Being Better magazine - Spring 2015 by Being Better

Being

Spring 2015

Stuff that just might make your life better

better

How to Moonwalk You know you want to

Get Organized Skip these mistakes

The Big Dreams Issue!

Choosing the right one Planning for success Getting God’s help

Ending addiction

How to LIVE an “after” life

Harmon now lives his “after” life with his daughter.

Take this magazine with you. When you’re done, give it away.

Being

better

Being Better is created to help you achieve the life God wants for you. We hope to inspire you to seek the best life you can have, and that happens when you include God. For those who don’t know how to do that or why, we hope we can help. Ultimately, we want to help you find Jesus in a way that doesn’t freak you out. God just wants to hang out with you...(yes, you) and when you let Him, your life really will be better. “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the LORD...” Jeremiah 29:13-14 If you want to find out more about God, you just need to start looking for Him. We’ll help. You can start at our website or one of the others listed in this issue. Also, find a great Bible-believing church in your area and go. Read the Bible.

Being Better is published four times a year. Subscribe for $6.99 per year or to buy in bulk quantities, go to our website. To contact us for any reason: Being Better Magazine 221 31st Street Sioux City, IA 51104 www.BeingBetterMagazine.com

Contents 10

Nuggets of Wisdom: Make a plan. . . . . . . . 4 How To: Moonwalk. . . . 5 Home & Family: Living the dream . . . . . . 6 When dead isn’t really dead. . . 8 Top 5: Organizing mistakes . . . . 9 Health & Fitness: . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Food focus. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Doing it Right: Teen Challenge . . . 12 When God shows up. . . . . . . . . . . 14 Answers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 A Better Way: 2 is better than 1. . . 18

©2015 B eing Better Magazine. Please ask publisher’s permission before using content for other public purposes. Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Cover: Teen Challenge grad Harmon Rider and daughter Amery. Photo by Janna Isaak. www.Facebook.com/beingbetterministries

Being Better Magazine | Spring 2015

The Best Stuff

Spring this season

Best [funny] Prayer

“Please let all the ridiculous people who can’t drive call in sick today so I won’t get stuck behind them and have to use curse words. Amen”

Best Quote

“Forgiveness is giving up all hope of having had a better past.” -Anne Lamott

Best Book You and Me Forever: Marriage in Light of Eternity will radically shift the way we see one of the most important relationships in our lives. See a video on what inspired author Francis Chan and his wife to take this journey at youandmeforever.org.

Best Organizing Thingy Rubbermaid’s 5E28 Deluxe Tool Tower Rack has casters and holds 40 Tools. Runs about $40. Smaller versions available too.

Best Workout

Classical Stretch is the longest running fitness program on public television. Miranda Esmonde White developed the Essentrics program that is a full-body workout. The reason for its popularity? Anybody can do it, it takes less than 30 minutes, it focuses on strengthening and flexibility, and you see the results. She uses it with her clients who include professional hockey players, Olympic athletes, ballet dancers, and regular people who want to be fit, toned and mobile. You may be able to find it free on your local public TV station, stream it for a small fee, find a local class, or buy DVDs. For more info check out classicalstretch.com. Do you have a “Best” that you’d like to share? Go to our website and click Submissions.

www.beingbettermagazine.com | Spring 2015

NUGGETS OF WISDOM “It takes as much time and energy to wish as it does to plan.” ― Eleanor Roosevelt

Stop wishing...

Make a Plan W

e can wish for lots of things —a job we love, a nicer place to live, new furniture, a better relationship, traveling the globe, straighter teeth, and pets that don’t pee in excitement when you come home. But, if months or years from now, they are still wishes what’s the point? Are they wishes because we think we can’t make them a reality or because all we did was wish? Okay, if you are wishing to win the lottery, marry J. Lo or Adam Levine, or even to have a spouse who has given up that bad habit, these may have to stay as wishes. You can’t make a plan to get those things. If you did it would likely be against the law. Let’s focus on wishes we can make reality. A woman was thinking about going to college to be a doctor but lamented to her friend that she would be 50 when she graduated. Her friend quickly squashed her excuse saying, “In eight years you’ll be 50 anyhow. Wouldn’t you rather be 50 and a doctor?” While Eleanor Roosevelt’s quote at the top of the page has the right sentiment, most good wishes will take some

