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Two years after I married Terry, the love of my life, I was involved in a near-fatal farming accident that left me paralyzed from the waist down. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, this painful experience has become the opportunity of a lifetime.

God has opened doors for Terry and me to share our story, messes and all. We speak to churches, business clubs, and women’s groups. We’re amazed how our story has propelled others to move closer to God, since we’re just an everyday couple facing an unexpected second-half-of-life challenge.

Recently, Dr. Sandra Stevens invited me to participate in a research study at Middle Tennessee State University. For the last 17 months, I’ve been walking on a treadmill encased in Plexiglass and filled with water. Did you catch the key word walking?

As I drive to therapy, I have long conver-sations with God: Lord, be glorified through my life. Please use my faith and determination as a witness to others in the lab. It’s hard to describe the amazing blessing the scientists have been to me. As I began to walk with a walker and leg braces, I realized God is still in the miracle business. Moving my legs again is miraculous, but seeing others walk toward Jesus because of my accident has been the greatest gift of all. I would never have imagined that my MORE would evolve from my accident, that losing my ability to walk and working hard to regain it would be the path God used to draw others to Him.

– Carmen Thompson See the story of Saori

Ishikawa on page 66.

This Is My More Story. What’s Yours?

2 MORE LIVING APRIL 2013

Volume 1, Issue 8 • April 2013

PRODUCTION & MINISTRY TEAM IVEY HARRINGTON BECKMAN Content Editor

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Send questions/comments to: Editor, More Living

One LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN 37234-0175or email us at [email protected]

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Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible®, copyright 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission.

We believe that the Bible has God for its author; salvation for its end; and truth, without any mixture of error, for its matter and that all Scripture is totally true and trustworthy. The 2000 statement of The Baptist Faith and Message is our doctrinal guideline.

She once was

recruited by the

FBI to work as an

undercover agent.

Plays six instruments

(but not all at the

same time).

I ntr o d u c I n g b e t h m o o r e ’ s

so Long, Insecurity

Group ExperienceThe new So Long Insecurity, Group Experience guide is the perfect

companion to beth moore’s bestselling book. beth encourages

women of all ages to support one another in the struggle against

crippling insecurity. now you and your friends can form a group

and utilize the group experience on the journey to soul-deep security.

Leader’s guide also available.

Available at LifeWay christian stores or your local book retailer.

Great gift item!

H o m e L i f e f u l l p a g e a d | 4 C | 8 . 1 2 5 ” X 1 0 . 875 ” | . 1 2 5 ” B LE E D

One week after my cancer surgery, I received an amazing quilt

from my church. It’s the 47th one made by Gladeville Baptist’s

Piece*Love*Quilt ministry, which is lovingly led by Sarah

Craig. The quilt is a beautiful illustration of God’s perfect

timing. Just 24 hours earlier, I’d learned my cancer had

spread. But the expression of love and the prayers sewn

into every stitch of my quilt gave me sweet peace. I knew

Sarah and her team of quilters were lifting me up.

My quilt and I were inseparable throughout visits for

radiation, chemo treatments, and countless trips to

the doctor’s o� ce. My fear was real and cold — not of

physical death, but rather the side e� ects of cancer

treatment: weakness, pain, brain fog, and nausea. But

God continually showed me His peace is far greater

than my fear. As I continually wrapped myself in my

quilt, I claimed Psalm 23.

At times, I wondered if the hospital visits

would ever end. But God used those visits

for His glory. Other patients, doctors, and

nurses often commented on my quilt,

opening the door for me to witness to

people I would not have otherwise

known. My life has been enriched,

and God has been glorifi ed through

the Piece*Love*Quilt ministry.

I am now cancer free. Still,

my quilt is always close by. A

simple look or touch reminds

me of God’s love, the power

of prayer, and the love God’s

people have for one another.

I truly am a living example of

the power of More.

–Nancy Fricke, 65

See page 2 for the story

of my friend, Sarah.

I Am a Living Example

of More.

58 More Living

005490044_More_58-60.indd 58

12/8/11 9:35 AM

In May 2010, the Nashville flood forever changed

our family. We had worked hard to plant our ground in Stewards Garden, a ministry of Christ Community Church in Franklin, Tenn. Then the rain

washed our work into the Harpeth River. It also severely damaged our home. We felt as uprooted

as the plants that floated down the Harpeth. But the ministry born when Stewards Garden

was first created in 2009 had deep roots and immediately began to bear fruit. While we sludged

through the mud and debris in our home, a dear

friend, Jennifer Sweet, replanted our garden plot.

Her humble act of service was a huge gift. We thanked God for giving us a church family who loved us. Jennifer and others knew exactly how to serve our family during that difficult time. The

Babcock family garden would grow even when we

could not tend it. That summer was a tough one financially. While

our home was being repaired, we moved from house

to house. Daily we were keenly aware that there is no

place like home, but we also experienced family unity

that was celebrated every time we received gifts of

food from Stewards Garden. We not only lived on the

fruits of God’s creation; we thrived. Our kids learned

to love fresh vegetables. Jacob told us, “God’s creation is so cool!” And Anna soon wanted a garden

plot of her own. Our family is a living example of the power of More and the life-changing message of Acts 20:35. We are thankful for the ministry of Stewards Garden — and those who served us from its bounty.

— The Babcock Family Susan, Charlie, Anna, JacobSee page 2 to learn how God gave Marion Seaton the vision for Stewards Garden.

We Are a Living Example of More.

58 MORE LIVING SEPTEMBER 2012

005490044_56-60.indd 58

7/5/12 1:08 PM

Tell Us Your MORE Story!

Each issue of More Living features the story of someone who has discovered his or her MORE — that unique talent, gift, or passion now focused on something that really matters.

Send your MORE story in Word format, along with the testimony of someone whose life has been impacted by its ministry, to [email protected]. For each MORE story published, we will pay $75.

APRIL 2013 MORE LIVING 3

Inside More

More Passion { for Chr ist }

09-32Use your gifts, talents,

and wisdom for God’s glory.

More Focus {on Liv ing Wel l }

41-54Make smart choices

so you can serve well.

More Joy {for the Journey}

55-66Celebrate relationships

and have some fun.

18


18

22

42

56

50

24

10

Features10 Your One Big ThingGod has a purpose and a destiny for you. Here’s how to discover it.

18 Easy MoneyHow to raise cash for your ministry by simply doing what you love.

22 Beautiful RisksIt’s a great time to take a beautiful risk for God.

24 Plan Your SuccessWant to launch a powerful ministry? You need a business plan.

30 The Great Omission?Why evangelism must be a priority in churches.

42 Spring Into FitnessRenew your health, strength, and vitality.

46 God’s Diet PlanPastor Rick Warren weighs in on weight loss.

56 Single-minded DevotionUnmarried Boomers have exceptional opportunities to follow hard after God — and change the world.

61 Fads and FlubsFor every challenging Rubik’s Cube we Boomers can claim, there were a dozen Troll dolls and Wacky Wallwalkers.

DEPARTMENTS 14 Inventure Spiritual growth

48 Stewardship of Life Wise choices

50 Money Wise Good stewardship

63 Kicks & Grins Funny stuff

COLUMNS 6 Life Up Close

28 Mentor Power Chuck Lawless

64 Boomer Humor Marie Armenia

IN EVERY ISSUE 2 My More Story

8 Reply All

32 Salvation

52 Food for Thought

65 More Living Insights

66 Living Example

61

40

48


IN THE NEXT ISSUE OF MORE LIVING• What Millennials Can Teach

Boomers About Spiritual Growth• 50 Books to Read (or re-read) in

Your 50s• The Faith Legacy of

Non-Traditional Mothers• Lessons of Memorial Day

AT MORE LIVING We believe the best choice is always DO WHAT MATTERS.

OUR CREED:MORE OF CHRIST, LESS OF ME“He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30).

MORE GIVING, LESS GETTING“In every way I’ve shown you that by laboring like this, it is necessary

to help the weak and to keep in mind the words of the Lord Jesus,

for He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive’” (Acts 20:35).

MORE CELEBRATION, LESS HESITATION“Happy are the people who know the joyful shout;

Yahweh, they walk in the light of Your presence”

(Psalm 89:15).

In Good Hands

April can be a taxing month. You must

ensure that fat envelope addressed to Uncle Sam

contains forms that add up, hopefully in

your favor.

And, most likely, there’s a pile

of graduation and wedding

invitations demanding your

time and money.

Those things, of course, are

just the extra weight of April.

At this stage of life, your nest

is supposed to be empty —

or close to it. But chances are,

it’s refilled with boomerang kids,

aging parents, grandchildren,

or a wild-and-crazy mixture of

these family members.

Life in a not-so-empty nest

can be, well, taxing. There are

likely days when you want to

run out the back door, hands

in the air, screaming at the top

of your lungs, “Beam me up,

Scotty!” A Calgon bath isn’t

going to fix anything at that

point, especially if the plumbing

is on the fritz again. Besides,

if your house if packed with

people, hot water is MIA.

In the midst of life’s complexi-

ties (which can be far more

taxing than the ever-changing

tax code), here are some simple

but life-changing words: “GOD

holds the hands of his people,”

(Psalm 135:14, The Message).

Roll back your memory, and

picture the days when your dad

would hold your hand as you

crossed a busy street or weaved

through a throng of people.

Remember the security of his

firm hand around yours? There

was no need to fear. Someone

bigger, stronger, and wiser was

leading the way; you simply had

to wrap your fingers around his

and walk closely beside him.

Whatever is taxing you this

month, remember this: God

has your hand in His; you’re not

alone! Take a moment to slow

down, be still, and rest secure

in the knowledge that He is

God, and He loves you uncondi-

tionally. Walk with confidence,

knowing that Someone bigger,

stronger, and wiser than you is

leading the way. Your life is in

good hands.

Life up close


More

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800.588.7222 LifeWay.com/Mayberry

It’s All Th� e in Black and White

A celebration of � e Andy Griffi th Show and the biblical

truths and life applications found in the beloved TV classic.

Fun-Filled Bible Study Based � Fav� ite EpisodesS� l-St� ing Preaching

and W� shipToe-Tapping Blue� ass Music

Lodging Nestled in a Beautiful M� ntain Se� ing

BREAKOUT SESSIONSBarney and the Choir� e Haunted House

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IS THERE AN APP FOR THAT?I would love to have More Living

on my Android tablet. Please

consider adding one. Great

magazine by the way!

PENNY ODOM HENRY

FACEBOOK

Editor’s Note: We would love to

offer that option. As our circula-

tion increases, hopefully our

budget will too. Tell your friends

about More Living so we can

expand the magazine’s reach.

To order call 1-800-458-2772.

NIX THE GRITMore Living is a great magazine

that speaks to the heart of

us Boomers. It is relevant

and beautifully done. I would

suggest a physical change ...

flip the cover inside out so that

the reader is holding the glossy

paper, not the gritty side.

KAY HUDGINS

FACEBOOK

Editor’s Note: We hear you, Kay!

The grit is going away. You will

enjoy smooth matte cover stock

on future issues of More Living.

We’d like to get a few words from you. Send them to [email protected]. We’ll pick and choose from the letter pile, of course. And we may edit a bit for length and clarity. You’re good with that, right?

SUDOKU PUZZLE ANSWER FROM MARCH ISSUE

618579432

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Puzzle by websudoku.com

What’s your secret to

quickly solving a Sudoku

puzzle? Most members

of the More Living staff

are word people, so help us

out numerically. Post you

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tips on our Facebook pag

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(We’re seriously clueless.)

Reply All

{ f o r C h r i s t }

M O R E

Passion

PHO

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ES


Your One Big Thing

Samuel Morse was frustrated. He had given his life to be a painter — even traveled to Paris in pursuit of that dream. As historian David McCullough recounts in The Greater Journey (Simon & Schuster),

painting had been Morse’s dream since college, and he had set his heart on that and that alone. But after a long series of setbacks, Morse finally abandoned it. The crushing moment was his losing the appointment to paint a historic mural at the Capitol in Washington. With that loss, he gave up painting entirely and began to focus on something new: inventing the telegraph and eventually a language called Morse code, which literally changed the world.

by Phil Cooke

God has a purpose for your life. Discover it.


To accomplish such a success with

the telegraph, Morse first came to

terms with one fact: He had hit a

wall. He had failed, and he needed

to make a serious change.

Sad but true, many people prefer

to live in denial rather than

face the truth that could set

them free to discover their true

God-given destiny.

What about you? You may not

consider yourself a failure, but

the question is: Have you really

achieved what God put you on

Earth to accomplish?

Everywhere I travel, men and

women in their 50s, 60s, and even

70s tell me, “Phil, I’ve worked hard

all my life, but I honestly don’t know

if I’ve actually accomplished what I

was put here to do.”

That deep frustration and sadness

drives me to help people discover

how they are wired and what God

put them on Earth to accomplish.

Are you looking for those

answers in your own life? Start

by prayerfully asking yourself these

four questions:

1. What comes easy to me? Think

about your life. How many times

were you asked to do something

because you were the organized

one, the athletic one, the good

writer, or the most patient?

Looking back, think about the

moments when you naturally

gravitated toward a particular task

at church or at the office. Perhaps

you’ve built a reputation as the

person who finds this or that task

or challenge easier than anyone

else. Far too often, we simply brush

aside the thing we naturally do well

when it could be a critical key to

personal calling.

For most people, the One Big

Thing, as I like to call it, is an ability,

a skill, a God-given capacity to

handle something other people

find challenging. Something bigger

than a single job that could apply

to many fields, such as the uncanny

ability to sense when others are

hurting or the knack for motivating

people in difficult circumstances.

