12 minute read
News From The Wire
HOT OFF THE CHRISTIAN NEWS WIRE
By Kelly Wise Valdes
Jeremy Camp’s New Album When You Speak Now Available
GRAMMY®-nominated singer-songwriter Jeremy Camp released his new album named When You Speak.
“This album is the culmination of what God revealed to me during this last season,” said Camp. “These songs are straight from my heart, and I can’t wait for everyone to hear them.”
His first single from the new record soared to the top 20 within the first two weeks of release. The music video for When You Speak premiered exclusively on Facebook and gained 7.5 million views in less than a week. The When You Speak Tour kicked off on September 23. For more information, visit www.jeremycamp. com
Natalie Grant And Charlotte Gamble Celebrate Book Release And Tour
On the heels of the release of their new book, Dare to Be: God Is Able. Are You Willing?, which debuted as number one in Amazon’s Devotional Books category, Natalie Grant and Charlotte Gamble announce their Dare To Be Tour, which kicks off on Thursday, November 4. The tour will bring their iconic Dare To Be Live event to 10 cities across the United States, which will include worship, music and two full Bible teaching sessions. The tour will be coming to Tampa on Thursday, February 24, 2022.
Tickets for the 2021/2022 Dare to Be Tour are on sale now. For more information on the book and tour, visit www.daretobe.com/events.
The Jesus Music, A Documen-
tary Film Being Released In October
The Jesus Music documentary is already receiving praise for its fascinating interpretation and thorough history of the Christian contemporary music movement. Featuring artists such as Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, TobyMac, Michael Tait and so many more, The Jesus Music documentary tells the untold story of how Christian music became a worldwide phenomenon. Lionsgate’s nationwide release is set for Friday, October 1 and tickets can be purchased on www.fandango.com. To see the movie trailer, visit www. lionsgate.com and search for ‘The Jesus Music.’
Christian Magician
Wins America’s Got Talent
A Christian magician who gained popularity with tricks about family, hope and generosity won NBC’s America’s Got Talent and its $1 million prize last month following a final act in which he urged the audience to be more charitable. Dustin Tavella won the contest in what was the closest vote in the 16-year history of the variety talent show. The winner was determined in a vote by viewers. He also won a show in Las Vegas. Each of Tavella’s magic acts had a theme. “When I get to celebrate the principles of God, when I get to celebrate the things that God’s done in our lives, … that, to me, is the main thing that we want to do,” Tavella said. “[It is to] continue to be intentional with every story we get to tell and every bit of airtime.” In recent years, he and his wife, Kari, have been involved in homeless ministry and a crisis pregnancy ministry. Tavella also has partnered with Compassion International, a worldwide Christian ministry for children in poverty. For more information, visit www.dustintavella.com.
ENJOY THE FALL SEASON IN THE COUNTRY AT THE 10TH ANNUAL FOX SQUIRREL MAZE IN PLANT CITY
By Kathy L. Collins
There is no better place to spend a glorious autumn day than at the 10th annual Fox Squirrel Corn Maze hosted by the Futch family on their beautiful Single R Ranch in Plant City. The country fun will take place from Saturday, October 9 to Sunday, October 24 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Guests are asked to exit the ranch by 6 p.m.
Futch Entertainment’s Fox Squirrel Corn Maze features a corn maze, pumpkins for sale, a sightseeing hayride, games and an opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors. While at the Fox Squirrel Corn Maze, you can also enjoy refreshing lemonade, tea or water from one of the amazing vendors. If you time it correctly, you might be able to listen to some toe-tapping bluegrass from the Duck Wallow Lane bluegrass band.
Next, get a snack from the Pioneer Kitchen. You can then head over and check out the yard games, which will include things such as corn hole, the gigantic slingshot, Squirrel Chute, Dummy Steer Ropin’, badminton or duck races.
