July 2012
Summer Field Trips One Nation Under God
Forgotten Heroes
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contents
columns
on the cover 4
Close to Home Summer Field Trips
Feature 10 Special One Nation Under God
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Marriage Matters Give Your Children These Things
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Shepherd’s Staff Christian Citizenship
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Wise Words Who is Perfect?
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Little Bits How about Both Parents Working?
in every issue 22
Quips & Quotes
22
Ad Directory
12 Fogotten Heroes
Faith under Fire and the Livin’ is Easy
11 Summertime 15 City Scene
Feet 17 Beautiful Not Invited
19 Health and Wellness Fitness Boot Camps
in Christ 20 Thoughts Church Burnout
21 Tasty Treats
Patriotic Dishes
July 2012
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Summer
Field
Trips
Farmer’s Market
Norton Art Gallery
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May 29th
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July 2012
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special feature
One Nation Under God H
appy 4th of July! I hope you all have a safe and wonderful day filled with lots of laughter and fireworks! Here are some facts I thought I’d share about the forefathers of our great country. This is why we must fight to remain “ONE NATION UNDER GOD!” Did you know that 52 of the 55 signers of the Declaration of Independence were deeply committed Christians? The other three all believed in the Bible as divine truth, the God of Scripture, and His personal intervention. That same Congress formed the American Bible Society. Immediately after creating the Declaration of Independence, the Continental Congress voted to purchase and import 20,000 copies of Scripture for the people of this nation. Patrick Henry, who is called the firebrand of the American Revolution, is still remembered for his words, “Give me liberty or give me death.” But in current textbooks the context of these words is deleted. Here is what he actually said: “An
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appeal to arms and the God of hosts is all that is left us. But we shall not fight our battle alone. There is a just God that presides over the destinies of nations. The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone. Is life so dear or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God. I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death.” These sentences have been erased from our textbooks. Was Patrick Henry a Christian? The following year, 1776, he wrote this: “It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great Nation was founded not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religions, but on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. For that reason alone, people of other faiths have been afforded freedom of worship here.” Consider these words that Thomas Jefferson wrote on the front of his well-worn Bible. “I am a real Christian, that is to say, a disciple of the doctrines of Jesus. I have little doubt that our whole country will soon be rallied to the unity of our Creator.” He was also the chairman of the American Bible Society, which he considered his highest and most important role. On July 4, 1821, President Adams said: “The highest glory of the
American Revolution was this: it connected in one indissoluble bond the principles of civil government with the principles of Christianity.” Calvin Coolidge, our 30th President of the United States reaffirmed this truth when he wrote: “The foundations of our society and our government rest so much on the teachings of the Bible that it would be difficult to support them if faith in these teachings would cease to be practically universal in our country.” William Holmes McGuffey is the author of the McGuffey Reader, which was used for over 100 years in our public schools with over 125 million copies sold until it was stopped in 1963. President Lincoln himself called him the “Schoolmaster of the Nation.” Listen to these words of Mr. McGuffey: “The Christian religion is the religion of our country. From it are derived our notions on the character of God, on the great moral Governor of the universe. On its doctrines are founded the peculiarities of our free institutions. From no source has the author drawn more conspicuously than from the sacred Scriptures. For all these extracts from the Bible and I make no apology.”
Make some wonderful memories this weekend!! Sylvia Leontaritis
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M Give Your Children These Things:
S
arriage
Matters
ummer time has arrived and mothers and fathers are quickly trying to find things for the kids to do and stay busy. I remember those days very well and as much as I looked forward to them, there were always days of frustration and impatience. I wanted my children to entertain themselves and not have to be going and doing something every day. In hindsight, I realized that there were some things I could give them that did not cost money but the reward would be great!! I was reminded of this in my quiet time this week as I read from my devotional book.
In Genesis 48:9-11, “Joseph told his father, ‘They are my sons whom God gave to me in this place.’ ‘Bring them to me so I can bless them.’” 1. Instruct your children!!
You are their teacher and they are waiting on you to teach and instruct them about everything in life. This takes a large amount of time and energy but the outcome is your children will grow and understand about life and God and how to live. It is too easy to sit them in front of the TV or hand them an electronic game so that you are not bothered. It is your place to teach them about character and integrity. You are their example and they will do as you do. Use wise words to guide them and instruct them every step of the way. We were just with our grandchildren in St. Louis this past week. Our 3 year old granddaughter told me constantly this week, “Good Job, DeeDee!” The reason she said that is her Mom is always instructing her and then telling her “Good Job”. She is just mimicking her Mother. So sweet and precious to watch and hear.
2. We are to correct our children!!
Prov. 19:18 says, “Discipline your children while there is still hope.” Time is crucial when it comes to discipline. You must start with consistent discipline in their very early years. Many parents today wait to discipline until it is too late. You cannot allow a child to go unpunished for negative behavior and expect them to not repeat that behavior. There must be boundaries and guidelines in a childʼs life. It helps them to know how far they can go. The results are they will be able to say no in their adult lives and not give in to their own impulses. It is very natural for a child to test their limitations. They are looking to you to set the lines and then you have a more secure child who feels loved and safe. Do you see how important this is as they get older and learn to respect authority and Godʼs principles? The first 5 years of a childʼs life is learning correction and boundaries. It is because of love that you take the time to do this and do it well.
