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Tupelo Remembers: Six Months Later The Duck Commander Faith and Family Bible
DO W N LO A L I FO KE D LL US OU O R W AP US P
Thanksgiving Reflections
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contents NOVEMBER 2014 Join our Mississippi Mobile Club Today! Text MCLAPP to 95577 and download our Mobile App for free! Text stop 2 quit. Standard data rates apply.
columns 10 The Way I See It Raise Your Hand
12 Community Outreach Closer Than a Brother: Friends for a Cause
14 The Middle Ages
STEGALL IMAGERY
The Sacrifice of a Thankful Heart
16 This Is My Story Livingston Mercantile A God-Honoring Endeavor
18 Welcome Home Family and Fabric with Cotton Blossom Farm
features
28
22 Chewed Petunias
Breck Tyler
Transforming Trauma
A Life of Gratitude and Generosity
42
25 Lagniappe Making Spirits Bright
Tupelo Remembers Six Months Later
26 Thanksgiving Reflections Words from our Writers
34 Christian Commerce
36
Amada Senior Care
36 Food for Thought Southern-Style Sweets
42
38 Living My Call A Thankful Christmas
41 Money Matters Hoping and Praying Is Not an Investment Strategy
18
48 Fresh Finds Handpicked for the Holidays
51 Legal Advice Get It in Writing the Right Way
8 What’s Coming Next Month? Pastor Mike Campbell of Redeemer Church, a Multi-Ethnic Church Making a Difference in the Deep South
in every issue 6 52 53 54 54
Editor’s Letter Rave Reviews Events Calendar Quips & Quotes Advertiser Index
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Volume 9, Number 5 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, Tara Dowden, Jenny Ruth Kennedy Contributing Writers Lydia Bolen, Shawn Dean, Tara Dowden, Bowen Eason, Elizabeth Eason, Nancy Flowers, Sherye Green, Rev. Lynn PhillipsGaines, Susan E. Richardson, Martin E. Willoughby, Jr., Andy Wimberly, Elizabeth Wynn Cover Photography Karla Pound Photography Distribution Assistants Avery Cahee, 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.
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4 NOVEMBER 2014 ❘ Mississippi Christian Living
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➺editor’s letter Solid and Simple Thanksgiving is a time of quiet reflection upon the past and an annual reminder that God has, again, been ever so faithful. The solid and simple things of life are brought into clear focus, so much so that everything else fades into insignificance. – Charles Swindoll
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Dutch, Marilyn and Thurber
❝
O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever! Let the redeemed of the Lord say so…
❞
– PSALM 107:1-2
hanksgiving continues to be my favorite holiday. It is one of the few institutions left that hasn’t been hijacked by wacky groups who seem to be against most everything Americans have held dear for the past 300 years.
No glitz. No hype. No mad dashes to the mall and annoying traffic lines that move at a snail’s pace through city thoroughfares. Neither does the UPS truck beat a path to my door for days before, piling up box on top of box, all requiring yards and yards of wrapping paper, tape, and a huge chunk of time. Despite the food, the family conversation, and the abundance of football, Thanksgiving just “feels” quiet. It does not feel frantic. And that may be my favorite part. It was 1974 when I realized Thanksgiving was far and away my favorite. I was 23 years old, expecting my first child, and lingering over the vestiges of a Thanksgiving feast at my mother’s dining room table with the rest of the family. What is it about the sights and smells of a particular occasion that sear themselves in your mind in such a way that every detail remains sharp and real and very much with you despite the passage of time? It was just that way—a moment of clarity in that very ordinary moment. I had enjoyed every Thanksgiving of my life in that same spot with these same people, eating from Mama’s Haviland wedding china, and drinking from the thin etched Rose Point goblets reserved for such occasions. But that particular day, I realized such times were not going to go on in the same way forever, that one day there would be empty chairs, absent loved ones, but there would be new faces, too. It was as though the Holy Spirit nudged me gently and said, “Pay attention.You are going to cherish this day.” And I did and I have all these 40 (eek!) years later. In the middle of giving thanks for my life at this season, when I thank Him for Charles, my children, “bonus” children, and a menagerie of 12 of “his,” “mine,” and “ours” grandchildren, I still thank God for that particular Thanksgiving day in 1974—and for being made aware as I never had been before how fragile and fleeting and precious this earthly life is. Blessed. That’s the only word for it. Despite the disappointments and unfulfilled dreams that are just part of life on planet earth, I have been oh so blessed in my journey. And I am just supposing, that when you stop and remember, you probably feel the very same way about your own story. There is a bit of soul restoration that occurs when we pause to count our blessings, to intentionally reflect on God’s faithfulness and to say, “Thank you.” Because the truth is this: He meets us at the point of our need and is always faithful to either completely reorder the circumstances or to supply the strength, the comfort, and the wisdom to walk the path before us. I love this issue. As I was driving home from our interview and photo shoot with the Tylers, I was thinking back on our last few cover stories. We have had some dramatic stories to recount— some very heavy. The Tylers are so not dramatic. They are more like the families of the popular 1950s sitcoms—the Cleavers, the Andersons, and the Nelsons. Not that Denise Tyler vacuums the floors in her pearls and shirtwaist dresses, but the wholesomeness and the genuine affection this family shares are for me an affirmation that in the midst of our post-Christian culture, it is still possible to honor God, to cherish the things He loves, and to live in the world without being sabotaged by it. We have tried to pack a lot in these pages—even though they say you can’t please everybody, we always like to try! Happy Thanksgiving! Y
Marilyn H. Tinnin, Publisher and Editor marilyn@MSChristianliving.com
6 NOVEMBER 2014 ❘ Mississippi Christian Living
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➺the way i see it by MARTIN E. WILLOUGHBY, JR.
Raise Your Hand ccasionally when I am speaking or teaching a class, I will have the need to call on a volunteer. It is always interesting to watch how most people develop a sudden fascination with their shoelaces, watch, or smartphone. I can appreciate that. There have been many
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to that deplorable practice. It is believed that a Fifth-century monk named Telemachus helped bring an end to the bloody gladiator spectacles of the ancient world. Throughout most of history, women were essentially the property of their husbands. It is hard to believe that it was not until 1920 that the 19th amendment to the Constitution was signed and women gained the right to vote. times I have been in that same position trying Even though there were those who quoted the to avoid eye contact at all costs just hoping Bible to prevent gender equality, ultimately someone else would raise their hand to step women of faith organized through the forward to volunteer. Woman's Christian Temperance Union and We live in a broken world and the needs similar organizations to champion the cause of are endless. I remember one church I women’s suffrage. attended used to list in the Sunday bulletin Similarly, while the Church pressing areas where had a mixed record on slavery volunteers were needed Our world would be a and many Christians justified both within the church and the community. It was easy much different place slavery through Scripture, it was passionate Christians like to get numb to all those if followers of Jesus William Wilberforce who needs. We all have our own helped bring an end to this problems to deal with. Who had not raised their has time? Because I am hand and challenged practice that had been a plague for much of history. It is easy to naturally inclined to be one the status quo. take for granted how much of those people staring at people of faith out of love and my shoes when the call for compassion have provided help goes out, I am always charity in our society, promoted education, impressed by those people who don’t flinch in and sought to make this world a better place. the time of need. They step right in and fill the As we approach the holiday season, we gaps and take action. will see volunteers ringing bells and Our world would be a much different place collecting money for The Salvation Army. if followers of Jesus had not raised their hand Today this organization which spans the and challenged the status quo. In the ancient globe taking care of the poor and needy world, infanticide was not only permissible—it began simply in 1852 when William Booth was encouraged. Christians who believed in began to walk the streets of London to the value of human life finally brought an end
preach the gospel of Jesus Christ to the poor, the homeless, the hungry, and the destitute. If you visit a hospital, you are likely to see a Christian denomination on the door, and while many have turned from their roots, colleges like Harvard, Yale, Princeton, and countless others began as Christian institutions. The Bible repeatedly points us to the need to care for widows and orphans and to serve those in need. I find it helpful to reflect on how much our society has benefited from those who have stepped up because of their love for Jesus and demonstrated that love by fighting for those who may not be able to fight for themselves. Our time on this planet will pass by soon. I wonder what future generations will say about how we have shown God’s love and improved the lives of others both individually and systemically. I pray that I will have the courage and motivation to step up when called and raise my hand. How about you? 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 Memphis, Tennessee.
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mschristianliving.com â?˜ NOVEMBER 2014 11
➺community outreach by NANCY FLOWERS
Closer Than a Brother: Friends for a Cause “A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need” (Proverbs 17:17, NLT). hirty-four years ago, a group of 18-year-old college guys realized there were some hungry families in the Jackson area that wouldn’t have a Thanksgiving dinner. So they did something about it. They hosted a party to raise money, and
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music by Greenfish, food and beverages, door prizes, and a silent auction. The highlight of the evening is the Prestigious Squat & Gobble Turkey Calling and Dance Contests. The Turkey Calling Contest has amateur and professional categories, and prizes and trophies are awarded for both contests. The quickly discovered that their efforts could truly event will also feature a raffle for the Ultimate Private Party for 30 on the help with needs in the community. The party Friendship Houseboat. became an annual fundraising event. One of “We’re expecting around 250 people the guys, the late Michael Barranco, gave it a this year,” Tommy says, “with a goal of memorable Thanksgiving name: Squat raising $20,000.” & Gobble. FFC promotes volunteerism in the metro The friends focused their efforts for the area by connecting churches and charities next 15 years on feeding the homeless, but with people who have a over time it became desire to serve their apparent that the homeless THE VICTIMS community. An organization were receiving can communicate to FFC their Thanksgiving help from • One in 4 women will experience domestic need for volunteers, and FFC other organizations while violence during her lifetime. will post the need on their still taking from the friends. • Women experience more website, reaching out to their They decided to switch than 4 million physical members and to people they gears, and, for the next few assaults and rapes because know have a desire to serve. years, the proceeds from the of their partners, and men “There are many people in Squat & Gobble were used are victims of nearly 3 million our area who have been to support the UMMC physical assaults. wounded by a church, but still Children’s Hospital, the • Women are more likely to be want to serve their Greenville Burn Center, and killed by an intimate partner than men community,” says Tommy. “By the Mississippi Downs linking those volunteers with • Women ages 20 to 24 are at Syndrome Society. greatest risk of becoming the needs in the community, It was about this same victims of domestic violence. they have an opportunity to time that the friends • Every year, 1 in 3 women, meet people from different decided to give their who is a victim of homicide, churches in our area. While ministry a name, and is murdered by her current they’re working on a Friends for a Cause was or former partner. project, someone might invite born. With a mission to them to visit their church.” strengthen the community FFC works hard to connect job seekers with by promoting volunteerism, supporting employers looking to hire. “People who have charities, and connecting employers with job been laid-off or fired from their jobs are candidates, Friends for a Cause became a struggling with one of the biggest challenges non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization that seeks to in their lives,” Tommy says. “We have network in order to connect people with members from different religious needs. The Squat & Gobble remains the denominations who pray and network to help signature event, and, for the past decade, the find jobs for people wanting to work.” proceeds have assisted victims of violence. FFC is holding a membership drive to “We focus on two shelters in our increase the number of people receiving their community, Catholic Charities and the Center newsletter. They are also looking to promote for Violence Prevention,” says FFC director more church events that are open to the Tommy Turk. “When we learned their work is public, whether church garage sale, singles with victims of both domestic violence and ministry activity, or a featured speaker. human trafficking, it increased our desire “Our desire is to help people,” says to help.” Tommy. “When we work together, our whole The 34th Annual Squat & Gobble will be community benefits.” held on November 20, from 6:30-10 p.m. at For more information, to become an FFC Reservoir Pointe. The event features original 12 NOVEMBER 2014 ❘ Mississippi Christian Living
member, to publicize a church event, or to purchase tickets to Squat & Gobble, visit www.friendsforacause.com. There is an early bird special on tickets purchased by November 10.
