SearcyLiving.com 1
2 Your Hometown Magazine
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4 Your Hometown Magazine
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8 Your Hometown Magazine
issue 3 volume 18
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Rotary Golf Tournament 14 Charlie’s Story & His Angels
Publisher’s Note 10 Over The Counter 16 Fashion Fun 18 We The People 22 Out & About 38 Financial Focus 40 Living In Searcy: Home Is Where The Heart Is 50 Imagine & Believe 64 Fab DIY 76 Dinner & A Magazine 78 Crossword & Riddles 80
44
The Blessing Box 48 Gut Restoration: The 5R Program 58 Innate Ain’t It Great 60 What Fostering Is Teaching Me As A Follower Of Christ 66
hudson harvey anna claire showalter kennedy harvey
Photo by
kimberly brackins 501-827-7777 SearcyLiving.com 9
Get
Out & Play!
I’ve always had a love for nature. For me, there is just something about being in the outdoors that connects you to your soul. I feel so fortunate to not only live in a beautiful community with so many parks and a great bike trail, but also a place that is so centrally located. It doesn’t take long to get to the Little Red River, the White River, the Buffalo River or Sylamore Creek (my favorite). We are surrounded by incredible state parks, hiking trails, swimming areas and other ways to enjoy the outdoors. What a great place to live! Everything is right here or at least very close. This year I joined the Healthy Women of Unity and have had so much fun connecting with others who share the same interests. From walks in the park to an olive oil cooking class, I have enjoyed the activities tremendously. This season I hope you have the opportunity to connect, get out, enjoy, and as the quote below says, make memories while having fun. As always, thank you for reading Searcy Living.
“We didn’t realize we were making memories, we just knew we were having fun.” ~Pooh Bear
Remember The Extras Online 10 Your Hometown Magazine
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Publisher Christine Walker
Art Director & Webmaster Garrett Johnson
Editorial Assistant Cherie Sewell
Makeover Coordinator Evelyn Moss Contributing Independent Photographers Kimberly Brackins (501)279-1515 George Dillin (501)268-9304 Taylor Howard Photography (870)917-8012
Feature Writer Cecelia Wilson
Searcy Living Locally Owned and Operated 812 South Main Street Searcy, AR 72143 searcyliving@yahoo.com (501) 368-0095 SearcyLiving.com For subscription information go to SearcyLiving.com
Copyright 2018 Shark Promotions LLC. Searcy Living, Cabot Living, and Your Hometown Magazine are trademarks of Shark Promotions. All rights reserved. Ownership, rights, and logos are property of their respected businesses. No part may be reproduced without written permission. Shark Promotions LLC is not responsible for claims, misprints, discrepancies, advice of any kind, or content in advertisements or editorials, but will rectify errors in forthcoming issues.
Copyright Š 2018 Shark Promotions LLC
Searcy Living Magazine is a subsidiary of Shark Promotions LLC.
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Golf Tournament
Find Yourself On
14 Your Hometown Magazine
“ Don’t put people down, instead put them on your prayer
list. ”
~Unknown
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Over the Counter Rodney G. Richmond, RPh, MS, CGP, FASCP Harding University College of Pharmacy
Keeping Medications Out of Reach of Children By Rumi Akpala, PharmD Candidate, and Rodney G. Richmond, RPh, MS, BCGP, FASCP
A
ccording to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 60,000 children are seen in the emergency room each year because they ingested medication that was not properly stored. In Arkansas in 2014, accidental poisoning was the third-leading cause of injury among all ages. Sometimes it is easy to forget how curious children can be and how fast they can get into medication if it is left within their reach. This underscores how critically important it is for us to keep medications stored out-of-reach of young children. Practicing safe medication storage, at home, on-the-go, at the sitter’s, and at the grandparents’ house, can help ensure your child is safe. Following are a few ways to avoid accidental medication poisonings: Store medications up high and away from your child’s sight and reach Teach your child about medicine and why they take it Never refer to medication as “candy” in front of children Always use child-resistant closures for prescription and over-the-counter medication Always keep medication in its original container Properly discard any medication that you no longer are using If an accidental ingestion occurs call the Poison Control Center at 800-222-1222. If you have young children, or if you have grandchildren who frequently visit, it is important to program this number into your phone (home and cellphone). This helps you avoid having to frantically search for the number when an emergency occurs. Poison control centers are staffed with healthcare professionals educated in accidental poisonings, and
16 Your Hometown Magazine
they can advise you on a proper course of action. Otherwise, immediately take your child to the emergency department and be sure to take the bottles from which the medication was ingested. For more tips on what you should know to prevent accidental poisoning visit www.safemedication.com.
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Before
18 Your Hometown Magazine
Evelyn Moss Makeover Coordinator
3005 E. Race • Searcy (501) 268-0800 shophays2.com
By Carrie at
Birlson
Charlestown Village 2305 W. Beebe Capps Searcy (501) 268-4540
Susie Dubose Independent Beauty Consultant
Turn the page for more fashion & beauty retailers. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >
501-827-8932 www.marykay.com/sdubose SearcyLiving.com 19
It was great to meet Karen when she came for her Searcy Living makeover! She was one of the first women in Searcy to experience Mary Kay’s newest skin care system, TimeWise Miracle Set 3D! As an Independent Beauty Consultant, I help women create a skin care routine according to their personal style, perceived needs and budget. Karen described her style as natural, but said she enjoys bold lip colors. To accent Karen’s brown eyes, Apricot Twist Cream Eye Color was topped with Sweet Plum and Moonstone Mineral Eye Shadows. She applied a touch of Cherry Blossom Mineral Cheek Color and Mary Kay Gel Semi-Shine Lipstick in Apple Berry which she topped with Sparkle Berry NouriShine Plus Lip Gloss for the Searcy Living makeover. Sweet Plum Mineral Eye Shadow
Susie Dubose Independent Beauty Consultant
501-827-8932 www.marykay.com/sdubose
Sparkle Berry NouriShine Plus Lip Gloss
TimeWise Miracle Set 3D Apricot Twist Cream Eye Color
Apple Berry Semi-Shine Lipstick
20 Your Hometown Magazine
Cherry Blossom Mineral Cheek Color
SearcyLiving.com 21
Congratulations! Amy Kerr, chaperoned by Corey Wood, was recently crowned. The pageant took place at the Lightle Senior Center in Searcy.