Don’t guess, and don’t make a

snap judgment. Take your time,

and really think about your One

Big Thing.

2. What do I love? Another impor-

tant signpost on the journey to your

One Big Thing is discovering a task,

job, purpose, or cause you love.

Some people think this a ridiculous

notion because to them, work is

work. Period. They’ve never felt

that work was anything to enjoy,

let alone love; it’s only something

done for a paycheck. But the most

productive, well-rounded, and

fulfilled people have found jobs they

love and do extraordinarily well.

I have the opportunity to see

many successful executives living

out their passion through nonprofit

and humanitarian work. They’ve

spent their careers making money

— often at jobs they hated doing —

and now they have the opportunity

to find fulfillment helping a great

cause. I also know men and women

who have dedicated their lives to

missions. They have little in the way

of material things, but they can’t

wait to get up in the morning and

pursue their calling.

But remember: Just because

you’re passionate about your work

doesn’t make it stress-free. While

she was working in the desperate

slums of Calcutta, Mother Teresa

Sad but true,

many people

prefer to live

in denial

rather than

face the truth

that could set

them free to

discover their

true God-given

destiny.


encountered difficult situations. But it was her

incredible love for the outcasts in India that moti-

vated Mother Teresa to keep going, and her life

transformed millions of people around the world.

3. What drives me crazy? In many cases, the thing you

hate most could be the problem you were born to fix.

In other words, what do you hate? What drives you

nuts? The key to your destiny could be found in the

answer to that question.

Christine Caine would get physically ill hearing

stories of women trafficked for sex. Learning that

they were kidnapped, drugged, moved in packed

shipping containers from port to port, and then

forced into a life of drug addiction and sex with

strangers moved Christine to tears.

That’s when Christine and her husband, Nick,

formed The A21 Campaign (thea21campaign.org).

At the time, they didn’t have any money or an orga-

nization behind them, but today they’re making a

global difference. And it all began with an evil that

drove them crazy.

Your hot button doesn’t have to be a social cause.

It could be something you don’t like about your

mobile phone, the process at work, your schedule, or

a ministry outreach. How often have you wondered,

Why isn’t there a _____? Whatever it is, think about it,

isolate it, and realize that fixing that issue could be

what you’ve been put on Earth to accomplish. The

answer may change the course of your future.

4. What do I want to leave behind? When you reach

the end of your life, will you be able to say that you

lived a life of significance? It’s been said that you

won’t be remembered for the money you made; you’ll

be remembered for the lives you impacted.

God has a great purpose and destiny for you.

Discover it. As a follower of Christ, you have the

opportunity to use your One Big Thing to show God’s

love and share His gospel with those you encounter.

So, what’s your One Big Thing?

Phil Cooke, Ph.D. is a filmmaker and media consul-tant to churches and ministries around the world. He’s the author of One Big Thing: Discovering What You Were Born to Do (Thomas Nelson). Learn more at philcooke.com.

How to Exchange the Daily Grind For the Job You Love

Be bold, not dumb. Begin today strategizing and pursuing your purpose, but don’t be drastic. Keep your current job until you have a transition plan in place.

Don’t burn your bridges. When the time comes to make your tran-sition, leaving on good terms can reap a huge return down the road.

Trigger your connections. In the age of social media, there’s no excuse for not having a powerfully effective database of relationships and connections.

Keep your résumé and portfolio polished, so you can seize oppor-tunities to pursue your dream.

Brace yourself for the risk. Nothing is foolproof, and there are no insurance policies to protect your dream. But there’s nothing like the feeling of discovering your purpose in life.

ILLU

STR

ATI

ON

© T

HIN

KST

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MORE PASSION FOR CHRIST

INVENTURE

The power of prayer. 1 Timothy 2:1-2

puts it this way: “First of all, then, I

urge that petitions, prayers, interces-

sions, and thanksgivings be made for

everyone, for kings and all those who

are in authority, so that we may lead a

tranquil and quiet life in all godliness

and dignity.”

“Christ and His church have had an enormous influence. And if only we were out and out for Jesus Christ in the fullness of our commitment, then we would have far more influence than we do,” says John R. Stott in an article for Christianity Today.

Here are four ways Stott says believers can influence the world:

Ways Believers Can Influence the World4

Adapted from John Stott’s sermon “Salt and Light,” PreachingToday.com, a ministry of Christianity Today.

The power of group solidarity. There is a great need for

dedicated Christian groups

committed to one another,

committed to a vision of

justice, committed to Christ;

groups that will pray together,

think together, formulate poli-

cies together, and get to work

together in the community.

The power of Christian example. Christians are marked people; the

world is watching. And God’s major

way of changing the old society is

to implant within it His new society,

with its different values, different

standards, different joys, and

different goals. Our hope is that

the watching world will see these

differences and find them attractive,

that they “may see your good works

and give glory to your Father in

heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

1The power of truth. As John said in

his prologue to the fourth Gospel,

“That light shines in the darkness,

yet the darkness did not overcome

it” (John 1:5). Of course it cannot;

that light is the truth of God.23

4IL

LUST

RA

TIO

N: ©

ISTO

CK

PHO

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HO

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TH

INK

STO

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INVENTURE

OBEDIENCE NOT AN EASY DECISION

“When it comes to obedience, spiritually

mature disciples of Christ have a loving

motivation to obey God, the self-aware-

ness to know they must be proactive to

avoid bad decisions, and the humility to

confess sins they commit,” says analyst

Scott McConnell quoting a survey on

Transformational Discipleship conducted

by LifeWay Research. The survey reveals

64 percent of churchgoers agree with

the statement: “A Christian must learn

to deny himself/herself in order to serve

Christ.” However, 19 percent disagree

with the statement.

“Obeying God is only easy when a

person’s own desires match God’s,”

McConnell explains. “Until believers

have the same mind as Christ, denying

their own natural desires will be hard.

Many people think of obeying God as

something they must do on their own,”

McConnell adds. “However, it’s clear

through the research findings that the

teaching, encouragement, and account-

ability of corporate worship have a direct

impact on obedience.”

A Christian must learn to deny himself/herself in order to serve Christ.

When I realize my attitude does not please God, I take steps to try to fix it.

28% somewhat

34% strongly

19% DIS-

49% somewhat

32% strongly

4% DISAGREE

THE GOSPEL FOR THE PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE“According to the apostle Paul, the gospel isn’t only for the lost; the gospel is also for the saved. It’s not only for when you die but also for every day of your life. In fact, the only way someone can truly live the kind of life Jesus intended is to understand that the gospel is for your past, present, and future. It’s the means by which you are saved, are made holy, and are preserved until the end.” — Matt Chandler, The Explicit Gospel Bible Study (LifeWay)

Survey Says!

AGREE



INVENTURE

APPS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE

100 Bible Verses by

Robert J. Morgan

100 Bible Verses is a

memory tool based

on the book 100 Bible

Verses Everyone

Should Know by Heart

by Robert J. Morgan.

In addition to the

100 preset verses

organized under 13

topics, you can add

any passage from

Scripture to view in

memory card mode or

read in context. Other

features: Share verses

through Facebook or

Twitter, quiz yourself

in flashcard mode,

ask for a hint to reveal

one word at a time,

record and listen to

yourself reading a

verse, search by key

word, organize verses

by topics you create.

$ .99

Purchase on iTunes at

http://bit.ly/XnXcu1.

Spiritual Growth AppsScripture Memory App

HCSB Study Bible

The HCSB Study Bible app is an easy-to-read visual

Bible featuring more than 15,000 study notes, 290

word studies, 141 photographs, 62 timelines, 59 maps,

24 articles, three Bible reading plans, and much

more. Great for teachers and those who wish to dive

deeper into God’s Word.

$9.99. Purchase on iTunes at http://bit.ly/10j9dqf.

Fast Facts

This app offers 20 facts about faith and culture

everyone

should know, along with responses to 25 common

challenges to the Christian faith. Users will also find

a free version of the HCBS Bible, and all Scripture

references

are linked for immediate access to relevant verses.

$ .99. Purchase on iTunes at http://bit.ly/10j9t8r.

Live Loved by Max Lucado

Devotionals based on the writings of Max Lucado on

topics such as facing your fears, accepting His grace, and

knowing God’s love. This app comes in two versions:

Lite (free) http://bit.ly/XSMZd0

Full version has more devotional material.

$9.99. Purchase at http://bit.ly/U8Gb6t.

(Lite)

(Full)

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The Power of Prayer and Fasting by Ronnie W. Floyd

(B&H Books)

Offering true stories on

the difference prayer and

fasting have made in the

lives of God’s people, this

book discusses how these

two spiritual disciplines

should be lived out in a

believer’s life.

THE POINT: The disciplines

of prayer and fasting are

biblical, ordained acts of

obedience.

QUOTE: “When you pray

and fast, the powerful

presence of God will

accompany you and

wake up in you like never

before. You will never be

the same — never.”

Eat Mor Chikin: Inspire More People by S. Truett

Cathy, (Chik-fil-A Inc.,

Looking Glass Books)

This is the story of how

one man built a business

selling chicken sand-

wiches by being resolute

in keeping biblically

based values.

THE POINT: Commitment to

God, people, and service

is a recipe for success.

QUOTE: “When we’re fully

committed to something,

we’re not likely to give up

or become discouraged,

and we’re not likely to fail.

Commitment works in

our business life as well as

in our relationships with

our families and with the

Lord. When we’re fully

committed, strange and

unusual things happen.”

GREAT READS

MEMORIZE THIS“For God was pleased to have

all His fullness dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile every-

thing to Himself by making peace through the blood of His cross — whether things on earth or things

in heaven” (Colossians 1:19-20).

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by Sandy Smith

Raising cash for ministry is simple when you’re doing what you love.

B uy a candle from Diane Lovell, and as you enjoy the

scents of mango and papaya, know that the lost are being

ministered to in Nicaragua.

Savor a plate of Lloyd Runnett’s barbecue, and realize

his church’s good works are being expanded.

Lovell and Runnett have tapped into the entrepreneurial spirit

that is becoming a Boomer trademark. A new study by the Ewing

Marion Kauffman Foundation found those ages 55 to 64 have a

higher rate of entrepreneurialism than do those between the ages

of 20 to 34.

But for many Boomers, raising quick cash is not about building a

business or pocketing extra income but advancing God’s kingdom.

Those who want to raise cash for ministry should focus on what

they know. And that’s exactly what Runnett and Lovell have done.

BARBECUE FOR BENEFITRunnett, a retired firefighter, first learned to cook in the firehouse.

By the time he bought and adapted his smoker, the “Chopping

Road Beast,” barbecue sauce was in his veins.

Unlike a lot of serious barbecuers, 52-year-old Runnett has

skipped the competition circuit and focuses his efforts on fund-

raisers, primarily for his church and programs it supports, such

as Young Life.

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“I can do more good this way,”

Runnett says. “I was taught at an

early age that it’s our responsibility

to look after one another. I’d rather

help people and do things that

make life better than I would just

about anything.”

When his church and community

were damaged in the 2011 earthquake

that struck Virginia, Runnett provided

barbecue for a fundraiser that earned

$55,000 to help rebuilding efforts.

He also barbecued chickens

to thank those who came to town

with a disaster relief ministry. But

Runnett’s church counts on him most

for twice-a-year fundraisers for Young

Life and the Faith Works annual

fundraiser that benefits the church’s

benevolent fund.

Barbecuing is a long effort. When a

whole pig is on the cooker, it may need

tending for 20 hours. But the waiting

and watching provide time to pray and

listen, so the long nights of stoking the

fire and slathering on the sauce aren’t

tiring for Runnett.

“There’s the Bible passage about not

getting weary while you’re working,”

he says. “This gets me excited, and it makes it easier.

It’s a blessing to be able to serve by doing something I’m

passionate about and want to do really well.”

And out of that passion, Runnett has found that blessing

others blesses him even more. He’s had so many requests

for his barbecue for private events that he’s created a side

business, Muddy Boots BBQ. But that won’t take the focus

off his tireless barbecuing for ministries. “I try to bless

people, but when I do, God reaps more blessings on me. I’m

trying to help somebody out and He provides for me, which

gives me the opportunity to help others. It’s contagious.”

LIGHTING A CANDLE FOR NICARAGUAMaking candles for missions took a few twists and turns

for Diane Lovell. A long-time math teacher, Lovell took

a break from teaching to help her disabled son, who at

“It’s a blessing to be

able to serve by

doing something I’m

passionate about and

want to do really well.”

– Lloyd Runnett

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“CROWDSOURCE” YOUR CAUSE

Looking to raise funds for a ministry? The Internet has made it so much easier to find groups of like-minded people. Research these options and others to find a group that matches your beliefs and ministry goals.

Meetup.com Allows you to find people in your community who share your interests. If you’d like to find help with making cards, crafting, or painting, for instance, check out groups in your area. As with anything on the Internet, use caution and common sense when making connections.

Kickstarter.com This, and other groups like it, allows you to post a project and solicit funds. Kickstarter prohibits charitable solicitations, though other groups allow them. However, you can still use Kickstarter to fund your passion and then route the funds toward your church.

22 had aged out of the school system, adjust. She began

working for her husband’s company, an environmental

sciences firm, where she came across a warning about

cancer-causing effects of paraffin wax candles, which she

burned constantly.

“It was contradictory: saving the planet by day and killing

off my family by toxic fumes at night,” Lovell laughs. She

met a candle maker who extolled the virtues of soy-based

candles, and Lovell began whipping up concoctions in her

kitchen laboratory.

When her church planned a missions trip to Nicaragua,

Lovell, her husband, and one of her sons were intrigued.

