August 2013 Metro Christian Living

Page 1

FREE

AUGUST 2013


2 AUGUST 2013 â?˜ Metro Christian Living


REDEEM YOUR POINTS TO FEEL GOOD. OR DO GOOD. C Spire PERCS Rewards gives you PERC Points for doing all the things you already do, like downloading apps and paying your bill online. You can redeem your PERC Points for gift cards, discounts or to support a charity you select through PERCS with a Purpose.

Š2013 C Spire Wireless. All rights reserved. All logos and other identifying marks are trademarks of and owned by each represented company and/or its affi liates. They do not indicate endorsement/sponsorship of C Spire. See cspire.com for details.


WELLNESS MEETS

Tranquility

AUGUST SPECIALS

The spas of St. Dominic’s provides for the well-being of the body, mind and spirit. Our guests enter a peaceful environment and are greeted and served by our highly trained staff to ensure a calming experience.

“SEASIDE STAY-CATION” EXTEND THE SUMMER WITH A 30-MINUTE PURE RELAXATION MASSAGE AND RENEWING HYDROTHERAPY SEA BATH. $110 (REG. $130)

“BEST FACE FORWARD” GET GLOWING SKIN AND ADVICE ON AGE-APPROPRIATE SKINCARE WITH A T’WEEN AND TEEN FACIAL. $60 (REG. $75)

340 Township Ave. #200 Ridgeland, MS 39157 601.790.2222 thesanctuarybodyspa.com Mon. - Fri. 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Sat. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

969 Lakeland Drive Jackson, MS 39216 601.200.5961 stdom.com Mon. - Fri. 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

“CAKE & ICE CREAM” SPA PEDICURE A DREAMY MILK FOOT BATH, SWEET SUGAR SCRUB, AND A BUTTERCREAM-SCENTED SHEA BUTTER MASSAGE ARE THE ICING ON THE CAKE FOR THIS 1-HOUR SPA PEDICURE. $55 (REG. $65)

20% OFF ALL OBAGI CRX SKINCARE: STOCK UP ON YOUR BEST BACK-TO-SCHOOL SKIN REGIMEN. BOTOX 15% OFF

EXPIRES AUGUST 31, 2013



contents AUGUST 2013

metro ®

Join our Metro Mobile Club Today! Text app to 601-990-4032 and download our Mobile App for free! Text stop 2 quit. Standard data rates apply.

columns 12 The Way I See It Growing Older in Grace and Faith

15 Modern Motherhood Robin’s Etiquette Guide

16 All in the Family Raising Responsible Kids in an Irresponsible World

21 Chewed Petunias Relaxing Your Grip

22 Education Connection Mississippi Children’s Museum

26 The Doctor Is In Comprehensive Pain Center

29 Let’s Talk It Over Volunteering with Impact

features

36

30 This Is My Story The Art of Conversation

Coach Hugh Freeze

42 Community Outreach

What Matters to Him

Goodwill of Mississippi

45 Food For Thought

22

Simple Tailgating Recipes

47 Money Matters Facing Facts About the U.S. Economy

48 Pastor’s Perspective How Sherwood Pictures Has Impacted Our Culture

45

50 Christian Commerce Gamblin Orthodontics

12

52 Fresh Finds Game Day Gear

54 Sports Victories Seth Smith: A Major League Faith

57 Legal Advice

54 What’s Coming Next Month?

Sister Trinita’s Legacy A Heart for God

Don’t Have Enough to Do Estate Planning?

in every issue 10 59 60 61 62 62

Editor’s Letter Rave Reviews What’s Going On Event Calendar Quips & Quotes Advertiser Index

Volume 8, Number 2 Publisher: MHS Publications, Inc., Member, M.I.P.A. Editor: Marilyn Tinnin marilyn@metrochristianliving.com Associate Editor: Suzanne Tanner Durfey Art Direction/Graphic Design Sandra K. Goff Sales Marilyn Tinnin, Kimberly Stephens, Suzanne Tanner Durfey Contributing Writers Lydia Bolen, Dr. Michael Catt, Dr. John L. Cox, William B. Howell, Robin O’Bryant, Sydney Farrell Peden, Susan E. Richardson, Clark Smith, Dr. L. Kevin Vance, Vicki Vance, Martin E. Willoughby, Jr., Robert Wilson Cover Photography Ole Miss Athletic Department Distribution Assistants Laura Kidder, Randy Fortenberry, Andrea Sabillion, Rachel Schulte, Jerri Strickland, Priscilla Sullivan, Bob Whatley, Amanda Weems

Metro Christian Living 573 Highway 51 North, Suite C Ridgeland, MS 39157 Phone 601-790-9076 • Fax 601-790-9078 www.metrochristianliving.com 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 2013 by Metro Christian Living, Inc. 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.

M I P A

Mississippi Independent Publishers' Alliance

6 AUGUST 2013 ❘ Metro Christian Living


HE’S HALFWAY TO COLLEGE. ARE YOU HALFWAY TO PAYING FOR COLLEGE? BY THE TIME YOUR CHILD IS IN THE THIRD GRADE, he or she is halfway to college. But even if you haven’t started saving yet, it’s not too late. The state of Mississippi offers programs that make it easy to save for college, and offer tax advantages. Find out more at www.collegesavingsmississippi.com.

WAY TO THE

GO


Enjoy a warm welcome at

St. Catherine’s Village

A S ECU R E, W EL L R ESP EC TED C O N T I N U I N G C A RE RE T I RE M E N T C O M M U N I T Y

WE OFFER BEAUTIFUL INDEPENDENT LIVING CHOICES:

Garden Homes Apartment Homes

and trusted options for:

Assisted Living Apartments Campbell Cove, a residential Alzheimer’s Facility Siena Center, a 24-hour nursing center 5 Á O8 O Á ¼ Á¼´¼8 Y t O8±b¡ 3b ±b 8 ´´ ´´ ®´ o±´¼ ±b¼ ±b b ¼ community to be accredited by CARF-CCAC. This mark of quality is achieved by fewer than 13% of retirement communities in America.

Wondering if St. Catherine’s Village is right for you or your loved one? CALL TODAY TO 601-856-0123 TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR COMMUNITY. A subsidiary of St. Dominic Health Services


WE’RE MOMS & DOCTORS–

& WE’RE GROWING!

GI Peds is the largest gastroenterology clinic in Mississippi to offer a pediatric division. Now with three board-certified physicians specializing in pediatric gastroenterology, GI Peds offers specialized care for digestive issues such as Celiac Disease, Reflux, GERD, and many other conditions.

www.gi.md

JACKSON 601.355.1234

MADISON 601.355.1234

VICKSBURG 601.638.8801

©2013 GI Associates

Contact us for an appointment with our dedicated pediatric staff. No physician referral is needed.


➺editor’s letter And One Thing Leads to Another…. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight,” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

The mediocre leader ❝ tells. The good leader explains. The superior leader demonstrates. The great leader inspires.

– Gary Patton

10 AUGUST 2013 ❘ Metro Christian Living

It was a cloudy and muggy Mississippi morning in early June when Charles and I traipsed through the long and winding hallway of the indoor practice facility on the Ole Miss campus.We took our time studying the life-sized photographs that line both sides of the corridor as far as the eye can see. The building is practically brand new, but you can’t possibly pass through without being moved by history depicted in the old photos. Surely, the players who walk past this virtual gallery several times a day are forever inspired by their heritage as part of a program that was in place long before they were born, and will likely be in place long after they leave here. History—all history—can have that effect on us if we are smart enough to pay attention. We all leave something of ourselves behind in the places we have invested large chunks of our time and talents. A legacy lives longer than we do. When we were ushered into Coach Freeze’s office by Hugh Freeze himself, there was nothing pretentious in the décor or the manner of the man who invited us in and apologized for running late. What can I say except he looked like himself? Dressed in an Ole Miss golf shirt and Bermuda shorts, he was every bit as down to earth as he is every time some namebrand sports broadcaster sticks a microphone in his face. You—Ole Miss fans and those who don’t even halfway like Ole Miss—are in for a treat this month. It’s as much about how God can mow down the obstacles and put someone in a place of influence if He wants to as it is about Coach Freeze. There is just nothing that is beyond the realm of possibility when a regular person chooses putting Christ above personal ambition! Sort of Biblical sounding, isn’t it? Hugh Freeze makes no secret of his Christian faith, and yet, there are only so many sentences that can be devoted to such in the middle of the sports page or the TV interview. We hope we have been able to go a little deeper and been free to connect the dots between his faith and its impact on his everyday life. My unexpected bonus in the interview was connecting with two men who have profoundly influenced Coach Freeze. Michael Catt, the pastor of the Sherwood Baptist Church of Albany, Georgia, is the genius behind a few recent box office hits like Facing the Giants, Fireproof, and Courageous. He was willing to write our “Pastor’s Perspective” column this month. For everyone who has a problem with the “contemporary” way of doing church, wait until you read his comments on how his church got into the film making business. I love stained glass, too, but his words gave me great reason to consider something else. (FYI, Michael Catt is a graduate of Mississippi College!) And then there was this great visit with Ken Smith, an MSU graduate, fan of all things maroon, who loves Hugh Freeze and has been his mentor ever since they met years ago at an FCA camp. But there’s a lot more to read. “Food for Thought” is tailgating—Lydia style. I may not be much of a cook, but with Lydia’s help, I have fooled a few people here and there! And then, by all means, read our “This is My Story.” Marcia Johnson’s “The Art of Conversation” may be the next Etsy phenomenon. And it is definitely a “God thing” in art form. I am way past my word count. My graphic designer will chastise me. Maybe we will make the print tiny or something, but as you can see—I really LOVE this issue! Y

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


Miskelly Furniture, Pearl

101 Airport Road (Next to Jackson Airport)

Miskelly Furniture, Madison 233 Grandview Blvd. (Next to Malco Theater)

M I S K E L LY S . C O M

RoomStore, Pearl

4113 Hwy 80 East (Next to Jackson Airport)


➺the way i see it by MARTIN E. WILLOUGHBY, JR.

Growing Older in Grace and Faith et me state an obvious fact— ”Getting old is tough!”While it is big business to fight the forces of aging, the reality is that we are all getting older day by day. Humorist Andy

L

Rooney once observed, “It’s paradoxical, the idea of living a long life appeals to everyone, but the idea of getting old doesn’t appeal to anyone.” The stark reality of the challenges of aging struck close to home with me recently as I have been helping my grandmother Betty Waller, 91, navigate how to provide for her long-term care. She has a sharp mind and wit, but her body is failing her. Up until a few weeks ago, she lived alone and very independently. She drove her own car and kept her own schedule. After a brief illness and hospital stay, she is now on a different trajectory in life where she will require permanent assistance. In an instant, her independence and mobility were gone. I have spent time with her during her hospital stay and at a nursing facility. I had not been to a nursing facility in quite a few years, and I frankly had forgotten how sad a place it can be. People who once were active and vibrant are now confined to wheelchairs or their beds. Many like my grandmother have outlived many of their children and friends and

shadessunglasses

are now depending on others to care for them. The thing that struck me the most as I have watched her make this transition is how she is purposely a “light” wherever she goes. It is written in Matthew 5:15, “Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.” I watched her live out this verse even as she was struggling with her own health issues. In what became a predictable pattern, her medical caretakers would be routinely going through the motions of their work when my grandmother would engage with them and ask about their lives. She would ask them sincere questions and could remember details that were shared. Soon, she had bonded with her caregivers, and they were treating each other like family. As she is currently recuperating in a nursing facility, we have discussed the need to be a “light” in a somewhat depressing environment. God has given her a long life. One in which she has outlived many friends and family members. It would be easy to give up on life. However, as a Christian, our work is not done until we are called home. It is easy to fall into our own pity party, but when the light of Christ is shining through you then you have a gift to give the

world. I have heard of cancer patients and other people with challenging illnesses who ended up being a huge blessing to the staff at medical facilities. These type people bless others in their path of life no matter their circumstance. Paul modeled this for us by being a blessing to his guards as he sat in jail. Aging is inevitable. What we do with our time is the real choice in life. Are we going to be “others focused” and pour out our life for others or wallow in our own problems? Are we going to be a ray of light in a world desperate for hope? This is the legacy that we leave to others. I know I have been blessed to watch my grandmother build her legacy by the grace and faith she is exhibiting in this phase of life. I pray that I will have the courage and Christ-centeredness to one day live up to that legacy and be a light in whatever circumstance I may encounter. 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.

shadessunglasses.com

12 AUGUST 2013 ❘ Metro Christian Living

Shades Sunglasses


It can change your life.

I had to lose weight or lose my life.

After bariatric surgery, I’m shopping with friends, going to concerts and living again! Kimyla

When you’re ready to lose the extra weight, our team of medical professionals can help. We’ll discuss weight loss options (surgical and nonsurgical), customize a nutrition program and give you the support you need to keep the pounds off. Let us help you lose weight and gain confidence about the future. BARIATRIC SURGERY OPTIONS

· Roux-en-Y gastric bypass · Adjustable gastric banding (LAP-BAND®, Realize®) · Vertical sleeve gastrectomy MEDICAL PROGRAM OPTIONS

· Customized medical weight management · OPTIFAST® or meal replacement therapy · Lifestyle and behavior modification · Nutrition education

SEMINAR: To attend a FREE seminar about our program, call 1-877-907-7642 or visit our website: TransformationsRiverOaks.com.

