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INSPIRATION FOR EVERYDAY LIVING
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INSIDE: Stories to Keep You Looking Up Poems & Prayers for the Journey
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INSPIRATION
Despite the forecast, live like it’s Spring. —Lilly Pulitzer It is spring again. The earth is like a child who knows poems by heart. —Rainer Maria Rilke
I think trees should bloom earlier in the spring. They act like they are on a schedule. It’s not like they have anywhere to go. —Jarod Kintz
…for everyday living
‌whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things. —Philippians 4:8
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Inspiration for Everyday Living
HOME 10
Our First Home (After 15 Years of Marriage, 3 Kids and 9 Rentals)
Simply Good Magazine invites you to join us on a journey of discovery as we connect
Best-Selling Author… Marie Kondo is Back with Tidying Advice in Spark Joy
to share within our community.
local people and their inspirational stories
PUBLISHER Becky Johnston, CCO Becky@SimplyGoodMagazine.com CONTRIBUTORS Amanda Marsh, Art Director Jennifer Espeland, Director Business Development BJ Towe, Words That Work, Inc. Ryan Towe Photography Shutterstock.com
INVEST 20 Unique & Crazy Ways…to Save Money Spending, Saving, Investing & Giving… Parents and Kids and Money Giving Back to Your Community
ADVISORY COUNCIL Angela (Williams) Jackson, Owner
CULTURE 28
The Great Frame Up Donald F. Lamberti, Founder Casey’s Corporation
Spiritual Fathers: Passing the Torch… A Conversation with Michael W. Smith
Jeramy Landauer, President Landauer Publishing Greg McCall, Owner—Clean Des Moines Mike Schreurs, CEO—Strategic America
Des Moines Performing Arts… Applause Series: Major Milestone
Heidi Vermeer-Quist, Psy.D. Bev Wood—Simply Good Connections
William Butler’s Live Art Experience
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Simply Good Media LLC Urbandale, Iowa 50323 (515) 554-2700 SimplyGoodMagazine.com © 2016 Simply Good Media, LLC Spring 2016
WELL 48 My Mother is an Expert Gardener by Heidi Vermeer-Quist Be Good to Your Body…Making Your Brain Smarter and Healthier by Wendy W. Zedah, M.D.
A SIMPLY GOOD WELCOME: From Our Home to Yours… Becky Johnston, Chief Creative Officer Simply Good Media LLC A Seed is faithful. Small and ordinary as a seed may be, so long as it remains alive it will sprout when you sow it. The seed is faithful and reliable in doing what God meant it to do, when it is sown. The spiritual seed we are thinking about is faithful too. It will produce much fruit in due season, if we sow it. —Ron Graham With more than 40 years of publishing experience, Rebecca Wayne Johnston (Becky) creates books, magazines, and branded editorial products from concept to completion. With a degree in journalism from Drake University, she draws upon many years of hands-on editorial development— from senior magazine editor for Better Homes and Gardens Special Interest Publications to Landauer Publishing and as a founding partner of BeInspired Network.
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Simply Good Magazine’s stories focus on God’s presence during good and difficult times, the people He places in our lives who bless us, and how we can all reach out to help others to serve through gifts of prayer, time and treasures and support of churches, ministries and non-profits. • We’re not your average media company, and we certainly don’t have an average audience.
• We’re woman-owned reaching tens of thousands of families through our magazine.
• We’re intentional in serving our community. We give 100% of profits to local charities.
• We’re here for good.
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When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left but could say I’ve used everything you gave me. —Erma Bombeck Forbes Quotes: Thoughts on the Business of Life
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GATHERING TOGETHER... The memories of home are with us for a lifetime. With each remembering, they welcome us back to a place where we belong. Like precious threads, family ties draw us close to those we love, and pull our hearts toward home. In farm country, the homeplace was the center of family life—from welcoming new arrivals in springtime to bringing in the harvest each fall. Each generation celebrates the passing seasons with established traditions. As the old traditions fade away, they are replaced with the new. But a few seem to remain constant throughout the years— devotion to parents and to God through prayer. It is in this spirit of love and devotion that we have gathered stories and verse to share with you and to honor those you love—especially Mothers and Fathers— the foundation of our home and family. Our prayers go with you! Bless This House Bless this house O Lord we pray; Make it safe by night and day;
Bless these walls so firm and stout, Keeping want and trouble out; Bless the roof and chimneys tall, Let thy peace lie over all;
Bless this door, that it may prove ever open to joy and love. —Helen Taylor, 1927 S IM PLY GO O D | S PRI N G 2 0 1 6 | S IM P LYG OO D M A GA Z I NE . CO M
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BUY, BUILD, REMODEL & DECORATE
Spring is the time of plans and projects. —Leo Tolstoy
THE STORY OF HOW WE JUST BOUGHT OUR FIRST HOUSE…After 15 Years of Marriage, 3 Kids & 9 Rentals By Lisa-Jo Baker Adapted from her Blog of May 18, 2015 lisajobaker.com
On Friday last week Peter and I signed our names approximately 5 million times and became first time homeowners. We’re both 40. We have three kids and have lived in 9 rental homes in 3 different countries. We have spent the past two years in yet another rental. When we first moved to Virginia our small, rental house was just a short-term plan. But every summer when it came time to move we couldn’t yet. And we’d promise ourselves just one more year of saving and paying down debt and then next June would be our June to move. It’s one with more space and a sun room that pours light into our lives and is where we gather with friends and over breakfast and when we’re doing sticky art projects or trying to work our way through an advent reading with minimal tantrums. I’ve photographed it in every season. That room feels like grace to me. ...two years ago I’d officially given up the dream of ever owning our own house. Until last week Friday. Five years of waiting. I wrote a lot about that house. The free gift from a God who is never tired of S IM PLY GO O D | S PRI N G 2 0 1 6 | S IM P LYG OO D M A GA Z I NE . CO M
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MEET THE AUTHOR… On my blog I do my best not to dress up motherhood. I try to tell it straight. I love that the internet gives us a way to share our everyday, extraordinary stories—which is all the more reason why I love my full-time job as the Social Media Manager for DaySpring, a division of Hallmark.
…two years ago I’d officially given up the dream of ever owning our own house. Until last week Friday.