But the costs were expensive, especially for three. So

Lovell took her candles and started hitting crafts fairs and

community events. She quickly raised enough to pay for

the missions trips for all three, plus enough to help other

church members who wanted to go.

Back home, she kept making candles, always setting the

money aside for missions. When she returned to teaching,

one of her students wanted to buy a candle, but only had

$3. She offered to give her the candle. The girl refused,

believing her $3 could help someone.

Lovell began giving away the candles, with one caveat:

“I said, ‘Just pray for missions whenever you smell the

candle or see the glow. Use that as a reminder.’” She also

accepted donations on behalf of the organization her

church partnered with in Nicaragua: Because We Care

Ministries (bwcm.org).

Moving to the donation-based system has earned

“thousands, not yet tens of thousands,” Lovell says.

Lovell believes the candles will not only fund the orga-

nization she works with, but also will eventually inspire

others to seek out missions opportunities of their own.

Though Lovell gets to Nicaragua while on summer breaks,

the mission field has carried over to her home. As she uses

her hobby to raise funds for ministry, she’s found “nothing

sweeter. And it makes me look for other avenues, not just in

providing a good or a service, but it’s really opened my eyes

to how I can serve in daily living. If God can use melting

wax to His glory, there’s no limit in my life.”

Sandy Smith is a writer and editor based in Nashville. She’s been known to enjoy both barbecue and candles.

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Years ago, I was up late praying.

I was desperate to sense more of

God in my life. I wanted to hear

Him. I told Him I’d do anything

that He asked of me, if He would only speak.

I had prayed this prayer many times.

What’s weird is that I sensed God speak

every time. It’s just that every time God

spoke, He asked me to do something, well,

stupid. So I usually didn’t do it.

That night, I sensed God say, I want you to

go down to the 7-Eleven and tell whomever is

working there that I love them.

Are You kidding, God? I responded. Are You

sure You don’t want me to memorize a book

of the Bible or something? C’mon, it’s 2 in the

morning. I’m in my pajamas.

You don’t have to change if you don’t want

to, God said.

I took that to mean I didn’t have to put on

jeans over my pajama bottoms. So I put on

Beautiful Risks God is calling us to live a life untamed.

A life of trust. A life of adventure. by Jason Jaggard

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a robe and slippers, and then I got in my car and

drove to the 7-Eleven. Walking into the store,

I felt (and looked) like a nut. There were a few

people shopping, so I pretended to browse in the

candy section. I was determined that my embar-

rassment should not have a large audience.

After the last customer left the store, I hesi-

tantly walked up to the lady at the cash register.

I stammered and finally said, “Uh, I know this

sounds strange …”

She was probably reaching for the silent alarm.

“But, uh … I feel like I’m supposed to tell you

that God loves you.”

The woman looked at me

and said, “I know.”

I blushed, said, “OK,” and

left the 7-Eleven.

Years later, that woman won

the Nobel Peace Prize and

thanked me in her speech.

No, she didn’t. I never heard

from her again.

Sometimes we take risks,

not because of the outcome

we’re sure it will produce in

others, but because of the

outcome it might produce in

us: namely, becoming the kind of people who are

likely to hear God and then go out and risk for

His sake.

This is the abundant life God is calling us

to live. A life of trust. A life of adventure. The

Scriptures record Jesus as saying, “I came so

that humanity could experience full, rewarding,

vibrant Life,” John 10:10 (author’s paraphrase).

God wants to lead us to this vibrant Life. It is

achievable. It simply has to be chosen.

WORTH THE RISKWe can’t control what we get out of life; we can

control only what we put into it. We can’t control

the outcomes of our taking risks; we can only

control if we risk.

A university student named Nathan decided he

wanted to compose a song and perform it for a

girl who, as far as I could tell, didn’t know Nathan

existed. (The rest of us were eager to show up the

following week to hear how things turned out.)

The next week, Nathan walked in with a huge

smile on his face. He told us how nervous he had

been. He had composed a song (it wasn’t very

good, he said), and then he approached the girl

he wanted to sing to.

“So it went well?” we asked.

He laughed. “No!” Then he made a hand

gesture like a plane crashing.

“Crash and burn,” he said. “It

freaked her out.”

He had failed fantastically.

So all of us raised our

metaphorical glasses

and toasted. “Mazel tov!”

(Literally, “good destiny!”)

“Salud!” (“To life!”)

For Nathan, writing a

song and singing it to a girl

wasn’t only about trying to

get a date. It was also about

becoming the kind of person

who wasn’t afraid to love. He

was sad, sure. But in the ache, Nathan was able to

enjoy the thrill of having made a beautiful choice.

Life is wild. It cannot be tamed; it can only

be chosen. So follow God’s leading, and take a

beautiful risk for His sake. Transform the world,

one small risk at a time.

Excerpted from Spark by Jason Jaggard. Copyright © 2012 by Jason Jaggard. Excerpted by permission of WaterBrook Press, a division of Random House, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher. To learn more about the Spark movement, visit sparkgood.com.

4 REQUIREMENTS OF A BEAUTIFUL RISK

1. Immediate: something you will do in the next six days

2. Controllable: something that is in your power to do

3. Challenging: something that stretches your comfort zone

4. Positive: something that makes your life or the world better


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A t age 11, Cherry Blackwell shared the gospel with a

young Taiwanese man and watched peace and happi-

ness replace his loneliness and homesickness.

“I knew at that moment what I wanted to do for

the rest of my life — [be a missionary],” Blackwell says. Today,

she and her husband, Ben, lead Lagniappe Ministry, an evan-

gelistic outreach to athletes, the military, tourists, and others

who impact the New Orleans hospitality and tourism industry.

Although the duo didn’t begin Lagniappe with a business plan,

they now have one in place.

“Lagniappe Ministry is so unique, so out of the box. We weren’t

really sure what direction we needed to go in, and, to be honest,

if the ministry would really take a foothold. But we have gradu-

ally put together a plan for the present, two years out, and five

years out,” Blackwell says. And that plan has played a crucial

role in Lagniappe Ministry’s success, she realizes.


“If you don’t have a plan, then how will you know what direc-

tion you need to go? Without a plan, how will you know if you

are succeeding or if you need to change direction?”

The Lagniappe business plan is clearly centered, and

Blackwell strongly recommends this approach: “When estab-

lishing a business plan, keep God’s message first and foremost.

Keep the communication line between you and God open.

Talk to Him often and about every detail,” Blackwell says. “In

choosing a ministry path, look at what you love to do most.

What is that thing that makes you unbearably happy, something

that you can’t imagine living without doing it every day? That

passion is your ministry.”

WHAT’S IN A PLAN?At New Seasons Church, a multi-ethnic 1,100-member

congregation in Spring Valley, Calif., ministry plans are so

crucial anyone submitting a proposal must fill out a standard

questionnaire.

Narri Cooper, New Seasons’ service department director, said

the questionnaire defines the ministry and determines whether

it’s consistent with the church’s core values. The ministry must

be designed to serve a particular population, either within the

church or within the wider community.

In submitting an idea, church members must consider the

ministry’s operation plan, including its financing, its cost, and

its structure, Cooper says. A plan must outline how the ministry

will be implemented, how its success will be measured, how

members will be recruited, and the spiritual gifts desirable for

those leading and working in the ministry, she explains.

Chuck Bentley, chief executive officer of Crown Financial

Ministries and host of the national daily radio broadcast My

MoneyLife,™ explains that a ministry plan puts everyone on the

same page and indicates a stronger commitment to the ministry

than does a poorly developed idea.

Bentley says the most important elements of a plan are:

• Leadership: who will be responsible for

operating the ministry;

• Target audience: who will be served;

• Product or service: how they will be served

and with what tools and resources;

• Business/Service model: the costs and/or

revenues associated with the plan.

“A well-developed proposal will include research and data

to indicate that the person responsible for developing the

When establishing a

business plan, keep

God’s message first

and foremost. Keep

the communication

line between you

and God open. Talk

to Him often and

about every detail.

–Cherry Blackwell


ministry/business plan has a grasp on all

the key metrics involved in the activity,”

Bentley explains.

For example, let’s say you’re trying to reach

youth in the community. You should know the

demographics, current socioeconomic circum-

stances, the needs the youth have expressed, and

how your ministry can meet those needs, Bentley

says. If you’ve already been serving the target

audience, he suggests indicating in the plan how

the group has responded to your service.

“Follow the simple ‘who, what, when, where,

how’ format. Your plan should clearly answer

the questions any outsider might ask about your

proposal without them having to research the

answer,” Bentley recommends. “Include research

to support your key points. Data is critical for

each point you want to make.”

Also indicate if anyone else is providing the

service, whether they are successful, and the

reasons for their success or failure. Differentiate

between their work and your proposal, and avoid

exaggerated claims about your ministry idea,

Bentley adds.

“You should be able to explain your plan in a

concise manner. If you cannot communicate it,

others will never get behind it.”

Diana Chandler is a staff writer at Baptist Press and finds time to write for various Christian publications. A Mississippi native and Nashville transplant by way of New Orleans, the Bible teacher is patiently awaiting God’s guidance in her latest ministry venture.

HOW TO SELL YOUR CHURCH (ON YOUR GREAT IDEA)

A church’s size and culture can determine the path your ministry idea takes to reach the light of day.

At the downtown congregation of First Baptist Church Nashville, Senior Pastor Frank R. Lewis recommends finding five oth-ers who share your passion for the particular ministry in mind. “Once you have this many people willing to pray, support, and help organize, then the idea has a better chance of becoming reality,” Pastor Lewis explains. The next step at FBC Nashville is to schedule a meeting with the church’s executive pastor. Members of the approximate 2,200-member church should utilize its system of committees, Pastor Lewis adds. “This way, the

[ministry idea] has already gone through a vetting process of sorts to see if others in the body discern that it’s a viable ministry option for us to consider further.”

At the 1,100-member New Seasons Church in Spring Val-ley, Calif., Senior Pastor A.B. Vines says presentations should show how the proposed ministry fits within the church’s current vision and should conform to the church’s standard ministry suggestion questionnaire.

The worst thing to do when pitching your idea to this pastor? “Tell me, ‘God said do this,’ or ‘The Lord told me to tell you we need to do this,’” Pastor Vines says. “If God gave you the vision, I shouldn’t

have to rewrite your vision.”When pitching a ministry

idea to New York’s 100-member East Seventh Baptist Church, Adult Ministries Director Kareem Goubran recommends the CDROM approach he equates with the Good Samaritan:

• Compassion: care deeply, and pray.

• Do something: one small thing to get started — and pay close attention to details.

• Refer to Others: include prayer support, a team of helpers, ministry leaders, and so forth.

• Mañana: (Spanish for “tomorrow”): plan a follow-up meeting.

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The View from a Lawn Chair

Everyone knew Jack Tichenor as “Brother

Jack,” and I met him after he retired from

decades of pastoral ministry. He allowed

me to listen to his wisdom, grow from his

experiences, and learn at his

feet while sitting in lawn chairs

in his garage.

Many were the times when

Brother Jack and I sat talking

in the garage while the sun

pounded the driveway.

Here’s what I remember

about Brother Jack: He was a

godly man who always made

time for me. Granted, he was

retired when I met him, but

he always kept busy. He had

A godly man, a good seat, and time


Chuck Lawless

served as state president of his

denomination’s churches, and

that position opened doors for

him to speak even in retire-

ment. Because he was a funny,

popular, “down home” speaker,

churches often invited Jack

back time and again.

Jack’s busyness, though, never

precluded him from making

time for me. A simple phone call

usually led to an appointment to

sit in the garage, share a sand-

wich, and talk.

I spent many hours talking

with Jack, and I never recall his

saying a negative word about

anyone. Ever. Not once. He

didn’t always agree with others,

but he respected and loved

them. Even in times when local

churches were struggling and

church leaders were resigning,

Jack always defaulted to prayer

rather than criticism. “We need

to pray for them,” was his simple

reminder that all of us could

someday find ourselves in need

of support rather than condem-

nation. To this day, I think of

Jack when my mind and lips

tend toward criticism.

Occasionally, Jack and I left

the garage to have lunch at a

local restaurant. There, Jack

talked to everybody, and he

somehow worked the gospel

into each conversation. It didn’t

take long for a restaurant

hostess, server, or the next

person in line to meet Jack

and to hear about his God. He

would speak about Jesus while

engaging a stranger with his

genuine heart and gentle spirit.

Many times I could sense that

a server wanted to pull up a

chair, take a break, and join us

in a longer conversation. I’m an

introvert, but I still use Jack’s

model to push myself to initiate

conversations with others.

Jack also loved model trains.

In his garage were trains set

to run their course at the push

of a button. Sometimes after

Jack and I finished a conversa-

tion, we simply sat together

watching the trains circle the

tracks. Those quiet times with

this rock-solid man of God gave

me rest from a hectic life and

encouragement to press on

with my ministry. Few are those

whose very presence brings

comfort and peace, but Jack

was one of those men. I learned

from his silence as much as

from his words. And whenever I

see a lawn chair, I think of him.

Who in your life might like to

have a lawn-chair conversation

with you? With whom might you

like to have a conversation?

Think about it. Then pull up a

chair and make it happen.

Chuck Lawless is the author of Mentor: How Along-the-Way Discipleship Will Change Your Life (LifeWay). He is also dean of graduate studies, Southeastern Seminary and Global Theological Education Consultant, International Mission Board.

LockmanAd 1/7/13 7:37 PM Page 1

The Great Omission?

By Thom S. Rainer

Why evangelism

must be a priority.

Evangelism is dying in many churches today.

No, that’s not an overstatement. I am not speaking hyperboli-

cally. Evangelism is dying.

