sing They arrived in Destin and headed down to here and there, she added something new to the beach. The day was perfect…at first. But her concerts. She was singing for Jesus, not just there was a sudden weather change and the herself. Her songwriting frequently undertows became severe. Maura was caught incorporated some of the old hymns into new in one that took her out farther than she original works in the uniquely “Maura” style

Maura’s children’s concerts are always a hit.

which is a mix of Anne Murray, Joni Mitchell, Carole King and James Taylor.

She was still performing her love songs, but as she tried out her new material as well, she found that she had the ear of many who had known her before she began to sing for the Lord, and she received many a note from those, who, like her, were seeking something authentic they had yet to discover. She still has a stack of notes from friends during that time who thanked her for causing them to think. It seemed she was now being used just as Lucy had been used in her life.

She is a veteran performer whose rich sound and poignant lyrics can move the listener to deep worship. She also has quite a sense of humor and can pull off one of her “silly” songs for kids that leave the whole audience in laughter.

There is a sparkle in her blue eyes when she speaks about this new unsettled life where she is doing house concerts, church concerts, conferences and retreats. “Doors keep opening.

It is fun to watch God work.” She admits it is kind of a “hand-to-mouth-day-by-day” existence, but God keeps coming through and Maura keeps singing. He opens the doors and she walks through them. And people’s hearts get changed.

Invite her your way. You will be so glad you did. Y metrochristianliving.com ❘ OCTOBER 2011 27

Have You Fixed Your Dirt Crawl Space Yet? Get Rid of That Damp, Musty Smell in Your Home!

â&#x17E;şfood for thought

by LYDIA BOLEN

Holiday Potpourri October is my favorite time of the year. I look forward to seasonal changes in the weather, as well as preparing dishes that signify that Fall is coming!! All three of my children attended First Presbyterian Day School. The schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fall Fundraiser each year is called Holiday

The earth in your dirt crawl space is the major source of moisture in your home! This moisture is carried up into your house from [OL UH[\YHS \W^HYK HPY Ă&#x2026;V^ JYLH[LK MYVT YPZPUN OLH[ The CleanSpaceÂŽ Crawl Space Encapsulation System is the answer!

www.mscrawlspace.com

Call Today!

601-898-0891

$ GLYLVLRQ RI (QHUJ\ ,QVXODWLRQ ,QF Â&#x2021; 5L[RQ 6LPPRQV 2ZQHU

BUTTER PECAN FUDGE 1 1/2 1/2 1/2 1/3 1/8 2 1

stick unsalted butter cup granulated sugar cup dark brown sugar cup heavy whipping cream cup light corn syrup teaspoon vanilla cups powdered sugar cup pecan halves, toasted and coarsely chopped

Butter an 8 inch by 8 inch and set aside. In a heavy saucepan,combine butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, whipping cream and corn syrup. Bring to a boil over medium heat; stirring occasionally. Boil for 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla.

Add powdered sugar and stir vigorously until smooth. Fold in pecans. Spread mixture into buttered dish and cool to room temperature.

Cut into 1 inch squares. Store in an airtight container.

SAUSAGE CHEESE TARTLETS 1 pound cooked mild sausage, crumbled and drained 1 2/3 cups grated sharp Cheddar cheese 1 1/2 cup grated Monterey Jack cheese 1 envelope ranch dressing mix 1 (2.5 ounce) can chopped black olives 1/2 cup finely chopped red bell pepper Dash of Tabasco sauce 4 packages Fillo cups (Athens brand sold in freezer section-15 in each box) For filling, combine sausage, cheeses, dressing mix, olives, bell pepper and Tabasco in a large bowl and mix well. Place 1 heaping teaspoon of filling in each cup and bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes. Filling can be prepared in advance and refrigerated or frozen. Bring to room temperature before using. Keep Fillo cups frozen until ready to use.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;My food,â&#x20AC;? said Jesus, â&#x20AC;&#x153;is to do the will of Him that sent me, and to finish His work.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201C; John 4:34

28 OCTOBER 2011 â?&#x2DC; Metro Christian Living

Timeless Recipes Potpourri. I have fond memories of many years cooking for this event. A friend gave me the bound collection of recipes from Holiday Potpourri from years 1998-2010. I want to share a sampling of my favorites from this collection. Enjoy!

6WUHDPOLQHG (QUROOPHQW

BLACK BEAN SOUP 1 2 2 3 3

small onion, chopped tablespoons olive oil garlic cloves, minced cups chicken broth cans black beans, rinsed and drained 1 can of Rotel tomatoes 1 pound shredded BBQ pork 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar SautĂŠ onion in oil in Dutch oven until tender; stir in garlic and sautĂŠ 1 minute. Stir in broth, beans, and tomatoes; reduce heat and simmer 15 minutes, stirring often. Process 1 cup bean mixture in food processor until smooth; return puree to Dutch oven. Add pork and simmer 10 minutes. Stir in vinegar.

RASPBERRY SPINACH SALAD 4 cups fresh baby spinach, torn (1 bag) 4 green onions, chopped 1/2 cup pecans, chopped 6 ounces frozen raspberries 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled DRESSING: 1/4 cup canola oil 1/3 cup raspberry vinegar 3 tablespoons raspberry All Fruit 1/4 cup sugar Combine spinach, green onions, pecans, raspberries, and feta cheese; cover and chill.

Combine dressing ingredients and chill.Pour dressing over salad and serve immediately.

This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Holiday Potpourri is October 21th. It will be held at the home of Kim and Mike Nicols at 4203 Eastover Place. Call First Presbyterian School for tickets. Remember to make memories in the kitchen, â&#x20AC;&#x153;the heartbeat of the home.â&#x20AC;? Visit www.lydiasapron.blog spot.com for more of my recipes and email me at lbbolen@gmail.com for any questions.

Y

Remember to make memories through the kitchen... â&#x20AC;&#x153;the heartbeat of the homeâ&#x20AC;?. You can go to my blog at www.lydiasapron.blogspot.com for more of my favorite recipes.

Email me at lbbolen@gmail.com for any questions. Have fun with your little ones in the kitchen teaching them to cook; a valuable life skill!

([SHULHQFHG 0,66,1

$IIRUGDEOH

0LVVLQJ D 3HDFH" &RQQHFW WKH 3LHFHV

EHOKDYHQ HGX

_ )D[ JUDGDGPLVVLRQ#EHOKDYHQ HGX metrochristianliving.com â?&#x2DC; OCTOBER 2011 29

➺money matters

by ROGER DAVIS

MARKET COMMENTS e spend a fair amount of time discussing our core beliefs about successful investing. Our clients know that we value

W

trends and believe it is very difficult to make money in securities when a negative trend exists in the market in which the security trades. We also spend time discussing the most popular and widely adhered to investment discipline, asset allocation/buy and hold. It’s no secret that we aren’t big fans of this strategy.

There are other investment disciplines that we don’t typically talk about but are fairly well known in the high net worth investment communities. These are strategies like Event Driven, Statistical Arbitration, Market Neutral, Special Situations, and the one I’d like to discuss today, Macro Economic Investing.

Most Macro managers scour global markets in search of opportunities created by big picture economic and geo political trends. A macro fund management company starts with the question, “what is going on in the world and what predominant global themes will exist in the near, intermediate and long–term?” Based on that world view, the management team will develop an investment thesis that says basically, “These are the opportunities that exist and we believe we can profit from them by investing x% in European equities, y% short US Treasuries, z% long Denmark’s currency and so forth”.

To be successful, the macro fund manager

needs to be right about what’s going on. In other words; he must be correct in his belief that, for example, OPEC is going to diminish the supply of oil. Not only this, but the manager must be right about how markets will respond to this belief bearing itself out. If OPEC does decrease oil production then oil prices will go up. This will cause transportation stocks to perform poorly due to increased fuel prices. You get the picture. If transportation stocks go up while the macro manager is short, it does him very little good that he was “right.”

The difficulty, as many Macro managers are experiencing, is that markets don’t necessarily “do” what you expect them to, even though they have done so many times in the past. Through the end of the 2nd quarter, the HFRX Macro Index is down 2.2%. For the last 12 months that index is up 6.9%. By comparison, the SP500 is up 5% and 20% respectively.