effort to plan. Once you start planning a wish it becomes a goal. It’s okay if during your planning process you determine you can’t achieve certain goals for awhile. You may have to save money for a few years...but at least you’ll be doing that. Big goals may have to be broken down into smaller pieces. You might not be able to start your business this year, but you could find out about tax laws, the best corporate structure to choose, and research vendors you’ll need to help you. In the book Just Start: Take Action, Embrace Uncertainty, Create the Future, the authors stress that you need to act your way into creating the future you want. Planning is the first step of achieving something. Starting to take action gives you knowledge that you did not have before. You can use that knowledge to guide your next steps. Is this the moment when you will start making your plans to change wishes into reality? Bb Commit your actions to the LORD, and your plans will succeed. Proverbs 16:3

Being Better Magazine | Spring 2015

YOU YOU KNOW WANT TO

Michael Jackson debuted the moonwalk in 1983 and it became his signature move. Since then, everyone able to walk has tried to imitate it. Too many only think they are doing it right...we are here to help...that’s what we do.

Very smooth When you are starting to learn, put on a pair of socks or smooth bottom shoes and find a floor with a smooth surface. There are only a couple of moves in the moonwalk, the key is timing and practice.

The biggest mistake is sliding the bent leg. Always slide the flat foot.

1. Best foot forward

Start with your left food forward and flat on the floor. Have your right foot back and bend your leg so your weight is resting on the ball of your right foot. to: w w •Go w as

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Slide your left foot back while your right foot stays put. Keep the sliding foot flat on the floor!

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2. Back slide

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Moonwalk feet © Clipart.com; Blueprint background © Makhnach | Dreamstime.com; Girl blowing dandelion Shutterstock.com © Volodymyr Goinyk

How to moonwalk

3. Pop and switch

When your left foot is back as far as it can comfortably go, switch. At exactly the same time pop your left heel up (and transfer your weight to the ball of that foot) and lower your right leg so that foot is flat and ready to slide. Now just repeat: Slide, pop and switch.

To watch a video on how to moonwalk, or to see Michael Jackson’s 1983 performance, go to our website.

www.beingbettermagazine.com | Spring 2015

Dream

H O M E & F A M I LY

Living the

But g rig et the ht one !

For some, the American dream includes a house with a white picket fence. What does your dream look like? And why?

Better stuff

Larry grew up in a very poor home. His family struggled for everything they needed. He made a vow that he would never be poor when he grew up. He studied hard, worked hard and became a dentist. Not just any dentist, but the best, the one who made the most money. What he soon realized was that reaching this goal wasn’t fulfilling his dream. Instead of being a poor miserable person, he was a rich miserable

Think about it: “What do you want to be?” “RICH!” is just a circumstance. It’s not who you are so it can’t fulfull you. Determine what you stand for, where your passions are, and how you want to impact the world in a positive way.

A better body

Roxie was morbidly obese through her 20s and into her 30s. She had surgery and lost more than 100 lbs. Initially, she felt happier in her new body and accompanying new clothes but she soon

Being Better Magazine | Spring 2015

House image Shutterstock.com © littleny

hat are your dreams? People talk about having a dream home, taking a dream vacation, or marrying Mr. or Mrs. McDreamy. But what’s the real dream? The first question you need to ask is why your dream is your dream? Answering that question may change the direction you pursue it. Let’s see if we can find our true desire.

person. This so called dream life had become a nightmare and as he stood in his bathroom he decided to take his life. But instead he got a new dream. Larry ended up on his knees crying out to God. Within 18 months Larry and his family had sold everything and moved to Africa where he practiced dentistry as part of a missionary effort. He and his family lived for many years with simple lives, having very little as far as possessions and money, but they would tell of how happy and blessed they were. His real dream was to have a fulfilled life.