Look at the data. Measure almost any group of churches today

versus 30 years ago. You’ll likely find that only one person is being

reached with the gospel for every 40 to 60 church members. You

will find that conversions have declined precipitously. And where

you find numerical growth, you are more likely to find that the

growth is transfer of Christians from one church to another. That’s

not evangelism. That’s sheep shuffling.

Pastors and other leaders must fall on their faces before God

and ask Him to reignite their congregations with an evangelistic

passion. When evangelism dies as a priority in the church, the

church has already begun to die.

So why should evangelism be one of the highest priorities of

your church?

1. Because Christ commanded it. We typically refer to the Great

Commission of Matthew 28:18-20 as our evangelistic and disciples-

making command. But there are many other places in the New

Testament where the priority of evangelism is clearly evident.

Christ commanded it. We must do it.

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We fool ourselves into thinking we are evangelistic when we are simply recirculating the saints.

2. Because Christ is the only way of salvation. There is no way

around it. Salvation is exclusive. There is only one way. Jesus

could not have made it clearer in John 14:6: “Jesus told him, ‘I am

the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except

through Me.’” Jesus had an urgent message. He had an exclusive

message. We must be conveyors of that narrowly-defined hope.

3. Because Christ died for the world. There is a reason

John 3:16 is the most familiar and most quoted verse in the history

of humanity. Jesus died for the world. He is the only way, but He

has provided a way for everyone. This is a message that is urgent

and worth telling. Indeed, it is the greatest message ever.

4. Because churches that are not intentional about evangelism typically are weak in evangelism. Many pastors and church leaders

will affirm this article. They will give mental assent to the priority

of evangelism. But they do not practice the priority of evangelism

in their churches. What are you doing today to make certain

evangelism is a priority of your church?

5. Because churches tend to obsess inwardly when they fail to move outwardly. Where has a lot of your church’s energy been

expended lately? Rancorous business meetings? Expressions

of petty church preferences? Worship wars? Power struggles?

Those are inward obsessions. Lead your church to an evangelistic

priority and watch the focus shift for the better.

6. Because churches become content and complacent with transfer growth. Some churches are growing. Others are adding

members without significant numerical growth. But many in both

categories are growing at the expense of other churches. Some

may be reaching unchurched Christians. That is good, but that is

not evangelism. We can fool ourselves into thinking we are evan-

gelistic when we are simply recirculating the saints.

7. Because evangelistic Christians actually grow stronger as better discipled Christians. Those who are evangelistic are

obedient to Christ. Being obedient to Christ means that we are

following His teachings and

becoming better fruit-bearing

disciples.

Most churches are busy

with activities, programs,

and ministries. Few churches

are truly sending out their

members to evangelize those in

their communities. The Great

Commission has fast become

the Great Omission.

Evangelism is dying.

Churches are dying.

People are going to hell

without Christ. It is perhaps the

greatest tragedy today.

What are you doing to lead

your church to become more

evangelistic?

This article was originally published at ThomRainer.com.

Thom S. Rainer serves as president and CEO of LifeWay Christian Resources. Among his greatest joys are his family: his wife Nellie Jo; three sons, Sam, Art, and Jess; and six grandchildren. Dr. Rainer publishes a daily blog at ThomRainer.com and can be found on Twitter @ThomRainer and at facebook.com/Thom.S.Rainer.


PATTY MASON Finding Pure

Hope

Patty Mason is a smart, deter-

mined woman who sets goals

and achieves them. Early on,

she chose a career in sales, but

soon her glamorous lifestyle

wasn’t satisfying an emptiness

she felt inside.

She concluded that getting

married and having children

would bring fulfillment. So

she did. Patty embraced her

role as wife and mother while

working as a sales executive.

One evening, at an awards

ceremony before thousands of

her coworkers, Patty received

the highest award the company

gave. She recalls, “The moment

that should have been the peak

of my life was when I realized

success, family, and material

things were never going to give

me what I was longing for.”

Thus began Patty’s long

journey into a deep depression.

She began drinking to manage

her pain: “The alcohol took an

edge off the sadness, so I drank

more.” Soon Patty began to

have thoughts of suicide. One

day, she cried out to God. “I’m

not sure why I did; God wasn’t

part of my life. He was some-

thing I did on Sunday mornings

as a child. But I told Him, You’re

the only One who can help me.”

BORN AGAIN Have you ever wondered what the phrase “born again” means? The Bible records that Jesus used the phrase in a conversation with a man named Nicodemus. Nicodemus approached Jesus at night. He was curious about Jesus and the kingdom of God. Jesus told him: “Unless someone is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3). Nicodemus responded, “But how can anyone be born when he is old?” (John 3:4). Nicodemus was a highly moral man who obeyed God’s law. He was a respected leader of the Jewish community. No doubt he was a fine man. Yet something was lacking. Like Nicodemus, many people today confuse religion with new birth in Christ. Phrases like “I pray regularly” or “I believe there is a God” often are confused with a real new-birth experience. New birth begins with the Holy Spirit convicting a person that he or she is a sinner. Because of sin, we are spiritually dead. For this reason, spiritual birth, as Jesus described it, is necessary. God loves us and gives us spiritual birth when we ask Him for it. The Bible says all persons are sinners (Romans 3:23). Jesus died on a cross and was raised from the dead to save sinners. To be born again means that a person admits to God that he or she is a sinner, repents of sin, believes in or trusts Christ, and confesses faith in Christ as Savior and Lord. Jesus told Nicodemus that everyone who believes in (places faith in) Christ would not perish (John 3:16). Jesus is the only One who can save us (John 14:6). To believe in Jesus is to be born again. Confess your sins and ask Jesus right now to save you. “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Acts 2:21). After you have received Jesus Christ into your life, share your decision with another person, and following Christ’s example, ask for baptism by immersion in your local church as a public expression of your faith (Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:6).

You will never find fulfillment apart from God.

Patty recalled there was

a Mothers of Preschoolers

(MOPS) meeting that day. She

went. At the end of the meeting,

Patty poured her heart out

to the guest speaker. A tidal

wave of pent-up emotions came

pouring out, and she felt the

dark cloud of depression leave

her. A few days later, Patty took

her children to a Christmas

presentation at a local church

where the pastor explained the

plan of salvation.

“Even though I grew up in

church, I had never heard

the plan of salvation. What

that pastor was sharing was

wonderful, and I wanted

Jesus in my life,” Patty says.

“God changed my life in that

moment. You will never find

fulfillment apart from God. The

only pure joy, the only pure

hope is in Jesus Christ.”

You can learn more about Patty Mason’s experiences since that moment by visiting her website libertyinchristministries.com.

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Unfolding a map of the Southeast– or, more likely these days, studying a map

online– is like opening a treasure chest of travel choices. Just think what’s in the 12-state region’s footprint.

This attraction- and action-packed quadrant of our nation stretches from the mountains of West Virginia to the coastline of Virginia, down the Atlantic seaboard to the slightly wacky world of Key West, around the Gulf of Mexico to the “Cajun Outback” of Southwest Louisiana and up to the natural beauty of Arkansas. The whole place is a treasure.

The best aspect is that you can start anywhere– and asking any two people

what’s the best destination in the Southeast is likely to spark a lively discussion.

You’ll fi nd beach people who brag on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, Hilton Head and Myrtle Beach in South Carolina, Daytona and Perdido Key in Florida and Gulf Shores and Orange Beach in Alabama– to the exclusion of all others.

Mountain vacationers swear by the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee and North Carolina, the Alleghenies in West Virginia, the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia, North Carolina and North Georgia– and don’t neglect the Ozarks of Arkansas.

You’ll fi nd golfers who can’t get enough of South Carolina’s Grand Strand, the year-round courses in central Florida, the challenging courses of Tennessee’s Cumberland Plateau or the variety of the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail in Alabama.

People who thrive on big-city restaurants and cultural diversions line up to brag about Charleston, Atlanta, Charlotte and Louisville. Birmingham even gets culinary praise these days for places other than its glorious barbeque joints.

All you have to do is hit the road to fi nd a great Southeastern destination. You don’t need a GPS.

i

Grab a Map&Hit The Road

Visit EscapeToTheSoutheast.com for additional travel information

S p e c i a l A d v e r t i s i n g S e c t i o n

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lives

elvis.com800-238-2000

Visit the website of any Southeast destination– tiny burg or major metropolis– and you’ll fi nd a

festival, maybe even dozens of festivals spread through the year.

Tiny Tallapoosa, Georgia, celebrates each New Year’s Eve with its Possum Drop. (Don’t worry. The possum, whose name is Spencer, had a date with a taxidermist long ago.)

Salley, South Carolina, pays tribute to a certain part of pig with its Chitlin Strut in November.

Up in Richwood, West Virginia, there’s a big fuss every April over ramps, a wild leek with a strong garlic-like aroma and a pronounced onion fl avor. It’s the Feast of the Ramson, and it’s a good thing everybody present eats the stinky vegetables. A breath mint should be the festival’s offi cial sponsor.

You get the idea by now. Southerners don’t need much of an excuse to throw a party and invite people to drop in.

Macon, Georgia, stages “the Pinkest Party on Earth” (aka the International Cherry Blossom Festival) in March just because residents planted 300,000 cherry trees, while the Biltmore Festival of Flowers in Asheville,

North Carolina, stretches from late March until the middle of May.

Music is the root of many festivals. Tennessee is awash in music festivals in early June. Chattanooga draws thousands for the Riverbend Festival, throngs fi ll otherwise empty farm fi elds near Manchester for the

internationally famous Bonaroo and Nashville really is Music City during the nationally televised Country Music

Association Festival.

Look hard enough, and you probably can fi nd a barbeque event every month of the year. Most are pig-based events, but

the folks in Owensboro, Kentucky, toss some mutton into the mix– just for fun, no doubt.

With choices all over the map, look for some guidance. If a festival you’re considering is a Southeast Tourism Society “Top 20 Event in the Southeast,” that’s a pretty good seal of approval. Check them out each month at EscapeToTheSoutheast.com.



i iii

Reconnect with life’s natural moments in Central Florida. Rejuvenate your mind and spirit at Bok Tower Gardens and explore acres upon acres of pristine gardens in the shadow of The Singing Tower. Hike or bike through 37 unspoiled parks. Discover 34 golf courses grounded in beauty, variety and challenge, such as the stunningly unique Streamsong Resort – Florida’s newest golf experience.

Log on and plan your escape today.

800-828-7655 LFlartneCtisiV/moc.rettiwt adirolFlartneCtisiV/moc.koobecaf



Georgia

www.visitSandySprings.orgwww.visitSandySprings.orgwww.visitSandySprings.orgwww.visitSandySprings.orgwww.visitSandySprings.orgwww.visitSandySprings.orgwww.visitSandySprings.orgwww.visitSandySprings.orgwww.visitSandySprings.orgwww.visitSandySprings.orgwww.visitSandySprings.orgwww.visitSandySprings.orgwww.visitSandySprings.org1-866-511-77421-866-511-77421-866-511-77421-866-511-77421-866-511-77421-866-511-77421-866-511-77421-866-511-77421-866-511-77421-866-511-77421-866-511-77421-866-511-77421-866-511-77421-866-511-77421-866-511-77421-866-511-77421-866-511-77421-866-511-77421-866-511-77421-866-511-77421-866-511-7742

GeorgiaGeorgiaGeorgiaGeorgiaGeorgiaGeorgiaGeorgiaGeorgiaGeorgiaGeorgiaGeorgiaGeorgiaGeorgiaGeorgiaGeorgiaGeorgiaGeorgiaGeorgiaGeorgiaGeorgiaSandy Springs

April is an ideal time for a family getaway or church group trip in the Southeastern United States, with numerous events across the region featuring live

entertainment in a variety of musical styles; fl owers, herbs and gardens; pageants; athletic events; cook offs and regional food; street fairs; horticultural and Southern folk life artisans; carnival rides; model trains; kids’ activities; fi lms; hot air balloons; fi reworks; prize giveaways and more, along with beautiful Southern spring weather in which to enjoy the activities. Visit www.EscapeToTheSoutheast.com to learn more about special events each month across the Southeast and to request your FREE Escape to the Southeast® Travel Guide.