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Room to Grow
A
local congregation is undertaking an expansion to better serve the youth of its membership, including the often overlooked aspects of special-needs children. Downtown Church of Christ's new two-story addition will double the church's number of classrooms in the 22,677-squarefoot addition to its facility. The congregation's previous children's addition completed in 2000 was planned and designed for use by a maximum of 280 children. "We've outgrown that facility and currently have 361 kids in our children's program, and it continues to grow," said Jennifer Mills, one of the church's children's ministers. Mills is especially looking forward to meeting the needs of more children. She explained that new classroom space in the Children's Center is being dedicated to special needs and hidden disability children. Classes are being designed to provide an area to address sensory issues, behavior concerns and other special needs. Tools and resources such as sensory swings, body socks, fidget toys and weighted lap pads will be utilized. "We strive to keep all children in the learning process and in an actual classroom," Mills said. "We will have Special Needs Resource Carts that will contain items specific to each individual child's disability or need. The carts will be available to our teachers with a goal of integrating children with disabilities into
24 Your Hometown Magazine
a traditional classroom setting, allowing them to engage with their peers." The $3.6 million construction project, which is being built by Hart-Cone Construction and is on schedule to be completed by mid August 2018, will enable the church to further act upon its mission. "Part of our mission is to be very intentional about serving," said Phil Hoggard, administrative minister. "That means that we look for, create and seize opportunities to help others. So this huge project we've undertaken is a big commitment to our mission." The congregation's membership of 1,600 members is comprised of more than 370 family units, nearly 200 units of which have children in the church's children's ministry. The individuals and families have committed to its "Room to Grow" project with financial support in donations and pledges. Additionally, more than 110 men and women volunteer in the Children's Ministry Program on a weekly basis as teachers and classroom aides. "We love the kids of this congregation, and their parents, too. They're our future, and this congregation wants to be a welcoming place to kids of all ages and abilities from our community," Hoggard said.
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Left to Right (Back): Lexi Holcomb, (The Other Side Searcy), Steve Foster (Bull Dog Aviation), Justin Johnson (Think Idea Studio), Darline Tucker (DHS Division of Serviced for the Blind), Lilly Cook (City of Searcy), Murray Michael (Area Agency on Aging of Western Arkansas), Doug Davis (Area Agency on Aging of Western Arkansas), Tim McDaniel (Western Transit System Driver) Left to Right (Front): Yesi Madujano, Mandy Heaton (Southern Bank), Kathryn Smith (Kathryn Smith Insurance), Dina Newman (Director of Transportation Area Agency on Aging of Western Arkansas/Western Transit System), Tammy Stipes (Searcy Office Coordinator Area Agency on Aging of Western Arkansas/Western Transit System), Misty Gordon (Searcy Dispatch Western Transit System), Kim Gordon (City of Searcy), Megan Taylor (CSR Area Agency on Aging of Western Arkansas), Melissa Piepenbrink (CSR\Dispatcher Western Transit System), Jenifer Lopez (Western Transit System Driver), Kenneth Mills (SMB Advertising)
Western Transit System Ribbon Cutting estern Transit System is a non-profit organization that provides transportation for those W who need it most. This serves the counties of White, Woodruff, Jackson, Cleburne, Van Buren, Independence, and Sharpe.
Our Agency takes pride in the service it provides, and the dedicated, friendly assistance of its staff. We are proud to be able to give rides to those in our community, allowing them to actively participate in the communities. Our main goal is to provide transportation to everyone who desires freedom and mobility.
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Left to Right (Back): Seth Preston (Marketing Director), Murray Michael (CSR), Doug Davis (CSR), Tim McDaniel (Driver) Left to Right (Front): Dina Newman (Director of Transportation), Tammy Stipes (Searcy Office Coordinator), Misty Gordon (Dispatcher), Megan Taylor (CSR), Melissa Piepenbrink (CSR\Dispatcher), Jennifer Lopez (Driver)
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Augusta Industrial Development Business Appreciation Luncheon Awards were given by Talmage J. Whitehead, ARcare’s Chief Financial Officer. The two awards that were received were the “Emee Stanley Youngman Outstanding Service Award”, the recipient was Gary Browning (this was the tall man, and the second award that was presented by TJ.) The other award was for “Augusta Ambassador”, the recipient of this award was Michael Murry.
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First Community Bank Donates Golf Cart To Police
By Lieutenant Todd Wells hen I began the duties of Patrol Lieutenant, they W included helping oversee various special events, such as Get Down Downtown, parades, local 5Ks, etc.
I noticed we always had to borrow (or do without) a UTV to help with the logistics of staging and working these events. Auxiliary Officer/Support Services Nicholas Bright, who often plays a big role in the events, and I thought it would be beneficial to our department and community if we could come up with a way to obtain one. We went to Chief Webb and Assistant Chief Taylor asking if there was money in our future budget for such a vehicle. Both agreed this type of vehicle would be excellent for our special events, but we just simply didn’t have the money available in our budget. Nicholas and I then asked if it would it be okay to reach out to our community and see if we could raise the donations needed for one. They both agreed it would be okay. We began pricing various makes and models, and ended up going with a Cushman 2+2 from Venture Equipment in Searcy, who deducted several thousand from the retail price value.
30 Your Hometown Magazine
We then set out on a mission to reach out to local banks. We spoke with First Community Bank’s Vice President of Mortgage Lending Amy Tuggle and her husband, Assistant Vice President of Mortgage Lending Bart Tuggle, about our idea of raising donations for the vehicle. They pitched the idea to First Community Bank EVP/Market President David Wood. Mr. Wood, looking for something unique in the community to donate, agreed to donate the entire purchase price, including outfitting the vehicle with lighting and radio equipment. Charlie’s Auto Paint & Body donated by painting it black, to match our new police cars. Conley Graphics donated by applying our new “ghost” lettering/logo. The vehicle has been in use since the beginning of March, 2018 for various community special events.
