Christian living 1 2 2015

FREE

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2015

DORIAN

Willes From criminal to adaptive athlete

REMEMBERING

Dilsher Memories of a boy PARENT

Leadership

Elders of the family

RICK

Monroe

Making old Word new

Teaching and Talk New Life Live – Steve Arterburn • Family Talk – James Dobson • Insight for Living – Chuch Swindoll • Turning Point – David Jeremiah • Family Life Today – Dennis Rainey • Matt Slick Live – Matt Slick • Focus on the Family – Jim Daly • Truth for Life – Alistair Begg • Destined for Victory – Paul Sheppard • Adventures in Odyssey • Concepts of Faith – Charles Capps • Discover the Word • Enjoying Everyday Life – Joyce Meyer • In Touch – Dr. Charles Stanley • Just Thinking – Ravi Zacharias • Leading the Way – Michael Youssef • Love Worth Finding - Adrian Rogers • Paws and Tales • Running to Win - Erwin Lutzer •Through the Bible – Dr. J. Vernon McGee • New Life Live – Steve Arterburn • Family Talk – James Dobson • Insight for Living – Chuch Swindoll • Turning Point – David Jeremiah • Family Life Today – Dennis Rainey • Matt Slick Live – Matt Slick • Focus on the Family – Jim Daly • Truth for Life – Alistair Begg • Destined for Victory – Paul Sheppard • Adventures in Odyssey • Concepts of Faith – Charles Capps • Discover the Word • Enjoying Everyday Life – Joyce Meyer • In Touch – Dr. Charles Stanley • Just Thinking – Ravi Zacharias • Leading the

that Inspires, Encourages, and Edifies.

Way – Michael Youssef • Love Worth Finding - Adrian Rogers • Paws and Tales • Running to Win - Erwin Lutzer •Through the Bible – Dr. J. Vernon McGee •New Life Live – Steve Arterburn • Family Talk – James Dobson • Insight for Living – Chuch Swindoll • Turning Point – David Jeremiah • Family Life Today – Dennis Rainey • Matt Slick Live – Matt Slick • Focus on the Family – Jim Daly • Truth for Life – Alistair Begg • Destined for Victory – Paul Sheppard • Adventures in Odyssey • Concepts of Faith – Charles Capps • Discover the Word • Enjoying Everyday Life – Joyce Meyer • In Touch – Dr. Charles Stanley • Just Thinking – Ravi Zacharias • Leading the Way – Michael Youssef • Love Worth Finding - Adrian Rogers • Paws and Tales • Running to Win - Erwin Lutzer •Through the Bible – Dr. J. Vernon McGee • New Life Live – Steve Arterburn • Family Talk – James Dobson • Insight for Living – Chuch Swindoll • Turning Point – David Jeremiah • Family Life Today – Dennis Rainey • Matt Slick Live – Matt Slick • Focus on the Family – Jim Daly • Truth for Life – Alistair Begg • Destined for Victory – Paul Sheppard • Adventures in Odyssey

New Life Live - Steve Arterburn Family Talk - James Dobson Insight for Living - Chuck Swindoll Turning Point - David Jeremiah Family Life Today - Dennis Rainey Matt Slick Live - Matt Slick Focus on the Family - Jim Daly Truth for Life - Alistair Begg Destined for Victory - Paul Sheppard Enjoying Everyday Life - Joyce Meyer Through the Bible – Dr. J. Vernon McGee

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Serving the Treasure Valley for over 30 Years

Contents January / February 2015 “Because God has made us for Himself, our hearts are restless until they rest in Him.” — St. Augustine

Rick Monroe:

Volume 3, Number 1

Columns Faith: 10 Challenging Burn the memes

12

Outdoors with Dougherty: His best catch

Features 17 Breaking Free: Make someone’s day

6

Antique Bible restorer

Christian speakers:

Public speaking as service

8

14 Beatitudes-based program Celebrate Recovery: Parent leadership: Following 1 Peter 5

Louis Sheppard: Why he got fit

16 18

Cover Story —

from Home: 24 Notes Road trip Toolbox: 28 Marriage Marriage resolutions

This: 30 Consider Calling on God Daily Bread: 32 Your Reducing debt Health: 38 Maximum God’s medicine

Departments Spotlight: 25 Business Damsel in Defense

35 Creativity in the Kitchen: Post Christmas Recipes

The Brighter Side: Dorian Willes

Christa Starn:

Shaping body and soul

Sharon Doty:

Senior on a mission

20

Missionary Life: 36 The Remembering Dilsher

Publisher Sandy Jones Editor Gaye Bunderson gayeb@sterlingmedialtd.com 208-639-8301 Sales & Marketing Melva Bade melvab@sterlingmedialtd.com 208-631-3779 • Vin Crosby vinc.bcl@gmail.com 208-989-2097 • Sandy Jones boisechristianliving@gmail.com 208-703-7860 Graphic Design Denice King Contributors Brad Carlson, Dan Dougherty, Terry Frisk, Dani Grigg, Leo Hellyer, Ron Kern, Joel Lund, Rosie Main, Lauren Phillips, Brian Raymond, Angela Ruth Strong, and Dan Woodworth Distribution Specialists Idaho Distribution Services Cover Photo Jason Strum Website Design SEO Idaho Webmaster Design Liza Morgan Christian Living is committed to encouraging and instructing individuals in their daily lives by presenting stories of people in the Treasure Valley who are living on a foundation of faith in Jesus Christ and who serve as uplifting examples to others. Views expressed in Christian Living do not necessarily represent those of the publisher.

Every effort has been made by Christian Living to insure accuracy of the publication contents. However, we do not guarantee the accuracy of all information nor the absence of errors and omissions; hence, no responsibility can be or is assumed. All Rights Reserved. Copyright 2015 by Christian Living Magazine LLC. Christian Living is published every other month and is available in over 800 locations throughout the Treasure Valley, including most grocery stores, convenience stores, medical waiting areas, and churches.

If your church would like additional copies please email us today at boisechristianliving@gmail.com Find us on Facebook Badge

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Publisher’s Corner: New mercies Christian Living | January / February 2015

PUBLISHER’S Corner

His new mercies and my resolve do — and that’s when I remind myself that it’s

By Sandy Jones been foretold: “All have sinned and fall short of I am always amazed at how time flies by. the glory of God,” so I ask for His forgiveness, When I was a young mother I always felt like offer apologies, and move on. this only happened at the holidays — you made I’ve done this for enough time that it’s just beit through Thanksgiving with your sanity intact, come a part of who I am, but recently I had a thinking you had everything under control, and reminder that perhaps it had become rote, that the next thing you knew it was the weekend I’d let myself become too rushed and hurried before Christmas and you still had cookies to once again. Gratefully, this time the lesson was bake, fudge to make and gifts to wrap. The a relatively gentle, joy-filled one. finishing touches on the decorating were often It was November 19; my sister Vicki called done at midnight. saying that they were taking her daughter-inThese are things to look back on and laugh, law in for an emergency C-section. They knew right? I always believed that with enough practhis was a possibility all along through this tice I would get it all together and sail through pregnancy, but suddenly it was a scary realthe holidays. Instead I’ve discovered that as Sandy Jones, Publisher ity. During the call, Vicki explained that her we get older it feels like time speeds up. Those husband had a terrible cold and wasn’t able to weeks, months, and often years seem to fly past. Christian Living Magazine be with her at the hospital, but her daughter-inMany of my friends have shared this feeling with me so I know it’s not just me. No wonder every January people law’s family was there and I should just go on to church that make resolutions to slow down, to live healthier, to lose weight, evening. Right! Let’s see, my sister needed me and there was about to be a birth (I should mention that I come from a long to make themselves be better — then life happens. line of baby hogs).

I gave up New Year’s resolutions a long time ago, when I I don’t remember much of the drive from my home in Merealized that to be the person I really want to be it takes daily ridian to St. Luke’s Hospital in downtown Boise, but what I do resolve. I arise each morning dedicated to be the best person remember vividly about the evening was the relief and joy we I can be that day. I try to always do my best. Do I always sucall shared when Vicki’s son, Soren, came out of delivery to tell ceed? No. Does life sometimes just happen? You bet it does, but by taking it one day at a time, it is so much easier to forgive us everything had gone well, and to show us pictures of two beautiful, perfect babies, a boy and a girl. We knew they were yourself and start again, rather than taking on the next 365 days (or the rest of your life) all at once. It’s like the old saying, having twins, but suddenly the reality of seeing them — their beautiful little heads, fingers and toes, their perfect tiny noses “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time!”

— was wonderful. Then we got to touch, hold and feel God’s Even taking it one day at a time is impossible alone. I have precious miracles. to go to God and ask for an abundance of wisdom, courage Having prayed for these babies through the entire pregnancy, and strength, asking Him to guard my mouth so that what and now marveling once again at God’s creations, I had to go comes out of it only brings glory and honor to Him. Do I to the bathroom and cry, thanking and praising God for hearalways listen to His chiding? Again, no. Do I often fail? Yes I ing the many prayers lifted up to Him. Holding tiny 4-pound, 12-ounce Hope the next day, I suddenly realized that for all of my efforts to live intentionally, I’d allowed it to happen again; I’d gotten caught up in the day-to-day hustle and bustle.

I’m a self-confessed workaholic, and since I’m blessed to “do” Christian Living Magazine full-time, it’s easy to get carried away. But standing there that day, holding that sweet, precious baby, I realized that if I wasn’t careful, the next thing I would know she would be in school, then suddenly all grown up. What a beautiful reminder to remember that every day is a gift and that we need to not waste it. We need to get up, get dressed, live intentionally, and find a way to bless others every day.

As we go into this new year, I pray for us here at Christian Living Magazine, to have the wisdom to hear God’s call as we go forward showing His people acting as His hands and feet, right here in the Treasure Valley. I hope that you’ll let us know if we’ve touched your life in some way; or perhaps if you know of someone or a group doing wonderful things for His glory, that you’ll share that with us. That is, after all, where so many of our story ideas come from — people just like you who made us aware.