Apr. 1-7 Pensacola JazzFest– Pensacola, FL Apr. 5-6 Springtime Tallahassee– Tallahassee, FL Apr. 5-7 41st Annual Summerville Family YMCA Flowertown Festival– Summerville, SC Apr. 6 Plantapalooza!– Athens, GA Apr. 10-14 North Carolina Azalea Festival at Wilmington, Inc.– Wilmington, NC Apr. 11-13 Louisiana Railroad Festival– DeQuincy, LA Apr. 11-20 Come-See-Me Festival– Rock Hill, SC Apr. 12-14 Alabama Chicken & Egg Festival– Moulton, AL Apr. 12-14 Westlake Family Fun and Food Festival– Westlake, LA Apr. 12-14 Blessing of the Fleet Festival– Darien, GA Apr. 12-14 Crossroads Film Festival– Jackson and Madison, MS Apr. 12-14 Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival– Ponchatoula, LA Apr. 13 Lewisburg Chocolate Festival– Lewisburg, WV Apr. 13-14 25th Annual Dogwood Festival– Perry, GA Apr. 13-14; 20-21 KidFest! Ridgeland– Ridgeland, MS Apr. 13-June 2 28th Annual Georgia Renaissance Festival– Fairburn, GAApr. 15-May 2 Kentucky Derby Festival– Louisville, KYApr. 18-21 36th Annual Vidalia Onion Festival– Vidalia, GAApr. 18-21; 25-28 Mississippi Coast Coliseum Crawfi sh Festival– Biloxi, MS Apr. 19-21 Lockport Food Festival Presents: “Le Fete du Monde” – Lockport, LA Apr. 20-21 29th Annual Bloomin’ Festival Arts & Crafts Fair – Cullman, AL Apr. 24-27 29th Annual American Quilter’s Society Quilt Show & Contest– Paducah, KY Apr. 25-27 Rose Show and Festival– Thomasville, GA Apr. 26-28 Sacred Heart Garden Festival– Augusta, GAApr. 27 Herbs Galore & More at Maymont– Richmond, VAApr. 27-28 Melbourne Art Festival– Melbourne, FLApr. 30-May 12 Contraband Days Pirate Festival– Lake Charles, LA

Top Escape to theSoutheast® events APRIL 2013



Georgia

www.visitSandySprings.orgwww.visitSandySprings.orgwww.visitSandySprings.orgwww.visitSandySprings.orgwww.visitSandySprings.orgwww.visitSandySprings.orgwww.visitSandySprings.orgwww.visitSandySprings.orgwww.visitSandySprings.orgwww.visitSandySprings.orgwww.visitSandySprings.orgwww.visitSandySprings.orgwww.visitSandySprings.org1-866-511-77421-866-511-77421-866-511-77421-866-511-77421-866-511-77421-866-511-77421-866-511-77421-866-511-77421-866-511-77421-866-511-77421-866-511-77421-866-511-77421-866-511-77421-866-511-77421-866-511-77421-866-511-77421-866-511-77421-866-511-77421-866-511-77421-866-511-77421-866-511-7742

GeorgiaGeorgiaGeorgiaGeorgiaGeorgiaGeorgiaGeorgiaGeorgiaGeorgiaGeorgiaGeorgiaGeorgiaGeorgiaGeorgiaGeorgiaGeorgiaGeorgiaGeorgiaGeorgiaGeorgiaSandy Springs

April is an ideal time for a family getaway or church group trip in the Southeastern United States, with numerous events across the region featuring live

entertainment in a variety of musical styles; fl owers, herbs and gardens; pageants; athletic events; cook offs and regional food; street fairs; horticultural and Southern folk life artisans; carnival rides; model trains; kids’ activities; fi lms; hot air balloons; fi reworks; prize giveaways and more, along with beautiful Southern spring weather in which to enjoy the activities. Visit www.EscapeToTheSoutheast.com to learn more about special events each month across the Southeast and to request your FREE Escape to the Southeast® Travel Guide.

Apr. 1-7 Pensacola JazzFest– Pensacola, FL Apr. 5-6 Springtime Tallahassee– Tallahassee, FL Apr. 5-7 41st Annual Summerville Family YMCA Flowertown Festival– Summerville, SC Apr. 6 Plantapalooza!– Athens, GA Apr. 10-14 North Carolina Azalea Festival at Wilmington, Inc.– Wilmington, NC Apr. 11-13 Louisiana Railroad Festival– DeQuincy, LA Apr. 11-20 Come-See-Me Festival– Rock Hill, SC Apr. 12-14 Alabama Chicken & Egg Festival– Moulton, AL Apr. 12-14 Westlake Family Fun and Food Festival– Westlake, LA Apr. 12-14 Blessing of the Fleet Festival– Darien, GA Apr. 12-14 Crossroads Film Festival– Jackson and Madison, MS Apr. 12-14 Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival– Ponchatoula, LA Apr. 13 Lewisburg Chocolate Festival– Lewisburg, WV Apr. 13-14 25th Annual Dogwood Festival– Perry, GA Apr. 13-14; 20-21 KidFest! Ridgeland– Ridgeland, MS Apr. 13-June 2 28th Annual Georgia Renaissance Festival– Fairburn, GAApr. 15-May 2 Kentucky Derby Festival– Louisville, KYApr. 18-21 36th Annual Vidalia Onion Festival– Vidalia, GAApr. 18-21; 25-28 Mississippi Coast Coliseum Crawfi sh Festival– Biloxi, MS Apr. 19-21 Lockport Food Festival Presents: “Le Fete du Monde” – Lockport, LA Apr. 20-21 29th Annual Bloomin’ Festival Arts & Crafts Fair – Cullman, AL Apr. 24-27 29th Annual American Quilter’s Society Quilt Show & Contest– Paducah, KY Apr. 25-27 Rose Show and Festival– Thomasville, GA Apr. 26-28 Sacred Heart Garden Festival– Augusta, GAApr. 27 Herbs Galore & More at Maymont– Richmond, VAApr. 27-28 Melbourne Art Festival– Melbourne, FLApr. 30-May 12 Contraband Days Pirate Festival– Lake Charles, LA

Top Escape to theSoutheast® events APRIL 2013


i v

Have faith that you’ll have funYou can have faith that your church groups will have fun here in

Pigeon Forge. Whether it’s the shopping, attractions, shows or

Dollywood®, you’ll find wholesome entertainment at every turn.

And the majestic beauty of the Smoky Mountains is always an

inspiring sight. Pigeon Forge is fi lled with variety and dedicated to

creating a family friendly atmosphere that everyone can enjoy. PigeonForgeMeeting.com

1 - 8 0 0 - 2 8 5 - 7 5 5 7

PFT3287_M3rr_LifeWay_wBleed.indd 1 1/22/13 10:05 AM

12Alabama – You’ve heard about whooping cranes and efforts to save the species, but have you ever seen one? You can at Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge in north Alabama, where a few whoopers spend the winter and 284 more species pass through each year. fws.gov/wheeler

Arkansas – Heifer International has worked to end global hunger one cow at a time since 1944. Its home base is in Little Rock, right next to the Clinton Presidential Library, and it offers great lessons in helping others. Heifer Ranch, 45 miles away in Perryville, offers another unusual vacation experience. Heifer.org

Florida – As the year-long Viva Florida celebration marks the 500th anniversary of Ponce de Leon’s arrival, many people need reminding that Florida’s first settlement was in modern-day Pensacola, not St. Augustine. Yes, the Pensacola settlement got whacked by a hurricane and didn’t survive, but what’s there now is lots of fun. VisitPensacola.com

Georgia – Everyone knows about the Everglades, but fewer know about another famous swamp, the Okefenokee. Folkston, Fargo and Waycross are your entry points to 700 square miles of cypress forests, marsh, lakes and islands. You might even meet Pogo Possum. fws.gov/okefenokee

You’ve bought a t-shirt at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, wipedconfectioner’s sugar off your shirt from a Café du Monde beignet in New Orleans, wished you had worn a shirt at Myrtle Beach and maybe lost your shirt whitewaterrafting on the Nantahala River.

In other words, you’ve had many of the big experiences the Southeast offers. Shift gears and consider this collection of destinations that aren’t so famous.

UNUSUALDestinations in the Southeast

TWELVE




Kentucky – Not too far from the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green is a decidedly slower means of transportation– boats that travel underground. Lost River Cave lives up to its name because Lost River really does flow through the cave, and it’s big enough for a boat ride. LostRiverCave.com and VisitBGKY.com

Louisiana – If you don’t have a Cajun or Creole bloodline, trying to figure out the culture of South Louisiana is a challenge– until you visit the Vermilionville Living History Museum and Folklife Park in Lafayette. Ask to meet “the gumbo lady.” BayouVermilion.org and LafayetteTravel.com

Mississippi – It’s somewhat of a mystery why tamales and Mississippi go together, but it’s no mystery finding places to put great tamales on your plate throughout the Mississippi Delta. The Southern Foodways Alliance explains this culinary phenomenon at TamaleTrail.com

North Carolina – Chimney Rock is a towering 315-foot-tall monolith at the edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains overlooking Hickory Nut Gorge and Lake Lure. To reach the 75-mile view, you can burn some calories with a 20-minute walk up 491 stairs or zoom up a 26-story elevator. ChimneyRockPark.com

South Carolina – Theodore Roosevelt said the battle at Kings Mountain “marked the turning point of the American Revolution.” It was a strange battle– Patriot and Loyalist militias and only one British soldier. It’s quite a history lesson just 40 miles southwest of Charlotte, N.C. nps.gov/kimo

Tennessee – Board an ocean liner in landlocked Pigeon Forge. It’s the Titanic Museum Attraction, which really does look like the famous ship that sailed into history in 1912. Your boarding pass is a passenger’s biography and not until the touching Memorial Room do you learn that person’s fate. TitanicPigeonForge.com

Virginia – Many people explore Virginia’s Civil War battlefields, but the history of an entire branch of the Armed Forces is at Quantico. It’s the National Museum of the Marine Corps, where you can learn why the Marines display an Academy Award along with a fighter jet and photos of Iwo Jima. usmcmuseum.com

West Virginia – Elkins was a railroad town until the railroad left. Years of work have transformed it into a certified West Virginia Arts Community and a place named one of the 100 Best Art Towns in America. Music, dance and crafts abound– as do new railroad excursions into the mountains. ElkinsWV.com

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Kentucky – Not too far from the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green is a decidedly slower means of transportation– boats that travel underground. Lost River Cave lives up to its name because Lost River really does flow through the cave, and it’s big enough for a boat ride. LostRiverCave.com and VisitBGKY.com

Louisiana – If you don’t have a Cajun or Creole bloodline, trying to figure out the culture of South Louisiana is a challenge– until you visit the Vermilionville Living History Museum and Folklife Park in Lafayette. Ask to meet “the gumbo lady.” BayouVermilion.org and LafayetteTravel.com

Mississippi – It’s somewhat of a mystery why tamales and Mississippi go together, but it’s no mystery finding places to put great tamales on your plate throughout the Mississippi Delta. The Southern Foodways Alliance explains this culinary phenomenon at TamaleTrail.com

North Carolina – Chimney Rock is a towering 315-foot-tall monolith at the edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains overlooking Hickory Nut Gorge and Lake Lure. To reach the 75-mile view, you can burn some calories with a 20-minute walk up 491 stairs or zoom up a 26-story elevator. ChimneyRockPark.com

South Carolina – Theodore Roosevelt said the battle at Kings Mountain “marked the turning point of the American Revolution.” It was a strange battle– Patriot and Loyalist militias and only one British soldier. It’s quite a history lesson just 40 miles southwest of Charlotte, N.C. nps.gov/kimo

Tennessee – Board an ocean liner in landlocked Pigeon Forge. It’s the Titanic Museum Attraction, which really does look like the famous ship that sailed into history in 1912. Your boarding pass is a passenger’s biography and not until the touching Memorial Room do you learn that person’s fate. TitanicPigeonForge.com

Virginia – Many people explore Virginia’s Civil War battlefields, but the history of an entire branch of the Armed Forces is at Quantico. It’s the National Museum of the Marine Corps, where you can learn why the Marines display an Academy Award along with a fighter jet and photos of Iwo Jima. usmcmuseum.com

West Virginia – Elkins was a railroad town until the railroad left. Years of work have transformed it into a certified West Virginia Arts Community and a place named one of the 100 Best Art Towns in America. Music, dance and crafts abound– as do new railroad excursions into the mountains. ElkinsWV.com

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i

Children learn the most amazing things when they’re having fun. At Gulf

Shores and Orange Beach, they’ll never know they’re still in school. Because

32 miles of uncrowded, sugar white beaches, sparkling water and numerous

interactive educational attractions provide an exciting, entertaining way to

learn. And a whole different state of discovery.learn. And a whole different state of discovery.

Call 1-877-659-9025 or visit GulfShores.com/Lifeway

Discovered October 12, 2012 by Sasha Stevens - Gulf Shores, AL

Sand Crabs.

GSA014 Lifeway April Ad Full.indd 1 1/16/13 4:28 PM


viii

EscapeTo SE

1/3 Vert

Escape to the Southeast Info and Offers Showcasefree information

To learn more about our Escape to the Southeast travel advertisers’ products and services, simply visit LifeWay.com/AdPartners and checkthe boxes of the destinations belowfrom whom you would like to receive FREE information.

When you request information about these destinations at LifeWay.com/AdPartners, you will be entered automatically to win one of FIVE LifeWay Christian Stores gift cards valued at $50 each (enough to purchase some great reading material to take on your Southeast vacation).

For more information and regular updates about these destinations, visit LifeWay.com/TravelGuide.

AlabamaGulf Shores & Orange Beachwww.GulfShores.com/LifeWay1-877-659-9025

FloridaCentral Florida Visitors & Convention Bureauwww.visitcentralfl orida.org1-800-828-7655

GeorgiaAlpine Helen – White County Convention & Visitors Bureauwww.helenga.com1-800-858-8027

Sandy Springs Hospitality & Tourismwww.visitSandySprings.org1-866-511-7742

TennesseePigeon Forgewww.PigeonForgeMeeting.com1-800-285-7557

Seviervillewww.VisitSevierville.com1-888-738-4378

Visit Gracelandwww.elvis.com1-800-238-2000


Visit Today!EscapeToTheSoutheast.com

Make the most of your travels to the Southeast. EscapeToTheSoutheast.com has all the information you’ll need: destinations, attractions, accommodations, events and more!

FREE• Travel Brochures• Coupons• Contests • & More!

Escape to the SoutheastTo order your FREE Escape to the Southeast Travel Guide, obtain more information about top events and the best travel destinations in the Southeast United States, or to enter travel sweepstakes, visit EscapeToTheSoutheast.com.

Photography and articles by Tom AdkinsonDesign by Kevin Robinson Design



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Spring Into

FITNESS

It’s time to recapture health, strength, and vitality.

by Branda Polk


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*Calories are approximate and based on a 175-pound person.

FAR OUT OF THE GYM WORKOUTSTry these exercise options for 30 minutes to burn extra calories each day.*

Hula–Hoop and burn 300 calories.

Wii Fit with grandchil-dren and burn 100 calories.

Kayak an obstacle course and burn 200 calories.

