The Signal Vol. VIII

Spring 2006
Volume VIII
Sexual Purity
Living Single with Boundaries
Spring Into
Health
10 Steps to
a new lifestyle
Christian Hotspots
Take 6 Takes Off
Heard From
God Lately?
CCMtv.org
CONTENTS
11
8
President / Founder
Damian Cox
Editor / Design Coordinator
Sheila Cox
[email protected]
Promotions / Publicity Manager
Paula Cox
[email protected]
Web Design
Gary Gogis / Damian Cox
Contributors
EMI Gospel / Provident Music
Group / Take 6 Records / Pearl
Freeman / Kimberly Garrison /
Patricia Jones
3
4
5
6
7
8
President’s Corner - By Damian Cox
Dear CCM Letters & comments
Editor’s Note Celebrating Our Readers – By Sheila Cox
Introducing a new segment, “Livin’ It!”, featuring the lives
of our readers
Music & Entertainment (M&E) Farewell to Donald
Lawrence & The Tri-City Singers – Courtesy of EMI Gospel
M&E From Backstreet Boy to Christian Soloist – Courtesy
of Provident Music Group
M&E Take 6 Takes Off – Courtesy of Take 6 Records
Dynamic singing group makes a comeback
Have You Heard from
10 Profile
Me Lately? – CCM Special
Where to go for direction
It’s Our Mission:
To provide a media
platform for the purpose of
presenting innovative, Christian
programming and wholesome
entertainment for the advancement
of the Kingdom of God.
Cross Culture Media
P.O. Box 68127
Indianapolis, IN 46268
Toll free: 877-MY-CCMTV
www.CCMtv.org
Out & About – CCM Special
11 Feature
What some Christians are up to
14
Livin’ It! Sexual Purity
By Pearl Freeman
From a young adult’s standpoint
14
& Wellness (H&W)
16 Health
Spring Into Fitness
By Kimberly Garrison
18 H&W
Bring On the Flavor
Healthy recipes from Patricia Jones
The Signal
Spring 2006
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18
P r e s i d e n t‘ s C o r n e r
CCMtv.org
CCM Friends and Partners:
Greetings!
I must start by expressing how blessed and humbled I am to be a part of CCM. I pray often
that I do everything God would have me to do for this ministry. The day and time we live in makes
it such a joy to do God’s work. Amazing things are happening today with ministries all over the
world.
Although tests and trials come, and seem to only intensify with ministry, I still look forward
to being used by God personally and corporately, as I’m noticing more than ever how people are
eagerly seeking outlets for inspiration and food that will quench their spirits.
At Cross Culture Media, we are passionate about building a media platform with a
reputation of presenting and distributing innovative, Christian programming and wholesome
entertainment with excellence. Since the conception of CCM in 2003, I have been engrossed in the
media industry. It is more evident to me that quality media exists that fits our criteria; however,
oftentimes, many people are not exposed to it.
Our 1st annual “Impact the World” filmmaker award recently closed the application process.
We are now reviewing film submissions and hope to announce the winner of the $500 award in
the summer of 2006. Applicants represent various ages and cultures from all over the world. I look
forward to the growth of CCM and, especially with the filmmaker award in the future. I encourage
those who were unable to participate this year to submit their submission for the next CCM
“Impact the World” filmmaker award.
Moving in faith,
Damian Cox
President, CCM
The Signal
Spring 2006
3
Submit all comments to:
[email protected]
DEAR CCM:
The abortion article from last edition of The Signal regarding
The Crisis Pregnancy Center was very good. I liked the way the
information was given in a question & answer forum, giving insight
from someone who has lived it and in turn was offering help to others.
I appreciate the light it shed on the lies that surround this issue. So
many unborn babies die because pregnant women/girls believe lies
told that what is growing inside them is not life but "tissue". If they
would only stop long enough and look at life from God's point- of-view
as Creator, the truth would not be hard to see.