Now here’s where it gets interesting. Hedge fund investors are supposed to be very sophisticated, right? Well, a look at their behavior in the last year reveals that they are prone to chasing performance just like the investing public at large. During Q1 2010, 7% of every dollar invested in hedge funds went into Macro funds. In Q1 2011, more than 33% of all hedge fund dollars invested went into Macro

funds, just in time for big time underperformance. To me, that’s worth knowing.

The need to be right can create problems.

Relationship counselors will often ask the following question of an unhappy husband or wife, “Would you rather be right or happy”? To which I might respond, “I’m happy when I’m right”! But, we know that’s not exactly true, don’t we. The need to be right, at any cost, can and will wreck a marriage, a business relationship or a father son relationship. Being right, in the final analysis, just doesn’t matter.

The result is what matters. If I’m right but alone in life, what have I accomplished?

Unlike me, macro managers really do need to be right…about a lot of things. They need to be right about what’s happening or what’s about to happen. But, more importantly, they need to be right about the way markets will react if they are indeed, right. Managing money successfully requires that you make money. Money managers don’t get paid to be right; we get paid to make people money. Y Roger Davis is a Partner at Woodridge Capital and can be reached at roger.davis@woodridge-capital.com

Quality Customer Interactions, LLC A CUSTOMER SERVICE FIRM “Specializing In the Authenticity of Service”

SERVICING: Businesses ~ Churches ~ Individuals

Are you interested in…

~ An exclusive and elite customer care model to fit your business? ~ Establishing a Telephone Ministry or Prayer Call Center within your local

For all your needs...

977-8484 • Toll-Free (866) 977-8484 www.pcnursing.com For the best of care, call Prime Care.

30 OCTOBER 2011 ❘ Metro Christian Living

community or church?

~ Developing Professional Skills i.e. writing skills and other office development skills?

Contact you QCI Consultant today concerning these and other services:

601.918.6261 or qci@qualitycustomerinteractions.com

“Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.” – Romans 12:10

our daily bread

by SUSAN DEAVER

How Do You Keep THE FAITH? T

his column is for sharing our faith with other readers. Sharing with and serving others changes us and reminds us that our time on earth is about much more than our own needs. To share your story or favorite scripture, please e-mail us at info@metrochristianliving.com.

Cindy Sephton Four years ago I was faced with the scariest and most difficult season of my life. The dreaded EMPTY NEST. Two questions were constantly on my lips, “How did it happen so fast?” and “What will I do now?” I look back now and see God’s hand during this time.

A phone call changed everything, when I was asked to lead a Bible study for young career women.

The criteria for the new study affirmed this as my answer for my new season. They wanted to know more about God—and we are still learning together.

We have experienced many seasons - the warmth and harvest in fruitful seasons, and also the coldness of the barren times.

Through it all we have learned more about Him and are beginning to understand it is possible to praise Him through all of life’s seasons.

Seasons are necessary for growth, new directions and our faith to have opportunities to be proven true.

New seasons bring new blessings - “my girls”, the sweetest relationship with my son, and the additional blessing of my precious

I believe one single act of compassion can have a large impact

daughter-in-law, were all products of my “feared” season.

So I have learned that seasons are necessary but there is one constant - God. He has been there in all of my seasons. Also, His plan for me has been consistent too - Love Him first and love others like He does. Invest in lives, be available and vulnerable, and never forget His last words to His disciples (of which I am one): “I am with you always to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:20 “There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1 Cindy and Danny Sephton live in Brandon and have been married for 33 years. They are members of First Baptist Church of Brandon and have a son and daughter-in-law, Kyle and Whitney Sephton. Y

stablished in 1895, Palmer Home is a long-term Christ-centered home for children who lack an adequate family structure.

Palmer Home is privately funded, non-governmental child care that keeps sibling groups together, and models evangelical Christian values.

Contact Information:

2001 Airport Road N., Suite 304 Flowood, MS 39232

gentiva.com/hospice

P. O. Box 746, Columbus, Mississippi 39703 662.328.5704 www.palmerhome.org

601-939-9288 metrochristianliving.com ❘ OCTOBER 2011 31

➺freshfinds

Fall Findings

FRESH-WAY Topiaries of gourds and pumpkins.

The perfect (and easy) decoration to place outside your front door for fall.

Starting at $15 and up.

Fresh-Way Vegetable Soup Base. This is such a delicious soup. Just add water and ground beef and Voila! $6.50 a jar.

PERSNICKETY Recycled Hurricane Katrina debris material by Black Water Folk Art. They are sealed for outdoor use.

Whoo wants treats? $28, Owls $18 each, YUM $48

O! HOW CUTE Clinging Cross $ 21.00 Inspirational books ranging from $5.00 to $16.99

APPLE ANNIE’S Blessing frame $34.95 Jesus Calling, Devotional book for Children, $14.95 Halloween buckets (personalized for free) $24.95 32 OCTOBER 2011 ❘ Metro Christian Living

GAMEROOM GALLERY Vintage Inspired Neon Wall Clocks, starting at $69 and up.

let’s get real

by JANIE PILLOW

Intimacy is NOT for Faint Hearted he relationship that exists in the trinity is a perfect relationship. Being created in the “image of God,” means man was created for relationship and intimacy. Think of how amazing God is. He is three people yet one in essence. In one of the councils in about 200 BC, when people in a polytheistic world were trying to understand how God could be three people yet one God: That God was three people in one, “without mixture, without confusion, each person retaining his own personhood.”

Thus in marriage it is important that each person retain his/her own personhood preventing mixture and confusion. I once saw a preacher take a cutout of a man and tear it into two pieces. Then, he fit it back together and said that is how husband and wife fit together in marriage. So many people have that idea. But with God, 1+1+1=1. So with husband and wife it is not 1/2 + 1/2 =1. That is no mystery, it is just good math.

I define intimacy as treating another person in such a way that they feel known, understood, and cared about. They do not feel the need to hide or defend. Notice I did not say you agree with them, but you are willing to listen to them from their perspective until you actually understand why they think or feel the way they do. What a relief to the other person it is, when you finally say, “I get it.”

Many do not understand intimacy because they have never experienced it, and are frightened by it. They are afraid of shedding all their defenses, personas, camouflages and all other methods of keeping at a distance. So many people live with idea that if people really knew me, especially spouse or good friend, that they would not like me.

A relationship with God and another person is one of man’s chief longings in his life. We all need to be seen by another, with all our blemishes and frailties without competition, the need to hurt or maintain power. This promotes growth and more openness on the part of both parties, the one needing understanding and the one trying to understand. If they don’t truly know us, then way down deep it is really hard to feel that they love “US” rather than the image of us that we allow them to see.

Christ in the garden just before his crucifixion is the greatest example of such vulnerability and intimacy. From the beginning of time thru the end of time Christ and his Father had an agreement. Christ would die for his people. But when the midnight hour came, Christ had so much confidence in his Father’s love and understanding, he said, “Can’t we do this another way?” I can imagine the loving interchange between the Father and his son that so encouraged Christ that it says in the book of Hebrews, “that for the joy set before Him, he suffered the cross and endured the pain.”

For this to be Christ’s attitude, I doubt that God shame him or remind him of their agreement or scolded him into obedience. I believe that the Father so encouraged Christ by his love that he was filled up and ready to take on the cross and sins of the whole world.

Intimacy is a two way street. We must be willing to be misunderstood

T

and/or willing to believe that we misunderstood the other. In a close relationship, because it involves trust, we are certain to get let down and the other person gets hurt. But, intimacy includes the ability to explain in a caring way, why we may do something that maybe hurtful to somebody. I once read intimacy is an emotional experience that allows two (or more) people to feel cared for and cared about by the other(s). It is true connection. It is a growth-producing, self esteem-building process.

Having someone there for us is one of humanity’s deepest longings. We can face almost anything, as long as we do not have to face it alone. The Bible never speaks of saint, but always saints. Jesus sent his disciples out in pairs.

How do we achieve such connection with another person? First step, learning to get one’s needs met without sacrificing our dignity or the dignity of the other person. This means we have to come to greater connection with our own feelings frailties and sense of being. Often this is done in an interchange with another person. We get to know ourselves in relationship.