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Searcy High School Band in Washington D.C.
the Searcy High School Band marched in the National Memorial Day Parade in Washington D.C.. The SHS Band has worked countless hours practicing, raising funds, and preparing for this amazing opportunity. Go Lions! The SHS Band is under the direction of Tony Luzzi, Matthew Hines, and Josette Friswold.
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“Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.” ~ Unknown
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“Work hard in silence. Let your success be your noise.� ~Frank Ocean
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Arkansas Girls State
at Harding University
S
earcy High School students participated in Arkansas Girls State at Harding University, where they learned citizenship and leadership qualities and the importance of legislative process. They also had the opportunity to meet state officials throughout the week. Representing Searcy High School are (front row) Ashley Watson, Zoe Nabours, and Julia Shands; and (back row) Morgan Feltrop, Mallory Cunningham, Megan Sledge and Molly Parker.
“And then I realized adventures are the best way to learn.� ~Unknown
>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Irene Gray has Searcy Living at Fortaleza de San Carlos de la Cabana in Havana, Cuba.
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You were born with the ability to change
“
someone’s life.” ~ U n k n ow n
Find yourself on
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Financial Focus:
Questions to Ask
before Taking
Social Security Social Security can be an important part of your retirement income. So,
before you start making decisions about your payments, you’ll want to know what questions to ask.
Here are a fe w to consider: How soon can I start collecting Social Security? You can begin receiving Social Security as early as age 62. However, your payments, as well as the survivor benefits payable to your spouse, will be significantly lower than if you wait until your full retirement age, which is likely to be between 66 and 67. Can I wait until I’m past full retirement age to begin collecting payments? Yes. Your monthly benefits will continue to rise until you reach 70, at which point they will max out. Which is better: taking smaller payments for more years, or larger payments for fewer years? There’s no simple answer to this question. If you are in good health and have a family history of longevity, you may decide it’s worth your while to wait as long as possible before collecting benefits. Also, if you enjoy working and don’t immediately need the Social Security payments, you may choose to wait. On the other hand, if your health is questionable, or if you would rather retire than continue working, you might want to start taking payments earlier. And, of course, if you simply need the money to help support yourself, you may not be able to wait. Additionally, don’t forget potential implications for your spouse. Since the survivor benefit is based on the size of your retirement benefit, it may make sense to delay and maximize your retirement benefit, which could help provide the maximum benefit for your surviving spouse.
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If I’m still employed when I begin taking Social Security, will my monthly checks be reduced? If you’re working, and you start collecting benefits before you reach full retirement age, your payments could be reduced if you earn more than the Social Security earnings limits, which are adjusted each year. Once you pass your full retirement age, though, you can earn as much as you like without having your payments reduced (although they could still be taxed). Will I be taxed on my Social Security benefits? Social Security benefits can be taxable at any age, whether you’re employed or not. To understand your tax liability, consult with your tax advisor. Can I claim Social Security benefits based on my spouse’s earnings? Yes, you may be eligible for Social Security benefits based on your spouse’s earnings and Social Security record. This benefit is available if your full retirement benefit is less than half of your spouse’s full retirement benefit. The spousal benefit is only available if your spouse has already filed for benefits. These aren’t all the questions you may need to ask about Social Security, but they can give you a good idea of what you should know before taking action. So, take your time, get the professional advice you need, and make the right choices. You’ve contributed to Social Security your entire working life, so you’ve earned the right to maximize your benefits. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.
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By Cecelia Wilson
A
Charlie & Gloria Adcock 44 Your Hometown Magazine
fter 21 years in the United States Air Force, a tour of duty in Vietnam, years in business as Charlie’s Paint & Body Shop (and its spin-offs), a motor home repair business, and retirement, Charlie Adcock has reinvented himself - once again. In March, he stepped back in the business arena by opening Oasis Car Wash and Drye. Located at 700 E. Beebe Capps Expressway, the car wash is open 24/7. It even includes three dog wash bays! But, what makes this eternal optimist’s resume even more impressive is not where he is going, but where he came from. Born in December 1945, Charlie was the oldest of four children from a poor farming family. Life was not kind to the two boys and two girls. When Charlie was 8½, his mother passed away. She was only 24; his youngest sister was only two. A great aunt adopted the baby girl, his baby brother was sent to live with a school teacher, and he and his oldest sister lived with different aunts and uncles. After several months, Charlie’s father decided to reunite with his three oldest children and tackle parenthood alone. “My Dad decided he could pull us all back together… Dad was 25 years old and had 3 kids. He didn’t do a very good job with three kids.” A decision needed to be reached. The youngest boy was adopted. Charlie was old enough to work for family members as a farm hand, but that left an uncertain future for his oldest sister. An orphanage was settled on for her residence, but Charlie’s father did provide his two oldest children with an option. If Charlie didn’t want to part from his sister, he could choose to live with her in the orphanage instead. “She and I sat down like two adults. I was 9 and she was 8, and we decided wherever one went, the other would go, too.” For three months the two youngsters lived in an orphanage. Charlie had nightmares and would cry every night until sleep claimed him. His sister’s hurt almost made her incapable of loving anyone except her big brother. But, by the time Charlie turned 10, life began to change. The pair was taken in by foster parents, and Charlie remembers that time as particularly idyllic. “[It] was the greatest home; they were wonderful people. I fell in love with them.” The foster parents made it a priority to take the two children to a small Southern Baptist church every time the church doors were open, and it was there that Charlie found the greatest influence in his life. “A calmness came over me, and I knew where my mother was. I knew why, and I was okay. I got up, and I went up front to the pastor. I was saved that day, and so was my sister.”
Baptized in the mud and water of the Tensas River, Charlie’s outlook on life changed forever. “From that day until this day (I’m [now] 72 years old), I put a smile on my face and I have smiled my way through life. We had some really, really tough times after that – my sister and I. But, I never let it get me down because I knew that God was with me, and He would carry me through whatever came forward.” Unfortunately, life still had sad days ahead for Charlie and his siblings, but now the young boy could face it with resolve. Life with the seemingly perfect foster family would only last two years before their newly remarried father brought them to live with his father’s new family in Greenville, Mississippi. That household now included a new wife with 11 children and
“...Charlie met and fell in love with Gloria and the two have been inseparable ever since.”
