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4 FEBRUARY 2015 ❘ Mississippi Christian Living

Volume 9, Number 8

contents FEBRUARY 2015

columns9 The Way I See It

The Difference Is Jesus

10 Let’s Talk It Over What Gets In the Way of Empathy?

14 The Doctor Is In A Visit with Periodontist Dr. Reid Lester

18 Let’s Get RealRestoring the Heart of Love in Marriage

20 This Is My StoryA Cinderella Proposal

22 Living My Call As for Me and My House

34 Food for ThoughtAll Things Red and Yummy

36 Chewed PetuniasDigging for the Roots

38 Christian Commerce Sitters, LLC Is a Homegrown Business

40 Money Matters Before You Invest—Four SimpleQuestions to Ask Yourself

43 Legal Advice Role Reversal—When the ChildBecomes the Parent

44 What’s Going On Dr. Ben Carson to Speak in Tupelo

in every issue6 Editor’s Letter

44 Rave Reviews45 Events Calendar46 Quips & Quotes46 Advertiser Index

MIPA

Mississippi IndependentPublishers' Alliance

34

18

38

features24 Beth O’Reilly

A New Heart

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What’s Coming Next Month?Christian Leaders of the Future Spotlights Outstanding

High School Seniors Who Are Walking in Faith

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Publisher: MHS Publications, Inc.,Member, M.I.P.A.

Editor: Marilyn [email protected]

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SalesMarilyn Tinnin, Kimberly Stephens,

Suzanne Durfey, Tara Dowden, Jenny Ruth Kennedy, Kimberly Hooker,

Lauren Black

Contributing WritersLydia Bolen, William B. Howell,

Scott T. Marshall, Will McNeese, Rev. Bill Rap, Susan E. Richardson,

Caroline Smith, Martin E. Willoughby, Jr.

Cover PhotographyStegall Imagery

Distribution AssistantsAvery Cahee, Laura Kidder,

Randy Fortenberry, Andrea Sabillion,Rachel Schulte, Jerri Strickland, Priscilla Sullivan, Bob Whatley,

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Mississippi Christian Living is committed toencouraging individuals in their daily livesby presenting the faith stories of others andby providing information that will pointevery person, at every stage of life, to adeeper, authentic, personal, and life-changing encounter with Jesus Christ.Views expressed in Mississippi ChristianLiving do not necessarily represent those ofthe publisher. Every effort has been madeby the Mississippi Christian Living staff toinsure accuracy of the publication contents.However, we do not guarantee theaccuracy of all information nor the absenceof errors and omissions; hence, noresponsibility can be or is assumed. AllRights Reserved. Copyright 2015 byMississippi Christian Living, Inc.

Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NewInternational Version, copyright 1973, 1978,1984 by International Bible Society. Used bypermission of International Bible Society.

Mississippi Christian Living is publishedmonthly and is available at high trafficlocations throughout the state. Copies arealso available by subscription, $29 for oneyear. Single issues available for $3 an issue.

POSTMASTER: Send change of address toMississippi Christian Living, 573 Highway 51North, Suite C, Ridgeland, MS 39157.

�6 FEBRUARY 2015 ❘ Mississippi Christian Living

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neitherthe present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anythingelse in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in ChristJesus our Lord. – Romans 8:38-39

Heart-shaped boxes of candy line the shelves of supermarkets and drug stores.There is a line at the Hallmark counter. Themes of love are everywhere. Unlessyou live under a rock, you have noticed Valentine’s Day is near. According to theNational Retail Federation, Americans will spend approximately 17.6 billion dollars to say, “I loveyou” this year. A staggering figure in the same country where 40 to 50 percent of us fail atmarriage at least once, and there is so much disharmony between the sexes, the races, and thepolitical parties!

I don’t know of anything in our upside down world that has been more advertised, and at thesame time more distorted, in recent years than the word love. Not long ago in a study on thebook of Revelation, a respected Bible teacher taught that for everything God designs, Satandesigns a counterfeit. I am reminded of the street vendors in New York City who sell knockoffs ofjust about every designer label a consumer desires. Those fakes can look pretty good at first, butit is not long before the shoddy workmanship or the lesser materials disappoint.

Like the authentic purse or piece of jewelry, love that lasts does require a greater investmentof capital. It would be a good idea to study the real thing before spending frivolously on theimitation. Who would know that the real thing is so worth it if our chief source of information onthe subject comes from the glossy covers of the star-studded magazines in the checkout lane atthe Kroger?

It occurs to me that the Agape brand of love described in the familiar love passage of 1Corinthians 13 is one of the most expensive exercises there could possibly be when it comes tohuman relations. It is not a feeling as much as it is an action. Not seeking our own comfort orrights, not demanding our way, always loving the other regardless of reciprocity—what could bemore foreign in today’s world or more counter to our selfish natures? Christ’s sacrificial death isthe only perfect example. We speak so often of the “free” gift of eternal life that we fail to fullyconsider there was nothing “free” about it from God’s perspective.

There is a great paradox in authentic love. Even in our imperfect attempts, the sacrificerequired—whether it is a sleepless night walking the floor with a crying infant, sitting by the sickbed of a dying friend, or waking up day after day to go to a job we despise in order to take careof those who depend on us—is always worth it in the long run. The more we allow God’s love toinvade our “me-oriented” hearts, the more of His kind of love we have to give to everyonearound us. And as is more often than not the case in God’s economy, the blessings have a way ofcoming back to us.

Get ready to examine your own perceptions of love in this issue. Beth O’Reilly’s miracle hearttransplant inspired me on so many levels. The steady prayers and perseverance of her friendsand family through her critical illness, the loving and anonymous gift of a heart from a grief-stricken family, and God’s supernatural presence tell a profound love story you won’t soon forget.

On the eve of her daughter’s wedding, Cindy Townsend shares a mother’s heart in “This is MyStory.” And in “Living My Call,” Reverend and Mrs. Clifton Goodloe give us their best advice onmarriage and parenting from the vantage point of 50 successful years, six children, and 15 grandchildren!

Lydia’s “Food for Thought” appeals to the “sweet tooth” in all of us this month. MartinWilloughby’s “As I See It” reminds us of the only true motivation for the Christian life—love for Christ.

Happy Valentine’s Day! Enjoy. As Beth O’Reilly says, “Love is the only thing it is okay to do in excess.” Y

editor’s letter➺

Marilyn H. Tinnin, Publisher and [email protected]

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Martin E.Willoughby Jr. is a Principal withButler Snow Advisory and the author ofIntentional Faith. He and his wife, Nicki,have two children,Ally and Trey, and live inMemphis,Tennessee.

The Difference Is JesusIn the midst of the routines in life,and even in the church, it is easyto lose sight of the center of ourfaith—Jesus.

Leonard Sweet and Frank Viola in theirbook Jesus Manifesto describe this as a“Jesus Deficit Disorder.” Without Christ, allthings lose their meaning. Christianity canquickly become just another religion amongmany. It can be a series of “do’s” and“don’ts.” We might follow the rules with ourhead, but without love in our hearts.

Sweet and Viola encourage us to “SeekChrist, embrace Christ, know Christ.” Theyremind us that “Christianity is Christ. Nothingmore. Nothing less. It is not an ideology or aphilosophy. Neither is it a new type ofmorality, social ethic, or worldview.Christianity is the ‘Good News’ that beauty,truth, and goodness are found in a person.”

When I see people who have that vital,connected, loving relationship with Christ,there is just something different about them.They are on a different agenda than themainstream. They are not simply sprinklingin some “Christianity” into a busy lifepursuing worldly goals. Christ is at thecenter of their lives. Not just as Lord, but alsoas the loving Father. They connect with Himin prayer not out of obligation but out of joyand love.

My good friend Shawn Dean, who is aregular contributor to this magazine, is anencourager to me by his passion for Christ.Just like all of us, Shawn is imperfect and

experiences challenges in life, but he has alove of Jesus that is infectious.

Several years ago, he felt a stirring in hisheart that he was to help others experiencethe true vibrancy and love of Christ. Hewanted to help others have a more intimateexperience with Jesus to know and love Him

more. Shawn had been leading a prayergroup for years, but he felt like the menneeded more time away from the hustle andbustle to be still and hear the voice of God.

Using his own resources, Shawn organizedthe first Camp Jesus. He rented facilities at aretreat center for a weekend and invited anyman who was hungry for Christ to show up.With a loose agenda, the men sang together,prayed together, and heard the Word of Godshared by gifted speakers. Men were real

They are not simplysprinkling in some“Christianity” into abusy life pursuing

worldly goals. Christ is at the center of

their lives.

with each other, candidly shared about theirchallenges, and all were united in seekingmore of Christ. Camp Jesus has turned intoan annual event each fall, and last year hestarted a Camp Jesus for Women. It was atremendous success and will be repeatedagain this year in April.

I share this story because what isnoteworthy to me is that Shawn is not apastor, missionary, or in full-time ministry.Shawn works as a manufacturingrepresentative and is a father to three youngchildren. He has no more time than the restof us in his day. However, he is motivated byhis own love of Jesus and the desire forothers to experience that love as well.

February is certainly a time of the yearwhen we are encouraged by themarketplace to do something special todemonstrate our love. While that is certainlya good thing to do any time of the year,perhaps this year we can also reflect on thetrue source and object of our love, JesusChrist our Lord and Savior. For thoseinterested in learning more about CampJesus, you can contact Shawn Dean [email protected]. Y

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let’s talk it overby WILL MCNEESE, LPC, LMFTA

➺What Gets In the Way of Empathy?

In my last article, I wrote about theimportance of parents engaging inempathy in order to build a meaningfulrelationship with their teens based onintimacy, trust, and being known. Relationalintimacy takes place when two people makethemselves vulnerably known to each otherand they each are received with love and grace.

A deciding factor in how vulnerable we willbe with someone is how safe that person is.Will the person judge me harshly or criticizeme? Will they misunderstand me? Will they usewhat I say against me? Are they on my side?

Some facts about empathy:■ Empathy is accurately understanding and

reflecting what a person expresses withoutadding to, changing, or communicatingjudgment about it. It is one of the first steps in building a trusting and intimate relationship.

■ To express empathy does not mean thatyou are agreeing with or necessarily

approving of what the personsays/thinks/or does. It simply shows thatyou understand what they said and findit relatable.

■ Empathy is a foundational point forbuilding intimate relationships because itcommunicates that one cares enough towithhold judgments in order to accuratelylisten to someone. It communicates at abasic level that one trusts that the person isan understandable and reasonable being,whom one can relate to.

Empathy also plays a key role in the de-escalation of conflict. Arguments betweenspouses or between parents and children oftenlook like tennis matches—each party goingback and forth trying to deliver the winningpoint or comeback. This results in gridlockedarguments that rarely resolve and leave bothparties exasperated. I never cease to beamazed by the shift that can take place whenone gridlocked player is able to “put down the tennis racket” and engage in empathic listening.

One caveat is this—Empathy alone may notbe enough to fix conflicts, and there aresituations that call for being directive andexecutive in functioning. Examples of thiswould be crisis situations such as a personthreatening suicide, or when those in conflictbecome out of control.

Empathy, however, is a much needed—andoften underutilized—tool in the tool belt.