Comprehensive Weight Management, Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Center

Riverchase Medical Suites · 2550 Flowood Drive, Suite 403 · Flowood, MS 39232 TransformationsRiverOaks.com


experience momentum

A National CPA & Advisory Firm

2000

PROFESSIONALS

In the business world, the waves of change never stop. You can’t afford to just tread water. We know what you need to know. Our 2,000 CPAs, advisors and dedicated staff are at ease in your world, and our advisors can assist with a wide variety of accounting, tax and consulting issues. Experience how our expertise can help your organization get ahead of the curve. Jackson // 601.948.6700 bkd.com

14 AUGUST 2013 â?˜ Metro Christian Living


modern motherhood by ROBIN O’BRYANT

Robin’s Etiquette Guide

I

just dropped Sadie and Emma, my four-year-old and seven-year-old off at a “Princess Camp” at the Delta School of Etiquette. My friend Michelle was kind enough to

invite them to attend and since they are technically girls and adore all things pink and princess, they were excited to attend. Michelle was excited to have them and I was excited to think that somebody else is finally going to be backing me up on this whole manners thing. Over the last few months I’ve realized that maybe, just possibly, our “around the house” manners aren’t quite up to par with our “being out in public” manners. I suppose this is true of most kids. I have friends who swear their children are the devil incarnate at home, but mind their p’s and q’s just fine at my house. Likewise, while my children often act like heathens at home, their teachers and Sunday school teachers scold me for exaggerating their behavior in my columns. (Trust me—that is SO not necessary.) The problem has many layers: 1) I am vastly outnumbered, with a husband who travels and three kids, I can’t correct every slip up that occurs. There is not enough time in the day. 2) I am tired. (See above.) 3) It’s funny to me when one of my girls hops off a barstool and accidentally burps like a grown man. I realize I should scold and not laugh, but I’m obviously not mature enough for such things. I can’t keep a straight face while talking to them about burping specifically, because I can hear the words coming out of my mouth and I sound ridiculous. “Don’t be so happy about it when you burp.” “At least pretend to be embarrassed.” “Don’t open your mouth as wide as it will go to make it louder. Close your mouth and let it blow out your nose. I KNOW it burns, but being polite is HARD.” I’ve tried to get serious and angry-ish at my kids gleefully burp in public. After a recent bout of the burps I was thrilled when I scanned Facebook on my iPhone, while waiting to make sure the two four-year-

old’s were settled. That’s when I saw the update for the Delta School of Etiquette “Princess Camp” and contacted Michelle. I’m pretty sure her idea of etiquette is more of the “When to use your salad fork versus your dinner fork,” instead of “Close your mouth when you burp,” but at this point… I’ll take all the help I can get. Y Robin O’Bryant is mother to three daughters, wife to one husband, and debut author of Ketchup Is A Vegetable And Other Lies Moms Tell Themselves. She shares the drama and hilarity of motherhood in her syndicated family humor column, “Robin’s Chicks” and on her blog by the same name, robinschicks.com.

BATTE Furniture & Interiors

A fresh blend of traditional and current sensibilities grounded in timeless design. -The Jim and Phoebe Howard Collection

Available exclusively at Batte Furniture E. Northside Dr. @ I-55N 601.366.0335 1.800.366.0338 battefurniture.com metrochristianliving.com ❘ AUGUST 2013 15


➺all in the family by DR. JOHN L. COX

Raising Responsible Kids in an Irresponsible World How do we raise responsible kids in an irresponsible world? Two simple principles: Stand by Your Guns and Stand by Your Kids Stand by Your Guns The enemy, you see, is not really irresponsibility—it is entitlement. Entitlement is that sense that I deserve a free ride. And all of us feel it at some level, certainly when we are children. I mean have you ever met a patient toddler? “Hey, mom, I’ve got dirty britches, but I know you’re busy and you’ve given me so much today, so I can wait.” Riiiiiight!!!! So part of developing a capacity for responsibility in children is helping them see that they aren’t the only people in the house who matter!! In other words: You can’t always have what you want; Being ugly to other people will get you consequences; If you spill your milk or mess up your room or wreck your car, you have to clean it up (or at least help clean it up). Sounds basic, but this is easier said than done in our culture. That is because for the most part, we are a culture of “Children Servers.” Our generation of parents tend to live so scared that our children are going to grow up feeling unloved and with “issues,” (or that they will be mad at us), that we

go overboard to give to them and cater to them. We are afraid of what sort of emotional injuries it will cause if we miss one of their ball games or don’t shower them with roses after their 5-year-old dance recital. So we accidentally reinforce that very sense of entitlement that creates an irresponsible demanding adult—the one we’re supposed to be helping them “unlearn,” remember?) To build responsibility and “unentitlement”, we need to stand by our guns. Not treating children like they are underlings (“seen and not heard”), but treating them as regular people who can get up and get their own popsicle rather than hollering for it from the next room. One of my kids shouted to me from upstairs one morning as she heard me making coffee. “Daddy, would you make me some coffee?” “Sure,” I replied. Three seconds passed and she added, “And bring it to me in my BED!!??” At this addition, I walked to the bottom of the stairs and said, “Sweetheart, purely on the principle that I will one day have to look your husband in the eye and take responsibility for what I taught

TOUCHING LIVES Choosing Care for Your Loved One Is as Easy as ABC A – Assisting Angels Provide the Help You Can Depend on When You Need It B – Be Assured Your Loved One Is Being Cared for by Qualified Caregivers C – Compassionate Caregivers Provide Companionship in the Comfort of Your Home 16 AUGUST 2013 ❘ Metro Christian Living

you, NO, I will not bring it to you in your bed.” The punch line came moments later as I heard her mutter, “Well, HE will.” (So guys— consider this a warning!!) Anyway, the point is this: Part of helping raise responsible, un-entitled kids, is managing our guilt and fear of upsetting them. Instead can we be strong enough to make them face

Personal Care • Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care • Toileting and Continence Care • Bathing and Dressing • Medication Reminders and Compliance • Light Housekeeping and Trash Removal • Change Bed Linens • Laundry Services

Companionship • Prepare Meals • Grocery Shopping • Monitor Diet and Eating • Assist with Walking • Nurse Available to Attend Physician Appointments

Wade and Linda Logan, Owners

601.201.6868 Call today for your free in-home consultation. “We Are Your Extended Family.” www.myassistingangels.com


their own responsibilities about homework, chores, siblings, conflict with peers, etc.? We must resist that feeling that we must rescue them and do their life for them. Only when we “stand by those guns” will they learn to wipe their own nose and not live their lives offering their nose to be wiped by someone else.

Stand by Your Kids Requiring accountability from our kids is just part of the secret of learning responsibility in an irresponsible world. The other part is realizing that it’s not the “world” that’s irresponsible—it’s EVERYONE! Face it; we would ALL love a free ride (even Tea Partiers, if they’re honest!) When we are working to teach our kids to pull their own weight, we are teaching them something that is painful to learn—for all of us. So while we are requiring them to take responsibility, we also need to be kindly showing them that we “get it” that this can be painful and unpleasant. We need to show them empathy. We need to “Stand by our Kids.” Some parenting authorities keep telling us to raise our kids “like they did in the 50s and 60s.” (As if OUR generation turned out well!!) That is, with the authority that says, “Do it because I said so.” But the key to teaching our children to value authority and not resent it is to remember that though everybody has to

learn to hear NO, everybody hates it!! Think about it. We roll our eyes at our “irresponsible, entitled children” when they resist our authority, but how do WE react to NO? When we arrive at the airport gate terminal and are told that our seat was overbooked—that we will have to take the next flight that leaves in 4 hours how do WE react to authority? So what does this mean? It means that at the same time we should be strong and require our kids to take responsibility for their own actions and consequences, and also empathetic and understanding with them about how hard that can be—how bad it can feel to not get what you want. Parents who are cold and authoritarian when they require responsibility from their children tend to raise kids who resent authority and never learn anything (but to resent authority). So we are back to what most of us parenting educators call “Love and Limits.” We teach responsibility and “un-entitlement” by lovingly standing by our kids, while we stand by our guns with the limits of real life. Y Dr. John L. Cox is a clinical psychologist who has been practicing in Jackson for 25 years. He works with adults, marriages and children at Live Oak Psychological Associates. You can contact him at 601-352-7398, or at his website: www.liveoakpsych.com.

“Providing psychotherapy for positive life change”

mariclaireputman@yahoo.com

The Art of Conversation by MOSH

David Ingram Real Estate

MARCIA JOHNSON

Areas of Specialty Child, Adolescent and Family Issues Anger Management t ADHD Depressive Disorders t Anxiety Disorders Individual, Family and Group Therapy

115-B Homestead Drive Madison, MS 39110 Phone: 601-853-6080 Fax: 601-853-3738

601.362.2038

The Quarter 1855 Lakeland Drive Bldg. P-121 | Jackson, MS 39216

www.davidingram.com

EMAIL: goingnuts11@att.net

Mariclaire Putman

601-672-3875

Danny E. Daniel | LPC & LMFT Psychotherapist

ij

601-366-4696

ij

Affiliated with Jackson Psychiatry Group and The PMT Clinic

COVERING THE JACKSON METRO AREA

Cell: 601.594.3706

The Art of Conversation by Mosh

metrochristianliving.com ❘ AUGUST 2013 17


18 AUGUST 2013 â?˜ Metro Christian Living


These boots are made for walkin’... right into fall and football season!

Show your school spirit with our cute team tanks! HIGHLAND VILLAGE • Jackson, MS Dancing Divas 769.216.2070 • D Squared 601.398.4190 DOGWOOD FESTIVAL MARKET • Flowood, MS • 601.992.9885

LASER CATARACT SURGERY Freedom from Glasses Dr. William Aden Dr. Brannon Aden Dr. Chris Covington

www.mississippivision.com 601-969-1430 metrochristianliving.com ❘ AUGUST 2013 19


20 AUGUST 2013 â?˜ Metro Christian Living


chewed petunias by SUSAN E. RICHARDSON

Relaxing Your Grip “O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise. You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise,” (Psalm 51:15-17). My hand holding the pencils tightened.“Hold them and count to thirty slowly.” Seconds ticked by. “Twenty-eight...twenty-nine...thirty.” “Now open your hand.” My fingers remained nearly closed, finally opening a little at a time, jerking as the muscles released their grip. “Cool! Let’s try it again. What happens if you hold it longer?” If you discovered the same game back in elementary school, you know that the longer you hold the pencils or whatever you had available, the longer it takes your hand to open. Gripping tightly temporarily freezes the hand in one position. Gradually the muscles relax and your hand opens. The same thing can happen emotionally. From pain comes a desire to protect ourselves by remaining in control. We hold onto things as they are, including our pain, clutched so tightly that emotional muscles freeze in place. Even when we want to let go of our pain, we can’t. The muscles remain locked. The Lord’s timing is always perfect. He allows our emotional muscles to relax slowly and let the pieces drop gently. He is patient and kind, even though it’s a ruthless gentleness that will not stop until we have taken another step closer to Him. Sometimes we need to confess our desire to hold on. Becoming someone new is a frightening thing. Often we’re not sure we want to let go, and we have to confess that to the Lord. Once again we come face to face with the fact that healing requires time and patience. Scripture includes many references to life being a process. Philippians 1:6 says “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Paul speaks of God completing the work He began, implying that it’s a work that will take time. According to Psalms 51, God wants a sacrifice from us. The word makes us flinch. We don’t like the idea of sacrifice, which is troubling enough, but He wants a broken spirit. Even more, He wants a broken heart. The idea of becoming heartbroken is contradictory. We chewed petunias are already walking through heartbreak. Our hearts have been broken more times than we can count. The Lord knows and understands. He weeps for our pain, yearning to heal us. He longs for us to come to Him and acknowledge how deeply we are broken. Then we can to see how far our pain has taken us from the people He created us to be.

He brings us to a place where we have to acknowledge that only through Him can we become whole. We must release our control and give it to Him. He wants to shatter our independent spirit. We may sing God is in Control, but we’re not always willing to make it true in our lives. He can’t bring us to healing until He breaks our selfsufficiency and complacency. When these break, He accepts them as a sacrifice and begins working to help us grow. He moves slowly and carefully as our locked grip eases and the things we’ve held drop away. The more we release defenses and control, and recognize where we’ve made idols for ourselves, the more we can devote our hearts to the Lord. Only He offers true security and comfort. What are you holding onto and trusting instead of God? Spend some time with the Lord asking Him to reveal what you need to release. He will answer and help you let go. Where are you in accepting your need to be broken? The word sounds frightening, but God brings blessings to those He breaks.

Lord, You know what we need to do. We can’t release these things we’re holding without help, but we’re afraid to ask for Your help. Please come to us here. Deal gently with our broken hearts while our grip on our defenses breaks. Y (*To get started with the full chewed petunias story, please visit www.chewedpetunias.com. You’ll find the story plus other material that may help you along the way.)

Susan E. Richardson has a passion for meeting people’s needs through the written word. You can reach her by email at Susan@chewedpetunias.com or check either of her two websites: www.chewedpetunias.com or www.nextlevelcritiques.com

For all your needs...

977-8484 • Toll-Free (866) 977-8484 www.pcnursing.com For the best of care, call Prime Care. metrochristianliving.com ❘ AUGUST 2013 21


➺education connection by SYDNEY FARRELL PEDEN

October 24th, 2013

6:30 PM - 10:00 PM

Need some classroom inspiration? THE SOUTH 627 East Silas Brown

Jackson, Mississippi

For tickets, sponsorships, and more information call Palmer Home at: 662-328-5704 or visit: palmerhome.org

22 AUGUST 2013 ❘ Metro Christian Living

MCM makes lifelong learning fun for teachers, too. he Mississippi Children’s Museum (MCM) promises to be the most inspirational place imaginable, but not just for children. Educators are invited to be inspired throughout the year at MCM’s professional development workshops. The museum offers four exciting workshops, I Wonder, Healthy Fun, Wild about Reading, and STEAM Learning, in the museum’s engaging environment that provide educators with quality enrichment training to help improve their skills and grow their knowledge base. These workshops give educators interactive themes and activities to take into their classroom while earning CEUs. The museum’s education team wants to provide educators with resources and inspiration to take inquiry-based learning to their classrooms. During the workshops, museum staff guides educators through lessons that make the implementation of Common Core Standards fun and engaging in the classroom. Educator Shelia Jackson said of the I Wonder workshop, “I feel like I will go back to the classroom approaching common core with a different frame of mind.” Teachers create a life-sized map of the

T

body during Healthy Fun, write their own fairytale during Wild about Reading, learn how to approach questions differently in I Wonder workshops, and incorporate art into core subjects in STEAM Learning. All of the offered workshop lessons integrate English, math, science, and history with visual and performing arts. Along with crosscurricular lessons, teachers learn how to teach to all learning styles and abilities in the workshops. Though the workshops are set in the museum’s classroom, the museum is the primary resource for the lessons. Teachers explore the museum to find answers for the lesson. Exploring the museum allows teachers to interact with exhibits and learn how they can take educational experiences from the museum into their classrooms. “We want educators to rediscover and connect to their own sense of wonder and play through hands-on project based learning, flexible curriculum and principles of Universal Design,” said MCM Education Coordinator Sydney Farrell Peden. This model of hands-on, inquiry-based learning places the student at the center of learning. Teachers become the facilitators and


guide children to explore and discover new ideas and solutions. “I was able to connect more with my students as far as seeing how much more interesting it is to learn something in a fun way,” said Kassandra Rush. Along with the lessons, educators can participate in one of the multidisciplinary field trip options offered by the museum or take part in the weekly programs. Field trip lessons are offered seasonally throughout the year and coordinate with themes and programs in the museum. Weekly programs engage children and caregivers with interactive activities with

WHEN I GR OW UP, I WANT TO BE A... PO

LICE OFFIC ER!

