Vol. 24| Iss. 9| September 2020
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LOVE FIRST CHRISTIAN CENTER OFFERS LIFE UNIVERSITY CLASSES Staff Report
Hooked On Books
16 Left Behind
18 Fruit of the Spirit
Columns: Grace Notes: Hooked On Books: Crafts For Kids: Faith & Footprints:
04 09 11 15
Love First Christian Center is starting four new series of virtual classes this month, with topics ranging from parenting to biblical foundation. GriefShare, a 13-week program, will take place from Tuesday, September 8 to Tuesday, December 1. GriefShare is a friendly, caring group of people who will walk alongside you through one of life’s most difficult experiences. “It may be hard for you to feel optimistic about the future right now. If you’ve lost a spouse, child, family member or friend, you’ve probably found there are not many people who understand the deep hurt you feel,” said Love First’s Phaaedra Parker McKesson. “This can be a confusing time when you feel isolated and have many questions about things you’ve never faced before.” A recent attendee said, “Going to GriefShare feels like having warm arms wrapped around you when you’re shivering.”
GriefShare and parenting are two of the class topics available through Love First Christian Center starting in September.
Art of Parenting Small-Group Series, an eight-week virtual class, will take place from Monday, September 14 to Monday, November 2. The Art of Parenting class guides parents on their journey to make their faith a core aspect to their parenting. Attendees will learn intentional, biblical instruction and Christ-centered plans that “Aim children’s hearts toward God.” Parents will gain fresh insights on parenting children of different ages and plan unique ways to enhance each child’s personality and gifting. A class titled Single & Parenting will take place for 13 weeks, starting on
Monday, September 14. This group addresses how to deal with the deep-down worries and day-to-day struggles of single parents. The Biblical Foundations Discipleship class will take place virtually from Tuesday, September 15 to Tuesday, November 17. “There are certain teachings of the Bible that every Christian must know,” said McKesson. “Knowing the basic teachings of the Bible is important because what we believe affects how we live. Whether you’re a relatively new believer in Jesus or a mature Christian looking for a better understanding of the basics of the faith, Christian Beliefs is for you. You will learn about the Bible, the characteristics of God, what it means that we are created in the image of God, what God has done for us in Christ, the purpose of the church and much more.” To register for any of these classes, visit lfcc.tv/register.
GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH LAUNCHES VIRTUAL CHOIR PROGRAM
By Laura Tamayo
With all the chaos that seems to never stop in the world right now, community projects that boost morale are more welcomed than ever before. Tracie Ashley, a Lithia resident and pastor at Grace Community United Methodist Church (GCUMC), has taken on an event that is a perfect example. She recently came up with the idea for a virtual choir, held by her church, that will take place in late August or early September. This bright notion was inspired by similar proceedings being undergone by other churches and organizations around the country due to the quarantine. “During COVID, many kinds of virtual choirs have popped up. Once I saw them, I couldn’t help but think it would be good for our community too,” said Ashley. The online ensemble is open to all musicians of all ages that miss playing their instrument or miss utilizing their singing voice and want to join in. Ashley hopes that this will help bring a wider demographic together for a little escape from the outside reality. The only criteria to be a part of the choir is residing in the general Lithia area, simply to
The event-runner, Tracie Ashley, invites all musicians to join this virtual ensemble; the more, the merrier!
avoid stretching GCUMC too thin. According to Ashley, the songs that are going to be played are to be determined but she stresses that they will have an uplifting tone in order to maximize rise in community spirit. “Music has a beautiful way of reminding us all that we need each other and that we belong to one another. Songs will be chosen to lift up that message of hope and unity,” she explained. Currently, the chorus is in the planning session and in August, GCUMC will send out links for people to sign up to participate. From there, they will be given instructions on how to record themselves and return that recording to be put together into the choir format. Although this may sound complicated, Ashley stated that it is much easier than it sounds and any participant can even complete their recording from their phone, if necessary. If you’re interested in this simple way to alleviate stress, whether it be COVID-19-related or not, you can find more information on Ashley’s facebook page at www.facebook.com/tsashley/ or email her at tracie@mygraceumc.com.
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ChristianVoiceMonthly.com
September 2020
Volume 24 | Issue 9
ChristianVoiceMonthly.com
Page 3
Healthcare Solutions Team Helps Choose The Best Possible Health Insurance Plans
Healthcare Solutions Team finds the best possible health insurance plans for its clients.
Choosing a health insurance plan can be complicated. Those in the market for insurance must have an understanding of terminology such as HMO, POS, EPO and PPO and be able to compare plans that aren’t created equally. Ken Bardales, owner of Healthcare Solutions Team, said he can make the process simpler. He and his team help explore all healthcare possibilities to ensure clients receive the best coverage at the best price. Bardales opened Healthcare Solutions Team, located at 1040 E. Brandon Blvd., in 2018 but had been working in the industry for almost 10 years. Business has been thriving. His team has rapidly expanded to more than 30 employees working with clients in more than 40 states. “We’ve been so busy I had to hire another assistant,” he said. “It’s a good problem to have.” They’re so busy because they are good at what they do, which is finding the best coverage for each client and their situation. “We’re not all the same when it comes to our health insurance needs,” he said. “It’s not a one-size-fits-all approach.” Healthcare Solutions Team interviews each client and assesses key data, including family size and health status, to qualify them for available plans.
“Even if you are already covered by a group plan by your employer, we can still run an analysis to see if there is a less expensive plan for you,” he said. “Our clients are surprised at how much we can save them.” Open enrollment for the ACA-compliant health insurance coverage for 2021 begins on Sunday, November 1 and will run through Tuesday, December 15. Some people may qualify for enrollment earlier. Obamacare plans may not always be the best value. “We compare them with private sector plans to find the one that right for you,” he said. Bardales commented that individuals who make more than $100,000 in income annually and don’t qualify for government assistance on the marketplace find that in most circumstances a private insurance plan is more cost-effective. “We have a plan for everyone,” he said. “Whether you are looking for better coverage, are recently uninsured or its your first time purchasing health insurance, we will help you find a premium, affordable plan,” he said. Healthcare Solutions Team is open Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. To schedule an appointment, visit www. healthcaresolutionsteam-brandon.com or call 689-8800.
The United Methodist Church of Sun City Center welcomes several area musicians to come together for a celebration of Beethoven’s 250th birthday with a concert on Sunday, September 20 at 3 p.m.
Local Church Celebrates Beethoven’s 250th Staff Report Birthday With Concert
With so much uncertainty in the world currently, many residents are turning to music for comfort, and one local church is bringing together musicians to entertain and soothe while also celebrating a huge milestone for a famous composer. The United Methodist Church of Sun City Center welcomes several area musicians to come together for a celebration of Beethoven’s 250th birthday with a concert on Sunday, September 20 at 3 p.m. Local talented pianists Kate Baldwin, Valerie Southwell, Kai Vera and Haig Yaghoobian will join the church’s organist, Keith Rasmussen, along with Worship Arts Director Jeff Jordan and local flutist Cindy Mitze for a unique concert that will highlight some of Beethoven’s best compositions. Concertgoers will hear the following pieces: Egmont Overture, Moonlight Sonata, Four-Hand Sonata, Op. 5, the ‘Pathetique’ Piano Sonata, Für Elise, Sonata in Bb and perhaps Beethoven’s most well-known composition, Symphony No. 5 (allegro con brio).
