AFF January 2011 by Abby Pound

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S T R E N G T H F O R T H E F A M I LY , H O P E F O R T H E C I T Y FREE

Biker Church Come as You Are

The Dark Switch Say What?

Along the Way

Advice from Bob Dylan

ALL THINGS NEW e d i t i2 o n 011 j a n ua r y

The Whosoevers

Radically Made "New" January 2011 January 2011

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january 2011 "...that

whosoever

believeth in him..."

13 17

26 contents Faith

You

9 Along the Way:

Bob Dylan's Advice for a New You

34 Health Matters: The Challenge 35 Diet & Nutrition:

12 Church & Helping Hands Directory

36 The Real Stuff:

Family 17

Practical Parenting: Chores--The Battle Plan

18 Journey for Two:

Commitment to Change...Together

19 Dear Dads: Are YOU an Angry Dad? 20 A Few Good Men:

Every Child Needs a Mountain Memory

21 The Benefits of Eating Together as a Family 22 Grace Academy: Living Books--Well-Put and Well-Told

New Ingredients for the New Year

www.AustinFaithandFamily.com

30 Ladies Top 10: 31 Dave Says 32 Rave Reviews

Ingredients for an Immune System Boost Resolvolutions/Have A Passion?

Special This Month 13 Open Road Biker Church 14 Blue Oak Grill 16 Majesty Outdoors 25 Turn On the Dark Switch 26 The Whosoevers 32 Jill Watson Design 37 What It Means to Be an Ethical Leader

Monthly Favorites

Life 29 Erin's Cooking:

How to Be Assured of God's Love

10 Spiritual Coffee 11 Out There:

Matt Frye--Igniting Passion in Worship

33 Head to Heart:

A Clean Closet

24 Austin Community Calendar 28 Wealth & Wisdom:

How To Be Prosperous & Successful

37 Spend Life Well:

Renew Your Finances in 2011

38 The Back Pew

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Publisher 1633 Ministries 501 (c) (3) Info@1633ministries.com 512.584.6888

Editor's Note

Top of the Pile

o you get the post-Christmas blues? All of the gift shopping, gift wrapping, gift exchange, and parties kept you busy, and the holiday lights and sounds kept you happy, but now perhaps you’re tired, listless, and bored, wondering what’s next? One small thing I do is set aside all of my reading material that I receive in December, whether it’s magazines or new books I’ve gotten, and I place them in a pile to begin reading after the New Year. I look forward to a cold, cloudy day in January where I can sit by the fire and just spend time enjoying story after story. At the top of the pile will be this issue of Austin Faith & Family!

Editor Marcy Lytle Marcy@AustinFaithandFamily.com Art Director Abby Pound Abby@AustinFaithandFamily.com Advertising Sales Lee Eddins | 512.689.2717 Lee@AustinFaithandFamily.com Contributing Writers Lee Eddins, Marcy Lytle,Trent Peng, Kie Bowman, Jack Hammans, Ginny Hurley, Mark Trice, Dave Ramsey, Richard Landry, Lauren Lacy, Joshua Myers, Maria Arreola, Scottie Moore, Erin Osborn, Georgeanne Schuch, David & Lynn Cherry, Amy Dillon, Deborah Begley, Gary Sinclair, Susan Schwab, Anthony Southwood, Don Christian, and Barry Tripp Cover Photo Courtesy of The Whosoevers Contributing Photographer Lynne Allyson Photography Austin Faith and Family is committed to encouraging individuals in their daily lives by presenting the faith stories of others and providing information that will point every person, at every stage of life, to a deeper, authentic, personal and life-changing encounter with Jesus Christ. Views expressed in Austin Faith & Family do not necessarily represent those of the publisher. Every effort has been made by the Austin Faith & Family staff to ensure accuracy of the publication contents. However, we do not guarantee the accuracy of all information, nor the absences of errors and omissions; hence, no responsibility can be, or is assumed. All Rights Reserved. Copyright 2010 by 1633 Ministries 501 (c) (3).

Our magazine this month is chock full of articles to get you motivated to move, to give, to think, and to live your life maybe a little bit differently, and a little bit better in 2011. If you’re looking for adventure in worship, visit Open Road Biker Church on a Sunday morning and see what it’s like to have church without the standard fare offered at your “normal” church. Looking for something new to watch on television? Majesty Outdoors will not only inspire you, but you will be on your knees praying for more kids, more fathers, and more funds to bless those who produce this awesome show! And why not support a new business by checking out Jill Watson Design? You won’t find any cuter, custom-made baby clothes, anywhere else, and all at a very affordable price! And finally, the best advice you receive for the New Year just might be something Bob Dylan said in a song. Check it out in “Along the Way,” my personal favorite this month. Don’t sing the blues. A New Year is here. As a famous “inspired” great writer once penned that there are opportunities and plans awaiting you to “prosper you” and to give you “hope and a future.” And this writer was quoting the One who sees what lies ahead. Enjoy…

Marcy Lytle Editor, Austin Faith & Family

Austin Faith & Family is published monthly and is available at high traffic locations throughout the metropolitan area. Copies are also available by subscription, $35 for one year. Single issues available for $3 an issue.

Volume 2, Issue 8

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Letters

Fathers n Without A Generatio A

20 Words:

children. These lives of their the chief invest in the a man by being fathers who means to be Christ loves Our city needs what it really their wives like Cowardly in our city revealed men who model their home. They love their own. college pastors some of are others before children, refuse to in and outside of youth and wrestled with of servant the needs of recent gatheringrealities. As these leaders lly with their the same failures ng to the future n. the Church and put to repeat to connect emotiona some sobering they felt were most threateni discussio strength, through the men are afraid and are doomed courage, and the areas that wound kept throbbing so in American learn from their mistakes, Men of integrity, to all people s generation about it. major had with them. Paul, become all things their children cant the church, one represent the most Fatherles their fathers Apostle anything signifi necessary will, like the Students today of us seem to be doing by any means but go on to become however; that few are living ‘saved’ history…and kids in the US will not just be nearly 24 million great leaders. www.Fathers.com, This group According to is that before a father tonight. and exciting here among in a home without likely to live in poverty But What I find most see a revival more is five times returns, we willI’ve got 20 bucks that drop out of school. to Christ likely nation. show fatherless two times more fathers in our true: worst part. Studies at much greater is are that’s not the says this verse y, to 12th grade teens from 1st drug abuse, teen pregnanc parents to their hearts of the risk for crime, l health, and low academic He will turn the hearts of the children to their usually the suicide, emotionaWhile numbers don’t strike the land children, and attention. I will come and 4:6 achievements. parents; or else they do get our n.” – Malachi move us to action, with total destructio me is that due miracles, He king part for ip but like most The most heartbrea parenting and disciplesh willing to be hearts of fathers, biblical section and I who are miracle in the the to the lack of home today, the other have God will do a vessels like you that 20-somethings are nd the fi do broken to in actually we find therefore . It is very rare will do it through More specifically, I believe society who ness and are just as fatherless up in the ways of the of our young generation effects of fatherless agents of change. home is, in reality, his child rescue the next it happen. suffered the not being and is have in fathers in the 6 father who is training step They church to s to lowest key. energy to make ed candidate a Deuteronomy outsourcing your parenting actually the the most qualifi to sacrifice their time and no, as a Dad is “Do what I willing reverse Lord. (And positional authority g that just says p which IF they are will it take to Having parentin exactly of a father.) ip. As Stephen moment. What p. It’s the type the highest form of leadershiThat, my picture for a city? Leadersh d to Christ.” form of leadershi out in a recent Let’s think big absentee parents in our I do” compare do as I follow of Austin, pointed leaders who are follow what I in say, not what and Life pattern to. say I the e called what director of Young of Christ to reproduc models “Trust parental leadership we are communities. Mueller, the require the body schools, churches, and brothers, is the are willing to meeting - it will in our leaders who fatherlessness more youth leaders and owning the desperately need influence. Student to others Our churches ries within their areas of efforts by saying of live as missiona parents can multiply their me as I invest in the lives 6 Deuteronomy of the fatherless and follow cry “Listen to the and teens.” Laying these local children hip is messy. is costly. Disciples to be a hobby, the lives of others was never meantion, unselfishness, Investing in neighbor compass for your are must have true lives of others. We down your life the lifestyle. You what they but rather a boldness to speak into they believe why in know and does not their identity patience, generation that are they clear on what we’ve been harvesting a nor of parenting Christianity, d with the lack churches and our nation. believe about truth, combine of our Christ is. This severing the foundation is ely talking about, ip - is aggressiv is anyone and poor disciplesh - fatherlessness reversed. Yet I wonder what it? be This moral plague about willing to do cancer and must spreading like do about it? What are you passed willing to really is meant to be for that matter) the heaviness entire magazine it. Wrestle with This article (and God speaks to you through subject with a friend. Pray as this n of Christ’s along to others thoughts and feelings on tly, in celebratio it. of it. Share your countering it. Most importan about g in you to do somethin about your role month, I challenge Joe Elliott birthday this

n Laying dow your your life for was neighbor nt to never mea by, but . be a hoblifes tyle a er rath

Good evening Lee,

Again enjoyed the December issue of Austin Faith and Family magazine. Joe Elliot’s column on fatherless kids really struck a chord with me as I am involved with fatherless kids on a daily basis in our ministry Kids Outdoor Zone Youth Outdoor Adventure Ministry. Elliot’s facts were correct and the plight of the American child is real, especially boys. Boys are growing up without male role models. They have no men to teach them, lead them, or guide them into manhood. You can be the best mom ever, but a woman cannot teach a boy the way of the Wild Heart. It is impossible. Without going into my whole teaching or quoting John Eldredge and Wild at Heart, let me say that I live it every day and I see it daily which gives me the right to say exactly that. There are men who do mentor boys into a healthy Godly role. There are grandfathers, youth leaders, men in the back of the church who take care of the boy next door and more. 20-something it speaks to the a dual meaning: send a message. "20 Words" has 20 words that crowd and highlights

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The one thing that I can be found yelling from the roof tops is “Don’t bring a problem to someone without bringing them answers or volunteering to help.” In Elliot’s article he asks “Who is helping the fatherless?” I can tell you we are. We train men in churches to come alongside fatherless boys in their churches, neighborhoods, and in outdoor adventure. The men give up one Saturday morning a month to the boys and it grows from there. It is simple and it changes lives. Everyone has a ministry in them, it may be the homeless or children, giving money or mowing the grass at the church. It is their pathway to our Heavenly Father and it is all good. You don’t have to go to Africa or India to save a child, though. Mr. Elliot pointed out we have millions of them right here whose hearts are crying out in desperation for love and attention. If the problem of fatherless children is going to turn around, Elliot is right, we are going to have to sacrifice. Sacrifice our time on the couch, some personal time playing golf or out fishing with our buddies. We will have to take some of our cigar or cappuccino money and use it to advance the kingdom. We will have to “just do it” and it is gonna be messy and inconvenient. With all that being said, I can tell you from personal experience, that the time I had a boy on the side of the pond accept Christ, the time those boys were baptized in the creek and those girls in the horse trough at the ranch, that made every moment and hardship worth it. We are charged in James 1:27 to do our part, so… ? T.J. Greaney Executive Director Kids Outdooor Zone Youth Adventure Ministry Publisher, Country Line Magazine

Austin Faith & Family, Every time i read your stories they bring truth to my life. I love it when we get them at work, because then I look forward to having something to read… Angela W. Dear Marcy Lytle: I learned about Austin Faith and Family Magazine after picking up a copy at HEB. It's very exciting to see a magazine that encourages a Christfilled life. Shelley L. Marcy, I just looked through your November/December issue of Austin Faith and Family. It’s the first I’ve seen. Nicely done. I’m thankful there is this kind of publication out there in our communities. Thanks. Keep up the good work. Gary S.

Hello, Marcy. Your recent interview article titled “An Unlikely Neighbor” was a pleasant surprise, reflecting true Christianity's willingness to engage unbelievers without instantly casting judgment, somewhat like Paul with the Athenians in Acts 17. I recently discovered your magazine and found it intriguing. Sincerely, Tim H. Please pass this on to Pieper Stewart, Your article “The Milk Wagon” is close to my heart. My parents were dairy farmers here in Austin in the 30's to the 60's, in the area to live in this day, Westlake. One of their milk trucks still sits on Barton Springs Road at Austin Java as yard art. Thanks for a great article and reminding me of the trials and tribulations of having a dairy farm. Donna T. Join our growing online community at www.facebook.com/austinfaithandfamily

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Faith

Along the Way 9 Spiritual Coffee 10 Out There 11 Church Directory 12

Along the Way:

he rambling 11 minute ballad, "Brownsville Girl," by Bob Dylan, the Poet Laureate of the Rock Era, reads, "If there's an original thought out there, I could use it right now." As America's most creative rhetorical force, Dylan's wish might be an example of autobiographical confession that, characteristically, speaks for us all.

For almost 50 years, Bob Dylan, the eclectic songwriter and unrelenting concert performer, has pressed on audiences around the world his unmistakable vocals and his unparalleled lyrical genius. With a number one album in 2009, Dylan at the age of 69, continues wowing fans and collecting the accolades befitting his unique poetic verbosity and his once-in-ageneration artistic range. His trophy case, so far, holds multiple Grammys, a Golden Globe, an Oscar, and even a Pulitzer Prize. The unusual collection stands as a permanent testament to his mastery over the best ways to employ the mother tongue.