“From that day until this day (I’m [now] 72 years old), I put a smile on my face and I have smiled my way through life.” a new baby. The house was run down, meals were sparse, and clothes were never washed. Charlie’s school teacher felt so sorry for her student she bought him a set of clothes, but it only took a day before the new clothes smelled just like the rest
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“I
stay active and I live every day as full as I can, love as many people as I can.”
of the filthy clothes in the house. Embarrassed, Charlie quit school. It wasn’t long before his father gave up and left his new wife and the dozen or so children he had been sheltering. Charlie was left to find creative ways to help support the large brood he lived amongst. Catching a duck or chicken from their makeshift “farm,” Charlie bartered with a local grocer for flour to make cornbread. The little clan survived the winter, and he was happy. Even though the grocer and his wife had plenty of ducks and chickens in their own yard, they never refused to make a deal with the young boy. Charlie now looks back on that couple as his “angels” and knows God was protecting and taking care of them all. By Spring, knowing the pathetic plight of the houseful of children, the local Sheriff approached Charlie’s stepmother and insisted the children be taken to foster homes or orphanages. Charlie, his sister, and their younger brother were reunited and taken to their grandparents’ home, who were too poor and too old to care for three children. So began a period of bouncing from one relative’s house to another until Charlie was asked to live with an aunt and uncle who had never been able to have children. That stay lasted five years. Just before charlie turned 17, his sister had moved back in with their father. He and his sister had always wanted to be together, so he decided to give it another try. However, it didn’t take long before the teenager realized their father had not changed. One month after turning 17, Charlie joined the Air Force and found the home he had been searching for his entire life. It was there he got his GED, two years of college, his experience as a painter, and his education in management. Though his first marriage failed, Charlie met and fell in love with Gloria and the two have been inseparable ever since. He has cardiac issues from exposure to Agent Orange; he suffered a heart attack, and had open-heart surgery. He lost his mother at an early age, his childhood was a series of moves from home to another, and his father was absent more than present. But, Charlie Adcock insists he has had a blessed life. “I just take medication and walk. I stay active and I live every day as full as I can, love as many people as I can. God is good and He has sure blessed me in my life. He just picked me up in His hands. It reminds me of the guy questioning the footprints in the sand — that’s my life, that’s been me.” He’s certainly human and has times when he’s down or upset, but he chooses to make those moments private and only show a pleasant face to the world. He smiles because he’s happy, he’s a survivor, and God’s always provided angels to watch over him.
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The Blessing Box By Cecelia Wilson
D
espite needing a leader for the past two years, Trinity Episcopal Church still yearned to reach out to the community in some meaningful way as a congregation. Past volunteer efforts had become difficult to sustain and, because the church doors weren’t open during the week, those seeking help were limited on the hours they could request assistance. Prayers were sent out to address the need and divine intervention came in the form of Facebook. While on the internet recently, Anne Gardner happened to see a photo that caught her attention on the popular social media site. Investigating the backstory to the photo in question, Anne learned the “blessing box” packed with items for those in need just might be the perfect answer to the church’s dilemma. Shaun Everett was tasked with building something resembling the box Anne had seen, and, with his wife Michelle’s assistance, the two built and painted a small replica of their own church house, complete with a red door. Dubbed the “Free Pantry,” the box was installed near a column with an overhang, sheltered from the elements. It is stocked with non-perishable food items and toiletries, and is available 24/7. The idea is simple and is painted on the pantry’s façade: “Take what you need; Give what you can.” Any individual may contribute to the pantry anonymously and, conversely, those who need an item may take it at any time of the day or night — no questions asked. So far, the membership is delighted with the response. Though select items have been taken from the pantry, no one individual has taken advantage and taken it all. Restocking is done twice a week on Tuesdays and Fridays.
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The Free Pantry isn’t large and the church isn’t feeding the masses, but if everyone helped just a few people in the community, all those combined efforts begin to make a huge impact for those in need. Trinity Episcopal Church is located at 200 N Elm St, Searcy, AR 72143.
“ Take what you need; Give what you can.”
(L)Shaun Everest who built the pantry, Anne Gardner, Skylar Everest, Ginger Beebe (R) New priest Mark Harris, Sage EverestFukino and Scarlett Everest-Fukino. Also this winter our youth placed scarfs, caps and gloves in baggies and hung them on the fence around our church for those in need.
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t h e
r o wde n
H o me :
Home Is Where The Heart Is
A
By Mandy Lawson s I walkED up the beautiful walkway,
I instantly felt at home. The smell of fresh cut grass filled my nostrils and the American flag was proudly displayed by the front door. The mat said “Welcome” and a smiling face greeted me when I rang the doorbell. That smile belonged to Mrs. Tina Rowden. Tina and her husband, Greg, then took me on a tour through their gorgeous home. The office area is open and allows natural light to fill the space. There are sliding barn doors that separate the computer desk from the rest of the room, allowing privacy when Greg is working. The dining room, living area, and kitchen are all connected in a way that would make Joanna Gaines proud. The area is open and allows lots of natural light. Tina took me on into the kitchen which includes a beautiful island and a butler’s pantry connected with a long counter space for their coffee and other appliances. We then continued on through the house to see the master bedroom, bathroom, and closet, which are all connected. The walk-in closet has amazing built-in furniture with plenty of space for clothes, shoes, purses, etc. The master bathroom includes two sinks, a big soaker tub, a spacious shower, and (every man’s dream!) a TV directly across from the toilet. Tina and I laughed as she told me the story behind the TV in the bathroom. I believe it was the only battle she lost when planning this house. 50 Your Hometown Magazine
The rest of the home is pretty much decorated with the sweet grandchildren in mind, with the other downstairs bedrooms in pink and blue. The upstairs is where the kids can have so much sleepover fun! There is a sweet chalkboard that opens up into a space for toys. A comfy sectional faces a big screen TV, inviting many movie nights and popcorn parties. Along the wall, there is a counter space with a built-in mini fridge and a microwave. As we rounded the corner, Tina let me know that the space we were walking into was designed and built just for those grandbabies. In it is a beautiful, double bunk bed piece, with stairs going up the middle opening up to two twin beds. The bottom two beds are full size. There is plenty of space for this growing family, and many memories to be made. We ended our tour at my favorite part of the house: the back porch. Greg and Tina invited me to sit in this cozy space overlooking a gorgeous pool and untouched nature. There is a TV, lots of seating, and a large grilling area inside this screened in porch where fans keep the temperature comfortable. As we sat, Greg and Tina told me a little about their lives. Both went to Green County Tech and were high school sweethearts. Moving to Searcy in 1990 when they purchased the Sonic Drive-In on Race Street, they raised their kids here, with all three graduating as Searcy Lions. This home is their third home. They had just barely
The dining room, living area, and kitchen are all connected.