The concert will feature piano solos, piano duets as well as two-piano and eighthand piano pieces. In addition, there will be a piano/flute piece. “If you love music of the period, or Beethoven specifically, this is a one-of-a-kind concert you don’t want to miss,” said Kevin Goodenow, concert series coordinator. “The church will employ safe, socially distant and CDC-sanctioned safety measures, including masks and a 25 percent venue capacity, which means only the first 175 people will be admitted.” A donation of only $10 is requested at the door on the day of the concert. For additional information about this and other concerts and recitals at the United Methodist Church of Sun City Center, please contact Goodenow at 3620956. To learn more about the United Methodist Church of Sun City Center, please visit www.sccumc.com. The church is located at 1210 Del Webb Blvd. W. in Sun City Center.
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Grace Notes
The Best of Company By Debora Coty
September 2020
FishHawk Marine Creates Workout Program For Neighborhood Kids By Kelly Valdes
After fifty years of reading the Bible, I discovered something new. I hope I’m not the only clueless wonder here. Were you aware that Moses wasn’t the only person (besides Adam and Eve) to see God and live to tell about it? According to Exodus 24: 9-10, “Then Moses … and the seventy elders of Israel climbed up the mountain. There they saw the God of Israel” (NLT). Apparently the Almighty threw a party for a handpicked bunch in His mountain hideaway. Exodus 24 records that after the children of Israel had departed Egypt and were just beginning their wilderness trek, seventy-four Hebrew leaders (the seventy mentioned above plus Moses, Aaron, and a couple of others cited by name) were invited up to Mt. Sinai where they shared a meal together in God’s presence. How incredibly cool is that? Can you imagine munching manna appetizers with the King of the Uni-
verse? My imagination runs wild just considering what the party chatter must’ve been like: “So, Lord, what does your agenda look like for the next, say, forty years?” “Hey Moses, did you try the quail wings? Secret’s in the sauce!” “I saw you double dipping, Aaron. Gross. Were you raised in a barn?” “Should we stay and wash dishes, Yahweh? Good help is so hard to find these days.” Isn’t it incredible that God loves His children so much, He intentionally seeks our company? He wants to spend time with us. He desires to hear our thoughts and share His with us. Do we give Him the same consideration? How many times have we closed our Bibles after only four verses because we’re sleepy? Or left a prayer unfinished because we got sidetracked? Perhaps if we rethink our priorities, we might make the A-list for His next shindig.
Debora M. Coty is an inspirational speaker and award-winning author of over 40 books, including the bestselling Too Blessed to be Stressed series. Visit with Debora anytime at www.DeboraCoty.com.
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FishHawk resident Robert Schwabb recognized that parents and children needed a healthy outlet during the last few months, and with schools closed and events cancelled, he came up with an alternate plan. Once COVID-19 hit and everything was locked down, Schwabb started a workout program for his kids and other kids in the neighborhood. Neighbor Dennis Bolender’s son took part in the daily exercise schedule. “These kids have all been working out with him five to six times per week, usually at 6:30 a.m., for a couple of months now,” said Bolender. “They are all young teens. One young man has since moved out of the neighborhood but comes back to work-out every day.” Schwabb is an active duty major in the Marine Corps. “He had cancer last year, went through chemo and finished not long before all the COVID stuff hit,” said Bolender. “He has always worked out (he’s a Marine, of course), but the cancer really took a toll.” The kids appreciated Schwabb’s posi-
tive workouts and continued encouragement for them to stay active, get fit and relieve stress during a difficult time for everyone. To thank him for his dedication to them, they collectively decided to purchase Schwabb a gift, so they’re working odd jobs to save up the money to buy him a pair of shooting glasses for shooting sporting clays. “I took them to cut a lawn in FishHawk West over the weekend, and they’ve been painting mailboxes in FishHawk (my son has had a business refinishing FishHawk mailboxes for about five years now; started when he was 10, he’s 15 now), so he taught the other boys how to do mailboxes as well,” said Bolender. “It’s a lot of work.” Bolender’s son and Schwabb’s son are using this workout program to complete the requirements for the Boy Scout Personal Fitness Merit Badge, one of the tougher Eagle Scout-required badges. Schwabb is also an assistant Scoutmaster and a counselor for this merit badge. “The amount of time and effort he’s put into helping these kids out, for months, really speaks to his character and desire to serve kids,” said Bolender. “That these teenagers recognize it and are willing to work, save and buy him a gift is really impressive to me. It’s these kinds of actions by our neighbors here in FishHawk that make this such a great community and an awesome place to live.” The students will be ordering the shooting glasses soon once they earn enough money to make the purchase.
ChristianVoiceMonthly.com
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September 2020
PALM TREE ROOFING STRIVES TO PROVIDE HIGH-QUALITY PRODUCTS By Tatiana Ortiz
DOVE INTERIORS CELEBRATES 30 YEARS IN BUSINESS
By Michelle Caceres
With more than 25 years of experience in the building industry, Frank Shaft, a Florida certified roofing contractor who owns Palm Tree Roofing in Apollo Beach, along with his wife, Donelle Shaft, developed a well-known reputation within the community which their business serves. This family-owned and operated business created numerous fulfilling relationships in Florida and plans to continues to service the area for many years. Palm Tree Roofing was established in 2006. Prior to Palm Tree Roofing, Frank started his career in the commercial roofing industry as a job supervisor and eventually earned a general contractors license. Palm Tree Roofing mainly conducts service in Hillsborough County with a focus in the Brandon, Riverview, Apollo Beach and Sun City Center areas. It also assists homeowners with their decisions by providing them with the best kind of products for their home. What’s more, it consists of a skilled and trained team in all types of roof repairs and replacements. Donelle shares her thoughts about what she would like the community to know about Palm Tree Roofing.
“My husband makes sure to keep up to date on the latest products and installation procedures,” Donelle said. The business offers a wide variety of services such as residential roofs, flat roofs, gutter installation, shingle roofs and much more. Palm Tree Roofing believes in completing every job to the highest of standards while taking great pride in caring for one’s property from start to finish of a project. In addition, its highest priority is quality. Palm Tree Roofing offers free roof inspections and estimates. In fact, Frank and his team abides by the procedures in order to keep themselves and others safe. For example, Frank does his one-onone with customers outside with a face mask while staying distant. “All in all, our goal would be to ensure that our customers are 100 percent satisfied as we work hard to maintain a good reputation,” Donelle said. For more information, visit http:// getyourroofnow.com. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.6 p.m. Email PalmTreeRoofing@gmail. com or call 333-6320 to schedule an appointment.
Dove Interiors Carpet One Floor & Home, owned by mother/daughter duo Joan Miller and Kimberly Scott, is celebrating its 30th year in business in September, a milestone most businesses don’t reach. Its office and showroom, located at 2305 E. College Ave. in Ruskin, is a one-stop shop for helping homeowners make their dream homes a reality, offering custom flooring options for every home, from tile to hardwood, carpet to vinyl. In addition to flooring options, Dove Interiors’ experts can measure and install a variety of window treatment options and custom drapery. It’s also a one-stop shop when renovating kitchen and baths, from custom cabinetry to countertops. The family-owned operation sprouted from Miller’s leap of faith in 1991, when she walked away from a successful career in finance to open Dove Interiors with her two children, Kimberly and Rick. “We just made the decision to start a family business and moved into a small space in the Sun Pointe Shopping Center where we were warmly welcomed by the community,” said Scott, who credits their success to their trust that God would help them through both the good times and the bad. “He’s allowed us to make it through some really tough times, during recessions times as well as through personal trials,” said Scott. Those personal trials include the passing of her brother, Rick, four years ago. “He was such an im-
portant part of our family, our business, but we had faith that the Lord would provide us with the strength to march on,” she said. And march on they have. The company’s 13 employees in addition to installation crews have all been able to continue working and get paid during the pandemic. “We are dedicated to our staff because they are dedicated to us and our customers,” said Scott. The Preserve at FishHawk Ranch resident Claudia Figgins is one customer of Dove Interiors who has seen firsthand that dedication. A friend referred her to Dove Interiors when she was looking for a company to install blinds in her new home. “My friend did all the legwork, searching for someone who had excellent reviews at a competitive price,” she said. “When I met Kimberly, I knew immediately I would become a customer.” Scott and her team installed Silhouette automatic window shadings in her home and she couldn’t be more pleased with the result. “They were so meticulous and I love the finished product,” she said. Dove Interiors’ showroom is open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Don’t feel like driving to the showroom? Call to schedule an appointment and Dove Interiors will bring samples to your door, on your schedule. For more information or to schedule a free consultation, call 642-4369 or visit www.doveinteriorscarpetone.com.