2014 Volunteer of the Year Award Winners (Left to right) Tommy Turk, director of Friends for a Cause, Shari Kelly and Theresa Abadie, winners of the FFC 2014 Volunteer of the Year Award, and Fred Cerami, owner of Cerami’s Italian Restaurant and sponsor for the event.
Each year, FFC recognizes active community volunteerism with its Friends for a Cause Volunteer of the Year Award. They ask churches and organizations to nominate people who have served 15 hours or more in the same charity and are involved in one or two others. The winners of the 2014 award are Shari Kelly and Theresa Abadie. Shari currently serves as the Chairman of the 2014 MS SIDS & Infant Safety Alliance Lucky Duck Draw Down, was awarded the 2013 Bish Carson Volunteer of the Year Award for Madison the City Chamber of Commerce, and has spent many years with the Sanderson Farms PGA Golf Tournament working with the Golf Channel. Theresa is a member, volunteer, and newsletter/website coordinator for Friends for a Cause, a member of the Catholic Charities Governance Council, and a lifetime member of the Junior Auxiliary of Madison County. Y
Nancy Flowers writes, teaches the Bible, and sells real estate in the Jackson area. Contact her at nancyhflowers@gmail.com, or follow her on Twitter @NancyHFlowers.
34th Annual
Squat & Gobble Strut Your Stuffing! Thursday, November 20th 6:30 - 10 pm Reservoir Pointe Proceeds to benefit Domestic Violence shelters of the Jackson Metro area. Great Food and Beverages, Door Prizes, and Silent Auction! Tickets are $35 before Nov. 2nd $45 at the Door
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mschristianliving.com ❘ NOVEMBER 2014 13
➺the middle ages by SHERYE GREEN
The Sacrifice of a Thankful Heart s I’ve shared earlier in this column, two themes I chose to focus on this year (as opposed to New Year’s resolutions) were discipline and rest. As I take stock of this
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One definition of sacrifice, found in dictionary.com, is “the surrender or destruction of something prized or desirable for the sake of something considered as having a higher or more pressing claim.” The “something prized or desirable” in this case is year that is nearly over, I’m not too sure that my will, my pride, and my control over my I’ve achieved major strides with either one. own life. The “higher or more pressing claim” But, I’m working on it! is God’s authority over my life, which I gave to Discipline is the theme currently on the Him some forty-two years ago. Even so, I still horizon of my heart and mind. I have found have to sacrifice my will to His daily. I still must that as I’ve gotten older, both my body and bend the knee of my spirit each and my thoughts have changed, much like they every day. did in adolescence when I was a young girl. What happens when I am not thankful? I Always an early riser, I am finding out in these can totally miss out on God’s “best” for my life middle years that I simply cannot accomplish because I would all too often rather keep the as much as I once was able to throughout the “better” grasped tightly in my hand, like a course of a day. One factor may be mental child clutching a favorite toy. As St. Augustine fatigue, simply not enough steam to stoke the aptly put it, “God wants to give us something, engine. Lack of discipline, in what I eat and in but cannot, because our hands are full— how much I exercise, also contributes to my there’s nowhere for Him to put it.” mental state as well. A lack of gratitude in my This season of spirit can lead to pride Thanksgiving is a time in I have found that there establishing even more of a which many reflect on foothold than it already has in blessings that have come into are days when I don’t my heart. How easy to think their lives, both in the recent want to be thankful, past and over the course of a times when it’s easier to that all the good things in my life, even the seeming escape lifetime. It is a time in which I look at all that’s wrong of some of the troubles of this take stock, a spiritual with a situation, rather world, are due to my talents inventory of sorts, of where I than what’s right. and abilities. How absolutely am and where I’d like to be. childlike that I should fail to As always, the gap between remember that it has the two is deep and wide. A everything to do with God’s grace and mercy. grateful heart, however, will often determine Further, this lack appreciation causes me to how I assess the difference. Sometimes being miss out on the blessing of seeing life through thankful comes easily, other times not so. the lens of gratitude, the view that my glass is I have found that there are days when I half-full, rather than almost empty. God’s don’t want to be thankful, times when it’s tender voice whispers gently to me from the easier to look at all that’s wrong with a pages of His word, “What I want from you is situation, rather than what’s right. Maybe it’s your true thanks; I want your promises because I’ve had a really long day at work, fulfilled. I want you to trust Me in your times of and my brain is fried. It’s much easier to trouble, so I can rescue you and you can give whine and complain than to be thankful. Other Me glory” (Psalm 50:14-15, Living Bible). times, the habit of grumbling has developed What happens when I am thankful? This within my spirit without my awareness, like sacrificial offering of my mind, spirit, and will some insidious virus that has wormed its way creates a space of habitation for God within into my computer. Do you have days like this? my soul. Author Ann Voskamp so beautifully The concept of sacrifice is found conveys this thought in her book, One throughout the Bible. The Greek word for Thousand Gifts, “When I give thanks for the thanksgiving found in the New Testament is seemingly microscopic, I make a place for eucharisteo, which means “to be thankful” or God to grow within me.” “to give thanks.” The root word of eucharisteo When I thank God for all that is in my life, is charis, from which comes our word “grace.” not just some, I am establishing a habit. I am How interesting that our gratitude and God’s laying down a groove, as it were, on the grace are bound together, like two sides of surface of my soul, where the needle of the the same coin. 14 NOVEMBER 2014 ❘ Mississippi Christian Living
discipline of thankfulness will play again and again a tune that is pleasing to my Father’s ear. Many times we think of spiritual discipline as a practice such as fasting, prayer, service to others, spending time in God’s Word, and tithing. We must never fail to build within our hearts this holy habit of thankfulness. Lastly, when I am thankful, I make God smile. Just as I absolutely adore to please my earthly father, so should I long to do so for my Heavenly Father. Hebrews 13:16 tells me that my sacrifices of thankfulness please my God immensely. Thanksgiving is just around the corner. Family and friends will gather to celebrate. Let the tastiest treat you sample this holiday season be one that was prepared on the hearth of your own heart: a sacrifice of a thankful heart. Y
Sherye Green is a Jacksonian, a teacher at Hinds Community College, and a wife, mother, and grandmother. Sherye and her husband, Mark, are members of First Baptist Church Jackson. She is also the author of Abandon Not My Soul.
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➺this is my story by ELIZABETH and BOWEN EASON
Livingston Mercantile A God-Honoring Endeavor even years ago, David and Jill Landrum purchased the 400+ acres of Chestnut and the former town of Livingston. They invited us over
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one evening to tell us their plans to recreate the town of Livingston and asked if we would like to be a part of it. Interestingly, Bowen's great-grandparents had lived in the town of Livingston. His mother Jean Eason remembered going there with her sister, Peggy, to visit them. So after much prayer and discussion, we agreed to take on part of the rebuilding of Livingston with the Livingston Mercantile store—which grew to include a small grocery, gift store, and a chef-driven restaurant. Our purpose is to serve our community with many high-quality, local products with a superior level of hospitality in a clean and comfortable environment that honors God and our country. We also strive to provide jobs that are fulfilling and treat our employees fairly and with respect. We want to provide an environment where our employees feel as special as our customers. It has been amazing to see how The Lord has unfolded every detail in these last seven years. Our partners, our designer, our contractors, our chef, our gasoline consultant, and our employees all became involved in perfect timing as a result of constant daily prayer and Bible study for our project. The timing, the people involved, and the products are all a result of His plan. We would
never be where we are today if it was not for Him being in total control. As A.W. Tozer said, "God's plan will continue on God's schedule." We have also been amazed to watch how God has been changing us, strengthening our faith. Making us more humble and taking away any prideful thinking that we did any of this by ourselves—and making us realize to a deep level that we are totally dependent on Him. The guidance we were given has been absolutely striking. Some scriptures we apply each day to the business and how we conduct ourselves are:
Successfully serving Madison and surrounding areas for 18 years, because we truly believe it's all about customer service.
16 NOVEMBER 2014 ❘ Mississippi Christian Living
“Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that” (James 4:13-15); and “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps” (Proverbs 16:9)
Four Key Words Describe Our Mercantile Store PROVISIONS We stock fishing, hunting, gardening, hardware, and grilling items, and some clothing. Like in the older days, we ask our clientele what they would like us to carry. If we don't have it, we will try our best to get it.
GATHERING Our restaurant, The Gathering @ Livingston Mercantile, provides a place to take a break from a busy life with food that comforts the soul: whether it's a meal to take home or one to enjoy with family and friends in our comfortable, relaxing environment. Originally our menu was composed by Chef Jessie Houston of SALTINE, and has now been placed in the very talented hands of Our Executive Chef, Paul Adair, a 2013 graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY.
Livingston Mercantile will be an active member in the community. We strive to support and be a part of the progress that improves our local community, however possible. We will also be a source of comfort to community members in times of need. Y
FOOD We offer convenience store items downstairs in the Livingston Mercantile store and upstairs is a small, but upscale grocery store.
Bowen and Elizabeth Eason have been married for 11 1/2 years, and have 3 grown children and 3 grandchildren. They have been members of Madison Heights Church since its inception as a church plant. Bowen comes from a background of over 32 years in the restaurant industry. Elizabeth is Vice President of her family's foundation.
FUEL Gas up with old-fashioned hospitality. We pump the gas for you and clean your windshield.
LM
Intersection of Hwy. 463 & Hwy. 22 • livingstonmercantile.com • 601-667-4282 mschristianliving.com ❘ NOVEMBER 2014 17
O! How Cute
➺welcome home by CATHY DIXON
“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” C.S. Lewis
Gift Market
Family and Fabric with
Cotton Blossom Farm My love affair with fabric began in my grandmother’s “dry goods” store in Pass Christian.
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18 NOVEMBER 2014 ❘ Mississippi Christian Living
Five years old, sitting behind the counter, I watched with fascination as the ladies shopped for their fabrics, thread, and notions. And I listened as they talked among themselves about their creations. A dress for someone’s graduation, a new skirt for church, or a flannel nightgown, all were exciting to imagine. But the best part was when the fabric bolts came off the shelf. They were rolled onto the counter, “thump thump, thump thump.” The fabric was cut with a big pair of scissors, then folded carefully and placed in a brown paper bag. As a young widow my grandmother had supported her only child, my father, through the Great Depression, running her own country store in rural Harrison County. It was a typical country store where you bought gasoline for your Model T, hardware, clothing, and groceries, all in one place. But by the time I came along she had moved her store into town, on 2nd Street in Pass Christian. The groceries and gas pumps were gone, but the “dry goods” filled the shelves, and to a little girl, the fabric shelves seemed as high as the ceiling. My grandmother died when I was young, and it was a terrible loss. I was her only grandchild then and our love for each other was fierce. She was a strong and remarkable woman of faith. I still marvel at all she accomplished and the odds she overcame. She was a young woman in a time when women were not welcome in the workplace. She was a widow with a young child, and an entrepreneur in the hardest of economic times.
