June 2013 - Christian Family Publications

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Editor: Joanna Amunds, [email protected]
Contributing Writers:
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Judy Bates
Brian Burke
Ridley Barron
Mark Cornelius
Tammy Daughtry
Ellen Diederich
Stacy Dunn
Jeff Jones
Charlie Kaiser
Scott Lehman
Jason Lindsey
Ronnie McBrayer
Elaine Morris
David Pridmore
Dave Ramsey
Alicia Rohan
Barbara Rucker
Laurie Stroud
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Coastal Christian Family® is published monthly in
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Coastal Christian Family® exists to provide Christians and the community at large
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individuals and organizations are doing to try to address the needs of the family.
FROM THE PUBLISHER
Welcome to the June edition of Coastal Christian Family. This month we celebrate Father’s Day. There
are different kinds of fathers. Some are biological fathers, some stepfathers and some men who just
naturally love and nurture young people around them. We see this in teachers, coaches, youth directors
and many others.
I am so blessed to have a father who loves me and is a loving grandfather to my children, a father-inlaw who loves my children and a husband who is a great dad and leader of our family. God gives direction in his Word to fathers and gives the perfect example of how to be a father as our Heavenly Father.
Duck Dynasty’s Phil Robertson gives his thoughts on family, marriage and fatherhood in our cover
story this month. Spending time in the Word and sharing his faith is his lifeline.
I believe God wants fathers to be spiritual head of their households, to love and discipline their children while teaching them mercy and compassion. Fathers have the responsibility to teach their children about God and be examples of how to live for the Lord. Let’s give thanks this month as we think
about the dads in our own lives for their love, leadership and support.
Fathers, read the Word and teach your children about our loving Father in Heaven as He has directed.
“Tell it to your children, and let your children tell it to their children, and their children to the next generation. ” Joel 1:3
Unless otherwise noted scripture taken from the Holy
Bible New International Version, copyright 1973, 1978,
1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of
International Bible Society.
Blessings,
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ABOUT THE PUBLISHER
Joanna Amunds, owner of Coastal
Faith Productions, LLC resides in
Mary Esther, Florida. She is the editor
and is publishing Coastal Christian
Family. She has been married for
almost 23 years to her husband Don
and has two sons, Scott and Robbie.
Recently retiring from the State of
Florida, Joanna was able to begin living her dream publishing Coastal
Christian Family.
Joanna grew up in Dothan, Alabama
and spent many vacation weeks on the
Emerald Coast before moving here in
1985. She worships at Navarre United
Methodist Church and is very involved
in the Blue Lake Emmaus Community.
For more information on Coastal
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June 2013 3
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June 2013
C ONTENTS
Volume 13, Number 6
DEPARTMENTS
3 From the Editor
7 Faith at Work
• School Teachers are Special People
ON THE COVER 12
The Robertson family from the A&E
reality show Duck Dynasty, talk faith,
family and the great outdoors.
See page 12.
6 Loving your Father No Matter What
21 Memories that are Never Forgotten
7 An Encouraging Word
• What do you Want to be When You Grow Up?
8 Body & Soul
• Serve as Jesus instructs and As He Did
8 Fashion for You
• Ageless Summer Style!
9 Healthy Living
• Food Addicts
• Celebrate Recovery
11
10 In His Grip
• Being a True Competitor
10 Fellowship of Christan Athletes News
• New Chapter, New Beginnings
11 Barganomics
• Great Tips to Manage Your Money
11 Best Books
• Heaven Hears
FEATURES
6
Loving your Father No Matter What
18 Characteristics of Great Single Fathers
NEXT ISSUE
Jeff Miller,
U.S. Congressman
14 Christian Soldier
• Memories That are Never Forgotten
15 Teachable Moments
•Surviving and Getting through “Tough Times”
•No One Can Predict the Future
16 Potluck
•Tips for Buying and Eating Foods from the Area
• Zucchini Parmesan Crisps
16
17 An Encouraging Word
Living the Dream
17 Kid’s Korner
•Kids get Connected With the Bible using Simple
Science Experiments
18 Business Today
• 6 Practical Tips to Summertime Parenting
18 The Single Life
• Characteristics of Great Single Fathers
19 Legal Matters
•Abortion – Front and Center
19 Money Matters
•From the Desk of Dave Ramsey
20 Coloring Page
PLUS
MUCH MORE!
21 Calendar
22 Advertising Directory
18
June 2013 5
S PECIAL F EATURE
An Ashes to
Beauty...Literally!
When I was four years old my father left my mother and our home. From that time
on he lived over four hundred miles away. I absolutely adored my father. He would
visit every three months. When he would come, it would be all I could think about
for the week prior. As soon as he walked through the door, I struggled having fun
with him, because I so dreaded Sunday evening, which was his regular departure
time. The pain of all this was torture. By the time I was a teenager, my tears dammed
up as I learned to block the pain of him leaving. Passively sowing judgment in my
heart toward my Dad and his flaws became the norm. I reaped a harvest of trouble
from this judgment of him, even though he "seemingly" had the more apparent
issues.
When I became an adult, he wanted me to visit him to go fishing, but I always found
a reason for not making the four hundred mile drive. Even though I was a Christian,
I figured he wasn't good to me, so why should I be good to him, completely bypassing "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you". Little about me was
golden with so much pain.
When my Dad passed away over ten years ago in South Bend, Indiana, I barely shed
a tear. His ashes were sent to me via U.S. Mail. And when his ashes arrived at the
Post Office, it was like I was picking up a used car part at a junk yard. I had zero
emotion. My Dad's ashes stayed in my utility vehicle for over 30 days. I even forgot
that they were in the back.
Eventually, I made a plan to take and spread his ashes over a lake on my way to a
business meeting, because I knew I was wearing a suit, making it convenient for me
to get done, funeral style. The day of my business meeting was extremely windy,
which was a little scary with me scattering ashes. But the wind was straight-line wind
blowing out of the north in one direction making an easier aim of it.
As I walked out to the edge of the water, a thought (Holy Spirit's Voice) occurred to
me to ask God for my Dad's anointings. Even though I wasn't real sure what anointings were, that's what I did. I angled myself in such a way that his ashes would easily
fly out across the water away from me. I drew the box back and fffllluung his ashes
up into the wind.
Now two days prior, I had bought a brand new pair of black, Johnson and Murphy,
dress shoes. As soon as I sent my Dad's ashes flying, the wind made a strong and
abrupt change of direction, sending his ashes directly down and backwards. You
guessed it. My new shoes were covered in the grayish white ash of my Dad. So much
ash had fallen on my shoes that small bone fragments were even inside and along
the crevices making my walking prickly. My immediate reaction was panic and to
throw out multiple expletives, because I was so grossed out. I bounced around kangaroo-like for several minutes as I attempted to bang the dust off of my shoes. The
moment was surreal!
Dejectedly, I started walking back to my car. And suddenly, the Holy Spirit spoke to
me within my spirit and said, "I've given you your father's anointings". There was a
pause, and then the
dam of my pain broke. I
stopped, and began crying harder than I had ever cried before. What
I had experienced was an event generated out of heaven. My shoes weren’t the real
target. God had blown his breath into the ashiest part of me...my wounded soul.
That day He began a process of beautification (healing and deliverance) in me
toward my Dad.
As I reached the car, I remembered that my Dad's passions were as a writer and
speaker. He constantly wrote about everything for which he cared, especially about
changing society for the good. He also loved to speak and attended Toastmasters
speaking club meetings for years. Presidents Nixon, Carter, Reagan and Bush Sr. all
had an opportunity at reading my Dad's mail because he would boldly send his
thoughts directly to the White House. I got tired of hearing him talk about all "that
stuff", when he was alive. On this windy day, all I knew was, I had my Dad's anointing, and it felt good to me.
The moral of the story is this. We have all been given different kinds fathers. Some
were good and some were not so good. No matter what kind of Dad you've had,
honor him for whatever good attribute you can find, instead of being bitter toward
his issues. Repent by embracing something positive. Give to and take care of your
Dad even when he hasn't given to you. This will help stop the sowing and reaping
cycle of judgment that might be keeping the spirit of misery empowered within
your family. To do this you must allow the Holy Spirit to restore your heart to your
Dad as written in Malachi 4:6. Also, be, for your children, who you would have
wanted as a child. If you have recurring issues affecting your children negatively, do
something about it. Get some inner healing. Rejoin a church. Make solid men
friends at church who know how to raise children and ask to be mentored by them.
Man up with humility.
All of what I've just said is achievable only by the breaking of one's self-will and the
bending of both knees to the Trinity...God the Father, God the Son and God the
Holy Spirit...the perfect relationship. Just because you are a Christian doesn't mean
this has happened.
