Vol. 25| Iss. 1| January 2021
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TOBYMAC COMES TO AMALIE ARENA IN 2021 TOUR By Faith Miller
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Columns: Grace Notes: 04 Hooked On Books: 09 Tie The Knot Weddings:11 Faith & Footprints: 15
Popular Christian artist ‘TOBYMAC’ announced the dates recently for the ‘TOBYMAC Hits Deep Tour’ scheduled to come to Tampa in February. The tour plans to stop at Tampa’s AMALIE Arena for two nights on Friday, February 19 and Saturday, February 20, with doors opening at 6 p.m. and the show beginning at 7 p.m. The lineup will include “TOBYMAC & the DiverseCity Band along with special guests Tauren Wells, We Are Messengers, Unspoken, Cochren & Co. and Terrian,” (some dates will not feature all artists). “Over the summer we’ve safely produced multiple tours at drive-in movie theaters, providing our fans with an outlet to continue enjoying live music, and we’re excited to keep that momentum going this spring,” said Dan Fife, CEO and founder of Awakening Events, in a press release. Unlike other tours, this show will not be the typical opener, headliner and done. “This tour is designed to be high-energy from beginning to end, with all
lines. The site states that all seats within the selected pod grouping must be purchased when chosen by the consumer. The minimum pod size available for purchase is two and the maximum is six. Lobbies, seating areas throughout the arena and outdoor waiting areas will be open depending on the advice of national health advisors in the days preceding the event. Ticket holders will also be sent and notified of the policies directly in the days preceding the concerts. As of right now, merchandise and concessions will be available during the event, but this is subject to change. As the event draws closer, the tour will be in “constant communication” with Popular Christian artist ‘TOBYMAC’ announced the dates recently for the ‘TOBYMAC Hits Deep Tour’ scheduled to come officials to follow local to Tampa in February. guidelines at the time of the of these amazing artists performing event and will adjust polithe songs you know and love, along cies as necessary. with some pretty awesome collaboTickets for this event are on sale rative moments as well,” said Curtis at Ticketmaster.com. The ReliaQuest Pinkerton, director of marketing for Ticket Office at AMALIE Arena will Awakening Events, when describing not be open at the on-sale. Ticket how the lineup will work. prices are $19.95, $29.95, $39.95, As far as how seating assignments $69.95 and $89.95. Prices do not inwill be handled, the tour plans to clude facility fee or service charges. use various sizes of ‘pods’ that will Advanced parking passes are availbe available for purchase. The pods able at ParkWhiz.com. Visit Amaare spread out and distanced to fol- lieArena.com or call 301-2500 for low current social distancing guide- more information.
PRESSURE WASHING COMPANY GIVES BACK ONE WASH AT A TIME By Libby Hopkins
Rhett McClelland is a man of faith and counts every one of his blessings. McClelland is the owner of the Plant City-based pressure washing company, Rooted Property Maintenance. His company has only been in existence for little more than two years. He has no website. He just started a Facebook page for his business a few weeks ago, yet his business is booming, so much that he does one free pressure washing to a local church, business, nonprofit or homeowner each month. “All of my business has been done by word of mouth,” McClelland said. “My sister is the one who started the Facebook page because technology and I don’t always mix.” He feels truly blessed to have such a successful business, even with the recent COVID-19 pandemic. His success is one of the reasons he wants to give back to the community. “I believe if you have been blessed with things, you should be giving back to others,” McClelland said. “I try to do at least one charitable pressure washing a month.” Last month, he gave away a free pressure washing to a local church’s basketball court. “I
Rhett McClelland (left) is a man of faith and counts every one of his blessings.
try to lift up everyone around me,” McClelland said. “Those that I can do good for, I do good for them.” McClelland will be pressure washing Center Place Fine Arts and Civic Center in Brandon in January. McClelland has seen his fair share of struggles in life. There was a time not too long ago that he and his family were struggling and he had to accept kindness from a stranger. “We had come
upon some hard times and I was out of work. I needed to provide for my family,” McClelland said. “A woman who worked at the bank I banked at told me about her husband needing some help with his pressure washing business. Her husband really didn’t like hiring people because they always let him down.” This wasn’t the case with McClelland. “I went to work with him on my first day and he told me he would pay me $12 an hour and we’ll see where it goes from there,” McClelland said. “When we got done at the end of the day, he paid what was worth $20 an hour. He told me, ‘you are worth so much more than $12 an hour.’” This act of kindness eventually led to McClelland saving enough money to open Rooted Property Maintenance. McClelland’s work ethic and outstanding customer service has helped him make a name for himself in the Plant City community. He hopes his business continues to grow so he can continue to give back to the community. To learn more about Rooted Property Maintenance, visit www.facebook.com/Rooted-Property-Maintenance or call McClelland at 376-5182.
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January 2021
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Volume 25 | Issue 01
Scout Troops Seek New Members By Michelle Caceres
Elizabeth Hinkle’s Scout Troop 901 is always looking for new members.
Scout Leader Elizabeth Hinkle’s Troop 901 kids love to camp, tie knots and spend time outdoors. They enjoy all of the activities and experiences offered in their Scout troop. They’re also all girls, which was made possible in 2017 when the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) made a historic announcement to welcome girls into its iconic Scouting program. Troop 901, which has 12 girls on its roster, meets at Holy Innocents’ Episcopal Church, which hosts two troops, one for boys (Troop 109) and one for girls. Before COVID-19 necessitated online Scouting, the troops would have a combined flag ceremony and announcements and then separate for patrol time. Before the meeting was over, they’d get back together for the flag retirement ceremony and parting remarks. “We also have our courts of honor together,” said Hinkle, whose troop has been working on several merit badges over Zoom, including cycling and cooking. They even held a campout over Zoom. After all, character and leadership development, which are at the foundation of the BSA, aren’t gender-specific. “The decision to accept girls in Scouting has given us the opportunity to impact the lives of more young people,” said Greater Tampa Bay Area Council CEO Jim Rees.
Scouting is a year-round program for youth 11-17 years old that allows them to experience the benefits of camaraderie, confidence, resilience, trustworthiness, courage and kindness through a time-tested program. The BSA was established in 1910. All Scouts, regardless of gender, earn the same merit badges and achieve the same advancements that boys have earned for nearly 110 years. Hinkle’s own daughter is a Life Scout and is working towards the Eagle Scout rank, the highest rank attainable in the program, which requires the Scout to earn 21 merit badges, serve in a leadership position in their troop and plan, develop and give leadership to others in a service project to benefit the community. With more than 137 different merit badges that can be earned, there is something for everyone in Scouting. Hinkle said her troop is always looking for new Scouts. “We welcome all new members to our troop,” she said. “Hopefully, we’ll be meeting together again soon and will be able to enjoy the full Scouting program with all its benefits.” Hinkle’s troop is just one of many local troops in the Brandon area. For more information about Scouting or to find a troop, visit www.tampabayscouting.org.