I love that I get to call this my “job,” but it’s really a blessing to me to get to meet so many of you, and share the passion I Hope and Harper at 2½ weeks old. feel about our mission. God bless! n

January / February 2015 | Christian Living

www.boisechristianliving.com

Upcoming Events: Gospel workshop planned for February 7 The 19th annual Gospel Music Workshop and Concert will be held Saturday, February 7, at Valley Shepherd Church of the Nazarene, 150 W. Maestra St. in Meridian.

Registration takes place from 8:30 a.m. to 9 a.m.; the workshop (with a lunch break) will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and the concert begins at 7 p.m.

The registration fee of $30 includes a day-long workshop, packet and a “soul food” lunch. The evening concert is free, but a free-will offering will be taken. Proceeds from the offering help support the work of the Community Ministries Center at 3000 Esquire Dr. in Boise.

Featured clinicians for the workshop include gospel singers Tim and Sharon Poston, Sherral Jackson, Dion Williams and Marie Jackmon. Tim Poston performs on a Hammond B3 organ.

Pre-registration is encouraged by calling 378-7774 or 362-3528. n

Celebrating Missions set for February 28 The Ustick Baptist Church, 14301 W. McMillan Rd. in Boise, will hold a conference titled “Celebrating Missions: God’s Work Around the World” from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Saturday, February 28. The conference is free and a light breakfast and lunch will be provided with pre-registration at ustickbaptist.org.

John Boyd, president and CEO of Mission Aviation Fellowship in Nampa, will be the keynote speaker. In addition to highlighting Mission Aviation Fellowship there will be two workshop sessions with mission organizations such as Expansion International, Free Wheelchair Missions, Genesis World Missions, World Relief, Destiny Rescue, BLF (Bibles and Literature in French), and New Tribes Missions. n

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Christian Living | January / February 2015

RICK Monroe

Bible restorer makes old Word new

Rick Monroe is shown in his Kuna living room/library, where he holds an open 1608 Geneva Bible and a 1790 William Young Bible. The Geneva Bible precedes the King James translation of the Bible into English by 51 years. (Photo by Brad Carlson)

By Brad Carlson Rick Monroe’s hunt for folio-sized leather from the mid1700s wasn’t going too well, but tooling or even torching a newer piece just didn’t seem right for an 18th century Martin Luther Bible owned by someone else.

Monroe has some 400 historic Bibles and Christian texts in his Kuna home. He restores many, aiming to use period leather as much as possible instead of blending new and old.

“Mine is a restoration to allow the original beauty and patina to remain,” he said.

Ideally, the observer sees a preserved original but not much evidence a restorer worked on it, Monroe said. He started collecting historic Bibles and Christian texts four years ago, and after consulting another restoration enthusiast started working on some of them.

“We want to preserve the Word of God and its beauty,” Monroe said. “And I would love to have Christians become more acquainted with the richness of the writings of historic ministers of the Gospel.”

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Monroe, 55, also is an acrylic painter and has been an archival framer of artwork. He makes a living mainly by restoring classic auto trim. He graduated from high school in Beaverton, Ore. He and his wife, Janice, moved to Idaho in July 2014 from San Antonio, Texas.

He found good news and bad news in the Martin Luther Bible he was trying to restore for a New York-based seller of Bibles and Christian texts. There wasn’t much leather left on its page boards (hardback book cover) of around 18 inches high by 10 inches across. But the text block, the most valuable part of an antiquarian book, he said, was in good shape. Margins weren’t cut to add strength for re-stitching, for example.

Finding period leather is extremely difficult for large books despite the hobby’s presence in online forums and auction marketplaces, Monroe said. The Luther volume could have been reworked with period leather on the spine blended with newer material out on the boards, but that wasn’t desired.

As it turned out, suitable board-sized leather could not be

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found after about a month, and Monroe’s customer sold the folio. Both considered the point at which an antiquarian Bible, folio or other historic Christian book is better off staying as-is.

“It all comes down to personal preference in many cases,” Monroe said. Someone might restore an antiquarian Bible for family or sentimental reasons even though its monetary value is diminished by the lack of a general title page, for example.

“Many people just want an attractive and / or sturdy volume to read and enjoy,” he said. “I actually go back and forth myself as to if I will or will not restore some of my own, personal books.”

Most books Monroe owns are in good condition, but about a third aren’t restored because he likes them that way or hasn’t gotten to them. He generally doesn’t sell them, and he sometimes gets a desired volume in exchange for handiwork like using linen cloth to strengthen a spine for re-backing and to accommodate realigning a text block.

In early November 2014, he prepared to restore a Matthew Henry folio set of biblical commentaries from 1737 (fourth edition, unabridged). Monroe will use newer leather because he has it and because the set’s five volumes are large. Another project will be to re-back a 1704 folio of The Complete Works of the Author of The Whole Duty of Man (Richard Allestree) and reattach burgundy Morocco leather featuring gold gilt embellishments.

He owns and restored a 1790 Bible that was one of about 300 the printer William Young produced. Monroe’s 1608 Geneva Bible is an un-restored original written in quill and including an owner’s family history. He said he’ll also leave un-restored A Call to the Unconverted, written by Richard Baxter, printed in 1805 and once owned by Lewis and Clark Expedition member Ebenezer Tuttle, he said. This volume, acquired for $20 in an online auction, will be donated to the expedition’s museum.

Monroe has a Bible history and folio he says was owned by Thomas Fisher, one of six Quakers to receive the first pardon

by President George Washington for maintaining a neutral position during the Revolutionary War. “It does need some restoration, but I like it the way it is,” Monroe said. The oldest book in the collection as of early November was a 1585

Rick Monroe of Kuna has a vast collection of antique Bibles and Christian books. Shown here, standing vertically, is a mid-1800s folio King James Bible, abundantly illustrated and including Alexander Fletcher (Scottish minister and author) notes. Lying flat on the table, open and with illustration showing, is a 1683 King James Version of the New Testament, published in Oxford, England and also heavily illustrated. Also on the table is a 1608 Geneva Bible. (Photo by Brad Carlson)

Thomas Bilson book with vellum binding. Bilson, along with Miles Smith, oversaw the final edit and printing of the King James Bible.

Many of Monroe’s books are displayed in his home, and he recently acquired a showcase cabinet with oak, glass and interior lighting to show some he stored in hard cases or boxes previously. n Brad Carlson is an area freelance writer.

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Christian Living | January / February 2015

IDAHO Christian Speakers

In this group, public speaking is service

By Gaye Bunderson Call it stage fright, speech anxiety or glossophobia, an estimated 75 percent of people experience some degree of nervousness when it comes to public speaking. Members of an organization called Idaho Christian Speakers are available to step up to the podium and present because, for them, public speaking is Candy Troutman both an art and an avenue of service.

“We come from a posture of service — serving the Lord and churches, not ourselves,” member Kirsten Holmberg said.

The group was formerly known as Speakers 4 Him but changed the name to Idaho Christian Speakers during the summer of 2014. “The original name seemed too informal,” Candy Troutman, group founder, said.

Two things the six current members all have in common is professional credentials that speak for themselves and an enthusiasm for something most people prefer to avoid. Troutman said she first started speaking at her church at a women’s luncheon. “I loved it. It’s where I have the most joy,” she said.

“I love it too; it’s so fun for Carly Bartlett me,” said Holmberg, who recalls her first speaking engagement in 1999 at a church workshop in Colorado.

Troutman started Speakers 4 Him in about 2012. Originally, she learned all she could about what she calls “the speaker industry” on social media and found speaker groups through research. However, she wanted to launch a speaking-based ministry specifically with and for Christians.

It was then that she found herself running across people who felt speaking was God’s call on their lives.

“It didn’t quite gel for a couple of years. Now, there’s a core group. We’re all committed to the group and to each other. We’re committed to the same goals, though not necessarily the same journey,” Troutman said.

“We want to sharpen each other,” Holmberg said, quotCindy Penner ing Proverbs 27:17: As iron

January / February 2015 | Christian Living

sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.

Credentials for membership are stringent. Members are vetted and must provide a professional head shot, a video clip of a speech, biographical information, and references. They must have a website that has at least one page dedicated to a speaking ministry and an active presKirsten Holmberg ence on at least one social media platform. They undergo a personal interview with the board of Idaho Christian Speakers and must agree with the organization’s statement of faith.

The vetting process addresses the group’s intent to maintain high standards. Troutman said she has sometimes been acutely aware of the lack of quality in anything labeled “Christian,” as though quality were an afterthought and just “doing it for Jesus” was all that mattered. By contrast, many secular programs seemed polished and of higher quality. She wanted to promote the same standard of excellence in Christian events.

“What appealed to me about the group was it put me in contact with like-minded people who care about speaking about God’s Word accuRaini Bowles rately,” said Holmberg, who has been in the group for two years. “Our chief aim is to please God.” It is, after all, the quality of their message, she said, that opens the doors to people’s hearts and allows Him to work.

The strict vetting process is to guarantee all members are reputable, as the reputation of the group as a whole is on the line, according to Troutman.

“We want to make it worth investing in a speaker, with a presentation that is wellcrafted and well-delivered,” Holman said.

Speaking fees are negotiated by the individual members; there are no membership dues to belong to Idaho Christian Speakers, and no percentage of fees goes to the group.

Membership is only open at certain times of the year.

Interested people are welcome Sheli Gartman to visit the group’s website at

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Christian Living Magazine and

Readers Blessing Others Campaign

THANK YOU

To all who volunteered their time For the First Annual Readers Blessing Others Campaign Ron Kern Heather Kern Bree Gager Emily Bridges Gaye Bunderson

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idahochristianspeakers.com for more details, as membership opens again in January.

Some brief biographical information about current members includes the following. More information is available on the website, along with each member’s mostrequested topics: • Carly Bartlett — Bartlett serves on the youth and young adult pastoral team at Eagle Nazarene Church and holds an MBA from Northwest Nazarene University.

She is currently pursuing her master of divinity degree at Nazarene Theological Seminary.

• Cindy Penner — Penner is a regular speaker and volunteer victim advocate for Mother’s Against Drunk Driving. She is also a life, health, grief and relationship coach, as well as a founding board member of Thomas Jefferson Charter School in Caldwell.

• Sheli Gartman — Gartman travels throughout the world, and for more than 20 years has worked with churches, large corporations, small businesses, nonprofits and individuals who are seeking to maximize their effectiveness and influence.