“We want educators to rediscover and connect to their own sense of wonder and play through hands-on project based learning, flexible curriculum and principles of Universal Design.” MCM Education Coordinator Sydney Farrell Peden

an underlying lesson. Community partners and special guests often present weekly programs with special lessons and information. Peden, who typically leads the workshops, said her favorite part of the workshops is “watching a diverse group of educators meet, interact, and teach one another; sharing tips, teaching tactics, booklists, and strategies that leave everyone feeling invigorated and hopeful about their students’ potential.” Professional development workshops are available throughout the year at the museum and are now offered online. For more information about professional development workshops, field trips, or programs, please visit www.mschildrensmuseum.com. Y

AT THE MS CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

WE TAKE FUN

SERIOUSLY www.mcm.ms

1.877.793.KIDS (5437) A signature project of the Junior League of Jackson.

metrochristianliving.com ❘ AUGUST 2013 23


COMPREHENSIVE CARE. COMPASSIONATELY DELIVERED. L to R: A. Neil Haraway, M.D.; H. Jason Blalock, M.D.; Joe R. Ross, M.D.; John D. Adams, Jr., M.D.; Patrick P. Daily, M.D.; Robert P. Myers, M.D.

W

e at Mississippi Urology Clinic are dedicated to providing state-of-the-art urologic care for the people of Mississippi and surrounding states. We understand the physical and emotional challenges faced by our patients and are committed to providing the highest level of medical care with respect and sensitivity. Our professional staff offers the most advanced treatments, procedures and surgeries available for both male and female patients with the following diagnoses:

• Kidney Stone Disease • Urologic Cancers • Bladder Disorders • Prostate Disorders/BPH • Interstitial Cystitis

• Vasectomy/Vasectomy Reversals • Testosterone Deficiency (Low T) • Testicular/Scrotal Pain • Neurogenic Bladder • Male Infertility • Erectile Dysfunction

• Male Sexual Dysfunction • Urethral Strictures • Vaginal Prolapse • Urinary Incontinence • Urinary Tract Infections

Recognized by HEALTHGRADES as one of America’s Top Specialty Care Providers for Prostatectomy for 2012. For more information about Mississippi Urology Clinic and our physicians, visit our website at: www.msurology.com. Watkins Building • 1421 North State Street, Suite 403 • Jackson, MS • 601-353-9900

24 AUGUST 2013 ❘ Metro Christian Living


Let Us In... em Out! We’ll Keep ‘

! s l i a t e D r o F s U Call MS LICENSE #15006301

metrochristianliving.com ❘ AUGUST 2013 25


➺the doctor is in by DR. L. KEVIN VANCE

Comprehensive Pain Center: Offering a Multi-Disciplinary Approach to Pain Management 9900 Elite Fluoroscopy unit, a next-generation Xo matter the cause of the pain, physician ray image intensifier that allows for the best Dr. Kevin Vance and his staff at the visualization and safest approach for performing Comprehensive Pain Center of interventional procedures. As these procedures are Mississippi are breaking ground in its performed using needles, primarily, the treatment. In a literal sense, they are building a interventions may be performed on an outpatient new state-of-the-art facility in Madison that will basis, avoiding costly trips to the hospital or more combine a pain clinic, surgery center and invasive surgery. wellness spa. The new center will allow the Dr. Vance encourages those with severe pain to group to offer a higher level of integrated pain not give up on finding a treatment. “If a person has management and therapies. not found relief or they don’t want to take addictive “It’s important to take an all-inclusive approach to drugs or are opposed to surgery, there are new pain management for each individual,” Dr. Vance said. technologies available that provide excellent “Each person’s pain is unique. If you’ve been told results,” Dr. Vance said. there’s nothing that can be done for your pain, then This unique approach to pain management we can help you find a solution through our multicombines advanced interventional procedures with disciplinary approach.” holistic or integrative Dr. Vance completed a medicine approaches. Thrive, fellowship in interventional pain A few of many options for treating chronic back pain: Comprehensive Pain’s wellness spa, will offer medicine at the therapeutic massage therapy, renowned MD Anderson acupuncture and other Cancer Center in relaxing spa and wellness Houston, Texas, making services. Lanae Harper, him one of Mississippi’s LMT, one of the area’s most most highly trained pain sought after massage specialists. During the therapists, will direct the spa. fellowship, Dr. Vance Harper has over 15 years gained a thorough of experience and understanding of pain specializes in sports therapy, and performed hundreds Spinal Cord Neurostimulation Vertebroplasty & Kyphoplasty Radiofrequency Neurotomy Blocks the sensation of pain by stimulating An outpatient procedure inflates a tiny Blocks pain for much longer periods of deep tissue massage and of leading-edge pain pain-inhibiting nerve fibers. balloon to restore fractured vertebrae’s time by using radiofrequency energy. neuromuscular therapies. procedures. Since 2008, shape before stabilizing. At the new center, slated his clinic has grown to to open later in 2013, Dr. Vance and his staff will include two nurse practitioners and 20 support A Complete Pain Program continue to offer everything from the latest staff, all of whom have extensive pain includes: pharmacologic treatments to advanced management experience. interventional procedures, such as radioAs a board-certified specialist in pain 1: Proper Diagnosis frequency ablation and spinal cord stimulators. management and anesthesiology, Dr. Vance offers Make sure you have not been misdiagnosed. Dr. Vance also performs minimally invasive a unique approach to pain management. The goal See a physician board certified in spinal treatments, such as epidural steroid of this approach is increasing the patient’s quality Interventional Pain Medicine. injections and nerve blocks. Y of life and allowing the patient to have more 2: Medication Management control over pain. Work with your physician to achieve lowest doses Dr. L. Kevin Vance, M.D., Anesthesiology, Pain “A proper diagnosis is at the core of what we possible, if any, especially opioids. DNA testing Management, received his Doctor of Medicine degree do,” Dr. Vance said. “We provide diagnostic helps tailor medications to the individual. from the University of Mississippi School of evaluations pain including acute, chronic, Medicine. He served his Residency in Anesthesiology 3: Intervention Options neuropathic and cancer.” at the University of Alabama School of Medicine, Consider your options like the Fluoroscopy “No two people respond alike to pain Birmingham, AL, and completed a Fellowship in C-arm, for issues that previously required invasive treatments,” he continued. “Today, DNA testing Interventional Pain Medicine at M.D. Anderson procedures or costly trips to surgical facilities. can help tailor medication dosage for individual Cancer Center in Houston, TX. Dr. Vance is Board4: Wellness & Physical Therapy absorption rates, prevent adverse reactions and Certified in Anesthesiology and Pain Management. A combination of therapies and wellness provide vital diagnostic information.” Call for more info 601.949.9994 or visit regimes will increase results, compliance The center is equipped with the most www.PainCenterMS.com and decrease cost. advanced technologies, such as the GE Phillips

N

26 AUGUST 2013 ❘ Metro Christian Living


The area’s most complete approach to Pain Management. Coming in 2013. Our new 17,000 sq. ft. facility will feature a

Pain Management Clinic, Surgery Center and Therapeutic Wellness Spa.

Bank with one of America’s Best. as ranked by Forbes

Massage, relaxation & wellness

Jackson, MS Ph: 601.949.9994

www.PainCenterMS.com

Kevin Vance,MD Board Certified: Pain Management and Anesthesiology

Fellowship: Interventional Pain Medicine, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center

Lanae Harper, LMT

Trustmark has been ranked as one of the Best Banks in America 2013 by Forbes. Visit us today and you’ll see why.

One of the area’s most sought after Massage Therapists will be heading up our exciting new spa concept.

But you don’t need to wait. Call for an appointment now!

601.919.7544

Member FDIC

trustmark.com

From Forbes.com, December 18, 2012 © 2012 Forbes.com. All rights reserved. Used by permission and protected by the Copyright Laws of the United States. The printing, copying, redistribution, or retransmission of this Content without express written permission is prohibited.

metrochristianliving.com ❘ AUGUST 2013 27


Premier Independent Living

Join us for a complimentary lunch & tour. Call to schedule. 601-856-6131 619 Highland Colony Parkway | Ridgeland, MS waterfordonhighlandcolony.com 28 AUGUST 2013 â?˜ Metro Christian Living


let’s talk it over by VICKI VANCE, M.ED

Volunteering with Impact re you looking for a way to make an impact in your community or world? Hopefully, you are already positively influencing those around you every day. However, many times we look for ways outside of our normal routines to give back. The most important factor when making a decision about volunteering is what God has planned for your life. I have learned some valuable lessons, particularly during the past year, about waiting on God’s leading when deciding where to plug in. Upon retiring from a fulltime job, the opportunities were endless. Where do you begin? I would suggest that the first step is to wait. God promises to guide our steps—that is, if we are not stepping all over Him making our own plans. In Psalm 3:5-6, we learn “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.” Others will be more than happy to fill your hours with projects and activities if you allow that to happen. Next, take a step back to carefully examine your gifts and passions. Determining how the Lord has gifted you, before jumping head first into the fray, is a better way to choose the places of service suited for you. The Lord prepares us, many times for years, to step into the next phase of service. Personally, I have seen God line up education, experiences, careers, people, and organizations to equip me and give me a passion for the things I’m doing now. I have spent my entire adult life working in the field of education, particularly special education. I love working with children and families facing the joys and challenges that special needs present. In 1996, I had the opportunity of serving overseas, and my eyes were opened to the vast needs that families there faced when educating their children with special needs. That burden has never left my heart. Lastly, pray for open doors to use your unique giftedness, and then be ready to step out when He leads. Now, decades later, with another degree and a variety of other experiences under my belt, the doors have opened up for me to be involved with the international English as a Second Language ministry at our church, to provide educational evaluations and consultations through Summit Counseling, to provide international security training for those traveling around the world, and to ultimately work with

Finding HELP for yourself or a loved one shouldn’t be difficult. Let Covenant Caregivers guide you through our 3-STEP PROCESS: 1. Call today at 601-856-5660 and

A

speak to a member of our team. ✜ We’ll gather some basic information from you and schedule a face-to-face visit.

2.

Meet for a free, in-home consultation. ✜ We’ll complete a needs assessment and develop a plan that’s just right for you.

3.

A mutually-agreed upon schedule is set and HELP is on the way!

COMPANION SERVICES families living overseas in providing the best education for their children. So, you see, I’ve come full circle. My training and experience have given me the tools I need to effectively serve within the passions that God gave me for helping children and families, and working with internationals here and around the world. The Lord really does seek to give us the desires of our hearts. Actually, I believe God is the one who puts those desires there in the first place, and then He waits patiently for us to let Him use us in His timing. As 1 Peter 4:10 says, “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” My plea to you would be this—do not ever be too busy doing your own agenda or someone else’s that you don’t see His. He has been purposefully and methodically preparing you for tasks that only you can do to make an eternal impact. Enjoy discovering the excitement that comes when you are working within that perfect plan! Y

Vicki Vance, M.Ed., is a psychometrist at Summit Counseling of First Baptist Church Jackson. She provides intellectual, academic achievement, and ADHD evaluations for children and adults. To contact her, please call (601) 949-1949.

✜ ✜ ✜ ✜ ✜ ✜ ✜ ✜ ✜ ✜ ✜ ✜ ✜ ✜ ✜

Companionship and Conversation Monitor Diet and Eating Evening Tuck-in Assistance with Walking and Mobility Organize Mail and Coupons Entertainment Dressing (includes clothing selection assistance) Houseplant Care Supervise Home Maintenance and Arrange Lists Mail Bills and Letters Record Family History Light Housekeeping Garbage Removal Laundry and Ironing Pet Care

PERSONAL CARE SERVICES ✜ ✜ ✜ ✜ ✜ ✜ ✜ ✜ ✜

Plan, Prepare, and Clean-up Meals Toileting and Continence Care Eating Grooming Bathing and Dressing Medication Reminders Care for Alzheimer’s Attend Events as an Escort Escort to Religious Services Mike Davis, Owner

950 Hwy 51, Suite C P.O. Box 1481 Madison, MS 39130

601-856-5660 WWW.COVENANTCAREGIVERSMS.COM metrochristianliving.com ❘ AUGUST 2013 29


➺this is my story

by MARILYN TINNIN • PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEGALL PHOTOGRAPHY

THE ART OF CONVERSATION With names like Ethel, Gladys, Norma, and Li’l Gladys, each angel carries a special message easily remembered because there is a connection in their construction materials! All carry unique reminders of God’s presence and protection.

ust suppose we are open to the “out-of-the-blue” ideas that come to us? What if we had the

J

unintimidated chutzpah of a child to just jump in and try something we’ve never done before simply because God suggested it? No agenda. Just do it because. Because we think it is a God thing and we think He might want to do something with it. And then—just suppose He does or doesn’t—either way, we think we have listened and followed through and after all, obedience is the main thing. Marcia Johnson is one of those rare Believers who keep her spiritual eyes, ears, and mind wide open to God in her daily journey. She is not a teacher, per se, although she has taught her share of Bible Studies and other small groups over the years. She confesses that she

is forever looking for object lessons to use as illustrations for her teaching! She is a wife, mother, and grandmother, and a lover of Jesus—and she has a huge heart and passion to communicate Him to all that cross her path. But she is anything but assertive. She describes herself as just an “idea person.” She gets lots of random ideas, and she has learned to pay attention. So, it was nothing out of the ordinary when the thought came to her “out of the blue—what if there was a subtle way to share the gospel with original art? What if people could buy a piece

of art that even came with a little explanation of what the artist was thinking when she created this? Is that anything God might use?” So, in Marcia mode, she just did it and then began to look for a market. It was never about the market anyway. Marcia has taken the old adage that “A picture is worth a thousand words” to a whole new level. As a lover and collector of art, she has covered the walls in her home with a very eclectic menagerie of styles and colors. The arrangement and the displays reveal a loving and thoughtful process of selection. Art is personal. And such is the premise for “The Art of Conversation.” She began with “wearable” art—like bracelets—that are “funky” and made from old costume jewelry with a copper cuff. Her first thought was that they might be “conversation starters” because made from “leftovers” and “castoffs” of vintage costume jewelry, their

9V\[PUL ,`L ,_HTZ Chronic Disease Eye Care, +Y` ,`L ;OLYHW` .SH\JVTH 4LKPJHS 3HZLY ;YLH[TLU[ 4\S[PMVJHS ;VYPJ 3LUZ 0TWSHU[Z

*H[HYHJ[ :\YNLY` *VYULHS ;YHUZWSHU[Z )SLWOHYVWSHZ[` A 3(:02 79,3,? William C. Ashford, MD

Elizabeth Wyatt Mitchell, MD

Kevin Kosek, MD

L`LNYV\WTZ JVT *VSVUUHKLZ :\P[L 4HYZOHSS :[ 1HJRZVU 4: 30 AUGUST 2013 ❘ Metro Christian Living


message was lots of things. “Restoration,” “Redemption,” “the cuff that holds broken things together.” Lots of opportunity to introduce faith into the equation when somebody asks, “Where did you get that?” She would love to take those sentimental pieces— that only family would cherish—and create pieces that are loved and handed down. From there it went to wall art, and—oh my—the wall art. Using the same cast off sort of costume jewelry and pieces of copper and other metal and, oh, yes, rick rack—lots of rick rack—that represents a life journey back and forth, up and down, good and bad. There is a message in every finished creation, and Marcia includes a card on the back of each piece that explains, with scripture references, the meaning of the work. She has lots of angels—all with “goofy” names—but she thinks all art should be personal. This is indeed that, and whether you are looking for a subtle reminder of your values to send off to college with your precious Freshman, a unique piece for a lake house, or a breakfast nook in your own home—these are just about the coolest and the most meaningful works of art we have seen in recent days. By all means, go to The Art of Conversation by Mosh on Facebook and check them all out!