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REGISTRATION OPEN FOR INAUGURAL
‘CHASE FOR GOOD’ 5K By Kelly Wise Valdes
The Christian Michael Hernandez Foundation (CMHF) is hosting its inaugural ‘Chase for Good’ 5K race on Saturday, March 6 beginning at 8 a.m. This is a family-friendly fun run/walk to benefit CMHF, which in-turn will use the proceeds to benefit other charities. Lindsay Hernandez, founder of CMHF, is excited about the event and how it will benefit the community. “Our intention is to be able to use the funds to help meet the various needs of our community and worldwide,” said Hernandez. “Proceeds will also be used to partner with local and global organizations to help provide resources to those in need. We have chosen Operation Lotus as one beneficiary of a portion of these proceeds.” CMHF, named after Hernandez’s son, was formed to be a light in this world through the provision of unconditional kindness, impacting the lives and circumstances of others one good deed at a time. Hernandez continues to celebrate the life and memory of her son, Christian, whose time on Earth may have been cut short, but whose mighty impact is helping to make the world a better place. “Each year in February, in honor of Christian’s birthday, we host our an-
nual ‘Kindness for Christian Day,’ which is meant to invite people everywhere to participate in purposeful acts of kindness however, wherever and for whomever they can,” said Hernandez. “For Christian’s fifth birthday, we prayed over doing something more and decided a 5K for his fifth birthday would be the perfect way to celebrate. It is our hope that members of our community and anyone interested in a family-friendly fun run/walk will register and enjoy a day of fellowship and togetherness knowing that their participation will help us to keep the good going. This is our largest initiative to date and we are beyond hopeful for a great outcome.” Registration is open now through Wednesday, March 4. The cost is $30 to participate in person or $35 to participate virtually. The race is taking place on Saturday, March 6 at 8 a.m. at Gasden Park, located at 6901 S. MacDill Ave. in Tampa. A free kids race will begin at 9:15 a.m. with an awards ceremony immediately following the race. For registration or more information or to learn how to be a volunteer, sponsor or donate to the Christian Michael Hernandez Foundation, visit www. christianmichaelhernandez.org. The Chase for Good 5K link can be found on the home page.
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Grace Notes Word For The Year
January 2021
CHRISTIAN VOICE MONTHLY CELEBRATES 25 YEARS
By Debora Coty
Each January, many people choose a word for the upcoming year—a single word that symbolizes their New Year’s quest. A focus. An aspiration. A goal. You might even say a resolution encased within a fistful of alphabet letters. An easily post-able, portable, proverbial reminder of what we deem most important to personally achieve during the next 365 days. I decided to choose a word this year too. So I asked Papa God for wisdom about my 2021 focal word. Several flitted through my mind, but none seemed quite right. Then I looked up. My eyes focused on the contrail of an airplane slashing the blue morning sky with a straight, white line disappearing into cloud cover, its final destination hidden from view. Acknowledge, a still, small voice whispered to my heart. And a familiar Scripture flashed before my mind’s eye: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean
not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight,” (Proverbs 3:5-6, NIV). I could sure use a straight path. But in order to find one, the Word of God says I need to do three things: Trust in the Lord with all my heart. Stop leaning on my own understanding, which is based on my personal experiences and perceptions and colored by my pain. Acknowledge Him in all my ways. Know God first (the root of ‘knowledge’). Then take action based on that knowledge. Action + knowledge = acknowledge. Of course. That’s my word. And my quest for 2021: To actively lean on His understanding, not mine, by delving deeper into His Word, which will allow me to discern His will; to base my actions on that knowledge and trust Him with my whole heart. This will result in a straight path. Even though I can’t see where the path ends, it’s the trail I want to be on. Like that contrail. So how about you, my friend? Are you up for the challenge of choosing your life focal word for the upcoming year? New year. New adventures. New blessings. After all, the sky’s the limit!
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. Residential • Commercial Exterior Repaint Specialists
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Sweepstakes with prizes from over 28 local businesses and boy, did that put us in the holiday spirit! Congratulations to all of the winners and thank you to the businesses who supported us in this campaign and throughout the year. The Osprey Observer is one hundred percent supported by local advertising and readers like you. This month, we also celebrate an important Christian Voice Monthly milestone as we enter our 25th year of publishing local Christian news in our community. We are proud to have such support from our community churches and Christian businesses and readers. The Christian Voice, published locally by Matt and Tammie Seifter, was purchased by the Osprey Observer in 2009 and expanded with additional color pages and expanded distribution. We are proud of the stories and features covered in the Christian Voice and are proud to be part of the community. Please reach out to me anytime, with suggestions, tips, story ideas or just general comments. Yours In Service,
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Who would have thought a year ago we could have anticipated that within two months, our world would be shaken by a global pandemic the likes of which we have never seen. As COVID-19 precautions and regulations were put into place, the Osprey Observer and it’s partner publication Christian Voice Monthly, both essential businesses as a media outlet, would need to pivot our business model and react to the new quarantine restrictions. Fortunately, as a locally-owned business for more than 25 years and with an incredible team, we made adjustments and sent our team home to work remotely, we continue to do our staff and sales meetings via-our new best friend-Zoom, we do digital newspapers proofs rather than printed versions and we’ve streamlined our processes to be more efficient. Luckily, due to the skill level and experience of our team, we haven’t missed a single deadline or edition all year. As our small businesses recover from the effects of 12 weeks of closure and continued new precautionary measures, we are right beside them to support them. We added a Living In COVID section where we highlight stories of hope. And, again this holiday season, we did our annual Our Favorite Things Holiday
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Volume 25 | Issue 01
F.R.I.E.N.D.S. OFFERS SUPPORT TO LOCAL FAMILIES
W W W
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O S P R E Y O B S E R V E R
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C O M
By Libby Hopkins ASSOCIATED WITH OSPREY OBSERVER
7 2109 Lithia Pinecrest Rd., Valrico, FL 33592 • (office) 657-2418 • (fax) 657-4469 MANAGING EDITOR
Families, Respect, Inspire, Education, Networking for Down Syndrome and Special Needs (F.R.I.E.N.D.S.) is a volunteer-based non profit.
