january 2014 metro christian living

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Volume 8, Number 8

contents JANUARY 2014

features22 CJ Stewart

Wounded Warrior On a Mission

columns

8 The Way I See It Simple Math

10 Modern Motherhood My Lifestyle Upgrade for 2014

12 Let’s Talk It Over A Longing for More

14 The Middle Ages Views from the Mezzanine:Midlife Moments

16 All in the Family What Other People Think AboutYou Is None of Your Business

18 This Is My Story Operation Christmas Child Is on My Heart All Year Long

20 Pastor’s Perspective Reclaiming Life

32 Food for Thought Super Bowl Snacks

34 Healthy Living New Year, New You—HealthyTips from the Pros!

36 Legal Advice Just Do It—You HaveProcrastinated Long Enough!

in every issue6 Editor’s Letter

39 Rave Reviews40 What’s Going On41 Event Calendar42 Quips & Quotes42 Advertiser Index

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

Editor: Marilyn [email protected]

Associate Editor: Suzanne Tanner Durfey

Art Direction/Graphic Design Sandra K. Goff

SalesMarilyn Tinnin, Kimberly Stephens,

Suzanne Tanner Durfey

Contributing WritersLydia Bolen, Dr. John L. Cox, C. Rochelle

Culp, Rob Futral, Sherye S. Green, WilliamB. Howell, Mary Patton Murphy, Robin

O’Bryant, Susan E. Richardson, Lee Smith,Martin E. Willoughby, Jr.

Cover PhotographyStegall Imagery

Distribution AssistantsLaura Kidder, Randy Fortenberry, Andrea Sabillion, Rachel Schulte, Jerri Strickland, Priscilla Sullivan, Bob Whatley, Amanda Weems

Metro Christian Living573 Highway 51 North, Suite C

Ridgeland, MS 39157Phone 601-790-9076 • Fax 601-790-9078

www.metrochristianliving.com

Metro 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 Metro Christian Livingdo not necessarily represent those of thepublisher. Every effort has been made bythe Metro Christian Living staff to insureaccuracy 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 2013 by MetroChristian Living, Inc.

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

Metro Christian Living is published monthlyand is available at high traffic locationsthroughout the metropolitan area. Copiesare also available by subscription, $29 forone year. Single issues available for $3 anissue.

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

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The Ad Council and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)unveiled a campaign last year with the motto,“You never know when the daybefore is the day before.” I could speak on that topic for hours. Most of us can

look back on a painful event or a defining moment. It came without warning and wreaked emotionalhavoc when it caught us off guard and unprepared. A diagnosis, an accident, a loss, a natural disaster—illtimed and beyond our control. It did to our world as the “great fall” did to Humpty Dumpty. The nurseryrhyme concludes, “And all the king’s horses and all the king’s men couldn’t put Humpty together again.” Iwould add: at least, not in the same way.

Remember the television game show, Let’s Make a Deal? The audience dressed themselves inoutrageous costumes vying for the opportunity to compete for valuable prizes. Those lucky enough tomove from spectator to contestant were presented several “deal” options by host Monty Hall. Often aneager contestant had his hopes dashed by a “Zonk,” a deal that turned out not to be a good deal at all. Acurtain would open to reveal some undesirable prize like a pet mule or a rusty rowboat instead of adream vacation or a new car. The humor was lost on me. It was too muchlike real life.

In a philosophical moment like a New Year’s reflection, many of usspend a few soul searching moments looking back on the year,remembering the good times as well as the difficult ones, totaling up ourlessons learned and making note of those events that have altered our livesforever, at least on this side of eternity. I start to really miss my mother anddaddy and those mentors—like my friend Gaga or my best friend’s mother,Mary—who are no longer here. I think I have always been like that.Something about turning that last page on the calendar brings to mind amental Technicolor autobiography of my entire past as well as a thoughtfulconsideration of future goals and the steps I should take to make thosegoals reality. I have to remind myself that I have only so much control overthat future. And did I mention that the future is coming at me much toofast these days?

I have said before that I do think one of God’s most gracious gifts to usis that He doesn’t reveal what’s just around the bend in our personal lives.I dare say it was because we would miss the joy of the present by dreadingthe “thing” that was going to happen tomorrow. Instead he gave us the certain promise that He would bethere, that He would go even as far as the “Valley of the Shadow of Death” (Psalm 23) to give us exactlywhat we needed in that critical moment we could not control. He meant it when He said, “Fear not,”and His presence with us was evidence that whatever life could dole out, He was going to be strongwhere we were weak, giving us exactly what we needed to deal with the challenge (2 Corinthians 12: 9).

In my “Backdoor Lessons” talk—and the book I keep thinking I am going to get together at somepoint—one of my principles is to prepare for the storms of life before they happen. The only certaintyabout the future is that, for us in our present human form, we have no clue about what that looks like.The New Year, 2014, is out there before us all—a blank page, a question mark. What will be itschallenges? What unforeseen thing will change life, as we know it?

CJ Stewart, whose story you are going to LOVE this month, says we, as individuals, can only controlour attitude and our effort. Everything else is beyond us. Scary stuff if you think you are out there solo.Thank God for His mercy and grace. None of us has to face the uncertainty alone!

I think we have packed about as much encouragement into this January issue as we could possiblyafford to print! We have an array of contributing writers who have outdone themselves with their take onthe New Year. They have touched on about every theme related to New Years and new beginnings.

Enjoy. Take it in. Store in your mind and heart. Something tells me we are all going to need it!The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new everymorning; great is your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:22-23) Y

editor’s letter➺

❝ Be very careful,then, how youlive—not as unwisebut as wise, makingthe most of everyopportunity,because the daysare evil. ❞

– Ephesians 5:15-16

Marilyn H. Tinnin, Publisher and [email protected]

Meandering Thoughts for the New Year

{ }Every life is a beautiful life.

Children are a precious gift and deserve our protection. Provide pre-bornchildren a “license to live” by providing their mothers with the assistancethey need when you purchase a CHOOSE LIFE license plate.

With over one million families waiting to adopt newborn babies, we urgeyou to help support Mississippi pregnancy resource centers that areempowering women to choose life for their unborn children. We haveprovided over $2.5 million dollars to agencies who assist women who aredesperate and considering abortion as an option instead of adoption.

Something as simple as purchasing a CHOOSE LIFE specialty licenseplate for only $31.00 per year can provide grants to over 40 pregnancyresource centers and adoption agencies in Mississippi.

You may also give a tax-deductible gift at ChooseLifeMs.org.

January 19th Is Sanctity of Human Life Sunday Churches across America will be praying for women and their pre-born children. Please take a moment to join us inremembering the lives that have been lost due to abortion.

January 22 is the uncelebrated anniversary the1973 SupremeCourt Decision that legalized abortion in America. Roe vs.Wade has led to over 56 million abortions in the U.S. Pray forwomen as they will be making this decision about every 6seconds.

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Before I formed you in the womb I knew you…, (Jeremiah 1:5).

953 H IGHWAY 51 , SU ITE 2E • MADISON, M ISS ISS IPP I • 601 .206 .5816


Martin E. Willoughby, Jr,. is ChiefOperating Officer of Butler SnowAdvisory Services, LLC located inRidgeland. He and his wife, Nicki, havetwo children, Ally and Trey, and live inMemphis, Tennessee.

How do we live effectively in anage of excess? That is aquestion I have spent a

considerable amount of time thinkingabout. That is a question I have spent aconsiderable amount of time thinking about. Iam no psychologist, but in my work as abusiness advisor and coach, I have come to theconclusion that the most challenging aspect ofmodern life is self-mastery. By that, I mean in aworld of unlimited choices at our fingertips,how do we not ruin our lives? I call this the“Pizza Buffet” problem. It is wonderful to havea nice buffet of pizza to choose from; however,when it is all you can eat of your favoritechoices—too much can be a very bad thing!Coming off the holiday season, most of us canprobably relate – we probably all ate and spentmore than we should!

I was reminded recently that the “Age ofExcess” is not a universal problem. I wasvisiting with a friend who has establishedchurches and orphanages in the third world,and he pointed out that many of the people hevisits with on his mission journeys are justworried about how to get enough food on thetable each day. For thousands of years, this typeliving was the norm. It is a testimony to humanprogress that we have the ability to go to a localWalmart or buy almost anything from ourcomputer on Amazon.

I believe that simplicity and developing theart of self-control are the keys to navigating themodern world. I believe some simple math is in order for a simpler life. Essentially, Less = More.

Subtract “Stuff”For the past six months, almost everything I

“own” has been sitting in a storage unit as myfamily and I have been living in an apartment.It has been a growth experience as we have hadthe opportunity to spend far less time tendingto our stuff, and much more time hanging outtogether as a family. As megachurch pastorAndy Stanley says, taking care of our stuff is a“rich people” problem.

The challenge is we are not inclined toreduce our stuff; instead, we are encouraged toaccumulate more and more. Own less; spendless? That just seems un-American. However,after studying the lives of many people that theold saying “money does not buy happiness” istrue. Less stuff equals more financial margin tosave and live an extravagantly generous life.That is the path to “good life.”

➺the way i see itby MARTIN E. WILLOUGHBY, JR.

Simple MathSubtract “Commitments”

Just like too much debt and too littleincome can send us to financial bankruptcy, Ibelieve that too many commitments and notenough time creates “time bankruptcy.”Whether living the life of a busy stay-at-homeparent or a modern worker, the familiartheme is “busyness.”

When we are time bankrupt, we simply runfrom task to task, and often the “tyranny ofthe urgent” drives our lives instead of what ismost important. I find that time bankruptcyoften leaves little margin for quiet, reflectivetime at the feet of Christ, little time forexercise and maintaining our health, and littleroom for spending quality time visitingunhurriedly with family and friends. Fewercommitments equal more time for the trulyimportant things in life.

Subtraction can be scary. We areprogrammed to think More = Better.Unfortunately, it is a myth. When we look atChrist in his humanity, we see a man whoowned nothing, was not overscheduled, butchanged human history.

I believe the “good life” is one that fulfillsour calling as a follower of Christ and bringsglory to His name. To do that, we must beintentional in our choices and purposeful inhow we live our lives. As we begin 2014,perhaps some simple math can help us live asimpler life and bring more peace and joy toourselves, as well as those around us.

Have a blessed New Year! Y

Subtraction can be scary.We are programmed tothink more = better.Unfortunately, it is a myth.

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Whit Hughes has joined Baptist Health

Systems as the Chief Development Officer

and President of the Baptist Health

Foundation, the philanthropic division of

Baptist.