• Raini Bowles — Bowles is a Christian life coach, professional speaker and freelance writer who began speaking to church groups 25 years ago. She uses God’s Word as the foundation of her talks and weaves in stories that bring them to life in a relevant and real way.

Troutman’s past experiences include childhood poverty, abuse and neglect but also a firm footing in Jesus Christ, whom she says put her on a path toward joy. A passionate speaker and member of Toastmasters, she has been described as a “truthful encourager.”

Holmberg has written and taught Bible studies for more than a decade, and also wrote a book titled “Advent with the Word” in 2010. Her ministry style has been defined as both instructive and inspirational.

Though the current membership is all female, interested men are invited to join as well. The group seeks to have speakers for every event need.

Troutman admits she used to feel that public speakers were generally seen as self-promoting, with their own agenda to sell, or that maybe they were people with big egos and lacking in humility. She has since become comfortable with the idea that speakers are merely using their God-given gifts, and that the women of Idaho Christian Speakers are particularly strong women and that’s OK. “God wants to use your gifts to change lives,” she said. n

Christian Living | January / February 2015

CHALLENGING Faith

What if you got that wrong? Burn the memes!

By Joel Lund If you spend any time on social media you’ve seen them. In fact, they’re impossible to avoid. Memes, memes, memes.

Everywhere there are memes.

On the off-chance you don’t know what a meme is, the word comes from the Greek.

According to Wikipedia, a meme (pronounced “meem”), is “an idea, behavior, or style that spreads from person to person within a culture.” In short, a meme represents a cultural idea, often delivered in a symbolic way. You’ll see a picture, sometimes with a famous person, with a caption describing what that person is thinking.

Many memes will communicate a concept meant to be accepted as a truth.

Why do I bring them up here? Because so many are wrong.

Recently a friend shared a meme on his Facebook page. It said something like this:

Most saddening to me in all this is that fellow believers have thoroughly embraced this prideful point of view, that has them agreeing with being rid of fools.

What if they got that wrong?

A man’s wisdom gives him patience; It is his glory to overlook an offense.

— Proverbs 19:11

Oops!

A quick review of Romans 9 reminds us that had God chosen our worldview of what is actually “wise,” we’d all be doomed, rather than redeemed. And yet believers are the quickest to adopt this impulse to cut Joel Lund is an executive coach, specializing in helping people powerfully use their off relationships with fellow believers, in my entrepreneurial DNA to make an impact on experience. More times than I care to count, those they lead in private, public and church I have been the “fool” in their perspective, sectors. He is an award-winning author in and I’ve been cut off. Just like that. Because it non-fiction and fiction (under his pen-name is wise. It must be, because the meme said so!

Brandon King). Starting in his teens, Lund Believers would do well to remember that Fools take a fork and stab a person has been an engaging speaker, and has pre- two Apostles, Peter and Paul, had a huge and sented all over North America. In a former in the back. very public disagreement with each other. Vilife, he earned two degrees in Christian A wise person takes the fork, sualize how that would work in our day: Paul studies and served full-time for 8 years in cuts the cord, youth ministry. Want to know more? Visit stands up in a crowded church and condemns PrepareForRain.com.

Peter for hypocrisy. Very public. No room to and frees themselves of fools. wiggle. Peter stares at Paul, slack jawed by this stinging rebuke, as he scrambles with how to respond.

So what’s the problem? Kinda makes sense, right? We all Peter didn’t respond with a meme. know fools. We all want to be rid of them in our lives. There He did what we are all called to do as believers. He sought are hundreds of memes that mean to communicate this kind out true wisdom. He sought out Truth. And he owned his erof truth. So it must be right. ror, repented of it and sought reconciliation with his brother The problem is that we accept these things as truth. You’ll see loads of people pile on and comment about how insight- in Christ. Rather than immediately break away from that ful memes like this are. What troubles me most is when I see trouble-making, negative guy named Paul, he sought to make things right with him and those around him, within their felfriends who are believers pile on with just the same enthusiasm. If there is a negative person in your life, you just need to move on! lowship, as well as those outside of it.

If we as believers gleefully congratulate ourselves for being they’ll say. wise when we dump others, how will those outside of the faith Why does this matter? Because we’ve all been that negaever be drawn into the church? Simple answer. They won’t. tive person at some point. We’ve all been the fool, probably As believers, we’re not given the option to just dump people at many points. So gleefully arguing that we should all walk because we don’t agree with them or they don’t agree with us. away from a person that we have been… and will be again… is We dare not cut them off because they called us on a hurtful just silly. behavior. Doing this doesn’t make us wise. It just makes us like And it is arrogant. We all want to be wise, don’t we? But are we wise enough to notice the unspoken arrogance in that the rest of the world, unwilling to face our own actions.

But that’s not what our Savior calls us to be. meme quote above? Wouldn’t it be better to be so wise that we cut the cord and free ourselves of fools?

All this is from God, who reconciled us to I would argue it simply makes us pretentious, not wise.

The more we lean into this way of thinking — and acting himself through Christ and gave us the ministry — the more mean-spirited we can become, all the while of reconciliation… — 2 Cor. 5:18 feeling smug about how “wise” we are. Hmm. Not quite the type of person that we would want to become.

Will we always reach reconciliation with others? No. But What’s more, how do we square this impulse to be rid of are we called to try? Yes, without a doubt. And wouldn’t you negative people in our lives — those fools that getting rid want to be wrong on that side of the ledger? of makes us “wise” — with our faith? That doesn’t sound Next time we’ll take a look at those times when it is appropriate like something Jesus would do. Nowhere in the Bible do I — even necessary — to part ways with someone, even a fellow believer. find versus to support such behavior. But you don’t have to But know this: it is a much rarer circumstance than some believers regulook far to find loads of passages that actually counter such larly want to believe. n mean-spiritedness.

10 January / February 2015 | Christian Living

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OUTDOORS With Dougherty

An avid fisherman’s best catch ever Bluegill were our targeted fish. At first she just

By Dan Dougherty watched me catch them. She would put her foot At a seminar I once heard a presentation on lightly on my catch as I removed the hook and the three basic stages of life and how they mold then with a gentle kick return them unharmed us into who we are. Without wasting time and to the water. She was a fast learner and soon I space to elaborate, they include: 1 – Dreams had her fishing beside me. She became obsessed and Expectations, 2 – Growth and Living, and and I had a buddy that shared my passion.

3 – Experience and Memories.

We were using 4-pound test with size 12 All three stages are always with us, but the hooks and one small sinker on an 8-foot hand passing of time dictates in which one we priline. We kept our line wrapped around an old marily reside. It is definitely stage three for me. half gallon milk carton. Patty was competiPart of the seminar’s focus was the opportunity tive and each outing became a contest on who stage three presents to help us guide others could catch the most fish. I humored her and through their progression. I pray God can let her get close several times. On one of our use my experience and memories in a positive last trips I had to use my superior skills to assure manner.

Dan Dougherty enjoys almost the victory.

I recently had my memory jogged by my everything related to the outdoors, Dough balls made from bread from the kitchen friend Pete. My wife and I were on a trip with including a good joke. was our bait of choice. The bread came off eashim and his wife to St. George. He filled us in ily as the fish swarmed around it. Re-baiting was on the details of his recent Elk City hunt where a constant necessity. Unknown to her I introduced an artificial he killed his first elk, a nice 6 x 6 bull. He was with his brother and several old friends. His brother is from Spirit Lake, Idaho. lure into the fray. Using toenail clippers, I clipped several small In the conversation about the location of Spirit Lake, Newman strands of rope from ends of the tied boat cleats. I wrapped them around the hook in a whitish/gray lump imitating the Lake came up. It is in Washington about 25 miles from Spirit dough. I now could catch several fish before having to readjust Lake. Its mention brought back fond memories from many my bait. Being a true mentor, when our fishing was done I years ago. (Many, many!)

It was the middle of the summer of 1958. I was 9½. (Halves showed and explained to her my fishing setup. I saw a look of are really important when you’re young!) Our churches in the admiration followed by one I couldn’t quite place, making me feel somewhat uneasy. A look, after all these years, I underInland Empire conference held a joint one-week youth camp stand far too well! at Newman Lake. It was beautiful. A large, two-story lodge On Saturday, the day before camp ended, the camp cook with a dining hall and guest rooms was the central point. The told us to keep a few of the bigger fish. If we brought them grounds had many small cabins and a couple of large dormito her she would prepare them for our Sunday breakfast. I tory-type buildings. Onsite, a picturesque chapel with sawdust figured Patty would resist because she probably did not want floor was used for evening services. to hurt the fish. I was greatly surprised at her quick agreement The property bordered the lake on the west. There was an and outward demonstration of excitement. area for softball and volleyball, several fire pits, and a row of We couldn’t wait to fish. I asked my father about how big the box hockey games. A sandy beach at a swimming area defined fish we chose to keep should be. He said, “About the size of the by floating logs and a long wooden dock was the main attraclength of palm of your hand.” On quick observation of my tion. A diving board, positioned over deep water, was at the end of the dock. A shorter dock with rowboats tied down each small hand he changed it to the width of a dock board. That afternoon Patty and I presented the cook with a dozen fish, side was also quite popular. all about the same size. The cook seemed impressed with our The youth and their counselors were housed in the dormitocatch. ries and cabins based on age and gender. The camp consisted Sunday we had a very special breakfast. We had a nice basket of youth from ages 12 to 18. The pastors, cooks, and other of deep-fried, filleted fish. Enough for ourselves and family non-counselor helpers, along with younger children, were housed in the lodge. That included me. My parents’ room was sitting with us. Eating them with catsup, I thought they were the best fish I ever ate. The others were all telling us how good just behind the large moose head hanging from the second they were. I could see on Patty’s face she shared the same pride story balcony railing.

I was feeling. With her southern accent the cook asked, “How’s The room next to ours was occupied by a close family friend the Bream?” We said, “Great!” I thought to myself, “What the and her two youngest daughters. Her other four girls were campers. Patty, the older of the two with her, was about a year heck is a Bream?” Later, my dad explained it to me.

I never fished with Patty again. We moved the next year. younger than me.