That being said, at times I find it incrediblydifficult to engage in empathy with peoplewhom I am close to. I cannot tell you how often

my wife and I have an argument and I amcompletely unable to listen to her side ofthings without being consumed withdefensiveness and indignation.

It can be even more difficult when I workwith the teens in my life that, at times, areblatantly hostile towards me. In fact, the more Icare about a person, the more vulnerable Ibecome to being taken over by defensivenessor anger during a conflict with this person.

So what gets in the way? I know I shouldmaintain a stance of empathy, but this is mucheasier said than done. In the next fewparagraphs I hope to facilitate you exploringwhat it is that bumps you off the empathywagon and on to the defensive (or offensive). Ialso want to discuss a few common culpritsand what can be done.

The fear of not being heard or respected.This is the fear that if I respond to the personwith empathy, I will give up the chance to tellmy side of the story. If I don’t stand up for myrights, then the other person will continue toviolate them and walk over me. In my life, thisreaction can have a powerful effect in shiftingme out of a state of listening into a state ofstanding up for myself. Though this fear isunderstandable, it adopts a relational strategyof pushing people away.

To reconcile with your spouse or teen, youmust turn towards them instead of push themaway. Conflicts work best when you take turnslistening. Let one person fully explain theirexperience and engage in active listening andempathy until that person feels fully heard, thenswap roles and talk about your experience.

Since this conversation format requires a

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high amount of self-awareness and self-control,teens may not be great at demonstratingempathy. However, I think you will besurprised by how your modeling of empathycan catch on with your teens.

The fear that by showing empathy orunderstanding towards what one is saying,they will think I am agreeing with them, orapproving of what they have done. Thiscomes up often when a spouse or teen hasdone something that, to you, is blatantly wrongor sinful. In these moments I hear myselfquestioning, “What if the person thinks I amagreeing with them or condoning theirbehavior?” This can also occur when theperson’s feelings don’t seem warranted or arebased on misperceptions.

Here is how I think about this: If your style ofempathy involves giving up your boundariesor condoning behavior you disagree with, youaren’t expressing empathy (we have anothername for what you are doing called“codependence,” but that’s a separate topic).

Empathy means to accurately understandwhat one is thinking and perceiving, evenwhen what one thinks is inaccurate.Demonstrating that I accurately and fullyunderstand what a person is saying andexperiencing does not mean I agree withthem. I have been surprised at how often Ithink that I understand someone, only to find

out that we were speaking past each other,hence the importance of asking nonjudgmentalclarifying questions.

Secondly, empathy means trying to find anunderstandable (relatable) part of theirexperience. Regardless of the outcome of aperson’s actions, if I am honest with myself, Ican usually find something relatable aboutwhat they were experiencing. For example,even though I can understand and relate to whymy child decided to use illicit drugs, it does notmean that I am justifying his action. It doeshowever help me engage in compassiontowards him.

The belief that empathy won’t solve theproblems at hand and will not help de-escalate the person. In my experience as atherapist, empathy is always a good first step,but more may need to happen. At times,showing empathy to someone has had theincredible effect of calming one down and theyhave arrived at a solution or answer without my input.

At other times, simply showing empathy hasnot been enough to produce de-escalation andsolve the problems at hand. It has, however,been the vehicle through which a person hasbecome more open to receiving my feedbackor input.

So what do we do when these things get triggered?

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Self-awareness is essential. If you noticeyourself feeling defensive and unable to “put itaside,” then pause the conversation and engagein some internal reflection. Perhaps tryjournaling or writing out what triggered your defensiveness.

You may find that what triggered yourdefensiveness is connected to experiencesfrom the past. This is normal. Our brain uses ourpast experiences to form our expectations offuture events. The problem is that theseexpectations, or reactive defenses, may gettriggered very easily and may not take intoaccount important differences about presentsituation. To engage in close, empathicrelationships, we must explore the things thattrigger our strong reactions and learn todistinguish past fears from present realities.

At times, we need third-party arbitrators. Ibelieve that we all have some relationships inwhich the volatility is too high and the self-awareness/control too low to make muchprogress. Inviting in a third party to “referee”can be beneficial, whether that is a trustedfriend, pastor, counselor, or legal mediator. Y

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diabetes, obesity,and osteoporosis.

Gum disease normallydoesn’t affect individuals untilthe fifth or sixth decade of life,but there are some aggressiveforms that can begin affectingpeople in their teenage years.Typically, periodontal disease isnoticed at the patient’s primarydentist office, and then based onthe severity, the patient may bereferred to the specialist fortreatment. Receding gums canalso be problematic and initiatea referral to our office. Recedinggums can be caused by poorhygiene, but primarily occurwith over brushing or brushingwith too much force.

Q.MCL: What are the Symptoms?

RL: Symptoms of gum problems consist ofredness, bleeding, swelling, or pain in thegums. Patients also may experiencesensitivity of the teeth due to gum problems,or mobility of the teeth.

Q. MCL: How is it treated?RL: Patients with more severe gum

problems are treated with surgery. Recentadvances in our field have been in the area oflasers. We now can use a laser to surgicallycorrect the damage to the gums and bonefrom periodontal disease. A typical surgeryconsists of three steps. First, a laser is used toremove the infected tissue and any irritantsthat may be causing the problem. Second,localized debridement of the infected areaswith some type of ultrasonic cleaninginstrument is done, and third, a laser is usedto help stimulate a seal (or clot) of the gumtissue back around the tooth.

Other common surgeries in our fieldconsists of gum grafts and/or bone grafts tohelp rebuild areas of the mouth that havebeen damaged due to gum disease or lost teeth.


the doctor is in➺

A Visit with Periodontist Dr. Reid Lester

Q.MCL: Tell us aboutyour training

and education.Reid Lester, DMD: After a

brief teaching career atJackson Academy and a shortspan in the financial planningworld, I found my calling to gointo health care. Dating backto high school, I had alwaysbeen interested, but thetiming was never right. In2003, I decided to go backand get my requirements fordental school. I was acceptedto dental school and began in2005, and went ontospecialize in the field of Periodontics.

A periodontist is a dentistwho has chosen to go threemore years for specialtytraining. We are trained to treat patients withgum problems, whether it be receding gumsor gum disease. Our specialty also trains uson the surgical placement of dental implants,and any type of rehabilitation (bone grafting)that may be needed to receive implants.

My training consisted of a B.B.A degreefrom Mississippi State, my Dental Degree(DMD) in 2009 from the University ofMississippi Medical Center, and my SpecialtyDegree in 2012 from LSU School of Dentistry.

After graduating from LSU, my family and Ichose to return to Jackson to begin privatepractice. My practice, Mississippi PeriodonticSpecialists, consists of four periodontists: Dr.Charles Hamm, Dr. Bob Rives, Dr. Jamie Clay,and myself.

Q.MCL: What were the factors thatmade you want to choose

this specialty?RL: While in dental school, the surgical

aspects of dentistry were what interested methe most. Periodontists are very skilledsurgeons, who are known for paying veryspecial attention to detail. We have the abilityto take a patient with disease/infection in theirmouth, treat them, and then follow them forlife to make sure their disease does not come

back. So the primary difference from myspecialty and other dental specialties is thatwe get to develop long-lasting relationshipswith our patients.

Periodontists also have the ability to havevery flexible schedules; we have very fewtrue emergencies, so I have the freedom tocreate a work schedule that allows me to stayinvested in my children’s lives, stay involvedin organized dentistry, be active in thecommunity, and give back to our professionthrough teaching at UMMC and LSU.

Q.MCL: What were the factors that made you want to choose

this specialty?RL: Periodontal disease is a bacterial

infection that occurs in the gums. It primarilyis caused by plaque that gets beneath thegum line, and causes gum and bonedestruction. There are a number of factorsthat can increase a patient’s chance of gettinggum disease, but the most common are poororal hygiene, smoking, and diabetes. There isa large amount of research going in thiscountry about the correlation with the oralcavity and the rest of the body, and there arefindings that support gum disease iscorrelated with cardiovascular disease,


Q. MCL: Does dental insurancecover it?RL: Dental insurance does cover

periodontal treatment, but usually only willcover at about fifty percent.

Q.MCL: What can someone do to lessenthe chance of having gum disease?

RL: There are 2 important things thatpatients can do to minimize the chance:

1. Have good oral hygiene habits—whichconsists of brushing at least twice a day, andflossing at least once a day. These propertechniques can be learned from yourdental hygienist

2. See your family dentist at least twice ayear, and they will check the health of yourgums at your routine appointments. Myopinion is that patients should see theirdentists more frequent than every sixmonths because cavities and gumproblems can develop and progress inbetween those checkups.

Q.MCL: How has your Christian faithimpacted your practice and the

way you see patients?RL: I have been extremely blessed in my

lifetime, both personally and professionally.I have been blessed with great parents whohave gone above and beyond to provide forme and my sister, an amazing wife who hassupported me along the journey of dentalschool and residency and who has basicallyraised 3 children by herself while I was inschool, three healthy children (ages 10, 8,and 4), and great friends and family.

I also feel that God has placed people inmy life who have helped open doors for meprofessionally. Some of the people who havemade major contributions to my dentalcareer include: Dr. David Mosal, who was mydad’s best friend growing up and who

encouraged me to go to dental school; Dr.David Duncan, who was Chairman ofAdmissions at UMMC and who helped openthe door for me to become a dentist; Dr.Frank Serio, who was chairman ofPeriodontics at UMMC and who served asmy mentor and encouraged me to go into thefield of Periodontics; Dr. Toula Palaiologou,who served as my program chairman at LSUand taught me a great deal of clinicalperiodontics; Dr. Charles Hamm and Dr. BobRives, who have been great business partnersin private practice; Dr. Jamie Clay, who joined

our practice a year ago; and lastly, my dad,Dr. Tom Lester, who has been my biggestcheerleader along the journey through dentalschool and residency. My dad, who passedaway this past June, taught me to work hardand treat people right, and that everythingelse will fall into place.

I say all this, because it is these peoplewho make me appreciate the verse Luke12:48, “For whomsoever much is given, ofhim shall be much required.” I feel that this

Ask your general dentist if you need to see a Periodontist!

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verse is very applicable to my life. I enjoy andtake pride in the ability to help and healpeople every day, and I have the opportunityto make a great living doing that. I don’t takethis for granted, and through this opportunity,I feel that it is my responsibility to give back,whether in dentistry, the community, teachingin dental schools, or simply in my children’s lives.

A great deal of my time is spent in clinicalpractice each week. As I get to know patients,and discuss their dental conditions andtreatment alternatives, I feel invested in their

lives and personally responsible for theirtreatment and success. As patients decideon a method of treatment for themselves,they routinely ask the question, “Whatwould you do if you were me?” Aselementary as it may sound, I base myclinical practices off of the Golden Rule.Matthew 7:12 states, “Whatever you wishthat others would do to you, do also tothem.” If I can treat patients in my practicethe way that I would want to be treated,then everything else will take care of itself.