Hope Carr Art Inspired

“I know My sheep and My sheep know Me” John 10:14

Inspired Art

Notecards & Prints available For a complete selection of images, contact Hope Carr.

Hope Carr (662) 746-1684

r r

HopeCarrArt.com hopecarrart@mac.com

Y

metro ®

Join our Metro Mobile Club today!

Text app to 601.990.4032 Download our Mobile App for free.View our online magazine, sign up for special offers, and more! (Text stop 2 quit. Standard data rates apply.)

metrochristianliving.com ❘ AUGUST 2013 31




Our cardiologists don’t work on just any heart.

luxury linens

Your heart is our specialty.

MDFNVRQKHDUW FRP ‡

Fine linens for bed, bath and table - Unique gifts 1065 Highland Colony Pkwy. Ridgeland 601-898-2007 www.chandelierluxurylinens.com

Jackson Prep www.jacksonprep.net 34 AUGUST 2013 â?˜ Metro Christian Living


32nd Annual 300 Oaks Road Races Saturday, September 21, 2013 - Greenwood, Mississippi 10K Run, 5K Walk, 5K Run and One-Mile Fun Run Register TODAY at www.300Oaks.com

Michael Carter, DMD & Catherine Carter Sledge, DMD ®

®

Crystal Health & Rehab of Greenwood, LLC

www.glh.org

772 Lake Harbour Drive, Suite 2 P 601.607.7876 F 601.607.7878

www.cartersledgedental.com

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK

At the Reservoir on Grants Ferry 601-992-9925

On Main Street in Madison 601-853-8911

metrochristianliving.com ❘ AUGUST 2013 35


COACH HUGH FREEZE

What Matters Most by MARILYN TINNIN

It was better than a Cinderella story for Ole Miss fans this past year. Even those who do not claim allegiance to the “Rebel Nation” found themselves in awe of Hugh Freeze. He took a team that was picked dead last in the 2012 SEC Western Division and directed a 180-degree turnaround. He is obviously a gifted coach, but it was the authenticity of his character and the reality of his relationship with Jesus Christ that fired his motivating expertise for the players, his staff, and the myriad number of fans who packed the stadium to cheer the resurgence of the Ole Miss Rebel football team. Jill Freeze, his wife of 21 years, is probably the least surprised person of all that Hugh’s initial season as head coach was so successful. She says that the first thing that attracted her to her husband when they met in a math class during their USM undergrad days was that, “he made me want to be a better person.” Three children, numerous moves, and more than a few trials and triumphs later, “Every time I’m around him, he still makes me want to be a better everything— a better wife, a better mom, a better Christian. He really is an amazing man.” Nothing reveals a man’s mettle more than adversity, and five brief years earlier, it seemed quite unlikely that Hugh Freeze was going to be sitting where he sits today. He says people ask him all the time how he ended up as the head coach of a Division I school when his path 36 AUGUST 2013 ❘ Metro Christian Living

has been anything but the norm for getting here. He does not hesitate or apologize when he explains it this way: “It is a God thing.” Hugh, who never played a second of college ball, spent 13 very successful years as football coach at Briarcrest Christian School in Memphis. He was a rising star in the Ole Miss coaching staff of Ed Orgeron. It had been a personal goal for Hugh for a while to make it to the college level, and when he was offered an administrative position, Director of External Affairs—which he describes as a “gopher” position—he rolled up his sleeves and thought it could be the first step toward something greater. His method of operation was to go the second mile, to do more than was expected, to be the best he could be at every duty given him, and he never went home until the coaches were gone. It started out with a big salary cut, a lot of faith that this was the thing to do, and a big dose of encouragement and support from Jill. “I would not leave until the coaches left. If they left at midnight, I stayed,” he says. It took about six months, but Hugh’s work ethic and attitude were noted, and he moved to the field. He was first the tight end coach, then receivers coach the next year, and recruiting coordinator both years. It looked like he was well on his way to achieving his dream. When Orgeron was


Jill and Hugh Freeze were college sweethearts at USM.

Jill and Hugh married on July 25, 1992.

Ragan, Jordan, and Madison are all “Daddy’s girls!”

fired at the end of the 2007 season, Hugh was assured by some in high positions that whoever came in to take over as head coach was not about to fire him. He was a Mississippi boy; he had gotten 11 impressive recruits for the next year; his receivers had performed well. No problem—except that there was a problem. When Houston Nutt took over a few days later, his first act was to fire everyone who had been a part of Orgeron’s staff. Hugh Freeze was now unemployed. And he describes his feelings as “crushed.” “I had never been asked to leave a job,” he says. “That was a difficult experience and I cried out to God. ‘You know, I’ve got my family here. We just built a house because we thought we were staying—what is going on? So, I moped around the house a few days, had a few offers for other jobs—even some assistant jobs at Division I schools, but nothing seemed right.” Jill, described by her husband as a “trooper” and a “prayer warrior,” insists she is NOT the steady and consistent one in the

family. But she says she watched Hugh consider several job options during that time and every time he brought up something out of the arena of coaching, she discouraged it. “He would be miserable if he wasn’t coaching. I knew that.” As wild and rocky and uncertain as is the life of a college coach, she knew her husband and she knew that he was indeed “called” to invest himself in coaching—not just because he is a master of the game, but because the qualities that he inspires in his players are bigger than football and longer lasting than their fleeting careers. What Hugh decided to do speaks volumes about the man, his character, and his sheer spunk! He says he told his wife, “I’m going to find the worst college football program I can and see if we can’t go turn it around.” And he did just that.

(National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics). It was a giant step down from the SEC and Division I, and in 2008 it was struggling to stay afloat as an independent school. In fact, the University of Memphis acquired the school in 2011, but Hugh Freeze did exactly what he set his cap to do when he took a losing and underfunded football team and transformed it. In Freeze fashion, he assembled a great staff along with a “great group of guys,” and God blessed it. Lambuth won 20 games in two years. Jill describes Lambuth as “the right place at the right time. It was a wonderful time for our family. It was like a reboot.” If there was any lingering hurt over leaving Oxford, it did not last long. Jill says that on her first visit to campus with Hugh, they walked into the gymnasium where the players were working out. “Hugh’s face lit up, and I told him, ‘See, that is what you were meant to do—you are a coach.” Those two years were filled with great moments, wins, and a lot of joy. When Lambuth

Lambuth University Bound Lambuth University was a small liberal arts college in Jackson, Tennessee, part of the NAIA

“Win the Day” became the motto for the football team this past year.You will find those words painted, posted, and framed throughout the indoor practice facility and beamed across the jumbotron during games. Coach Freeze explains,“The only single thing we have that is equal with all our opponents is time. So you better win today.You can’t worry about yesterday because it’s over. Tomorrow is not here. So, if we are going to win that first game on August 29, we start by winning each day.”

metrochristianliving.com ❘ AUGUST 2013 37


announced that it would be closing its doors at the end of the 2011 spring semester that meant the Freezes were once again looking for a job.

A Series of New Beginnings The morning Hugh left Jackson, Tennessee, en route to the Memphis airport and then to San Jose State where Coach Mike MacIntyre had offered him a job as offensive coordinator, he admits to crying real tears the entire way. “I didn’t want to get on that plane. I didn’t want to leave my wife and kids behind. Looking back, I wonder if I acted out of fear—if I didn’t pray enough about it—I don’t know.” Nothing seemed to fit. Flexibility and portability—they are part of the profession. But this time it wasn’t happening. “I’m just not a West Coast kind of guy,” Hugh says. He had great respect for MacIntyre; their values and philosophy of coaching are very similar. He lasted two months, and then an offer came from Arkansas State to be offensive coordinator. “Mike handled it like a trooper, like the true Believer that he is. He understood what was best for my family, and so I left San Jose.” Jonesboro, Arkansas, was an easy place to love. The girls adjusted quickly and the schools, their church, their friends were all part of a fabric that felt like blessing upon blessing. As Jill says, “I’ve never cared where we lived as long as we were together.” But it did look like Jonesboro was going to be long term. Everyone was exceptionally happy there. Hugh guided his offense to a recordbreaking season, and was named head coach the next year. In that 2011 season, Arkansas State was undefeated in the Sun Belt Conference. In November, the very week the Red Wolves were preparing for their championship finale, Hugh got a call from Ole Miss offering him the headcoaching job. Five years before, he would have been celebrating with fireworks, but this time he was torn. “I struggle with those decisions that affect my family,” he says. “People talk about experiencing this total peace—I don’t experience that. There are so many variables that go into this job now.” It was about much more than the title, or the prestige, or the fame, or even the money—even when the money is very good. All of those things, Hugh Freeze knows only too well, can be quite temporary. What was uppermost in his mind as he was looking for a clear and certain answer from God? He was looking for God’s 38 AUGUST 2013 ❘ Metro Christian Living

plan for the Freeze family. “Your children are so happy in school. They’re happy in church, and you’re taking risks moving them. They are the most valuable possession you have—you’re taking a risk to move them out of that to something you aren’t

From baby girl days to big girl days, Jill says Hugh has been a very involved father. At 14, 13, and 10, they still love fishing, playing basketball or just hanging out with their Dad.

certain is going to be all you hope it will be.” Those thoughts were heavy on his mind. Meanwhile there was a big game Arkansas State was about to play, and Hugh felt like he was being deceptive every time he looked into the faces of his staff and his players. Integrity, affection, and depth of relationships are at the core of his management style. Nobody except Jill knew the turmoil he was feeling inside. The game was on a Saturday night and Ole Miss expected an answer by Sunday night. Hugh was still praying. God was taking His time answering.

The Rest of the Story The Red Wolves were victorious in that final game beating their opponent by a sound 45-14. They would be headed to a bowl. In the midst of their celebration was the same anguished

Hugh Freeze trying to maintain his composure and knowing all too well he had to have a “yes” or “no” for Ole Miss in a few short hours. The answer came on Sunday morning, and as he tells the story in a straightforward way, he says, “I’ll just tell you what happened and we took it as a sign.” He had stayed overnight with the team in a hotel, and as is his custom, he woke up on Sunday morning and reached for His Bible for his morning devotion. The FCA Coaches Bible contains a section of daily devotions in the very back. He flipped to the devotion for that day, December 4, and it took him to Jeremiah 29. It was not the familiar verse 11, (“For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”), that grabbed his attention, but rather verse 14, something he did not recall ever seeing until then. The scripture says, “I will be found by you and will bring you back from all the nations and places where I have banished you and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.” It was the message of God bringing him back that for Hugh seemed like a personal word. He was so willing to remain at Arkansas State if that was what God wanted, but the “taking you back” message went straight to the question in his heart. This was it. He called Jill because unless she saw it the same way he did, he would have thought he was reading something into it that was not there. Jill listened to Hugh and then said without hesitation, “Let’s go.”

A Consistent Strategy Within a few days, Hugh stood on a stage on the Ole Miss campus before a packed auditorium and spoke with an energy and enthusiasm that nobody there had seen for a while. In what has become the familiar Freezestyle, motivational off-the-cuff communication, he won the hearts of the audience. To watch that video on YouTube today, it is clear that the vision Coach Freeze articulated on that first day continues to be the same vision he executes each and every day. One of his core values as a leader, whether he is being “Daddy” to three adoring daughters or “Coach” to 120 young men, is consistency. Jill calls it his “steadiness,” and he is that always. In the unpredictable world of collegiate sports, there are plenty of opportunities to let exasperation show when a well-rehearsed play is fumbled or an error brings disappointing consequences. Hugh Freeze is notably NOT shouting at his players. He calls himself, “a playthe-next-play guy. I don’t harp on the last one.”



He says, “You know I’ve never coached a kid on any level that I thought wanted to go out on game day in front of his family and on national TV and mess up. So, you’ll hear us on the sideline saying ‘Just play the next play—don’t blink. I hope that’s encouragement. I think it’s consistent anyway.” Hugh’s philosophy of coaching comes from biblical principles more than anything else. He preaches love, family, and others above self as the foundational platform that undergirds everything. Hard work, attention to the technical details of the sport—certainly he is meticulous there—but he is a believer that the best performers are motivated from within, and it starts with passion and heart and love for one’s teammates. Sportswriters and news media ask Hugh often who his coaching heroes are. He can recite a long list of those he has worked or played under, including his father, and he has selectively chosen certain habits and disciplines from each one. He points to Bobby Bowden and Tom Osborne as great coaches who were also great men of faith, but ultimately, he calls his coaching style “a mixed bag.” His management style is “just the way God made me.” He values people and he values relationships.

camp begins in August. That’s another thing about Hugh. He is committed to giving those around him the opportunity to grow in faith alongside their leader. “I have vowed to God that no player would ever play for me and not hear the gospel,” Hugh says. He has obviously thought through this whole “What’s my legacy” kind of thing. His thoughts are totally Hugh Freeze. “I would love for each one of our players to have a personal relationship with Christ when they

Nurturing Friendships

leave here. And then I would love for them to say that as they played for me, they played for a man that was consistent in his faith, in his speech, in his actions, and that I loved them and they could trust me.” Michael Catt’s name may not be a household word, but as the pastor of Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia, he is the genius behind such films as Fireproof, Facing the Giants, and Courageous. He is also among Hugh Freeze’s friends, fans, and wise counselors.

Ken Smith of Ken Smith Ministries was speaking at an FCA coach’s camp at Black Mountain, North Carolina years ago. Hugh was in attendance, and they became fast friends. “Probably the thing that is most intriguing to me about Hugh is his desire to grow in faith,” Ken says. As Hugh’s mentor and probably the person whose advice Hugh seeks more than anyone else’s other than Jill’s, he has the privilege of spending a week with the Ole Miss staff and team when the team

40 AUGUST 2013 ❘ Metro Christian Living

The Freezes enjoyed the Red Carpet at the K-Love Fan Awards in Nashville in May where Hugh was a nominee for the Sports Impact award.