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us, never over us, and never in a rush to give us what we want. But determined to lovingly give us what we need. This house is where I finally surrendered the dream of owning our own home. The thing is, I moved into that house feeling entitled to something better. But that is the exact opposite of what Jesus has promised us (John 15:4– 8): Live in me. Make your home in me just as I do in you. In the same way that a branch can’t bear grapes by itself but only by being joined to the vine, you can’t bear fruit unless you are joined with me. And I moved out of it five years later in a hot June feeling like everything was a gift. He offers us welcome and profound acceptance way beyond the state of our four walls or our own home. Entitlement is a dangerous thing isn’t it? Especially as women, there’s this deep-rooted sense of being entitled to a home that is our own. I’m not gonna pretend this is easy. It took me seven years to begin to
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really get this truth. For real. Seven years. And it’s not like I’ve arrived—I’ve just started letting go of the things I’ve felt entitled to and it is such a relief. For the first time in 7 years I finally felt at peace in my skin and my home. Last October Peter told me he thought it was time to explore buying a house. We qualified for a loan. Let’s just say this was a big deal for us because we arrived here seven years ago with debt in the six-figure range. Every spare cent the past nearly decade has gone into a black hole of paying off debt and bad financial decisions. It has been a long journey. We met with a mortgage lender. A dear friend connected us with a realtor. And we slowly, cautiously explored what Peter was hearing to test if it really was an invitation from the Lord to purchase a home of our own. And then the bank gave us the green light and a preapproval letter. We must’ve looked at over 100 houses online. And then nearly 15 in
person. And I still couldn’t imagine any of them would make moving worthwhile. And then in March, Peter came into the room late one night to show me our house. Down a quiet country lane on an acre of land it had a vegetable garden, a playground, a koi pond and a beautiful, open-plan living area that felt like home the moment we laid eyes on it. And the day we submitted our revised offer was the same day another offer came in. Much higher than ours. And while we’d written a letter sharing about our family and all our hopes and dreams for this home as a place to grow roots and raise our children and plant deep into the community the answer came back, “No.” They went with the other offer. And then our entire family got sicker than we’ve ever been. I mean, it was ridiculous. It was a 72-hour marathon. It was brutal. The first day after we were recovered enough from the great stomach flu
apocalypse of 2015, Zoe and I were headed out to tentatively pick up some food when I got this text from our realtor: “Check your email! The other couple pulled out of the property! The agent is wondering if you guys want to resubmit your offer.” And then I pulled over in a Chipotle parking lot with shaking hands to text her back, “Oh my word yes yes yes! 100% yes. How do we do it?” It was stunningly unreal. God made that abundantly clear. Everything begins and ends in His hands— His good hands that can be trusted to hold us as we mourn as well as when we rejoice. So on Friday last week, I stepped through the front door of the first house I have ever owned. I don’t claim to know how God works. But I do know beyond a shadow of a doubt now that God gave us this house.
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A Gift for You
Get the Story Behind the Blog…
…straight-from-the-hip honest; straight-from-God holy… —Ann Voskamp
in…
Count Yourself A FREE book by Lisa-Jo Baker! We’re sending out Surprised by Motherhood to the first “Sweet 16” requests (in the order they are received). Email your request to: Becky@ SimplyGoodMagazine.com
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BEST-SELLING AUTHOR MARIE KONDO IS BACK…With Tidying Advice in Spark Joy By Katherine Roth, The Associated Press
Spark Joy, is a companion to the #1 New York Times Best Seller with 3 Million Copies Sold, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up.
Author of the international best-seller The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up (Ten Speed Press, 2014), Kondo became famous for advising readers how to transform their lives by sifting through their belongings one by one, embracing those that “spark joy” and bidding a fond but hasty farewell to the rest. Her book, Spark Joy: an Illustrated Master Class on the Art of Organizing and Tidying Up (Ten Speed), provides illustrations and more detail. Kondo still communes lovingly with socks and blouses, folding clothes like origami and bows in gratitude to her home. She also has a fresh perspective as a new mother. “My daughter is an infant, so my method hasn’t changed...She cannot make 14
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a mess yet. What has surprised me most is the amount of stuff a baby needs,” Kondo said, sitting primly at the edge of her seat in an impeccable white top over a pale blue print dress. With an understated sense of humor, she notes in her new book that one of the people with whom she has had to share her storage methods is her new husband, himself so minimalist that he moved in with only four cardboard boxes of belongings.
SPRING BRINGS NEW ARRIVALS…In a Charming Story Featuring Stunning Fabrics, Heartwarming Illustrations and a Delightful Quilt to Make By Edyta Sitar Quilter & Author, Rainbow Nest Illustrated By Sue Cornelison
Author, quilter, and designer Edyta Sitar is proud to carry on a family tradition that fabric and threads have stitched together through the generations. Her true love of quilting shines through as she travels the world sharing her passion, connecting to, and inspiring quilters of all skill levels with stimulating stories about the quilts she makes. As the co-owner and co-founder of Laundry Basket Quilts, her work has been published in books and magazines worldwide.
Edyta creates her awardwinning quilts and patterns and her splendid fabric designs for MODA. This book includes full instructions, diagrams and all appliqué templates needed for this easy ninepatch quilt. Ask for a copy of Rainbow Nest in the quilt shops featured in our Simply Good Connections or order from Landauer Publishing. landauerpub.com
ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR… Sue Cornelison is an award-winning illustrator for children’s publishers including American Girl, Disney Hyperion, Cricket Magazine, Crayola Kids Magazine, and many more. Sue and her husband Ross, a jazz musician, live in St. Charles, Iowa. They are the parents of six children. Her daughter Molly, follows in her mother’s footsteps and together they created the illustrations for Rainbow Nest.
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INNER VISIONS HEALTHCARE… A Year of Mercy and Grace By Jenny Condon, Executive Director InnerVisions HealthCare, ivhcare.org
The most important person on earth is a mother. She cannot claim the honor of having built Notre Dame Cathedral. She need not. She has built something more magnificent than any cathedral—a dwelling for an immortal soul, the tiny perfection of her baby’s body. The angels have not been blessed with such a grace. They cannot share in God’s creative miracle to bring new saints to Heaven. Only a human mother can. Mothers are closer to God the Creator than any other creature; God joins forces with mothers in performing this act of creation…what on God’s good earth is more glorious than this; to be a mother? —Joszef Cardinal Mindszenty, 1892–1975 One of the foremost opponents of Communism in Eastern Europe
1355 50th Street Suite 400A West Des Moines, Iowa info@ivhcare.org ivhcare.org (515) 440-2273
As InnerVisions HealthCare provides women as well as men facing unplanned pregnancies or sexually transmitted diseases with compassionate and nonjudgmental and truthful information, sexual integrity
education, and free medical care, they are empowered to make informed, lifeaffirming decisions. Conveniently located on 50th Street, just south of the intersection with I-235, in West Des Moines,
our clients come from more than 45 counties in Iowa and range in age from 12 to 70. Since our founding in 2011, more than 350 women have chosen to parent or place their baby for adoption. Surely, this is a sign of God’s grace and blessing, but it’s also a testament to the honest and careful work that our team of experienced
medical professionals strives to provide on a daily basis. Our mission is simple: empower women to help them save babies. We give the mothers the care and concern they may not be receiving elsewhere—not to mention kind words of encouragement and financial support before, during, and after the pregnancy. S IM PLY GO O D | S PRI N G 2 0 1 6 | S IM P LYG OO D M A GA Z I NE . CO M
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REACHING FOR THE SUN... It's not only children who grow. Parents do too. As much as we watch to see what our children do with their lives, they are watching us to see what we do with ours. I can't tell my children to reach for the sun. All I can do is reach for it, myself. —Joyce Maynard, New York Times Reaching for the Sun: A Farewell Growing up Prayer With each new day that dawns I am growing up, O Lord.