The next phase of life for me is theaddition to my family that we are prayingfor. My wife and I have begun the processof adopting a child. My wife, Lauren, whomany call Supermom, has wanted to adopta baby as long as I have known her. But I

have always made it very clear that I wouldnot. I remember several times where shewould tell me that she was praying for me tohave a change of heart, and I would tell her to“Go for it!” Well, over the past 6 months, Godhas changed my heart, and shown me thatLauren and I should make this leap of faith.We feel that we are in the right season of lifeto begin this journey, and what better way toreciprocate God’s love than to provide ahome for that new child. We are excitedabout what God will bring our way. Y

Reid, Lauren, Drake, Landry, and Carson Lester.

Congratulations to these young men

and the rest of our area Eagles on this great achievement.

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let’s get realby REV. BILL RAP, MRE, PSAT and CAROLINE SMITH, MS, LPC

➺

Restoring the Heart of Love in Marriage

God's Word calls us all to experiencethe most beautiful thing in theworld; it simply calls us to, "...love

one another deeply, from the heart” (1 Peter1:22 NIV, emphasis added). That word“deeply” is rich with meaning. Deep love isalways from the heart, deep love is alwayspassionate, deep love never gives up! Is thatnot what every one of us longs for—to bedeeply loved by someone and to share thatlove in return?

As humans, all of us can struggle withserious “heart conditions” at times. Andbecause our physical health is dependent to alarge part on our emotional health, routine“heart health” assessments are imperative.Clients often use the following words todescribe their symptoms—a shattered heart,cold heart, black heart, bleeding heart, orbitter heart. When emotional heart healthgoes unattended, bad things happen.

An amazing example of this is a storyinvolving a couple from Texas. All was welluntil one day the husband got upset with his

wife for supposedly spending too much onsugar at the grocery store. So, he proceededto take a saw, cut the house in half, and nailsome boards on to cover the exposed part ofeach half. He then moved his half of the housebehind some trees on the back section of theirlot. And for the next forty years, this man livedby himself in his half house refusing to speakto his wife. At first reading, this story soundsunbelievable or even humorous, but it is onlyone example of how couples emotionallydivorce. Without compassionateunderstanding and effective relationshipsupport, the loss of a loving heart isprogressive and painful.

For many, Valentine’s Day is a reminder ofwhat once was or what is currently longed for.The upside to any holiday is that we get tospend time with people we care about in awonderful exchange of heartfelt love. Thedownside to any holiday is when relationshipshave grown cold, distant, quiet or bitter,unpredictable, and explosive. Spending timewith people we care about can be a painful

reminder of what’s missing in ourrelationships—a heart of love. If you identifywith this downside, please be encouraged.There is tremendous hope for you and yourmarriage because of our loving God andSavior, the ultimate marriage counselor,Jesus Christ!

In fact, at the very heart of our abilityto love and receive love is our lovingGod. According to God’s Word, Hislove is:

1) Everlasting. “I have loved you with aneverlasting love...” (Jeremiah 31:3).

2) Permanent. Nothing “...will be able toseparate us from the love of God, which isin Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:39).

3) Perfect: God’s kind of love “...never fails”(1 Corinthians 13:8).

4) Available to us all. "...Let us love oneanother, for love is from God” (1 John 4:7).

Caroline Smith is the Directorof Pine Grove’s IntensiveWorkshops and her brother,Bill Rap, is a co-facilitator ofPine Grove’s ChristianIntensive Workshops.


God is the Author and Giver of Hisextravagant, permanent, perfect love. And theamazing thing is, God's passion is to see Hislove flowing in all of our hearts and in all ofour homes.

Think that’s impossible in your situation?Your thoughts have a direct impact on yourfeelings and your feelings influence yourbehaviors. Binging on a diet of criticalthoughts toward your spouse is guaranteed toproduce emotional distance, an unlovingheart, and an increased risk for engaging inlove-defeating behaviors. If negative thoughtsbecome chronic, the result will be a slimchance for God’s kind of love to flow. Whatwounded relationships need most is arenewal of the mind.

So it is in relationships—what a couplethinks about while they are apart impactsthem the most when they are together. Thus,if the little irritations and big hurts inevitablein any relationship are not bravely andtruthfully discussed, distance anddisconnection result. A heart of love can onlyflourish when two people commit to living alifestyle of sincere confession, compassionateforgiveness, and reconciliatory resolution.Philippians 4:8 provides instruction in this

matter; “Finally, brethren, whatever is true,whatever is honorable, whatever is right,whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whateveris of good repute, if there is any excellenceand if anything worthy of praise, dwell onthese things.”

For deep love to flourish in your heart andhome, first turn to the ultimate marriagecounselor, our Lord Jesus Christ and ask forHis help to be more loving, regardless ofwhat your partner does. Remember, God islove and all love comes from Him. He is theOne who has called us to love one another,and He is the One who can help us do it.

Then, “tend your garden.” As a wiseperson once said, "The grass is not greeneron the other side of the fence, the grass isgreener where they water it." The fact isbeautiful gardens take a lot of work, so itshouldn’t surprise us that beautiful marriagesdo too!

Your marriage garden needs twothings from you every day:

1) Weeding—Pulling things out of your lifethat harm your relationship. Things likeselfishness, busyness, inattention, self-

righteousness, blame,and unforgiveness.

2) Seeding—Cultivating things in yourheart like humility, honesty, confession,repentance, forgiveness, understanding,and tenderness.

Actively notice the good things about yourspouse and verbally express yourappreciation. Research on marriagesatisfaction suggests five positive partnerstatements per day. If we see marriage as anopportunity to excel in love, it won't matterhow difficult the situation is. It will be ourchance to learn to love like Christ.

Whether you are expecting the upside orthe downside this Valentine's Day, if you findyourself longing for more, be encouraged.You and your loved one can learn to lovedeeply from the heart.You have God's Wordon it! Y


➺this is my storyby CINDY M. TOWNSEND

From a mother’s heart…While serving as Student/College Minister and

loving students of all ages, my husband, Bill, and Idesired to have a child of our own. We began aheart-wrenching journey that lasted severalyears. One miscarriage after another left usdesperate for what only God could do.Only He could prepare us to never havea child of our own and only He couldgive us a miracle baby. We knew Godwas faithful, but that knowledge alonedid not diminish our pain. We leanedon the Lord and desired more thanever to live a life to honor Him, nomatter the circumstances.Confidentially, we asked many ofour friends to pray for us to acceptour situation and heal. As webegan to grow in acceptance, weheard the news we were expectingagain. Concerns and prayersincreased along with God’s gracetoward us. Nine months later, I gavebirth to a baby girl we namedTaylor because she was Taylor-madeby God!

As I reflect today on God’sgoodness, we are less than a monthaway from Taylor’s wedding day. She willmarry Seth Conerly on Valentine’s Day atFirst Baptist Church in Jackson-- the samechurch where she was dedicated to the Lord22 years ago. We are thankful for God’sfaithfulness through these years. As hermother, I am also reminded of theincredible task we have as mothers “totrain up a child in the way he or sheshould go.”

As moms, we want our children to beequipped for life. Honestly, I have days when I royally mess up in mymotherly role, but like most moms, that is never my desire. I want toteach Taylor and our son, William (who, by the way, just happenedwithout a dramatic birth story) the importance of intentional living.

Three words come to mind as I reflect on the ways Bill and Isought to prepare Taylor’s heart for marriage: Prayer, Pledge,and Purpose.

PrayerOur prayer for Taylor the day she was born and until this day is for

God to make her like the biblical character, Deborah. Deborah wasstrong and courageous in a "crooked and perverse world". The firstprayer lullaby I sang over Taylor’s cradle was both serious and sillyand went something like this: Verse 1- God, make Taylor wise and

keep her away from the grimy guys. Verse 2: God, makeTaylor wise and give her little thighs (very

superficial prayer I know, but moms pray abouteverything, especially things they never had).

My mother burned the midnight oil inprayer for me during my teenage years

and her prayers sustain me through lifeeven today. I vowed to pray for God to

make Taylor wise.

PledgeWe encouraged Taylor to honor

her future life mate with a pledgeto purity. We all know remainingsexually pure in a "shades ofgrey" world requires a greaterlove for God than self and anunyielding discipline focused farbeyond the present. As Taylorentered her teen years, Ireminded her “beyond physicalbeauty is a beauty from within thatembraces purity as most

beautiful.” Ironically, the movie FiftyShades of Grey is set to premier on

Valentine's Day, the day Taylor andSeth celebrate their marriage vows

and their mutual commitment to purity.Choosing purity demands commitment,

conviction, and wisdom.

PurposeHer dad and I have also

challenged Taylor to live what PastorRick Warren calls a " purpose-drivenlife". I love to hear Taylor say, “Mom,only God completes me. No job,

degree, position, title, or person completes me, only Jesus!” Knowingall of this life is by God’s grace, for His glory and ultimately for Hispurpose gives life meaning! Both Taylor and Seth have purposed tofollow wherever the Lord may lead. An adventure enveloped inGod’s grace awaits all who purpose to do the same.

A Mother’s heart-felt prayer:Lord Jesus, May our children live with a clear understanding of

the power of prayer, the value of a pledge, and the importance ofliving life with purpose. Let it be… for all of our children! Amen. Y

A Cinderella ProposalA Story for God’s Glory!

Dr. Cindy Townsend is Director of The Global LeadershipInstitute at Jackson Preparatory School. She enjoys speaking forstudent and women events and freelance writing.

Seth Conerly went to incredible lengths to propose toTaylor Townsend in front of an audience of friends andfamily who had loved and prayed for them for years.Watch the proposal on You Tube. Search PrincessProposal - Taylor and Seth. You won’t be disappointed!

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Clifton and Delores Goodloe ofCanton celebrated their fiftiethwedding anniversary this pastDecember. The pastor of the GreaterDamascus Church of Christ Holiness inHazlehurst, Reverend Goodloe was apreacher’s kid himself. A minister was onething he was sure he was not going to be.Delores had decided a long time beforemarrying Clifton that she wouldnot marry a preacher or afarmer. In time, she got both.

But you will never meeta couple that hasachieved a happier,more stable marriageor raised any finerchildren. They can tellyou how it’s done. Theirblueprint comes straightout of Scripture, andReverend Goodloe canquote a whole lot of it.

Clifton grew up in Cantonand left home after high schoolgraduation in 1959, headed to LosAngeles for higher paying jobs than thoseavailable in Mississippi. He says he driftedaway from the spiritual values his parents hadinstilled in him as a child. When his fatherbecame ill and he came home to visit him fora few weeks in early 1964, he spent sometime rekindling a friendship with Delores. Bythe time he returned to California a fewweeks later, they were engaged.

Shortly before their wedding a few monthslater, Delores asked Clifton if he wouldconsider coming back to Mississippi to live.She had some doubts about living so far fromhome and family. Clifton relented although hethought he would probably be able tochange her mind later.

After their wedding they moved in with hisparents in Canton while Clifton looked for

a job. His father’s only stipulation inallowing the newlyweds to share

their home was that theyattend church every Sunday.

