www.pointemag.org w ww.pointemag.org { 1
BEAUTIFUL PLACE.
EVEN BETTER SERVICES.
• Executive Chef John Malik (yes, that John Malik) and Crew providing outstanding cuisine every day • Spacious private apartments nestled in individual neighborhoods where your loved one receives high quality care from familiar faces each day—all on ground level • Wellness Program featuring classes for all experience and ability levels • Part of a 40-acre secure, gated continuing care community AND OPENING IN SUMMER 2010 – MEMORY CARE at CHASTEEN HOUSE featuring: • Assisted Living Federation of America’s Best of the Best Award-winning WAVES program in Memory Care—an aquatic-based experience providing exercise and fun to people living with Alzheimer’s—stimulates cognitive and cardiovascular function while increasing appetite and lowering agitation • Family-style dining in with caregivers and residents sharing a meal together—when families visit they simply pull up a chair • A staff trained in person-centered care, working with your loved one daily to help them enjoy their life, activities and making sure their needs are individually met
Assisted Living | Alzheimer’s & Memory Care Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation 30 Springcrest Court | Greenville, SC 29607 | www.TheCascadesVerdae.com | 864-528-5529
Lessons
FROM A ROCKING CHAIR
An iconic image of summer is the country wrap-around porch. Its wooden slats form a symmetrical path that beckons you to follow the beams of sunlight reaching across the rails and touching a tall, icy glass of lemonade sweating in the summer heat.
A
slight breeze meanders across the porch and bumps into the tall wooden sail of the back of the rocking chair causing it to creak ever so slightly. The gentle rock of the chair whispers your name and invites you to sit and ponder the slower things of life.
— E. Otto Tilley The rocking chair is a marvel of simple design. The shape cradles your body and offers the perfect angle of rest for your arms. But perhaps the most ingenious part of the design is the slightly arching runners upon which the chair sits. Ingenious, not because of their shape, but because of their purpose; they use our stress to relax us. Sit in a four-legged chair and stress causes you to tap your foot on the floor, or pat your leg with your hand, but neither of these relax you. In fact, there’s the tendency to increase the speed of the tapping or the force of the patting which increases the anxiety of trying to relieve the stress!
But sit in a rocking chair and the world slows down as you gently, but purposefully, allow the stress to escape through your feet into the wooden slats below. The wood creaks beneath your feet, time slows down, and you begin to notice the little things that had been drowned out by the louder demands of life. You see the roses blooming along the fence, you hear the songbirds serenading the sun, and you watch a robin diligently seeking its next meal across the lush green grass of the front lawn. Then you notice the sky is a deeper blue as you watch the clouds dance, perfectly choreographed to the melody of the wind. The rocking chair has done its job. Your heart beats slower as you notice a world that you walk in every day but seldom see a world designed for you. It’s a love letter from a gracious lover and passionate friend, the Creator. It’s a work of art designed to inspire you and to help your soul find the way home. Coerced by a gentle breeze, you close your eyes, and for a moment in time, you surrender and simply rest. Are you tired? Worn out?...Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest…Learn the unforced rhythms of grace…Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly. Matthew 11:28-30
www.pointemag.org { 3
CONTENTS
pointe! magazine asked 250 women questions relating to our Summer issue content. Look for their responses throughout the magazine.
pointe! of view
SUMMER 2010
Lessons from a Rocking Chair . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Go Higher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 Upstate Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 Swamp Rabbit Trail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
8 14 18
focal pointe!
Pledge of Allegiance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Flag Ettiquette. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Birth of Our Nation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
pointe! yummy
Homemade Ice Cream. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Fresh-squeezed Lemonade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Backyard Burger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
summer pointe!rs
Plan Your Vacation Online . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Summer Safety Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 In Style . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 Sand, Sun and Studying. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 Put More Fun in Your Marriage . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Last Minute Summer Fun Ideas . . . . . . . . . . . .30 Carolina Shaggin’. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
EDITORS
LAYOUT & DESIGN
Lori Stephano Wanda Litchenberg Cindy Van Horn
Sherie LaPrade Daniel Lovelace
ADVERTISING Donna Blair
To advertise, go to pointemag.org or contact advertise@pointemag.org
pointe! magazine | cornerstone church | 2701 wade hampton blvd greenville, sc 29615 | (864) 292-3022 | cornerstonegreenville.com
Quiet Solitude As you read this, we are entering into the heart of summer. Kids are out of school, there is Little League baseball, soccer, swim meets, and lots of games to attend. And don’t forget days at the pool and trips to the lake or the mountains. There are vacations to plan and yard work to take care of, and, sandwiched in between all that, is work—whether in or out of the home. Summer can be exciting, busy and tiring. With everything we have going on in our lives, it is very easy to fall victim to stress, anxiety, and fatigue. My wife Donna and I were talking at the first part of May about vacation and how we were going to fit that into our busy lives. When could we go? How long could we be gone? We realized that summer wasn’t even here yet and we already couldn’t find a way to fit vacation into our schedule. How do we handle the stress of such busy lives? Maybe you’re like me and cannot change your schedule. Maybe you’re locked into company coming to visit, planned events, and activities that absolutely require your presence. Sometimes life can be overwhelming. A solution I have found is looking at characters in the Bible. Moses went up to the mountain to reflect on his life and calling and to spend time alone with God. In the Gospels we see Jesus time and time again, slipping away by himself to think, pray, and spend time with God. When I look at their lives, it seems they were encouraged and strengthened by making this a common practice. The question is, do you have a place where you can be alone? A place where you can relax, meditate, pray, and let our Heavenly Father rejuvenate you physically, mentally and spiritually? For my quiet times, I like going to my dock, watching the sun come up while enjoying a great cup of coffee, and sitting quietly, listening for the voice of God. There is something very peaceful about that early morning time. So, here is my message to you. As we approach this time of crowded schedules, busy days and demands on our time, don’t forget to find a place of quiet solitude and let God refresh you for the day and for the weeks to come. Have a great summer. When fall arrives, I hope you can look back to the days of summer with pleasant memories and hope for the days ahead. Because your life matters,
Church, Greenville Senior Pastor: Cornerstone Churc
www.pointemag.org { 5
—Cheryl & Sherie LaPrade
1
Do Your Homework
Before tackling any vacation planning project, you need a destination! Chances are you already have an idea of places you might like to go. Start by checking out the official visitor sites for states or countries you’d like to see. These are usually easy to find on search engines like Google (i.e., to find info on London, search “London Tourism”). Always double check to make sure the site you are looking at is an official “Tourist Board” or government-run website. These sites are a wealth of information and essential to good planning. Also, don’t forget to check the weather! A good resource for weather information, especially when planning several months out, is Wunderground.com. Simply search your destination city on their site, click “Trip Planner” in the menu below the radar map, and then you can enter your custom travel dates.