3. Bless your child!!
In Genesis, we read how Joseph brought his sons to his father and the father blessed them! How awesome is it for a child to receive a blessing from their parent and grandparents!!! Why canʼt we learn how crucial this is in the life of all of us? I believe we come into this world longing for love and approval. God is so gracious to give us that and if we love God and are walking in his instruction, we must give this to our children. We are sure to give them correction, but many times we with hold our blessing. I had the privilege this past week to see my Dad give his blessing to our oldest son. We were all in St. Louis this week with Josh and his family. Josh wanted his grandparents to see his office and the work he is doing through his non-profit ministry called “Mission St. Louis.” As we walked my Dad through the office, I watched as Dad would say over and over, “Josh, you are doing such a great work for the kingdom. I am so very proud of you.” You see, we never get to old to hear a blessing from our parents and grandparents. Be sure you say something today to your child, no matter their age, of how proud you are of them. It will take them far in their life.....I can guarantee it!!
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4. Be an example!!!
“A great preacher once looked into the crib of his infant son and prayed:”Lord, if ever You made a man, make me one now!” Our prayer and desire should be that we live a life that we will be proud to see one day in how our children live their lives. You are their example and you are what they will become! Steve and I received one of the greatest compliments this week from our son. He said...”Your faith is evident in the way you love each other!” Please take time this summer to give your children these four things: Instruction, Correction, Blessing and Example!!! Make sure your life is the life you want to see your kids live one day. Each day you give them a blessing or a curse, let it be a blessing and a prayer in your life. God has entrusted to us, our marriage, our children, our grandchildren. These are our priorities under God, so donʼt neglect what God has called us to do!!
Happy Summer!!
Steve and Debbie Wilson For information on scheduling a conference in your church in the Spring on 2013, go to our Calendar on our web site.
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CHRISTIAN CITIZENSHIP
My son, a student at Louisiana College in Pineville, recently wrote a paper that addressed the relationship of the Church to government. He draws from Scripture three distinct roles that believers and the Church as a whole has in relationship to government. I’d like to share those three roles with you. First, believers are to be good citizens of both the Kingdom of God and of the earthly regime in which they live. Jesus himself taught his followers to “render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and unto God the things that are God’s” (Mt. 22:21 NKJV). The apostle Paul tells believers, “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities” (Rom. 13:1a NKJV). since they are appointed by God (Rom. 13:1b-7; see also Dan. 2:20-23). Peter (1 Pt. 2:13-17) affirms Paul’s teachings. I once read of Tibetan believers who were persecuted by their government. They committed to being the best citizens of Tibet regardless of how they were treated because God’s will was for them to be good citizens. When the Lord’s commands conflicted with Tibetan law, these believers suffered willingly. Scripture records believers being civilly disobedient. Warren Wiersbe, in Be Committed, notes that the Hebrew midwives (Exod. 1:15-22), Daniel and his three friends (Dan. 1 and Dan. 3), Mordecai (Esth. 3:2-6), and Peter (Acts 4:13-21; 5:17-42) all practiced civil disobedience. He comments, “in each of these instances, the people had a direct word from God that gave them assurance they were doing His will. And further note that, in every instance, the believers were kind and respectful. They didn’t start riots or burn down buildings ‘for conscience’ sake.’” Wiersbe also says, “Obedience to conscience and the will of God in defiance of civil law is not a casual thing to be taken lightly.” I would point out that the believer who would be civilly disobedient should be willing to accept the consequences, like the Tibetan believers, since that would be a fulfillment of Romans 13:1-7. Second, believers may serve as consultants to the government. 1 Chronicles 18:1-27 recounts King Jehoshaphat’s desire to know the Lord’s will concerning military action with King Ahab. Eventually, Micaiah the prophet is called for. He speaks the Lord’s message to those present. Wise leaders will seek advice. We believers should communicate our thoughts and perspectives reasonably and respectfully. Louisiana Baptist Convention churches are involved in this through the LBC’s Moral and Social Concerns Committee and through the LBC’s Legislative Liaison – Kelly Boggs. Bro. Kelly speaks on behalf of 1600 LBC churches in the halls and chambers of the state capital. Third, believers may serve as the conscience of the government. Jeremiah 21:11-22:30 provides an example. Jeremiah, in three prophetic oracles, speaks to those in governmental leadership. He speaks about the need for the proper dispensing of justice, against gain through greed, and against disobedience to God’s laws. In so doing, he states there are blessings for obedience and divine judgment for acts of unrighteousness. When believers speak to matters of evil and injustice, we are not to threaten but can warn of consequences (e.g., excessive debt leads to bondage, loss of political prestige, the Lord’s judgment). Let us who believe be good citizens of both the Kingdom of the Lord and of the land in which we live. May our lives reflect the integrity of Jesus. Let us live and speak in such a way that those who served as politicians would seek us out for wise counsel. May our counsel flow from the truths of Scripture. Let us, when necessary, speak out against injustice and for justice, righteousness, truth. May we do all these things in Christ’s love. For the Gospel’s Sake,
Calvin Hubbard
Pastor, Barksdale Baptist Church www.barksdalebaptist.org
Wise Words
“Each person must bear the weaknesses of others. Who is perfect? Who can boast that he has kept his heart undefiled? Hence, we are all sick, and whoever condemns his brother does not perceive that he himself is sick, because a sick person does not condemn another sick person.” Elder Ephraim
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Little Bits
How About
Both Parents Working?