One local support group is finding innovative ways to raise funds during the pandemic. Families, Respect, Inspire, Education, Networking for Down Syndrome and Special Needs (F.R.I.E.N.D.S.) is a volunteer-based nonprofit that was founded in 2007 by parents of children with Down syndrome. The group’s motto is “I can and I will,” and President Ann Foyt is the driving force behind this motto. “I love helping new parents,” Foyt said. “We have a F.R.I.E.N.D.S. Parent Packet that we assemble with resource information, brochures from other agencies and the book, Babies with Down Syndrome: a Parents’ Guide. We sent out over 150 packets this year to new families, to Brandon Hospital, St. Joseph’s Women’s, St. Joseph’s Children’s, Tampa General and Mease Countryside. The hospitals distribute the packets to parents for us.” Foyt has lived in the Brandon area for more than 20 years and has been a nurse for 25 years. Her son, Zachary, was born in 1998. “We did not know he had Down syndrome until the doctor in the operating room announced to the entire room, ‘Mr. and Mrs. Foyt, your son has Down syndrome.’ The room got extremely quiet; all you could hear was me crying. The
Marie Gilmore
657-2418
son we had waited so long to have was not the son I was going to take home. I think I cried for three months straight, it was like I was grieving the loss of my baby, not celebrating him. When we arrived home I had no idea what to do.” Foyt realized she needed to become an advocate for her son, and that is when she joined F.R.I.E.N.D.S. “It was run by a small group of parents who got together to listen to a speaker and then go out to dinner afterwards,” Foyt said. “The woman running was ready to hand the responsibility over to someone else and when I told her I would take it over she handed me a box of papers and told the others I was now president.” It wasn’t easy, but Foyt turned the little nonprofit into a thriving organization that helps families who have children with Down syndrome. “We have programs for our community with our monthly Baby Friends, adult dances, arts and crafts, family game night and parent support group meetings in Hillsborough and Pinellas,” Foyt said. “With [the] pandemic, all of our programs stopped.” To learn more about F.R.I.E.N.D.S., visit www.fdswf.org or contact Foyt at 245-2782.
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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
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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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Pastor’s Corner
Page 7
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Humility By Pastor Jomo Cousins, PhD
2 Chronicles 7:14, New Living Translation (NLT) Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. This verse starts with a conditional phrase: “if.” The “if” is telling me that people have a choice in the matter. God will not force us to pray, He gives us all free will to choose to pray. This verse teaches us that prayer can change the world we live in. It’s addressed to believers as it starts out with “my people.” The question I must ask you: “Is He your God?” For if He is your God, then you are His people. One of the key factors to a successful prayer life is relationship. Faith in God is less about religion and more about the relationship. The verse then transitions to the posture we must approach God with. And that posture is humility. Humility is recognizing our lack of merit and our complete inability to save ourselves. Humility is an attitude of the heart. A heart that is contrary to self-ambition, conceit and pride. The key to a strong prayer life is humility.
James 4 speaks of this. 6 “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. 7 Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you… 10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up,” - James 4:68, 10 (NKJV). Humility is surrendering to the will of another. Have you totally surrendered to God? If not, what is holding you back? During prayer, you are cemented in the mindset of humility. You would not come to God unless you have acknowledged the need for His divine power, which is greater than your own. It’s a daily battle to maintain humility. Paul says in Galatians 5:24, “I crucify my flesh daily.” There is an everyday struggle that you will be battling to keep yourself in a place to hear God. Four keys in this prayer: 1. Humility 2. Pray 3. Seek my face 4. Turn from their wicked ways Except from: Prayer Life: The Conversation, Page 89.
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January 2021
ALL PRO DAD HOSTS CLAY SHOOT & FUNDRAISER TO SUPPORT OPERATION LOTUS
By Kate Quesada
for the kids to also experience the gun safety information presented in the firearm safety class that starts the day.” Operation Lotus, a 501(c)(3) dedicated to restoring hope to those experiencing tragedy, was started by FishHawk resident and Bevis mom Melanie Brockmeier-Jordy in memory of her husband, Leon, who passed away in September 2012. Since then, she and her The second annual All Pro Dad Clay Shoot and Fundrais- organization have helped huner for Operation Lotus will take place on Sunday, January dreds of local residents going 31 in Lithia. through hard times from loss to illness. All money raised by the All Pro Dad is known for offering parents a chance to bond with their chil- charity goes directly to the people who dren, but this month, the Lithia Chapter need it. All Pro Dad is an international group of the group is also offering members the committed to bringing intentional focus chance to have fun for a great cause. The Bevis Elementary All Pro Dad to fathers around the world. Groups in group, led by Jim Gaffney, is hosting the communities all over provide guidance second annual Clay Shoot and Fundraiser and practical tips for raising children in benefitting Operation Lotus on Sunday, addition to positively impacting people around them. January 31. The Bevis group recently installed a “We are looking forward to raising awareness and helping those in need buddy bench at the elementary school during the most difficult times,” said for children to use if they feel lonely Gaffney, who has three sons, two in fifth during recess and has many other events planned for the spring. grade at Bevis Elementary. To learn more, visit AllProDad.com and A ticket to the event costs $50, which locate the Lithia Chapter for Bevis Eleincludes 50 shells, 50 clays, firearm safementary. ty information and the donation to OperFishHawk Sporting Clays is located at ation Lotus. “We encourage dads to come out with 13505 Hobson Simmons Rd. in Lithia and their kids as there is no minimum age, as can be reached at 689-0490. To learn more about Operation Lotus, long as minors are each accompanied by an adult,” said Gaffney. “It will be great find on Facebook or visit OperationLotus.
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ChristianVoiceMonthly.com
Volume 25 | Issue 01
Page 9
Devotionals Offer Renewed Hope For 2021 By Kelly Wise Valdes
I think I can safely say that most of us are going to be glad to put 2020 behind us. What started out last New Year’s Eve with the hope of a new decade ended up an unprecedented, difficult year worldwide. Now we have the opportunity again to look to a new year with a new mindset of hope. Cautiously, we wonder if this year will be better, yet, realistically, we know that nothing ‘magical’ happens when the clock hits midnight, but we can use the New Year as a reset button on our spiritual outlook, our physical self and our emotional well-being. We cannot rewrite 2020, but we can try to move forward in 2021 with a renewed hope in Christ. As Christians, we should immerse ourselves in His word daily. Pick a yearly devotional and commit to it either individually, as a couple or as a family unit. Find comfort in a God who is present, even when there are days it may not feel that way. One of my favorite verses this year comes from Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not into your own understanding. In all your ways follow Him and He will direct your paths.” God bless us all in 2021.