Hike and prayer walk through the woods and burn 200 calories.

pring makes you want to shake off

winter doldrums and run in the sun.

For many Baby Boomers, all that

shaking and moving is harder and a

little more painful these days. But it doesn’t

have to be this way. You can make changes to

get stronger and more fit and put spring back

into your step. According to Brian Stecker, a

certified personal trainer and Boomer fitness

expert from Vancouver, Wa., you’re never too

old or too out of shape to reach the goals of

getting healthy and fully engaging in life.

Brian was motivated toward fitness by his

grandfather’s positive example of faith in

God and his commitment to make a differ-

ence in the lives of others. Brian saw the

health challenges his relatives were facing

in midlife and knew, based on his studies

in exercise science, that fitness promotes

better health and reduces many age-related

diseases. He wanted to change lives by

helping Boomers see their full potential and

regain the vitality to charge into the second

phase of life. (Visit boomerfitness.com.)

THE CHALLENGESBrian identifies challenges Boomers

face to getting fit, challenges which can

become excuses.

Empty nest syndrome. Cooking for two people

seems futile, so Boomers eat out on average five

to seven times per week. Eating out this often

contributes 500 or more additional calories

consumed in a week.

Multi-generational caregivers. Baby Boomers may

be caring for boomerang adult children, aging

parents, and grandchildren all at the same time.

This leaves no time in the day for them to prop-

erly care for themselves.

Stress. Family, work, time, and financial pressures

create stress and a stress response. High blood

pressure, weight gain, and sleeplessness are a

few side effects of stress.

Retirement strain. Many Boomers are near retire-

ment age but financially need to work longer.


For women. Hormonal changes lead to reduced muscle mass and

a slowing metabolism. With this reduction in calorie-burning

muscle, women burn, on average, 3500 fewer calories per week,

which can translate to gaining 3 to 5 pounds a month.

For men. Lower testosterone levels lead to the reduction in muscle

mass and an increase in body fat.

Pain. As joints stiffen and muscles weaken, pain is the result. To

avoid pain, Boomers often move less, which exaggerates speed of

fitness decline.

THE OPPORTUNITIESBrian sees these challenges as opportunities and motivators for

Boomers to get healthy.

“The number one fear of the Baby Boomer generation is the loss

of independence,” Brian says. “They see their parents aging and

want to do something about their own health before it’s too late.”

Brian encourages his clients to look at health as a three-legged

stool. Health is the seat of the stool; exercise, nutrition, and mind-

set represent each leg. When one or more of the legs is out of

balance, the stool is unstable.

THE GOALSRealistic, measurable, and structured goals are needed to improve

health, says Brian. Once goals are set, progression toward those

goals is critical.

Brian recommends beginning with a dynamic warm-up of

rhythmic, full-body movements or stretches. Then move to

strength training in a circuit station-to-station type method.

Many former athletes recall training from their sports days

and try to begin where they left off in high school or college. This

often leads to injury, soreness, and quitting. Safe and effect circuit

training using weight machines or other types of strength training

equipment allows participants to move with consistent pacing

between each exercise with minimal breaks. Circuit training

builds muscle mass and helps decrease many of the signs of aging.

Finish with or complete at a different workout cardiovascular

exercises such as walking, biking, or swimming. Many Boomers

see changes in strength, stamina, energy, and range of motion

after only a few sessions. Over time, dramatic results occur.

THE BIGGER HEALTH PICTUREThere’s a huge amount of life and ministry potential left in Baby

Boomers. “The training of the body has a limited benefit, but

godliness is beneficial in every way, since it holds promise for the

4 SIMPLE WAYS TO GET HEALTHY

1. Invest your time and resources in your health instead of into your sickness. Staying healthy is much less expensive than the rising cost of medical care.

2. Cook and eat at home. Learn how to creatively cook smaller portions of healthy foods. Con-sider planning a meal and splitting it with another couple.

3. Invite a friend with a similar fitness level to partner with you at the gym. Group training with a personal trainer is a cost-effective and motivational way to stay con-sistent with an exercise plan.

4. Join an active group. Biking, running, hiking, swimming, and ballroom dance are excellent group exercises.

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Can a simple protein hold the key to improving your memory?

Researchers have discovered a protein that actually supports healthy brain function.*

Robert Pastore, Ph.D., a member of the New York Academy of Sciences explains, “As you age, you lose about 30,000 brain cells a day and that impacts every aspect of your life...how you think and how you feel.”

Fortunately, scientists made a signifi cant breakthrough by developing a scientifi c process to produce a protein called “apoaequorin” that can support healthier brain function, sharper mind and clearer thinking.*

Supports healthy brain function*

According to Dr. Pastore, “These proteins are vital and found naturally throughout the body. As we age we start to lose some of these proteins. When this happens you may start to experience mild memory diffi culties.”

The jellyfi sh connectionApoaequorin is in the same

family of proteins as those found in humans, but it was originally discovered in one of nature’s simplest organisms — the jellyfi sh.

Now produced through a scientifi c process, Researchers formulated this vital protein into a product called Prevagen®. The unique ingredient within Prevagen is unlike any other available today. It is the fi rst and only supplement that supplements proteins for brain health.*

Prevagen® comes in an easy to swallow capsule and is available without a prescription. It has no known side effects and will not interact with your current medication.

Clinically TestedJust how well does Prevagen

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Can a protein originally found in a jellyfi sh improve your memory? Scientists say, “Yes”!

PRVMOREMAGV1

present life and also

for the life to come”

(1 Timothy 4:8). When

overall health and

strength improve, this

increases the opportu-

nity to impact families,

churches, and communi-

ties for Christ.

“A new view of ‘normal’

older age should be active,

involved, productive,

and valued for wisdom

and guidance. It takes

courage to act and think

differently and to lead by

example,” says Dr. Donald

M. Vickery, author of Live

Young, Think Young, Be

Young ... at Any Age (Bull

Publishing). Since Boomers

have made a brand out of

the “Go Big or Go Home”

mentality, now is a great

time to continue that

mind-set, especially in the

areas of physical health

and how it connects with

spiritual impact.

“Faith plays an impor-

tant role in fitness,” Brian

explains. “Aging is an

opportunity to strengthen

our character and shape

us into the people God

really want us to be.

Fitness gives us an oppor-

tunity to minister and

shape our communities

for the better.”

Branda Polk is a certified personal fitness trainer and wellness coach in Rock Hill, S.C. She also trains Baby Boomer clients and helps them be their best at any age.

TitleauthorDeck

asdadsa

W eighing in at 295 pounds, pastor

Rick Warren, 58, was overweight

— and he knew it. After

baptizing hundreds in one day,

his body told him just how out of shape and

overweight he had become. He decided to do

something about it. With the help of medical

experts and others in his church, Rick created

the Daniel Plan, which is based on the biblical

story in Daniel of staying true to God’s plan for

living. The plan promotes lifestyle over diet,

and it seems to be working. Members of

Saddleback Church have dropped close to

300,000 pounds since the Daniel Plan initiative

began in 2011. Pastor Warren has dropped 60

of the 90 pounds he intends to lose.

Here’s a basic overview of the Daniel

Plan as you consider springing in to

fitness this year.

CONNECT FOR SUCCESS.After checking with your doctor, join or create

a Daniel Plan small group at your church.

USE BIBLICALLY BASED STUDY AND ENCOURAGEMENT. The plan has Bible-based video and study

materials to guide individuals and small

groups through the process.

EAT A DIET OF WHOLE FOODS.Follow the plans 70/30 rule: 70 percent of

what you eat is made up of whole foods

like fruit, vegetables, nuts, and seeds;

30 percent is lean protein, starches, and

whole grains.

GET UP AND MOVE!Your body is made to move. Find exercise

that is fun: walking with friends, biking

with family, swimming to relax, etc. The

idea is to get moving with easy-on-the

joints, enjoyable exercise that promotes

fitness and fellowship.

LIVE SMARTER. THINK SHARPER. Get seven to eight hours of sleep. Learn to

breath deeper to reduce stress. Stay away

from alcohol and tobacco products. Add

“brain foods and spices” such as cinnamon

to increase attention span. Meditate on

Scripture to replace negative thoughts.

God’s Diet Plan?Pastor Rick Warren weighs in on weight loss.

For full details, resources, and guidance on starting a Daniel Plan small group, go to danielplan.com.

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MAKE YOUR TRIP COUNTNew Ways to VacationThe 50-something crowd is

transforming vacation-time

travel. Consider these types

of getaways:

Missions. Join with fellow

church members in fulfilling

the Great Commission. If

your church doesn't have

a missions trip planned or

you want to serve in some

specific capacity, search

the Internet for short-term

missions opportunities

through organizations whose

beliefs and policies match

your vision.

Vocation vacation. Several

companies provide experi-

ential trips that give you the

Exercise Your Brain ... Because it MattersThat gray stuff housed inside your head needs exercise to

stay sharp. If you want to improve your memory, processing

speed, problem-solving skills, or you would simply like

to easily remember people’s names and where you put

your car keys, lumosity.com can help. This fun, interactive

website offers lots of cognitive exercises that will make

your brain sweat a bit. You can test drive it for free and

then build a personalized brain training program for a

nominal fee each month.

Well Said“Exercising Christian faith is exhibited in a life that depends

on Jesus Christ for salvation and is filled with the expectation

of His daily activity.” — Ed Stetzer, LifeWay Research

opportunity to experience another

career, such as chocolatier or

architect. These vacations allow

you to immerse yourself in that

career as you receive coaching

by professionals for nominal fees.

Vocationvacations.com specializes

in career test-drives stateside.

Voluntourism. Approximately

16 percent of Boomers surveyed

said while on vacation in the

last two years they’d seen

poverty, orphans, disaster

damage, or pollution. Some

companies have put together

tour packages that merge

traditional sight-seeing with

an opportunity to volunteer:

• Hands Up Holidays (handsupholidays.com), Allows users to search by country or region or by volunteer activity. • GlobeAware (globeaware.org), a nonprofit that organizes volunteer tours.• Travelocity, the discount travel site, offers an index of volunteer trips and often provides $5,000 voluntourism grants. To learn more visit travelocity.com/ TravelForGood.

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MORE FOCUS ON LIVING WELL

STEWARDSHIP OF LIFE

IN THE KNOW ABOUT H2O?4 Reasons to Drink Up

APRIL'S SUDOKU BRAIN CHALLENGEFill in the grid so that each row,

column, and 3-by-3 block contains

the numbers 1 through 9 exactly

once. Look for the answer on our

Facebook page. See page 8 for

answers to March’s puzzle.

1

7

68

91

5

92

3

3

5

96

28

1

5

5

94

6

82

74

8

7

Puzzle by websudoku.com

1. The average adult body loses 12 cups of water every day. Besides the obvious, the drain includes: 2 cups of perspiration 2 to 4 cups lost breathing as carbon dioxide is expelled ½ to 1 cup lost from the soles of feet

3. Joint pain, stomach pain, ulcers, back pain, low energy, mental confusion, and disorientation are all signs that your body is dehydrated.

2. The brain is about 85 percent water. Dehydration can affect brain power.

Source: Dorchester, Maryland Health Department

85%5%

25-30%

drop in body fluids will cause a

loss of energy in the average

person.

4.

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MORE FOCUS ON LIVING WELL

STEWARDSHIP OF LIFE

With changing tax rules likely, you must pay wisely.

by Megan Pacheco

Not a Penny More

God’s Word makes it clear that

we should fulfill our tax respon-

sibility: “Give back to Caesar

the things that are Caesar’s,

and to God the things that are

God’s” (Mark 12:17). But the

Bible also says plenty about

planning and seeking wise

counsel, and we should defi-

nitely heed this wisdom as we

prepare to fulfill tax obligations.

Many possible tax changes

are looming. Here are eight

items you’ll need to address

whether you prepare your own

tax return or use the services of

a trusted tax professional.

1. Depending on how much

your tax liability has increased,

adjust your withholdings or

estimated tax payments to

avoid owing Uncle Sam. If you

have too little withheld, you

could be subject to penalties

and interest.

2. Pay close attention to

capital gains and dividend

income. The new tax rates

could affect how you distribute

this income over tax years,

assuming options are available.

3. If you have college-age

children, the expiration of

the American Opportunity

Education Tax Credit means

you’ll likely be shouldering

more of their education

expenses. Here are some other

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COLUMN: MONEY WISE

education funding options to

think through:

• Consider opening a Roth

IRA account to save money

for higher education. Even if

you’re younger than 59½, you

can withdraw your contri-

butions (but not earnings)

without a tax penalty after

five years. With some plan-

ning, Roth IRA accounts can

be used to set aside funds for

college expenses.

• Use ESA and 529 college

savings plans. These will

give you best results when

started early since compound

interest and time will work

to your advantage. Both

accounts are subject to contri-

bution and income limits.

• Consider talking to your

children about choosing a

local community college

for the first two years in

addition to working and

paying for some of their

own education.

4. The threshold for deducting

medical expenses has increased

from 7.7 percent of Adjusted

Gross Income (AGI) to 10

percent of AGI.

5. If you’re in the upper income

brackets, $200,000 AGI and

up, you could be hit with two

Medicare-related taxes. Expect

a 0.9 percent tax on wages and

self-employment income and

that you can also donate older

cars, furniture, clothing, and so

forth. If you donate non-cash

items, save the contribution

receipt so you can claim the

value of those items on next

year’s return. Many people

donate hundreds of items but

never ask for a receipt.

Taxes are complicated and

require careful planning. As

a steward of God’s resources,

ask questions and seek wisdom

and understanding regarding

tax matters. Lack of planning

could potentially cost you

more of your hard earned

money, putting it in the hands

of “Caesar” who most certainly

will not spend it as wisely as

you would.