But on top of the legacy of strength and love she left to us all, she left behind her old Singer treadle sewing machine. No electricity needed, just a foot treadle, pumped back and forth to run the machine. Her dry goods store remained too, with my great aunts and great uncle taking over the operation. With an endless supply of free fabric, I learned to sew on that treadle machine and in the hot summer months on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, in the days before air conditioning, I spent many an afternoon sewing to my heart’s content. I was hooked. Sewing remained one of my favorite pastimes through high school and into my years as a young mother. By then I had my own shiny new sewing machine, run by electricity of course. However, as happens in life, motherhood, graduate school, and a busy career practicing psychology left no time for hobbies, so the sewing machine went to live in the attic. Fast forward to 25 years later—I became a
grandmother! The sewing machine was coming down from the attic. It was time for burp cloths, baby clothes, and a quilt. Before I knew it I was hooked again. But fabric buying was different now. Most of the familiar fabric stores were gone. Not to be outdone, I turned to my new favorite shopping source—the Internet. The selection was endless, shipping was cheap, and I loved all the packages of pretty fabric arriving at my door. And then, one day a light bulb came on in my head. It would be fun to SELL fabric! Really, it doesn’t take a psychologist to figure out where that idea came from. Recently widowed, and still grieving the loss of my beloved husband, I just didn’t want to venture out alone, so I posed the idea to my daughter, Robin, and her husband, Heath. Robin, a nurse practitioner, and Heath, a nurse anesthetist, were busy with a toddler and their own careers. But Heath, always my partner in crime, was enthusiastic about the idea. Robin, however, was not so sure. “I will admit I was very skeptical. We all had busy careers and we knew NOTHING about running a business, let alone a fabric business.” In the end, she got outvoted and the crazy idea began to take on a life of its own. We bought a few bolts of fabric, stored them in the upstairs bedroom of my house on our family farm, Cotton Blossom Farm, in Madison County. We created a little store on etsy.com—a website like eBay, but for crafty people. Within a few weeks the fabric began to sell…and sell…and we bought more…and sold more. Pretty soon the bolts of fabric spilled down the stairs and began to fill my entire house. Then we built a studio/warehouse on the farm and filled it with fabric. We were
shipping hundreds of yards of fabric every month—all over the world! Enter my son, Evan. A Millsaps-trained computer scientist and professional web developer, he offered to build us our very own e-commerce web site. And he did. Now we were selling from Etsy and cottonblossomfarm. And the orders were pouring in. We hired an employee and then another, just to keep up with the demand. By now, Robin was “all in” and becoming a marketing-savvy businesswoman, with another baby on the way and continuing her work as a nurse practitioner. Heath, still a full time CRNA, was our financial manager, and all of us were going to International Market to pick out the newest fabric collections. We were all enjoying our little foray into the world of entrepreneurship. Pretty soon, word began to spread around the local community, “There is a warehouse full of beautiful fabric on that farm in Madison County” We got regular requests to shop at our warehouse, but we were not set up to be a walk-in retail business. That is when we realized that this could be a “brick and mortar” store, as well as an e-commerce business. It was a gigantic leap of faith for us to take that step. We knew we wanted to locate in Madison, but we had no idea how a small fabric store would be received there, or even where we should put the shop. Then, one day, Heath and I were driving down Main Street and I looked up to see a two-story building with wooden porches and a quaint iron fence around the little front yard. It was for lease. I literally grabbed Heath’s arm and said, “Stop! There it is!” And it was. Three months later we were a shop on Main Street. All of the bolts of fabric moved from the farm into town. From the beginning, our mission for the shop on Main Street was to be more than just a store selling fabric. We wanted to build a community of passionate sewing enthusiasts,
who could find a place in our shop to share their enthusiasm and meet others with the same passion for sewing. And it has happened. Every day we meet wonderful new customers and everyday someone comes in to show us their latest beautiful quilt, or adorable dress they have made for a grandchild. Our classes offer instructions quilting, crafting and garment sewing and customers enjoy the camaraderie of meeting others who love to sew. And of course, we brought in more staff to help run the shop. What a blessing that has been! We have a staff of ladies who not only excel in their chosen niche of sewing, but who share their love and enthusiasm about fabric with the customers. And with the addition of our new Baby Lock line of sewing machines we are all “over the moon” excited about the creative possibilities. When customers come in, and see the candy-store-looking array of colorful fabrics, they sometimes ask us, “Was this just a dream come true for all of you?” And we smile and say, “Not really. It was more like ‘Who would have dreamed this?’” Y Cathy Dixon is a retired psychologist. Robin and Heath Thomas are advanced practice nurses. Together they are partners in The Cotton Blossom Fabric Shoppe on historic Main Street in Madison, Mississippi.
of First Baptist Church Jackson
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mschristianliving.com ❘ NOVEMBER 2014 19
CREATE TRADITIONS
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21st CENTURY CONCEPTS MEET REAL-WORLD APPLICATIONS Business Ethics | Values | Goal Setting | Life Strategies | Financial Management At Jackson Academy, our college preparatory education emphasizes applying critical thinking skills to an evolving world. Students in Financial Management class gain real-world experience and apply that experience to their changing environment. The class bolsters the 21st century abilities needed for students to make sound personal financial choices, enhance their future work places with positive business and entrepreneurial skills, and understand the economy.
Bronwyn Burford, B.A., M.B.A. Alexis Ridgeway, 11th grade JA Financial Management class
4908 Ridgewood Road | Jackson, MS 39211 | jacksonacademy.org | 601.362.9676 20 NOVEMBER 2014 ❘ Mississippi Christian Living
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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. 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. 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. 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. 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.
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 low-level 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. There is no pain whatsoever with our treatments. The TruDenta treatments are conservative and noninvasive, 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.
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➺chewed petunias by SUSAN E. RICHARDSON
Transforming Trauma “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:1-2 hen Mount St. Helens erupted in 1980, I was in college and had recently changed my major from geology to psychology. The switch hadn’t diminished my interest in geology, so I watched with fascination. Pictures of raw earth and devastated woodlands
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came out of the blast zone. Areas spared the direct explosion ended up covered in ash. The old Mount St. Helens no longer existed. Trauma has a similar effect on our brains. We store thoughts in groups of neurons that wire together the more we use them. The cliché neuroscientists use is “neurons that fire together wire together.” When trauma bursts into our life, the established network struggles to cope with an overload of new material. Often, this flood overwhelms old patterns and cuts new channels into the brain. The old brain no longer exists. In some ways, this is no different from how the brain works in general. Our brains change from the moment we are born until we die, processing all of the information that comes in and finding places to store it. Every experience we have changes something in the brain. If you’ve ever had that “aha!” pop when suddenly everything came together and you understood a new idea, then you’ve experienced brain wiring in action. With trauma, we receive more information than we can handle, leading to pain and confusion. The eruption of Mount St. Helens didn’t end with the initial explosion, spectacular as it was. Ash spewed for days. Mudslides and other flows continued reshaping the area. Trauma continues working in a similar way. After the initial shock, we try to put the damage into old thought patterns that no longer exist. We struggle to find ways to put things into perspective. The younger we are when pain hits, the more damage it leaves behind. We haven’t formed as many mental links, nor are they as strong. New sensations create their own paths without having to destroy old ones first. Young or old, repeated or not, the result has physically changed our brains, which in turn changes our thought patterns. The metaphor may make the outlook appear as bleak as the pictures coming from Mount St. Helens over 30 years ago. Fortunately, God created us with the ability to heal, just as His 22 NOVEMBER 2014 ❘ Mississippi Christian Living
created world recovers. We still don’t have the same brain—just like contour maps of Mount St. Helens before the eruption would be of little use now—but restoration is possible. In Romans, Paul gives us a couple of clues about how this restoration can happen. The idea of being a living sacrifice can be difficult. We usually think of sacrifice in terms of giving up, or we imagine old Sunday School pictures of an animal on an altar. Learning the roots of our English word “sacrifice” helped me understand in the context of recovery. The word comes from two Latin words that mean, “to make holy.” If we offer our wounded minds to God as a living sacrifice, we allow Him to replace patterns and thoughts that do not glorify Him and move closer to holiness. The second part, transformation by renewing your mind, shows us that healing takes place over time. Piece by piece, we yield to God’s transforming work in us. Healing begins when we accept that we can’t heal these spiritual wounds ourselves. We may try to create our own defenses or find our own answers, but in the end we must allow God to make us holy. We sacrifice our understanding and our attempts to His restoration. Once we have done that, He continues leading us through the progression. Current pictures from Mount St. Helens show a renewed ecosystem. The mountain isn’t exactly like it was before the eruption, but the scars have been covered and new life has taken hold. God will bring us to a similar place of restoration.”
Lord, help us understand that no matter how deep the damage, your love is higher, wider, and deeper.When the wounds are all we see, hold us close and remind us that this pain is not without purpose. Y
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.
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Welcomes
Jay Brown, MD Dr. Jay Brown, a native of Bay Springs, Mississippi, received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology from the University of Mississippi and completed his medical degree and Ophthalmology residency at the University of Mississippi School of Medicine, where he was presented with an Award for Excellence in Ophthalmology studies. His retina fellowship was completed at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and he proudly served as the Chief of Ophthalmology at Mississippi Baptist Hospital from 2010 to 2012. He is board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology.
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➺
lagniappe by MARILYN TINNIN
Making Spirits Bright
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anie Pillow must have been related to the Proverbs 31 woman. She, too, works with “eager hands,” and there is no way her “light goes out at night.” This
mother of six and grandmother of many, licensed marriage and family therapist, and talented decorator by avocation has always loved to decorate for Christmas. She says she had just run out of space in her home, her children’s homes, and her friends’ homes, but she still had materials and ideas galore. So, she decided to open up her Easy Lovely Christmas shop at 733 Lake Harbor Drive in Ridgeland. Whatever your style—from rustic to whimsical to elegant—this store is bursting with every one-of-a-kind decoration you can dream. Drop in.You will not leave empty-handed! Open 10 a.m–6 p.m. Monday-Saturday and Noon–6 p.m. on Sunday. Y
Handmade Wreaths, Garlands, Centerpieces—Available to Buy or Rent!
Easy Lovely Christmas 733 Lake Harbor Drive • Ridgeland, Mississippi 39157 • 601.519.3175 www.JaniePillowChristmas.com
mschristianliving.com ❘ NOVEMBER 2014 25
➺thanksgiving reflections Thanksgiving Family by SHAWN DEAN
Bear with me. This Thanksgiving story is a random assortment of memories that collectively say something. Or they say something to me, but I can’t assume they will to you. Though, that is the responsibility of the writer, to write something that means something. If he doesn’t, then he’s just written a Harlequin Romance, which means nothing, unless of course you can make something of that. But, I digress. I think the year was 1992. I would have been twenty-five. That’s depressing. Anyway, I managed a Steak and Ale in Johnson City, Tennessee, and that year was the first year that upper management decided to open for Thanksgiving. Having no history to support how to prepare, the assumption was that it would be a little more than a typical day. Wrong. It was a madhouse, sobering and sad. Waitresses were crying; the dishwasher guy doesn’t show up. I remember thinking as the restaurant filled up with singles and couples just how lonely humanity was. At the time, I was saved, but I didn’t really know Jesus; I was single with a handful of poor prospects and a broken family of my own in Jackson, Mississippi. I remember thinking, “I want to have a family one day and I want it to be a happy one.” If memory serves, Mamaw Buck died in 1990. It was a significant event in the life of my mother’s side of the family, for she was the spiritual voice, the voice of reason. Up until that time, no alcoholic beverage was found on her table at Thanksgiving or Christmas. She was a Jesus lover. That’s not to say that if you do have wine with your Turkey that you can’t love Jesus, so don’t let me ruffle your turkey
EVERYONE
NEEDS A HELPING HAND SOMETIMES
WORDS FROM OUR WRITERS feathers. However, in my world the two things are significant because my messed-up family and me don’t do things half-heartedly. The two just don’t go together in my world—booze and Jesus, that is. So, in 1991, the party started and Jesus wasn’t invited. I had a year of sobriety under my belt. That’s the last Thanksgiving that I remember doing with my mother’s side of the family. Christmas was an even greater disaster. I hope Thanksgiving 2014 is like 2013. Thirty plus people from ages five to 92 held hands in a circle at my in-laws house in Arkansas and thanked Jesus for one another.Yes, they love Jesus in Arkansas too. We thanked Him for the abundance of blessings He’s provided us. More than 30 people with a mountain of issues calling on the One that Moves Mountains is just one thing to me—HOPE. That’s what my three daughters and my awesome, smokin’ hot wife and I have. HOPE. Thank you Jesus for answering the heart desires of a 25-year-old, lost boy.
