San Antonio Beacon March 2017

Roco Grimaldi

Living Out His Faith Pg 10

Creating Right Community Ground-level plan that is changing the lives of so many, where all efforts are made with neighborly love within apartment walls. PG 2

March 2017

Serving San Antonio and the Surrounding Communities Since 2001

VOL.17 — NO. 3

5 Little-Known Organizations for Senior Citizens You may have not heard of all the groups who want to help senior citizens… so here are just a few!

PG 8

Javier Galvan AMERICAN NINJA WARRIOR AND BEACON Interview Pg 2

8 Lies that Destroy Marriage Every wrong behavior begins with believing a lie. Our culture promotes many deceptions that can quickly destroy a marriage.

PG 9

AMERICAN NINJA WARRIOR OVERCOMES

Manly Men and Unmanly Men What does a godly man look like?

(You can substitute the phrase “manly man” for “godly man.” The two are the same.) PG 11

OBSTACLES IN LIFE

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ENTERTAINMENT

Ninja, Daniel Gil. SaBeacon.com/radio will also archive interview later.

ST: One thing, Daniel, I noticed about your humble heart: there was one competitor and maybe you train with him...

DG: (laughing) ST: You know what I’m going to talk about, don’t you? (laughing) DG: I think I know where this is going.

Daniel Gil is one of ST: I’ve been in your corner since the the top American Ninja Houston qualifiers you just dominated. It Warriors (airs on NBC just looked so easy for you. Then last season each summer) in the there was a competitor country. Last year the who NBC showed had 23 year-old finished Host Steve Teel never beaten you ever second out of all Ninja Steve@saBeacon.com and he wanted to. I Warriors as only two don’t know the man or made it to Stage 3 in his personality, he may Las Vegas National Finals. Daniel is known be great, but at one as the Kingdom Ninja for his strong faith in point maybe had a little faster time than you.

Jesus Christ. He will be competing in the American Ninja Warrior San Antonio Season He was celebrating kind of crazy.

DG: (laughing) 9 qualifier later this month. I recently interST: And yet there you are with your humviewed Daniel for Beacon Radio (airing Satble heart handled it with incredible class. urday, March 18, Noon to 1pm, AM630 The What can you tell me about that situation?

Word, and KSLR.com) and hear his testiDG: I’ll start off by telling the ending. My mony and faith, God’s goodness, and Daniel’s good friend now, Thomas Stillings, is his journey, filled with obstacles to overcome, to name.

We are good friends now. It’s funny American Ninja Warrior. Here are a few now.

Each of us can think about people that edited excerpts. Tune in Saturday, March 18, Proposed Advertisement forput September 2016 God in our lives who either our personnoon to 1pm on AM630 The Word or KSLR. alities don’t mesh or we just obviously don’t com for the full interview with the Kingdom

DANIEL GIL

BEACON RADIO INTERVIEW EXCERPTS

“Impacting the World One Plate at a Time.”

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get along. I’ve known him for a few years now and we’ve competed in different competitions. We’re both good, we’re both young, we both had the first year together during Season 7 (2015) and then last year in the first competition he beat me by half a second. His personality was very excited about it and Ninja Warrior capitalized on it of course, ‘Let’s get it on camera!’ It makes for good TV, it is a reality TV show. But I remember thinking to myself, ‘Okay, God. I believe I’m stronger than him physically but how would You handle this situation?’

If I’m going to call myself a Kingdom Ninja, people are watching this, what am I going to do with this situation? So the Lord just gave me a word, He was like, ‘Daniel, keep vision. This is just the first competition, the first round in this whole year’s worth of competitions.’ So when that happened I said something like, ‘Say what you want, but there’s still more competition. This is just a qualifier, wait till the finals.’

ST: (laughing) I didn’t even remember that! You said that? That’s great.

DG: Since then of course the TV show loves to capitalize on the rivalry, but honestly behind the scenes we’ve built a pretty good friendship. It was really cool because when you give your life to God and say, ‘God, every single day is going to be with you and for you,’ He’ll put you in situations to test that and refine that character because when

He can trust you He’ll put you in places of influence and I said, ‘God you’ve put me on this TV show,’ and for how many thousands of kids or people are watching [Note from Steve: 7 million people tune in to watch ANW] I want to stay consistent to what I feel You have called me to do which is to represent the kingdom in everything I say or do.

Behind the scenes I’ve gotten to minister not only to Thomas but to a lot of the Ninjas. It’s been awesome. Thomas came up to me after that and said, ‘Hey, Daniel, I want to talk about church stuff. I want to talk about God. I don’t feel as close to God right now as I want to. I’ve seen the way you act. I’ve seen the way you treat all the others, and even me when I pop off at the mouth.’ God has used that and now my friend is in an awesome church. God is just using this platform to touch so many lives and it’s just awesome to wake up every day and say, ‘Okay, God. Yes. I say ‘Yes’ for the plans that You have today.

Yes, I have my schedule but I concede in advance to whatever your plans are.’ So it’s been awesome. I found that when we include God, we win. Whatever the outcome: Win, Lose, or Get Wet on any course, I’m going to do it with You, God, and I’m going to do it for You, God, and I’m going to come up with a smile on my face.

ST: That is awesome, Daniel. You blessed me like crazy and so much of what you’ve talked about applies to our lives. Thank you so much, Daniel. It’s been an inspiration.

DG: Yes, sir. Well thank you so much for having me. It’s been an honor and a joy.

We sat down with the incredible organization known as Apartment Life, who is spreading their ministry around Texas and United States. There is a belief shared among Apartment Life that one of the most important roles of Christians is creating the right community. We are seeing a ground-level plan that is changing the lives of so many, where all efforts are made with neighborly love within apartment walls.

Jaime Rubio serves as director of mobilization, and explained exactly what their purpose is at Apartment Life and how they accomplish their purpose. Their purpose is this: bring the love of Christ to the living spaces of our community. Without being pushy or overbearing, these people shine as a light in apartment complexes in San Antonio, Houston, Dallas, and Austin. As new residents come in, the Apartment Life team greets them, points them to community and a church, with a promise of consistent friendship moving forward. Three events are put on each month in the complex. Whether it’s a pet day outside or giving out tacos on your way to work in the morning, apartments love the team living with them.

Teams consist of either a married couple, two men, or two women to team up and serve. A commitment of 2 years is what is asked from team members, who are given incredible deals to live in the apartment. There is no better way to live out the love of your faith than to live it out at home. Apartments are seeing massive influxes in satisfaction rates and referrals from residents. San Antonio is going to see growth in 2017. While there are around 10 teams currently, with arrangements and plans to grow to 20 teams by the end of the year with 89 properties. Teams build friendships over anything else.

