SB Faith & Family Magazine

FAITH

FAMILY NOVEMBER 2013

INSIDE Chris Tomlin Burning Lights Tour Greek Pastry Sale Thanks for the Bread

November 2013

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CONTENTS

COLUMNS 5 6 7 10

IN EVERY ISSUE 17

Wise Words

22

Ad Directory

7

ON THE COVER

16

Little Bits The First Thanksgiving Shephard’s Staff It’s Good to Give Thanks Close to Home You Are Not Alone

11

Faith under Fire The Rituals of the Silly Squirrels

14

From the Heart Thanks for the Bread

15

City Scene

16

Youth News Rob Haper; Reaching the City for Christ

12 Chris Tomlin

Burning Lights Tour

Chic Chat Designer Clothes...

Made Just for You

Purity Ball

18

21

17

Thoughts in Christ Running with the Light

18

The Real Stuff Bored with Work?

20

Pressing Upwards Cherish the Memories

21

Special Feature Greek Pastry Sale

FAITH

FAMILY

NOVEMBER 2013 Publisher Ashley Foster ashley@sbfaithandfamily.com Editor

Jason Foster

Ad Consultant

Mary Driscoll

Advertising Mary Driscoll Mary@sbfaithandfamily.com 318-423-4483

CONTRIBUTORS Bonita Bandaries, Candace Chaney, Patrick Hawthorne, Dianne Howell, Calvin Hubbard, JoAnne Timothy, Donesa Walker

MISSION STATEMENT SB Faith & Family exist to provide Christians and the community at large with ways to grow and develop as a part of their faith & family. The local publication is designed to promote positive living by sharing with readers the latest news on entertainment, healthy living, parenting and inspirational literature as well as what individuals and organization are doing to try to address needs of the family.

SB Faith & Family is published monthly and is available at high traffic locations throughout the Shreveport/Bossier Area. SB Faith & Family can also be read online at www.SBFaithandFamily.com

Theoria Publishing 6658 Youree Dr. Suite 180 #297 Shreveport. LA 71105 SBFaithandFamily@gmail.com

November 2013

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I Can Be His Hands and Feet, and serve others in love.

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Johnas Do not let your hearts be troubled.

Y ou believe inhas God; believe also in me.

My Father’ s house many rooms; if that were not so,to would I have told you that And I amif going there prepare a place for you?

I go

Chic Chat

Designer Clothes…

Made Just For You In the book of Colossians we find that we must be as believers - 100% dependent upon Christ – living for Him even though we are immersed in everyday life.

Paul refers to us as ‘saints’ and sees a need for strengthening among those who are believers.

Even though this book of the Bible is written in 60 A.D. – The call is still the same to believers today!

God gives us His instructions in the Bible and wants from us obedience to learn it and live by it – giving Him glory.

Paul knows that we are weak and need inspiration and motivation to move closer to Jesus. He gives it to us in straight talk we can understand.

It is obvious that our daily struggles are beyond us and there are things and circumstances that we cannot understand in this life.

When we are found 100% dependent upon Jesus though – we find that there is peace in the midst of that we can’t understand and there is joy flowing deep from within our soul as we grow in Christ!

That really is the purpose of Bible study – to learn to be equipped with the tools and know how to use them so that our experience in Christ is a growing one.

Jesus desires that we LIVE in Him – rooted, built up, strengthened in the faith as we are taught and overflowing with thankfulness.

Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.”

What once appealed to our flesh and the sinful part of us should no longer appeal to us. It should not make us happy to sin.

When we begin to feel the love of Christ down deep inside where no one else can see – we begin to WANT to be clothed with the ‘new’ – we WANT to put on Christ and be changed.

Colossians 3:12-14 – “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another.

Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”

We are HOLY and DEARLY LOVED – who does not want to feel that? The attributes above are those that Christ is clothed with. If we died to who we used to be then we have these same clothes on!

We have to actively BELIEVE this biblical truth! Clothe ourselves in these and hold them close – they were paid for by such a high price! Our Savior bought them for us to wear – these clothes will last for ETERNITY! God says so!

If you EVER wanted ‘Designer Clothes’ – Christ has provided them for you!

- JoAnne Timothy

\

It is time to get rid of the OLD! - We are not who we used to be! God lovingly wants us to see and understand this great truth!

Colossians 3:1-4 – “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where November 2013

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The First Thanksgiving

turkey. So the pillgroms and the indens were ready for thanksgiving. At the table there were mashed potatoes with (Written by Niki, age 8) gravy, green beans and of couse The First Thanksgiving took the turkey and all other foods! place long long ago when T.V.’s were not even made!

So they laughed and told jokes!

Then when they were done laughing they started to eat desert which were pies and then they were do full! So when they were done eating the indens taught the pillgroms how to grow corn.