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ChristianVoiceMonthly.com
Volume 24 | Issue 9
SAVANNAH COURT OFFERS WAY FOR RESIDENTS TO GET A HUG
By Amy Schechter
offers Zoom sessions with family members, recorded messages from families and friends and even window visits where families, friends and residents are safely separated yet able to interact. Still, Huff realized something was missing. There is nothing that can truly replace the physical touch of another person. So many children, spouses, and residents who deal with the rollercoaster of emotions that comes with leaving a family member in assisted living struggle with not being able to hold the hand of their loved ones or give a long-awaited hug. Huff realized, “They need that contact, just like they need air.” So, she and her staff have created an innovative way for that to happen. Huff calls it the Hug Booth. It is a box, much like a telephone booth, that can separate two individuals, yet Savannah Court assisted living facility recently it still allows for a true embrace. Usinstalled a hug booth for residents. ing easy to clean plastic barriers and As restaurants reopen, people start to wearable, disposable gloves/shields, venture out and life somewhat normaliz- residents can now safely embrace one anes after the beginning of the coronavirus other, their families and their friends. pandemic, things are not the same for our Savannah Court of Brandon’s efforts are most vulnerable populations, such as the a testament to the loving, gracious senior residents at Savannah Court Assisted Liv- care it offers the community. Currently, ing Facility of Brandon. For these people, it provides traditional assisted living in a it has been over 100 days since many of variety of floor plans as well as overnight them had seen their friends and families respite care for those individuals who face to face. may need help for a few days or weeks Chyna Huff, executive director of Savan- following a surgery, for example. When nah Court, knew this was not healthy: “It’s the pandemic passes, it hopes to again bad enough where the families cannot get offer day services designed for caregivers in and see them. Humans aren’t made to who may need eight hours once in a while sustain that type of constant depression, or on a regular basis to fulfill obligations disconnect and loneliness. We had try to they would not be able to do while caring do things that will ease the situation.” for their family member. Savannah Court is an active assisted livFor more information or to take a viring facility. Its monthly activities includ- tual tour, call 603-7844 or visit www. ed big field trips to places like the USF slm.net/senior-living/fl/brandon/savanBotanical Gardens, but Huff had to re- nah-court-of-brandon/. Personalized virvamp their offerings for smaller, in-house tual tours are also available for those who groups. Bible study, exercise classes, bingo have specific questions and want to hear and music are regular activities, but Huff resident interviews. Find it on Facebook and her staff have added more events, like at www.facebook.com/SavannahCourtice cream socials and beauty salon days BrandonAssistedLiving. Savannah Court that mimic the aspects of the residents’ of Brandon, ALF License #9353, is located routines that they can no longer enjoy. It at 824 N. Parsons Ave. in Brandon.
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Volume 24 | Issue 9
Page 7
Pastor’s Corner
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Jomo Cousins, PhD
Restoration By Pastor Jomo Cousins, PhD
Job 42:10 The Lord restored the fortunes of Job when he prayed for his friends. The Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before. In the amazing story of Job, we see the uncertainty of life. Job starts out being a rich and successful businessman who followed God, to suddenly being brought to his knees due to an all-out assault from the enemy. Who would have figured that the catalyst to this turnaround would have come through prayer? And not just a prayer for his situation or circumstance, but a prayer for the people who spoke ill of him. Are you praying for your enemies or the people who do not necessarily have your best interest at heart? How difficult do you find this to be? As Job interceded for his friends, God turned around his situation. Let’s look at Proverbs 19:11. Proverbs 19:11 (AMP) Good sense and discretion make a man slow to anger, And it is his honor and glory to overlook a transgression or an offense [without seeking revenge and harboring resentment].
The fight to love others and not harbor offense is a test. We must pray that God will release us from anger and resentment that we may be feeling towards others so that our hearts may be pure and our intentions are true. Are you harboring any anger and resentment? Release it here and now, give it to God. Unforgiveness always corrupts the container that holds it. Except from: Luke 6:35 (AMP) But love [that is, unselfishly seek the best or higher good for] your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; for your reward will be great (rich, abundant), and you will be sons of the Most High; because He Himself is kind and gracious and good to the ungrateful and the wicked. If Job would have been bitter, he could not have been a willing vessel for God to use. We cannot pray for someone and hate them at the same time. One of the tests of true forgiveness is the ability to pray earnestly for someone who has hurt you, understanding that vengeance belongs to the Lord. Prayer Life: The Conversation, Page 103
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SEE WHAT’S POPPIN’ AS THE POPCORN SPOT WELCOMES CUSTOMERS TO PICK UP POPCORN
September 2020
CELEBRATING 25 YEARS IN BRANDON! FAMILY MEALS $39.95 SANGRIA QT. $20
By Lily Belcher
Kimberly Gregory next to her sign in The Popcorn Spot.
The last thing one would expect to be met with upon walking into a popcorn store is the sweet smell of candied green apples. While they might think they had walked into the wrong place, they would quickly realize it was just Owner and Founder Kimberly Gregory popping a fresh batch of green apple popcorn. The Popcorn Spot, located in the Riverview centre at 7441 U.S. Hwy. 301 in Riverview, is home to more than 70 flavors of gourmet popcorn, made-in-Florida Big Olaf ice cream, flavorful gummy bears and ice-cold sodas. The shop is clean and spacious, filled with music and a counter of jars with brightly colored rainbow popcorn. Walking past the ice cream and popcorn counter, popcorn aficionados can see the popcorn machine at work and freshly popped popcorn being coated with sweet or savory flavoring. Popcorn enthusiasts can pick up a bag (or two) of their favorite flavors, such as classic, movie theater or dill pickle popcorn. Gregory and her husband opened The
Popcorn Spot in January after visiting a popcorn store in Orlando three years ago. “I love popcorn,” said Gregory. “Friends of ours knew we were going to an Orlando Magic game a couple of years ago and asked us to stop into a gourmet popcorn shop near Amway Arena. We were amazed at all the different things you could do with popcorn, so we figured we’d bring the idea to Riverview.” With support from their customers, The Popcorn Spot has weathered the coronavirus shutdown by allowing patrons to pick up or get delivered their favorites from The Popcorn Spot. The Popcorn Spot offers a 20 percent discount for its flavor of the week, which is announced on its social media pages on Tuesdays. Gregory said her goal for The Popcorn Spot is “to be able to be a staple in the community and a place where people can come get great customer service, strengthen relationships [and] make lifelong memories with The Popcorn Spot at the heart of it all.” Popcorn buffs cannot get their fix at the cinemas right now, but The Popcorn Spot will supply a fresh bag for you to finish before the movie starts at home. For more on The Popcorn Spot, visit thepopcornspottampa.com/ or visit its Facebook page @ThePopcornSpotTampa or Instagram page @tampatps.
Expiration: 9/30/2020
WE ARE OPEN FOR YOU!! 11:00 am - 8:00 pm | Pick up and Delivery Bottled Wine Available with Pick Up orders!
