February 2012
Randy Howell- Fisher of Men Valentine’s Day The Stuff of This World
DIY
Prince Charming ...really?
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Faith and Family
sbfaithandfamily.com
contents
columns
Upwards 6 Pressing Zaacheus Through the Eyes of
on the cover 12 Randy Howell- Fisher of Men 4
Prince Charming...really?
the Love 10 Show Valentine’s Day DIY
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Faith Under Fire The Stuff of This World
Christ
6
Wise Words A Heart with no Exits
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Marriage Matters Lessons on Giving Yourself Away
8
Mamma Drama What are your “Fundamental Faults”? Health & Wellness
14 Learning to Love Yourself the
in every issue 21 Event Calendar 22 Quips & Quotes 22 Ad Directory
way God Made You
16 Help with Bullying
Single Parenting
19
City Scene Roy Petitfils coming to Shreveport Red River Performing Arts Academy Heart of Hope Annual Fundraising Banquet
in Christ 20 Thoughts With your Whole Heart
February 2012
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P C rince
D
reaming about dancing in the clouds is fun, but ‘I do’ with Prince charming would be far from floating in the heavens. And seriously... how many ‘charming’ men have you actually met??
Now, me, I’ve met
Peter Pan
many times in my life. He’s childish, whiney, and irresponsible. He doesn’t want to grow up (in fact he never may) and he probably relies on mom and dad to an exorbitant degree. BUT, Peter has great creativity. You will never have a boring date...ever. You’ll go to drive-in movies, have a picnic on a raft down the river, or go skydiving. Lots of girls like him, and their jealously will warm your heart, because he picked you. Follow Peter Pan, wherever life may take him, and you will find great treasure.
harming ...really? Hercules
I can’t tell you how often I’ve met Eric in “part of our world”. You remember the blue-eyed hunk that fell in love with a mermaid. There’s just something endearing about his shy, awkward attempts at flirtation. Eric really doesn’t like large group situations, he certainly won’t be the life of any party, and this might infuriate you. Seriously, why can’t he be sociable? The boy actually likes to study, he rarely shows emotion and needs a certain amount of alone time, or he gets stressed out. He will love all your quirks and flaws... and even love you more for them. There are surprises and meaningful connection if you can get Eric to “kiss the girl.”
My sister brought
Tarzan
home the other day. He’s rough around the edges, an outdoorsman, rugged, and hairy, and generally... he smiles. He grunts a lot, and when he’s mad...you know it! Tarzan will do absolutely everything that he possibly can to make you happy because, let’s face it, it freaks him out when you cry. He can’t wait to show you off to his friends, and who could blame him? You will be showered with adoration in the heart of Tarzan.
~ Kate Mullaney 4
Faith and Family
Aladdin
is outside the box you never know what he is going to do next. He does things his own way, regardless of what others are doing and it will drive you crazy! Why can’t he be normal?! He obsesses over movies, comic books, gaming or music and he is impulsive. You have to wonder can you really live with the guy? With Aladdin there is adventure, passion, and spontaneity. Each day will unveil a “whole new world.”
Oh gosh, . He’s dreamy...and he knows it. He’s clueless though; and vanity is simply not an issue for this dumb jock. He forgets dates and certainly wouldn’t be caught dead carrying your bags at the mall. His idea of a fun date is to see how many chin-ups he can do while giving you a piggyback ride. But Hercules has a great capacity to love. He will fight monsters and cross-oceans, just to see you smile. He is captivated by you and will do remarkable things to win and protect you each day. There is unconditional Love and fulfillment with this zero becomes hero for you.
So, flawed people fall in love with flawed people. If you spend your life looking for Prince Charming, you’ll find someone who may resemble him, but who is closer to Gaston: boorish, brainless, and controlling. He may bring you chocolates and flowers, but chocolates make you fat and flowers die. Repetitive compliments breed insincerity, and I have to wonder: What happens when Perfect realizes that you aren’t? Loving another flawed person is hard. The toilet seat may always be up, the cereal box open, and toenail clippings hidden in the couch....but he’s YOURS. He loves you when you are cranky, unkempt, and demanding. When flawed you learn to live with flawed him, be it Peter, Tarzan, Eric, Aladdin, Hercules, or some combination of the five, you will learn mercy, forgiveness, faithfulness, and grace. Every day you will develop a more Christ-like spirit.
Could life be any more charming? sbfaithandfamily.com
Barksdale Baptist Church
1714 Jimmie Davis Hwy, Bossier City
invites you to an evening of Life, Laughter and th
Love.
On Tuesday February 14
This will be a time of GREAT FOOD and HILARITY
featuring:
“The Minister of Encouragement” Dr. Dennis Swanberg. Dinner will be at 6:00pm and the entertainment starts at 7:00pm. “Everyone is welcome!”
urchased Tickets may be purch office through the ch 641). (318-742-1 be able to You will also ts for the 7pm purchase ticke the door. show at Ticket prices: show nd the $10 for dinner a the show $7 for just
MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
Kids Day
SATURDAY, MARCH 3 11 A.M. – 1 P.M.
Sale ale
30
Starts Feb. 15
% OFF one regularly priced item C12526
Valid 2/4 – 2/25/12 One coupon per customer. Valid at the Shreveport LifeWay Christian Store only. Coupon must be presented and relinquished at time of purchase. Cannot be combined with any other discounts, including coupons, Savings Cards, Bonus Bucks, and LifeWay Rewards. Available on in-stock items only. Cannot be applied to the following: myMedia BurnBar CDs, gift cards, prior purchases, church supplies and programs, NAMB, WMU, LifeWay-branded products, Willow Tree® products, Living Proof Ministries, Logos & BibleWorks Software, Specialty Imprints, Bargain Buys, textbooks, robes, homeschool products, and pre-sell offers. Valid 2/4/12 – 2/25/12. Shreveport LifeWay Christian Store 318.797.7685
February 2012
5
Z
aacheus
Through the Eyes of Christ
If I remember correctly, the song goes a Jew working for the Roman Empire. something like this: He made his money by overcharging Zacchaeus was a wee little man his fellow countrymen. In turn, they considered him a trader and an unethical And a wee little man was he business person. However, Zaacheus He climbed up in a sycamore tree ‘sought to see Jesus’ and his encounter For the Lord he wanted to see with the Messiah teaches us a few And as the Savior passed that way things.
poor and restored fourfold any business transaction that he profited from unethically. Our Lord’s response,‘salvation has come to this house, because he is also a son of Abraham; for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which is lost.’ As wonderful as this is, it is not the end of the story.