Bob Dylan's Advice

for a

New You

While almost everything around us seems familiar, and can feel like the "been there, done that, got the T-shirt" mentality of a cynical culture, in Christ, you can be new. In a Wall Street Journal article last month, the paper suggested that after nearly 50 years in the music business, it is time for Dylan to exit the stage. The Journal article compares the songwriter to an imagined last dinosaur roaming the earth alone. Critics love him for what he was, but believe he did his best writing almost 40 years ago. In a culture that clamors for something and someone new, and seems at times to punish the old and customary (like the criticism of Dylan remaining too long on stage), the new year is a time for a look at a new you. Before this new year becomes too familiar, take advantage of the opportunity to reconnect with Christ. Seize this moment. Bob Dylan's ironically welltimed observation, from his latest album, might be a word of advice just for you today:

Perhaps to no one's surprise, even the first volume of his autobiography hit number one on the New York Times Bestseller List winning critical praise for his unexpectedly nimble prose and complex, but focused story telling. His phraseology is odd, but draws the reader page after page toward the unfinished life story of our generation's strange and versatile Bard. Last month, the famous Auction House, Sotheby's, offered the original, handwritten lyrics to "Blowin' in the Wind," scrawled hurriedly in pencil on a page of unlined notebook paper, at an estimated value of up to $300,000.00. The value of a 48-year old, frayed scrap of music history proves again that Dylan's power resides in his enviable ability to string words together in their most intriguing order. Yet, in an interview with the late Ed Bradley on 60 Minutes, Dylan candidly admitted that he cannot write lyrics the way he once did. "I don't know how I got to write those early songs," he told Bradley. When asked if he could write songs like that again, he said no. If the most creative "wordsmith" of the last six decades can't find an original thought; maybe he can be excused, but what about the rest of us? Are there any really good ideas left out there? Is there anything new under the sun? Even the question is unoriginal. After a lifetime of studious observation and educated consideration, the wise man of Scripture reviewed his life, and his conclusion sounds like a long sigh of resignation. Solomon decided, "There is nothing new under the sun."1 Of course, he did not mean that there would never be a new drug on the market to fight cancer, or that TSA won't find a new way to move us faster through Airport Security (without embarrassing us), or that NASA won't create a new strain of arsenic loving bacteria. Instead, the weary wise man of Israel recognized that human nature never changes - we live, we love, we cry, we hurt, we work, we try - but in the end, all of us have a common date with our last www.AustinFaithandFamily.com

day. In that regard, nothing is new - the cycle of life and death continues through every generation. Solomon had everything his generation could crave - wealth, wisdom, education, accomplishments, freedom, authority, love - but he realized those things are temporary and the destiny of Kings is the same as the poorest, least influential employee on his payroll. So, what is new? King Solomon's question concerned something other than new discovery, or adventure, or even security. His question concerned life's meaning.

"There's a moment when, all things old become new again. But that moment might have come and gone." Christ promises a new you in a new year. But that new you is for right now. So take some advice from Bob Dylan. Don't let the opportunity to be new, grow old. Dr. Kie Bowman Pastor, Hyde Park Baptist Church Ecclesiastes 1:9 2 Corinthians 5:17

1 2

Is there an original thought out there? Like Dylan said, if so, "I could use one right now." The answer is yes there is something new. Solomon, however, was right. There is nothing new "under the sun." That is, from man's limited perspective, even if technology gives us an iPhone 10 or a 50 mega pixel camera, human nature - life as we perceive it - "under the sun"- will not change. The good news; however, from the Christian perspective, is that the most important and treasured aspects of life do not originate "under the sun." They are gifts from God. They are therefore, from beyond the sun. The New Testament message for a new year is simple and inviting. "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!"2

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Need a morning boost? How about a drink from the Word that's full of powerful energy for your day? Take a daily sip with these short devotionals that you can read and swallow, as quick as you drink your morning coffee. God today...all came from Him1 Praise Revelation 4:11 "You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things…

your walk shine for Christ - 2 Corinthians 6:3 sure God is part of everything you do 13 Let 21 Make "We put no stumbling block in anyone's path, - Psalm 127:1a "Unless the Lord builds the so that our ministry will not be discredited."

house, they labor in vain who build it."

team is good - 1 Peter 3:12 "For the eyes Just do it...the good stuff that is - James 4:17 to God for rest...He is waiting - Matthew 2 God's 22 Come of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears 14 "Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought 11:28 "Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are are open to their prayer..."

to do and doesn't do it, sins."

heavy laden, and I will give you rest."

Clean mind...clean heart - Romans 12:2 "And We must stay together - Leviticus 19:18 "Do Live for God - 1 Peter 4:2 "as result, he does not 3 do not be conformed to this world, but be 15 not seek revenge or bear a grudge against 23 live the rest of his earthly life for evil human transformed by the renewing of your mind..."

a fellow Israelite, but love your neighbor as yourself..."

4 neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for Be kind to everyone-Hebrews 13:2 "Do not

by this some have entertained angels without knowing it.”

the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God."

26 - Romans 12:18 "If it is possible, as far as it

Do good - 2 Corinthians 5:10 "For we must all

Life is too short to feud...relax and forgive

that each one may receive the things done in the body..."

Do it all for God...not man - 1 Corinthians 10:31

8 "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."

Don't worry...pray - Philippians 4:6 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition... present your requests to God."

Life is about serving others...serve Him today - Revelation 22:3 "And His servants shall serve Him."

Want to be more like Christ? Let Him consume your thoughts - Proverbs 23:7 "For as he thinks in his heart, so is he."

Have a positive mind...focus on the good

are few things that can't be worked 25 There out...seek peace - Matthew 5:9 "Blessed are

6 appear before the judgment seat of Christ, 7

24 things - Philippians 4:8 "...if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things."

Serve, serve & serve...with a smile - Romans 12:11 "Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord."

Love & serve God -1 Samuel 12:24 "fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart...consider what great things he has done for you."

desires, but rather for the will of God."

depends on you, live at peace with everyone"

27 way - Proverbs 12:15 "The way of a fool seems

Be open to advice...there might be a better right to him, but a wise man listens to advice."

along - Ephesian 4:2 "Always be humble different...help the ones who don't want 28 Be 16 Get & gentle. Be patient with each other, making your help - Matthew 5:44 "But I tell you: allowance for each other's faults because of your love."

Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you"

one way home - John 14:6 "Jesus said to the most of the day...watch out for the 17 Only 29 Make him, I am the way, and the truth, and the life. Sun - Ephesians 4:26 "In your anger do not sin: No one comes to the Father except through me."

18 God's

Made for God -Ephesians 2:10 "For we are masterpiece, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."

Hang in there...it will be worth it - 1 Timothy 2:12 "If we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us."

Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry"

matter the task, do it by bringing honor to 30 No God - Ephesians 6:7 "...with good will render service, as to the Lord, and not to men."

Faith in God is good...it shows wisdom -

31 Hebrews 11:1 "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."

Pray and be joyful...sing to God - James 5:13 "Is Let people know you belong to God - John 12 any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is 20 13:35 "By this all will know that you are My anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise."

Aust t Aus inin AITH& F FAMILY AMILY FFAITH

Rich Landry

disciples, if you have love for one another."

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Out There

att Frye began leading worship for his youth group when he was 16. He graduated from Rhema Bible Training Center in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. He states, “I have always noticed growing up how much music impacts people; and when I first realized that God had given me a gift in music, I wanted to use my gift for His purpose and not my own. If one person is encouraged by my music and it helps them draw closer to God, then I feel that have done what God has called me to do.”

everyone needs these moments of rest and solitude with the Father.

Matt states he enjoys indie worship/ pop/rock and lots of other genres, but he’s always drawn to songs of encouragement. When Matt leads worship, he desires to see everyone (including himself ) reminded of “whose we are” and “what God has called each of us to do.” To Matt, worship is a response to this reminder, and

So, how does Matt take his music “out there,” away from the confines of the church walls? He states that music is a very powerful tool that can speak to not only the churched, but the unchurched, as well. He shares that one obstacle Christian musicians face is trying to find a venue outside the church. However, Matt has participated in many Christian music events in parks, fairs, and parades, where the music was “well received” by the people who attended. “I believe that most people will stop to hear a band playing outside for at least a few seconds, and that is a chance for them to hear not only a great band but most importantly a

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A couple of years ago, Matt recorded his first indie worship EP and is now working on his second. “A goal of mine for anything I record is that it is would speak of God's love, strength and power. My desire is when people listen to my music that a burning passion would ignite in their hearts to worship the Creator of all things.”

Faith

positive message. People outside of the church need to experience what people inside the church are already experiencing.” Matt wants to encourage others who have the gift of writing music, leading worship, or playing an instrument, to “really use these gifts” to reach those on the inside, and those on the outside. He declares, “We can trust God to open the doors for us to use these gifts and make an impact that will bring Him glory.” Check out Matt’s website at www.mattfryeband. com and on iTunes.

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Marcy Lytle

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CHURCH DIRECTORY D

-Addiction/Recovery

512.758.7686 www.CforR.org

E A

-Adoption Services Caring Family Network

877.719.3222 www.cfntexas.org Connecting children, families & communities

Family Link Kids 512.947.7306 www.FamilyLinkKids.org

Get involved & make a difference

-Community Services Capital Area Food Bank of Texas www.AustinFoodBank.org Hunger is Unacceptable

A neighbor's independence depends on YOU! Round Rock................................................512.310.1060 Pflugerville.............................................512.538.1152 West Austin................................................512.472.6339 South Austin...............................................512.445.5552 NW/Cedar Park/Leander...................512.250.5021

Hope Street 512.236.1718

Transforming our city one life at a time...

Round Rock Area Serving Center 512.244.2431 www.ServingCenter.org

-Counseling Head to Heart Restoration Ministry 512.236.1718 www.HeadtoHeart.org

-Safety/Awareness

-School -Fellowship

-Lutheran

Our Savior Lutheran 1513 E. Yager Lane, 78753 512.836.9600

King of Kings Lutheran 17000 Smyers Lane, 78681 512.255.0829

-Baptist B

New Hope Community Church 2330 Dry Creek Dr. Round Rock, TX 78681 512.255.0064 www.newhope-roundrock.org

Main Street Baptist Church 1001 South Main Street Georgetown, TX 78626 512.869-7854 www.msbchurch.com

-Methodist E

Hyde Park Baptist Church 3901 Speedway, 78751 www.hpbc.org Solid Rock Baptist Church

C 608 Ralph Ablanedo Dr., 78748 512.410.7458 pastorsrbc@gmail.com

Colin's Hope 512.524.6737 www.ColinsHope.org

Grace Academy 512.864.9500 www.GraceAcademy-GT.org

To have your church or non-profit listed for as little as $12 a month, please call 512.584.6888

A Church for the Deaf and Hearing

Lee & Amanda Eddins

To Advertise with Austin Faith & Family, Call 512-584-6888.

In June of 2009, Lee and Amanda founded Austin Faith & Family magazine, seeking to bring to Austin a faith-based publication that would be a resource for the church, the family, and Austin's faith-based community. As parents of four children under the age of six, they value family time, in addition to their ministry through this magazine. In January 2011, they launched 1633 Ministries, which includes this magazine for families, and two shoe ministries--one for kids, and another for the homeless. Please visit www.1633ministries.com for more information.

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Open Road Biker Church:

Got Wheels? Drive on Over!

“Open Road Biker Church is a church for bikers and those alike, seeking a nontraditional style of worship, offered in a non-judgmental atmosphere, where it’s normal to see someone in either their riding leathers or their Sunday best. The pastor preaches in the clothes he rides in, and hopes to make anyone feel welcome.”

his church wants to be a testimony to the life-changing love of Jesus, desires to see their members become passionate about God’s heart for the lost, and values faith; seeing people through the eyes of Jesus, and is determined for personal holiness. Open Road Biker Church opened the doors for its first service on June 7, 2009 at Bar None Coffee Company in Georgetown, Texas with a total of 19 people, five of which were the pastor’s family. “After serving as youth pastor in several churches around Texas, I felt led to go in a new direction with my ministry,” states Bruce Horton, Pastor. Not long after leaving a local church in Georgetown, he was asked by the BGCT (Baptist General Convention of Texas) to consider starting a “nontraditional style church.” Pastor Horton states, “The church that fits the norm serves as a compass point for us.” However, he feels that the Lord blesses their efforts to “think outside the box,” enabling them to just love people “where they are.” He further states, “You won’t find any pews, song books or bulletins, just a very friendly group of people who love Jesus and want to show the world that he lives.” Both young and old alike, from all walks of life, attend Open Road Biker Church. There are a lot of bikes in the parking lot, but many also come in cars and trucks. Joe Martinez is one man who came seeking God with a “wishful, yet cautious eye.” Joe gave his life to Jesus and stated, “I’ve never felt wanted in a group setting before.” Pastor Horton states that Joe now welcomes people each Sunday morning with a hug and a smile. Another member, David Turney, lost his wife and then suffered through open heart surgery. David was recently baptized in the San Gabriel River, and now gives away money to help those in need. Pastor Horton states they now average about 80 people each Sunday, and continue to welcome more and more visitors. They have additional space to seat up to 290 people! Although Bruce Horton has served on staff in several different Baptist churches since 1993, Open Road Biker Church is his first to pastor. Regarding hardships in starting a new church, or being a pastor, Bruce Horton states “Honestly, there have been no obstacles, only blessings. Simply put, God has brought together a group of believers who have the same vision and goals in mind.” Bruce extends an invitation to everyone to stop by the Georgetown Library at 10:00 a.m. any Sunday morning and visit. The most common statement heard from the people who attend is that they feel the presence of God. “What more could we possibly ask for?” Check out the Open Road Biker Church at www.mybikerchurch.com. Read their blog, and then drive your car, ride your bike, or hop in your truck, and join the good folks there who welcome you without judgment, to come in, and experience the awesome presence of the God they love. Marcy Lytle