702 W. Lumsden Rd., Brandon • 813-685-0502 • www.laseptimacafe.com Mon. - Sat. 11am. - 8pm. • Closed Sunday
Saint Anne Catholic Church ~Masses~ Vigil Saturday 4:30 p.m. Sunday 8 a.m., 10 a.m., & 5 p.m. (12 p.m. Spanish) Monday-Friday 8 a.m. Wednesday & Jueves 7 p.m.
The Masses will be streamed and uploaded to the St. Anne website (SaintAnneRuskin.org) and Facebook page.
The Church will be open weekdays for private prayer between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Reconciliation by appointment only. For more information, please check the St. Anne website.
Registration is now open for the 2020-2021 Faith Formation year. Please call the office for more information.
U.S. Hwy. 41 • 106 11th Ave NE • Ruskin SaintAnneRuskin.org • 813-645-1714
Expiration: 9/30/2020
Expiration: 9/30/2020
ChristianVoiceMonthly.com
Volume 24 | Issue 9
Page 9
We All Need A Little More Laughter
By Kelly Wise Valdes
Couldn’t we all use a good laugh right now? Throughout the day we are rushing around, caring for our families, preparing dinner, going to work, doing laundry, taking care of everyday life—but sometimes in the midst of all of this, we may overlook the humor that we can find in the small moments. Maintaining a joyful spirit and sense of humor can make or break any situation. These hilarious and touching books have a common theme: God’s grace is for all of us. The beds may not be made, we may be late to work every day this week, our kids may have had cereal for dinner because we aren’t perfect, but God loves our imperfections and wants us to live a joyous life with hope, happiness and humor. “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones,” – Proverbs 17:22.
Laugh Your Way to Grace: Reclaiming the Spiritual Power of Humor By Susan Sparks In this personal and funny look at humor as a spiritual practice, Rev. Susan Sparks—an ex-lawyer turned comedian and Baptist minister—presents a convincing case that the power of humor radiates far beyond punch lines. This feelgood book will delight your funny bone and tickle your fancy.
Laughter Is the Spice of Life By Women of Faith Producing everything from gentle chuckles to roll-in-the-aisle laughter, these stories, jokes and quips will entertain and uplift you, no matter what your circumstances might be. These hilarious and uplifting anecdotes come from the Women of Faith conferences and feature some of your favorite speakers: Patsy Clairmont, Barbara Johnson, Luci Swindoll, Sheila Walsh and others.
Humor For A Woman’s Heart Don’t Stop Laughing Now: Stories By Patsy Clairmont, Martha to Tickle Your Funny Bone and Strengthen Your Faith Bolton Humor has the unique power to lift a By Ann Spangler, Shari MacDonald heart to new heights, to heal the hurts of a bad day and to infuse the soul with inspiration. Take a deep breath, inhale the joy, soak up the merriment and you’ll surely find that your heart is lighter, your day brighter and your soul hilariously refreshed.
If “a cheerful heart is good medicine,” as it says in Proverbs, you’ll be as healthy as a horse after reading this delightful collection of true-to-life stories. Realizing that laughter and faith can go hand in hand, this book offers real-life anecdotes that will keep your world in balance even—and especially—when life gets tough.
Page 10
ChristianVoiceMonthly.com
MOTHER OF LOCAL HERO QUEENA RELEASES A MEMOIR TO SHARE INSPIRATIONAL JOURNEY
By Libby Hopkins
Queena Phu may the whole book draft be known as the to Queena and she’s Bloomingdale Livery focused and inbrary Attack Victerested about all the tim, but to those of details in the book us in the Brandon especially informacommunity, Queena tion about her brain is a hero. She is a damage and coma vibrant, young lady as she doesn’t really that was affected remember,” Nguyen by traumatic brain said. injury at the age of “From victim to 18 in April of 2008. survivor, to revealing The injury left her her name, now she with many disabilcan’t wait for release ities and changed a book about her stoher life forever. ry, which is a story of Queena’s mom, deep grief and darkVanna Nguyen is ness. She wants it preparing to release to shine a light into a memoir about her someone else’s dark life, faith and her Vanna Nguyen, mother of Queena Phu, the place.” Bloomingdale Library Attack Victim, will amazing daughter, release a memoir about her life, faith and Nguyen hopes her Queena. “I want to memoir will inspire her amazing daughter, Queena. share my struggles people from around in life, including this heartbreaking at- the world, “I am hoping to see the book tack on Queena,” Nguyen said. “I want can be published in different languages to share my life’s story to create a living so it can provide hope to the downtrodtestament to the notion that faith, com- den around the world,” Nguyen said. “My munity, and the unending grace of God, wish is 100 percent of the book or any provide us with the power to do things related proceeds can support ongoing we never thought possible. expenses through Hope Heals The Brain, The book is called The Life She Once Inc. and Queena’s Medical Trust Fund. Knew: The Incredible True Story of We’re glad God choose Ambassador Queena, The Bloomingdale Library At- for publishing our book and sharing our tack Survivor. The book’s release date inspirational stories to the world. is 11/10/2020, but it is now available We are also working on a movie adapthrough the publisher’s website Ambas- tation, but we have not yet chosen a prosador International, Amazon and Go- duction company. We are still researchodreads for preorder. ing how to do a movie.” To preorder a It will soon be available for preorder copy, search for the book on Amazon or to all local book retailers. “We have read Goodreads.
September 2020
Learn To Properly Install Car Seats At Free Inspection Classes By Anjali Caligiuri “According to the accident keep National Car Accident parents enStatistics, car accidents gaged and preare the leading cause of pared for the death in kids between next car ride. 2 and 14,” said Paula But car seats Pizarro, owner of Pregaren’t the only nancy, Birth and Beyond. hazardous danCar seats may seem gers for babies like a no brainer to most that parents people but Brandon resshould know Paula Pizarro, owner of Pregnancy, Birth ident Pizarro is here to about; Pizarro and Beyond. remind parents and teaches caretakers of the vital many othimportance of proper er classes, car seat installation. including a Pregnancy, Birth and two-hour Beyond is hosting free child and incar seat inspection fant safety classes by appointclass. These ment in the Brandon classes cover area to ensure para wide array ents can provide the utmost safety of potential threats to a child and how while their children are in the car. to safely handle and protect them from At first glance, buckles and straps further danger, such as “Poisoning, don’t seem to be a difficult feat; how- safe plants, choking, falls, overheating, ever, there are a surprising amount of safe sleep, hair tourniquets, things kids problems that may arise. swallow like magnets and the dangers “If they have a seat belt and are not in your home,” said Pizarro. ready for it, they can suffer spinal inAs the coronavirus is still necessijuries, internal injuries and so much tating social distancing, the classes more,” said Pizarro. are appointment only, one family at a The consequences of improper car time, with face masks and hand saniseat installations can seem frighten- tizer readily available. ing and overwhelming, but Pizarro To book an appointment for a class has instructed many parents on the or to find out more about baby or incorrect safety measures and included fant health, dangers to children or tips along the way. Helpful notes such child seat safety, call 294-0990, email as making sure to not use the mirrors pregnancy2020@outlook.com or visit that attach to the headrest so as to not www.pregnancy2020.org. become a potential projectile in a car
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ChristianVoiceMonthly.com
Volume 24 | Issue 9
Back To School Craft
had to move, or had friends move away, changing schools, losing a pet or having trouble making new friends in a new neighborhood or school. How can we handle it when these difficulties come up? Jesus teaches us that we need a strong faith in Him. He is our rock and our solid foundation. The more we know and love the By Kelly Wise Valdes Lord, the more stable and reliable our faith becomes and September even in hard times our brings the befaith will hold firm and ginning of ausolid like a rock. Now, tumn: cooler let’s make our own rock weather around of faith! the corner, Time Needed: pumpkin spices 20 minutes and many fun • Materials Needed: fall activities. It • Smooth rock (if you can give us a redon’t have any smooth newed hope and rocks in your area, continued faith you can buy them at that God is still a local craft store or in control, even landscape store). when it may not • Pe r m a n e n t feel like it somemarkers times. Our faith • Acrylic paint. must continue to be • Paintbrushes. solid like a rock. Procedure: In the Bible, we learn in Matthew • Paint the rocks any color or style 7:24-25, “Therefore everyone who with the acrylic paint. hears these words of mine and puts • After the paint is fully dry, use them into practice is like a wise man the marker to write “Jesus is my who built his house on the rock. The Rock,” “Jesus is the rock” or “Jesus rain came down, the streams rose, Rocks.” and the winds blew and beat against • You can keep the rock to remind that house; yet it did not fall, because you of your solid faith in Jesus or it had its foundation on the rock.” you can leave the rock somewhere Many of us have been going so that someone else will find it and through ‘storms.’ Some of us have be inspired.