Today, I still have the shoes. They've been resoled at least six or seven times, and I'll
NEVER throw them away. They'll always be covered with the memories and anointings of my Fathers. And I really do miss my Dad. The loving feelings I had for him
as a child have fully been given back to me, through healing and deliverance. I wish
Dad was still here. I would show him off to all my friends, and I'd drive 400 miles to
take him to some fishin' hole on the water he loved so much.
— Brian Burke
Christian Speaker/Founder of Lovestruction for Men. To receive Lovestruction For Men
email blast/blog address, email me [email protected]
FAITH @ W ORK
A N E NCOURAGING W ORD
What do You Want to be
When You Grow Up?
Are you still asking yourself that question? I am 39 and may have
finally figured it out. What about you? Do you still long for the days as a
child when you would sit and dream about becoming something great
or someone who made a difference in the lives of others? The answer
came to me when I discovered what was different while being a child. As
a child I knew what I was good at based on one thing alone: It was fun.
Say Your Prayers
Curtain climbers. Yard monkeys. Cherubs. Whippersnappers. Ankle biters. I
don’t know what you call them, but our children have been turned loose on
the world. School is out for summer (at least it ends this week here where I
live). By the end of summer I’m afraid my description of these little animals
will be a bit stronger. I’ll be ready for them to return to the classroom.
Still, I appreciate their euphoria. I can recall the butterflies that formed in my
stomach as summer break approached each year: “No more pencils, no more
books, no more teachers’ dirty looks.” So, I still get giddy this time of year just
thinking about summer. But the real happiness is found in empty classrooms
where teachers are dancing with unmitigated joy. At least I know my sons’
teachers are dancing. Preachers’ kids are the worst, you know.
It’s been said that if teachers were paid like professional athletes, and athletes
were paid like teachers, our society would be a much better place. Amen to
that. But money is not the reason these men and women give themselves to
the classroom. They teach because they love working with children or a particular subject. They teach because as a student, they themselves were greatly
influenced by a teacher. In fact, influence seems to be the real reason teachers
teach. Only parents and close family members have the kind of unparalleled
impact on youngsters as teachers. The influence is incalculable.
Too many times we who stand behind pulpits or travel to the “mission field”
(whatever that means) monopolize the market on doing God’s work. But
everyone – everyone – has opportunity to do the work of God. This is doubly
true for teachers.
Sure, there are a few bad apples in the educational barrel – you can find
these kinds of folks in all career fields. Yet, teachers are a heroic lot who
deserve our support, admiration, and even our prayers. God knows if I were
matched against twenty-five second graders every day, I’d want someone
praying for me.
And to my sons’ middle school teachers, a final word before you slip into the
rapture of a kid-less summer: My wife and I have one more son coming your
way. As he has been cultured by his older brothers, he may be the most challenging one yet. So accept my apology in advance. I’ll be praying for you.
— Ronnie McBrayer
Ronnie is a syndicated columnist, speaker, and author of multiple books. You
can read more and receive regular e-columns in your inbox at
www.ronniemcbrayer.me.
When you were 7, what made you want to be a fireman, singer, dancer, or artist? It
was fun, right? As an adult, what made you want to be “responsible?” One word:
Money. You were told it actually cost money to eat and have shelter, so you needed
to do something more “responsible” with your life. The fact is, we can’t all be firemen, dancers or artists. If that were the case, we wouldn’t have cars to ride around
in or clothes to wear because no one would be available to assembly them. I’m not
suggesting we forsake responsibility for raw passion, but I am suggesting we begin
to look at what brings us joy in life. How would the world benefit from you if you
were able to share your very best?
I love to talk. Regardless of the subject matter, I feel compelled to give my input. I
woke up one day and realized I could be the greatest blessing to those around me if
I did what I was created to do: Talk. As a child I was chastised and told to be quiet,
and now I am doing it as a career through public speaking.
My 5 year old will most likely be an entertainer based on her current behavior. She
is a constant source of entertainment and thrives on attention. She can bring a
smile to anyone’s face in a matter of seconds. I pray I never teach her how to be
“responsible” and forsake her gifts. Is it possible she could grow up to be the next
Lucille Ball or Reba McIntyre or Joan Rivers? Yes, but what are the chances if her
passion is traded for being responsible?
I don’t deny the need for being responsible in life. After all, money doesn’t grow on
trees, but I would hate to have her grow up, live a life of being “responsible” and
look back at age 70 and long for the days of yesterday when she was doing what she
was best at: entertaining.
How can we do a reality check in life to see where we stack up? Here are a few
things to think about:
• If money were no object, what would you do with your time?
• What brings you the most joy in life?
• What could you do all day long and not feel tired or drained mentally?
• What section of the bookstore do you gravitate towards?
• When you were a kid, what did you want to do? Are you still waiting for that
to happen?
Don’t give up your day job just yet. That’s not what I’m suggesting. I only want you
to look at your life and realize one thing: This is it! This is the only shot you get.
There won’t be any do-overs. Do you want to look back when you are 70 and feel
like you added value to those around you by doing what you were created to do? I
sure do. I want to give my all and do what only I can do.
Question: Are you doing what you were created to do, or do you feel like that gift
has been covered up by other things that have gotten in the way? Start today by
looking for ways to connect with what you were created to do.
—Jeff Jones
Jeff is a speaker, author, and host of The WISE™ Life podcast. Having played drums
for Dove Award winning band Big Daddy Weave for over 13 years, Jeff recently left
the road to be home with his family and share with others insights on living life with
passion, making marriage matter, raising kids with character and fulfilling your
dreams at JeffDrummer.com.
June 2013 7
B ODY & S OUL
Who Do You Serve?
Mark 10:45 “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.”
To serve has several meanings: do military time, be a servant as a waiter, assist a
celebrant at mass, be worthy of reliance and trust, begin a tennis match, to be
favorable, to the service and respect due, to help persons and the list goes on
and on..
Jesus entered the world to serve. And we should enter our jobs, our homes, our
children’s lives, our friends and family’s dilemmas, and our churches to serve.
Servant-hood requires no unique skill or seminary degree. Notice to those
paying attention: To serve is to love the overlooked. Jesus sits in your classroom wearing thick glasses, outdated clothing and a sad face. You’ve seen him.
He works in your office. Pregnant again, she shows up late and tired. No one
knows the father. Water cooler rumors say even she doesn’t. You’ve seen her.
When you love the misfit and befriend the hurting, you love Jesus. “Whenever
you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, you did it to me!
(Matthew 25:40 TM)
To serve is to wave the white flag. We fight so much. “Where do you think all
these appalling wars and quarrels come from?” asks James, “Do you think they
just happen? Well, think again. They come about because you want your own
way.” (James 4:1 TM) When I reflect on some of the circumstances and events
that I thought were a disaster and the end of my world, I was convinced it was
FASHION
FOR
the wrong plan. I want what I want when I
want it. Real servants don’t struggle,
they submit. To serve is to do
something each day that you don’t
want to do. Pick up someone’s trash. Surrender
your parking place.
Call that long-winded
relative. It doesn’t have
to be a big thing.
Helen Keller once told the Tennessee Legislature that when she was young she
longed to do great things and could not, so she decided to do small things in a
great way. Don’t be too big to do something small. “Throw yourselves into the
work of the Master, confident that nothing you do for him is a waste of time or
effort. (1Corin. 15:58)
— Barbara Rucker
Barbara loves this chapter in her life as a Mary Kay Beauty Consultant and
thanks God for this awesome opportunity. She has the blessing of helping
women feel and look beautiful and offers confidence to enrich their lives.
Being in show business for over 30 years was magical, but did not offer the
precious relationships she has today with everyone she works with. Her two
children daughter Taylor and son Logan, both in their mid -twenties, are her
award winning production!
Y OU :
Ageless Summer Style!
This month I turn 30! The big 3-0! Jumping into a new age bracket brings
thoughts of dressing in that age bracket. 30: Do I have to dress like a mom?
How can I still incorporate trends, without looking like I am 17?
In my eyes, fashion is not about age. It is about who you are and what you
like. I love trying new things with my wardrobe. My husband does give me
funny looks at times, but I trust my instincts and go with it. Don’t dress for
a certain age, dress for yourself. However, you should dress appropriate for
your age and body type.
Don’t fall victim to trends. There are some fun
trends out there right now; neons, florals, cut outs,
etc. Try one or two of the trends, but don’t make an
effort to try all of them. You will waste time and
money. Let’s say you are loving the popular floral
prints. Go by a place, like the Silver Sands Outlet
and try out the style. You won’t spend a lot of
money, but you will get something new and stylish.
