October 2012 Villager Voice Magazine

VILLAGER Voice

OCTOBER 2012

“The trick is to enjoy life. Don’t wish away your days, waiting for better ones ahead.”

Marjorie Pay Hinckle

October 2012

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Feature Articles...

In Every Issue...

6 Storing Pumpkins & Squash 8 Experience Halloween 16 Good Health News About Pumpkins 28 Senior Musings on the What I Remember 30 40-Days for Life

10 Carolina Survivalist 12 Community 13 Going Green 23 Restaurant Directory 26 What’s Happening?

Publisher PK Publishing Editor Brenda Gough Sales Director Martha Warren

Happy Halloweenie!

Distribution points are at over 600 locations throughout Davie, Davidson, Forsyth, and Yadkin County.

To locate a spot, visit our website or give us a call.

Contact Information: Tele: 336.766.7877 Fax: 336.766.8904 editor@villagervoice.com villagervoice.com

facebook.com/villagervoice

twitter.com/villagervoice PK Publishing 2513 Neudorf Road Clemmons, NC 27012 Copyright 2012 PK Publishing

October 2012

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speakup OCTOBER IS VEGETARIAN AWARENESS MONTH

Non-vegetarians pledging to go meatfree during Vegetarian Awareness Month (October) could win. Even just one day will make you eligible for the drawing. Vegetarian diets help people, animals and the earth. Join us to make the world a better place and we are all winners!

Non-vegetarians who pledge to abstain from all meat, fish and fowl will be entered in a random drawing for cash prizes. Go to: http://www. worldvegetarianday.org/contest/ and make your pledge today!

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VEGETARIAN DIETS: Reduce the risk of major killers such as heart disease, stroke and cancer while cutting exposure to foodborne pathogens Provide a viable answer to feeding the world’s hungry through more efficient use of grains and other crops Save animals from suffering in factory-farm conditions and from the pain and terror of slaughter Conserve vital but limited freshwater, fertile topsoil and other precious resources Preserve irreplaceable ecosystems such as rainforests and other wildlife habitats Decrease greenhouse gases that are accelerating global warming Mitigate the ever-expanding environmental pollution of animal agriculture

October 2012

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gardengrit SEASONAL TIPS AND ADVICE FOR LIFE IN THE GARDEN

Harvesting and Storing Pumpkins, Winter Squash, and Gourds Pumpkins: Halloween pumpkins are harvested September through October. Sometimes harvesting may start in mid August to early September which requires good handling and storage of the pumpkin fruit before selling to the customers in late October.

The first frost occurs in early to mid October in northern parts of the state when the pumpkin fruits are still curing outside in the fields. The growers in pick-your-own pumpkin operations use this method

to ensure that pumpkins are well cured in the field before picked up by their customers. Some growers practicing conventional pumpkin marketing systems where the fruit is picked, washed, dried and sold to customers on weight or per fruit basis

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also use this method. It is important to note that pumpkin fruits can tolerate light frost that kill the vines only but more fruit loss can occur if the frost caused injury on the fruit surface as the damaged areas act as avenues for fungal and bacterial fruit rot pathogens. Remove pumpkins from the fields before the hard freeze (when the night temperatures are less than 27 degrees (F) or else you may risk losing 80-90 percent of the fruits.

The pumpkin fruit is harvested when it is uniformly orange and the rind is hard. Green immature fruits may ripen during the curing process but not after the vines are killed by frost.

The vines need to be dry when fruits are mature.

Handle the fruit with care to avoid cuts and bruises.

Harvest the fruit by cutting it off the vine with a sharp knife or a pair of looping shears leaving 3-6 inches of the stem attached to the fruit. This makes the fruit look more attractive and less likely to be attacked by fruit rot pathogens at the point of stem

attachment. Do not carry the pumpkin fruit using the fruit stems because the fruit is very heavy and may lead to detachment of the fruit stem. Wash the fruit with soapy water containing one part of chlorine bleach to ten parts of water to remove the soil and kill the pathogens on the surface of the fruit. Make sure the fruits are well dried before setting in a shed to cure.

Pumpkin fruits are cured at 80-85F and 8085 percent relative humidity for 10 days. This is done to prolong the post harvest life of the pumpkin fruit because during this process the fruit skin hardens, wounds heal and immature fruit ripens. After curing, the fruits can be sold to the customers and the remaining fruits stored.

Q: A:

ASK GLADYS THE GARDENER I What flowers can I plant this

time of year?

Pansies: Begin planting these happy flowers in your beds to help roots become established before colder weather sets in. Set out trasplants in a sunny location in rich, well-drained soil. Use ornamental cabbages or kales as a backdrop for the blooms.

If you have a gardening question, email it to editor@villagervoice.com with “Ask Gladys” in the subject line.

Store the fruits in a cool dry place. Put the fruits on a single layer on wooden pallets with enough space in between the fruits (the fruits should not touch each other) and do not place them on a concrete floor. Improve the air circulation within the storage area by letting in cool air at night and use a fan to circulate air during daytime. Do not let in warm air from outside into the storage during the daytime. The optimal storage condition is 50-55F temperature and relative humidity of 50-70 percent. The relative humidity is very important within the 50-70 percent range because high humidity leads to settling of moisture on fruit surfaces, which increases decay of the fruit and low relative humidity may cause dehydration of the fruit. Under these conditions you can keep the fruits for about 2-3 months. Store the fruits away from apples since apples produce ethylene gas as they ripen which speeds up the ripening process in pumpkins, hence decreased shelf life.

Check the fruits regularly and remove the ones that are rotten because if not removed, they will spread the pathogens in the storage area.

Winter squash such as Butternut, Acorn, Hubbard, and other types are mature when the skin (rind) is hard and cannot be punctured by thumbnails. The mature fruit has a dull and dry skin compared to shiny, smooth skin of immature fruits. Remove stem completely from Hubbard types and if desired leave only 1-inch long stump on the fruit. Stems longer than 1-inch tend to puncture adjacent fruits when in transit or storage. Butternut, Hubbard and other squash types do not need be cured as the benefits are less compared to pumpkins, while curing is very detrimental in Acorn types as it leads to decline in quality. Acorn types have the shortest storage time of 5-8 weeks at 50F and relative humidity of 50-75 percent. Butternut, Turban, and Buttercup types can be stored at the same temperature and relative humidity as Acorn types but have a longer storage time of 2-3 months.

The Hubbard types can be stored much longer than the rest (5-6 months) at 50-55F and relative humidity of 70-75 percent. Winter squash should be marketed or used immediately when taken out of storage to avoid development of fruit rot diseases.