Dream Barriers realized that she wasn’t different on the inside. Her insecurities and lack of confidence didn’t melt away with the pounds. Before long she was back to where she started feeling even more insecure. Her dream wasn’t to be thin─it was to feel good about herself. Think about it: Wanting to be fit and healthy is important but you should not feel that your body is the key to happiness. A perfect body may attract attention, but it doesn’t keep it. While you work on the outside, take steps to work on interior toning and strengthening.

Making it happen So, what do you really want? In the

end, our dreams are that place where we are happy with who we are. When we see that life’s not about what we get, but what we contribute. Dreams happen when we value love, people and relationships over things, position and power. Many successful people would tell you: It’s all up to you to make your dreams happen. But that advice will only get you stuff or status. If you want to live a fulfilled life where dreams really live, you need to do it differently. The Bible says, “We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.” Proverbs 16:9 God has a plan for you already. In the Bible, in Jeremiah 29:11 God says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” The best way to live your dream is to get with God and find out what dreams he has planned. You do that by talking to God everyday, reading the Bible and asking him to help you understand the plan. What you’ll find is his dreams are way bigger than yours. Bb

agined?

im real or

“Mistakes are proof that you are trying.” -Unknown

on’t let anyone else’s opinion of your capabilities stop you. These people didn’t:

Losers. Really?

Thomas Edison’s teachers told him he was “too stupid to learn anything.” His inventions changed the world. Walt Disney was fired by a newspaper editor because he “lacked imagination and had no good ideas.” Forbes lists Disney as #14 of the World’s Most Valuable Brands. Vera Wang failed to make the U.S. Olympic figure-skating team. Later, she was passed over for a promotion at Vogue. She didn’t start designing wedding dresses until she was 40. She is worth over $1 billion. Theodor S.Geisel had his first book rejected by 27 different publishers. His Dr. Seuss children’s books have sold over 600 million copies.

www.beingbettermagazine.com | Spring 2015

When dead isn’t really Dead

hen Don Piper left his house he figured it was going to be a regular day. Instead, when paramedics reached him inside his car after a horrific accident, they pronounced him dead. Officials covered his car with a tarp until they could extract him. An hour and half later, he was back from the dead with an incredible tale. You can read it in his book 90 Minutes in Heaven. Most Americans (74%*) believe there is a heaven but we have a lot of ideas on who gets to go there. If you have just been given a fatal diagnosis, have been face to face with death in some fashion recently, or are sitting in a jail cell somewhere, you may have a stronger desire to know for sure what’s next. But, for those who are going about business as usual you need to realize, like Don Piper, that your “after life” may be here before you make it to the next traffic light. Don’t you want to know for sure what’s next and how to get there? The truth is, we are all dying. We just don’t know when. It could be in seven minutes or 70 years. Once you’re dead, you’re dead. Right? Well, not necessarily. The Bible says everybody is going to die once. Duh. But for some, it isn’t the end, but a wonderful beginning. The Bible refers to this as The Good News and it’s available to everyone. So here’s the secret to getting into heaven: “He who believes in the Son (Jesus) has everlasting life; and he who does not believe in the Son shall not see life.” (John 3:36) and “And this is the way to have eternal life—to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth.” (John 17:3) Jesus (the Son of God) is the ultimate dead isn’t dead guy. During his life

on earth, he raised a few people from the dead. Before his own death on the cross he told his followers that though he would die, he had the power to take up his life again. Three days later he did just that (this is why we celebrate Easter...because he lives). Death and life are in his hands. He will give life to those who will take his hands, believing he can save them. A real life that can begin right now and continues with him forever. Getting to heaven has nothing to do with being “good enough” and you can’t earn it. It is simply a gift. But, like any gift, if you don’t take it and open it, it’s worthless. So, hey, take it and open it... and live. To understand how to accept God’s gift of salvation and everlasting life, go to page 17.

Want a FREE Bible?

To find out more about God and how Jesus saves us, read the Bible, find a local, Bible-believing Christian church, and check out our website. *Source: Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey

Download a FREE app to get a Bible on your phone. Just go to https://www.youversion.com/

Being Better Magazine | Spring 2015

TOP

Organizing Mistakes ]

Shutterstock.com imgaes: Butterfly © Lightspring; Overloaded closet © Lorelyn Medina; Dog eating © Michelle D. Milliman

[and how to

overcome th

eing organized tops our “to-do” lists but there are some common mistakes we make that foil our efforts. Avoid these pitfalls and you can mark this one as done!