Photo: Chuck St. John
Be comfortable. If you try on a blouse or skirt and have even the slightest
feeling of resistance, don’t buy it! I promise, you will not wear it. If you feel
like the skirt is too tight or too short, chances are, it is. The same thing goes
for items in your closet. If you don’t like it or don’t wear it, get rid of it.
Find something that you do like. It is all about the fit and how you feel in
the piece.
Invest in staples. Every fashionable girl, no
matter her age, needs certain items in her
closet; a basic black dress, white button up
collar shirt and chic blazer. These are items
that you should not feel guilty about purchasing. They create a classic look, and each piece
can always be used to dress up your everyday
look. It is also fun to add a pop of color. Try a
bold necklace with a basic white t-shirt, jeans,
blazer and heels for a perfect Friday night
date look. Or, pull out the black dress with
that same necklace and heels and you have a
great look for the office. It is worth your time
and money to invest in classic pieces.
Being fashionable does not have an age limit,
but be careful with certain trends. Base your
look on your personality, where you are going
and how you feel in it. Fashion is about
showing your style. Get comfortable and try
something new!
A classic black blazer is a
wardrobe staple you will
wear for years to come.
Pictured is Central Park
West/Gus Mayer, $165.
— Alicia Rohan, KC Projects
KC Projects, a full service public relations agency providing branding
services to clients from the fashion industry to the corporate world,
www.kcprojects.com.
H EALTHY L IVING
Food Addicts in Recovery
Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous (FA) is a program of recovery based
on the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous.
FA members are men and women of all ages. Some have been obese; others
have been severely underweight, bulimic, or so obsessed with food or
weight that normal life was difficult or impossible. The common denominator uniting members of FA is addiction
and a relationship with food that parallels
an alcoholic’s relationship with alcohol. The
following is the definition of FA that is used
in FA literature and read at FA meetings:
Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous is a fellowship of individuals who, through shared
experience and mutual support, are recovering
from food addiction. We welcome all who
want to stop eating addictively. There are no
dues or fees for members; we are self-supporting through our own contributions, neither
soliciting nor accepting outside donations. FA
is not affiliated with any public or private organization, political movement,
ideology, or religious doctrine. We take no position on outside issues. Our primary purpose is to abstain from addictive eating and to carry this message of
recovery to those who still suffer.
FA addresses addiction on every level. The program first helps food addicts
physically refrain from their addiction. For more information visit
www.foodaddicts.org.
Local Meeting locations:
St. Simons Episcopal Church
Tuesday 7pm and Thursday 9 am
28 Miracle Strip Pkwy
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547
Trinity Presbyterian Church
Monday 6:30pm
3400 Bayou Blvd.
Pensacola, FL 32503
Celebrate Recovery
What does your pain look like? Is it procrastination, guilt, anger, rage, fear,
anxiety, separation or divorce, alcohol or drug use, perfectionism, insecurity,
overspending, overworking, overeating, over-achieving, grief, loss, sexual
addictions, hurtful relationships, gambling, emotional unavailability, lying,
attention seeking or the need to control? By working through the eight
recovery principles and twelve steps with Jesus Christ as our Higher Power,
we can and will change, experience healing and recover the image of God in
us. Celebrate Recovery (CR) is a Christ-centered recovery program that will
help you heal from the pain of your unmanaged hurts, habits, and hang-ups.
CR is open to anyone with hurts, habits or hang-ups, and anyone is welcome
regardless of their past difficulties in life. CR provides a safe place where anyone who is seeking hope and healing can come and find the love of Christ.
CR is a source of hope to many who struggle with such issues as depression,
grief, loneliness, anxiety and fear. Celebrate Recovery provides a safe place to
find healing and hope. There is a place to go to finally feel whole.
Local meetings:
Mary Esther United Methodist Church
703 Miracle Strip Parkway
Mary Esther, FL.
Tuesdays, Dinner 5:45 pm (no cost)
Program 6:30 pm. Nursery available.
243-7595 or email [email protected] for more information
Niceville United Methodist Church
214 Partin Dr. S.
Niceville, FL 32578
(850) 678-4411, ext. 146 or [email protected]
Fridays, Dinner 5:45 pm (Suggestion donation $5 adults, $3 children,
$15 max per family)
Program 6:30 pm Nursery provided.
June 2013 9
I N H IS G RIP ®
Are You A Competitor?
No professional golfer in history faced greater challenges
than did the great Ben Hogan.
Hogan turned pro in 1930, but after brief stint, had to
take a job as a club pro - twice. Ten years later he
finally made the professional tour, but WWII
derailed the opportunity. After the war, he won 38 tournaments in five years. But then, everything changed. Hogan and
his wife nearly died in 1949 when a Greyhound bus hit them
head-on. Hogan suffered multiple fractures and life-threatening blood clots. He was in the hospital 59 days and told he
could possibly never walk again. Never playing golf again was a
foregone conclusion.
But the "experts" underestimated Hogan's tenacious,
competitive spirit. Months later he won the U.S.
Open. It was his competitive drive and dedicated work
ethic that drove him to become one of the greatest golfers of all time.
I love this Scripture passage from Revelation 19:11-16:
“I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose
rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and wages war. His
eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name
written on him that no one knows but he himself. He is dressed in a robe
dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. The armies of heaven were
following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and
clean. Coming out of his mouth is a sharp sword with which to strike down
the nations. "He will rule them with an iron scepter." He treads the winepress
of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has
this name written: King of kings and Lord of lords. (NIV)
What do you think? Does that sound like a passive Savior, or a competitor
who fights for the glory of God?
If you want to finish life well, you have to compete for the life you want.
The sooner you begin the better. Find the mark, strive for excellence and
compete in life for the glory of God.
How about you. Do you live your Christian life with that kind of competitive tenacity? Too often, people expect Christians to be poor life competitiors, and that Christianity often equates with passivity. I'm sorry, that is
an extremely poor representation of Jesus and His mission to come into
this world and save souls. That mentality also does a disservice to all the
saints throughout history who competed for their faith in the face of certain death.
— Scott Lehman
President of www.inhisgripgolf.com and contributor to
the Golfer's Bible (B&H Publishing). You can follow
Scott on twitter at www.twitter.com/inhisgripgolf or
Facebook at www.facebook.com/inhisgripgolf
FCA S POTLIGHT
New Chapter, New Beginnings
We are so blessed here on the Emerald Coast to have support for this organization
that gives so much to our youth. Okaloosa and Walton Counties are beginning a
new chapter with a new board of directors to aggressively support and build up the
Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) organizations in our counties. Through the
leadership and organization of Michelle Carmical FCA is going to grow and give
back to our young people.
Coastal Christian Family, in support of our local FCA organizations, will be publishing a newsletter every month with news, upcoming events and testimonies from students, supporters and board members.
The Fellowship of Christian Athletes is touching millions of lives... one heart at a
time. Since 1954, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes has been challenging coaches
and athletes on the professional, college, high school, junior high and youth levels to
use the powerful medium of athletics to impact the world for Jesus Christ. FCA is
the largest Christian sports organization in America. FCA focuses on serving local
communities by equipping, empowering and encouraging people to make a difference for Christ.
The FCA Values
Our relationships will demonstrate steadfast commitment to Jesus Christ and His
Word through Integrity, Serving, Teamwork and Excellence
1. Integrity
We will demonstrate Christ-like wholeness, privately, and publicly. (Proverbs 11:3)
2. Serving
We will model Jesus' example of serving. (John 13:1-17)
3. Teamwork
We will express our unity in Christ in all our relationships. (Philippians 2:1-4)
4. Excellence
We will honor and glorify God in all we do. (Colossians 3:23-24)
Join Coastal Christian Family in supporting this great organization. For more information, to volunteer or offer support contact Michelle Carmical at
[email protected]
— Joanna Amunds
B ARGAINOMIC $
B EST B OOKS
Let’s Talk Sniping
Ever wonder why you can’t win an eBay auction? Most
likely, your competition is using a sniping service.
What's that? It’s an automated system that will place
your bid at the last possible moment of an auction,
which means other bidders aren’t aware you’re part of
the competition. You can set up the snipe as soon as you spot an auction and the
system will begin biding for you only seconds before the close of the auction –
right up until you either win or reach the maximum bid amount you set.
Cost for a sniping service is minimal, but varies from service to service, with
some charging a small flat monthly fee for unlimited sniping and others charging
a per-snipe fee of as little as 10 cents. You can try sniping services for free before
you decide on the one you prefer. Some of the best ones: www.EZSniper.com;
www.AuctionRaptor.com; www.BidSlammer.com; www.BidNip.com;
www.AuctionSniper.com; and www.BidRobot.com.