Gourds are of different colors, shapes and sizes. They should be harvested before frost when fruit is mature. As gourds mature, stems turn brown and become dry. Don’t use “thumbnail” test on gourds as it can cause a dent on the shell of the unripe gourd and lower its quality.

Harvest the fruit by using a sharp knife or shears to cut the stem from the vine and leaving a few inches of the stem attached to the fruit. Do not handle the gourd by its stem since the stem can easily detach from the fruit and lower its decorative value. If the fruit is dirty, wash in soapy water to remove soil and rinse in clean water with household bleach. One part to 10 parts water kills soil-borne pathogens. Then dry each fruit with a soft cloth. Spread the fruits so that they do not touch each other in shelves lined with newspapers in a well-aerated shed.

Turn the gourds daily and change damp newspapers for 1 week. The outer skin will harden this time and surface color develops. The gourds need to be wiped with a damp cloth soaked in household disinfectant and placed in a warm, dry dark area for 3-4 weeks for further curing.

The decorative gourd can stay in its natural state for 3-4 months and as long as six months with a protective coat of paint or wax on the surface.

October 2012

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daytripping PLACES TO EXPERIENCE HALLOWEEN

BETHABARA BY NIGHT: 1759. A YEAR OF TERROR AND TYPHUS Meet residents of Bethabara’s past—those who were witness to the events of 1759—during this unique living history program.

Bethabara By Night: 1759. A Year of Terror and Typhus will occur on Saturday, October 27 from 7:00pm until 9:00pm. The event takes place outside; comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

Admission is $5.00 for adults/$3.00 for children Historic Bethabara Park, a National Historic Landmark, is the 1753 site of the first Moravian settlement in North Carolina and the birthplace of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County. For more information, please visit www.

BethabaraPark.org or call (336) 924-8191.

OLD SALEM MUSEUMS & GARDENS Old Salem Museums & Gardens has planned a “spooktacular” weekend of Halloween fun!

Visitors to Old Salem Museums & Gardens can enjoy three family friendly Halloween events in late October sponsored by NewBridge Bank.

Legends and Lanterns Halloween Tours Friday, October 26 and Saturday, October 27

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Are you afraid of the dark? Come find out on Friday, October 26 and Saturday, October 27 between 6-9 pm by joining a Legends and Lanterns walking tour at Old Salem. During this 45-60 minute tour a costumed guide will light the way by lantern through Salem’s nighttime streets. You will visit several haunting stops in the historic district and hear tales of a local ghostly legend, or interact with a person from the past. You might even catch a glimpse of a ghost or two while visiting our historic buildings.

Tours are scheduled to depart from the Old Salem Visitor Center every 15 minutes. Content is suitable for all ages, but does require extensive walking on streets and uneven brick sidewalks. Tour group size is limited and reservations are encouraged.

Tickets for adults are $20 and $15 for children. Friends of Old Salem are $18 and $13, respectively.

Please call 1-800-441-5305 to reserve your tour date and time.

Halloween Pumpkin Carving Saturday, October 27, FREE Show off your pumpkin carving creativity and imagination at this outdoor contest on Saturday, October 27 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., on the grass lawn between Winkler

Bakery and the Boys’ School on South Main Street. Free pumpkins will be provided; please bring your own carving tools. All children must be supervised by a parent, guardian or other adult. No pets, please.

Participants will have a chance to win prizes in various categories. The carved pumpkins will be lighted and displayed on the Salem Square fence on Sunday, October 28, during a district-wide trick or treating event for the public from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Participants can take their jack-o-lanterns home, if they wish, after 8:30 p.m. on October 28.

Trick or Treat in Old Salem Sunday, October 28, FREE For the third year, Old Salem Museums & Gardens will host its popular trick-or-treating event on South Main Street, from Salem Square to the Frank L. Horton Museum Center. The hours are 6-8:30 p.m. Volunteers will be stationed at the doors of the historic buildings, giving out candy, while the supply lasts. Some residents of Old Salem who live on South Main Street also will be participating.

Young ghosts and goblins should be accompanied by a parent, guardian or other adult and wear light-colored costumes and clothing for safety. South Main Street

will be closed to traffic during the event. Off-duty police officers will be stationed at some street intersections to direct traffic. .

Visit www.oldsalem.org for full details and schedule of Halloween weekend activities.

THE WOMAN IN BLACK HAUNTS DOWNTOWN GREENSBORO A ghost play by Stephen Mallatratt comes to The UpStage Cabaret at Triad Stage, October 4 – 20, 2012 Just in time for Halloween, The UpStage Cabaret will become home to The Woman in Black adapted by Stephen Mallatratt from the book by Susan Hill, directed by Josh Foldy. Troubled by a haunting encounter in his past, lawyer Arthur Kipps hires an actor to help him retell his tale and put his soul at ease. As they reenact Kipps’ journey to the desolate Eel Marsh House and the foggy salt marshes that surround it, the stage illusions feel all too real when the spectral Woman in Black appears and seeks her vengeance.

Eerie sounds, terrifying sights and heart-breaking surprises build until the ghostly harbinger’s secret is revealed… with chilling consequences. The Woman in Black runs October 4 – 20, 2012. Opening Night is Friday, October 5.

ABOUT THE PRODUCTION Josh Foldy, making his Triad Stage directorial debut, directs The Woman in Black. Foldy was most recently seen on stage in A Christmas Carol and Dial “M” for Murder at Triad Stage and in Billy Bishop Goes to War in The UpStage Cabaret. Foldy is also a member of the performance faculty at UNCG. Jeffery West, a Triad Stage veteran (New Music, Part

II:Better Days, Providence Gap, Ghosts) portrays Arthur Kipps and Matthew Delaney (New Music, Part I: August Snow and Night Dance, A Christmas Carol, Providence Gap) portrays the actor hired by Kipps. Ella Moore also makes her Triad Stage debut.

ing is general admission. The doors open thirty minutes prior to each performance for bar service inside The UpStage Cabaret space. Tickets and Cabaret Club memberships are on sale now at the Triad Stage Box Office and online through Triad Stage’s website: www.triadstage.org

Tickets are $20, $14 to the October 4 Preview performance.

Cabaret Club members can purchase discounted tickets to all performances for $14. Seat-

All performances are at Triad Stage’s UpStage Cabaret on the top floor of The Pyrle Theater, located at 232 South Elm Street in historic downtown Greensboro.

October 2012

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familyfun CELEBRATE AUTUMN WITH THESE FUN ACTIVITIES FOR THE FAMILY

Fall is often considered the coziest of seasons. Not too hot, but not too cold, there is something about the vibrant colors of leaves and crisp air that make you want to pull on a sweater and take in all this season has to offer.