talked about building again when everything just seemed to fall into place. They bought the land, but didn’t immediately put their house up for sale. They were just thinking about it when friends mentioned they knew someone looking to buy a house. These people loved the house, and wanted to buy and move in soon. Unexpectedly, Greg had heart trouble. He had 99% blockage in his widow maker and had to have surgery. God was not finished with Greg Rowden! He survived surgery and God continued to work. Meanwhile, they hadn’t even started building yet and would have nowhere to live while the house was being built, but God always works things out when it’s right. Their contractor had just finished a house and said they could live in it while he built their house. With everything happening so quickly, they just trusted in God, knowing that He was in charge. As they were planning for this to be the last house they would build, they wanted it to be a house that they could relax in, and a place for their kids and grandkids to enjoy.
A comfy sectional faces a big screen TV, inviting many movie nights and popcorn parties. SearcyLiving.com 51
Mrs. Tina Rowden in the dining room.
“....they wanted it to be a house that they could relax in, and a place for their kids and grandkids to enjoy.” Greg and Tina have three children and three grandchildren, with two more on the way. Their oldest son graduated from the University of Arkansas and coached basketball for a short time. Their youngest son also graduated from U of A. Their daughter graduated from John Brown University and is married. Her husband is in the military and is currently deployed. Pregnant with her third child, she is due in July. The Rowden sons are both now business partners with their dad and help manage the 33 Sonics their company owns. Greg and his sons are a part of a company called DHR, Davis, Hull & Rowden. This company was formed in 2001 by Ricky Davis, David Hull, and Greg Rowden. These three men now own and operate 33 Sonic Drive-Ins. There is something special about these Sonics that is not like most; the men behind these Sonics love the Lord. Their mission statement is, “To Excel in honoring God in
52 Your Hometown Magazine
all we do, especially in customer service, community involvement, and in offering opportunities for growth to our people.” Greg and Tina feel extremely blessed and are good stewards with what they have been given. They open their home to many and are very giving. In fact, they did not let me leave their home without blessing me with a gift. Both members of New Life Church, they open their home to their life group as well as many others. They shared that they love that their church home prays for other churches in the area, and they love that their church is all about the people. Sitting with the Rowdens was very enjoyable, and the conversation was easy. If you know the Rowdens, then you know you have great friends and should treasure that friendship. I felt I left that home with two new friends. In fact, Greg let me in on a little secret, and you know I can’t keep my lips sealed. Over the next five years, the DHR group led by Josh and Justin Rowden and Scott and Cody Davis are planning on opening seven Slim Chickens locations, with one of those in Searcy! Shhh! Don’t tell anyone!
The master bedroom
Tile and flooring design by Premier Flooring & Design.
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A beautiful, double bunk bed piece has stairs going up the middle opening up to two twin beds. The bottom two beds are full size.
A chalkboard opens up into a space for toys.
The home is largely decorated with grandchildren in mind. 54 Your Hometown Magazine
A grandchild’s bedroom is decorated in pink.
“There is plenty of space for this growing family, and many memories to be made.”
Landscaping by Landscape Solutions.
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The back porch is a cozy sitting space overlooking a gorgeous pool and untouched nature. There is a TV, lots of seating, and a large grilling area inside this screened in porch where fans keep the temperature comfortable.
“If you know the Rowdens, then you know you have great friends and should treasure that friendship.”
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GUT RESTORATION:
The
Program
By Christie Brooks, MS, RD, LD
O
ur gastrointestinal (GI) tract comprises 80% of our overall immune health. With that being said, a properly functioning digestive system is critical to good health. In fact, problems with the GI tract can cause more than just stomach aches, gas and bloating or diarrhea. GI tract issues may be the underlying issue causing chronic health problems that seem unrelated to digestive health, including autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and type 1 diabetes, skin problems such as eczema and acne rosacea, and heart disease (just to name a few). So how can we deal with all that could go wrong in our 25+ foot long digestive-tube that comprises 80% of our overall immune system? In Functional Medicine we use a plan that goes by the simple acronym of the ‘5Rs’: remove, replace, reinoculate, repair, and rebalance. When applied to various chronic health issues, the 5R program can lead to dramatic improvement in symptoms, and sometimes even complete resolution. The elements of the 5R program are described briefly below. 1. Remove Remove stressors: get rid of things that negatively affect the environment of the GI tract including allergic foods, parasites and potential problematic bacteria or yeast. This might involve using an allergy “elimination diet” to find out what foods are causing GI symptoms, having lab tests to determine the food allergens, or it may involve taking medications or herbs to eradicate a particular bug. 58 Your Hometown Magazine
Emotional Stress and past trauma or PTSD play a role on the nervous & endocrine system, which will affect the stress on the gut. Emotional stress prevents digestive enzyme secretions, which leads to more GI issues. 2. Replace Replace digestive secretions: add back things like digestive enzymes, hydrochloric acid, and bile acids that are required for proper digestion and that may be compromised by diet, medications, diseases, aging, or other factors. 3. Reinoculate Help beneficial bacteria flourish by ingesting probiotic foods or supplements that contain the “good” GI bacteria such as bifidobacteria and lactobacillus species, and by consuming the high soluble fiber foods that good bugs like to eat, called prebiotics. Probiotics: are beneficial microorganisms found in the gut that are also called “friendly bacteria.” Use of antibiotics kills both good and bad bacteria. Probiotics in the form of supplements or food are often needed to help reestablish a balanced gut flora. Fermented foods, such as yogurt, miso, and tempeh are food sources of probiotics. Prebiotics: are food ingredients that selectively stimulate the growth of beneficial microorganisms already in the colon. In other words, prebiotics feed probiotics. Prebiotics are available in many foods that contain a fiber called inulin, including artichokes, garlic, leeks, onion, chicory, tofu, and other soy products. Grains such as
barley, flax, oats, and wheat are also good sources of prebiotics (just note that Gluten has been shown to promote inflammation within the GI lining, so it needs to be either limited or avoided). Another good prebiotic source is a supplement called “fructooligosaccharide” or FOS. 4. Repair Help the lining of the GI tract repair itself by supplying key nutrients that can often be in short supply in a compromised gut, such as zinc, antioxidants (e.g. vitamins A, C, and E), fish oil, and the amino acid glutamine. For emotional stressors, PTSD, and trauma, seeking professional mental health therapy is highly recommended. Other ways to help in healing are trauma yoga, gentle flow yoga, mindfulness based yoga, meditation, and anxiety breathing techniques. 5. Rebalance It is important to pay attention to lifestyle choices. Proper diet, as previously stated, is crucial. Healing supplements might be necessary. Adequate sleep helps in keeping hormones in balance. Exercise helps the body rid itself of waste much easier, plus it helps to keep all the body systems working as they should. So, food choices along with sleep, exercise, and stress can all affect the GI tract. Balancing those activities with proper non-allergen food choices are important to an optimal digestive tract.