It's not too soon to start thinking of what I want to be. It's very hard, I think, to make the right decision
but I pray that you will help and guide me. Show me what to do, let me share, someday, my talents where they're needed.
And when you show me, give me courage to be generous enough to do what you want.
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. —Jeremiah 29:11 S IM PLY GO O D | S PRI N G 2 0 1 6 | S IM P LYG OO D M A GA Z I NE . CO M
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FINANCIAL FINESSE
If you want to reap financial blessings, you have to sow financially. —Joel Osteen
UNIQUE & CRAZY WAYS…To Save Money By Ana Gonzalez Ribeiro Adapted from Bankrate.com My husband was Trying to save money can be boring, but some of us proud of me for trying to find creative ways to save save money. However, he had to literally dig the a buck or two: dogs out of the thermos in pieces. Cheap meal, We did eat, but I never happy family We had just moved to tried that again. It was a another state, and my cheap meal that kept us husband was trying to together and happy, and start his own business, no one was late for their so money was very tight. game! —Brenda from Florida My children were in sports, so we traveled a lot to their events. In order to Save on golf balls save money, I decided to My son plays golf in both boil some hot dogs to feed high school and on junior my bunch before their tours. I follow him, keeping games. I packed everything in our van and then picked score while I save money by looking for stray golf the kids up from school. When it was time to balls. It is not uncommon eat, I realized I had placed the boiled hot dogs in a for me to find up to 12 narrow-mouthed thermos dozen golf balls just following him for one to keep them hot. To our horror, the hot 18-hole tournament. At up to $45 a dozen, dogs were stuck in the thermos because they had this is money we save by continued swelling after not having to buy them. —John from Indiana taking them out of the boiling water! S IM PLY GO O D | S PRI N G 2 0 1 6 | S IM P LYG OO D M A GA Z I NE . CO M
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SPENDING, SAVING, INVESTING & GIVING… Parents and Kids and Money Adapted from Northwestern Mutual’s, The Mint themint.org
FREE CLASS EVENT… Classes will be offered throughout the country for all ages. For more information and activity listings visit moneysmartweek.org
Are you Money Smart? Fact is, we all could use a little help when it comes to managing our finances. Money doesn’t come with instructions, and that’s why banks, businesses, schools, libraries and lots of others are joining together to help support financial education during Money Smart Week, April 23rd through the 30th. Money Smart Week is coordinated by the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago and hundreds of institutions and organizations across the country.
four ways: spending, saving, investing, and giving. Build a bank that shows children that money is used for more than spending. In fact, you may insist that any allowance is split among four categories. Instead of one bank, try four. • A spending bank for money to be used soon. • A saving bank for money to be used later. • An investing bank for money that will grow on its own. • A giving bank for money to help others.
Build a four-bank system: When your child reaches 5 Label each bank: or 6, begin teaching them Take four containers and that money can be used in label them Save, Spend,
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Give, and Grow. As a making exceptions, the fun activity, you make the child loses the idea that message stick. Decorate each there is a system at work. • Watch it grow bank using stickers or together…When you drawings to illustrate your save money, it grows. child’s money goals. • A Wish list…List the things you want to buy. Back to basics: • Can’t have it all… This four-bank idea will Understand that some get you talking to your items are more kids in a very practical important than others. and comfortable way. • The time factor… Investing is for a long Dividing money among time. banks: You should decide • Explain sharing…I what part of your child’s feel good sharing allowance or gift money what I have with others. should go into each of the For many families, four banks. Once you’ve giving is as important decided, stick to your plan. as saving. By constantly adjusting or S IM PLY GO O D | S PRI N G 2 0 1 6 | S IM P LYG OO D M A GA Z I NE . CO M
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FUN AND EASY WAYS… To Give Back to Your Community Adapted from Huffpost Impact huffingtonpost.com
Giving back to others in the community often seems like a later thing, rather than a now thing. You couldn’t make that big of a difference on your own, right? Not so fast. Making a positive impact in your community can be easy, and even fun, when you expand your ideas about how you can help. You don’t need a heap of money, a crew of fellow volunteers or boatloads of time to make a difference. Simply by using the 24
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skills you already have, and sharing them with others, you can come up with all sorts of creative ways to help someone in your community have a better day. Huffington Post partnered with HGTV’s “Cousins Undercover” for this list of fun and easy ways to make a difference: Make New Friends At A Local Shelter: Animal shelters are almost always looking for extra help, and volunteering has never been so cute.
Organize A Clothing Sale: If you've got a flair for fashion, consider a clothing sale. Ask locals to donate new or gently used clothing and accessories, and re-label them for reasonable re-sale prices. Donate all proceeds to a local charity.
consider sharing your smarts with local students. Double Your Dessert: Next time you're baking, consider doubling your batch and bringing the extras to a local police station, senior home or soup kitchen.
Got a Green Thumb? Consider taking up a plot at the community garden or volunteering to help maintain the unclaimed or common areas. Get Your Arts and Crafts On: If you're the artsy type, then you may be able to find volunteer work at a community theater or school. Share Your Skills: There are lots of places looking for volunteers to help out with activities for kids— schools, day care centers, camps, church groups, the YMCA and more.
Visit With Local Seniors: These Centers will almost always take volunteers, and sometimes you don't have to do anything other than say hello and listen to some pretty cool stories.
Share Your Smarts: We've all got something we're good at, and if you're lucky enough to be good at long division or skilled in Spanish conjugations, S IM PLY GO O D | S PRI N G 2 0 1 6 | S IM P LYG OO D M A GA Z I NE . CO M
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SOWING GOOD SEED… A seed is ordinary. It might be very ordinary to put aside a small amount of your money to help a child, in a third-world nation, to get an education or medical aid. It might be very unremarkable to give some of your time and labor to help others with some responsibility important to them, but which they cannot handle alone. Yet in all sorts of ordinary ways, you can sow seeds of goodness that will grow and produce an abundant harvest. One reason many people give up sowing spiritual seed, is that each time they sow, they feel that their deed was too ordinary, too unremarkable. I cannot think of anything much more ordinary than to "give to one of these little ones even a cup of cold water to drink..." yet Jesus Christ himself honors and rewards such an act (Matthew 10:42). —Shared by Ron Graham
They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit. —Jeremiah 17:8 S IM PLY GO O D | S PRI N G 2 0 1 6 | S IM P LYG OO D M A GA Z I NE . CO M
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ART SCENE, FASHION & ENTERTAINING
It is good to love many things, for therein lies the true strength, and whosoever loves much performs much, and can accomplish much, and what is done in love is well done. —Vincent van Gogh
SIMPLY GOOD CONNECTIONS: BUSINESS AND CIVIC LEADERS UNITE IN PRAYER… Michael W. Smith, Grammy and Dove Award Winner By Charles Ganske Portraits By Ryan Towe Photography In a unique, one-of-a-kind gathering, Simply Good Connections hosted “Unite in Prayer,” for nearly 150 Business, Civic Leaders, and interdenominational Christian Clergy along with Spiritual Leaders. The gathering was held Friday, February 26, from 1–2:30pm, at Iowa Home Care in West Des Moines. The event brought together Christian leaders, as they joined in prayer
for Des Moines, Iowa, and our nation. Bob Perry, Founder of Worship City Prayer in Nashville, led a question and answer interview with Michael W. Smith, award-winning Christian Music Artist who performed as well as shared from his heart. Attendees heard what a spiritual father does to walk beside others and be inspired by the spirit of unity.
