July 2014 Mississippi Christian Living by Mississippi Christian Living

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JULY 2014

TERRORISM

A Clear and Present Danger

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contents JULY 2014

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columns 8 The Way I See It My Life, My All

10 Let’s Talk It Over Countering Chaos

12 This Is My Story Making a Difference Daily

14 Education Connection Terrorism: A Clear and Present Danger

16 The Middle Ages Remembering Danny

18 The Doctor Is In Advances in TMJ and Headache Treatment

features

20 Food for Thought

Major General Leon Collins

Fun July Recipes

An American Hero

32 Salt & Light Jonah’s Journey

34 Fresh Finds Summer Spotlight

36 Pastor’s Perspective One Nation Under God

38 Legal Advice

Do You Have a Will or a Trust? Why?

in every issue 6 40 41 42 42

Editor’s Letter Rave Reviews Events Calendar Quips & Quotes Advertiser Index

What’s Coming Next Month? The Marquez Family Turning Tragedy into Triumph

Publisher: MHS Publications, Inc., Member, M.I.P.A. Editor: Marilyn Tinnin marilyn@mschristianliving.com Associate Editor: Suzanne Durfey Art Direction/Graphic Design Sandra K. Goff Sales Marilyn Tinnin, Kimberly Stephens, Suzanne Durfey, Jill Waycaster West, Tara Dowden Contributing Writers The Very Rev’d. B. Keith Allen, Lydia Bolen, Luke Carpenter, Dr. Cole Fortenberry, Sherye S. Green, William B. Howell, Molly Meeks, Susan E. Richardson, Martin E. Willoughby, Jr. Cover Photography Stegall Imagery Distribution Assistants Laura Kidder, Randy Fortenberry, Andrea Sabillion, Rachel Schulte, Jerri Strickland, Priscilla Sullivan, Bob Whatley, Amanda Weems

Mississippi Christian Living 573 Highway 51 North, Suite C Ridgeland, MS 39157 Phone 601-790-9076 • Fax 601-790-9078 www.mschristianliving.com

Mississippi 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 lifechanging encounter with Jesus Christ. Views expressed in Mississippi Christian Living do not necessarily represent those of the publisher. Every effort has been made by the Mississippi 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 Mississippi 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.

Mississippi 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 Mississippi Christian Living, 573 Highway 51 North, Suite C, Ridgeland, MS 39157.

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➺editor’s letter The Blessing of Liberty “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:32 am red, white, and blue to the core. My parents made me that way. I can never remember a time when our dinner table conversation did not include some chatter about the government and the politics of the day. I am pretty sure I have told you before that when I was about three or four years

❝

He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.

❞

– Jim Elliott

6 JULY 2014 ❘ Mississippi Christian Living

old, I named my Christmas doll, “Ike.” After all, as often as President Eisenhower was mentioned over breakfast bacon, I thought he must be a revered uncle at the very least. I am also a product of public schools from an era when American history was front and center from the get-go. In the first grade, we colored pictures of little George Washington confessing to his father that he had chopped down the Cherry Tree. (Truth or myth, I learned that men of character tell the truth.) Right through Honest Abe and Presidents Eisenhower, Kennedy, and beyond, I learned America’s story, its principles, and why it was a very special country. We enjoyed a freedom that citizens of many other nations did not enjoy, and when I heard the melodious strains of “God Bless America,” “America the Beautiful,” or “The Star-Spangled Banner,” there were goose bumps, maybe even a tear or two, and pride. I was also thankful and a bit in awe that I could be so blessed to have been born in a nation that did not define my future by my blue blood or, to be honest, lack thereof. America has never placed a ceiling on what one could accomplish with talent, a good work ethic, and determination. I still believe in that American dream despite the significant uphill climb required today. Was it a perfect place? No. And it never will be perfect. We will not find Utopia this side of heaven. But as our cover story’s General Leon Collins told me during our visit, “If only every American could see for even five minutes exactly how the rest of the world lives, their whole perception of want and plenty would change radically.” My children accuse me of listening to too much news talk. They are correct. I do tend to overdose on it, and then, at some point, I max out and tune out for days at a time. During one of my most recent “cold turkey” disconnects, the thought occurred to me that the world into which Jesus came had its political problems, too. God’s people were on the bottom rung of the social and political ladders of the day. Jesus could have changed it all in an instant, thrown out the oppressors, and put His people in power. But he did not. I think He was not so much concerned with their circumstances as He was with their hearts. And so it is for us also. Sobering thought. At least it was for me that day. Jesus came to liberate our hearts, to fit us for the world beyond and to give every person the opportunity to know that His brand of freedom is greater than anything any government on earth can ever impart—or take away, for that matter. His kind of freedom is increasingly risky. That does not mean that we stop praying for this country that past lovers of liberty have prayed fervently for and written prose, poetry, and lyrics like these: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator…” or “…And this be our motto: ‘In God is our Trust.” Or these words from Thomas Jefferson, “Almighty God, Who has given us this good land for our heritage; We humbly beseech Thee that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of Thy favor and glad to do Thy will.” Perfect people? No. But isn’t that the best thing about the gospel? It was precisely because of man’s imperfection that Jesus Christ died on the cross. No small sacrifice and no small blessing. Enjoy this our issue that celebrates God and our America. And when you sit back and celebrate the Fourth of July, thank God for liberty—especially the liberty Jesus Christ gives to all who accept Him. Y

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

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

My Life, My All number of years ago when I was in law school, I had a professor who was a Believer. She shared an insight one day on faith that has stuck with me. She pointed out that we often talk about tithing as it

relates to money; however, we rarely talk about tithing and our time. She shared how this idea had helped her to think differently about the use of her time. She was very intentional about how she dedicated a portion of her time to faith activities. The point was not creating a legalistic new standard for “time tithing,” but to consider more about how we go about our daily life and how we establish our priorities. I enjoy author Randy Alcorn’s books, particularly The Treasure Principle. In the book, he reminds us that when it comes to our finances, God owns everything we have. We are just stewards of whatever assets we have for short period of time. As the expression goes, “You can’t take it with you.” Thinking about money that way can be challenging, but ultimately very rewarding. I find that it brings great peace to people when they reframe their thinking about who “owns” their stuff. I regularly see the physical toll it takes on people who center their lives on making and keeping their money. As I reflect on this idea, it strikes me that it goes further than just our stuff. As followers of Jesus, we recognize that our brief time here on earth is not really under our control either. I know for me, the process of surrendering my life to Christ is a constant struggle. I want CONTROL. I want to be constantly behind the wheel directing my life.

The Christian band Third Day in the song Offering shares an inspirational word on this topic. The chorus states in part:

“This is my offering to You, God And I will give You My life For it’s all I Have to give Because You gave Your life for me.” I think about that song a lot. Christ paid the ultimate price for us. What do I give in return? Do I say a fleeting prayer in the midst of an overscheduled day? Do I try to cram in a few minutes of Bible study? Do I even attempt to keep the Sabbath holy? Whew! The To-Do list of things to be a “good” Christian can be overwhelming. I don’t think that is the way it is supposed to be. I believe God cares less about my Christian checklist than whether He is my first love. I believe He wants All of me. Not the crumbs and leftovers. When Jesus said, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind,” (Luke 10:27), it seems to me that He is clear on what our priorities should be. I am the first to admit that it can be a challenge to deeply and passionately love someone who is not physically present and that you have never met. For me, it is when I reflect on the true hopelessness apart from Christ that I am driven to the foot of the Cross with a grateful heart. That leads me to want to spend time in prayer and study of His word. Not out of a sense of duty, but instead love and humility. I enjoy being around people who truly love Jesus. They inspire me to foster that kind of loving relationship. They challenge me to offer the only thing I have to offer to Him—my life. Y

I believe God cares less about my Christian checklist than whether He is my first love. I believe He wants All of me.

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 Memphis, Tennessee.

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Countering Chaos

he current trend of multitasking has caused many of us to get sucked into a chaotic lifestyle.

Sometimes we find ourselves repeating the same pattern of behavior even though it isn’t working or is holding us back. Maybe you realize that you need to make some changes—but you’re afraid that if you rock the boat, you might capsize an already unsteady ship. In today’s world, feeling overwhelmed by such a lifestyle can result in anxiety and depression. If chaos is clearly keeping us from leading healthy and meaningful lives, then why do so many of us continue down this path? In order to answer this question, we must first define what makes up a chaotic life.