The Lord began to workon Clifton. All theScriptures, the songs, theteachings from hischildhood came back tohim as he was againhearing Bible teaching

and was being nurturedagain in the faith.Soon after the birth of their

first daughter, the Scripturereading one Sunday morning was

Joshua 24:15, “As for me and my house,we will serve the Lord.” Clifton says, “Godreally spoke to me that morning, and I knewthat unless I let Him lead me, I would neverbe able to lead my family.” Despite all theyears he had spent in church before that day,he considers that Sunday morning in 1966the day he truly received salvation.

Delores says she saw a marked change inher husband from that day on. His priority

As for Me and My House


was to lead his family to know Christ and tolove them the way Christ loved his church. Asmore children arrived, Clifton continued tobe the same steady devoted and dotinghusband and father. Clifton says he andDelores had a “balanced” approach to thethings they emphasized with their children.

Getting a good education was important,but knowing Christ trumped everything. Therelationship with Christ was to be thefoundation of their lives because it wouldimpact the way they approached everything else.

Surrendering his soul was one thing.Surrendering to the call to preach wassomething else. He continued to fight that forseveral more years. He was one of the firstAfrican Americans to be hired as a USDAfield reporter and surveyor in 1966. Eachday, from daylight until mid-afternoon, hetraveled Madison County surveying cropsand measuring acreage.

From mid-afternoon until after midnight attimes, he was on a tractor working hisfarmland. With six children, he laughs, “Ididn’t have a choice!”

God continued to tug at Clifton’s heartabout the ministry. He finally surrenderedand spent 18 years serving churches inLexington, Jackson, Canton, and Hazlehurst.Wherever he went, the church grew. Heexplains that he was never able to go toseminary because he had a family tosupport. He was a voracious reader and tookadvantage of workshops as often as possible.Despite being “self-taught” to a large extent,he has been a great student of Scripture withan amazing ability to memorize and an equalability to apply it.

In 1994, just a few months after he had“retired,” the Bishop of the Church of ChristHoliness, called Reverend Goodloe andasked him to accept a temporary call toGreater Damascus in Hazlehurst. The churchhad been splintered by divisiveness. Cliftonand Delores accepted the call and begandriving 100 miles round trip every week tohelp that church get back on its feet.

This January marked their twenty-firstyear there! Five of their six children, alongwith their spouses and children, also drive toHazlehurst every week to be involved atGreater Damascus. And the splinteredchurch that had only 35 members back in1994 boasts 3–400 today.

At 76 years and going strong—stillfarming his land, as well as pastoring thechurch—Reverend Goodloe did not hesitateto quote his favorite Scripture to me, but hequalified that by saying, “It’s my favorite atthis stage of life.”

“However, I consider my life worthnothing to me, if only I may finish the raceand complete the task the Lord has givenme—the task of testifying to the gospel ofGod’s grace” (Acts 20:24). Y

Clifton and Delores (front and center) are the parents of (back row) Marcus and Bertram, (frontrow) Clifton, Melba, Lori, and Earl.

Getting a good education wasimportant, but knowing Christtrumped everything.Therelationship with Christ was to be the foundation of their livesbecause it would impact the waythey approached everything else.

On the day that her life turned upside down, Beth WeilenmanO’Reilly was in the prime of life. The year was 2004, and she wasjust 48 years old. Married for 29 years to her college sweetheartwho was and is still very much the love of her life, she was blessedwith a career she adored, two grown sons who made a mamaproud, and a daily range of activities that included, but were notlimited to, church choir,Walk to Emmaus, bridge games, a tennisteam, and frequent travel all over the globe.

24 FEBRUARY 2015 ❘ Mississippi Christian Living24 FEBRUARY 2015 ❘ Mississippi Christian Living

Heart Disease isthe number onekiller of women inAmerica. It affectswomen of all ages,even those who arephysically fit.And64% of womenwho have had noprevious symptomsdie of heart-relatedillness. Learn aboutyour risk for heartdisease and what makes it more likely.

You would be hard pressed to find anyonewho had more energy or more friends thanBeth. She is a people magnet. As the secondof five children born to the late Bill andBettyann Weilenman of Stoneville, herpriorities have pretty much always been Godand other people. But after she and herhusband Guy attended an Emmaus weekendin 1989, she became more a God and otherpeople person than ever before. Her dailyprayer for herself is, “God, write your story inmy life. Be seen and heard in me!”

That is certainly one prayer that Godanswered for Beth in spades.

On Friday, March 5, 2004, Beth headed toher classroom at Leland High School whereshe had taught special education Life SkillsEnglish for 23 years. That whole week, shehad felt like she was getting sick, but surelyshe could make it one more day and have the

Beth O’ReillyA New Heart

entire next week of spring break to get well.On that fateful day, she made it to herclassroom and realized there was somethingseriously wrong. She was having difficultybreathing at all.

She found herself in the ICU at DeltaRegional Medical Center where Dr. MichaelMansour ran a myriad of tests and deliveredthe rather grim news that she hadcardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure,that he was hopeful medication would remedya great deal of the discomfort, but thatultimately she might be looking at a hearttransplant. A virus had evidently attacked herheart, and it was beating at 20% capacity.

The lifestyle changes that were imperativeand immediate included giving up tennis,giving up her career, adhering to a strict diet,and total bed rest for a while. Gradually shewas able to increase her activities, but tennis

mschristianliving.com ❘ FEBRUARY 2015 25mschristianliving.com ❘ FEBRUARY 2015 25

Beth and her transplant team are friends forever. (L to R) Brennett Brown, Nicole Whatley, Beth, Jenny Humphries, and Tammy Boles.

and her classroom job were forever out of thequestion. Life, as she had lived it prior to thisdisruptive event, was over.

There were tears, but there was a resilientfaith, too, as Beth chose to view the glass ashalf full rather than half empty. One of herheart’s greatest desires was to havegrandchildren to love, and if altering her lifemade that dream a little bit more likely, shewould do whatever it took. She realized shewas blessed to be alive at all, and sheembraced every day with a new sense ofgratitude. The changes she made seemed likea small price to pay to savor the joys that layahead—more years with her soulmate, hersons, and, hopefully daughters-in-law and grandchildren!

The New NormalThe next seven years were good ones—

great ones actually. Beth accepted that somedays were going to be easier than others, butshe learned to say “no” for the first time in herlife. When she ran out of steam, she stopped.When she felt well, she did almost anythingshe wanted. Her medications were working,and other than missing tennis and herstudents, the new normal was okay.

She grew stronger and stronger, and evenassumed the responsibility for homeschoolinga severely dyslexic teenager whoseeducational background was riddled withdefeat and sad stories of failure. On the daythis young lady received her graduationcertificate, Beth was the proudest “significantother” in attendance.

26 FEBRUARY 2015 ❘ Mississippi Christian Living26 FEBRUARY 2015 ❘ Mississippi Christian Living

Despite the tubes and the weakness, the smile on Beth’s face never left. Her optimism didnot fade, and she had a peace that impacted everyone who came into contact with herevery day. It wasn’t about getting well as much as it was about her faith in the God whowas holding time in His hands. Beth was never one to say, “Poor me.”

The weekly Leland Progress followed Beth’s journey. Beth’s close friend Amy Taylorcompiled the Caring Bridge journal in Heartstrings, available in bookstores and Amazon.

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And as far as Beth’s health, it continued toimprove. She refused to be an invalid. Beth andGuy took some interesting trips from theirhome in Leland via motorcycle to Martha’sVineyard and to Niagara Falls. They alsotraveled to Israel, Egypt, Hawaii, Prague, andVienna. And the greatest “normal” andwonderful events during those seven yearswere the births of two grandsons, Max and Parker.

Beth thought she was truly home free. Shehad adapted well to her curtailed lifestyle. Sheworked on numerous Emmaus Walks,participated in many Bible studies andattended many women’s events. Her spirituallife, which had always been notable,deepened. She did not take a single day forgranted as she lived with a sense of purposeand gratitude that inspired all who knew her.

On Sunday, January 30, 2011, Guy and Bethdid their usual Sunday routine which wasSunday school and the morning worshipservice at the Leland Methodist Church. It was

after lunch that Beth began to feelweak. The afternoon began with aheadache, a cough, and a flu-likeaching. As the hours passed, Bethcontinued to feel worse and worse.By late afternoon there was nodenying the fact that this wassomething serious. She told Guyshe needed to go to theemergency room.

The initial tests and enzymeresults indicated she’d had a heartattack, and she was immediatelyput in the Delta Regional CardiacICU. Word spread quickly throughLeland, the Delta, and beyond. Thiswas déjà vu panic all over againfor everyone who loved Beth.

Three days of tests. Three daysof doing everything within the realm ofpossibility at Delta Regional Medical. Beth had

excellent care, but on Thursday, February 3, inthe middle of frigid temperatures, sleet andfreezing rain, she was taken by ambulance toUniversity of Mississippi Medical Center inJackson for more tests and, hopefully,a miracle.

Hope DeferredIt was at University Hospital that Beth heard

the diagnosis—myocarditis, a rare conditionresulting in inflammation of the heart muscleitself. This, in addition to the cardiomyopathy,added a new set of problems to her weakheart. Her heart was not able pump wellenough to transport blood to all of Beth’sorgans. The prognosis for recovery was poorbut not impossible. The possibility of a hearttransplant was now very real. As Beth’s brotherMark says, “At first, that was not anencouraging thought to any of us. We saw aheart transplant as the last resort.”

Guy, while trying to be the strong andsteady encourager for his wife, was underenormous pressure in those first days atUMMC. He had a business to run back inLeland, and he quickly turned that over totheir son, Rob. But his telephone rang non-stopat all hours of the day and night as friendsfrom all over called for news of Beth’scondition and to offer prayers for both of them.Trying to answer the phone calls, give correctinformation—information that seemed tochange with every passing hour—was takingits toll.

Beth’s brother, Mark, who happened to livein Jackson and worked a block or two from thehospital, offered to start a Caring Bridge site.With a background in journalism, he was acommunicator, and he could handle theupdates with succinct accuracy and grace. “Iwas as panicked as anyone, and it would give

Beth had to get her “sea legs” back aftermonths of being totally bedridden.Walking again was a significant challengeto confront.

Beth’s tiny cardiac intensive care room became a virtualstudio of fan mail and well wishes over the 100 daysshe was a patient at UMMC.


me something to do,” he says. Because Beth’scondition was so fluid, Guy was concernedthat whatever was posted be correct but fairlygeneral in detail. The future was so uncertainthat they were hesitant to broadcast too muchabout her condition.

Guy welcomed Mark’s help. As Markexplains, “You could say I was the writer, butGuy was the editor!” Mark and Guy agreedthat they wanted to approach the blog as Bethwould if she had been strong enough to writeit. Everyone knew of Beth’s faith, and so thespiritual dimension was front and center. Littledid either know that Beth’s journey aschronicled in the Caring Bridge websitewould become the book Heartstrings a fewyears later.

Beth was in her third week at UniversityHospital when everything began to fail. Herkidneys, lungs and heart were growingweaker and weaker. Her heart muscle was notrecovering, and her ejection fraction wasextremely low. The ejection fraction measuresthe percentage of blood that leaves the leftventricle with each contraction. A normalejection fraction is between 55 and 75percent. Beth’s was five percent. She was dying.