The “Unite in Prayer” event was coordinated by Bev Wood, catered by Colette Brown. Sponsors included Iowa For Jesus, Simply Good Magazine along with Kimberly Weber, CEO of Iowa Home Care and Heidi Vermeer-Quist, Psy.D. of Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services, shown here with Michael W. Smith.
ABOUT THE ARTIST… Michael W. Smith, is a nationally renowned Christian musician. As a three-time Grammy Award winner and an American Music Award recipient, he has received a lifetime achievement award from ASCAP. He has sold more than 18 million albums.
The attendees were simply amazed. I am not sure if there was a dry eye in the place including mine. —Joseph S. Coy Senior VP, Iowa Home Care
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SPIRITUAL FATHERS: Walking alongside the next generation… By BJ Towe, Words That Work, Inc. wordsthatworkinc.com Portraits By Ryan Towe Photography
Three-time Grammy winner Michael W. Smith talks about the men who helped shape the person he is today: A man who’s chasing God and raising up the next generation of believers.
Michael W. Smith says three spiritual leaders changed his life: His father, the Reverend Billy Graham, and the man he calls “Papa Don.”
Michael W. Smith shuns the idea of ‘celebrity’ and instead focuses on his life’s purpose—helping to raise up the next generation of believers.
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His Father “My dad showed me a little bit of the heart of God,” Smith says as he describes his late father’s unwavering support, encouragement, and love—even when life took unexpected turns. Smith grew up in the church in Kenova, West Virginia, where Paul Smith was an oil refinery worker. Although Michael W. Smith wrote his first song at age 5, his dream was to play professional baseball. “My dad played baseball with me every single day up to the age of 15,” he says.
“But my love for sports just faded away and I fell in love with music. Then my dad became my biggest fan (of that),” he says. While still a teenager, Smith dropped out of college to pursue his music career in Nashville, where he played with local bands but struggled to land a record deal. “I went through a tough time…four years of stuff,” Smith says, recalling the years he used cocaine and LSD. He describes a near-death experience in November 1979, which led him back to God: “I wept and convulsed for three hours on a linoleum floor, and I had a massive encounter with the Lord. …The God of the universe came and laid right down beside me. I haven’t been the same since then. “My parents never gave up on me. They knew I was a complete mess— they really saved my life through praying for me,” Smith says. Not long after, he got his first songwriting contract and began playing keyboard in singer-songwriter Amy Grant’s band.
“Papa Don” Finto “I really think that if Jesus were here and he came over to hang out, we’d probably have a latte somewhere and we’d throw ball. That’s the Jesus I know. My pastor Don Finto is like that. He walks into a room and he has this glow—like Moses,” Smith muses. From the moment the two met 33 years ago at Finto’s church in Nashville, they’ve shared an almost unshakeable bond. They regularly take long walks together, usually in a nearby park. Sometimes they talk. Sometimes Smith just listens. Smith recalls a time when they walked in silence until they sat down on a park bench. Finto suddenly began reciting the entire book of Colossians—from memory. So inspired, Smith went home and immediately began memorizing scripture. “It’s my go-to. When I feel like I’m dried up, I start praying scripture,” he says. “Don’s been there for accountability. He’s walked with me through this whole crazy career. He’s stood by me, prayed for me all of these years,” Smith says.
Don Finto, Ph.D., spent 25 years as senior pastor of Belmont Church in Nashville, where Michael W. Smith attended. Finto today focuses on equipping God’s people with His heart and purpose for Israel and the nations.
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“Don realizes that part of building the Kingdom is you have to invest in the next generation. He’s done that for a long, long time,” Smith adds.
Pastor Bob Perry focuses on prayer ministry with Nashville House of Prayer and Worship City Prayer, which he founded with a purpose to ignite and unite churches, ministries and individuals.
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Reverend Billy Graham Evangelist Billy Graham had already led countless spiritual gatherings around the world when, more than two decades ago, he challenged his staff to “reach the next generation” by organizing the first Billy Graham Crusade Youth Night at Cleveland Stadium. In place of choir music, contemporary Christian artists—Michael W. Smith and dc Talk—were invited to lead music worship. Even though the event was met with great opposition from Crusade staffers, it was held June 11, 1994. More than 80,000 were in attendance. Smith’s voice trembles with emotion as he recalls that night along the banks of Lake Erie: “Billy gave one of the greatest messages I’d ever heard. Then I watched 10,000 young people walk forward (to commit their lives to Christ). I just couldn’t stop
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crying. Then I walk to the back stage, and all the guys who were opposed were weeping because they saw what was going on. It was a ‘moment’ time.” Since that night, Smith and Graham have shared many moments. Smith says, “His friendship has been incredible. He spoke a lot of life over me all of those years.” What’s Next Taking his queues from his spiritual leaders— who, by the way, include his mother—Smith says, “I feel like my best work is ahead. I do feel a big part of what I’m supposed to do is father this next generation. It’s time to take Jesus back to the streets.”
Having a Spiritual Father Pastor Bob Perry and Michael W. Smith share more than an enduring friendship; they both look to Pastor Don Finto for spiritual guidance. Since Perry first met Finto at a prayer meeting in 2004, “Don has been my biggest cheerleader. He’s encouraged me, stood with me, prayed with me. A spiritual father like Don is somebody I can talk to when I’m in trouble, feel anxious, or need help. It’s also a spiritual thing— this one’s real hard to
measure or even explain,” Perry says. Perry continues: “It’s something you feel and sense in your heart—a protection, a strength, a covering. He wants to hear our journeys. He shares God’s heart by hearing what’s on your heart.” At the core of strong spiritual leadership is relationship, Perry says. “The next generation doesn’t care much about job titles. They want to know: Do you really care for me?” S IM PLY GO O D | S PRI N G 2 0 1 6 | S IM P LYG OO D M A GA Z I NE . CO M
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Being a Spiritual Father Nashville’s Pastor Don Finto, 85, is a spiritual father to many. Finto has served at conferences in Jerusalem, where he listens to, prays over, and simply loves Muslim-background Christians “as the brother or father they never had.” While Finto steps easily into this role today, he grew up without a positive father figure at home. “I had some very unfortunate things happen in my youth. But I realized years later that, in the Lord, you can become what you never had,” he says. Over time Finto gained “little pieces” of what it means to be a spiritual leader, such as loving unconditionally, being relational, and being transparent with others—even in your struggles. To create this focused, intentional relationship, he often walks—literally— with members of his flock. “A lot of seminaries almost teach their students to keep some distance from their flock. Jesus walked among them; His 34
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disciples saw His every move,” he says. “Many people would like to have this (kind of relationship), but there’s really nobody around. They have to get little pieces like I did,” he says. For those individuals, Finto recommends: 1. Pray for a spiritual mentor to come into your life. 2. Identify someone you respect and absorb as much from that person that you can— even if it’s at a distance or in a crowd. 3. If the Lord opens a door for a closer relationship, be sure to walk through it.