1. Getting overwhelmed

Before you drag everything out of the closet or onto the garage floor, make a plan of attack. The clutter didn’t happen in a day so it may take time to get it organized. Make sure you know what it’s going to take (time, supplies, strategy) before you dive in.

2. Buying organizing supplies first

We think having lots of cool-looking bins, totes, and shelves will get us organized in no time. Until you figure out exactly what you’ll need and where it’s going this can be a huge waste of time, money and sanity.

3. Keeping too much stuff

In the end, clutter generally means one thing: you have too much stuff. Simply getting rid of things is critical. If you don’t have a pet you don’t need to keep supplies from when you did. If you haven’t used it for two years, ditch it.

4. Unrealistic organizing

Colored tubs may look cool and get your stuff organized but if you can’t see what’s in them that may be a problem. Make sure the system you choose will work for your lifestyle. If others have to participate, talk with them about the plan before you act. You may need hooks instead of hangers and baskets instead of boxes. Getting distracted

5. We’ve all done it. You start sorting

stuff and before you’re through one box you’re reading your 7th grade report card. Make a mental note to stay on task. Create 4 piles: Throw, sell/rummage, give, and keep. Keep the report card and when you’re organizing that pile later you can look at then. You may decide that is something that you do want to throw away. A “D” in PE?

www.beingbettermagazine.com | Spring 2015

H E A LT H & F I T N E S S

Laughter “Laughter is the best medicine.”

“You were there until the time you left. Is that true?”

Body of Knowledge

“The youngest son, the 21-year-old, how old is he?”

[

“Were you present when your picture was taken?”

Enjoy a cup of weight loss

Research continues to brew up the benefits of tea─including weight loss. The combination of caffeine and catechins (an antioxidant) speeds up your metabolism. Opt for true teas: green, black, white, and oolong.

[

Drink to your heart

According to American Dietetic Association spokeswoman Katherine Tallmadge, MA, RD, LD there seems to be no downside to drinking tea. “It’s pretty well established that the compounds in tea – their flavonoids – are good for the heart and may reduce cancer.”

“Was it you or your younger brother who was killed in the war?” “Did he kill you?” “How far apart were the vehicles at the time of the collision?”

Brew up some immunity

According to a University of Florida study, people who drank two cups of green tea a day for three months had 32% less colds than non-tea sippers.

[

“Were you alone or by yourself?”

Brain Bender Exercise your brain and see if you can answer these questions. Answer on pg 17.

Only one of these common sayings is really in the Bible. Which one?

A. “God helps those who help themselves.” B. “Money is the root of all evil.” C. “To thine own self be true” D. “To everything there is a season.”

Being Better Magazine | Spring 2015

Tea drinking woman Shutterstock.com © Raisa Kanareva; Avocado images Dreamstime.com: cut avocado © Bhofack2; Avocado in hand © Caroldavis; Guacamole photo © Anjelagr

Actual questions asked by lawyers during a trial

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RECIPE c

Avocados are not only delicious and nutritious, they are also great for repairing damaged hair, moisturizing dry skin, and treating sunburns and wrinkles because they’re packed with antioxidants, amino acids, and essential oils. Go to our website for a hair repair recipe.

• An avocado is a fruit, and even more specifically, a single-seeded berry. • An avocado has twice the potassium as a banana. • Avocados contain 4g of protein - among the highest amount coming from a fruit. • Store unripe avocados in a brown sack with an apple or banana to ripen rapidly.