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happiness is not from living life “right,” nor from having material possessions. When I traveled to Uganda for the first time, I learned that a simple life is more than likely a happy life. I was surrounded by children who had no toys, wore tattered clothes, were barefoot and dirty, and who lived in huts with no running water.Yet they were beaming with joy! Unfortunately, it was a lesson I quickly forgot. So this year I watched closely to try to see what I could learn from these Ugandan children with the hope of actually making lasting changes in my own life, changes that would help me live more simply and be more fully present with my family and friends. Now that I’m back, I hope to incorporate these new philosophies into my everyday life. Here’s what I’ve found is the key for countering chaos in your daily life: ◗ Let go of your drive to be perfect. We are not and cannot be perfect. Pray for direction and that the choices you make can be used to glorify God. ◗ Turn off your phone. Choose to be fully present with your family and friends.

◗ Carrying a Smartphone that ensures everyone will be able to reach you within minutes—whether by call, text, email, or Facebook.

◗ Relax and accept the grace that God offers us rather than focusing on earning His approval. Consciously try to move, eat, talk, etc., more slowly.

◗ Dedicating yourself to making sure your children have everything they want.

◗ Surround yourself with healthy friends. Find a Sunday school class or small group that fits your stage in life and be genuine with them.

◗ Working full time plus so you can fund your high-end lifestyle or so you don’t risk disappointing those with whom you work. ◗ Trying to provide home-cooked meals regularly and keep your house clean and perfectly organized. Does any of this sound familiar? It was all too familiar to me when I departed on my second mission trip to Uganda this spring. I went on the journey with the intention of witnessing to and helping those who are less fortunate. My goal was to serve God by following His Word in Matthew 25:40, “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ ” However, as is often the case with mission trips, I feel like I received much more than I gave. I was reminded that the source of

◗ Try to think positively and keep your sense of humor. Laughter is a wellknown stress and anxiety antidote. ◗ Simplify. Stuff equals stress—so de-clutter your cabinets, drawers, and closets. These types of life changes are not going to just occur on their own. They will require commitment and maybe even an accountability partner. Don’t you think we’re worth it? God does! Y Molly Meeks, LPC, is a therapist at Summit Counseling providing counsel in the areas of caregiving, depression, stress, anxiety, loneliness, and grief. She can be reached at mmeeks@fbcj.org or 601.949.1949.

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➺this is my story by LUKE CARPENTER

Making a Difference Daily was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Army 10 years ago upon graduating from the United States Military Academy. The path that lay ahead was not planned but promised. The attacks of September 11,

2001, happened as I began my Yearling (sophomore) year at West Point. I remember the somber phone call with my parents, Carol and Nancy Carpenter, and vividly remember the conversation that would change my life forever. No one knew that our armed forces would be immersed in two wars before I graduated, but the possibilities were evident. My immediate feelings were not those of fear, but anticipation. I didn’t know what the future held for me—but traveling overseas to a foreign country went from a future possibility to a determined inevitability between my Calculus and Physics classes. Honestly, I knew the possibility of seeing combat was possible when I entered the Academy, but it was not apparent until that morning. I deployed to Iraq in 2005 as an Armor officer. Upon landing in Iraq, I was welcomed by other classmates who had graduated a year earlier and were headed back home. I learned what I could from them about the area and what my tour would be like. “You’ll get a platoon,” they assured me. “Don’t be too comfortable in the Headquarters.”

We tried not to talk about the politics of why we were there. Nothing would change the fact that others needed us every day. This is where I learned that love for each other was a greater motivator than hate for any enemy. I learned all I could from them and was excited when I found out a platoon leader slot had just opened up in Alpha Company 1-13 AR. We were based out of Camp Taji just North of Baghdad in the, then named, Sunni Triangle—a very anti-American area that had most recently escalated their use of IEDs or roadside bombs. I met my platoon on the first day of patrols in this area. Our training to this point was engaging the enemy in combat through direct fire, but we soon learned that our mission was going to focus more on protection of 12 JULY 2014 ❘ Mississippi Christian Living

the main supply route through Iraq. We patrolled that main supply route 8 hours a day, 7 days a week for the next year. My group patrolled during the cover of darkness from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. Ambushes were common and protecting convoys from roadside bombs became an everyday occurrence. We went through every patrol expecting the worst. Some soldiers saw this as just another day at work, but many were motivated not out of hate for the enemy but for the protection of our brothers and sisters that drove that route everyday moving supplies. This is what brought me the greatest strength during this time. We tried not to talk about the politics of why we were there. Nothing would change the fact that others needed us every day. This is where I learned that love for each other was a greater motivator than hate for any enemy. We did the best we could with what we had. The brutality of war cannot be exaggerated, but the opportunities to share the gospel were constantly presenting themselves. My mother and a group of women and men, from our home church, First Baptist Church of Columbus, MS, began stuffing, sewing, and shipping “cold collars” to send to my company in Iraq. The water-soaked rag would keep our necks cool during patrols and acted as a phenomenal way to share the love of Christ with fellow soldiers. While many loved using these rags, they received just as much enjoyment from the encouraging letters included in these packages. I was blessed with a Christian family and community willing to comfort and encourage me as a child but I know now this lifestyle is, sadly, an exception and not a rule. Many of my brothers and sisters in arms were overwhelmed that someone was willing to take the time to make sure their personal Luke and mom, Nancy Luke Carpenter.

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comfort was a priority. The patriotism of these Christian brothers and sisters is equally as important to protecting our nation and its freedom. In World War II, citizens bought war bonds, and during Operation Iraqi Freedom, they made neck collars and sent countless care packages. While that sounds flippant, the thankful sentiment is real. These people couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t ease everyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s painâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;but they did the best good where they knew they could make a difference, through an exercise of love. I feel the same way about patriotism in America. We as Americans are at our best when we seek to aid those in need through love and compassion instead of through demonizing and belittling anyone different from us. My wife and I continued this when, soon after we married, we began making sack lunches for the homeless during the first years of our marriage. We knew we couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t end hunger but we could make a difference in peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lives with what resources we had. In the last 13 years, our nation has seen a renaissance of patriotism. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m thankful for this, but patriotism does not equate to salvation. We can make a difference every dayâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;through actions done with the abilities and resources that God has given to each of us. We live in a wounded world and the only way to make a permanent and lasting difference is sharing the love of Christ one day at a time. Y Editorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s note: A native of Columbus, MS, Luke Carpenter is a 2004 graduate of the United States Military Academy. He was deployed from Fort Riley, Kansas, to Iraq from 2005 until 2006.While in Iraq he was promoted to Captain and served as a Platoon Leader of an Armored Division. Luke was awarded the Bronze Star Medal. He now lives in Canton, Ohio, with his wife, Raena, and their one year-old daughter, Jane. Luke is a Project Controls Analyst with Access Midstream.

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➺education connection by SHERYE S. GREEN

TERRORISM

A Clear and Present Danger ong before I became a teacher, I worked in the business world as a communications and public relations specialist. One of many tasks I was charged with