Cookie Pops
our kids will love this treat! You’ll need: (A) 12 cream-filled chocolate sandwich
cookies (like Oreos); (B) a 9-oz. bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips; (C) 2 tbsp. of
solid vegetable shortening (like Crisco); (D) chocolate and or/colored candy
sprinkles; and (E) 12 popsicle sticks.
Cover a tray or baking sheet with wax paper. Insert a popsicle stick into the
cream filling of each cookie. In the microwave, melt the chocolate and
shortening together, checking every 30 seconds until it can be easily stirred
to a smooth consistency. Dip one cookie pop into the melted chocolate and
use a spoon to completely coat the cookie. Hold the cookie pop over the
wax paper and shake on the candy sprinkles. Gently place the cookie pop
on the wax paper. Repeat the dip and sprinkle process with each cookie pop
– you may have re-melt the chocolate to keep it from getting too thick.
Painting Tip
When taking a break or stopping for the day during a painting project,
place your roller and brushes inside a plastic bag; twist-tie it firmly closed.
Separately bag any paint tray you’re using. Refrigerate your bagged items
until you’re ready to start again and save all that clean-up work for the end
of your project.
Heaven
Hears
Reading Heaven Hears is like listening to a
story told by a good friend. Lindy Boone
Michaelis tells the story of her son Ryan,
his tragic accident and road to recovery. It
will touch the heart of every mother. The
unfailing mother’s love and hope is woven
throughout the book. It is the kind of
story that’s hard to put down and there is
a feeling as the reader of feeling apart of
the unfolding drama of Ryan’s recovery.
Michaelis’ dedication of the book is a
great summation of the story. “To all those who have gotten that terrible
phone call about a loved one injured, in the hospital, in a crisis and who have
filled the waiting rooms in pain and in prayer, I wrote this book for you. May you
discover the faithfulness of the Father as I have.”
This story is told from a mother’s point of view and how she never gave up her
faith in a loving God. When medical personnel saw no hope, the
Boone/Michaelis family never gave up on Ryan’s healing. The support of each
other and the faith demonstrated by the family is truly inspiring.
Michaelis writes of her childhood and growing up in the high profile life of her
father, Pat Boone, and the faith of her parents. She also writes about Ryan’s own
path to the Lord and recovery even today.
This book is available at www.amazon.com and www.barnesandnobel.com
—Joanna Amunds
Closing Thoughts
As our national Independence Day approaches, remember the principles
on which America was founded. Share the Good News of Jesus Christ at
every opportunity. If we’re to remain a Christian nation, we cannot allow
ourselves to sit back in apathy.
“In Germany they came first for the Communists, and I didn’t speak up
because I wasn’t a Communist. Then they came for the Jews, and I didn’t speak up
because I wasn’t a Jew. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I didn’t speak
up because I wasn’t a trade unionist. Then they came for the Catholics, and I didn’t speak up because I was a Protestant. Then they came for me, and by that time
no one was left to speak up.” (Martin Niemöller)
—Judy Woodward Bates is a speaker, TV personality, columnist for
www.Examiner.com and www.TravelinTales.com and author of
Bargainomics: Money Management
by the Book.
June 2013 11
C
hristian FamilyPublications recently caught up with the patriarch of the famed A&E Duck Dynasty family and creator of
Duck Commander duck calls, Phil Robertson, to talk faith,
family and the business of ducks…
CFP:
You mention in your new book, Happy Happy Happy, that
for you the most dramatic part of your A&E reality television show,
Duck Dynasty, is at the end of each show when the family gathers
around the table to eat. How was it decided to end the show this way
and particularly include a prayer together?
Phil: Faith is the most important thing to our family and this really
wasn’t something that we were willing to negotiate. This is part of who
we are and we want people to see that…we are believers who pray and
value prayer.
CFP: Who has had the biggest faith influence on your life and how?
Phil: I’d have to say Miss Kay (Phil’s wife Kay Robertson). If not
for her faithfulness to me and the Lord—especially through my ripping and roaring days--I don’t know that I would ever have found
my way.
The men of the Robertson clan share signature beards. Patriarch Phil Robertson
says, "It seemed that the more committed I became to living off the land and following my dream to build a duck call that sounded exactly like a duck, the more
I just let it all grow. The two went hand in hand.” Pictured are Phil's brother Si
and sons Jas and Willie.
Phil: Our family has faced its share of challenges. There were
God first in your life?
Phil: I spend time in God’s Word every day—that’s my lifeline.
I’m an elder in the church family we are part of. As part of my relationship with the Almighty, I share my faith with anyone who will listen—and sometimes even if they’re not sure they want to hear what I
have to say.
times when I was trying to build the Duck Commander business
that we didn’t know how we were going to pay our bills—but somehow, the Almighty always provided. Once I repented and gave my
life to God, I never looked back; I always knew He’d take care of us.
Then there were the years with our prodigal sons, where we saw
them turn from what we’d taught them and live through some pretty rough experiences. But each of them came back to the faith and
have made us proud.
CFP: Have you found your faith critical in getting you through
CFP: What has been your most difficult challenge as a parent?
CFP: Are there things you do, habits you have, to help you keep
life’s challenges?
How did you deal with that challenge? Phil: Well, the first several
years I wasn’t much of a father. Al, our oldest, felt my absence more
than the younger boys. When Al went off the deep end spiritually,
we weren’t all that surprised because he hadn’t had the influence of
a godly father in his younger years. But with Jep, we were really
taken back. Through it all, we leaned on God for support, we confronted our boys with God’s truth, and we continued to love our
boys, no matter what. It was that continued love and commitment
to God that brought them back.
CFP: What pleases you most about your sons?
Phil: All four of my sons know the importance of hard work, and
they all use the gifts God has given them to help the family business,
but even more important, to share God’s Word…
CFP: You and Miss Kay have been married more than 50 years.
What advice have you given your boys about marriage? And maintaining a healthy marriage?
Phil Robertson hopes his life story will be a vehicle to witness to others.
Phil:
Stick it out even when things get tough. When you get
married, it’s a lifetime commitment. Plenty of lovin’ and putting
each other first is essential.
CFP: What do you believe is the most important thing for parents
to teach their kids? What values are most important?
Phil: That Jesus is the only answer to our sin problem and to our
grave problem. We’re all going to end up six feet under—and that’s a
problem. Kids need to know that Jesus is the only solution to those
problems and that the truth of God’s Word is non-negotiable.
W
ith the entire Robertson clan involved in some way in the
family’s duck calling business, we asked Phil, founder of Duck
Commander, and his son Willie, CEO of Duck Commander,
what they find most rewarding and most difficult about having a family
business.
Greatest Reward…
Phil: Though it’s not always perfect, spending time together and
having common goals makes me happy, happy, happy. It’s a great feeling as a father to know that you can trust your sons to carry on something you started.
Willie: I get to tell my brothers what to do. But even more
important than that, I get to work with people I trust and who have
my back—and I have theirs.
Greatest Challenge…
Willie: My brothers don’t always do what I say. Oh, yeah, and
you can’t fire your kin.
Phil: The same thing that’s the best about having a family business
is also the hardest – spending so much time together. Our family is not
only together all day at work, but at church and family events, too.
People who are together that much are bound to get on each other’s
nerves. But it’s those biblical principles of forgiveness, patience, kindness, and love that keeps everyone coming back to work day after day.
— Laurie Stroud
June 2013 13
C HRISTIAN S OLDIER
A Special Time
In 45 years, I’ve been blessed to be a part of some incredible
experiences. You know, the kind that you want to capture every
moment of so that you can revisit it over and over again. They were some of
those special moments that heighten your senses and take your emotions to deeper levels than you thought you could experience. There were birthdays that blew me
away, meetings with special people, first dates, first kisses, and some especially powerful
musical performances. Each is stored away in my memory to be re-lived over and over
again, recalling those original feelings that were so powerfully felt in the first place.
I had another of those recently, the kind that you don’t soon forget. They centered
around some special moments we shared with our friends at Fort Jackson, SC. For those
of you who aren’t aware, Fort Jackson is home to several thousand men and women
who serve in our U. S. Army. It is the place where basic training takes place for large
portions of our troops. It’s also the home for training ALL of the chaplains for every
branch of our military.
Our ministry team was invited to spend a few days visiting with one of Lisa’s old friends
who is married to the Command Sergeant Major of the post. While there, I also was
blessed with a chance to speak to and encourage some of the soldiers and their families.
My first opportunity came as we visited the post hospital. I walked into a room of about
40 wounded warriors–men and women who carried physical and emotional scars from
their service to our country. I was humbled to look into their faces and see the courage
these troops had but I was equally saddened to know the pain and the struggles that
they faced.