Zaacheus literally means ‘the pure and innocent one.’ Needless to say, our little friend had not lived up to his name. He is really no different than many of us. Our name may not literally translate into something so profound, but we all have expectations of ourselves, and others. However, we are able to justify our own shortcomings with little sayings like, ‘I am only human.’ Unfortunately, this is not how we always look at others. We see them as Zaacheus’ fellow countrymen saw him – simply as ‘a sinner.’
After the Ascension of the Lord, St. Zacchaeus accompanied St. Peter on his travels. Tradition says he followed St. Peter to Caesarea, where Peter appointed him the Bishop of Caesarea in Palestine. There he faithfully served the Lord and the Church. He died in peace.
He looked up in that tree And He said, “Zacchaeus, you come down! For I’m going to your house today For I’m going to your house to stay.
When I was a child, Zacchaeus was one of my favorite people in the Bible. In my mind I imagined this little man climbing a tree just to see Jesus. People gathered around and said negative things about him and gave him a hard time. But our Lord picked him out of the crowd to stay with that day. There was always something inside of me that believed there was more to the ‘wee little man’ than what met the eye and what we sang When Jesus called Zaacheus down from the tree he saw what others did not, his in the song. heart. This act of love our Savior showed Being a tax collector in Jericho during the tax collector resulted in what we the time of the New Testament was as all need in our lives, repentance and about a favorable position as it is now restoration. Zaacheus immediately in Shreveport-Bossier in 2012. But what recognized what he needed to do and made Zaacheus so despised was he was did it. He gave half of his goods to the
I guess I was right as a child. There was more to Zaacheus than the little song taught me. When the world saw a sinner and tax collector up in a tree, our Lord saw a faithful follower and future Bishop. May God grant us His eyes to see the spiritual potential in others around us and not to judge them, even when it is difficult because of their actions and our perceptions. By doing so, we will demonstrate Christ’s love which is capable of bringing salvation to all of our households. -Faith and Family
Wise Words
“My heart only has entrances. It doesn’t have exits. Whoever enters remains there. Whatever he may do, I love him the same as I loved him when he first entered into my heart. I pray for him and seek his salvation.” --Elder Epiphanios of Athos
To have a heart with “no exits” is to have the heart of God, who does not reject us regardless of who we are or how we live. The greatest joy is to see people respond to unchanging love and to come to salvation. Bring your prayers before God, and wait to see them answered in the lives of those for whom you pray!
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Faith and Family
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Lessons on Giving Yourself Away
M
I just finished reading a great book by Angela Thomas, DO YOU KNOW WHO I AM? There were many great insights in this book like so many that we read. As I read a book, I am always looking for practical things I can apply to my life. Angela Thomas grew up with a family that owned fruit stands. As a young girl she worked there every summer. That job, along with her father, taught her the greatest life lessons and how to treat people. I would love to share those with you today. Fruit Stand Lessons: 1. Be proud of who you work for. Everything we do is for the Lord. Are you proud to be a child of God? Are you proud to tell others about him? Be proud and show it by your life. 2. Really look at People and Listen to them. When you engage someone with your eyes, stop what you are doing, and commit the work of listening, not only are you giving the gift of hearing, but also the person in front of you begins to feel valuable. 3. Be courteous to Everybody, Not just the Nice People. It is always easy to be nice to those who are nice, but God has called us to love the unlovely. Angela’s Dad said to always imagine someone else’s pain and that would remind me to act bigger than their immaturity. 4. Never cheat anyone! It never pays to cheat anybody for anything. We are called to honesty, even if it hurts or costs us financially or emotionally. Even beyond our calling, God promises to bless our truth telling. 5. I Am Not Too Good! I am not too good to serve the lowliest. I am not too good to take whatever is left or to give my best away!! We are called to advance the kingdom of God, not the kingdom of ME!!! 6. Small Things Matter. We are called to be faithful in ALL things! Don’t overlook the small things in life; give them the same attention you would to the larger tasks.
arriage
Matters
7. Working Hard Makes you Feel Better! Physical labor clears your head and gives you immediate accomplishment rewards. Giving yourself away gives you the same benefit. 8. Every Person on the Planet Needs Encouragement! Encourage people, lift them up, and carry their burdens. Pray, intercede, love, laugh. Anything to be like Christ and point them to our Hope in Him. 9. Be fully Present and Enjoy! Ecclesiastes 5:19 says “ Yes, we should make the most of what God gives, both the bounty and the capacity to enjoy it, accepting what’s given and delighting in the work. It’s God’s gift! God deals our joy in the present, the now!” (Message) 10. Don’t take yourself so Seriously! Remember, it’s not about you anyway!! Learn to love, smile and yes, even laugh at yourself. Enjoy this life....you never know how long you have! “Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything .Be quick to give a meal to the hungry, a bed to the homeless----cheerfully. Be generous with the different things God gave you, passing them around so all get in on it: words, let it be God’s words; of help. Let it be God’s hearty help. That way, God’s bright presence will be evident in everything.” I Peter 4, 8-10 (Message)
Encourage someone today! Steve and Debbie Wilson
To schedule a conference in your area, go to: www.marriagemattersnow.com
February 2012
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Mamma Drama What are your “Fundamental Faults?” Recently, I have been listening to the audiobook On the Upbringing of Children by Bishop Irenaius. I recently read the chapter “The Seeds of Evil”. It discusses the importance of uprooting the evil seeds that are being planted in our children’s soul and character. It’s amazing how by learning how to raise our children properly, we learn quite a bit about ourselves and our many flaws. Bishop Irenaius writes, “Strive to learn what faults you yourselves have and fight against them with all your strength. He who knows himself well will not find it very difficult to know someone else...If the father and mother know their own hearts well, their weakness, their fundamental faults, without much labor they will be able to perceive the faults and weaknesses of their children. This is because children often inherit the bad tendencies of their parents...” So, in our attempt to correct our children, we’re also given the opportunity to correct ourselves. As I listened to these words I started thinking about what my, and my children’s, fundamental faults were. He also wrote that a fundamental sin is most always one of the seven deadly sins. In the last year or so, Ace has started to develop some traits that are, boy, how do I describe them? Scary and frustrating with a dash of ego all rolled into one? “Modesty, meekness, and humility are virtues so natural to a little child, since he always has need of the help of others, that if egotism and pride happen to appear, they are a result of bad training...” I’ve read in many places that the first six or seven years of a child’s life are the most crucial. These are the years when, we as parents, have every opportunity to instill good things in them. That’s not say that after those years, it cannot be done, of course, but by that time a child’s passions have taken root and our task of uprooting them will have become significantly more difficult. Bishop Irenaius also says that there are three different forms of egotism that can often be seen in children.