And thats how The First There were lots of pillgroms Here’s a joke that the indens Thanksgiving was made. So and there were indens and told: Why did the turkey cross thats why we have to thank the they were friends. So one day the road? pillgroms and the indens. they wanted to have dinner and that was called The First The pillgroms said: I don’t know? THE END! Thanksgiving!

The indens said: Because it didn’t want to be eaten!

The pillgroms were getting ready at the table whill the So they laughed. indens were catching the hahahahahahahahahaha!

6 | Faith & Family

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Shepherd’s Staff IT’S GOOD TO GIVE THANKS

At fifty-two, John Kralik had the blues. Financial woes, shattered and shaky personal relationships, business failure looming, and poor health were his story. Today he has a changed life.

What changed his life?

Gratitude. He was thankful for a thank-you note his ex-girlfriend wrote for his Christmas present.

That note changed his perspective on life. He began writing thank-you notes. He further decided to write one thank-you note a day. This simple act turned his life around and he wrote about book about it.1 Expressing gratitude has a part in our overall wellness. A story in Luke’s gospel also affirms this.

In Luke 17:11-19, Luke recorded the cleansing of the ten lepers.

These ten lepers, seeing Jesus from a distance, cried out to him, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” They believed Jesus could help them. Jesus’ response told them exactly how He showed mercy – He cleansed them. He told them to go show themselves to the priests. The only reason they would do so would be to have the priest examine

them to see if they were clean or not. Luke records that as they went, they were cleansed.

But only one returned to the Lord and gave thanks personally to the Lord. He was a Samaritan (remember that Jews and Samaritans didn’t get along). Jesus’ last statement to this cleansed leper speaks of the healing power of thanksgiving.

Jesus said to him, “Your faith has made you well.” His faith, when told to go to the priests, led to his cleansing. But his thanksgiving brought a wholeness (see KJV) to the man. His faith led to a completeness, a wholeness, a wellness that physical health alone cannot provide. The Hebrew concept of peace (shalom) includes the concept of wholeness, health, security, well-being, and salvation, all of which are a gift from God. This one leper, because of the sacrifice of thanksgiving, experienced this blessing from God. So, as we enter this holiday season, take time to give thanks. “When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost, Count your many blessings, name them one by one, And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.” Write thank-you notes to people who have been a blessing to you. Take a few minutes

out of your day and, instead of asking the Lord for something, tell Him, “Thank you, Lord, for…”

Write down each day on your calendar, paper or digital, or in your journal one thing for which you thank God. Do this until January 1.

Calvin Hubbard Pastor, Barksdale Baptist Church 1

Mark Sanborn, Up, Down, or Sideways: How to Succeed When Times Are Good, Bad, or

In Between (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 2011), 137-138.

November 2013

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8 | Faith & Family

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November 2013

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You Are Not Alone

November, National Family Caregivers’ Month These words of encouragement are often spoken to reassure someone in the caregiving role. Family and friends may offer to help but too often these words are well-meant but hollow. The primary caregiver must persevere in the role feeling isolated from the world. This contributes to higher levels of stress which can lead to health problems.

The responsibility is challenging but the experience of caregiving can be very rewarding and create a greater appreciation for life. Whether you are in a season of caring for a loved one who can no longer care for himself/herself, or are dealing with the emotional struggle of watching a family member age, do not lose hope but be reminded of our Savior’s promise to never leave us or forsake us. Hebrews 13:5.

Last November I read an article which stated that it is a little known fact that November is National Family Caregiving Month. I was unaware of this but began my research only to find amazing statistics. During my tenure as a caregiver I educated myself about my mother’s condition and how to help her. I utilized local sources of information relative to my needs but was unaware of the growing numbers of family caregivers and the resource sites. The November 2012 Family Caregiver Alliance statistics show 65.7 million (29% of US adult population) are family caregivers for a value of $450 billion annually on free care-giving services to their loved ones. A USA TODAY June 20, 2013 article reviewing Pew Research Center data says now 39% of adults are family caregivers. They are spouses, sons, daughters, siblings, or other relatives. Their situations are many and varied but alike in the need for personal support. There are many associations and organizations to give assistance; however, the challenges of

caregiving are almost overwhelming and much strength and perseverance is required.

This November let family caregivers know that you care about them and appreciate their dedication to caring for loved ones. Simple gestures of kindness make their task easier. Telephone calls, messages, cards, and visiting are good ways to say, “You are not alone; you are loved.” Sharing some of the daily responsibilities of the caregiver, giving some free time, or just remembering to include them in holidays and special occasions are ways to acknowledge them. In 1 John 3:18 we are reminded to “love people not only with words and talk but by our actions and true caring.”

The Western Hills Joy Club will be Celebrating the Caregiver on November 12 with lunch, a recognition program, and displays of community resources, entertainment, and door prizes. Caregivers and interested persons are invited to attend. The event is free but reservations are required. This occasion is a way to say “thank you” to the caregiver and to acquaint the community with the needs of those who serve in this capacity.