Michael’s roots are in Mississippi and because his father is an Ole Miss graduate, he has been a lifelong fan of Ole Miss. “Knowing a little of Hugh’s story, I have to be honest,” he says, “He was a person I wanted to get to know.” They had been connecting on social media for a while when Michael met him in person at the 2013 Compass Bowl Game. Hugh invited him to come inside the gate and pray for the coaching staff before the game and to stay for the pregame team meeting. Michael watched Hugh give countless autographs to kids prior to the game. He was “consistent” in the way he treated everybody. As Michael stood to the side and watched, a security guard at the gate just struck up a conversation and said, “Your coach is the real deal. He signed a hat for me to give to my young grandson. I’ve been a guard here for a year, but no coach has ever even spoken to me.” Michael Catt did not leave that day before inviting Hugh to come and give the sermon at Sherwood Baptist on Easter Sunday. Hugh accepted, and Michael was not disappointed. Although their friendship has been short in terms of time, their connection has been deep as brothers in Christ. Michael says it well although most who know him would agree. “Words that come to mind are: integrity, lover of God, great dad and husband, motivator, encourager. He believes in young men and what they can be and can become if they let God take control of their lives. He’s not ‘preachy’ as much as he just exudes his faith in a positive way. It’s easy to see why young men want to play football for him. He’s the dad some of them never had. He’s the mentor they need. He’s the role model they will take with them for the rest of their lives.” And all mommas everywhere say, “Win the Day, Son. I hope Coach Freeze is in your future!” Y


Your Oxford Connection!

Meta Ginn Broker Associate 662-202-2964

Martha Brock Realtor 601-519-9940

Julie Sample Broker/Owner 601-906-2828

John Albriton Broker Associate 601-594-3774

The Edgar Building • 428 North Lamar, Suite 102 • Oxford, MS 38655

662-234-0808 • www.sampleandpoole.com metrochristianliving.com ❘ AUGUST 2013 41


➺community outreach Goodwill of Mississippi “It’s Not a Handout Agency, It’s a Hand Up Agency” oodwill Industries began in 1902, as an urban outreach ministry of Morgan Methodist Church in Boston, Massachusetts. Rev. Edgar J.

G

Helms and his volunteers collected used household goods and clothing from wealthier sections of the city and trained and hired the handicapped or disabled to mend or repair the goods. The products were then redistributed to those who restored them and others in need. This beginning was the foundation for what has become an international non-profit organization that does so much more than give new purpose for discarded goods. Goodwill of Mississippi opened its first training and retail store in July 1957, at 113 S. State Street in Jackson. Since the beginning, Goodwill of Mississippi has provided employment, self-respect, vocational skills, training, and occupational development to people with disabilities and other barriers to employment. The jobs created by Goodwill foster a stronger community by providing services and support to individuals who want to work, but have encountered challenges to obtaining employment through conventional methods. Goodwill builds character and independence to many who otherwise would not have jobs. In short, Goodwill is there to lend a hand up, rather than a handout. Gray Wiggers is President of Goodwill Industries of Mississippi. He shared the mission of Goodwill and the uniqueness of this non-profit organization.

Where are the local Goodwill stores located? We just opened our 6th store in the Crossgates Shopping Center (5708 Hwy 80 East, Pearl) in Rankin County. It is our largest store to date. We have additional stores in Ridgeland (two locations: Centre Park Store at 863 Centre Street, Ridgeland and Fifty One Place Store, 637 Highway 51, Ridgeland), Jackson (Metro Center Store, #2 Twelve Oaks Place, Jackson), Pearl (Pearl Plaza Store, 426 Biederman Rd, Pearl) and Hattiesburg (2305 Hardy Street, Hattiesburg).

Are donations taken at these stores and what kinds of donations help Goodwill the most? Yes, all our stores accept donations during business hours—which are from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. We prefer “gently used” apparel for all life stages. We also accept furniture, electronics in working condition, and other hard goods. Since we do not repair anything, donated goods need be able to be sold as is. We also offer pick up services if your donation is large or assistance is needed.

Explain what Goodwill does with the donated items? Our Goodwill mission is often misunderstood. Our mission is to make jobs for people with disabilities or other barriers of employment. The donated items are received and sold in our Goodwill stores, creating revenue and employment opportunities for these people. If the item is not sold over a period of time, it is placed in one of two Goodwill Outlet stores (located in Metro Center and Centre Park stores) where they are sold by the pound. If the goods are not sold 42 AUGUST 2013 ❘ Metro Christian Living

through our Outlet stores, they are either cut up and sold as cleaning rags or sold to salvage brokers who market the goods to developing countries internationally. Each of these steps creates jobs for those with disabilities or barriers to employment—furthering the Goodwill mission.

Since Goodwill is primarily about people, tell us some of the services and training opportunities Goodwill provides. The heart of our Goodwill mission is our partnership with the Mississippi Department of Vocational Services, providing us with candidates for evaluation and training. Many become Goodwill employees. Classes are held to address social, financial, and educational needs of the people we serve. These include everything from dressing for success, resume writing, interview tips, life skills, and GED classes. We will be offering personal finance education and consultations in the near future. Our employees receive valuable onthe-job training for all retail functions—sales, cashiering, inventory management, customer service, and store management. Employees can also train to become commercial vehicle and forklift operators. In addition, we have scholarship funds for our employees to attend vocational schools, community colleges, and other higher education courses. Our Goodwill Employee of the Year, Natasha Collins, for example, is pursuing a degree at Belhaven University in Human Resources.

Do Goodwill employees move out into the workforce eventually? Yes, some of our employees have gone on to work at other companies both in and outside of Mississippi.

What is GIVS? GIVS stands for Goodwill Industries Volunteer Services, and in short, “are fabulous friends to work with!” This all-volunteer auxiliary supports the mission of Goodwill. GIVS has a tremendous history and is almost as old as our agency—beginning in 1958. It is a remarkable arm of Goodwill, and we are so fortunate to have such an outstanding group of committed community volunteers. In addition to raising funds for Goodwill, this group provides employee birthday celebrations, home-cooked Thanksgiving and Christmas lunches, voluntary devotional meeting time, the annual Art Show for persons with disabilities—all done without credit to anyone. They do this from their hearts and they do it because they care. They are an inspiration to our Goodwill employees, our staff, and the board of directors.

What is the Goodwill Salute Dinner? The annual Salute Dinner is in its 27th year and is produced by our GIVS volunteers to recognize extraordinary volunteerism in the community. The 11 honorees are community leaders who are recognized for their role in real servant leadership to improve the lives of others. Two youth leaders are among those recognized, as well as Goodwill’s Employee of the Year. This event will be held at the Country Club of Jackson on August 15. Complete details can be found on our website at www.goodwillms.org. Y


GOODWILL INDUSTRIES SALUTES JACKSON’S OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEERS Goodwill Industries cordially invites you to attend an exclusive dinner honoring this year’s outstanding volunteers.

Alon Bee

Debra Barnes McGee

20 1 3 Marsha Nestor Cannon

Thursday, August 15, 2013

Stacy Greer Underwood

Country Club of Jackson Jackson, Mississippi Reception 6:30 p.m. Dinner 7:15 p.m. Presentation of Honorees 8:00 p.m. Gail Thompson Collins

Margaret Stone Tohill

THIS YEAR’S SLATE OF HONOREES is a testament to the generosity of which the human

spirit is capable. They have given freely of their time and talents so that those less fortunate among us may find their true potential. Please join us as we honor Jackson’s outstanding volunteers and the many causes they support. FOR RESERVATIONS OR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL 601-953-2569. Susan Barry Duke

Janet Conlee Spain

J. Clay Hays, Jr., M.D.

Sarah Neal Secrest Youth Honoree

Mark McMillin Youth Honoree

Silver Sponsors

Bronze Sponsors

Pewter Sponsors

Gertrude C. Ford Foundation

Paula and Randy James


Treatment Options Offered Braces for adolescents and adults Invisalign® ● Clear and metal braces ● ●

Jefferson R. Gamblin, DMD

Monday–Thursday: 9 AM–12 PM / 1 PM-5 PM

Complimentary Consultations

www.gamblinortho.net 219 Sunnybrook Road, Suite A • Ridgeland, Mississippi 39157 • 601.707.5960 240 North Caldwell Drive • Hazlehurst, MS 39083 • 601.894.4732 44 AUGUST 2013 ❘ Metro Christian Living


food for thought

“My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of Him that sent me, and to finish His work.” – John 4:34

by LYDIA BOLEN

Simple Tailgaiting Recipes W

ith the month of August upon us, many people are digging out their lists of things to tend to SOONER than LATER! There are school supplies to purchase, new activities starting up, and of course, fresh new ideas to decide on for upcoming tailgates at college football games. Tailgating in Mississippi is very traditional and has become an art. It seems to me that many recipes are getting reused each season. I have located some older recipes that I consider my new favorites for football gatherings.

WHITE CHOCOLATE MACADAMIA COOKIES 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 3/4 cup butter, softened 1 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed 3/4 cup granulated sugar 2 large eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 (12 ounce) package white chocolate morsels 1 1/2 cups macadamia nuts, coarsely chopped Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Sift together first 3 ingredients and set aside. Beat butter with mixer until creamy; gradually add sugars, beating about 2 minutes until fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time. Add vanilla. Gradually stir in flour mixture until blended. Stir in white chocolate morsels and nuts.Refrigerate dough for about 30 minutes. Drop dough by rounded tablespoonsful (use a cookie scoop for more uniform size) onto lightly greased cookie sheets. Bake at 300 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes, or until lightly browned around the edges. Let cookies cool on a wire rack. Yields: 3 dozen Double recipe for a crowd. These cookies travel well in long plastic containers. Place wax paper between the layers.

This Tomato-Cheese Spread was given to me by my sister. It came out of The Commercial Appeal in Memphis, Tennessee. A great tailgating recipe! Baked breadsticks are delicious and easy for children to sample as they run in and out of their picnic areas. White Chocolate Macadamia Cookies are my favorite of all cookies. They travel well and you can be assured not a single cookie will be left at your picnic table! Happy Tailgating!

BREADSTICKS 8 hot dog buns (freeze ahead of time for ease of slicing) 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, grated 1 cup butter (unsalted) 1 teaspoon dried parsley 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano 1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil 1 teaspoon garlic salt

Preheat oven to 200 degrees. In a small saucepan, melt butter, parsley, oregano, basil, and garlic salt. Cover a 15x12 jellyroll pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Cut each hot dog bun in half lengthwise, then cut each half in half lengthwise; making 4 bread sticks from each bun. Lay bread sticks on jellyroll pan, cut side up. Brush the butter mixture evenly over the bread sticks. Sprinkle with Parmesan Cheese. Bake for 1 to 1-1/2 hours or until the sticks are dried out and crispy. Cool. Store in tightly covered container. Yield: 32 breadsticks

TOMATO-CHEESE SPREAD 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained 1 cup mayonnaise 1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt 2 blocks (8 ounce) sharp Cheddar, shredded 3/4 cup pecans, chopped 1 jar (4 ounce) chopped pimento, drained 1/3 cup green onions, chopped In a large bowl, combine tomatoes, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce and garlic salt. Stir in cheese, pecans, pimento and green onion. Shape and place on a serving dish. Serve cold with an assortment of crackers and cut up seasonal vegetables. Y Source: Connie Price Bishop

Can double or triple recipe for a crowd. To serve: Place breadsticks in an upright serving container lined with a pretty cloth for color.

Remember to make memories through the kitchen—“the heartbeat of the home.” E-mail me at lbbolen@gmail.com for any questions. metrochristianliving.com ❘ AUGUST 2013 45


HE A LT HC A R E f o r w o m e n b y w o m e n. • Obstetrics • Gynecology • Incontinence Testing • Infertility • Ultrasound • Bone Density • Laser for Vein & Hair Removal • Skin Rejuvenation • Digital Mammography

EAST LAKELAND OB - GYN ASSOCIATES , PA

601.936.1400 800.273.6716 The Suites at River Oaks 1020 River Oaks Drive Suite 320 Jackson, MS 39232

E A R LY DETECTION SAVES LIVES

Standing, L-R: Donna G. Breeland, M.D.; Natasha N. Hardeman, M.D.; Shani K. Meck, M.D.; Freda McKissic Bush, M.D. Seated, L-R: Mary W. (Katie) Sartin, CFNP; Temeka L. Johnson, M.D.; Missy Jackson McMinn, M.D; Rhonda Sullivan-Ford, M.D.; Sharon K. Brown, CFNP Beverly A. McMillan, M.D., Emeritus

Now I can...

be an inspiration

Houston, Miss. native Shaquille Vance thought his days of excelling at sports might be over after a 2009 sports injury forced an above-the-knee amputation of his right leg. His athletic career began anew when Methodist Orthotics & Prosthetics custom built him a high-tech prosthetic running leg. And their continued support helped him win silver in the Men’s 200-meter at the 2012 London Paralympics. “This has really been a blessing,” Vance said. “I wouldn’t be where I am right now without Methodist Rehab.” Now, Vance’s accomplishments are inspiring others and garnering awareness for athletes with disabilities. “I love being able to inspire the kids to know that life JVTLZ ^P[O H SV[ VM KPMÄJ\S[ VIZ[HJSLZ I\[ [OLYL PZ HS^H`Z H way to overcome,” Vance said. An amazing United Methodist ministry of recovery and hope—supported by an exceptional team of caregivers. specializing in care for stroke, spinal cord injury, brain injury and amputation. For information, visit methodistonline.org or call 601-364-3434 or toll-free 1-800-223-6672, ext. 3434. 46 AUGUST 2013 ❘ Metro Christian Living


money matters by CLARK SMITH

Facing Facts About the U.S. Economy In just over 50 years, the United States has gone from being the largest creditor nation that has ever existed to being the largest debtor nation that the world has ever seen. There are roughly 316 million people in the U.S. and roughly 113.8 million of them are taxpayers. These 113.8 million people support the roughly 108 million people who are on some form of governmental support—be it social security, food stamps, or disability. Out of the 113.8 million taxpayers, about 11 million of them pay about 90% of the taxes that our government collects. Perhaps these numbers seem sustainable to you and perhaps they don’t. I have included the information from the national debt clock website so that you can draw your own conclusions. Recently, the Chairman of the Federal Reserve Board indicated that there would be an end to the $85 billion or so that the government currently pumps into the economy every month. This caused a sharp decline in the bond market, as well as the stock market. In fact, on the day that the Fed made these comments, the Standard and Poor’s 500 went exactly to its high level from the year 2000. That is not a misprint. The market went exactly to its high level from 13 years ago. In March of 2000, the U.S. stock market had been in a secular, or long-term, bull market for the previous 18 years and buy, hold, and hope was a viable investment strategy. However, March 2000 also saw the beginning of a secular bear market that has been in place for the last 13 years. Secular bear markets are characterized by numerous large declines and recoveries

in the market, and typically last somewhere between 16 and 20 years. How long the current secular bear market will last is anyone’s guess, and we are currently enjoying an upswing within the context of the longerterm, secular picture. One scenario that could very well help us usher in the start of a new long-term bull market would be that interest rates spike when the Fed stops pumping so much borrowed cash into the economy—causing a major decline in both stock and bond prices. It is entirely possible that the US needs this type of major shock, and setback, to get back to the Christian roots that this nation was founded upon. Most people have recovered from the 2000-2002 decline, as well as the 2007-2009 debacle. Hopefully, they now have a plan in place that will protect them when the major shock to our economy takes place. It very well could be that the debt bubble is one that makes the Internet and real estate bubbles look mild. If this is the case, we could have the greatest opportunities of our lifetimes in front of us. Y Clark Smith is a founding partner of Woodridge Capital Portfolio Management and is the portfolio manager of Woodridge Equity Partners, LP. He began his investment career at Dean Witter Reynolds in 1990. After working at Prudential Securities Clark was a VP, Investments at UBS prior to the formation of WCPM. He received n MBA/BBA from Mississippi State University and a CIMA from Wharton. He can be reached at clark.smith@woodridge-capital.com.