Several years later her mother was killed in a tragic accident.

I never really thought of her as a girl. She was just a good Her dad retired and with the insurance money bought an old friend and my camp buddy. As I think back I am surprised we dude ranch on the upper Umatilla River, where he raised his were never teased. It may be because she was such a tomboy daughters. In my junior year of high school we stayed there or they were afraid she would punch them out. (She would one evening. Patty and I reminisced about our old fishing days. have!)

She was a cheerleader for her high school. I certainly was As the week passed, the short dock became our hangout and fishing our favorite pastime. I had been fishing with Dad many aware now that she was a girl! She joked that if we were there times and considered myself an accomplished fisherman. Patty longer she would take me to the river and show me how to fish. I suppose I would have had to humor her again. was quite impressed with my fishing knowledge and abilities.

12 January / February 2015 | Christian Living

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Over the years I have asked several friends and colleagues why they didn’t hunt and fish with their wives. Answers ranged from “The wife didn’t like it, “I need my space/time,” to “I want to be with my friends.” One of the worst was, “I want to go with the guys, hunt, and get plastered.” The concept of drinking and hunting as a combined activity gives me much concern.

I feel God’s favor has truly blessed me. I never saw Patty again, but God gave me a wonderful wife, Peggy, who not only loves all sports but also fishes and hunts with me. She is very competitive and I must admit even out-fishes me, occasionally.

(I would put “rarely,” but she would protest.) Hunting with her does not exclude the rest of my friends. We all have a good time together. In the “Experience and Memories” stage of my life how could it be any better than to share it with my best friend — my wife. n

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Christian Living | January / February 2015 13

CELEBRATE Recovery

Program guided by the Beatitudes

By Sandy Jones Most everyone is familiar with 12-step programs and their intended purpose: helping addicts overcome their addiction through meetings and by following the plan. Although many groups acknowledge a “higher power,” the majority of these groups are just not specific about what that higher power might be.

Celebrate Recovery is a volunteer-run, Christ-centered 12-step program using eight recovery principles found in the Beatitudes. It doesn’t just focus on drug and alcohol addiction but also recovery from issues such as pornography, low self-esteem, need to control, depression, anger, co-dependency, fear of rejection, fear of abandonment, perfectionism, broken relationships and abuse. By applying biblical principles, it seeks to help members find peace, serenity, joy and a stronger personal relationship with God. Celebrate Recovery, or CR as it is often called, provides a safe, non-judgmental place where participants can openly share their issues, strengths and hopes with each other through caring fellowship. What is said in a CR meeting is confidential. They have a saying that is to be repeated in every Large Group meeting: “WHO you see here. WHAT you hear here. WHEN you leave here. STAYS HERE.” Through this principle it becomes easier to accept God’s grace and experience freedom from one’s behaviors.

Ten area churches host Celebrate Recovery meetings on various evenings throughout the week. There are also CRrelated programs for teens and kids available at Nampa First Church of the Nazarene and at Vineyard Christian Fellowship in Boise. (See locations, dates and times on the next page.)

The teen program is called The Landing and is an ongoing 52-week program, also based on the Beatitudes from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, for teenagers who are struggling. They may come from a dysfunctional home or have

14 January / February 2015 | Christian Living

faced crises in their life. Maybe they simply need help developing patterns of wise choices, or they wrestle with an addiction of some kind. Whatever their life story, they may need something more than a typical Sunday school class or youth group meeting. The Landing is a safe, healing place where teenagers can learn to live a freer, healthier, and more God-centered life.

Celebration Place is a 52-week program for children to complement Celebrate Recovery. While the adults conduct their meetings, kids can discover the same truths in ageappropriate ways. According to the Celebrate Recovery website: ”Celebration Place gives kids…

• Hope for all the amazing things God has in store for them • Truths that help them overcome life’s challenges by learning to lean on Jesus • Joy as they embark on a wonderful, year-long journey of songs, games, videos, impactful experiences and great conversation • Friendships with other children “It has everything you need to lead kids as they make Jesus the enduring, rock-solid foundation of their lives. Celebration Place is designed to inspire kids with hope, joy and happiness while they learn to rely on God.” For anyone looking to heal, while being encouraged to grow closer in his or her walk with the Lord, Celebrate Recovery may be just the answer, so instead of being The End – it’s really just The Beginning! n

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Celebrate Recovery Treasure Valley Locations Bethel Church of the Nazarene 3001 12th Ave. Rd., Nampa, ID Nampa - 83686 Contact Person: Pastor Jim Franklin Contact Number: 208-466-6344 Day Group Meets: Thursday Time Group Starts: 6:00pm Celebration Place: n/a The Landing: n/a Email: Pastorjim@bethelnazarene.org

Boise First Baptist Church 607 N. 13th Street, Boise, ID Boise - 83702 Contact Person: Brad Miller Contact Number: 208-344-7809 Day Group Meets: Monday Time Group Starts: 7:00 Celebration Place: n/a The Landing: n/a Email: bradmiller1029@gmail.com

Nampa First Church of the Nazarene 601 16th Ave. South, Nampa, ID Nampa - 83686 Contact Person: Barry Lucas Contact Number: (208) 466-3549 Day Group Meets: Tuesday Time Group Starts: 7:00pm Celebration Place: Yes The Landing: Yes Email: blucas@nfcnaz.org

River Valley Community Church 1115 N. Garden St., Boise, ID Boise - 83706 Contact Person: Alonzo Tyler Contact Number: 208-342-1751 Day Group Meets: Sunday Time Group Starts: 7:00pm Celebration Place: n/a The Landing: n/a Email: rivervalley@cableone.net

Fill My Cup Church of the Nazarene 3 W. Concord St., Middleton, ID Middleton - 83644 Contact Person: Ken Cross Contact Number: 208-550-2202 Day Group Meets: Sunday Time Group Starts: 6:00pm Celebration Place: N/A The Landing: N/A Email: kencross@fill-my-cup.org

Vineyard Christian Fellowship 4950 N. Bradley Street, Boise, ID Boise - 83714 Contact Person: Joseph Ingrao Contact Number: (208) 377-1477 ext. 115 Day Group Meets: Friday Time Group Starts: 6:00pm Celebration Place: Yes The Landing: Yes Email: joe.ingrao@vineyardboise.org

Sacred Heart Catholic Church 811 S. Latah, Boise, ID Boise - 83705 Contact Person: Randy Williams Contact Number: 208-602-5667 Day Group Meets: Thursday Time Group Starts: 6:00pm Celebration Place: n/a The Landing: n/a Email: lisieux4u@clearwire.net

Deer Flat Free Methodist 17703 Beet Road, Caldwell, ID Caldwell - 83607 Contact Person: Earnie Lewis Contact Number: 208-454-3353 Day Group Meets: Wednesday Time Group Starts: 6:00 Celebration Place: n/a The Landing: n/a

Community Bible Church 120 E. 3rd St., Emmett, ID Emmett - 83617 Contact Person: Ron Wood Contact Number: 208-365-3712 Day Group Meets: Tuesday Time Group Starts: 7:00 p.m.

Celebration Place: N/A The Landing: YES Email: communitybiblechurch@hotmail.com This list is from the Celebrate Recovery NationalWebsite. www.celebraterecovery.com

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Christian Living | January / February 2015 15

ELDERS of the Family

The leadership role of Christian parents seems fairly obvious, but the draw of worldly

By Dan Bobinski ways surrounding us is strong. With input When my wife and I started a ministry for from God, we need to decide what our families last year, one catalyst was a fervent boundaries are going to be, and then set the belief that families are the core unit of tone for our families. This doesn’t mean we society. In our effort to be effective stewards, need to Bible-thump our kids. A firm-butwe studied many different admonitions to gentle spirit is better for representing Christ. leaders, one of which was the instructions As a Christian dad, I like the analogy of a given in 1 Peter 5. Although the passage is steel hand in a velvet glove, because a gentle written to elders in a church, we perceived spirit goes a long way. that the verses could just as easily be applied Finally, we need to remember that the to parents — because parents serve as the entire family of God experiences trials just elders of their families. like we do. For that reason, I am a strong For example, think about the instructions believer that Christian parents establish felin 1 Peter 5:8-9 from a parent’s point of lowship with other Christian parents. Note view. We’re told to be alert and have a sober that the word “establish” is a proactive verb, mind, to resist the Devil who is looking for Daniel Bobinski is the main teacher at people to devour, and to stand firm, knowing Family Experience Church (fxchurch.net), one that requires initiative. So many people I know confide that they wish they had deeper that the entire family of believers is enduring and also the owner of Workplace-Excellence.com, an international training and relationships with other Christians, but simulthe same kind of trials as us. consulting firm based in the Treasure Valley. taneously admit they aren’t doing much about It should go without saying, but I believe it.

Christian parents seeking to be strong and Sometimes what’s holding us back from fellowship with alert should strive to follow the example of Christ every day others is fear of rejection — a fear of not measuring up to through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. This doesn’t mean somebody else’s definition of what it means to be a Christian. we aren’t going to sin — we will. But when we fall, we’re to pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, identify what we could do Another reason could be a lack of time in one’s busy schedule.

Any number of obstacles could be getting in the way. Allow better or different next time, and then proceed with our lives, me to encourage you to make fellowship with other Christians striving to apply what we’ve learned. a higher priority. This could be as simple as inviting a fellow I also believe that the above is best accomplished while havchurchgoer to meet you for coffee. If you’re a Christian dad, ing an ongoing conversation with God, and not trying to do it in our own strength. The instruction to “pray without ceasing” you could invite other Christian dads to meet once a month just to talk about what it means to be a Christian dad. The does not mean we must spend all of our waking moments in same could go for Christian moms. intercessory prayer. Early in my Christian walk I learned that However you do it, just be sure to keep God in all of these “prayer” is simply a fancy word for talking with God. With conversations. It’s not a time to see who’s more Christian or that, I take the instruction to “pray without ceasing” to mean we should have an ongoing conversation with God throughout who can put on a better face. Quite the opposite. It’s about becoming transparent and real, to be supported and to offer the day. support. I think you’ll be surprised at the number of “golden Think of it this way: Since we become like the people we nuggets” you find whenever you meet with other believers and hang around, the more we hang around (i.e., talk) with God, talk about the Lord. the more likely it is that we’ll become like Him. Conversely, if Just keep in mind that the meetings you initiate we’re not making a conscious choice to follow after Him, don’t have to be part of a church-sanctioned then by default we easily start adapting to the ways program! These meetings I’m sugof the world, setting ourselves up to be led gesting are simply in keeping with astray and devoured.