Megan Pacheco is the director of product development at Crown Financial Ministries, a leading provider of personal finance resources from a biblical perspec-tive. For more info, visit Crown.org.

a 3.8 percent tax on unearned

income. Consider maximizing

your pre-tax Flexible Spending

Account for all health care-

related expenses. Just keep in

mind that if you don’t use the

funds you set aside, you’ll

lose them.

6. The marriage penalty has

returned in 2013, which means

if you and your spouse file

jointly and do not itemize, you’ll

get a smaller standard deduc-

tion than singles or couples who

file separately.

7. Do you have elderly parents

permanently living with you?

You may qualify to claim them

as your dependents.

8. Last but not least, your

contributions to your church

and charities still qualify as tax

deductions. As you plan your

acts of generosity, remember

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The day is

coming when

a single

carrot, freshly

observed,

will set off a

revolution.

–Paul

Cezanne


A Great DigFrom soups and pot roasts to cakes and even ice cream, the carrot has blazed orange. Here’s the skinny on all your burning carrot questions.

Q: Where did carrots originate?A: Prior to the cultivated carrot we eat today, carrots grew wild and are believed native to Afghanistan.

Q: Do rabbits really crave carrots? A: The iconic image of Bugs Bunny nibbling on a carrot is misleading. While rabbits can enjoy the veggie as an occa-sional treat, carrots are too high in sugar to be a staple in a rabbit’s diet. Feed a pet bunny too many and you could find yourself asking, “What’s up, Doc?” due to digestive problems and tooth decay.

Q: Why are carrots so orange?A: Beta-carotene gives carrots their hue. Carrots also come in a rainbow of other lovely colors: purple, red, and yellow.

Q: Do carrots really help your eyesight? A: The link between vision and carrots is vitamin A, which is essential to our retinas. Carrots are high in beta-carotene, which our bodies convert to vitamin A. So the assumption is the more carrots you eat, the better your eyesight. However, if your diet is already balanced, eating more carrots won’t improve your vision.

Q: Should you peel a carrot?A: A carrot’s skin is totally edible. Just give them a good scrub before eating. After all, carrots live in dirt.

Spicy Carrot Soup

2 tablespoons olive oil4 tablespoons butter, divided1 onion, chopped2 leeks, trimmed, chopped and cleaned

thoroughly2 garlic cloves, chopped2 pounds carrots, chopped4 stalks celery, choppedSalt and pepper1- inch piece of fresh ginger, grated (about 1½

tablespoons)½ teaspoon red chili flakes4 cups chicken stock

Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, leeks, and garlic. Cook until soft, about 5 to 10 minutes. Add carrots, celery, salt, and pepper. Cook until carrots and celery begin to soften, about 10 minutes. Add ginger and red chili flakes, and cook another two minutes. Pour in the stock and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until carrots become tender, about 15 minutes. Test with a knife. Once carrots are tender, purée the soup with an immer-sion blender right in the pot. If consistency is too thick, add more stock. Serve with a drizzle of pesto or a dollop of sour cream along with warm crusty bread. Serves 6 to 8.

Get to the root of the colorful and versatile carrot.


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Sweet Carrot & Beet Salad

⅓ cup raisins1 pound carrots1 large red beet, peeled½ lemon, juiced¼ cup sour cream¼ cup mayonnaise2 tablespoons sugarK osher salt and freshly ground black

pepper, to taste ¼ cup walnuts, chopped⅓ cup diced fresh pineapple

In a small bowl, pour hot water over the raisins and set aside while they plump. Grate the carrots and beets using a food processor or a box grater. In the bottom of a large bowl, mix together lemon juice, sour cream, mayonnaise, sugar, salt, and pepper. Add the grated veggies and mix well. Fold in the drained raisins, walnuts, and pineapple. Allow to sit 30 minutes to an hour to develop the flavors. Taste for seasoning and serve cold or at room temperature. Serves 4 to 6.

5 Steps to

Launching a

Meals Ministry

1. Recruit volunteer

cooks.

2. Ask your church

office to let you

know when needs

arise.

3. Determine

frequency and

length of meal provi-

sion. Every other day

for two weeks is a

good length.

4. Use a

website like

takethemameal.com

to organize your

calendar, alerting

cooks to dietary

restrictions.

.

5. Ask cooks to

deliver meals by

a specific time

in disposable

containers.

Note: Carrots, especially when grated in a food processor, release a lot of water. Make this salad no more than a few hours before serving it to avoid wilting.

Larissa Arnault is one of those crazy people who loves chopping vegetables — she finds the monotonous rhythm relaxing. She channels her inner Julia Child and listens to French music while slicing and dicing in Nashville, Tenn.


Single-minded DEVOTION

by Leona Bergstrom

Unmarried Boomers have exceptional opportunities to follow hard after God — and change the world.


A slight shame-laced hesitation

lingers in Marcia Carole's voice

when she shares her story. Two

abusive marriage relationships,

messy divorces, and painful endings have left her

single again. But Marcia is following hard after

God, and at age 59 is discovering a new life filled

with abundant grace and indisputable adventure.

Recently she left for Pattaya, Thailand. She and

four other women are armed with huge tote bags

overflowing with colorful fabric, acrylic paints,

tissue paper, and glue. They are going to share

art and Christ's love with women who are bought

and sold on “walking street.”

Marcia is the team leader. She’s one of a

growing number of single Boomers in churches

across the nation. Many, like her, are divorced.

Others are widowed, and a number have never

married. All are uniquely designed individuals

with color-filled palettes of life experiences,

talents, gifts, and passions.

MARCIAMarcia is an artist. She loves to watch a

beautiful picture emerge as she strokes

watercolors on canvas. She compares her

life to a painting, full of radical color as

well as dark shadows. Marcia married

young, had four daughters, and divorced

after enduring years of domestic violence.

Her second marriage, also abusive, ended

in a dreadful divorce. Marcia felt misun-

derstood, discarded, and worthless.

For much of her career, Marcia taught

first grade. Deep inside, however, she

wanted to be an artist. Every afternoon as

she put the next day’s date on the black-

board she would cry out, Lord, when will

You release me to follow my passion? When

her second marriage ended, Marcia shared

that plea with a counselor who wisely

reminded her, “You can’t just ask the Lord

to do it all. You need to do something, too.”

So Marcia started moving toward her

dream. She committed to creating art every

day for a year. She started a blog. She often

worked into the wee hours of the morning,

but every day she posted a sketch or

painting on the Internet. After nine months,

she had a robust portfolio and was recruited

to teach art in a school in Morocco.

This single, middle-aged woman’s life

was never the same. Upon returning to the

U.S., Marcia's living room became an art

studio, the world became her classroom,

and abused women became her mission

field. Using art to share the love of Jesus,

Marcia has seen women around the world

set free from bondage.

All are uniquely designed

individuals with color-filled

palettes of life experiences,

talents, gifts, and passions.


GLORIAGloria Cailiff was 50 when her husband was diagnosed

with stomach cancer. While extensive surgery would

dramatically impact his life, there was every reason to

believe they could still enjoy a long life together. That

was until unsuspected heart disease killed him two days

after surgery.

Suddenly single, Gloria began the hard task of putting

the pieces of her life back together. Her husband was

an elder in their church, and they had enjoyed serving

in many different ministries. Without him, Gloria was

uncertain who she was or where she belonged. Her first

faltering steps landed her in the arms of God. There,

she learned to completely depend on Him. “At the end

of the day,” she said, “there was no one else to talk to.

I learned being single meant I had time to develop a

relationship with the One who would never leave me.”

A passion re-emerged: Gloria loved running, and

prior to her husband’s death, she competed in several

Ironman triathlons. Early on, she began writing and

reflecting on how the principles of endurance sports

compared to living the Christian life. A widow facing

life’s arduous journey alone, Gloria began running

again. And swimming. And biking. She became stronger

and could perform long races with increased endur-

ance and improved times. Eventually her writings

were published and she began sharing her lessons

about perseverance and faith. She pursued a degree in

women’s ministry. She started coaching and training

young athletes. She competed in more triathlons. Gloria

got back in the race.

JEFFJeff Simunds, 51, retired at age

35, burned out from the corpo-

rate expectations of an 80-hour

workweek. He took his stock

options and pension, cared for

his mom until her death, and

then traveled the world for five

years. Upon his return, he spent

two years in counseling and

recovery dealing with his same

sex attraction issues.

Today, Jeff has been trans-

formed by the gospel, and he

pursues holiness with passion.

He serves full time as a volun-

teer counselor directing Tower

of Light, a ministry for men

and women who struggle with

same-sex attraction. Jeff regu-

larly teaches classes in churches

around the country, sharing the

hope, love, and power found in

Jesus. He has led many to Christ

and has seen lives radically

transformed by finding whole-

ness in the Son of God.

“I learned

being single

meant I had time

to develop a

relationship with

the One who

would never

leave me.”


5 SMART SINGLE MOVES

1. Single Boomers have considerable freedom to go places and do ministry.

Jeff says his independence and flexible schedule give him many options for involve-ment in local and global ministry. Gloria says she has a unique freedom to explore new opportunities God puts in her path. Marcia travels unreservedly to do ministry around the world.

2. Single Boomers have distinctive opportu-nities to grow. It can be less complicated to go back to school, change careers, or travel. Gloria took on a full-time job and moved to a new part of the country.

3. Single Boomers are rich in life experi-ence. Life is hard. Mistakes are made. Single Boomers have deep, rich, and sometimes difficult experiences in their life stories. Jeff is redeeming the pain of his life by helping others through recovery and healing. Gloria learned to depend heavily and solely on God

through life’s darkest hours. From time to time she shares those lessons through public speaking or leading grief support groups. Marcia now fights injustice instead of being its victim.

4. Single Boomers enjoy healthy social relationships. Jeff has a large group of friends who are his support. He has fun. He invites people to his home. Gloria finds other single friends to “do life” and even run with. Marcia mentors others, including a Christian artists’ group that meets regularly on her patio.

5. Single Boomers are uniquely designed by God for His purpose. Marcia shares that, at one time, her outlook was limited and her world seemed small. When she realized God had created her with special talents and gifts and that He wanted to use her, a huge world opened up. She reminds us “each person is designed for God’s glory!”

NO TIME TO WASTE Soon Marcia and the women in her Thailand

mission team will return to the United States.

Their tote bags will be empty, their hearts full. The

others will return to husbands and family respon-

sibilities. Marcia will come home to her studio

and continue filling life with art, color, and story.

What’s more, she will return to medical treatment.

Marcia has Stage IV breast cancer, and unless

God intervenes, it most likely will take her life.

But Marcia has found a purpose and calling that

supersedes health, marital status, or financial

security. She’s following hard after God and is

changing the world. She is a single Boomer on a

mission. In her own words, she has “no time

to waste.”

“It is absolutely clear that God has called you to

a free life. Just make sure that you don’t use this

freedom as an excuse to do whatever you want

to do and destroy your freedom. Rather, use your

freedom to serve one another in love; that’s how

freedom grows” (Galatians 5:13, The Message).

Leona Bergstrom and her husband, Richard, co-direct Re-Ignite, a ministry designed to equip leading-edge Boomers discover their passions and purposes for the second half of life. They also co-direct 2nd ½ Ministries for Him of Converge Worldwide and at Northshore Baptist Church near Seattle. Leona is passionate about encouraging Boomers to follow hard after God and change the world. Re-Ignite.net.


Unleash Your Power toCreate A Lasting Legacy

For Your Church Today

How do you want to beRemembered?

Apply online or request more information for your church at:

RidgeRockFinancial.com/legacy

Ridge Rock Financial has created an opportunity to maximize your ability to affect your church’s future through the use of a custom-designed life insurance program, available exclusively for the audience of LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention.

• Apply for the legacy gift amount your church will receive on a tax free basis

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I didn’t know I could leave a legacy gift to my church through a life insurance policy and still take a charitable tax deduction on the premiums. - Jim R, Mooresville, NC“

“

*This statement is not intended to provide tax advice. Please seek the advice of your tax advisor/consultant.

For every challenging Rubik’s Cube we Boomers

can claim, there were a dozen Troll dolls and

Wacky Wallwalkers.

T he 78 million babies born

between 1946 and 1964 are

a statistical bulge known to

demographers as “the pig in the

python.” Could that less-than-flattering

label stem from the privileged way in

which many of us so roundly rejected and

redefined the traditional values of our

parents and the Eisenhower era?

Maybe. But perhaps it’s just payback

for having rotten taste.

Troll dolls and mood rings? Really?

It wasn’t bad enough that we actually

tried to teach our pet rocks to sit, stay,

and roll over. Oh, no. We had to work our

ant farms, cuddle our Sea-Monkeys®, and

groom our Chia Pets®.

And why in the name of all that’s sane

are plaid men’s pants going for upward of

$100 a pair today? We invented, and should

have killed off, that trend years ago. But

we made it worse with psychedelic bell

bottoms (1960s), followed by high-waist

stretch disco pants (1970s), followed by acid

washed jeans (1980s). Let this be a lesson:

When adults allow a Soupy Sales or a John

Travolta to set fashion trends, we get adults

clad in plaid pajama bottoms — in public.

For every challenging Rubik’s Cube® we

can claim, there were a dozen Troll dolls

and Wacky Wallwalkers. Our generation

considered itself “amped,” “far out,” and

“stoked,” but surprisingly often our social

trends were less than “tubular.”

According to my mood ring, I’m feeling

a little amber about how we were some-

times slow to change. You know, amber for

“unsettled, mixed emotions.” Like that box of

8-track tapes in the attic. Isn’t it possible they

could make a comeback?