IOWA FOR JESUS NETWORK… Building Relationships & Bridging Christian Networks Greg McCall Iowa For Jesus Network i4jn.com Our mission is TO BUILD genuine relationships, TO BRIDGE networks and resources, and TO BRING Kingdom solutions to Iowa. Our website serves as a statewide “bulletin board” for many Christian networks.
Greg McCall, Iowa for Jesus Network (515) 991-9147
This spring, Iowa for Jesus Network was blessed to be a sponsor of a gathering of nearly 150 business and Christian leaders from more than 60 churches to Unite in Prayer with Michael W. Smith and Bob Perry in West Des Moines. We also hosted a weekend of praise and prayer with Lou Engle in Ankeny. We encourage you to join us at An Appeal to Heaven National Conference hosted by Dutch Sheets
with Chuck Pierce, Lou Engle, Will Ford, Tim Sheets and Jeremy Burk in Moline, IL at New Hope Church on April 28–30th. Visit dutchsheets.org to register.
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MY FATHERS’ PROMISE…A Quiet Voice Suddenly Pierced My Darkness: Go. We’ll Wait By BJ Towe
I wanted desperately to be in two places at one time and pleaded with God: Do I dare go? Do I travel 400-plus miles to attend Sam’s funeral? Do I leave my dad when he likely has only a day or two left?
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I rang in that New Year in Quincy, Illinois. Days earlier, my father—who had been battling multiple myeloma for years—chose to suspend life-sustaining dialysis treatments. Doctors said he’d leave this world within seven or eight days. I resolved to spend those days by his side in my parents’ home. Back in Des Moines, my husband Lee stayed near his dad, who was in hospice with terminal cancer. We thought he had some time. But around 2:00 a.m. on January 2—already my dad’s sixth day without dialysis—my husband’s phone call awakened me. His father was gone. I sobbed as I sat alone in the darkness, grieving that I wasn’t there for my husband and kids. I pleaded with God for guidance. A quiet voice pierced my darkness: Go. We’ll wait. As I left my parents’ house, I kissed my father on his forehead and said, “I’m
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counting on you to be here when I get back.” He smiled and nodded weakly. Lee and I returned to Quincy on January 6—day No. 10. As Mom announced that I was back, Dad briefly opened his eyes, looked into mine, squeezed my hand and then slipped back into the distance. My mother, brother, Lee and I spent the day gathered around my father. I held Dad’s hand as we told touching stories that we knew Dad loved—and likely could still hear. Then we heard his last breath. At that very moment, snowflakes began to fall, I felt the air begin to swirl, and I sensed his spirit leave this earth, on the wings of angels.
A SON’S TRIBUTE TO HIS FATHER… Eulogy for Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia Adapted from the Homily by Rev. Paul Scalia …We are gathered here because of one man. A man known personally to many of us, known only by reputation to even more. A man loved by many, scorned by others. A man known for great controversy, and for great compassion. That man, of course, is Jesus of Nazareth. It is He whom we proclaim. Jesus Christ, son of the father, born of the Virgin Mary, crucified, buried, risen, seated at the right hand of the Father. It is because of him. Because of his life, death and resurrection that we do not mourn as those who have no hope, but in confidence we commend Antonin Scalia to the mercy of God. …God blessed Dad, as is well known, with a love for his country. He knew well what a close-run thing the founding of our nation was.…Dad understood that the deeper he went in his Catholic faith, the better a citizen and public servant
he became. God blessed him with the desire to be the country's good servant because he was God's first. …We Scalias, however, give thanks for a particular blessing God bestowed. God blessed Dad with a love for his family. We have been thrilled to read and hear the many words of praise and admiration for him, for his intellect, his writings, his speeches, his influence and so on. But more important to us—and to him—is that he was Dad. He was the father that God gave us for the great adventure of family life. He loved us, and sought to show that love. And sought to share the blessing of the faith he treasured. And he gave us one another, to have each other for support. That's the greatest wealth parents can bestow, and right now we are particularly grateful for it.
Antonin Scalia 1936–2016
Editor’s Note: Rev. Paul
Scalia is a Roman Catholic priest in the Diocese of Arlington, Virginia. For the full transcript of the funeral Mass for his father at the Basilica
of
the
National
Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on February 20, 2016, visit usatoday.com S IM PLY GO O D | S PRI N G 2 0 1 6 | S IM P LYG OO D M A GA Z I NE . CO M
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DES MOINES PERFORMING ARTS… 500,000th Student Attends Applause Series
Because of the Des Moines Performing Arts’ Donors, we are able to reach students of all backgrounds for just $1 a ticket. Celebrating our 500,000th attendee is really special for us. —Jeff Chelesvig, President and CEO
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Des Moines Performing Arts’ Applause Series—a major milestone. As of the Feb. 23rd performance of Room On the Broom, more than 500,000 students and educators have experienced professional top-of-their industry performing artists and diverse art forms on Des Moines Performing Arts stages. Tickets to these performances are only $1, thanks to generous support from Des Moines Performing Arts Donors. The Applause Series is a cornerstone of DMPA’s education and engagement programs, now serving nearly 56,000 students each
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year. For many students the Applause Series is their first opportunity to experience a live stage performance. “It’s amazing how the experience of live theater can be life changing for some of these young people,” said Karoline Myers, DMPA’s Education Manager. Students attending the series range from preschoolers to high school seniors, and are bussed in from over 40 Iowa counties. These one-hour matinee performances are tailored for school audiences as well as connect to in-class curriculum.
WILLIAM BUTLER’S LIVE ART EXPERIENCE… Blessman Ministries Gala—Des Moines, Iowa William Butler will be painting live at the Blessman Ministries Gala on Thursday, April 28th, at the Tuscany Event Center. Each of William’s live art experiences is unique and tailored to the message and theme of the event. William paints many distinct layers on the canvas transforming the painting many times. In about 60 minutes (although this time varies based on the venue), the painting is complete. Although the finished art is awe inspiring, it is the process involved in the
Editor’s Note: Thomas Lift is a
socially conscious company. Our
live painting that makes the experience even more remarkable. That evening, William's finished live art painting will be available for purchase with all monies raised going to Blessman Ministries. William is honored to partner with Blessman Ministries. This organization is dedicated to providing relief as well as education and training in vulnerable communities in South Africa. To learn more, visit blessmanministries.org
purpose of bringing to light the cry of the oppressed while expressing
passion for creating inspired live
hope and love through beautiful
and studio art and design is to
works of art.
creatively engage people for the
ABOUT THE ARTIST: William Butler is an established, nationally known artist who creates beautiful and inspirational commissioned, live, and studio works of art. His paintings have been exhibited and purchased from coast to coast. William brings more than twenty years of experience as an artist and a graphic designer to each painting.