“These people have to know you love them, and that comes through authentic relationship,” Jaime said. Anyone and everyone can be a team. Young singles, young married, middle aged, or empty nesters can find their niche serving 8-10 hours a week. There is no greater joy than serving another, and the joy is multiplied when those you bless live next door.

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ENTERTAINMENT

JACI VELASQUEZ

BEACON RADIO INTERVIEW EXCERPTS Jaci Velasquez, singer, actress, wife and mom, has sold millions of albums both in English and Spanish and has a Host Steve Teel new album coming Steve@saBeacon.com out March 31 called Trust/Confio (English and Spanish both). She comes in concert to SA and First Assembly of God with husband Nic Gonzalez (Salvador front man) also performing on March 17. Tickets are just $15 and don’t forget kids under 10 are free. See JaciVelasquez.com for more information and go to SaBeacon.com to listen to the entire 15 minute interview. Here are a few edited excerpts as Jaci talks about her son,

PUBLISHER: Full Armor Outreach CONTENT DIRECTORS: Pam Leslie COMMUNITY MANAGER: Blake Clifton CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Jim Faulk, Kirk Freeman, Darryl Lyons, Lauren Robertson THE BEACON OFFICE: P.O. Box 591490 San Antonio, Texas 78259 PH: (210) 614-8884 x2001 FAX: (210) 614-8885 ONLINE: www.saBeacon.com PUBLISHED: Monthly MISSION STATEMENT To deliver hope, inspiration and change happening all around us through relevant articles from local and national writer, news sources, and Beacon staff. We strive to be recognized as the forum for familyoriented community events and activities, directories for area churches, schools, charities, businesses, and camps.

Zeeland, who has autism, and how she is dealing with that. Tune in every Saturday noon to 1pm for Beacon Radio on AM630 The Word for more great interviews.

Steve Teel: The new album is called

Trust. Can you talk to us about trust?

Jaci Velasquez: You never know what people are facing in life. I always say, ‘Look around, everybody has faced, is facing, or will face something in life because there’s always a test before the testimony, right?

ST: Alright, go ahead and preach, Jaci. (both laughing) JV: Our oldest son is 9 years old and his name is Zeeland. I prayed for him when he was in my belly, ten fingers, ten toes. He was born, he was perfect, amazing. He started getting older and he wasn’t reaching the

milestones the other kids were reaching.

We got some help and some testing done. For so long he had a developmental delay and the official diagnosis of autism came a year or year and a half ago.

ST: Just a year and a half ago?

JV: They kept saying it could be autism but they couldn’t officially give that diagnosis until a certain age.

So that was a tough time for us. For me as a mama. When you have a baby, you have all these dreams for their lives. Then you have to go through a mourning period and let go of those dreams and put them to rest. Then you have to develop new dreams, it’s like having a baby all over again. It was tough and I had to trust, and I have to trust. I’m not saying I’m over this, it is still always happening, but I have to trust that God loves my son more than he loves me. You have to trust that God loves you more than the situation,

more than anything going on because His love for you is never-ending, never dying.

Now trust is a difficult thing. Relationships require trust and when you’re facing something really hard it’s hard to trust that things are going to be okay.

ST: Jaci, could you walk us through what that looked like? How did you deal with that? Did you get angry with God? JV: Shockingly enough, I didn’t get angry with God, because I love my kids. Who he is and what he is, is exactly who God made him. And God only gives special children to special people so I consider it a blessing that God entrusted me with this angel and knew that I was going to be a mom that was going to fight for my child come everything.

I will make sure and advocate for my son in all situations. I have to say to God, that’s a big responsibility that you’ve entrusted me with and I have to say thank you, God. I will not let you down. But it is a lot of work and a lot of praying. Sometimes crying and worrying. But then I have to remind myself (starts singing), “And I trust you when my body’s shaken,” my faith won’t be broken. I have to get up there and sing it and believe that because I know logically, that’s the case. But it’s hard, real hard.

ST: That’s the voice of Jaci Velasquez, giving us a quick preview of her concert.

We’re excited you’re coming to San Antonio.

JV: Thank you, thank you. I look forward to seeing you all real soon.

Photo Credits: Cover: Courtesy NBC/Universal Page 10: Darren Abate

Program Guide

Easter

EGGstravaganza 30,000 Eggs! lots of Door prizes!

MONDAY - FRIDAY

FREE EVENT!

6:00am 6:30am 7:00am 7:30am 8:00am 8:30am 9:00am 9:30am 10:00am 10:30am 11:00am 11:30am 12:00pm 12:30pm 1:00pm 1:15pm 1:30pm 2:00pm 2:30pm 3:00pm 4:00pm 5:00pm 5:30pm 6:00pm 6:30pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 9:00pm 10:30pm 11:00pm

Thru The Bible Renewing Your Mind Truth For Life Focus On The Family Insight For Living Leading The Way Family Life Today Grace To You Turning Point Pathway To Victory Jay Sekulow Live Hope For The Heart Know The Truth Somebody Loves You Messianic Perspectives Key Life Real Life Radio Chris Brown’s True Stewardship Living God Ministries The Eric Metexas Show The Word to Stand of for Life Maranatha Bible Church John Haggee Today Grace Revealed Calvary Current Focus On The Family The Word On Investing Turning Point Pentecostes Sigue su Marcha Hope in the Night

J. Vernon McGee R.C. Sproul Alistair Begg Jim Daly Chuck Swindoll Michael Youssef Dennis Rainey John MacArthur David Jeremiah Robert Jeffress Jay Sekulow June Hunt Philip De Courcy Raul Ries Gary Hedrick Steve Brown Sean Azzaro - River City Chris Brown Aaron Budjen Eric Metaxas Ron Arbaugh - Calvary Chapel Rander Draper - Maranatha Bible Church John Haggee - Cornerstone Church J.D. Link - Abundant Grace Bunjee Garrett- Calvary South Austin Jim Daly David Mitchell David Jeremiah George Weber - Templo Pentecostal June Hunt

SATURDAY

Christian Teaching & Talk Seven Days a Week

7:00am 7:30am 8:00am 8:30am 9:00am 10:00am 10:30am 11:00am 12:00pm 1:00pm 1:30pm 1:45pm 2:30pm 3:00pm 4:30pm 5:00pm 5:30pm 6:00pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 9:00pm