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blue oak grill of round rock

Macho Na

Simplicity that Tastes Good!

f a restaurant was a season, the Blue Oak Grill in Round Rock would be summer. The cool, soft blue of the neon surrounding the top of the building invites you in to a warm and friendly atmosphere. The one thing I love about summer is that there is always something new and exciting going on…something fresh for me to enjoy! That’s why I like Blue Nutty Oak Grill. The place is new, the food Brownie is great, and the menu is not the same as every other restaurant in town. The food items are always prepared with the freshest of ingredients. How did it all begin and what makes Blue Oak Grill worthy of the recommendation by yours truly? From the onset, Blue Oak Grill was challenged by its location. It is tucked away off of I-35, right behind Denny’s at the exit that takes you to 3406, where all the car dealerships in Round Rock are, the exit before the outlet malls. Having location as their biggest obstacle, owners Keith Hawley and Kent Farmer say it is through marketing efforts and old fashioned word of mouth that will overcome location. And why would you eat there and then go talk about it to your friends and family, and wholeheartedly recommend Blue Oak Grill? Sockeye Salad

The atmosphere is inviting, the menu is unique, and the service is outstanding. How can atmosphere be inviting? The first thing that comes to mind is it that Blue Oak Grill reminds me of a place I worked when I was younger, in Montgomery, Alabama, called Sinclair’s. What always impressed me about Sinclair’s was their simplicity in decor. Blue Oak Grill is simple like that, with walls that have warm inviting bluegray tones with lots of wooden accents all around, deep gray in color. In some restaurants, especially the big corporatized restaurants of our day, there is so much “flair” everywhere it can wreak havoc on the eyes. The combination of blues and grays, with wooden accents, makes for a very inviting atmosphere, one that 14

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relaxes and calms the soul after a long day’s work. The menu offers a variety of food that is not something found everywhere. Of course, Blue Oak Grill offers the standards for those who just can’t do without the occasional burger or chicken sandwich, but that is for another article. Let’s focus on the cornbread served to every table. Yeah, that’s right; I want to talk about cornbread…not just any cornbread, but Round Rock Honey cornbread. The cornbread at Blue Oak Grill is unlike any you’ve ever tasted. It is made with honey harvested 10 to 12 days prior, from a honey-bee farm about four miles from Blue Oak Grill. It is served in a six inch iron skillet with butter, and will excite the taste buds. I personally tried some food there for this story, not for me, but for you - my adoring fans - errrr readers. Okay, so I tried a lot of food, and I think I may have gained a pound or two, but at least I have the holidays to blame it on for the past two months. The Pecan Crusted Tilapia was my favorite. A seven to nine ounce filet of Tilapia, crusted with brown sugar pecans, grilled and served with remoulade sauce made fresh in their kitchen, was every bit as good as the sauce served in Louisiana. Then, I moved on to the Roasted Turkey and Dressing. I am going to make my mom mad here, but I must say that this turkey & dressing was as good as hers. “The turkey we use comes in raw, has no preservatives, and is cooked fresh daily. So it’s 100% meat, not filled with water and other things and then processed,” owner Keith told me. I asked about the turkey gravy and he told me it was made from scratch.

has Shrimp Po-Boys and some Fried Pickles, I am going to try them. Some restaurants have started breading and deep frying pickle spears. They do taste good, but in my opinion (which I get to express here since I have the pen and paper) sometimes the pickle takes over the breading and the Ranch Dressing for dipping, so the fried pickles method for me is the lightly breaded dill chips. When Keith told me I had to try the fried pickles, my first thought was that they were probably the spears. When he brought out Fried Pickle Planks, I was impressed to see them prepared differently, and better I might add, than those served at chain restaurants. Blue Oak Grill takes a pickle plank (meaning the pickle is cut long ways, from top to bottom) creating a very long dill pickle plank that is as thin as a chip, but as long as the entire pickle, then they deep fry it, and voila! A new variety of an old classic receives justice! The Shrimp Po-Boy was put together well, too. It was served with eight to 10 lightly breaded shrimp on a hoagie roll with lettuce and tomato and remoulade sauce. In addition to their Shrimp Po-Boys, Blue Oak has a couple other shrimp dishes worth mentioning. The Harpoon Trifecta is bacon-wrapped shrimp with Andouille sausage on a skewer served over rice, and the Tequila Lime Shrimp Pasta is extremely well done and worth trying for Buttermilk Chess Pie sure. I also tried the Blue Oak Acorns, which were not my favorite because I am not an olive person, nor a blue cheese person, but thought I’d give them a shot. After all, I am neither a chocolate, nor peanut butter person, but definitely enjoy the little wonder known as Reeses. If only those little deep fried olives stuffed with blue cheese crumbles were as good together as the Reeses! However, if you like olives, I think you will like the acorns a lot. In addition, I was impressed with their Meatloaf and Tomato Sauce. The meatloaf was not the kind of meatloaf I used to feed the dog under the table at my grandmother’s house as a kid. The meatloaf at

Anyone that knows me knows I love shrimp, and I love pickles! So naturally, if a restaurant

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achos

Blue Oak was very tasty, and the tomato sauce was a nice touch. Blue Oak Grill serves lunch Monday through Friday 11-2, and the meals are quick, priced well, and come with two sides. And oh yeah! Round Rock Honey Cornbread. This restaurant also has a semi-private dining area with room for 60, as well as two other quaint areas for up to 30. Blue Oak Grill’s ‘Touch of Blue Catering’ provides exceptional service and presentation for many types of events, from dessert bars to wedding rehearsals. Napoleon

Cheese Pie

Blue Oak Grill is a family business, and that is what makes it special. The food is great, and Keith and Angela Hawley, along with Kent Farmer, do a very nice job of offering specialty foods, a warm atmosphere, and a staff that takes ownership of the success of the restaurant as much as they do. But let’s face it. These are tough times and it takes a lot of faith and confidence to start a business these days. “Opening a restaurant is risky and more so, in rough economic times. We call our on faith every day for strength to handle the challenges of the new business,” Angela says. And with that stated, I say go celebrate the season of growth and recovery in our city and country through the supporting of local businesses that weather the storm of economic crisis and uncertainty of new ventures. We’re behind you, Blue Oak Grill! Lee Eddins Publisher, Austin Faith & Family

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Majesty Outdoors:

Last year, a young boy named Noah was on the show. He has never met his dad. Majesty Offering Hope to the Fatherless Outdoors took Noah fishing on the coast twice and also filmed him duck hunting. Bill is involved ill Blodgett is the Executive Producer/Host All of these fatherless children who become a in this boy’s life every week, and last Christmas of Majesty Outdoors. The idea was birthed part of Majesty Outdoors are referred by pastors gave him a bible. Bill states that Noah’s mom out of a vision Bill received while he was or people in ministry. Kids come from a huge shared that when he has a hard day at school, recovering from a serious knee injury/surgery, network, stretching from North Carolina to she notices him reading his bible at night. Bill is and was turned into a TV show that offers hope, Texas! Each application is then prayed over, and thrilled and exclaims, “That is music to my ears!” trust, and transformation to hurting teens by a connection is made with the “right” teens to Majesty Outdoors is a 501(c)(3) corporation with a board of directors, but the staff is like family. include in the program. creating a relaxing and healing Most of their income is from private donations, atmosphere through God's splendid To date, ten girls and boys have and some comes through corporate funding creation. Majesty Outdoors then been included in Majesty Outdoors, from television sponsors. However, Bill states, captures this dynamic on tape. but Bill states, “I know we have “The bulk of our funds come from people who Fishing episodes shoot on the Gulf impacted and inspired hundreds share our vision.” Coast, while hunting episodes are or more through our mission mostly in the South Texas/Hill statement on television. This year, Are you “hooked” yet? Majesty Outdoors began Country regions. more science is included in the airing December 27, 2010 on the VERSUS programs and we give the viewers channel in HD, during their daytime “prime The primary mission of Majesty more ‘meat’ to digest.” They also time” segment at 12:30pm will air each and every Outdoors is to bring “awareness” filmed a young teen girl whose Monday for the next six months. They air all 12 of a growing fatherless generation. mom was in Iraq, and whose father months of the year on Time Warner’s “TEXAS Bill states that too many teens are was incarcerated, to be a part of CHANNEL” each Sunday afternoon at 4pm. growing up without a steady father offshore catching and tagging red They are always looking for creative ways to raise figure in their life. Each television episode includes a “factoid” – startling statistics snapper. A research team then studied these money, and they welcome sponsors for the teens - about this generation. Bill himself was raised tags that included a GPS tracking device and on their programs. Donations can be made on without a father from age two, but through God’s studied migration habits and mortality of this their website, but most of all, this organization love and grace, Bill’s life was changed, and he particular series. The girl got “the experience of a desires prayers for the “fatherless” generation that decided to help others who too find themselves lifetime” and the research project gained national is growing by the day. www.majestyoutdoors.org exposure from the program. without a father. Marcy Lytle

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Practical Parenting Journey for Two Dear Dads A Few Good Men The Benefits of Eating Together... Grace Academy: Living Books

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Practical Parenting:

"The Battle Plan"

ust the word “chores” evokes a fight or flight response in most children, and many adults. Chores have gotten a bum rap in the last generation or two. My parents grew up pulling their own weight at home from a very young age, and it didn't stunt their growth or make them cross-eyed. However, the next few generations missed not only the reasoning behind chores but also the results they produce.

Every self-help wannabe touts building children's self-esteem as the solution for all the world's troubles. Instead of visualizing green meadows and petting soft, fuzzy animals, stick a broom in their hands to sweep a dirty floor. Making a difference starts in the home. A clean home, that is. This is more than hiding toys under the bed, stuffing the closet full, and calling the room clean. Turning a child's focus from self to results builds all kinds of selfesteem.

counters and the stove, and sweeping around the table. This leaves the kitchen and dining area reasonably clean for an easier start the next day. Each child is responsible for her personal space, such as making her bed, putting up her clean clothes and straightening her areas of the closet and dresser. Other chores are divided by ability, such as vacuuming. A child must be able to adequately and safely handle certain equipment before she can do the chore effectively. I have my children work in teams to accomplish tasks like cleaning out the car. One handles trash pickup, and the other pulls out all the toys and clothes hiding under the seats. My older children own one or two responsibilities. For example, my oldest checks the diaper bag after every outing and restocks it. If we're out of wipes, she puts more in. I let her know if I use the last of something or think of a special item we might need for later.

Once you've psyched the kiddies up for chore time, what exactly do they do? Just sending them into a room to clean won't be very productive. A battle plan is called for. First, schedule chore time at the same time each day. In a month or so, chores become routine. I group certain chores at the most convenient time. Morning chores involve activities such as making the bed (once they've rolled out of it), wiping the bathroom counters after everyone has brushed their teeth (and missed the sink a number of times), and separating clothes In spite of any child's protests, chores are a great A parent's attitude toward work predisposes a for laundry. Evening chores include dinner tool for a busy family. Many hands make light work and keep a stressed mom from drowning child's attitude toward chores. It's a hard pill to cleanup, toy pickup, and sweeping. in housework. Scheduling, organizing, and swallow, but I find that everything that drives me crazy in my children can be linked directly A checklist helps ensure certain chores are training help ensures the success of involving back to me, or their dad. I call it the mirror completed to a certain standard, such as dinner children in chores. One day your children may syndrome. I suck it up and do my chores with as cleanup. Otherwise, I'll find all the dishes even thank you for the practical skills chores much excitement as I can muster. And if I can't dumped in the sink and what looks like an teach...but don't hold your breath. muster any excitement, then I at least keep my exploded loaf of bread all over the counter. My Georgeanne Schuch mouth shut. Bad attitude is highly contagious dinner cleanup list includes clearing the table, putting up the food, loading the dishwasher, and very difficult to cure. hand washing pots and pans, wiping the Who believes money grows on trees? I don't think I need to burst anyone's bubble here. It's not the money I'm talking about. Just like money doesn't appear out of thin air, elves do not wash and fold clothes, clean dishes, or sweep floors while we sleep. The sooner children realize that effort is required to run their world, the less painful their lives will be. Do your children a favor now and teach them how to work.

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Journey for Two

Commitment to Change...Together.

We hold on to the hope that God can heal and restore even the most broken relationships. We are committed to growing and changing Dust off the VHS of your wedding and you might together, and we look forward to sharing the hear yourself saying things like –“for better, for journey with you! worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and health, until death do us part." Whoa! I wonder how many young couples hear the seriousness Try this: of the vows we make. Those are weighty words. • Find your wedding video and watch it this month. Take time at the beginning of the Commitment ≠ Resignation New Year to renew the vows you made to As serious as commitment is, commitment is each other on that day. not the same as resignation. Resignation says this is it for us, things will never change. We are • Get connected in a small group at your local lthough I am not a morning person, on not suggesting that anyone resign themselves church. Link arms with other couples who this particular morning I popped right to living in the muck and mire of relational are committed to growth and change. out of bed, ran up the stairs from the difficulties. No! One of the most amazing basement bedroom of my childhood home, features of the human race is our ability to • Makes plans to do something you’ve never threw open the back door, and greeted a change. Resignation leads to stagnation, and done in 2011 – pray together before you get glorious day. It was our wedding day, July 13th, that can get really stinky! Commitment knows out of bed in the morning, climb Enchanted 1991 and we were thrilled to begin our new life that relational success is dependent on growth. Rock, take turns reading a book out loud to together as husband and wife. Resignation stays stuck. Commitment moves each other, or sign up for a cooking class at THROUGH. Whole Foods. January has that same feeling of newness - a fresh start to a brand new year. Just like at a Our faith and commitment carried us through David & Lynn Cherry wedding, people are making commitments. those dark years. We did the hard work, and Staff, Shoreline Church They are starting diets, joining health clubs, and now here we are enjoying life together again, resolving to change. Hopeful energy fills the air. hopefully anticipating all that this New Year All that energy can carry us for a while. The gym might bring our way. We believe in marriage. is really crowded in January and even February. But all the regulars know that come March, there will be empty treadmills once again. After the newness fades, we learn about this thing called commitment. come through for you desperately.” I was pretty sure I didn’t sign up for that, or maybe I did…..