Often we hear the idea of both parents working cast in moral terms. Some say to be a good Christian the mother should stay home to care for the children because their primary responsibility is to provide a caring home. Here is what Elder Paisios has to say, Both the father and mother will be responsible for not looking after their children and taking care about their future. Not only is it not considered a sin if both of them work to earn more money in order to be able to pay for their children’s studies, or build a house for their daughter, but it is their duty to do so. The parents, who do not look after their children, are not good parents and they will have to justify their actions to God. Sin is to earn money out of self-interest and not to have trust in God’s providence.
The important question to ask is what is the reason that both parents work. It is out of self-interest, prestige, or the attraction of a luxury way of living, or is it out of a need to care for their children. Caring for our children is an essential responsibility in the eyes of God.
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Summertime The Saturday before Memorial Day I was on the phone with a friend relating the saga of my last three months when a call came through from my daughter-in-law, Jessica. I was regaling my buddy with various incidents, including a major personal battle; a bronchial infection; two sinus infections; stepping in a hole while walking Louis (twisted ankle, skinned knees, peeled knuckles and a smorgasbord of bruises); Louis’ pancreatitis attack and week at the vet during which bladder stones were discovered during a doggie ultrasound; Louis’ emergency return to the vet 3 days later in anaphylactic shock after being attacked by feral cats (grab dog, wrap in blanket, grab cell phone, drive with the left hand, pray with the right); Louis’ surgery to remove 21 bladder stones, excise a lipoma, and scrub his teeth (I told them to do everything they could think of while he was under); Louis’ complicated post-surgery care; and a major family issue that’s swirling about in the background. During the conversation, we discovered that half the people we know have a running account with CareCredit. com. Louis is the same dog that years ago in summertime stuck his nose in a hole under an azalea bush and got bitten on the jaw by a poisonous snake. Drove with the left hand, prayed with the right. Last summer about this time, his litter mate Bo, who thankfully does not live with me, decided it would be fun to eat a large wasp. Characteristically, the wasp wanted
and the
Easy
almost immediately. Another toy squirts for a few minutes, then keeps filling with water. Miraculously, they find all of the water T-balls and ready the machine, which works for a few minutes, then no part of being eaten by a Schnauzer, so it did starts leaking and dies. The backyard pool also what comes n3aturally. On the way down, it stung bites the dust because #2 son has apparently him in the base of the tongue where it connects disposed of the plugs since last summer. Finally, the Cars Slip ‘n Slide, to the throat. By the time I got to him, disgustingly covered with Bo’s eyes were bugging out, his tongue mildew, is pitched onto the was distended, and he was panting trash heap to the wails of furiously. Grab dog, wrap in blanket, both boys. At this point, grab cell phone and book (knew I was Jessica fires up the van in for another long night), drive with and heads to America’s last the left hand, pray with the right. The minute remedy, WalMart, swelling and pain were so severe the Fun in the sun bites the dust repeating the day’s mantra, vet had to wait several hours before she could examine him. A surgical procedure “God is in control. GOD IS IN CONTROL!” Here’s the way I see it. I could probably use was required to remove the wasp stinger from some mental health assistance. Two sessions a his tongue. No mention of the rest of the wasp. When I called Jess back, she was entering week would be optimal. At the going rate of $125 WalMart in Fort Worth because the plug had a session, that’s $1,000 per month. Louis’ recent apparently been pulled on their perfect Pool medical bills ran around $2,200. But, during our Opening Day. Rising late, the fam had enjoyed a walks together, I calm down, get exercise, hear leisurely brunch at the Swiss Pastry Shop, then God’s voice of encouragement and direction, and purchased a new barbecue grill and started the come up with ideas for this column. So, I figure curing process. Finally, they donned swim suits, Louis is a bargain. He’s also cute, funny, and a spread on sun screen, loaded the Radio Flyer great listener. I’ll bet Jay and Jessica think their wagon & trailer with pool toys, goggles, towels new water toys are worth every penny, too. So what is “perfect?” An easy life? A healthy and drinks, and set off for the neighborhood swim club. But there the fun ended. The manager pet? A day without problems? Right now, perfect informed them that the main pool was closed for for me would be making it through summer at least 24 hours because someone had thrown without spending the last $900 in my CareCredit up in it! Not wishing to fight for their lives in a account. 15x15 baby pool, they haul their hot and grizzling Dianne B. Howell boys home and drag the backyard water toys out Shreveport, LA of storage. The blue elephant sprinkler fizzles
Livin’ is
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R.B. Dill is a local veteran and children’s author. In the Vietnam war, he served as a dog handler with the 432nd K-9 Corp and is a member of the Vietnam Dog Handler’s Association. His story is very interesting and appropriate as we prepare to celebrate the 4th of July. Graciously, he has agreed to write a three part series for us detailing his experience during the war and his partnership with Smokey – O51A, a War Dog. Through this adventure we will see God at work in in the life of E-3 Airmen First Class Dill and learn more about the K-9’s that served our country as ‘Forgotten Heroes’ in Vietnam.