Paws And Tails Adventures in Odyssey Parenting Unchained Kathleen Whitten Ministries Learn to Buy and Sell Cars KSLR Church of the Week The Cross At Kerrville Hill Country Institute Live Beacon Radio High Resolution Believers In Business Believing the Bible Real Life Radio The Word On Investing Rehoboth Voice Prophetic Voice Of Our Time RCCG Salvation Center Focus On the Family Weekend Parenting Unchained Maranatha Bible Church Steve Brown ETC His Life Revealed

Insight For Living Focus On The Family Dr. Jim Dempsey Kathleen Whitten Randy Adams KSLR Max Greiner Larry Linenschmidt Steve Teel Kurt Hudspeth KSLR Scott Lane & Terry Read Sean Azzaro - River City David Mitchell Johnson Varkey Mike & Cris Sosso - Freedom Fellowship Dr. Adekoye Sanni - RCCG Salvation Center John Fuller Dr. Jum Dempsey Rander Draper - Maranatha Bible Church Steve Brown Todd Grainger - His Life Ministries

7:00am 7:30am 8:00am 8:30am 9:00am 9:30am 10:00am 10:30am 12:00pm 12:30pm 1:00pm 1:30pm 2:00pm

Calvary Current Road To Reality Peace By Believing Living Your Best Life Bible Baptist Hour Doctrinal Bible Studies Revival Ministry Grace To You - Weekend Kathleen Whitten Ministries High Resolution KSLR’s Church Of The Week Leading the Way - Weekend His Life Revealed

Bunjee Garrett - Calvary South Austin K.P. Yohannan Jon Redmond Les Hollon - Trinity Baptist Lasserre Bradley Jr. Pastor R.B. Thieme Jr. GD Coppedge John MacArthur Kathleen Whitten Kurt Hudspeth - Four Winds Baron Wiley Michael Youssef Todd Grainger - His Life Ministries

2:30pm

Hope for the Heart

June Hunt

3:00pm

Turning Point Weekend

David Jeremiah

3:30pm 4:00pm 5:00pm 5:30pm 7:00pm 8:00pm

The Word On Investing The Cross at Kerrville Phophetic Voice Of Our Time RCCG Salvation Center Focus On The Family Steve Brown ETC

David Mitchell Max Greiner Mike & Cris Sosso - Freedom Fellowship Dr. Adekoye Sanni - RCCG Salvation Center Saundra Decker & Virginia Lange Steve Brown

9:00pm

The Bible Live Quiz Show

Soapy Dollar

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SUNDAY

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11:00pm The Christian Outlook

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FAITH

Potential behind Prayer: My Experience at the National Prayer Breakfast

BY LAUREN ROBERTSON, Beacon Intern

“Good afternoon Senator”, remarked a brawny Russian as denoted by his traditional shearling garb and ushanka as he tipped his hat in courtesy. The lobby of the Washington Hilton Hotel in D.C. was buzzing as nearly 3,500 people representing over 100 countries gathered for the 65th annual National Prayer Breakfast this past February.

My head swirled as I soaked in various accents and the fact that the man walking adjacent to me was in fact a senator for my very country. As I navigated my way to the fourth floor, I slowly digested the beauty of the experience laid before me- a conference centered on prayer and sponsored by American politicians who are called to lead by example.

The first night was whimsical to say the least. My friend John from Baylor and I were scheduled for the same Congressional Dinner. We sat numb with overwhelming excitement when it was announced the newly elected Vice President Mike Pence would address our room. So much culture,

wisdom, and prestige surrounded us with responded on December 7, 1941 when the every encounter and accomplished speaker. Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor and during On the morning of the Prayer Breakfast, I the Cold War he captained the USS Patapgiddily seated myself between a fellow stusco in addition to serving in countless other dent attendee and an elderly man with two courageous missions. Beyond being a man hearing aids and a large audible device. The of deep valiance, Downing expressed his aged creases on his deep faith in a God who forehead and curious C.S. Lewis so eloquently put so graciously provided look in his gray eyes through and through. it: “Our prayers for others served as evidences of My brush with a well-seasoned man.

Downing served as the flow more easily than those Seeing as no one first of many encounfor ourselves. This shows we ters which made evitook effort to engage him in conversation, I to me that the are made to live by charity.” dent took it upon myself to faith behind each indiuncover his story. vidual in attendance was manifest in how Within the first minute of listening to they held themselves and related to those his story, I confirmed my suspicion that he around them. No one had to announce their was no ordinary American citizen. Next to belief in prayer or felt obligated to push me sat Jim Downing, who at 103 years of their faith. But in a setting were all gather in age is the second oldest known Pearl Harthe name of prayer, intentional conversabor survivor. In the short intermissions tions about spirituality naturally flowed between speakers, Downing unfolded his with no attached prejudices or political extraordinary story as a US Navy veteran. agenda.

Downing was present and valiantly The beauty behind the Prayer Breakfast is that regardless of age, denomination, social status, or race- all gather under the power of prayer. Prayer not only unites us to the Sovereign One but draws us together as mankind.

C.S. Lewis so eloquently put it: “Our prayers for others flow more easily than those for ourselves. This shows we are made

to live by charity.” To pray for a friend demonstrates altruistic love. To pray for one’s enemy requires an intentional level of compassion, empathy, and incredible love.

You can never tell someone’s story just by looking at them. Even upon listening you can never fully understand their plight or circumstance. Prayer works to surpass all ill human barriers by offering supplications to a God who transcends all and knows all.

God hears our prayers and answers them accordingly to His will and in manners far grander than we can imagine.

Without exception, talks from keynote Dr. Barry Black, current Chaplain of the U.S. Senate, to Rick Warren, founder of Saddleback Church, proved gripping and inspired self-introspection. However, the main directive I took away from the experience was the sheer potential for humanity which prayer provides. Potential for empathy, potential for humility, potential for unity, potential for peace. Prayer may be practiced in different forms, expressed in different laments; but the virtue of prayer cannot be shaken.

Chills ran up my back when I witnessed a room of thousands of people from around the global bowing their heads en masse. So much potential springs forth from prayer.

Potential that restores hope in humanity to relate to one another, feel for one another, and truly love and live for one another.

FAMILY

COMMUNITY

by JONATHAN DAUGHERTY, Founder Be Broken Ministries

Our reality is composed of what we do in a day, what we think about and who we interact with (including who we care for and who cares for us). For a week, our reality is what we did, what we thought about and who we interacted with for seven days.

The same goes for a month and a year.

Cumulatively, these form our life.