Sweet Potato Casserole by TARA DOWDEN
As I walk in the room, with a slight huff he is walking out the door again. Laughter from my mom and grandmother fill the kitchen as they watch my grandfather leave for yet another grocery run. He has the dreaded list in his hands; more sweet potatoes, at least one more bag of small marshmallows, and McCormick vanilla flavoring (no other brand will do). Meanwhile the aromas from the kitchen fill the entire house. My grandmother and mother have their aprons on as they scurry around preparing turkey and dressing, fresh cranberry sauce, German green beans, asparagus casserole, sweet potato casserole, fruit salad, caramel cake and chocolate pie. When my grandfather returns he will have another task of grating the entire bowl of sweet potatoes for the sweet potato casserole, my favorite dish because of the marshmallows on top. After our dinner we will leave to visit more family where we will cry, laugh, cheer for football games, play family football games, take naps around the fire, and celebrate our nation and one another. Year after year, these were my Thanksgiving memories. Thanksgiving was a family event and although now we grieve the loss of my grandparents and other relatives each year, we also celebrate as our family grows. We keep old traditions and start new ones. My mom is now the grandmother and I am the mother with the apron on, my husband now makes all the grocery runs and peels the sweet potatoes (somehow this tradition skipped my father). Within the past few years we’ve expanded our Thanksgiving table to friends we have met through the Salvation Army, singles at our church, or maybe those who have no
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family in town. My father carves the turkey; we grab hands with family and new friends and thank God for all the blessings of another year.
Superwoman by MARTIN WILLOUGHBY
As I reflect on Thanksgiving, my mind drifts back to one particularly memorable one in 1996. My wife Nicki and I were relative newlyweds and pre-kids. We were “grown-ups” living in our first house together and it was the first time we invited both sides of our family to our house for a holiday meal. My sister and her husband still lived in Jackson, my grandparents were still alive, and I was a student in law school. We were proud to be able to host our families and savored the moment. On a humorous note, what made this Thanksgiving particularly memorable were Nicki’s heroics. When I married Nicki, I became stepdad to a Yorkshire terrier named Snickers. Snickers was her “baby” and as our guests were arriving, I accidently let Snickers out the front door. A neighbor’s pit bull had gotten loose and grabbed Snickers and was flinging him around. I was doing my best to free Snickers from these “jaws of death” when I looked back and saw Nicki literally flying through the air doing a full, headfirst dive into this vicious animal. She quickly set Snickers free and was the hero of the day. As long as I live I don’t think I will ever forget my wife flying through the air like Superwoman to save her baby! It was certainly a Thanksgiving to remember. I hope you have a blessed Thanksgiving!
by ANDY WIMBERLY
It was Thanksgiving 1998. Christy and I were riding back to our home when we saw a black, mixed-breed, little tiny puppy on the side of the road covered with mud. She was obviously very cold, sick, and scared. Just a few feet away lay her Mom, a victim of a car mishap. We immediately took her to the vet to fix her cuts and bruises and asked for them to give her to a deserving family. The doc agreed, fixed her up, but told us there was “no room in the inn” for that night. We agreed to take her home for just one night. That one night turned into 15 years. Her name was Foxy and she and I became best friends. She taught me many things, but this is one of my favorite Foxy lessons: No matter what, whenever I turned on the key to our electric golf cart, Foxy was always ready and hopped right in. As we spent time together, she never complained about the weather, her food, her doghouse, or the other neighborhood dogs.You know all she wanted? She just wanted to be in my presence; to be still and quiet with me, loving on me, being perfectly content to be with me for as long as I WANTED. GOD’s got a sense of humor and He used Foxy to teach me about worship. The word WORSHIP kept popping up in my mind. Worship Services, worshipping the LORD, worship songs. How does GOD want us to worship him? Does he want us to pray more? Give More? Sing more? Do More? All of those things are really good, but that’s not all HE wants. Just as Foxy on the golf cart was totally focused on me, GOD wants us to get in HIS GOLF CART and just be with him. Not complaining about our church, the sermon length, the choir robe colors, the music, the weather, gossiping, or putting others down. He just wants us to be in HIS presence, to be still and quiet—loving on Him, being perfectly content, worshiping Him—until HE says that’s enough. Are we being still and quiet enough to hear GOD’s golf cart key “click” and go jump on His front seat or are we too busy doing our stuff? Y
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Foxy Taught Me About Worship
mschristianliving.com ❘ NOVEMBER 2014 27
BRECK TYLER A LIFE OF GRATITUDE AND GENEROSITY By far, the greatest attribute of a role model is an ability to inspire others. e is pretty transparent, a very solid All-American man’s man who works hard, loves the Lord, adores his family, and serves other people. Breck Tyler, Executive Vice President at Trustmark and President of Mortgage Services, has worked on virtually the same block in downtown Jackson for the past 30 years. His personal story is without drama. No crushing circumstances that changed the course of his life—just a very blessed life as a husband, father, and professional. A kind of “mom and apple pie” existence is this story of a man intent on a mission to glorify His God in the place God has put him. However, he is a rather larger than life fan of football! You could say that he literally cut his teeth on a steady diet of the sport. The son of successful, former football coach Bob Tyler, Breck says his earliest memories involve sitting on the bleachers beside his mom. Even as a small child, he gave rapt attention to the details of each play.While some little boys were into super heroes or matchbox cars, for Breck it was always about football. He also owns bragging rights that his
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28 NOVEMBER 2014 ❘ Mississippi Christian Living
team never loses in the Egg Bowl. As a former SEC wide receiver, Breck has worn both maroon and white and red and blue! Judging by the memorabilia displayed on the bookshelves in his office today, he has a most unusual allegiance to both universities! That love for both Bulldogs and Rebels comes as no surprise when you find out what really matters to him.
The Football Dream By the time Breck was in the second grade, he had already experienced Friday night high school football in several cities across Mississippi. As his father kept moving up the coaching ladder, he was always there, sitting beside his mom whom he calls the “strength” of the Tyler family. As a third grader, he was certain he had arrived at the pinnacle of privilege when his dad led his Big Eight Conference team at Meridian High School to an undefeated season and captured the State Championship. But bigger things were to come. Legendary Ole Miss Coach John Vaught hired Bob Tyler as the Rebels’ receivers coach in 1968. The greatest perk for Breck in that move to Oxford was being a ball boy during the
Ole Miss football games. He was on the sidelines right beside the action for every game. Archie Manning was the quarterback at the time, and Breck was well aware he was living the dream of every fourth grader south of the Mason-Dixon Line! It was also during his dad’s stint at Ole Miss that Breck got his first big disappointment in life. Coach Vaught had suffered some health issues during the 1970 football season, and he was planning to step down as head coach.Vaught came to the Tyler’s home one evening, sat down on their living room sofa, and told the family that he was going to recommend Bob Tyler to take the reins as head coach the next year. Breck was sitting there beside Coach Vaught at the time, but he felt like he was on cloud nine. He was one devastated little boy when, a few days later, the decision makers chose to move in another direction, naming someone else as Coach Vaught’s successor. He says he learned a big character lesson with that unexpected heartbreak as he watched his parents handle the disappointment with grace and without bitterness. Their explanation to their
Breck’s first game of the 1981 season after a long rehab after the 1980 Egg Bowl. Against Tulane, he caught a long touchdown pass over the defender with seconds to go to win the game.
The MSU program in 1978 was proud to boast #7 Breck Tyler!
The Ole Miss program in 1980 was proud to boast #87 Breck Tyler. He confides that he cherished #87 because of his childhood admiration for Floyd Franks.
son was that God had other plans for their was one of the star players. John, who is family, and they were going to be just fine. probably best known today as the founder of “Days later,” says Breck, “Alabama Head Big Oak Ranch, operates a Christian home for Coach Bear Bryant, offered my father the children who have been removed from their receivers coaching position at Alabama and families because of abuse, abandonment, or also asked him to be the dorm neglect. He had a tender heart director at Bryant Hall where all for younger children even then. the athletes lived.” Could there John took Breck under his wing, possibly be a living arrangement inviting him to join him at a more idyllic for a young boy and Christian sports summer camp aspiring athlete? Breck says, in Lumberton, Mississippi. “Imagine getting off the school That was, according to bus every school day at 3:15 at Breck, the defining event of his the Alabama practice field as a life, because “By God’s design football manager—and then and John’s discipling, I going to the athletic dorm after accepted Christ as my Lord practice to eat steak and ice and Savior at this camp. I still cream for supper with the remember John describing the football team!” true joy I could have in Christ And there was even more. The and discussing with me apartment where the Tylers lived Romans 3:23, ‘For all have was small. There were just two sinned and fall short of the bedrooms, and it was decided glory of God’ and Romans 10:9, that Breck’s younger brothers, ‘If you declare with your mouth, Cam and Drew, would share a ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in room in the apartment, but Breck your heart that God raised him would live down the hall in his from the dead, you will The tackle by MSU’s very own crimson and white be saved.’ ” free safety, Larry bedroom next to the players. Croyle’s influence on Breck’s Friday, ended the As awesome as that life was the real thing. Breck 1980 Egg Bowl for arrangement was, it was not the didn’t have one of those Rebel receiver Breck most significant thing that emotional summer camp Tyler. happened to Breck during those come-to-Jesus moments two years at Alabama. The most quickly forgotten when school significant thing was not related to football began and the world pressed in. Breck counts at all. John Croyle as one of several key mentors All-American defensive end John Croyle God placed in his life at just the right time, 30 NOVEMBER 2014 ❘ Mississippi Christian Living
Breck was awarded the 1977 MVP in the high school football Mississippi All-Star Game. His father, who was head football coach at MSU at the time, presented the trophy to his son.
and he has prayed for those same kinds of mentors to show up in his own kids’ lives. It appears that is a prayer Breck has been faithful to pray and one that God has been faithful to answer.
Moving On Breck had learned early on that the life of a football coach involved frequent moves. As he got older, he learned that every address and every “home” was just temporary. It was never easy to pick up and leave, but he knew it was just the way it was. He saw the teamwork in his parents’ relationship, and being part of a loving supportive family definitely lowered the anxiety level when he found himself walking down a new hall in a new school surrounded by unfamiliar faces. When Bob Tyler accepted an offer as offensive coordinator at Mississippi State University, Breck enrolled at Starkville High School about the time he was
In 2013, Whitney married Will Windham, now an assistant defensive line coach at Penn State. Both daughters admit they were looking for a husband “just like our dad.”
Denise and Breck said, “I do” in December 1981 after six years as sweethearts.
playing varsity sports himself. Bob Tyler was named head Bulldog coach the next year, and as Breck says, “I was living the dream again!” He traveled with the team, sat on the sidelines during the games, and saw everything from a privileged position. A highly recruited player in his own right, he was taking in every technique and lesson he could as he studied the college squad. Selected as MVP in the high school All-Star Football Game in 1977, he signed a football scholarship with MSU a few months later. He was thrilled to be playing for his dad. True to the pattern of the coaching profession, two years later Bob Tyler resigned as head coach. Breck had the opportunity to transfer to Ole Miss and decided to do so even
The Tylers are a competitive group. Whether it is volleyball at the beach or a basketball game in the driveway, everyone likes to win. Family Easter egg hunts, Christmas tree decorating—if it is possible to turn it into a competition, they will.
though Division One rules prevented him from eligibility for football that first year. When the next season rolled around, Breck was again on the field—this time wearing red and blue. It was 1980 and not a year the Rebels had a whole lot to brag about. Breck admits to having unusual anxiety over the faceoff between Ole Miss and MSU. Playing against his former teammates produced a range of emotions that tied him up in knots. State had had a much better year than Ole Miss, but every football fan on either side knows you can just about throw all bets aside when these two teams play each other. “Obviously,” says Breck, ”I was not reading Philippians 4:6, ‘Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.’ Instead, I was obsessing over the Egg Bowl.” The game was very close. Midway through the fourth quarter, the coaches decided to line Breck up as a tight end. They had a two-play strategy that gave Ole Miss a good shot at pulling an upset with a final touchdown, and Breck would be the one to carry the ball over the goal line. On the first play, a tackle by the
Perryn married her high school sweetheart, Charlie Edwards, in 2010. They will give Denise and Breck their first grandchild, Lillian, in December.