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Faith and Family
01. Vanity in dress. Parents who decorate their children like dolls and are constantly setting them before mirrors to see how beautiful they are. There is nothing wrong with teaching our children to want to dress neatly and respectably but when little children begin to know name brands and desire them or want to constantly stare at their beautiful reflections, we have sent them across the dangerous line of vanity. 02. Children who take pride in wealth. Children who are unsympathetic to children who have less than they do and consider themselves better because of their material possessions. It is a good idea to have children bag up toys that they no longer use to donate. It might also be a good idea to send some they do use, but don’t take care of, to teach them to properly care for their belongings. 03. Children who believe they are virtuous. These children develop a great pride in themselves because they fast or dress more modestly. Parents who are constantly reminding their children how good they are for following the rules of the church or that endlessly sing their praises for making right decisions. These parents are sowing their own seeds of egotism in their children and more often than not, are doing their good deeds in front of men for praise and their own vainglory, not for the glory of God. We should teach our children to understand that “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6) May God bless and guide us on this arduous journey!!
- Sylvia Leontaritis
Advertise in 318-737-2786 sbfaithandfamily.com
February 2012
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Show the Love
Valentine’s Day DIY 3D LOLLIPOP VALENTINES
Simple as taking a picture of your child. Have he/she take a photo with their hand in a �st outstretched. You can overlay “Happy Valentine’s Day” in Photoshop and have them printed. Then simply cut with some sharp-pointed scissors, a slit at the top and bottom of their hand and slide the sucker in.
For Him
Valentine’s Smore
Great last minute idea for a goody bag. Throw some marshmallows in a small bag with graham crackers and Valentine Hershey Kisses. Print a tag saying whatever you chose. Maybe “Every Day I like you Smore!”
Deck of love cards for your husband. It’s made from a deck of cards. You can make your own labels. Cut them out and stick them on using a little double sided tape. The box is bound together with some Kaisercraft book rings. Simply punch holes twice in each card using one of the spare cards in the pack as a template to ensure all the cards have holes in the same spots. Have fun coming up with 52 reasons you love your husband!
Valentine for Her
IF you want to show your sweetie you care, a little thoughtfulness baking prowess and chocolate can go a lot farther $300 roses or fancy dinner. Double-Dipped Chocolate Covered Strawberries is a great recipe to display not only your cooking skills but also your creative side as well. You will need: 1 Cup of white chocolate, 12 skewers, 12 large fresh strawberries, 1 cup milk chocolate chips. Directions: 2. 4. Microwave the white Microwave the milk 1. 3. 5. Wash the strawberries chocolate in a microwave- Insert a skewer into chocolate using the Remove a skewer from thoroughly and set them safe bowl for one minute each of the washed same method as the the glass and dip the white on paper towels to dry. on high, and then stir. strawberries. Then dip white chocolate. chocolate strawberries If the chocolate does a strawberry into the into the milk chocolate. not completely melt, white chocolate and Place the skewer back in microwave it again for stick the other end of the glass to allow the milk just 15 seconds, and the skewer into a glass chocolate to harden on then stir again. Keep full of sugar to hold the the strawberry. Repeat microwaving and stirring strawberry upright while this process with the in 15-second intervals the chocolate hardens. other strawberries. until the white chocolate Repeat this process with is completely melted. the other strawberries. Place a ribbon or bow on the glass to create a decorated display of the double-dipped chocolate covered strawberries. The display should resemble roses in a vase. Enjoy!