2
Don’t Forget a Visitor’s Guide
Visitor’s Guides are an often overlooked tool that can really help with planning your trip. The easiest way to locate them is from official travel and tourist boards. If you are the impatient type, like we are, many offer downloadable versions of the printed Visitor’s Guides that you can click through at your leisure from your home computer. These guides offer information on climate, sights, events, local dining options and lodging. Occasionally, you may even find some great coupons!
6 } pointe!
summer 2010
3
Don’t be Afraid to Bargain shop
One you’ve picked your location and an approximate date, it’s time to bargain shop! We always start at the big name sites (e.g., Expedia, Orbitz, Travelocity) to compare flight and hotel prices. With hotels, you’ll want to be especially careful and find out about the neighborhood, distance from public transportation and reviews from other vacationers. An essential source for this information is TripAdvisor.com. Real vacationer photos will tell you more than a fancy hotel website. When you’ve picked a hotel or area you like, definitely check out Kayak.com to comparison shop prices or Priceline.com to find hidden deep discounts. (Note: There is a system to getting the best deal on Priceline. Do your research on the internet before you use it.)
VALUABLE LINKS One-Stop Shops Expedia.com Orbitz.com Travelocity.com Priceline.com
Comparison Shopping Kayak.com (great for flights!) Sidestep.com
Research & Reviews
4
Do Prepay & Buy Packages
One thing that we’ve learned in all our vacation planning and trip-taking is “it pays to prepay!” Don’t get caught by surprise. When we visited London for the first time five years ago, we reserved our hotel room with a credit card, but did not prepay. Twenty four hours prior to our arrival, a hold was placed on our card for the full amount. The hold was still on our card when the actual bill was charged! One really good way to avoid this problem is to take advantage of packages and pay upfront. Expedia, Orbitz and Travelocity all offer great packages that include hotel, air, admission to popular tourist locations and even theatre tickets!
5
Do Plan a Route & Sites to See
TripAdvisor.com (essential!) TravelMuse.com Fodors.com IgoUgo.com
Itinerary & Routes TravelMuse.com Maps.Google.com AAA (if you are a member)
Travel Weather Wunderground.com
Don’t feel like you need to plan out every minute of every day on your vacation. However, it is really helpful to at least outline the places you’d like to see and a loose itinerary so you don’t miss out on the important stuff. TravelMuse. com is an excellent resource for this type of planning. They were crucial to us in planning our last trip to London. If you’ll be doing a lot of the driving yourself, Google Maps will guide you just about anywhere you need to be!
www.pointemag.org { 7
HOW MANY MILES WILL YOU TRAVEL THIS SUMMER TO VISIT FAMILY + FRIENDS?
1 of out 5 gals will travel over 1000 miles
Reunion t im e
— Letty Parrish
If your passion is fun, travel and being with those you love, why not combine them in one
8 } ppointe! ointe!
ssummer ummer 22010 010
event ?
Imagine being with your extended family around a campfire, roasting hot dogs and making s’mores! Or maybe you prefer dinner on a cruise with your best friends? If these sound fun to you, then it’s time to start planning your own reunion!
Here are few ideas on what to do once you’ve all arrived.
REUNION PLANNING TIPS
A “Tacky Walk” – everyone dresses in their tackiest outfit and parades through the group. The winner gets a prize…a tacky one, of course.
Who? Immediate family or any group you’d love to be around.
Whether college roommates or small group friends, a reunion may be the perfect event!
GROUP ACTIVITIES Games, such as Charades, Spoons or Crazy Eights. Eating Contests – “Favorite Cereal” or “Marshmallow” where everyone brings their preferred brand, the entire group tastes to choose the favorite.
When
Auction – Raise money for charity or pay for food at the next event with a family auction. Have everyone bring an item to sell such as something you no longer use or cherished items such as a family photo, Granddaddy’s stool, Nana’s pot or a favorite homemade cake.
Where? If this is a new event for your group, start in familiar
Outside Activities – Plan based on your location. Don’t forget to check for local events!
? Any time of year that works for your group. Consider holidays when school is out or maybe around another event, like a wedding, birthday or simply when a distant relative will be in town. territory close to home. Every group is unique, so plan what best fits their likes. • • • • •
Relative’s house Picnic at a local park Day at the beach Campsite Cruise
Why? Your love of family, fun and travel! How? Several months in advance, scope out a location and make
reservations. Spread the word by e-mail or phone. Make sure you provide all the pertinent information, such as dates, websites for the area around the location, contact information and deadline for lodging reservations. Ask for RSVP by phone or email then be sure to follow up with everyone.
Rainy-day Ideas – Museums or an aquarium are popular choices. Ask about group discounts. Meals – Plan in advance to share the responsibility for food and drinks. For one-day events, ask for everyone to bring food or donate money towards purchasing or catering the food. For multi-day events, evenly divide the meals between family units. Each would then decide on what they want to serve. One important thing to consider is for the “host” family to plan the first meal since others may be arriving at various times. Take LOTS of photos to share!