When Mark visited his sister on that

Just a few of Beth’s family cheering section. (Front row, from left) Dick Hanna, JaneWeilenman Hanna, sister; Ellen Walker, sister; Anne Stevens, niece; (Back row) Jane Warren,niece, Bill and Bettyann Weilenman, parents.


February 23, 2011, he thought he was sayinggoodbye. The doctors explained to the familythat everything that could be done had been done.

However, Guy was not ready to give up. Ashe pushed Beth’s doctors for moreanswers, he was told that there wasone last ditch effort they mightpossibly try. There was a machinecalled a CentriMag, a relatively newand slightly experimental externalheart-pumping machine that mightgive Beth a temporary reprieve, butno one had ever used it at UMMC. Itmight not work at all, and becauseBeth was in such critical condition,such a surgery was very dangerous.But was there any other option? No.

Guy was ready to take a chance ashe told the doctors, “Let’s do it.”Ultimately, he understood a hearttransplant was the only thing that wasgoing to give Beth her life back, butthey could not just wait around until amatching heart became available.This strange machine was a lifeline at thatcritical moment.

And to everyone’s utter delight, theCentriMag did what it was supposed to do.For the next 46 days, that machine did the

work Beth’s heart could no longer do. Guyloves to compare the centrimag to a workingbattery for a car. Replace a dead battery witha new battery, and every gadget in the car willwork—from the windshield wipers to the radio

to the engine. With the CentriMag, her kidneysbegan to function and her lungs improved.She was placed number one on the transplantlist at UMC. And the waiting began.

It seemed an odd prayer in many ways topray for a new heart. For Beth to receive aheart and the chance at life, someone else wasgoing to have to lose their life. Beth, Guy, theirsons Rob and Will, and the rest of theirextended family took that thought veryseriously. Knowing how much they loved theirBeth, they were not oblivious to the fact thatshould that matching heart become available;another family was going to face a devastatingloss of someone who was likely as importantto them as Beth was to her family.

How do you pray in that situation? Withincredible humility and supernaturalsurrender to God’s sovereign will. “And thepeace of God, which passeth allunderstanding, shall keep your hearts andminds through Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 4: 7).

The Waiting GameIt is a fact that approximately twenty-one of

the 120,000 people awaiting an organtransplant die each day because a matchingdonor is not found in time. One organ donorcan save seven lives by donating their organs,and the number increases significantly if youadd eyes and tissue. As Mississippi OrganRecovery Association’s theme states, “We maybe one person to the world, but to one personwe may be the world.”

Beth continued to reside in the ICU, totallybedridden as the days passed. She could look

to her right and see the CentriMag pumpingat three thousand revolutions per minute.Despite the side effect of unrelenting nauseaand a fever, Beth knew this amazing machinewas keeping her alive, and she was grateful.

Mark and Guy continued topost entries on the Caring Bridgesite, and occasionally Beth wasable to tap out something. Thetone of the epistle was definitelyBeth, and the guestbook bulgedevery new day with prayers andencouraging messages fromfriends. Her room had beencovered in a virtual wallpaper ofcards, posters, and get well wishes.

Occasionally, she Skyped withher grandsons Max and Parker.Just seeing those two preciousboys gave her an extra boost andreminded her of the blessingsshe had already received. Guycame at 5 a.m. every morning,again at noon and 5 p.m. and

back to say “goodnight” at 9 p.m. Before Guyleft at night they would share a daily devotionaland prayer time thanking God for all He haddone and asking Him for continued healing.Often the staff nurses joined them. Beth hadbecome a precious family member toeveryone on the unit. But the days dragged onas they waited expectantly to hear the news ofa new heart that did not come quickly.

Along with prayers for the new heart, theywere praying for patience. Their ordeal gavefresh meaning to 2 Peter 3:8, “But do notoverlook this one fact, beloved, that with theLord one day is as a thousand years, and athousand years as one day.”

March came and went. Beth could not stayon the CentriMag much longer because therewere significant risks involved. If a new heartdid not appear soon, the next step wasanother temporary device, an LVAD whichwas a little more portable. It is frequently usedby transplant patients as they wait a morepermanent solution. The downside toreplacing the CentriMag with the LVAD wasthat Beth would automatically be removedfrom the top of the transplant list because shewould no longer be considered in immediate peril.

Ta-dah!!!It was Saturday morning, April 10, when

Beth struck up a conversation with the ladywho was cleaning her room. There was animmediate connection between the two asthey began to talk about God’s blessings. Justas the lady turned to leave she said to Beth,

Ta-Dah became a mantra as Beth’s young grandson Parkeradopted the phrase to demonstrate every new thing he learned.It was a family joke, but so apropos in a situation where humorrelieved a lot of anxiety.

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Amanda Sellers, MPT • Megan Howe, LPTAChristopher S. Rogers, LPTA • Casey Thompson, LMT 1403

Myofascial Release (MFR) is a manual form of Physical Therapy which helpsrebalance the soft tissue throughout the body, thereby allowing relief and

often complete resolution of pain caused by nerve, disc or muscle problems.Through our clinic location in Glukstadt Community of Madison, MS,

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We accept all private carriers.

“God just told me you will get a new heart this weekend.”

Beth was touched as she answered, “Well,that would be great,” but as long as thisprocess had plodded along, she wasnot holding her breath! God’s timingwas God’s timing.

The very next morning—wellbefore the sun came up—Beth wasawakened by a “committee” ofdoctors and nurses who gave her thelong-awaited news. “Beth, you have aheart!” The joy on that floor was like“Christmas on steroids” as brotherMark, the Caring Bridge wordsmith,put it.

Beth called her husband who wasimmediately alert when his wifeexclaimed, “Guy, I got a heart! I got aheart!” The news spread quicklythrough the Weilenman family, thechurch friends, the network of prayerwarriors, and fans that had followedBeth’s journey.

How fitting that this gift was delivered onthe Sabbath Day! A crowd gathered in thewaiting room outside the ICU. And the daydragged on. Beth later learned that whenorgans are donated, the last organ to beharvested is the heart. There were other

patients around the country who were waitingin circumstances as dire as Beth’s who werepreparing to receive kidneys, lungs, a liver,and who knows what else from this generous

family who were surely grieving the suddendeath of someone very precious to them.

Each transport team had to get to thehospital in that city and recover the organ theyneeded before the heart team could receivetheir precious cargo and fly back to Jacksonwith it.

Beth was taken to surgery for prep about4:30 p.m. that afternoon. When her gurneyheaded for the elevator, it seemed that half ofLeland, Mississippi was waiting—and they

sent her off with a standing ovationand tears of joy.

At 1:46 a.m. on Monday morning,Beth was rolled back into her ICUroom and the doctor came in tospeak to the family. Although Bethwould still have some rough daysahead and a grueling rehabilitationprocess, things had gone even betterthan anyone could have hoped.Never had her surgeon had atransplant patient whose ejection ratewas as low as Beth’s who had come through surgery with suchflying colors.

A new banner that covered anentire wall of her ICU room shouted“TA-DAH!!!” Grandson Max, just twoyears old, had recently taken up that

phrase and he shouted it as often as possible.It had become Beth’s special mantra thatcaptured her indomitable spirit andconfidence in God’s complete command ofthe situation throughout the lengthy ordeal.

Husband Guy impressed the UMC staff as much as Beth did.He was the epitome of the perfect husband and cheerleader.


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Life Goes OnThe next four weeks were a constant push

toward health and restoration. There were stilla million things that could go wrong, and adelicate balance to strike in the midst ofretraining her long-bedridden body to do theroutine everyday things that an independenthealthy person takes for granted. There wereconstant tests, exercises, therapies,procedures to boost the immune system, toprevent rejection, to regulate the new heart,to overcome the effects of 76 days in bed.The home stretch was in view, but it was asdifficult and demanding as any leg of thisjourney had been.

But there was not a millisecond ofchallenge that dampened Beth’s totaleuphoria and enthusiasm over the future thathad been given to her. As she wrote in aCaring Bridge post, “I’ve been given thisblessing and I want to make sure I honorGod as I look for ways to serve, as I continueto recover.”

Four weeks after the miraculous surgerythat had given Beth a new heart, she and Guydrove down the familiar street to their homein Leland. Friends lined the avenue, andwelcome home posters and balloons werestaked across her yard like a politicalcampaign in full bloom. It was a homecomingworthy of a hero, and Beth was definitely thatto so many.

People often ask Beth if there are anypredictors on how long she could expect tolive with her new heart. As one who isplaying tennis with vigor again and whosecheck-ups continue to get A+ results fromher doctors, such a question is almostinsulting. “Why, I plan to live until at least 82,”she says. Ninety-five is probably more like it.

Her doctors do say that the fact that Bethtook such great care of herself in those sevenyears between her first heart event and thecritical illness of 2011 gave her an advantageover some transplant patients. The impact ofher faith on her physical wellbeing wouldalso be hard to dispute.

As her brother Mark reminded her friendson Caring Bridge, “Beth has been makinginvestments into her spiritual bank during themany, many years she’s been an activeChristian. When she needed to dip into thatreservoir of faith, there was more thanenough there to get her through this, withplenty left over still earning interest.”

The Legacy of GivingAs you can imagine, Beth O’Reilly has

become a cheerleader for the MississippiOrgan Recovery Association. She has been

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called on often to share her story, a requestthat she considers to be a high privilege. Shehopes to one day meet the family of thewoman whose heart gave her a second chance.

It was truly a gift of love on the part of thatfamily, and as Beth says beautifully, “Love isthe only thing it is okay to do in excess.”

Months after the surgery, Beth had thechance to write to her donor’s family. MORAdelivered the letter to the anonymous family.So far, Beth has not gotten to meet them, butshe hopes as time passes they will want tomeet the lady who carries their preciousloved one’s heart. Her words to them sayit all:

Life is truly a mystery. We don’tunderstand why things happen the way theydo. I have prayed for you and your family andthe grief you are bearing. As I tell peopleabout my experience, I honor you and yourgift of life each time…know that I rememberyou in my prayers daily. I thank you for myheart….Beth.

And as Beth continues to speak, shereminds everyone who hears her words, “…ifGod’s aim is to expand the boundaries of Hiskingdom, then He has succeeded. For everytime He heals, a thousand sermons arepreached.”

And all God’s people say, “Amen!” Y

The grandchildren who were a large partof Beth’s prayer and determination to beatthis challenge. (Back L to R) Max, Hall,Parker, (Front) Baby girl Ella Rives.

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➺food for thoughtby LYDIA BOLEN

RED VELVET CUPCAKES2 1/2 cups flour

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)2 cups granulated sugar4 eggs1 cup sour cream

1/2 cup milk1 bottle (1 oz.) red food coloring2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.Mix flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and

salt in medium bowl. Set aside. Beat butter and sugar on medium speed

until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, one at atime. Mix in sour cream, milk, food coloring,and vanilla. Beat in flour mixture gradually onlow speed. Do not overbeat. Spoon batterinto 30 paper-lined muffin cups. Fill each cupabout 2/3 full.

Bake 20 minutes or until insertedtoothpick comes out clean. Cool in pans onwire rack for 5 minutes. Remove from pansand cool completely.