Tissue that is the beginning of life is not dead; it "grows"
into another human being. So to say that the beginning of a baby is
"tissue" is only partly true. This half truth leaves out the fact that this
tissue is the beginnings of a "growing", living human being. Satan
tells "half" truths for the purpose of deceiving. This half truth has
easily been sold to women/girls who have been trained by our society
to freely indulge in sex but to run from the responsibilities it can
bring. Therefore, they believe what they want to believe and, do not
investigate the validity of such statements. But then, unfortunately,
the truth of the matter ascends heavily on ill-informed mothers after
aborting as they suffer with guilt, depression, anxiety, etc.
I suppose my reply reveals some frustrations. I can't deny it.
My frustrations are not so much toward the deceived mothers as it is
toward the medical field because they know the truth.
Thank you CICPC for keeping the truth of God alive.
---New Mexico Reader, age 54
Dear Reader:
Thank you for your response to the “Abortion-Minded?” article
from our last edition. In addition to your reply, the purpose of this
article was to expose the myths & fallacies of abortion by letting
others know that people make mistakes and to show how God
forgives & loves them through it all.
Submit all comments to:
[email protected]
The Signal
Spring 2006
--- Cross Culture Media
4
CCMtv.org
Celebrating Our Readers
Everyone
has a story. Everyone is
unique. Everyone can make a difference in
the lives of those around them.
Just sit back and listen to an elder
adult from time-to-time. There’s where we
can realize how rich a person’s life is by
listening to stories involving many years of
history,
accomplishments
and
learned
lessons. Everyone has a story!
This in turn is why CCM searched out
a way to showcase the everyday lives of those
around us. Allow me to introduce “Livin’ It!”, a
new segment in The Signal which features life
stories & wisdom from our readers.
Why do we usually wait to celebrate
life after someone passes away? I say, let’s
celebrate life now! Why not give each other
praise while we’re still able to appreciate it?
If you have an interesting story, or
even an average one with purpose, but never
have had the opportunity to tell it, now’s your
chance to share!
God definitely uses His children in
unique ways. We’re all gifted in some way!
Our vast array of talents & life experiences
are used together in the specific manner God
has entrusted us with. They’re not given for
us to keep to ourselves, but to pass on for
the benefit of others.
I recently heard someone state: “The
more we value & use our God-given talents,
the more beautiful we become.” Everyone has
beauty and “Livin’ It!” is used to provide a
platform for such beauty that may not always
be recognized in our daily lives.
In this edition of The Signal, we’re
featuring a young lady studying in college to
become a writer. She shares her dating
experience with real world explanations and
also provides simple solutions to the many
challenges single adults face on a daily basis.
Please enjoy this first segment of
“Livin’ It!”, but remember to ask yourself,
“What is it in my life that could be used as
inspiration for others?”, or “How can I make a
difference by sharing a part of who I am?”
Let’s celebrate your life together by
celebrating the story God wants to tell others
through YOU!
Providing a media platform
for the purpose of presenting
innovative, Christian
programming
and wholesome
entertainment for the
advancement of the
Kingdom of God
www.CrossCultureMedia.org
“Catch the Vision –
Impact the World”
--- SHEILA COX, Editor
The Signal
Spring 2006
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CCMtv.org
Music & Entertainment
DONALD & The Tri-City Singers
LAWRENCE
BID
FAREWELL
With the awe-inspiring release of “Finale”, Donald Lawrence and the Tri-City Singers bid farewell.
“The Tri-City Singers’ ‘Finale’ leaves a lasting impression. The production was solid,
the singers were on-point, and the direction of Donald Lawrence truly enhanced this
powerful ministry. ‘Finale’ couldn’t have had better guest vocalists ranging from
Daryl Coley to Karen Clark-Sheard and many others…An unforgettable worship
Experience! ”
– Damian Cox, President, Cross Culture Media
The Stellar Award-winning choir’s “Finale” includes a Collector’s Limited Edition box set
that incorporates: 2 CD’s, 2 DVD’s, a 12 page booklet of lyrics and liner notes written by
Lawrence highlighting this historic occasion, as well as, two exclusive bonus audio tracks.
Recorded in November 2005, “Finale”, captures one of the most important choirs in gospel
music history, and brings to a resounding close a glowing chapter that ultimately opens the
door to even more possibilities.