Today, I went to a couple’s house after church, where I found several other people I knew. I brought ingredients for nachos, while others brought meat, potatoes, beans,

drink and dessert. We spent nearly five hours watching football in one room and talking in the kitchen. I left there thinking I experienced love and fellowship. I was so glad I went and so glad I did not stay home and isolate with my computer and TV. At my decision point on whether to go, it was uncomfortable to step out of my comfort zone.

Tonight, I am thinking of what I would continued on page 7

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COMMUNITY continued from page 6

have done if I had stayed home. TV and a computer are not healthy companions.

Through them, my fantasy life takes root and I search for media which will further it along. I predictably give in to lustful thoughts. Then follows the guilt. Then follows the shame. I am embarrassed to say this occurs way too often, and forms a substantial part of my reality.

Defining Our Own Reality Did you know that our experiences shape who we are? Fortunately, in most cases, if we exercise discipline and spend our time thoughtfully, we get to decide what we will be thinking about later as we reflect on our day. Through fellowship, we can have memories of laughter, love, and encouragement as we interacted with others. The opposite of fellowship is isolation. Through isolation, we can have feelings of loneliness, emptiness and regret which accompany isolation, guilt and shame.

One of the most common characteristics of sex addicts is that we have few friends. If we are not intentional about how we spend our time, our drift is toward decisions of isolation. Isolation is easier and appears more restful. Unfortunately, isolation is where sin thrives. When was the last time you openly sinned in the presence of a group of friends?

Your Reality Costs Something Either Way Just like the consequences of sexual impurity (broken relationships, guilt, and shame), building relationships has a price.

The cost always includes energy to step outside our comfort zone to interact with others. It is work to ask good questions, give genuine compliments and meet the needs of others. I also risk embarrassment that I

won’t measure up, or that I may encounter conflict. Yet interacting with others has an upside: we become fully alive as we live the way God intended. People are good for us.

God Values Fellowship Time spent with others is usually God honoring. We are made to have fellowship with others. In that time, we can encourage and be encouraged. “We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.” (1 John 1:3) In the end, fellowship is designed to result in greater connection to God for all involved.

Interacting With Others in Relationship is Guilt Free The most wonderful emotions I feel tonight are the joy of connecting with others and the lack of guilt from what I did today. My day was spent in valuable experiences building great memories. I laughed. I listened to others and what they had to say.

They valued me too. Someone even told me they loved me. That is the reality I want to purposefully build for myself.

Be Intentional, Don’t Drift With something as valuable as building your reality, don’t just let it happen. Don’t lay around the house waiting to see who will call or watching TV. Call someone to come over. Get out of the house. Attend God honoring events where like-minded people will be found. With intentional planning, you can have purpose in your day and control what memories of your day, week, month and year will look like. You can build a positive reality as you live the way God planned for you, in fellowship with other believers.

Student Writers Program The Beacon has an exciting new program to watch out for… Our Student Writers Initiative. The young people in the community are getting out in the community and sharing their stories of service, as well as spotlighting different ministries and organizations in San Antonio and the surrounding areas.

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5 Little-Known Organizations That Are Changing The Lives Of Seniors

BY KELLYROSE MCALEER

There are plenty of organizations, such as AARP, whose purpose it is to help American senior citizens with various resources for growing older. However, there are so many groups who want to help senior citizens that you may not even have heard of some of them! Whether they are defending your rights legally, or helping to ensure your healthy future, you deserve to know that these organizations are looking out for you.

The Institute of Medicine Odds are, you probably have never heard of the Institute of Medicine. The IOM is a nonprofit branch of the National Academy of Sciences, and its job is to advise the government and the private sector, providing information in areas like medicine, health, and biomedicine so that the nation can make informed policy decisions. Since 1970 they have published reports on Medicare, Medicaid, nursing home quality, veterans’ health issues, obesity, post-traumatic stress, and more. Although the average person may not be familiar with the IOM, when they release reports people listen because they know that these findings can sway the deci-

sions of health organizations and even Congress. The research is taken on by volunteers scientists who are experts serving with no compensation, just to make sure our country makes the most informed decisions for its citizens.

The Administration on Aging (AOA) The Administration of Aging is part of the US Department of Health and Human Services that provides the necessary services to aid older adults to live independently, such as transportation, adult day care, and health promotion programs. The AOA works with the Office of Nutrition and Health Promotion Programs educate seniors on everything from HIV/AIDS to nutrition information and also home delivers meals.

They also work with the Office for American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiian Programs to provide caregiver support and nutrition services. Through different communities the AOA make sure that seniors and whoever is taking care of them have the care they need.

Setting Priorities for Retirement Years Foundation (SPRY) The SPRY (Setting Priorities for Retirement Years) Foundation is a nonprofit that

develops education programs to provide meaningful engagement in people’s lives as they grow older. This includes a communications training project to train care workers on how to communicate with older adults, and helping to sponsor a national conference that creates a discussion between seniors and science centers to discuss how longevity is shaping the future.

SPRY is here to help adults plan for their futures financially, mentally, and physically so that you can make informed and satisfying decisions.

National Senior Citizens Law Center (NSCLC) The NSCLC protects the rights of lowincome adults with private lawyers that are ready to tackle their legal problems. They aim to give poor senior citizens across the country one voice as a whole, so they don’t typically work on individual cases. Instead they advocate on the behalf of Social Security, Medicaid, nursing homes, and against age discrimination. The NSCLC also works to promote themselves as an ally to women, people with disabilities, June 2016 Issue people of color, and other minorities so that they can live with dignity as they contribute to society with-

out the worries of poverty hanging over them.

National Aging in Place Council (NAIPC) The NAIPC specifically fights for older Americans to be able to grow old independently in their houses for as long as they can, as opposed to being forced into a nursing home. The NAIPC brings together different voices from aging, healthcare, business, and legal backgrounds to form an Aging in Place Council, which discusses the best ways to keep our seniors in the home they choose. Their network of professionals are there to use their expertise to help you plan for your future care needs. The NAIPC also promotes National Aging in Place Week, which brings attention to the policies and regulations that advocate to help retired seniors keep their independent lifestyles.

You can find your local chapter on their website, along with advice on health, finance, etc. http://www.livingsenior.com/Senior_ Center

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8 LIES THAT DESTROY MARRIAGE

BY BILL ELLIFF

Imagine meeting with an engaged couple a few weeks before they are married.

With excitement they describe how they met and how their relationship developed.

The husband-to-be proudly describes how he set up a perfect romantic evening so he could pop the big question.

Then they surprise you by saying, “We want to get married and have some children. At first we will feel a lot of love for each other. Then we’ll start arguing and hating each other. In a few years, we’ll get a divorce.”