Daily Guideposts 2021: A Spirit-Lifting Devotional By Guideposts This devotional book offers readers a full year’s worth of devotions penned by 50 writers from the Guideposts staff. Based on the theme ‘Faithful in Prayer’ and drawn from Romans 12:12, each meditation shares a story of how God speaks to us through our daily lives. A ‘Digging Deeper’ section provides additional Scripture references for those who wish to dive further into God’s word.
Kitchen Table Devotions: Wor- The Whole Story for the Whole shipping God from A-Z as a Family Family: A Year of Jesus-Centered By Sergey Sologub Family Devotions Experience the joy of worshipping God By Michael Kelley as a family. This 26-day devotional is a thoughtful but simple way for parents to creatively teach their children about the characteristics of the Lord. These devotions follow the letters of the alphabet, so children of all ages can engage with the story, Parents will feel empowered and learn practical guidance for how to make this part of their rhythm of life.
Curious young ones are eager to learn about God. Launch them on a fruitful, lifelong spiritual journey with this family-friendly devotional. Offering a year’s worth of daily object lessons, easily digestible Scripture selections and simple discussion questions, this devotional book helps parents and kids view the Bible as one whole story with Christ at the center.
Long Story Short: Ten-Minute Devotions to Draw Your Family to God - Slightly Imperfect By Marty Machowski As a parent, you know it’s important to pass the Gospel story on to your children, yet we live in a busy world filled with distractions. This faith-based family devotional book will help you pass on biblical truth in just 10 minutes a day, five times a week through fun, devotional readings and activities. Long Story Short is suitable for children from preschool to high school.
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Page 10
DOOLEY GROVES SHIPPING & U-PICK IN RUSKIN OPENS FOR ITS 53RD CITRUS SEASON
By Tatiana Ortiz
The grandsons of Dooley Groves Owners Mike Houghtaling and his wife, Diane Houghtaling.
Individuals seeking a family-friendly, socially distanced activity should visit Dooley Groves in Ruskin, which reopened on November 19 for its 53rd citrus season. Diane Houghtaling and her husband, Mike Houghtaling, own the 40-acre orange grove offering U-pick and fruit sales. Mike is a fifth-generation Florida farmer who loves the business, which was first started 53 years ago by Mike’s grandparents and parents and has been handed down for three generations. Dooley Groves grows fresh, premium citrus fruits and is the largest U-pick Honeybell grove in Florida, and it offers several other citrus varieties throughout the citrus season too. To help keep everyone comfortable while at Dooley Groves, the family made some adjustments with the U-pick procedures, how it takes shipping orders and much more. “We feel that one of the best ideas people can do right now is to be outside in the wide-open spaces, getting vitamin D while getting vitamin C,” Diane said. This month, people can U-pick Sugar-
belles, which is a cross between a clementine, a tangerine and a Honeybell. Dooley Groves has more than 6,500 Honeybell trees open for U-pick from January through April. For the U-pick, Dooley Groves supplies baskets and clippers. Once the produce gets picked, guests are charged by the pound. During the season, U-pick is open seven days a week from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. In addition to the U-pick citrus, Dooley Groves offers a retail store with local items such as unfiltered orange blossom honey, fruit jams and more. It also makes freshly squeezed orange juice and other products. Furthermore, it can ship fruit all over the United States and Canada. “There are not many old-time citrus groves and markets left in Florida, none in Hillsborough County quite like Dooley Groves,” Diane said. “For example, we offer fresh picked citrus varieties that most places do not have, like the pink pomelos and more,” she added. For more information, visit www.dooleygroves.com. It is located at 1651 Stephens Rd. in Ruskin. Call 645-3256.
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POTTERY WITH PARKINSON’S KEEPS RETIRED CHAPLAIN ACTIVE AND RAISING FUNDS FOR CURE By Libby Hopkins
Bruce Wright— donate a percentor ‘Bishop,’ as age of everything many people in we sell to the the Plant City Michael J. Fox area also know Foundation to him, because he help find a cure worked for 15 for Parkinson’s.” years as the seBruce finds nior chaplain for inspiration for Florida Hospital his pieces from Tampa in TamYouTube and pa—has a pasPinterest, but he sion for scripture loves the whole Bruce and Elaine Wright are the owners of Pottery with Parkinson’s. They started their and pottery. “I process of makam an Anglican business after Bruce was diagnosed with Parkin- ing one of them. son’s Disease in 2007. bishop and the “From start of a nickname kind of stuck,” Bruce said. piece to finally pulling it from the kiln, He has been married to his wife, I love the entire process,” Bruce said. Elaine Wright, for more than 44 years. “It forces me to concentrate on the “I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s dis- task at hand, which gets my mind off ease in 2007,” Bruce said. “Upon re- of my myriad aches and pains.” tirement, actually disability, from the Scripture influences his pieces as hospital in 2015, I found myself bored well. “As I sit at the wheel, I am resilly. Of course, I was still active in our minded of the Scripture in Isaiah 64:8, church, I still hung around with friends ‘But now, Lord, you are our Father; we at the cigar stores, but the extra free are the clay, and you our potter, and time I used, although unintentionally, all of us are the work of your hand,’” [was] driving my wife crazy. A retired Bruce said. art teacher, she suggested I look into “If given the choice, I would not have pottery.” chosen to have Parkinson’s disease, The couple started Pottery with but I am encouraged by the fact that Parkinson’s as a way for Bruce to help God is in charge and He has a plan. He with his condition and to raise money directs the events of my life. for the Michael J. Fox Foundation. As I encounter difficulties, learning “We started Pottery with Parkin- to trust in His potters’ hands is treson’s primarily for me for therapy on mendously encouraging and reassurmy cramping hands, arms, etc. after ing.” I was first diagnosed in 2007,” Bruce To learn more about Pottery with said. “We began offering it for sale to Parkinson’s or to buy a piece of Bruce’s generate a few bucks and also to clear pottery, visit www.potterywithparkinout our rapidly growing inventory. We sons.com or call him at 493-0856.