orgotten Heroes
The forgotten heroes of the Vietnam War are engraved on four monuments in Ft. Benning Georgia. The War Dogs Monument lists all the names of the heroic four legged soldiers. I was privileged to have had three I trained and patrolled with during the Vietnam War: Timmy-47XO, Fritz – 4S00, Smokey- O51A. Smokey was the first dog assigned to me at Lackland AFB in San Antonio Texas Military Dog Training School. Our story, like many relationships, is a one of faith, trust and providence. After three days of orientation at Lackland Dog School, our Kennel Master assigned dogs to each handler. Our class consisted of 18 dogs and soldiers and, as mentioned previously, I was assigned to Smokey – O51A, a shepherd /chow mix. I realized real fast that he was a ‘Tasmanian Devil’ and boy I needed Divine intervention quick! Calling on the Lord was something l learned to do at a very young age. I grew up a Baptist and gave my life to God at the early age of 12. Though I 12
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knew I was saved, I thought there was more to God and my experience in Nam confirmed that. While I always knew there was a God, I was now certain that there was a Devil as well and his name was Smokey. After our three days of orientation training, we were given three days to get our dogs out of our kennels. Failure to do this meant termination from the program. I soon learned that getting a War Dog out of a kennel was no easy task. At the end of the second day, Smokey still continued to lunge at me from the kennel gate. Each time I came into his view, he started snorting and growling so hard it shook the kennel walls. His demeanor sent shivers up my spine – this dog was deadly...more so than the rest. Every gentle or commanding word resulted in a new aggressive attack towards me. The Kennel Master watched and was giving me pointers but nothing worked. If I was too commanding with my voice, Smokey would lock his teeth into the chain linked fence and try to tear it down. His lazar red eyes, foaming mouth and growl was unnerving. To my surprise, I was the only handler yet to get his dog out of the kennels and now I was down
to one day. Tomorrow Smokey had to come out, or else. This is the day I would do my ‘walk in’ and things were not looking good. But in spite of the enormous challenge, I was determined. That night, back in the barracks, my mind was reeling on thoughts. The biggest was, of course, how to get Smokey out of the kennel. I opened my New Testament and read through the Psalms and came to chapter 23 that states, ‘Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for Thou art with me.’ As I had done on other occasions when challenged, I began to meditate and recite it over and over giving me a brighter hope for tomorrow. As you can imagine, the battle between Smokey and I gained a large audience of NCO’s and one officer, a Captain. He came out to watch out of pure curiosity just to see what would happen. Little did I know during this three day test that Smokey was known as a ‘Caution Dog.’ Previously, he recorded several serious bites that sent his handlers for medical treatment. After everyone exited the kennels, the Kennel Master and I stepped into Smokey’s space and a low growl could be heard. The further we advanced the more savage the growl became. When Smokey saw us he went into his usual
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tirade. I began to recite ‘I shall fear no evil for Thou are with me’ and at that moment a thought came to my mind. I turned to the Kennel Master and asked for a half-wrapped sleeve, which reaches from your elbow to the end of your hand, that we had been introduced to in orientation. I took it and opened the gate as Smokey was on a retreat to the far end of his cage. As I flipped the gate open, Smokey jumped across the opening in mid-air and bit down on the half-wrapped sleeve with all his might. My left arm became numb instantly. I had the wherewithal to take the clip of my leash and try to snap it into his ring collar. One miss at the collar and there would be no second chance. I would be at the dog’s mercy with only the Kennel Master’s backup support. All this happened in a split second and, thankfully, my clip found the collar. I quickly pulled up with my right arm, choking Smokey as his front legs came off the ground. When he landed he snapped at my left leg, just missing it. I tossed the wrap-sleeve from my left arm and pulled Smokey up in the air and slapped a leather muzzle on him. I lead him out of the kennel with the Kennel Master following. Cheers went
up from the crowd as they saw the events unfold. I was not the only one glad to get out of the kennel that day. Smokey was as well. You could see the delight in his eyes. His back legs aggressively kicked grass skyward. Clump after clump flew up into the air. He was an alpha male war dog now freed from his cage and among warriors. In my heart I knew, in my own way, that I had passed through the ‘valley of the shadow of death’ and had complete peace now. Fear what evil, I thought, remembering Psalm 23. Smokey and I bonded quickly and the ‘Tasmanian Devil’ became my first love among the War Dogs. There was no devil in him. Instead, he had the heart of a lion. On the day of graduation, you get an hour alone with your dog. This was a final goodbye and I knew that Smokey knew that also. Wiping away tears at times from my eyes, I knew he understood what was going on and what I was telling him. I promised him I would keep in touch and follow his military career. When I kenneled Smokey for the last time on graduation day, he bit me in my back left pocket of my fatigues. It was a love bite as handlers call it. Later that day, I changed into my civilian clothes to celebrate graduation. As I removed my half opened New Testament from my back pocket, I saw that Smokey’s teeth marks were on Psalm 23. Taking a deep breath, I took a moment to thank God for his faithfulness and my experience with Smokey. There were 4,000 dogs that served during the Vietnam War. Their loyalty, dedication and bravery were common valor. They literally saved thousands of lives and their actions recorded in the