I often tell my clients, “There is no such thing as safe vulnerability.” But to grow as a person and in relationships, we must learn how to be vulnerable and sit with the tension that flows out of the context of deep relationships. This fosters growth in us. We come to feel in greater connection with our own inner experience. And then this inner experience connects with another person. We have to know what is going on inside of us in order to relate to someone else. Another way to say that is this is true empathy. Not sympathy, which can involve feeling sorry for the other person. Empathy is a deep understanding of how it feels to be the other person.

From the fall man was disconnected with himself, God and others.

Thankfully there is a way out of this isolation. It is learning to connect on the deepest levels, both vertical to God and horizontally to man. I call it “growth through connection.”

We have to learn how to phrase things (John Gottman calls this “soft startup) in ways that do not immediately put the other person on the defensive. This defensiveness is the opposite of intimacy. Soft startup makes the other person want to draw near, not run away or shut down.

This is the beginning of intimacy. There will be more tools in articles to come.

For now, ponder how hard it is to achieve such intimacy in an age when people have IPod earplugs in one hand and a cell phone in the other! Y Janie Pillow is in private practice at Janie Pillow Counseling (601853-4788) She is also Co-founder of Third Millennium Ministries and has served since its inception as Chairman of the Board. (See www.ThirdMill.Org. “Seminary Education for the World for Free.”) metrochristianliving.com ❘ OCTOBER 2011 33

➺healthy living ONCOLOGY Massage Therapy

D

ealing with the side effects of cancer treatment is one of many challenges one faces during a cancer journey. Great strides have

been made in in recent years in cancer care, and some of the most dreaded procedures do not have to carry the same discomforts they did a decade ago. Enhanced healing remedies have been discovered that contribute greatly to improved quality of life for the patient. One of these antidotes is oncology massage.

Oncology massage therapy can help with common chemotherapy reactions like nausea, diarrhea, and constipation, lack of appetite, insomnia, exhaustion, low blood counts, and general pain. This massage by a trained therapist is tailored to the need of the patient and differs from a massage you might receive in a regular spa.

A detailed work-up will include information about the kind of cancer you have (or had), your treatment history, your current treatment, any side-effects or symptoms you are experiencing and any lymph node involvement you might have. Any area of the body that has compromised lymph nodes is given special treatment especially

Fielding

Leaders

formulated to ‘do no harm’ and to alleviate any lymphedema.

Acupressure is used to address symptoms specific to you at that particular time. These massage treatments are modified according to the full spectrum of cancer-related issues: the physical, psycho-social, and emotional consequences of cancer.

Karon Stuart, oncology massage therapist of The Spa at St. Dominic is trained to meet people where they are in their experience with cancer and apply a highly individualized massage that comforts, nurtures and supports them in their process. With 400 hours of extensive training for oncology massage, she has had ample opportunity to observe just about every side effect of cancer treatment and finds great satisfaction in helping her patients find relief and an over-all sense of calm well-being rather than anxiety and stress over their illness.

Research indicates that oncology massage can help boost the immune system, strengthen compromised body organs and systems, build up blood counts, and lessen depression. Karon, who has a strong Christian faith, finds her own faith strengthened when she applies that “healing touch” to her patients. The fact of human touch

Oncology massage therapy can help with common chemotherapy reactions like nausea, diarrhea, constipation, loss of appetite, insomnia, exhaustion, low blood counts and general pain. communicates and helps ease anxiety. But by the time the massage is over she can feel a difference in the flow of blood to an area she has worked. It is stunning to think that the God who created the wonders of the human body also created a desire within us to minister to others. For Karon, she considers it a high privilege every day.

The Spa at St. Dominic’s is opened Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8:30 – 5:00 and on Tuesday and Thursday from 8:30 – 8:30. Karon is available by appointment at other times as well. E-mail her at kstuart@stdom.com or contact the spa at 601 200 5961 Y 34 OCTOBER 2011 ❘ Metro Christian Living

family focus

Photo courtesy of Madison County Magazine

by MARILYN TINNIN

DONNA SIMS: Special Mom Special Lady

D

onna Sims, President of the Madison County offices of BankPlus oversees the day to day operations of BankPlus’ in Madison, Ridgeland, Canton, Gluckstadt, and Nissan. But Donna is also well known for her passionate community involvement. From the United Way to the board of St. Dominic Hospital to the board of Ms Special Olympics, Willowood Developmental Center and many more organizations, Donna’s leadership skills are a sought after commodity. Many consider her the original “Wonder Woman!”

Donna and husband Brian are also devoted parents to 22 year old Wade with “special needs.” And it is in that role as Wade’s mom that Donna shines brightest.

A routine sonogram during Donna’s sixth month of an otherwise normal pregnancy revealed an abnormality around the brain, but it was hard to know exactly what that meant at first. For the next three months the Sims lived with great anxiety while trying to save face before friends and family.

The correct term is Agenesis of the Corpus Callosum, which Donna explains is the very same disability that plagued Kim Peek, the inspiration for Dustin Hoffman’s Rain Man. In laymen’s terms, this means that the structure that joins the two hemispheres of one’s brain permitting each side to communicate with the other is absent. It is a rare condition affecting its victims in very different ways and to different degrees. There is much more information available today than there was in 1988 when Wade was born. In those days the Sims went from doctor to doctor looking for resources, help, advice…anything.

As an infant Wade’s challenges seemed to be entirely physical. His immune system was very poor and he was constantly sick. He was so weak and his muscle coordination so poor that he could not suck adequately. Hence, he was forever hungry. He also had an abundance of digestive difficulties and frequently threw up everything within a few minutes of finally completing a long and tedious feeding.

As a brand new mother, the entire terrain was new, but to add in a very sick baby was beyond overwhelming. The doctors diagnosed Wade with “failure to thrive,” but they did not seem to know how to cure it or how to help Donna help her baby boy. Watching him suffer was heartbreaking.

She was even told by a renowned pediatric specialist at Houston’s Children’s Hospital, “Don’t bother bringing him back here because there is nothing we can do.”

It was impossible for Donna to return to work because there was no one who could keep Wade. Was she bitter? You bet she was for a while.

“Not so much that this had happened to me, but that it had happened to Wade.” But bit by bit, the Sims “figured out” ways to cope, ways to get through the day, and eventually ways to help Wade reach goals nobody ever thought he could.

He was three when a young gastroenterologist intern at UMC asked if she had ever considered Willowood Developmental Center. She had not

heard of it, but she found it the next day, met the staff there who were not put off by Wade’s challenges and accepted him into their program.

Donna says it literally saved his life.

The summer Wade was five, a friend invited him to Vacation Bible School at Madison United Methodist Church. Donna was apprehensive but finally allowed him to go. The Sims had not been attending church at all because Wade had such separation anxiety and when he became the least bit upset, the throwing up would begin. The friend insisted she could handle it. She did and the Sims found a church home! “The whole church community has been like family to us,” Donna says.

Wade enrolled in the Madison public schools and graduated from Madison Central in the top ten percent of his class last spring. He is presently attending Holmes Community College in Ridgeland where he maintains a 3.4 GPA. He intends to enroll at Mississippi State in January.

Donna says she and Brian have yet to figure that out completely, but they will—just as they always have. As Brian says, “If he wants a degree from Mississippi State, then he is going to have it.”

Wade’s major challenges today are on the self-help side. Although he has developed amazing compensatory skills in the classroom, he needs much assistance in the simplest tasks that involved muscle coordination.

He still cannot dress himself; he can’t manage buttons, shoe laces and zippers making independent living impossible. He will always need a care-giver, and Donna says, “That is one reason I am so driven in my job.

We have to be certain that Wade always has what he needs.”

His mind is quite child-like, but as Donna says, “He is the purest person I know. He is also the happiest and the most positive.” The unconditional love that Wade gives to everyone he meets has brought him a wealth of friends of all ages. He has no concept of mean or evil.

There is something quite angelic about him and people respond to that.

Over the years Donna, Brian and Wade have gone just about everywhere together. Donna’s office is filled with photos of Wade with an array of celebrities and she has grown accustomed to the comment, “Wade touches so many people.” The “why” question she used to ask God on an almost hourly basis is not so daunting to her anymore.

She cites John 9:1-3 as her answer. It is the story of Jesus’ reply to his disciples who asked, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus said, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life.”