Hebrews 10:25, which reminds Madison Avenue advertisers have done us to gather together so we can their job well. Sin is marketed to us encourage one another. with well-polished shine, accompaThe bottom line here is nied by a list of benefits we will rethat for us parents to serve ceive if we just do as they suggest. as the elders for our famiTherefore, allow me to ask a lies, we need to be alert, question that was once asked of we must stand firm to me: If these happen to be the avoid being devoured, end times, and believing what and we must offer supJesus said about the end times port to and be supportbeing like the days of Noah, ed by other Christian do you want to be counted parents. After all, the among those God left behind stronger our individual to drown, or do you want to be families are, the stronger like Noah, and be found righthe entire Body of Christ teous in your generation? will be. n As a Christian, the answer

16 January / February 2015 | Christian Living

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BREAKING Free

Pay it forward, make someone’s day

By Brian Raymond

“Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you.” — Diana, Princess of Wales In the year 2000, the movie “Pay It Forward” chronicled the life of a young boy (Haley Joel Osment) who attempted to make the world a better place through random acts of kindness. Since then many other movies, YouTube videos, movements and people have demonstrated untold random acts of kindness throughout the United States and beyond. This phenomenon, however, is anything but new. The Bible tells us, in fact, that there is “nothing new under the sun” — Ecclesiastes 1:9 Jesus demonstrated the ultimate act of kindness to the world through sacrificing His life for us so that we may have everlasting life. During His time on Earth, Jesus gave us instruction through His various teachings as to how we could be more like Him. In Luke chapter 6:27-31, He stated: “But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either. Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back. And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.”

We are instructed, therefore, to be selfless, sacrificial, and to give freely without expecting anything in return.

In a world that emphasizes self, God calls us to be set apart and to stand out in contrast from those who do not have a relationship with Christ.

It has been concluded through various research studies over the last few decades that those who give to others will experience less depression and less anxiety, will be sick less often, and will report an overall improved quality of life as opposed to those who tend to be stingy and selfish. Altruism and happiness appear to be synonymous.

A couple of months ago I had driven to Jack-In-TheBox for lunch. I ordered at the drive-thru and as I approached the window I gathered my dollars and my change to give to the cashier. To my surprise I was told by the cashier that the elderly lady in the car in front of me had already paid for my lunch. I drove away with a smile on my face and newfound warmth in my soul. Little did the lady who bought my lunch that day realize how difficult my day had been up to that point. Her random act of kindness demonstrated Christ’s love to me that day in an extremely tangible way.

In 2015 and beyond, my challenge is to remain focused on the needs of others. I challenge those of you who are inspired by this article to do the same. Together we will be Jesus to a world that often cannot see past the end of its nose. n Brian Raymond is a licensed clinical social worker specializing in Nouthetic/Biblical counseling. In January 2010 he was the co-founder of Christian Clinical Concepts, LLC in Nampa. He is currently in private practice at Christian Clinical Concepts. He may be contacted at 475-1875 Monday through Friday.

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Christian Living | January / February 2015 17

LOUIS Sheppard

Taking care of his personal temple

Louis Sheppard weighed 350 pounds when the photo at left was taken. He realized his responsibilities to his family included more than making money. They also included taking better care of himself. The photo at right shows him trimmed down to 230 pounds. The Sheppard family includes Louis, wife Jamie, daughter Brooklyn, and son JaMarcus.

By Gaye Bunderson Louis Sheppard took on a big project in 2013: himself.

Sheppard weighed 350 pounds at roughly 5 feet, 11 inches.

One of the primary turning points toward a healthier lifestyle came when he saw his childhood best friend, Dennis “Tis” Chang, at Chang’s funeral. Tis had been struck down by a heart attack at 37.

“It affected me deeply, seeing him in the casket,” Sheppard said. “Then I saw myself. If I kept going in the same direction, I would be dead by 43. You can’t be that big and think you’re going to live long.”

Sheppard not only resolved to lose weight and get fit for his own well-being, he did it for his family too. The father of two young children, a son and a daughter, he worked to help pay the mortgage and put food on the table; he knew that was his responsibility. But what would it all amount to if he died of a heart attack and left his wife and children behind?

“My family looks to me for support and guidance on so many levels,” Sheppard said.

Many things happened to him during the course of his journey to wellness, and because he is a man of faith, he doesn’t attribute any of it to coincidence.

18 January / February 2015 | Christian Living

For example: he went to an expo at a local fitness center one weekend and met a trainer named Dax. As a financial expert with Wells Fargo Advisors, Sheppard goes door to door introducing himself to potential clients. He chose a random neighborhood in the Warm Springs area on a Monday morning and quite unexpectedly knocked on Dax’s door. The two men were surprised to see one another and later, as Sheppard was leaving, Dax said, “I’ll see you at the gym tonight.”

“Excuses could have popped into my head for not going to the gym,” Sheppard said. But the chance encounter with Dax helped set his commitment to working out.

“I’m a man of God; I know when faith happens,” he said.

A gregarious and voluble man, Sheppard opens up about the common experience of being young and single and taking good care of yourself because you’re in search of a mate. “You dress up, you look good. Once you’re married, you go from wearing nice clothes to wearing sweats,” he said.

Eating habits take a turn for the worse along with the downturn in grooming.

His wife of nine years, Jamie, joined him in the gym, and the couple took along their children, putting them close by in the gym’s daycare. Jamie has been successful in her own weight loss program, dropping 45 pounds.

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Sheppard said it was intimidating working out at first, but he learned to take it step by step, to break it down into small increments, one day at a time, one pound at a time.

Also intimidating was working out among a gym clientele of mostly younger, fitter people — but they found him inspirational, to his surprise.

“They would come up to me and my wife and tell us we were doing really well. I didn’t even know they were watching me,” he said. “They’d say, ‘You’re inspiring me,’ and I thought I was just inspired by them.”

Now down to 230 pounds, Sheppard feels he’s on a life track to help others become fit.

“This is my mission now. When God wants you, He’ll give you every opportunity to come to Him. But people are hardheaded. He gets your attention the hard way if He has to. He got my attention through my friend’s death. It hurt... but I then thought, ‘Let me get my body, my temple in order,’” he said.

At age 40, he entered his first bodybuilding competition this past November at Big Jon Fitness in Nampa. He was the only entrant in the super heavyweight category, but he was less concerned about winning a competitive trophy than about serving as an example to others. He also did it for his late friend Tis. “Making a transformation like Louis did has nothing to do with going to the gym. Overweight people go to the gym all the time and never change their body. The difference was

that for 18 months, Louis made a commitment to changing the way he ate,” Jon Buettner, owner of Big Jon Fitness, said. “There are many programs out there, but the key is to stick with something and that is what he did and that is the message he can get across to others is how he stuck with it for 18 months.

“Going to the gym is the easy part; actually controlling your cravings and telling yourself no is the hard part. But he did it.”

Sheppard’s daughter hasn’t even been exposed to bad food, and his son is shifting toward better choices. “My son asks, ‘Is this healthy?’ It’s a family thing,” Sheppard said.

He and his wife prepare meals in advance, generally on Sundays, so there’s always something ready. That helps eliminate the need to grab fast food on the go or make afterwork excuses about being too tired to cook a healthful meal.

Excuses are something Sheppard is very familiar with.

“I was the king of excuses,” said the former Queens, N.Y. resident. “The biggest excuse is always ‘I don’t have time.’

But it’s not the time; it’s the priority — making health your No. 1 priority.”

He exhorts others to join him on the journey. “Let’s get healthy,” he said. n For more information, contact Louis Sheppard at ljshep@hotmail.com, follow him on Twitter @LouisJSheppard or “Like” him on Facebook at The Tis Effect.

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Christian Living | January / February 2015 19

COVER STORY The Brighter Side

Three months to

Left: Dorian Willes lost part of his leg in a gun battle with police.

Other injuries included limited use of his left arm and hand, and blindness in one eye. Above: Dorian participates in an adaptive skeleton sledding competition. (Courtesy photos)

By Ronald Kern Just a number of weeks ago, Dorian Willes stared headfirst down a 1,475-meter track with less than eight inches and a thin steel sled separating his body from the track and the 100 mileper-hour ride that would take him to the finish line. This took place after nine minutes of training under his belt. He earned second place in the North America Cup competition in Calgary.

Now, this January, Dorian is hoping to qualify for the United States’ first-ever Olympic adaptive skeleton team during qualifying rounds in Austria.

If that wasn’t enough, he recently competed in his first fitness competition, where he earned fifth place in his division and took home “The Most Inspirational Athlete” award. Although he was a heavily recruited soccer player during high school and college, sports at this intense level is new to him.

At first glance it’s obvious he is in outstanding shape. He’s tall, muscles clearly visible under his clothes, and possesses a commanding presence. He is so happily married that when I sat down with him and his wife Billy, I thought I was back in high school or on hidden camera, they were so giddy, giggly, and in love.

There is one visible difference: he has a prosthetic right leg.

However, if he removed his shirt you would be able to see small scars all over his body, literally from head to toe. The scars tell the story of a difficult past, one that most people would never imagine nor live through, and the scars are more than physical.

20 January / February 2015 | Christian Living

Experimenting with marijuana and alcohol at the age of 12, his drug use escalated over the next decade and included cocaine, meth, and everything in-between. At the age of 26 he was a very successful business owner, had all of the “toys,” and lived in a very nice home. He felt he was a very “functional” drug addict, even though substances, and abusing them, had been prevalent from the start.

“Within six months I lost everything due to drugs. I went from having it all: PTA, soccer coach, and successful, to living out of my truck. I started stealing, then dealing, and then became an enforcer,” Dorian said.

On the streets it’s called a collector, which means he took whatever means necessary to get what was owed. He was very good at it too, in a place where violence, strength, and brutality reign.