Who would enter marriage intending to get a divorce? And yet, divorce is occurring at alarming rates. A large number of people in my church have been hurt deeply by divorce—they’ve been divorced themselves, or they’ve felt the pain of a parent or relative divorcing.

As common as divorce is, I’m convinced that most of them could be avoided. Mark this down on the tablet of your heart: Every wrong behavior begins with believing a lie.

Our culture promotes many deceptions that can quickly destroy a marriage. Here are eight: Lie #1: “My happiness is the most important thing about my marriage.”

As a pastor, I can’t tell you how many people have justified breaking up their marriages by saying, “I have to do this. God just wants me to be happy.”

But according to God’s Word, a spouse’s individual happiness is not the purpose for marriage.

The Bible says in Colossians 3:17: “Whatever you do in word or deed,” do for the glory of God. While all parts of creation are to glorify God, mankind was made in God’s very image. Through marriage, husbands and wives are to reflect His character and have children who will reflect His character … all the way to the end of time.

Every marriage knows unhappiness.

Every marriage knows conflict. Every marriage knows difficulty. But everyone can be joyful in their marriage by focusing on God’s purposes and His glory instead of individual happiness.

Lie #2: “If I don’t love my spouse any longer, I should get a divorce.”

It’s a tragedy to lose love in marriage.

But the loss of human love can teach us to access a deeper love—the very love of God Himself. That love is patient and kind … it never fails (1 Corinthians 13). It even cares for its enemies.

When human love dies in a marriage, a couple can enter into one of the most exciting adventures they’ll ever have: learning

how to love each other with God’s love.

Romans 5:5 tells us that this very love “has been poured out within our hearts, through the Holy Spirit.”

Lie #3: “My private immorality does not affect my marriage.”

A lot of people think, I can view pornography in the privacy of my home. It’s just me and my magazine, or computer … it doesn’t affect my marriage.

Oneness in marriage is hijacked by sexual immorality. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 6:15, “Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ?

Shall I then take away the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute?”

In the 21st century, there are many ways to join oneself with a prostitute: physically, through the pages of a magazine, on a computer’s video screen, etc. Paul’s advice is the same today as it was thousands of years ago: Flee immorality (1 Corinthians 6:18).

If you take your emotional and sexual energy and spend it on someone else, there will be nothing left for your spouse. Those who continually view pornography or engage in sexual fantasies are isolating themselves.

Lie #4: “My sin (or my spouse’s sin) is so bad that I need to get a divorce.”

The truth is God can fix our failures— any failure. The Bible says to forgive one another, just as God in Christ has forgiven us (Colossians. 3:13).

“But,” you ask, “Doesn’t Matthew 19:9 say that God allows divorce in the case of sexual immorality?” Yes. I believe that it does— when there is an extended period of unrepentance. Yet, nowhere in that passage does God demand divorce. When there is sexual sin, we should seek to redeem the marriage and so illustrate the unfathomable forgiveness of God. Some of the greatest life messages I know are the marriages of people who have repented from sexual sin and spouses who have forgiven them. Their lives today are living testimonies to the truth found in Joel 2:25: “… I will make up to you for the years that the swarming locust has eaten.”

Lie #5: “I married the wrong person.”

Many people have told me, for example, that they are free to divorce because they married an unbeliever. “I thought he/she would become a Christian, but that didn’t happen. We need to get a divorce.” They recall that they continued on page 13 knew it was a

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ENTERTAINMENT

ROCO GRIMALDI: LIVING OUT HIS FAITH

BY STEVE TEEL, BEACON RADIO

Rocco Grimaldi plays hockey for the San Antonio Rampage (the NHL Colorado Avs’ top minor league team), and lead the team in points (goals and assists). The 24-year-old Californian was the 33rd pick overall in the 2011 NHL Draft, has a national championship at University of North Dakota, and has starred for USA’s National Teams (U18, U17) with game winners for gold medals. Rocco stands just 5’6” but has giant skills on the ice and a faith that is even bigger. I interviewed Rocco for Beacon Radio (March 11) and he had a lot to say about hockey, faith, purity before marriage, family, leadership, sharing his faith with hockey players, and which athlete page he mostad tries to emulate. Here are a 1/4 few of Rocco’s thoughts. -Steve Teel,

Beacon Radio ON YOUNG MEN’S STRUGGLE WITH TEMPTATION Especially for young men, the purity thing is a daily struggle. Every single day is temptation. For me growing up I had an accountability team around me that I still have to this day. I have a group of eight to ten guys that I can text or call at any point and any day and say, ‘Look, I’m struggling with this,” and same for them to me, and we can talk it out, help each other, and pray for each other and encourage each other. That helped me a lot growing up. They’ll tell you the honest truth, not just the thing you want to hear.

ROCCO ON PURITY BEFORE MARRIAGE (Rocco married Abby in the summer of 2016) Right from the start before I even started dating Abby who’s my one and only girlfriend, and I’m her one and only boyfriend. My purity started before I met her and hers did as well before she met me.

Purity was something I committed to when I was young, that I would remain a virgin until I got married and there’d be no ques-

Feel Better Live Better

tion about it. A lot of people think sex is JUST TALKING different than doing the other stuff and for For me, it’s more than just talking. It’s me, the other stuff is a part of sex and so I how you live. People should know that their was going to cancel all that out. That was life is what people are reading more than my plan my entire life that I was not going just what they’re saying. People are watchto do anything before marriage and Abby ing the way that we live and watching the was the same way. things that we do and that’s really telling ON ADVICE TO YOUNG ATHLETES them a lot more about our God and a lot TRYING TO LIVE OUT THEIR FAITH more about our faith than what we say. You WHILE BEING MAYBE THE ONLY CHRISmight think people aren’t listening to you, TIAN ON THE TEAM but trust me, they’re watching you.

Most the time it’s been just me or a couON HOW HE HANDLES BEING MADE ple [Christians on a team]. Kids today may FUN OF feel like if they’re the only Christian, they’re The guys make fun of me for not swearan outcast, but if you go about it in the ing. They made fun of me for being a virgin. right way--if you have a conversation with All those kinds of things, which was funny your teammates in love and not with any to me. I never took them personally, I judgment involved I think you can get always thought they were hilarious. You some really cool conversations started and have to make it fun. And they were never we’re fortunate enough that most NHL/ making fun of me in a way that was degradAHL teams have chaplains. Even if I know a ing or mean, they were always doing it in guy may not be into the God thing, I reach teammate fun and it was fun. I would out and say, ‘Would you like to go with me always give them jabs back. to chapel?’ A lot of times they say, ‘No,’ but Rocco Grimaldi is one to watch, cheer sometimes the guys say, ‘Yes,’ and they for, and to. To hear more of his story, Proposed Advertisement for listen August 2016 come, and a lot of times they come back. insights, wisdom and the full interview, go ON LIVING OUT YOUR FAITH, NOT to saBeacon.com/radio.