Baptist Health Systems CEO, Kurt W. Metzner, said, “Whit’s

fundraising experience, coupled with his economic

development leadership, will be indispensable to Baptist as we

raise funds in support of state-of-the-art technology and

leading-edge programs emphasizing our mission to provide a

Christian healing ministry to our community.”

Recently, Hughes was Founder and President of P3 Elevations,

LLC, an economic development and strategic consulting firm.

He previously served as Deputy Director and Chief Operating

Officer for Mississippi Development Authority.

“Baptist Health Systems plays such a meaningful role in

Mississippi communities. I am proud to join this leadership

team and excited about our daily opportunities to make a

positive difference through the Baptist Health Foundation,”

said Hughes.

Hughes, who earned both a bachelor’s degree in marketing

and a MBA from Mississippi State University, resides in

Madison with his wife Shelley, their two sons and one

daughter.

The Baptist Health Foundation serves the community with a

constant eye on providing the highest quality of care patients,

and families, expect and deserve. Hughes adds, “Our people

are our most important asset. Our team’s dedication to

delivery of innovative and compassionate healthcare is what

will make the Baptist Health Systems experience special today

and for generations to come.”

One of Baptist Health Foundation’s many

meaningful programs is fund for the girls, which

lifts women-in-need above financial anxiety

through provision of mammography and other breast

imaging services. To learn more about fund for the girls, or to

make a supportive contribution, visit www.fundforthegirls.com.

Baptist HealthTeacher is an

example of Baptist’s service-

minded community

involvement. Baptist

HealthTeacher is an online

curriculum that helps instill

lifelong health habits and

personal responsibility in

today’s youth with the goal

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lives of Mississippians—

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34 school districts.

The Baptist Health Foundation enhances lives through communityinvolvement and continuously improving Christian healthcare.

A recent HealthTeacher event at BrownElementary School introduced 3rd graders toUS Olympic Gold Medalist Joanna Hayes (backright). Foundation President Whit Hughes(below) leads a classroom discussion withBrown 3rd graders on healthy habits for life.

To learn more about the Baptist Health Foundation, visit www.mbhs.org/foundation or contact Whit Hughes at [email protected].


➺modern motherhoodby ROBIN O’BRYANT

It’s that annoying time of year again. Time for New Year’sResolutions, promises you make to yourself with zero intention ofkeeping. This year my aim isn’t to impress others, to lose weight, or better myself.

Nope. This year I’m being realistic.My New Year’s Resolution for 2014 is, drum

roll please, to stop buying clothes at Wal-Mart. Now don’t get upset with me, I likeWal-Mart clothes. No, actually, I lovethem. I love them beyond all reason. Imay not need a bedazzled sweatshirtthat says “QT Pie,” but for $4.99,why wouldn’t I buy it? Who couldwalk away from a deal like that? Imean it’s a sweatshirt, for less thanfive bucks!

See, my life for the last six yearshas been a constant cycle of feedingbabies, burping babies, changingdiapers, wiping runny noses, breaking upfights, cooking, cleaning, dropping off andpicking up kids and other glamorouspastimes that I really don’t want to rubin your face. Everybody can’t handlethe Mommy high life.

Because of my extremely chic lifestyle, Iend up in sweatpants and a t-shirt most days.For the past six years, it has been pointless topay more than $4.99 for a shirt.

I mean, would you pay $25 for a t-shirt at Banana Republic if you knew beyond ashadow of a doubt that within the first 24 hours, someone was going to throw up (orworse) on you? I’ve taken off one too many shirts at night to find that someone hadpuked over my shoulder and down my back without me knowing it. And, yes, that I hadbeen to the grocery store, the pediatrician and who knows where else like that.

So I took a brief, 6 year hiatus from clothing shopping anywhere that didn’t haveshopping carts and preferably a snack bar. (It’s much easier to try on clothes if your kidsare trapped in a buggy eating popcorn or fighting over a foot-long hotdog.)

So this is the year. In 2014, I will just say no to bedazzled sweatshirts and $4 purpleyoga pants with questionable slogans written across my derriere. It’s going to be hard,seeing as how I just moved to Small-town, Mississippi and the closest mall is a two-hourdrive away. But I’m determined and I’ll be strong. (Unless I get a recommendation froma friend, because my friend Kasey told me Wal-Mart has corduroy pants on sale for $10and they look and fit just like the ones from JCrew. And if I find them I plan to buythem in every color available. TEN dollars, people!) But that’s it and I mean it.

No more Walmart clothes for me. I will stick to the grocery store and will not evenbrowse through the ridiculously low priced sleepwear and mix and match bathing suits. Ican do this. Luckily for me there is a JC Penney right down the street, so if I really get ahankering for some low-dollar high-fashion, I have an out. Y

Robin O’Bryant is mother to three daughters, wife to one husband, and The New YorkTimes best-selling author of Ketchup Is A Vegetable And Other Lies Moms TellThemselves. She shares the drama and hilarity of motherhood in her syndicated familyhumor column, “Robin’s Chicks” and on her blog by the same name, robinschicks.com.

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let’s talk it overby LEE SMITH

➺A Longing for More

It happens at the turn of every NewYear. A longing for a fresh startstirs somewhere deep within us.

Like clockwork, January brings a surge of newgym memberships, as well as the largest dropin tobacco sales. More people begin new jobsand start new diets in January than any othermonth of the year. Did you know that Januaryis also the month when more divorces are filedfor than any other month?

Why is all of this? Why do we see thesesame trends year after year? You see, you andI were created with a longing for more—something this broken world can’t give us.Deep down we feel this, but we don’t alwaysknow what do with it. So, we spend our daysfilling it with stuff, and emptying it of otherstuff, until we find a temporary balance and allseems right in the world. Each year, newresolutions are formed and new practices arestarted in the hopes that we find what we sodesperately long for—contentment.

So that I don’t lose some of you, let me saythat I am a huge fan of setting goals and

seeking ways to improve overall life. The twoquestions I want to pose are “What are youlooking for?” (I mean really looking for) and“What are you looking for it in?”

As a pastor and counselor, I meet peoplewho land new jobs with higher salaries, peoplewho get in the best shape of their lives, peoplewho marry someone else who is “moreexciting” only to find themselves still longingfor something more.

Here is a lie the enemy sells us: “Truecontentment is found outside of God.” This liestarted in the garden, and it has worked eversince. We embrace the lie, failing to realizethat true contentment can’t be found in alucrative career, in well-rounded children, insix-pack abs, or in a marriage.

None of these things are evil, but when weplace our hope in these things, we findourselves longing for more every single time.The only thing that can truly fill us is aSavior—a True Savior. We are in desperateneed of a Savior that will redeem ourbrokenness and fulfill us throughout theentire year—every year.

Listen to what God offers us when we seekto live His way. “…He brings gifts into ourlives, much the same way that fruit appears inan orchard—things like affection for others,exuberance about life, serenity. We develop awillingness to stick with things, a sense ofcompassion in the heart, and a conviction thata basic holiness permeates things and people.We find ourselves involved in loyalcommitments, not needing to force our way inlife, able to marshal and direct our energieswisely,” (Galatians 5:22, The Message).

Can you imagine if this defined your life?Isn’t this what we are really looking for? WhenI consider the fruit that comes from a lifelived God’s way, nothing else seems to matchup. So, as you set your resolutions for thisyear, do so resolving that your contentmentwill not be dependent upon you achievingthese goals. Rather, let your contentment thisyear grow from your relationship with God.He will never leave you longing for more. Y

Lee Smith is a pastor at PinelakeChurch and is a Licensed ProfessionalCounselor. He and his wife, Jenni, willcelebrate 15 years of marriage this year.They are the proud parents of: Ford (7),Millie (4) & Moses (1). He can bereached by dialing 601.949.1949.

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RHONDA BOLES, Office Manager. Rhonda has been with Covenant Caregivers since day one. She hasbeen instrumental in developing the systems and processes that we utilize today. She directs the day-to-day operation of our Madison office. In this role, Rhonda is involved in every aspect of what we do. Herbackground includes over seven years of administrative work in the assisted living industry during whichtime Rhonda developed a desire to serve and be with senior citizens.

PATRICIA COWARD, Client Care Manager. Tricia’s primary responsibilities include new clientconsultations, care coordination, and community education. She has spent the last 16+ years working inthe retirement and assisted living industry then hospice care. Through these experiences, she has gaineda tremendous knowledge of senior resources in our area. As our Client Care Manager, Tricia is able tooffer “tried and true” advice to those we serve.

NONA BEAL, Scheduling Coordinator. Nona is responsible for insuring that our clients have the one-on-one coverage they desire. She carefully selects caregivers for our clients based on the skill set of thecaregiver and needs of the client. Her daily interaction with both our caregivers and clients gives her theinformation she needs to find the best possible match. Nona’s background includes 14+ years in bothhospice care and medical clinic operations.

FREDA JACKSON, Administrative Assistant. Freda’s role includes assisting our Scheduling Coordinator,maintaining caregiver records and files, making checkup calls to clients and families and much more.Known as “Friendly Freda,” she is likely the voice you will hear when calling our office. Freda’s passion forserving the elderly came from over 12 years in the assisted living industry where she coordinated residentservices on a daily basis.

MIKE DAVIS, Owner. In the latter part of 2011, Covenant Caregivers was formed by our owner. Mike’s desirewas to create a service for senior adults that would be unmatched in the Jackson area. This became areality with our first client in January 2012. Having served this “greatest generation” for nearly 15 years inmultiple venues such as retirement, assisted living, and memory care communities as well as hospice andpalliative care, Mike felt strongly led to create Covenant Caregivers.


➺the middle agesby SHERYE S. GREEN

Views from the Mezzanine: Midlife Moments

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Fond memories emerge as I sift back over my childhood. Iespecially remember accompanying my mother onshopping trips to Kennington’s department store in

downtown Jackson. How beautiful the store seemed to me. Dazzlinglights. Smartly dressed mannequins. Shiny, brass rails and polishedmirrors reflecting a wondrous array of items. I had been transported tothe world of merchandising and high fashion.

The memory of one location in the store stands out in particular—themezzanine level. A seating area awaited tired customers, who might needa place to rest a bit and perhaps wait on others with whom they wereshopping. This mezzanine level also formed a balcony of sorts, fromwhich one could watch the hustle and bustle of busy shoppers.

Years later I now find myself on the mezzanine level ofmy own life, the years referred to by psychologists asthe middle years, midlife, or “midlife transition.”Remembering the mezzanine view of mychildhood, I am reminded that this season of lifeis sandwiched between the years of earlieradulthood and those that lie yet ahead of me,the golden years. From my perch, I can lookback over the past thirty-plus years sincebecoming a grown up and remember, sometimeswith a chuckle and other times with tears, varioussnippets from my life. In this middle passage inwhich I find myself, I also have time to reflect onwhat I’d like to accomplish in the time I have left onthis earth.