Cream Cheese Frosting1 package (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened2 tablespoons sour cream 2 teaspoons vanilla extract1 box (16 oz.) confectioners sugar

Beat cream cheese, butter, sour cream,and vanilla in electric mixer until light andfluffy. Gradually beat in confectioners sugaruntil smooth. Frost each cupcake.

(For a festive look, use Valentine themedpaper liners. Sprinkle top with pink and redsprinkles.

Yields 30 cupcakes.

Remember to make memories through the kitchen—”the heartbeat of the home.”E-mail me at [email protected] for any questions.

“My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of Himthat sent me, and to finish His work.”

– John 4:34

The month of February is such a festive month with all the Super Bowlgatherings and Valentine’s Day celebrations.

The color red is everywhere to brighten your winter humdrums. Different hues of red andpink alert us all month as a reminder that a special day is near. On February 14, we typicallysend cards, sweets, balloons, and gifts to those we love.

I love all things red as a sweet. My favorite red dessert is Red Velvet Cupcakes. These are funand easy to make, and I love the vibrant color!

Raspberry Dessert can be served as a special ending to a festive Valentine meal. Theraspberries on top add that special touch of color and flavor.

One of my favorite cookies is the Thumbprint Cookie. They can be made with many differentjams, but the raspberry seedless jam is pretty for a special occasion. Y

RASPBERRY ALMOND THUMBPRINTS1 cup unsalted butter, softened

2/3 cup sugar1/2 teaspoon almond flavoring

2 cups all-purpose flour1/2 cup raspberry seedless jam

Combine butter, sugar, and almondflavoring. Beat at medium speed untilcreamy. Add flour. Beat at low speed untilwell mixed. Cover; refrigerate until set. (It isvery important to leave dough in therefrigerator an hour!)

Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Place 2inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet.Make indentation in center of each cookiewith thumb. Fill each indentation with 1/4teaspoon of raspberry jam.

Bake 14-18 minutes until edges are lightlybrowned. Let stand 1 minute on cookiesheet. Remove to cooling racks. Cool completely.

Glaze1 cup powdered sugar

2 to 3 teaspoons water1 1/2 teaspoons almond flavoring

Combine all glaze ingredients in bowl withwhisk until smooth. Drizzle over cookies.

Yields 42 cookies.

RASPBERRY DESSERTCrust11/3 cups graham crackers, crushed

3 tablespoons confectioners sugar5 to 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Mix together and press into a 9-inch pie plate

Cheesecake1 package (8 oz.) cream cheese2 eggs1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup sugar

Raspberry Topping1 package frozen raspberries

Beat pie mixture together until smooth.Put in crust and bake at 350 degrees for 18-20 minutes.

Drain 1 package frozen raspberries. (Do not need to save the juice)

Heat berries and add 3 tablespoons sugarand thicken with 2 teaspoons cornstarch.

Cool pie mixture and cool the berry mixture.

Place cooled berry mixture on top ofcream cheese pie.

Cool pie in refrigerator. Serve cold with a dollop of whipped

cream on top of each piece.

All Things Red and Yummy


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➺chewed petuniasby SUSAN E. RICHARDSON

About three years ago I noticed a strange patterncropping up physically. I started running low-grade fever. Never enough to make me worry, but

enough to notice. Since I have allergies and always have somecongestion, I thought I probably had developed a mild sinus infection.

When I started waking up with severe night sweats, I didn’tconnect the two. After all, I had to accept that I’d come to a certainage where such things happen. After a couple of episodes, Ireminded myself to get back on my herbals and went on with life.

Finally I came to a Thursday morning when I felt too bad to getready for an appointment. I managed to get out of bed, but couldn’tpush myself any further. I took an antihistamine and went back tobed, hoping to sleep off whatever was brewing.

By that evening, I could tell I was sick and should have called thedoctor. First thing Friday morning I called and was able to get in thatafternoon. The verdict was pneumonia. My doctor immediately putme on medication and told me to come back Monday to see how Iwas doing.

Pneumonia isn’t anyone’s idea of fun, and I wasn’t pleased withhaving it, but then came the phone call from my doctor after theradiologist had checked my chest x-rays. I didn’t just havepneumonia. I had a lung abscess. The pneumonia was probably acomplication of the abscess.

What I’m learning about living with spiritual wounding broughtmy bout with pneumonia and the lung abscess back to mind. Insome ways, spiritual wounds are like physical ills. A problem raisesits head and we think we know what’s going on. We may trytreatment of some kind and things get a little better. Then one day, everything comes together and we see that we’ve got a big problem.

With my illness, when I went back for another checkup, I wasshocked to end up in the hospital. The pneumonia had responded tothe drugs, but the abscess had not. I needed stronger treatment withdifferent antibiotics to get rid of the root cause. My doctor knew thatfrom the beginning, but she also knew I could only tolerate so much

Susan E. Richardson has a passion for meeting people’s needsthrough the written word.You can reach her by email [email protected] or check either of her two websites:www.chewedpetunias.com or www.nextlevelcritiques.com.

Digging for the Roots

medication at a time. She chose to treat the pneumonia first, sincethat was the closest to killing me.

Spiritual wounds can be the same. Back when I was in counseling,I’d noticed that we seemed to come back to the same issues on adifferent level. I had done the work before, but each time we clearedout a layer of “infection” we found more I needed to do.

The more we found, the more I saw how most approaches torecovery address the outer level, whether it’s depression or anotherchallenge. Recognizing my self-centered defenses or acknowledginghow false beliefs had become idols was important, but removingthose things still did not touch the wound creating all the issues. Ineeded to allow God in more deeply.

Over time, the Lord has cleared a lot of spiritual and emotionalinfection from my life, but I’m still asking questions about how to getrid of the deepest wound. I haven’t found answers yet. God knowswhat the wounds are and how to heal them, but like my doctor Healso knows how much treatment I can stand at any point in time. Heworks with gentle persistence to bring me to wholeness, as He doesanyone living with woundedness.

Eventually I may see and understand. Until then I grumble,complain, and fight, but keep moving forward, wanting to know.When I come face to face with my human lack and can’t understand,“I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember yourwonders of old. I will ponder all your work, and meditate on yourmighty deeds” (Psalm 77:11-12, ESV).

Lord, give us the courage to keep moving forward despitewhat we can or can’t see. Hold tightly to us when we can’thold onto You. Help us allow You to lead us more deeplyinto healing, seeking to face the deepest wounds. Y

For he has not despised or abhorred the affliction of theafflicted, and he has not hidden his face from him, buthas heard, when he cried to him. – Psalm 22:24, ESV


➺christian commerce

Q.MCL: Where did you grow up andwhat is your education background?

Cindy Yelverton: I was born and raised inthe Delta. I lived in Tralake, Mississippi, wheremy father managed a cotton farm. I lived thereuntil I went to college. After graduating fromDeer Creek Academy in 1978, I went to OleMiss where I studied Business Administration.

Q.MCL: When did you begin Sitters, LLC?

CY: I started Sitters, LLC, in 2001 as ahome-based business. At the time, I had threesmall children that also needed my attention.As the business grew, I moved my office toHighland Village and have been there ever since.

Q.MCL: What made you interested inproviding a service like this?

CY: I actually started Sitters as a nannymatching service. With three children, I had awealth of baby sitters that all of my friendswanted to use. I referred some of the peoplewho helped care for my family to others sothat my friends could run errands, have anight out, or do whatever else they needed. Sowhen I turned 40, I decided to turn this into a

Sitters, LLC Is a Homegrown Business

business. That is when Sitters, LLC, wascreated. Matching sitters for adult care justhappened as the need for senior care grew inthe community. I started looking for sitters thatwere interested in providing adult care at that point.

Q.MCL: Your service differs from a lot ofthe others that people think of as a

“sitting” service because I notice yourservices are not limited to taking care of theelderly.What can you tell me about thespecific services you provide?

CY: We connect skilled and compassionateindividuals with our clients who needadditional care for children and adults in thehome, hospital, nursing, or assisted livingfacilities. Most of the sitters with whom wehave relationships require a three-hourminimum stay, and we are available to connectfamilies with a sitter 24/7. The sitters generallyprovide transportation, errands, assisting withpersonal needs, meals, cleaning andespecially companionship. As acomplimentary service for clients who haveLong Term Care Insurance, we will file theexpenses paid to us with their insurancecompany for them.

Q.MCL: When you assign a caregiver toa particular job, how do you match

the need and the caregiver? CY: Finding the right match is very

personal from client to client and is animportant undertaking. I start by personallycontacting the client or a family member toassess their wants and needs. I also like tohave a feel for their personality, the time of dayor night a sitter is needed, etc. I then take theinformation the family has given me andmatch that client with a sitter according toexperience, personality, and availability. Ialways tell my families that the personalitieshave to mix for the match to work. If oneparticular sitter does not mix well with thefamily, I ask them to call me so that I can refera different sitter.

The family is the heart and soul of oursociety. Inviting a caregiver, a stranger, intosomeone’s home is a very personal decisionand can be a daunting task that I take veryseriously. I personally match all my sitters tomy families no matter how hard or difficult thesituation may be.

I know all my sitters on a personal basis. Isee them regularly when they are in the officeand know their personalities. When I talk to

(Seated L to R) Gwin Wyatt, Ashley Hegwood, Kelsey Griffin, (Standing L to R) Cindy Yelverton,Owner/Manager; Carey Yelverton, (Not pictured) Jacqui Lear, Vicki Hightower.


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clients, I am automatically thinking of the bestfit for them. Most of the time I get it spot on.

I still make it a priority after 14 years inbusiness to personally interview every sitter inmy database of potential sitters. Also, personalcontact with every client and family has alwaysbeen a priority for me.

Q.MCL: I notice that Sitters has morethan one location.What cities do

you serve? CY:Yes, we have clients and relationships

with sitters really over most of the state,especially cities in the surrounding JacksonMetro area, Oxford, and Tupelo. If a client callsfrom an area where we do not have arelationship with any sitters, we will do asearch until we find the person or personsright for that client. I go beyond the call of dutyto help anyone in need.

Q.MCL: As a business owner andentrepreneur of sorts, how do you

integrate your personal faith and values intoyour business?

CY: My faith has pulled me through manypersonal and business situations through theseyears. My faith is based on trust and love ofGod. I would hope that my clients have thefaith and trust in me to help them to the best of

(L to R) Cindy Yelverton and Diane Arnold,Caregiver.

my ability. I take pride in doing the best I canfor all of my families and for the sitters. Ifdistress or problems occur, they know to callme whenever needed.

I do want to mention the sitters that I havedeveloped relationships with over the years. Iam grateful for the dedication they have to

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their clients and to me. I am able to placesitters in positions with clients that fit their timeand needs. Some of these sitters would nototherwise have flexible work opportunitiesdue to children, school, or geographic locationif they didn’t have a relationship with mycompany. I always tell them they are like mysecond family.

God has blessed me with many talents.This is my way of sharing my gifts from Godwith other people. I am trying to use mytalents in the service of others, and considerthis my life’s mission and ministry.

With the help of God and my loving family, Ihave built this company on love, honesty,integrity, and dependability. I am honored tohelp match clients in need of assistance withsitters that need work.

“…Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as yehave done it unto one of the least of these mybrethren, ye have done it unto me” (Matthew25:40, KJV).