insight on a new topic with my spellbound students. The other speakers likewise shared their expertise, discussing subjects from types of terrorism including domestic, religious, and suicide to weapons of mass destruction to counterterrorism organizations such as was developing a crisis management plan, a critical component of any the FBI and the National Counterterrorism Center to the geo-political company’s overall business strategy. Such a plan provides detailed backgrounds of current world events. instructions to be followed by employees, should an emergency American students, when compared to those of other nations, situation arise such as a catastrophic storm or an act of workplace display an appalling dearth of historical literacy. A recent “Watters’ violence. Just as school children participate in tornado drills in order to World” segment of The O’Reilly Factor featured Fox News producer prepare for inclement weather, a crisis management plan insures that and commentator Jesse Watters interviewing college-age students. an organization could maintain some semblance of Watters pitched his subjects a variety of questions regarding the order when faced with overwhelming circumstances. significance of the Memorial Day holiday and basic facts of twentiethDuring my years as a member of the faculty of Jackson Preparatory century American history. While the ridiculousness of the students’ School, I had the privilege to teach a class, Terrorism in the 21st answers was entertaining, the depth of their ignorance concerning Century, which I also authored. The class, based on one of my favorite their own birthright as American citizens was courses taken while in graduate school, covered a host quite sobering. of topics comprising the complicated and oftenA favorite quote regarding terrorism is attributed to confounding conundrum of terrorism. Terrorism is an the eighteenth-century statesman Edmund Burke, extremely fascinating topic. Terrorism is also an “The only thing necessary for the triumph intensely personal subject for me, as my Stamping out apathy of evil is for good men to do nothing.” son wears the uniform of this country. I in today’s society is as Stamping out apathy in today’s society is as concur with the philosophy held dear by important as fighting important as fighting ignorance in all its founding father Thomas Jefferson, “An forms. Believing that knowledge is power, I educated citizenry is indispensable for the ignorance in all its hope that not only my students, but proper functioning of a republic.” forms. Believing that every American, will educate A well-rounded education in today’s knowledge is power, I themselves about this complex topic. world must contain more than the four We live in a post-9/11 world, and we core disciplines—English, mathematics, hope that not only my can never go back to the way it was before. science, and social studies. American students, but every Although not a new phenomenon, terrorism students also need to be equipped with American, will educate as waged in this twenty-first century is a knowledge of the world around them. As themselves about this very real threat and has morphed into a some of that information can be both scary highly sophisticated, deadly form of asymmetrical and confusing, discussing it within the context of a complex topic. warfare. The horrors of 9/11 made that all too clear. frank, honest, and non-threatening conversation in a The great driving force of most of today’s terrorism is classroom setting can be beneficial. In the event that a fanatical religious ideology called Islamism that an act of terrorism occurred close to home, I wanted seeks to drown out all other voices but its own. my students prepared. This class was my crisis management plan. The danger of terrorism is not just posed by citizens from beyond I had three specific goals in mind when writing the course: 1) to our borders. One of the most insidious threats to America’s security provide easily understandable, up-to-the-minute, factual information on comes from sons and daughters of this great land, both native and the topic; 2) to enable my students to understand the very real danger naturalized. The 1995 bombing of the Murrah Federal Building and the terrorism theoretically poses to each and every American; and 3) to 2013 Boston Marathon Bombing are graphic illustrations of this rising arm my students with information which potentially could save their terrorism trend. lives. My greatest deficit in teaching this class was that I have no actual As we celebrate our country’s birthday this July 4th, let us never personal experience related to combatting terrorism. As the class met forget the great price at which the security of this nation has been only one period a day and lasted for the duration of a semester rather maintained. The words of President Ronald Reagan continue to ring than an entire school year, it lent itself perfectly to inviting speakers to true, “Freedom is never more than one generation away from class, experts from both military and government circles, who brought extinction.” If America is to remain free, then protecting freedom’s wall to life for my students the concepts, which for me at best, were only from all dangers, clear and present, must continue to be an integral words on a page. part of our nation’s crisis management plan. Y Within the first few weeks of the inaugural class, I had the great fortune to be introduced to Frank Janotta, who at the time served as the Anti-Terrorism Program Manager for the Mississippi National Guard. Sherye Green is a lifelong Jacksonian, a teacher at Hinds Community Having served previously with both the Marine Corps and the Army, College, and a wife, mother, and grandmother. Sherye and her Frank possessed a wealth of information. He graciously agreed to husband Mark are members of First Baptist Church in Jackson. She is also the author of Abandon Not My Soul. partner with me and returned to class every few weeks to share 14 JULY 2014 ❘ Mississippi Christian Living

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➺the middle ages Remembering Danny by SHERYE S. GREEN

od bless America, land that I love.” These are the

“G

opening lines to one of my favorite songs. Penned by Irving Berlin in 1918 and immortalized by Kate Smith, this anthem has never been needed more than it is today, in this hour, for this generation. Too many of us have forgotten the sacrifices made by few on behalf of the many. We have become complacent and smug. We have begun to think that America’s greatness is due to the works of man, rather than prospered by the hand of the Almighty. We’ve mistakenly mislabeled desires as rights and failed to protect the rights we’ve already been given. Most of all, we’ve failed to say “thank you” to those who keep the torch of freedom’s light burning bright. Just like spoiled children, we’ve let selfishness and greed crowd out a grateful spirit. What a privilege I’ve had for the past 18 years to teach at Jackson Preparatory School and, for most of those years, to share with students the amazing story of this great nation,

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be alive somewhere? to introduce the next generation of Americans Years later, while a college junior, I to heroes like George Washington and participated in a USO tour, performing at Frederick Douglass, to trace our nation’s path Veterans Administration hospitals throughout of liberty since the American Revolutionary the southeastern United States. On that tour, I War, to encourage the appreciation of the encountered many of Danny’s fellow Vietnam power of words as expressed in great vets, on many of whom the war had taken a documents such as the Declaration of heavy psychological toll. As I greeted patients Independence and the Gettysburg Address. after each show, I thought of Danny. How thankful I am for the many opportunities Once married, I continued my support of afforded me as a daughter of this nation. How grateful I am for the men and women who have the red, white, and blue. My husband and I are the proud parents of a son in the Navy Medical fought for the freedom to live in a country Service Corps. My father-in-law was a Marine. I where such opportunities exist. have served as a volunteer with various If I had to pinpoint a time in my life when I military support developed a deep organizations. As the appreciation for this country and those who On May 18 of that same year mother of a son in uniform, I honor the memory of protect her, I would have and unbeknownst to me, Danny’s name, knowing to go back to the Captain Daniel Day Entrican, that what I’ve already been beginning. I arrived into from Brookhaven, Mississippi, witness to in my son’s this world in 1959 at military career was not Ireland Army Hospital at disappeared while on a shared by the Entrican Fort Knox, Kentucky, mission in the Thua Thin family in the life of their where my dad was Province of South Vietnam. son. In another time, under stationed as a captain in different circumstances, the Army Dental Corps. that could have as easily He served his country for three-and-a-half years and then left the service been my son’s name on a bracelet. Even more years later in 1995, I had the to begin his career as a pediatric dentist. Red, serendipitous opportunity to meet Danny’s white, and blue have long been favorite colors sister, the late Judy Entrican Kirkpatrick. How in our family. I completed the sixth grade in May 1971. On meaningful it was to be able to finally meet a member of Danny’s immediate family. On the May 18 of that same year and unbeknownst to day we met, I was attending a business me, Captain Daniel Day Entrican, from Brookhaven, Mississippi, disappeared while on meeting, which was taking place in the newlyopened Secondary Library and Media Center a mission in the Thua Thin Province of South Vietnam. He was a member of an Army Special at Jackson Academy. Judy was the head librarian. Keith Branning, the senior high Forces unit, Recon Team Alaska. Known as principal and a mutual friend, introduced us. Danny to family and friends, his whereabouts Judy and I shed tears as we recalled Danny’s have never been determined. To this day, short, but very important life. Danny became Danny’s remains have never been discovered. very real for me the day I met his sister, and Danny’s life and mine intersected a few when I hugged her, I felt in some way that I was years later. While a junior high student, I touching him. ordered a POW/MIA bracelet from the War Throughout the years, my students and I Department in an effort to do my part as a have written letters to a number of American young American to support my fellow service personnel as a way to show our countrymen who were serving half a world appreciation for their service to our country. away in the Vietnam War. Danny’s name was Letters have been shipped as far away as Iraq on the bracelet I received. That bracelet and as close to home as Georgia. What I would served as a reminder for me to pray for have given to be able to send one of those Danny and for his family. I remember letters to Danny. How grateful I am for the life of spending countless hours posing endless Daniel Day Entrican. He has been an questions about this name engraved on the inspiration to me. His story is one I will tell over band around my wrist. Who was Danny and over. Danny will live forever in Entrican? What did he look like? How did he become an MIA? Was it possible he might still my heart.Y

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➺the doctor is in Advances in

TMJ and Headache Treatment Editor’s Note: When we ran this same column last summer, it turned out to be our most popular “The Doctor Is In” of all time. It bears repeating!