Our honeymoon years were filled with Saturday drives in the Texas Hill Country and weekend getaways to Port Aransas. The baby years are a blur. With two boys born three years and exactly two weeks apart, we lost track of our anniversaries. What followed were the dark ages as we faced some serious challenges to our relationship - our commitment was tested and tried. Commitment: His & Hers In a season when I was particularly unlovable, David was arrested by Paul’s instructions in Ephesians 5:35 “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” Jesus doesn’t love us only when we are lovely. He laid down his life, surrendered the power that was at his disposal, and died for love of his sinful, stubborn, and difficult-attimes bride. That takes commitment to a whole new level. When reading Captivating by John & Stasi Eldredge, I was struck by their insight into that odd old word from Genesis “helpmeet.” Who wants to be a “helpmeet” anyway? The Hebrew words are “ezer kenedgo.” The Eldredge’s expound: “The word ezer is used only twenty other places in the entire Old Testament. And in every other instance the person being described is God himself, when you need him to 18

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Dear Dads

mom and dad recently described their adolescent who exhibited disrespect, disobedience, and dishonesty. All of this defiance was couched in an underlying anger that was becoming increasingly pervasive in this young man’s life. He would storm throughout the house trying to intimidate and manipulate everyone with his anger. As a counselor, what do you think my first question was to the parents? How do you punish him? How do you calm him down? When did this first develop? No! My first question to these distraught parents was, “Which one of you is the angry parent?” Outside of very rare instances, if a home produces an angry child it is because one or both of the parents are angry. If the home

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begets a yeller it is because one or both of the must get LOUDER!” However, our children hear, parents are yellers. It’s a very easy equation. But “My father does not love me or respect me.” These kids even interpret the inability to control few parents realize this truth. anger as weakness on the part of the parent. Fathers, anger in and of itself is not a negative This is the opposite of what our Heavenly Father trait. In fact, the scriptures speak of the Lord’s wants us to communicate. anger. We can assume that if God gets angry from time to time then it is perfectly fine for Here are a few ideas to help: us to get angry, as well. However, God exhibits righteous anger. Righteous anger by its very • Anger is called a secondary emotion. To properly deal with your anger you have to nature causes the angry individual or being to go to the source, the underlying emotions effect change on the object of his wrath. Martin causing you to choose to get angry. To defuse Luther King had righteous anger. The husband those emotions, you have to find reality! that fights off a thief has righteous anger. And Reality suggests that most of the time your the child that sticks up for his sibling to the child does not intend to embarrass you, nor neighborhood bully has righteous anger. He disrespect you. Most of the time, a child will or she is working to produce change in the act independently of you and he is not trying situation at hand. to insult you. Stop making it personal! Your child disobeyed, so give him his punishment However, it is vital to understand that not all and communicate through word and action anger is righteous. In fact, fathers, a lot of our that you still love him, you still want him, and daily anger is not on the same playing field as that there is no relational disconnect due to righteous anger. his poor decision. Many fathers feel justified in their parental anger. They try to communicate importance of a • Find triggers and prepare for them! Know what people, events, words or actions tend particular issue, respect for authority and power to cause those primary feelings that lead to their children through their anger. They think to your anger. If you spend time rationally “It’s obvious my child is not hearing me, so I thinking through these triggers while you’re not in an angry state, these triggers are less likely to cause anger in the future. • See your child through God’s eyes. If fact, ask yourself how God “parents” you? What you will find is that God does discipline (Heb. 12:6), while loving and restoring us back to Him. • Find a friend to hold you accountable. The only individuals that truly understand your plight are other fathers. Talk to them, and have them keep you accountable for your anger. • If the problem persists, find a support group. There are secular and religious anger management groups. These men can identify with you and help you through this portion of your journey. Don’t let your pride get in the way. You are not weak. In fact, calling a support group shows incredible strength! At the very least, don’t just stay angry. Your wife will not respect that and your children will almost certainly follow in your footsteps. There is time to correct and ask for forgiveness. But it starts with realizing that YOU have to be the change that you want to see in your family and children. Joshua Meyers, M.A., LPC The Timothy Center

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A Few Good Men

Every Child Needs a Mountain Memory

ur son Tim had just turned 13 and I realized that there were only about five years left before he would essentially be out of our house. Then it hit me like the proverbial ton of bricks. While we had done a lot of father and son kinds of things – sports, music, and just general roughhousing – I decided at one point that we needed to have a few more special moments that he and I would always cherish. It just so happened that year that we were given a week at a condo in Colorado. I quickly thought back to a summer when I was 11 when my parents and I, along with some family friends, tried to climb Long’s Peak in Rocky Mountain National Park. Even the simplest route isn’t easy and it’s a 16 mile round trip even without the climbing and elevation. Unfortunately, as a pre-teen I didn’t make it, and I vowed to go back and tackle it someday. So what could be better than climbing it with my son almost exactly 30 years later? And yes, we did it, though not without some pain and suffering. That climb challenged me to promise him at least three climbs of mountains over 14,000’ that we would summit as father and son. Actually, we ended up climbing four, plus two with my daughter, and one with both of my kids and my son’s wife. As a result, I’m confident of this: every dad needs to climb a “mountain” or two with his children. No, it doesn’t have to be a literal mountain. That may not be your thing. But we need to have some mountains or memories at least that have the potential to take our relationship to new “heights” and teach some lessons that are difficult to pass on, otherwise.

Let me suggest a few things our mountain excursions accomplished that hopefully your adventures can include: We did something out of the ordinary. So often parenting these days involves sitting in the stands, on the sidelines, or in the auditorium while our kids perform. And that’s all well and good and certainly shows our interest and support, but nothing beats doing something together and unique. We were challenged to try something bigger than we were. I’m no professional mountaineer, so just getting to the top of any 14er is always a big deal for us. But we’ve hiked through snow, climbed hand over hand, gotten lost, been in sleet and rain storms, and a host of other things that reminded us that we had a huge task on our hands . . . and we loved conquering it together. We saw God’s greatness and majesty in nature. I remember one of the first gorgeous views we came to as we reached what’s known as the “Keyhole” on Long’s. As soon as we saw it I said to Tim, “Tell me there’s no God!” My son just smiled and we took it all in for a while. We love just standing on a ridge somewhere drinking in the view, hearing nothing but the wind, and literally feeling surrounded by God Himself. Our kids are so used to computer designed images and video portrayals of life. We need to give them opportunities to soak the awesomeness of all God has made and to do it face to face so to speak.

sandwiches on the summit and taking pictures, you get to talk a lot. You can learn a great deal about your kids and vice versa by just having so many hours alone without texting, emails, and other interruptions. In fact, do you know where our kids like to go as adults and parents when they get the chance? The mountains. So, what will your mountaintop experiences with your kids look like? All I can suggest is start somewhere. Begin planning now. Half the fun is in the preparation. Set some goals. Think of something you enjoy that could be taken to the next level of challenge and then do research online to see what’s out there that’s reasonable for you to do. We’ve also done whitewater rafting, rappelling, biking, and other hiking on a more limited basis. Use your own creativity to find an activity or two that both you and your child would enjoy. However, don’t let the everyday busyness and obligations keep you from doing it. Before long your child will be driving out of the driveway for the last time. And what will you remember? Hopefully there will be a mountain or two that neither of you will ever forget. Gary Sinclair Director of Pastoral Care Austin Christian Fellowship

Our kids get to know us and what we love. When you are hiking all day long, eating

Where Do I Go? By Neta Jackson

The first in a new series! After Gabrielle Fairbanks moves to Chicago with her husband, she is determined to rediscover God’s purpose for her life. A chance encounter with a homeless woman opens doors she never expects, and Gabrielle finds herself torn between her marriage and her calling. $2.99 Each While Supplies Last

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The Benefits of Eating Together as a Family Communication.

Oprah Winfrey conducted a "Family Dinner Experiment" in 1993 when five families volunteered to accept the challenge to eat dinner together every night for a month, staying at the table for a half-hour each time. As part of the experiment, all family members kept journals to record their feelings about the experience. At first, sharing meals was a chore for many families and the minutes at the table dragged on. But, by the end of the month, the families were happy and planned to continue dining together most evenings if not every night. When the families appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show at the end of the experiment, the greatest surprise to the parents was how much their children treasured the dependable time with their parents at the table.

Better school performance.

Family meals appear to give children an edge in the classroom. In a 1994 Louis Harris and Associates survey of 2000 high school seniors, students took a test to measure their academic ability and answered a list of personal questions. Students who regularly ate dinner with their families 4 or more times a week scored better than those who ate family dinners 3 or fewer times a week. These results

crossed racial lines and were a greater indicator than whether the child was in a one- or twoparent family. Researchers at the University of Illinois found that children ages 7 to 11 who did well on school achievement tests spent a large amount of time eating meals and snacks with their families. Their achievement was not affected by their mother's employment status, full-time, part-time, or not employed. Preschoolers had better language skills when the family ate together. Although the researchers believed that there was nothing magical about mealtime, it nevertheless served as the best opportunity for children to have longer conversations with parents and to hear words they rarely would hear other times of the day. The researchers believed that extended conversations provided young children with a chance to think, and that enhanced their linguistic development.

Better adjustment.

In a study that followed 65 children over 8 years, Harvard researchers looked at which activities most fostered healthy child development: play, story time, events with family members, and other factors. Family dinners won out. In a 1997 survey of 527 teens ages 12 to 18, the teens that were best adjusted ate a meal

with an adult in their family an average of 5.4 days a week, compared to 3.3 days for teens who didn't show good adjustment. The welladjusted teens were less likely to do drugs or be depressed and were more motivated at school and had better relationships. The less well-adjusted teens were more likely to be involved with drugs, be depressed, exhibit difficulty getting along with others, and have trouble in school. Adjustment was correlated more to shared meals than to any other factor including gender, age, or family type.

Better nutrition.

Mothers in the Nutrition Education Network of Washington's focus groups said, "When we eat together, we eat better." In the Harvard study, children who ate family dinners most days consumed more fruits and vegetables and less fried foods, saturated fats and trans fats and soda, than children who ate dinner with family members never, or a only a couple of days a week. Children who ate dinners with family members most days had substantially higher intakes of dietary fiber, calcium, iron, vitamins B-6, B-12, C and E. An interesting finding was that children who ate family dinners more frequently had more healthy eating habits that were not related to eating family dinner, such as food eaten away from home. The researchers found that the effects of family dinners were similar for both younger and older children. Anthony Southwood Studio Kitchen Reference: Article on Washington State University Website. Authors: Martha Marino, MA, RD, CD and Sue Butkus, PhD, RD

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Living Books: Well-Put and Well-Told

eading aloud with children holds widespread support for the numerous benefits it brings. Reading together 30 minutes a day from infancy to age five feeds a child approximately 900 hours of brain food. A child who has not shared regular read-aloud times could enter school with less than 60 hours of literacy nutrition. Teachers, no matter how talented, cannot make up for lost mental nourishment.

Our quandary in the U.S. is not the quantity of books, but quality. Our “little sponges” will absorb whatever we allow to surround them; therefore, we must ensure that what fills the minds and hearts of our children is worthy of the One who made them The concept of living books dates back to Charlotte Mason in the late 1800’s, but the idea has been lost through years of “progressive education.” Living books have a rich vocabulary and sentence structure that assume the reader’s intelligence and thinking capacity. Such books assume the reader/listener can comprehend ideas presented in a creative way that stimulates the imagination. In a living book, language is used powerfully and it beautifully expresses the ideas of the author.

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However, not all children’s books are created equally. Many use simplistic sentences, incorrect grammar, and blur the lines between good and evil. Consider whether or not your child’s books increase his vocabulary; contain virtuous role models and excellent writing, while requiring the occasional use of a dictionary. When reading aloud to your child, find quality literature several years beyond his ability to read to himself. The more complex language and sentence patterns will help develop the child’s own language and writing skills. Karen Andreola wrote, “If we want the mind of a child to come alive, we feed him living ideas... such ideas reside in living books.” The antithesis of a living book is a textbook in which facts are presented in a boring fashion, lacking passion, and utterly failing to hold the reader’s interest. In contrast, living books help children be enthusiastic about learning and are one of the best tools to accompany the study of history. Locating living books is easier than you think, as a number of authors have already done the work for you. Elizabeth Wilson compiled Books Children Love, in which she comments on the tone and content of books in over two dozen subject areas. Gladys Hunt has written Honey for

a Child’s Heart and Honey for a Teen’s Heart. These annotated bibliographies are just a few of many bibliographies available. Establishing reading as a priority requires a conscious decision to elevate its importance above screen time. Are your reading habits worth emulating, or does your leisure reading involve only Facebook? What about the Great Book? Your kids must see you reading to fully grasp its importance! Reading together can stimulate a child’s mind and heart in ways that a screen cannot. Get creative! Find living books on CD and listen together at home or in the car. Read to your children while they do indoor chores. Commit to read daily and you will soon be hooked by your child’s plea for “just one more chapter!” Susan Schwab, M.S. Admission Director Grace Academy 512-864-9500

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Submit calendar entries to Amanda@AustinFaithandFamily.com by the 15th of the preceding month.