CELEBRATING FAMILY CAREGIVERS

November 12, 2013 Western Hills Baptist Church Family Life Center 4153 Pines Road Shreveport, LA 9:00 am -10:00 am Health Screenings, Registration, & Coffee 10:00 am Program Lunch following Program Visit Vendors Booths/ Health Screenings Contact: Rev. Joey Ketchum Event Coordinator: Bonita Bandaries 636-2408; 393-7417 635-7335

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Faith UNDER

FIRE

Silly Squirrels

privacy when putting his squirrels to bed. He is careful, tender and meticulous in placing them in the pattern of the day. There is only one rule: the squirrels are always together. I certify that the arrangements in the photos are absolutely Louisdesigned. No human intervention whatsoever.

Every night after Louis has his supper, he gets frisky! Louis retrieves his two “Silly Squirrels” from their resting place and plays with them.

No matter what I’m doing, I am supposed to join in this ritual by chasing him, grabbing at the squirrels, taking the squirrels, and making the appropriate comments - “What are you doing with those squirrels?” and “I’m gonna get you!”

If I don’t respond, he stands there looking at me, squirrel in mouth, as if to say, “Well, let’s get ON with it!” This routine lasts 3-5 minutes, at which point I am to retreat to another room (or at least out of Louis’ line of sight). This is because he likes

A friend who loved Louis very much found the squirrels online and presented them one Christmas. They “talk” when Louis bites them (“Ah, ha, ha, ha ha; Well, phooey; Doo ta doo ta doo; Uh oh”) Really! I love them because Louis loves them, and I’m thankful for the gift.

I also appreciate that they’re machine-washable after the battery packs are removed from their tummies. I have replaced the batteries only once in 7 years! I’m most thankful because Louis derives tons of enjoyment from this very simple exercise. It seems to seal his day.

Geometric Squirrel Patterns by Louis

The Ritual of the

School’s out, Sci-Port’s IN!

Maybe that’s why the Lord organized our lives around patterns (the sun rising and setting, the moon waxing and waning, the seasons coming and going). He knew that schedules and rituals are the glue that binds family, friends and The Church together. Consider some of the models Jesus established or reinforced while on earth.

Meals and celebrations with friends and family – Just like Thanksgiving Dinner! (Mt 11:19, 26:20; Mk 2:15-17, 14:3, Lk 7:36; Jn 2:1-2) Teaching (Mt 5, 9:35, 11:1; Mk 4:1-2, 10:1; Lk 4:31-32;) Prayer (Mt 26:36-44; Lk 6:12, 9:28-29, 11:1; Jn 17) Attending Worship Services (Mk 1:21, 3:1-2; Lk 4:16) Observing Holy Feast Days (Mk 14:12; Lk 2:41-42; Jn 2:23, 5:1, 7:2-10) Now think about your own habits. Do they include or exclude the Lord? How do you spend the bulk of your free time? (Your answer reflects what is most important to you, as well as your level of thankfulness.) If your response isn’t what it should be, could you change the routine to make Him the driving force in your life?

What would happen if you developed some special Lord-centered patterns? Like Louis’ loving attention to his squirrels, it might just seal your day.

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CHRIS TOMLIN Burning Lights Tour Coming to Shreveport

Chris Tomlin is the undisputed king of worship

music; a genre of Christian music sung on Sunday mornings all across the world and increasingly played on Christian radio stations. The music is simple, devotional and easy on the ears. “Just the title ‘God’s Great Dance Floor’ is just enough right there to start conversation. You wouldn’t really think that was coming from me,” explains Chris. “I love it because it causes people to think and what were really saying is it’s the grace of God that is God’s great dance floor. I know a lot of us think, ‘How could we come to God?’ And yet, he comes to us. That is something worth celebrating. I’m alive on God’s Great Dance Floor.”

on college campuses. Responding to Giglio’s invitation to be part of the first Passion worship event, a landmark gathering of thousands of college students in Austin, Texas, Chris eventually found his life’s calling in leading worship.

In addition to writing and recording his own praise songs, Chris has continued to be part of the Passion movement ever since that first event in 1997, not to mention its now one-yearold church plant, Passion City Church, in Atlanta.

Each year, Chris performs at the Passion

conferences and his single “White Flag” grew out of the movement.

As fulfilling as it’s been for Chris to lead audiences in worship, simply serving as just another worship artist hasn’t been enough. Chris has always been passionate about helping worship leaders thrive in their respective churches.

So at the end of 2006, Chris launched on an online resource called Frequency. Describing the site as “a place to serve God and His people in

As lively as (Tomlin’s) shows are, the point is not to get you inside the doors. The point is to get you singing in church. “I strive for trying to write something that people can sing, that people want to sing, and that people need to sing,” Tomlin explained before the show.