The Signal
Spring 2006
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CCMtv.org
Backstreet Boys’
Brian
Littrell
Releases Debut
Christian Album
B
rian Littrell, one of pop’s most recognized and
bestselling artists, released this Spring his debut
Christian-market album, Welcome Home. In
conjunction with Jive Records, the Reunion Records
project arrived on the heels of last summer’s No. 1
Christian radio single, Littrell’s remake of “In Christ
Alone”, a Dove-nominated track off WOW #1s. The
first single from Welcome Home is its title track.
“This has been a dream of mine since I was a little
boy singing in church in Lexington, Kentucky,” said
Littrell, who grew up singing in various youth choirs
at Port Memorial Baptist Church. With Welcome
Home, “I hope to encourage people to stand up for
what they believe.”
Terry Hemmings, President and CEO of Provident
Music Group, called Littrell’s signing – three years
in the making – “one of the most unique partnerships
ever to happen in Christian music.” Hemmings
continued, “Throughout the course of making the
deal, I got to know Brian as a forthright, sincere
person of God. This is what Brian was built to do.
His enthusiasm for the record just oozes out of him.”
Produced by Billy Mann (Jessica Simpson, Ricky
Martin); Dan Muckala (Backstreet Boys, Mandy
Moore); and the production team of Mark Kibble and
Dave Thomas (Take 6, Mariah Carey, CeCe Winans),
Welcome Home reveals Littrell’s heart and plants a
stake in the ground recognizing his source of
greatest hope. A straight-ahead pop record, lyrically
the project illuminates God’s unequivocal love for
The Signal
humanity and outlines the possibilities for life when
people dedicate themselves to a higher calling.
“I’ve been writing Christian music for a long time,”
Littrell said, “and now I have the opportunity to
share some of those songs with others. I’m a family
guy making music for the family. This really is like
a dream come true.” Plans are coming together for
Littrell to support Welcome Home at select Christian
music festivals this summer.
Brian Littrell is widely-known as the 13-year member
of the legendary pop group, Backstreet Boys. He has
contributed to worldwide sales in excess of 75
million records and has amassed legions of fans
around the globe. Last summer, Backstreet Boys
released “Never Gone”, their first studio album in
five years. Brian lives in Atlanta with his wife
Leighanne and their three-year-old, Baylee. Littrell
will continue to perform with Backstreet Boys and
looks forward to sharing his solo album with fans.
Source: Provident Music Group
Spring 2006
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CCMtv.org
TAKE 6
B
eing patently original with a
timeless musical artistry can
only define one group – Take
6. Take 3 parts Gospel + 1 part
Jazz + 1 dash of Pop + 1 touch
of R&B = 6 parts of soulful
harmony. Take 6’s new album
“Feels
Good”
ingeniously
blends all these genres in a
delicious, spirit-soaring feast of
sound.
With the release of
their much-anticipated album,
“Feels Good”, Take 6 returns to
their rich musical heritage
bringing the listener along for
one of their most uplifting,
funky and inspirational joy
rides to date. “Feels Good”
makes you feel just that –
good.
With
a
staggering
eighteen Grammy-Award nominations, Take 6 is the most
nominated Gospel, Jazz, Pop
and R&B artists in Grammy
history. Yet, along with their
solid 10 Grammy wins, 10
Dove Awards, one Soul Train
Award and two NAACP Image
Award nominations already on
their mantel, Take 6 have set
yet another challenge for
themselves. The group has
recently launched Take 6
Records,
and
is
now
capitalizing on, not only their
20
years
of
collective
experience in the creative side
of music, but also, by taking a
more proactive role in the
business of music. Member
Alvin Chea says, “This was a
natural progression for us.
Traditional record companies
want to lock you into a
particular category. If you are
slightly askew of that, they really don’t know what to do with you. We decided to take
the reigns on this project and in our careers so we could position our projects in the
marketplace by how we felt led.”
In the music industry, Take 6 is so universally recognized as simply being “the
best”, that they have virtually owned Downbeat Magazine’s readers’ poll, having won
“Favorite Jazz Vocal Group” 9 consecutive years. In spite of this, Mark Kibble states, “It is
important for us to continually challenge ourselves musically in order to keep our music
and creative spirit fresh.”