This eventually led to a life-changing event that took place on June 5, 2008, in Boise. This is a very lengthy story, but I’m only going to give you a surface overview of it. His story, complete and detailed from beginning to end, will be available in his upcoming book, slated for release late 2015.

On that June day, Dorian found himself in an apartment with police in all directions trying to capture him. He hid under a floorboard in the basement. Two officers finally located him, and as Dorian stood up and surrendered, the first gunshot sounded. Then another, another, and another. In total, Dorian was shot 21 times, bullets riddling his chest, back, arm, and leg.

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live or die

Dorian said he was then dragged up the concrete stairs by his feet, as his head crashed into each step.

Dorian said he had picked up a soldering gun during the chaos, but he never had a weapon and never claimed to have one.

He remained in a coma for three months and in the hospital a total of nine months. He had to relearn how to do many basic things, but the most difficult part for him, he said, was “…going in at 225 pounds and coming out at 130 pounds soaking wet.” I found this a bit comical considering all the traumatic injuries he suffered: loss of his right leg below the knee, limited use of his left arm and hand, and being blinded in one eye.

The physical scars will always remain, but the more poignant story is yet to come. Let’s take a look on The Brighter Side, and what he’s doing now.

“Whatever your past has been, just remember that your future is spotless.”

Dorian has not only turned his life around; he’s completely reshaped it and is now inspiring others. He is clean, sober, madly in love, a college graduate, helping other amputees, qualifying for the Olympics, and doing many other things that most just dream about. He is making a difference. He is leading by example. He is someone that allows his actions to speak for him. He is generous with his time and gives back to the community. With everything that has happened, Dorian said, “The biggest thing that happened to me over the last three years is my wife. She’s my everything and I wouldn’t be here without her.”

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You might see him running half-marathons, speaking at schools about the dangers of drugs, being a volunteer for The Idaho Meth Project, or making his family his number one priority. He is also president of Lim359, an organization that provides opportunities for people with limb loss and limb difference.

Dorian could complain, quit, give up, use his physical issues as an excuse, and just be angry with the world. Instead, he fights every day, fights for and strives daily to help others. He is a wonderful father, an attentive husband, and an incredible athlete. He has achieved many goals, one of which is “being a force to be reckoned with, but in a positive way,” he said.

In speaking with him I sensed a deep connection, the kind that only comes when I speak with someone of character, integrity, determination, passion and, most importantly, genuineness. I do understand he was not the nicest guy while on drugs, and his past includes great darkness. However, I feel now he is a beaming light of positive energy, motivating others. What he has accomplished is incredible, all things considered.

Dorian expressed that through it all, God clearly had a plan for him. In my research, I couldn’t find anyone, or another article, where someone had received more than 21 gunshots and lived to tell about it. Dorian and Billy clearly know that God has a hand in all that has transpired, a reason he lived, a reason he is doing all good and positive things now, and both are living testimonies of what He can do. In speaking about their relationship Billy said, “God aligned the stars at the right place at the right time, perfectly.”

I feel so lucky to have met him and consider him a close friend. He is a perfect example of not letting your circumstances dictate your happiness and proof that no matter what your past, you do have full control over your future. The choice is yours to make.

Dorian’s immediate goal is to raise funds for his trip to Austria for the Paralympic World Cup. If you can help him with travel costs, please visit giveforward.com and search his name to help. If you are interested in sponsoring him, please contact him personally at his email address, dorianwilles1@gmail.com. Dorian’s website, coming soon, will be dorianwilles.com. n A former business owner in Meridian for more than 20 years, Ronald Kern and his wife, Lisa, are now retired. They are founders of Kern Ministry Foundation, Inc., a nonprofit Christian organization that provides life’s essentials, medical supplies and educational resources for children, families and communities worldwide.

Kern is an entrepreneur, business and life consultant, author, motivational speaker and philanthropist. Contact him anytime at www.RonaldAKern.com or TheBrighterSide@icloud.com.

Christian Living | January / February 2015 21

CHRISTA Starn

Helping to shape body and soul

By Angela Ruth Strong With the new year comes New Year’s resolutions and an influx of new gym members determined to becoming healthier.

But if paying a chunk of money to compete for equipment in an intimidating environment is not for you, there is another option. Group fitness instructor Christa Starn offers free classes incorporating faith and fitness at her church.

Mondays and Wednesdays from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., a group of women meet at The Journey on Overland Road to combine pilates and yoga with Christian music and prayer for an experience that not only strengthens the body but the spirit and mind as well. Child care is also provided to make the ministry available to moms.

Christa began teaching fitness classes four years ago in order to quit her full-time job and stay home with her own children.

She said, “I knew God had great plans for me as I was so nervous stepping out in faith and quitting my office job of 10 years, but I could feel Him leading me that direction. It was a time of a lot of prayer and stress until I finally let go and let Him lead. And so many doors have been opened since.”

She started out teaching Zumba and Holy Yoga at Freedom Fitness in Kuna, a faith-based gym. Then, two years ago, she decided to offer classes for free at her church on top of her gym class schedule. She now teaches PiYo, which she considers to be a perfect mix of Zumba rhythms and yoga movements.

“I offer a workout that is challenging for anyone, but doable for anyone, as well, with lots of modifications. I want anyone to come and feel welcome.”

Jennifer Mann raves about the benefits. “PiYo is such a fun program,” she said. “I love it because I have foot and ankle issues that don’t allow me to do high impact sports anymore. It’s a low impact workout that’s easy on my joints yet challenges my body. I feel so strong and centered after a workout. And Christa is such a wonderful instructor. She’s so positive and motivating, which helps encourage me to get my workouts in.”

Participant Carolyn Muhlenkamp agrees. “I am a stay at home mom of two toddlers and I love having a place I can go twice a week to get in a great workout with other women while being able to bring the kids to an environment that I know is safe and fun for everyone. I have been going to the Faith and Fitness classes since September, and after just a few weeks I could feel a difference in my strength, energy, and attitude.

I recommend this class to anyone looking for a fun, friendly, encouraging, and uplifting place to go for a great workout.”

Christa’s coaching includes a few health tips that can be used by anyone, whether they attend her class or not: 1) Find something you love that is healthy physically.

Maybe it’s a fitness class, DVD, or playing a sport. It has to be something you enjoy or you will burn out and return to old habits.

2) Commit to a “challenge group” on Facebook or find a group that will support you and hold you accountable. This could even be one or two friends willing to check in with you regularly. Support and accountability will help make the change permanent.

3) Watch nutrition because food plays a very important role in your health as well, and you cannot out-exercise a bad diet.

Being aware of what you’re putting into your body and not overeating will make all the difference.

22 January / February 2015 | Christian Living

Christa Starn teaches PiYo classes (combined Zumba rhythms and yoga movements) at The Journey in Boise. (Courtesy photo)

4) Remember Jesus died for you and you are worth saving. Living a healthy lifestyle and modeling that to our loved ones enables us to do God’s will. This is the main issue most people forget to address. It reminds me of band-aiding the issue by looking at the symptoms instead of addressing the actual problem. Take the time to look within and know you’re worth taking care of.

No matter your fitness goals and no matter your personal beliefs, you are welcome to try out the class. Even Pastor Mike Boswell extends the invitation. “Christa has a passion for fitness,” he said. “She does a fantastic job, and we’re excited to open up the church building for it. We love to have people from the community come in.” n For more information, contact Christa at christastarn@yahoo.com or call her at 353-8312.

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NOTES From Home

Sleeping the road away (I wish) Instead, we had good old number two

By Dani Grigg on board: Andy. He’s two years old. He My four-year-old and I were looking at doesn’t “do” movies. His screen time of our globe recently, and I was excited to choice is “watching garbage trucks” on point out a new place to him. California. my phone. That means pulling up video We’d just returned from a food-and-famafter video of garbage trucks in action on ily-filled holiday visit there.

YouTube. (Side note: Did you know that First I pointed to a Boise-ish area on GROWN UP HUMANS make videos of the globe (state lines aren’t drawn out, so themselves pushing around toy garbage who knows what I was actually pointing trucks collecting toy trash from toy garbage at), and then I jumped my finger over to cans? If you were looking for a new hobby, San Francisco (which is hard to miss, with go ahead and take that one. No charge.) its signature bay). I reminded him about YouTube is not available in the desert, what we’d seen and done there, then went Dani Grigg is a Boise freelance writer, wife and so Andy was stuck with very few entertainon to (vaguely) point out some other states happy mother of two young sons. ment options: coloring printed-out pictures he’d visited or heard about. on a clipboard, squeezing the stress ball I’d But he was stuck on California. “Why are California and made him out of a balloon and playdough, eating snacks, rolling Idaho so close together?” he wanted to know. a matchbox car around on his leg, playing toddler games on my He asks me questions with no answers every day — “Why are people real? “ was a stumper recently — but this one made phone, flashing around a glow stick (because I’m a super cool mom and bring glow sticks on road trips) or sleeping. sense to me after a second.

Why could he not choose sleeping? For 11 hours, why did he The two places I’d pointed to were just a couple inches apart not choose sleeping? on the globe. It had taken us 11 HOURS to drive to CaliforI just can’t relate to that kind of wakefulness. Once I braved nia. It does NOT take 11 hours to drive two inches. the two-hour drive from Boise to McCall alone and had to pull It was a good question. I tried to explain about scale, but my over for a nap halfway through — on the way up AND the explanation was no good. (It probably would have been at least way back.

I’m practically narcoleptic in the car. The humming as productive to just say “UHHHHHHH” until he lost interest road, the soft seat, the pillow I bring when I’m in the passenger’s — maybe next time). But the point is, I feel his pain. It was by seat… it all adds up to naptime. no means a two-inch drive.

But not for Andy.