Celebrate all the scents and sounds of the fall with a few tips to make the most of this beautiful season:

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Re-read a classic. Cozy up with a classic

book. A few of the most anticipated upcoming feature films are adaptations of classic novels. Take some time away from your busy schedule to revisit some of these books before they hit the big screen. Throw a few logs into the fireplace, put on your warmest sweater and relax with a good story, whether you’re reading it for the first or 20th time.

Take a walk. There’s no better way to take

in the sights, smells and sounds of fall than being surrounded by the season. Enjoy the vibrant colors of leaves changing, the familiar smell of smoky bonfires and children jumping into massive leaf piles. It is the perfect time for long walks because temperatures aren’t overbearingly hot and the humidity levels are much more tolerable. Dress appropriately for the cooler weather and see what fun you can have outside.

Help others. Fall is an excellent time to

direct your energies and donations toward nonprofit organizations. For example, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and you can participate in a fundraiser for any breast cancer organization or donate funds during this special month. Old London is helping to find a cure by donating 75 cents to breast cancer research for each proof of purchase from any of its products received through Feb. 6, 2013. Enter the UPC at oldlondonfoods.com.

Harvest fall fun. Visit a local apple

orchard or pumpkin patch. Apple trees are heavily laden with crisp and delicious apples this time of year. Head out to an orchard to pluck the perfectly grown fruits off trees bearing your favorite variety of apples. Or take children on a ride at a pumpkin farm. Let them run through the patch, inspecting every pumpkin for their perfect carving creation.

1 medium yellow onion, peeled and cut into large chunks 2 carrots, peeled and cut into large chunks 2 stalks celery, cut into large chunks 1 bay leaf 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1/4 teaspoon turmeric Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste 1 box of frozen okra 1 box Melba Snacks Spicy 3 Pepper Directions: Place broth in a 3 quart sauce pan. Add the onion, carrots, celery, bay leaf, thyme, turmeric, salt, and pepper and simmer until vegetables are very tender.

Add chicken pieces and frozen okra, and boil for 5 minutes.

Feed your autumn appetite. All of

fall’s exciting activities will leave members of your family feeling voracious. Warm them up - and create a delicious smell in your house - with a bowl of homemade soup. This simple recipe for Chicken Soup and Crackers is destined to become a fall staple.

Chicken Soup & Crackers Ingredients: 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth or homemade chicken stock 1 (3-pound) chicken, cooked and de-boned, then skinned and pulled

To serve, place Melba Snacks Spicy 3 Pepper into bowls and cover them with soup. Garnish with parsley.

The fall months are a perfect time to enjoy spending time with family and getting outside to enjoy the final warm days of the year. For additional recipes, visit Old London on Facebook at www.facebook. com/OldLondonFoods.

October 2012

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goinggreen PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS

Are Vampires Lurking In Your Home?

Surprise -- your TV uses electricity even when turned off.

Same goes for your stereo, coffee maker, garage-door opener, microwave oven, clock radio and other electronics. Yes, even chargers for cell phones and MP3 players siphon energy when plugged in - even if they’re not charging a thing!

A “phantom load” is any appliance or electronic gizmo that uses energy even when turned off.

Some people call them “vampire appliances” or “energy vampires.”

If your home is typical, you live with 20 vampires. They add about $200 to your annual energy bill, according to the Department of Energy.

That’s because the “off” button doesn’t really mean “off” these days; instead, it means “standby.” In fact, your TV with remote control likely uses more energy during the 20 hours a day that it’s turned off and in a “standby power” state than it does during the hours you

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watch all of those reality shows.

The upshot, according to DOE, is we’re using the equivalent of seven electrical generating plants within the United States daily, just to supply vampires that are turned “off.”

Here are some clues to identify your energy vampires: They’re appliances with remote controls, such as TVs, VCRs and audio equipment. They feature a continuous

digital display -- like those glowing clocks on stoves. They feature rechargeable batteries, such as cordless phones. And they’re appliances with external power supplies, such as inkjet printers and iPod chargers.

How can you combat vampires?

•Eliminate vampires by using a power strip sold at hardware stores, home-supply superstores, discount stores and the like.

Step 1: Plug all components of a computer or home entertainment system into a power strip.

Step 2: Turn off the power strip with a single switch.

Anything plugged into the strip now is truly turned off.

•Unplug “vampires.”

Unplug rarely used appliances.

Ditto for chargers that aren’t in use. Unplug the TV, toaster oven and other well-used appliances before you leave on vacation (or more frequently).

If it’s not plugged in, it can’t suck energy.

How Vampire Power Works There’s a vampire on the loose. Whether you’re at work, at home or out on the town, this vampire is taking a bite out of your wallet and harming the environment. But, there’s no need to barricade the house and stock up on garlic just yet. This vampire works entirely though your electrical outlets and stopping this process can be as easy as pulling a few plugs.

The culprit in question is vampire power, also known as standby power and phantom load.

You can also find it referred to as vampire energy, leaking energy, wall warts, standby loss, idle current, phantom power, ghost load and vampire load. The terms refer to the electricity many gadgets and appliances waste just by being plugged in (even if they’re switched off). After all, what do you think your cell-phone charger does all day while it’s plugged into the wall?

If it’s warm when you get home from work, then it’s been using electricity -- even if it had nothing to charge.

Individually, your rechargeable electric toothbrush may not put that much strain on the local power plant, but the big picture is far more troubling. In the United States alone, vampire power costs consumers more than $3 billion a year. Over time, many microwaves and televisions actually consume more electricity during the hours they’re not in use than the times you’re actually using them to heat up dinner and watch your favorite show.

How do you fight off the ravages of vampire power?

Vampire power causes usually include one of the following: 1. The gadget, such as a cell-phone AC adapter, constantly supplies a charge, even if the batteries are fully charged or if nothing is plugged into it. Many AC adapters, nicknamed wall warts by some critics, waste as much as 50 percent of the power they use.

2. The gadget uses electricity to power a display screen, an external time display or an internal clock. In some cases, this power usage is justified. For instance, your refrigerator needs to monitor temperature levels in order to power up at appropriate times. When it comes to your radio however, it’s not as easy to justify a constant power drain to keep the digital clock lit.

3. The gadget never fully shuts down so that it’s ready to use at a moment’s notice. Many printers spend hours in standby mode, waiting to receive signals from connected computers. Before you even pick up your remote control, the TV is already using electricity to power the sensor that will some critics, waste as much as 50 percent of the power they use.