P lan your y unforgettable f g reunion – starting today! today! starting
www.pointemag.org { 9
The Pledge of Allegiance I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
10 } pointe!
summer 2010
Flag Etiquette Federal law stipulates many aspects of flag etiquette. The section of law dealing with American Flag etiquette is generally referred to as the Flag Code. Some general guidelines from the Flag Code answer many of the most common questions:
The flag should be: • lighted at all times, either by sunlight or by an appropriate light source. • flown in fair weather, unless the flag is designed for inclement weather use.
The flag should not be: • dipped to any person or thing. It is flown upside down only as a distress signal. • have any mark, insignia, letter, word, number, figure, or drawing of any kind placed on it, or attached to it. • used for receiving, holding, carrying, or delivering anything. When the flag is lowered, no part of it should touch the ground or any other object; it should be received by waiting hands and arms. To store the flag, fold it neatly and ceremoniously. The flag should be cleaned and mended when necessary. When a flag is so worn it is no longer fit to serve as a symbol of our country, it should be destroyed by burning in a dignified manner. Saluting Protocol When the flag is being raised, lowered, or passing by (as in a parade) and also during the Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem, persons in uniform give the military salute. If not in uniform, members of the military, retired or current, may also give the military salute. All others salute the flag by standing at attention, tall and straight with the left arm at the side, and placing the right hand over the heart. Traditionally, men remove any head covers and hold them over m ov veerr their left shoulder; women are not required to do so. However, weveer, r ith her er scouts in uniform keep their head covers on, and salute either with their hands over their hearts or with the scout salute. e.. Men who are wearing a hat should remove the hat with their the heir irr and nd, d right hand and hold it over their shoulder so the right hand, not the hat, is resting over the heart. Citizens of other countries should stand at attention.
HAVE YOU SERVED IN ANY BRANCH OF THE US MILITARY? Personally served 7 % Husband served 47 % Parent served 46 %
www.pointemag.org w ww.poinntemag.org { 11
Birth of Our Nation 1. Where was the Declaration of Independence signed? a. New York b. Boston c. Philadelphia d. Washington D. C.
6. How many stripes are on the American Flag? a. 10 b. 13 c. 21 d. 50
2. How many signatures are on the Declaration of Independence? a. 13 b. 28 c. 50 d. 56
7. What do the white stars on the flag represent? a. No symbolism, just the number that would fit b. The number of battles won in Revolution c. The number of original signers of the Declaration d. Each state
4. What is the nickname for the colonists who fought in the war? a. Redcoats b. Sons of Liberty c. Minutemen d. Boston Red Sox 5. Why was John Hancock the first signer of the Declaration? a. He was the primary author b. Signatures were in order by colonies c. He was the president of the Continental Congress d. He owned an insurance company
12 } pointe!
summer 2010
8. What date is Flag Day celebrated each year? a. February 22 b. May 5 c. June 14 d. December 7 9. What was the 50th state admitted into the union? a. Hawaii b. Colorado c. Montana d. Alaska 10. Which is not a nickname for the flag of the United States of America? a. Old Glory b. Stars and Stripes c. Lady Liberty d. Star-Spangled Banner
ANSWER KEY: 1. c; 2. d; 3. b; 4. c; 5. c; 6. b; 7. d; 8. c; 9. a; 10. c
3. Which one of the following men also rode with Paul Revere on his “midnight ride”? a. John Larkin b. William Dawes c. John Hancock d. Samuel Adams
— Cindy Van Horn
I love the Fourth of July! We celebrate with decorations, patriotic music, food and fireworks! This year, I decided to commemorate the birth of our nation by brushing up on American history and remembering how our nation began. Initially, our settlers were from England. By the 1700’s, Germans, French, Dutch, Swedes, Finns and Scots had arrived by the thousands. Some came for adventure or to escape persecution. Others were brought as servants or slaves. The diversity of our growing population created unity combined with an attitude of self-reliance and independence that came from being separated by an ocean from the Old World. Through a series of parliamentary acts in the 1760s and 1770s, the British sought to gain greater control and profit from the colonies. These acts imposed restrictions and created taxes without any input or representation from the colonies. With each new act, the colonists’ protests and discontent grew. Two events were turning points: first, the “Boston Massacre” on March 5, 1770 when five colonists were killed in a skirmish with British soldiers. Then in 1773, the “Boston Tea Party” occurred and protesting colonists attacked three ships in the Boston harbor, throwing their cargo, tea, overboard. Parliament reacted by closing Boston Harbor and enacting the Coercive Acts (or the Intolerable Acts) intended to punish and subdue the troublesome colonies. A formal, unified response was needed by the colonists, so fiftyfive delegates from twelve colonies gathered in Philadelphia in September 1774 as the First Continental Congress. At this point, they sought to right the wrongs that had been inflicted on the colonies and to become self-governing. Congress planned to meet again in May 1775 to discuss their options if the King had not responded favorably to their formal petition. The congressmen returned to their homes and began organizing governing bodies and creating militias to defend themselves. Farmers, peasants, and shopkeepers were trained to pick up their guns and fight on a minute’s notice, earning the nickname “minutemen.” With tensions escalating and British troops occupying Boston, confrontation was inevitable.
On the night of April 18, 1775, three riders, including Paul Revere, alerted the Massachusetts countryside that British troops were on their way. The next morning in Lexington, history was made with “the shot heard round the world.” While the British were only slowed down by the minutemen at Lexington, they were decisively defeated at Concord. With these two battles, the American Revolution had begun. Less than one month later, the Second Continental Congress convened. George Washington was appointed commander-inchief. Another petition was prepared requesting representation and reconciliation. King George responded by sending 25,000 more troops. In June 1776, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, Robert Livingstone, and Thomas Jefferson were appointed to prepare a document declaring independence from Britain. On July 4, 1776, the final draft of the Declaration of Independence was formally accepted. A new nation, the “United States of America,” was born. There were fifty-six signers of the Declaration. The first and most famous signature was John Hancock, President of the Continental Congress. The oldest signer was Benjamin Franklin (age 70); the youngest was Edward Rutledge (age 26). Two future presidents signed: John Adams (second President) and Thomas Jefferson (third President). All were brave, committed world changers. For 234 years, our freedom has been preserved by men and women who also were willing to fight, many making the ultimate sacrifice. No matter what our current situation may be, remember these words of our Founding Fathers:
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights; that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness…And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor. Happy Fourth of July to you, your family and friends and to this great Nation! May this be a special year of celebration and remembrance of America’s birth and godly heritage.
www.pointemag.org { 13
Summertime is playtime! Whether you’re just in it for the fun or have a competitive streak, call up a few friends and...