A Texas native, Chris’ music of choice while growing up was country. But when Chris’ father gave him his first guitar when he was sick with mono, it soon wasn’t just honky-tonk he was playing. By age 14, Chris had written his first worship song. But pursuing music for a living wasn’t exactly Chris’s go-to life plan once he graduated from high school. Confident that God had a plan in mind for his life, but still not really sure what that was specifically, Chris enrolled in college thinking he’d ultimately pursue a career in physical therapy.

Of course, God had other plans for Chris.

After earning a degree in psychology, Chris became friends with Louis Giglio, founder of Passion, designed to create an awakening 12 | Faith & Family

“I strive for trying to write something that people can sing, that people want to sing, and that people need to sing.” sbfaithandfamily.com

Chris released his first live DVD project, Burning Lights

Deluxe Tour Edition,

on October 29, 2013.

Chris already made history with the first leg of the tour,

selling out all of his 25 shows.

Chris Tomlin will be in concert at Century Link, November 7th. You have the opportunity to also hear Louie Giglio speak. Louie is the man behind the Passion Movement that draws thousands of college students to a worship conference that last four days. Louie not only has a heart for college students, he has raised millions of dollars for human trafficking, including labor, child labor and sex trafficking.

I was invited to attend a Chris Tomlin, with guest speaker Louie Giglio, concert a few years ago. It was like not other concert I had ever attended. It was a worship service from the time he started singing to the time we left.

You have the chance to see them both again and worship together with a thousand others, November 7th at the Centurylink. You do not want to miss out!

CHRIS TOMLIN BURNING LIGHTS TOUR

worship,” he later partnered with Larry Tardy and expanded the effort. Now known as Frequency Worship, the web page includes chord charts for popular worship songs, instructional videos and message boards for worship leaders to connect with—and learn from—each other.

As one of the most acclaimed worship leaders of our time, Chris cements his status with today’s release of his newest studio set, Burning Lights. The album has claimed the No. 1 spot on the ITunes Christian & Gospel Albums chart and No. 2 position on the ITunes overall albums chart. Just last month Tomlin earned his eighth GRAMMY nomination with the announcement of a nod to “White Flag” for Best Contemporary Christian Music Song.

Louie has taken an interest in studying the cosmos and scientific facts that support the truth of the bible.

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From the Heart Thanks for the Bread On the way to grandma’s house yesterday, I was watching the orange, gold, and crimson trees fly by as my thoughts turned, as they inevitably do the last Thursday in November, to giving thanks.

It’s hard not to be cliche when discussing all of the many “things” we have to be thankful for in 21st century America.

Not only do I have enough to eat, I can pretty much think up something that I want to eat and have it ready for consumption in a matter of hours. “What do you want for dinner?” “I don’t know, what do you want?”- It’s a routine we go through almost daily and yet we fail to recognize the absurdity of it all. I never send my children to bed hungry, or cold, or without having had multiple educational opportunities throughout the day.

I sometimes struggle to decide which pair of shoes to wear and yet I spend so much time shopping for more... Okay, maybe I don’t spend that much time shopping anymore, but I might if I did have extra time.

And it’s not only that. My family is in reasonably good health and when we do come down with something or we need medication for a chronic illness, we go to the 14 | Faith & Family

doctor, get a script, and pick up our medicine that day. We don’t even think twice about it. I lack for nothing.

So as we were driving and as I was recounting all the blessings of my life, I was grateful, very grateful, but I also let it serve as a sort of jolt to my soul that even if I didn’t have health, wealth, and long life, I was going to be thankful for what have quickly turned to discounts truly matters- for the thing that and deals. But I’m still kind of transcends it all- Love Incarnate. lingering on what it means to really be thankful. On my rainy day after In my 31-year-old American life Thanksgiving, the kids are napping, with all the blessings in the world, the husband is out watching it’s easy to sit back, eat the turkey football, and the Lord drew me and dressing, and think how I’ve quietly to Himself. As I read John got it made. But I want to at a very 6:25-71, my heart was full of thanks deep heart level, thank God for for the Bread of Life. Those Sister Himself first and foremost. And Schubert rolls are good no doubt, not in a light or flippant kind of but the things of this world always way, but in a way that acknowledges leave you wanting more. So even my need. You see, without Him, I if I never eat another tortilla chip could be and probably would be and even if I never drink another either depressed, or angry, or sick, Diet Coke, my prayer is that my or bitter, or unsatisfied, or lonely, heart remains resolutely thankful or lost somewhere in the depths because of what is eternal. I believe of despair. It’s only because of Him in Him- the Bread of Life, the One that I’m whole. Because of Him, I’m who promises life eternal and the able to witness to the world about One who will raise us up on that the Bread of Life- the one who last day and for that, I am thankful. imparts life- real life.