metrochristianliving.com ❘ AUGUST 2013 47


➺pastor’s perspective by DR. MICHAEL CATT

How Sherwood Pictures Has Impacted Our Culture t’s easy to play it safe. Most people do. The risk of ridicule, laughter, mocking, failure, and being misunderstood are real. But if you never think outside the box, you fail to accomplish all that God has for you. In

I

fact, my assumption is that there is no box. Why let others box you in when God has created man in His image? He is the Creator God, so I believe He designed us to be creative. Remember coloring with crayons in a coloring book? As a kid, you just started coloring. You didn’t pay attention to the lines until an adult told you to color within the lines. At that moment, creativity began to be quenched in some small way. Ten years ago, several members of the Sherwood Church staff were having conversations about where we saw our lives in the next five to 10 years. Our Media Minister at the time, Alex Kendrick, said, “I’d like to make movies, but I don’t think I can stay on a church staff and do that.” I simply replied, “Why not? Bring me a script and a budget and let’s look at it.” Four movies later, Sherwood Pictures has impacted churches, families, marriages, and the culture. We see movies in general and Sherwood Pictures in particular as the stained glass windows of the 21st century. In the old days, you could walk through the streets of any city in Europe or England and see elaborate stained glass windows “telling the stories” of the Bible. Today, movies are an incredible avenue by which to tell stories. What started out as a one camera, $20,000 project called Flywheel has become a viable, effective tool for churches and individuals to tell the

stories of how God can give you a vision of something bigger than yourself (Facing the Giants), how He can redeem and restore a marriage (Fireproof), and how men can become better fathers (Courageous). Sherwood Pictures’ films have been translated into dozens of languages and are distributed in over 125 nations. They’ve been shown on every continent, as well as on major airlines, Pay Per View and On Demand TV, subscription channels, and cruise lines. There is rarely a week that goes by when someone doesn’t email our church or visit us to tell about the impact of the movies. This is amazing since we have shot our films on location in Albany, Georgia—not the

To inquire about Sunnybrook Estates

CALL 601-856-4050

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 and air in each apartment and more!

Fabulous Activities ✻ Beautiful Surroundings New Found Friendships ✻ Fine Dining 248 LOCUST LANE, MADISON, MS 39110

sunnybrookestates.net 48 AUGUST 2013 ❘ Metro Christian Living


movie capital of America. In addition, the bulk of our cast members are local talent. Only once have we used a named actor. Others are either church members, citizens of our region, or part-time actors. Hundreds of our members work behind the scenes in everything from catering to babysitting to security. We made a radical decision at the time. We wanted to use entertainment to change lives. It was time to stop cursing the darkness and start turning on some lights. It’s easy to criticize Hollywood, but we decided to make an effort to have a voice in that culture. Cursing the culture doesn’t change it; showing the difference Christ can make in a person’s life will change it. Since the day we made the decision to make movies, we’ve been featured in USA TODAY with a full-page article. We’ve been on the Dr. Phil Show, Hannity, Fox and Friends, Huckabee, Glen Beck, Good Morning America, Today, and many other media outlets. In addition, we’ve done hundreds of radio and print interviews. We’ve simply tried to be faithful to the doors God has opened for us. One of the keys to Sherwood Pictures is our prayer ministry. We pray over every aspect of the process, from scriptwriting to casting, from shooting, editing, and final edit. We believe that in prayer we can go from good ideas to God ideas. There’s nothing mystical about it—it’s not a formula. It’s simply an understanding that we are making movies as a ministry, not a platform for building our egos. Our goal is to invest in others. Movies have allowed us to do that. One day we will do something else. Movies are just one aspect of the ministry of this local church located in rural Southwest Georgia. We have been blessed to see how God has honored our obedience. If one life has been impacted or changed, it’s been worth it all. We simply want to do His will, His way. Nothing more, nothing less, nothing else. Y Dr. Michael Catt is Senior Pastor at Sherwood Baptist Churchand Executive Producer of Sherwood Pictures in Albany, Georgia. Email him at Michael@sherwoodbaptist.net.

101B Village Blvd, Madison, Mississippi 39110

(601) 607-6004

COLLECTION CONSIGNMENT BOUTIQUE

STORE HOURS: Monday through Friday 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

MC IS A PLACE FULL OF POSSIBILITIES! MC congratulates Michael Catt in touching so many lives throughout his ministry. We take pride in our alumni and the significant impact they make in the U.S. and around the world. This is easy when your alumni base includes six state governors, over 100 college presidents, four state Supreme Court Chief Justices, six presidents of the Southern Baptist Convention, three seminary presidents, presidents and CEOs of national and multinational corporations, professional athletes, renowned scholars, scientists, authors, artists, and more. They came to MC to find their future, and you can too. The state’s

Forbes recently ranked MC as one of the

“BEST COLLEGE BUYS”

2x

MC’S ACCEPTANCE RATE INTO MEDICAL SCHOOL IS THE NATIONAL AVERAGE.

largest private university

with over 5,100

recently

students

100%

of MC’s Education Graduates passed the PRAXIS II.

LEARN MORE & START YOUR APPLICATION NOW!

www.mcpossibilities.com/mcl admissions@mc.edu 601/925-3800 | 800/738-1236 | Box 4026 | Clinton, MS 39058

PRIVATE COLLECTION CONSIGNMENT metrochristianliving.com ❘ AUGUST 2013 49


Medicare Made

➺christian commerce

Eas y! Dr. Jeff Gamblin, Gamblin Orthodontics Let us help you understand your Medicare options. Local experts are ready to help!

MWG Senior Service s

Call us today to go over your options!

601.206.7972 Get Free, Instant Medigap Quotes! www.MedSuppQuoter.com 50 AUGUST 2013 ❘ Metro Christian Living

MCL: What motivated you to choose orthodontistry? Dr. Gamblin: I think orthodontics is a fun and exciting part of dentistry. It begins by looking at the big picture of the face and smile and then focusing on smaller but equally important details of alignment and angulations of each individual tooth. I enjoy the opportunity to work with children, adolescents, and adults to achieve a noticeable result that can improve their quality of life and self-confidence. MCL: Where did you train and how did you choose to open an office in Ridgeland? Dr. Gamblin: I attended dental school in Jackson at UMC and went on to the University of Florida in Gainesville for an Orthodontic Fellowship year. After my fellowship, I completed my Orthodontic residency in Jacksonville, Florida. I have an office in Ridgeland and Hazlehurst and feel these locations have the ability to serve a wide range of patients from Clinton, Jackson, and Madison to Brookhaven, Wesson, and Crystal Springs, respectively. MCL: How is your Christian faith reflected in your daily practice of orthodontistry? Dr. Gamblin: My Christian faith is reflected in my daily practice in that I strive to invest in a relationship with each patient. I have a unique opportunity to be a regular part of an individual’s life for several consecutive months,

From left back; Parker, Mary Shelton, Ben, and Jeff. Front row Ridge.

which allows me to dig deeper than a superficial acquaintance. I pray that my practice would radiate God’s love and compassion for each patient I meet.

MCL: If you could give parents one major instruction about orthodontic diagnosis and intervention, what would it be? Dr. Gamblin: One major instruction I would give parents about diagnosis and intervention would be to develop a relationship early with an orthodontist that they feel comfortable with. Parents can refer themselves or their children to see an orthodontist at any time they have a concern and would like more information. The relationship is important because many visits will be made to their office throughout the course of treatment. Y


What Christ Covenant Means To Me. Christ Covenant School has been a blessing to me as a teacher and as a parent. I am thankful to be among committed Christian educators who have a love for children and a passion for filling their hearts and minds with a foundation built on God’s Word.

Julie Pilcher CCS Staff - 1st Grade Teacher

752 Pear Orchard Road | Ridgeland, MS 39157 Christcovenantschool.net | 601.978.2272

Wright & Ferguson Funeral Home Parkway Memorial Cemetery

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 metrochristianliving.com ❘ AUGUST 2013 51


➺fresh finds

GAME DAY GEAR

1

1 | SHADES SUNGLASSES & CASUAL APPAREL

2

601.992.6909 Shades Sunglasses Southern Tide Skipjack Collegiate Polo Shirts

2 | APPLE ANNIE’S 601.992-9925 | 601.853.8911 Apple Annie's Gift Shop Ole Miss and Mississippi State Graphic T-Shirts

3 | O! HOW CUTE 601.825.5080 O! How Cute Gift Market Team Chevron Cooler Totes Team iPhone Cases

52 AUGUST 2013 ❘ Metro Christian Living

3


WE ARE LOOKING FOR CHRISTIAN STUDENTS

WHO WALK IN FAITH, HONOR THE LORD, AND LEAD WITH INTEGRITY.

CHRISTIAN LEADERS OF THE FUTURE is an opportunity for high school seniors to share their story of faith and leadership and receive a scholarship toward their college tuition. Applications and instructions are available at www.metrochristianliving. com or through your school counselor. Visit Christian Leaders of the Future on Facebook for updates! Deadline for applications is December 6, 2013.

APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY DECEMBER 6, 2013 For More Information contact: Metro Christian Living | 601-790-9076 or Marilyn@metrochristianliving.com

sponsored by:

Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company


➺sports victories by ROBERT WILSON

Seth Smith: A Major League Faith ajor league baseball didn’t change Seth Smith’s relationship with Jesus Christ. In fact, Smith became closer to Him because of it.

“For me, I went into it knowing who I was as a person and being a pro baseball player wasn’t going to change me. I owe too much to God, to my family, to my wife and to my children,” said Smith, the former Hillcrest Christian School and Ole Miss star who now plays outfield and designated hitter in the major leagues for the Oakland A’s. “Baseball is just a game. It’s a game I enjoy playing. It’s my job. God really only asked for me in baseball to give my all and Honor Him while I’m doing it.” Smith stays away from any of the temptations of living a life of a pro athlete. “I’m not worried about going out with the guys after a game,” Smith said. “I’m going to try my best to be a good teammate and not put up a wall around myself. There is a line you don’t cross and I’m not going to get close to it. I’m not worried about guys that think this or that about me because I’m not doing what the baseball world says you are supposed to do. I could do a much better job of being a teammate and getting closer to them. Maybe go out to eat dinner with them every once in a while. I do some. But, I would rather go back to my hotel room on the road, talk to my wife (Lindsay), Skype with her and my kids (daughter Sienna Elizabeth, 4, and son Cruise Isom, 2) and get some rest. It’s a chance to get away from everything and gather yourself.” Smith’s strong faith was built from the solid foundation of his parents, Darlene and Garry Smith, and their church, Lakeshore Congregational Methodist in Byram. Smith’s parents now live in Brandon and attend Crossgates Baptist Church. “Growing up in the Bible Belt and in a Christian home, it wasn’t a difficult decision— getting saved, walking down the aisle and getting baptized,” Smith said. “That is what happens when you are old enough to

MICHAEL ZAGARIS, OAKLAND ATHLETICS

M

realize what’s going on. It is more so out of fear than anything else at that point. As you get older, you begin to learn what that means and why you did it. At the end of my senior year of high school and going into my freshman year of college, I stepped back, looked at it and said, ‘This is why I’m doing this. I’m saved, but what is it really about?’ It’s more than that. It’s a lifestyle. Everything you do is to glorify God and do what He wants to do and make that the sole purpose of your life.” “As I was growing up, I was a Christian and I lived my life according to the worldly standards of a Christian. I didn’t go out and get drunk. I didn’t have sex before I got married. The things that people look at it and say, ‘Oh, he must be a good Christian because he’s not doing these things.’ When I went off to college, I realized it’s not about what people see you do so much as it’s about who you are inside and your relationship with Christ. You live the same way but with a different purpose.” Seth and Lindsay dated in high school at Hillcrest and at Ole Miss— she was a fast-pitch softball star in high school and college—and got married right after the Rockies drafted Seth in 2004. She has been a steady force in Seth’s life. Seth and his family live in Madison and attend Christ United Methodist Church in Jackson. “It is great to have that support system there to know that if I go 0-for-4 and kind of feel down a little bit Lindsay will be there,” said Smith, who also has two older sisters, Paige Bounds of Pearl and Brandi Brown of Terry. “She’s not worried about how I do on the baseball field. Lindsay is worried about me as a husband and a father and the leader of our household. It’s great to come home to. To not have her asking what’s wrong, what’s happening? For her to not really care, and understand about the ups and downs. But at the same time, if I go 4-for-4 and come home, she doesn’t care about that either. It’s good for me to come to a nice steady home with a great wife who supports you with the same thought level and same priorities.” Smith has had many coaches influence him over the years, but three

MAINE’S BEST KEPT SECRET!! 3 BR, 2.5 bath furnished LOG HOME nestled on 20 private wooded acres on a 500 ACRE LAKE in Mid MAINE! Great for 4 seasons as YOUR home away from home! Snow Sled, White Water Raft, Moose Watch, Hike Appalachian Trail, or relax in front of the fireplace and read! PLENTY of room for 2 or 3 COUPLES to SHARE! Delta, Northwest, or Continental Airlines (or American if you fly into Boston & drive up to Bangor)

$1350.00/week or $1675.00 for 10 days

www.cabininmaine.net – Facebook Cabin in Maine P.S. It’s only 2 hours from BAH HAHBAH, and Acadia National Park. That’s a great day trip, and has great FRESH lobster!!