Having a child with special needs is not something anyone ever asks God to “bless” them with, but Donna can recite a litany of blessings she would never have known without Wade. “I grew up in church and I had what I thought was a strong faith background, but it had never been tested until Wade. Dealing with the challenges, recognizing that his challenges were not something I could fix or get through in my own strength…and then watching his positive attitude and his joy and the unconditional love he gives…all of it has deepened my faith and made me a better person.” Y metrochristianliving.com ❘ OCTOBER 2011 35

➺this is my story

by SUSAN DEAVER

Inheriting Breast Cancer “John and Martha Hill’s Story” Before this surgery, Martha ecoming a mother decided to do what her mother changed everything for and grandmother had been Martha Hill. Her own unable to do. Because the medial mother died of breast cancer at technology did not yet exist, age 30, when Martha was only 2, neither of them could determine her sister Laura was 4, and their a medical benchmark for their brother Michael was 6. Martha has children. But Martha could do no memory of her mother, and that for her girls now. never knew her maternal Blood tests can detect gene grandmother, who died of breast mutations that cause most cancer at the age of 43. Martha hereditary breast and ovarian and her sister began having annual cancers.

Although the tests are mammograms when they were not new, false positive results very young. But when Martha had have become less frequent. her own children, she knew she When Martha’s results indicated had to do more. that she did not have the gene Originally from Mobile, Martha mutation, it meant that her McRaney graduated from Millsaps chances of getting these types of College. John Hill grew up in the Left to right: Martha, Leighton, Frances, John, and Mary Stafford Hill cancers were drastically reduced.

Jackson area and graduated from But the most significant news for Mississippi State. He asked her was that if she did not have the gene, she could not pass it on to Martha out on a date because their friends just knew they were right her daughters. for each other. After 20 years of marriage, Martha is convinced that In Martha’s mind she has done all she could to make sure her God gave her John and their 3 beautiful daughters to help her through daughters do not have to worry about losing their mom to breast what He knew was coming. cancer.

It is a great comfort for Martha that the girls have a medical In July, 2000, after consulting with multiple oncologists and history that indicates they are not at increased risk because of genetic surgeons, Martha made the difficult decision to have an elective mutation.

Mary Stafford is now a freshman at her father’s alma mater, bilateral mastectomy. Her sister, also a mother of 3 children, had Mississippi State.

Leighton is a junior at St. Joseph and Frances is a already undergone this surgery at the age of 28. Martha and her 6th grader at St. Anthony, both in Madison. siblings had been raised by their father, who never remarried. Martha Cancer threatened the family again this year, and John both wanted her there for their girls, when John’s mother was diagnosed with breast and John wanted his wife there—period. John cancer. She received treatment and the family is was by her side and did not hesitate when they grateful that she is now cancer free—and there is discussed the surgery. She was 34 and her no evidence of breast cancer in her family history. daughters were 7 years old, 5 years old and 11 The Hill family attends St. Richard’s Catholic months old. Martha was at peace throughout the Church and enjoy wonderful relationships there. fact-finding process, but nervous the night before Martha is also a longtime member of a prayer her surgery. She resolved to recover as quickly as group and says it was a great comfort knowing that possible, with minimal disruption for her friends were praying over her before, during and children. after her surgeries. But she also admits there were Less than 3 months later, in October 2000, times that she felt angry with God because her Martha underwent full reconstructive surgery.

These books are favorites of Martha’s that she mother was not there when she missed and needed The recovery period was longer this time, but would like to share with readers. her the most. She was angry with God for taking Martha was again determined to return to her her mother from her too soon—but maturity and normal routine as soon as possible, for her children. Although John’s prayer brought acceptance and understanding. primary concerns were for his wife and family, he was also growing his By sharing their story, Martha and John hope they can help others.

10-year-old wealth advisory business. Thankfully John’s parents, Jody Martha believes this journey is God’s plan for her…and it’s ok, she and Judy Hill, were able to help with the girls’ schedules after both of says. “He loved me so much that He gave me John and our 3 amazing Martha’s surgeries. daughters.” She cannot imagine going through all this without John Through the years, Martha remained diligent about preventive and their girls, and says they have all helped her to heal. Martha is at health checks, and in 2007, several ovarian screening test results were peace and takes comfort from a quote she learned at a St. Richard’s elevated. Unfortunately there was no explanation for these results. Her retreat….. “There is no rest unless you rest in Him.” Y doctors were concerned, and they recommended surgery to remove her ovaries.

B

36 OCTOBER 2011 ❘ Metro Christian Living

homeworks

by CATHY HAYNIE

De-Stress Dinner Plans

D

innertime is important to you, but sometimes it is challenging to plan, prepare, and coordinate schedules to make it happen. I often change my approach to dinner plans to make life easier, to try new recipes, or just to add some new ideas to the mix. If you anticipate a particularly busy season, a plan like this 4 x 5 approach is one that helps.

Consider 5 different types of main dishes that you can vary to have 5 nights of meals for 4 weeks. Your plan might consist of 4 cooked ground beef recipes, 4 cooked chicken recipes, 4 baked chicken recipes, 4 soups, and 4 other meat selections. You can either do all your cooking over a oneweek period and have everything in the freezer for the rest of the month, or cook for a day and eat for a month.

Choose simple sides to accompany your meals.

✽ Ground beef recipes: Cook ground beef all at once for 4 meals, such as spaghetti, tacos, taco salad, cheeseburger pie, or chili.

✽ Cooked chicken recipes: look for simple recipes that call for cooked chicken, like poppy seed chicken, chicken pie, pasta salad with prepared chicken, or chicken spaghetti. Cook all of your chicken at once, cool, and dice.

✽ Baked chicken recipes: prepare four marinades and freeze in quart size bags. Place chicken breasts and the marinade in a crock-pot and cook 4 hours on high or 8 on low, or bake for an hour in the oven. You might even go really easy and buy items like a bottle of barbecue sauce, a bottle of sun dried tomato salad dressing, and a bottle of chicken marinade (such as Lowry’s). Pour the contents of one bottle over the chicken and cook for a simple main dish.

✽ 4 soup recipes: consider simple soups that you can prepare ahead. Mix ingredients to freeze, and if ground beef or chicken is required, prepare extra with recipes above. If a bowl of vegetable soup won’t be enough for your crowd, consider simple sandwich sides like wrapping a crescent roll around a hot dog then cooking according to the crescent roll

directions; or, lay the crescent dough triangle flat and add sliced ham and a little cheese and roll and cook as directed.

Or, add thick cheese toast, biscuits, or salads.

For your final four recipes, consider cuts of meat like a roast, pork tenderloin, pork chops, fish fillets, or even a simple recipe prepared with a bag of frozen, cooked and peeled shrimp. The easiest one I know is Shrimp Fettuccini Alfredo; purchase a jar of low fat Alfredo sauce and fettuccini noodles to make a quick entrée.

Look through your recipes and see what easier approach to dinner you might find! Y Cathy Haynie and her husband, Jack, have three children and live in Madison. Cathy is the Headmaster of Christ Covenant School in Ridgeland. She occasionally speaks to women’s groups on Honoring God in the Home and Balancing Work and Home. Contact her at chaynie@ccs.ms

Helping Seniors Make Lifestyle Changes.

SENIOR MOVE MANAGER SERVICES

See what everyone is talking about! ✻ ✻ ✻ ✻

• Free In Home Consultation • Pre-Move Planning & Packing • Unpacking New Home & Set Up • Decluttering, Organizing and Clean Out House • Coordinate Estate Appraisals & Dispersals

Fabulous Activities Beautiful Surroundings New Found Friendships Fine Dining

Sunnybrook Estates is a strictly rental independent living retirement community offering spacious apartment living.

Low monthly rates with NO long-term lease or buy in required. Rent includes meals, housekeeping, transportation, activities, on-site movie theatre, central heat & air in each apartment and more!

To inquire about Sunnybrook Estates

CALL 601-856-4050 2 4 8 L O C U S T L A N E • M A D I S O N , M S 3 9 11 0

FULL SERVICE MOVE MANAGERS www.seniortransitionsofms@yahoo.com seniortransitionsofms@yahoo.com

601-988-7883

Tiffany N. Grant and David A. Grant metrochristianliving.com ❘ OCTOBER 2011 37

AT RESERVOIR 152 Grants Ferry Road • 601-992-9925 IN MADISON 1896 Main Street • 601-853-8911

www.appleanniesgiftshop.com “LIKE US ON FACEBOOK!”