Instead, he chose grumpy wakefulness. The The good news is that Jonah proved he is an expert movie stress ball bought us a minute, the glow sticks maybe two. Most watcher on the road. We downloaded five movies onto my of the rest of the minutes were filled with requests to get out of iPad, and he watched all of them. Some more than once. We his carseat. heard very little from him, except when he freaked out because So fun. his brother’s foot was blocking the screen or when he anThe drive was worth it to see cousins — there are three little nounced it was time for a side-of-the-road potty break. boys in California who we love to pieces — but next time, as If he’d been our only rider, it would have been a blissful long as the globe is going to tell us lies about how far away San drive. I could have listened to podcasts or done some reading Francisco is, let’s just all pass the time the way road trip time is or slept while my husband drove. intended to be passed. ASLEEP. n

24 January / February 2015 | Christian Living

www.boisechristianliving.com

BUSINESS Spotlight

Damsel in Defense a platform of God

By Gaye Bunderson The Damsel in Defense website proclaims the company is “waiting on Him to show us the rest,” taking its cue from Romans 8:28: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

Damsel in Defense defines itself as a non-lethal defense company selling products such as stun guns and pepper spray that help women protect themselves.

“The world’s scary, but we’re taking it back,” Hannah Yancey, a local representative and sister of the company cofounder, said.

In 2011, Yancey’s sister Bethany Hughes and Mindy Lin launched the Idaho-based protection and empowerment company, which has grown into a nationwide enterprise. As of last October, the company had reached nearly a million dollars in sales. But this story is much bigger than business. It’s about faith, safety, and what a family can do when husbands, wives, a mother, and sisters come together.

According to statistics cited by Yancey, 1 in 4 women will be victims of assault during their lifetime. Bethany Hughes was herself an assault victim. The company has been a faith experience for her and other founding members. “It’s a platform of God,” Yancey said. “We give praise to God for moving and shaping the company.”

Along with sales of defense products, Damsel in Defense works to help victims heal and to reclaim the sense of security they lost. “We’re not just a product. … We don’t love you and leave you,” Yancey said.

She moved to the Boise area from Sacramento, Calif. a year ago. “I love it. There’s a sense of family here that California lacks,” she said.

However, she also wants to caution area women that, though the Treasure Valley is a wonderful and largely safe place to live, no woman anywhere should ever be cavalier about her personal security. “Our company doesn’t scare women; we want to teach you to be prepared. We’re trying to take down that ‘it could never happen to me’ attitude,” she said. “We want to make it a normal thing to carry pepper spray.”

Continued on page 33

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Christian Living | January / February 2015 25

SHARON Doty

71-year-old senior on a mission

Sharon Doty of Nampa displays one of the handmade floral creations she sells from her online, in-home business. She donates her profits to an organization called Faith Comes By Hearing. (Photo by Gaye Bunderson)

By Gaye Bunderson Sharon Doty of Nampa refers to herself as a senior on a mission. At 71, she has found a number of ways to serve the Lord through her innate ingenuity.

“I’m overly creative,” she said, without a trace of pretentiousness. In fact, when it comes to her many projects, she prefers to fly under the radar. Visit her house, however, and it’s easy to realize it’s inhabited by a woman who likes to work with her hands. The walls of the home and its shelves — even its garage — are all tastefully filled with her handicrafts. She has taken those crafts and turned them into a funding source for ministry. She gives her profits to an organization called Faith Comes By Hearing.

She first heard about Faith Comes By Hearing at Lakeview Bible Church on West Greenhurst Road in Nampa. As she explains it, the organization “creates machines like tape recorders that are sun-powered or have a hand crank and present the New Testament in a dramatized way to people who have never heard the Gospel and cannot read in their own language.”

The organization is based in Albuquerque, N.M. and is an interdenominational, nonsectarian nonprofit, according to its website at faithcomesbyhearing.com. Its core emphasis centers on Romans 10:17: So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Its mission is to fulfill the Great Commission to spread Christ’s teachings to all the nations of the world. Currently, Faith Comes By Hearing offers audio Bibles — which it also calls Proclaimers — in 853 languages

26 January / February 2015 | Christian Living

to people in more than 190 countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, North America, and the Middle East.

“There are still language groups that need an audio Bible in their mother tongue. There are people who wait to hear God’s Word because they cannot read it,” according to the website.

Doty believes her donations help fund that goal in a way that other missions donations might not.

“I am a bit of a numbers person and understand that for every dollar or two given to this organization, it is very likely someone will accept Christ. The ‘Proclaimers’ are often played to whole villages of people at a time; and after people come to Christ, they are used as a basis for church services. It is just exciting to be a part of such a means of fulfilling the Great Commission,” she said.

One of Doty’s fundraising endeavors is an online business called brideonabudgetshop.com, which grew out of another online business called floralrentall.com. Having worked during the course of her life in various careers from realtor to floral designer, when she reconnected with flower arranging for fun, she asked herself, “Why did I leave this? I love it.”

While she can do live bouquets, she also creates flowers from all sorts of materials, including silk.

She started collecting wedding dresses at yard sales. Since brides generally only wear bridal gowns one time, the dresses are in top shape, and with just a bit of cleaning, look like new.

Fourteen dresses are on display at brideonabudgetshop.com, with waist sizes and prices — most of them under $100. Veils are available too for under $15.

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Doty can also provide decorations, reception table rental items, pew bows, two arches, unity candles, and candelabra equipment. Most of the items are handmade, and all are available at affordable prices.

Though only having begun the business in middle to late 2014, she had sold dresses for three weddings as of November.

“I’m a tightwad from way back,” she said, explaining the way she is able to find dresses and merchandise at yard sales and turn them into pretty gowns and beautiful objects. She feels God has been behind some of her “finds.”

“Every time I turn around, God gives me something for almost nothing,” she said. “You expect to get bargains at yard sales, but not this good.”

Another project of Doty’s is mosaic mirrors that she sells at craft shows and the annual Art in the Park event in Boise. She said this also helps her fulfill her mission. Along with her contributions to Faith Comes By Hearing, she and her husband Jerry care for four clients — including her mother — in their house, which for years has been designated a Certified Family Home.

According to information from healthandwelfare.idaho.gov, these homes “provide a safe, family-style living environment for adults who need some assistance with the activities of daily living, but do not require a more restrictive institutional setting.”

Doty said she and her husband are still in good health despite their ages because early on she started learning about good nutrition, and both have maintained active lifestyles as well. She believes chronological years are irrelevant when it comes to ministry.

“I just feel that anyone, no matter what age, can find ways to serve the Lord if they seek to do so,” Doty said. “I thought I would be a foreign missionary, but if one can’t go, he or she can give and pray.” n Along with selling gently used bridal gowns, Sharon Doty creates and sells inexpensive arches and other wedding décor through brideonabudgetshop.com.

(Courtesy photo)

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Christian Living | January / February 2015 27

MARRIAGE Toolbox

Try these two marriage resolutions

By Leo Hellyer 2015 is a new year, with new challenges, new opportunities, and new blessings. How do you plan to start this new year?

Many people make resolutions — changes they plan to make from the previous year to make the coming year “better.”

According to USA.gov, five of the popular resolutions every year include: • Volunteer to help others • Quit smoking • Get a better education • Get a better job • Save money Were any of these your resolution for 2014? How well did you do on meeting your resolution? Many times people are not successful with their resolutions because they try to do it on their own, and they don’t believe it is going to work anyway so they don’t put a lot of effort into it. In your Marriage Toolbox for this month we will take a journey, and at the end we will come up with two New Year’s resolutions that are achievable, worthwhile, and God honoring.

Since early in 2014 we have been discussing different things that we can put into our Marriage Toolbox to help us have a marriage that is biblically based, God honoring, and lasts a lifetime. We have talked about conferences, getaways, seminars, small group Bible studies, books, magazines, websites, etc.

All of the tools are great. Some of the tools will work better for specific individuals and couples than others. The key to any of them is that we must pick them up and use them.

First responders (police, fire, paramedics), and members of the military all have many tools to accomplish what they do.

Their tools do them no good if they do not pick them up. Our marriages are the same. If we want our marriages to be the best that they can possibly be, and if we want our marriages to glorify God, we need to pick up our tools and use them.

As husbands and wives, we live together, in a complex union designed by God Himself. Our union has many facets or challenges, if you will. We have looked particularly at parenting,

28 January / February 2015 | Christian Living

marital intimacy, and communication. There are many other areas of this relationship to examine as well, such as, finances, conflict resolution, esteeming your spouse, leaving a legacy, honoring your parents, blending families, and more.

As you can see there is a lot included in this thing we call marriage. I would like to propose to you two New Year’s resolutions which can greatly improve every area of your marriage relationship. I feel that these marriage relationship techniques are the most valuable things that I have learned after serving for 20 years with FamilyLife. I have heard about these actions directly from Dennis Rainey in private conversations between the two of us, as well as in larger groups and in video and print form.

Dennis and Barbara Rainey have weathered many storms in their marriage, but these two guiding principles have been instrumental in keeping their marriage intact, dynamic, and God honoring. Dennis is the president, chief executive officer, and co-founder of FamilyLife; he is one of the most authentic men that I have had the privilege of knowing personally. He and Barbara were married in 1972, the same year my wife and I were married. Dennis and Barbara live what they talk about.

They walk the talk.

Both of these marriage New Year’s resolutions are at the same time simple and difficult. If we go into them seeking God’s presence, blessing, and strength, they are easy. If we try to do these resolutions on our own, they are extremely difficult, if not impossible.

For these marriage New Year’s resolutions to truly be effective we need to make the resolutions both as individuals and as couples.

Our first resolution is: “I/We resolve to remove the word ‘divorce’ from my/our vocabulary.”

As long as divorce is in our vocabulary, it is a powerfully destructive tool of separation and hurt, and can be thrown into difficult situations that happen in marriage relationships. As long as divorce is in our vocabulary, we can use it to give up, stop working on resolving our differences, and end a relation-

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Leo Hellyer is a non-staff pastor with a local church and has been married to his wife, Norma, for 41 years. The couple volunteered with FamilyLife on its Boise ministry team for 20 years. They are both employed by Boise Rescue Mission Ministries, Norma at City Light Home for Women & Children and Leo at River of Life Rescue Mission.

They may be reached at silverplate426@ msn.com. If you have questions about Marriage Toolbox, or need other assistance, Leo may be reached at 344-1357, ext. 4.

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ship that could be healed with time, hard work, prayer, and God’s blessing.

The second resolution is: “I/We resolve to pray with my spouse on a daily basis.”