HAVE YOU EVER PLAYED: Bocce ball 70 % Ladder golf 24 % Half-rubber 25 %
BOCCE BALL Bocce can easily be played on the beach or lawn. This age-old game has been a staple of American cookouts, lawn parties, and beach outings for decades. Almost all major discount and sporting goods stores sell bocce ball sets. Bocce can be played between two to four players or teams of two, three or four. It is played with eight large balls of two different colors and one smaller ball (called a pallina or “jack”). The object of the game is to get your ball as close to the pallina as possible. There are different versions of the game, but some of the basics are: Before you begin, define a “zone” for the jack to land. A match starts with a randomly chosen side throwing the jack from one end of the playing area into a determined zone. If they miss twice, the other team then places the jack anywhere they choose within the prescribed zone.
14 } pointe!
summer 2010
GET YOUR GAME ON! The side that first attempted to place the jack bowls first. Once the first bowl has taken place, the other side bowls. From then on, the side which does not have the ball closest to the jack has a chance to bowl, until one side or the other has used their four balls. The other side then bowls its remaining balls.
“bolas” (which consist of two golf balls attached by a nylon rope.) The object of the game is to wrap your bolas around the steps of the ladder. The ladder consists of three steps, a top, middle and a bottom step. Teams can play by alternating play each round or additional bolas and ladders can be purchased for team play. Ladder Golf games are sold at most discount and sporting good stores.
How to Play Set ladder 15 feet away from the “Toss Line” (can be measured as five paces).
RED SCORES TWO POINTS
Ladder Golf is played in rounds, each round consists of all players tossing three bolas. Use a coin toss to decide which player or team will toss first.
Simplified version: randomly choose a team to throw the jack wherever. The goal is simply to bowl your ball closest to the jack. Alternate turns until all balls have been thrown. One point is given to whichever two balls are closest to the jack.
LADDER GOLF Ladder Golf is played with two or more players or teams. Each player has three
The maximum points a player can earn in a round is 10. This can only happen by hanging all three bolas on the top step. In the case of a tie, the players that tie will play overtime rounds. These rounds continue until one player ends a complete round two points ahead of the other player. To win, a player must be the only one to score exactly 21 points after the completion of a round. If a player goes over 21, the points for that round do not count.
OTHER SUMMER GAMES TO CONSIDER
The team with the closest bocce ball to the jack is the only team that can score points in any frame. The scoring team receives one point for each of their balls that is closer to the jack than the closest ball of the other team. The length of a game varies but is typically from 7 to 13 points. Players are permitted to throw the ball in the air using an underarm action. This is generally used to knock either the jack or another ball away to attain a more favorable position. Tactics can get quite complex when players have sufficient control over the bocce ball to throw or roll it accurately.
one point. A bonus of one point may be given by hanging all three bolas from the same step OR by hanging a bola on all three steps.
Each player tosses all three bolas before the next player’s turn. Bolas are tossed in any way the player chooses, even bounced off the ground, just as long as the bolas are tossed individually.
• • • • • • • •
Badminton Bean-bag Toss Cornhole Croquet Frisbee / Frisbee Golf Half-Rubber Horseshoes Volleyball
Scoring: After all teams have tossed their bolas, only bolas that are still hanging from the steps receive points. (Good defensive tactics encourage knocking off other players’ bolas.) Points are determined by which step your bola wraps around. Top step = three points; middle step = two points; bottom step =
www.pointemag.org { 15
r suga s p m u crea milk 1½c g d n e i s p nden whip o t c n i d 1p g Bran g e l vorin g a a fillin fl E h a l s l n i i n 1 ca s van nd fi tc). n a o n o r e u lesp o ch , whole, t n ! i 2 tab ions our ce (2% t p c ; l u l i tr we r ins f cho e Mix o k k a l mi to m ck salt) g n with i d d ro cor n c a a e ic ze Free ill need w (you y! Enjo OAM F O T Y R YO U R S N I D RVE PS AN LT AS E S T I P: E E C U N’T M E O FF CO ING W V SER KLY! one l a IC ra M QU Deb
E M O H E D A M E IC M A E R C —
FAVORITE ICE CREAM TOPPING? Chocolate syrup or hot fudge 59% M&Ms / other candies 12% Fresh fruit 13% Oreos 12%
1166 } ppointe! ointe!
ssummer ummer 22010 010
Go higher — Nancy Strickland
When summer comes to the Lowcountry, she always brings with her a spiteful humidity that seems to reach out and flatten my hair. Despite my dampened hairdos, summer has managed to produce many fond memories, particularly of growing up on a farm. I often think back to the days when sweet tea was served in mason jars and weekends were spent reading the comics section of the newspaper. One of my favorite summer pastimes was swinging on the front porch. My mother never really let me swing too high for fear of me crashing into her kitchen window. One day while my uncle was keeping me, I talked him into swinging as high as we could go. The next thing I knew, we flew through the air and landed in the yard. We weren’t hurt – although I can’t speak for the kitchen window. Many years have passed since then, but swinging still remains a vital part of my summer. Recently I was watching my grandsons swinging in my backyard. Their little, excited voices started to squeal as they begged, “Push us higher!” As I pushed them with everything I had, the thought on the inside of me was, “Why don’t you get in the swing and let Me push you higher?” I felt like there was something God was trying to say so I thought about this for several days. I pictured myself getting into a swing and saying to God just what my grandsons said to me, “Push me higher!” If you’re like me, I began to question, “What is higher?” Higher is the “above and beyond” lifestyle! Deuteronomy 28:12-13 tells us that God’s plan is for us to be the head and not the tail, above only and not beneath, the lender and not the borrower. This “higher” living is being able to experience the blessing of God, which is exactly what He desires for His children. Someone said, “God’s only pain is to be doubted and His only pleasure is to be believed.” I made up my mind that I’m going to bring pleasure to Father God by believing in His blessing for my life. Every time He makes a promise, I choose to accept that promise.