Scripture tells us that we are to becompassionate and caring of others. It is ourmission to offer helping hands fromcompassionate caregivers. “Care is ourcalling” is our motto. By treating every clientwith tenderness, dignity, empathy, and respect,we strive to show our clients how importantthey and their loved ones are to us. Y


about everything you need to save for?

WorriedWorried

From college to retirement, I can help you create a plan to reach your saving goals. Call today. Let’s talk about your plan for life.

Jim Brown* FIC398 East Main St., Ste. 201Tupelo, MS [email protected]

Modern Woodmen of America

*Registered representative. Securities offered through MWA Financial Services Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Modern Woodmen of America.

money mattersby SCOTT T. MARSHALL, CPA, CFP®

➺Before You Invest—Four Simple Questions to Ask Yourself

What you really need to know to make soundinvestment decisions.

What does the Bible say about investing money?

God’s inspired, inerrant Wordhas plenty to say about thestewardship of money. AsChristians God expects us to give,budget and save wisely. It’s vital toremember that Scripture tells usnot to love money, trust in money, or even tryto serve God and money simultaneously. (1Timothy 6:10,17; Matthew 6:24) We don't reallyown anything; God just lets us use things. Wecame into this world empty-handed and wewill leave this world the same way.

God's Word does not prohibit but, rather,encourages saving for the future, including

retirement (Proverbs 6:6-11, 21:20), but theexample of the rich fool, given by Jesus inLuke 12:16-20, should be a clear indicationthat God's balance is "when in doubt, give—don't hoard."

As I think about our witness before theworld, it would appear to be evident that inour most visible area, finances, we often havea poor testimony. In large part, this is becauseChristians just haven't been taught what God'sWord says.

We need God's Word to be taught clearlyand unashamedly, and the gospel of JesusChrist proclaimed in our cities and states, andto the nations. Perhaps the next greatest needis for Christians who will live in a manner thatis worthy of the gospel. (Philippians 1:27)

The way we handle money is a really goodbarometer of our spiritual condition. Ourpastor frequently reminds us that we are toorder our lives, including our finances, for thesake of the gospel.

So before you invest what God has blessedyou with, make sure you remember the wordsof Christ in Matthew 6:19-21, “Do not lay upfor yourselves treasures on earth, where mothand rust destroy and where thieves break inand steal. But lay up for yourselves treasures inheaven, where neither moth nor rust destroysand where thieves do not break in and steal.For where your treasure is, there your heartwill be also.”

Why are you investing?Is your goal short term in nature, like

saving money for a new car or vacation nextyear? Or do you have a long-term goal ofaccumulating money for your children’scollege education or your future retirement?

For short-term goals, consider saving

money in a savings account. Thisaccount offers liquidity (you canwithdraw funds when you needthem). Savings accounts providesafety for your money. Anotherchoice is money market accounts,which provide income on cashreserves while preserving capital.However, the interest earned onthese accounts is usually low.

With long-term goals, considerplacing your money in investmentvehicles that can potentially offerhigher returns. Examples includevariable annuities, mutual funds,stocks, and bonds. The downside ofthese investment opportunities is the

potential to lose your principal (the amount ofmoney you originally placed in theinvestment) if the securities decrease in value.

How much time do you have?Once you decide your reason for investing,

determine how much time you have until youwill need the money. This is called yourinvestment horizon. Generally, the longer yourtime horizon, the more risk you can assume.

How much risk are you willing to take?

The more risk you’re willing to assume, thebigger the return on your investment couldbe. To determine your risk tolerance level, askyourself this question: “What would I do if myinvestment lost money?” Would youimmediately pull your funds out of theinvestment or remain calm, leaving yourmoney in the investment vehicle?

Once you’ve answered those keyquestions, consult a trusted financial advisorwho both advocates and personally practicesbiblical stewardship. This will make finding theright investment vehicles much easier for you.Y

Jim Brown is a financial advisor withModern Woodmen of America, and anelder at the Church at Trace Crossing inTupelo. He and his wife, Candise, havethree children, Taylor, Andrew, and CarrieAnn.You can email him [email protected].

Securities offered through MWA Financial Services Inc., awholly owned subsidiary of Modern Woodmen of America,1701 1st Avenue, Rock Island, IL 61201, 309-558-3100.Member: FINRA, SIPC.


www.msretina.com

Dr. Jay Brown, a native of Bay Springs, Mississippi,received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Biologyfrom the University of Mississippi and completedhis medical degree and Ophthalmology residencyat the University of Mississippi School of Medicine,where he was presented with an Award forExcellence in Ophthalmology studies. His retinafellowship was completed at Louisiana StateUniversity in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and heproudly served as the Chief of Ophthalmology atMississippi Baptist Hospital from 2010 to 2012. He is board certified by the American Board ofOphthalmology.

Belhaven Building 1200 North State Street, Suite 300

Jackson, Mississippi 39202

601.981.4091

WelcomesJay Brown, MD


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If I gave everything I have to the poor & even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I

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We all have our image of ourselves in relation to ourparents. It is probably one of obedience and respect. Wewere taught not to talk back and not to ask unnecessary questions,but to obey.

Now our parents may be becoming forgetful, or becoming infirmphysically, which leads in some cases to a fearfulness of things that inprior years would have given them no concern. These are very realchanges, and they have to be addressed in the relationship of parent andchild. In order to make the life of the parent better and to make the life ofthe child easier, we cling to the old relationship, but at our peril.

Make certain that, as you need to take over for your parent, you havethe actual authority. Many people rely upon a skimpy one- or two-pagepower of attorney and think that will do the job. There are severalomissions that will make such a document faulty and hobble your abilityto do things on behalf of your parent. Specifically, if there is real estateinvolved, and most particularly if it is homestead real property, you needto have the actual legal description of the property and the specificauthority set out within the power of attorney, and the power of attorneyneeds to be recorded at the courthouse. Recording is always a wisething to do under any circumstances, because you may need multiple“true” copies of the power of attorney. It is much easier to get anattested copy from the chancery clerk’s office than it is to keep track ofcountless originals. Also, there is the problem of some banks and othersnot honoring a power of attorney. That can be overcome by having aliving trust rather than, or in addition to, a power of attorney.

Role Reversal—When the Child Becomes the ParentOf course, our parents, ourselves, and just about everyone else, need

an Advance Health-Care Directive to be able to specify what it is that wedo and do not want done for our care from a medical standpoint,particularly in the latter stages of life. This is a most useful document, butone that, strangely, many people do not have. It is easy to obtain and,again, should be recorded and copies given out to the persons who areinvolved, including your physician and decision makers. Make certainthat it includes provisions under HIPAA (the federal medical privacy regulations).

Finally, ask about and learn about in detail your parents’ finances. Thisapplies regardless of how wealthy or how little they may have.Knowledge of their financial situation is crucial when you are the onegoing to be called upon to make the decisions regarding possiblenursing home placement, independent living, or other arrangements.There is no substitute for knowledge, and the biggest impediment togaining that knowledge is the child’s own reluctance and fear of beingperceived by the parent as prying, when all the child is attempting to dois to gain the necessary knowledge to provide meaningful assistance inseeing to the care of the parent. They usually will understand this unlessthe parent is into advanced paranoia, in which case this inquiry shouldhave been done a long time ago. It is imperative that you have a handleon the financial aspect.

Parenting a parent is a daunting task, especially with the baggage thatmost of us carry with us regarding our relationship to our parents. But, itis so very important, and it may well be your final expression of love toyour mother or father. Y

➺legal adviceby WILLIAM B. HOWELL


Best-selling author Angela Huntbegins a new Biblical fiction series withEsther: Royal Beauty. Hunt combines theBiblical story with in-depth research,giving the familiar story freshness.Writing fiction about Biblical characterscan be challenging, but the authoralways considers Scripture the final authority.

We meet Hadassah in Susa, one ofPersia’s capital cities, where she liveswith her uncle Mordecai and his wife,Miriam. Her relatives raise her in theJewish faith but she sees the entrancingdifferences in the lives of others. From her friendship with a Persiangirl to her own hopes and dreams, she lives between the two worlds.

While Hadassah grows up, Harbonah, one of the king’s servants,becomes our eyes and ears inside the Persian court. Through himwe get to know Xerxes, who will change Hadassah’s life. The twostories move along beside each other with Mordecai as theprimary connection point until the king’s edict brings Hadassah tothe palace and her new name: Esther.

Through the story, readers experience Persian history and learndetails of Persian law and justice that may be unfamiliar. Xerxesbecomes a complex person, not just a name, as does Vashti andothers Scripture mentions.

If you enjoy historical fiction or Biblical fiction, more specifically,you can’t go wrong with Esther. Book groups will find discussionquestions at the end of the book, and Hunt provides an author’snote to answer questions a reader may have. Forthcoming titles inthe “Dangerous Beauty” series include Bathsheba and Delilah. Y

Susan E. Richardson is a writer, critique reader, and formerChristian retailer with a passion for meeting people’s needsthrough the written word.You can reach her through her websitewww.nextlevelcritiques.com.

BOOK

Esther Royal BeautyReviewed by Susan E. Richardson

➺rave reviews

NAVIGATESINGLE ADULT CONFERENCE

February 21 st, 2015 — 9 am to 2 pmChildcare for 3 years through grade 6,

available by reservation when you register.

Learn from the past, thrive in the present, embrace the future.

To register: www.firstbaptistjackson.org/navigate/

Cost $25

➺what’s going onDr. Ben Carson to Speak in Tupelo

Tuesday, February 17, Parkgate Pregnancy Clinic will behosting Dr. Ben Carson for their yearly fundraiser. Dr. Carson

used the power of education to triumph over his difficult beginnings ininner city Detroit.

He is a retired Director of Pediatric Neurosurgery at John Hopkins,has performed numerous craniopagus separations, and was named asone of the nation’s 20 foremost physicians and scientists. In 2008,President Bush awarded Carson the Ford’s Theater Lincoln Medal andthe Presidential Medal of Freedom, the U.S. highest civilian honors.

Dr. Carson will be speaking for Parkgate’s fundraiser at the OrchardChurch in Tupelo, MS. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., coffee and dessert willbe served, and the event begins at 6:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchasedat parkgateclinic.com.

Executive Director Jima Alexander says being a part of Parkgate’sministry has, “reminded me of what Jesus has done for me. He couldhave placed judgment on me but instead He received me.”

Parkgate Pregnancy Clinic is about freely receiving and investing inwomen. Parkgate is a non-profit medical clinic that offers limitedobstetrical ultrasound to women facing an unplanned pregnancy. Otherservices provided are MPower (Abstinence Curriculum), ParentingClasses, and Post-Abortion Bible Studies.

Parkgate’s Mission is to promote life-affirming choices. No Hassles.No Judgement. Just Help. In 2014, Parkgate Pregnancy Clinic received2,006 clients and performed 616 Ultrasounds. Parkgate relies onsponsorships, their yearly fundraiser, and donations from life-mindedindividuals to offer these free services. Y


➺FE

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2015

events calendar JACKSONFebruary 7The Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi hoststhe Bacchus Ball 6:30–11:30 p.m. at theCountry Club of Jackson. Wear your finest andbring your dancing shoes as The Atlanta AllStars, the South’s most authentic Motown, Souland R&B band, wows you with a dazzlingdisplay of musical talent! Bid on incredibleartwork, jewelry, sports memorabilia, andamazing deals as part of the silent and liveauctions. 601.978.7878 or msdiabetes.org.