ChristianVoiceMonthly.com
Volume 25 | Issue 01
TIE THE KNOT
Page 11
Local Angler Pens First Children’s Book, Clyde’s Corner
WITH “IT’S OFFICIAL
By Amy Schechter
WEDDING OFFICIANT SERVICES”
By Michelle Caceres
Whether a bride and groom’s wedding plans include a large outdoor wedding or an intimate at-home affair, their special day wouldn’t be complete without one key player—the wedding officiant. Mimi Giordano, owner of It’s Official Wedding Officiant Services, helps couples bring their love story to life by writing a personalized ceremony that reflects who they are as individuals and who they will be as a couple. “I weave your love story into your ceremony, not only for you to cherish but for your family and friends to enjoy,” said Giordano, who has been uniting couples for more than 22 years. She specializes in all types of ceremonies, including elopements, interfaith, religion-specific, nondenominational, civil union and renewal of vows. Giordano’s ceremonies aren’t cookie-cutter; no two ceremonies are identical. She and her team work closely with the couple to plan a meaningful ceremony. The bride and groom separately answer fact sheets about how their love story began, allowing for Giordano to weave these stories into the ceremony along with other pieces to create a narrative that resonates on a personal level with the couple and the guests. If the bride or groom bring children to the marriage, she makes sure to make them an intricate part of the ceremony by speaking words of praise to each of them, instilling the idea that they are uniting not only as a couple, but as a family.
“The bride and groom can see their story differently, so I like to get both sides of the story,” said Giordano. One couple completed the bio sheet and the bride told me they met at a bonfire at the YMCA. The groom said they met in the woods behind the YMCA. “You can see why I need both sides of the story,” she joked. Bride Alexandra Karones Seigler knew shortly after meeting Giordano that she would be the perfect officiant for her ceremony. “She met us over coffee and doughnuts at a local doughnut shop and we didn’t feel rushed,” said Seigler. “She was completely genuine and took the time to really get to know us.” Giordano kept her involved in the entire process of writing the ceremony but also added professional touches to everything. The result was an unforgettable ceremony. “She made us feel like she had known us our entire lives,” she said. “She was absolutely fantastic.” Giordano said that with more brides and grooms choosing a private and intimate ceremony because of COVID-19, it has put the focus back on the ceremony itself. “It is the reason why you’re having the party, after all,” she said. For more, visit www.itsofficialweddings.com or call 545-8128.
Apollo Beach resident Brian Wilson recently published Clyde’s Corner.
Brian Wilson’s passion for fishing is evident in his personal and professional life. He loves teaching people to fish and being out on the water. After moving to Apollo Beach in 2017 with his wife, Dr. Jennifer Wilson, they made sure to buy a house on a canal. Then, when the opportunity arose, he became co-owner of Bait and Tackle of Apollo Beach. Now, Brian can add ‘published author’ to his repertoire, and you can bet the book is fishing-related. “We both grew up fishing,” Brian said as he reflected on his time fishing in Anna Maria with his grandparents; he and his wife still enjoy casting a line together as adults. “It’s special to us.” For that reason, when his cousin’s family moved to the area, Brian and Jennifer take their godson, Cam, out to their dock, especially at night when the green dock’s light illuminates a special friend, a large, green snook. “He’s in the same spot every single night, and we all decided we needed to name him,” Brian explained. “We picked the name Clyde.” Cam’s love for Clyde
inspired Brian to write Clyde’s Corner for his godson’s first birthday. He and Jennifer then had the book illustrated and bound as a special present. When friends and family read the book, they knew it was something special. With their encouragement, Brian decided to explore publication. In Clyde’s Corner, readers meet Clyde and his best friend, Warner. The two little fish go off on an a d ve n t u re away from the safety of their dock for the very first time. When they get lost, they have to rely on help from Clyde’s dad to return home. It is a story of friendship, of facing your fears and of finding help from family. Brian is even working on the second book in what will now become a series, Clyde Counts to Ten, where Clyde will learn to count an assortment of undersea items local to Apollo Beach habitats. Clyde’s Corner is a great stocking stuffer or bedtime story for any occasion. Copies are available for purchase on Amazon. To connect with Brian, you can reach him via email at wilsonsaltlife@gmail.com. He also has copies of his book available at Bait and Tackle of Apollo Beach, open from 6 a.m.-7 p.m. daily and located at 6040 N. U.S. Hwy. 41 in Apollo Beach.
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Page 12
Brenda Wade Team Partners With Local Businesses To Benefit Seeds Of Hope By Michelle Caceres
January 2021
Brandon Outreach Clinic Offers Free Medical Assistance For Qualified Hillsborough Residents
By Gwen Rollings
The Brenda Wade Real Estate Team and its business partners have teamed up for the eighth annual Partners in Giving event, which has raised almost $20,000 for Seeds of Hope, a charity that provides food assistance to local families through once-a-week food distributions, a mobile food pantry and a ‘Backpack of Food’ program coordinated with local schools. This is the third year in a row Wade, her team and business partners have donated to Seeds of Hope, totaling more than $40,000. “With everything that is going on this year, I thought Seeds of Hope would be the best choice,” said Wade. It was an excellent choice. Seeds of Hope Founder Leda Eaton said that this year the food bank has seen an unprecedented need for food, serving more neighbors during the COVID-19 pandemic than ever before. According to Feeding America, the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief and food rescue organization, more than 80 percent of food banks nationwide are serving more people now than they did a year ago. Many of those served are getting help for the first time as people who had stable incomes have now lost jobs or had their hours reduced.
“There have been so many people in our own community that have been impacted by the economic ramifications of COVID-19,” she said. “The boxes of food we distribute weekly has gone from 120 boxes before the pandemic to a recent record of 618 boxes.” Leda said the charity couldn’t do it without the support of local businesses like the Brenda Wade Team. “I am so appreciative of her and her team choosing Seeds of Hope as their charity of choice for the Partners in Giving program,” she said. Wade is thankful to her business partners, who offered their support not only to her clients but to the community as well. The businesses she worked with this year included Hillsborough Title, Only Pro Painters, Buyer’s Choice Inspection, Complete Choice Insurance, The Home Loan Expert, All American Title, Meek Insurance, Guaranteed Rate Insurance, The Osprey Observer, Valley Bank Home Loan and United Mutual Funding Corp. “When we work together, we can make a difference,” she said. For more information about Seeds of Hope or to find out how to help, visit www.sohopefl.org.