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Faith and Family
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The Stuff of This
World
When I moved back to Shreveport ten years ago on the heels of a failed marriage and several devastating years in Oklahoma, I rented a 10x10 storage unit, stuffed in most of my belongings, and shut the door. Somehow, that act helped lessen the pain so I could get myself together and go out job seeking. Over the next ten years, in anticipation of having my own house again, I amassed still more stuff – and stored it in more storage units. Then the Lord started dealing with me, culminating in my pastor’s recent series preached on Randy Alcorn’s small book, The Treasure Principle. Dr. Chuck didn’t pull any punches in his sermons and neither does Alcorn. I recommend the 95 pages highly, but don’t read it if you’re not ready to make some radical changes. You’ll be asked to sign a pledge at the end if you’re really serious. Basically, I learned there was too much stuff in my life. So I’m now in Purge Mode, and not liking it one bit. My sorting mechanism goes like this. Eyeball the box. If I can’t tell from the description written on the outside, exactly what’s inside, it goes. I am usually a good labeler, but what in the world does “Miscellaneous” mean? I strongly considered that question, and decided that if the contents didn’t merit more than a nebulous label, I could certainly get along without them. Using this enlightened rationale, I’ve been able to
“Not means Necessary” select numerous boxes and allocate them directly to the Estate Sale pile. Thanks be to God, He gave me a faithful friend who has helped me sort and carry, while listening to me whine and gripe, as well as various resources for whittling down the pile: Goodwill. Providence House. Home Again. Uniquely Yours. Senior Transitions Services. And let me tell you, I’m feeling more and more “senior” every time I spend my weekend like this. My friend keeps encouraging me and says I’m making progress. Well, sorta. But all I can think about are the wasted financial resources that went into purchasing the stuff, and the sheer man hours it’s taking to cull it down. Honestly, I am just plain overwhelmed and ashamed. Yet, the fact remains those boxes didn’t jump into storage by themselves. The Treasure Principle says “You can’t take it with you – but you can send it on ahead.” This means that whatever you give to the Lord’s work on earth (versus purchasing unnecessary trappings for your temporary time here), builds treasure in heaven stored up in your name. Alcorn’s six Treasure Principle Keys expand his thesis. “1. God owns everything. I’m His money manager. 2. My heart always goes where I put God’s money. 3. Heaven, not earth, is my home. 4. I should live not for the dot (our present life on earth), but for the line (eternity). 5. Giving is the only antidote to materialism. 6. God prospers
me not to raise my standard of living, but to raise my standard of giving.” Plain and simple fare, but a very hard choice for Americans to make, because we have SO MUCH STUFF! It was also a tough choice for the rich young ruler who approached Jesus. He asked a question about his spiritual life, but Jesus’ answer focused on his material life: “Sell all you have...and come, follow me.” (Lk. 18:18-23; Mt. 19:16-22; Mk. 10:1722). Jesus knew the man’s heart strings were tied tightly around his considerable possessions. Unless those heart strings were re-wrapped around Kingdom principles, he could never be what God wanted him to be. There’s nothing like having the Holy Spirit’s spotlight trained directly on your personal business. Now, I could have quietly proceeded through this process with my trusty friend as the only witness, but that would be cheating. It’s not consistent with the Christian life I’m supposed to be living, and it’s not fair to you, my readers. This foray into honesty has shown me rather rudely, I might say - that I’m missing the mark on several main counts. Much of the reason is that the stuff of this world has held my fancy for far too long. My treasure has been sitting in a storage facility. It’s time it was out working and transforming lives. (Matthew 6:19-21).
Dianne B. Howell Shreveport, La.
February 2012
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Randy Howell -
Fisher of Men
The Bassmaster Classic returns to the Red River in Shreveport-Bossier, Feb. 24-26, 2012. This event, billed as “the Super Bowl of bass fishing,” will be one of the largest sporting events ever held in the region. The 2009 Bassmaster Classic shattered all previous attendance records, attracting more than 137,000 fans to the Red River, CenturyLink Center, and the Shreveport Convention Center. The 2012 event promises to be even bigger and better. Among those competing in the Classic is Randy Howell, a wellrespected Christian angler who has been married to his wife Robin for over 20 years and together they have two sons, Laker and Oakley. Following is his testimony of faith, hope and love. In Randy’s words: The Lord has blessed me and my wife Robin so much and I want to share how God has worked in our lives and brought us through all of the trials and tribulations one day at a time. First of all, I have been a Christian since I was 10 years old. I grew up going to church with my mom and knowing early on that God had a calling on my life. I attended a Christian school in N.C., and I am glad my parents sacrificed to send me there. The discipline and preaching was instilled in me early in life. The Bible says to train up a child in the way of the Lord and he will not depart from it. This was Randy Howell with wife, Robin true with me. When
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Faith and Family
I rushed home praying for God to heal me of this disease because I did not need anything getting in the way of my fishing. When I got home, I went immediately to the hospital and the doctor said that three holes had perforated in my colon and that if I had not gotten there when I did, I could have died from peritonitis poisoning my body. This is where I began to see God’s hand. As I look back, it was all orchestrated by God for His Glory, but at the time I did not understand that. I was rushed into emergency surgery and 2/3 of my colon was removed. All I remember was waking up in ICU 2 days later wondering what I was doing there. The doctor told me shortly after that I was When things were not looking so good, I just at the began to pray for God to heal me and show b e g i n n i n g of a long me His will and His way, and He did. journey of The year after high school, Robin surgeries and problems. I was told that and I were married at the young age I had an illeostomy bag on my side of 18. I knew God had put us together and I would be wearing it for a while, and I knew that we were called to so I needed to accept it and learn to be fishers of men and not just fish. I manage and take care of it. started fishing the Bassmaster Tour in This is where I really started the 1992-1993 season at the age of questioning God about why this 18. I thought I would set the circuit was happening to me. I was a good on fire right from the get-go, but God person and I served the Lord. I did not had other plans for me first. This sport understand why I had to go through is very hard to keep your priorities all of this. Our trials and hard times straight, and for me, God wanted to will always bring us closer to God. mold and make me in His Image before After I prayed and sought the Lord His blessings would come. I read the verse that says “All things In November of 1992, I was at a work together for good for those who tournament in Georgia and my disease love the Lord and are called according flared up, as it often did under the to His purpose.” I knew this was all in stress of tournaments. This time I God’s will. God had given me the talent was bleeding badly and lost 7 lbs. in 5 to catch fish and he had called me to days. The last day of the tournament, be a pro fisherman and a fisher of men, other kids were drinking and partying, I always had a conscience that would not allow me to do these things. Thank God! As I moved into the 10th grade, I began to fall in love with Robin and I knew that God had made her to be my wife. I was already heavy into bass fishing, so when my parents bought a marina on Lake Gaston, NC, I began guiding and fishing tournaments at the age of 11. By my junior year in high school, I developed a disease in my large intestines or colon, called Ulcerative Colitis. At first, it was just some abdominal cramping, and I did not think it was serious enough to slow down my future-fishing career.