Clint Kelly is an adventure novelist and a communica-tions specialist for Seattle Pacific University.

Fadsand Flubs

by Clint Kelly

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Why Choose LBU ad.pdf 1 1/22/13 11:37 AM

BooksChristian Aidwww.christianaid.org/landing/rs1208

Thomas Nelsonwww.thomasnelson.com

Moody Publishers/Northfield Publishingwww.5lovelanguages.com

NavPresswww.navpress.com

Thomas Nelson Publishingwww.thomasnelson.com/consumer

Tyndale Publishingwww.tyndale.com

Church ConsultingAuxanowww.auxano.com

Christian DatingChristian Caféwww.christiancafe.com/lifeway

Church ResourcesThe Gospel Project www.GospelProject.com

Upward Sportswww.Upward.org/Interest

ClothingOver Undieswww.overundies.com

EducationCentral Christian College edguide.ministryccc.com Billy Graham Online TrainingBillyGrahamOnlineTraining.org

Boyce College www.boycecollege.com

The College at Southeasternwww.sebts.edu/college East Texas Baptist Universitywww.etbu.edu

Gardner Webb Universitywww.gardner-webb.edu

Louisiana Baptist Universitywww.lbu.edu

Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary www.mbts.edu

Midwestern Baptist College www.mbts.edu

New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary www.nobts.edu

Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminarywww.sebts.edu

The Southern Baptist Theological Seminarywww.sbts.edu/future-students

Shorter University www.shorter.edu

EvangelisticBilly Graham Online TrainingBillyGrahamOnlineTraining.org The Gospel Project www.GospelProject.com

Samaritan’s Pursewww.samaritanspurse.org Upward Sportswww.Upward.org/Interest

Finance and StewardshipCrown Financial Ministrieswww.crown.org

FundraisingGold Medal Fundraising www.gmpopcorn.com

Dutch Mill Bulbs www.dutchmillbulbs.com

Gifts/SuppliesCollectibles Todaywww.bradfordexchange.com

Hope Chest Keepsakes www.HopeChestKeepsakes.com

Health and WellnessDr. Comfort www.drcomfort.com

Premier Care in Bathingwww.premier-bathrooms.com

Homeschool ResourcesApplied Grammarwww.applied-grammar.com

Math U See www.MathUSee.com

GWNews www.gwnews.com/Lifeway

WORLD Magazine www.worldmag.com/26and26

eTeacher Groupwww.eTeacherBiblical.com/3425

Legal ServicesAsiatico & Associates, PLLC www.baalegal.com

Media CompaniesGrace Christian Mediawww.gracechristianmedia.com

Music and VideosTyndale Publishingwww.tyndale.com

Relocation NeedsApex & Robert E. Lee Moving & Storage www.apexmoving.com/sbpa

TravelCrazy About the Mouse www.CrazyAboutTheMouse.com

Silver Dollar Citywww.SilverDollarCity.com

Shocco Springs www.shocco.org

Titanicwww.titanicattraction.com

Women EncouragementAbove Rubieswww.aboverubies.org

To learn more about our advertisers’ products and services, simply visit LifeWay.com/AdPartners to check boxes of the advertisers from whom you would like to receive FREE information or to link directly to their web sites.

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ifeWay Ridgecrest Conference Center, located in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina, now offers a variety of packages for you to getaway. From Couples Enrichment and Adventure packages to our Father-Son Adventures and Mother-Daughter packages, Ridgecrest has the perfect getaway just waiting for you.

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MORE JOY FOR THE JOURNEY

KICKS & GRINS

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BooksChristian Aidwww.christianaid.org/landing/rs1208

Thomas Nelsonwww.thomasnelson.com

Moody Publishers/Northfield Publishingwww.5lovelanguages.com

NavPresswww.navpress.com

Thomas Nelson Publishingwww.thomasnelson.com/consumer

Tyndale Publishingwww.tyndale.com

Church ConsultingAuxanowww.auxano.com

Christian DatingChristian Caféwww.christiancafe.com/lifeway

Church ResourcesThe Gospel Project www.GospelProject.com

Upward Sportswww.Upward.org/Interest

ClothingOver Undieswww.overundies.com

EducationCentral Christian College edguide.ministryccc.com Billy Graham Online TrainingBillyGrahamOnlineTraining.org

Boyce College www.boycecollege.com

The College at Southeasternwww.sebts.edu/college East Texas Baptist Universitywww.etbu.edu

Gardner Webb Universitywww.gardner-webb.edu

Louisiana Baptist Universitywww.lbu.edu

Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary www.mbts.edu

Midwestern Baptist College www.mbts.edu

New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary www.nobts.edu

Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminarywww.sebts.edu

The Southern Baptist Theological Seminarywww.sbts.edu/future-students

Shorter University www.shorter.edu

EvangelisticBilly Graham Online TrainingBillyGrahamOnlineTraining.org The Gospel Project www.GospelProject.com

Samaritan’s Pursewww.samaritanspurse.org Upward Sportswww.Upward.org/Interest

Finance and StewardshipCrown Financial Ministrieswww.crown.org

FundraisingGold Medal Fundraising www.gmpopcorn.com

Dutch Mill Bulbs www.dutchmillbulbs.com

Gifts/SuppliesCollectibles Todaywww.bradfordexchange.com

Hope Chest Keepsakes www.HopeChestKeepsakes.com

Health and WellnessDr. Comfort www.drcomfort.com

Premier Care in Bathingwww.premier-bathrooms.com

Homeschool ResourcesApplied Grammarwww.applied-grammar.com

Math U See www.MathUSee.com

GWNews www.gwnews.com/Lifeway

WORLD Magazine www.worldmag.com/26and26

eTeacher Groupwww.eTeacherBiblical.com/3425

Legal ServicesAsiatico & Associates, PLLC www.baalegal.com

Media CompaniesGrace Christian Mediawww.gracechristianmedia.com

Music and VideosTyndale Publishingwww.tyndale.com

Relocation NeedsApex & Robert E. Lee Moving & Storage www.apexmoving.com/sbpa

TravelCrazy About the Mouse www.CrazyAboutTheMouse.com

Silver Dollar Citywww.SilverDollarCity.com

Shocco Springs www.shocco.org

Titanicwww.titanicattraction.com

Women EncouragementAbove Rubieswww.aboverubies.org

To learn more about our advertisers’ products and services, simply visit LifeWay.com/AdPartners to check boxes of the advertisers from whom you would like to receive FREE information or to link directly to their web sites.

LifeWay’s Info and Offers Showcase | freeinformation

“The most wasted of all days is one without laughter.” –E. E. Cummings

Surely There’s an App for THAT!

THE WHAT’S HIS NAME? APPWhen someone whose

name you should know

approaches your smart

phone, the app does a facial

recognition analysis and

texts you the name.

THE MUSIC AVOIDANCE APPYou’re walking through the

mall when your smart phone

detects bad music that will be

running through your head

for hours. The app auto-

matically reroutes your path

courtesy of Google Maps.

THE CLAP OFF APPWalk into the Worship Center

of your church. Clap twice

and your smart phone will

automatically shut down

every device in the room.

Great for pastors.

AND THE THUNDER ROLLSOne spring evening during a violent thunderstorm,

a grandmother was tucking her visiting grandson

into bed. She was about to turn off the light when

he asked with a tremor in his voice, “Grams, will

you sleep with me tonight?”

The grandmother smiled and gave him a reas-

suring hug. “I can’t, dear,” she said. “I have to sleep

in Grandpop’s room.”

A long silence was broken at last by his shaky

little voice: “The big baby.”

WHAT HAPPENED TO ... ?• Real friends: In a virtual age where you can

have 5,000 so-called friends on Facebook, what happened to that guy who had the key to your house and was always present when things went wrong?

• A cheap cup of coffee

• A smart, funny movie without a single sexual innuendo


Marie Armenia

COLUMN: BOOMER HUMOR

The Invitation Conspiracy

JUST WHEN YOU THINK you’re

going to be able to stay home

one night during the week

and finally read that book you

downloaded when Abraham

Lincoln was president, a friend

says, “I’m having a ‘Make Your

Own Candle Party’ Thursday

night. You’re in, right?”

I am? Evidently, I am.

When I became a member of

the Second Chapter of Life Club,

I naively had plans for my extra

time. I never factored in the

Invitation Conspiracy. You exist

in a megalopolis of relationships.

If you’re even minimally nice,

friends will invite you to stuff that

will take 43.5 percent of your free

time — or so it seems.

I love having people who love

me. But I’ve got white-water

rafting to do. To resist this social

bondage, I humbly offer the

Invitation Proclamation: Whereas, the Creator has

endued each person with the

inalienable right to have no

plans for five nights out of seven,

we do hereby proclaim to our

friends, family, and countrymen:

• That an invitation is not a

subpoena. You have invited us,

and we are honored. However,

we retain the right to decline.

Why else did the French invent

the term R.S.V.P.?

• We unequivocally,

irreversibly, everlastingly, over-

whelmingly, and exceedingly

entreat everyone on earth to

limit invitations to one birthday

party a decade, one anniversary

party per friendship, and no

invitations ever to see pictures

of any trip anywhere on earth.

• If you demand an explana-

tion for our inability to attend,

then any excuse is acceptable.

This includes, “I have astronaut

training that night.”

• If you own an animal which

causes people (i.e. me) to swell,

itch, and turn red, and you

simply cannot understand why

we decline your invitation then,

well … really?

• If the party’s purpose is

to sell and therefore profit

from us, then technically we

have become customers and

not friends. And the customer

is always right, so don’t be

offended when we say no.

Is there a solution to invitation

exhaustion? Yes, and ironi-

cally it comes in the form of yet

another invitation: Jesus says,

“Come to Me, all of you who

are weary and burdened, and

I will give you rest” (Matthew

11:28). This is an invitation with

an offer I cannot and would be

foolish to refuse. I go, and He

gives rest. You’re in, right?

Marie Armenia is someone you laugh with as she laughs at herself. Follow her at awordtothewives.blogspot.com.

If you’re even minimally nice, friends will invite

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More Living Insights• Boomer ministry will be envisioned by Boomers,

lead by Boomers, and paid for by Boomers.

• Meaningful Boomer ministry reaches up to aging parents, down to next generations, and out to the lost in their own generation.

• A large number of Boomers indicate a desire to study biblical topics, especially controversial ones,

and to come to studies that address issues related to faith, family, and

relationships. Unchurched Boomers indicate they want to study similar

issues in groups at church.

• A robust ministry, geared toward what Boomers in your church really want to do, will likely be the best vehicle for reaching unchurched Boomers in your community.

Research data taken from RESPECT: Meaningful Ministry with Baby Boomers in Your Church and Community by Bill Craig and Donna Gandy (LifeWay).

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I am working on my doctorate in exercise science at Middle Tennessee State University, where I assist in a pilot research study designed to help those with spinal cord injuries. Carmen Thompson is one of the participants.

So many things have happened in my life since meeting Carmen. I normally keep my emotions to myself. But early on when I would talk with Carmen, she made me feel so comfortable that my emotions would come spilling out.

I went with Carmen to church for the first time right before Easter last year. She shared her story of the accident with a Sunday School class, and I was surprised at how emotional I became. At that time, I was feeling something strong, but I didn’t know what it was. I thought I was responding to Carmen, but I now know I was responding to God.

I am at a point where many things are going on in my life — finishing up my degree, searching for a job, and working

on a new relationship with someone I really cherish. Usually I would be overwhelmed and stressed

by these situations. But since meeting Carmen, going to church, and learning that God is in control, I feel peaceful. And that feels so good!

Every time I see Carmen at the lab, she has a smile on her face. She is the happiest

person I have ever met. In her beautiful eyes, I see someone who is full of life,

peace, and joy; I certainly do not see a disabled person. Because of this,

I have wanted to know her more deeply and learn what it is that makes her so cheerful.

I am on a journey — a journey that has taken me from knowing nothing of Jesus Christ to learning more and more about Him every day. Through Carmen’s church and a Sunday School class, I am learning about giving and receiving love. Everyone at her church makes me feel so loved and accepted. This is the kind of life I want for myself and for my future family. The peace I feel is unbelievable

but so real! I am so thankful to God for allowing me to meet

Carmen and learn of God’s love.

— Saori Ishikawa See the story of my friend Carmen Thompson on page 2.

DO WHAT MATTERS

I am a Living Example of More.


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Don’t go it alone.

Mentor, a new 6-part study from Threads, examines the ins and outs of a mentor relationship. Drawing on years of personal experience, author Chuck Lawless addresses the essential components of having and being a mentor, as well as the common pitfalls these relationships face. Mentor is a perfect resource for small group Bible studies and an essential guide for those seeking to live life together.

Mentor: How Along-the-Way Discipleship Will Change Your Life is now available at threadsmedia.com/mentor, by calling 1.800.458.2772, and at the LifeWay Christian Store near you.

LIVE

SIMULCASTSEPTEMBER 14, 2013

withBETH MOORE

and worship leader TRAVIS COTTRELL

LIVING PROOF LIVESIMULCAST

Join Beth, Travis, and 250,000 women around the world from the comfort of your home or church for this live Internet streaming event. You get a front-row seat to one-of-a-kind Bible teaching and life-changing worship. It’s easy—all you need is an Internet connection. Hosting a simulcast isn’t much different than streaming your favorite TV show. So gather your girls and sign up!

Register as an individual, small group, or church for a Saturday with Beth that will refresh and recharge you spiritually. Don’t miss this special event!

Event subject to change without notice. Sales tax applied to event cost, if applicable.lifeway.com/lplsimulcast

BRING THIS EVENT TO YOUR HOME, SMALL GROUP, OR CHURCH!

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