Faith Like A Rock
Page 11
Metropolitan Ministries Open For New Referrals And Donations
By Laura Tamayo
in Hillsborough county, have (at least) one child between the ages of 0 to middle school and be at risk of becoming homeless (which includes not having a stable/permanent home). Metropolitan Ministries has a wide variety of staff members that help Once the fammake the First Hug program happen. ily applies, or is As COVID-19’s drastic impact on Hillsborough County persists, Metropolitan referred, by going to metromin.org/firstMinistries has adapted to ensure it can hug and filling out the referral form, case meet the rising needs of the community. management services typically last from With its extremely efficient programs, three to six months. In order to attend to the organization has been able to allevi- the maximum possible number of in-need ate a significant amount of stress around families, the family receiving the services cannot do so again for another year after the county. The ministry’s services target homeless their case closing date. Because of the effect of the coronaviand at-risk children and families; offering rus, Metropolitan Ministries is now hanfood and board at its shelter, helping people get jobs in the area, securing educa- dling an astronomical amount of cases tion for any children and adolescents and and any help is extremely appreciated. “The response [to COVID-19] has been more through multiple programs such as First Hug. For families who are referred incredible and the overwhelming need of to or apply for First Hug, case manage- the community is jaw-dropping because ment services are applied, free of charge we’ve never seen anything like this,” said and it connects with Family Advocates to Billy Somerville, associate director of develop plans that will best achieve suc- brand communications. To donate, you can either contribute cess for them. “We also provide referrals to services funds directly through the website or beyond our case management, according pass by its donation locations (which are to family needs, to include school read- also listed on the Metropolitan Ministries iness referrals. The Family Advocates website) Monday through Saturday from meet with the families weekly to provide 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Gonzalez-Coronado would also like to support and assistance in reaching their goals,” explained Supervisor of Family specify that the Brandon Team, covering all of Eastern and Southern Hillsborough Advocates Sandra Gonzalez-Coronado. To qualify for this, families must meet County, will have the availability to cover three requirements: they must reside 30 new cases in August.
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION DIRECTORY
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Christian Academy Ages 1-11 Bible-Based Teaching olling Individualized Educational Program Enr w! o N After School Care Summer Programs To Schedule a Tour, Call Adunola Steen at 813-319-5862 Located on 301 S. in Riverview
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Learn more about how to advertise your school in the Christian Voice education directory! Contact Cammie Yick at cyick@ospreyobserver.com
Page 12
ChristianVoiceMonthly.com
Creative Music Ability In Valrico Becomes Certified Ultimate Music Theory Instructor By Gwen Rollings Lalonde’s educational qualifications reinforce why she deserves the Elite Teacher title. With a music education degree (K-12), major in piano and minor in voice, Lalonde played all instruments of the orchestra, band and choir. She explained, “My teachers at Clarion University were from Julliard School of Music, many Linda Lalonde posing with some of her students at Creative Music professors played in the Boston Symphony and Ability in Valrico. my voice teacher toured Einstein, considered one of the most Europe on a Fulbright creative geniuses of the past century, Scholarship.” reportedly often turned to music to help She received her master’s degree in with his creative process. performance from the Dana School of Linda Lalonde, owner of Creative Mu- Music at Youngstown State University in sic Ability in Valrico with 40 plus years Ohio and also earned a master’s in counin music education and teaching, believes seling. Lalonde went to Kent State Unilearning music theory should also be fun. versity for PhD work in music education Lalonde announced, “A most exciting and has a consultant degree from Detroit development and discovery! As a certi- Trauma Institute. fied Ultimate Music Theory Elite Teach“I taught vocal music for 31 years in er, I help students to maximize learning, the Youngstown City Schools. We did build confidence and [build] true music two musicals per year with 250 students, reading and knowledge. Students develop soloists and dance line.” She developed a a sharper creative mind; learn advanced Suzuki String and Piano program at Hoyt music skills; lessons and concepts are Institute in New Castle, PA. reinforced using the piano, whiteboard, Lalonde currently offers piano, organ, sight and ear training activities…and voice, violin, cello, mandolin and ukulemore.” le. She explained, “One of my specialties The journey toward becoming certified is work with all ages and special needs as an Ultimate Music Theory Elite Teach- folks. My Ultimate Theory Club Classes er was no small achievement. Lalonde are in session as students maximize learnbecame interested in music as a child in ing, build confidence and have a blast.” Brookville, Pennsylvania learning to play Einstein would most certainly approve. on her great grandmother’s old piano in For more information, call 244-1625, the corner of the living room. She has email lindalalonde310@yahoo.com or viscome a long way since then. it http://www.creativemusicability.net.