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Hundreds of cars pass by 517 N. Par- healthy so they can go to work and take sons Ave. weekly in Brandon. There is a care of their families by managing their sign at the end of an inconspicuous strip conditions, keeping them out of expenmall saying Brandon Outreach Clinic sive emergency rooms and minimizing (BOC) is located there. What that sign healthcare costs in our community. does not say is that BOC might have Although most patients coming to an answer to the healthBOC work and have incomes care concerns of many at or below 200 percent residents of Hillsborough of the federal poverty level County who do not have (for a family of four, this is health insurance and can$48,600), their jobs do not not afford healthcare, include access to affordable and the clinic charges no health insurance. As an infees for services to qualicome-based clinic, those fied patients. seeking medical services are The vision to create a asked for donations to help safety net for uninsured purchase medications, medand underinsured indiical supplies and operating viduals who were falling expenses. through the healthcare The eligibility requirecracks began in 1987. Dr. Stephen Parks opened ments for pediatric (infants Stephen D. Parks, M.D. the doors to the Brandon to 17 years) and adults (18brainstormed what this Outreach Clinic in 1989. 64 years) are: (1) resident of clinic might look like with Hillsborough County, (2) U.S. other medical and community leaders. citizen or permanent resident, (3) meet When Dr. Parks suggested that some- low income guidelines and (4) no other one needed to be appointed as point medical insurance (including Medicare, man, they appointed him. Medicaid or other government-funded After two years of planning, fundrais- healthcare.) ing and establishing a grassroots netDr. Parks established his primary work of providers, the clinic opened its care practice in 1983 and has served on doors in April 1989. Staffed entirely by boards for six years at Brandon Regionvolunteers, the clinic opened only one al Hospital and for 25 years as a medevening a week. Since then, a collabo- ical director at BOC. He said, “The imration with other medical providers and pact of this clinic goes far beyond just volunteers has expanded its hours to treating physical conditions. We hope four days a week. to positively impact individuals, families BOC is a 501(c)(3) organization offer- and our community by bridging the gap ing diagnostic and primary care and a for the uninsured.” three-tiered pharmacy. The goal of BOC For information, visit www.theis to help patients become and remain outreachclinic.com or call 654-1388.
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Volume 25 | Issue 01
ChristianVoiceMonthly.com
Page 13
ChristianVoiceMonthly.com
Page 14
January 2021
According to Haytasingh, Mission BBQ collects and sends hundreds of cards to Heartillery Group, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to show support, love and gratitude to U.S. troops overseas in simple ways (cards and care packages). “Thus far this year, we have collected and sent 1,124 cards,” reported Haytasingh. When the pandemic struck, students, Staff Report churches, women’s groups and individEarlier this month, with the holiday uals in the community mailed hundreds season in full swing, residents at The of letters and cards to residents at The Bridges. Bridges Assisted “We were overLiving Communiwhelmed with the ty were eager to kindness of people send some cheer in our communito troops serving in ty who thoughtthe military overfully sent notes seas. of support to our The Bridges Acresidents,” stated tivities Director Mercilliott. “When Coleen Mercilliott residents were givknew exactly how en the opportunity to get this done. to show kindness With stacks of Residents at The Bridges, located off Bloomingand support to our Christmas cards dale Ave., recently sent 438 cards to troops troops, they were that had been dooverseas. thrilled to give back nated over the and send some years, Mercilliott cheer to those servscheduled several ing our country.” “card writing sesThe Bridges Resions” for residents tirement Commuto attend. Over the nity in Riverview is course of severdedicated to proal days, residents viding healthcare were busy writing and housing for the and signing cards. elderly. The BridgKnowing that es features assisted living and memory Mission BBQ in Brandon collected care residences with all amenities on a and sent holiday cards to the military beautiful campus off of Bloomingdale overseas, Mercilliott contacted Crystal Ave. Haytasingh, community ambassador at To learn more about The Bridges, loMission BBQ. A partnership was soon cated at 11202 Dewhurst Dr., call 413formed as Haytasingh received 438 Christmas cards prepared by residents 8900 or visit www.bridgesretirement. com. at The Bridges.
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ChristianVoiceMonthly.com
Volume 25 | Issue 01
FAITH & FOOTPRINTS
Page 15
By Kelly Wise Valdes
Robert F. Thomas Chapel In Dollywood In the middle of the popular Dollywood theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee sits the Robert. F. Thomas Chapel. This small, one-room church is an iconic fixture in the park and holds church services every Sunday. The chapel is named after the local Sevier County doctor who delivered Dolly Rebecca Parton—the fourth of 12 children to Robert Lee and Avie Lee Parton. Dr. Thomas was a mountain doctor and a traveling preacher. On January 19, 1946, Dr. Thomas traveled to Locust Ridge, Tennessee on a house call when Dolly Parton’s mother was in labor, ready to give birth to the now country icon. The Partons were very poor and could only pay the doctor with a sack of cornmeal. Dr. Thomas was important to Sevier County because he chose to commit himself to this rural community and reportedly would make more than 1,000 house calls each year. As the only physician in the mountain community, he traveled by Jeep, by horseback or on foot to nearby communities. He treated illnesses, delivered babies and performed surgeries—almost always in the home of his patients. The level of poverty in the area was vast, and Dr. Thomas was often paid in the form of chickens, eggs, produce, hogs and, on one occasion, a whole cow. It was only fitting to dedicate this chapel to the doctor who was committed in faith and service to his community. The Robert F. Thomas Chapel was built in 1973 but was constructed to look like an old country church from the turn of the century. At a total cost of $35,000, the church was built to fit into the theme park’s Appalachian theme. The chapel was constructed with the encouragement of the large Christian communi-
ty in the area. Donations of antique windows, door and pews came from schools, churches and individuals who wanted to contribute to the little chapel. The windows were originally from a local school in Sevier County dating back to 1806. The doors were donated from a local Methodist church from 1891. The pews hailed from an old courthouse and date back to the late 1800s. The small stained-glass window behind the carved image of Jesus inside the chapel is from the early 1900s. It was donated by First United Methodist Church in honor of James Davis—aka ‘Deacon Davis’ of Goldrush Junction. The park hired this local evangelist to be a roaming character. He helped perpetuate the chapel as a symbol of faith for the community and opened the opportunity for Sunday worship in Dollywood. The church holds a 30-minute worship service every Sunday for visitors of the park. During the service, there is singing, piano playing and a short, nondenominational message of encouragement. For more information, visit www.dollywood.com.
Live Like You Mean It ...