I picture it as a caterer serving a huge platter of goodies at an event. He comes to offer me the platter, waiting for me to choose. I say, “Thank you, I believe I will,” then help myself to what has been provided. God has offered us numerous promises in the Bible. All we need to do is find the scriptures that cover our situation and say, “Thank you, Lord. I believe I will receive that.” This brings great pleasure to our Father. So whenever you see a child swinging this summer, remember that there is a big God who will always want you to go higher too—higher into the blessings He has provided!
www.pointemag.org { 17
recipes
Ingredients: 1 (15 ounce) package pastry for a 9 inch double crust pie 1 egg, beaten 5 cups sliced peeled peaches 2 tablespoons lemon juice ½ cup all-purpose flour 1 cup white sugar ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg ¼ teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons butter Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Line the bottom and sides of a 9 inch pie plate with one of the pie crusts. Brush with beaten egg to keep the dough from becoming soggy. Place sliced peaches in a large bowl, and sprinkle with lemon juice. Mix gently. In a separate bowl, mix the flour, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt. Pour over the peaches, and mix gently. Pour into pie crust, and dot with butter. Cover with the other pie crust cut into 1 inch strips. Fold and flute the edges to seal. Brush the remaining egg over the top crust. Bake for 10 minutes in the preheated oven, then reduce the heat to 350 degrees and bake for an additional 30 to 35 minutes, until the crust is brown and the juice begins to bubble through the vents. If the edges brown too fast, cover them with strips of aluminum foil about halfway through baking. Serve warm.
SUMMER FRUIT 18 } pointe!
Fresh Peach Pie
Peach Trifle Ingredients: 1 (8 ounce) carton vanilla low-fat yogurt 1 (3.4 ounce) package vanilla instant pudding mix 2 cups skim milk ⅓ cup strawberry jam 1 (8 ounce) angel food cake, cut into ¾ inch cubes and divided 2 cups canned sliced peaches in juice, drained and divided Fresh strawberries, sliced (optional) Fresh mint sprigs, (optional) Spoon yogurt onto several layers of heavy-duty paper towels. Spread to ½ inch thickness. Cover with additional paper towels; let stand 5 minutes. Scrape yogurt into a bowl using a rubber spatula. Combine pudding mix and skim milk; whisk until blended. Stir yogurt into pudding mixture; set aside. Arrange half of cake cubes in a 2-quart trifle bowl. Spread half of pudding mixture over cake. Drizzle jam evenly over pudding. Arrange 1 cup sliced peaches over jam. Repeat layering procedure with remaining cake, pudding and peaches. If desired, garnish with sliced strawberries and mint sprigs.
summer 2010
recipes
Strawberry High-Rise Cake
Ingredients: 8-10 medium peaches, peeled and sliced 1 cup brown sugar 1 cup flour, all-purpose 1 cup white sugar 1 egg, beaten 1 stick butter, melted
Ingredients: 1 package yellow cake mix with pudding 1½-2 pints fresh strawberries, sliced 5 whole strawberries for top of cake 1 (16 ounce) strawberry glaze 1 (8 ounce) cream cheese, at room temperature ½ cup sugar 12 ounces whipped topping, thawed 1 cup powdered sugar
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line sprayed casserole dish with peaches and sprinkle with brown sugar. In bowl, mix flour and white sugar together. Form a little well in the center of flour mixture and pour a in little of the egg. Drag a fork through the mixture, forming crumbles. Do not let mixture become a lump of dough. This needs to be crumbly. Sprinkle on top of peaches and brown sugar. If so desired, repeat with another cup of flour, cup of sugar and egg until you have covered the top. Drizzle melted butter over cobbler. Bake 30 minutes or until golden brown.
Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Ingredients: 1 (20 ounce) can pineapple 1 cup coconut 1 cup brown sugar 1 box yellow cake mix, prepared ½ stick butter 1 cup nuts, chopped Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 9 x 13 inch pan. Pour pineapple with juice on bottom of pan. Sprinkle coconut, then nuts and then brown sugar on top. Pour cake batter on top. Dot butter over cake batter. Bake 1 hour. Cool 5 minutes; invert.
Strawberry Whipped Sensation Ingredients: 4 cups fresh strawberries 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk ½ cup lemon juice 1 large container whipped topping 8 Oreo chocolate sandwich cookies, finely chopped 1 tablespoon butter, melted Line 8 x 4 inch loaf pan with foil. Mash 2 cups strawberries in large bowl. Stir in condensed milk, juice and 2 cups whipped topping; pour into pan. Combine chopped cookies and butter; press into mixture. Cover and freeze for 6+ hours. To serve, invert onto plate. Remove foil; frost with remaining whipped topping. Top with remaining strawberries.
Bake cake according to package directions for two round cake pans. After cake has cooled completely, slice through layers to make four thin layers. Place in the freezer. Mix sliced strawberries with glaze. With mixer, beat cream cheese, sugar, whipped topping, and powdered sugar. On cake plate, place one layer of frozen cake. Spread a layer of cream cheese mixture on layer. Spread some strawberry glaze on top of the cream cheese mixture and add another layer of cake. Repeat layering process until you end with cream cheese mixture on top. Add the five whole strawberries in the center of the cake top for decoration. Refrigerate until serving time.