MSU player resulted in torn knee ligaments and a broken ankle for Breck. “Game over for me,” said Breck. “Now I was being assisted off the field on a dark drizzly night in front of 62,000 fans in Jackson Memorial Stadium. I can remember looking up at the top of the stadium as they carried me off the field and asking God, ‘Why me on this night and why this game?’” This was not at all the way Breck had expected this night to end. Broken bones took longer to mend in those days since there was no arthroscopic surgery. A successful surgery was performed by the Dallas Cowboys team doctor at a small hospital outside Dallas. With a two-week recovery, he had a lot of time for reflection and gathering his perspective as it pertained to his relationship with God. He learned a profound lesson with lifelong implications in the middle of a great disappointment. He read his Bible, and he searched for answers among some fine books by a few Christian authors. “God communicated His love for me but also something else. God let me know that it is not about me, it is about Him. This realization was life changing.” God was far less concerned with Breck’s status as a star athlete than with his spiritual growth. Years later he came across the scripture in Revelation 3 where John is writing to the church at Laodicea—the church admonished for their lukewarm approach to God and their false pride in themselves and things that are not eternal. He thought about those words for days. He had a new and intense desire to make God’s priorities his priorities. And that desire qualifies as a very defining moment.
Reed plays tight end and defensive end for Brandon’s Ninth Grade team. mschristianliving.com ❘ NOVEMBER 2014 31
What began as just an attic room with an Airdyne bike for workout has morphed into a sanctuary of inspiration for ministry, reflection, worship, heart to heart discussions, and some loud and crazy times, too.
There Is Life After Football!
Breck completed an MBA at Ole Miss, and moved to Brandon in 1983. Daughters Whitney and Perryn arrived 17 months apart in 1987 and 1988. Their son, Reed, who is 11 years younger, has basically grown up with three mamas keeping him on the narrow path! The Tylers are the very definition of a “close-knit” family. And that is not by accident, but by intention. It is easy to trace the origins
STEGALL IMAGERY
Breck had loved those years his dad’s job had taken the family to Starkville. He had certainly had a stellar high-school athletic career there, but he will tell you in a heartbeat that football was not the best thing about high school. Instead, it was one Miss Denise Crocker, who caught Breck’s eye during a pep rally his junior year. “I know it sounds corny,” he says. Breck describes watching Denise as a tenth grade cheerleader. “I just knew she was the girl for me.” They agree that from the beginning they seemed to be on the same page. Both claim the added blessing of observing their parents’ strong marriages. Denise says, “We had such similar goals and common values. We both knew God was important to us, family was important to us. We clicked from the start.” Unlike most high school “forever” romances, this one has stood the test of time— six years of dating, 33 years of marriage, three children—and with all the ups and downs those dynamics can bring, this couple still “clicks.” Time may have rearranged some things on their plate, but they are still very much on the same page. Denise is a physical therapist turned fulltime wife and mother. She and Breck married in 1981, lived in Oxford for one year while
Breck’s memorabilia from his Bulldog and Rebel days occupies a special spot in his office at Trustmark. 32 NOVEMBER 2014 ❘ Mississippi Christian Living
of most everything Denise and Breck hold dear regarding marriage and parenting. They have managed to find a healthy balance between involvement and support without becoming “helicopter” parents! Breck points to his upbringing. His own father was gone a lot as a football coach, but he was certainly a long way from being neglected. He has also thoughtfully analyzed the significant influence on his life by several guys who played football for his father. It was important to Breck that his children have mentors, too—Believers who were just a bit farther along in their life journey. Church has been, of course, a constant in their family life. Breck, half-serious and halfjoking, says that as the father of daughters, he decided to teach Sunday School so that he would get to know all the boys who might be dating his girls! Actually, that turned out to be a pretty good idea because he fell into the role of mentor to many of them, as well as the young adults who worked with them! One of his creative ideas was to hold a Sunday afternoon paintball competition on the grounds around his home, going to great lengths to set everything up and to pay for the paintballs for all of the kids who had been present in Sunday School earlier in the day. Anybody was welcome, but the promise of the “freebie” certainly incentivized the Sunday morning attendance!
Serving and Thinking Outside the Box
Whitney says of her dad. “Dad could always take a boring situation and make it fun and crazy.” There is a lot of laughter in the Tyler household. Dr. Kevin Cooper, pastor at Grace Crossing Church in Madison, was the youth pastor at First Baptist Brandon for 12 years. He saw numerous young people open their hearts to the Lord because of Breck Tyler’s actions— sometimes quite behind the scenes. A lot of Breck’s initial motivation had to do with wanting to know those who were impacting his own children. There was nothing in the world more important to Breck than for Whitney, Perryn, and Reed to know Christ, but beyond that, he wanted their friends to know Christ, too. Kevin describes such a living picture of what the words in Proverbs 27:17 actually mean. “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” Justin McAlpin, today a youth minister at Westmeade Baptist Church in Decatur, Alabama, was an intern at First Baptist in Brandon when Whitney began attending the youth group. Breck was a parent who asked questions like, “What can I do to help the student ministry? How can I pray for you?” Justin quickly realized “He was not just a man who went to church. He was constantly looking for ways to show us college kids Christ. He was our mentor, and I am who I am today because of Breck Tyler.”
Aside from sharing gregarious personalities and a perpetual appetite for friendly competition, laughter, and fun, Breck and Denise both genuinely enjoy the noise and activity of a house filled with young people. Whitney and Perryn may be gone from the nest, but Reed and his friends have picked right up where his sisters’ friends left off. Every day is “Open House” at the Tyler home. Years ago Breck bought an Airdyne stationary bike and put it in an empty room over his garage. In an effort to maintain his lifelong standard of physical fitness, he would put on a rain suit, climb on the bike in the no heat/no air attic space, and burn off calories by the hour. To avoid boredom he began typing out scripture, taping one at a time to the wall in front of him, and memorizing while he worked out. As he learned one scripture, he would tape another one to the wall. It wasn’t long before the wall was covered, and he had to turn his bike around and start on another, then another. Kids from the youth group began to come by to just sit in this happy and safe place to pray or to meditate surrounded by the scriptures and the quotes that made their way into the mix. Others began to decorate the walls and ceilings with their own meaningful verses. Bible studies began to meet there. They have even served the Lord’s Supper there on occasion. The Tylers decided to keep it unlocked and to keep the lights on all the time. It belongs to everyone, and it can only be described as a “God thing.” Half gym and half sanctuary, the space has come to be called either “The Temple of Doom” or “The Temple of Desire.” It’s all a matter of perspective! The Tylers have land around Water Valley that has been in the family for generations. There is an old home place there, and a good deal of very old, salvaged lumber on the property. It is a retreat and a stress reliever for Breck to go out there, sit among the sense of history and family roots, and wood carve. Friends and family (and even this, your humble editor!) have been among the surprised recipients of one of Breck’s works of art. He usually carves a Bible verse, finishes the raw wood himself, and presents the plaque or cross with a note of thanks or encouragement. It is a tangible gift that reveals a lot about the heart of the artist. Very typically Breck—he is always looking for ways to bless others. A grateful heart can’t help becoming a generous heart. And Breck Tyler is the poster boy. Y
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➺christian commerce AMADA SENIOR CARE AMADA [uh-mah-dah]; Spanish word: BELOVED, LOVED Concern for the well-being of others; the love of one’s neighbor. MCL: What makes you have resources to help with VA passionate about the Aid & Attendance, as well as senior services industry? long-term care insurance John Merrell: I’ve cared for a policies. Many families are loved one through difficult times frustrated with trying to pay for and I know, firsthand, how hard homecare and we are happy to and overwhelming it can be! My help as a trusted advisor in wife is a breast cancer survivor looking at all options. and I use this life changing MCL: What services does experience to relate to our Amada provide? friends and families that are Willie Mae Walker, Caregiver; Bentley Harvey, Caregiver; John JM: Our primary focus is on looking for answers to caring for Merrell, Owner; David Clay, Caregiver; and Nan Merrell, Owner. providing true “caregivers” to their loved ones. We recognize support seniors as they keep their that our population of the “Greatest Amada Senior Care had a commitment to independence in their home. We are Generation” are looking for ways to keep excellence with innovation focusing on how committed to making sure all of our their independence at home, and our we can better serve our families in the care caregivers are experienced, loving, and services allow families to stay in their familiar of their loved ones. compassionate. Amada is a highly selective surroundings. “Home is where the heart is,” Amada has a unique offering that agency when it comes to our personal care and what better place to recover from an encourages family involvement through our attendants. We recruit and train only the most injury, surgery, or just need companionship, family portal in our proprietary system responsible and qualified care providers. All than to be in the comfort and security of your called “Transparent.” This is very important personal attendants are employees of Amada own home. since many families live out of town and want and are covered by workers’ compensation to know what is happening with their loved MCL: Why did you choose to partner and liability/bonding insurance. Additionally, ones. We are “transparent” in our care and with Amada? Amada conducts comprehensive our system allows access to information that JM: This was an easy decision based on background screenings and references on will show our times in and out of the home, studying our market and its needs. The all employees. as well as the tasks or activities of daily living founders of Amada Senior Care are true Amada realizes that there are times when that were performed. We are accountable to caregivers that have dedicated themselves to other options must be considered as health you, and know that an involved family is making a difference in the lives of each and concerns change and we are there to help important to our goal of keeping the highest every client that they serve. As a lifelong guide families in those decisions. As a quality of life for your loved ones. Mississippian, it was evident that they share trusted resource, we have recently launched Amada continues to look for innovative my values and appreciate the important a placement website. Our placement service ways to help families navigate the decisions legacy that my family has in Mississippi. offers a hands-on approach to independent, in this changing healthcare environment. We
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34 NOVEMBER 2014 ❘ Mississippi Christian Living
assisted and skilled facility options using over twenty years of healthcare experience to guide your decisions. Amada has also become a valuable resource for seniors and their primary caregivers with understanding long-term care insurance policies. We do not sell these policies, but have extensive experience with helping families understand and get the benefits they have paid for so many years. Amada has also taken leadership with educating our veterans about a benefit that many do not know is available. The VA Aid & Attendance benefit is available for wartime veterans and their surviving spouses. We are happy to provide a free comprehensive resource guide to help our seniors determine if they may qualify for this important benefit. MCL: What makes Amada different from the other services? JM: Simply put, I believe that families trust us because we are “accountable” and have a passion for what we do. Our families know— that at ANY time—they can check on our services online, create a message board inquiry, and call us directly for any reason. They also get personal introductions and interviews with our caregivers so they are comfortable in their decision. We earn the trust of our families!