The writer part of me is always looking for a betterword, a more descriptive expression for the thoughts thatstruggle to escape my mind and find life on the page. In trying todetermine the best way to capture the spirit of this intermediate semesterof life, the terms mezzanine and Middle Ages seemed to call out with theloudest voices. As the architectural reference has already been explained,let me shed light on the historical analogy.

As a student of and a teacher of history, the time period called theMiddle Ages has long been one that has fascinated me. This thousand-year historical span was one steeped in doubt and confusion, angst anddespair. This was a new, uncharted benchmark on the timeline of worldhistory. Millions of people migrated from one area of the world toanother. Many new kingdoms were born and nation states united.Civilization as a whole was threatened by wars and disease.

As gloomy as the Dark Ages were, they were also centuries bursting

with new discoveries. The wonder of flight imagined by Leonardo daVinci. The expression of color and shape as shown by the genius ofMichelangelo. The unleashing of information with the invention ofGutenberg’s printing press. Inventions like the hourglass, eyeglasses, andthe mechanical clock allowed man to count time in a measured way andto focus in new ways on the wider world.

For those of us between the ages of 40 and 65, even though we maylook like sophisticates, we are hungry for encouragement and thirsty fordialogue about this oftentimes challenging and confusing season of life.Our bodies are changing in mysterious ways. Many of us face thoughtsand emotions that are unsettling at best. Some look backwards towards

the past and whisper to themselves, “Did I get it right?”Others yet struggle with the question, “What do I do

now?” This can also be a time when marriages andmortgages fall apart and when new ways of

inventing oneself through the accumulation ofmaterial possessions or building new relationshipshave more appeal than the older model “toys” ofresponsibility, faithfulness, and integrity.

If you’re not careful, your attitude towardlife can suffer a malaise all its own during themiddle years. My dad taught me years ago alesson that I’ve never forgotten: “Your attitude

determines your altitude.” Your mindset will be acrucial compass with which to navigate this path.

Claim a positive attitude. Give Christ control of yourthoughts. Develop a sense of expectancy in God’s

promise to provide for you, no matter the circumstance. The mezzanine in Kennington’s had a railing around it, a

protection for anyone venturing too close to the edge of the raised floor.God’s Word provides that sure, solid “railing” for my life. Like thepsalmist of old, I want to learn how to number my days that I might gaina “heart of wisdom.” That is only possible by trusting in God’s timelesstruths. If you’ve seen, like I have, the goodness of God in the earlieryears of your life, expect His goodness in this age as well. His love andfaithfulness will keep us both safe and secure on the mezzanine of life.Y

For those of us between theages of 40 and 65, even

though we may look likesophisticates, we are hungry

for encouragement and thirstyfor dialogue about this

oftentimes challenging andconfusing season of life.

��

��

Sherye Green is a lifelong Jacksonian, a Social Studies teacher atJackson Prep, and a wife, mother, and grandmother. Sherye and herhusband Mark are members of First Baptist Church in Jackson. Sheis also the author of Abandon Not My Soul.

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What Other People Think About You Is None of Your Business

Don’t you love that quote fromRegina Brett! She understandsone of the most driving forces

in our civilization; one of the mostpowerful forces on Earth. It’s notnuclear. It is not the gravity of the sun. It’s ourfear of what people think! If we couldharness its energy, we could power ournation’s largest cities. We could build starshipsto colonize other worlds. Because as I lookaround (and within), I see that our fear ofwhat people think runs the world!

Think about it. You’re invited to a partythat you don’t want to attend. You’d ratherrake the yard than go to this party, but youdrag yourself up, get dressed, and go anyway.Why? Because you’re afraid of what peoplewill think if you don’t!

I walked up to a guy the other day, lookedhim square in the eye and said, “Hey, Bob! Ilike your new glasses!” The only problem was,

IT WASN’T BOB! (In my defense he could’vebeen Bob’s clone, but that’s another story.)Now you tell me, what did I feel— dumb andembarrassed? Of course I did! I care whatpeople think! (Even this dude who is NOTBOB!) We are addicted to approval andterrified of scorn!

We can see this play out in our marriageswithout looking hard. Your spouse says, “I’mmad at you!” Since we care so much aboutwhat people think about us, it outrages usthat they are mad. Now we are mad at themfor being mad at us! This stuff keeps me in business!

There are two reasons that we care somuch about what other people think. One isspiritual and the other is emotional.

The spiritual reason is that God created usto be fueled by love. When he told Adam thatit was, “not good for the man to be alone,” hewasn’t just referring to marriage. He meantthat people need people. So when we sensethat someone is upset at us, something in ourcreated core is threatened. “I might lose thelove that God created me to thrive on,” is ourunspoken inner dialogue.

So something in us remains vigilant—onthe lookout to avoid scorn. God made us thatway. This is why I never believe those peoplewho say, “Hey man, I don’t care what peoplethink.” I always want to say, “Wow! Well I’mdying to know why you left your home planetto come to Earth—because everyone born onEarth DOES care what people think at somelevel. It’s the way we are made.”

The other reason we care what otherpeople think is emotional. This version goeslike this. All kids are born with core questions:Do you want me? Am I good? Am I loved?And they need loving, safe relationships toanswer those questions in good ways. As kidswalk through life, their hearts are always onthe lookout for how those questions are beinganswered by the people around them. I alwayssay, “Children get their view of themselvesfrom the eyes of their parents.”

Now here’s where it gets interesting. To thedegree that a child gets good answers to hisquestions, he will cease asking them. (Don’tyou know those people for whom it nevercrosses their mind that anyone would not likethem?) But to the degree that we don’t getthose questions answered satisfactorily as kids,

Dr. John L. Cox is a clinical psychologistwho has been practicing in Jackson for25 years. He works with adults,marriages and children at Live OakPsychological Associates. You cancontact him at 601-352-7398, or at his website:www.liveoakpsych.com.

we will continue to ask them at some level as adults.

And we will ask them all the time. And wewill ask them of everyone we encounter! Yourspouse. Your Sunday school class. The lady atthe Wendy’s drive-through window. In ourinteractions with people, these questions willbe being asked in the background: Do you likeme? What did that look mean? Why is ittaking him so long to text me back? Andbefore we even realize it, we’ve giveneveryone in our life the power to answer ourcore questions. And at that point, weDEFINITELY CARE what people think!

So what’s the answer? It is not to “stopcaring what people think.” And it is not tostop having core questions. The answer is toget our core questions answered in the rightplaces. God knows that we are not complete.He knows that we are all still doing patch-upwork from our childhood. He knows that wehad some of our questions answered in awfulways. So He offers new answers. He invites usto start coming to Him and to His body ofpeople, and asking our core questions to their eyes.

One of my clients has been working on thisprocess with some success—learning newgood answers from God and from his people.He told me recently that he had to speakpublically (everyone’s phobia, right?), but ashe stood up to speak, this peace washed overhim as something inside of him said, “I don’tneed anything from these people I’mspeaking to, because I already know whereI’m loved.”

Once we have good answers to our corequestions, we can stop asking them ofeveryone. In other words, in order to stopcaring what other people think, we needto care what the RIGHT people think.Y

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➺this is my storyby MARY PATTON MURPHY

Operation Christmas Child Is on My Heart All Year Long

Ever since I can remember, my family has been a part ofOperation Christmas Child. Our church, Pear OrchardPresbyterian Church, began serving as the Central

Mississippi collection center for shoeboxes before Iwas born, but it wasn’t until a couple years agothat I really got involved.

Operation Christmas Child is a ministry of theChristian organization, Samaritan’s Purse. Theprogram encourages groups, families, churches, andindividuals all across the United States to packshoeboxes full of toys and gifts to be sent to childrenall over the world. Once the shoeboxes are filled withgifts, participants drop off their boxes at localcollection centers. Once all boxes have been received,the local centers transport their shoeboxes to their areacollection center.

Once there, volunteers sort them by gender labelsand age categories, reinforce the shoeboxes with rubberbands, then place them into larger brown boxes on ashipping truck to be sent to a regional processing centerlike the one in Atlanta, Georgia. This year, 33,250shoeboxes were processed at the Pear OrchardPresbyterian collection location and sent to Atlanta.

Upon arriving in Atlanta, the boxes are checked for things like the$7.00 shipping amount, military or war toys that not appropriate, liquidsthat could spill, and other things to ensure they arrive to their finaldestination in good condition. Finally, the boxesare ready to be shipped to a country where a boyor girl will receive their shoebox filled with gifts.

Why do they do this in the first place? Surethe toys inside are nice, but the main—and mostimportant—gift is Jesus. These children willreceive their shoebox hearing the words, “Jesusloves you,” from a local mission partner in theirarea that will assist them in knowing more aboutthis Jesus. For me, it has been such a humblingexperience and privilege to hear so manywonderful stories of children whose lives havebeen changed because of this simple gift. Andthat’s what it is really—the story of a simple gift.

Several years ago on a day after school, mymom opened a compartment in our car and pulled out a letter. She wassmiling so big, and I had no idea what it was. I studied the unfamiliarwriting, the cobra stamps (so interesting!), and the envelope paper, whichwas different too. I opened the letter and saw a picture of two younggirls. The older of the two, Esther, had received the shoebox I hadpacked! Her story was so neat to hear, and her love and joy could be feltjust reading it. My friend, Esther, and I still write back and forth to this day.

Since I have gotten that letter, I’ve become even more committed toOperation Christmas Child. I began speaking to any group that wouldlisten about how this ministry impacts the lives of children like Esther. I

spoke for chapel at my school, Christ Covenant School, to ourelementary and middle school students, my youth group, and to mygrandmother’s church, as well. Her small town hosted a packing party

and collected 102 boxes!Throughout the year, I make bracelets and sell them to

my friends to raise money to buy things for our shoeboxes.My mom and I have also used coupons to get good deals.During the year, we save things like school supplies inAugust, candy in October, and so on! My dad’s a salesman soI’ve asked him to save bars of soap from hotels when he goesout of town. All of this goes into a bin where we keep it untilpacking time arrives, and we try to beat last year’s total ofMurphy family shoeboxes packed.

As you can see, I love Operation Christmas Child and Ihope you will too. Everyone can be a part of this ministry. Ifyou’re a dentist, maybe you can collect extra toothbrushes. Ifyou have a Sunday school class, you could host a packingparty next year. If you are too busy to collect and pack the

shoeboxes, you can give a monetary donation to help with expenses toship boxes!