military history records of Vietnam. These four-legged soldiers were armed with their natural God-given defense of teeth and their hearts of lions, roaring to their lasts breaths. The dogs of war are gone, but their sacrifices live on in the hearts of the men who loved them, miss them and will never forget them: The ‘Forgotten Heroes.’ After graduation, I did not know that Smokey had orders and was being sent to Tan Son Nhut Air Force Base Republic of Vietnam. My orders placed me on the Laotian border. Over 4,000 War Dogs were euthanized in Vietnam. Only 247 made it out of the war alive. The converted Tasmanian Devil, Smokey, was one of them. But that is a story for the next issue. Please join us as we continue this adventure together in the August issue of ‘Faith and Family’ – God bless. (For dog training tips, R.B. can be contacted at RBDILLK9@yahoo.com)
(After graduation I was told why Smokey was assigned to me was because I carried a New Testament Bible in my back pocket and was hassled for it.)
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“Let’s Rock” Music Camp First United Methodist Church of Bossier Christian Music Camp for Kids!!! Date: Every day (Jul 16-Jul 20) from 6:30pm to 8:30pm Ages: Elementary- completed K-5th Admission Fees: $20 (scholarships available) Special Instructions: Register at www.fumcbossier.org Children who have finished grades K-5 are invited to join us for a weeklong camp that combines singing, acting, costumes, and set design. The camp ends with a production on Sunday for family, friends and church members. Children will spend the week learning everything they need to put on their very own production of Let’s Rock!. No matter your interest: singing, acting, dancing or art, we need you for our music camp! Go to our website for more information or to register.
The Hoppers In Concert Sunday, July 8, 2012 at 6:00 PM Central Assembly of God Haughton, La. Admission is Free!
The Freedom Celebration Wednesday, July 4, 2012 at 5:00 PM Central Assembly of God “The Church of The Cross” There will be fun contests like the Pie Eating Contest, Jalapeno Eating Contest and Watermelon Seed Spitting Contest. Also, there will be stage performances by the most talented singers and musicians in the Ark-La-Tex, pony rides, hot dogs, Frito Pies, Cokes, popcorn, cotton candy, snow cones, homemade ice cream, fresh watermelon, AND MUCH MORE! All food and drinks are $1! Fun is FREE!
Downtown Shreveport Farmers Market Shreveport Farmers Market Every Tues. (3-6pm) & Sat. (7am-noon). Buy and eat local get fruits, veggies and more at the farmers market. The Downtown Farmers’ Market is a one shop stop to purchase fruits and vegetables from local farmers! Items sold at the market include herbs, plants, honey, baked goods, canned goods, fresh cut flowers, crafts and much more!
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H
ave you ever gone somewhere you weren’t invited? Did you go anyway? Why weren’t you invited? These questions puzzle me in the mission field. There are areas that Christians aren’t looked at in a positive light. There are villages, people, and neighbors that don’t like you. But why? Why don’t they like you. Is it you or was it someone else? It’s May 11th and I get a message saying the village we are to go and reach in Peru has decided not to have us. For a year, this group of guys prepared to go on an 18 mile hike in the jungles of Peru to tell these people about a Chief that is above all other chiefs. They prepared physically, mentally, and spiritually. So, why? Why are we uninvited? We started our journey the next day. It was long. First Houston, then Lima, then Pucallpa. Then Puerto Bermudez. Now what? We made it to the pastor and are needing to prepare for the next part of this journey. We received permission from the President of the Ashaninka people allowing us permission to go to these villages, but would they receive us. Our Lord said Go! So we went. This began with a 2 hour drive before the hike we were about to do. We then started our 5 mile hike. We stopped at a village for the night. This gave us an opportunity to spend time with the locals and share testimonies and messages. Some of us enjoyed snails to eat. This was a first for me. I’ve eaten worms, guinea pig, and almost monkey, but never a snail. It wasn’t bad, though it was a little tough. We added on another 5 mile hike to our trip the next day. This is were we set up camp. There were many kids to play soccer with and many people with needs. These people took us in and took good care of us. So, the question was asked to me,”Lalo, are you going to the Ocolla village tomorrow?” I had thought this was out of the question. What was out of the question was the village
this before we even starting hiking. We talked for a little bit longer with the teacher and shared with him our desire to come back but only with the blessing of the chief. We left 2 audio bibles. One was in Spanish and the other in Ashaninka. Then I noticed many of the children were coughing and had bumps on their arms. So I told the teacher we would love to come and try to help with these types of issues. And again, only with the blessing of the chief. Our time was over and we began our 9 mile trek back through the jungle to the rest of our friends. After getting there exhausted