1417 Lelia Drive • Jackson, MS 39216

www.newlearningresources.com

YOU

WE NEED

New Learning Resources School District

T O

H E L P

C H A N G E

MISSISSIPPI

OVER COME THE PA ST A ND FA CE TH E C H AL L E N G E O F W OR KING TOGETHER NOW TO B E R E C O N C I L E D

New Learning Resources School District offers many options: K-12th Grade • Open Enrollment • Life Skills Classes Low Teacher-Pupil Ratio • Experienced Instructors • Individualized Instruction • Integrated Curriculum • Online Courses • State-of-the-art Technology • Character Education Programs • Extra Curricular Activities Action Based Learning • Summer School Programs Online High School Diploma Program

SCHOOL LOCATIONS

1417 Lelia Drive Jackson, MS 39216

601.982.7827 www.newsummitschool.com

1203 Sgt. Pittman Road Greenwood, MS 38930

662.451.5398 www.northnewsummit.com

FULLY ACCREDITED THROUGH THE MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND ADVANCED: SOUTHERN ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES

38 OCTOBER 2011 ❘ Metro Christian Living

education connection

by SUZANNE RUSSELL, LPC; PLLC (Part I of II)

Why is school such a struggle for my child?

Y

our child’s education lays the groundwork for a lifetime of success both professionally and personally. So when your child begins to struggle in school, grades plummet, and homework which should take 45 minutes takes hours, the entire family experiences chaos. If we could be the proverbial “fly on the wall” in families where a child is struggling in school, we might hear variations of the following: • “A score of 55 on your math sheet! I know you can do this; you did the same type worksheet two days ago and made a 95! What is wrong with you?”

• “If you would just sit still and focus, you could be through with this assignment in 30 minutes, but with all your fidgeting, jumping up and down, and checking out everything else that is going on in this house; it takes you forever! I don’t know how much more of this I can take.”

• “If you made great grades all the way up until 9th grade and now you are failing, you are just not applying yourself; you need to buckle down and get it together; or you will be grounded the rest of this semester!”

• “Your teacher says you are the model student at school, but at times she notices you staring out the window a million miles away, or just looking at her with a blank stare, and on your worksheets you do great on the first half of the sheet and then the further you go the more mistakes you make. You are going to have to pay attention in class and do all of your work. I am very disappointed in you.”

What if your child had a developmental disorder that is largely due to a biological malfunction in the brain that was causing all of the above scenarios? What if there was very little or anything your child could do to control these behaviors on his own? Would you as a parent feel differently? Would you want to determine if there was an attention problem so that these struggles could lessen? All of these scenarios are examples of comments parents describe when they come to me with concerns about their child or teen’s academic performance. All of the above children or teens have undiagnosed Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Back in the 50’s and 60’s we just thought these children were “hyper” but by the 70’s and 80’s we learned that these children have a developmental disorder known as ADHD Predominantly Hyperactive, Impulsive Type. These children have much difficulty with impulse control (being able to stop and think before acting), much difficulty maintaining attention on topics that are not interesting to them (which explains why they can watch TV or do video games for hours). They also have extreme difficulty staying focused on assignments, and many are even distracted by their own constant movement, talking, or fidgeting.

Other children who have ADHD are not hyperactive, do not fidget, or talk constantly; but they do have much trouble focusing, organizing, paying close attention to details, and are very easily distracted. This type of ADHD is known as ADHD/Predominantly Inattentive. This type of ADHD is frequently overlooked by parents, teachers, counselors, even physicians because the symptoms are so subtle. The child avoids tasks that require sustained mental attention; she is very forgetful, has trouble following conversations and directions; and, of course, difficulty focusing on what the teacher is presenting in class. Research reports for every three boys who are diagnosed with ADHD there is at least one girl who has the disorder. But in adult samples the ratio of males to females is one to one. Thus, girls are much less likely to be recognized as having ADHD because they do NOT exhibit behavior problems; they are usually very well behaved and eager to do well in school. But due to their

difficulty in focusing, this child cannot concentrate on what the teacher is presenting, is highly distractible, has much trouble organizing, and has trouble retaining the information she does learn. This type of ADHD is known as ADHD/Predominantly Inattentive Type.

There is one other type of ADHD and that is known as ADHD Predominantly Hyperactive/Impulsive; Combined Type; this type is the most prevalent in the population. More than two-thirds to three-fourths of people diagnosed with ADHD will be placed in this type at some time in their childhood or adulthood.

What causes ADHD and how many children and teens have ADHD? ADHD is a developmental disorder that is largely genetic and biological in nature. This disorder is caused by a deficit of the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the frontal lobe of the brain. There is NOTHING a child or teen can do to produce more of these needed chemicals. There has been no documented evidence to support that diet (too much sugar, red food dye, processed foods); ineffective parenting or the lack of structure in the home causes ADHD. It is estimated that seven to ten percent of all children and teens have ADHD. Sadly, less than about 50% have been diagnosed. Thus, it is a myth that ADHD is over-diagnosed.

We will consider effective treatment of ADHD in our November issue.Y Suzanne B. Russell, LPC; PLLC specializes in ADHD treatment for children, teens, and adults. Contact her at (601) 770-7355.

Why is your child struggling in school?

Behavioral problems at school and home, problems with focusing, finishing assignments, following directions, anger outburts, and defiance can be symptoms of TREATABLE DISORDERS. Phone 601707-7355 for an appointment with Suzanne B. Russell, Licensed Professional Counselor; M.S. in Psychometry; and M.S. Reading Disorders.

SPECIALITIES: Diagnosis and management of ADHD, inattentive ADHD, oppositional defiant disorder, depression, all types of anxiety disorders, and behavioral and academic problems for children and teens.

Suzanne B. Russell, LPC; PLLC 665 Highway 51 North Ridgeland, MS 39157 Office: 601-707-7355 E-mail: suzanne.russell09@yahoo.com Web: www.suzannerussellpc.com Accept ALL major insuance providers; reduced prices for the uninsured. metrochristianliving.com ❘ OCTOBER 2011 39

Venable

➺let’s talk it over

by BARBARA KNOPES

GLASS SERVICES

• • • • • • • • • • • •

Auto Glass Windshields replaced in shop or mobile Rock repairs Heavy equipment Glass Shower Doors Mirrors cut to size Window & Picture Frame Glass Insulated Glass Table & Desk Tops Commercial Store Fronts and Doors Patio & Sliding Doors Plexi Glass

RIDGELAND 660 Highway 51 Ridgeland, MS 39157

601-605-4443

COMING AND GOING Healing under God’s Guardianship

BRANDON

“The Lord will guard your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forever.” PSALM 121:8

209 Woodgate Dr. South Brandon, MS 39042

601-824-4405 www.venableglass.com

Join us January 2012!

Summit Counseling proudly announces the opening of their newly developed Biblically-based

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) beginning January 2012 Contact

601-949-1949 www.counselingministry.com for more information

P

salm passage 121:8 is often recommended to those in mission work, traveling to far-away places, or embarking on new adventures.

Sometimes it’s even offered to those grieving the loss of a loved one.

This is all right and good and certainly an appropriate use of His Word for encouragement and strength.

But did you know there is more? Much more?

There are all sorts of ‘comings and goings.’ We come in and out of homes, countries, cities, jobs, relationships, health; and yes—even our walk with the Lord is sometimes marked by us coming and going.

However, there’s another type of coming and going I’d like us to consider. This is the coming and going of our private inward journey, where we struggle through our darkest nights in the midst of difficult times; where we battle inner demons: depression, anxiety, addictions, compulsive behaviors, marital affairs, broken relationships, loneliness or despair. Let’s talk of this coming and going.

Do we dare enter these often hidden areas of our soul? Wouldn’t it be better to just keep them secreted away? Can we really come face to face with our raw needs and have Him guard our hearts in THAT coming and going? Will the Lord guard us even there?