Tuesday morning was a larger event. I have to confess. After 25 years of ministry including nine years of traveling and speaking with Ridley Barron Ministries, I have never
been more nervous about an opportunity I had to speak. I had been thinking about this
for weeks and contemplating what it was that I might could say to encourage these soldiers and their families. Honestly, I was worried about how nervous I was as we prepared for the lunch time meeting.
Then came this very incredible moment, one I wasn’t prepared for. As they began the
program on Tuesday, one of the Chaplains asked us to stand for the playing of our
national anthem before we ate.
Like most of you, I’ve heard the Star Spangled Banner played thousands of
times–before games, at funerals, in worship services. I have never felt it like
this. Never. I can’t imagine that I ever will again (unless I’m in the same surroundings).
As the first notes began to lift from the Army band that played in the room, I was suddenly struck by this amazing thought…I’m listening to the national anthem while I am
surrounded by men and women who have agreed to put their life on the line to defend
that flag and our right to hear this song. Chills literally went up my spine. I began to tear
up. I thought to myself, “I’ll never make it through the presentation at this rate.”
We enjoyed our meal and some more encouraging music. Then my turn came. I began
that presentation the only way I knew how at that moment. “I’ve never been more nervous than I am now,” I began. “You see, as a kid, I grew up wanting to be a soldier. I had a
dad and uncles and in-laws and cousins who served our country in the military. I never
had the opportunity to serve myself but, growing up in Columbus, GA, I used to love it
when my dad would drive me through the base at Fort Benning….” I was choking back
tears at this point. “The reason I’m so nervous is because I feel like I’m standing in a
room with some of my biggest heroes and I’m not quite sure how to act.” The sounds of
“hooah” greeted me, a sign that it was okay to continue.
I won’t share the rest of the day. What I said next probably pales in comparison to the
sound of those men and women encouraging me with their grunt of military affirmation. I’ve always had a tremendous respect for the ones who lay their lives on the line for
us. On this occasion, it was magnified and intensified in ways I never thought possible. I
love those men and women for what they do (Heck, I’m tearing up just sitting here
thinking about it). They have offered the greatest gift at the greatest cost with not much
in return. I can only hope our time with them last week as a team encouraged their
hearts. I know it sure did mine.
“NO ONE has greater love than this, that someone would lay down his life for his
friends.” John 15:13 HCSB
For each and everyone of you…HOOAH!!
— Ridley Barron
Ridley Barron Ministries
T EACHABLE M OMENT
God Is Not the Bad Guy
Over the past few years, my family and I have lived through (i.e. survived) some
pretty traumatic events. Not just your regular daily drama – or the good old
drama we see on Facebook – but real life-shaking events of loss, intense pain, and
sadness. Of course, we don’t have a monopoly of these experiences – everyone goes
through them, and some more than others.
And, I’m not sure that I’ve always handled them very well. I can’t speak for the
rest of the family, but I think I’ve been through the “7 Stages of Grief” at least twice,
and I have set up shop on the anger stage for a few months, along with my other
apparent favorite: depression. Unfortunately, getting stuck on either of these steps
didn’t always lead to the best choices.
Having been a church-going person for several
years, I also tried to attach some meaning to
these experiences. Many well-meaning people
helped me to try to see things this way, saying
things like: “This is God’s will” or “They are in a
better place” and other statements meant to be
encouraging. Unfortunately, often I found
myself thinking: “So, why would God make this
happen…couldn’t he have done it a different
way? I mean, he’s God, right?”
Eventually, I just settled in my mind that God knew
what he was doing, but that still left questions.
Maybe, I thought, God causes bad things happen for
reasons only he understands. That was a little hard
to handle, so I settled on the idea that God only
allows bad things to happen. However, after reading
Jesus’ words about the Father’s love, as well as Paul’s
commentary in Romans, I found this…
“We know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who
love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” (Romans 8:28)
The truth is that we live in a broken world, and because of that, bad things are
going to happen. Yes, sometimes our actions cause bad things to happen, and
sometimes the actions of others cause bad things to happen, but most the time, bad
things just happen. God isn’t to blame for all the horrible things that happen to us
on this earth and neither does he send these horrible things into our lives. Even his
son Jesus had to suffer all the same human pain on this earth and more!
Knowing this, I am just starting to see things from a different perspective. We
need to stop thinking of God as who causes the bad things to happen, or as who
just allows the bad things to happen. Instead, we should see Him as the One who
will help us through the bad times, take the broken pieces, and create something
new and good from them.
If we let him, God will take the bad things – even a combination of bad things –
and make something good. You see, there is no formula, and no set timeframe,
but it will happen if we allow him to do it. Yes, we will always have the memories,
and it will often still hurt to some extent, but if we can look past the fog of the pain,
and separate the past from the present, we will start to see God at work.
God is In Control – Believe It
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God
prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them" (Eph. 2:10).
"If you go to live in Israel, I am so totally going to come visit you," exclaimed a wonderful surrogate daughter of ours.
"I totally want you to," I replied. Then, "Elohim," I began to think, "how will all this
happen?" So the trouble of the double-minded me surfaces once more.
King David and Solomon had the same problem, as did Jacob, Paul and Joseph,
when he experienced his dreams, as well as the disciples when they realized the
power Jesus had available at His hand and started pre-planning and envisioning
their roles in His kingdom.
I'm guilty, too, of wanting to assume I know how things are going to unfold. After
all, God and I agree on so much. If that were so, if I so easily could predict His plan,
why has my life been such a roller-coaster of events, good and bad? Why did I not
foresee the obvious opportunities or heed the warning signs predicting catastrophe?
Now, looking back, they seem so laser-clear to my repentant soul.
If it had been my plan prevailing, I wouldn't have recovered from my first marriage
failures as a husband. I never would have experienced the rebuilding of my life and
been gifted to learn a new career using a skill set in financial planning I never
believed I possessed. If I had grasped the potential of all those redeeming moments,
I would not dare have predicted I once again would lose my career livelihood, being
humbled into bowing at God's alter to admit my total dependence on His provision. At that low moment, I certainly would not have, in my wildest imagination,
predicted that my wife and I would be offered the opportunity to go to Israel—
God very obviously providing the means (ours being so pathetically meager).
I guess what I'm getting at is that I'm trying to give up on predicting future circumstances. Yet certainly I don't want to throw the baby out with the bathwater: I hear
God calling strongly that we are to go back to Israel. I look at the headlines of strife
and turmoil—potential war in the region—and shake my head, thinking once
again, "How will all this happen?"
It will happen because God has designed it to happen. It will happen when He
deems it appropriate, and it will be for His glory, not mine. It will be obvious when
that time and purpose are ready to be set in motion because everything will fall perfectly into place. The challenge will be to keep up with God's breathtaking intention
as the groundswell of other followers will respond in words similar to our adopted
daughter's exclamation. Their hearts will shout, "I am moved by these events and
by this example in ways I don't understand and can't explain."
God, as always, will amaze us by evidence of His Spirit surging forward.
“In my own strange way, I'm comforted, Adonai. I don't (and won't) have to do any
of the true heavy lifting. My job will be to run as quickly as I can to keep up with
You, shrugging my shoulders all the time and telling others along the way, "I don't
know how, I just know Who. I believe in the power of the One True God."
— Mark Cornelius
— David Pridmore
Husband, Father & Recovering Hypocrite
[email protected]
June 2013 15
P OTLUCK
Are You a LocalVore?
Being a “Localvore” involves buying and
eating food produced close to home.
Studies have shown that food grown in
your region arrives to market fresher and
retains more nutrients. Processing and
preservatives are less needed since the
food does not have to travel so far to
market. Also, less resources (which are
primarily fossil fuels) are needed to
package and transport food to market.
The warmer weather is here and Farmer’s Markets are now in full swing. Almost
every Saturday you will see a deluge of people descending upon these mostly open
air markets with their children and pets in tow. I am normally there in the wee
hours of the morning with my baseball cap, ponytail, sunglasses and lots of cloth
shopping bags looking for the best produce to make my family meals for the week.
For those who want to try being a Localvore and have always wanted to go to a
Farmer’s Market, but do not know what to expect here are a few tips:
Things to bring to your local Farmers Market
Shopping bags – For all sizes of produce and various items such as soap. Not every
vendor will give you a bag for the item that you purchase.
Insulated Cooler – For items such as milk, cheese and meats. I leave mine in my
vehicle and bring my cold products back to the vehicle first, so that I do not have to
walk around with them in the heat while I shop.
Wagon – To tote the little ones in or if you buy lots of goodies and do not want to
walk back to your vehicle frequently it is a real help
Cash – Even in our credit card society, cash is still king. Most vendors are small and
do not take credit cards.