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MCL: How can Amada assist families during the upcoming holiday season? JM: We know that during this time of year families get together to celebrate relationships. Often it is apparent that parents may need help at home. Amada offers a free in-home consultation to discuss the options that are most appropriate for each situation. Our caregivers can make independence at
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home a plausible and pleasant option. However, if a facility placement is needed, Amada can help as a resource through our placement service. There is no charge for this service, and honestly we enjoy helping you know what, where, how—and more importantly who—to look for with any healthcare facility. Hint: Always get to know the Administrator and Director of Nurses. They are the best resources and in my experience the first line for important information. MCL: Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers? JM: My wife, Nan, and I are committed to providing caregivers for our community with individualized care that follows a rich legacy in healthcare. As a son of a former physician, I was shown firsthand that healthcare is a ministry where you treat each person with compassion and loving care. There is no compromise when it comes to the trust given by our clients. My father believed each patient was his “VIP,” and if they trusted him to guide their treatment, he made sure that they were treated with his highest priority! We interview our caregivers and listen for that same intense “VIP” passion. Only those that exemplify those qualities can be part of our team. You have our word that caregivers will show the highest regard for your family and we will always be accountable. We welcome the opportunity to help care for your loved ones and look forward to continuing to serve our community.Our team will show the highest regard to our clients, as well as be caring and accountable at all times. We welcome the opportunity to help care for your loved ones.Y
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In January 2014 my father suffered a severe stroke, which took him from having a very active lifestyle to being severely disabled. Once we were able to move him home, it was obvious that he would require 24-hour care. A friend referred our family to John Merrell of Amada Senior Care. John, even before we hired Amada, was instant help to us. He was able to give sound advice that helped us navigate the sometime frustrating world of health and home care, as well as insurance requirements. His caring and unassuming attitude has been a blessing to my entire family. The caregivers he has provided for my dad have been absolutely great and help make a very hard situation somewhat easier. Thank you John and Amada. Gary Blakeney, Director of Operations, Southern Electric Corporation
a•ma•da \uh-mah-dah\;
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➺food for thought
“My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of Him that sent me, and to finish His work.”
by LYDIA BOLEN
– John 4:34
Southern-Style Sweets ovember in Mississippi is a beautiful month. Trees and their foliage are bursting with colors of orange, crimson, and hues of yellow. I enjoy decorating
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my home with all the farmer’s market array of colored vegetables. The first week in November, I begin planning my Thanksgiving Dinner. My recipes will definitely include local produce. I like the sweet side of Turkey Day the best. My Southern-Style Sweets simply mean traditional favorites. This year for dessert on Thanksgiving, nothing will please your family more than an old-fashioned Classic Pumpkin Pie. Also, why not try a less sweet dessert using pumpkin, but make Pumpkin Panna Cotta? And a fresh Apple Cake with Caramel Sauce will bring praises from all your guests! Blessings to all families this month. Enjoy using our local produce to enhance the flavors to all your traditional favorite recipes. Y
APPLE CAKE WITH CARAMEL SAUCE
CLASSIC PUMPKIN PIE 1 1 2 3/4 1 1/2 1/2 1/4 1/4 1/8 1
can (15 ounce) pumpkin puree can (12 ounce) evaporated milk eggs, slightly beaten cup brown sugar teaspoon flour teaspoon salt teaspoon ground cinnamon teaspoon ground ginger teaspoon ground nutmeg teaspoon ground cloves Deep-dish pie shell, unbaked Whipped cream, optional Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Thoroughly blend all ingredients and pour into an unbaked pie shell. (I prick the pie shell several times with a fork before pouring batter.) Bake for 15 minutes. Reduce temperature to 350 degrees. At this point, place an aluminum foil tent over pie to keep crust from getting too brown. Bake 40 to 50 minutes. Cool on a wire rack for 2 hours. Serve immediately, or refrigerate. Can use a dollop of whipped cream on each piece at serving time.
PUMPKIN PANNA COTTA 2 3 2 2 1 1/2 1/4
envelopes unflavored gelatin cups milk cups heavy cream cups pumpkin puree cup sugar teaspoon ground cinnamon teaspoon salt Whipped cream for topping Sprinkle gelatin over one-half cup of the milk in a saucepan. Let stand for 5 minutes. Combine the remaining 2 and one-half cups milk, heavy cream, pumpkin puree, sugar, cinnamon and salt in a blender. Process until smooth. Cook the gelatin mixture over low heat until the gelatin dissolves. Add the pumpkin mixture and mix well. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Pour the custard into individual dessert bowls. Chill for 2 to 3 hours. Top each serving with a dollop of whipped cream. Serves 6 to 8.
Remember to make memories through the kitchen—”the heartbeat of the home.” E-mail me at lbbolen@gmail.com for any questions. 36 NOVEMBER 2014 ❘ Mississippi Christian Living
3 1 1 1 1/4 1/4 1 1 1 1/2 2 2 2
cups all-purpose flour teaspoon baking powder teaspoon baking soda teaspoon ground cinnamon teaspoon ground cloves teaspoon salt cup packed brown sugar cup granulated sugar cup canola oil cup applesauce large eggs, beaten teaspoons vanilla extract cups Granny Smith apples, peeled and chopped 3/4 cup pecans, chopped Spray a 10-cup Bundt pan with Baker’s Joy. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together both sugars, oil, applesauce, eggs, and vanilla. Beat with mixer on medium for 2 minutes. Add the dry ingredients and beat on low until combined. Stir in the apples. Pour the batter into prepared pan. Bake for 1 hour. Cool cake for 10 minutes in the pan. Invert cake onto a large plate. Let cool completely. Drizzle with glaze.
CARAMEL SAUCE 1/2 cup brown sugar 1/4 cup unsalted butter 3 tablespoons milk 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 cup confectioners sugar In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, butter, and milk. Bring to a boil, whisking constantly. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and cool for 10 minutes. Add confectioners’ sugar. Whisk until drizzling consistency. If too thick, add more milk. Drizzle glaze over cake. Sprinkle chopped pecans over the almost-set glaze. Y
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➺living my call
by MARILYN TINNIN • photography by STEGALL IMAGERY
A Thankful Christmas “Totally Forgotten. Those two words are felt by millions of people every day—people who are unable to care for themselves due to illness, old age, and the circumstances of life. I know as a young teenager, I felt so alone when my mother was stricken with a tragic brain condition that left her unable to care for herself. At first, everyone was wonderful. They brought food, helped with my brother’s and my needs, and were ‘present’ to offer prayers and encouragement to us as a family totally derailed by this tragedy. But when Mama did not die, the help disappeared because as everyone put it, life must go on. She lived in a homebound/hospital/nursing home setting in this condition for 37 years. One night in 2005, I relived those lonely times in a dream. I woke up with an idea to “try” at least during the holiday season, to let people who were homebound, in nursing, veterans, and assisted living homes know that they were NOT ALONE, especially during the holidays. Thankful Christmas was born.” hose are the words of Eva Hart, 40 years in the music ministry of First Baptist Church Jackson and director of the Reflections Choir, a 100 voice group of mature voices. She pitched the idea to her choir and they decided to throw a
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party for anyone who would come to the church. The choir decorated the fellowship hall in Christmas finery. They prepared a musical program that was lighthearted, to let people know the love of Jesus, made preparations with the FBC kitchen staff to feed the guests a free Christmas dinner, and hope the people would come. The first year was mainly word of mouth and 200 people came. The choir dubbed this as “the first Christmas party of the season.” It was held the Friday before Thanksgiving, thus giving THANKFUL to the name of the party. This year will mark the ninth year of the program. The audience has grown from 200 to 600 guests. The invitation list includes the homebound members of First Baptist Church and every facility in the tri-county area. There are over 65 facilities that care for senior citizens, whether in nursing homes, VA centers, state-run homes, or assisted living facilities. SON VALLEY and WILLOWOOD bring their residents, 38 NOVEMBER 2014 ❘ Mississippi Christian Living
as do several facilities in south Mississippi. Many guests come in their holiday attire; but some come in robes, in wheelchairs, hooked up to IV poles, oxygen—it doesn’t matter. It takes many volunteers to make this program happen. The FBC church staff assists as do many church volunteers who help by giving much-needed hugs, helping with transporting residents from cars, vans, and buses to the party, and getting them safely boarded after the party is over. Hart recalls, “One year as the guests were leaving, a sweet lady, hooked up to an oxygen tank, and in a wheel chair, took my hands in hers and kissed me on the cheek. She said, “Thank you for this party. This is the first time I have been out of the nursing home except to go to the doctor for a year. You made my Thanksgiving and Christmas!” This year’s event will be held on Friday morning, November 21, in the fellowship hall east of First Baptist Church. The program begins at 10 a.m. and a free Christmas dinner with all the trimmings will be served. Everything is handicap accessible. If anyone wants to bring a homebound friend, please call Linda Clark for reservations at 601.955.5539. Y
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Join us for a campus tour emphasizing grades 6-8 to experience a day in the life of our school and to see our campus transformation! Students are welcome to attend with parents. Come see what’s new at Jackson Prep! mschristianliving.com ❘ NOVEMBER 2014 39
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➺
money matters by REV. LYNN PHILLIPS-GAINES
Hoping and Praying Is Not an Investment Strategy hile reading one of the many newsletters I subscribe to, I recently saw a quote from Drew Horter in which he said,“Hoping and praying is not an investment strategy.” This really hits home. As Christians, we
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understand the importance and the need for prayer and hope, but having analytical minds we also know plans are a necessary part in achieving our goals. Emotions act as extremely powerful motivators when it comes to navigating your way through today’s (and tomorrow’s) market. Making investment decisions based on emotions like fear, euphoria, overconfidence, denial, and even greed, will lead to disruption of your long-term plan. With real-time information at investors’ fingertips, it becomes increasingly difficult not to react to every dip or dive. As a professional in this industry, the hardest part of being a trusted advisor to your clients is controlling client behavior. Though advisors know the opportune time to buy is when securities fall in value, that is the exact time we receive frantic calls from clients who say, "I want to sell because my account isn't doing anything." In 2012, around the last presidential election, was the last time we saw a wave of selling. This was unfortunate, because many of those same investors had survived the 2008 market crash and were poised to receive a payoff, but emotions overcame them. It saddens me to think of the growth they left on the table. When you feel fear or uncertainty about the fluctuating market, “Should I cash out?” is the wrong question to ask. The right questions to ask are, "Do I have a well-thought-out investment strategy?” and “Have I determined how to invest when I am not under duress?" The thing to understand is that circumstances in the financial industry are for the most part cyclical. When I first began working as a financial planning professional in 1982, the Dow Jones Industrial Average was at 776. There were just as many things then as there are now that people and investors were scared of; things like rising taxes, trouble in the Middle East, corruption in government, high oil prices, inflation, losing the U.S. superiority to Japan, and so on. So much of what we feared never came to pass. Bad things can happen, but as a nation we tend to “awfulize” the future,
FEAR, HOPE AND GREED
and instead of focusing on the state of the market or the fate of our government (which you have little to no control over) turn your attention to what you can influence: your financial future. Markets will inevitably rise and fall, but they actually aren’t down, as often as most people perceive. From personal experience, 2008 to 2010 seemed to go on for a decade! The issue is investors are more emotionally charged during times of decline. Research shows that though the Bear Market feels as though it drags on, the Bull Market cumulatively dominates. By assessing the visual “Fear, Hope, and Greed,” you can further understand why making decisions based on fear, euphoria, or greed will get you nowhere fast. Instead of acting on gut reactions, work with calculations, knowledge, experience, proven methods, and be confident your plan is being maintained, as the industry is ever evolving. Think of what will lead you down the right path. Honesty and clarity are crucial to begin the process of mapping your investment plan and ultimately your financial and estate plans. Take an honest assessment of your current situation: how do your assets look, will the return on those along with your emergency reserves aid in achieving your long-term goals, what are your current income sources, and what will they (realistically) be in the future?
In my firm, we divide up a client’s needs at retirement into "have to have," "want to have," and "wish to have" categories, in respective order of importance. Then, as you move closer to retirement we collaborate with you to systemically evaluate if you are on track for success. We, in fact, stress test your plan when we review your portfolio to make sure your asset allocation is appropriate at any given point. The stress test shows us your specific risk tolerance, meaning how much you can afford for the market to decline and still achieve your goals over your lifetime (which is how our clients have certainty and comfort throughout Bear Market periods). I urge you to continue hoping and praying in all facets of your life, but I also urge you to be wise about your family’s future. Because though things would be much simpler if it didn’t, money does matter! Y
The Rev. Lynn Phillips-Gaines, CFP®, CLTC has been engaged in financial planning since 1982 and is the owner of Phillips Financial, overseeing $200M in client assets. She is also the founder of Starkville Bridges out of Poverty. Due to her community work, she was recently named the Invest in Others Charitable Foundation 2014 Volunteer of the Year, which included opening the NASDAQ MarketSite.