I’ve been in the counseling and healing fields over 38 years, and I can tell you: only in the Lord, are we truly equipped for this kind of ‘coming and going’ inner work. Only with Him, are we led to restoration (and His glory). He HAS ‘overcome the world’ (John 16:33). We CAN be ‘conquerors in Him’ (Romans 8:37). We CAN ‘put off the old and put ON the new’ (Ephesians 4:22). We actually DO become ‘new creatures in Christ’ (2 Cor.5:17).

In The Problem of Pain, C.S. Lewis wrote “God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains; it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world.”

Rest assured that God will orchestrate ‘megaphone moments’ in our lives. This is a gift. He is calling. He loves us that much.

So, if you are experiencing God’s megaphone, dare to be ‘roused!’ Don’t be afraid to ask the hardest questions that rise up in your soul. Deuteronomy 7:21 “You shall not dread them, for the LORD your God is in your midst, a great and awesome God.” Y

Barbara Knopes, LMFT, is Manager of the Intensive Outpatient Program at Summit Counseling – First Baptist Church in Jackson. She sees clients at Summit Counseling and Broadmoor Baptist Church in Madison. Questions concerning the Intensive Outpatient Program can be directed to her at SummitIOP@gmail.com.

40 OCTOBER 2011 ❘ Metro Christian Living

legal advice

by WILLIAM B. HOWELL

Do You Have a Will or a Trust? Why? n planning your estate the initial decision to be made is whether to center your plan with a Last Will and Testament or with a Living Trust.

In generations past families were very close, there were few estates with any tax liability, and children respected their parents’ wishes, both before and after the parents passed away. We live in a different time. Estate litigation is no longer rare. In order for your wishes to be carried out, they have to be in writing, and that writing will govern what actually gets done when you cannot speak for yourself.

The difference between a will and a trust, according to Black’s Law Dictionary, “is that a will operates from the moment of death, while a trust operates in the present.” A will is a perfectly good way to pass your assets at death, but it cannot provide any help if you become incapacitated during your lifetime. A trust, on the other hand, is in effect from the moment it is properly set up and funded, providing protection and assurance that your wishes will be carried out, both during any period of disability as well as at your death. A will must go through the court proceeding known as probate

I

to become a legally effective instrument to carry out your wishes, while a trust functions without the need for a court procedure, both in the event of disability as well as at death.

If a will is selected as the cornerstone of your estate plan, then you will need an additional provision for someone to manage your assets in the event of your incapacity during life. As mentioned above, the will only comes into effect after your death. Many people have utilized a durable power of attorney for this purpose. However, in recent years many of those persons have run into businesses that decline to honor a power of attorney. No one is required to honor a power of attorney by law in Mississippi. So what do you do in that case? A living trust takes the place of the power of attorney and must be honored.

Some people put their children’s names on their assets with authority to deal with them in the case of the parent’s disability. Sounds good, but this will often result in the assets being exposed to the creditors of the child, or to their bankruptcy, or even to being considered as an asset to be divided in their divorce. The same problems can arise when using lifetime gifting

to avoid probate or to bring down the size of the taxable estate. It can be done with relative safety with a very special type of protective trust for the child, but not with an outright gift.

Don’t want your assets to wind up in the hands of your former son-in-law (or daughter-inlaw) and their new spouse? Do your estate planning around a living trust - particularly where there are children from a prior marriage.

You can make sure that your children do not get “accidentally disinherited,” but that your spouse has the benefits of your estate during his or her lifetime and that your children then can receive their inheritance.

Some people in their planning have chosen to have elaborate trust structures included within their wills. Nothing wrong with that, as long as they realize that for these type trusts (called “testamentary trusts” ) to come into existence the will must first go through the probate process. Make sure you understand your plan completely and that it will accomplish your objectives. Y William B. Howell is a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys and practices law in Ridgeland.

You have worked hard for it.

WHY THROW IT AWAY? We are all living longer. But we are not all going to be in good health, or aware of our families, or both. Then what happens? Someone has to take over. The question is: Will this be someone you chose? And will it be outside of court or in court? The same with the distribution of your assets after you pass away: In court or out of court? The choice is yours. What about protecting your assets from lawsuits, or a child’s inheritance from a divorce? And will most of your hard-earned savings go to the nursing home? Or have you planned? Here are a few ideas for you to consider:

Living Trust – Allows the person you choose to take over for you in the event of your incapacity, without any court involvement. At your death the person you have chosen makes the distribution of your assets the way you have instructed in your Living Trust, and to do so promptly, inexpensively and privately, without going through probate in the court.

Asset Protection – Lawsuits are filed every day. If you get sued, are your assets protected? They can be, and probably should be.

Also, the divorce rate has never been higher than it is today. Will your child’s divorce cause them to lose half of what you leave them after you are gone? Not if you plan now. The level of protection (or not) is up to you.

Nursing Home Planning – Don’t qualify for long term care insurance, or can’t fit it in your budget? You don’t have to spend everything that you have in order to become eligible for nursing home benefits. There are legal and ethical ways for you to save well over half of your assets in most cases, even if you are already in the nursing home.

Hear Mr. Howell on the radio

Tuesdays 8:35 am WJNT NewsTalk 1180

THE LAW FIRM OF

WILLIAM B. HOWELL, LTD. 406 Orchard Park • Ridgeland, Mississippi (601) 978-1700 or (800) 839-7857

National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys metrochristianliving.com ❘ OCTOBER 2011 41

➺salt & light

by KATHY TONEY BOYD

Chris’s CrossFoundation Editor’s Note: When Chris Toney was diagnosed with Stage 4 Colon Cancer, he found his strength and comfort in his relationship with Christ and the overflowing supportive love of his family. Because each family member found their own faith renewed and deepened as they walked the journey with Chris and because of their gratitude to his care-givers at St. Dominic, they wanted to do something to memorialize Chris, to encourage other critically ill patients, and to express their love to those who had become like extended family through all the months of Chris’ illness. Chris’ sister Kathy tells their story in her own words.

I

remember the first time I saw a comfort cross. Chris’ son, Christopher, bought my mother one. It touched me so much to see her holding it during her daily devotions that I wanted one as well. In just a few days, she placed this comfort cross in my hands. It is a constant reminder of the love Jesus has for all of us and the sacrifice he made for all of our sins that we may be saved through Him. I held this cross close.

When Chris was diagnosed with cancer and began his battle, I would hold this cross even closer and pray for him daily.

The first time Chris was admitted to the Chris’s and wife Sharla hospital, I didn’t want to let go of this cross and I took it with me to see him. When Chris saw it, he wanted one, too. I immediately got a Sharpie, signed the bottom with “C. I Love You, K.,” and placed it in his hand. He never let go of it. If it wasn’t in his hand, it was in his pajama pocket close to his heart. One night, at the hospital he lost it and had his wife and practically off of St. Dominic’s staff searching for it. They found it under his bed.

I can’t tell you how many people God drew to that hospital to pray over Chris. Someone was there to pray over him every day. When I walked into his room I felt like I was walking on holy ground. On the day Dr. Graham gave us the devastating news that there was nothing else medically they could do to treat Chris, I will never forget what he did. While we were all weeping, Chris held that cross up and said, “Guys, I’m fine! I know where I’m going!” We were all amazed. The peace that radiated from him was truly incredible. Chris and his wife, Sharla, prayed hard for a way to testify of how God had changed their lives. Let me tell you! Jesus heard their prayers.

One morning, while praying for Chris, God put it on my heart to give out comfort crosses to cancer patients. That same day God put this Bible verse on Chris’s mind: “”My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me” (2 Corinthians 12:9). When I talked to Chris and Sharla, we knew what we had to do. Although I had originally thought that Chris and I were supposed to give out the crosses, during prayer God made it clear to me that Sister Celestine and Dr. Graham would be the ones to give them to patients. I had just told Chris about this when Sister Celestine walked into Chris’ room saying how much she wanted to get some of

42 OCTOBER 2011 ❘ Metro Christian Living

Chris’s Comfort Cross

the sisters to try and make her 500 comfort crosses to give away!

We knew God was in this. I promised Chris, Sister Celestine and God that I would get 500 crosses to St. Dominic Hospital.

On March 1, 2011, when I went to see Chris, he held out his hand to me and placed my cross that I had given him, back in my Chris’ sister Kathy Boyd and Sister Celestine of St. Dominic hand. He had signed it back to me and said it was time for me to have it back. That was one of the hardest days of my life. I took a replacement cross that I had gotten and signed it over to him. Chris was holding that cross when Jesus came for him on March 15, 2011.