The Signal
Spring 2006
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CCMtv.org
=
Take 6 has received some of their highest praise from the music industry’s icons. Mega
producer and longtime collaborator, Quincy Jones, has described Take 6 as “The baddest vocal cats on
the planet.” In their stellar career, they have been honored to perform with numerous music legends
including: Ella Fitzgerald, Miles Davis, David Foster, Al Jarreau, Stevie Wonder, Denyce Graves, The
Yellowjackets and Wynton Marsalis among a host of others. The Take 6 style has also reached today’s
pop culture. Their musical style and tight harmonies have influenced pop groups from Boyz II Men and
Backstreet Boys to *NSYNC.
As wonderful as these honors and accolades are, Take 6 is still committed to using their music
as a ministry. Claude McKnight (founding member) beams, “I’m immensely proud of the fact we have
had only one personal change in the group which was founded 20 years ago. It is very much a
testament to our commitment to one another and spreading the gospel through our music”.
Take 6 consists of members: Alvin Chea, Cedric Dent, Claude McKnight, David Thomas, Joel
Kibble and Mark Kibble.
Courtesy of Take 6 Records
The Signal
Spring 2006
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CCMtv.org
Profile
Have you
heard
from ME
lately?
W
e ask God for direction & guidance in our life,
but do we take enough time to stop and hear His
answers? How will we know what His will is for our
lives unless we spend time in two-way conversation?
I just don’t know what direction to go
in with my life. I’m so confused.
A – “If you need wisdom – if you want to know what
God wants you to do – ask Him, and He will gladly tell
you. He will not resent your asking. But when you ask
Him, be sure that you really expect Him to answer,
for a doubtful mind is as unsettled as a wave of the
sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.” 1
How can I forgive others after they’ve
wronged me?
A – “Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh
words, and slander, as well as all types of malicious
behavior.
Instead,
be
kind
to
each
other,
tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God
through Christ has forgiven you.” 2
So many times I offend my spouse
when I quickly respond to his/her
complaints. What can I do?
A – “My dear brothers and sisters, be quick to listen,
slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Your anger can
1
never make things right in God’s sight…If you
claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue,
you are just fooling yourself, and your religion is
worthless.” 3
I’m very strong at times, but other
times I find it hard to not do the sinful
things I like to do. Help!
A – “If you think you are standing strong, be
careful, for you, too, may fall into the same sin. But
remember that the temptations that come into
your life are no different from what others
experience. And God is faithful. He will keep the
temptation from becoming so strong that you can’t
stand up against it. When you are tempted, He will
show you a way out so that you will not give in to
it.” 4
What should I do when I don’t feel like
being around other people?
A – “Whenever we have the opportunity, we should
do good to everyone, especially to our Christian
brothers and sisters…Share each other’s troubles
and problems, and in this way obey the law of
Christ.” 5
James 1:5, 6; 2 Eph. 4:31, 32 ; 3 James 1:19, 20, 26; 4 I Cor. 10: 12, 13; 5 Gal. 6:10, 2 – New Living Bible
The Signal
Spring 2006
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CCMtv.org
Feature
3 Degrees Christian Night Club
We
Out & About
Looking for
Something
to Do?
Take a look at how some
Christians are enjoying
fun, leisure time.
The Signal
asked several Christians what they like
to do on their free time. Many said they
enjoy going to movies, sharing a meal with
friends, and participating in ministry events.
However, others mentioned the lack of
options for Christians in their hometown.
They ask, “Why can’t we find anywhere to go
that offers clean comedy?” or they have said,
“I would love to find a place that offers
Christian music in a leisure environment.”
Cross Culture set out to find a few of the
places these people have been looking for.
Spring 2006
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CCMtv.org
Pastor Nancy gave us insight on where the
passion comes from. “Our main purpose is to
present the gospel in a way that makes it
accessible to anyone. We try to create an
environment that is non-threatening.
“There are people on hand to pray with
others. When you walk in, you won’t find a
Bible, but instead will find people who are
willing and ready to share their faith.”
Pastor Nancy reflecting said, “We don’t shrink
back from ministering Jesus Christ by not
upholding a biblical standard. We’ve always
been
non-alcoholic,
smoke-free
and
encourage the bands to testify.”