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M A R C H 2 0 1 7 — B E A CO N

EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION FOR THE GLORY OF GOD.

MEN

MANLY MEN AND UNMANLY MEN

BY LARRY CRABB

What does a godly man look like? (You can substitute the phrase “manly man” for “godly man.” The two are the same.)

Is he broad-shouldered, self-confident, tough, successful? Is he powerful, committed to his purposes, able to keep in check emotions that might interfere with achieving his goals? Does he keep moving against all odds, never indulging the urge to panic or cry? Does his deepest enjoyment come more from what he has accomplished than from what he is like to be with?

That’s the traditional view: real men are tough, tough enough to lead and make decisions and keep on moving. But for the last ten or twenty years, that view has taken a beating.

From pulpits, in conferences, and through books, modern men have been encouraged (sometimes commanded) to show their gentle side, to become comfortable with vulnerability and emotional displays, to stop thinking of themselves as superior to women, to release that part of their humanity that longs to connect more than achieve.

Men who live by God’s design, so this thinking goes, are nicer, kinder, more considerate than we thought men were supposed to be. Aggression and power, those traditional “manly” qualities that have men out fighting the world while the ladies stay home, are now scorned as cultural mistakes, perversions of true masculinity.

Something has been lost. Something is wrong with men. Something good that God has placed within every male—something that comes alive only through regeneration—remains unreleased in most men.

As a way of introducing our understanding of manhood, let me encourage you to think of masculinity as an energy, a natural

momentum within the heart of every man, a power and an urge to move into life in a particular way.

Men in whom masculine energy is suppressed or distorted are unmanly, ungodly men, however culture may regard them.

Men are manly only when they live in the power of released masculine energy. Now, what on earth does that mean?

To develop a clearer idea of what “released manhood” looks like, it might be helpful first to take a brief look at an inauthentic man, someone whose manly energy remains dormant or is expressed in corrupted form.

Inauthentic Man If you are in relationship with an unmanly man, you likely will experience him as: • controlling (impersonally powerful) • destructive (or dangerous) • selfish (committed, above all else, to feeling a certain way about himself) An unmanly man controls conversations; he manipulates family and friends; he arranges his life to avoid whatever he is not sure he can handle. He trusts no one, not deeply. He works hard to maneuver himself into a favorable light, into a position where he comes out on top or at least unchallenged. He is not a good listener. He rarely asks meaningful questions, preferring either to offer opinions or remain quiet. No one feels pursued by him except when their friendship might work to his advantage.

When he does take an interest in you, it has the feel of a car salesman asking to see a picture of your family.

And he is destructive. His words and actions harm people, though coworkers may feel encourcontinued on page 14 aged and chal-

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M A R C H 2017 — B E A CO N

SPORTS

G.O.A.T.

by JIM FAULK, Area Director-FCA

Super Bowl LI (51) has been labeled with the acronym GOAT: Greatest Of All Time! In an instant, as the clock ticked down to zero, the dream team of football announcers and analysts, along with sports reporters and writers world-wide, began the celebration of the GOAT: • Greatest game in NFL history • Greatest coach in NFL history • Greatest quarterback in NFL history • Greatest comeback in NFL history • First overtime in Super Bowl history • First 5-time Super Bowl Champion We could potentially add greatest halftime and greatest commercials – depending on with whom you’re speaking!

“Great” and “greatest” are terms that Americans hold near and dear to our hearts; we even elected a President on the platform, “Make America Great Again”!

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We love to be first, love to be champions, love to be the best – or at least we love to line up with those who actually ARE. Jesus, who was NO DOUBT the Greatest, had a discussion with His team on the subject of greatness. He totally flipped their perception of greatness and championship stature, introducing all of us to true Kingdom greatness! “Whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave. Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many.”…Matthew 20:26-28 The “GOAT”, the True Greatest of All Times, was not an event this past February 5th; it was a time over 2000 years ago, when Jesus, the Son of God, Who was God, made Himself nothing – coming to serve those He created. Then He redeemed us through His ransom at that “Old Rugged Cross”. Jesus became last so that you and I could be on the Greatest Championship Team of All Time!

Now that’s something to get just downright fanatical about! Thank you, Jesus, for being the Greatest Of All Time!

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PETS

NEW PET? PET-PROOF YOUR HOME New puppy or kitten on the way? Follow these strategies to make your home safe for your pet A new pet is more than an adorable bundle of fur; it’s also a big responsibility. That pesky puppy or curious kitten can find lots of ways to get into trouble, and — contrary to popular opinion — pets don’t always intuitively know what can be potentially harmful to eat or drink. A pet’s safety always comes first, but you’ll also want to take steps to safeguard your furniture, carpeting, and other belongings (including that favorite pair of shoes). Read on for tips that will help you pet-proof your home.

Pet Safety: Gates and Latches “The most common injury in new pets that I see in my practice is puppies falling off beds, sofas, and other high furniture,” says Ernest Ward, Jr., D.V.M., the founder and chief of staff at Seaside Animal Care in Calabash, North Carolina, and a regular guest on The Rachael Ray Show. To prevent such falls, keep your pet off high furniture — a rule that holds for kittens too, says Ward.

It’s also important to restrict a new pet’s access to your home by shutting off rooms with a closed door or child gates. “This not only prevents accidental injury but also can help curtail house-soiling problems,” says Ward. Establishing boundaries for your puppy or kitten early on leads to a welltrained adult animal.

Household Cleaners, Chemicals, and Plants While your pet is still getting accustomed to its new home, install childproof latches on cabinet doors and keep household chemicals and cleaners — such as bleach, ammonia, and antifreeze — well sealed and out of your pet’s reach.

For dogs, the most dangerous common toxin is antifreeze, says Dr. Louise Murray, D.V.M., director of medicine at the ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital in New York City and author of Vet Confidential: An Insider’s Guide to Protecting Your Pet’s Health. “A dog may lick it off the floor while its owner is working on a car,” she says.

For cats, the most dangerous toxin is the lily, which can cause fatal kidney failure if even a leaf is nibbled. Other common houseplants are also toxic to dogs and cats; ask your veterinarian for a list.