September 2020
ECHO Boutique Leads The Charge As Only Source Of Vintage Clothing In Brandon By Kye Saunders
ECHO (Emergency approach. Care and Help OrganiOne hundred percent zation) of Brandon is of the proceeds go diat it yet again with a rectly back to ECHO. new, inventive way of The boutique’s racks sustainably caring for are filled with all sorts those in need within of name-brand gems for our community. a fraction of the price. ECHO has established But this is not where itself as the place to go ECHO Executive Directo for those in need of tor Eleanor Saunders’ food and clothing. With vision of “Purchase with locations in Brandon a purpose” ends. On top and Riverview, ECHO of upscale thrift and is continuing to take handmade goods, the both food and clothboutique is home to ECHO Boutique sells upscale ing donations at this the only source of vinclothing with all proceeds going towards helping those in need in time. Canned goods, tage consignment in the community. rice and peanut butBrandon. ter are always in high A large, looming demand, as well as rack located at the used clothes for all ages. forefront of the bouThese donations from tique is filled with dressthe community are given es, jackets and T-shirts to families in need within from past eras. With both the Brandon and Riverview areas. some garments dating back to as early As a nonprofit which has been part as the 1960s, ECHO Boutique’s vintage of the community since 1987, ECHO selection is perfect for buyers who are has now expanded its use of donated looking to wear clothing that has a hisclothing from being available to its cli- tory. ents to now also allowing its clothing Follow ECHO on Facebook and Instato be purchased by the public. gram for exclusive sneak peaks on seECHO has joined the resourceful and lections and upcoming sales. sustainable trend of upcycling and has ECHO is accepting food and clothfound a way to make donated clothing ing donation from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Moninto another source of revenue to fund day-Friday, at both locations in Branits mission to bridge the gap between don at 507 N. Parsons Ave. and in crisis and stability with the opening of Riverview at 7807 Capitano St. For ECHO Boutique. more information on how donate or The boutique’s slogan, “The best of volunteer, visit www.ECHOfl.org. thrift,” takes an already established ECHO Boutique is located at 948 W. model of selling secondhand donated Brandon Blvd. and is open Wednesclothing even further with an upscale day-Friday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Tampa Bay Speech, Language & Reading Clinic • Reading • Writing • Handwriting • Therapy Services: • Articulation • Apraxia • Auditory Processing • Autism • Sensory Feeding Disorders
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ChristianVoiceMonthly.com
Volume 24 | Issue 9
BAPTIST Bay Life Church 1017 Kingsway Ave., Brandon (813) 661-3696 Bell Shoals Baptist - Brandon 2102 Bell Shoals Rd., Brandon (813) 689-4229 Congregación Hispana 2102 Bell Shoals Rd., Brandon (813) 689-4229 ext. 242 Bell Shoals Baptist - Apollo Beach 408 Apollo Beach Blvd., Apollo Beach (813) 641-2222 Bell Shoals Baptist - Palm River 5415 Palm River Rd.,Tampa (813) 621-2058 Bell Shoals Baptist - Riverview 9990 South Hwy 301, Suite 10024, Riverview (813) 689-4229 First Baptist Church of Brandon 216 N. Parsons Ave., Brandon (813) 689-1204 First Baptist Church of Bloomingdale 3303 Bloomingdale Ave.,Valrico (813) 689-3847 First Baptist Church of Gibsonton 9912 Indiana St., Gibsonton (813) 677-1301 First Baptist Church of Ruskin 820 College Ave. W., Ruskin (813) 645-6439 FishHawk Fellowship 15326 Fishhawk Blvd., Lithia, (813) 655-7431 Grace Baptist Church 2909 John Moore Rd., Brandon (813) 689-7190 Journey Church 415 W. Lumsden Rd., Brandon (813) 699-8262 Shiloh Baptist Church 1104 Cason St., Plant City (813) 752-8345 CATHOLIC Nativity Catholic Church 705 E Brandon Blvd., Brandon (813) 681-4608 St. Anne Catholic Church 106 11th Ave. NE, Ruskin (813) 645-1714
St. Matthews Anglican Church 10701 Bloomingdale Avenue, Riverview 813-663-0334 St. Stephen Catholic Church 10118 Saint Stephen Circle, Riverview (813) 689-4900 CHURCH OF GOD Boyette Springs Church of God 12114 Boyette Rd., Riverview (813) 671-0086 Plant City Church of God 2103 Mud Lake Rd., Plant City (813) 752-4591 EPISCOPAL Holy Innocents' Episcopal Church 604 N. Valrico Rd., Valrico (813) 689-3130 LUTHERAN Immanuel Lutheran Church 2913 John Moore Rd., Brandon (813) 689-1787 Living Savior Lutheran Church 2650 Lithia Pinecrest Rd., Valrico (813) 681-2375 METHODIST First United Methodist Church of Seffner 1310 South Kingsway Rd., Seffner (813) 689-3513 Grace Community United Methodist Church 5708 Lithia Pinecrest Rd., Lithia (813) 661-8858 • info@mygraceumc.com New Hope United Methodist Church 120 N. Knights Ave., Brandon (813) 689-4161 Riverview First United Methodist Church 8002 US Hwy 301., Riverview www.riverviewflumc.org Ruskin United Methodist Church 105 4th Ave. NW, Ruskin (813) 645-1241 South Shore United Methodist Church 11525 Big Bend Rd., Riverview (813) 649-9462 NON-DENOMINATIONAL Calvary Chapel Brandon 1331 Kingsway Rd., Brandon (813) 681-5318 Centerpoint Church 1801 S. Miller Rd., Valrico (813) 689-1906
Page 13
Grace Community Church 1425 N Valrico Rd., Valrico (813) 689-9781 Harvest Bible Chapel Bloomingdale High School 813-699-0517 Love First Christian Center 12847 Balm Riverview Rd., Riverview 813-671-2009 River of Life Christian Center 6605 Krycul Ave, Riverview 813-677-4453 New Life Christian Church 401 S. Saint Cloud Ave, Valrico 813-548-2733 South Bay Church 13498 US 301 S., Riverview 813-677-0721 The Chapel at FishHawk 6026 Churchside Dr., Lithia 813-661-7105 The Crossing Church - Main Campus 10130 Tuscany Ridge Dr., Tampa, (813) 626-0783 The Crossing Church - SouthShore 2409 East College Ave., Ruskin (813) 626-0580 The Palms Church 207 New Hope Rd., Brandon (813) 841-9598 True Sanctuary 6528 US Hwy 301 S., Suite 114, Riverview (813) 319-5862 PENTECOSTAL Destiny Church 2322 11th Ave. SE, Ruskin (813) 645-3337 HighPoint Church of Brandon 2207 Lithia-Pinecrest Rd., Valrico/Brandon (813) 685-4827 PRESBYTERIAN First Presbyterian Church of Brandon -PCUSA 121 Carver Ave., Brandon (813) 689-4597 Redeemer Church-PCA 12404 Boyette Rd., Riverview (813) 741-1776 Westminster Presbyterian Church PCA 402 E. Lumsden Rd., Brandon (813) 689-6541
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Page 14
September 2020
LeAnne’s Cookies Sends Sweet Gifts Both Locally And Nationwide By Libby Hopkins LeAnne Crabtree, owner becoming too health conof LeAnne’s Cookies, grew scious and will no longer up baking cookies with her eat cookies; therefore, grandmother in her kitchthis business will not be en. Her grandmother and a success,’” Crabtree said. great-grandmother always Ignoring her profesbaked. sor’s harsh criticism and It wasn’t until Crabtree her grade on her project, went off to college at UCF LeAnne’s Cookies has in 1986 that she would continued to prosper for LeAnne Crabtree has make baking cookies her been in business for more more than 25 years. than 25 years. career. “I took the advice of “I was a finance major one of the professors on at UCF and my professor campus who loved my gave us a project to create cookies,” Crabtree said. a product or service I want“She suggested I look into ed to sell,” Crabtree said. “I the corporate gifting and had no clue what I wanted at the time I didn’t know to do, so I called my dad and what she was talking asked him. I had been home about, but when I did from school the week bemy research, I decided fore I called him and I had to give it a try. It’s been showered my parent with great for us.” cookies I baked. My dad was In current times of the eating one of my cookies and pandemic, most businesslaughed while we were on es are suffering or closing. the phone. He said, ‘LeAnne, Crabtree’s business has you love to bake so why been doing very well bedon’t you do something with cookies?’” cause all of her business is done contactThe cookie seed was planted, so to less, as customers order online and the speak. cookies are shipped. “Since our cookies Her cookies were an instant hit with are wrapped individually, they are safe the college students, professors, neigh- for our customers,” Crabtree said. “We bors and friends, who were anxious to have been doing lots of graduation, buy all the cookies she could produce. thinking of you and sympathy cookie Her ‘cookie business’ immediately made gifts since the pandemic started.” a profit and the overwhelming demand To learn more about the different for Crabtree’s cookies continued even cookies and cookie gifts LeAnne’s Cookafter her professor gave her a ‘C’ on the ies has to offer, visit its website at www. project. leannescookies.com or contact Crabtree “He emphatically stated, ‘People are at 651-0045.
Assisted Living “Tessera Brandon… living your lifestyle.”