Even if the economy collapses or if disaster strikes or if illness creeps So now, the turkey has been eaten in on me or those I love, I want to and the world’s thoughts seem to remain in a place of thankfulness. I

don’t want to just be thankful now in the midst of plenty, I want to remain thankful, even if, like Job, all that I have is stripped away.

Thank you, God, for your mercy, your justice, your righteousness, your goodness, and most of all, your Love Incarnate. Thank you for the Bread of Life.

- Candace Chaney Shreveport, LA

sbfaithandfamily.com

CITY SCENE Our 23nd Annual Founders Award Banquet will be held on Tuesday, November 12th, at the Bossier Civic Center. The guest speaker this year will be Gene Stallings. Gene played college football at Texas A&M University, where he was one of the "Junction Boys", and later served as the head coach at his alma mater from 1965 to 1971. In 1972, Stallings joined the staff of the Dallas Cowboys as Tom Landry's secondary coach. He remained with the Cowboys for 14 seasons, and helped them win Super Bowl XII. Gene Stallings was also the head coach of the St. Louis/Phoenix Cardinals of the NFL (1986–1989) and at the University of Alabama (1990–1996). His 1992 Alabama team completed a 13–0 season with a win in the Sugar Bowl over Miami and was named the consensus National Champion. Coach Stallings has been inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame, Alabama Sports Hall of Fame, Texas Sports Hall of Fame, Texas A&M Hall of Fame, Gator Bowl Hall of Fame and Cotton Bowl Hall of Fame.

Please consider being one of our Table Sponsors. Table Sponsorships are $1,000. As a sponsor you will receive a table for eight, recognition at the banquet and will be our special guest at the reception before the banquet.

Your donation will allow FCA to invite middle school, high school and college student-athletes to the banquet. We will also be able to invite many coaches and administrators. Thank you for your investment in FCA!!!

Please fill out the form below and mail or fax to the FCA office. Please feel free to call if you have any questions. Thank you for your continued investment in the Northwest Louisiana Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Sincerely, Terry Slack

Your name of company name____________________________________ ____I will be a Table Sponsor, my check is enclosed. ____I will be a Table Sponsor and will send my check later. ____I will be a Table Sponsor, please charge my credit card (Discover, Visa or Master Card).

Name on Card_______________________________________________

Address of Card Account_______________________________________ Phone Number_______________________________________________ Card Number_______________________________ExpDate___________ Auth.Code (last three digits on the back of card) ____________________

November 2013

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YOUTH NEWS R o b H a r p er ; Reaching the City for ChrisT As the Director of First Priority ArkLaTex I have the incredible privilege of serving students, youth pastors, and churches in our community. Over the past several months there has been a recurring theme emerging from students in our area, one of unity.

I have had several students, from different churches and schools independently share with me how God has put a burden on their heart to bring students from our city together in order to reach their generation with the hope of Christ.

Rob Harper, a senior at Parkway HS and who attends The Simple Church, is one of those students and the following tells what God is doing in his life to unite our city for the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

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ANCIENT FAITH RADIO

h

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16 | Faith & Family

Attending the Purity Ball with my Middle School aged daughter was the highlight of my year. We attempt to instill Biblical principles of virtue and purity in our church and home.

However, connecting with other young ladies who share these values is equally important.

And the ongoing support and guidance provided through the Sisters Walking Accountable Together, aka, S.W.A.T. ministry is a tremendous blessing. Dads, do not miss this important opportunity with your daughter, regardless of her age. Bryan lifestyle of purity. Receiving a purity ring from my dad was very Grisham meaningful to me. I wear it every In 2013, I went to my first day as a reminder of the event.

Purity Ball. I was 13 years old and Joining the SWAT girls has also For my senior project I am going it was an amazing experience. helped me keep my commitment to reach out to the youth pastors from Guest speaker Lindsay Carr to my family and to The Lord. the area, and bring them together at challenged all of us to choose a -Claire Grisham a luncheon. At this luncheon I am internet based orthodox radio going to explain my vision to them, and tell them the plan for the future, and get them on board for the event to be held in the very near future. The event we would like to hold will be student led to get the students fired up together to reach our community.

in

One Sunday while I was at the Simple Church I was hearing the word “Movement” over and over again during the service. This started my mind wondering and God hit me.

Every student ministry around the area wants to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ to lost students all across the city, but how can they do that by themselves?

When I thought about it, I thought what if we brought everyone together from around the area and we come together for one common goal and that is to start a movement across the city to reach the lost students.

After talking with multiple people and thinking about the details of this event we realized that we can’t do an event of the size we want in the short time we have.

5t

My name is Rob Harper, I am a senior at Parkway High School. As a senior in Bossier Parish I have to complete a senior project. This is a project where I have to complete a product outside of school and present it to a panel of judges to get graded.

L ifestyle of Purity

Timeless Christianity 24 hours a day

I am partnering with First Priority to make it an event that will not be hosted by any one church, but bring all the churches together. God is going to do amazing things in this city and it’s going to start with the students.