Tearfully, Sharla and their two children Christopher and Lisa sent it with him for the rest of his journey.

God has blessed us. We are working with The Good Gift Company.

It was important to Chris that we work with them because they are a Christian company and their crosses are made by a small family-owned business in Bethlehem. They are cut from the prunings of Olive trees growing since the time of Christ. Just as God made us all unique, no two crosses are the same. Each cross comes in a box and includes a prayer booklet.

We know that God has called us to establish Chris’ Cross Foundation. We will deliver a cross when we hear of someone in need or when we feel led by God to a particular person, family or group.

Our joy comes from knowing that people everywhere will be holding a comfort cross as Chris did and will be reminded that Jesus is with them no matter what their circumstance may be.

If you would like to find out more about Chris’ Cross Foundation contact Kathy Boyd at Kathryntb1@yahoo.com or at 601 857 0831.

Y

What people and our advertisers are saying about MCL… “MCL readers are trend-setters and that fits LifeWay Christian Stores perfectly! LifeWay shoppers are readers of MCL so advertising here makes sense. MCL provides our customers added access to shopping coupons and the hottest new products as soon as they become available!”

“Advertising in Metro Christian Living was a new thing for us in 2009 but we believe it has been one of our best moves. It’s nice to hear people comment that they saw our ads. We now appreciate how many people read Metro Christian Living magazine regularly.”

Raymond Nalty, President Environment Masters

‫ﱦﱤ‬

Sheila G. Brown, Local Store Marketing Coordinator LifeWay Christian Stores

‫ﱦﱤ‬ Metro Christian Living has been most effective in helping raise awareness across central Mississippi for our new Lakeland Drive location.

Love!! Love!! Loved!! the ad in the September issue. We have received several calls since this issue has hit the stands. Thanks for your help.

Lori L. Greer, Deputy Director/CFO Jackson Medical Mall Foundation

‫ﱦﱤ‬

Kirk R. Jeffreys, III, M.D., EyeCare Professionals

‫ﱦﱤ‬ “Persnickety advertises in all of the local magazines. But our ad in Metro Christian Living garnered us the largest response, ever! The phone rang off the hook and we saw a significant increase in our walk in traffic. We didn’t hesitate to sign a full year contract with Marilyn and her staff.”

We have never been disappointed in our long-standing association with Metro Christian Living. This interesting and informative publication serves our advertising needs while well representing our company values.

Jim Poole, CPA Grantham Poole, CPA

Sherry Hilton, Persnickety

&'¶6 RU ,5$¶6 CO M IN G D U E? IRA OR OTHER SAVINGS PLAN? ASK US ABOUT

FIXED ANNUITIES

4-8% G uaranteed Incom e

K͛D/Z &/E E / > ^ Zs/ ^͕ >> 1-800-844-3254 2900 West Fork Drive Baton Rouge, LA

n of Largest selectio ols to rs ba kitchen and ea! ar ro et in the M

Hundreds of st yl to choose from es !

“As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15

406 Orchard Park Bldg 2 Ridgeland, MS

metrochristianliving.com ❘ OCTOBER 2011 43

➺rave reviews CD

BOOKS

Different Dream Parenting

by Susan E. Richardson When parents learn their child has special needs, happy expectations shatter into sharp-edged questions. Whether the diagnosis comes at birth or later, everything changes. The new reality drops parents and children into a bewildering world of diagnoses and medical procedures. In Different Dream Parenting, author Jolene Philo offers parents hope and help for navigating the various questions and challenges.

You become your child’s advocate through all decisions and procedures, but where do you go for help? Whether you need information about insurance matters or how to find information on your child’s issue, you’ll find guidance here.

Hospitals can be just as confusing as the choices surrounding treatment. Philo offers a section on handling hospital stays. Ideas on notebooks and charts help organize the process. She remains practical while including the need for spiritual strength throughout.

The world outside the hospital moves on, and a special needs child affects the extended family, too. Home routines often

change and work schedules can present challenges.

For each issue, Philo offers solid suggestions for resolution.

The final three sections look further out, into handling long-term care and raising a survivor. Planning for the future and allowing your child to experience the fullest life possible are both necessary. Philo also does not flinch from the discussion of what happens if you lose your child.

With multiple resources, useful appendixes, input from professionals, and parents who have experienced the journey, Different Dream Parenting is a rich resource for any special needs parent. Y Susan E. Richardson is a writer, critique reader, and former Christian retailer with a passion for meeting people’s needs through the written word. You can reach her through her website www.nextlevelcritiques.com.

Shadow in Serenity by Terri Blackstock Reviewed by Suzanne Sansing Logan Brisco was a con. Of that, Carny was sure! He swaggered into the quiet town of Serenity, Texas, wearing his fancy suit one day and announced his company’s intention to build a theme park. This project would be a financial boon for the townspeople if only they would invest a small portion of their hard-earned money.

Instinctively, Carny Sullivan knew he was trouble. Armed with an arsenal of experience from her own checkered past, Carny made it her mission to prove the man was a fraud. After all, you can’t con a con…or can you?

That’s exactly what Logan Brisco set out to do. When he first arrived in town, Logan plotted to scam and scram with as much cash as the town’s citizens could give him …until Carny Sullivan came along and saw through his businessman’s façade to the 44 OCTOBER 2011 ❘ Metro Christian Living

heart of his scheme.

As she threatened to expose him, his goal became to up the stakes and fool her, the biggest of skeptics. Could he pull it off? Or would this new objective be his undoing?

In her newest release, Shadow in Serenity, author Terri Blackstock, spins a tale of sin and redemption that proves that God’s forgiveness is not only for “smalltime sinners”. A blend of The Music Man and The Runaway Bride, Shadow in Serenity is a fun read for those looking for excitement as well as anyone who has ever wondered if his sin was too much for God to forgive. Y

Get In, I’m Driving

by Ginny Owens Reviewed by Marilyn Tinnin Jackson native Dove Award-winning singer and songwriter Ginny Owens released her first new studio project in five years in August. Get In, I’m Driving is a collection of eleven songs that reveal a broad range of style and an artist who has matured in amazing ways since her previous albums. Ginny calls it “my most soulful” work, “kind of my auto-biography” and one that is an artistic expression and reflection of a period filled with personal trials and tests of faith.

Several critics use the word, “vulnerable” to describe Ginny’s pure voice and intimate lyrics that speak of joy, sorrow, disappointment, courage, and surrender. The music will find its way to your heart, too, because there is something in the way Ginny puts a song across that pulls you into Ginny’s world…or is it that she puts herself in yours. It’s a connection you can’t miss!”

“I grew up listening to R&B, hip hop and soul. I got into jazz while I was in college, and I’ll admit there is a part of me that loves straight pop music,” Ginny says. “My dream has always been to be versatile enough musically to play a club on Saturday night and a church on Sunday morning…and why not? People in both places love music and are desperate for hope.” Read more about Ginny at www.ginnyowens.com. Y

events calendar

CLINTON October 8-9 The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is holding their annual Bike MS fundraiser to raise support and awareness of Multiple Sclerosis. Cyclists will leave from the Baptist Healthplex in Clinton and make their way to historic Vicksburg taking fun rest stops along the way. All levels of cyclist are encouraged to participate. Register online at www.bikemsmississippi.org or call 601-856-5831

JACKSON October 5-16 Fall is in the air which means the fair is coming to town.

From October 5-16 enjoy rides galore, great food, and a mile long midway. For additional information call 601-961-4000

October 18-20 W. Kessler, Ltd. presents Disney’s Beauty and the Beast at our own Thalia Mara Hall in downtown Jackson. Enjoy this widely acclaimed Broadway musical filled with beautiful sets, costumes, and some of your favorite Disney characters. For more information, call 601-981-1847

Holiday Potpourri, First Presbyterian Day School’s annual fundraiser, will be held from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at the home of Kim and Michael Nichols located at 4203 Eastover Place in Jackson.