Fruit Pizza Ingredients: Sugar cookie dough ¾ cup water 3 tablespoons cornstarch 1 cup orange juice 1 (8 ounce) package of cream cheese ½ cup sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla Strawberries Blueberries Cherries Bananas Kiwis Grapes Spread sugar cookie mix on a round pizza pan and bake according to package directions for 10-15 minutes and cool. Mix water, orange juice, and cornstarch in a pan and cook on stovetop until thick and let cool. Mix cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla. Spread cheese mixture over cookie dough and then top with slices of fruit. Top with orange glaze.
SUMMER FRUIT
Peach Cobbler
www.pointemag.org w ww.pointemag.org { 119 9
FRESH-SQUEEZED LEMONADE
in 3 simple steps By the Glass STEP 1
Make sugar syrup: syru Combine 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water in a saucepan aand heat to boiling. Remove from heat, stir to dissolve dissol sugar completely, and allow it to cool. (Each glass uses only a couple of tablespoons so make this ahead and store, covered, in the refrigerator. It keeps for weeks.) refriger
STEP 2 In a tall glass, combine the juice of half a lemon, 2 tablespoons of the sugar syrup and lemo 8 to 10 oz. of cold water.
STEP 3 Ad ice and garnish (strawberries, fresh Add mint, watermelon, etc). Serve immediately. mi
By the Pitcher STEP 1 Cut 6 – 8 lemons in half then juice them over a sieve to rremove pulp and seeds. You will need lemon juice. Pour juice into 1 cup of fresh fr pitcher. a large pitch
STEP 2 Add 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of cold water. Mix well, until disappe Stir in 5 more cups of cold water. sugar crystals disappear.
STEP 3 Serve cold, garnished with strawberries, s rawbe fresh sh mint sprigs, watermelon chunks or o strawberries. strawberries rries. s
2200 } ppointe! ointe!
ssummer ummer 2010
Lemonade
this classic summer quencher can easily be made from scratch
www.pointemag.orgg { 21
Summer
— Cindy Van Horn SAFETY TIPS ... OR OR L ESSONS ESSONS FROM FROM A A MOM OM
School’s out and outdoor fun is in full swing. Enjoy all that summer has to offer, just be careful about protecting yourself and your family. As I now have children who are old enough to have children of their own, time has provided me with lots of learning moments. Most of these tips seem like common sense, but I have had to learn a few the hard way. Hope these quick reminders prevent hard lessons for you and your family!
WHAT SPF SUNSCREEN DO YOU USE? Don’t use - 12 % 8-8% 15 - 22 % 30 - 31 % 45 - 19 % 60 - 8 %
22 } pointe!
summer 2010
Get Closer! SHAVING SECRETS:
FUN IN THE SUN:
The best defense against too much sun is to cover up. Stay in the shade and avoid exposure to the sun during the hottest parts of the day.
Wear sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 15. Apply it before leaving home and re-apply often.
Drink lots of water, and then drink even more. (Avoid caffeine since it dehydrates.)
Eat small meals and eat more often.
Wear a helmet and safety gear when biking, skating, skateboarding, and riding scooters, ATV and horses.
Make sure that metal slide is cool BEFORE your child slides down.
WATER SAFETY:
We all feel a little safer when visiting beaches and pools with lifeguards, but still keep a close eye on your kids.
Backyard pool safety includes fencing with gates to keep children from entering without an adult present.
Rescue equipment (shepherd’s hook and life preserver) should always be near the pool.
Implement the buddy system rather than swimming or playing in the water alone.
82% claim that it’s all about the razor. Half of those responses were brand loyal to Gillette Venus. Many other women state any 3 blade razor on sale will do the trick. 60% prefer gel vs. cream. SHAVING TIP: If you run out of shaving product, try hair conditioner! OVERHEARD:
Never shave in a hurry, while talking on the phone, while riding in a vehicle or boat and never on a jet ski!
FOOD SAFETY:
Make sure perishable food stays cool, whether on a long trip or simply a picnic at the park or beach.
Avoid food-borne illness by not letting perishable food sit outside more than 2 hours (or 1 hour if the temperature is over 90°).
A full cooler maintains its cold temperature longer than one that is only partially filled.
Use the charcoal grill outside only – it produces dangerous carbon monoxide.
www.pointemag.org { 23
The Backyard Burger
AVERAGE # OF TIMES YOU GRILL EACH WEEK?
75% grill 1-2 times each week
…build your own
Making hamburgers should be fun! Get adventurous! BURGER BASICS
ADD JUST ABOUT ANYTHING YOU LIKE TO YOUR BURGER MIXTURE • Fresh or dried herbs and spices, like finely cut chives or oregano • Dehydrated or fresh minced onion and garlic • Seasoning mixes for soups or salad dressings • Your favorite cheese, such as Bleu cheese, goat cheese, Gorgonzola, Feta, Stilton, Cheddar, or Pepper Jack • Prepared sauces including barbeque sauce, soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, Worcestershire sauce, hot pepper sauce, Hoisin sauce, plum sauce, oyster sauce, salsa, or salad dressing • Other tidbits like olives, capers, chopped tomatoes, diced chilies, sundried tomatoes, crumbled bacon, or minced ham • Wait on the salt! Don’t combine it into the mixture because salt will extract moisture from the meat, leaving you with dry burgers. Instead, sprinkle each burger with salt right before you put it on the grill.
TOP IT OFF WITH ANY COMBINATION OF THESE INGREDIENTS • • • • • • • • • • •
Bacon Barbeque sauce Grilled or raw onions Grilled mushrooms Guacamole Lettuce or spinach leaves Marinara sauce Peanut butter Salsa Sliced pineapple Tomato slices
24 } pointe!