“The Children” perform at Club 3 Degrees. Others who have been featured
are: Six Pence, Kirk Franklin, Third Day, Karen Clark Sheard & many more.
“Over the last 17 years we have prayed with
over 6,000 people and have received
hundreds of testimonies.”
“We also provide a place for Christians to go.
A gentleman wrote a letter saying that the
Union was the only place he could go to be in
a Christian setting when he was in college,
and now he’s actually in a church band.”
The staff of Club 3 Degrees understands that
running an operation of such magnitude
doesn’t come easy. “Some Christian clubs
have ended up selling alcohol and bringing in
secular things to pay the bills. Many have
opened up and closed, also.”
Club 3 Degrees holds a casual church service every Sunday night with
worship music & a message.
Minneapolis, MN – Club 3 Degrees – a three-level, 18,000
square foot facility offers state-of-the-art sound and lighting
with a 1,700 person capacity. The club features local and
national Christian artists and DJ’s every Thursday, Friday and
Saturday night.
“Being under the umbrella of a very large
church helps. Living Word Church has funded
and underwritten our cost. You need
finances, commitment & resources for
backing. If it wasn’t for Living Word Church,
we wouldn’t exist.” www.club3degrees.com
In it’s beginning stages, Pastor Nancy Aleksuk saw 3 Degrees in
a vision from God, when amazingly, at the same time, her
pastor was looking to take Christian bands into another building
to expand their ministry. He was looking to provide more
opportunities for people who would not step foot into a church.
They found an old bar whose owner had become a Christian and
secured the building.
In 1989, the club was called New Union, then they moved into a
2nd facility and on to its current location downtown in the
nightclub/bar district. Ever since this last move, Club 3 Degrees
has received overwhelming national publicity from television,
radio & print media. Newsweek wrote a fabulous article & the
Today Show featured them in a segment. Rolling Stone even
called 3 Degrees “the sleekest, most pristine night club the Twin
Cities has to offer”.
The Signal
Spring 2006
“We try to create an
environment that is
non-threatening.”
Pastors Steve &
Nancy Aleksuk,
Living Word Church
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SOW RIGHT PRODUCTIONS
Indianapolis,
IN
–
Sow
Right
Productions – Cross Culture Media
chatted with Co-owners, Chris & Trease
Sears
regarding
their
production
company & brand new venue, The
Lighthouse.
Q Tell
us about the vision of Sow Right
Productions
A – The vision came from wanting to
have Christian entertainment and
wanting to provide something for
Christians to be able to come out to
and enjoy themselves at an affordable
cost. At one event, we brought in Karen
Clark Sheard & a group called Ramiyah
and had a raffle drawing for a car.
Sowright Productions’ New Years’ Eve event at the Madame CJ Walker Ballroom
Q In the past you’ve sponsored events in
venues throughout the city, but now
you have your own venue which is
called The Lighthouse. Tell us about
that.
A – The Lighthouse is actually a club –
it’s a gospel club. It’s not a nightclub
but a lightclub because as Christians
we are of the light and not of the dark.
Basically, God gave me a vision that
said I want a place for Christians to
come in and be themselves. I
experienced some hardships & troubles
in secular clubs and wanted to develop
something positive, so God put it in me
to develop something for Christians.
The
club
environment
[at
The
Lighthouse] is just a standard club.
There are pool tables, dancing, nonalcoholic cash bar, entertainment, live
artists, jazz bands and things of this
nature.
“Viktory”, Christian Hip Hop artist gives his props at The Lighthouse.
Q So, would you say that you’ve had to educate people on this
type of concept? What would you say to someone who is a
skeptic?
A – Yes. I would tell that person, basically, that they would have
to come out and enjoy themselves. You have to be free in your
Christianity. God did not call us to just stay in our houses, read
our Bibles and be locked up. He did call us to still live our
normal lives and if you want to go out and enjoy yourselves.
You can do that.
“We want to bring
people out of the
Q What are some of the plans you have for the future?
negative club
A – Renting it out…We have lots of artists that are coming &
plays that will be going on. We plan to have a book club as well
environment.”
that will meet about twice a month. We also want to do a lot
with the youth to show them they don’t have to act like the
world. We have to be the better example.