February 11Alta Woods Baptist Church presents JohnMaxwell’s Fish Tale production, The Story ofPeter. Dinner at 5:00 p.m. Performance at 5:30p.m. Tickets $10. 601.372.8651.

February 21First Baptist Jackson hosts Navigate, a singleadult conference with six seminars, engagingspeakers, and roundtable discussions. 9 a.m.–2p.m. at First Baptist Church. Contact GwenJenkins at [email protected].

February 28New Summit School hosts its 15th AnnualDrawdown in their gym at 1417 Lelia Drive.6–9 p.m. Live entertainment, heavy horsd’oeurvres, $5,000 drawdown, and silentauction. $100 ticket admits two. 601.982.7827or newsummitschool.com.

February 28Beth Israel Congregation at 5315 Old CantonRoad presents Jewish Bible Scholar Dr. JoelHoffman, author of And God Said lectures “Onthe Bible’s Cutting Room Floor.” Learn aboutfascinating ancient texts that were cut from theBible. Dessert reception follows. 7 p.m. Freeand open to the public. 601.956.6215.

February 28Covenant Presbyterian Pre-K, 5K and 1-MileFun Run family event begins and ends atCovenant Presbyterian Church at 4000Ridgewood Road. Prizes in every age group. Pre-register atracesonline.com/events/covenant-pre-k-5k orRace day registration at 7 a.m. at the church.601.981.7236 or [email protected].

CLINTONFebruary 6Van Cliburn Award winning pianist Sean Chenperforms at Mississippi College’s SworAuditorium. 7:30 p.m. Details and ticketsavailable at mc.edu/marketplace.

February 7Bob Coleman Winter 10K Run/5K Walk. 8a.m. Out-and-back course on the Natchez TraceParkway, Clinton, I-20 East/West, Exit 34, thensouth to first parking lot. Registration on RaceDay at 7 a.m. All proceeds benefit CARA.mstrackclub.com or 601-856-9884.

RIDGELANDFebruary 21Make a Difference 5K race sponsored bySouthGroup Insurance and benefitting Blair E.Batson Children’s Hospital. Course begins andends at Woodlands Office Park at County LineRoad in Ridgeland. Kids area including spacejumps, face painting, and balloons.mstrackclub.com

TUPELOFebruary 7Muddy 5K benefitting the Tupelo PreparatorySchool. 8:30–9:45 a.m. Registration and packetpickup. 10 a.m. 5K start and 10:45 a.m. Fun Runstart. racesonline.com/events/tupelo-muddy-5k

February 17The Orchard church presentsan evening with the renownedsurgeon, scholar, and teacher,Dr. Ben Carson. Fundraiser forParkgate Pregnancy Clinic.662.841.1517 orparkgateclinic.com.

STARKVILLEFebruary 28Chick-fil-A Run/Walk 10K, 5K, and 1 Mile.Join the Herd and lace up your running shoesfor the Chick-fil-A Connect Race Series. The race will benefit Palmer Home for Children and help extend effective, healing help, so thathurting children can dare to hope, to dream,and to love again. 6:30–9:30 a.m.cfaraceseries.com or 662.324.4460.

MADISONFebruary 7St. Joseph Catholic School AnnualDrawdown benefitting the student body andthe school. Silent auction, live auction, andmuch more. Purchase tickets atstjoebruins.com by clicking on the DrawDown link. $125 ticket admits two people onechance to win $10,000!

February 12Date Night with Drs. Les & Leslie Parrott.Broadmoor Baptist Church at 1531 HighlandColony Parkway 6:30-9 p.m. This fun event isfor couples of any age or stage. Conflictshappen, but they can lead to a deeper levelof intimacy. Couples will laugh while theylearn new ways to instantly improve theirrelationship. broadmoor.com or601.898.2345.

MERIDIANFebruary 6Béla Fleck & the Knights at the Riley Centerat 7:30 p.m. Tickets $55, $49. Premier banjoplayer Béla Fleck is considered one of themost innovative pickers in the world, playingeverything from traditional bluegrass toprogressive jazz to classical music.msurileycenter.com.

February 13The Berenstain Bears Live at the RileyCenter! 7 p.m. Tickets $18, $10. Adaptedfrom the classic children’s book series by Stanand Jan Berenstain, this production bringseveryone’s favorite bear family to life in thiscolorful musical for the whole family.msurileycenter.com. Y


NORTH STATE ANIMAL & BIRD HOSPITAL

5208 North State Street • Jackson, MS 39206

Dr. Steven BrittDr. Jonathan FaulknerDr. Melisa McLendon

Dr. Adrian Whittington

OFFICE HOURS:Monday-Friday: 7:30 am - 6:00 pm

Saturday: 8:00 am - 12:00 pmSunday: Boarding only 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm

601-982-8261Boarding & Grooming Services Available

➺quips & quotesADVERTISING PARTNERS PAGEBaptist Health Systems.............................................33Belhaven University.....................................................2Bliss Gift & Home......................................................22Boy Scouts of America.............................................16C Spire ..........................................................................3Capstone Treatment Center....................................11Covenant Caregivers ..................................................9Crisis Pregnancy Center - Phil Robertson..............27Energy Insulation.......................................................32EyeCare Professionals ..............................................37First Baptist Jackson.................................................44First Presbyterian Day School..................................39Grace Myofascial Clinic ............................................31Grantham Poole Certified Public Accountants.....27Hartfield Academy....................................................27Howell, Kyle, & Wynn, PLLC Attorneys at Law.....43Jackson Academy.....................................................35Jackson Preparatory School ....................................21Lamar School.............................................................32Catherine McMahan, Christian Vocalist .................46Methodist Senior Services .......................................21Miskelly Furniture ........................................................7Mississippi College School of Law..........................17Mississippi Eye Plastics.............................................35Mississippi Periodontic Specialists Group..............15Mississippi Retina Associates...................................41Modern Woodman Financial...................................40Moffett Law Firm.......................................................37MORA ........................................................................29New Beginnings Adoptions ....................................44N. State Animal Hospital..........................................46North Mississippi Allergy & Asthma.......................39O! How Cute .............................................................33Parkgate Pregnancy Center ....................................28Pine Grove Treatment Center ...................................8Private Collection......................................................30Ray's Fine Linens.......................................................33Renasant Bank...........................................................37Sitters, LLC.................................................................35Smiles by Design.......................................................17Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company..41Southern Bath & Kitchen .........................................21St. Catherine's Village...............................................48St. Dominic's..............................................................47Sta-Home...................................................................12Stegall Imagery..........................................................42Summit Counseling ..................................................10The Orthopedic Institute/Forrest Health ...............13The Vein Center at Rush ..........................................23Tinnin Imports..............................................................5Twin Lakes..................................................................19Venable Glass Services.............................................39WHJT Star 93.5.........................................................42

ADVERTISER INDEX

Cut out the scriptures and quotes and place them around your home for daily encouragement!{ }

✂

If ever there is tomorrow when we’re nottogether, there is something you must alwaysremember.You are braver than you believe,stronger than you seem, and smarter than youthink! But the most important thing is, even ifwe’re apart, I’ll always be with you.

– Christopher Robin in Winnie the Pooh by A.A. Milne

Your kingdom is an everlastingkingdom, and your dominion enduresthrough all generations. The Lord istrustworthy in all he promises andfaithful in all he does. The Lordupholds all those who fall and lifts upall who are bowed down.

–PSALM 145:13-14.

The firstduty oflove is tolisten.

– Paul Tillich

You can givewithout loving,but you cannever lovewithout giving.

– Robert Louis Stevenson

Darkness cannotdrive out darkness;only light can dothat. Hate cannotdrive out hate; onlylove can do that.

– Martin Luther King, Jr.

Children are not casual guests inour home. They have been loanedto us temporarily for the purposeof loving them and instilling afoundation of values on whichtheir future lives will be built.

– Dr. James Dobson

Serenity in suffering is a stirringtestimony. Anybody can preach asermon on a mount surrounded bydaisies. But only one with a gut fullof faith can live a sermon on amountain of pain. – Max Lucado, No Wonder They Call Him Savior

Above all, loveeach other deeply,because lovecovers over amultitude of sins.

– 1 PETER 4:8

A man can no morediminish God's glory byrefusing to worship Himthan a lunatic can putout the sun by scribblingthe word, 'darkness' onthe walls of his cell.

– C.S. Lewis

The only way tounderstand awoman is to loveher, and then itisn’t necessary tounderstand her.

The greatest legacy one canpass on to one's children andgrandchildren is not money orother material thingsaccumulated in one's life, butrather a legacy of characterand faith.

–Billy Graham

The authority by which the Christianleader leads is not power but love, notforce but example, not coercion butreasoned persuasion. Leaders have power,but power is only safe in the hands ofthose who humble themselves to serve.

– John Stott

However, it is written:“No eye has seen, no earhas heard, no mind hasconceived what God hasprepared for those wholove him.”

– 1 CORINTHIAN 2:9

I will give you a newheart and put a newspirit in you; I willremove from you yourheart of stone and giveyou a heart of flesh.

– EZEKIEL 36:26

Getting over a painfulexperience is much likecrossing monkey bars.You have to let go atsome point in order tomove forward.

– C.S. Lewis

Catherine McMahanCHRISTIAN VOCALIST

To purchase CDs, or for more info, contact [email protected]

or 662.871.5244.

“I feel better than I’ve felt in

years”

“I feel better than I’ve felt in

years”

PATRICIA WESTTupelo, MS

Our Inspiration... Patsy’s Teaching LegacyPatsy West was a schoolteacher 32 years. She started having

difficulty keeping up with her students and was feeling weak - even

tired. She discovered she had a very serious heart valve problem

that was slowing her down and causing her breathless fatigue.

This led her to the Mississippi Heart and Vascular Institute at

St. Dominic’s where cardiovascular surgeon, Antoine Keller, MD,

corrected Patsy’s issues. According to Patsy, the surgery had an

almost immediate effect on her energy.

Skilled Hands. Compassionate Hearts.

Mississippi Heart andVascular Institute

CAMPBELL COVE IS CERTIFIED AS AN ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE/DEMENTIA UNIT

CAMPBELL COVE AT ST. CATHERINE’S VILLAGEOFFERS MEMORY CARE TO INDIVIDUALS WITH ALZHEIMER’S AND OTHER FORMS OF DEMENTIA � Secure, homelike environment� Specialized programming with activity focused care� Nurturing staff helping with the activities of daily life

Coming Soon The Hughes Center at Campbell Cove,an extension of our Memory Care Unit that accommodates individuals in the advanced stages of Alzheimer’s and other dementias.

Call 601-856-0160 for more informationA subsidiary of St. Dominic Health Services

You can count on outstanding care.

community to be accredited by CARF-CCAC. This mark of quality is achieved by fewer than 13% of retirement communities in America.

Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care

february 2015 mississippi christian living

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