Visit thomaslift.com S IM PLY GO O D | S PRI N G 2 0 1 6 | S IM P LYG OO D M A GA Z I NE . CO M
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TOURISM COMMUNITY OF THE YEAR— PELLA, IOWA…A Unique & Fun Experience Pella, Dutch for “City of Refuge,” was established in 1847 as the home of 800 Dutch immigrants. Pella remains proud of its Dutch heritage. Pella is famous for its Tulip Time each May—filled with Dutch cuisine, parades and colorful tulips. Pella offers year-round tourist attractions including the Vermeer WindMill and Interpretive Center— showcasing the tallest working windmill in the United States. Pella was honored as the “Tourism Community of the Year” by the State of Iowa. The first Tulip Time in 1935 was planned in just two weeks following Pella High School’s performance of an operetta called “Tulip Time in Pella.” Members of the local Chamber of Commerce discussed holding an annual Tulip Day or festival. Six committees immediately went to work. Pete Kuyper, founder of the Rollscreen Company, now Pella Corporation,
was a firm believer in and backer of such a festival. Vermeer Manufacturing had not yet been established. Lacking tulips, George Heeren, a cabinet-maker, made 125 four-foot-tall wooden tulips placed around the square. For the 1936 Tulip Time, five themed days reflected the values of the community— History, Church, Neighbor, Central College, and Pella. During the outbreak of World War II, Tulip Time plans were made with grave concern for Netherlands relatives. Instead of a 1946 festival, a community auction raised $100,000 for the people of Holland. In 1947, Tulip Time celebrated Pella’s centennial. Holland sent 1000 wooden shoes in thanks for war aid. In 1997, for Pella’s sesquicentennial, two bronze sculptures were dedicated by Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet of the Netherlands. To learn more, go to www.visitpella.com
For more than 80 years, the key to Pella Tulip Time’s lasting success, then and now—whether Dutch or Dutch for a day—is that this local celebration is carried out by many hundreds of dedicated volunteers. Their year-long commitment is to a good cause—that of showcasing the heritage and values of their community.
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THANKSGIVING & PRAISE AT THE VERMEER GLOBAL PAVILION ON MAY 8TH…A Wonderful Way for Families to Celebrate Mother’s Day
Speaker: Scott Rains, Pastor of Lutheran Church of Hope Ankeny, Iowa Sunday, May 8, 2016 • 11am Vermeer Global Pavilion 2110 Vermeer Road Pella, Iowa
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This Mother’s Day, the Thanksgiving and Praise Service at the Global Pavilion will bring together families from numerous church backgrounds in a gathering at the conclusion of Pella Tulip Time. The Global Pavilion, is a 75,000 square foot, world-class training facility that includes the Vermeer museum showcasing the history of the Vermeer Corporation, where its community and products are featured along with a sampling of founder Gary
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Vermeer’s innovative products including the mechanical hoist wagon, his innovative stump cutter and the machine that changed the haymaking process forever, the “OneMan Hay System.”
CENTRAL COLLEGE: A PLACE FOR GROWING MINDS…Announces a Game Changing Expansion of the P.H. Kuyper Gymnasium
The next phase in a major facilities upgrade at Central College is the A.N. Kuyper Athletics Complex. Project costs will exceed $15 million for the initial phases of Forever Dutch, a long-range athletics facilities initiative that began with improvements to the outdoor field. P.H. Kuyper Gymnasium was the first component of the 115-acre
A.N. Kuyper Athletics Complex—one of Iowa’s largest athletics complexes for small-colleges. Central values its longstanding relationship with the Reformed Church in America that began in 1916. The college participates in NCAA Division III athletics and is a member of the Iowa Conference.
Founded in Pella, Iowa in 1853, Central College is a private, residential four-year liberal arts college. It is known for its academic strength and rigor in global experiential learning, STEM (science, technology, engineering and math), sustainability education, athletics, leadership and service. Visit central.edu
The Forever Dutch campaign (to upgrade the athletics facilities) is yet another way that Central College strives to provide the best possible for its students and the greater Pella community. These new facilities will not only attract top-notch athletes, but will serve as another focal point on campus. Generations of families will pass through the doors, and in eight years I plan to be sitting on the bleachers in the A.N. Kuyper Athletics Complex watching our son, Grant (Class of 2028) proudly representing Central College in soccer or baseball (just like his Dad and I were a few years ago). Go Dutch! —Justin & Amanda Fletcher S IM PLY GO O D | S PRI N G 2 0 1 6 | S IM P LYG OO D M A GA Z I NE . CO M
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KEEP IOWA BEAUTIFUL… Showcasing Nature and Iowa’s Countryside Images By Carl Kurtz keepiowabeautiful.com
The beauty of Iowa is both close and personal as well as often in the distance and on the horizon. Few have developed a better understanding of nature and Iowa's countryside than photographer Carl Kurtz. Carl and his wife Linda live close to the land in a rural setting. 44
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Keep Iowa Beautiful hopes these images will inspire you to look at Iowa differently and with an enhanced appreciation of our natural world. For more images, visit keepiowabeautiful.com, and select the Media tab. Scroll to choose “Featured Iowa Photography.”
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ON THE ROAD TO WELLNESS... Sometimes all we need to do is pick up the Bible and read our prescription for good health of mind, body and spirit before anything else. We are indeed thankful for doctors and nurses, who give help in times of our physical needs, but as children of God, we need to turn to Papa Abba first and foremost—and, daily; sometimes I’ve had to do it hourly as I’ve gone through chemo or radiation treatments. I’ve used those times to not only minister to my own self, but to those around me with a smile and uplifting words. I try not to let a frown or a sad countenance be on my face. It’s certainly not easy, but it is necessary, at least for me because I’ve found when I do that, instead of what my flesh wants to do, my own soul is lifted up and I’m encouraged in the Lord. My bad day can become a good day in the light of His Word, His song, and His glory in my heart. Then, amazingly, the joy of the Lord begins to unfold and indeed becomes my strength. My friends, let’s learn to stick close to Him who gave His life for us that we would know victory in our lives in the here and now, and in the hereafter. It’s all good news! —Shared by Linda Schreurs Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well. —3 John 1:2 S IM PLY GO O D | S PRI N G 2 0 1 6 | S IM P LYG OO D M A GA Z I NE . CO M
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simply
well
BODY, MIND & SPIRIT
New day, fresh start! That's the best thing about being blessed to wake up! Claiming a day of joy, love and happiness! Dreams on my mind. —Author Unknown
MAKE-AHEAD RECIPE: FOR A GOOD MORNING START…Easy Overnight Oats By Kelsey Seaberg, Blogger happyavo.wordpress.com
Easy Overnight Oats Do you find that you don't have time to prepare breakfast? Make overnight oats or a quick smoothie with no cooking required! 1/2 cup unsweetened plain almond milk 3/4 tbsp. chia seeds 2 tbsp. salted peanut butter or almond butter 1 tbsp. maple syrup 1/2 cup rolled oats 1 scoop Arbonne Fiber Boost 1. Mix all ingredients together in a mason jar or storage container. It doesn’t have to be thoroughly blended, but make sure all oats and chia seeds are submerged in the almond milk.