• Any of your favorite cheeses: American Monterey Mozzarella Muenster Provolone Swiss
summer 2010
• Meat with higher fat content will be juicier, but it will also shrink more when it cooks. For ground chicken and turkey, add a little olive oil or broth to the mixture. • Use a gentle touch. Mix ingredients just until combined. Overworked meat makes for a tough burger. • Leave the meat mixture (or patties) in the refrigerator for several hours to allow all the flavors to mingle. To form patties, wet your hands a little to keep the meat from sticking to them. If you patty ahead of time, stack them on a plate separated by waxed paper and cover with plastic wrap before you put it in the refrigerator. • Don’t form patties too thick or too thin. A ¾-inch thick patty is ideal. To keep patty from swelling in the middle, make a small indentation in the center. • Always clean and oil the grill grate. This prevents burgers from sticking, extends the life of your grate, and helps put those beautiful grill marks on your patties. • Make sure the grill is the appropriate temperature. Mediumlow to medium heat is best. Too hot, and burgers burn on the outside before getting done on the inside. Keep the lid closed while cooking; it shortens cooking time and keeps burgers moist. • Turn burgers only once. And it’s hard to resist, but try not to flatten them with the spatula. It squeezes out flavorful juices. • Cook burgers properly. Cook ground beef to an internal temperature of 160 degrees. For an accurate reading, insert the thermometer into the patty horizontally.
To keep burgers from crumbling, try adding ½ cup of bread crumbs and 1 beaten egg per pound of ground beef.
www.pointemag.org { 25
in STYLE SUMMER 2010 FASHION TRENDS
— Brooks Hearn
Build your summer 2010 wardrobe by thinking versatility. Save for vacation (and make more room in your suitcase) with pieces that work for a variety of occasions. White Jeans: Many designers are doing cropped versions this season, although a wide range of cuts are available. White denim is a wardrobe staple for summer because you can dress it up or down. You won’t go wrong wearing them with either a fancy top and wedges or a casual cotton top and sandals. During the summer months, white jeans are also a great option for casual Friday in your workplace. Wedges: Wedges can easily go from day to night. If you tend to avoid heels, don’t fear – wedges are more comfortable and easier to walk in than stilettos! Cotton Dresses: Some cotton dresses can work for church, a night out, or a beach trip depending on how you accessorize them. Try adding a belt or long necklace to dress it up or pair one with your favorite swimsuit and flip-flops. Sandals: Cuffed sandals are a fun, current trend that compliment almost any outfit. Go daring with bold ankle straps or, if you like a more subtle look, pick a minimalist version. Be sure to keep your toenails looking good because these sandals will definitely draw attention. Blazers: You’ll see different versions ranging angin ng from tthe hee “boyfriend” look to more fitted blazers throughout hrougghout the summer months. Wear a blazer at work rk orr pair it with a breezy knee-length dress (in n one of summer’s popular prints) for a more casual look.
26 } pointe!
summer 2010
FLIP-FLOPS OR BAREFOOT?
Flip-flops 75 % Barefoot 25 %
Sand, Sun
&…Studying? — Stan Perrine
Yes…you heard me right. Among all of the great times that can be had with your kids this summer, be sure to make room to keep their basic school skills sharp. For most parents, getting your child to read or do a few word searches probably isn’t too difficult. But what about math? Yes…math…that four-letter word for many students (and parents)! Many of the misgivings about math, however, are rooted in the fact that students try to treat it like other courses. The difference is that learning math is more like learning to play an instrument or a sport. Math skills are best learned kinesthetically (a fancy education word for “doing”). We learn math by repeating the times tables, writing formulas over and over, doing problem after problem. Just like learning to play the piano or hitting a tennis ball, the basic skills must be repeated to the point where you don’t have to think about what you are going to do…you just DO it! Imagine being a guitarist who takes three months off without playing a note. How well do you think he would do when expected to remember the songs he knew last year AND be ready for newer, more difficult songs? Yet we do this to our kids every summer and math is where it shows the most. Even if math is not your forte, there are plenty of math resources out there. There is a plethora of free, online tutorials and worksheets for all grade levels. Many schools offer summer programs for students who need more than just a skills brush-up. Finally, there are math educators who run summer workshops and/or do oneon-one tutoring. Just a little bit of work over the summer to keep those skills in the forefront of your child’s brain will pay huge dividends in the fall!
www.pointemag.org w ww.pointemag.o org { 227 7
put more
Fun in your
marriage — Alyce Reeves
Resist thinking you have to wait for fun time together until “you have enough money,” “the kids are grown” or even “when you retire.”
2288 } ppointe! ointe!
ssummer ummer 22010 010
“Couples who know how to play and have fun together develop a bonding that can carry them through the most difficult of times,” writes Dr. Steve Stephens in his book, Blueprints for a Solid Marriage. Do you live a hectic schedule where you and your spouse merely pass in the night with no real interaction? Is your marriage routine and unromantic? Are the kids consuming all your time and energy? It’s time to put a little more fun in your marriage! Resist thinking you have to wait for fun time together until “you have enough money,” “the kids are grown” or even “when you retire.” Capture the time you have now and make every moment count!
MAKE EACH DAY COUNT FOR FUN The smallest things will change a dull day into a fun day. Greet the love of your life with affirming words and a delicious kiss. Regardless of what’s happened during your day, let him know you’re so glad he’s home. That’s a lot more fun than asking, “Why are you so late?” or “Did you get the milk?”
MAKE TIME FOR FUN In the summer, and all year long, declare one night of the week “date night,” or carve out time during the week to relax with your sweetheart. Mark it on your calendar and furiously protect that time slot.
MAKE A DECISION TO RELAX It’s true - life gets serious sometimes, but make time to relax, laugh, and have fun together. It helps to give the problems to God and trust Him to handle things for you. The Bible reminds us in 1 Peter 5:7, “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.”
MAKE A LIST OF FUN THINGS TO DO Some suggestions to get you started: • Go for a walk and hold hands. • Make a CD / playlist together of your favorite songs. • Give your spouse a massage. • Read a book aloud to each other like The Love List by Les and Leslie Parrott or 21 Days to a Great Marriage by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend. • Have a conversation using only questions. • Watch a funny movie. • Plan a traveling dinner with other couples. (Salad at first location, entrée at another and dessert at another.) • Stay overnight at a local hotel. • Play a sport, swim, or exercise together. Shower together afterwards, of course. • Write a love letter to your spouse; then read it to him.