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so I knew that it was going to work I was healed. out. When things were not looking so God taught me so much through good, I began to pray for God to heal this time of tribulation. First, He taught me and show me His will and His way, me to totally surrender to Him. Second, and He did. He taught me to seek his face and truly I initially lost 40 lbs. after my first put Him in control. He also showed two weeks in the hospital. After I me that at any time He could heal me got out, I started recovering rapidly as He did. He allowed these things to and we prayed for a good specialist happen to build character in me and to to perform my remaining surgeries. show me how important knowing and God led us to Duke University Medical serving Him is. If I had never gone Center in NC and to a doctor named through any of this I would probably Randall Bollinger. He told me that be just another laxidazical Christian my only hope for a normal life would Randydoing and Robin myHowell’s thingboys and never caring about be to have all of my remaining colon anybody else. God called me to be a taken out and a J-Pouch built from my light in a dark world of fishermen who small intestines. After this long and may never darken the door of a church. rare surgery, I would need about 1-2 Without these tests that I endured, I years of recovery before going in and would not have a testimony. After these hooking me back up to help me resume things happened, God began to open a normal life. I liked everything he said the doors for me to speak at various except the time chart. I was looking at functions all over the nation and it all 2 years of wearing the illeostomy bag started with a seemingly bad situation and not being normal and that is the that God made good. part that I knew God could help out God has blessed us through my with. We immediately began praying last 16 years on the tournament trails. for a fast recovery and for God to step We have had a lot of ups and down in and heal me in record time so I could professionally and spiritually. God has get back to a normal life, and He did. to allow these tests throughout our I had my second surgery in January spiritual walk to keep us close to Him. 1993, just 2 months after the first one. There is one last story I want to I told the doctor that God was allowing share before I end. It is about God things to move quickly and that I leading us to move to Alabama and would like to have the final surgery as some things that happened along the soon as possible. He said if I continued way that I hope will touch your heart. recovery as fast as I was and that if In 1996, God blessed us with a new everything inside were healing after vehicle sponsor, Rod McSweeney, who the second surgery, he would consider owns Southern Comfort Conversions in it. When I returned in two weeks he Trussville, AL. He signed me on to be a was amazed that the X-rays showed total healing from the surgeries. He said he did not know what kind of faith I had, but it was working. He scheduled the final surgery for February 24th, just one month after the second and three months after the first. He said this had never been done before, but he was going to do it. The final surgery was a success and after about 6 months of learning to use the bathroom again and training the new J-pouch inside of me to work normally,
part of the Southern Comfort Angler’s Team. His brother Steve also worked there and pretty much took care of our fishing team vehicles. As we began to get to know the McSweeney family, we felt a closeness that made it evident that God was allowing them to be more than just a sponsor. As the years passed, we would often find ourselves in AL going to and from tournaments. We stayed at Rod and Robin McSweeney’s house quite often and began attending Cathedral of the Cross Church in Birmingham, AL. Several times while driving back to NC after tournaments, Robin and I would talk about how we both felt so comfortable at that church. It was almost like God was calling us to move to this area. We began praying about it and said if it really is God leading us to move 9 hours away to AL, He better give us a big sign. We had never even thought of moving away from
continued on pg 17
February 2012
13
Learning to
Health and Wellness
Love Yourself the Way God
Made You
We live in a culture inundated with unrealistic and Anorexia is characterized by self starvation and excessive unhealthy body image messages. Our culture and the weight loss; bulimia is characterized by a secretive cycle of media set Ideals of what beauty and masculinity should be; binge eating followed by purging; and binge eating disorder, the thinner a woman is, the happier she will be and the also know as compulsive overeating, is characterized bigger and more muscles a man has the happier he will primarily by periods of uncontrolled, impulsive or continuous be. eating beyond the point of feeling comfortably full. Anorexia The Student Nutrition Action Committee at ucla puts this has the highest premature mortality rate of any psychiatric in perspective by using “Barbie” and “gi Joe” as examples disorder with the majority of the deaths being directly of how unrealistic some of these ideals are. If you were to related to the physiological complications associated with meet “Barbie” in real life, she would be 5’9”, have a anorexia. Eating disorders are serious illnesses and not lifestyle choices. 39 inch bust, an 18 inch waist, 33 inch hips, size 3 For the Lord Our natural body size and shape is shoe and weigh 110 pounds. Similarly, if the plastic action-figure GI Joe Extreme were life-size, he sees not as man mostly determined by genetics, how we eat, exercise and our overall health. would have a 55 inch chest and a 27 inch bicep. By sees: man looks Remember every body is different and comparison, the average real-life man of the same on the outward height, even a man who’s fairly athletic, will have that is how God made us. “I praise you biceps that are only about 11.5 Inches. appearance, but because I am fearfully and wonderfully In 1 Samuel 16:7, the Lord said to Samuel, “Do made; your works are wonderful, I the Lord looks know that full well.” (Psalm 139:14) not look on his appearance or on the height of his According to the National Eating stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord on the heart. Disorders Association, here are some sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” God does not healthy tips for a healthy body image. » Do not compare your body to others focus on what our outward appearance is but He focuses (Friends, family, people in advertisements, tv shows, on what is truly important and that is what is on our inside. Eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia affect as etc.). many as 10 million females and 1 million males and roughly » Treat your body with respect. 15 million more people are struggling with binge eating » Give your body enough rest. disorders in the United States. According to the National » Fuel your body with a variety of foods. Eating Disorders Association, anorexia, bulimia and binge » Exercise moderately. eating disorders include extreme emotions, attitudes and » Resist the pressure to judge others based on weight, behaviors surrounding weight and food issues. Eating shape and size. disorders are serious emotional and physical problems that » Respect people and yourself for qualities of character can have life threatening consequences if left untreated. and accomplishments, rather than outward appearance. Sometimes eating disorders begin with anxiety over food Too many people believe that eating disorders are only and weight, but they are about much more. For some, about food and weight issues, when in reality, those are just dieting, restricting, the symptoms of underlying issues. Eating disorders are binging and purging serious illnesses, but there is help available and recovery is began as a way to possible. National Eating Disorders Awareness Week is cope or feel in control February 20th-26th. If you or someone you know is suffering of one’s life, but these from an eating disorder, please get help. Remember, it is behaviors will often not what you are eating, but what is eating you damage a person’s . *All information in this article is from the National Eating physical, emotional Disorders Association website Unless stated otherwise. and spiritual health, self-esteem, sense Jennifer Heggie is a Licensed Professional Counselor of competence and and a National Certified Counselor at Summit Counseling control.