Keeping busy as a wife, mom, Executive District Manager Independent Consultant with Arbonne International, I am working towards a Master in Public Health as well as Healthcare Administration. I am in the business of helping others be their best through health and wellness workshops, consultations, and free education. Arbonne’s values and products align perfectly with what I teach through Happy Avocado (clean, vegan, gluten free). Contact me any time at: happyavo@gmail.com
2. Cover and store overnight in the fridge. Garnish with fruit, granola, or flax meal and enjoy! S IM PLY GO O D | S PRI N G 2 0 1 6 | S IM P LYG OO D M A GA Z I NE . CO M
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HELPING PATIENTS OF ANY AGE MAINTAIN A BEAUTIFUL SMILE…Dr. Richard C. Apodaca & Dr. Jared P. Sass, West Lakes & Earlham Family Dentistry
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Since 1994, West Lakes Family Dentistry at 6800 Lake Drive, has served families in the West Des Moines area. Earlham Family Dentistry, their satellite office, serves the local community. An addition to the team, Dr. Jared P. Sass is a graduate of Simpson College and the University of Iowa College of Dentistry. He earned a Doctorate of Dental Surgery in 2015. Dr. Sass is experienced in a wide range of dental procedures and treatment modalities—Geriatrics and Special Needs. Offering comprehensive dental care such as cleanings and exams, restorations, cosmetic dentistry, implants, crowns, bridges, partials, dentures, bleaching and root canal therapy—they help patients of any age
maintain a beautiful smile by providing a comfortable and welcoming family atmosphere. They begin seeing patients as early as one year of age to promote dental care. They educate parents on brushing techniques, eruption and sealants to prevent decay. For the staff, emphasis is placed on advanced career development to keep up-to-date on technology and procedures. For convenience, the office files all insurance and offers Care Credit financing along with accepting all major credit cards. To learn more, call (515) 225-2424 or visit westlakesfamilydental.com to schedule an appointment.
Our friendly staff is here waiting to help you get the perfect smile! —Dr. Apodaca
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BE GOOD TO YOUR BODY… Making Your Brain Smarter and Healthier By Wendy W. Zedah, M.D. Broadlawns Medical Center
Medical science works hard to understand the mysteries of the body. As for the brain, the common teaching up until not long ago was that this was a structure like a computer, made up of a finite number of brain cells, fixed at childhood. You start with a full quiver, and down they go with time. When I was in medical school, a new scientific 52
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term swept the scene bringing new optimism. Research found that the interconnections between neurons through “dendrites” could reshape and grow with time. The term was called neuroplasticity. This gave new hope for people with diseases like stroke and brain trauma. Fast forward around ten more years and neuroscientists found that the
I believe science will prove that there are other practices that reshape the brain that are more subtle daily habits, such as a positive outlook, prayerfulness and sharing love. intrinsic healing power of the brain is even greater than expected. The brain in fact can grow brand new brain cells. Not with a pill or an injection, but, with practice. That’s right, the brain pays attention to our life’s work and habits, much like a muscle grows strength at the gym and the heart keeps healthy with a good diet. The brain is not hardwired like a computer. It wants to improve. It wants to grow. It wants to learn and be better. The stunning fact is that the brain can change itself. It can do this through its own mechanisms in part, but also through the willed behaviors of those it inhabits: you and me! It can do amazing things beyond what had been thought for decades, even centuries. Studies have shown that activities that stimulate new brain neuronal growth include learning and studying, good sleep,
cardiac exercise, calorie reduction and listening to music, whereas stress and a high fat diet have been shown to decrease new neuronal cell production. Be good to your body and you will likely be making your brain smarter and healthier. In my opinion, this is the tip of the iceberg in terms of knowledge of the power we have over our own brain. Looking forward there are many tantalizing mysteries and reasons to be sanguine about the power of the brain. For true success stories detailing how brain training techniques have healed people with brain disease please read Norman Doidge’s The Brain that changes itself and Oliver Sacks’s Musicophilia.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR… Wendy W. Zadeh, M.D. is a neurologist and epileptologist in practice at Broadlawns Medical Center in Des Moines. She is an advocate, lecturer and clinical investigator in the fields of general neurology, epilepsy and migraine and is published in medical journals in these areas. Dr. Zadeh’s undergraduate degree is in nutritional sciences at Cornell University. Her medical training was completed at The George Washington University and Residency and fellowship completed at the University of Virginia.
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MY MOTHER IS AN EXPERT GARDENER… Seeds of a Healthy Christian Self-Concept By Heidi Vermeer-Quist, Psy.D. Author, Gardening Your Life Series
My mother, Lois Vermeer (at right) who is my gardening mentor and inspiration, has such enthusiasm about gardening that even in retirement and throughout the year, she continues her love of all things growing. In Thistles, the charming flower-filled shop she owns in Pella, Iowa, Lois works side-by-side with her sister, Carol Verhey.
Growing up, I took for granted my mother’s incredible gardening skills. I would grumble when I was asked to go outside and water the plants or help with weeding. I’d call my mother asking for advice on healthy plant care. I realized it was really important to read the little cards that come with plants since each type requires different care. During those years, I didn’t pay much attention 54
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to the importance of good grounding for plants to grow well. When I went off to college, I killed more plants than I’d like to admit, even though my mother provided me with all the tools necessary for growing plants. Giving up, I finally resolved to grow only lowmaintenance, hardy plants that required watering about once a week. Not so for my mother. To this day, she maintains a wide variety of plants—indoors and outdoors. Her indoor plants and gardens are varied and breathtaking. Her plants seem happy (most of the time). Nice if they do, but not devastating if they don’t, since God does, and that is what counts. I know my mother has made her share of mistakes in gardening too. In fact, she’d be the first to say that she has learned the most from her mistakes. She also knows when it’s
We are all invited to garden because the Master Gardener made us in His image, and we are compelled to want to garden. The one piece of ground we are most responsible for gardening is the life God has given to each one of us.
time to prune or cut back plants, replant, or finally dispose of plants. I especially love to see my mother’s flowering plants. She knows just when to “dead head” or prune in order for more blooms to burst forth. Mental health is like gardening. We need solid grounding. When we grieve it feels like pruning, but it is necessary in order to work through hurts and losses. Through this process we learn how to let go of lies or myths we thought were true. Then we grow and prosper as we participate in a grateful community.