DISCLOSURES: Phillips Financial is an independent firm. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Any opinions are those of Lynn Phillips-Gaines and not necessarily those of RJFS or Raymond James. The information contained in this report does not purport to be a complete description of the securities, markets, or developments referred to in this material. The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but we do not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. Any information is not a complete summary or statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision and does not constitute a recommendation. mschristianliving.com ❘ NOVEMBER 2014 41
Tupelo Remembers Six Months Later by TARA DOWDEN
eventy-eight years have passed since April 5, 1936 when the fourth deadliest tornado in U.S. history ravaged 15 miles of damage through our city, leveling 48 city blocks, killing over 216 residents and injuring 700. Through the years, our city has
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become accustomed to the tornado sirens that alert us of possible tornadoes. Some of us go overboard on our precautions, like myself; and some of us go grocery shopping minutes before the storm hits to pick up food to prepare dinner for neighbors tucked away in the basement. Even tornadoes cannot thwart southern hospitality. Regardless of where we are during bad weather, most Tupelo residents are tuned in to Matt Laubhan, the weatherman at WTVA news. Only six months ago, on April 28, 2014, many of us watched the weather broadcast with grave concern. From my parents basement seven adults, six children, and two dogs watched as Matt made his report. “Tornado touch down has been conformed at this instant. This is a tornado ripping through the city of Tupelo as we speak, and, this could be deadly! There is a damaging tornado on the ground right now!” The broadcast begins to stall and right before Matt runs off the set, he motions his arm right to left and shouts, “Basement now! Basement now!!”
THE GAMMELS Michael Gammel had just woken from his sleep, after working the night shift at the Toyota plant and had headed out to grab lunch before picking up his daughter, Ally, from piano lessons. After he received a panicked call from his wife Molly that a tornado had been spotted, he rushed to his car and headed up North Gloster Street. “I realized the projected path was headed directly towards Ally”. As the sky grew darker, he sped through every red light and recalled Tupelo looking 42 NOVEMBER 2014 ❘ Mississippi Christian Living
like a “ghost town.” He picked Ally up from her piano lesson and while in the car, she spotted “a huge wall of rain” headed toward them from the Joyner area. Michael took a left on Old Country Club Road, up Lakeshire, and onto Gloster. As they turned the corner, for a few eerie seconds, the skies portrayed a strange color and “everything stood still.” Realizing they could not make it home with clouds quickly churning up ahead, they turned into Lynn Circle heading towards Molly’s mom’s house. Molly explains, “I was on the phone with them and all I can remember is hearing Ally screaming my name, Michael screaming for Jesus, and the roaring sounds of the storm in the background. I literally thought this could possibly be the last time I speak to my husband and daughter.” Unbeknownst to Michael, the tornado had taken a 90-degree turn and was heading directly towards them. “I watched power lines flap like noodles and trees snap like toothpicks all around me. The car was being whipped around and tossed left and right and then the hair on the back of my neck stood as Ally and I watched the roof of the Reed’s house being ripped off into the sky, like a doll house, and then disintegrate into the storm. Looking back I really believe an angel steered my vehicle,” Michael says. Ally explains, “We were like a toy car and God was holding us.”
As he continues driving, Michael prays, “God you are in control but if anything happens, take me not Ally.” As they pulled in the driveway, the hundred-year-old pine trees began falling like dominoes behind them. One tree landed on the truck bed breaking the axle. Another tree uprooted in front of them stopping their vehicle. This quickly stopped the levitation of the car and grounded them through the rest of the tornado. Michael laid over Ally as they rode out the storm. Ally explains, “It sounded like a train and it just felt like everything was falling in on us.” When the tornado had passed, Michael and Ally quickly climbed out of the truck covered in trees and power lines to the safety of Molly’s mother’s home. In looking back, Molly says, “Now we fully thank God because I believe and know that God sovereignly protected my family. If he can form the Universe and human beings out of dust and breathe life into them, then holding up a few trees is nothing. Pushing down a particular tree, a particular way, at just the right second is nothing. The sheer fact that he loves us enough to have done that for us in such an uncontrollable circumstance, showed us He is in total control and that is sometimes beyond my understanding.” Michael’s car was totaled and Molly’s parents’ home took on so much damage that
they are currently living in a hotel. Regardless of the material losses, the Gammel family is thankful they survived what could have been a deadly situation. Michael stands in awe of how powerful God is after witnessing the magnitude and strength of the tornado. Ally begins singing the chorus of David Crowder’s song, “Loves like a hurricane, I am a tree...” The entire family chimes in, “bending beneath the weight of His wind and mercy, Oh, how He loves us, oh. Oh, how he loves us.”
THE MAYS The night before April 28, Neil and Stephanie May had just finished singing at West Jackson Baptist Church’s “Night of Praise” concert titled “Faithful.” That night
their daughter, Taylor, made a video of Neil and their 4-year-old son, Miles, playing with a slingshot on the front steps of their home. Later they headed in for the night.
They started off their Monday morning as usual knowing the day could possibly hold bad weather but were never too concerned. Everyone headed to school and work. While at work, Stephanie heard Matt Laubhan reporting that Tupelo might be having winds in excess of 165 miles per hour and at that point decided, for the protection of
themselves and their shoppers, they would close their store, Southern Cloth. Neil and Stephanie headed to lunch and out for a little shopping where they bought Miles a Captain America cape. Then they left for home. They pulled into their drive and went inside where their nanny, Courtney, joked that she updated her Facebook status to, “Surviving the storm of 2014.” The May family wasn’t sure if the storm would be that serious but for safety purposes decided to take shelter. Fifteen minutes later Stephanie, Stephanie’s mom, Taylor, Alexis, and Miles took cover in the kitchen pantry located under the stairs. Neil, a storm lover, stood on the back porch watching for the tornado. He watched as it hit the Reed’s house then moved towards the
mschristianliving.com ❘ NOVEMBER 2014 43
Legions Lake area and headed in the direction of his home. Neil turned and ran towards the inside of the house. “I saw the storm coming, and within seconds of it hitting our house I made a run for the pantry. The glass windows and doors all along the backside of our house were blowing out behind me and as I ran I felt debris hitting my body. The tornado roared, like the sound of a jet engine and I laid across my family in the pantry and jammed my feet against the door in hopes of keeping it closed.� The tornado then continued to sweep across the house pulling the roof off along with the smoke detectors in the pantry allowing for debris and rain to fall in on the May family. The storm seemed to quiet for a few seconds and then the next cycle of the tornado came through. Miles began screaming and the rest of the family continued praying and asking the Lord for His continued protection. After the storm passed, the family made their way out of the pantry and took a right turn into open air. Their house was gone. Nothing but two small walls, which stood behind the pantry, was left standing. The refrigerator was torn to pieces and covered in grass but had served as a steel wall of protection from all the debris. Miles explains,
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“All of my toys were blown away in the tornado, like they all went up into the sky, but I did have my Captain America cape on!� Even though their new home was a hotel room for two months and their possessions could fit in a 3’ x 3’ box, Neil states, “Our goal has been to let God be glorified and not focus on what happened to us. Our lives were spared and we have more than a lot of people have. We thank God for the experience and how it grew us spiritually and closer together as a family.� Through losing all of her possessions, Alexis has been reminded of Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.� Throughout this journey, Neil and Stephanie have found themselves repeatedly singing the lines they sang in the concert that Sunday night before the storm, “When there is no way, we will sing Your praise, You are faithful.� There is nothing left of the house where Neil and Miles played slingshot on the front porch. But, in His goodness, God has provided a new home with neighbors that are Miles’ age and Neil and Stephanie are expecting a new baby at the end of March. The devastation from the tornadoes that hit on April 28, 2014, bears no resemblance to the damage and loss of life on April 5,
1936. Still, our city has been changed by the damage done to homes, businesses, and neighborhoods. In the process of rebuilding, we have realized what it means to be a neighbor and to serve and treat others in a way we want to be treated. We have seen God’s grace and loving mercy in His sovereign timing and protection over so many men, women, and children. We have watched our community serve one another to a point of physical exhaustion. Through the blue roofs and the empty slabs we see His goodness and faithfulness and we are thankful. “The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him� (Nahum 1:7).Y
Tara Dowden is a proud graduate of Mississippi State University. She has worked in interior design and elementary education. She is currently an Account Executive for Mississippi Christian Living magazine, a classical ballet instructor, and a volunteer children’s minister. She and her husband, Landon, live in Tupelo where he pastors The Church at Trace Crossing. They enjoy attending soccer games and ballet recitals with their four children: Arabella, Adalaide, Adoniram, and Alastair.
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*Registered representative. Securities offered through MWA Financial Services Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Modern Woodmen of America. 44 NOVEMBER 2014 â?˜ Mississippi Christian Living
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Snowflakes Under the Stars CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE Tuesday, December 2nd 5:00-8:00pm Highland Village
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• Christmas Carolers • S’mores • Horse & Carriage Rides • Live Music • Santa Claus (be sure to bring your camera!) • 100% Chance of SNOW • Merchant Specials & More I-55N at Northside Dr, Exit 100 • Shops open Mon-Sat 10A-6P Whole Foods Market open Mon-Sun 7A-10P • Restaurant hours may vary www.highlandvillagems.com • facebook.com/highlandvillagems twitter.com/hvmississippi • instagram.com/highlandvillagejackson
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We believe that every moment matters. Maybe that’s why so many families believe in us when it comes to choosing a hospice provider. Ask us about volunteer opportunities. Provide the gift of companionship and a listening ear to a family facing a life-limiting illness. For more information or to receive our free DVD, “Hospice and Your Loved One,” call 601-983-3193. gentiva.com/hospice
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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.
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➺
legal advice Get It in Writing the Right Way by ELIZABETH WYNN
ave you ever asked what it would be like to find yourself in the position of primary caregiver to a friend or family member, whether in an emergency or otherwise? More than likely
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you will feel overwhelmed. What do you do first? Many times these situations begin with an emergency. Who would you call other than 911? Do you know the names and phone numbers of the doctors or hospitals that have provided treatment in the past and who will likely have the necessary medical records? Do you know what your loved one’s wishes are concerning medical treatment? In an emergency situation, when you arrive at the hospital, there will be a multitude of questions. There’s the medical history, medications, surgeries, allergies, current diagnosis, primary physician, to name a few. Do you have access to this important information? Or, more importantly, do you have this information in writing? Oftentimes, it’s difficult to depend on memory alone. Even when there is not an emergency, there will be numerous additional demands upon your time. There will be the inevitable doctors
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appointments, prescriptions to be filled, alternate caregivers to be scheduled. More than likely you are now responsible for financial matters, which must be attended to in a timely manner.You need to know the information regarding these various obligations as well as where the financial accounts are located and who has access to them. Regardless of whether your loved one is in a facility or homebound, your presence will be required for comfort, decision making, and staying on top of the situation. You probably had a busy life before you took on this new responsibility. But you’ll find the time to take on these new obligations, because you have to. Having as much as possible in writing will be a great aid in handling those hectic time demands. In addition to these practical matters, there are certain legal documents that are critical for your loved one to have executed in order for you to adequately care for them while they are incapacitated. At a minimum, you need a Durable Financial Power of Attorney and an Advance Health Care Directive (AHCD) with HIPAA provisions. The Durable Financial Power of Attorney is a document whereby you are
granted authority to act on their behalf concerning personal financial affairs. This document gives you, as agent, a wide range of duties and responsibilities, and should be customized to meet as many of their needs or potential needs as possible. The Mississippi AHCD includes enhanced living will provisions and a statutory health care power of attorney allowing a person to make health care decisions for them according to their predetermined wishes. It includes specific directions about a wide range of medical issues. However, the ACHD is not complete without separate HIPAA authorizations. HIPAA is the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996. Unless a healthcare provider has a specific consent form, they are legally unable to discuss the details of anyone’s medical condition with the people who care about them and need the information the most. Having it in writing is essential for you—the caregiver—and for the wellbeing of the one you care about. If you spend just a little time now and put as much as you can in writing, it will pay dividends on your peace of mind, as well as your efficiency in caring. Y
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.