54 AUGUST 2013 ❘ Metro Christian Living


stand out: his high school baseball coach, Paul Wyczawski; his high school basketball coach, Kenny Bizot; and his college football coach, David Cutcliffe. While many know about Smith’s baseball ability (he was a freshman All-American and played on the USA National Team), he was an all-star football and basketball player at Hillcrest and was Eli Manning’s backup at Ole Miss. Smith keeps in touch with all three coaches. “Coach Wy did a lot for my baseball career, but also as a person,” Smith said. “You are young, not tough and don’t now what it’s all about in high school. He was good about making us mentally and physically strong. Coach Bizot had a great knack for being a friend at the same time as being a coach and disciplinarian. Coach Cutcliffe was tremendous. He was more worried about us as people and men than football players. That’s hard to find. It’s something to be respected.” Smith points to former Rockies teammate Matt Herges as a favorite brother in Christ in pro baseball. Matt was in the big leagues for 12 years with 10 teams and was with the Rockies from 2007-2009. Smith made his major league debut with the Rockies in September 2007, and helped them reach the World Series. He is in his second season in Oakland. “Matt is the most solid teammate I have ever had, and best example of a Christian baseball player I have ever seen,” Smith said. “Matt’s the guy who can balance that line very well. Where I stay as far away from it as I can and kind of secluded sometimes, he stays right there on it, never compromises, never wavers, yet somehow is the most popular guy in the clubhouse. Matt is able to interact and in every clique that is in the clubhouse. It is remarkable to watch. He definitely has influenced me from the day I met him.” Smith, 30, realizes he has a major opportunity to influence others for Christ. Because of Seth’s success—he has been a regular starter in the major leagues for several seasons, has a .267 career batting average and has 71 career home runs—thousands of adults and kids are watching his every move.

“It’s a big deal to me (to be a role model) and good for me too,” Smith said. “I’m not as personable as I probably should be. I prefer to hang out with my family and go about my business and not talk to strangers too much. Hopefully people can see Christ through me from how I play the game and carry myself and how I react to a bad call or a strikeout. At the same time when things are going great, they can see Christ in me also.” Smith has a reminder with him when he plays. “I wear a cross necklace when I play, a leather band with a wooden cross,” Smith said. “Sometimes you are on an island out there and get lost in what’s going on. The cross will bring you back down and remember what you are playing for and what it’s all about.” Smith admits his attitude wasn’t the best, especially in junior high and high school. “I used to get upset real easily. I wanted to win so bad, I didn’t care what I looked like,” Smith said. “As I got older and wiser and deeper into my faith, I matured and realized how I go about my business is important. My bad attitude slowly went away. Still in college, I struggled with it a little bit, but when I got to pro ball God gave me a peace and understanding. In some instances it has hurt me because I am so relaxed and so comfortable in whatever situation, it seems like I don’t care at times. That is not true. I guess at the same time it is true, because I am there to honor God to please Him and I’m not there for all the other stuff. I am at the point where I can honor God and stay low key, let people see how I feel through how I play, but not look like I don’t care.”

Y

Robert Wilson is Business Developer for BFAC. He is a freelance writer, author, and the publisher of Victories in Metro Jackson magazine. He is a member of Broadmoor Baptist Church. Contact him at Robert@bfac.com.

Serving Mississippi for over 30 years

Time to start making new memories to frame! • Custom framing and ready made frames at lowest pricing • Home of “While You Wait” framing • Mirrors, jerseys and shadow boxes • Locally owned and managed • Huge selection of mat colors and mouldings • Large selection of ready made frames in stock 3 LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU Flowood...................601.992.6600 Ridgeland .................601.977.0754 Clinton.......................601.922.6305 LIKE us on Facebook metrochristianliving.com ❘ AUGUST 2013 55


Peacock Alley Sale! terian y b s e r P First chool... WE’RE Day S

h t r o w the D rive!

1390 North State Street s Jackson, MS 39202 s 601.355.1731

visit us at fpds.org or facebook.com/FirstPDS

EVERYONE

NEEDS A HELPING HAND SOMETIMES

20% OFF | July 15th - August 10th Let us help you design your dream bedroom. "EDDING s $RAPES s ,AMPS

“Life is too short to sleep on bad sheets!� LIKE US!

www.raysďŹ nelinens.com 869 Pear Orchard Rd Ridgeland s Mon | &RI - s 3AT | -

IT’S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN... Sch oo l is Ba ck in Se ss io n!

Caregivers for Home & Hospital: Children, Adults & Elderly licensed & bonded CINDY M. YELVERTON, OWNER 601-981-3661 if no answer 601-291-6555 sittersllc@bellsouth.net www.sittersllc.com

Providing caregivers for families like yours for over 10 years.

Metro Jackson, Oxford, Tupelo

I-55N at Northside Drive, Exit 100 • www.highlandvillagems.com facebook.com/highlandvillagems • twitter.com/hvmississippi • pinterest.com/hvmississippi Shops open Mon-Sat 10A-6P • Restaurant hours may vary


legal advice by WILLIAM B. HOWELL

Don’t Have Enough to Do Estate Planning? This Is 2013, So Think Again t is not how much you have; it is what you want to protect. You may not need an elaborate estate plan, but everybody needs some kind of plan. There are two very important areas for planning: what happens if you die, and what happens if you don’t die? It is not just death planning that we all need, it is both. As an example, almost everyone could benefit from having an Advance Health Care Directive. This document allows you to specify what kind of health-care treatment you want when you are unable to act for yourself. And while you preparing your Advance Health Care Directive, make certain that yours contains the important federal HIPAA provisions, without which your family may have a difficult time getting access to your medical records or even detailed information regarding your condition. Some people will do their estate planning using a Durable Power of Attorney to allow someone to take care of financial matters if they should become incapacitated, coupled with a simple Will to make distribution at their death. Many people are not aware that a Power of Attorney (even if durable) is not required to be honored by anyone, so it may not work when the

I

time comes; and a Will has to go through probate to leave anything to anyone. The question then arises: would a Living Trust be better? That is a decision that is not dependent necessarily upon the size of your estate, but on what you want to protect and what you want to avoid putting your family through. If you have minor children, who will be their guardian if something happens to you? Who will see to their upbringing and who will instill your values in your children if you cannot do it? You may want to have one person to raise the children and someone else to manage their assets for them. It can be the same person. There are also children with special needs to consider. For them, a Special Needs Trust will be a requirement in order to prevent losing their benefits, while still allowing them to have enjoyment from your legacy. Creating a Special Needs Trust is an act of loving kindness, and should be done now, well ahead of your passing. In fact, any parent having a child with special needs should put such a trust in place immediately just as a matter of course. This is the kind of arrangement that is so very much needed, and not to have it when the time comes

can lead to really terrible results. Then there are nursing home considerations. How will you pay for it? You possibly have Long-Term Care Insurance, but if not, there are still things that can be done. You certainly need to see an elder law attorney to help you. Many times your family will only have one chance to do this right. As you age, the earlier you begin this type of planning, the better. But it is not too late to do some things to preserve assets even after a person is already in the nursing home. After your children have received their inheritance may be the time of greatest danger. What have you put in place to see to it that their inheritance is not lost due to their lack of maturity, their spendthrift tendencies, or an improvident marriage, perhaps a lawsuit or bankruptcy? Protection is available, even protecting your children from themselves. But this is one of those things only you can do for them. Get some advice on what is best for your individual situation. After all, very few things that you will do will have such a lasting effect on those you love as does your estate planning. Y

TAKE THE FIRST STEP TOWARD TRUE

PEACE OF MIND... OURS IS A LONG-TERM ARRANGEMENT WITH THOSE WE SERVE. MAKE THINGS SIMPLE FOR THOSE YOU LEAVE IN CHARGE MINIMIZE COSTS AND EXPENSES ELIMINATE UNNECESSARY DELAYS PROTECT THE PRIVACY OF THE INDIVIDUAL AND THEIR FAMILY THE LAW OFFICES OF

WILLIAM B. HOWELL, LTD. ATTORNEYS PROVIDING

PEACE OF MIND ESTATE PLANNING

SM

601-978-1700 OR 1-800-839-7857

*22' 3/$11,1* 0$.(6 )25 60227+ 6$,/,1* National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys

www.howellelderlaw.com metrochristianliving.com ❘ AUGUST 2013 57


Venable GLASS SERVICES

• • • • • • • • • • • •

O! How Cute Gift Market

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 BRANDON 209 Woodgate Dr. South Brandon, MS 39042

of First Baptist Church Jackson

Christian Counseling for Individuals, Couples and Families

Show Your Team Spirit This Fall! BRANDON

PEARL

304 E. Government St., #2

200 Riverwood Dr., #106

601.825.5080

601.939.5082

FOLEY, ALABAMA

601-824-4405

â—† Anxiety â—† Marital Issues â—† Pre-marital Counseling â—† Divorce Recovery â—† Family Issues â—† Addictions â—† Support Groups Evening appointments Fees based on family income

Ron Mumbower, Ph.D. Director First Baptist Jackson â—† 431 North State Street

601.949.1949 www.summitfirst.org

Tanger Outlet, Suite 448

251.952.5191

www.venableglass.com

Have You Fixed Your Dirt Crawl Space Yet? A mind for tru . A heart for God.

“Affordable Maintenance Programs Available�

Get Rid of That Damp, Musty Smell in Your Home!

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…V^ JYLH[LK MYVT YPZPUN OLH[ The CleanSpaceÂŽ Crawl Space Encapsulation System is the answer!

Christ-Centered Counseling To set up an appointment, contact us at: 601-923-1645 | bmartin@rts.edu rts.edu 58 AUGUST 2013 â?˜ Metro Christian Living

www.mscrawlspace.com

Call Today!

601-898-0891

$ GLYLVLRQ RI (QHUJ\ ,QVXODWLRQ ,QF ‡ 5L[RQ 6LPPRQV 2ZQHU

www.writteninstoneclean.com


82 COUNTIES, 82 CELEBRATIONS IN 82 DAYS On Sunday evening, October 27th, Mission Mississippi will celebrate 20 years of unifying the Body of Christ across racial and denominational lines. The Statewide Celebration and Worship will take place in Jackson State Veterans Memorial Stadium where Mission Mississippi had its beginnings in October, 1993. Mission Mississippi Board Members expressed their desire to see the celebration of 20 years of racial reconciliation and healing take place in all 82 counties of Mississippi. In this moment, Mississippi Glowing for Christ – an 82-day journey and celebration was birthed. On August 7th , a 6 foot cross designed by Nissan/Yates engineers will be lit on the steps of the State Capitol Building. Selected, racially diverse, student athletes from the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) will take the cross and walk/run it through their county. It will make stops in all 82 Mississippi counties. Highlights include passes through the Scott Field in Starkville on September 7th during the Alcorn State vs. Mississippi State football game and in Vaught-Hemingway Stadium at The University of Mississippi on October 12th, the day of the Texas A&M vs. Ole Miss game. Bill Buckner, Regional Director for Fellowship of Christian Athletes, is excited to join with Mission Mississippi in the endeavor and stated, “Mississippi Glowing For Christ fits well with the vision of FCA, to impact the world for Jesus Christ through the influence of athletes, coaches and all whom they influence. We are excited to partner with Mission Mississippi and take the cross to 82 counties.” Like the Olympic torch, the Cross will triumphantly return to Jackson after its 82 day journey on Sunday afternoon, October 27th and enter the Stadium to mark the start of the Worship Celebration. Neddie Winters, President of Mission Mississippi stated “It is the prayer of FCA and Mission Mississippi that as the cross is greeted in each county, the time there will bring the Body of Christ in each county and community closer together. We want to invite Mississippians to follow the cross as it comes through their county, participate in the planned celebrations and unite with others at the Statewide Celebration and Worship on October 27th. Join with us in celebrating 20 years of “Changing Mississippi . . . One Relationship at a Time” and the unity we have as One in Christ.” In coming together around the cross reliance is being made on Christ’s promise: “But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself.” John 12:32

For More Information . . . Mission Mississippi 601.353.6477 grace@missionmississippi.org www.missionmississippi.org www.fcams.org

MISSISSIPPI GLOWING FOR CHRIST An 82 Day Journ

ey & Ce l e bration

The Schedule

AUG 7: Lighting and Send Off of the Cross, State Capitol Building at 1:00pm AUG 7: Brandon AUG 8: Mendenhall AUG 9: Hazlehurst AUG 10: Port Gibson AUG 11: Fayette AUG 12: Meadville AUG 13: Natchez AUG 14: Woodville AUG 15: Centreville, Liberty AUG 16: Brookhaven AUG 17: McComb AUG 18: Tylertown AUG 19: Monticello AUG 20: Prentiss, Columbia AUG 21: Poplarville AUG 22: Picayune AUG 23: Bay St. Louis AUG 24: Gulfport AUG 25: Pascagoula, Ocean Springs AUG 26: Wiggins AUG 27: Lucedale AUG 28: Leakesville AUG 29: New Augusta AUG 30: Hattiesburg AUG 31: Sumrall SEPT 1: Collins, Mt. Olive SEPT 2: Raleigh SEPT 3: Forest SEPT 4: Carthage SEPT 5: Kosciusko SEPT 6: French Camp, Ackerman SEPT 7: Starkville SEPT 8: Louisville SEPT 9: Philadelphia SEPT 10: Decatur SEPT 11: Bay Springs SEPT 12: Laurel SEPT 13: Waynesboro SEPT 14: Quitman