Easy Guacamole

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Avocado facts

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Avocados

Advantageous

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Avocados (aka: the alligator pear) grow on Persea Americana trees that can grow up to 65 feet tall. To tell if an avocado is ripe, hold it in the palm of your hand. If it is ripe, it should yield to gentle pressure. Ingredients:

11/2 T coarsely chopped red onion 1 T lime juice 1/8 t salt 1 clove of garlic 1/2 jalapeño pepper 1 ripe peeled avocado 1-2 T chopped tomato (optional)

Serves: 4 Cal: 85 • Fat: 7 g Carbs: 4 g • Fiber: 2 g Protein: 1 g • Calcium 9 mg

Directions: If you like the heat, leave the seeds in the jalapeño. Otherwise, seed the pepper for a milder guac. Place the first 5 ingredients in a food processor and pulse a few times until finely chopped. Add avocado; process until smooth. Sprinkle with chopped tomatoes if you like. Serve with tortilla chips or veggies. www.beingbettermagazine.com | Spring 2015

DOING IT RIGHT

Living life

[Before: No hope] Even when people use drugs or alcohol, they never believe they will become a slave to it. But people end up in the nightmare of addiction everyday. One they can’t get out of...without some help. So here’s the life changing, better-thanyou-can-imagine help.

I [After: Joy]

f you have an addiction, or know someone who does, you may be painfully aware of what doesn’t work: wishing, willpower, and rehab. Even 12step programs that find some success don’t feel like freedom. But, all is not lost. There is an amazing program that really, truly works. Back in the 1950s, drug addiction was something that typically happened inside gang life. When David Wilkerson saw a Life Magazine article on the gang problem, he went to New York to do something about it. In 1958, Teen Challenge (TC) was launched to minister to troubled teens─but they didn’t stop there. Today, addiction crosses every socio-economic group, and despite the name, Teen Challenge also works extensively with adults. Most adults arrive at their doors with a tragic history

Being Better Magazine | Spring 2015

Three guys photo and Mom with daughters photo by Dana Rowe; Harmon kissing his daughter by Janna Isaak

after “ ”

David Wilkerson wrote a book about his experience with the gangs that lead to the formation of Teen Challenge. The Cross and the Switchblade sold over 11 million copies.

of substance abuse and other life-controlling problems. When they complete the Teen Challenge program, their lives are changed. Why is this program so different? The focus at TC is not on the problem, but on the person. People who abuse substances are hurting and they need love. They need structure, accountability, skills, and most importantly, a savior.

Character

“It’s not drugs or alcohol; it’s moral training... it’s what’s in a person’s heart that is the problem. We talk very little about drugs and alcohol here. We talk about character.” ~Steve Janes, Director of Chicago TC

The statistics and studies are pretty compelling of how successful the TC program is, but not as much as hearing the stories of those who are living a whole new life because of it...

Just the facts If you or someone you know needs help, here’s what you should know:

Who Teen Challenge is for

Anybody with a life-controlling substance abuse problem.

Why it works

With a focus on the practical applications of Christian teachings, adults not only learn how to change deeply entrenched, self-destructive behavior, but they discover a new identity in Christ that makes these changes possible. Adults who come to Teen Challenge not only receive a holistic approach to recovery from life-controlling problems, but they also acquire a new value system that honors family, takes responsibility for community, cultivates a positive work ethic, and helps them become productive, healthy members of society.

How long the treatment lasts

Each case is different, but on average, clients stay for one year.

Where the centers are

There are over 200 centers in the U.S. and international locations as well. Some locations are just for teen boys or girls, and others for adult men or adult women.

What it costs

David. Son. Almost 15 years ago, I

You giving up the nightmare. You wanting to change. You committing to a better way. In terms of money, the facility will work with each person to figure out how to cover the cost and what options are available.

stood at the doorstep of TC with no intention of completing the program. www.beingbettermagazine.com | Spring 2015

WHEN GOD SHOWS UP

86%

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family. My parents were always and still are “there for me.” Growing up I heard that there was alcoholism in my family. My mom warned me not to drink. I met a guy and we eventually married. And then, like the frog sitting in a pot of water on the stove, I woke up to realize that I was being boiled alive. I realized that I had no control over

Being Better Magazine | Spring 2015

Photo of Jordan by Tracy Shoopman Photography

Jordan’s life was set up to be perfect. He came from a good home, went to church, and excelled in track and football at college, until an injury changed everything.

Jamie. Wife. I grew up in a loving

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Jordan. Student. His story is a song.