October 2012

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Keep Your Pet Safe This Halloween Attention, animal lovers, it’s almost the spookiest night of the year. The ASPCA recommends taking some common sense precautions this Halloween to keep you and your pet saying “trick or treat!” all the way to Nov. 1.

1. No tricks, no treats: That bowl of candy is for trick-or-treaters, not for Scruffy and Fluffy.

Chocolate in all forms – especially dark or baking chocolate – can be very dangerous for dogs and cats. Candies containing the artificial sweetener xylitol can also cause problems. If you suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, please call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

2. Popular Halloween plants such as pumpkins and decorative corn are relatively nontoxic, but

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they can produce stomach upset in pets who nibble on them.

3. Wires and cords from electric lights and other decorations should be kept out of reach of your pets.

If chewed, your pet might suffer cuts or burns, or receive a possibly life-threatening electrical shock.

4. A carved pumpkin certainly is festive, but exercise caution if you choose to add a candle. Pets can easily knock a pumpkin over and cause a fire. Curious kittens especially run the risk of getting burned or singed by candle flames.

5. Dress-up can be a big mess-up for some pets.

Please don’t put your dog or cat in a costume unless you know he or she loves it. For pets who prefer their “birthday suits,” however, wearing a costume may cause undue stress.

6. If you do dress up your pet, make sure the costume

isn’t annoying or unsafe. It should not constrict the animal’s movement or hearing, or impede his ability to breathe, bark or meow. Also, be sure to try on costumes before the big night. If your pet seems distressed, allergic or shows abnormal behavior,

consider letting him go au naturale or donning a festive bandanna.

7. Take a closer look at your pet’s costume, and make sure it does not have small, dangling or easily chewedoff pieces that he could choke on. Also, ill-fitting outfits can get twisted on external objects or your pet, leading to injury.

8. All but the most social dogs and cats should be kept

in a separate room away from the front door during peak trick-or-treating hours. Too many strangers can be scary and stressful for pets.

9. When opening the door for trick-or-treaters, take care that your cat or dog doesn’t dart outside.

IDs, please! Always make sure your dog or cat has proper identification. If for any reason your pet escapes and becomes lost, a collar and tags and/or a microchip can be a lifesaver, increasing the chances that he or she will be returned to you.

Enjoy this article? Go to ASPCA.org to learn more.

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15

goodhealth GOOD HEALTH NEWS ABOUT PUMPKIN composition is the same as cholesterol. Phytosterols can replace cholesterol in the body, and help in reducing the blood cholesterol levels.

Mostly known for being a part of Halloween decorations or a pie filling, pumpkins are also packed with nutrition and offer a wide range of health benefits. Pumpkins are a storehouse of vitamins, mineral and other healthy nutrients. Whether it is the pulp or the seeds, pumpkins are great for your health and can offer some incredible benefits.

Nutritional Composition of Pumpkins High Carotenoids Content – Pumpkins owe their bright Orange color to the high amount of carotenoids present in them. Carotenoids assist in staving off the free radicals in the body, and help in preventing premature aging, cardiovascular diseases and other infections. They are also high in Lutein & Zeaxanthin which protect the eyes against free radical damage and prevent formation of cataracts and degeneration of the eye tissues.

Protein – Pumpkin seeds also known as Pepitas are a rich source of protein. One ounce of pumpkin seeds contains approx. 7 grams of protein. Their oil is high in phytosterols or plant-based fatty acids and their chemical

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Essential Fatty Acids – Pumpkin seeds are a rich source of essential fatty acids, which have numerous health benefits.

From providing protection against serious health diseases such as high blood pressure, arthritis and cancer to promoting healthy skin and improving brain power, essential fatty acids present in pumpkin oil offer several health benefits.

Vitamin A – Pumpkin is a rich source of Vitamin A. Regular consumption of pumpkin (both seeds and flesh) can promote the health of your eyes and boost your immune system remarkably.

Vitamin C - Vitamin C helps fight free radicals, improves immunity and promotes the production of collagen. The high Vitamin C content in pumpkins also offers protection against various forms of cancer.

Magnesium - Both the pulp and seeds of pumpkin are rich in magnesium, which is an important mineral required for various biological functions. Magnesium is also required for the maintenance bones and teeth.

Potassium & Zinc – Pumpkin is loaded with potassium and Zinc. Studies show that eating a potassium-rich diet can prevent onset of cardiovascular diseases and hypertension. Zinc is important for providing bone density support for people at risk for osteoporosis.

PRAYER STATION

Sharing Your Faith Matthew 5:14-16 says, “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.

Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”

Our Mission Our mission is to glorify God by reaching people for Christ, ministering to the needs of others, and providing opportunities for people to grow in Christ. The Prayer Station is a ministry of like-minded Christians dedicated to sharing their faith with others. Go into the world to share the gospel with others. (Mark 16:15) How did Jesus reach people? Many times He didn’t preach as He traveled through the villages. He just prayed for people’s needs.

That led to further conversation. That’s what the Prayer Station ministry is all about. We are not confrontational. We offer free prayer, to those who want it. We provide an opportunity to pray for people who have a variety of needs and believe that God will hear our prayer.

Many times this leads into an opportunity to share more about God and how He can transform their life.

“Four things let us ever keep in mind: God hears prayer, God heeds prayer, God answers prayer, and God delivers by prayer.”

E. M. Bounds

Pray that God will lead His people past barriers to hearts ready to receive His Word.

Contact 2513 Neudorf Rd. Clemmons, NC 27012

336.391.2222 www.prayerstationlove.org

October 2012

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Dorothy’s Tax Service, Inc Payroll & Accounting Specialists

Fast Refunds 24-48 Hours & Electronic

Dorothy B. Leamon

(336) 788-6174 Family-0wned Since 1964 ~ All Work Guaranteed

President

766-5572

3770-B Clemmons Rd. Clemmons, NC 27012

Black Sand Gravel & Landscape Materials Residential & Commercial

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Pick-Up or Delivery

Grading • Excavating • Demolition Down Spout Drain Systems Licensed Driveways • Gravel • Concrete & Insured Ditch Digging • Water Proofing Mulch • Dirt • Sand • Gravel

Mortor Sand • River Sand • White Sand • Fill Sand Kid Cushion • Hardwood Mulch • Gravel & White Peebles Bark & Brick Nuggets • Blended Ph Balanced Compost Topsoil

745 West Clemmonsville Road • Winston-Salem Mark Shoaf Cindy Shoaf

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Wayne Collins Electric Company

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Residential & Light Commercial Service Changes & Upgrades

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Temple Baptist Church

Practical Bible Teaching

945-3944 or 784-6364 Dr. Bud Owen, Pastor

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Jones • 336 749-0465

CLEMMONS

LAWNMOWER REPAIR “Quick turn-around and quality service!”