LET THE FUN BEGIN!
MAKE TIME FOR OTHER COUPLE FRIENDS
Add to the list and start doing them! Remember, the main objective is to have fun together. No filling the time with conversations about work, bills, or to-do lists. Use the time to enjoy your spouse. This is just as important as anything else you do for your family.
Choose couples who value their marriage and will be supportive of your marriage commitment. Laughing with others is always fun and besides, you can beat them in a card game or on the Wii!
Start today and play your way to a healthier, happier marriage!
www.pointemag.org { 29
LASTMINUTE
Summer Fun IDEAS
Consider a weekend or day trip for lastminute summer vacations that won’t cost a fortune. Your family will love making fun memories together. HIT YOUR NEAREST THEME PARK A day at a theme park can be so full of activities and things for the kids to do that it can actually feel like a vacation. Many theme parks offer a discount on tickets purchased online. Consider an overnight stay at an inexpensive hotel or a nearby campground. Check out www.tripadvisor.com for reviews of local hotels, as well as rates and availability. If you’re a member of AAA, most attractions offer a discount. Better yet, buy your tickets at your local AAA and avoid the lines waiting to buy tickets.
VISIT A NEARBY CITY Pick a major city within driving distance that you’ve always wanted to visit. Do a little research on the web for “must see” and “must experience” attractions and dining opportunities. Simply Google the city’s Visitor’s Bureau to take you to the official site for tourism tips. To find what events may be happening, simply search www.zvents.com for that area.
GO TO THE COUNTRY If you prefer to get away from the city, it can be fun and relaxing to hit the mountains or the countryside for a getaway before
YOUR PERFECT SUMMER TEMPERATURE:
70-79: 30% 80-89: 65% 90-99: 4% 100+: 1%
3300 } ppointe! ointe!
ssummer ummer 22010 010
school starts. Bring fun board games for the family and enjoy quality time in a relaxed setting. Perhaps rent a cabin or camp site. A great resource for finding cabins or other lodging is www.vrbo.com (Vacation Rentals by Owner).
VACATION IN YOUR OWN BACKYARD Pitch a tent in the backyard, grill hotdogs or hamburgers, inflate a wading pool for some splashing, churn some homemade ice cream, start a fire in the fire pit and roast late-night marshmallows…the list is endless! You don’t have to go anywhere to get that summer vacation atmosphere. Do stay up late and tell lots of stories! Your kids will treasure the memory, and so will you!
TAKE A VACATION BREAK AFTER SCHOOL STARTS Summer isn’t technically over until late September. You can find great deals on many popular summer attractions, such as the beach, if you visit after Labor Day. You’ll also avoid all the lines at popular family attractions. It’s a nice way to inject a last summer fling for kids who are down about getting back into the school schedule. If planning a long weekend at the beach, contact a local real estate rental agency for what homes are available. Many of these agencies will offer a discounted rate for last-minute rentals.
carolina shaggin’
— Vicki Vincent
Carolina Girls, I Love Beach Music, Under the Boardwalk...
If you’ve lived in South Carolina for very long, right now you probably have the urge to jump up and shag. Shag dancing, declared the official SC state dance in 1984, is a very loose, easy dance to learn. My husband Doug and I first learned to shag by taking a public education class offered at one of the local high schools. The shag is a slowed-down version of the very fast swing dance. Some people prefer the “heel-ball-change” step while others prefer the easier “one-two-three-back” step. But my most favorite part of this dance is how the lady places her hand in her man’s steady grip. He then takes her on a delightful spin around the dance floor. It’s old-fashioned courting at its finest. For those of you who think you could never learn to shag, listen to what my husband Doug tells people. “It’s all about attitude. People are not necessarily looking at your feet or grading you on technicality. People are attracted to fun, and shag dancing is 75% fun.” The great thing about shagging with other people is that you can learn this dance right on the dance floor next to your neighbor. If you can count, you can shag. If you’re not ready to venture out just yet, here’s another fun idea. Clear out your living room furniture or use your back deck. Call some friends, put on your best beach music and shag the night away. Go ahead…you know you want to. It lifts your heart, clears your head, and makes everything just right.
www.pointemag.org { 31
32 } pointe!
summer 2010
oiling family fun??
STEAMATIC
TODAY
Call or visit online today! 864-962-5410 | www.steamaticsc.com
34 } pointe!
summer 2010
Swamp Rabbit TRAIL The small town of Travelers Rest, South Carolina has always had a deep history of giving weary travelers a place to sleep, eat, and quench their thirst. Farmers, drovers and herders made their way from Kentucky to Tennessee, to markets in South Carolina. In 1888, a railroad called the Swamp Rabbit was laid through the town of Travelers Rest. The trains no longer run along the Swamp Rabbit route, but thanks to a major awardwinning revitalization project, the old train track has been paved. Today you will see people walking, jogging and bicycling over 9.2 miles from downtown Greenville to Travelers Rest. The public can now enjoy the sights and shops of the area while staying healthy. The trail is accessible to everyone from dawn to dusk. It’s a great place for friends to meet and connect while enjoying some form of physical activity. When you are finished exploring the Swamp Rabbit Trail, within a half-hour’s drive, you’ll find State Parks such as: Paris Mountain, Caesar’s Head, Table Rock and Jones Gap.
share your
heart
& home
In South Carolina Carolina, a, there re are almostt 5,500 00 youth in foster ter care. Many ny children have been en abused and neglected. glected. They need your time, ur attention, time e, and d love.
BECOME A SAFY FOSTER PARENT 800.723.9672
www.safy.org
www.pointemag.org { 37
38 } pointe!
summer 2010
www.pointemag.org { 39
“
Be still and know that I am God.”
40 } pointe!
— Psalm 46:10
summer 2010