Sunscreen – The sun can take advantage of your time browsing outside, so do not
forget to protect your skin while you shop.
Plan
Recipes – One of the biggest mistakes that people make is to bring home food that
they do not know how to prepare. Now is the time to look for seasonal recipes, so
that when you go to market you know what to buy.
Inventory – When you go to market, look at the variety of items that are being sold
and make a list to remind yourself what you might pick up next time.
Ask – If you do not see something, ask a vendor. Many times if you want to buy
something such as a whole chicken and you do not see anyone selling them, a vendor might be able to point you in the right direction as to where to go.
To find a Farmer’s Market in your area, go to www.FarmersMarketOnline.com
— Charlie Kaser
Charlie is an author, photojournalist and public speaker. She has
spoken to numerous conventions, congregations and groups
throughout the United States regarding environmental responsibility. As the mother of four and proud preacher’s daughter, she strives
to “walk the walk” in her daily life. www.CharlieKaser.com
Zucchini Parmesan Crisps
Ingredients per Sandwich
2 slices wheat bread
3 slices fresh turkey breast
Handful of fresh mixed greens
4 slices cucumber
2 slices tomato
1 half of an avocado, sliced
1 Tbs. Lemon Basil Aioli
Lemon Basil Aioli
1 cup mayo
1 garlic clove, minced
2 Tbsp freshly chopped basil
1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
Zest of half a lemon
Freshly ground pepper
Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line two baking sheets with foil and spray
with vegetable spray.
Slice zucchini into ¼ inch thick rounds. Toss rounds with oil to coat well.
In a bowl or plate combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan, salt and pepper.
Place rounds in parmesan-breadcrumbs mixture coating both sides and
Pressing to adhere. The mixture will not completely cover each round but
there will be a light coating on each side.
Place rounds in a single layer on baking sheets. Sprinkle any remaining
breadcrumb mixture over the rounds.
Bake 22 to 27 minutes until golden brown. There is no need to flip them
during baking.
A N E NCOURAGING W ORD
Dream Big!
Nothing good happens when you hold back!” Girlfriends gathered around the fountain outside the movie theater reciting that line from the recent film “Home Run”
about overcoming family dysfunction and holding onto a 15 year dream.
Another 15 year dream occurred at the Academy Awards when Ben Affleck took
home the best film Oscar. He delivered a heartfelt message. “He’s a Jersey boy, ya'
know,” said my Garden State friend. I’d forgotten his hometown, but will forever
remember the encouragement he delivered with the acceptance speech for Good
Will Hunting which he co-wrote with Matt Damon: “There will be obstacles, people
will tell you no. Keep going. You will get a green light.”
They dreamed big.
My first big dream began at 5 years
old when I took my parents classic
books off the shelf and placed my
Crayolas inside: Ellen. To think I
had my first book signing surrounded by dolls and invisible friends.
The writing dream grew 15 years ago when I left the Midwest filled with faith in
myself. I thought it was about luck and didn’t understand grace until I landed at a
community church in Southern California, checked the box for more information
to become a Christian and dropped it in the offering basket. After years of doubting,
I needed to know. A pastor and his wife met me in the church library and asked if I
was going to heaven, I said yes quickly even though I wasn’t sure. He asked why, and
I said, “Because I’m a good person.” Then I burst into tears knowing it was the
wrong answer. He showed me in the Bible that salvation is based on trusting in
Christ alone. He said, “By grace we are saved, not by works so that no man may boast.”
(Ephesians 2:8-9)
He reassured me that everyone sins, Jesus is the only one who is perfect and that He
wants to have relationship with us despite our past. The Apostle Paul spent the first
part of his life as a hateful wildman known as Saul. Many people have their cometo-Jesus meeting later in life. “It’s a dream come true,” said a friend who prayed faithfully 25 years for her husband’s salvation. “I always wanted a husband who believed
and would spend eternity with me in heaven.” They are living happily ever after he
prayed for forgiveness at a men’s retreat.
At a women’s retreat recently, I sat at the table with the following quote:
She knew who she was in Christ and she dared to dream big.
Tyler Perry encourages many to dream big. Under the photo of his azalea-lined
driveway a fan posted: “Tyler, I’m in a shelter with my son just looking at your place
makes me smile and want to dream big.” His films and life have been an inspiration
to millions to pursue big dreams.
I rejoice when others are living the dream, and wish someone told me sooner about
Duck Dynasty. Not only are they imperfect people saved by God’s grace, putting
Him in the center of family and having fun, but they’re causing all of us to laugh
and dream big!
— Ellen Diederich
Ellen is a freelance writer and public speaker living in Franklin. She has published
articles, greeting cards, a poetry chapbook and spoken to groups to encourage them to
share their faith.
K ID ’ S KORNER
Water to Wine
God performs amazing miracles that can change our lives.
WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS
Mark 9:23
“‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” (NIV)
HANDS-ON EXPERIMENT
Water to Wine
You will need:
Unsweetened Grape Juice
Baking Soda
Vinegar
Water
3 Transparent Glasses
Instructions:
STEP 1: Fill each of the transparent glasses
one quarter of the way with water.
STEP 2: Add one tablespoon of unsweetened grape juice to the first transparent
glass and mix.
STEP 3: Add one teaspoon of baking soda to the second transparent glass and
mix until all of the baking soda is dissolved in the water.
STEP 4: Add two tablespoons of vinegar to the third transparent glass and mix.
STEP 5: Slowly pour the liquid from the first transparent glass into the second
transparent glass and observe.
STEP 6: Slowly pour the liquid from the second transparent glass into the third
transparent glass and observe.
EXPLANATION
The grape juice is an indicator. An indicator will tell you if a liquid is an acid
or a base. When you add the water and unsweetened grape juice to the transparent glass of water and baking soda, the color changed. The unsweetened
grape juice or indicator let us know the baking soda was a base. When you
added the second transparent glass to the transparent glass of water and vinegar the mixture turned a different color. The unsweetened grape juice
or indicator let us know the vinegar was an acid.
BIBLE CONNECTION
The Bible is oozing with miracles performed by God. While you were able to
change the liquids different colors only God can perform miracles.
— Jason Lindsey
Go to www.hookedonscience.org for
Beyond the Science Lab video
segments and more hands-on experiments.
June 2013 17
B USINESS T ODAY
6 Practical Tips to Summertime Parenting
No other time challenges working moms and dads more than when summer hits
and the kids are getting out of school. How do you continue working, while they
have two to three months off? If you are feeling anxious and conflicted, it’s no wonder. You have responsibilities in your work and limited vacation time. As a parent
you want your children to have a fun summer and also spend their time productively. While on summer break, they need alternative supervision, some continuity to
their education and diverse outdoor activities. It’s a lot to handle! Reduce the stress
by taking a proactive and strategic approach to summertime parenting:
1. Summer classes and community programs are abundant. To help you get
started, Google “summer kids programs” and you will see the choices are endless.
Research local museums, libraries, churches, public and private schools, girl/boy
scouts, dance studios, soccer/hockey clubs, fitness centers, YMCA’s, tutoring centers
and theatre companies.
2. Overnight camps and mission trips work well for 1-2 weeks. Talk to other parents for recommendations. If children are not ready to be away from home yet, look
into local day camps or local mission projects.
Have your children be involved in choosing some of their options. Negotiate
between learning enrichment types of programs such as math camp with pure fun
and favorite sports. Strike a balance between intellectual, spiritual and character
development, along with physical challenge and creative pursuits.
Consider hiring a summer nanny. Both young teachers and older students
make great inexpensive and responsible helpers. Stay at home moms/dads may also
be available. This can help with giving your kids some downtime to just hang out
with their friends while also providing adult oversight and transportation. Seek
names from a local Christian school, church, friends and neighbors.
Don’t be afraid to go up to another parent while on the baseball field or waiting around at the martial arts studio and ask for ideas for summertime.
Networking is a boost to smart parenting.
Ask extended family to help out with supervision and driving for planned
programs, or even taking your children for a 1-2 week visit at their home.
Grandparents, aunts and uncle, and even long time friends may enjoy some special
time with your child.
3.
4.
5.
6.
The Bible tells us to teach our children God’s principles consistently and intentionally. (Proverbs 22:6) Summertime offers a great opportunity to prayerfully consider
what each of your children most need right now in their development of these principles. It is also a chance to trust God to guide you.
— Elaine Morris
Executive Coach & Strategic Planning Expert
Partners with Dr. John Townsend in the Leadership Coaching Program
For a complimentary copy of The Christian Leader’s Goal Setting
Guide, email [email protected]
T HE S INGLE L IFE
Celebrating the Life and Love of Single Fathers
“Daddy, can we go to the movies today?” “Daddy, will you teach me to ride my
bike?” “Dad, I really like this girl at school but I am too shy to ask her out.”