Dr. Cole Fortenberry

ANSWERS YOUR QUESTIONS here are over 80 million Americans that suffer from chronic temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain, chronic headaches, and migraines. Many of these conditions

have dental force related imbalances that either cause or aggravate these issues. Patients suffering from these symptoms should not only see their physician, but should also consider seeing their dentist. The most common symptoms of TMJ disorder include headache, face pain, and aches in and around the ear. People with TMJ problems may also experience a sense of dizziness or imbalance and feel like their ears are clogged or ringing. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, TMJ disorders are the second most common pain-causing musculoskeletal conditions after chronic low back pain. TMJ disorders affect 5 to 12 percent of the population, and women are twice as likely as men to experience TMJ disorders. Most people who have TMJ problems experience temporary but recurring pain that may go away on its own. However, some cases result in longterm problems. According to the National Headache Foundation, over 45 million Americans suffer from chronic, recurring headaches. About 20 percent of children and adolescents also have significant headaches. And according to the American Migraine Foundation, 36 million Americans (about 12 percent of the population) suffer from migraine headaches. 18 JULY 2014 ❘ Mississippi Christian Living

One-in-four households in America have a member with migraines. Migraines are three times more common in women than men, with migraines affecting 30 percent of women over a lifetime. Many people who suffer from TMJ/Headache problems have spent significant time and money looking for a solution. They have visited multiple health care professionals and tried various medications and therapies without much relief. Now, a new diagnostic and treatment system has been introduced to dental offices called TruDenta. This leading edge technology allows professionals to quickly pinpoint possible problems, that when properly treated can decrease or alleviate pain. Local dentist Dr. Cole Fortenberry has been implementing the TruDenta system and has experienced great success in helping this group of patients achieve significant pain relief. His Madison dental practice performs a wide variety of dental procedures, but has a special focus on helping people with TMJ dysfunction.

Dr. Fortenberry, when a patient who has suffered from chronic TMJ pain, headaches, or migraines comes to you, what is done initially to determine what could be a factor in their symptoms? Dr. Fortenberry: Most patients we see have already seen their physician to rule out any life threatening or organic pathologies. Our office uses new technologies to allow us to screen patients using a digital bite force analyzer to measure the different dynamic forces in the mouth (musculature, joints, and teeth) to pinpoint imbalances. This allows us to determine the type of treatment or combination of therapies that might be needed. We also use a computerized tool that measures the cervical range of motion and identifies dysfunction or disability in the muscles of the head and neck. In an in-office screening appointment, we can determine whether the patient’s TMJ pain is related to improper or imbalanced forces.

Does the program involve pain, needles, or drugs? No, in fact, it’s exactly the opposite. There is no pain

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

whatsoever with our treatments. The TruDenta treatments are conservative and non-invasive, and the program is specifically designed to help decrease pain and reduce the need for medicines. Patients report that the therapies are very relaxing and most begin experiencing pain relief after one or two treatments.

Give us an example of the kinds of treatments you might perform on a chronic TMJ pain sufferer. Because TMJ dysfunction, headache, and migraine sufferers have many sensitivities that can trigger pain, our treatment plans are designed to be slow, conservative, and effective. We use a combination of FDA approved medical devices to reduce inflammation and restore blood flow in the muscles and TMJ. Additionally we use lowlevel cold laser therapy to help restore energy at a cellular level. We also use a specially designed mouth orthotic that helps restore normal function in the TMJ, and then selectively correct the bite imbalances with the aid of our digital bite analysis system. The thing that really makes this system unique is the blend of treatments: some that target muscles and nerves—combined with advanced dental treatments targeting TMJ dysfunction and bite imbalance.

What kind of results have you seen? The results have been amazing. We have treated a number of patients who have been plagued with severe TMJ pain, headaches, and migraines for more than 10 years, robbing them of countless hours of their lives every week. These

patients come into my office desperate for help. When you can help take away or reduce their pain in a matter of weeks, it becomes a life-changing experience for that patient. As a healthcare professional, helping my patients become free of pain is the most rewarding part of my practice.

In what other ways can the TruDenta technology and training you have received be used? The TruDenta system is not only effective on patients with TMJ problems, but also patients who clench or grind their teeth or who have tinnitus (ringing in the ears).

Is treatment affordable? Are there options to pay for it? What about insurance coverage? We strive to make the cost of care affordable, with treatments ranging from several hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, depending on the number and types of treatments needed. Certain insurance plans cover the treatment, and financing is available.

How can we find out more about the TruDenta system? Visit www.smile4alifetime.com for more information and to see patient testimonials, or call 601-853-3565 to schedule your consultation in our office. Y

Dr. Fortenberry is a general dentist that has been in practice in Madison since 1990. He is a member of the American Dental Association (ADA) and the Mississippi Dental Association (MDA).

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601-856-5660 www.CovenantCaregivers.com mschristianliving.com ❘ JULY 2014 19

➺food for thought by LYDIA BOLEN

FUN JULY RECIPES T

he month of July is filled with patriotic celebrations, reunions, and vacations. Time to share and enjoy fun recipes that are both easy to prepare and transfer. Watermelon is the fruit of the summer season. It means SUMMER! I love putting watermelon in salads or just enjoying it sliced and ice cold. Watermelon Salsa is an interesting twist with an unexpected taste. Firecracker Cookies are liked by all. They are especially easy since they are made with cake mix. They remind me of a combination of a sugar cookie and wedding cake. For color, use red, white, and blue sprinkles in the batter. If you can’t locate solid colors, just use the multicolored sprinkles. Cold Corn Dip is my family’s favorite appetizer. It is always on the menu when we are together. This cold dip has stood the test of time. Simply put it in a pretty bowl with plenty of Frito Scoops and it will disappear! Happy summer to all!

WATERMELON SALSA 11/2 1/4 1 3/4 3 1 2 1 /4 1/4 1/2

SHOEPEG CORN DIP

teaspoons lime rind, grated cup fresh lime juice tablespoon sugar teaspoon ground black pepper cups watermelon, seeded and finely chopped cucumber, peeled, seeded and diced jalapeno peppers, seeded and minced cup red onion, chopped cup fresh basil, chopped teaspoon salt Tortilla chips

Whisk together first four ingredients in a large bowl. Add watermelon and next four ingredients, gently tossing to coat. Chill until ready to serve. Stir in salt just before serving. Serve with tortilla chips. Yields about 3 cups.

1 (10 ounce) can shoepeg white corn, drained 1/2 cup light sour cream 1/2 cup mayonnaise (I use either Hellman’s or Duke’s) 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated 1/3 cup green onions, chopped (3 or 4) Worcestershire sauce (a couple of shakes) Creole Seasoning (a couple of shakes)

Mix all ingredients together. Serve with Frito Scoops. Best made the night before for flavors to blend.

FIRECRACKER COOKIES 1 1 2 1/2 1/2 1

box French Vanilla cake mix teaspoon baking powder eggs teaspoon vanilla cup vegetable oil cup of sprinkles, (Red, white, and blue mix)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a mixing bowl, add cake mix and baking powder and stir. Add vanilla and oil. Stir until well combined. Stir in the sprinkles. Drop by tablespoons onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Also, can use a medium size cookie scoop and place cookies onto a cookie sheet lined with a Silpat. Bake about 10 minutes. Let the cookies sit a few minutes before transferring to a cooking rack. Y

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

Remember to make memories through the kitchen— “the heartbeat of the home.” E-mail me at lbbolen@gmail.com for any questions. 20 JULY 2014 ❘ Mississippi Christian Living

mschristianliving.com â?&#x2DC; JULY 2014 21

Major General Leon Collins

An American Hero

As the Adjutant General of Mississippi, Major General Leon Collins bears the responsibility of commanding the Mississippi Army and Air National Guard. In that role, he is the head of Mississippi’s Military, and it is his duty to see that the 12,000+ Citizen Soldiers and Airmen are equipped and ready to do whatever they are called to do in any emergency—man-made or natural. Much could be made of the fact that he is the first African American to be appointed to this prestigious position, but that fact is completely irrelevant. He was chosen by Governor Phil Bryant in 2012, because he was, by far, the very best man for the job. General Collins represents everything that is good and right about the United States of America, and he is a courageous, decorated and battle-tested soldier. Governor Bryant, reflecting on the day Collins officially took the reins of his office said, “General Leon Collins is without a doubt one of the finest leaders in Mississippi. His military capabilities are without question—in 2005, he commanded Mississippi’s largest mobilization since World War II, but it is his character that truly sets him apart. I remember the day Mrs. Collins and I pinned the General with his new rank. In front of the men and women he leads, he

stood at the podium with his arms outstretched, recalling Christ’s sacrifice on the Cross, speaking openly and movingly about his faith. I am proud to serve with him and proud of the job he does in leading the men and women of the Mississippi National Guard and Air National Guard.” The former Commander of the 155th Armored Brigade Combat Team from 2004 to 2006 spent 16 months in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. His daily duties included overseeing 4,500 soldiers who looked to him for orders, and, to a certain extent, the intangible sense that he was in this with them and they were all in it for a high and worthy purpose. He was about 7,000 miles away from his native Booneville, and even farther from anything he had ever imagined, on the day in 1977 when he signed on the dotted line and became a full-fledged member of the Mississippi National Guard.

mschristianliving.com ❘ JULY 2014 23

General Collins and younger son, Benjamin (in the Ole Miss shirt), went on a mission trip to Honduras in 2011 with their home church, New Hope Baptist.