January

Sunday, January 2

Austin Toros v. Tulsa, 5pm at the Cedar Park Center, austintoros.com for more information

Thursday, January 6 Grief ShareFirst Baptist Church of Georgetown 6:30pm. FBCG is hosting the 13-week program Grief Share. Grief Share is a Christian bible-based recovery program for those suffering the loss of a loved one through death.

2011

Saturday, January 22 Free Healthy Pre-Marriage Workshop 9am New Hope Church. Couples must pre-register to attend. French Pastry ClassThe Girls School of Austin Girls will learn how to make the most classic and delicious French deserts. Including baking éclairs, choux la crème, and crème brulee with Mel Pellegrino. Open to girls in grades 4-8.

Sunday, January 23

Tuesday, January 11

Camp Fire Skate NightPlayland Skate Center Get information about Camp Fire programs, learn about Divorce Carejoining a club, and meet people involved in Camp Fire. Grace Bible Church in Georgetown 6:30pm Divorce Care, a 13-week recovery program features nationally Admission includes skate rental recognized experts on divorce and recovery topics. Seminar sessions include “Facing my Angel,” “Facing my Loneliness,” Wednesday, January 26 and “Forgiveness.” Runing concurrently will be Divorce Care 4 Kids, a program for kids ages 5-12 of divorced homes. Austin Toros v. Reno, 11am at the Cedar Park Center, Wednesday, January 12 austintoros.com for more information Grace Academy Open HouseThursday, January 27 Grace Academy in Georgetown at 9:45am. As a classical Christian school, Grace Academy is committed to The Austin Nature & Science Centereducating the children of believers who desire a challenging Spend quality time discovering nature with your pre-school academic environment that inculcates a biblical world view child. The program is designed for a 3-4 year old and parent. through Christ centered curriculum. Open House will include presentations, student relations, a chance to observe in Austin Toros v. New Mexico, 7:30pm at the Cedar Park Center, classrooms, and time for questions. Individual appointments austintoros.com for more information are also available if the 12th is not convenient.

Thursday, January 13

Friday, January 28

The Austin Nature & Science CenterHarlem Globetrotters 2011- “4 Times the Fun” World Tour Spend quality time discovering nature with your pre-school 7pm at the Frank Erwin Center child. The program is designed for a 3-4 year old and parent.

Saturday, January 29

Monday, January 17 Signs and Wonders revival seriesTo be held at Calvary Worship Center. International Evangelist Dale Everett will be there for four powerful nights.

Tuesday, January 18 Signs and Wonders revival seriesTo be held at Calvary Worship Center. International Evangelist Dale Everett will be there for four powerful nights.

Wednesday, January 19 Signs and Wonders revival seriesTo be held at Calvary Worship Center. International Evangelist Dale Everett will be there for four powerful nights.

Thursday, January 20 The Austin Nature & Science CenterSpend quality time discovering nature with your pre-school child. The program is designed for a 3-4 year old and parent.

Self DefenseGrades 6,7,8, The Girls School of Austin. Having a plan for what you would do in an emergency is empowering. This class will cover safety issues girls sometimes face in high school and beyond. We will focus on safety concerns with peers from bullying to dating.

Austin Toros v. New Mexico, 12pm at the Cedar Park Center, austintoros.com for more information

Sunday, January 30 Ballet Austin Family Dance Workshop 2pm-3:30pm at Austin Ventures Studio Theater Austin Toros v. Utah, 5pm at the Cedar Park Center, austintoros.com for more information

Don't Miss: Concert for Life with Mercy Me & Rebecca St. James Shoreline Church Thursday, January 20, 7pm

Looking Forward:

The Art of Marriage

at New Hope Community Church February 11-12

New Hope Community Church in Round Rock will be one of 1100 churches hosting Ar t of Marriage, a video-based marriage conference and fresh approach, to help couples fully experience God's design for marriage. For more information, visit www.newhope-roundrock.org

January

Student of the Month Liam Cohagan is a 2nd grade student at St. Andrew’s Episcopal School. He says so far he likes everything about school, especially his teacher and his friends. Liam plays soccer, flag football, and lacrosse. Right now, Liam is learning Spanish, but he used to learn Mandarin Chinese. When asked how his faith helps him in school, Liam replied, “I use Chapel to exercise my spirit.” Liam has a brother, and he also has five fish. He loves to eat Mr. Gatti’s pizza and “anything sweet.” When Liam grows up he isn’t quite sure what he wants to do, but he is definitely interested in making Lego scenes. He says his parents are his heroes because they give him food and “all that important stuff.” Marcy Lytle

Tickets available online at heroicmedia.org/mercy 24

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Turn On the Dark Switch

Salt changes what it touches. Light changes its surroundings so that people may see. If salt provides the foundation for our everyday lives, then it seems by this good ole southern boy’s definition that the presence of Christians in the world should be the foundation of the world. If the scriptures call us to be salt and light to the world, this tells me two things. First, the world is an environment that needs to be changed, and secondly, the world is a dark place that needs light - the hope of tomorrow and the promise of a Savior. The scriptures even go as far to ask, “If you are not being salt and light, then what good are you?” Just to put this in terms that even I can This all may sound silly, but light drives out understand, Jesus is telling me that if I am not darkness. Christians are the light of this world. In being a light in the places I visit and the places fact, the scriptures say we are to be like salt and that I go, then what good am I? And if I am not light. If you realized that I was wrong in how I said changing or shaking on the love of Jesus in the that, congratulations! You and I, Christ followers, lives of those I interact with on a daily basis at are the salt and light of this world. One thing work, school, home or place of business, then I am about salt is that it changes whatever it touches. essentially no good. I may be a good person, but Many of us take salt for granted and think of it as what good am I to the kingdom? just something that we use to shake over our food to make it taste more flavorful. Here are some Unfortunately, what keeps us from changing a interesting things the Salt Institute has to say dark world many times is that WE, God’s people, get in the way. We have ourselves to blame. about salt: Imagine a world there are no bumper stickers Salt, sodium chloride, touches our lives more than any that say things like, ‘I Don’t Have a Problem with other chemical compound. The chemical properties God, Just the People Who Follow Him,” or movies and physical properties of sodium chloride are a entitled God, Save Me From Your Followers. There is treasure to mankind. Salt or salt-derived products an unfortunate truth in those two statements. In are ubiquitous in our material world and the very fact, I would contend that if those statements do cells of our bodies swim in a saline solution. We take not bother you as a redeemed child of God who for granted the salt crystals that make our foods safe is called by His purposes to further His kingdom, and palatable and we give thanks for salt’s lifesaving and to be the foundation of His world and light properties when applied to slick winter roads. Most to those who need Him so they may give Him are unaware of the 14,000 known uses for salt, glory that none should perish, then the question how it’s produced and our success in ensuring the is…”What good are you?” environmental compatibility as it provides the I long for, and you should long for, the day when foundation for the quality of our lives. we are truly known as followers of Christ because ave you ever been in a room and someone asks you to turn on the “dark switch?” Or, have you ever been with one of your kids and had them say to you that they are scared of the light? I would guess that the answer to these questions is “no” for two reasons. The typical kid is not scared of the light, and obviously there is no such thing as a dark switch. Light enters the room, forcing the darkness out; it is not the other way around. Light provides safety, security, and the ability to see where you are going. No kid has ever said “We quit our football game because we had to go inside because of the light.”

Austin

FAITH & FAMILY

What We Believe GOD

We believe that God created the heavens and the earth and all that is in it, including life. He is infinitely perfect, the beginning and end. He exists outside of time and space and in three Persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

JESUS

We believe that Jesus is the second Person in the trinity. He was born of a virgin, Mary. According to the scriptures, Jesus is the Son of God. He is the only way to God through his death on the cross and resurrection on the third day. He sits at the right hand of God and is the mediator for man to God.

THE HOLY SPIRIT

We believe that in the Person of the Holy Spirit, Christ lives within His people, reproducing His holy character within us, empowering us to be His witnesses to the world, and equipping us with spiritual gifts to do the works of the Kingdom of God.

BIBLE

We believe that the bible is the inspired word of God; written by man, inspired by God.

of our love, our support, and our participation within the body of Christ. The days of Big Church Business, the business where the followers of Christ are the consumers and the church is reduced to nothing more than a big retail giant, all after their share of the marketplace, would be gone. Imagine a world where Target, Wal-Mart, HEB, Sears, and the other big retail giants worked together to do nothing but share their fortunes with a world that needs it. Think about a big retail store where poor people are clothed, hungry people are fed, and homeless people are sheltered by the sales of the ones who can afford to pay the retail prices in order that the least of these in the world can be cared for. What a light this would be to the communities all over this country! What a foundation for society these stores, or that chain of stores, would become! I can only wonder if I’d prefer to shop there, not worrying so much about prices and convenience of location, but knowing my participation is changing the foundation of the world in which I live. So what’s the deal? Why are we not viewed as the foundation of society? Don’t you and I believe that Jesus Christ died for us and that the bible is the inspired word of God? I would venture to say your answer is “yes,” if you are reading this magazine, so we are in agreement. Now that we know what we are supposed to do, how do we get there? How do we become the salt and light to our world and those who are around us? Just A.S.K. Advance - Find out what God is doing in your city and be part of it! Austin is an area that has so much going on. I truly believe that God is doing something big and Austin may be the catalyst that starts another Great Awakening in this country. Get involved with local people doing awesome things that, if advanced all over our country, would lay a foundation. Seek - Find out what your church is doing to be part of the bigger picture for God. The Church is the people who follow Christ, and they all worship at different places, but that does not mean that they cannot work together. Rally the leadership at your church to seek ways to work with other churches to be a light for Jesus to those who will see. Keep - Support those who are being salt and light to the world by your prayers, participation, and finances. Keep them covered in prayer, offer hands to help, and money to advance. Start today! It is never too late to make a difference!

CHURCH

We believe that Christians are the Church, followers of Christ, and the bride of Christ. Church should be practiced all day and everyday by the followers of Christ everywhere. It is much bigger than any building created by man and much more important than any four walls or pews, no matter how big or nice they are. We believe that Christians, the followers of Christ, should be known to the world by their love for one another, their support for one another, and their participation with each other. When they are known by this love, there will be no problem convincing the world of the life-changing message of the gospel.

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Lee Eddins

Austin

FAITH & FAMILY

Ronnie Faisst Ryan Ries

Sonny Sandoval Brian "Head" Welch

A group of men who have been radically made “new” by the love of Christ.

rian “Head” Welch graced the cover of our magazine several months ago, where we featured a story on the change that took place in this former Grammy-winning rock star of the band Korn, and how Christ became everything to him. People around the world wanted to know what led this “rock star out of the darkness and into the light.” Besides his fame, Brian was captive to the world of alcohol and drugs, and empty, finding nothing to fill the void. But one cry to Jesus, asking Him to be real and to “come into my life; come into my heart,” Brian was changed – forever. He had a genuine encounter with God and committed his life to his daughter, and to changing the youth of our nation through music and other entertainment venues.

To ease his pain, Sonny became part of a band, P.O.D. (Payable on Death), a band that has now been together over 19 years, touring the world many times, selling millions of albums, and affecting people’s lives with the message of hope and love found only in Christ. Encountering hurt in people, and judgments from even the church, bitterness arose in Sonny’s heart. This pain sent Sonny home, and he began spending more time with God, and his heart was stirred even deeper to reach the lost. Through this desire, The Whosovers began, with a mission to reach people who would not “normally” listen to a message of hope. “In the process of being restored and being built up, I started to really, really find out what it’s like to be a Christian and not just go through the routine and the

practices. In doing that, I believe God has called us to go out into the world, where we can relate with these kids—where we don’t judge them.”

onny Sandoval was like many teenagers, partying and getting high, but during all of this – God was doing something in Sonny’s family. An uncle, who had been living on the streets, accepted Christ, and this uncle’s love for God began a change within the entire family. Not long after this, Sonny’s mom was diagnosed with cancer and she began to worry about her son. She needed the assurance she would see him in heaven, so she asked him to attend a church event with her. However, Sonny was not ready to give his heart to Christ. During his mom’s last week of life, Sonny recalled his mom’s desire for him to live for Jesus. Sonny surrendered, and God made himself real to him. As he whispered to his mom and told her, “I will see you again,” she shortly took her last breath.

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yan Ries grew up in a Christian family but had never really made that “decision” for himself. After 19 years of working in music, along with skateboarding and snowboarding, working with CIRCA Footwear, Special Blend Outwear, Forum Snowboards, and more, Ryan had it all – except peace. In a hotel room in Panama, Ries spoke to God, “Okay God, if you’re real, I want peace in my life. I want to give everything up. I don’t want this anymore. I don’t want this lifestyle. I’ve been doing this for 19 years and I’m empty. How many drugs can I do, how much alcohol can I drink, how many girls can I sleep with, and still be empty?”

Ryan is the son of a well-known pastor/ evangelist Raul Ries, and still found his first porn magazine in 1st grade, and cigarettes in 2nd. By high school, Ryan was into hard drugs and states, “I had to do drugs, almost every day, just to feel normal. I had to drink beer just to turn my brain off.” However, once Ries surrendered to Christ, everything that kept him “tied down in the world” was gone – and he was free. He found a new vision in life and looked at other kids who were just like he was, who needed the peace he now had. Ries found like-minded musicians and artists and reinvented the EXIT festivals of the 80’s, as the EXIT concerts. He feels God has called him to “reach into the very fires of hell to bring hope to young people today.”

onnie Faisst is one of the “true founding fathers” of freestyle motocross, going pro at age 18. Faisst was touted as one of the top riders in 1999, when the sport went mainstream. Faisst earned a silver medal at the 1999 Gravity Games, and two bronze medals at the 2002 and 2004 Gravity Games, along with a bronze medal at the 2006 Winter X Games. However, with all of the fame, Faisst remained strong in his faith, stating, “I stand on what the word of God says and reject the lies of the devil…I really like getting on my bike and knowing that God is behind me and protecting me.” Shui Clothing, dedicated to self-expressions, is a company started by Faisst. Faisst seeks to live life to the fullest on his cycle, in his business, and in his faith.