“People Food” and Other Common Pet Dangers Ward recommends that animals of all ages be kept away from “people-food” —

onions, garlic, chocolate, and raisins, in particular, are harmful to pets.

Pet medicine is designed to taste good to dogs, which can tempt them to chew through the bottles, leading to overdose.

Some owners give their pets medications meant for people, such as ibuprofen, a hazardous practice that can cause damage to pets’ intestines and kidneys. Murray recommends keeping human and pet medications separate, and keeping both safely stored away.

Electrical cords are another potential hazard, says Ward, because teething puppies enjoy chewing on squishy wires.

Unplug unnecessary cords and purchase protective covers for outlets and power strips.

The Great Outdoors Many pet owners believe that their new pets’ instincts will keep them away from harm, a common assumption that can seriously endanger pets left free to roam outdoors. “Their instincts were designed for a world we don’t live in today,” says Murray.

Letting dogs and cats run loose outside can lead to fights with other animals, as well as injuries from cars and people. Murray recommends keeping dogs on a leash at all times outside. Cats should be kept indoors for the most part, although they can be allowed to venture into a backyard if they’re kept on a leash under their owner’s supervision.

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8 LIES THAT DESTROY MARRIAGE continued from page 10

mistake, but they married anyway—hoping it would work out. Others claim that they just married someone who wasn’t a good match, someone who wasn’t a true “soul mate.”

A wrong start in marriage does not justify another wrong step. “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good,” says Romans 8:28, “to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”

God tells us not to be poured into the world’s mold. Instead we are to be transformed and that begins in our minds. By doing this, God will give us exactly what we need for our lives. God’s will for us is good, acceptable, and perfect (Romans 12:1-2).

Here’s the key for those who are now married: The Bible clearly says do not divorce (with the exception for extended, unrepentant sexual immorality). God can take even the worst things of life and work them together for good if we will just trust Him. Lie #6: “My spouse and I are incompatible.”

I don’t know a lot of husbands and wives who are truly compatible when they get married. In marriage, God joins together two flawed people.

If I will respond correctly to my spouse’s weaknesses, then God can teach me forgiveness, grace, unconditional love, mercy, humility, and brokenness. The life of a person who believes in Jesus Christ is developed by responses to not only happy things, but also to difficulties. And those very difficulties include weaknesses.

That is why we are told in Colossians 3:12-13 to “put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other.” My spouse’s weaknesses are not hindrances. Instead, they are the doorway to spiritual growth. This is a liberating truth.

If I will respond to my spouse’s shortcomings with unconditional acceptance, my love won’t be based on performance. I won’t say, “You need to live up to these expectations.” I will be able to accept my spouse, weaknesses and all. And that acceptance will swing open the door of change for not only my spouse, but also for me.

Lie #7: “Breaking the marriage covenant won’t hurt me or my children.”

When divorce enters a family, there are always scars. I know this firsthand; although

I was an adult when my father committed adultery and divorced my mother, decades later there are still effects. Many consequences of divorce never go away.

Blake Hudspeth, our church’s youth pastor, also understands the pain of divorce. He was 5 years old when his parents divorced, and it was hard for him to understand God as Father and to trust people. “The people I trusted the most split up.” He also found it difficult to accept love from others “because I didn’t know if they truly loved me.” And Blake developed a fear of marriage. “Am I going to follow the trend of divorce, because my parents and grandparents divorced?”

Blake’s father even wrote him and said, “This was the worst decision I made in my life. It was bad. It hurt you. It hurt our family. When I divorced your mom, I divorced our family because I broke a covenant that we were a part of.”

Blake says that his parents (who both remarried) have embraced the gospel, resulting in him readily accepting advice and encouragement from them. “Watching the gospel play out … with my mom and dad was huge,” he says.

Lie #8: “There’s no hope for my marriage—it can’t be fixed.”

This may be the most devastating lie of all. Because in more than four decades of counseling couples, I’ve seen God do the seeming impossible thousands of times. In a dying marriage, He just needs two willing parties. God knows how to get us out of the messes we get ourselves into.

I tell these couples about people like Chuck and Ann, who were involved in drugs and alcohol before God restored their home.

Or Lee and Greg, who were engaged in multiple affairs. God brought them back to Christ and to each other. Now they have six children and a marriage ministry. Or Jim and Carol, who had taken off their wedding rings and were living in separate bedrooms and about to live in separate worlds when God redeemed them.

If you begin to think, There is no hope for my marriage, realize that, “With God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26).

We must combat the lies about marriage. The truth will set us free (John 8:32).

God can fix anything! http://www.familylife.com/articles/topics/marriage

If you begin to think, There is no hope for my marriage, realize that, “With God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26).

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SPONSORED CONTENT

HEALTH & WELLNESS

ALL ABOUT EYES

by MONICA ALLISON, OD

SPECIALTY CONTACTS CAN HELP PATIENTS REGAIN VISION If you’ve been told in the past that you cannot wear contact lenses because of an irregular cornea or other problems, you may want to get a second opinion and ask the doctors at Stone Oak Vision Source about scleral contact lenses.

Scleral contacts are large-diameter gas permeable contact lenses specially designed to vault over the entire corneal surface and rest on the “white” of the eye (sclera). In doing so, scleral lenses functionally replace the irregular cornea with a perfectly smooth optical surface to correct vision problems caused by keratoconus and other corneal irregularities. If someone has had an undesirable result with refractive surgery: LASIK, PRK, RK, or a corneal transplant, scleral lenses can often be fit to correct the vision back to the desired outcome.

Also, the space between the cornea and the back surface of a scleral lens acts as a fluid reservoir to provide comfort for people with severe dry eyes who otherwise could not tolerate contact lens wear.

One of Dr. Allison’s passions is fitting individuals with keratoconus and giving them back the vision they have been missing for years. Dr. Allison has been fitting keratoconus patients in contacts for over 19 years and she has mentored the other

Monica Allison, O.D. Lindsey Denison, O.D. Kim Ip, O.D. Victoria Perez, OD Joshua Martin, OD

associate doctors at Stone Oak Vision Source to be proficient at fitting these special contacts as well. She will be attending the International Congress of Scleral Contacts this year and is also in the process of securing her second Fellowship- this one in Scleral lenses. Her first fellowship is in Ortho-K lenses and she spends her time between the two.

In the process of fitting keratoconic patients with these lenses, it became obvious that they can also help patients with other causes of irregular corneal shapes.