The main thing I’m going to ask you to do now is pray. Pray for thechildren who received their shoeboxes this past Christmas that God willwork in their lives, and ask Him if He would like you to be involved withOperation Christmas Child this year. Y

Mary Patton Murphy is a seventh grade student at Christ CovenantSchool and attends Pear Orchard Presbyterian Church inRidgeland, MS.

I opened the letter andsaw a picture of twoyoung girls.The older ofthe two, Esther, hadreceived the shoe box Ihad packed! Her storywas so neat to hear, andher love and joy couldbe felt by reading it.


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Reclaiming LifeAs one year ends and another begins, I generally

find myself wrestling with the challenge of twodistinct activities: reflecting on the past year and

preparing for the coming year. Trying to focus on these twodifferent activities is never easy as I find myself processing all of thechallenges, victories, failures, and unresolved struggles from theprevious year alongside all of the opportunities, responsibilities, goals,and hopes for the coming year.

The passing of the pages of the calendar from one year to anotherannually reminds me that what I do with the moments that I havebeen given really does matter. So, I generally intend to take an honestevaluation of how I have lived my life in the past year and develop agame plan for the coming year.

But then it happens, as I shake off the holidays the year starts andthe barrage of phone calls, emails, family activities, bills to pay, placesto go, and problems to solve all start piling up and filling up everysecond. If I’m not careful, the activities of life will keep me fromfocusing on the essentials oflife. When that happens, Iknow it is time for me toReclaim Life.

Maybe you’ve felt that waytoo. It is a reality that all of ushave to face. Life trends towardcomplexity, confusion, andsometimes, even chaos.Somehow we have to find a wayto sift through the competinginterests to gain clarity aboutwhat is most important.

I have often gone to one ofmy favorites mentors, Paul the Apostle, to bring some clarity to myconfusion. Take a moment to read his inspired words and I think wewill find some helpful steps for Reclaiming Life.

“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already beenmade perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesustook hold of me. Brother (and sisters), I do not consider myself yet tohave taken hold of it. But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind andstraining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win theprize for which God called me heavenward in Christ Jesus,(Philippians 3:12-14).

STEP #1Reflect on Your Life Purpose (v. 12)

The first thing that I glean from Paul is the discipline of reflection.Paul was self aware and willing to self-evaluate. He recognized that hewas not perfect and still had a long way to go. But, he also knew thathe was making progress. Because of His relationship with Jesus, heknew his life had purpose and meaning. He knew whose He was andHe knew why He was alive. He had been taken hold of by Christ, andnow he was seeking to take hold of everything that Jesus had in mindfor his life.

➺pastor’s perspectiveby ROB FUTRAL

As you start this new year, carve out time toreflect on your life. Always start with the factthat your life has purpose. What do you have tocelebrate? How has God uniquely created andgifted you? How has God uniquely worked inyour life? Where is there clear evidence of

progress in your life? What areas of your life need change, growth, ordevelopment? What has God brought you through? What uniqueopportunities has he placed before you?

STEP #2Refocus Your Life Priorities (v. 13)

At first glance you will see that Paul struggled with the samechallenge of fitting all the components of life into a single commitmentlike we do. He tells us that he does one thing, but then he lists three!All three actions were aspects of the discipline of prioritizing.

Paul’s first priority was to move past the past by “forgetting.”Forgetting is a priority I can remember! Remembering to forget is notas easy as it might sound. In fact, the word that Paul used carries lessof the idea of failure to remember and more of the idea of successfullychoosing to look past. It’s not that Paul didn’t remember; rather, hewas refocusing his life by choosing not to live life looking back.

Having reflected on the previous year, what are the lessons youhave learned of which you need to take note and to put into practice?What are painful lessons you’ve learned from personal failures,devastating losses, moral compromises, or relational blunders? Make alist. Take responsibility. Choose to change. Make amends. Learn from

Rob Futral has been the Lead Pastor at Broadmoor BaptistChurch in Madison for 10 plus years. Rob was born in Texas,and grew up in different places in MS and TX. He and his wife,Kimandria, have three children: Trea, Ridge, and Rivers.

these past experiences but don’t live in them. Look at them, but lookbeyond them. Many priorities are developed out of the pain of past experiences.

Paul’s second priority was to press toward the future. He was notwilling to wait for the future to come to him; he was “straining towardwhat is ahead.” The idea behind this phrase is more easily describedthan defined. Think of a sprinter coming down to the final steps of arace and pressing ahead with every fiber of his strength to reach thefinish line. That is the picture of how Paul was seeking to live his life.He had a goal in mind and a determination to complete it.

This may be the hardest but most rewarding part of reclaiming life.To press toward the future, we must be clear about the plans that weare pursuing. Develop a plan of action for those things that you valuethe most. Take time to pray about how God would have you to live lifein the coming year. Be clear about what you are pressing toward andwrite down practical and measurable action steps to carry out your plan.

STEP #3Resolve to Pursue Your Life Potential

Paul’s final priority is our final step. This step is actually a path forus to pursue. It is the discipline of perseverance. Paul says, “I press ontoward the goal to win the prize for which God called me heavenwardin Christ Jesus.” In short, Paul was completely resolved to pursuingthe potential that God had placed within and before him.

Nothing so fills our lives with resolve as being reminded that Godhas called us! Before we ever thought about pursuing Him, He waspursuing us! As you approach the coming year, don’t just drift towardthe future, pursue it with energy and intensity. Live life with apassionate pursuit in your relationship with Christ, in your primaryrelationships, and in your life calling. I love what Erma Bombeck saidabout her life, “When I stand before God at the end of my life, Iwould hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and couldsay, ‘I used everything you gave me.’” I couldn’t agree more. Let’sresolve to make this year our best yet by living out the full potentialthat God is offering to us. When we do, I think we will find that wehave found the life that we are meant to live. Reclaim Life this year.Y

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Nothing so fills our lives with resolve asbeing reminded that God has called us!Before we ever thought about pursuing Him,He was pursuing us! As you approach thecoming year, don’t just drift toward the future,pursue it with energy and intensity.



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CJ Stewart Wounded Warrior On a MissionCJ Stewart Wounded Warrior On a Mission


June 15, 2010, dawned nodifferent than any otherday for 21-year-old CJ

Stewart, U.S. Army medic. Hisplatoon manned a small outpost nearKandahar where enemy attacks were a dailyoccurrence. In the few weeks of this firstdeployment, he had become quite accustomedto the sights and sounds of war, the rocketpropelled grenades (RPG) and the machinegun fire.

It was noon. His platoon had just finishedfilling sand bags and had stopped toeat lunch when the attack began.With the first explosion, CJ startedfor his aid bag. Just before hereached for it, a second explosionknocked him off his feet. “I justremember it being loud, deafening,in fact. There was a tower close towhere I was standing, and I thoughtit had been hit. When I looked back Ihappened to look down the right sideof my body and saw it was covered inblood,” he says. It was surreal, but hewas calm as he grabbed a tourniquetand started walking toward the aid station.

Once there, he got a good look at what wasleft of his right arm. The RPG had struck thebuilding above him crushing the bones,tendons, and nerves below his elbow. The skinon his forearm was gone, and he was losing amassive amount of blood. But oddly, the mostexcruciating pain came from his thigh where a

piece of concrete about the size of a piece ofgravel had gone through his flesh and exitedthe other side. It was a 40-minute transport inthe back of a truck to the next aid stationwhere the battalion surgeon wrapped him upand put him on a helicopter to Kandahar. The

doctors at Kandahar performed the first of his40 surgeries in an effort to save his right arm.He is thankful for their tenacity. He could soeasily have lost his arm.

He went from Kandahar to Bagram for asecond surgery, from Bagram to Germany foryet another surgery, and from Germany to

Washington, D.C., where he was admitted toWalter Reed Hospital. Such was the itineraryfor CJ between June 15 and June 20, 2010.He arrived on Father’s Day, and Robin andChuck Stewart were there to greet their son.

The call that CJ had been wounded camejust a few hours after the attack.Robin was leaving for work when thetelephone rang and the caller ID readFort Campbell, Kentucky. She knewbefore she said, “hello” what it meant.CJ had prepared his parents welltelling them that the bad news wouldcome via telephone from FortCampbell, but that the worst newswould be a knock at the doordelivered by a person in uniform.

CJ was able to talk with both of hisparents even before he leftAfghanistan. Hearing CJ’s typical,upbeat spirit in his voice was great

comfort, but it wasn’t a great surprise. Robinand Chuck had seen their son tested so manytimes before. The first status update theStewarts received said, “amputee.” That was ablow, but the Stewarts did not doubt CJ’sresilience. They knew God had given him anextra dose of courage, strength, and a firm


faith in Jesus Christ. He would get through this.

It was later that they discovered thepotential loss of his arm was the least of hisworries in the beginning. His heart actuallystopped during the first surgery. CJ describesseeing the words on his medical chart, “Patientunderwent resuscitation,” as almost impossibleto comprehend.

Forty surgeries later, this once right-handed, wounded warrior—who has retrainedhimself to use his left hand—had absolutely nodoubt in his mind and heart that God hadsome major plans for him.

CJ’s Role ModelsHe was actually named Charles Allen

Stewart, III. As is so often the case, friendsand family trying to differentiate inconversation between the baby and his father,

began calling him “Chucky” or “Little Chuck,”nicknames his dad did not like at all.

Chuck decided his son needed adesignation that didn’t smack of anythingbabyish and something that he would not beashamed to answer to when he was older. Hecame up with the name CJ, which is short forChuck, Jr.

The rugged, athletic, tough guy whoselifelong dream was to be a soldier had a rathershaky beginning. He was born in Bossier City,Louisiana, on February 20, 1989, and wasalmost immediately diagnosed with a digestivedisorder that required three surgeries and anextended stay in the neonatal unit. Doctorsfrom around the country consulted on histreatment. Thankfully, he came through thatearly trial without any long-term effects, andCJ laughs that it was just a foretaste of whatwas down the road.

The Stewarts moved frequently in CJ’schildhood—something that could be dauntingfor some children. Not so much for CJ. Theywere a close family, and wherever they wentCJ could count on two constants; they wouldjoin a church, and he would play sports. Andwithin that framework, he would make lots of friends.

The Stewarts eventually settled inMadison. CJ enrolled at Madison-RidgelandAcademy and jumped into sports—playingfootball, baseball, basketball, and soccer. “Iloved high school,” CJ says. He has a greataffection for his alma mater and claims henever wanted high school to end. One of hisfavorite things these days is going back oftenas a Young Life volunteer.