A New Look At The Lord’s Prayer My men’s group is studying The Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus teaches his friends how to pray. “Don’t babble on and on as the Gentiles do,” he said, “but pray like this…” I encouraged the guys to write their own paraphrases. This is mine. I pray it speaks to your heart and encourages you to dive a little deeper into God’s word: “Great God, creator and sustainer, who lives in the present, the future, the past and beyond the limits of understanding, you are like a parent to us. We love, respect, honor and revere
your holy name. We want all that you are—your love, your purposes, your light, your imagination, your mercy— to be as real here on earth as they are where your Kingdom is most present. “We can be greedy, so we pray that you help us find balance between our needs, our wants, the world’s needs and your provision. And, merciful Lord, we confess that we routinely miss the mark when it comes to following Jesus. Please forgive us and heal us, even as we allow your grace and mercy to flow through us and into the experiences and struggles of our
neighbors. “We are weak, too; there is only so much grit to our resistance in terms of selfishness and misplaced desire. We need your help to overcome temptation and—to be honest—we would appreciate it if you ran some interference on our behalf. And when we fail (as you know we will), please throw us a lifeline, and pull us back. “Because it is not our Kingdom or our preferences we seek to establish, but yours. All the power belongs to you too—and we know we cannot, must not, rely on our own. And as for
By Derek Maul
glory, God, it is all you; for you are light and love in divine radiance that outshines a hundred million suns. “So Amen, and Let it be, and May the truth of this prayer settle into our souls and infiltrate the way we are, and the way we live.” - Derek 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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ChristianVoiceMonthly.com
January 2021
HOT OFF THE CHRISTIAN NEWS WIRE
By Kelly Wise Valdes
TV Producer Creates ‘A Safe Place Online’ For Teens To Talk
Dave Ramsey’s Company Pays Off $10 Million In Debt For 8,000 People To ‘Show The Love Of Jesus’ The company founded by Christian financial expert Dave Ramsey paid off $10 million’s worth of debt owed by 8,000 individuals this Christmas season in order to “show the love of Christ” to those in financial trouble. Ramsey’s company, Ramsey Solutions, purchased $10 million in medical and automobile debt from two private debt collection companies simply “in order to forgive it,” Ramsey Solutions said in a press release. “This year has been one of the hardest years for some of you. People have struggled financially in ways they never had before,” Ramsey said in the video. “And that’s why we wanted to take this opportunity to show the love of Jesus, by taking on the debt of 8,000 people across the country.” Ramsey Solutions, founded in 1992, provides biblical-based financial education and is best known for its Financial Peace University classes. Ramsey also hosts a radio show, The Dave Ramsey Show. For more information, visit www. DaveRamsey.com.
TV Producer Tim Bisagno, founder of Mission X Television, was drawn to a new mission this year. He has been instrumental in founding ‘A Safe Place Online,’ a 24/7 live chat and text ministry designed to help young people that may be hurting. A Safe Place Online is a free, nonjudgmental place to chat or text and be heard. More than 800 trained volunteers are available to listen and pray with teens and young adults. There is a prayer request page on the site where you can ask for prayer or pray for the other requests listed. To live chat or text, visit www.asafeplaceonline.com.
ily that received a new car and $250,000 to purchase a home. Of the $3.5 million in gifts given away by the church last month, $1.55 million went toward helping other churches, $1 million was given to various human service organizations and $200,000 went toward helping people pay off personal debts like student loans. Todd told the congregation during his emotional 2.5-hour sermon, which left many gift recipients in tears as they learned, that the church was removing their financial debt burdens or doing something to improve their lives. For more information, visit www.transformchurch.us.
shared his own powerful journey into faith and ministry and some reflections on how we can handle the tough times we find ourselves living in. Doubting It With Charlotte Pence Bond explores the powerful issues of faith, culture and doubt and investigates of the most essential questions about our faith journeys. Through powerful interviews with transformational guests, Bond gets us thinking deeper about the power of asking questions and how seeking truth can strengthen our faith in God. If you’re looking for solid Christian guidance, entertainment and inspiring content, look no further than the Edifi podcast app, which is filled with thousands of Christian podcasts you can stream right now. Visit www.edifi.app.
Franklin Graham, Max Lucado Join Charlotte Pence Bond Edifi Podcast Network
Transformation Church Gives Charlotte Pence Bond, author and daughter of Vice President Mike Pence, Away $3.5M In House, Cars, Cash sat down with Franklin Graham and Max To Bless Those In Need Pastor Michael Todd of Transformation Church in Bixby, Oklahoma led his congregation in a $3.5 million, one-day blessings spree where they helped scores of human service organizations, churches and individuals, including one needy fam-
Lucado during the two most recent episodes of her powerful ‘Doubting It’ podcast. Graham—son of the famed Rev. Billy Graham—explored the roots of his faith and what it means to be a Christian. Lucado, an author and pastor, also
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Volume 25 | Issue 01
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Neighborhood Staple, Willie’s Seafood Closes After 45 Years In Business By Libby Hopkins just all family.” Like many other restaurants and businesses, the COVID-19 pandemic has taken its toll on Willie’s. “We have always been a big part of the community,” Robinson said. “We’ve sponsored little league teams, supported many FFAs and many community organizaWillie’s Seafood in Valrico has been a Brandon staple for tions held their meetings at more than 45 years. The Robinson family owns the commuour restaurant. My son and nity-loved restaurant and the family recently made the very difficult decision to close Willie’s Seafood. The restaurant his wife have been running the restaurant for the last closed on December 23. six years and then COVID hit. Willie’s Seafood in Valrico has been a They had to shut down. They missed the Brandon staple for more than 45 years. The Robinson family owns the commu- snowbird season, but when they opened nity-loved restaurant and the family re- back up, they could only have 25 percent cently made the very difficult decision capacity. They still paid all their employees during the shutdown, but with the to close Willie’s Seafood. A message on the restaurant’s website restaurant being an old building needing said, “We would like to let all of you know repairs and the cost to run it, it was just that we have made the decision to close too much.” Robinson said she’s not going to dwell down Willie’s, the place for seafood. It on the sadness over having to close Wilwas not an easy decision and a variety of lie’s, but she will focus on all the good reasons contribute to this choice. Many memories and what could come in the have noticed that the menu prices have increased 20 percent in two years. This future for the restaurant. “Our customhas not touched the deficit caused by ers are like our extended family,” Robbuilding repair, increased food costs and inson said. “We’ve seen their children grow up, graduate high school and then payroll increases.” The Brandon community was sad- college and then they get married. I’m dened to find out this local landmark not sure what Willie’s will become next, would be gone before the Christmas hol- but hopefully, in some shape or form, it idays. “This was a family-owned and op- will still be a part of our community.” If you would like to see what the fuerated business,” Owner Maryellen Robture holds for Willie’s Seafood, keep an inson said. “We had Bill’s mother, aunts, eye on its Facebook page at www.faceuncles, cousins and children working in the restaurant in the beginning. It was book.com/WilliesThePlaceForSeafood.