Troy Johnson Owner

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WORLD SMILE DAY

When : Always October 7th World Smile Day celebrates the ever popular yellow smiley. It also offers us an opportunity to do an act of kindness. According to the World Smile Day website, a proclamation of this day was made by the U.S. Congress. Now that should put a smiley on your face.

The smiley face became so popular, that the U.S. Post Office issued a stamp with the smiley face.

The intent of World Smile Day is to do an act of kindness, or help one person to smile. Why not do both!?

The yellow smiley stands brightly smiling upon this day, offering it’s stamp of approval.

About the Smiley Face: Harvey Ball, a commercial artist from Worcester, Massachusetts created the smiley face in 1963.

The State Mutual Life Assurance Company hired Harvey as a free lance artist to create a smiley face for use in improving company morale. From

there, the bright and cheerful smiley grew in popularity. It’s popularity grew slowly at first. Then, it exploded in the 1970’s.

Ultimately, the smiley became wildly popular.

There is some controversy over the smiley’s creation. French entrepreneur named Franklin Loufrani claimed to have invented it in 1968. In 1971 he patented it in 80 countries.

Also see Smile Power Day Origin of World Smile Day: Harvey Ball of Worcester Ma. created World Smile Day. Concerned about over commercialization of his smiley, he felt one day a year should be dedicated to smiling and doing acts of kindness.

The first World Smiley Day celebration was on October 1, 1999. It is unclear why the date of the celebration was moved.

October 2012

19

The Very Best in Home Cooked Food!

Duke’s

Restaurant OPEN FOR BREAKFAST & LUNCH Monday-Saturday 6:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

CLOSED ON SUNDAYS 4875 Country Club Road, Winston-Salem ORDERS TO GO: 768-3108

A Nice Place to Eat

Omega House Restaurant

1498 Peters Creek Parkway

724-5262

Two For $20 Two Chicken Souvlaki Plates Includes Salad, Side and your choice of tea and coffee!

NEW Gyro & Cheese Omelet Served with choice of grits, gravy or home fries. Only $6.95 Mon-Thurs: 6am - 8:00pm Fri-Sat: 6am - 8:30pm 20 VILLAGER VOICE

Food Done

o’So good!

299 Jonestown Road Winston-Salem, NC 27104

(336) 293-6371 HOURS Mon-Thur: 11 am-9 pm Friday: 11 am-10 pm Saturday: 4 pm-10 pm

Southern

www.osorestaurantgroup.com

SouthernFamily Restaurant 4689 Yadkinville Road Pfafftown, NC 27040

(336) 922-4784 Family Restaurant

HOURS Mon - Fri: 11 AM - 9 PM 4689 Yadkinville Road Sat: 4 PM - 9 PM Pfafftown, NC 27040 Sun: 11 AM - 2:30 PM

(336) 922-4784 HOURS Mon - Fri: 11 AM - 9 PM Sat: 4 PM - 9 PM Sun: 11 AM - 2:30 PM

2251 Cloverdale Avenue Winston-Salem, NC www.cloverdalekitchen.com

(336) 725-4701

Serving Our Community Since 1968!

Dark

in the

Park Take a hayride among lighted jack-olanterns, hear family-friendly ghost stories, dance with our special guest ghost “Michael Jackson,” try your hand at a colonial game, enjoy the Bethabara Concert Band’s spooky musical performance and more! Dark in the Park takes place on Thursday, October 11, 2012, from 5:30pm until 8:00pm. Family fun begins at 5:30pm and the concert begins at 6:30pm. Don’t forget to wear your favorite Halloween costume!

PETE’S

Family Restaurant 2661 Lewisville-Clemmons Rd.

Clemmons, NC (336) 766-6793

Admission is free; there is a charge for food and drink.

Historic Bethabara Park, a National Historic Landmark, is the 1753 site of the first Moravian settlement in North Carolina and the birthplace of WinstonSalem and Forsyth County. For more information, please visit www.BethabaraPark.org or call (336) 924-8191.

NOW SERVING BREAKFAST Mon-Sat

6:00 am - 11:00 am

Check out our Daily Specials!

October 2012

21

NEED A LITTLE INSPIRATION FOR HALLOWEEN COSTUMES? 1. Tan Mom 2. Honey Boo Boo Child 3. The cast of “Girls” 4. Jessie J 5. Black Widow from “The Avengers” 6. Gabby Douglas 7. Michelle & Barack Obama 8. Big Ang 9. Snooki & Baby 10. Katniss/Hunger Games 11. Pinterest 12. Kate Middleton & Prince William 13. Ann & Mitt Romney

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Pete’s Now Serving Breakfast!

RESTAURANT GUIDE

Clemmons

Applebee’s - 712-1063 Bagels & Brew - 766-9688 Big Shotz - 712-1883 Biscuitville - 766-7768 Bojangles - 778-0414 Brick Oven - 766-4440 Burger King - 766-0205 Chang Thai - 778-0388 Cherries Café - 766-4088 CIMARRON - 712-4689 Clemmons Kitchen - 766-4671 Cozumel Mexican - 778-0300 Cracker Barrel - 712-9880 Dominos Pizza - 766-0566 Donatos Pizza - 712-3300 Full Moon Oyster Bar - 723-4224 Grecian House - 766-8444 I Bambini Italian - 778-1838 IHOP - 766-8650 Illianos Italian - 712-1059 Kentucky Fried Chicken - 766-8630 Kimono Japanese - 766-6261 Lees Chinese - 712-0002 Little Richard 's BBQ - 766-0401 Lotus Express - 712-2487 Mario 's Pizza - 778-2002 Mandarin Chinese - 712-1009 Mi Pueblo - 766-7612 McDonalds - 766-6509 Monte De Rey-766-5750 Mossy's Eats - 766-7045 Mountain Fried Chicken - 712-9311 o’So Eats - (336) 293-6371 Panera Bread - 766-3898 Pete 's Family Restaurant - 766-6793 Quizno's Subs - 766-0794 Ronni 's Restaurant - 766-5822 Ruby Tuesdays - 766-3463 Salem Glen CC - 712-0303 Sonic Drive-In - 712-9710 Subway - 766-3016 Time To Eat - 712-1050 Waffle House - 766-9691 Wendy 's - 766-8417 Zaxby’s - 766-6747

Winston-Salem

Lewisville

ALEX”s Grill & Ice Cream - 946-1712 Casanova's - 946-2407 China Wok - 945-6228 Ciccones - 945-46191 Liberty Restaurant - 945-4409 Pizza Hut - 778-2118 Subway - 945-6445 West Town Café - 945-3348