Time in Iraq meant multiple duties. General Collins loved time spent with the local children, but there were more serious times than he can even count.

At the time, the college benefits and the extra money seemed like the best reasons to join. The 19-year-old student at Northeast Community College (NCC) did have a passing thought or two about the on-the-job leadership training that would likely come in handy in a later career, but he had no idea that the military was going to become his career. In 1977, he was a full-time college student who was paying his way as a full-time bus driver for the Prentiss County schools. He knew he wanted to continue his education after NCC, and joining the Guard would definitely make that possible. He went on to earn his Bachelor of Business Administration from Ole Miss and later his Master of Business Administration degree from Jackson State. Thirty-seven years later, however, he has no regrets that his path led to the military instead of the marketplace. “I’ve been in the military now since 1977,” he says. “I’ve had the opportunity to visit a number of different countries. And not all of those countries had anything to do with war. But the military has given me the opportunity to see how people around the world live. Some of those places are nice, but, still, there is only one place that I want to live, and that is in the United States of America.”

Taking the Command After a brief time working for the Mississippi Employment Security Commission, General Collins took a full-time post with the National Guard in 1988 as a deputy Inspector General. Part of his job description was to maintain a vigilant watch over the readiness of the troops. Each summer he went through his summer 24 JULY 2014 ❘ Mississippi Christian Living

training, working on equipment and weapon systems, basically learning everything that might be necessary to know in times of combat. There was no guarantee that he would ever have to use his training, but he had always been one to work hard, and so he continued to push himself to master whatever was in front of him. He was promoted to the next rank each time he was eligible, and by the time 2004 arrived, he had achieved the rank of Brigadier General—a one-star level in the world of Generals. To this point, General Collins had served his entire career stateside, coming close to being deployed during Desert Storm, but then that war ended before his group was actually called. He was taken aback altogether when General Harold Cross, Adjutant General in 2004, called him and told him that the 155th Brigade would be going to Iraq in the next few months. The soldiers had been mobilized in training at Camp Shelby for almost a month when a routine physical revealed a heart problem with then Commander Brigadier General Ben Gaston. That heart issue would prevent him from serving overseas. It was necessary to find a very quick replacement. General Collins was one of a very few whose credentials made him eligible for the position. It is called being “asked” to do something in the military, but I’m not so sure “asked” is exactly an accurate word. General Collins

accepted the appointment and was immediately the Commander of the active duty 155th Armored Brigade. This assignment was huge. It was also overwhelming—4,500 soldiers were looking to him for leadership. Here he was in the most significant assignment of his career getting a very late start at leading a mission that was critically important, not just for his soldiers, but also for the United States of America. The soldiers in this battalion had already had four weeks of training and preparation. As Commander-come-lately, General Collins had to jump into his role as leader while at the same time going backward to also navigate and master every drill, requirement, and training course his men had already completed. And of course, he had to do it all with that calm sense of strength that everyone expects in their leader. In a day of 24 hours, he really needed about 12 more!

It was an email from his youngest son, Benjamin, that really settled him down and removed any doubts that the task was bigger than he was, but his help and salvation would come from God. Ben was just a seventh grader at the time when he sent his father a quote that someone had sent to him. It said, “If God brings you to it, He’ll bring you through it.” General Collins had been praying, but he had also been struggling a lot in his own strength, worrying that he would not be up to the task. The Twenty-Third Psalm is his favorite scripture, and he had repeated its comforting words more times than he could count, but those words from his son’s email really grabbed his heart. “It was like a big weight was lifted off me that day. I felt like the Lord was speaking to me saying, ‘You know, you are worrying way too much about this. Just do what you’ve been trained to do. Let the training take over and leave the rest to me and everything is going to be all right.’ ” There was a peace in the middle of the uncertainty from that point on. Every day was

General Collins coached a select soccer team in 2011. This under 11 team, part of the Soccer Organization of Central Jackson, won the state championship!

filled with lots of uncertainty, but Collins had an anchor that kept him steady in the middle of it all.

The Daily Grind of War in Iraq General Collins had already spent 27 years in the National Guard when he deployed to Iraq. The entire discipline of military training had undergone a transformation during those years. Back in the 1970s and 1980s, strategy and application were geared toward a potential war with Russia. After the fall of the Soviet Union and

the birth of Al Qaeda, the battlefield was different, and the enemy required a totally different brand of warfare. It was all completely new—and it was constantly changing. As one of General Collins’ fellow officers told a reporter on the January afternoon in 2006 when the last of the 155th Brigade returned to Mississippi amid fanfare, lots of American flags, cheers, and tears, “It’s not a linear battlefield. It’s not us against them, and that [new warfare] is something these soldiers are constantly dealing with on a daily basis.” As General Collins describes, “Death was just all around us. There is just no way our soldiers will ever forget some of the situations that we saw on the ground over there. I don’t know what makes someone handle it better than others…” Some of it, he says, is just worldview, an individual perspective on life. But for General Collins who woke up every day for 16 months knowing he was in charge of 4,500 other soldiers, his strength came from God. “I just prayed every morning that the Lord would give me the ability to make good decisions that day so that we wouldn’t lose anybody that day and we would be able to accomplish the missions that had been given to us. And, you know, at the end of the day, I would thank Him we were able to make it through—usually unscathed. It’s a tremendous responsibility when you’ve got that many soldiers under your command because you can’t protect them all. So, you just work with your staff, come up with the best plans you can, and pray.” General Collins says, “This type of warfare that we were engaged in in Iraq was warfare where you couldn’t easily identify the enemy. mschristianliving.com ❘ JULY 2014 25

Medicare Made

Eas y! General Collins and Debra celebrate Benjamin’s high school graduation from St. Andrews Episcopal School in Ridgeland. Today, Benjamin is beginning his senior year at Ole Miss where his dad is in the Alumni Hall of Fame. Looking on is big brother William, a graduate of Delta State, who works today for Baptist Health Systems in Madison.

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Americans, especially, could not identify them because there are no uniforms on the enemy. They dress like anybody else walking down the street. The local people could tell the difference. And in a lot of cases, we had the opportunity to develop close enough relationships with some of the local people to where they would tell us when there were new people in town who were probably part of the insurgency.” General Collins’ men would go, take the individuals into custody, question them, and if they found any type of weapons, ignitions, or explosives, they had the authority to arrest the insurgents. Every day was different. Every day was dangerous. There was a heightened sense of being on guard every second of every day. Never was there a moment when the word “safe” was appropriate. The focused training that occurs once a group is mobilized includes specific education called “Cultural Awareness.” The serious importance of understanding it all and remembering it all cannot be overemphasized. In a Middle Eastern country, ignoring one of their revered customs could yield dire consequences. One of the biggest challenges for Collins was “wanting to get around and spend time with soldiers.” He was keenly aware that

these 4,500 men under his command were flesh and blood individuals, who beyond being soldiers were also husbands, sons, fathers, friends, and their lives had great value. At one point during the war, he had men in seven different operating locations spread across miles and miles. It was impossible, from a logistics standpoint, to get to every location in one day, or even in one week. Despite the difficulty, Collins thought it was more than important. He thought it imperative taking the words of General George Patton very seriously. Patton said that soldiers had a great need to see their leader and to know that he was there fighting with them. So, General Collins would head out on a Tuesday, either driving in a convoy or possibly traveling by helicopter, visit an operation Tuesday afternoon, all day Wednesday, returning to his station on Thursday afternoon. The next week he would go through the same routine, but would travel to a different location. During those visits, Collins took part in the patrols, spent time with the locals, and did all he could to assure his men that he was just as close to the fray as each of them were. He was as much at risk for an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) to explode in his path as the next man or woman. Losing a soldier was by far the most