Chuck Stewart shares his son’s enthusiasmfor all things athletic. If CJ was playing in aball game, Chuck was there. Throughout CJ’s


growing-up years, thefather and son alsofollowed their favoritecollege and professionalteams. At least once ayear, they took a man tripto a ball game in someunfamiliar place likeCalifornia or New York.As a child and as ateenager, it was pure funfor CJ, but as he looks back, he sees hisfather’s intentional and very wise strategy. Itwas about much more than a ball game.Sharing their interest in sports opened a levelof communication on deeper things that couldnever had happened if Chuck Stewart just sathis son down one day and said, “I am going to


teach you about life.” Chuck Stewart is firm in the belief that

raising boys to be godly men requires qualitytime, as well as quantity time. Theconversations, the trust, the bonding thatoccurred because they were sharingsomething they both enjoyed paid spiritualand moral dividends in great ways, especiallyafter CJ’s injury. Reflecting on his father’s roleover the years CJ says, “He was always therein the right way. When I was in high school,he didn’t come to practices and complainabout the coaches, none of that. But for thegames, he was there. Same spot, same seat,that kind of thing. And it was a comfort thing.That was the thing. I knew my dad was there.”

In his earliest years, CJ also enjoyed thecompany of three grandfathers. Two hadserved in Korea, and his great grandfather losta leg in the Philippines during World War II.It may have been precisely because of thesegrandfathers CJ so loved and respected that

the desire to be a soldier was so great. Hismemories of small town Veteran’s Day paradeswhen these former soldiers filed past and thecrowds cheered touched his heart in aprofound way. He was mesmerized by theselflessness of men who gave so much, whorepresented—in CJ’s mind—everything thatwas good and honorable and definitive aboutmanhood. The words “Greatest Generation”captured his imagination and his heart. Headored his grandfathers and longed to be like them.

When CJ was an eighth grader, his SocialStudies teacher asked the class, “If you couldbe born in any other time in history, whatwould it be?” CJ quickly answered, “1923.”His classmates asked incredulously, “Whywould you want to be born right before theGreat Depression?” CJ’s answer was, “BecauseI would have been 18 when Pearl Harbor wasbombed, and I could enlist.”

His OpportunityAfter high school, CJ enrolled at

Mississippi College. He majored inAdministrative Justice and thought he wouldgo on to law school not to practice law, but hethought those degrees would equip him forsomething like the FBI or a U.S. Marshall. Heliked the rigors of something so structured and demanding.

He was restless. College was fine, butsomething did not seem right. There wassomething else he wanted more than thatcollege degree. He yearned to be a soldier,and the tensions in the modern world madethat dream seem very close. He began topursue his options, discussing enlistment withboth Army recruiters and his family. With hisfamily’s blessing, he enlisted. And he had nodoubt that this was exactly God’s unique planfor Charles Allen Stewart, III.

CJ graduated from Basic Training at the top


of his class with awards for Marksmanship andPhysical Training and received theDistinguished Honor Graduate designation.As a side note, he also developed a reputationas the spiritual leader among his peers.Nothing overbearing, but nobody could bearound CJ for long before discovering exactlythe driving force in his life.

The training to be a medic involved twodistinct courses. He had a six-weeks course incivilian EMT school, and then a 12-weekcourse in San Antonio at Fort Sam Houston,where he learned how to treat the injuries thatwere typical in a war zone. By the time hedeployed in May 2010, CJ was preparedand eager for combat. Only a supernaturalcalling could cause someone to be soincredibly enthusiastic and eager to jumpin harm’s way!

Scott Steele, local radio celebrity andbeliever, remembers when thecongregation at Broadmoor Baptist Churchprayed specifically for CJ a few days beforehis deployment. “I put my hand on CJ’sright arm when our pastor encouraged ourchurch to pray. Thirty-five days later, amember of our ministry team informed methat CJ had been injured in Afghanistan. Iimmediately reached out to Chuck Stewartthrough Facebook and invited him todinner. I thought our family could offer a few meals and some spiritualencouragement.”

RealityThree years later Scott is still marveling

that in his effort to minister to the Stewarts,he is the one who has received the greatblessing. “…It turns out they were the onesencouraging me! I’ve grown more as a man,

husband, father, and child of God than I evercould have imagined because of the way theLord has been glorified through the Stewartfamily.” He adds that their incredible faith,courage, and determination have had such animpact on him personally that he lives with anew sensitivity to the battle young people face every day because modern life is its own war. It is his personal calling to be a

For more information, visit www.cjstewart.org

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A BENEFIT FOR THE CJ STEWART FOUNDATION’S “CAMP DOWN RANGE.”

Tuesday April 8, 2014 • MS Coliseum, 7:30 pm

part of the Board of Directors of the CJ Stewart Foundation.

CJ, during his 18-month recovery andrehabilitation at Walter Reed, had theopportunity to observe countless families who,like his, were processing the enormous lifechanges that war inflicts on its victims. In CJ’swords, it is a “dark place.” To see families withno spiritual foundation grappling with the


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fallout of a disabled family member affectedCJ greatly. There were many breakups and hesaw so many people walk away simply becausethe demands and the challenges—bothpersonal and monetary—were bigger than oneregular person could manage. It is a heavyreality for even the most spiritually minded,but for those who have no foundation inChrist, there is absolutely no refuge and no hope.

“Families…” he says with a sigh. “I can’ttell you how many families broke up from thatexperience over money, over the time spent inWalter Reed, over someone losing a jobbecause of staying to take care of someone. Somany families broke up when someone said, ‘Ican’t do this. I’m 20 and you’ve lost both armsand/or both legs. I’m out.’”

Never before had CJ been so sensitive tofamily dynamics and the impact the wholething can have when crisis hits. Simply bybeing there and observing, he came to have aheightened sense of how much one’s familyhistory contributes to one’s ability to withstandthe kind of trial he faced.

It was an incredibly sad place to be, and CJdid indeed thank God every day for the faiththat had been instilled in him by family andsignificant others who had invested in hischaracter throughout his life. The strength toendure came from that very grace. Eventhough he was not sure what was coming next,he never doubted that God was in it.Therefore, it was going to be okay—and much better than just okay.

CJ’s Dream Takes ShapeAlthough CJ’s plan for a military career had

been derailed by his injury, his passion for thediscipline and lifestyle was as strong as ever.Did God intend to use that training in someway? Key principles to everything in his beliefsystem were the following: (1) He was createdfor a purpose. (2) God had spared his life forthat purpose. (3) The only two things he couldcompletely control were his attitude and his effort.

During those long and difficult days atWalter Reed, CJ spent much time consideringthat purpose. It was there during his 18-month rehabilitation that the CJ StewartFoundation was born. CJ’s perception was thathe had not “lost” anything in the entireexperience since nothing in this life was hisvery own to begin with. He knew that Godhad mercifully prepared him in advance withthe coping skills to face his injury and theadjustments that came with it. He knew, too,that he had a great heart for kids and a keenawareness that he had been immeasurablyblessed by having a father who had so

beautifully modeled for him what it meant tobe a godly man.

He had seen the struggles of some of hisfellow soldiers whose entire identity had beenwrapped up in the military, and how brokentheir lives were when that dream was takenaway in an instant. He was aware of theheartbreaking statistics of boys who grow upwithout fathers. He now had a platform, a storyto tell, and a personal understanding of whatan overwhelming challenge really looks like.He could definitely help other young men whothink life is stacked against them. We live in aculture where there has never been a greaterneed for boys to become godly men. CJ wantsto help make that happen.

Down Range and Camp KickapooBy the time the old Camp Kickapoo near

Clinton was up for sale, CJ had a board ofdirectors, a mission statement, and a plan forreaching out and providing a place, anexperience, and a program that will equip boys to be men of character, substance, and faith.

The CJ Stewart Foundation has a three-phase plan to bring new life to this 193-acreproperty that has for many years nurturedyoung men as a Boy Scout camp. The visionincludes a new name—Down Range. Inmilitary jargon, Down Range refers todeployment overseas, usually in a combat zone.CJ sees everyday life as a combat zone forBelievers since modern life is filled withobstacles, challenges, disappointments, and anenemy seeking our destruction.

“Only the strong survive,” he says, and hewants to be sure there are many who are strongand ready. Down Range will use team sports,obstacles, and rope courses and the outdoors toinstill the values and the faith in youngpeople—the values and the faith that God sograciously allowed CJ to embrace and that hedesperately wants to pass on as his legacy to others.

There are also plans for Down Range farbeyond the ministry to boys who need a rolemodel. Couples, families, corporate retreat—there is not an individual or a group left out ofthe blueprint. CJ is hopeful, and certain too,that God is going to bring this together. Funds,talents, people, equipment—everything. Afterall, He has already done immeasurably morethan CJ Stewart could ever have imagined or dreamed!

The foundation hosts its first fundraiser onApril 8 when Tim Tebow comes to Jackson tospeak on the foundation’s behalf. “His heartand his story run parallel to what our missionis,” says CJ. Check the websitewww.cjstewart.org for more information. Y

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Robin Stewart, CJ Stewart’s momreflects on her son. She carried him,loved him, and knew he was speciallong before anyone else did!

As you can see, {by these photos} my sweetlittle man has always had a smile on his face.He was the happiest baby. Such a pleasantchild to be around. Everyone loved CJ. I don’tbelieve he ever met a stranger. He lovedplaying outside and anything with a ball. I dobelieve his first word was “ball.” He absolutelyloved sports and played them all! He was verycompetitive yet always the little encourager tohis teammates. His coaches called him thequiet leader.

He also loved working with kids andparticipated every year helping out with sportscamps. He and a few of his buddies wouldoften pop into my first grade class to read andmentor those precious students of mine. Andnow those kiddos are seniors, juniors, andsophomores at MRA—andonce again CJ is involved intheir lives as one of theirYoung Life leaders.

In high school, he wasinvolved in SportsAmbassadors traveling andsharing the Gospel throughsports during spring break.He was so excited to beable to share his faith at ajuvenile prison inGuatemala. He came backwith an empty suitcasebecause he gave away all ofhis stuff. I remember theweek after Katrina he camehome asking me if I still had a box with all ourboard games, because he and several buddieswere on a mission. They were gathering upgames and balls and heading out to all the areachurches to play with all the kids who weredisplaced and living at the shelters. He felt thatwould give the parents, who were alreadystressed from not knowing if they had a hometo return to, a much-needed break from theirkids with cabin fever.