A father's love is deeply foundational and important to children. Nothing can
replace being hugged and tickled by a father or going fishing with a dad who takes
the time to show a child how to place a worm on the hook and enjoy the solitude of
quiet while waiting for a the fish to bite. It is important for children to know they are
safe and loved with their father.
I have known several single fathers who love their children with complete commitment and consistency, even through losing their wife (and mother of the children)
to death. I also know single fathers who were abandoned by their wife due to selfishness. Some common characteristics these men share, according to the children, are:
Strength: “Through everything we were going through, changing jobs, changing
homes, Dad kept us together and always found a way to keep God as an important
part of our lives.”
Wisdom: “Dad always gave us advice and would be open to long talks – anytime I
needed help he would listen. He would let us in on bits of wisdom from his experience in similar situations. He listened with his heart and never was too busy to stop
and talk.”
Safe: “Dad always made sure we were safe, he cared about who we hung out with
and always paid attention to the details.”
Exhausted: “Dad was always working one or two jobs to provide for us. He was tired
from work but he never gave up.”
Challenges: “Scheduling was difficult because
we only had one car and one driver but Dad
always tried to get us everywhere we wanted
to go. Money was tight and caused stress, but
that has shown me the value of hard work
and what is really important. We didn't
always get all the stuff we wanted, but we
always had the things we needed.”
Tenacity: “Looking back I know my Dad
gave us his very best after the divorce and he
never gave up hope! He trusted God for the things he could not change and he
allowed us to still love our mom. He even moved us closer to our mom in hopes
that she would want to spend more time with us. It took a couple years, but now my
mom is part of our life, and that is only because our Dad moved us closer to her. He
was tenacious in doing what was best for us, not what was fair or convenient.”
This Father's Day let us celebrate the life and love of single fathers! Their on-going
love and presence in a child's life is irreplaceable and important to their children. If
you know a single father in your neighborhood, work environment or at church,
take time to encourage and affirm the love and commitment they have to their children. They need to be supported and appreciated.
— Tammy Daughtry, MMFT
Tammy is Founder of Co-parenting International and author of “Co-parenting Works!
Helping Your Children Thrive After Divorce.” www.CoparentingInternational.com.
L EGAL M ATTERS
What Does Abortion Really Mean?
Until last month, the word “abortion” didn’t mean much to most Americans. It
was a freedom, a choice or an issue to be debated. However, that all changed
with the coverage of the trial of abortionist Kermit Gosnell, who was charged
with murdering babies who were born alive during abortion procedures.
When investigators raided Gosnell’s Philadelphia abortion facility two years
ago, they found what they described as a “house of horrors”. During the trial,
prosecutors presented a case that few Americans thought possible in this country. The grisly and horrendous details that came out from the testimony
showed that Gosnell committed unspeakable acts to helpless human beings.
As atrocious as the testimony was and as hard as it was to listen to and
watch, Americans learned something from this ordeal. They finally learned
the truth of what abortion really is – an act of violence that kills a baby and
wounds a mother.
The curtain has been pulled back, and the ugly truth has been exposed.
Abortion is not about providing healthcare to women. It is not about giving
women choices. Abortion is the exploitation of women for profit and the taking of a precious life. Whether it is happening in inner city Philadelphia or in
downtown Nashville, it is a tragedy that must stop.
Maybe now it will. Because of this case, even
long-time abortion activists are now rethinking their positions, and although the abortion industry is trying to spin its way out of
this, they will have a hard time continuing to
convince the American people that abortion
is simply a mundane procedure.
Proverbs 24:11-12 says, “Rescue those being
led away to death; hold back those staggering
toward slaughter. If you say, ‘But we knew
nothing about this,’ does not He who weighs
the heart perceive it? Does not He who guards
your life know it? Will He not repay everyone
according to what they have done?”
Kermit Gosnell has been convicted and will spend the rest of his life behind
bars. As for the rest of us, we can no longer say that we knew nothing
about this. We must work and pray for an end to the brutality being done
to women and their unborn children every day in this country; a country
that claims liberty and justice for all.
— Stacy Dunn
M ONEY M ATTERS
Dear Dave,
I’ve been on medical leave from my job due to an injury. My doctor recently advised
extending the leave another six months, but during this time I wouldn’t be paid. My
husband makes $75,000 a year, and we owe $40,000 on our cars. This includes a
$30,000 note on one of them. Should we take money out of our 401(k) to make it
through the additional time off?
— Crystal
Dear Crystal,
Absolutely not! You guys have dug a hole for yourselves, and borrowing from one
place to fix another will only make that hole deeper. In cases like this you have to
address the core issue. Your income has dropped significantly, so you need to cut
your lifestyle to match your new income level.
My advice would be to sell the cars, at least the $30,000 one. There’s no justification
for $40,000 worth of vehicles in your garage when you’re living on $75,000. It makes
me think you don’t have any savings, either, if you’re talking about raiding your
401(k). Financially speaking, you have no room to breathe right now.
Serious situations call for serious actions. You’ve got to get your lifestyle down to a
manageable level until you’re able to work again. And even then, there’s no reason to
raise your lifestyle up to your income. Live on less than you make, Crystal. That’s
what enables you to save money and be prepared when Murphy comes knocking
on your door!
— Dave
Dear Dave,
I’m having trouble making my auto payment. I owe $20,000, and the car is worth
$17,000. Should I allow the bank to repossess it, and could they take a lien against my
house if they do?
— Jose
Dear Jose,
You bet they could slap a lien on your home. You never want to go through repossession if there’s any way to avoid that scenario. If they repossess, not only does your
credit take a huge hit, you also lose control of the price of the car.
After a repo, the lender will sell the car and sue you for the difference. But if you sell
the car, you might be able to work out a higher price, leaving you a lesser amount
you’d owe for the difference. Chances are if your loan is with General Motors, they
won’t work with you on the $3,000 difference. In that situation, you can either negotiate with the bank or go to another bank or credit union and get a small loan for the
difference. Just make sure you pay the loan off as quickly as possible. Keep in mind,
too, that even if the car is worth $17,000, it won’t bring that much on the repo lot.
More than likely it would sell for about $11,000, leaving you $9,000 in the hole. By
giving up control, you’d create a much bigger financial mess. I wouldn’t do that.
— Dave Ramsey,
Dave Ramsey is America’s trusted voice on money and business. He’s
authored four New York Times best-selling books: Financial Peace,
More Than Enough, The Total Money Makeover and
EntreLeadership. The Dave Ramsey Show is heard by more than 6
million listeners each week on more than 500 radio stations. Follow
Dave on Twitter at @DaveRamsey and on the web at daveramsey.com.
June 2013 19
C OLORING PAGE
You Can Draw
Look at the shapes and draw
the happy crab in the space below.
JUNE 2013 CALENDAR
VBS Village Baptist Church- 101 Matthew Blvd
Destin, FL 32541 FREE (T-shirts $10) Shelli
Pierson 850-837-8107, ext 104
June 7
Stargazing at Fort Pickens- Fort Pickens
1400 Fort Pickens Rd.Pensacola Beach, FL 32561
June 08
7th Annual Fishin Chix Pink Rubber Boots
Ladies Fishing Rodeo-Tournament starts at 6:30
am on June 8, with fish weigh-ins noon to 2 pm.
Flounder's Chowder House 800 Quietwater
Beach Road, Pensacola Beach, FL 32561
June 10 – Aug 16
Holy Kidz Summer Camps @ Destin Life
Center - Destin United Methodist Church
June 10- Aug 16th with a one week break during
4th of July week. Each week camp will run from
8 am to 3 pm Monday thru Friday. After hour
care until 6 pm will be provided by Destin Life
Center if you pre-register. Register now as space
is LIMITED. For more info call Tami @ 850586-8264.
Jun 10 – 13
VBS Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
“Tell it on the Mountain”- 1 Meigs Drive
Shalimar, FL 850-651-1022
June 17 – 21
VBS Mary Esther United Methodist Church
“Kingdom Rock”- 703 Miracle Strip Pkwy.
Mary Esther, FL 32569 (850) 244-5546
VBS Niceville United Methodist Church
“Jump. Putting Faith in Action”214 Partin Dr. S., Niceville, FL (850) 678-4411
List Your
Event!
June 21 – 23
Fiddler on the Roof- Pensacola Little Theatre
Friday & Saturday 7:30 p.m. Sunday 2:30 p.m.
400 S. Jefferson St. Pensacola, FL 32502
June 22
Discovery Saturday- 10am-noon
Naval Aviation Museum, 1750 Radford Blvd.