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killing others they are dying for such a the soldiers, who begged for candy, and who devastating aspect of war, and you never get worthy cause and that Allah is pleased. were so grateful for the attention and the used to it. As General Collins says, “Nothing affection of the Americans. He wonders how shocks you to reality of war more than losing they are faring amid the violence. “The a soldier. We had only taken command of the The Ties That Bind people there are so different. Someone can area about four or five days before when we One distinction of troops in wartime is the had our first casualty. It was bond forged among them— definitely a wake-up call that, perhaps the strongest of all bonds okay, you guys are at and the most enduring. Soldiers war now.” who have served together are General Collins can recite the members of a select fraternity, and name and hometown of that though, if truth be told, few would soldier even now a decade later. have gone looking for such drama, In total, during those 16 months, there is a depth of devotion to one there were 27 men of the 155th another that is only born during the Brigade who lost their lives. unique period of shared danger. Every fallen soldier was a gutGeneral Collins says, “Once you wrenching loss, as well as an go serve, just serving with American hero. someone creates a bond. But to And when the 155th Brigade serve with someone in combat returned in 2006, they felt so creates an altogether different type proud of what they had of bond.” accomplished. They left behind a He describes what it is like even stabilized region in Southern these eight years post-combat Iraq. There was a lot of pride for when he runs into a soldier whose the mission and a lot of hope for right shoulder patch indicates that the Iraqi people and their future. he was a member of the 155th General Collins’ body armor he wore in Iraq every time he went into During the violence in recent Brigade. There is a real kinship the field. The hat is a gift from friends from Kazakhstan (guitar); A weeks, Collins has watched the between them as General Collins gift from his friends in the Non Commissioned Officers Association news reports with a great says, “I know that’s one of (NCOA). General Collins has been committed to helping them build personal interest. He does feel their ranks and educate eligible members about the benefits, as well my guys.” invested in the outcome. At the Today, sitting behind his desk in as the importance of their voice in issues pertaining to veterans. He time of our interview, the fighting laughs that he can’t play it, but it makes a great story! his office at the Mississippi National was still north of Baghdad, and Guard complex in Jackson, he can the region he had commanded was still south walk into a crowd with a suicide bomb and look around the paneled walls covered with of the greatest conflict. “But once it gets south just blow people up. You never know who is awards, newspaper clippings, family pictures, of Baghdad, that will be in the area where the involved in it, and they sometimes kill scores personal memorabilia, and be proud of the of people—young children, too—all at 155th was,” he says. past three decades. Everything the eye can one time.” He admits he has thought a lot in recent see reveals the things that matter to him— The hardest thing to wrap one’s mind days about the locals who welcomed the faith, family, country, integrity, and courage— around is that the suicide bombers do such American presence. He remembers, good things. His is a story of a very good things voluntarily—proudly believing while especially, the children who loved to talk to soldier and a very fine American. Y 28 JULY 2014 ❘ Mississippi Christian Living

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VISIT COLUMBUS.

The City That Has It All...

Time to be swept away, by four seasons of celebrations in the South’s most beautiful historic city. Festivals and fun. Grand and gorgeous historic homes. Birthplace of America’s greatest playwright,Tennessee Williams. Ghost tours that tingle the spine and touch the imagination. In a recreational paradise, the hunting and ﬁshing are superb, and in a city of legendary artists, the music and magic are never-ending. Shop, dine, savor. Follow your passions, follow your heart, to Columbus in 2014!

Year-Round Daily Historic Home Tours s July Southside/ Townsend Park Blues Festival s Crawford Cotton Boll Festival s August Artesia Days s Roast N’ Boast September Tennessee Williams Tribute s October TH !VENUE (ERITAGE &ESTIVAL s Caledonia Days s Eudora Welty Writers’ Symposium s October 30-November 1 Decorative Arts & Preservation Forum/Antiques Show & Sale s November 2014 Ghosts & Legends s January 2015 DREAM 365: MLK Celebration s APRIL 6-18, 2015 75TH ANNUAL COLUMBUS SPRING PILGRIMAGE

30 JULY 2014 ❘ Mississippi Christian Living

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SHOPPING ~ RESTAURANTS~ ATTRACTIONS

hat a great community of Believers whose stories you are going to get to read in coming months! From the devastating tornado that ravaged their entire area in May, we have already gathered real life stories from real life people who are living out their faith in Christ and seeing His faithfulness in the toughest of times. Stay tuned!

➺salt & light by KATHARINE HEWLETT

CHANGING THE WORLD ver seven years ago in Nashville, Tennessee, a prison chaplain approached LeAllison Whittinghill about taking care of a baby, soon to be born to a pregnant, incarcerated mother. The baby’s name was Jonah. After receiving

Jonah, LeAllison and her husband, already parents of four children, were inspired in a way they never expected. Through volunteering on a weekly basis at the prison, LeAllison realized state-run foster care was the only option for women who gave birth in prison. After much prayer, she and her family made the decision to give incarcerated women another option, a better option. LeAllison started meeting with pregnant mothers who were incarcerated in an effort to help them find safe, healthy homes for their children. The goal—maintain positive connections between mother and child until the mom is released. These eye and heart-opening experiences led to the beginning of Jonah’s Journey. Today, the ministry is providing temporary or longterm care for children of incarcerated mothers. A host of families have lovingly cared for over one hundred babies, and Jonah’s Journey continues to grow, reaching more and more children. An alternative option to state foster care, Jonah’s Journey supports the bond between a mother and her child—definitely safe and appropriate. Reuniting mother and child is at the heart of each situation. Jonah’s Journey families actively send photos, make weekly calls, and even take children to visit their mother regularly. Receiving no financial support in order to provide for the children, Jonah’s Journey families care for every child as if they were their own, and offer mothers and children a Christ-like example in word and deed. Kelly, a Jonah’s Journey caregiver, explains that she wants to give hope to incarcerated mothers so that “when they get out, they can be reunited with their family and break the cycle of brokenness.” That’s what Jonah’s Journey was created to do-- to break the cycle of brokenness and restore the lives of others. For 2.7 million American children with incarcerated parents, a positive intervention is needed to break the cycle. Jonah’s Journey is consistently countering the negative effects of depression and sociological problems, through positive, Christian interventions that make change possible. Families providing care through Jonah’s Journey are working to ease these children’s transition and provide hope. Caregivers receive training through Safe Families, and in addition to training, complete a short home study. Those involved in the ministry 32 JULY 2014 ❘ Mississippi Christian Living

LeAllison Whittinghill and family

Lisa Herren and family

are prepared and are on a mission to demonstrate God’s love, mercy, and grace. No doubt, serving as a caregiver is a unique calling. Regardless of the time or situation, Jonah’s Journey families are ready for anything and everything, whenever a need arises. Jonah’s Journey families are stepping-up and not only changing statistics, but changing people’s lives. “I prayed on my knees, in my prison cell for an answer about what to do with my baby. I have no doubt, God sent me Jonah’s Journey,” says one of many mothers who have been blessed by the ministry. Intervening in the lives of incarcerated parents and children has in fact preserved positive family connections, and is leading to physical, emotional, and spiritual benefits. At times, those benefits have even arrived through providing children with permanent homes. After learning about the ministry from her Sunday school teacher, current Jonah’s Journey Director Lisa Herren adopted her little girl, Taylor. About two years ago, Lisa Herren quit her job to begin working full time for Jonah’s Journey. Lisa, an ER nurse at the time, and her husband felt called to adopt their own baby through Jonah’s Journey, as well as become a part of the ministry.