“...food choices along with sleep, exercise, and stress can all affect the GI tract.”
Christie Brooks, MS, RD, LD Member of Institute of Functional Medicine CrossFit Level 1 Trainer Dietitian for OneLife Wellness Center www.ChristieBrooksRD.com
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W
By Timothy R. Kamerman, D. C.
hat is “innate”? Webster’s dictionary has one definition that says, “factors present in an individual from birth or inborn.” Those factors can be good and bad, so what are those factors? I want to pause for a moment and share a quote from Roger J. Callahan, PH. D., Clinical Psychologist: “Everything that has ever happened to you is recorded in your nervous system – everything. From the moment of conception, to your birth and up to today, every change in the physical, chemical, and emotional condition of your mother, which had an effect on you, positively or negatively, is recorded. Any trauma that occurred during your birth is recorded. Everything that happens to you throughout your entire life is recorded. Everything that is said to you is recorded. Everything you see, hear, feel, touch, taste, or smell that affects you on a physical, chemical, or emotional basis is recorded in your nervous system. The way this affects you depends on how effectively your nervous system is functioning”. Now, how much of that quote is 100%? We don’t know. But, assuming that the majority of that quote is true, there are a lot of things that can be recorded in our nervous system, and how we affect or enhance the nervous system greatly determines our health and well-being. So, if we are looking to enhance the body’s natural ability to improve “innate” factors or to enhance optimal healing, we have to talk about factors that can support the healing.
Two categories that have to deal with those factors are what I call fuel and activation. Fuel is basically the things that we put into our body, like oxygen, water, and nutrition. Activation is the things that we can do to enhance the nervous system, like exercise, prayer, meditation, chiropractic, acupuncture, massage, and neurofeedback. In my office at Chiropractic Care Clinic everything revolves around enhancing the nervous system by those factors, as well as many others. If you need guidance and assistance in taking your health to the next level, feel free to contact us and schedule a consultation to review your health needs.
“....How we affect or enhance the nervous
system greatly determines our health and well-being.”
Call 501-268-2273 2924 Hawkins Drive Searcy, AR searcychiropractor.com 60 Your Hometown Magazine
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This?
The Choice Is Or hopefully this...
Produced by
62 Your Hometown Magazine
A Click Away.
Help Your Community Thrive.
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How You Can Help!
What Foster Parents Are Saying
Amazing Donors Imagine a world where every child has a safe and loving home.
Believe it can happen! 64 Your Hometown Magazine
Only a few are willing to give their time, their home and their life to serve orphans. But the rest of us can be an amazing support team! The Imagine & Believe Foundation has office space, utilities and Foster Care Boutique space that is 100% donated by a local business. Your donations are put to great use in the serving of foster children.
Find Us On
f o u n dat i on
imaginebelieve123.com
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What Fostering Is Teaching Me As A Follower Of Christ By Heather Noel
The Personal Love Of God Fostering as a Christian is greater and deeper than simply giving a child a safe place during the most traumatic season of their life. It is standing as an intercessor on their behalf. Accepting and understanding the personal love of God has always been a struggle of mine. I know God is love, and I know He loves us. But it has been hard for me to personalize and internalize rather than generalize His love. He has been so graciously patient in helping me grow to learn His love for me. What has begun to transform my own personal struggle with this truth has been witnessing how God intervenes for our foster placements. As we desperately intercede for our foster children, as we worry and pray and panic and cry out in desperation because we know this child is NOT OK and NO ONE IS LISTENING, God moves and mightily says, I AM. There isn’t a way to express the burden a foster parent carries. On top of the endless documentation and paperwork, the all. the. time. DHS visits, the fire drills, and the child constantly out of sorts because the second you get them settled into a routine someone who is not taking care of this child is deciding visits and changes in the case so this baby is never sleeping, the doctor visits because this child is sick all the time, and the record keeping and the keeping every “Fostering as a Christian is greater and deeper than simply giving a child a safe place during the most traumatic season of their life. It is standing as an intercessor on their behalf.” loving thing in your house locked up. On top of staffings and court dates and attempting to build a relationship with the bio parent who is the reason your life is now such a wreck. On top of keeping up to date on your own CEU’s and health and home inspections and CPR and first aid. (So, when exactly am I supposed to do all of that???) Oh, and let’s not forget a scrapbook for your foster. (What? My own 3rd child doesn’t even have one of those…) On top of taking care of your own kids and family. The foster parent carries the weight of the trauma this child is facing. It is a crushing burden. We preach to ourselves: Today, just survive today. But we never know how many todays there will be. Because today changes in an instant in this broken system, and all the work you’ve done to provide stability, safety and sanity for this child can be undone in a second. There are days we collapse to the floor in exhaustion not knowing if we can do this one more minute. Because our sanity is one more sleepless night or text from DHS about another change gone, and it won’t be our foster child needing therapy, but ourselves. And just 66 Your Hometown Magazine
when we think we are about to call it quits, God steps in. No, it doesn’t always happen that the case goes the best way. But when I have begged God to bring truth to light on behalf of my foster child, He has. In His timing, and in the best way possible. And something about seeing God love my foster child so strongly and specifically has radically changed my grasp on His love for me. He does see me; He has proven so in seeing my foster children. And, it has been the loudest whisper to my own soul of His fierce love of me.