receiving the group.. After asking a few questions I realized what we had just hiked the last 2 days would be what we would need to hike just to get to the village. Then we would need to turn around and come right back. This seemed daunting. I had also found out that the villagers were told that we would come to take their children. So, what now? Make no mistake about it, my body was saying no the whole time. But my heart (my Lord) was saying yes. With much prayer, me, a friend, and pastor’s son (David) left for Ocolla the next morning. In Luke 10, we are told how Jesus sent out the 72. This was how we Audio Bibles in Ashaninka went to Ocolla. No money and no backpack, just 3 men on a from such a long day, we began to hear how mission. I had told the 2 other guys with me, God worked in the lives of the people in that “This is going to be a long day for us and we village. Hearing about a blind man coming will only stay for 1 hour in Ocolla.” I wanted into the knowledge of our gracious God. to respect the decision of the chief and his We may not have been invited to this people. village this time, but the Holy Spirit invited After 9 miles of almost running to get a once blind man into the Kingdom of God. there, we go to visit the teacher of the village. Thank you Lord for knocking over and over He is often times respected amongst the on the door to my heart. people in a village. He greeted us and we Please pray with me for the Ashaninka began to talk. He asks,” What is the purpose people in the village named Ocolla. Also, pray of this visit?” “Only to show your people for the ministry in Olanchito, Honduras. I just the love of Christ,” I said. The teacher was started medical work there. We saw almost a Christian and seemed very happy to see 200 patients and paid for transportation and fellow believers. He left us for a while to go a surgery for Blanca Ortiz. She had an almost talk with the chief and invite him to come crippling abscess in her back. She should be see us. recovering now. All this and more could not After about 20 minutes, the teacher be done without the support of all of you. comes back saddened. The chief would Thank you for allowing me to continue not be coming to meet with us. This seems serving in this way. disappointing, but really we already knew
The Bridges Family July 2012
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Health and Wellness
FITNESS BOOT CAMPS Offer Direction and Results For Your Fitness Success
With the public’s heightened awareness of the benefits of participating in a fitness boot camp, more people are flocking to them to address their health and fitness needs. Whether you’re looking for fun workouts for the long haul, or you just want to give yourself a jump-start, fitness boot camps offer a challenging and motivating way to get into shape and meet other people just like yourself, from beginner to advanced. As with anything in life, achieving your goal will take lots of determination, dedication, and desire (you have to work for it). If you are seeking to achieve a higher level of fitness, a fitness boot camp is for you. So what is a fitness boot camp? It’s a group fitness program designed to mimic strenuous physical fitness training formerly only employed by military and law enforcement officials. Many boot camps today offer programs designed to improve strength and conditioning, and speed and agility training for sports. In short ... It’s no joke! Boot camps are extremely effective for getting you into shape pronto! Some boot camps are held for definite time periods of 2-12 weeks, while other boot camps are held continuously on a monthly basis.
So Why Are Fitness Boot Camps a Surefire Way To Ultimate Fitness? MOTIVATION
PRICE
Oftentimes, once people start thinking about the health they want, it isn’t long before they start to think about all the obstacles in their path, and soon, they’ve talked their way out of God’s best. Your boot camp instructor is your mentor and guide to ensure that you stick to your exercise regime. You’ll be pushed beyond your perceived limits and exceed the goals you have set for yourself. The boot camp environment keeps you focused on your goals and is dedicated to keeping you on track. In general, even the most non-athletically minded people will push themselves on their own when they’re in a group. That’s human nature.
Hiring a fitness professional is a wise investment of time and money. However, hiring a personal trainer for private one-on-one sessions can cost from $40.00 - $65.00 Per session in Mississippi, racking up as much as $780 per month. On the other hand, the price for 4-5 days per week of a fitness boot camp ranges from $9 - $20 per session and $150-$265 per month. Better yet, boot camps often offer special deals to entice new customers.
RESULTS
CAMARADERIE
- BOOT CAMPS WORK
At the forefront of boot camp popularity is the ability to break away from the daily isolation and stress of the corporate grind. A dose of social interaction and encouragement from your peers can work wonders. Additionally, participants often compete against each other and guide each other through the workouts. Not only are our bodies a gift from God, our bodies belong to God, and we are to honor Him in how we treat them. “...You are a temple of God, and the Spirit of God dwells in you. If any man destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him, for the temple of God is holy, and that is what you are.” 1 Corinthians 3:16-17. Build your body for victory with Jesus by enrolling in a fitness boot camp today.
Fat loss is the number one sought after goal of boot campers. Muscle trickery is key. These programs cram a lot of exercises and calorie burning into a short time frame. Picture this: thirty to forty-five minutes of maximal exercise exertion designed to burn mega calories boot camp style by working practically every muscle in a short period of time. Your body fat melts away, while gaining muscle mass and increasing Metabolism, which in turn leaves you with increased ability to burn even more calories while lounging around during the remainder of your day.