Continued on page 15
Chris & Trease Sears,
Co-Owners
The Signal
Spring 2006
13
L i v i n’ I t !
CCMtv.org
Sexual
Purity
From the stance of a young,
Christian adult in a relationship
M
Too many useless “How To” guides
ost women in this world have at least
come across a “How To” article in the
pages of a magazine. Some women stop in their
tracks to pick up the latest scoop, and some flip
right on through, disregarding the “How To” traps.
I was one of those stop and get the scoop women.
By Pearl Freeman
However, most of the time it was some cheesy article
such as “How to get a Good Man”, “How to Keep a
to Conquer Sexual Purity”. Now, I’m only 19 and I
know that there are women with way more experience
Good Man”
than me on this topic. However, I want to give this
information from a stance of a young, Christian
and “How to
female, adult who is in a relationship.
Conquering sexual purity in a secular world
is a task to be reckoned with. Temptations from
every side can easily get you off track; but there
are ways to not get thrown off completely.
First of all, being a woman of God, the first
guide you should consult is your Bible! I know.
I know, the Bible is long, yes, but it’s the best
way to get accurate information regarding the way
you should live your life. I think I can break it down
for all the ladies who just cannot find it or understand
it.
Make a Good
Man
Love
You”. I could go on for decades listing the ample
amount of ridiculous titles for these famous “How
To” guides.
The biggest problem with “How To” guides
is that they, unfortunately, neglect to tell you why
you should do certain things. So, I want to break the
trend and give “How To” guides a new name!
Now, no offense to those who still like to
read these articles, but when has there ever been a
life changing “How To” article such as “How to Be
and Stay Pure”? Maybe you could find it in a
informative Christian book or even in a Christian
magazine, but dare not try to find this in a secular
magazine with a half naked woman on the front of
it! So what is society trying to say? Pure is only for
the believers and if you’re not a believer, why bother
being pure? I feel that is the statement they are trying
to portray.
I stopped reading the “How To” portions of
magazines and decided to make up my own - “How
The Signal
“How to Conquer Sexual Purity and
Why You Should!”
1. We all know the little rules that our
mothers most likely drilled into our heads, and if
you don’t know, I’m going to tell you just in case
you need to start at this point. No “intense” kissing,
no taking off clothes, don’t be in bedrooms with
lights off...Hold on! Don’t even be in bedrooms,
period!! There’s no need to be alone; stay in social
settings. No backseats of cars, and dark parking lots.
I guess that covers a few, but if any more pop into
your mind, don’t do it!
Spring 2006
Now for the not so young adults...You may
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CCMtv.org
have your own place. Why...why, would you have him over, or vice versa, if you aren’t going to do anything? You
can GO OUT to the movies; you can GO OUT to eat...no excuses.
Okay, enough of the obvious things, now on to the big stuff! Sexual purity does not just include restraining
from sexual intercourse! Surprise! Sexual purity is also keeping your mind pure of filth. For example, if you and
your boyfriend are committed in a relationship and you both are choosing to abstain from sexual impurity, why
would you allow him to arouse you and vice versa? Think about it! If you are followers of Christ, you should be
be aware that Matthew 26:41 says, “Watch and pray so that
.
“Watch and pray so
that you will not fall
you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but
the body is weak.” Why should we not fall into temptation,
you ask? Well, our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit,
and we are to keep them pure. (I Corinthians 6:19, 20)
2. Praying, oh the power of prayer! Just like in Matthew; it
into temptation. The
spirit is willing, but the
body is weak.”
says pray so that you will not fall into temptation. My
boyfriend and I pray regularly, which is a key to a Christcentered relationship. Not only should we pray for what we
want or what we need, we should also pray for what we
want God to sustain us from! “Ask and it shall be given, do
not ask you shall not receive.” Psalms 37:4 says, “Delight
yourself in the LORD and He will give you the desires of
your heart.” Now if your true desire is a relationship of
Matthew 26:41
purity and you stay obedient and trust in God’s Word and
honestly delight yourself in Him, He will give it to you!