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My life was a mess. It had been since I was once sexually abused as a child. I grew up with a dad that was in and out of prison and a mom who struggled to hold the family together. After that, I felt I never really fit in with anyone. As I got older, I hid all the hurt and pain of my childhood and eventually began to separate from my family. I lived in a meth house with no electricity or running water. Somewhere, deep inside me, I knew that I needed to be rescued from the life I was living. When someone mentioned TC, I decided to give it a try, but I honestly didn’t think I would finish the program. I was wrong. At TC, God began to change my life. As I look back on the time since TC, I’m amazed at the path I’m on. I’m so grateful for all God has given me: His Son, to save me, a wonderful wife and two beautiful daughters, and now a job in ministry sharing Him with others. Who would ever have thought that 15 years later that scrawny 90 lb meth addict would come full circle to become the Director of Las Vegas Teen Challenge? God is Amazing.

Jordan became addicted to his pain meds. Before long he was shopping for pills on the street and stealing in order to afford them. Eventually he began crushing pills in order to inhale them or inject them. When Jordan was expelled from college after failing his second drug test, his parents took him into TC. During the next 12 months at TC, God changed Jordan’s life, bringing him healing and restoration. After Jordan graduated from TC he returned to college, completed his degree, and got a job as an athletic coach at the same school that had once expelled him. Jordan wrote his story and sent it to Christian recording artist, Matthew West. Matthew saw how people tend to view themselves in light of their addictions. Jordan, in the past, referred to himself as, “Jordan, a drug addict.” Matthew West’s song tells of losing our labels and instead being able to say, “Hello My Name Is...Child of the One to: w w True King.” To read •Go w as rest of Jordan’s story and to hear Matthew VIDEO West’s song, go to our website. ga

A Northwestern University study of the three largest Teen Challenge centers found that 86% of graduates were drugfree three years after the program.

Teen Challenge any part of my life. I had allowed myself to become emotionally, physically and sexually abused by the man I thought loved me. I had kept up a good front, which led to living a double life. I was almost 30 when I finally looked at my life for what it had become. I was drinking everyday, often until I blacked out. I would pray, “God, just let me die” because then I wouldn’t have to live this way anymore. Instead, God turned the lights on and I faced the truth. I left my husband, moved in with my parents, and tried to move on with my life. But after my son’s birth I started drinking again. I didn’t want my son to have a mother who continually drank. When I found out about TC I entered their 13-month program. They let my son live with me during that year and that made a big difference in my recovery and return to emotional health. During my time at TC, God opened my eyes, softened my heart to forgive, and gave me back my life. I know and believe that both my son and I deserve a life free from abuse, a life God has planned for us. *

41% vs

90%

In a study, only 41% of publicly funded short-term inpatient clients were employed full-time one to two years after treatment compared to 90% of Teen Challenge clients who were employed.

Matt. Athlete. I secured a scholarship to play football in college. My senior year, I tried heroin and became addicted. I dropped out and barely graduated. I didn’t even show up for college ball. By the time I was 19, I was selling meth and weed. My life spiraled into darkness. I had five friends OD and die, my ex-girlfriend

Truth

“Teen Challenge is work; it’s not easy, but if people are willing to do the work and make changes in their life, they can lead successful lives.” Rev. Tim Culbreth, Interim President

OD’d and died, and a friend killed himself in the house when I was there. A week later, I OD’d and ended up in the hospital. I realized that no amount of drugs could help mask the pain. I felt so much pain for the guilt of not doing anything to stop their deaths. I started going to church. Three weeks later the pastor said God is there for you and you just need to ask for him to help. I accepted Christ and started hanging out with friends to try to help the ones who were still using. I figured one time trying it again wouldn’t hurt. Within one week I was addicted again and went right back to the old life of crime, addiction, and broken relationships. The worst pain I experienced was knowing God and still doing this. When my parents told me about TC I spent the next couple of weeks talking with TC, then committed to the year-long program. The second I entered I felt a loving embrace from everyone there - and an amazing comfort of knowing this is where God wanted me. It was hard with everything I had to deal with but I realized that although I was so weak, God’s strength could heal.