When we regard ourselves in relationship to God, who created us and loves us, and demonstrated His love and care for us through the good news story of Jesus, we can believe God’s description of us in our new identity with Christ. We develop a daily dialogue with God in a practical sense, so there is a decreasing gap between our identity as God’s child and our daily lives.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR… Heidi Vermeer-Quist, Psy.D. is a licensed clinical psychologist as well as a wife, mother, musician and family business consultant. In 2002, Heidi helped to establish the Des Moines Clinic for Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services that has grown into a fully-staffed outpatient mental health clinic. Heidi is the author of Gardening Your Life, a three-phase growth group rooted in solid Christian teaching.
a personal growth
a personal growth
series
series
a personal growth series
Book One of this personal growth series is available from the author at: gardeningyourlife@gmail.com S IM PLY GO O D | S PRI N G 2 0 1 6 | S IM P LYG OO D M A GA Z I NE . CO M
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FINDING CALM…In the Midst of Chaos By Jean Holthaus, LISW Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services Pella Clinic Therapist and Manager
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts. —Colossians 3:15
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We all experience moments of absolute chaos…the kids are screaming, the phone is ringing, something is boiling over on the stove or a major project must be completed for work. Emotions can easily overwhelm us, overriding our better instincts to not say something hurtful, cry, strike out, run away or even scream. As a result, we end up feeling remorse or embarrassment when our strong emotions subside. The good news is that practicing some basic skills
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can help you find calm in the midst of chaos. 1. Pay Attention to Right Now. When you control your attention, you control your mind. Step back and observe the moment without reacting or judging. This sounds easy, but takes time and practice. To exercise this skill, ask: • What can I see right now? • What do I feel right now? • What can I hear right now?
• What are the physical sensations that I am fully experiencing right now? 2. Stick to the facts. Much of the distress that we experience in chaotic situations comes from the assumptions and judgments that we make about the thoughts, feelings or the motivations of others. We can reduce our emotional reaction by staying focused on “what is” rather than what “might be” or “should be.” Here’s an example: “He is jumping on the bed,” produces less emotion and is easier to deal with than, “He is an awful child who is constantly disobedient.”
3. One Thing at a Time. Research shows people who concentrate on one task at a time are more effective than those attempting to multi task. That’s because attempting to juggle multiple tasks creates anxiety and intensifies emotions which decreases productivity. Fully participating in one task at a time, increases our effectiveness, decreases our internal chaos and intensifies our enjoyment. Practice these skills daily. Then when the chaos strikes again, you can naturally access these skills to successfully manage your emotions and calmly find a path through the chaos.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR… Jean Holthaus, LISW is a Licensed Independent Social Worker. She is currently a practicing therapist and clinic manager at Pine Rest Christian Mental Health’s Pella Clinic.
Pella Clinic 2611 Washington Street Pella, Iowa 50219 (641) 628-9599
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Your Word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. —Psalm 119: 105
FOLLOWING THE PATH… Our Prayer Journey to Iowa’s 99 County Courthouses By Mike Schreurs Johnston, Iowa What is your divine destiny? The land you call home—your city, county and state—has a history and a destiny to be proclaimed and realized.
Today, prophetic words aligned with God’s Eternal Word have the power to restore that which was always God’s will for His people and the land they occupy. Proverbs 18:21 says “death and life are in the power of the tongue.” Our words create destiny! In the prologue to Words Aptly Spoken, we learn that this longing of every human heart is for their destiny to be fulfilled. It’s found in God’s Word, the Holy Scriptures. Human dignity and salvation are born out of knowing the Lord Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh (John 1). He lived among us, died for us, rose from the dead and is coming again! We’ve entered a time where the weight of words must be calculated cautiously, especially to 60
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such venues as today’s internet communications. Taking a cue from such great men of God as Chuck Pierce and Dutch Sheets who published a book after their 50 state prophetic prayer tour, we felt the call of God to follow their path of decreeing words by the power of the Holy Spirit, to bring forth healing, deliverance, restoration and transformation to our area. Based on a similar concept, we embarked on a prophetic prayer journey to Iowa’s 99 county courthouses. Weighty decisions flow from the courthouse into neighboring towns and communities within that county. In these places of earthly government, God seeks to establish His divine government that His kingdom would prevail in
truth, righteousness, power and purity of purpose. Divine destiny! Iowa is a SEED state, both in the physical and in the spiritual realm. It’s one of the top producers of grain, corn, soybean and other farm products. It has been called the “Bread Basket” of the nation. If its farmers are blessed, the nation is also blessed.
Iowa’s position in the heartland of America denotes the heartbeat, the pulse if you will, of this nation as to the life and prosperity of its people. It is crucial that Iowa has a firm foundation in the truths of the Lord that affect our lives “under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”
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A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver. —Proverbs 25:11
WORDS APTLY SPOKEN…Our Words Create Destiny
Words Aptly Spoken is about a prophetic prayer journey over the state of Iowa to its 99 counties and their courthouses. From the banks of the Mississippi to the Missouri River…from Minnesota in the North to Missouri at the South, 6700 prayerful miles were traversed. The reason? To call forth all God has for this state and its people, to heal the land and restore a right relationship between a loving God and His people. Author Linda Schreurs weaves a beautiful fabric
in telling the story of this historic journey, which includes amazing encounters, powerful declarations, and profound prophetic words from heaven. A state’s destiny was and has been impacted. You may ask, “How can I apply these principles to my neighborhood, city hall, or region? How can I continue what has now begun? Read and discover your own call from heaven, and be encouraged! This book shows how to grasp your divine destiny through words aptly spoken.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR… Linda Schreurs’ personal journey has been varied and lively. It includes a year in a convent, then secular and Christian radio and television, serving as Women’s Ministry Director at a large church, becoming an ordained minister with MorningStar Ministries, writing books and a monthly journal. She also conducts prayer walks, conferences, retreats and hermitages. Linda and husband, Mike, have three married daughters and son-in-laws and nine grandchildren.
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ANSWER TO PRAYER…The Way of the Disciple By Mary Lou Kelly Waverly, Iowa
You will seek me and find me; when you seek me with all your heart. —Jeremiah 29:13
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Jesus’ disciples, Simon Peter, James and John were professional fishermen, yet they had fished all night and caught nothing. Jesus came along and advised them to put out into the deep and let down their nets. I’m sure they thought they knew a lot more about fishing than Jesus—yet under his direction, they caught a record catch of fish. In 1989, my husband and I were scheduled to move. Unexpectedly, the cardiologist advised us that my husband needed emergency quadruple bypass heart surgery. It was a hectic time. We owned duplexes with each having keys to front, back and garage door. While packing, I wanted to put the keys in a special place, so they wouldn’t be lost in a sea of boxes. We had new renters move in and three months later, they were still waiting for the key to their
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garage. I had misplaced the keys because no matter where I looked they couldn’t be found. I was frustrated and shared the problem with my prayer group. One of the women advised me to pray around the house and let the Lord show the way. I set out praying while doing my housework. In under ten minutes, the words came to me, “Look under the seat of your little red car.” Sure enough, I’d been sitting above them for three months. Without His guidance, the keys might still be under the seat. I was reminded that although Simon and his buddies thought they knew a lot about fishing, Jesus knew more. Just as I thought I could handle the problem on my own, I couldn’t. No matter what, He knows the best way!
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In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. —Matthew 5:16
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NATURE’S BOUNTY IN BLOOM
Spring is like the sun shining on the rain and the rain falling on the sunshine. —Frances Hodgson Burnett, The Secret Garden