Holiday Potpourri is the perfect way to spend time with friends, stock up on wonderful baked goods and bid on that much-needed party or get-away. Funds raised will be used for a new gymnasium floor and to purchase Motorola Xoom tablets. For additional information call 601-355-1731

October 22 The Little Light House, a tuition-free Christian Developmental Center for children age birth to six with developmental delays, is hosting their walk/run laps for the Little Light House students. Come celebrate the culmination of several weeks of fundraising as each student “Strut’s Their Stuff” and takes their victory lap in recognition of the milestones they have achieved throughout the year. University Christian School will play host to this fun and special event. For more information call 601-829-3822

October 27 Enjoy listening to the best jazz Jackson has to offer in The Art Garden at the Mississippi Museum of Art. Jazz, Art and Friends is sure to be a night of great music and fun fellowship. For additional information go to www.msmuseumart.org

October 29

October 21-23 Mississippi International Film Festival celebrates the 50th Anniversary of Freedom Riders and the release of Elvis’s “Blue Hawaii” at the Russell C. Davis Planetarium in downtown Jackson. Enjoy celebrity guest, music, a Hot Rod Car Show and Best Elvis award ceremony. For more information call 601-665-7737 or visit www.msfilm.org

Trinity Presbyterian Church on 5301 Old Canton Road is having their Fall Festival from 5-7 p.m. Enjoy games, a moon jump, and dinner while fellowshipping with friends and family. For additional information call the church office at 601-977-0774

October 30 The American Heart Association’s Metro Jackson Heart Walk plays host to a three mile non-competitive walk to raise funds to fight heart disease and stroke. Walk alongside Patrick House, season ten winner of TV’s “The

Biggest Loser” while helping to support a great cause. The walk begins at 2:00 p.m. at the state Capitol in downtown Jackson. For additional information, visit metrojacksonheartwalk.org or call 601-321-1208

GREENWOOD

OCTOBER 2011

October 21

October 21 The Mississippi Community Education Center is hosting its First Annual Fundraising Event “Cowboy Festival” benefiting North New Summit School. Enjoy a night of fun, games and barbeque while helping to raise funds for a new playground and improvements on the outside facility. For ticket information call 662-451-5398

MADISON Grace Chapel Presbyterian Church, located at 307 New Mannsdale Road, is host to the Explorers Bible Study which meets every Thursday from 9:30-11:00 a.m. Study the book of Hebrews and 1st Peter while enjoying great Christian fellowship. Child care is available. For more information contact 601-259-1339 Y

!

Connect WITH US ONLINE

Like us on Facebook to keep up with the latest

facebook.com/metrochristianliving www.metrochristianliving.com

metrochristianliving.com ❘ OCTOBER 2011 45

➺quips & quotes

ADVERTISING INDEX

}

{

Cut out the scriptures and quotes and place them around your home for daily encouragement!

✂

“The public, more often than not, will forgive mistakes, but it will not forgive trying to wriggle and weasel out of one.”

“Gray hair is Gods graffiti” – Bill Cosby

– Lewis Grizzard

“The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped. My heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.”

“There never was a child so lovely but his mother was glad to get him asleep.”

– Psalm 28:7

“Some people do not like to hear much of repentance; but I think it is so necessary that if I should die in the pulpit, I would desire to die preaching repentance, and if out of the pulpit I would desire to die practicing it.

– Matthew Henry

– Ralph Waldo Emerson

“The best way out is always through” – Robert Frost

“The Lord, the Lord, is my strength and my song; he has become by salvation.”

“Don’t let yesterday use up too much of today.”

– Will Rogers

– Isaiah12:2

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself,“The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.””

– Lamentations 3:22-24

NORTH STATE ANIMAL & BIRD HOSPITAL 5208 North State Street • Jackson, MS 39206

601-982-8261 Dr. Adrian Whittington Dr. Jeb Cade Dr. Melissa McLendon OFFICE HOURS: Monday-Friday: 7:30 am - 6:00 pm Saturday: 8:00 am - 12:00 pm Sunday: Boarding only 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Boarding & Grooming Services Available

46 OCTOBER 2011 ❘ Metro Christian Living

ADVERTISER

PAGE

Apple Annie’s Gift Shop ..............................38 BankPlus .......................................................12 Baptist.............................................................7 Belhaven University......................................20 Belhaven Grad..............................................29 Biaggi’s .........................................................38 Callaway’s Lawn & Garden ..........................12 Cellular South/C Spire....................................6 Center for Pregnancy Choices.....................23 Christ Covenant School ...............................18 Christian Leaders of the Future...................11 Dr. Phillip Ley................................................15 Energy Insulation..........................................28 Environment Masters ...................................47 Eye Care Professionals...................................3 FPDS .............................................................15 Fresh-Way.....................................................16 Gameroom Gallery.......................................43 GI Associates................................................14 Grantham Poole CPAs .................................16 Highland Village ...........................................22 Jackson Academy School ..............................2 Jackson Medical Mall.....................................5 Jackson Preparatory School ........................34 Lifeway..........................................................21 M&F Bank.....................................................22 Metro Christian Living..................................45 MITZ Designs ...............................................46 Mission Mississippi.......................................38 Mississippi Children’s Museum....................18 New Learning resources ..............................38 North State Animal Hospital........................46 O! How cute.................................................19 O’Mire Financial Services.............................43 Odyssey Hospice..........................................31 Parents & Kids..............................................21 Palmer Home ...............................................31 Phil Bryant.......................................................2 Prime Care Nursing......................................30 Persnickety ...................................................17 Quality Customer Interactions.....................30 Runnels .........................................................48 Senior Transitions .........................................37 Sitters............................................................38 Smiles by Design..........................................18 Southern Farm Bureau.................................22 Star 93.5 .......................................................47 Stegall Imagery ............................................43 St. Catherine’s Village ....................................4 St. Dominics....................................................9 Summit Counseling......................................40 Sunnybrook Estates .....................................37 Suzanne Russell ............................................39 Tinnin Imports ..............................................13 The Eye Group of MS ..................................21 Trustmark......................................................14 Venable Glass...............................................40 William B. Howell .........................................41 Woman’s Hospital ........................................16 Wright & Ferguson.......................................22 Written in Stone ...........................................28 For more information on our advertisers visit www.metrochristianliving.com

Home

Keep it COZY with the hottest savings on high-efficiency heating systems since 2009.

Is your home heating system ready for fall’s chilly mornings and first frosts? Environment Masters, trusted by metro Jackson homeowners since 1957, can make sure you don’t lose a minute of comfort. Here’s how: • Rebates — up to $1,200 — are available on a range of Lennox® models.* Cut utility costs and boost your home’s comfort with a system that uses far less energy and removes more dust and moisture from the air.

• Save with a 2011 tax credit up to $500.

Take advantage of the federal income tax credit while it lasts.** • Stay warm AND safe with a Priority One maintenance check of your system’s operational efficiency and safety.

Real Savings. Real Comfort. Call 601.353.4681

*Rebates available on qualified Lennox® systems only. Offer expires December 2, 2011. **Qualified high-efficiency systems purchased before December 31, 2011, are eligible for the 2011 federal income tax credit.

Heating & Cooling • Plumbing 601.353.4681 • www.environmentmasters.com

metrochristianliving.com ❘ OCTOBER 2011 47

O P E R A T I O N

Free Breast Cancer Screening Exams

{It could save your life!} 5IF 3VOOFMT 'PVOEBUJPO T i0QFSBUJPO #MPPNw QSPKFDU JT EFEJDBUFE UP IFMQJOH .JTTJTTJQQJ XPNFO XJUIPVU BDDFTT UP SFTPVSDFT PCUBJO QSFMJNJOBSZ CSFBTU TDSFFOJOHT BOE JOGPSNBUJPO PO GPMMPX VQ CSFBTU DBSF CBTFE PO UIFJS MFWFM PG OFFE 1SFWFOUJPO BOE FBSMZ EFUFDUJPO BSF UIF LFZT BOE XF BSF IFSF UP IFMQ 1MFBTF TQSFBE UIF XPSE BCPVU PVS TFSWJDFT Please contact us for more information including event times and locations: t XXX PQCMPPN PSH t 'BDFCPPL 0Q#MPPN 4DSFFOJOH Next event: October 29th from 6:30 AM - 10:30 AM at the Flowood YMCA *OTVSBODF QBZNFOU OPU OFDFTTBSZ t $BMM GPS BQQPJOUNFOU t 8BML JOT XFMDPNF