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➺rave reviews BOOK The Messiah Reviewed by Susan E. Richardson With Christmas approaching, music begins to fill the air and welcome the season. From secular to sacred to just plain silly, Christmas music has it all. One traditional favorite, Handel’s Messiah, stands out above others as a THETheMESSIAH masterpiece. Now Texts Behind Handel’s Masterpiece Douglas Connelly Douglas Connelly and InterVarsity Press offer a LifeGuideR Bible Study on the Scriptures that inspired Handel’s great work. Handel used mostly Old Testament prophetic texts, and the study focuses on these, while including some New Testament references for the prophecies’ fulfillment. Rather than Handel’s three parts, the study takes eight weeks to cover themes from the entire work. Like other LifeGuide studies, you can use The Messiah for yourself or as part of a group.You’ll find an inductive approach that combines discussion questions with those for personal thought, as well as fill-inthe-blank questions. If you plan to lead a group, you’ll find the leader’s guide in the back. If you already have plans for an Advent/Christmas study, keep The Messiah in mind for Lent/Easter next year. As Connelly says in the introduction, “If you work through this study near the time of Advent or Easter, it will prepare your heart in a fresh way for those celebrations. But any time of the year, these studies will draw you closer to Jesus in adoration and appreciation.” InterVarsity Press offers over 100 LifeGuide studies, some focusing on a book of the Bible and others on characters or topics.You’ll find something for nearly any group study need among the choices. Over 10 Million LifeGuides Sold
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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. 52 NOVEMBER 2014 ❘ Mississippi Christian Living
The Duck Commander Faith and Family Bible Thomas Nelson released the perfect gift item for the men on your Christmas list. Available in stores October 28, this Duck Dynasty classic boasts Phil and Alan Robertson as the executive editors. This New King James Version of the Bible has a unique format, and is, according to Alan, “a broad way” to study. The five Robertson family principles—faith, family, fellowship, forgiveness, and freedom—provide a topical framework throughout with personal stories that illustrate the timeless truths from scripture. There are real 21st century applications that will grab the attention of the student and the non-student alike! Along with about 30 stories of lives transformed included in a section called “Lifechangers,” and a subsequent concordance-like section providing additional resources on a given topic, the Duck Commander Faith and Family Bible, promises to be a great way to open up the Bible to people who may not have known where to start before. Alan, the oldest and the only beardless son of Phil and Kay, was 10 years old when his raucous father accepted Christ and made a 180-degree lifestyle change. He well remembers the struggles of a new Christian trying to leave a lifetime of bad habits. The first year or two seemed to be a series of “two steps forward and one step back,” but ultimately the authenticity of Phil’s transformation set the Robertson clan on a path that God has used in ways they never dreamed. As Al recounts, “I remember him [Phil] at his worst, and I have seen what God can do.”
Since Duck Dynasty premiered in 2012, the Robertson’s have lived with celebrity status, but they have been amazingly unfazed by stardom. Their uncompromising outspoken belief in the Bible and its truth has made them fair game for a large dose of criticism from the politically correct. Even so, they have struck a chord with Middle America that has made them heroes to many. Al has his own ideas as to why that is so. “I think there’s been a void in Middle America. We aren’t just a caricature of the South or of what some perceive as ‘redneck,’ but there is a lot more to us. I think many identify with what we believe and what is the very solution to our culture’s—as well as our nation’s—ills. Even though we were attacked head on by the people we worked for, the fact that we stood firm in what we believe-—I think people identified with that.” And when it comes down to it, as Al says, “We never felt like we could stop standing up for what we know is truth even if a lot of people don’t agree with us.” Well said. The Duck Commander Faith and Family Bible is a keeper. Their message is the gospel. Their insights and stories show how God works in the lives of people regardless of the situation or circumstance. A gift full of hope and comfort in the season of hope and comfort.
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CD The Straightest Way
by Maura McIntosh
A fresh fall offering is this new album by my friend, Maura McIntosh. A mix of five traditional favorites, like “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross,” “Balm of Gilead,” and “Though Your Sins Be as Scarlet,” along with six originals by Maura, this one is easy on the ears. With Maura’s pure voice and wonderful acoustic guitar, the music will go straight to your heart. Maura can take the jumble of ordinary life experiences, weave them into the fabric of a song, and inspire you to examine your own journey with new eyes and ears! There is a redemption theme that runs throughout—appropriate timing in this season of Thanksgiving!
“I’d rather walk with you through the wilderness than on the straightest way by myself,” are a few of the stick-with-you lyrics from the title song. As Maura says, “Many times our wilderness experiences lead us to God’s straightest way for our lives. I thank Him for my times in the wilderness.” Enjoy! Buy one for you and one for a friend! Order at mauramcintoshmusic@gmail.com or at www.cdbaby.com. Available at Paper Place, or Persnickety. Find Maura at Mistletoe Marketplace in the Olde Tyme Commissary booth! Y
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events calendar November 20–22 The Reflections Dramatic Productions will be performing a play based on the book Christy, by Catherine Marshall. St. Mark’s Methodist Church, 400 Grant’s Ferry Road. Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for students. Tickets at reflectionsdrama.com and at the door. 7 p.m. each night and 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
INVERNESS December 6–7 Follow the Star: A Walk to the Manger. An original Christmas Story presented as a dramatic musical tour unfolding as you “walk” through each scene to the manger! 5:30–7 p.m. Tours begin every 15 minutes. Family friendly and free! 662.207.0425 or 662.207.0743. Follow The Star Inverness, MS.
JACKSON
November 5–8, 12–15 The MS Agriculture Museum at 1150 Lakeland Drive holds its annual Harvest Festival with hands-on demonstrations in the Print Shop and Blacksmith Shop! Open 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Wed–Sat. 601.432.4500
November 5–8 Mistletoe Marketplace, the Junior League of Jackson’s annual shopping extravaganza, at the MS Trade Mart. Special events daily along with 150 vendors from all over the country. mistletoemarketplace.com for times and events.
November 6 The Jackson Medical Mall Foundation hosts its annual Community Reinvestment Awards for 2014 at 6:30 p.m. at the Thad Cochran Center Stage. Tickets $35. 601.982.8467
Mississippi Sports Expo at the Jackson Convention Complex and the Lee William Athletic & Assembly Center at Jackson State University. Family friendly. Fun Run, health screenings and demonstrations. Tickets at all Ticketmaster locations. mssportsexpo.com or 601.940.8853
November 15 Phun Day at the MS Children’s Museum at 2145 Highland Drive. 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Children will be able to study and interact with living organisms all around them. Formed by the American Physiology Society, this special day is dedicated to “Physiology Understanding.” 601.981.5469
November 21–22 Handworks Annual Holiday Market returns to the MS Trade Mart! 9 a.m.–7 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Saturday. Over 140 exhibitors bring their handmade wares. handworksmarket.com
November 22 Belhaven University presents Gloria in Excelsis! A Christmas Celebration at 7:30 p.m. Center for the Arts Concert Hall. Dr. Christopher Shelt, along with select student conductors, will direct the Belhaven Concert Choir, Belhaven Chorale, soloists, and instrumentalists. Free. 601.968.5940
November 23 Harvest Festival at the Jackson Zoo at 2918 W. Capitol Street from 11 a.m–3 p.m. Face painting, children’s activities, and family fun with price of regular zoo admission. 601.352.2580
November 14 Belhaven University Symphony Orchestra presents Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5 at 7:30 p.m. Center for the Arts Concert Hall at 865 Riverside Drive. Free. 601.968.5940
November 28–January 3 Garden Glow Nights at the MS Children’s
Museum! Kick off the season with spectacular holiday lights in the Literacy Garden. Local choirs will sing favorite carols. Visitors can enjoy holiday story time, and Santa will be present on Saturday nights. $10 per person. 601.981.5469
December 2 The Jackson Medical Mall Foundation presents the Richard F. Polk Light the Night Christmas Parade. A family event promoting Biker Safety, the parade begins at 5:30 p.m. Fireworks show, carriage rides and Christmas treats. 601.982.8467
MADISON November 13 The Women’s Ministry of First Baptist Church Madison invites you to Holiday Highlights at 6:30 p.m. in the Christian Activities Center. Author Patty Roper will present decorating and serving ideas for the holiday season. Tickets $5. fbcmadison.org or 601.856.6177
RIDGELAND November 15
Hearts of Compassion Family 5K & Fun Run is an annual benefit that raises awareness and funds to assist those involved in the adoption process. Family friendly with a silent auction, children’s activities, and booth displays. 8 p.m. Colonial Heights Baptist Church at 444 Northpark Drive. colonialheights.org/hoc5k.
November 20 34th Annual Squat & Gobble Strut Your Stuffing event sponsored by Friends for a Cause. 6:30–10 p.m. at Reservoir Pointe. Food, entertainment, door prizes, and silent auction. Proceeds benefit Domestic Violence shelters of the Jackson Metro area. friendsforacause.com.
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What are Essential Oils? How are Essential Oils used? How can you be assured of quality Essential Oils? Essential Oils are Mother Nature’s therapeutic solution and Young Living sets the standard for determining essential oil purity and potency. All these questions and any others you have. I can answer. Contact Me PAMILA ROSS | Young Living Independent Distributor 601.672.9349 | ross.pamila@gmail.com www.youngliving.org/pamila | facebook.com/pamilaYLOils ZYTO scans. $25.00 per person. Follow up in 3 months free (FREE ZYTO scan with YL member sign up) mschristianliving.com ❘ NOVEMBER 2014 53
NOVEMBER 2014
November 8
BRANDON
➺quips & quotes
ADVERTISER INDEX
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Cut out the scriptures and quotes and place them around your home for daily encouragement!
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An optimist is a person who starts a new diet on Thanksgiving Day. – Irv Kupcinet
Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust.”
– LAMENTATIONS 3:22-23
– PSALM 91:1-2, ESV
To give thanks is to take up the tangled threads of your life and present them to God come what may. Thanksgiving involves an act of the will. It's not a question of pretending that everything is bright and beautiful when you know it’s not.
In ordinary life we hardly realize that we receive a great deal more than we give, and that it is only with gratitude that life becomes rich.
– Charles Henderson
The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving. – PSALM 28:7, NLT
– Dietrich Bonhoeffer
How wonderful it would be if we could help our children and grandchildren to learn thanksgiving at an early age. Thanksgiving opens the doors. It changes a child's personality. A child is resentful, negative, or thankful. Thankful children want to give, they radiate happiness, they draw people.
We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude. – Cynthia Ozick
– Sir John Templeton
If I am grateful for anything about these past 17 years, it’s for the way God has wrecked my idealism about myself and the world and replaced it with a realism about the extent of His grace and love, which is much bigger than I had ever imagined. Indeed, the smaller you get—the smaller life makes you—the easier it is to see the grandeur of grace.
Do not look forward to what may happen tomorrow. The same Everlasting Father who cares for you today will care for you tomorrow and every day. Either He will shield you from suffering or He will give you unfailing strength to bear it."
– Tullian Tchividjian
As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.
– Francis de Sales
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
– John F. Kennedy
NORTH STATE
ANIMAL & BIRD HOSPITAL 5208 North State Street • Jackson, MS 39206
Dr. Steven Britt Dr. Jonathan Faulkner Dr. Melisa McLendon Dr. Adrian Whittington 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
54 NOVEMBER 2014 ❘ Mississippi Christian Living
– PHILIPPIANS 4:6
Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. – 1 THESSALONIANS 5:18, NLT
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Enjoy a warm welcome at
St. Catherine’s Village
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Assisted Living Apartments Campbell Cove, a Residential Alzheimer’s Facility Siena Center, a 24-hour Nursing Center – Current Availability 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