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Page 15
September 2020
FAITH & FOOTPRINTS
By Kelly Wise Valdes
St. Michael’s Cathedral - Sitka, Alaska
Before Alaska became the 49th state in 1959, it was colonized by Russia. The Russians seemed fairly disinterested in Alaska as a whole, but they did have a small settlement in the town of Sitka, which was used as a trading post. The town grew and talk of a church also grew, so a cathedral in the traditional Russian Orthodox style, St. Michael’s Cathedral, was constructed. It was the first of its kind in North America. The church was originally built between 1844 and 1848 out of spruce timber and sailcloth for insulation. It was the largest building in Alaska at that time. During the construction, a ship bound for Sitka that was carrying a painting of St. Michael sank 30 miles from town. Thirty days later, a crate containing the painting washed up on the beach near the construction site. Because of this unusual event, the cathedral was named for the saint in the painting and is hanging in the cathedral to this day. St. Michael’s Cathedral also contains numerous icons, including the ‘Sitka Madonna,’ a painting of the mother of God. It is believed to be a miracle-working icon, known throughout the United States for its power to heal, answer prayers and perform miracles. All of the icons in the church are original, but the cathedral had to be rebuilt following a fire in 1966. Luckily, the townspeople were able to rescue the sacred contents of the church. They even saved the large brass chandelier, which two men carried out, even though it later took six men to carry it back in. It took a decade to rebuild the cathedral, but it’s an exact replica, down to the sailcloth lining the interior. There are no pews in the church because Russian Orthodox believe that standing during worship is
the proper way to honor God. There was a recent project to restore and refurbish the iconic Russian church bells in the cathedral’s tower. Russian bells differ from traditional church bells with unique clappers that are rung using strings or foot pedals. During restoration, a Russian priest traveled to Sitka to teach congregants how to play the bells. Historically, the bell tower was closed, but visitors can now tour the tower by climbing the four stories to ring the massive, historic bells. St. Michael’s Cathedral is only three blocks from the Pacific Ocean and is open for tours on days that cruise ships are in port. With its copper domes, this church has become the iconic emblem of Sitka. There’s a $5 entrance fee, which goes towards building maintenance. There are evening services every day, and the Sunday services are sung in English, Church Slavonic as well as portions in Tlingit, Aleut and Yupik. The church is located at 240 Lincoln St. in Sitka, Alaska. For more information visit www.stmichaelcathedral.org.
Live Like You Mean It ...
When Our Faith Is Less Compelling Than The World
By Derek Maul
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” – John 14:27 I am writing this directly onto my phone. It’s my only option since both my computer and our internet were literally fried by a rogue lightning strike on a Saturday evening. I was cooking, standing by the kitchen window, when a deafening crack and a brilliant flash split the air. Smoking debris fell to the ground and the lights burned bright before returning
to normal. I was able to continue cooking—after I stopped shaking—honestly believing we had dodged a bullet. No such luck, as it did not take long to realize our AC was the first casualty. A quick survey revealed no internet plus a burned-out router. Then, the absolute worst, I saw smoke coming from my trusty desktop iMac. Yes, friends, the machine is a loss. It’s going to take several days, a lot of work and a fair amount of money for Maul Hall to be properly connected and up and running again. What bothers me most is not so
much what happened as how easy it is for me to feel lost. It makes me question how grounded I am in what really matters, and where I find my peace. Jesus offers peace that is unlike any other. When the inconveniences of this life come between me and what Jesus promises, then it’s time to recalibrate and refocus. I guess I feel lost when my faith is less compelling than the world around me. We all do. It’s not really the internet that is disconnected, it is my soul, the ground of my being. I chug along happily most of the time, immersed in my priorities, un-
aware that I am inching away from my heart’s true home—unaware because I am simply not looking up. Then something gets my attention and I realize just how far I have drifted. I need to interrupt the drift…daily. We all do. Derek Maul has written for many news outlets, including the Tampa Tribune, The United Methodist News Service, All Pro Dad, FOCUS Magazine, Newsweek, USA Today, The Christian Science Monitor, Presbyterians Today, Guideposts, Chicken Soup for the Soul and many other publications. Read Derek Maul’s daily blog posts at www.derekmaul.wordpress.com
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September 2020
HOT OFF THE CHRISTIAN NEWS WIRE
By Kelly Wise Valdes
Franklin Graham Invites Chris- Left Behind Films Celebrate 20th tians To Attend Prayer March In Anniversary With Special TriloWashington D.C. gy Edition Evangelist Franklin Graham has called on thousands of families, pastors and churches to join him for ‘Prayer March 2020’ in Washington D.C. on Saturday, September 26. “Our nation is in trouble… we need God’s help,” he said. “Our only hope for this country is God.” From 12 Noon to 2 p.m., believers will march from the Lincoln Memorial to the Capitol Building, covering 1.8 miles while praying for the nation during “extraordinary times,” the event’s website says. “America is in trouble. It’s in distress. But we do have hope, and that hope is in Almighty God. And we need to pray now more than ever—more than we have ever done in our lives. Our communities are hurting. Our people are divided. And there’s fear and uncertainty all around us,” Graham said in a video message on the website, referring to riots and violence across the country and the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information, visit www. billygraham.org
The Left Behind film trilogy, based on the No. 1 New York Times best-selling book series of the same name, is filled with narratives seen in today’s headlines: conspiracy theories, misinformation campaigns, censorship and a deadly virus spreading worldwide. The successful series sold more than 10 million copies on VHS/ DVD 20 years ago. This year, a digitally remastered Left Behind special edition will be available on Tuesday, September 1. Each film went through a 4K scan and a color upgrade to improve the 20th anniversary edition. Along with the new and improved visual experience, Left Behind
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Curry Law Group Awarded Best Of The Best For Family Law
The Best of the Best Attorneys has acknowledged the outstanding performance of Florida’s family law firm, Curry Law Group P.A., as a 2020 Best of the Best Top 10 Family Law Firm, which practices law at a higher standard. Selections are based on either nominations by peers, clients and/or the research team and the Best of the Best award is reserved for those lawyers who exhibit excellence in their practice with an exceptional relationship with his or her clients. You can contact Curry Law Group directly at 653-2000 or www.currylawgroup.com.
Volume 24 | Issue 9
Found throughout the state of Florida, one of the most coveted and charismatic creatures to observe in the wild is the North American river otter (NARO). NAROs are curious and playful by nature and capture much attention from wildlife enthusiasts for their undeniable cute-factor and charm. These semiaquatic mammals can be found in coastal marine habitats but are most common in freshwater environments such as rivers, lakes and ponds. Their long tails, muscular, streamlined bodies and flattened heads make them skilled swimmers and incredibly successful hunters. This is necessary since they are always in or around water and reside in dens that often have an underwater entrance or exit. A top predator in their food chain, river otters have a carnivorous diet that consists mostly of crayfish, turtles, crustaceans, frogs and fish. They can consume meals of up to 15 percent of their body weight daily and are most active early in the day and in the evening, spending hours hunting for their meals. Averaging 3-5 feet in length and 1030 pounds in weight, these solid, agile, web-footed animals can reach speeds of 8 mph underwater and 15 mph on land. Even more impressive, river otters can stay under water for up to eight minutes at a time before having to surface
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for a breath. This is made possible by sealing off their nostrils when they dive, reaching depths of up to 36 feet deep. In the wild, river otters can live for 10-13 years. They mate once a year and average one to three pups per litter. These pups are reared by their mother and learn to swim at around two months of age. River otters are fascinating creatures that also play an important role in our ecosystem. As a top predator that utilizes both land and aquatic habitats, they are often referred to as an indicator species. Even with the risk of predation from larger species such as the American alligator, bobcats and coyotes, the greatest threat to river otters are from humans and include habitat destruction, fragmentation and pollution. As an indicator species, their presence illustrates a healthy ecosystem. Likewise, their absence indicates a problem that usually stems from pollution. We can help our river otter friends by recycling, reducing waste and pollution, discontinuing the use of toxic pesticides and fertilizers, properly disposing of fishing line and hooks and remembering to keep our wildlife wild by never feeding, harming or approaching them.