Brandy. Daughter. I grew up in a

dysfunctional home life where drugs and violence were the norm. Because of that lifestyle my mom went to prison when I was 10. I thought, surely God would not let me be without a mom so I thought she

www.beingbettermagazine.com | Spring 2015

WHEN GOD SHOWS UP would be let out. She was sentenced to more than 30 years. Looking for unconditional love, I got married at 25. I became addicted to opiates. I was aware of my problem and admitted I was an addict...and I gave up my kids to their father. This decision drove me to depths I never thought possible. Depressed I became an IV drug user, got into an abusive relationship and started selling drugs to support my own habit. I became painfully aware that I was in the same life that landed my mother in prison. Trying to drowned out the hurt, I overdosed. As I was brought into the hospital the doctor said if I didn’t die I would probably be severely brain damaged. When I woke up, my cousin came and told me about TC. When I left the hospital, I was arrested for outstanding warrants...which was a blessing. In jail, I requested a pastor and asked for help. He told me about Jesus and I accepted Christ. I went to TC and changed my life. Today, my mom is out of jail and we are restoring our relationship─something that is so wonderful in my life. I am also starting to communicate with my girls.

“Jesus Factor”

The overwhelming response by graduates to the question,“What makes the program work?” was “Jesus Christ.” The nature of the commitment to Jesus was crucial; it was not enough to have a vague belief in a higher power, one must commit to the Christ of the Bible.

Do you need the “Jesus Factor” in your life?

Heidi tells you how to find Salvation through Jesus on the next page. *Statistics from Northwestern University study by Aaron Bickenes

Heidi Dodd. Mom.

My struggles began when I became addicted to prescription drugs which led to marital problems. I participated in a 90-day treatment program and managed to stay clean from prescription narcotics. However, painfully emotional, verbal and mental abuse continued in my marriage─and without drugs to mask the pain and no skills to deal with the hurt─I had a mental breakdown. My husband left me and took our two boys with him. I began to abuse over-the-counter medication and slowly lost everything: my career, friends, family members, support. Mother’s Day of that year changed everything. I overdosed. When I realized that my children had seen me in a drug-induced state, and how much it scared them, I knew I needed help. It was the hardest, most painful day of my life as my parents drove me the 10 hours to TC. But, as I walked in the doors, it was the most freeing and safest I had felt in a very long time. I had nothing left but two garbage bags and a broken heart. My journey at TC lasted 13 months. Without TC I would not have a brand new day every day. I can smile today knowing that my boys will never have to spend another Mother’s Day scared, and confused, wondering when they are going to see me again. They have a renewed hope and peace that mama is no longer sick. God, TC, my family, and countless others that prayed for me saved me. I made a choice my life was going to change but I did not do it alone. God walked with me all the way, even all throughout the times I needed to be carried. Is it time for you to accept Jesus?

Being Better Magazine | Spring 2015

Heidi Dodd

Salvation [sal-vey-shuh n]

1. Being protected from harm, risk, loss, destruction, etc. 2. Deliverance from the power and penalty of sin; redemption.

Get right with God = Salvation A. Accept and say that you are a sinner.

We are all sinners and you are not unique. Our sin separates us from God. Ask God to forgive you of your sins and to help you live as He would.

B. Believe God sent His son Jesus Christ to die for your sins. A bridge

was built through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ so that we are no longer separated from God. We can now be free. “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9

C. Commit to live your life for Jesus.

Speak to him, pray, read your bible, share your story and embrace your new life of hope and freedom. No matter what, God loves you. He’s just waiting for you to reach out to Him for help. Start living your “after” life. If you know someone desperate, lost, and hurting, please reach out and help them by calling a Teen Challenge center near you. There are over 200 centers across the United States. To locate a center near you please go to: www.TeenChallengeUSA.com

Questions & Answers

Why couldn’t you get help from any facility? Freedom from addiction can only be found through the power of Jesus Christ. Without a relationship built on a complete reliance on Jesus Christ, addiction will continue to take lives. Some will say it is incurable but I believe it is. Addiction is a spiritual matter and the true healer is God. When you surrender everything you have and all that you are to Him, your life will be transformed in ways you could never imagine. How did you end up becoming an addict? Addiction has no stereotype, no prerequisites. It does not discriminate. It will take anyone and everyone if you allow that door to be opened. That is exactly what I did. It was one bad decision that started the ball rolling. I never saw it coming. What do you wish you knew then that you know now? That I am never alone. Even in my darkest hour, God is always there.