Janet Futch said, “This is our 10th annual Fox Squirrel Corn Maze. We ofer great outdoor family fun. We also have
a beautiful display of pumpkins for your fall decorat ing.” Futch added, “The corn maze design is sponsored in part by Driscoll’s. We give
You will not want to miss the 10th annual Fox Squirrel Corn Maze at the Futch family’s beautiful Single R Ranch in Plant City. Tere will be plenty of food, fun scholar ships or donations and cool beverages to enjoy. Tis annual fall event is to the Geoperfect for the whole family. matic Stu-
dent Association at the University of Florida. They are the ones that design it and lay it out.” Admis sion to the Fox Squirrel Corn Maze is $11 plus tax for adults 18 years and older and $10 plus tax for children 3 to 17 years old. Children 2 years old and younger are admitted for free. Parking is free. The Admission Booth accepts Visa and MasterCard. Vendors only accept cash and there are no ATMs on site. The Single R Ranch is located at 3002 Charlie Taylor Rd. in historic Plant City. For more information on the 10th annual Fox Squirrel Corn Maze, please visit http://futchentertainment.com/the-foxsquirrel-corn-maze/. Make sure to follow it on Facebook @ @fscornmaze and Instagram @foxsquirrelcornmaze.
Cleaning Services
by Bay Area Clean Team
• Commercial/Residential Services • Free Estimates • Family Owned & Operated • Licensed, Bonded & Insured
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“Cleaning the world one Location at a time” (813) 263-6643
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE
LOCAL RESIDENT’S JEWELRY BUSINESS LETS HER CUSTOMERS BLING ON A BUDGET
By Libby Hopkins
Yolanda Harris is a wife of a retired U.S. Army veteran. Harris and her husband recently left the snowy winters behind them to enjoy the heat of sunny Florida. “I am a twin and she is part of my Fortune 5 Bling Team,” Harris said. “I do work a full-time job; however, I’ve been an independent Paparazzi Consultant for four years, and I do not consider my jewelry business as a job, but a life of fun.”
Paparazzi Accessories is all about change. Changing the way people look. Changing the way people feel. Changing people’s futures and their lives.
Though its fashion-forward jewelry and product parties are centered on fun, Paparazzi fulfills a serious mission. It believes that trendy accessories can be available, and afordable, to women everywhere. It knows that wearing a new look and feeling confident in your appearance builds amazing self-worth. Its passion is inspiring dreams, empowering talents and reaching goals by sharing its products and the excitement of Paparazzi. “I have always worked an additional job to supplement my income and I enjoy being busy, so I wanted to do something that could be based on my own time without
having to go elsewhere for the extra income,” Harris said. “Being able to ofer $5 jewelry changed my life and those who I’m blessed to meet.” Harris’ life has always been about supporting and helping others, but Paparazzi Accessories has allowed her to provide a variety of jewelry for everyone because her prod-
Yolanda Harris is a wife of a retired ucts are very afordable.
U.S. Army veteran. Harris and her “In the very beginning, I husband recently left the snowy win- was not even looking at ters behind them to enjoy the heat of sunny Florida. She is an independent Paparazzi Consultant and brings the bling wherever she goes. building a team, but by building a team, it gives me the opportunity to
share with others and build a sisterhood/brotherhood with people everywhere,” Harris said. “I am my own business owner and I work my own hours. I travel with my business everywhere by carrying my bling bag. I love the fact that you can also bless others by ofering fundraisers. With having my own schedule, I’m able to travel anywhere and bring items to any local event. Five-dollar jewelry may not change the world, but we believe those who wear it will.” If you would like to learn more about Harris’ jewelry business or if you would like to host a Paparazzi party, you can visit Harris’ website at www.honeyzfortune5.com or call Harris at 317-203-9678.
DID YOU KNOW? PATRON SAINTS FOR 50 STATES NASHVILLE, TN – ST. JOSEPH
By Kelly Wise Valdes
Catholic believers pray for the intercession of the saints in heaven so that they may pray for us on our behalf. Saints are able to intercede on our behalf and ofer up to God the prayers of those on Earth. Patron saints are recognized as the heavenly advocates and special intercessors for many things, even states. If you want to ask for the special intercession on behalf of your state, do you know who to pray to?