Tammy Thomas
July 2012
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Church Burnout T
he story goes that St Teresa of Avila (1515-1582), the great Roman Catholic saint, was complaining to God after once again being kicked out of another Spanish town by yet another bishop who did not appreciate her reforming spirit. As she sat on her suitcases she prayed aloud, “Lord, if this is how you treat your friends, no wonder you have so few of them!”
This may be apocryphal but I like it. In my job as a chancellor, I see plenty of alienated, burnt out believers—clergy and laity—who have had to endure too many years of church fights and disappointments. But what is more surprising is how many people have come through these dark periods and have picked up the torch to faithfully follow Christ and serve in His Church. In every case when someone turns the corner and discovers new life in the church, it is because they have decided that God still dwells here. As an Amy Grant song puts it, “I have decided I’m gonna live like a believer, turn my back on the deceiver and live what I believe.” Church life from the beginning has been plagued by internal tensions, quarrelling and public fights that demoralize its members and undermine its mission. Just read St Paul’s letters to the Corinthians and you get some sense of the troubles he faced. Factionalism. Social cliques. People taking sides and magnifying their petty liturgical and theological disputes. Sexual misconduct. Overblown parish pride. Big talkers who didn’t deliver. Indifference to people in need. Disputes over Paul’s teaching and authority. And that was around 50 AD in a Christian community that was probably no more than fifty people! Even the saints sometimes have trouble getting along. St Paul and St Barnabas had to split up their mission and
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go in different directions after “a sharp contention” when they couldn’t agree on taking young John Mark with them (Acts 15:36-41). Two different leadership styles collided. John Mark had failed the mission before when he left prematurely to go home (Acts 13:13) and St Paul, focusing on the mission’s objectives, was unwilling to have a weak link who couldn’t do the work. St Barnabas may have given more importance to the long-term relationship and mentoring the young man. Whatever the issue, it was enough for the two saints to get really mad at each other, at least for a time. This dispute was surely distressing for everyone else too, but they took it in stride as just part of normal human life, even among Christians. So both were “commended by the brethren to the grace of the Lord” (Acts 15:40) as they went their separate ways to proclaim the word of the Lord and strengthen the brethren. We find this pattern repeated from century to century, from culture to culture “wherever two or three are gathered.” There are always plenty of legitimate reasons that a faithful Christian would just get tired of the mess, throw up his hands and walk away. Or try to find some other religious community where “it’s not like that.” Good luck. Quakers are known to specialize in being peacemakers, but their own communities are not immune to disputes as I’ve learned from Quaker
friends (to their credit they have welldeveloped procedures for dealing with congregational conflicts, and we Orthodox could learn from them). Buddhism too is reputed to be a conflictfree zone, but when I recently attended a training seminar for church leaders on handling misconduct, two Buddhist nuns were there as well, because one of their male leaders had stepped over the line and in the aftermath the community had been devastated and divided. Burnout may be what the classic spiritual writers call “acedia,” despondency, despair, restlessness, no longer caring about anything or anyone, feeling nothing during prayer, not wanting to pray, a sense of hopelessness, that there is no purpose in our life and no way out. The spiritual teachers of the ancient church advised fighting this “demon of despondency” with psalms, a firm hope in future blessings and sticking to a routine of regular work. The cure may not be especially complicated. We may need someone just to listen to us and acknowledge our sense of overwork, betrayal or hurt. We may need just a dose of being human. A priest I know once went to the great monastic center on Mt Athos in Greece and was speaking with an elderly monk about being in such a state. After listening to his woes the monk went to a cupboard and brought out a box of chocolates. “Here, I think you need these. And you need a rest. Take
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your wife on a vacation.” This is similar to the advice St Thomas Aquinas gave in the 13th century: a hot bath, a glass of wine and a good night’s sleep. How do we minister to someone who has gone past the burnout post, and left the church? I’m ashamed to say that there are people who have quietly stopped coming to church and I just didn’t follow up. I got caught in day-to-day busy-ness and they fell to the bottom of the to-do list. Parishes can get everyone involved to follow up and prevent this scenario, but it happens and it’s sad. Not everyone with burnout will be open to a visit or a conversation, but most are. Sometimes the burnout comes from a genuine crisis of faith. Perhaps they haven’t had a chance to talk about their troubles seriously, or they were afraid of talking about it. Maybe they don’t have the words they need to
Patriotic Dishes
have this sort of conversation. Or they’re afraid of being pushed into a corner. We need to share our own uncertainties and disappointments, but also why we stay in the face of them. Or perhaps they drift away because competing demands keep them from an active spiritual life, and “as they go on their way they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature” (Luke 8:14). Others may feel lonely and no one in the church notices. For them it’s not so much a crisis of faith as a crisis of love. Sometimes they leave because they became so active in church life that important aspects of their family life got neglected (a priest recently told me that priests regularly break the Ten Commandments because they steal: they steal from the time that belongs to their wife and children).
.Tasty Treats .