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Austin Faith & Family asked all four guys some questions about what they now do, and why they do it, and what they have to say to this next generation of kids, and parents, who are struggling to find peace in their families, and in their own lives. AFF: What is your purpose, and what do you do to accomplish that purpose? Brian: Wake up the youth to deeper intimacy with God and a call to lay down their lives for Christ. Ryan: God is using me to open people’s eyes to not think following God is a religion but rather a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. You can go to church your whole life and read the bible a million times, but if you don’t have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ it doesn’t matter. Ronnie: Our purpose is to reach the youth of today, and we are doing that by just sharing what God has done in each one of our lives and by just letting the Spirit move! AFF: Our theme for January is "All things new." How did Christ make all things new for you? Brian: I live in a new state. I have a new career and purpose - a totally new outlook on life. No more living for drugs, drinking, money, or fame. And I have new kinds of trials and tribulations that I deal with that come with truly walking with Jesus. All things are new for me. Ryan: He gave me a whole new life, a whole new heart, a whole new mind, a whole new direction, a whole new vision. AFF: Brian, describe in detail your encounter with God that radically changed your life. Brian: I was snorting meth for two years back in 2003 & 2004. I went to a church with friends in late 2004. The pastor said to bring all your baggage to Jesus in prayer. So I went home, snorted a line, and showed Jesus my addiction and asked him to take it away from me. Within a couple weeks I had an experience with God where he poured out his love inside of me and

all around me. I threw away my drinking & drug addictions and became addicted to God’s love from then on. AFF: How can kids, who have gotten involved with the "wrong crowd," or have dabbled in drugs and alcohol, get out of that scene? Brian: Get away from all of your so called friends who influence you negatively. Pray a powerful prayer every day until you get your answer, however long it takes. Ask Jesus to become real to you and ask to experience his love. Once you feel divine love, you are never, ever the same. AFF: Did you just change "over night" and all things were new, or was it a process? Explain. www.AustinFaithandFamily.com

Brian: It took me a few weeks to throw all the drugs out of my life after I came to Christ. And I still battle with anger and depression, so, I still have a long way to go. Ryan: It is an ongoing process. You will be in that process, until you get to heaven. God took all the desires for alcohol and drugs away overnight, but it took two years for God to take the porn addiction. Matthew 16:24 "Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me." For two years I repeated that verse over and over. I still repeat that verse and it’s still a very important verse to me. Ronnie: I took time to grow! I had to keep reading God’s Word and staying plugged in at the church and praying. But the more I sought God’s face the more God filled me up! AFF: How did you four hook up? Ryan: I called Sonny a week after I became a Christian and I had also read Head’s book. I knew God was telling me one day I would work with them, but I didn’t know what we would all be doing because I didn’t have a job. Then one year later through Sonny, I met Head for the Exit concert in Las Vegas. Ronnie: God brought us all together I was praying about what I could do for the Lord and who I needed to be hooked up with and bam!! It all came together! God Style!! AFF: Ryan, what would you say to kids in Christian homes about their own personal walk with God? How do they make it their own? Ryan: Your relationship with Jesus Christ is not your mom’s and dad’s. You have to pray and read and ask God to make Him personally real to you. Matthew 7:7-8 "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened."

sensitive to that. Believing in God and trusting Him are two different things. If we are sold out to Him completely we trust that He is in control and nothing happens without His permission. God loves us beyond our comprehension of love. AFF: Now that you all are adults/ parents, what can you say to encourage parents who have teens who are "out there?" What hope can you give them? Sonny: God loves our kids more than we do. It's our job to train them up in the Lord and nurture them in their relationship with God. If your kids have gone astray, don't ever stop praying for them. God is faithful and He will bring them back...... Ronnie: Jesus is the answer! He is the way the truth and the life! With him all things are possible. We just point them to him and let God change them from the inside out! AFF: What is the CHI project? Sonny: Chi Cheng is the bass player for The Deftones. He was in a serious car accident two years ago. He was in a coma and is now in a vegetative state. We are raising funds and awareness of his situation in order to get him the help he needs. It's an act of love towards him and his family and it's the kind of love we want all Whosoevers to be known for... AFF: Is there anything else we haven't asked you that you'd like to share? Brian: Can you mention my new book Stronger that came out November 29th? Ryan: Pray for Chi Cheng and Family, The Whosoevers, and EXIT Concerts so we can continue to go out and reach this generation.

AFF: Why the name, The Whosoevers? Sonny: John 3:16 "Whosoever Believes." God has put a calling on every man, woman, and child to believe in His Son. This is a personal invitation from the One and Only, True Living God, to believe in His son and receive everlasting Life. This is the first step to having a love relationship with God. We enter this relationship broken, small, and humbled accepting that it is about Jesus and Jesus Only. The rest is your journey with God.

For more information about The Whosevers, visit their website www.thewhosoevers.com.

AFF: Sonny, how can adults, who experienced the loss of a parent as a child, ever get over that loss and move on, and trust in God? Sonny: God knows our hurt and pain and He is

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Brian’s new book Stronger is a 40day devotional where Head shares his personal life through scriptures that have helped him in his faith to become stronger, to “find light during life’s darkest moments.” Check it out at: http://www.brianheadwelch.net/.

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Wealth & Wisdom:

How To Be

church pastor was walking along when he spotted a member of his church. “John,” he said, “You look miserable! What has happened to you?” John proceeded to tell him of all his tribulations. His business had gone under, his car was broken down, and he was completely broke. The pastor put his arm around the man and proceeded to console him. “The Lord will take care of you, my son. I want you to go home and take out your Bible and open it up and put your finger down on the first page you come to, and that will be the Lord’s answer to you.” Several weeks later the pastor saw John again. This time he was smiling, walking confidently, and wearing a brand new suit. “John, you look much better than the last time I saw you.” “I am much better,” he said. “I have a brand new car, new clothes, and I’m doing fine financially. I owe it all to you and your advice.” The preacher then asked. “I’m just dying to know what advice you received from the Bible.” “Well, I did just what you said. I went home, opened my bible; put my finger down, and there was my answer: Chapter 11.” (The moral of the story is sometimes the methods we use to solve our financial problems are as absurd as how we got into trouble in the first place.)

Start By Surrendering

January is a time for new beginnings….. new dreams…..new goals…..we get a “do over” every year. As we start a new year it is important that we trust God with our finances. If we want God to bless us financially, we must remain focused on the truths of His Word, and understand that He is the source of our finances. Deuteronomy 8:18 (NIV) says, “But remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you the ability to produce wealth…….” One of my favorite sermons I ever heard was from Dr. James Kennedy, of Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church (Ft. Lauderdale, Fl.) entitled, “How to be Prosperous and Successful.” The scripture text was from Joshua 1:8, “This book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but

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The Plan

for the New Year

you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” It’s interesting to note that this is the only time the word “success” appears in either the Old or New Testaments (KJV). So what is the secret to success? Read the Bible? Prayer? Tithing? No, we are told to do all those, but the text says to meditate upon the word of God. Webster’s dictionary defines meditate as, “to be in continuous, contemplative thought.” We must first read, and then memorize the Word, before we can meditate on it. Psalm 119:97-99 says, “If we meditate on His Word, He will make us wiser than our enemies and we will have more understanding than all our teachers.” Joshua 1:8 is a promise from God. Dr. James MacDonald defines God’s promises as, “The assurances God gives us, so we can walk by faith, until God does his work.” The blessing is found in His promises, and in our believing them and trusting Him. If we obey God’s Word, our way will be prosperous and successful. If you want those two things in your life, then hide His Word in your heart and meditate upon it day and night. (For a free copy of Dr. Kennedy’s complete sermon, give me a call or drop me an email.)

1) Surrender your finances to God/Honor the Lord with His Tithe (Mal. 3:10) 2) Establish a Daily Quiet Time/Seek Holiness over Happiness (Heb. 11:6) 3) Work diligently at whatever you do (Prov. 21:5) 4) Establish an emergency fund (3-6 months income) 5) Avoid bad debt /Live within your means (Rom. 13:8) 6) Save 10% of your income 7) Manage risks with proper insurance (auto, home, life, health, etc.) 8) Minimize taxes (utilize tax free and tax qualified plans) 9) Make wise decisions (Prov. 11:14) 10) Serve and fellowship with others in a local Church (Acts 2:42) Barry A. Tripp Transamerica Financial Advisors, Inc. (512) 258-1860 btripp@tfamail.com www.wealth-and-wisdom.net Investment Advisor Representative with securities and investment advisory services offered through Transamerica Financial Advisors, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC and a Registered Investment Advisor.

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Life

Erin's Cooking Ladies' Top 10 Dave Says Rave Reviews

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Erin's Cooking:

eally, I’ve never been good at setting New Year’s resolutions. Just because I want to start doing something different does not mean that I have to wait until the turn of the year to begin making progress toward my goal, right? However, waiting until then has allowed for time to pinpoint my focus, assuring that my goal has a better chance of being accomplished. My main focus for 2011 is doing things that, up to this point in my life, I don’t usually do. Example: Commiting to reading a whole book cover to cover in a reasonable amount of time. I also want to dive into all the cookbooks I’ve accumulated over the years and put recipes to the test, and even make a few of my own. My recipe for Apple Spice Cake is a product of that vow. It all started with the Food Channel. Yes, I’m addicted! Paula Deen made a cake using baby food! I’ve heard of Applesauce cake, known for its moist texture, but never thought to use baby food as a moistening agent. As I explained my astonishment to my mom, she told me that my Memaw used to make a Plum cake with plum baby food. “Why have I never tasted this cake?!” When I saw the recipe, it seemed so simple. Substitute the canned fruit for pureed baby food and you get a moist cake without the unnecessary pieces of fruit. The Apple Spice Cake turned out to be an impromptu test subject. At the grocery store, looking for the ingredients to make my Memaw’s Plum cake, I substituted the Plum baby food for Apple Plum baby food and ground cloves for Apple Pie Spice. Eating this cake, when it is all ooey-gooey, right out of the oven, is one of those Heavenly experiences. Thank You Lord! I have officially made it my mission to use baby food in as many recipes as I can. There are so many different flavor combinations, the texture is so pure, and the applications are limitless. I wonder how effective it would be to cook couscous in half water, half carrot baby food, instead of having to juice 10 carrots myself. If you have never tried cooking grains in different vegetable juices or stock, please do! The grain will soak up all of the flavor & reduce the need to flavor with salt. Let the recipe testing begin! Erin Osborn Studio Kitchen

Cranberry Snack Dip 1 diced Jalapeno 1 can Whole Cranberry Sauce 1 8 oz. package plain cream cheese Directions: Mix jalapeno with cranberry sauce. Pour over block of cream cheese. Serve with wheat crackers. Chef’s Note: When working with hot peppers, avoid spreading any juice from the flesh of the peppers over your hands. Isolate contact with the peppers to just your fingertips and wash your hands IMMEDIATELY after handling them. Failure to do so will result in feeling an intense burning sensation that requires medicated burn cream for relief…or so I have heard.

Apple Spice Cake 1 Cup of Vegetable Oil 2 Cups Granulated Sugar 3 Eggs 2 Cups Self-rising Flour ½ tsp. Cinnamon 1 tsp. Apple Pie Spice 8 oz. Apple Plum baby food 1 Cup chopped Pecans Zest of 1 Orange Glaze: Juice of 1 Orange 1 Cup Powdered Sugar

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Directions: Beat oil, sugar and eggs with mixer. Mix in 1 cup of flour; then the spices. Add second cup of flour. Fold in baby food, pecans, and orange zest. Bake in greased and floured Bundt pan at 325 degrees for 1 hour. For glaze: Mix orange juice and powdered sugar together until combined. Pour over warm cake.

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Life

a clean closet

Ladies' Top 10

in 24 Hours or Less

ime to organize after Christmas, right? That cluttered closet can be made into a sanctuary of beauty, all in one day or less, without spending a lot of money and tackling a huge closet makeover. Here are 10 ways to transform your closet into organized bliss:

1. 2. 3.

Go through all of your clothes, and if you haven’t worn an item in two years, toss it. Set this bag of clothes/shoes aside for giving to a local charity.

While you’re clearing out, toss all wire hangers and replace with plastic hangers, so the closet rods will look uniform, and hangers will stay untangled. Organize your clothes by color and season – hanging white shirts together, sweaters together, pants together, etc. You get the picture. This way, when you dress – it’s easier to see what goes with what.

Divide your shoes into seasons and comfort. For the out-of-season shoes and those only worn for “looks,” place them in a large plastic bin, or in a large drawer. (A large three-drawer bin is inexpensive and great for the closet!) Only leave out a few pair of shoes that you wear often, lined up neatly along the wall.

by Marcy Lytle

Closet shelves are only useful if everything is divided and straight, not falling together in a huge mess. Purchase shelf dividers or use see-thru bins for storing purses, clothes that need repair, clothes to be given away, and keepsakes. Line these up and label.

Hang an over-the-door ironing board on the closet door so that it shuts on the inside. This way, there’s no extra space needed for the ironing board, it’s just a simple push of a button to fold it down and iron that shirt you love but never have time to de-wrinkle! Store the iron itself on the shelf by your bins.