Advance/Mocksville

Ari’s - 751-5428 Captain’s Galley - 940-6868 Ciccones - 998-7731 Dominos (Kinderton) - 998-2000 Dominos (Mocksville) - 751-3232 Jimmy the Greek - 940-2010 La Carreta - 753-1224 Marco’s Pizza - 753-1113 Moe’s Burgers - 753-0333 Miller's Restaurant - 751-2621 Sagebrush - 936-0021 Snooks Bar-B-Que - 998-4305 Subway - Kinderton - 998-3221 Zeko’s Italian - 751-6161 6300 Amp Drive (0ff I-40, Exit 184)

Clemmons

Bernadin’s Fine Dining - 768-9365 Big Shotz Tavern - 727-4490 Bleu Restaurant & Bar - 760-2060 Carriage House - 765-8020 Cloverdale Kitchen - 725-4701 Diamondback Grill - 722-0006 Dukes Restaurant - 768-3108 El Dorado Mexican - 760-3936 Grill-Ville Family - 788-7282 Kimono Japanese - 774-9777 Kotta Japanese - 768-2333 Mario’s Pizza - 768-0057 (Hanes Mall Blvd) 602-1410 (Cloverdale) Olive Tree - 723- 4224 Olde Orchard Diner - 650-1612 Omega House (Peters Creek) - 724-5262 Paul’s Fine Italian Dining - 768-2645 Qdoba Mexican Grill - 724-9873 245-2900 Rotisserie Factory - 725-7071 Sakura - 777-SUSHI Southern Family - 922-4784 Stratford Station Grill - 659-1583 Sushi Thai - 765-7890 Tumeric Indian Restaurant - 794-8282 TJ 's Deli (Country Club)- 760-0488 The Cotton Mill - 725-1112 West End Café - 723-4774

Yadkin

Century Kitchen - 336-699-4455 The German Restaurant - 336-463-3330 Old Stage Grille - 463-5555 Yadkin Plaza Restaurant - 679-3388

(336) 778-0112

Kimono Japanese Restaurant Clemmons 766-6261 Kernersville 996-8863 Winston-Salem774-9777 Welcome 731-7510

Grill-Ville Family Restaurant 902 E Sprague St

788-7282

“Home-Style Cooking”

October 2012

23

getcreative PHOTOGRAPHING FALL FOLIAGE

Everyone is inspired by the colors of fall foliage, and often people bring their camera along for a car trip, while out on errands, and even while taking a stroll just to document this glorious season. The problem for many is that once the shutter is clicked and the images are being reviewed they find that the results are not desirable.

This has to do with many different things including the weather, existing light, and even such things as the camera’s settings at the time.

There are many great ways to capture the glory of autumn foliage with a digital camera and it helps to understand how to record individual leaves, single trees, and entire landscapes in the best manner possible.

It all begins with that incredible color and many photographers understand that the existing light has a

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strong effect on how the camera records the color. For instance, the “sweet light” hours of dawn and dusk can really help to improve the way the camera records autumn foliage. This is because it allows the golden yellows, oranges, and reds to be accentuated by the softer and warmer tones of the natural light during such times of day. Some photographers also head out on gloomy and overcast fall days because these too are times when the saturation and color levels can really “pop”.

If, however, the photographer is stuck working on a brilliant and cloudless day they can simply opt to use a polarizing filter to reduce any shininess on the surface of the leaves and to also allow the colors to be far more saturated and contrasted.

Regardless of whether the photographer is taking images

of single leaves or entire forests, it also helps if they look for contrast to really pull out the powerful fall colors too. For example, a grove of birch trees with their gorgeous yellow leaves can be contrasted beautifully against a bright blue sky. The photographer must make sure that the sun is at their back in order to gain the best effects for such an image.

Alternately, the photographer could point their camera to the ground for contrast too. The autumn leaves will all head downward, and a bold red leaf against a pile of yellow ones, or standing alone in the green grass can make for an impressive image.

Lastly, one good trick used by many photographers is to slightly underexpose their autumn photographs in order to give the colors another level of saturation. source: www.thephotoargus.com

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Red Door Health & Wellness 2513 Neudorf Rd. Clemmons, NC

766-3349 October 2012

25

What’s Happening?

FIRST BIOGRAPHY OF R.J. AND KATHARINE REYNOLDS TO LAUNCH AT REYNOLDA HOUSE OCT. 4 The first official biography of one of the South’s most influential elite couples will be launched at an author event at Reynolda House Museum of American Art at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 4. “Katharine and R.J. Reynolds: Partners of Fortune in the Making of the New South” is the first full account of the lives and impact of the couple.

The event will include a talk by the author and a book signing.

Tickets are $40, and include a copy of the book, which retails at $32.95. Tickets are available by advance purchase only, and seating will be reserved. Tickets can be purchased by calling 336.758.5150.

Written by historian Michele Gillespie, Kahle Family Associate Professor of History at Wake Forest University, the book traces Katharine and R.J.’s remarkable achievements against a backdrop of dramatic social, cultural, racial and political transformations. Gillespie relied on a variety of primary sources for the book, including the extensive archive collection at Reynolda House.

Gillespie is the author or editor of eight previous books including “Free Labor in an Unfree World: White Artisans in Slaveholding Georgia, 1789–1860” and “Southern Society and Its Transformations.” “Katharine and R.J. Reynolds: Partners of Fortune in the Making of the New South” is published by the University of Georgia Press.

Reynolda House Museum of American Art is one of the nation’s premier American art museums, with masterpieces by Mary Cassatt, Frederic Church, Jacob Lawrence, Georgia O’Keeffe and Gilbert Stuart among its permanent collection.

Affiliated with Wake Forest University, Reynolda House features traveling and original exhibitions, concerts, lectures, classes, film screenings and other events. The museum is located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina in the historic 1917 estate of Katharine Smith Reynolds and her husband, Richard Joshua Reynolds, founder of the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company. Reynolda House and adjacent Reynolda Gardens and Reynolda Village feature a spectacular public garden, dining, shopping and walking trails. For more information, please visit reynoldahouse.org or call 336.758.5150.

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Become Healthier While Helping to Save Animals and the Earth!

World Vegetarian day October 1 is the Annual Kickoff of Vegetarian Awareness Month

eVery meatless meal can help: • Reduce the risk of major killers such as heart disease, strokes and cancers while cutting exposure to foodborne pathogens; • Provide a viable answer to feeding the world’s hungry through more efficient use of grains and other crops; • Save animals from suffering in factory-farm conditions and from the pain and terror of slaughter; • Conserve vital but limited freshwater, fertile topsoil and other precious resources; • Preserve irreplaceable ecosystems such as rainforests and other wildlife habitats; • Decrease greenhouse gases that are accelerating global warming; • Mitigate the ever-expanding environmental pollution of animal agriculture.