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Single Parenting
Help with Bullying
A bully can turn something like going to the bus stop or recess into a nightmare for kids. Bullying can leave real emotional scars that last a lifetime. In extreme cases, it can lead to violent threats, property damage and someone getting seriously hurt. An adult friend just told me today that she remembers how shaken she was in school after a girl bullied her in front of everyone over a course of weeks. Of all the things we recall from childhood, bullying is definitely one of those experiences we do not forget. If your child is getting bullied, there are ways to help them cope with it on a day to day basis and hopefully lessen the long term affects. If your child isnʼt being bullied, hopefully they can learn more about it and reach out to someone who is. Most kids have been teased by a sibling or friend at some point. They were most likely not harmed by this because it was done in a friendly, playful and mutual way. But when teasing becomes hurtful, unkind, constant, it crosses the line into bullying and it needs to stop. Bullying is intentional tormenting in a physical, verbal or psychological ways. It ranges from hitting, shoving, and name-calling, threats, mocking and stealing. Some people are more passive-aggressive and will shun other kids and spread rumors about them. Others use email, texting, chat rooms, and social networking sites to hurt others. Itʼs important as parents to take bullying seriously and not just brush it off as something to “tough out”. We donʼt want our kids to have to deal with the lasting effects in future relationships and in poor self-worth. There is a saying that “hurt people, hurt people”. I happen to agree with this statement. Bullying probably occurs due to the bully having poor self-worth and/or little or no regard for othersʼ well-being. Some people feel the need to feel bigger and stronger than others. Some people hurt others because it is all they know. Our children learn by example. It can be hard to determine if your child is being bullied unless they have physical scars or noticeable behavior changes. Are their sleeping patterns different, eating patterns different, or given up their normal enjoyable activities? My own son was being bullied in middle school and was afraid to tell me because he didnʼt want me to be disappointed in his unacceptance. Children are often afraid to fight back. They just donʼt know what to do. My son felt as though it was his fault he was being bullied. I honestly did not know what to do at first. My first reaction was anger and protective mode. My parents advised me to sit with him and talk about it. I wanted him to know that I believed him and did not blame him. I encouraged standing up for himself. I informed his teacher of the problem. The teacher was gracious and looked out for him. But in the end, standing up for himself helped the most. He did this by walking away from the situations as they occurred. He ignored the other boys who were bullying him. I guess they were confused and gave up. I was very proud of him. He used a buddy system of sorts when he was around the bullies. I just want to encourage other parents to encourage your kids to talk to you about whatʼs going on at school and in their lives. Get involved and love on them. Jesus took up for the defenseless....John 8:7...”Let him without sin cast the first stone...”
God Sneeze?
Does
Crystal Chappel
Little Bits
This morning during prayers we read the line in the Psalms that reads, “let our prayers rise like incense before You”. Afterward, the following conversation took place:
Ace: So our words get all swirled up in the incense and floats all the way to Heaven? Me: Yes. Ace: So everyone’s prayers and incense go up to God?
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Me: Yes.
Ace: Does it make God sneeze? Me: {smiling} Yes, I’m sure sometimes it does.
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our families before, so this would have to be a God thing. The next tournament after we began praying about this was at Lake Wheeler, AL and it was the $100,000 FLW event. Needless to say, I won the tournament, my first major victory. We were very excited and after we calmed down on the drive home, it hit us both that this was God’s sign and His financial provision for us to move to AL. Soon we began looking in the Trussville area and found a home. We bought it in May of 1998. We could not move in until July, so Steve McSweeney volunteered to cut my grass and take care of things until we moved in. We grew really close to Steve and his wife and two daughters. Steve had a true servant’s heart; he would always do all that he could for anyone. He also loved the Lord and did not mind telling people about it. Steve taught me that witnessing to people was really all that mattered. In all the success and business going on around me I had not been thinking about my true calling as much as I should have been. God put Steve in my life to show me the importance of serving God every day and not missing a single opportunity to tell everyone you come in contact with about Jesus. We moved into our home on the 4th of July weekend with Steve and all the McSweeney’s help. The following weekend Steve and I were cutting the grass and getting unpacked. Steve left early to go home to work on an exhaust fan in the attic. I told him we would take them out to eat the next night as he left. At midnight that night, we received a bone-chilling call that Steve had been electrocuted and killed while working on that fan. Just like that, his life on earth was over. This obviously tore us up emotionally as well as everyone who knew him. After this happened, I again was praying and asking God why he had allowed me to get to know Steve so well and then to snatch him away like this. It was the same kind of selfish prayer we all pray at times like this. I was instantly comforted when at his funeral, I saw hundreds of people give their life to Christ because of Steve’s death. I challenge anyone who reads this today to examine your life. If something happened and you died today, would you spend eternity in heaven with Steve or in Hell with all the other people
who thought they were invincible and did not need God? In the end, whether it comes now or later, it matters not what we have accumulated on earth, but that we know where we are going. It is no accident that you are reading this today. There are no accidents with God. It does not matter how bad of a person you think you have been, God can forgive anything and wash away all your sins immediately and daily. If you had to be perfect to make it to heaven, heaven would be empty. It is totally by Jesus’ saving grace that we are able to go to heaven. If God can save a country boy fisherman like me and use a little green fish to reach people for Christ, then surely he can save you. You only have to believe in your heart that Jesus loves you and He died for you so that you could have eternal life in heaven with Him. Ask Jesus now to come into your heart and forgive you of all your sins. God bless, Randy Howell The Bassmaster Classic is the ultimate competition in professional bass fishing. This spectacular three-day event complete with a theatrical presentation of the weigh-ins and hours of television coverage - delights fans of all ages. The Red River South Marina will be the official launch site. The CenturyLink Center will be the weigh-in site, as well as the official broadcast site. The 2012 Bassmaster Classic Outdoor Expo, featuring more than 150 vendors, will be held at the Shreveport Convention Center. The event takes place the weekend following one of Shreveport-Bossier’s major Mardi Gras parades. Visit the official website of the 2012 Bassmaster Classic at www.bassmaster. com/classic. For a directory of local resources, including maps to key Bassmaster Classic locations and more, visit www. bassmasterclassic2012.com. From all of us at ‘Faith and Family,’ We look forward to seeing you there!