There are so many more stories going overand over in my head of how he has always putothers first. Sharing his gifts and talents withthe younger kids. Giving away his baseballglove after his last game his senior year to ayoung man who thought CJ hung the moon.He was always aware, and occasionally I wouldremind him, that the younger boys werewatching and to be a positive role model.

Was I surprised he emerged from hisinjuries with this passion and purpose? I wouldhave to say no, not at all. His passion andpurpose has always been part of who he is. He’salways been a very caring and giving individual.That is why when he told us that he wanted tojoin the Army to become a Combat Medic I

wasn’t surprised at all. He loves hiscountry and loves helping others. It wasthe job that he had prayed for. The jobhe could not wait to train for. The job todeploy for. It was his calling.

It was tough not being able to bethere for CJ in those early days beforeand after each surgery. I was ready tohop a plane and fly to Afghanistan orGermany but was told I needed to wait.He would be stateside soon. Then somepictures were emailed to us by a friend of afriend who just happened to be in Germany,and when I saw his smiling face—that sweetsmiling face—I knew in an instant he was goingto be fine. That whatever had happened to himwas going to be okay. That smile was a smile ofacceptance and, “don’t worry about me,Mom—God’s in control!”

While at Walter Reed with CJ, I witnessedthings that no child should ever have to gothrough. Those were so pretty tough days—thesurgeries, the pain, the challenges, and theunknowns, but I’m so very thankful that weserve a God who answers prayers. During thosedays, I saw a young man turn to God and seek

His will for his life. Isaw him accept whathad happened to himand embrace that Godgives His toughestbattles to His strongestsoldiers. That God hadgiven him a story toshare with others whomay be going throughpain, challenges, and

unknowns too, and that there’s no obstacle toobig for God to overcome.

As soon as CJ was able to start learning towrite left-handed, he did. Seeing him writingwith his left hand with his right arm in a sling,brought back sweet memories of a little boy ofabout 4 years old coming to me with a ropeasking—almost demanding—his mother to tie

ROBIN AND CHUCK STEWARTParents’ Perspective—In their Own Words


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his right arm down because hewanted to be a lefty like his sisterand the grandfather he shares hisname with. I had to remind himof that and to be careful whatyou wish for. We both had a goodlaugh that day. Some days we justneeded a good laugh.

The days I shared with CJwhile at Walter Reed, althoughthey were some of the toughestdays of my life, were also someof the most precious andbeautiful days. I can say that I’mcloser to God now because of thejourney I was so blessed to travelwith my son. Seeing my son drawcloser to God, seeking His willfor his life, sharing the vision God gave him,and witnessing how God places individual inCJ’s life to help at that very moment with thefoundation is truly a blessing! I cannot wait tosee the young lives that are going to betouched and changed for eternity with Down Range.

Chuck Stewart, CJ’s proud father, shareshis thoughts on his son’s journey.

We were warned early that CJ would havea lot of bad days and we would need to be

very patient during those days when his angerwould take over for a while. But CJ never hada bad day. He recognized early that he waswhere God wanted Him to be and was beingprepared for something special. I know peoplehave a hard time believing that, but he never wavered.

Forty surgeries and more pain than Ithought the human body could endure arehard to watch your son experience, but CJreminded me that he had two great examples

of men (his grandfather and greatgrandfather) who lived with dailypain. He lost over 30 pounds in amonth fighting bacteria and toldme that for a week, the smell ofwater made him sick. Yet in allthat, he continued to remind us ofHebrews 10:23, “Let us holdunswervingly to the hope weprofess, for He who promisedis faithful.”

I’m not surprised CJ wants tohelp young people. Kids havealways flocked to him. Most 24-year-old men have no desire to bea role model, but he relishes thechance to be a positive influence.The Foundation started with a

disability check and has a vision that will costmillions of dollars to execute. He is so steadyand reminds me daily that the battle is theLord’s and our job is to simply be faithful.

We live in a world of instant gratification.CJ understands that he has a lifetime purposeand simply puts one foot ahead of the otherknowing God will open the right doors on theright days.

Go to www.cjstewartfoundation.org. Checkit out. It would be hard to NOT want to help here! Y

CJ, Robin, sister Megan, and Chuck


➺food for thoughtby LYDIA BOLEN

PULLED PORKPork shoulder roast (any size)

1 can Pepsi1/2 bottle barbecue sauce

Seasoning salt

Cover roast completely with seasoning salt.Place roast in slow cooker.

Pour Pepsi and barbecue sauce in a bowland mix together. Pour over roast. Cook onlow for at least 6 hours. (After 4 hours ofcooking, take two forks and shred the pork,then continue cooking)

The shredded pork will soak up theflavors. Check pork after 6 hours and cooklonger if the roast is large. Shredded porkcan remain in slow cooker until time toserve. Reheat.

Serve on rolls or buns.

Remember to make memories through thekitchen— “the heartbeat of the home.” E-mailme at [email protected] for any questions.

Super Bowl Sunday 2014 will be upon us in a few weeks.Even if one is not a football fan, everyone is aware of the date February 2, 2014,

coming up. It is not only a football game, but also a great time to be together withfriends, family, and share good food.

There are many recipes for crowds with hearty appetites. Start early this year andplan ahead for a stress-free football weekend. Once a menu is in place, you will beable to cook ahead and enjoy your own gathering.

These two appetizers—warm sausage dip and turkey pinwheels—are staples atmany football gatherings. They are easy, delicious, and can be done ahead of time.

Pulled pork is our favorite of all the types of BBQ. Make your own at home andsave the expense of buying it from a local restaurant. Pulled pork can be served warmwith buns or simply served on a platter with extra BBQ sauce. Y

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

– John 4:34

Super Bowl Snacks

WARM SAUSAGE DIP1 pound sausage, cooked

and crumbled1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese 1 can Rotel tomatoes

Crumble and brown sausage in a skilletuntil cooked. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

Combine sausage, cream cheese, andRotel in saucepan over low heat, or addall ingredients to a crock pot and heaton low until ready to serve.

Serve with your favorite corn chips.

TURKEY PINWHEELS8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

(Reserve 2 crumbled slices for garnish)1/4 cup green onion, chopped fine

1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened2 tablespoons mayonnaise

1/2 teaspoon garlic salt4 10-inch Garden Spinach tortilla wraps

(Green in color)30 fresh spinach leaves, cleaned with

stems removed10 slices smoked deli turkey

(approximately 1 ounce each)8 ounces shredded Velveeta Cheese

Salsa (for serving)Plastic wrap (for wrapping)

Cook bacon in microwave until crisp. Crumble very small. In mixer, beat creamcheese, mayonnaise, and garlic salt together.Add crumbled bacon and chopped greenonion. Combine well. If needed, add ateaspoon or so of milk to achieve an easyspreading consistency.

WRAP ASSEMBLY: Using a flat spatula, spread4 tablespoons of the cream cheese mixtureevenly over entire surface of each tortilla.Sprinkle 1/3-cup shredded Velveeta cheeseonto cream cheese mixture. Arrange 7 or 8spinach leaves over the cheese, keepingspinach one-half inch away from side/bottomand 2 inches from the top of tortilla. Layer twoturkey slices over the spinach. Roll tortilla uptightly from the bottom toward the top. Foldthe open ends down. Secure each rolled tortilla tightly in plastic wrap. Repeat withremaining tortillas. Refrigerate 4 hours orovernight. Unwrap tortilla rolls and slice with a very sharp knife into 1-inch slices.

Arrange pinwheels on a platter and garnishwith remaining crumbled bacon for extra color.Serve with salsa.

Makes about 32 pinwheels.


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➺healthy livingby C. ROCHELLE CULP

DONNA SPEEDDirector of Nutrition Services with theMississippi Department of Health

I love being a registered dietitian and knowthat I am exactly where God wants me. I amable to make a difference in the lives of some ofthe children in our state and hopefully inspireadults to eat better and be more physicallyactive. Our preschool children have a muchbetter chance at being healthy in the childcaresetting. Mississippi is in the top three states inthe United States for best nutrition guidelines inthe childcare setting. Centers are required toserve a minimum of two fresh fruits and a freshvegetable, children over two must be given fatfree or 1% milk, and water must be served withall meals and snacks. This all contributes tohealthier children.

I know how hard it can be in our own lives tobe active and eat better, but it’s a commitmenteveryone needs to make. I often have peopleask about lunch and eating on the go. Some tipsthat’s I’d like to share include:

New Year, New YouHEALTHY TIPS FROM THE PROS!

Iam asked year after year,“How do you stay energeticand passionate about health

and wellness”. It is a three-foldanswer—Faith, Food, and Fitness.My faith in God allows love and hope todwell in my heart so that I approach eachday energized, renewed, and recognizingthat life is awesome with endlesspossibilities. Over the years, God hasplaced some great people in my life toshare and learn more about how importantfood is to living a healthy lifestyle. If youhave tried to doing it by yourself, fad diets,or the latest “do this, not that” trend, tryemploying a dietitian to help you meet andmaintain your goals. This month, dietitiansfrom the Metro Jackson area share tips tohelp you kick off a Happy, Healthy New Year!


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Plan ahead, shop, cook, and package onthe weekend for the week. Cook chicken,roast or pork loin and have for sandwiches andsalads. Wash and package grapes and other fruitsfor the week. Have green leaf or spinach saladready with toppings in bags for an easy mix. ByFriday if you have left over vegetables, sauté theveggies in with brown rice or quinoa. There are over 125 healthy recipes on the Mississippi State Depart of Health website(www.HealthyMS.com) that I’ve cooked and enjoyed, so no excuses for not trying something new.

Use your leftovers. Invest in some plasticcontainers and cook extra and pack for lunch ifyou don’t want a sandwich or salad.

Keep healthy items available. Keep adrawer at work with instant oatmeal, dry cereal,crackers, peanut butter, canned fruit, tuna, andsoup. In the refrigerator keep fat free yogurt, fatfree milk, and salad dressing. Have fruit on yourdesk and water available.

Plan for success. At night, I prepare my bagfor the gym and my lunch for the next day,before I settle in for the night. My bag is in thecar and my lunch is ready in the refrigerator. Ikeep water in the freezer to put in my lunch bagto keep everything cool.

If you eat lunch out, then plan your mealbefore you walk in the restaurant. Limit thestarchy vegetables- peas, butterbeans, corn, andany potato. Limit the pasta, rice, and bread.Have baked or grilled meat-not fried. Fill up onother vegetables. NO dessert—unless you shareone slice with at least 3 people. NO sweet tea orregular soft drinks.

I have those days when I want to eateverything…That’s when I remember that mybody is a temple for the Lord and that “whetherI eat or drink or whatever I do, I do it all for theglory of God,” (1 Corinthians 10:31).