SEPT 15: Meridian SEPT 16: DeKalb SEPT 17: Macon SEPT 18: Columbus SEPT 19: Aberdeen, Amory SEPT 20: Amory SEPT 21: Fulton SEPT 22: Corinth SEPT 23: Booneville SEPT 24: Tupelo SEPT 25: Okolona SEPT 26: West Point SEPT 27: Maben, Eupora SEPT 28: Stewart, Winona SEPT 29: Slate Springs, Calhoun City SEPT 30: Pittsboro, Bruce, Coffeeville OCT 1: Grenada OCT 2: Carrollton OCT 3: Greenwood OCT 4: Cruger, Lexington OCT 5: Pickens, Canton OCT 6: Yazoo City OCT 7: Belzoni OCT 8: Isola, Indianola OCT 9: Webb OCT 10: Sumner, Vance, Marks OCT 11: Batesville OCT 12: Oxford OCT 13: Ponotoc OCT 14: New Albany OCT 15: Ripley OCT 16: Ashland OCT 17: Holly Springs OCT 18: Senatobia OCT 19: Hernando, Southaven OCT 20: Tunica OCT 21: Clarksdale OCT 22: Cleveland OCT 23: Lamont OCT 24: Greenville, Mayersville OCT 25: Rolling Fork OCT 26: Vicksburg OCT 27: Edwards, Clinton OCT 27: Celebration and Worship at Jackson State Veterans Memorial Stadium at 5:00pm

facebook.com/mission.mississippi @MissionMS | #MSGlowingforChrist

metrochristianliving.com ❘ AUGUST 2013 59


➺rave reviews CD

BOOK

North Point Kids: Shine

Upside-Down Prayers for Parents

North Point Music introduced its first-ever album created for children’s ministry, North Point Kids: Shine! this past April. This new, upbeat project, which debuted at No. 4 on iTunes Children’s Music chart, targets elementary-aged kids through songs that have clear messages, easy-to-remember lyrics, and motions that will get them moving. Every weekend, North Point Ministries leads more than 4,000 children throughout the Atlanta area to worship God. North Point kids learn that the Bible should never be boring, that worship can be really loud, and that the best leaders always care. From the opening songs, “Your Love for Me” and “Tell the World” boldly proclaiming how God loves us, to “Look at Our God,” an anthem about God’s power, to the danceable declaration of faith in the title track, “Shine,” Shine! never loses its energy or fails to empower kids with the truth of who God is. For more information, or to order the CD, go to www.northpointmusic.org. Y

Reviewed by Susan E. Richardson

t

hildren Consignme C n l4 l A blessings passed from family to family

CONSIGN & EARN • SHOP & SAVE Babies, Kids, Adults, Toys, Baby Equipment, Home Decor, Furniture, and More

Jackson Event Ms Trademart September 5th-8th

Madison Event Plantation Commons October 8th-10th

visit www.all4childrenconsignment.com for more information

At first glance, the prayers in Lisa T. Bergren’s Upside-Down Prayers for Parents appear to go against all normal parenting instincts. Most parents wouldn’t dream of spending 31 days praying that their children get caught doing wrong or experience financial hardship. Yet these are the type situations God uses to mold all of us into the people He created us to be. While other parents pray that their children escape challenges and hardships, Bergren suggests releasing our children—and ourselves—into God’s care, trusting that He will equip all to follow Him more closely. The journey may lead through trying times but culminates in a strong relationship with Christ. Though the negatives at the beginning catch a reader’s eye immediately, Bergren pairs each with the complementing statement of benefit. She offers a brief devotional reading that illustrates the principle. Each day ends with a prayer for the parent, space to record personal thoughts, and suggestions for discussing the topic with younger and older children. The devotions are deceptively simple. Though short and easy to read, they pack a heavy punch when it comes to trusting God. The reader walks away with plenty to contemplate for the day. You don’t have to be a parent to find benefit from the material in Upside-Down Prayers for Parents. Anyone interested in deepening their relationship with God will find food for thought, but parents will find the book particularly poignant as a child of God raising children to follow His ways. 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.

Dogwood Vision Care Dr. Charles McMasters, O P T O M E T R I S T ◗ ◗ ◗ ◗ ◗

Featuring the new multifocal contact lenses for distance and near vision Diagnosis and treatment of ocular disease Comprehensive eye examinations with glasses prescription We welcome hard to fit contact lens patients We have large selection of contacts in stock

WE ACCEPT ALWAYS VISION, DAVIS VISION, TRICARE, MEDICARE, WINSOR AND VA PROVIDER

Monday 9 am – 5 pm / Tuesday– Friday 9 am – 6 pm / Saturday 9 am – 12 pm

Call for an appointment today

601-992-1010 60 AUGUST 2013 ❘ Metro Christian Living

120 Promenade Boulevard, Flowood, MS 39232 (Located next to Flowood Kroger) www.dogwoodvisioncare.com • E-MAIL: dogwoodvision@aol.com


events calendar August 2-4 Mississippi’s 27th Wildlife Extravaganza at the MS Trade Mart. More than 200 exhibitors from All over North America and Canada. Hours vary each day. Special kid activities on Friday. Check www.mswildlife.org for information.

August 3 Run for the Son 5K, First Baptist Jackson. Annual run benefitting Mission First, Inc. Actibities for the entire family. Includes 5k run, 5K walk, 1 Mile Fun Run, and the Tot Trot. For info, call 601.949.1947.

unique Belhaven neighborhood from 5:30 – 8:30 P.M. Art, Children’s activities, vendors, live drama, music, and food.

August 16 Midnight Blues Ride begins with 10:00 p.m. registration in front of Smith-Wills stadium. Bike ride begins at midnight. Early registration $35 by August 2. Benefitting Mississippi Families for Kids. www.midnightbluesride.racesonline.com or 601.957.7670 for more information.

August 16

August 3 MS Chorus presents its Summer Showcase, an evening at downtown’s Union Station, features live top local musical entertainment. 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Call 601.278.3351 or see www.mschorus.org for details.

After Hours Adventure at the MS Children’s Museum—NO GROWNUPS ALLOWED! 5:30 – 8:00 p.m. Pre-registration on website www.mississippichildrensmuseum.com. Structured and educational, it is designed for ages 5-12.

August 23

Back to the Zoo! Jackson Zoo hosts one last “splash� 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Fun activities for children. Games, face painting, and guest appearances. See www.jacksonzoo.org for more details.

The MS Opera Guild presents the 4th annual Dance with the Stars, at 7:00 p.m. at the Jackson Country Club. Entertainment will be provided by the Jackson All-Stars Band and vocalist Joyhn Christopher Adams. Black Tie. For tickets and information call the MS Opera office at 601.960.2300.

August 8 – 17

August 24

August 3

Fish Tale Group presents Freud’s Last Session, an intimate live theatre performance in Belhaven University’s Black Box Theatre at the Performing Arts Center at 835 Riverside Drive. Storyline is a highly entertaining story of a clashing discourse between C.S. Lewis and Dr. Sigmund Freud. Contact Betty@FishTaleGroup.org for more info. Evening and matinee performances.

August 10 Bright Lights, Belhaven Nights. Enjoy an evening street festival celebrating Jackson’s

Mom’s Day of Prayer, a day specifically set aside across the world for women to pray for their children, the children of their area, and children around the world. Each hour will be lead by Christian prayer leaders from different denominations. Griffith Memorial Baptist Church, 5275 Terry Road. 9:00 am – 1:00 pm. www.momsdayofprayer.com or Linda McGehee at 601.497.3303 or Cheryl Covington at 601.878.2442.

FLOWOOD August 3 Flowood’s G. Chastain Flynt Memorial Library hosts back to school health fair for area businesses and school age children and parents. 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Free screening, finger printing, activities and giveaways. For information, call 601.919.1911.

PEARL August 3 STOP SMA presents their annual fundraiser at the Muse Center located on the Hinds Community College Campus in Pearl beginning at 7 p.m. Tickets are $30 each. Entertainment by two nationally-known comedians, one being Henry Cho, who is back by popular demand. This comedy event is unique and promises to entertain the whole family. www.stopsma.org or contact Dee Horton at 601.919.8860 for more information.

CANTON August 22 The Mississippi Tobacco-Free Coaltion of Madison, Yazoo and Holmes Counties Yearend Celebration at 7:00 p.m. at the Canton Multipurpose Complex. 501 Soldier Colony Road. Guest speaker is State Auditor Stacey Pickering.

August 25 10th Annual Gospel Music Celebration & Scholarship Awards hosted by Motown gospel recording artist, Paul Porter with special guest Grammy, Stellar and Dove award winner, Lady Tramaine Hawkins. 5:00 p.m. at Greater Faith Calvary Pentecostal Church, 305 N. Railroad. Advance tickets $15. At the door $20. Contact Cynthia Goodloe Palmer at 601.918.7809 for more details. Y

T H E J A C K S O N H E A RT F O U N D AT I O N I S S P O N S O R I N G A

<RXQJ DW +HDUW * $ / $ On Saturday

6HSWHPEHU 7pm – 10pm at the

06 0XVHXP RI $UW Jackson, Mississippi Come KDYH IXQ and help lead the ILJKW DJDLQVW KHDUW GLVHDVH in our local community through education, prevention and early detection.

To purchase tickets call:

PLATINUM SPONSORS

&200,77(( &+$,56 &KDLUV Dr. Glenn and Michelle McCrory ,QYLWDWLRQV Beneta Burt Alison Guynes Shannon Warnock &RUSRUDWH 6SRQVRUVKLSV Stephanie Egger Elizabeth Lynch Gina Mulholland

%2$5' 0(0%(56

7LFNHWV Dr. Harper Stone, Chairman Mysti Chustz Dr. Clay Hays, Vice Chairman Kathryn Cotten Jennifer Eidt Elizabeth Lynch, Executive Director 'UDZGRZQ Gwen McKee, Secretary Hollidae Robinson Martha Smith Walter Weems, Treasurer Sarah Young Doug Hederman 'HFRUDWLRQV 6WDJLQJ Charlotte McNeel Beneta Burt June Stone

Charlotte McNeel

GOLD SPONSOR metrochristianliving.com â?˜ AUGUST 2013 61

JULY 2013

JACKSON

âžş


➺quips & quotes

ADVERTISER INDEX

}

{

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

✂Character, in the long run, is the decisive factor in the life of an individual and of nations alike.

For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.

Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.

– Isaiah 41:13

– John F. Kennedy

– Theodore Roosevelt

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. – John 14:27

High sentiments always win in the end. The leaders who offer blood, toil, tears and sweat always get more out of their followers than those who offer safety and a good time. When it comes to the pinch, human beings are heroic. – George Orwell

Never be afraid to do something new. Remember amateurs built the ark; professionals built the Titanic.

All your wishes and hopes for the day rush at you like wild animals. And the first job each morning consists simply in shoving them all back in listening to that other voice, taking that other point of view, letting that other larger, stronger, quieter life come flowing in.

– Anonymous

– C.S. Lewis

The authority by which the Christian leader leads is not power, but love, not force but example, not coercion but reasoned persuasion. Leaders have power, but power is safe only in the hands of those who humble themselves to serve.

And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. – Colossians 3:17

– John Stott

The clock and the Christ are not close friends. Imagine what God thinks of us now that we are so locked into schedules that we have locked ourselves out of the Sermon on the Mount—it is hardly possible to walk the second mile today without offending one’s calendar. We jump at the alarm of a Seiko but sleep through the call of the Almighty. – Richard Swenson, M.D.

NORTH STATE

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

Dr. Jeb Cade Dr. Adrian Whittington Dr. Jonathan Faulkner Dr. Melisa 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

601-982-8261 Boarding & Grooming Services Available

62 AUGUST 2013 ❘ Metro Christian Living

The supreme quality for leadership is unquestionably integrity. Without it, no real success is possible, no matter whether it is on a section gang, a football field, in an army, or in an office. – Dwight D. Eisenhower

Surely the greatest blessing that has come to me in my cancer journey is freedom from the bondage of the fear of death. – Barbara Crespino

ADVERTISER

PAGE

All 4 Children Consignment................................................60 Apple Annie’s Gift Shop......................................................35 Assisting Angels...................................................................16 BKD.......................................................................................14 BancorpSouth.......................................................................34 BankPlus................................................................................25 Batte Furniture & Interiors...................................................15 Behavioral Health Services, LLC .........................................17 Belhaven University................................................................5 Blue Cross Blue Shield of Mississippi .................................20 Callaway’s Yard & Garden ...................................................24 Carter Sledge Family Dentistry...........................................35 C Spire.....................................................................................3 Chamblee Hospitality Group ..............................................18 Chandelier Luxury Linens ....................................................34 Christ Covenant School.......................................................51 College Savings Mississippi...................................................7 Comprehensive Pain Center of MS....................................27 Covenant Caregivers ...........................................................29 Dancing Divas / DSquared..................................................19 David Ingram Real Estate....................................................17 Dogwood Vision Care .........................................................60 East Lakeland Ob-Gyn Associates, PA...............................46 Energy Insulation..................................................................58 EyeCare Professionals..........................................................14 Eye Group of MS .................................................................30 First Presbyterian Day School .............................................56 Gamblin Orthodontics.........................................................44 GI Associates ..........................................................................9 Goodwill Industries ..............................................................43 Grantham Poole Certified Public Accountants .................35 Greenwood Chamber 300 Oaks Race...............................35 Highland Village...................................................................56 Hillcrest Christian .................................................................54 Hope Carr Art ......................................................................31 Jackson Academy ..................................................................2 Jackson Center for Smiles...................................................20 Jackson Heart.......................................................................34 Jackson Heart Foundation ..................................................61 Jackson Preparatory School................................................34 Law Offices of William B. Howell, Ltd. ...............................57 Maine’s Best Kept Secret ....................................................54 Methodist Rehabilitation Center ........................................46 Miskelly .................................................................................11 Mission Mississippi...............................................................59 Mississippi Children’s Museum ...........................................23 Mississippi College ..............................................................49 Mississippi Investment Management.................................28 Mississippi Urology Clinic, PLLC.........................................24 Mississippi Vision Correction Center..................................19 MWG Senior Services..........................................................50 Nebletts Frames...................................................................55 Nella......................................................................................41 Newk’s Eatery.......................................................................40 N. State Animal Hospital.....................................................62 O! How Cute ........................................................................58 Ole Miss Sports....................................................................39 Palmer Home Southern Soiree...........................................22 Persnickety............................................................................23 Pennington & Trim Alarm Services, Inc..............................25 Premier Medical Group of Mississippi ...............................44 Prime Care Nursing .............................................................21 Private Collection.................................................................49 Ray’s ......................................................................................56 Reformed Theological Seminary ........................................58 Sample & Poole Properties, LLC ........................................41 Shades Sunglasses & Casual Apparel ................................12 Sitters, LLC............................................................................56 Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company.................2 St. Catherine’s Village ............................................................8 St. Dominic’s ...........................................................................4 Stegall Imagery ....................................................................63 Summit Counseling..............................................................58 Sunnybrook Estates .............................................................48 The Art of Conversation by Mosh......................................17 The Veritas School ...............................................................31 The Waterford......................................................................28 Tinnin Imports ......................................................................64 Transformations River Oaks.................................................13 Trustmark Bank.....................................................................27 Venable Glass Services ........................................................58 WHJT Star 93.5....................................................................63 Woodridge Capital Portfolio Management.......................47 Word of Life ....................................................................32-33 Wright & Ferguson Funeral Home .....................................51 Written in Stone, LLC ..........................................................58 Yazoo Fire and Feast Festival..............................................51


If I gave everything I have to the poor & even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing. – 1 Corinthians 13:3

real love.

real acceptance.

www.star93fm.com metrochristianliving.com ❘ AUGUST 2013 63



Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.