All photos provided by B.A.S.S.
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Parent Night
Wed, Feb 1 2012, 6:30-8:00
St. Joseph Catholic Church Loyola College Prep St. Joseph Catholic School and St. John Berchmans Catholic School
“Roy Petitfils combines Host passion and practical two common sense to the dilemmas of connecting faith and real life. He brings a great perspective from his personal stories and life experiences mixed with his background as parent, teacher, minister and counselor.” Mike Patin Former Catholic Schools Week Speaker
RedRiver
Roy Petitfils for AMAZING NIGHTS!!!
PARENTS you donʼt want to miss this talk!!! “What Your Kids Want You to Know: (But Donʼt Tell You...and Why)” Promo video for this talk at the following website: http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=2DiC2IH_mY8 Contact person Julia Norton- 865-3581
Youth Night Thur, Feb 2 2012, 6:30-8:00
OPEN TO ALL MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH public, private or home schooled. DON’T BE THE ONLY ONE WHO HASN’T HEARD HIM! Totally different from the Thursday/Friday morning talks at Loyola/SJS/SJB. Be there Thursday night!!! Both events at St. Joseph Catholic Church: 204 Patton Ave, Shreveport Parents’ Night in the Church & Youth Night in the Activity Center. The Entire Diocese is invited for this wonderful opportunity.
Performing Arts Academy Do your children have talent and a love for the fine arts? Nurture that by enrolling them in an academy where excellence, beauty, and fun are all rolled into one!
Theater, Dance, and Choir are offered each semester. Try one or all three!
Come to a parents’ info meeting Jan 17 or 19 @ 6:00 @ Noel Methodist 520 Herndon Street Shreveport, LA 71101 Call or visit our website to learn more: 318-459-8380 www.redriverperformingartsacademy.org
is hosting its Fifth Annual fundraising banquet
“CHOSEN”
Thursday, February 9, 2012,
Summer Grove Baptist Event Center 8224 Jewella Avenue, Shreveport, LA 71118 6:00 seating; 6:30-8:30 event Register at www.heartofhopeministry.com or
(318)925-4663
Classes start soon! Enroll today!
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Y
our
Whole
Heart
“I will give You thanks, O Lord, with my whole sentimental. They are well aware of what it takes to heart....Your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever” cleanse the heart of impurities. (Psalm 138:1,8). They start by watchfulness. They are ever alert to here can you go in America and avoid the the evil thoughts that invade the person from outside. symbol of the heart? On Valentine’s Day They utilize the Bible, prayer and church worship to we send notes of affection to family, friends and educate themselves in ways favorable to the Lord. They in schools, even near strangers. Bumper stickers look for ways to thank the Lord for all experiences, proclaim “I V [NY, favorite pet, favorite team, etc.]” even the unpleasant ones that train a Christian to It’s almost impossible to find a pop song with some seek the Kingdom of God, and not hope for this world theme other than love—either found, lost, wished for to be an acceptable substitute. By overcoming sin and or remembered. It’s something presumed to need no evil they train the heart to deal with the world as it is, definition of explanation. Yet that’s the simplest way yet to work for its transformation. to avoid complete understanding. Remaining alert, those in touch A true Christian knows that the heart is “Blessed are the with their hearts are ever renewed a mighty mystery. Everything that comes by God’s grace to enhance every pure in heart, hint and expression of what is just in touch with the core of our very being enters through the heart. All meditation for they shall see and true, good and beautiful in involves the heart. The mind has several life. By adoring the Lord Almighty, God” levels, most of which are generally hidden they keep open the channels of Matthew 5:8 from our consciousness. Thoughts come the Holy Spirit in Christ to the out in our dreams, daydreams, and even heavenly Father. They praise Him when we most wish they were not present. in their hearts regardless of what Obsessions and compulsions invade our thoughts and their hands are doing and their minds are thinking. cause us to think and act in ways that may not be in our They search for the image of God in every human best interests. We don’t easily control the workings of being. They will, in St. Paul’s words, meditate on: our mind. But our hearts express the conditions of “Whatever things are noble, whatever things are our body and soul at every given moment. Everything just, whatever things are pure, whatever things mental, physical and spiritual forms its impression on are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if the heart. All that comes to us through our senses, there is virtue and if anything is praiseworthy” surrounding or embracing us, impacts on our hearts. (Philippians 4:8). Jesus knows that better than we do. The heart is the battlefield where the forces of “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see evil confront the grace given to us at baptism. It is God” (Matthew 5:8). How does one purify the heart? also the place where the Holy Spirit prays for us with It takes at least one lifetime. To begin, one must pay unspoken words. Through the heart we come in touch attention to the heart. My sense is that the female is with everything that exists in God’s creation. Also generally better at this than the male, but that may through the heart we have access to the Holy Trinity. be reverse prejudice—generally, because of course Medical science is doing marvelous things to correct the saints are men and women. Men, however, are the defects of our physical hearts, even to the extent culturally conditioned to emphasize reason and so- of implanting mechanical substitutes for our hearts. called “common sense,” meaning to be practical—not True Christians are concerned with the immaterial, swayed by emotion. spiritual heart, the organ of the soul’s communication Some forms of Christianity tend to emotionalism, with the Holy Trinity. pietism, and romanticism. On the contrary, those who have by God’s grace and their constant attention Rev. Vladimir Berzonsky achieved purity of heart are anything but gullible and
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February Calendar February 9