Together we are more powerful, and can reach more people.

Podcasts, 24 hour music and talk stations, teaching, conference recordings, and much more. www.ancientfaith.com

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m i n i s t r i e s

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Thought in Christ Running through the darkness as fast as he dared go, a young boy peered through the blackness of the night for any hidden obstacles.

Running without a light seemed logical at the moment, that is, until he failed to see the low hanging chain stretched between two concrete posts. Striking the chain just below the knee, the young boy’s forward momentum caused him to be hurled towards the ground at a break neck speed. Slamming hard into the dirt, the boy lay for a moment in a daze; white stars danced lazily around his head in cartoonish fashion.

The young boy in this story is me. Years have passed since that event occurred, but the memory still lingers within the shadows of my mind.

What does this story have to do with the light of God’s Word? Just as it is not wise to run in darkness without a light, so too is it not wise to operate in the darkness of this world without the light of God’s Word. The Word of God serves to not only illuminate those things that will cause us to trip, but to illuminate how to navigate life’s winding roads. Simply put, the Word is our spiritual compass. To illustrate this point, let’s look at the instructions God gave to Joshua just prior to his leading the Israelites into the Promised Land.

Immediately following the death of Moses, the leadership role of taking the Israelites over the River Jordan was turned over to Joshua by God. However, before allowing the final leg of the journey to begin, God gave Joshua important instructions that, if followed, would ensure victory. In the midst of the instruction, the Lord told Joshua, “This book of the law (the Word) shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success,” (Joshua 1:8). Notice that Joshua was instructed to not only read the Word, but to meditate on the Word, speak the Word and then put action to the Word. The same applies to us.

For the Word to be our light we must do more than read it; we must think on it, speak it, and then act upon it. By following the directions given to Joshua, we too can make our way prosperous and we too can have good success. Being an avid reader, meditating on, and being a doer of God’s Word, ensures a well lit path to success and victory; it ensures we will be running with the light.

Patrick Hawthorne servinggrace01 @gmail.com Bio: Patrick is a graduate and instructor for the Word of Life School of Ministry. Being an enthusiastic student of the Bible, Patrick attempts to communicate the same enthusiasm to the students he teaches. Patrick has written two books titled “Great is Thy Faithfulness,” and “Simply Grace.”

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The Real

STUFF Bored With

Your Work?

Many people to day do not find satisfaction from their work. They claim they are bored or treated unfairly.

They say the time goes slow and they are constantly looking for the end of their work period. But there are many more who love to go to work. Some are so immersed in their work that they may even forget to eat properly. How does one turn work into something we gain spiritual satisfaction from and feel nourished through it?

Elder Paisios has this to say, It depends on how each one does the work, and what one has within him. If one works with humility and love, everything will be illumined, full of light and graceful, and he will feel inner repose. But if one has prideful thoughts, imagining that he does the work better than others, he may have a sense of satisfaction, but it doesn’t fill his heart, for his soul doesn’t sense it.

To gain joy our from our work depends on how we approach it, what attitude we bring to it. Elder Paisios says, “If one doesn’t do his work with love, he gets tired and weary.” This is the attitude of love we must have no matter how mundane the task we are asked to do in the work place. It is a place to practice what Christ has taught us, to love one another, to avoid gossip and judging others. This requires humility as we approach the work place.

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But what if we feel we should be doing work that is more meaningful? It may be that the kind of work you do is not suited to your skills. Then with prayer and help from friends, you can be guided to seek training for different kinds of work. But you must first make sure you have mastered the nature of the workplace, so that when you do get another kind of work you do not suffer in the same way.

First, find a way to love while you work, to give thanks to God for all things. Seek to bring cheer and goodness to those who you relate to at work. There may be new opportunities that open up for you where you are, or you may find new energy to enroll in a series of classes that will qualify you for different kind of work.

With an attitude of love and humility you will find that you will be able to have joy in any job and more likely be guided to work that fits your natural God given capabilities.

Resource: Elder Paisios of Mount Athos Spiritual Counsels IV: Family Life, pp 180-181

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HA Taste13 F&F FP Ad.:HA Taste13 F&F FP Ad.

9/24/13

9:56 AM

Page 1

TASTE 2013 THIS ARTWORK IS A COLLABORATIVE PIECE BY HOLY ANGELS’ RESIDENTS MADISON M. & KATELIN P. AND COMMUNITY ARTIST CATHERINE FORET.