One of the most common other causes we see is post-surgical corneas. With the onset of RK 30+ years ago, many people thought this would be the solution to their visual problems. Unfortunately the effects of RK were not always permanent and the prescriptions regressed in many cases. The doctors at Stone Oak Vision Source are skilled in fitting these post-surgical corneas, whether it is RK, LASIK, PRK, or a corneal transplant.

If you or a family member have found yourself with less than satisfactory vision and you have been diagnosed with any of these causes of irregular cornea, give us a call to schedule an exam and we will let you know if scleral lenses are an option. We also treat and manage routine eye examinations as well, so they whole family is welcome!

Call 210-495-9020 Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Tune in Saturdays at Noon KSLR AM630 Steve Teel hosts local and national difference makers who share their stories and insights to give you hope, inspiration, and change.

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MANLY MEN AND UNMANLY MEN continued from page 11

Please visit us at: sachristian.org

lenged for a time (sometimes a long time). manly man’s pain doesn’t interfere Family members feel the harm soonest and with his feeling the plight of others, most deeply but are sometimes too scared even when their troubles are less to admit it, even to themselves. Often the severe than his. He has the courage to veneer of goodness and affability is so thick face his experience honestly. He therethat the harm is felt only with a cumulative fore feels the sadness of living in a power that slowly destroys, like small traces fallen world, and the loneliness of livof poison in drinking water. Sometimes he ing in imperfect community. But his actively hurts people with sarcasm and sadness and loneliness generate only meanness, occasionally with violence. More a righteous anger, the kind that stirs often the damage is done by indifference compassion for people, while it and retreat, the kind of weapons that make remains offended by sin. A released you feel guilty or weird for feeling attacked. man is not abusive; he is a GENTLE The wife of an unmanly man rarely senses MAN, not weak, a man whose power that she is cherished. She may never tell is controlled for good purposes. him so, but she more often feels used, taken 3. the man finds an for granted, or answer to his terhated. His children One of the great tragedies of our day ror: in FREEDOM. and friends keep matter what is that so many men are walking a No their distance. happens in life, They’re too angry, path that they think leads to the joys manly men always or scared, to get find room to move. of legitimate masculinity. close.

There is always When masculine energy is not released, something to BE, even when there is when it is either suppressed or distorted, nothing to DO. men, When their families fall apart or their • feel powerless; they compensate by com- businesses collapse, manly men—like mitting themselves to controlling unmanly men—are tempted to lash out in something. They become AGGRESvengeance or to retreat into relief. But they SIVE MEN. do neither. They are drawn by the opportu• experience rage and persuade themnity to exhibit something good, to reflect selves that vengeance is their due. the always hopeful movement of God. They They become ABUSIVE MEN. move through trials with a presence that • live with a terror for which there is no others, more than they, notice. resolution or escape, only relief. They Manly men are enticed by the joys of dull the terror with physical pleasure freedom, by the unhindered chance to foland become ADDICTED MEN. low the call of manhood. A manly man is Manly Men not addicted; he treats his body roughly, to An authentic man is very different. avoid coming under a foreign power. He When the energy God has placed within a fights hard against his relentless desire for man is released, pleasure. He moves according to a plan. He 1. the man knows he is strong, not poweris a PURPOSEFUL MAN who knows what less. Strong men take the initiative, he’s about and what he can contribute to even when they’re not sure what to the purpose for which he is living. do. Their calling to reflect God in their Every day, we move either toward godly manner of relating compels them manhood or away from it. One of the great more than their hope for power or tragedies of our day is that so many men are their fear of impotence. A manly man walking a path that they think leads to the is not an aggressive man; he is an joys of legitimate masculinity. It may be ACTIVE MAN, involved in offering many years before those moving in wrong quality relationships to others, more directions realize that the path they have committed to developing a strength been following releases masculine energy that others can enjoy than to achievthat is more corrupt than genuine, and that ing for himself a sense of power and this path leaves them even more powerless, control. bitter, and terrified. “There is a way that 2. the man experiences a state of being less seems right to a man, but in the end it leads angry, less easily threatened. Some to death” (Proverbs 14:12). call it peace. For him the phrase “more than a conqueror” means something, http://www.familylife.com/ even during life’s hard moments. A

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M A R C H 2 0 1 7 — B E A CO N

TwentyFour3 Management

by BLAKE CLIFTON, Beacon Community Manager, Blake@saBeacon.com

“Stewardship is not part of the Christian life, it is the Christian life.” Pat Hail is the head of TwentyFour3Management, and establishing himself as a financial coach to Christians to become Biblical stewards. Pat is currently employed at CIS Wealth Management Group (New Braunfels), and has been a pastor in multiple locations in Arizona before being led to Texas to embark on this journey of pushing individuals to a higher financial standard.

Credibility with finances came with his time as a pastor in different locations. He saw incredible things come from understanding and practicing good stewardship with the assets of the Church. Understanding how to serve God with what you have is one of the key lessons Pat learned. Through national economy collapses and other challenges, Pat continued increasing his Church numbers, showing stewardship in all they did.

What do you invest in? What is your personal money working toward? Are you trying to grow that money through supporting companies that have Moral and Biblical boundaries or not? These are questions that began coming up.

Pat is working on 38 years of ministry and is migrating, by faith, to the place God is leading him. Texas wasn’t always the plan, but he is confident that he is walking by faith. “Looking back at your life, you can

always see the path we take that leads us through… The key is to have faith to walk the path when you haven’t seen it yet.”

That path has led Pat and his wife, Janet, to this new mission. We walked through national averages of a congregation’s’ financial situation. Pat breaks it up into 4 steward types: 15% of people are “Stuck”, 50% “Struggle”, 25% are “Stable”, and 10% are in the “Surplus” category. There is a need for conversations to happen about each category.

Not all people are “struggling”, not all are “stable”. Each category needs to be covered. Pat has committed to being a guest pastor at local churches to come in and preach on each topic in about a month-long time span. Every individual invests their resources into what Pat and Janet call the Seven T’s, which are Time, Talent, Treasure, Temple, Talk, Toys, and Technology.

Most moments of our lives can be put into one of those categories, and TwentyFour3Management is passionate about each of us capitalizing on each one. Any church could use this message of stewardship, and as more and more invite Pat to come alongside them and their congregation, the path that he is trying to follow becomes clear.

Do you think individuals in your church could use this message of Biblical Stewardship? Visit twentyfour3management.com or email twentyfour3management@gmail.com

“Looking back at your life, you can always see the path we take that leads us through… The key is to have faith to walk the path when you haven’t seen it yet.”

GO SUPPORT THE ROAD RUNNERS

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