3. 2 Corinthians 10:5, “We demolish arguments and every
Continued from page 13 (Out & About)
Q Right now on Friday nights you have Christian
comedians come in after recording live on the
radio. Is that right?
A – Yes, they’re on AM1310 in the mornings.
After that, they come to the club in the evenings
and perform.
Q Anything else you’d like to share?
A – We have been doing this since 1998 with
parties. It’s a hard mission to change the
mindsets of those in the city. We want it to be
a ministry to change people’s mentalities. We’re
also targeting the unsaved and want [the
Lighthouse] to be a place where souls can be
saved & lives changed. We want to bring people
out of the negative club environment and use
this as an avenue to do many things for the
Kingdom of God. The world has it, so why can’t
we? www.sowrightpro.com, 317-716-5736
Many other Christian Coffeehouses & gathering
places exist all across the country such as in:
Atlanta, GA (clubjubilee.com), Brownsburg, IN, New
York, NY, Florham Park, NJ, etc. The list continues.
Check out an internet search engine for more info.
Also, write to CCM if you have an event or venue of
interest - [email protected].
The Signal
pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God,
and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to
Christ.” This applies in every area of our life....to “take
captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ”. If we
say that Jesus is our Lord & our Savior, He must be so over
every aspect. We cannot pick and choose when to obey Him.
So many times we rationalize, making excuses for
things we want to do without seeking out accurate guidance
on the right thing to do, especially in the area of sexuality.
So many people think they have no kind of control over
this area of their life. However, if this were true, how do
they expect to have that same control once they become
married? God’s principles are the same yesterday & today.
He gives us these “rules” for a reason...because He loves
us and wants us to live purposefully.
Afterall, we are commanded to praise and to glorify
Him, and any time we live in sin, it takes us further away
from Him. James 4:4 “...Anyone who chooses to be friends
with the world becomes an enemy with God.”
So, please consider this writing encouragement
from someone who is not perfect, but who is striving to be
obedient through the grace of our Lord & Savior, Jesus
Christ. Peace to you all!
Spring 2006
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CCMtv.org
Health&Wellness
Spring…
Into
Health
By Kimberly Garrison
T
he springtime is the perfect time to recommit to new
beginnings. For as long as there is breath, there is life and
with life comes the ever-present opportunity to re-invent
and re-invest in ourselves. It is never too late to change our
lives and turn over a new leaf.
Once spring arrives many people begin thinking about their
health and fitness once again and vow to literally spring into
action. If that sounds like you, then look no further. Follow
the following 10 key strategies for achieving success in
weight loss, exercise and health and live your best life ever.
1 Winning at Losing
It’s been well documented by many experts that those most
successful at permanent weight loss combine sensible
eating with a consistent exercise plan. Winning at losing
can be summed up with five simple words therefore: Eat
less and exercise more.
2 Do Your Homework
Preparation is key. Those who fail to plan – plan to fail. It
really is true. You won’t be successful unless you do the
planning work.
3 Schedule It
Schedule your workouts and food shopping in you planner
like other important engagements.
Also, maintain a
nutrition and exercise log so you can monitor your success.
4 Shop the Periphery
Shop the sides of the market. Stay out of those aisles. The
more you shop between the aisles the more trouble you’ll
get in. All the good stuff is on the perimeter. Load up your
buggy with produce, fresh fruit and vegetables, low-fat
dairy, lean meats, and fish.
The Signal
Spring 2006
16
5 Eat Out Less
Prepare the majority of your meals in advance at
home.
Statistics show you’ll likely eat upwards of
40% more when dining out. Besides, who wouldn’t
want a leaner waist and a fatter wallet?
“Your body is designed
for movement …
6 Exercise is King
Would you consider leaving your home without
brushing your teeth or combing your hair? Probably
not, but how many days, weeks, or months have you
neglected your most significant asset – you? Your
body is designed for movement and daily exercise is
good for the body, mind, and the soul.
7 Mix Up the Exercise
They say variety is the spice of life, and when it
comes to exercise, it’s absolutely true. Be sure to
approach the exercise habit comprehensively. You’ll
want to do cardio to work the heart, strength training
for building and strengthening muscles, stretching to
maintain and increase flexibility, as well, you’ll need
to work on your balance.