C. Rochelle Culp is the owner of Ro-on-the Go Health & Wellness Consultantsand on staff at Fitness Lady HealthClubs, Inc. She is a member of theToday Show’s Joy Fit Club and featuredin The Joy Fit Club Cookbook, DietPlan and Inspiration (published 2012).

REBECCA TURNERSeeker + Nutrition Expert + Runner

Born and raised in Mississippi, I am a self-proclaimed twenty-first century Southern Belleon the go. As a registered dietitian andcertified specialist in sports nutrition, I believeeveryone should take time for a run and goodhealth. Being a mom, I know that expectationsare high to be a “steel magnolia” and it istough to balance it all.

Runners know that the marathon isconquered with the mind and the feet are justalong for the journey. That goes for all of life’sbiggest obstacles; the mind is the mostpowerful muscle. My new blog, Mind OverFork, is a resource for anyone who haseveryday battles with food but doesn’t realizethey are losing the war in their mind. Throughsharing my story, I hope to help readers winthe war over food with faith and achievefreedom from dieting!

The New Year is upon us and it’s time forMississippians to commit to a healthy lifestyle.This year make health a family resolution with

exercise, breakfast, and smart snacks. To keepkids healthy, we need to keep them moving.Make time for family activities like playing tag,bike riding, or neighborhood walks. Purchasetoys and gifts that will keep your kids off thecouch and outside.

Don’t skip the most important meal of theday: Breakfast! Kids who eat breakfast havebetter attendance in school, improved testscores, and are less likely to be overweight.Fuel up first with old-fashioned oatmealtopped with dried fruit and milk, or top wholegrain bread with low-fat cheese and apple slices.

Children (and adults) are snacking morethan ever! Healthy snacks shouldn’t be boringor bland, try kid-approved snack kabobs, andput cubes of low fat cheese and grapes onpretzel sticks or serve pita chips and hummus.

Rebecca Turner, MS, RD, CSSD is a mom,nutrition expert, and runner. Reversingobesity in Mississippi is a marathon, not asprint. For more information visitwww.mindoverfork.com or tweet her@myRDrebecca.


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Here we are in a brand new year filled with promiseand opportunity. In order to realize the promise and takeadvantage of the opportunity, you have to do something. Neither of

these comes to you automatically. Will you just continue to leave yourfamily at risk because you find it more convenient to procrastinate ratherthan face the reality that something may happen to you in this New Year?What if it did and you had continued to procrastinate? What then?

Your family will likely have to spend a significant sum of money going tocourt to get permission to deal with your assets and to take care of you(and them) if you are still alive but incapable of caring for yourself andhandling your own business dealings. But what if you are not living? Courtwill again be necessary (with all its expense and delay) in order to giveauthority over your assets to your administrator who will then pay your billsand distribute your assets according to the laws of the state of Mississippi—probably not the way you would want it done. Have a spouse and children?The state considers the spouse as just another child, so he or she will get achild’s portion of your assets. And if one or more of your children areminors or disabled, then their share will have to be administeredseparately, resulting in even more expense and delay.

While on the subject of minor children, if there is no surviving parent,then the court will appoint someone to care for the children until grown. Itmay well not be the person you would have chosen, but you had thechance to name that person and instead you procrastinated. By that timeyou are dead and can do nothing to correct this very large mistake. And letme give you a tip: it is often wise to have one person (or couple) rear yourchildren and someone else to manage the money for them. Incidentally,

Just Do It—You Have Procrastinated Long Enough!these issues apply to a disabled adult child as well. They need specialplanning also.

As you can see from the above, planning for the future does not involvejust “death planning.” It is also crucial to plan for what would happen ifyou did not die, but could not act for yourself for whatever reason. Giveyour family the tools to do the job. Obviously, a Will is only for death.Many people have a Power of Attorney (for business, not for healthcare)that they are relying upon. Twenty years ago that may have beensatisfactory. But now, powers of attorney are often refused—particularly byfinancial institutions like banks. So, what will solve that problem?

People today are turning to a Living Trust to avoid complications in theevent of incapacity or death, to give the family the needed authority, andto do so without ever going to court with all its delay and expense. ALiving Trust is private so that there is no public record as to what you had,what you owed and who got what after you are gone. I have an attitude: Ihave nothing to hide, but my business is my business and not anyoneelse’s. I want my family’s privacy preserved.

As to seeing that your healthcare wishes are carried out your way andnot just left up to chance, particularly what treatment you want at the endof your life, you need special documents: an Advance Health CareDirective (which includes a healthcare power of attorney and a very muchimproved living will), and you need written provisions to allow your familyto have access to your medical information if you are unable to speak for yourself. Y

William B. Howell is a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneysand practices law in Ridgeland.

➺legal adviceby WILLIAM B. HOWELL

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wants. Cases like death, divorce, or blendedfamilies often leave participants without the abilityto alter the primary situation. Instead, Holl showsgirls how their own choices can lead to a positiveending, even if the main situation does not change.

Children’s ministers, Christian counselors whowork with middle school girls, Sunday Schoolteachers, and parents need to be aware of thisbook. The journal prompts would be gooddiscussion starters in helping girls work throughissues. If you know a girl struggling with pain andchange, give her a copy of Finding God in ToughTimes. Y

Susan E. Richardson is a writer, critique reader,and former Christian retailer with a passion formeeting people’s needs through the written word.

You can reach her through her website www.nextlevelcritiques.com.


4854 I-55 North • Jackson, MS (Just past Piccadilly)

Phone: 601-982-2828 • Fax: 601-982-4173

ANNUALPLAQUE

SALE

MARS & STEEL, INC.“Since 1965”

All plaques theentire month of

JANUARY

50% OFF

➺rave reviews

Finding God in Tough Times by Kristi Holl givesmiddle school girls 90 devotions to encourageand help them find God’s guidance and comfortwhen dealing with difficult situations. Holl uses aninitial Scripture and then a story format, showinghow to make good choices in variouscircumstances. She follows with more Scripture,ways to connect to God, a journal prompt, andaction points.

Writing about various issues can bechallenging, but doing so for children adds anadditional level. The author must be careful not togive enough detail to traumatize a child notdealing with a particular issue but enough so thechild with the issue sees herself reflected. Holldoes a good job with balancing the two.

The author also does a good job with thelayers needed in a book of this type. She avoids“happily ever after” endings where all works out as the girl

Finding God in Tough Times Reviewed by Susan E. Richardson

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20 YEARS OF HISTORY

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1993-1997 • 1st Mission Mississippi Unity Rally• Jarvis Ward hired as Executive Director• 1st Annual Two and Two Together Restaurant Days • 1st Pastor and Spouse Appreciation Retreat• Dad’s of Destiny Conference

1998-2002• Dolphus Weary hired as Executive Director• Pat Morley speaks at Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast in Jackson• 1st Grace is Greater than Race tour• 1st Governor’s Prayer Luncheon and Statewide Unity Conference• Mission Mississippi Delta holds Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast in Indianola

2003-2008• Mission Mississippi brings Promise Keepers to Jackson, MS• Dolphus Weary named President• Mission Mississippi responds to Hurricane Katrina by partnering with churches• 40/40 initiative launched, team members preach at over 80 churches statewide• 1st Mississippi Mayors’ Prayer Breakfast, Mayors statewide invited to attend• Days of Dialog instituted and held in communities around the state

2009-2013• Tri-Generational focus launched • On stage interviews conducted with students at Fundraising Luncheon• Neddie Winters named President• 1st Racial Reconciliation Celebration Banquet honors John Perkins and William Winter• Gracism Concept and Challenge launched• Mission Mississippi sought out by businesses and communities to educate on racial tensions• Celebrates 20 years with Mississippi Glowing for Christ, an 82 day journey and celebration

It was an historic moment. Over 200 local leaders, two-thirds clergy, one-third business leaders, had gathered at Primos Northgate, Jackson. They were there for one reason: they had accepted an invitation by two local businessmen, Lee Paris and Victor Smith, to hear a vision for a city-wide crusade involving national evangelist Tom Skinner and author Pat Morley. But God had even greater plans for this gathering on this November day in 1992. As Pat and Tom shared their hearts with this racially diverse crowd, something else

a growing sense of excitement that Pat, a Caucasian, and Tom, an African American, were dem-onstrating in their friendship one of the great social needs in Jackson: racial reconciliation. In fact, one leader noted that if John17:23 (“May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent Me and have loved them even as You have loved me.”) was true, then there would be no effective evangelistic outreach if the church was not in unity, even racially reconciled. As Tom and Pat stood before these spiritual leaders, their love, friendship and camaraderie proved to be a prophetic picture in exposing the racial division in the city.

➺what’s going on

Although this event is still six weeks away, youwill want to put it on your calendar and get yourticket now. A great way to celebrate Valentine’sDay Eve with someone special!

Wesley Biblical Seminary is excited to host anevening with Joshua Bell, world renownedviolinist, on February 13, 2014, 7:00 p.m. “WhatJoshua Bell does is play the violin. What JoshuaBell is is a poet,” according to an Interviewmagazine profile. Mr. Bell, often referred to as the“poet of the violin.” enchants audiences with hisbreathtaking virtuosity, tone of sheer beauty, andcharismatic stage presence. His restless curiosity,passion, universal appeal, and multi-facetedmusical interests have earned him the rare title of“classical music superstar.”

Recently named the Music Director of theAcademy of St Martin in the Fields, Bell is the firstperson to hold this post since Sir Neville Marrinerformed the orchestra in 1958.

Equally at home as a soloist, chambermusician, recording artist and orchestra leader,Bell’s 2013 summer highlights includeperformances with the Israeli Philharmonic and atEastern, Brevard, Tanglewood and Mostly Mozartfestivals. As the featured soloist he will tour for theInaugural Season of the National Youth Orchestraof the U.S.A. with Valery Gergiev to New York,Washington, D.C., London, Moscow and St.Petersburg; with the Australian Youth Orchestra inAustralia and Europe; and with the San DiegoSymphony to China. He performs a SouthAmerican recital tour with pianist Alessio Bax anda European tour with the Academy of St Martin inthe Fields. Bell guests with the Houston, Dallas, St.Louis symphonies, and Carnegie Hall’s seasonopening gala with the Philadelphia Orchestra.

Wesley Biblical Seminary is pleased to supportthe arts in the greater Jackson, Mississippi,community. This evening with Joshua Bell is abenefit concert for Wesley Biblical Seminary andwill be held at Christ United Methodist Church,6000 Old Canton Road, Jackson, Mississippi.