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New Beginnings Let’s face it, this past year was one for the books. A horror novel, most likely. Many people are looking forward to the new year with vigor, preferring to put 2020 behind them for many reasons. At the top of the list is the coronavirus and the election fiasco, but those issues will continue to follow us into the new year. For people of faith, a new year dawns with promise. It’s the perfect time for reflection, celebrating God’s faithfulness through the good times and His sustenance and peace through the bad. It brings a renewed sense of hope that He is still in control, and that we can face whatever the coming year brings. It’s a time to right wrongs, and a time of confession, repentance and resolve to live life to the fullest. It’s also a time to reaffirm our faith in the One who holds the future, and a time to live in grace. Peter, after denying his Lord three times, was reinstated to fellowship with Christ after the resurrection, as Jesus made it clear he was forgiven (see John 21). Tasked by the Lord to “feed my sheep,” not long afterwards
By Bob Zoellner
he addressed the crowd on the day of Pentecost, and the church age was born. The Apostle Paul, who previously had been a persecutor of Christians, became the messenger to the Gentiles and author of half of the new testament. Talk about new beginnings. When Jonah ran from God, it wasn’t long before he was swallowed by a great fish. After a brief time of solitude, Jonah was spit up onto dry land. Finally following in obedience (even though his attitude didn’t necessarily follow suit), he was able to atone for his foolish trek in the opposite direction of where he should have been headed. Thankfully, 2020 is over. For many of us, it’s had its challenges, frustrations, difficulties and parts we’d just as soon forget. But God is a God of second chances, of redemption, of grace and truth. His mercies are new every morning. And thankfully, “Anyone who is joined to Christ is a new person. The past is forgotten, and everything is new,” (2 Corinthians 5:17, CEV). So be it.
ChristianVoiceMonthly.com
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Did You Know? Patron Saint For 50 States
Florida – Our Lady Of La Leche 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, as John reveals in the Book of Revelation that the saints in heaven offer 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? The patron saint of Florida is Our Lady of La Leche. The National Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche is located in St. Augustine. As history reveals, on August 28, 1565, sailors of the great Spanish fleet commanded by Don Pedro Menéndez de Avilés sighted
land. Sent by King Philip II, they arrived hoping to establish a colony and securing the land for Spain, as well as to convert the Native American Indians to Christianity. At this location was the first parish Mass in what is now the United States. It was on this sacred ground that the Spanish settlers would begin devotion to Our Lady of La Leche, Nuestra Señora de La Leche y Buen Parto—meaning Our Lady of the Milk and Happy Delivery. The devotion to Our Lady of La Leche is one of the most ancient of all devotions. The representation of Mary caring for the baby Jesus has inspired painters and sculptors for many centuries. The picture of Mary nursing the infant Jesus is one of the few pictures of the Virgin on the walls of Rome’s catacombs. Today, more than 450 years later, an image of Our Lady of La Leche still adorns the small mission chapel in the heart of St. Augustine. Visitors come from around the world to pray for her powerful intercession for fertility, for the health of their children and for a safe birth. The mission is located at 101 San Marco Ave. in St. Augustine. For more information, visit www.missionandshrine.org.
January 2021
God Bless Our Empty Nest Heading Into 2021 – Serenity Now! By Kelly Wise Valdes
As most of you can probably relate, this year has been a roller coaster. But, not like a Busch Gardens’ fun roller coaster…more like an old, unstable roller coaster that doesn’t work quite right with no seatbelts, and you want to get off, but it never stops. I’ll start by saying that our blended family had a lot of changes this year. My husband, David, and I have a total of five children. I say “children,” but technically they are all adults. I sometimes tell my friends that the children aren’t ‘real’ adults yet—they are just not children anymore. It’s a complicated but beautiful mess. The 28-year-old daughter got married two years ago and then had a baby. Because 2020 caught us all off guard, she ended up quitting her job to stay home with the baby because of daycare COVID-19 issues. The 27-year-old daughter was planning on getting married in the spring and was moving to the panhandle. Well, as you can imagine, the wedding venue (that was totally paid for) cancelled, so we had two weeks to throw together a COVID-safe wedding in our backyard. After the wedding, she found it practically impossible to get a job in a new city, especially during the height of quarantine. So, she was freshly married and unemployed. For months. The 25-year-old daughter was laid off in January 2020 and was looking for a job during quarantine. She was unemployed for months as well. Then the 23-year-old son was laid off from his retail job when the mall closed because of COVID. And to top off the employment fun, the 22-year-old daughter was laid off from her hospitality job working in a hotel. Yes, that’s right—we had FIVE unemployed adult children—and all of them
Our blended family—Jaylee, 22; Holly, 25; Jordan, 23; Sierra, 28; and Lindsay, 27.
had adult bills. It was the best of times. But, with all that being said, the gift of quarantine was time. Time to reflect. When the children all became ‘adults,’ I clearly thought that it was going to be a relief— emotionally and financially. I have learned that although we may have had the opportunity to raise them under our roof for a brief 18 years, the parenting just changes as the children grow up and out. And over the last few months, I learned to be thankful that I still have children that pick up the phone and call me (or text me) when they have a problem. I get calls about everything, from what to do if the washing machine doesn’t seem to be draining to “I’m not sure I can pay my electricity bill this month.” I jokingly told my husband the other day that I almost miss the days of science fair projects and cheerleading competitions. Almost. I was listening to the song “My Wish” by Rascal Flatts. The lyrics really spoke to me in our current situation. “I hope you never look back, but you never forget all the ones who love you, in the place you left. I hope you always forgive, and you never regret, and you help somebody every chance you get. Oh, you find God’s grace, in every mistake and always give more than you take.” I know this year was difficult, but in spite of it all, we had a chance to slow down to really see how blessed we all are. Psalms 127:3 tells us, “Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from Him.” May we all have blessings and rewards in 2021.
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Volume 25 | Issue 01
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Page 19
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January 2021