Heart of Hope, A Sanctuary for Women is hosting its Fifth Annual fundraising banquet “CHOSEN” Thursday, February 9, 2012 Summer Grove Baptist Event Center 8224 Jewella Avenue, Shreveport, LA 71118 6:00 seating; 6:30-8:30 event Register at www.heartofhopeministry.com or (318)925-4663
February 12
The Harvesters with Irby McKnight in concert Sunday, February 12, 6:00pm. Central Assembly of God, Bossier City, La. Admission is Free. A love offering will be received. For more information contact 949-0010
February 12
WINTER JAM 2012 CenturyLink Center, Bossier City Only $10 at the Door! No Tickets Required! Featuring SKILLET, SANCTUS REAL, PETER FURLER, KARI JOBE, NEWSONG, BUILDING 429, GROUP1CREW, Speaker NICK HALL, Illusionist BROCK GILL PRE-JAM PARTY - SARA MACLEAN, WE AS HUMAN, FOR KING & COUNTRY, plus Special Guests VeggieTales BOB & LARRY
March 13
Flowers Over the Graves of War by James Eakin First United Methodist Church Shreveport On February 12, 2012, at 4 pm in the Sanctuary, the Chamber Choir of Shreveportʼs First United Methodist will join forces with the Centenary College Choir to premier Flowers Over the Graves of War by James Eakin. This is the first of two performances that comprise the world premier of the work, the second taking place at Carnegie Hall in New York later in February. Combining the words of traditional Latin Requiem Mass with new poetry by Michael Dennis Browne, Eakin creates a stirring vision and prayer for peace through his music. James was a member of the youth and music programs at First United Methodist and is also an alum of the Centenary Choir, creating a truly unique and personal connection for this performance. The work will be accompanied by full orchestra and is free and open to the public.
March 3
February 24-25
Dressed for Light. Event begins Friday with a 5:30pm registration (doors open on Friday at 5 PM). Event begins at 8:00am on Saturday. Friday evening worship: Renowned artist and worship leaderJanice Gaines. 2011 Women of Faith & TBN Christmas Special hosted by Donnie McClurkin. Saturday Keynote Speaker: Rev. Denise Anders-Modest from Anderson Chapel CME Church, Holly Springs Pre-Registration: $25 per person until January 31. Includes T-Shirt, tote bag, conference materials, Friday evening reception, Saturday breakfast, lunch and all workshops. For info contact: 318-769-0456
A Place that Warms the Heart Begins Tuesday, March 13, 2012, and ends May 15, 6:30 pm Broadmoor Baptist Church, Youree Drive, Shreveport. Grief support groups for ages 5 and up, including teens, those who had miscarriages or lost a child younger than three, parents who lost a child of any age, and others including widows and widowers. No fee. Call 746-5775 to enroll or get more information. E-mail: placewarmsheart@yahoo. com www.placethatwarmstheheart.fws1.com
GET LISTED!
To submit calendar listings, send information to SBFaithandFamily@gmail. com. Include the name of the event, date and time, venue address, short description, appropriate age range, fee, phone number and website address. Submissions are listed on a spaceavailable basis. Weʼd love to include high-resolutions photos, as well. Deadline for the March Calendar is February15.
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Quips and Quotes “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church- for we are members of his body. ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.’ This is a profound mystery- but I am talking about Christ and the church.” Ephesians 5:25-32
“Love is not finding someone you live with; it’s finding someone you can’t live without.” Rafael Ortiz
“The Bible tells us to love our neighbors, and also to love our enemies: probably because they are generally the same people.” C.K. Chesterton
“What is the mark of love for your neighbor? Not to seek what is for your own benefit, but what is for the benefit of the one loved, both in body and in soul.” St. Basil the Great.
“Intense love does not measure...it just gives.” Mother Teresa
“Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear.” (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of the saints.) Then the angel said to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!’” And he added, “These are the true words of God.” Revelation 19:7-9
OUR ADVERTISERS Abacus.......................................page 5 Abbott........................................page 7 Ashley Ridge Imaging ..................page 2 Astec........................................page 23 Barksdale Baptist Church............ . page 5 BarksdaleFederalCreditUnion.........page24 CochranConstructionCompany.... . page 23 Cosse & Silmon Orthodontics....... page 18 Lifeway ...................................... page 5 Litton Mortgage......................... page 23 Miracle 89.1.............................. page 15 Ratcliff Animal Hospital............... page 5 Sciport..................................... page 16 Tango.......................................page15 Time it Lube................................ page 7 “The things that we love tell us what we are.” Saint Thomas Aquainas
B.L.I.S.S.
Believing Love Includes Spiritual Seasons The institution of marriage has been compared to many things. Unfortunately, we tend to hear more negative terms than positive ones. Spouses have been called “the old ball and chain.” While others express the relationship of marriage as being “tied down” too soon after “tying the knot.” H. Norman Wright authored a book entitled, Seasons of Marriage. I see this title as a wonderful illustration for the covenant of marriage. Some parts of the martial journey may be spicy. Some sections may be cozy and comfortable. During other times, the couple may feel cold and detached. Then there are moments of indescribable euphoria often referred to as marital bliss. Just like our individual Christian growth comes with various seasons so will the union of marriage. If at some point you sense showers on the horizon, just hang in there. Your season will come.
Ephesians 6:18 Pray at all times (on every occasion, in every season) in the Spirit, with all (manner of) prayer and entreaty. To that end keep alert and watch with strong purpose and perseverance, interceding in behalf of all the saints (God’s consecrated people). – Ampli�ied Bible Scottie Moore
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