Take all of your belts and follow the same procedure as the scarves – rolling them up and placing in a bin or drawer. (You’ve now filled the three drawers!) One look into the bin gives you a visual picture of color and thickness, and choosing a belt becomes a cinch (no pun intended!)

10.

Finally, hang a clipboard on a hook, with paper and pen attached. Keep a running list of what you need to buy, after looking at all of your clothes. Maybe you got a beautiful scarf for Christmas, but it matches nothing you already have. Make a note. Maybe you lost a button from your favorite shirt. Make a note. Grab the clipboard on your next errand run, and shop with purpose and efficiency! With little daily upkeep, this newly organized closet can stay nice and neat, and become a place where you enjoy getting dressed, instead of a place that makes you stressed!

Now comes the fun part. If you can find some wall space, purchase two cork bulletin boards and hang. Using the thumbtacks that are cylindershaped, hang your necklaces on one corkboard, so they are easily visible when dressing. Leave the other board for posting notes, images, etc. for ideas of how to put outfits together. For example, if you see a picture in a magazine of a sweater and shirt - with a belt at the waist - put together in a unique way – cut it out and post it! Then try that look the next time you dress.

One cool way to store scarves and/ or tank tops is to fold and roll. If you have a bin, or another drawer, fold these items and roll them and place in the bin on their side, so that you see colored rolls in a variety of hues. This gets the tanks off the hangers, and allows for easy accessorizing when layering.

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Dave Says

Dear Dave, We have two kids, ages eight and 11. When they get some money we have them take out 10 percent for tithes or giving, and 10 percent for saving. It’s difficult with the younger one sometimes, because all he wants to do is spend money. And really, what’s the point if he gets Dear Dave, What things do you advise buying used, versus ten dollars of putting away just a dollar? How do you convince a child this age that it’s good buying brand new? Amy to save? Allen Dear Amy, This is a great question. But I’m afraid there’s not Dear Allen, one good, across the board answer, because it First, I think you’ve got a nice plan in place all depends on where you are in your financial working with them on saving and giving. With a kid who’s eight, you start out by explaining plan. When it comes to cars, you should always buy it the best you can on his level. Then, if he good, used vehicles, unless you have a million still doesn’t want to do it, you make him do it dollars in the bank. New automobiles drop in anyway. Sometimes, as a parent, you have to value like a rock, so buy smart and let someone pull rank when it comes to doing what’s best for else take the hit in depreciation. My advice is the kid. to buy used, anyway. Wealthy people don’t Now, here’s the point of saving, even if it’s only become wealthy by investing in things that go a dollar. You want to make sure you teach them a pattern of habits that will help them win in the wrong way. If you’re talking about clothing and you’re broke life. When your kids have homework you make or trying to get out of debt, there’s absolutely them sit down and do it. Then, you help them nothing wrong with shopping consignment when they need help, right? The point is you stores—especially for kids. They wear things want them to learn good study habits, so that three times, and then they’ve outgrown them. when they get into high school and beyond Plus, they still look practically brand new. they can succeed. That one dollar won’t make “Experienced” clothing is a great buy for adults, him rich right now, but getting into the habit of saving – because his mean, old dad made him too. Of course there are other things, but here’s the do it when he was a kid – will make him wealthy deal. As your money situation improves, you’ll one day! be able to buy more new things. The price You might try setting goals for him, too. Lots of “new” will become a smaller and smaller of younger kids have trouble with the concept percentage of your financial world. But when of saving. But if you set some goals, and let you’re broke, deep in debt, or don’t have a big him save up a little bit of money and pay for income, any money you spend on anything is a something himself, it will be a real lesson for big percentage. At times like this, a $50 washer him. It will show him that delaying pleasure or dryer on Craigslist can be the best deal on the really pays off. Make sure you start out small, with a few easily planet! —Dave attainable goals. Then, you’ll be paving the way for bigger things, like saving for a car and maybe even college! —Dave

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Life

Dear Dave, My girlfriend and I have been dating for about three years, and we’re talking about getting married. I have some money saved up and would like to buy her a nice engagement ring. Do you have any guidelines on how much to spend on something like this? Dustin Dear Dustin, If you’re working a good, steady, full-time job, I think a good rule of thumb for engagement rings is one month’s pay. Some jewelry stores will tell you two or even three months’ pay, but that’s just too much. Lots of people get engaged or married with cheaper rings, and the relationship and the jewelry last just fine. Trust me, there’s absolutely no statistical correlation between the price of the ring and the length of the marriage! Jewelry stores have huge mark-ups on diamonds, so make sure you don’t buy it at a typical mall or franchise shop. You want someone who’s a diamond broker, or even a high-end pawn shop. You can save literally 50 percent buying from places like these. But in either case, you need to look around and find someone you can trust, because if you’re like me, you’re probably not a diamond expert. Remember, too, that diamonds are not an investment. In two decades, I’ve never seen the diamonds I’ve given my wife go up in value. And the whole “diamonds are a girl’s best friend” slogan is just a bunch of advertising hype. Don’t fall for that stuff, either. Be smart and buy smart, Dustin. It’s a great feeling to give the lady of your life a big sparkling rock, but you don’t have to break the bank to do it! —Dave

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Jill Watson Design Completely New Creations

he’s a newlywed, a recent graduate of the University of Texas, and she’s started a new business on her own all within the past year, designing clothes for babies! Jill Watson graduated last May with a degree in Textiles and Apparel Design. Jill states that her love for designing clothes started when she was 12, when her grandmother taught her how to sew. “It was the only thing I felt passionate about so it seemed like the logical choice,” stated Jill, when we asked her why she chose this particular major.

Experiencing Father's Embrace by Jack Frost

at Chico’s on 6th & Lamar as a personal shopper. “I love this job because I get to work with a lot of different types of women and it has taught me so much about how to run a business.”

Jill states that she recently received great exposure from a baby shower, where the attendees all ordered off her website, then Jill wrapped the gifts and brought them to the party. Since that event, she has had lots of orders for baby shower gifts, because her designs are one-of-a-kind and adorable! “I have a sweet spot for really quirky things. I love odd things in nature or things that seem to be out of place. Those types of things Jill comments, “I love making something out of keep me on my toes and make me think outside nothing. It is such a creative process to have to of the box.” go from a blank piece of paper, to a garment. I love the freedom that you have to come up Jill states that her faith helps her avoid finding with something completely new.” The name of identity in success or failure, because she knows her business is Jill Watson Design, and she takes her hope is in Christ and not in her own abilities. custom orders for anything baby – from onesies to “Remembering that all my talents are given to me bedding. “I want to eventually expand into adult by God reminds me to continually give God ALL clothing as well,” states Jill. the glory.” While at the University of Texas, in her senior year, Jill won a very prestigious award in the design program. The annual fashion show, where seniors in the design program create a collection of three full outfits, as well as a bridal or evening gown, is where Jill received the Most Marketable Collection Award; which she states, was such an honor.

Right now, the biggest obstacle Jill faces is money. She shared, “It takes a little bit of money up front to make my pieces and when you are fresh out of college and a newlywed, money isn’t the most abundant resource. What it has really come down to is just taking a little leap of faith and believing that I can succeed and that the money spent is an investment.” Owning a boutique someday is something Jill would love to do! Currently, Jill works

For those of you out there thinking of starting a business, Jill says, “Just go for it. Don’t settle for the job that is easy and comfortable. Sometimes doing what you want requires some sacrifice, but I promise that whether it is a success or failure, you will be happier for having tried it in the end.” Check out more of Jill’s designs at her online store at www.jillwatson.etsy.com and get something “new” for that sweet baby you know, and help this newlywed achieve her dreams of expanding into all of the new things the Master Designer has ahead for her… Marcy Lytle

The message of our Father’s heart toward His children is expanding throughout the nations. Jack Frost gives a picture of this life message in his book, Experiencing Father’s Embrace. Using his own personal experience, he shares an expression of the heart of our Father with endearing vulnerability and appeal. With a world of fatherless children and adults, this message is profound. Even the best father on earth makes mistakes and can seem distant at times. Reading about our Abba Father gives us insight into His intention from the beginning, to embrace his children and impart courage and identity. All creation yearns for the love of a father. Reading this book will change your heart and mind about the goodness of God. God is love, and those who love, know the true heart of their Father. If there is a hindrance to his heart, Jack Frost reveals truths that will free the reader to hope again. Investing in this book will bring renewed vision and access to Father that seems impossible. For with God, nothing is impossible. Ginny Hurley Immanuel's Veins by Ted Dekker

Have you ever wondered, like I have, why so many people of all ages could be taken with the age-old vampire story and the current Twilight series? Ted Dekker, New York Times best-selling author of over 25 novels, has written a fantastic story portraying this seduction of evil and the fight to resist temptation. His powerful story of evil, love, and redemption points out that blood is life and it is the blood of Immanuel that brings true life. Dekker so brilliantly speaks the truth found in the Bible through his endearing characters and fast-paced story, I found myself reading parts of it aloud to friends. It is not a story for the squeamish. The evil is intense and the battle is fierce. Would I recommend this book? Yes, to those who are “taken” with Twilight and those who are concerned about the ones “taken” by Twilight. The author eloquently reminds the reader that both God and Satan are after our hearts and we must not be unaware to what extent either will go to win us. Deborah Begley

Austin

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You

Head to Heart Health Matters Diet & Nutrition The Real Stuff

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Head to Heart:

How to Be Assured of God's Love

he deep and abiding assurance of God's love is what I believe to be the basis of emotional and spiritual health and of a victorious Christian life. As a pastoral counselor, I have encountered many Christians who are sadly lacking this assurance. The New Testament reveals two major ways in which God assures of His love: objectively, in the historical fact of the death of Jesus (John 3:16) and subjectively, in the release of God’s love in our hearts through the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 3:17-19). Many Christians who fully accept the objective proof of God’s love in the Cross and sincerely believe that Jesus loves them because the Bible tells them so, yet they are missing the subjective assurance of His love. The truth of “love divine, all loves excelling” has not spread from their heads to their hearts.

century, experienced an outpouring of God’s love one autumn evening in 1821, soon after his conversion. In his autobiography he states: “I could feel the impression, like a wave of electricity, going through and through me; indeed, it seemed to come in waves and waves of liquid love…These waves came over me, and over me, one after another, until I recollect I cried out, ‘I shall die if these waves continue to pass over me.’” The outpouring of God’s love by the Holy Spirit is not always given to believers in Christ as dramatically as Finney experienced it, but it is always given so that the recipient knows that something has happened; they have deeply felt the reality of God’s love. This subjective experience of God’s love is not a one-time, once for all, event. The initial outpouring remains a permanent flow, but our conscious awareness of it is not always at the same level.

caused by poor nurture in childhood and characterized, by an inability to experience a real sense of God’s presence and love; (3) performance orientation, which is a result of being reared by perfectionist and controlling parents and/or being reared in a legalistic, repressive religious environment.

If you are a believer who lacks an experiential knowledge, a subjective assurance, of the love of God, what should you do? (1) Reject Romans 5:8 states that the love of God has the lie of the Enemy that this ministry of the been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit and does not describe something that we Because the gift of the Holy Spirit is for all Spirit is for other believers, but not for you. merely assent to intellectually, nor something believers, the outpouring of God’s love is for It is for you. It is part of your birthright as a that we deduce through a logical thought all believers. Why, then, do so many Christians child of the King. (2) Take time to meditate process; it is something that we experience in lack this experience? Often, it is because of on the demonstration of the love of God in the very depth of our being, something that hindrances from their past that block the the death of Christ. John Piper wrote, “…the impacts us emotionally. The highest form of release of God’s love in their hearts. The most Holy Spirit takes the historical fact of Christ’s assurance possible to a Christian is the direct common hindrances, or love blockers, that I death and opens the eyes of our heart to the and immediate assurance given by the Holy have observed are these: (1) a deep unhealed see the all-satisfying beauty of the love of Spirit, flooding our inner being with the love hurt that the person has suffered as a result of God in it. And thus, by the spiritual sight of real or perceived rejection, real or perceived God’s love in the work of Christ, He pours that of God. abandonment, and/or trauma or abuse; (2) love experimentally in our hearts.” (3) Pray for Charles Finney, an outstanding American a “slumbering spirit,” which is a condition this experience. The empowering, manifest evangelist of the first half of the nineteenth of spiritual dullness and unresponsiveness presence of the Holy Spirit is available to all who ask the heavenly Father for it (Luke 18:13), so ask Him, and keep on asking. (4) Enlist the prayers of others on your behalf. If your heartknowledge of God’s love is hindered by any of the love blockers mentioned above, seek “prayer therapy” to remove those blockages and to release the flood of God’s love in your heart. Jack Hammans Head to Heart Restoration Ministry www.headtoheart.org

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You

Health Matters

The

Challenge J

ust after the New Year is a chance to start new things, and I love it! A time to make the ever popular resolutions. A New Year's resolution can be described as…..a commitment that an individual makes to a project or the reforming of a habit, an improvement or change of attitude, or a lifestyle change that is generally interpreted as advantageous. If you’re like me, you might struggle with some of the words or phrases listed above. Let’s take a look at why these words seem to be so challenging. Habit. This word is described as an acquired behavior pattern regularly followed until it has become almost involuntary. I find it interesting that we have certain behaviors that are so involuntary that we don’t ever realize we are doing them. On the other hand, there are behaviors that we only wish we could adopt to an involuntary state. So how can you make it stick this time? Figure out the real reasons it just won’t work. Try forming habits that reinforce each other. Make a plan and track it. Then, engage with others by having people hold you accountable. Let’s take exercise as an example. For most people, the stumbling blocks are usually lack of time and lack of energy. Try waking up just 15 minutes earlier each day. After a short time your body will adjust. Start with small 10 or 15 minute increments. This will give you more energy and maybe you won’t dread the time and effort it takes if you just start small. As you track your progress you may want to set up a reward system. Treat yourself as you make exercise a new habit that will stick this time!