Lisa’s story is just one of many where Jonah’s Journey has provided a permanent home for a child. Although not specifically an adoption ministry, Jonah’s Journey has found—and continues to find—forever homes with caregivers for numerous children like Taylor. An exciting opportunity came about for Jonah’s Journey to extend their services by combining resources with Palmer Home for Children on March 1, 2014. Also a Christ-centered, non-profit, Palmer Home is dedicated to providing residential care to children. “Our mission is to help children in need and we’ve been looking for the right opportunity to extend our reach. Jonah’s Journey has demonstrated success in connecting children in need with a Christian home. That’s what we do,” says Drake Bassett, president and CEO of Palmer Home for Children. Looking back, LeAllison realizes that God’s plan for Jonah’s Journey was always in motion, and that change was already happening: “The minute that we held him, I told his mother that he was going to change the world. And I, at the moment, thought it was going to be him changing the world. I had no idea that it was much bigger than one child, and one boy named Jonah.” Indeed, Jonah’s Journey is changing the world, one child at a time. For more information go to jonahsjourney.org. Y

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is seeking

Distributor and Account Executive Mississippi Christian Living is expanding its readership in the Starkville area. A distribution assistant would receive the magazines via UPS at their door each month and subsequently distribute them to set locations around this locale. This is very flexible and will probably take two-three hours maximum per month. We can negotiate a flat fee for the time or number of locations. The Account Executive aspect of the job is a straight commission, but if you are good at sales, are a self-starter, and care about customer service, there is no ceiling on the opportunity. Marilyn Tinnin would love to talk to you! 601.906.1890

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➺pastor’s perspective by THE VERY REV’D B. KEITH ALLEN

One Nation Under God

he United States of America fought for its independence from England in hopes of setting a course as a Republic whose citizens were free to enjoy and live out their Creator’s will as they understood it. They based this pursuit upon the rights afforded them by God.

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.” It is to these beginnings that I would call us on this Independence Day. We are One Nation Under God—pursuing Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness! First, we are ONE NATION under God, yet today our nation today stands divided by race, religion, social status, wealth, geography, politics, and ideologies. The content of our public discourse and life has diminished and been reduced to name calling and caricature. It seems that we have lost the art of respectful exchange of ideas and go to church or stay home. Yet all these freedoms are based upon the respect of persons. foundation of a Creator who has made each of us equal and free. We must remember that our nation was founded upon the belief Thus, we must all be free to live out our conscience as a part of both that all men are created equal. Our forefathers were fleeing those our public and private lives. rulers and nations where they could not express their ideas and The reality is that our faith is not merely a private matter. Faith live out their faith. Thus, our nation began with the ideal that we shapes every sphere of life. Thus, as we come together as a are all reflections of God’s image and must be honored as nation, what we believe will be borne out in the public square. such. This nation must remember that our history began with The Therefore, Christians must be free to celebrate Easter, the goal of a UNITED States, where all people were free to respect of Christmas, and observe the Lord’s Day. persons leads share and explore the future. This must to the sharing of dreams Likewise, those of other faiths must enjoy be a nation where right, left, rich, poor, and ideals in ways that result in a the same freedoms of worship too. Those who educated, and uneducated—regardless of better future. Thus, on this choose not to worship at all must be free to race—will be heard. Independence Day, we need to pursue their ends as well. However, all must be free The result of this coming together as one is come together again—the to worship God according to their conscience. describe as “E Pluribus Unum,” which is a Latin many becoming one, Finally, as a Christian I want to exhort my brothers and bringing our best ideas to phrase found on the seal of the United States and confront the many problems sisters to remember the price paid by our forefathers in speaks to the reality that we came from many nations, facing our nation. order to secure for us our freedoms. We must exercise with many different cultures and dreams, yet we are these freedoms and live out our faith for the good of our one. In coming together as a nation, we are made nation. We must love the Lord our God with all our heart more than the sum of our parts. Our founders knew and love our neighbors as ourselves. The Church must that the sharing of our lives and dreams is not remember her calling and live out her mission. merely the addition of ideas, but rather the The greatest independence of all is the freedom multiplication of blessings for all. The respect of from guilt, sin, and condemnation found only in the freedom of the persons leads to the sharing of dreams and ideals in ways that result Cross. Thus, I would encourage all who know Christ to go and share in a better future. Thus, on this Independence Day, we need to come His good news with the world that true freedom might right among together again—the many becoming one, bringing our best ideas to every tribe, tongue and nation! confront the many problems facing our nation. We must do this for Happy Independence Day! Y the sake of our children and the future of our nation. Second, we are one nation UNDER GOD. The framers were men of faith and sought to form a nation where all were free to worship The Very Rev’d. B. Keith Allen, Rector of Holy Trinity Anglican Church in according to their own conscience. They did not want a state that Madison also serves as the Dean of the Mid-South Anglican defined, demanded, or dictated how men would worship their Convocation (ADOTS) serving parishes in Mississippi, Western Creator. Rather they envisioned a nation where every man, woman, Tennessee, Arkansas, Southern Missouri and North Western Alabama. and child was free to worship out of the overflow of the heart. Thus, His role is to encourage existing parishes in ministry and to help envision future mission in the region. we are a nation where you can worship or not, believe in God or not, 36 JULY 2014 ❘ Mississippi Christian Living

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➺legal advice by WILLIAM B. HOWELL

Do You Have a Will or a Trust? Why?

hen planning your estate the initial decision to be made is whether to center your plan with a Last Will and Testament or with a Living Trust.

In generations past families were very close, there were few estates with any tax liability, and children respected their parents’ wishes, both before and after the parents passed away. We live in a different time. Estate litigation is no longer rare. In order for your wishes to be carried out, they have to be in writing, and that writing will govern what actually gets done when you cannot speak for yourself. The difference between a will and a trust, according to Black’s Law Dictionary, “is that a will operates from the moment of death, while a trust operates in the present.” A will is a perfectly good way to pass your assets at death, but it cannot provide any help if you become incapacitated during your lifetime. A trust, on the other hand, is in effect from the moment it is properly set up and funded, providing protection and assurance that your wishes will be carried out, both during any period of disability as well as at your death. A will must go through the court proceeding known as probate to become a legally effective instrument to carry out your wishes, while a trust functions without the need for a court procedure, both in the event of disability as well as at death. If a will is selected as the cornerstone of your estate plan, then you will need an additional provision for someone to manage your assets in the event of your incapacity during life. As mentioned above, the will only comes into effect after your death. Many people have utilized a durable power of attorney for this purpose. However, in recent years many of those persons have run into businesses that decline to honor a power of

HOWELL KYLE & WYNN, PLLC ATTORNEYS AT LAW

attorney. No one is required to honor a power of attorney by law in Mississippi. So what do you do in that case? A living trust takes the place of the power of attorney and must be honored. Some people put their children’s names on their assets with authority to deal with them in the case of the parent’s disability. Sounds good, but this will often result in the assets being exposed to the creditors of the child, or to their bankruptcy, or even to being considered as an asset to be divided in their divorce. The same problems can arise when using lifetime gifting to avoid probate or to bring down the size of the taxable estate. It can be done with relative safety with a very special type of protective trust for the child, but not with an outright gift. Don’t want your assets to wind up in the hands of your former son-inlaw (or daughter-in-law) and their new spouse? Do your estate planning around a living trust - particularly where there are children from a prior marriage.You can make sure that your children do not get “accidentally disinherited,” but that your spouse has the benefits of your estate during his or her lifetime and that your children then can receive their inheritance. Some people in their planning have chosen to have elaborate trust structures included within their wills. Nothing wrong with that, as long as they realize that for these type trusts (called “testamentary trusts” ) to come into existence the will must first go through the probate process. Make sure you understand your plan completely and that it will accomplish your objectives. Y Howell, Kyle, & Wynn, PLLC actively practices Elder Law exclusively throughout the state of Mississippi.

YOU·VE WORKED HARD FOR IT³WHY THROW IT AWAY? While you are alive, you can and should make all decisions and manage your personal affairs. What if you become incompetent? What happens at your death? Who will take over and manage your affairs? Will it be someone you chose or the court chose? How is that done? Will it be outside of court or in court? The same questions arise with the distribution of your assets. What about protecting your FKLOG·V LQKHULWDQFH IURP D GLYRUFH RU D ODZVXLW" :LOO \RXU KDUG-earned savings go to the nursing home? Have you ever asked yourself these questions? Howell Kyle & Wynn, PLLC is committed to providing you with the knowledge and tools needed to avoid these types of situations which can be financially and emotionally devastating to your loved ones. Below are some items to consider:

Our life expectancy has increased, but are all of us going to be in good health in our old age? Unfortunately, we have no way of knowing what the future holds for ourselves and our families. Howell Kyle & Wynn, PLLC is dedicated to providing you and your family a plan that offers true peace of mind.