To learn more about healthy meat-free eating, contact us for our free 16-page booklet, Vegetarianism: Answers to the most commonly asked questions. This handy resource contains nutrition information, recipes and more.

www.worldvegetarianday.org

For a full menu of ideas and information, visit our website:

North American Vegetarian Society | PO Box 72 | Dolgeville, New York 13329 | 518.568.7970 | navs@telenet.net

October 2012

27

seniormusings ON THE UNEXPECTED

BY NANCY M HALL

About the first of September a college friend forwarded to me a documentary about Ayn Rand, without any comments. Although we have remained good friends and in contact through the years, it has grown apparent that on many subjects we differ quite a bit. Since Ms. Rand has been in the political news recently, and since I have not read her books or seen the movies-Atlas Shrugged and The Fountainhead, I struggled through most of the documentary, before needing to stop due to weariness.

It requires allot of brain power.

This musing is not meant to be an analysis of Ms. Rand or her theories.

Nor is it meant to be a political

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statement. Rather it is my musings about what came to mind as I read it. This is the gist of how I answered my friend.�....., you and I grew up in families who were/are very farming oriented. Your uncle Thomas and my daddy were both inducted in the N.C. Hall of Fame for their leadership in farm related matters, and their advocacy on behalf of tobacco farmers, in particular. I remember the time Daddy went to Washington to testify on behalf of farmers. I thought that was so cool. I began to tick off the various organizations of which daddy was a member and/ or help found: Federal Land Bank, Production Credit Association, Farm Bureau, and so on.

Two insights emerged from these musings: For the first time, I was able to connect my involvement in advocacy for and on behalf of seniors with what daddy did on behalf of farmers. Secondly, most of the organizations were for the purpose of helping farmers financially until they could get on their feet. The tobacco stabilization program did establish quotas for how much tobacco could be grown, but it was to prevent a glut of tobacco on the market and to maintain a decent price for it. Government intervention, control? Yes. Was it worth it? You will have to ask the farmers who were involved in it. Are you or have you ever been a member of a co-operative, like a community garden? A group of people put in their resources-usually their time, money and in turn, receive a greater benefit because of the group effort.

Just recently, a friend told me she had joined an artist’s co-operative.

In some situations, farmers would not have been able to make a go of it , alone.

Throughout life, I think some people struggle to maintain a balance in the relationship of self to others. And we have seen the extremes-a person who obviously is sacrificing needs of the self to help another or a cause. Then there is the other side where there is wanton disregard for the needs of others.

Rand lets it be known that “charity is not a major virtue, not a moral duty. She says there is nothing wrong in helping other people, if and when they are worthy of the help and you can afford to help them.”1 I think this is quite different from what I heard in my home.

thinking in the political outcomes this year. It caused me to do some reflecting and remembering the background from whence I came.

So, dear friend, I do not know who sent you the documentary and if the motive was to influence your

Reference 1 Internet. Ayn Rand Lexicon, Charity

Take care and let me know your reactions to the documentary. I am nancappy@msn.com

Perform Random Acts of Kindness Mocksville Boy Scout John Woodard III traveled to Washington, D.C. with his parents John Sr. and Joan to visit Representative Virginia Foxx (R-NC) at the United States Capitol and earn his Boy Scout “Citizenship in the Nation” merit badge.

“I am very proud of John and the initiative he showed in coming to our nation’s capitol to see our republic at work,” Representative Foxx stated. “It takes a tremendous amount of commitment to become an Eagle Scout, and I have no doubt that John possesses the discipline and determination needed to reach the Scouts’ highest rank.”

“Thank you to Representative Foxx for being so kind,” John added. “I appreciate this wonderful opportunity and learned so much.”

John accompanied Representative Foxx on the floor of the House of Representatives for legislative debate and official votes.

Representative Foxx also arranged a meeting for John and his parents with House Speaker John Boehner, who took a photo with the family and signed a memento for John.

The “Citizenship in the Nation” merit badge is one of 21 that must be earned for a Scout to achieve the rank of Eagle. Eleven-year-old John hopes to earn his Eagle pin before he reaches high school.

Boy Scout Pursues “Citizenship in the Nation” Badge

Representative Virginia Foxx, John Woodard Sr., Joan Woodard, Boy Scout John Woodard III, and House Speaker John Boehner

October 2012

29

ministrywork 40 DAYS FOR LIFE / SEPTEMBER 26- NOVEMBER 4, 2012

BY BRENDA FORESTER

40

Days for Life is a community- based campaign that draws attention to the evil of abortion through the use of a three-point program: * Prayer and fasting * Constant vigil * Community outreach 40 Days for Life takes a determined, peaceful approach to showing local communities the consequences and crisis of abortion in their own neighborhoods, for their own friends and families. It puts into action a desire to cooperate with God in the carrying out of His plan for the end of abortion in America.

The 40- day campaign parallels Biblical history, where God used 40-day periods to transform individuals, communities ... and the entire world. From Noah in the flood to Moses on the mountain to the disciples after Christ’s resurrection, it is clear that God sees the

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tranformative value of His people accepting and meeting a 40-day challenge.

Being involved in the campaign against abortion is vital. We must understand the urgency and importance in this moment in history, and get yourself ready to take a decisive step to join in this vigil. We bring together the Body of Christ in a spirit of unity during a focused 40 day campaign of prayer, fasting, peaceful vigil, and community outreach, with the purpose of repentance, to seek God’s favor to turn hearts and minds from a culture of death to a culture of life, thus bringing an end to abortion.

The Benefits for our Community: * Save lives by reducing abortion * Help post-abortive women and men find healing * Bring churches together * Make sanctity of life a crucial issue * Generate media coverage We stand on the sidewalk by Planned Parenthood Health

Systems office 3000 Maplewood Ave. between Bethesda Rd and Bodford Ave. Parking is available on both sides of Bodford. We have a police permit to stand on any part of the sidewalk from Bethesda to Bodford. This is a prayer vigil, not a protest.

We send positive, life-affirming messages like: * Pray to End Abortion * “ Before I formed you in the womb I knew you” GOD * Pregnant? FREE help 1 877-HOPE4ME 40 Days for Life has been embraced worldwide, saved 5,928 lives from abortion, led to the conversion of 69 abortion workers and seen 23 abortion facilities close.