The Sacrificial Love Of God Nothing has exposed my selfish nature more than fostering. I just want to sleep. I just want normal - my normal. I just want to be left alone and not hold this needy baby one more second. I just want my morning coffee and routine, just once. I don’t want to have to figure out childcare just to take my teenagers to the movie. I don’t want to deal with all of this extra work. It’s a hassle and it’s hard. But one morning, when I was catching a quick moment in God’s word, my reading was in Isaiah 53. And it hit me and humbled me. “He Himself bore our sickness and He carried our pains.” “The punishment that brought us peace was on Him.” As a foster parent, I am bearing the sickness of this child’s trauma. I am carrying this child’s pain. What brings peace to this child is painful to me. It cost me my “normal” life. What did I think Jesus meant when He said, “take up your cross...”? What did I think when Jesus said, “lay down your life...”? What did I think living out the gospel meant? Because according to this passage from His Word, it most certainly does not mean to have your perfectly peaceful, normal life and as long as you go to church every week and are of good moral standing, you are living the gospel. To live as Christ is to die. To foster is to carry the punishment of the choices of another person, so that this child can have peace. To foster is to carry the pain of this child, so that this child can feel some sort of peace. And, Jesus walked all the way to the cross in order to bring me peace. He took on the sickness of my sin. He carried the weight of my shame. He laid down His life so that I could live. He gave up Himself. No, it isn’t fair that I am carrying the burden of a parent choosing not to care for their child. No, it isn’t fair that this system is broken and messy and many times makes this whole thing harder. But this child, this child chose none of this. This child made none of these choices. And yes, for this child to have peace, it is painful for me. But carrying their pain in order for them to have peace, that is simply a glimpse of the gospel. And regardless of the stress and sacrifice of it all, what we as the foster parents endure holds no comparison to what the foster child endures. Rejection. Grief. Confusion. Anger. Brokenness. Trust and Attachment Trauma. Fear. Instability. Yes, when I compare the sacrifice to my normal, it seems and feels and IS significant. It is most certainly a death. A death to my world and my convenience and even my sanity. But it is small in comparison to the loss experienced by the child. We as foster parents are not martyrs, and we are not victims. We are simply living out the sacrificial love of our Savior. And so, in exhaustion and weakness and brokenness, we get up and we keep walking this journey. Because if we want to follow Christ, we must do so with a cross.
“There isn’t a way to express the burden a foster parent carries...
But carrying their pain in order for them to have peace, that is simply a glimpse of the gospel.”
about Heather Follower of Jesus. Wife to my favorite pastor. Mom to my favorite three teenagers. Mom to children in foster care. Bible teacher. SearcyLiving.com 67
What is the purpose of the
Imagine & Believe Foundation? We provide the Foster Care Boutique, which is where your donations of clothing and diapers are connected to foster parents.
We connect seasoned mentors (former foster parents) to new foster and adoptive parents, giving
them a resource to ask questions and glean wisdom from someone who truly understands their journey.
We help new foster homes get set up with things such as play pens and child safety gates. We help fill
in the gaps. There are so many things to get and do to prepare to be a new parent of a child or children of varying ages.
We know the journey of fostering and adopting is very rewarding, but it can also have great times of discouragement and loss. We try to be an encouragement system and reminder that this community really does care about the orphans and the caretakers of the orphan ministry.
If a foster family does not have the time to come by the Foster Care Boutique, we deliver the
clothing and diapers to them. An example of why this service is needed: Is them taking in a foster child at 3am and having to be at work by 8am the next morning.
The Imagine & Believe Foster Care Boutique is located at
812 S. Main St. • Searcy, AR
Please send donations to:
Imagine & Believe Foundation • P.O. Box 2042 • Searcy, AR 72145 Phone (501) 593-5263 My check is enclosed to help wherever needed.
$5
$20
Other: ______________
I want to donate my time. My talent is: ___________________________________
Imagine & Believe is a Non-Profit 501(c)(3) • Donations are Tax Deductible 501.593.5263 68 Your Hometown Magazine
Thank You All Volunteers & Donors!
“I’m not telling you it’s going to be easy. I’m telling you it’s going to be worth it.” ~ Art Williams
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What Is The
H ope Believe
Foster Care & Adoption Boutique? * The Imagine and Believe Foster Care and Adoption Boutique is simply a room in the Searcy Living business office that we have dedicated for use in helping foster & adoptive families, and sometimes emergency situations. Our awesome Searcy Living readers bring in donations, enabling foster parents to be able to ‘shop’ for what they need for foster, adopted and disadvantaged children, at no cost. Our office is located at 812 S. Main Street in Searcy. We welcome gently used or new items. Thank you, Searcy, for your generosity and time spent to support the Foster Care Boutique!
L ocat e d I n
Thank You! Thank you to Southern Bank for your donation to the Imagine & Believe Foster Care Boutique!
Imagine a world where every child has a safe loving home. Believe it can happen!
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“There is sunshine in my soul today”
Thank you Everything Construction and McCoy’s Building Supply for donating materials and building shelves in the Imagine & Believe diaper closet. We appreciate you!
Thank You
Everything Construction & McCoy’s Building Supply
T h a n k You to
Volunteers & Donors!