When we think of Tennessee, we often think of mountains, fall landscapes and the birthplace of country music. However, the Catholic Diocese of Nashville, Tennessee has been focused on honoring one of its patron saints: St. Joseph. St. Joseph is one of the Catholic Church’s most beloved saints. For centuries, Catholics have asked for his intercession and protection. He is the patron saint of workers, travelers and immigrants, families, fathers, expectant mothers and unborn children, craftsmen, engineers, house sellers and buyers. He is the patron saint of hundreds of churches and dioceses across the globe—including the Diocese of Nashville. The diocese is paying its respect during the Year of Saint Joseph, which lasts from Wednesday, December 8, 2020 through Thursday, December 8, 2021. His name, in many languages, is the most common name for cities and places in the world. Even though St. Joseph is honored around the globe, it is said that he lived a very normal life in servitude and obedience to God. St. Joseph is a great model for living a life of virtue.
Learning more about the life of St. Joseph teaches the lesson that we don’t have to be center stage to make a diference in people’s lives. Scripture describes Joseph as a “just man” who was obedient to God when faced with difcult circumstances.
Joseph’s engagement to Mary was not the same as a modern engagement—it was considered a legal agreement. Under Jewish law of the time, the punishment for an engaged woman found guilty of adultery was death by stoning. As a law-abiding citizen, Joseph would have been expected to leave Mary when he found out she was pregnant. But, God sent an angel to ask Joseph to stay with Mary, and Joseph was obedient. This showed a great deal of courage during this time and culture.
This is why Joseph is a perfect saint to turn to as we find ourselves in these difficult times. It’s an opportunity to incorporate St. Joseph’s characteristics in our own lives to be obedient to God and faithful during difcult circumstances.
At some point in all of our lives, we haven’t tended to ourselves as well as we should have. That includes physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually, although it is really hard sometimes to separate ourselves into those four categories so neatly.
Weariness, poor habits, frustrations, doubt and sometimes just life itself contribute to those times where self-care sufers, and the resulting consequences of that neglect become evident.
Hopefully, though, we don’t stay there. It’s just a season, part of the ebb and flow of being human. As Christians, if it is a sin issue, we repent and confess it to Christ, resting confidently that “he is faithful and just to forgive us our sin and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness,” (I John 1:9). We then make right what we have to, and move on.
Sometimes weariness sets in—many times through no fault of our own, but just due to the circumstances of life— and we need a reset. A recalibration of sorts. A new mindset.
God’s word is the perfect place to start—again. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up,” (Galatians 5:9). But we have to prepare ourselves to receive what the Bible has to say to us. One of the parables of Jesus (see Matthew 13) tells us His word is like that of a farmer who scatters seed, which only takes hold in the good soil, already prepared and readied for what is being sown. Seed left on the path, where it can quickly be gathered up and eaten by birds, or seed that has fallen on the rocky path won’t take root because the soil isn’t good or deep enough. And the thorny patch simply chokes out the seed’s growth.
The Bible says that Satan is like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. He snatches the word away before it can have an impact. Life’s difculties, the cares of this life and wealth’s deceitfulness, along with the pull of the world’s pleasures, will also make any growth short-lived and unfruitful.
But seed sown in good soil—prepared, cared for, tended and kept healthy—produces a 30, 60, or even a 100-fold return on what was sown. But that takes efort, as any farmer can attest. No field readies itself for planting.
So, take a break, step back from the busyness of life and tend to the soil of your health. Be transformed by the renewing of your mind by the good seed planted in fertile soil. We do reap what we sow.
Saint Anne Catholic Church
~Masses~ Vigil Saturday 4:30 p.m. Sunday 8 a.m., 10 a.m., & 5 p.m. (12:30 p.m. Spanish) Monday-Friday 8 a.m. Wednesday & Jueves 7 p.m. Recorded Masses can be viewed on the St. Anne website (SaintAnneRuskin.org) and Facebook page.
Reconciliation Tue. at 8:30am, Thurs. at 6pm, Sat. at 3:15pm and By Appointment. For more information, please check the St. Anne website.