Advantageous. I love this word, but what does it really mean? Providing an advantage; furnishing convenience or opportunity; favorable profitable; useful; beneficial. It seems each year we start out trying to have a lifestyle that resembles this description. But why is it that we soon find ourselves fading away again? Something important to realize is that proper diet, sleep, and exercise are essential in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Fueling your body improperly can cause fatigue, loss of concentration, weight gain and just plain low motivation. Whereas, eating the right foods the right way will help keep you energized, lean, and motivated to do productive things at work, at home, and with the family. How do you sleep? Sleep is needed to regenerate certain parts of the body, especially the brain, so that it may continue to function optimally. Lack of sleep, especially over time, will

eventually hinder your ability to maintain the overall healthy lifestyle. Exercise is the final key in proper care of your body. It’s what helps you maintain or lose weight, improves your mood, combats certain diseases, promotes better sleep, and boosts your energy level. So, put those resolutions aside and let’s work hard on that advantageous lifestyle with great habits which are motivated by our attitude. We won’t regret it! Lauren Lacy Fitness Coordinator CHASCO Family YMCA

Attitude. This word is described as the manner, disposition, feeling, position, etc., with regard to a person or thing. Just for grins, let’s use exercise! What is your attitude towards exercise? Let me guess, it’s a love hate thing, or maybe just a hate thing. Or maybe your attitude is that it’s boring, an obligation, a punishment, painful, or time consuming. These attitudes could very well be preventing you from sticking to it. A simple change in attitude can lead to a better life with exercise. Think of exercise as a way to boost your mood and energy, a break from a stressful work day, a chance to let your mind rest as you let go and focus on your body, improving your quality of life immediately, and as a way of rewarding your body for working so hard. Try it, I bet it just might work. 34

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Diet & Nutrition

You

Ingredients for an Immune System Boost

he winter months are typically peak time for flus and colds. What’s worse, weather changes in Central Texas during these months are extremely unpredictable, making external protection by proper clothing difficult. Of course, the pharmacies and doctors make a strong push for flu shots. Whether flu shots are necessary go beyond what this article wants to discuss. While many do benefit from the flu shot, some dislike the potential side effects and seek an alternative, natural approach to protect the body. The immune system is an armed group of cells, tissues, and organs capable of detecting, tagging, containing, engulfing, and destroying foreign invaders. The ability of the immune system to perform these actions hinges upon the amount of the associated nutrients mentioned below.

1) Calcium – We all know about the role of Calcium in bone health, as the majority of calcium in the body is in your bones. However, the small amounts of calcium in the tissues are important in protecting the body from pathogens. Research has shown that the cells responsible in the breaking down and killing of microbes, namely macrophages and neutrophils, are dependent on the level of calcium. Apparently, calcium serves as a signaling device for the immune cells to migrate to where the bacteria is; and then destroy it. The key is tissue calcium: without proper routes of transferring calcium from the blood to tissues, it cannot serve with the immune system in fighting infections. 2) Essential fatty acids – these are fats that are essential for bodily functions, and are not made automatically in the body. The

nutritional factors within these essential fats are responsible in transporting calcium from the blood into the tissues, so it can perform its function mentioned in #1. A good source of essential fatty acids is the plant-based omega-3 fat called flaxseed oil. 3) Vitamin C Complex – Most people might know about this by now with the promotion of Vitamin C products during flu seasons. How does vitamin C protect the body from infection? During an acute infection, body vitamin C stores are used up rapidly, because immune cells like macrophages release chemicals that break down bacterial proteins. The same chemicals are capable of digesting the macrophages as well, but thanks to Vitamin C, which works like an armor, a vest, that protects the immune cells and enables them to do their work. The dosage of vitamin C might need to increase several fold during an infection to ensure there is no vitamin C deficiency. 4) Echinacea – Echinacea is an herb known to enhance the immune system. The way is works is through activating Vitamin C complex so Vitamin C can be used by the immune cells, also mentioned above. The problem is finding good Echinacea. The most potent part of Echinacea is its roots. There are some brands in the market that sell other parts of Echinacea, leaves and stems and flowers, that contain less active compounds. Read each label carefully. The above are just some suggestions for an immune-boosting cocktail. For people looking for a natural way to protect themselves from the flu and colds, these nutrients can be helpful, along with protective clothing, proper diet, exercise, and stress management. Dr. Trent Peng Chiropractor and Nutritionist

Another great Christian publication in the Austin area: Pick one up in select HEBs in the area. www.AustinFaithandFamily.com

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You

The Real Stuff

onsider this radical statement: Do not make another New Years resolution ever! Rather, make resolvolutions that stem from the heart of God. Resolutions are self-sustained and resolvolutions are God-ordained!

mending it, you allow him to mold it! More of Him and less of you is the answer. Ask for strength to set aside those things that are weighing you down and keeping you from becoming all God created you to be!

Typically we enter the New Year with resolutions WE conclude are the best plans for us or ones that satisfy the demands of others. Then they fail. The reason they fail is because WE are going to DO the impossible, achieve the goal WE still have not realized, satisfy demands PEOPLE have made of us, etc. without consulting God. Proverbs 14:12 says “There is a way (plans) that seems right to a man but in the end it leads to death (defeat).”

One final key: Resolvolutions only stick and stay for the duration of the year if you live Romans 12:2 “Do not conform any longer to the pattern (demands) of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind (taking time with God). Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will (resolutions) are-his good, pleasing, perfect (successful) will.”

First Step: Rethink your plans by taking one step back. Set aside time to journal and pray throughout the month to consult God. Next, wait for the Lord to speak to you through that still small voice that runs through your thoughts. Ask Him to use people, places, and things to confirm what you believe HE has in store for you in 2011. Ask Him to abruptly close doors that are not His and open doors wide to things you are to hone in on. Then, you must be willing to receive what you know He is revealing to you. The bible says that in and of ourselves we can do nothing. However, Jeremiah 29:11 says the plans God has for us will allow us to prosper and achieve success. It also says when we seek Him we will find Him and His plan for us! Second step: Ditch the resolutions and base everything off of what you lay down instead of what you are picking up to control. Yes, all the resolutions you have made to lose weight, get a new job, get out of debt, etc. Instead of handling it, you hand it over. Instead of

hen was the last time you did something for the first time? Most people make New Year’s resolutions this time of the year, but come May, they are forgotten. What if this year instead of making resolutions, you make a list of all the things you have never done before and then do them? It can be anything. Maybe get on a plane, run a mile, read a whole book of the Bible, play in the rain, etc. As kids, we tried something new every day. We have grown up and forgotten that what makes life worth living is getting rid of all our fears and doing something we have always wanted to do… for the first time.

Renewing your mind daily confirms resolvolutions of the heart and creates the ability for you to achieve success. This resolve keeps you focused and faithful to the resolution that God purposed for you.

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Take a look at the disciple Peter. I’m sure he had never walked on water before and was scared of drowning. But he tried it. He heard Jesus telling him to have no fear. The other disciples probably told him to not even think of doing it. He would surely drown. He did start to drown when he took his eyes off Jesus, but how awesome is it that afterwards he had an experience to tell. “A person with passion will take risks,” Bill Johnson, a famous pastor, wrote. What is your passion? What is it that you want to do for the first time? Do you want to be like Peter who walked on the water, even if just for a little bit, or do you want to be like the disciples in the boat just watching? It’s your decision. This year I am taking risks. Nothing is guaranteed. I am aware I can fail, but I am more aware that I can succeed. I will be 20 years old this year and have failed in a lot of things, but those failures are in the past. I have let them be in my life too long. This is a new year. A new episode. I am willing to try again. Are you? What great things would you attempt if you knew you could not fail? - Robert H. Schuller Maria Arreola

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What It Means to Be an Ethical Leader

ith the launch of Concordia University Texas’ MBA program this past fall, I have had the privilege of personally teaching a class on one of my favorite topics—Leadership. Discussing with students what it means to be a leader has led me to ponder more deeply what it means to lead within an ethical framework. Whether one is in a position of leadership in the political arena, within their organization or in their personal life, it is imperative to act in an ethical manner as decisions are made. Realizing that leaders have to "act politically" to get things accomplished, to make things happen, and to drive change while doing so in a way that is ethical – and with humility – is a key to lasting leadership. Having the multiple types of power available to oneself can lead to corruption. However, a strong set of ethics and values can assist in ensuring that the famous phrase—"power corrupts; absolute power corrupts absolutely" - won’t happen. It’s my belief that acting ethically as a leader can actually help make one less leery of the power with which they have been entrusted by others. I know of too many leaders who become wary of power and will not to use it for the good of their organizations,

Spend Life Well:

refusing to act politically and thus keeping those that depend on them from moving forward by enacting significant change. In Jim Collins' book entitled Good to Great he describes Level 5 Leaders as those who have the indomitable will to act coupled with intense humility. Collins suggests that being an ethical and humble leader can be accomplished in the following ways. I have found these to be true in my role as Dean of the College of Business at Concordia University Texas as well as other leadership positions to which I have been entrusted: · Know what the mission and vision is for your organization and keep it as the main goal. · Surround yourself with people of differing views, not only by those who are often referred to as "yes-men.” · Continually ask yourself whether your actions are for the greater good or for a select group of people. · Constantly self-reflect and honestly look at your own motives. ·

Be comfortable with the paradox of doing

what is good for the institution while taking care of people at the same time. · Confront your own prejudices and ways of behavior, dealing honestly with actions that conflict with the mission, vision, and values of the institution. · Take time for silent reflection, not always surrounded by the pressure of the moment. It's good to be "the boss", but one must remain humble, act justly, and share power simultaneously. These seemingly contradictory ways of thinking are some of the hallmarks of great leadership. When harnessed correctly by a good leader they can be used to move an organization forward and to act for the common good. I am proud to say these are the type of leaders we are developing through the new Concordia University Texas MBA program. For more information about The Concordia MBA program, visit MBA.Concordia.edu or call (512) 313-3000. Dr. Don Christian Dean of the College of Business Concordia University Texas

Renew Your Finances in 2011

ach new year has a different meaning to each person, but for me it is a time of renewal. I think God knew we would need a boost or a regular renewing of the spirit and can think of no better time than now. So I have to ask, “What new financial goals have you set for your family this year? Here are four goals we believe are worth setting for 2011.

Balance Your Spending

The reality is that most people do not have a firm grasp on what they spend unless they have taken the time to examine their expenses. You are not alone. More than 40% of American households spend more than they make, but wouldn’t it be great to be one of the ones spending less?

Say Goodbye to Debt

We have more debt than ever before. The average household in America has more than $8,000 in credit card debt, let alone other consumer debt on cars, student loans, or mortgages. I am not opposed to debt, but I think the bible instructs us to be extremely cautious. It took me many years of living in debt to realize that I was denying the Lord the opportunity to use me in different ways because of the burden of debt. Want to eliminate your debt? Start by saving $1,000. You need to have an emergency fund before you tackle debt. Life happens and you will have unexpected expenses such as a car www.AustinFaithandFamily.com

repair or the washer breaking down. By saving $1,000, you can avoid adding to your debt. Then, start with the lowest balance credit card and put all your energy and resources to eliminating that balance. Once it is gone, say good-bye to that card and destroy it. Next, attack the next largest balance with everything you were using to pay off the first card.

Save It Before You See It

The easiest way to save is to make sure it comes off the top of your paycheck. If your employer offers you direct deposit into multiple bank accounts, consider slicing off a portion into a savings account or money market account. We have found that most people save less, or nothing at all, if they wait until the end of the month and save what is left over.

notebook and let your loved ones know about it. Include information about who to contact about your financial affairs, wills, and other pertinent information. Your preparation will help your family through difficult times in your absence and they will appreciate you for the effort. Remember to meet with your trusted advisors at least once a year to review your documents and financial goals. My wife and I find that we are more in sync in other areas of our marriage and family life when we are on the same page about our finances. It requires a little work and a lot of communication, but the beginning of a new year is a great time to reevaluate and set new financial goals. Take the time in the coming days to write down what you want to achieve in 2011. Have a blessed year.

A specific savings goal for 2011 could be to build up your cash emergency fund from $1,000 to six to nine months of living expenses. Take advantage of your employer’s retirement plan up to the company match. Beyond that; consider contributing to a Roth IRA, if you qualify.

Mark Trice

Organize Your Financial Life

Set a goal in 2011 to organize your financial life. Collect all of your financial information in a

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QUOTES:

Youth is when you're allowed to stay up late on New Year's Eve. Middle age is when you're forced to. ~Bill Vaughn An optimist stays up until midnight to see the new year in. A pessimist stays up to make sure the old year leaves. ~Bill Vaughan Many people look forward to the new year for a new start on old habits. ~Author Unknown

D.A.W.N. Daily Awakening With Newness The beginning of a new year is often a time when people make an effort to leave behind bad decisions of the past and forge ahead toward better times. Some of us are likely to put off some needed changes waiting for the beginning of a year. While January 1st marks a starting point for many, what happens if one has already had a misstep or backslides by February 2nd? Am I to wait another three hundred plus days to try to produce my personal best? Absolutely not! I am so glad that each day brings a dawn. Each day is an opportunity to walk toward the path of righteousness. I must eagerly embrace each DAWN that is given to me. Scottie Moore

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