TO BENEFIT HOLY ANGELS A TASTE OF SHREVEPORT BOSSIER

“

Nov. 16, 2013 | Sat. 4:30-7:30PM Bossier Civic Center

Generations Coming Together to Sustain the Holy Angels’ Legacy

Taste Chairs: Mr. and Mrs. G. Archer Frierson II Mr. and Mrs.William J. O’Brien III Mr. and Mrs.WilliamTheron Roberts, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Sample III Mr. and Mrs. James Michael Watts Taste Honorary Chairs: Young Professional Initiative of Northwest Louisiana Taste Auction Chairs: Holy Angels’ Champions for Children with Disabilities Committee Michael Lowe, Chairman Laura Allen Michelle Bourgeois, Past Chairman Eric Dean Claudia Haggard CeCe Hilliard Gene Hilliard Marion Frierson Kacos Amie Loftin Leckie

Kyle Leckie Meagan Moton Jorie O’Brien William O’Brien Seth Ostendorff Lindsey Payne Chrissi Coile Reesby David Roberts Audrey Robinson Annie Loftin Rodgers Emily Maxwell Sample Jennifer Thomas Music provided by: Harmon Drew Super Group & Fat Chance Master of Ceremonies: Robert J.Wright, 96.5 KVKI Restaurants & Vendors Aly B’s Bakery Bistro Byronz Buffalo Wild Wings Carrabba’s Italian Grill

Chocolate Crocodile Copeland’s Cheesecake Bistro Coca Cola Cupcake Gallery Eagle Distributing of Shreveport Don Juanz Baja Beach Tacos Market 104 at Hilton Shreveport Monjunis Church Point Wholesale, Inc. P & S Pantry Red Mango Republic National Distributing Company Rotolo’s Pizzeria Shane’s Seafood & BarBQ Shaver’s Catering Shreveport Fire Department Texadelphia Texas Street Steakhouse Village Cuisine Catering & Café Wine Country

Sponsorship Opportuntities Available!

For more information: Hilary Elberson 318 629-0566 or helberson@laholyangels.org

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Corporate Sponsors Apex Events, LLC Carr, Riggs & Ingram, CPAs and Advisors CenturyLink CFG Specialty, Inc. Chesapeake Energy Corporation Cobbs, Allen & Hall of Louisiana Cole, Evans & Peterson, CPAs Joe and Karen Dill DMR Mechanical, LLC Dwight Pugh, CPA ENABLE Midstream Partners Encore Event Rentals Etheredge Electric Co., LLC Dr. & Mrs. Gordon and Jane Everitt Eyes & Eyewear Inc./ In Honor of Paul Walker Fire Tech Systems Heard,McElroy&Vestal, LLC International Paper Kent, Kent & Tingle Gary Loftin, Caddo Parish Clerk of Court O'Brien Energy Company Red River Bank The Red Geranium Flower Shop, Debbie Morgan Shreveport Rubber & Gasket

November 2013

RodgerBrowderDesign

Art Auction | Specialty Food & Beverage Tasting

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U

s d r pwa

Cherish the Memories:

Improving your Short & Long Term Memory with Brain Exercises Memories are so much of who we are as humans and make up what we try to capture on film/ photos daily. Snapshots of special times trigger feeling of nostalgia and make us smile as they bring with them the recall of special moments and significant people in our lives. One of the hardest things to see and experience is when the memory of a loved one is not the way it once was whether that is through a traumatic event, aging, or diseases such as brain eating amoebas/ bacterias/infections or Alzheimer’s.

I remember my grandmother wasting away in her mind and watching my parents struggle with her no longer recalling special times they had shared as well as not remembering whether she had just eaten. I experienced the frustration of trying to reason with her when she kept salting her food over and over because she forgot that she had just salted it a few minutes prior.

So are you simply cursed (or blessed) with whatever memory capacity your brain was born with? Facebook, iPhones, and all of the other digital technology we have cannot change memory fading whatever the cause but deliberate intervention and mental exercise can improve memory. Recent research has proven that brain plasticity allows the brain to morph and change, to be retrained and become faster, more efficient and to build memory. Memory games abound on apps, board games, computers, and even in most facets of life. Psychologists have long advocated a variety of techniques to improve your memory.

Some of these are so difficult that they qualify as “memory athletics” with champions spending long hours of hard graft to boost their recall.

Journalist Joshua Foer has written an entire book entitled Moonwalking With Einstein: The Art and Science of Remembering Everything about

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his adventures among these “athletes,” detailing the coding and chunking these “athletes do. But let’s assume you have other things to do besides exercise your brain for hours on end. If you’re busy (or lazy) there are still plenty of ways to tune up your memory. But for the truly no sweat solution for an unimpressive memory, we’ve sifted through the list for the tricks that take absolutely no effort: Predict your performance: Simply asking ourselves whether or not we’ll remember something has a beneficial effect on memory.

This works for both recalling things that have happened in the past and trying to remember to do things in the future.

Use your body to encode memories: We don’t just think with our minds, we also use our bodies. For example, research has shown that we understand language better if it’s accompanied by gestures. We can also use gestures to encode memories. Researchers trying to teach a foreign language to English speakers found that… participants who used hand gestures which suggested the word were able to recall almost twice as many words a week later.