This will be our 8th, 40 Days for Life campaign in Winston-Salem. We have had over 20 babies lives saved and their mothers spared from a lifetime of regret.

Many post-abortive women and men received healing and have expressed gratitude to 40 Days for Lifers for our witness. A Pregnancy Care Center is open in the same building above PP. Over 25 +churches are involved, vigil participants from 80+ years of age to newborn babies!

Please join us this Fall in our celebration and witness of the gift of LIFE!

www.ws40daysforlife.com

Change Your Station…Change Your Life!

“Tune in and hear the truth” Truth Broadcasting Corporation

4405 Providence Lane, Winston Salem, NC 27106

(336) 759-0363 www.wtru.com October 2012

31

christianarts STRUGGLE OF A CHRISTIAN ARTIST

BY GARY NAUMAN If you are an artist and a Christian, the odds are pretty high that you will be asked to make a poster for your church. (Okay, pass the tagboard and tempera powder!)

When this happens to me, I find myself wishing that there were more ways for the church to use my artistic skills to bring God glory. Nonetheless, there are ways to find encouragement, inspiration and expression for your artist’s heart.

I am a Christian and an artist, and I care deeply about the contributions that we artists can make to the body of Christ. As Christians, our purpose — our “chief end” — is to glorify God and enjoy him forever. From our experiences as artists, we know that God has made us creative people who like to communicate and express ourselves visually. How can we bring glory to God through our artistic skills? And where do we find encouragement as Christian artists?

We need community Finding a community that creates art is important to me. It encourages me to make art. My wife and I like to host “art nights” in our home. For several years we met with some close friends every Monday night. We called it “Monday Night Art.” The format of our time together was simply to show up with something to work on. We would serve tea and all of us would make art. Later in the evening we would walk around and see what other people were working on. Often, people would offer encouragement or maybe even some informal critique.

Creating art with friends — that’s my idea of fun!

Many of us in the group had relationships with international students, so it took on an interesting international feel. There wasn’t an inherently spiritual emphasis to our time, but it always amazes me to see how quickly — and deeply — spiritual conversations result when artists begin to talk about their art.

I’ve also recently joined a community arts group that focuses on marketing art, even though this isn’t my primary passion. Yet it’s a valuable social and networking group. I like to talk about art, or even about marketing art, but by far I love the group that makes art the most.

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The art created during our “Monday Night Art” is still influencing me.

Books can be encouraging There are a few books that I have found especially encouraging as a Christian artist. One of my favorites is Walking on Water: Reflections on Faith and Art by Madeline L’Engle. I think of this quote often, “I am an artist for better or for worse, major, minor or mediocre.” I find it helpful to think of art as a calling and a commitment — not a competition, or a way of comparing myself to others.

Another book that inspires me is Visual Faith: Art, Theology, and Worship in Dialogue by William Dyrness, a history of Christian Art from the early church to the present.

You will come away from this book with a good sense of the flow of the philosophical and theological ideas that have affected art and how Christians in the arts have re-

sponded to these influences. This book also gives a helpful assessment of the state of art today and offers some hope to Christian artists working in these times. It is very important for artists to have an understanding of where they are in history. The art that survives often gives a glimpse into the time period in which it was created. This book will help you come to a better understanding of where you stand in the history of art and what the current climate is for the Christian artist.

Another stimulating book for artists is A Whole New Mind: Why Right-Brainers Will Rule the Future by Daniel Pink. Although this book was written from a secular point of view, I found it to be a very helpful investigation of the various aspects of right-brained thinking. I appreciated the discussion about empathy, play, story, and the search for meaning and how they relate to creative thinking.

A brilliant novel that depicts the artist’s struggle is My Name is Asher Lev by Chaim Potok. This book is about a boy who is an art prodigy, born into a Hasidic Jewish family in Brooklyn in the 1940s.

There is deep tension between Asher’s obvious God-given artistic gifts and his culture’s strict teaching about making art. Eventually the religious leader of this Hasidic sect, the Rebbe, intercedes for Asher and allows him to study under one of the greatest living artists, Jacob Kahn, a non-observant Jew. Asher is forced to consider the implications of his gifts as an artist and his loyalties to his family and upbringing. I really enjoyed this book and its sequel, The Gift of Asher Lev. Communicating a personal message A few years ago I went to a CIVA Conference (Christians in Visual Arts). Each night about twenty artists would each take five minutes to show slides of their work. The images just flew by, and I was struck by the diversity of self-expression among the group. The art was a variety of abstract, photo-realistic, whimsical, moody, thoughtful, colorful, monochromatic, graphic, atmospheric, conceptual, painterly — and some very disturbing. But clearly, each artist was struggling with what it means to be an artist and a Christian in present-day society. I saw how God had placed something unique in each of these people.

This conference encouraged me to consider what God has uniquely placed in me — through my life, my experiences and the ways God has made himself known to me.

I was encouraged to ask myself, What personal message has God uniquely qualified me to communicate? I want my art to be backed up with authentic life experience to avoid being preachy or hollow. As I grow in communicating a more personal message, I’m encouraged when I see other artists striving to be true to who God has made them to be.

The value of a sketchbook I can’t talk about what feeds artistic creation without talking about a sketchbook. Keeping a sketchbook is the most important thing I do to stay replenished as an artist.

In a sketchbook, I record ideas, websites and other leads about inspirational materials. I make lists and prioritize the projects I would like to tackle next. And, of course, I also use it for sketches. Over and over again I find ideas in my sketchbook that I can use for new projects, using it as a tool to evaluate what I should do next.

Take time to reflect So where can you find encouragement and growth as a Christian artist?

Do your art — and pursue what God has called you to pursue.

Find a community that is committed to making art.

Consider where you are in history and who God has made you to be. What does it mean to be a Christian and an artist in these times?

In what ways are empathy, play, story, and the search for meaning part of your artistic make-up?

What are you uniquely qualified to communicate?

Finally, ask the question, what does our culture need to hear? Part of the role of an artist is to help people slow down and reflect in the midst of frantic, busy lives.

Beauty and Truth do exist. Beauty needs expression, and Truth is often heard best through the arts. As you seek God’s glory as a Christian and pursue your calling as an artist, may the result be great art that will be uplifting to your brothers and sisters in Christ — and fascinatingly thought-provoking to the world.

A final word about making posters for your church: just recently I walked into a church and saw a well-designed poster. This was an amazingly refreshing experience.

The church was having an arts festival and the poster was really cool. So if your church does ask you to make a poster, have fun with it and to try to make it the best it can possibly be. Our goal is God’s glory, and our design should reflect that. Let’s give him the best.

October 2012

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