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Page 18
The Fruit Of The Holy Spirit
What Is Goodness?
September 2020
MASTER CHORALE CELEBRATES 42 YEARS AND PIVOTS TO ONLINE AUDITIONS
By Kathy Collins
By Kelly Wise Valdes
The Master Chorale of Tampa Bay, under the supervision of Artistic Director Brett Karlin, will accept auditions for new members online through Monday, August 31.
Galatians 5:22-23 tells us, “The Spirit produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, humility and self-control.” You may have heard about the fruit of the Spirit and wondered what it is and how it relates our Christian faith. In this series, each fruit will be explored and related to our everyday lives. Just like physical fruit need time to grow, the fruit of the Spirit will not ripen in our lives overnight. As we mature in our faith, all the characteristics of our spiritual fruits will grow as well. The sixth fruit of the Spirit is goodness. What exactly is goodness? The word ‘good’ is used so frequently in our everyday lives that it almost loses its meaning. For example, how many times a day do we say, “good morning” and “good luck” and “good work”? But, the Bible tells us that the word ‘good’ actually means holy, pure and righteousness. Literally goodness is godliness. Goodness can often be seen in our actions, but our heart also has to be pure.
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The goodness of Christ is to be demonstrated in our lives every day. Psalm 23:6 says, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” God calls us to be filled with goodness from the inside out, being holy in what we do and say because Christians should have a heart that seeks goodness. We are not to just do good works, because good works without a good heart is empty. The ‘goodness’ described as a fruit of the Spirit is not merely moral behavior, but an excellence of character. This goodness is only possible through God’s grace and mercy. We often say in church, “God is good all the time. And all the time God is good.” Does this mean that our lives are always good? No, of course not. It means that God is practicing the fruit of the spirit of goodness—godliness. God is good, and He wants us to grow in the fruit of goodness so we can live a fulfilling life full of righteous love.
The Master Chorale of Tampa Bay will celebrate its 42nd season with some new and exciting digital initiatives. The Master Chorale of Tampa Bay is an auditioned, highly selective 150 voice chorus. Singers are selected from all over the Tampa Bay area. “Although we are in an intermission from traditional live performances, we have pivoted our organizational strategy to develop a new, exciting, digital concert hall,” said Brett Karlin, artistic director. “This is a challenging time for all cultural arts organizations, and we are so fortunate to have support from the Tampa Bay community,” added Karlin. Concert halls may be closed, but the Master Chorale has a busy season lineup that includes live streaming concerts, virtual choirs, online educational programs and singers who will be crafting challenging masterwork repertoire through online rehearsals. “Ensemble singing continues to be regarded as a particularly high-risk activity for aiding community spread of COVID-19, and the safety of our singers, audiences and staff continues to be our top priority,” said Kara Dwyer, manag-
ing director. “Our board and staff have put a tremendous amount of energy into researching and planning a season that continues our mission-driven programming with careful cost control and exciting innovation. We intend that some of our new digital programs, like the expansion of our Youth Initiative, will continue to provide value to our community well after we are able to return to the concert halls.” As such, if you would like to audition for a spot on the Master Chorale, you can do so from the safety of your home. In addition, rehearsals will be conducted virtually using Zoom. Audition submissions for the fall half of the season will be accepted through Monday, August 31. Singers interested in auditioning should visit www.MasterChorale.com/audition for instructions. Weekly rehearsals for the 2020-2021 roster will begin virtually on Tuesday, September 8 using Zoom. The virtual choir is reflective of the times we are living in and will be a great way for singers and audiences to enjoy the Master Chorale in a digital concert hall. Www.masterchorale.com.
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Volume 24 | Issue 9
Page 19
Osprey Observer Summer Internships Go Virtual For 2020
By Kye Saunders, Introduction by Kate Quesada
This summer has been different for students in many ways and the traditional Osprey Observer summer internships are no exception. As usual, the Osprey Observer welcomed a group of talented students as interns, but rather than shadowing reporters and team members in person, the majority of this year’s program took place virtually. But with weekly Zoom meetings and interviews that took place over the phone and through emails, the students from local high schools and colleges rose to the occasion and provided great content for the papers. We are so thankful they joined us!
Faith Miller is a recent graduate of Durant High School. She will be attending Florida Southern College in Lakeland as a freshman this fall with plans to major in communications with a concentration in journalism. Of all the stories that Miller has covered during the course of her internship, her favorite one to write was on Relay For Life, titled ‘Relay For Life Continues To Fundraise Despite Pandemic.’ You can read Miller’s favorite story in our Riverview and Apollo Beach editions, or if you missed it, simply hop on our website at www.ospreyobserver.com. Anjali Caliguiri will be attending Newsome High School as a senior this fall. She is a member of the Newsome High School Wolf Tracks newspaper staff alongside her friend and now fellow Osprey Observer intern, Jadon Khor. When asked what drew her to becoming a summer intern, Caliguiri responded, “It sounded like a really great opportunity and I’m so glad Jadon and I got to work together.” Her first and favorite story can be found on the front page of the July Bloomingdale and FishHawk editions, titled ‘Son’s Vision To Help Mom With Cancer Creates Award Winning Red Velvet Business.’
Top Row Left to Right:
Faith Miller Anjali Caliguiri Lily Belcher Laura Tamayo Bottom Row Left to Right:
Dominique Asher Jadon Khor Kye Sanders
Lily Belcher
is among the youngest and brightest of our interns. Belcher will be a junior at Durant High School this fall, where she will step into her new role for Durant’s student newspaper, The Pawprint, as editor-in-chief. Belcher discovered the summer internship program when our very own publisher and editor, Marie Gilmore, came to Durant’s newspaper class to share experiences as an editor and journalist with the students. As an avid sports fan, Belcher’s favorite story that she has covered during her time with us is on the Rays’ 2020 season, titled ‘Team Continues Annual Rays Program To Encourage Summer Reading.’
Laura Tamayo is a student at Newsome High School with a passion for reading and writing. She learned about the summer internship program through word of mouth. Tamayo has been covering stories on what makes our community unique with a knack for profiles.
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Her favorite story that she was had the chance to write for the Osprey Observer is set to come out in the next coming weeks. Keep your eyes peeled for Tamayo’s story on a secret take-one, give-one mini library right here in our community.
Dominque Asher will be a
senior at Newsome High School this fall. When asked how she heard about the internship program, Asher responded, “I found out through the newspaper actually, when I saw an article about the previous interns.” Her favorite story during her time with the Osprey Observer was her very first assignment. Check out her story, titled ‘Randal Science Students Send Experiment To Space,’ about the team of Randall Middle School kids who participated in a SSEP competition and their science project/entry, ‘Spinach on the Station,’ which won the competition and is set to be launched into space later this year.
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Jadon Khor will be attending Newsome High School as a senior this fall, where he will continue his work as editor for Newsome’s student-run newspaper, the Wolf Track. His favorite story that he has written for the Osprey Observer has to be his virtual library and Recreation story titled ‘Hillsborough Parks & Rec Moves Programs to Online Format to Maintain Summer Fun.’ “The library and recreational liaisons were super informative, and it made writing the article even more fun that I thought it would be,” said Khor. Kye Saunders is a Florida State University graduate with a BA in creative writing. “I’ve always been interested in journalism and this internship has been an incredible opportunity to dip my toe in the water while simultaneously learning more about my own hometown,” said Saunders. Her favorite story that she was covered so far is titled ‘The Seeds Of Faith Community Garden Gives A Fresh Option For Feeding Families.’ Read more of Saunders’ pieces as well as any by of our other interns by visiting www.ospreyobserver.com.
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September 2020