Say words aloud: If you want to remember something in particular from a lot of other things, just say it out loud. A study found memory improvements of 10 percent for words said out loud, or even just mouthed: a relatively small gain, but at a tiny cost.

Look at a natural scene: One of nature’s beneficial effects is improving memory. In one study people who walked around a garden did 20 percent better on a memory test than those who went for a walk around busy streets. In fact you

don’t even need to leave the house. Although the effects aren’t as powerful, you can just look at pictures of nature and that also has a beneficial effect.

Practice Recall: Easy to practice and can be done anywhere: recall as many flavors of ice cream as you can in one minute-GO! Name 5 fruits/vegetables that start with K-GO! List all of your former school teachers-wow, for some of us it has been a while!

Now you have no excuse for not improving your Swiss cheese memory. For a full evaluation of your memory skills, please visit us at LearningRx of Shreveport. 318-797-8523.

We make improving memory a way of life. To read stories on how increasing your memory can change your life: http://www.lifechangingmagazine.com/2-1/virginia/ (Alzheimer’s) http://www.lifechangingmagazine.com/2-1/david/ (concussion) http://www.lifechangingmagazine.com/1-1/john/(Traumatic Brain Injury) Website resources: http://www.learningrx.com/memory-training.htm http://www.gamesforthebrain.com/ http://www.mindgames.com/memory-games.php

- By Donesa Walker, M. Ed. Owner/ Executive Director of LearningRx

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2013 HOLIDAY GREEK PASTRY SALE Tuesday, November 26, 2013 10:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

The annual Greek Pastry sale sponsored by the Ladies Philoptochos Society of St. George Greek Orthodox Church is rapidly approaching. Keep these delicious pastries and frozen items in mind for that perfect accompaniment to your holiday meal or as a special gift for teachers, family, and friends.

Pre-orders are highly recommended. Note: Prepaid orders will receive priority in availability. Pastries will be available on the day of the sale on a limited basis only.

In order to assure that you will not miss out on any of your favorites, please send your completed order form and check or money order made payable to Greek Pastry Sale by November 15th to:

GREEK PASTRY SALE, 1220 Whitehall Dr., Bossier City, LA 71112 or phone 747-4478 or fax your order to 861-3255.

Orders may be picked up the day of the sale at the St. George Activities Center, 542 Wichita. THANK YOU for your support!!

For additional order forms visit our church website at: www.gosaintgeorge.org.

NAME: ________________________________ TOTAL ______ ADDRESS: __________________________________________ CITY/STATE/ZIP: _____________________________________ PHONE: HOME ________________ WORK _______________ CELL _________________ EMAIL _______________

GREEK PASTRY SALE

Sponsored by the LADIES PHILOPTOCHOS SOCIETY of ST. GEORGE GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH

The Ladies Philoptochos Society’s purpose is “to aid the poor, the destitute, the hungry, the aged, the sick, the unemployed, the orphaned, the imprisoned, the widowed, the handicapped, the victims of disasters, to undertake the burial of impoverished persons and to offer assistance to anyone who may need the help of the church…”

Did you know that PHILOPTOCHOS….

• literally means “friend of the poor” — not only poor in financial resources, but also poor in spirit, poor in health, poor in companionship, poor in emotional stability and poor in whatever is needed to lead a fulfilling life?

• is the largest organization of Greek Orthodox women which supports many charities while spiritually enriching its members through participation in philanthropic work?

• is the second largest women’s philanthropic organization in the United States in terms of money donated to charitable causes?

• functions at the local, metropolis, national, and international levels?

Proceeds from the local Greek pastry sale will fund the organization’s many charitable activities, such as: Providence House, Salvation Army, Philadelphia House, Deaf Action Center, Hillman House, Joy Fund, United Way of LA, Children’s Cardiac Program, Children’s Medical Fund, MDA of LA, Caddo Council on Aging, Cancer Fund, Gingerbread House, Food Bank of NWLA, Shreveport-Bossier Rescue Mission, Autism Assistance Fund, Just for Miles, Special Olympics of NWLA and many, many more.

LADIES PHILOPTOCHOS SOCIETY

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION ST. GEORGE GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH U.S. POSTAGE PAID 1719 Creswell Street PERMIT NO. 77 Shreveport, Louisiana 71101 SHREVEPORT, LA 71101

November 2013

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Thank You!

To a few of our Advertising Magazine Partners who support SB Faith & Family and our Magazine every single month!

These annual advertising partners make it possible to produce this magazine and offer it for free to Shreveport/ Bossier Families. Please support these local partners.

Abbot Ashley Ridge Imaging

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Barksdale Baptist Church Barksdale Federal Credit Union Bobby Greene Plumbing & Heating Cosse & Silmon Orthodontics LearningRx LifeWay Christian Book Store Litton Mortgage Newk’s Eatery Ratcliff Animal Hospital Sciport Time it Lube sbfaithandfamily.com

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