Pensacola, FL 32508
Coming In
JULY
July 3-4
Pensacola Beach 4th of July CelebrationThe Pensacola Beach Chamber of Commerce
presents the 4th of July Fireworks starting at 9
p.m. over the Santa Rosa Sound, just behind
The Portofino Boardwalk. This show is free and
open to the public. You can find parking at The
Boardwalk. If you have questions or want more
information, call (850) 932-1500.
Sertoma's 22nd 4th of July CelebrationCelebrate Independence Day in Seville Square,
Downtown Pensacola. The daylong activities
will feature a free children’s area. Mass
Kunfuzion will be taking the Bayfront Stage at 4
pm. followed by August Body at 6:30 p.m. to
kick off the largest Fireworks display on the
Gulf Coast at 9 p.m. over Pensacola Bay. For
more information, call (850) 262-6060.
Navarre Beach hold 3rd Annual Fireworks
Display-The Santa Rosa County Tourist
Development Council is sponsoring Navarre
Beach’s 3rd Annual Independence Day fireworks
®
display. The show will launch over the Santa
Rosa Sound beginning at 9 p.m. The show is
free and open to the public. For more information, call (850) 939-3267.
Fort Walton Beach 4th of July CelebrationThe City of Fort Walton Beach Presents The 4th
of July Celebration at The FWB Landing Park
including A Children’s Bicycle Parade. Decorate
your bike in your own patriotic theme.
Registration begins at 4:00 p.m. and the entry
fee is $1.00. After the parade, enjoy live entertainment leading up to the fireworks show at 9
p.m. For more information, call (850) 244-8191.
July 4th Extravaganza on the Destin HarborThe celebration on the Destin Harbor will feature a hot dog eating contest at 6:30 p.m. sponsored by Dave's Dogs and Harry T's and live
entertainment by Departure, a Journey tribute
band. The spectacular fireworks show will begin
at 9 p.m. launching over the East Pass. For more
information, call (850) 424-0600.
Red, White, and Baytowne-Celebrate the 4th at
the Village of Baytowne Wharf in Destin. There
will be a Village of kids activities from 6 p.m. to
10 p.m. including facepainting, and balloon
sculpting. Live music will be featured with
Coconut Radio from 6-9 p.m. and at 9:15 p.m.
they will light up the sky over the lagoon with a
grand fireworks display. For more information
call (850) 267-8000.
July 8 - 12
VBS First United Methodist Church “Kingdom
Rock”-103 First Street SE, Fort Walton Beach,
FL 32548, 850-243-9292, Registration deadline
July 6
June 7 – 9, 14 – 16th
Skyscraper- A production performed by Stage Crafters. This is a
story of life, love, friendship and
chance encounters. Fort Walton
Beach Civic Auditorium. Tickets are
$15 and available at P.S. Gifts in Fort
Walton Beach or Bayou Books in
Niceville or by visiting www.stagecrafters.com. Discounted student
tickets are available at the door.
VBS Wright Baptist Church- Colossal Coaster
World, 795 Beal Pkwy NW, Fort Walton Beach, FL
If you have an event you would like listed in the Coastal
Christian Family Community Calendar e-mail us the information.
Email to: [email protected] Subject line- Calendar
S UPPORT G ROUPS
Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous(FA) is a fellowship available to anyone in the community who may be suffering from
overeating, food obsession, under-eating, or bulimia. Everyone is welcome, including
those who are concerned about someone who may be suffering. FA is a non-profit
Twelve Step fellowship based on the principles of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). There
are no dues or fees for members. Meetings on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. at St. Simon’s
Episcopal Church, 28 Miracle Strip Parkway, Fort Walton Beach, FL. For more information call 850-259-0980 or visit foodaddicts.org.
Bi-Polar, Depression Support GroupTuesdays 7:00 p.m., St. Simon’s Church, Fort Walton Beach, FL
Peer to Peer Support GroupWednesday 3:00 p.m. once a month. Call (850) 244-1040 for actual dates. Location:
Mental Health Association Building, 571 Mooney Road, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547
Community Action CounselWednesday 1:00 p.m. once a month. Call (850) 244-1040 for actual dates. Location: Jobs
Plus Conference Room, Fort Walton Beach, FL
Brain InjuryWednesdays 9:30 a.m. Trinity United Methodist Church, 403 Racetrack Road, Fort
Walton Beach, FL (850) 862-4169
MOPS GroupsMary Esther MOPSMary Esther United Methodist Church, 703 Miracle Strip Parkway, Mary Esther, FL
2nd and 4th Tuesday 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., (850) 243-7595
Cinco Baptist MOPS1st Wednesday, 9:30 to 11:45 a.m., Cinco Baptist Church, 26 Yacht Club Drive, NE, Fort
Walton Beach, FL (850) 243-7656
Shalimar MOPS2nd and 4th Thursday at 9:30 to 11:45 a.m., Shalimar United Methodist Church, 1 Old
Ferry Road, Shalimar, FL (850) 651-0721
First Baptist Navarre MOPS2nd and 4th Thursday, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., 9302 Navarre Parkway, Navarre, FL (850) 9395424
Destiny Worship Center MOPS1st Saturdays, 6:30 p.m., 122 Poinciana Blvd., Miramar Beach, FL (850) 650-6800
GBUMC MOPS1st and 3rd Thursdays, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., Gulf Breeze United Methodist Church, 4115
Soundside Drive, Gulf Breeze, FL (850) 916-1660
First Baptist Church MOPS,
2nd and 4th Fridays, 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. 622 Bayshore Drive, Niceville, FL (850)
729-6913.
Celebrate Recovery- Fridays Niceville United Methodist Church, Niceville, Florida,
Dinner 5:45 pm. Program 6:30 p.m. For information call (850) 678-4411, ext. 146
Celebrate Recovery- Tuesdays, Mary Esther United Methodist Church, Mary Esther, FL,
5:45 Dinner, Program 6:30 p.m. For information call (850) 243-7595
Divorce CareVillage Baptist Church, Destin, Florida, Wednesdays 6:00 p.m., Room 2209.
Call (850) 837-8107
Does your church or organization host a support group?
Tell us so we can share with
Coastal Christian Family readers.
June 8
2013 Family Life Ministries Tee up
“Fore” Life Golf Tournament- Fort
Walton Beach Golf Course. For
information call (850) 243-5800 or
go to the website www.familylifesozo.org.
[email protected]
June 2013 21
A BOUT O UR A DVERTISERS
Affordable Home Insurance Inc.- Dennis P. Gagnon, Jr.
Agent. 3999 Commons Dr. W, Suite F Destin, FLA 32541
[email protected] 850-654-4-1567 or 850-259-1414
Cold Stone Creamery –Destin Commons – (850) 837- 6838,
Destin, Florida
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church-1 Meigs Drive, Shalimar,
FL (850) 651-1022, www.gslcshalimar.org
HarborWalk Village-The historic Destin Harbor, Destin, FL.
Free Parking or come by boat. www.HarborwalkDestin.com
or call (850) 424-0600
Image Printing and Digital Services- Commercial, Digital
Color, Mailing Services, Graphics/Pre-Press, 315 E.
Hollywood Blvd., Suite 3, Mary Esther, FL 32569
(850) 244-3380, www.imagepds.com
IPacket Networks-, Offering advanced network solutions to
the resort condo owner at a lower operating cost.
IPacketnet.com (888) 821-6476
Lord & Son Construction- We treat every one as we would
want to be treated, Steve Christopher, www.lordandson.com
cell (850) 259-0334 or office (850) 863-5158
Olshefski Productions- A Glimpse of God’s Wonderful
Creation” [email protected] (850) 496-0753
Pak “N” Fax- Your One Stop Shop, 8540 Navarre Pkwy.,
Navarre, FL (850) 939-0990
Run the RaceWellness Coaching- Marilyn Smith
(961) 271-0621
Wild Willy’s Adventure Zone – Coming Soon to Okaloosa
Island, Fort Walton Beach
WPSM, 91.1- The Positive Choice, 244 N. Hill Avenue, Fort
Walton Beach, FL 32548 (850) 244-7667. Contact Whitney
for sponsor information. www.wpsm.com
C LASSIFIEDS
Good Shepherd
Lutheran Church
Ray Angerman - Pastor
Curtis Wiese - Family Life Minister
8:00 AM - Traditional
10:45 AM - Contemporary
Sunday School for
All ages 9:30
Nursery Available
1 Meigs Dr.
Shalimar, FL
(850) 651-1022
gslcshalimar.org
850-803-6005

June 2013 - Christian Family Publications

Transcription

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