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Thank You
National Honor Society
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With Much Appreciation Searcy Elks lodge donated $1,500 in diapers and supplies to the foster kids. This came from the Elks Grand Lodge 150th Anniversary Grant. Elks lodges have been giving back to their to community for 150 years and to celebrate they gave more!
Pictured: Pam Boggan, Michelle Rodgers, Anita Varnell
“ When you become a parent remember: Don’t allow anything in your life that you don’t want reproduced in your children.” ~Unknown
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Fab
With Amanda Lutrell
There’s No Place Like (Your) Home Part 1: Custom Chandelier The word “home” is defined as “the place where one lives permanently, especially as a member of a family or household,” but to me it is so much more! Home is a safe haven, a place full of life, comfort, personality, and where I get to end each day with my favorite people. Whatever “home” means to you, it should be a place like no other. A home should be as unique as the family or individual living in it. In my next few articles I will be offering a few budget friendly ideas to customize your home and give it a personality all of its own. In my home I have a kitchen and dining combo. When I decided to add a customized chandelier above my dining table, I also decided to add a matching one above the island in my kitchen to make the space balanced and cohesive. Chandeliers can be pricey, especially
1
when purchasing two of them. A more cost-effective option is to look for deals online. Many websites offer more choices than you have in a store, and there are often clearances and close-outs. I was able to purchase my chandeliers online for $49 each, with free shipping! (If you do make your purchase online, be sure to get the chandelier’s dimensions from the product details and verify that it will fit in your space before purchasing.) A second thrifty option would be to search flea markets and yard sales. This is a good option not only for finding good prices, but you are also more likely to find something unique. (Be certain that all necessary parts are still with the fixture, and that the electrical cords are in good repair before purchasing.)
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Although the chandeliers I chose were pretty as they were, with a little bit of tweaking they will become one of a kind and tailor-made for my space.
To prepare for painting I removed the glass globes and cleaned the chandeliers and chains from top to bottom with a damp rag. It is very important to remove all dust to insure a good paint finish. I then wrapped the lightbulb sockets in aluminum foil to protect them from the paint.
3 Because my chandeliers were not installed yet, I was able to paint them outdoors with spray paint. If you choose to paint a chandelier already hanging in a room, the best option would be to use chalk paint. Chalk paint will adhere to the metal of the chandelier and, with no fumes, is indoor friendly. (Do remember to tape around the chandelier so as to not get any unwanted paint on your ceiling.) I chose a deep traditional charcoal gray for my paint color, which will give a nice contrast to the light walls in my kitchen and dining room. However, if it’s your style, this is the perfect place for a pop of bold color. Bold, traditional, or anything in between, find a color that fits your room and your personality! 76 Your Hometown Magazine
4 After allowing the paint to dry overnight, I replaced the glass globes. Instead of using the original globes that came with the chandeliers I chose to switch them out with bright shiny white ones. Again, I went very traditional, but if you choose, this is the perfect place to be creative. Use a bold color, shape, or add some crystals. Let your style shine!
5 Once the globes were back in place it was time to hang the chandeliers. (If you are not experienced with electrical work have a licensed electrician hang the fixture for you!) If your electrical wires are not in the center of your dining table or where you want your chandelier to hang, simply install a swag hook in the correct place and connect with the chandelier’s chain.
6 There is not a “right” or “wrong” height for a chandelier, but a general rule of thumb is approximately 30-34 inches above your dining table. However, ceiling height, table length, and chandelier size can all affect this, so try out different heights to see what works best in your space. I chose to go a little lower at 27 inches above my dining table, but went higher above the kitchen island to allow for head clearance when being used as a work space.
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Banana Chocolate Milk If you love chocolate milk as much as I do but steer clear of refined sugar (as I try to), then this recipe will put a smile on your face. So few ingredients, no refined sugar, good use of bananas going overripe, and a great way to get some calcium and potassium! I have a local source for great raw (unpasteurized) milk, but organic whole milk would be just fine to use. Choose your favorite chocolate (I prefer DARK), but if you can use non alkalinized then it would be even better. This could be a great treat for kids and yet they won’t be getting all that processed sugar that can do more harm than good for some. With summer coming up, you might even want to freeze some in freezer pop containers for a great frozen treat! Enjoy!
Combine
In a blender, combine the milk, salt, and cocoa and process a few seconds just to get it all mixed together. 1 C High Quality Whole Milk 1/8 Tsp Sea Salt 1 Tablespoon Unsweetened Cocoa 1 Very Overripe Banana Which Has Been Peeled And Frozen *
Break
Break banana in chunks about 1 inch long and add to mixture, then process until mixture is completely smooth.
Enjoy
If your milk is super cold and the banana is well frozen, this mixture will end up being almost like a chocolate milk shake. Enjoy!! *When I say OVERRIPE I am referring to a banana which has become almost completely covered with brown (sweet) spots and beyond. Unless that thing is covered in funky mold or something, it should be PERFECT for this recipe!
Tanya Turner Leckie’s cookbook, Cartwheels In The Kitchen, is available at Midnight Oil Coffee House, as well as through Tanya by e-mailing her at lazydaygourmet@sbcglobal.net. Partial proceeds through sales benefit the Makonde Team mission work in Tanzania, Africa. 78 Your Hometown Magazine
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Across 5. Fostering as a Christian is standing as an ________ on their behalf. 6. Charlie caught ducks or chickens to ________ with a local grocer. 7. If everyone helped just a few people, all those ________ efforts begin to make a huge impact.
What game do cows play at parties?
DOWN 1. Charlie was baptized in the mud and water of the ________ River. 2. Beneficial microorganisms found in the gut. 3. Psychologist Callahan said that everything that has happened to you is ________ in the nervous system. 4. The Rowden’s dining room, living area, and kitchen are all connected to allow lots of ________ light.
What belongs to you, but is used more by others?
Find The Answers On
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Keep your head up. God gives His hardest battles to His strongest soldiers.
Show your support for life and help raise money at the same time! Purchase an official Choose Life Arkansas License Plate for the rear of your car. You can obtain one through direct purchase from the Department of Finance and Administration. Let’s make the readership of Searcy Living the BIGGEST supporters for life in the state!
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