Q Q

A A

To find out more about changing your life with God, go to our website: www.beingbettermagazine.com and click Change your life.

Answers:

Pg 12, Brain Bender: D. “To everything these is a season.” While you’ve heard this in famous songs like “Turn, Turn, Turn” by The Byrds, this originates in the Bible: Ecclesiastes 3:1. (A: “God helps those who help themselves” is attributed to Ben Franklin and is not biblical. B: “Money is the root of all evil” is a misquote from the Bible: 1 Timothy 6:10 says, “For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.” C: “To thine own self be true” is from Shakespeare’s Hamlet.)

www.beingbettermagazine.com | Spring 2015

A Better Way

ome things just go together and, in some cases, almost seem worthless without one another. Lets take a look at the history behind some of our favorite pairings.

Peanut Butter & Jelly Interestingly, while these two paired up in the 20th century, no one knows when for sure. Likely around the late 1920s. Two major things happened. Bread being sold pre-sliced and improvements in PB so it became super-cheap. It just took somebody’s mom to throw a glob of jelly into the mix and kids were happy.

Toothbrush & Toothpaste Surprisingly, these two things didn’t start out together. The Chinese are credited with devising a toothbrush from bamboo and boar bristles in the 15th century. Toothpaste dates back much earlier to 5000 BC . Egyptians mixed a powder of burnt eggshells, ox hooves, and pumice to keep their smiles clean and fresh.

Two is

Rock & Roll

This is a little bit PG-13. Back in the 50s, Alan Freed, was a radio disc-jokey. He used a racy term for sex (rock & roll) as a way to describe the new style of music that was being played and the term stuck.

Salt & Pepper Why we have salt is a no-brainer. It stimulates one of the primary sensations of taste (salty, sweet, bitter, and sour.) For eons it has been used to preserve meat and fish. Plus sodium is a necessary nutrient. Every major civilization has prized it and at times it could be used as currency. Pepper, too was once used as a means of payment and was only possessed by the rich and famous. Some believe that pepper became salt’s table partner (over all other spice candidates) because it compliments salt and doesn’t overpower the true taste of food.

Being Better Magazine | Spring 2015

better than one Guitar, salt & pepper, ball & glove, peas, and jumprope images © Clipart.com. Moon & Stars image © Tolokonov | Dreamstime.com

Chips & Salsa

Ball & Glove

In the late 1970s Americans went nuts for Mexican food. Doritos® (Spanish for “little golden things”) took hold followed by a more authentic tortilla chip, Tostidos®. About the same time, salsa (Spanish for “sauce”) companies were working to unseat ketchup as the #1 condiment. Together they are one of Americans favorite snack foods.

Unbelievably, the game of baseball started without the baseball glove. In the 1870s professional baseball started to take shape. No protective gear was used and you were viewed as a sissy if you complained. Within a few years players had endured enough and gloves starting showing up on the field.

Moon & Stars They’ve been keeping God company for billions of years. As we gaze into the night sky, we see the big moon and tiny stars but forget it’s an illusion. The moon is the closest to us but is small. If the Earth were a tennis ball the moon would be a marble. The closest star (other than the sun) is Proxima Centauri: 4.2 light-years away and 1.5 times bigger than Jupiter (Jupiter is 1,120% bigger than Earth.)

Alpha & Omega

Alpha and omega are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. Jewish rabbis commonly used the first and the last letters of the Hebrew alphabet to signify the entirety of something, from beginning to end. In Revelation 22:13, Jesus proclaims that He is “the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.”

Diet & Exercise These two things go together for a very good reason. There are only two things that get our bodies to burn calories: Eating and moving. What we eat and how frequently we move are the keys to being healthy.

www.beingbettermagazine.com | Spring 2015

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