8 Nutrition is Queen
“You are what you eat. One minute on the lips, a
lifetime on the hips,” may sound cliché but no truer
words were spoken.
If there’s one thing we
absolutely have control over, it is what we eat. Every
day, make it a habit to eat whole foods like leafy
greens, vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean
proteins.
9 Just say “No” to Excess
Fat!
Cook and choose foods that are grilled, baked,
broiled, or steamed. Avoid eating all fried foods.
10 Nix the Salt and Sugar
Avoid eating white flour products, candy, cakes,
cookies, and most commercial snack foods. Cakes,
cookies, candy, and snack foods make poor fashion
accessories.
Kimberly Garrison, who specializes in
women’s fitness, is certified by both the
American Aerobic Association
International/International Sports Medicine
Association and American Fitness
Professionals & Associates; she is also a
member of the American College of Sports
Medicine and IDEA.
www.1on1ultimatefitness.com
The Signal
Spring 2006
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CCMtv.org
CCMtv.org
Bring On the Flavor!
Allow Your Health To Indulge…
Registered Dietitian, Patricia Jones, graduated from Indiana
State University in 1987, is currently pursuing a Masters in
Health Administration, and resides as the Food Service
Director for JEWEL Educational Services. She’s utilizing her
gifts to bless others through the authoring of her book,
“Nourishment for the Body and Soul”, which features a
collection of recipes to cleanse the body naturally – no
additives, no preservatives, no refined sugars. Originally
written to be used during a “Daniel’s Fast” (Psalm 139:13-19),
Cross Culture Media found her book to be a wonderful,
healthy alternative to the norm. Let’s take a look at some of
her insight and recipes.
Fruit Smoothie
½ cup frozen strawberries
1 large banana
½ cup crushed pineapple
½ cup apple juice
½ cup grape juice
Combine all ingredients in a blender. Pulse until
some of ingredients are crushed. Blend on high
until smooth.
Many people have an inner desire for better health,
but for whatever reason, they cannot discipline themselves to
avoid junk food and other unhealthy foods. The physical
health you seek from God may be more than an answer to
prayer. Your physical health may be linked to any of the
following factors:
1.
Your testimony commitment – statement of faith to
God
2.
Your level of spiritual commitment – constant prayer
3.
Your time commitment
4.
Your food choices
I get my passion for healthy eating from watching my
father live with Diabetes Mellitus Type 1. Because of bad
eating habits, I watched him have a major stroke, suffer with
seizures and have an above the knee amputation.
It became important to me, at that time, to eat right
and to work out on a consistent basis because of witnessing
this situation. People do not realize how much food has an
affect on our bodies, and how unhealthy food creates many of
the illnesses we suffer as a result of bad food choices.
The recipes in my book, “Nourishment for the Body and Soul”
will cause natural cleaning and good, healthy habits. Enjoy
and receive the manifestations of God.
To Purchase “Nourishment for the Body and Soul”,
contact Patricia Jones at 317-507-3154 or
write
[email protected]
The Signal
Spring 2006
Seven Vegetable Chili
4 tbsp. olive oil
1 medium red onion, coarsely chopped
1 tsp. minced garlic
3 cups canned (14.5 oz) pinto beans, rinsed &
drained
1 medium sweet potato, diced
3 cups fresh or frozen whole kernel corn
1 can (35 oz) whole tomatoes
3 cups cauliflower
1 cup bell pepper
3 cups carrots
1 cup vegetable broth
3 tbsp. cumin
3 tbsp. chili powder
2 tbsp. tomato paste
2 tsp. paprika
2 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper
¼ cup cilantro, chopped
Heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil over medium
heat. Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil, until the
onion is softened but not browned, about 10
minutes. Add remaining oil to the pan, along with
beans, cauliflower, sweet potato, bell pepper,
carrots, corn, tomatoes, broth, cumin, chili
powder, tomato paste, paprika, salt and cayenne
pepper, and stir until well combined. Bring to a
boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to
medium-low and simmer, covered, stirring
frequently, until the vegetables are just tender,
about 10 minutes. For more tender vegetables,
cook the chili for another 20 minutes. Just before
serving, stir in the cilantro. Serves 10 to 12.
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