July is America’s patriotic time of year. This is the time we celebrate July 4th , our country’s birthday. There are many foods that remind me of this celebration. Most fun patriotic foods are red, white and blue...the colors of our American Flag. Try some colorful recipes for fun all month long.
Potato Salad
4 cups cubed red potatoes 10 slices bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces 3⁄4 cup mayonnaise 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 2 teaspoons granulated sugar 1 teaspoon salt 4 hard-boiled eggs, chopped 1 stalk celery, diced 1 small onion, chopped 1⁄2 medium green pepper, chopped
1.. Boil the potatoes until they are fork tender. (If you’re not sure how to boil the potatoes, this is a good resource.) Drain the potatoes and set aside. 2. Meanwhile, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium-low heat until crisp. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Pour off all but 2 tablespoons of the bacon drippings in the skillet. 3. Add the mayonnaise, mustard, sugar and salt to the reserved bacon drippings in the skillet and whisk to combine. 4. In a large bowl, combine the potatoes, eggs, celery, onion and green pepper. Pour the dressing over the ingredients and gently stir to evenly coat. Stir in the bacon. 5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving. 6-8 Servings
Quick Southern-Style Baked Beans Serves up to 18 8 slices bacon, halved 1 medium onion, cut into small dice 1/2 medium green pepper, cut into small dice 3 large cans (28 oz each) pork and beans 3/4 cup barbecue sauce 1/2 cup brown sugar 1/4 cup distilled or cider vinegar 2 teaspoons dry mustard or 2 tablespoons Dijon Adjust oven rack to lower-middle position and heat oven to 325 degrees. Fry bacon in large, deep sauté pan skillet until bacon has partially cooked and released about 1/4 cup drippings. Remove bacon from pan and drain on paper towels. Add onions and peppers to drippings in pan and sauté until tender, about 5 minutes. Add beans and remaining ingredients bring to a simmer. (If skillet is not large enough, add beans and heat to a simmer then transfer to a large bowl and stir in remaining ingredients). Pour flavored beans into a greased 13-by 9-inch (or similar size) ovenproof pan. Top with bacon, then bake until beans are bubbly and sauce is the consistency of pancake syrup, about 2 hours. Let stand to thicken slightly and serve.
Our buttons are guaranteed to be pushed
It is guaranteed that we will face situations in church that will push all our burnout buttons. The question is, will we be a torchbearer or a burned-out leaver? Maybe we’ll be both, leaving for a time, and then coming back after discovering— or rediscovering—that there is a lot more in the life of the church than meets the eye. “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26). John Jillions
Firecracker July 4th Cake
1 box Betty Crocker® SuperMoist® white cake mix Water Vegetable oil and Egg whites called for on cake mix box Red food color Blue food color 1 container (12 oz) Betty Crocker® Whipped fluffy White frosting
1. Heat oven to 325°F. Generously grease 12-cup fluted tube cake pan. Make cake batter as directed on box, using water, oil and egg whites. Pour 1 cup of the batter into small bowl; stir in red food color until well mixed. Pour another cup of the batter into separate bowl; stir in blue food color until well mixed. 2. Pour red cake batter into bottom of pan. Carefully pour remaining white batter over red batter in pan. Carefully pour blue batter over white batter. (Blue batter does not need to cover white batter completely; it looks better if it just forms a ring in the center of the white batter.) 3. Bake as directed on box or until toothpick inserted near center comes out clean. Cool cake 5 minutes. Meanwhile, place cooling rack over cookie sheet. Turn pan upside down onto cooling rack. Cool cake completely, about 30 minutes. 4. When cake is cool, divide frosting evenly into 3 microwavable bowls. Microwave 1 bowl of frosting uncovered on High a few seconds until smooth enough to drizzle over cake. With spoon, drizzle all of white frosting back and forth around cake in a striping pattern. Repeat microwaving second bowl of frosting until smooth. Stir in a few drops blue food color until well blended. Drizzle over cake, scattering frosting back and forth. Repeat with remaining bowl of frosting and red food color, making sure red, white and blue frostings can be seen on cake. Let cake stand at room temperature until frosting is set before serving.
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Quips and Quotes
OUR ADVERTISERS
“Lord of beauty, thine the splendor shown in earth and sky and sea, burning sun and moonlight tender, hill and river, flower and tree: lt we fail our praise to render touch our ey that they may see.” Cyril A. Alington
“Freedom is never given, it is won.”
unknown
“Where liberty dwells, there is my country.” Benjamin Franklin
“Liberty means responsibility. That is why most men dread it.”
George Bernard Shaw
“You have to love a nation that celebrates its independence every July 4, not with a parade of guns, tanks, and soldiers who file by the White House in a show of strength and muscle, but with family picnics where kids throw Frisbees, the potato salad gets iffy, and the flies die from happiness. You may think you have overeaten, but it is patriotism.” Erma Bombeck
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Fun Dates
July 6th: National Fried Chicken Day
July 19th: Stick your tongue out Day
July 30th: National Cheesecake Day * Many pastry shops and restaurants will serve this delight at a discounted price! 22
Faith and Family
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