1-800-839-7857 www.HowellElderLaw.com 38 JULY 2014 ❘ Mississippi Christian Living

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mschristianliving.com â?&#x2DC; JULY 2014 39

➺rave reviews BOOK

Zonderkidz Let’s Go Explore Series Reviewed by Susan E. Richardson Zonderkidz continues releasing excellent non-fiction books for young readers with the new Let’s Go Explore series written by Kim Washburn. Each book focuses on a different location: Egypt, Israel, Galilee, and Jerusalem. The author brings each area to life with sections on places to go, sights to see, culture to experience, curiosities to consider, and words to work on. Full color pictures highlight the text throughout. Washburn does an excellent job balancing between present day and Biblical connections, bringing the past and present together. Readers learn about current sports and foods while also visiting major historic sites. The author includes modern archaeological discoveries, so parents may learn new tidbits as well. World and local maps augment the pictures, giving readers a good sense of place. When it comes to Biblical sites, Washburn handles scholarly disagreements deftly, acknowledging where scholars disagree while keeping the focus on the Biblical story. She includes Bible characters naturally, tying them to various locations rather than making the Biblical portion feel forced, resulting in a smooth narrative. Plenty of graphics along with small bits of information scattered throughout will appeal to children used to modern media. Anyone working with children’s education should take a look at this series as well as the other series available through Zonderkidz. While the Common Core Standards can be controversial, the books do conform to them. Let’s Go Explore books have a place with homeschoolers, Christian schools, or church educational ministries as well as any child curious about faraway places. 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.

40 JULY 2014 ❘ Mississippi Christian Living

➺

events calendar July 12

July 4

The Jackson Zoo hosts its annual Ice Cream Safari from 10 a.m.–1p.m. Local celebrities will scoop the top Blue Bell flavors for votes to take home the coveted first place status.

Gospel Fest Homecoming on the Historic Canton Square and sponsored by The Black Heritage Committee of the Canton Convention and Visitors Bureau & Film Office. Entertainment begins at 6 p.m. and features a long list of the best Gospel performers around. Produced by Canton’s own Cynthia Palmer, this is a gift of love to the community. Free admission.

July 5 Balloon Chase Run/Walk at the Canton Multi-Purpose Complex. Registration begins at 6 a.m. with a Competition Flight at 6:45 a.m. followed by a Four-Mile Run and TwoMile Walk and a Kid’s One-Mile Fun Run. 601.859.4358 for details.

July 13 Biking for Babies returns to St. Richard’s Catholic Church! Sponsored by Pro-Life of Mississippi, includes 11 riders and 5 support people who travel from New Orleans to Chicago to help raise awareness that abortion kills a baby, and raise funds for pro-life groups and pregnancy centers in every state they ride through. Come at 6 p.m “Meet ‘n’ Greet” and dinner. bikingforbabies.com

July 23

GREENWOOD August 2 Bikes, Blues & Bayous is Mississippi’s largest Bike Ride! Come ride the flat, alluvial plains of the Delta. There will be a 20 mile, 46 mile, and 62 “Metric Century” route. Pre-race party and post-race party with free food and drinks on the Yazoo River. 662-453-4152 for more information.

JACKSON July 5 MS Agriculture and Forestry Museum holds a Country Fair from 1–6 p.m. At 1150 Lakeland Drive. Family-friendly event!

The MS Museum of Art hosts Art in Mind, an art program for persons with dementia and their caregivers at 10 a.m. Presented in partnership with the Mississippi Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. Free; pre-registration required. Contact Sara Murphy at info@msalz.org or 601.987.0020.

annual Celebrate America Balloon Glow. A family-friendly event with a variety of activities, good food, and the beautiful hot air balloons that light the sky. The evening ends with musical acts and fireworks. An All-American way celebrate the Fourth!

MADISON July 19 The 5th Annual St. Joseph Bruin Burn sponsored by the St. Joseph Catholic School Booster Club. 5K Run/Walk and a One-Mile Run. Details and registration email Robert.moorehead@gmail.com or text 601.260.9017. Race begins and ends at St. Anthony Catholic School, 1585 Old Mannsdale Road.

July 24 Downtown Jazz at the MS Museum of Art 7–9 p.m. Featuring performance by local and regional Jazz and Blues musicians. Live music in the presence of amazing art. $5 admission for non-members.

RIDGELAND July 4 Northpark Mall from 6–10 p.m. holds its

VICKSBURG July 11-12, 18-19, 25-26 Parkside Playhouse and the Vicksburg Theatre Guild, 101 Iowa Blvd. presents the Melodrama Gold in the Hills at 7:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the door. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children and senior citizens. Fun for the whole family! Y

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JULY 2014

CANTON

➺quips & quotes

ADVERTISER INDEX

}

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

✂

Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter. – Martin Luther King, Jr.

America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves.

America’s future will be determined by the home and the school. The child becomes largely what he is taught; hence we must watch what we teach, and how we live –

Jane Addams

– Abraham Lincoln

Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and how inscrutable His ways! “For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been His counselor? Or who has given a gift to Him that he might be repaid? For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be glory forever, Amen! – ROMANS 11:33-36 (ESV)

Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone, and you may cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost.

Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote! – Benjamin Franklin

There is nothing wrong with America that the faith, love of freedom, intelligence, and energy of her citizens cannot cure. – Dwight D. Eisenhower

We on this continent should never forget that men first crossed the Atlantic not to find soil for their ploughs but to secure liberty for their souls. – Robert J. McCracken

– John Quincy Adams

It is easy to take liberty for granted, when you have never had it taken from you. – Dick Cheney

Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. – 1 PETER 2:16

All great change in America begins at the dinner table.

Jesus said, “…Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. – GALATIANS 5:1

– JOHN 8:31-32

For He will deliver the needy who cry out, the afflicted who have no one to help. He will take pity on the weak and the needy and save the needy from death. He will rescue them from oppression and violence, for precious is their blood in His sight. – PSALM 72:12-14

– Ronald Reagan

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42 JULY 2014 ❘ Mississippi Christian Living

ADVERTISING PARTNERS PAGE Belhaven University ...................................................2 Blue Cross Blue Shield of Mississippi....................17 C Spire ........................................................................3 Callaway’s Yard & Garden ......................................11 Called to Edify .........................................................37 Caring Transitions....................................................37 Christ Covenant School ............................................8 Churchill Mortgage .................................................31 Columbus MS Convention and Visitors Bureau...30 Covenant Caregivers ..............................................19 Drench Day Spa and Lash Lounge........................21 Energy Insulation.....................................................40 EyeCare Professionals...............................................9 Fame Creative .........................................................31 First Presbyterian Day School ................................39 Cole Fortenberry, DMD..........................................29 French Camp Academy..........................................15 Gentiva Hospice......................................................11 GI Associates ...........................................................17 Grace Myofascial Clinic, LLC..................................27 Grantham Poole Certified Public Accountants....39 Highland Village.......................................................29 Howell, Kyle, & Wynn, PLLC Attorneys at Law....38 Jackson Preparatory School...................................37 Moffett Law Firm ....................................................31 MWG Senior Services.............................................26 Neblett’s Frame Outlets, Inc..................................27 North State Animal Hospital..................................42 O! How Cute............................................................16 Pennington & Trim Alarm Services, Inc...................9 Prime Care Nursing.................................................33 Private Collection Consignment............................33 Raborn Media...................................................39, 43 Ray’s Fine Linens......................................................13 Relish Home Accents and Gifts.............................21 Sitters, LLC ...............................................................15 Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Co.............19 St. Catherine’s Village................................................5 St. Dominic’s ............................................................44 Stegall Imagery........................................................30 Summit Counseling.................................................10 The Blake..................................................................41 The Church at Trace Crossing................................31 The Cotton Blossom Fabric Shoppe.....................13 The Orchard.............................................................29 The Red Door Boutique ...........................................8 Tinnin Imports ............................................................7 Venable Glass Services ...........................................36 WHJT Star 93.5 .......................................................43 Written in Stone, LLC..............................................10

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

mschristianliving.com ❘ JULY 2014 43

Art Cre d it: D on na Bell as An gels , In c

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