The tickets are $50 each and may bepurchased by visiting WBS.edu or call WBS at601-366-8880, ext. 119. Tickets will be mailedthrough February 1st, after that tickets will beavailable at 787 E. Northside Drive. Corporatesponsors are available. Please contact JohnnyGainey at [email protected]. Y

Joshua Bell to PresentBenefitConcert forWesley BiblicalSeminary


JACKSONJanuary 8Julia V. Taylor, a renowned certified schoolcounselor and author of The BullyingWorkbook for Teens, Salvaging Sisterhood,G.I.R.L.S: Group Counseling Activities forEnhancing Emotional Development, willpresent “Parenting Girls in a Crazy World.”St. Andrews Episcopal School North CampusCenter for the Performing Arts at 7 p.m. Forinfo, contact Ruthie Hollis at 601-853-6053 [email protected].

January 9St. Andrews Episcopal School Boys Summitpresents “Building Boys, Making Men,” witha lunch and keynote address by Lee Burns,Head of School at Presbyterian Day School inMemphis. Event is held at Broadmoor BaptistChurch on Highland Colony Parkway 11:45a.m.-1 p.m. For info, contact Ruthie Hollis at601-853-6053 or [email protected].

January 11The 7th Annual Mississippi Blues Marathonand Half Marathon sponsored by Blue CrossBlue Shield of Mississippi draws runners fromall across the country. Get more info andregister at www.msbluesmarathon.com.

January 11 The Mississippi Children’s Museumpresents, Question It? Discover It! from 10a.m.-2 p.m. Dr. Lawrence Haber and thepediatric orthopedic team from the Universityof Mississippi explain the skeletal system andhow bones interact with each other. Childrenwill also learn the names of bones, thedifferent layers of bones, and how to keeptheir bones healthy. Fun, interactive,educational, and a great way to stay warm in January!

January 17Pastor for Life Luncheon sponsored by Pro-Life Mississippi welcomes Chief Justice Roy

Moore of the Alabama Supreme Court askeynote speaker. Begins 11:30 a.m. at WesleyBiblical Seminary at 787 East Northside Drive.For reservations, call 601.956.8636.

January 17Belhaven University (inside the Center forthe Arts at 835 Riverside Drive) presentsSnow White and the Seven Dwarfs at 7:30p.m. (also on Saturday the 18th at 9:30 a.m.and 11:30 a.m.) This is a little opera forchildren based on the Grimm’s fairy tale. Aclever, one-act classic that children will love!Complimentary admission. Doors open 30minutes prior to each performance.

January 18Pro-Life Mississippi holds its 27th AnnualCandlelight Vigil at 6:00 p.m. in the FirstFloor Rotunda of the State Capitol Building at400 High Street.

January 18Belhaven University presents Two HilariousOperas for Grown-ups! University ConcertHall at 835 Riverside Drive at 2:30 p.m. andagain at 7:30 p.m. La Serva Padrona (TheServant Wife) is about love, social status, andthe winsomeness of wit to overcome. AGame of Chance is a comic opera in one actthat is perfect for first time operagoers.English. Funny. Complimentary admission.

January 20Two and Two Restaurant Day sponsored byMission Mississippi. Participating restaurantsare offering a 20% discount for lunch ordinner to racially diverse groups incelebration of Mission Mississippi’s 20thAnniversary, to honor God, to highlight theprogress of race relations in Mississippi, andto actively participate in promoting racialreconciliation and healing. Participatingrestaurants in Jackson are: Bravo, BroadStreet Bakery, Koinonia Coffee House, Sal &Mookie’s, Two Sisters Kitchen, and HighNoon Cafe.

January 25Storytelling Festival at theMississippi Children’sMuseum from 11 a.m. to 1p.m. Let your imaginationwander to a lost ancient land;dance among damsels, knights and dragons;and tame a wild beast! Acclaimed storytellerDoris Jones will read and perform some ofher favorite children’s books. Doris has

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events calendar performed for over 450 school, library, andmuseum audiences. Her animated andimaginative style engrosses children andadults alike into her stories andperformances. Other local celebrities will beguest readers during the festival. Visitwww.mschildrensmuseum.com for moredetails about performance and reading times.

January 30Mission Mississippihosts its annualGovernor’s PrayerLuncheon at 11:30a.m. at the JacksonConvention Center complex. Join others topray for Governor Bryant, Elected Officials,State and Federal Senators andRepresentatives, and Court Judges/Justices.Individual tickets and sponsorships areavailable. For more info, contact601.353.6477 orwww.missionmississippi.org.

January 31Mid-South Men’s Rally will be held at FirstPresbyterian Church at 1390 North StateStreet. Dinner served from 5:15-6:30,followed by inspiring worship service with Dr. Sanders Willson of Second PresbyterianChurch in Memphis. No charge for dinner orthe rally. For more info, call 601.353.8316.

PEARLJanuary 11The Mississippi Opry begins its 11thseason presenting Alan Sibley with theMagnolia Ramblers at the Pearl CommunityRoom, 2420 Old Brandon Road in Pearl,6:00-9:00 p.m. $10 admission. Childrenunder age 18 admitted free. Contact Sharon Fiveash at 601.331.6672 for more info.

MADISONJanuary 25Germantown High School at 200 CalhounParkway hosts its 2014 Maverick StampedeRace/Walk at 8 a.m. Events include severalraces for adults, a fun run for children under12, and a Kiddie Gallop for children eightand under. Contact Nicole Shows [email protected] or ArletteThompson at 601.502.6788. Y


NORTH STATE ANIMAL & BIRD HOSPITAL

5208 North State Street • Jackson, MS 39206

Dr. Jeb CadeDr. Adrian Whittington Dr. Jonathan FaulknerDr. Melisa McLendon

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 PAGEABC & More, LLC.....................................................10Baptist Health Foundation .........................................9Belhaven University.....................................................5Blue Cross Blue Shield of Mississippi ......................33Broadmoor Baptist Church ......................................21Callaway's Yard & Garden........................................31C Spire .........................................................................3Choose Life..................................................................7Christ Covenant School............................................34Comprehensive Pain Center (Dr. Kevin Vance) ......19Covenant Caregivers ................................................13Cypress Depot ..........................................................28Energy Insulation.......................................................39ERGON......................................................................29EyeCare Professionals...............................................13First Presbyterian Day School ..................................37French Camp Academy............................................37Gentiva Hospice........................................................43GI Peds at GI Associates ............................................2Grantham Poole Certified Public Accountants ......37Highland Village........................................................21Jackson Academy .......................................................2Jackson Preparatory School.....................................17Joshua Bell Benefit Concert.....................................39Ken'ts Cajun Kitchen...................................................8Law Firm of William B. Howell, Ltd. ........................36Madison-Ridgeland Academy .................................29Maine's Best Kept Secret.........................................14Marcia G. Hale, Licensed Professional Counselor..35Mars & Steel, Inc.......................................................39Mid South Men’s Rally..............................................17Mission Mississippi’s Governor Prayer Luncheon...11MWG Senior Services...............................................12N. State Animal Hospital..........................................42O! How Cute.............................................................16O'Mire Financial........................................................38Pennington & Trim Alarm Services, Inc...................11Prime Care Nursing ..................................................39Private Collection......................................................14Sitters, LLC ................................................................11Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company....19St. Dominic's Healthy Weight Advantage ..............15Stegall Imagery .........................................................43Summit Counseling...................................................12Sunnybrook Estates ..................................................38TEC ............................................................................29The Orchard ..............................................................17The Waterford...........................................................33Tim Tebow.................................................................27Tinnin Imports ...........................................................44Venable Glass Services .............................................38WHJT Star 93.5.........................................................38Wright & Ferguson Funeral Home..........................37Written in Stone, LLC ...............................................28

ADVERTISER INDEX

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

Optimism isn’t about trying harder but about trusting more. We allgrow weary from the battles every now and again, but we alwayshave a choice to either believe in our circumstances or to believe inour Father. Hope is our calling and is a precious gift and gracegiven to us by God. It is the anchor of our souls and the thing thatproduces in us endurance and perseverance.

– Karen Janous

✂Home is where we are known the best,misunderstood the most and are constantly opento scrutiny and criticism. But it is supremely herethat the Christian life has to be lived, because itis here that the gospel is put to its severest test.

– Stuart Olyott

He gives strength tothe weary andincreases the power ofthe weak. Even youthsgrow tired and weary,and young menstumble and fall; butthose who hope in theLord will renew theirstrength. They willsoar on wings likeeagles; they will runand not grow weary,they will walk and notbe faint.

– Isaiah 40: 29-31

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth,where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves breakin and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures inheaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, andwhere thieves do not break in and steal. For whereyour treasure is, there your heart will be also.

– Matthew 6: 19-21

Radical obedience to Christ is noteasy... It’s not comfort, not health,not wealth, and not prosperity inthis world. Radical obedience toChrist risks losing all thesethings. But in the end, such riskfinds its reward in Christ. And heis more than enough for us.

– David Platt

The wisest are not theones with the most yearsin their lives, but themost life in their years.

– Max Lucado

It is sobering to contemplate howmuch time, effort, sacrifice,compromise, and attention we giveto acquiring and increasing oursupply of something that is totallyinsignificant in eternity.

– Anne Graham Lotz

Each New Year, we have before us a brandnew book containing 365 blank pages. Letus fill them with all the forgotten thingsfrom last year—the words we forgot to say,the love we forgot to show, and the charitywe forgot to offer.

– Peggy Toney Horton

Lord, you have been our dwelling placethroughout all generations. Before themountains were born or you broughtforth the whole world, from everlastingto everlasting you are God.

– Psalm 90:1-2

It is never toolate to be whatyou might havebeen.

– George Eliot

People shop for a bathing suitwith more care than they do ahusband or wife. The rulesare the same. Look forsomething you’ll feelcomfortable wearing. Allowfor room to grow.

– Erma Bombeck


Flowood, MSphone 601-983-3193 / fax 601-983-3194

Magee, MSphone 601-849-5803 / fax 601-849-5805

We believe that every moment matters. Maybe that’s why so many families believe in us when itcomes to choosing a hospice provider. Ask us about volunteer opportunities. Provide the gift ofcompanionship and a listening ear to a family facing a life-limiting illness. For more information orto receive our free DVD, “Hospice and Your Loved One,” call 601-983-3193.

gentiva.com/hospice

Gentiva accepts patients for care regardless of age, race, color national origin, religion, sex, disability, being a qualified disabled veteran, being a qualified disabled veteran ofthe Vietnam era, or any other category protected by law, or decisions regarding advance directives. © 2014 Gentiva Health Services, Inc. MKT3144

january 2014 metro christian living

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