There is nothing more powerful than coming into the presence of God Almighty. When we, as a couple, as a husband and wife, come into the presence of God, united in lifting up our blessings, challenges, concerns, goals, questions, etc., we are more powerful than we can imagine. Let me make something very clear. Praying for your spouse is not the same as praying with your spouse. Praying with your spouse is both of you audibly praying in the same place, in each other’s presence, for each other. If you cannot be with each other due to work issues, military deployment, etc., pray together on the phone, text, Skype, instant message, or use any other way you determine — just do it. God will reward your efforts.

Please join me in making these two marriage New Year’s resolutions. If you will do this, I believe that this year will be the best year of your marriage, to date.

“Thank you, God, for this thing You invented called marriage. May You always be the glue that holds our marriage together.” n

www.boisechristianliving.com

Christian Living | January / February 2015 29

CONSIDER This

Don’t hesitate to call on God them out loud slowly and stop and let the

By Dan Woodworth Holy Spirit make these words so real to Most of us have received gifts from our you that you would be transformed more Gracious and Giving God and our Living and more into the image of Christ in ever Lord that we don’t see or are unwilling to increasing splendor (2 Corinthians 3:18). unwrap. With Christmas just past, why don’t Read them three times a day and ask the we ask and thank our Lord to reveal His Lord to help you memorize them. Keep gifts to us in this new year? reading them out loud until these words If we will not ask we cannot receive. Let’s become flesh. compare an illustration of calling a friend Did you know that our Living Lord creon the phone to calling on the Lord. If we ated your subconscious mind to believe don’t pick up the phone and call our friend, everything your mouth speaks? Secular how can they answer us? If we don’t ask our scientific research has proven that “death Lord, how can we receive anything from and life are in the power of the tongue” Him? (Proverbs 18:21).

When the Apostle Paul wrote his letter to Watch your words! Ask and receive evthe church at Colossae he was not writing to erything our Loving Lord has for you with preachers. He was writing to the saints.

Are you a saint? If Christ is living in you, Dan Woodworth, Ph.D., is an adviser, author thanksgiving and boldness. For most of us, this will take a few months because our culyou are a saint. and inspirational speaker. He is well known Hear the words of the Holy Spirit through for his uplifting messages, and in his own life ture has programmed us to doubt and fear.

Believe and ask and thank our Living Lord Paul as he writes to us in Colossians 1:9-12 has overcome illness to become what he calls from the original Greek language: “a healthy and happy man.” He has worked to strengthen your faith in Christ and in His Living Word.

For this reason, since the day we heard as a fisheries research biologist, consultant, teacher, counselor, real estate property manager, Keep fighting the good fight of faith. of you, we have not ceased praying for When doubt and fear assault you, speak you and asking that you may be “filled” ordained pastor and chaplain. He may be reached at dan@danwoodworth.org. For more Colossians 1:9-12 out loud over and over. with “full” knowledge of His will in I asked and thanked our Loving Lord to “all” wisdom and spiritual understand- information visit www.danwoodworth.org. give me a poem about the Christmas just ing, that you may walk worthy of the passed. I had never written a poem before, Lord, “fully” pleasing Him, being fruitbut look what our Living Lord revealed to me for you — and ful in “every” good work and increasing in the “full” remember it is relevant for all of us, all year long. n knowledge of God, being strengthened with “all” power according to His glorious might unto “all” endurance and patience; while joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.

Did you notice the words “all,” full,” “fully,” and “worthy”?

Anything and everything you need to know about our Living Loving Lord and His gifts are yours as you ask and thank Him. Ask and thank Him with full confidence. Throw off all doubt, shame, fear and any other negative destructive tactic of the devil and allow the Lord to reveal all of His gifts, blessings and plans that He has for you.

Colossians 1:9-12 is for you! Boldly claim these verses and put your name in the place of “you” in these verses. Read

30 January / February 2015 | Christian Living

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Lifelong trusting residents of the Treasure Valley

Be still and know that I am God…

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I stand amazed at how heaven gazed As God became man with His perfect plan.

He was willing to be born in a manger So He would always love the stranger.

He is the instrument through whom all of creation was made.

He even created the green, growing blade.

He not only created the tree that we all see, But He hung on that tree for you and me.

He took all of our sin and shame, That is why He came.

The curse of the law had to cease As He gave us His Perfect Peace.

He was raised from the dead just like He said.

He arose to conquer His foes And turn our sadness into gladness.

He loves to give for us to forever live!

He is the Christ in Christmas we see.

He is the reason for this season for you and me.

We must live free from strife.

He came that we may have and enjoy overflowing LIFE!

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God Became Man with His Perfect Plan

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Christian Living | January / February 2015 31

YOUR Daily Bread

Freedom from the burden of debt

By Terry Frisk Are the bills of Christmas past haunting you like the ghost in Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol? Is this the year to follow through on your New Year’s resolution to get out of debt but you don’t know where to start? The key to successfully eliminating your debt is to develop a plan that provides for your basic living expenses and devoting the remaining funds toward paying off your debts. Developing a plan and committing to live within the plan can be a huge relief in itself.

The first step in eliminating your debt is pledging to yourself and God that you will pay off all debt and live within your income level. Initially, this means not incurring any additional debt. Put your credit cards away and do not be enticed by offers to buy now with no payments until some later date in the future. While these offers may seem like you have no debt during the grace period, it is still an obligation that you will have to satisfy in the future.

Next, create a schedule of all amounts you owe including mortgage, auto loans, student loans, lines of credit, credit cards, family members, or any other indebtedness. The schedule should show the creditor name, balance due, interest rate and minimum payment amount. A computer spreadsheet program, like Excel, is good for this so you can easily update it as your plan progresses.

Now, develop a budget. If you have never prepared a budget, it is not as difficult as it may seem. Start by listing your household income. Then, determine the amount you need for necessities. What are necessities? You will need to take a critical look at what you define as necessities. Obviously, this would include housing, utilities, food and clothing. What about such items as Internet connection, cell phone, or satellite television? You will need to determine whether these items are truly necessities in your life.

You will also need to consider giving to your church while you are trying to get your finances in order. While giving may not be a necessity to sustain your life, I believe it is necessary to sustain your soul. I have counseled a number of people on their finances through a budget counseling ministry at my church. Some people choose to suspend their giving during the process while others continue to give as part of their budget. A few even insist on budgeting a full 10 percent tithe before any additional spending. My experience is those who continue to give while working on a debt elimination plan are more successful in executing their plan. Their faith guides them through the process.

32 January / February 2015 | Christian Living

Now that you have developed a budget, the amount remaining after scheduling income and spending on necessities is the amount you have to pay down your debts. The next item is prioritizing your debt.

The most common recommendation is to pay the debt with the highest interest rate first.

However, you may wish to pay off debts with a smaller balance to get them out of the way quicker. Or, maybe you choose to pay a debt that Terry Frisk is a partner in the firm B2B CFO, providing financial advisory services to is emotional baggage, such as money owed to a small businesses. He also counsels individufamily member or a debt als on personal financial matters through the that represents a burden Cathedral of the Rockies Budget Counseling He may be contacted through e-mail on your soul. Budget the ministry. at terry_frisk@msn.com. minimum payments of your lower priority debts and devote the remaining available cash to your highest priority debt until it is paid off. Then focus on paying your next highest priority debt by adding the amount you were paying on the debt you just paid off to the minimum payment you have been paying on this debt. Keep this up until all debts are paid off. Any extra cash you receive, such as sale of household items, tax refunds, bonuses, etc., should be paid to the highest priority debts.

Sticking to your plan is hard work. It takes a lot of discipline and prayer to follow a debt reduction plan. If you experience a setback, revise your plan to accommodate an unexpected expense and stay on track. To avoid becoming discouraged, I recommend rewarding yourself each time an item is paid off.

These rewards may include treating yourself to an espresso, going to a movie, lunch at a bistro, or any other activity you enjoy that does not cost a lot of money (remember, you are still on a budget). As you emerge from indebtedness, you will be rewarded with the freedom from the burden debt inflicts on your soul. n

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Damsel continued from page 25 Damsel Pros, as the firm’s representatives are called, generally make in-house presentations to groups of women; they refer to those events as Empower Hours. Yancey’s mother was one of the company’s first Damsel Pros.

“She set the example of what a Damsel Pro is — she molded the Damsel Pro in a way. She exhibited so much passion, faith, compassion, love. She helped by being a people person, not a salesman. She always said, ‘Everybody has something above their heads that says, Make me feel important!’ She really left a huge imprint.”

She died of cancer in January a year ago, and an award called The Traits of Trish Award was created in her honor.

Yancey had previously worked on the sidelines of the company, helping her mother. When her mother passed away, she stepped in to become a top player in the firm and currently has 1,200 sales reps working under her. Taking her cue from her mom, she seeks to represent the company less as a salesperson and more as a caring individual.

“We show people, ‘You’re important enough to protect,’” she said.

Also part of the corporation are Hughes’s and Lin’s spouses. Bethany Hughes is chief services officer; her husband Chris is chief procurement officer. Mindy Lin is chief marketing officer; her husband Jimmy is chief financial officer. A non-family member, Bob Hipple, is chief executive officer. Hipple was vice president of sales for local corporation Scentsy in its early years.

The spouses possess complementary skills that have greatly benefitted Damsel in Defense. Chris Hughes brings experience in purchasing, knowledge of personal protection products, and strong relationships with manufacturers. Jimmy Lin has been the business’s revenue management guru, with education and longtime experience in accounting, including working for a local CPA firm.

“We’re a debt-free company,” Yancey said. “Jimmy orchestrated that.”

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Mindy Lin is a close of friend of Bethany’s with a gift for entrepreneurialism.

Some of the Damsel Pros are survivors of sexual or domestic assault themselves. Also, there are eight men on Yancey’s sales team, or what she calls her downline, who sell the products as a way to help keep their daughters and other women safe.

Some men use the products themselves, Yancey said, includHannah Yancey (courtesy photo) ing gay men who may be victims of hate crimes. There are also safety devices for children. Anyone under the age of 18 may not legally carry a stun gun or pepper spray but may arm themselves with alarms and self-defense keychains known as kubotans.

All the products can also be used in instances of burglary or other crimes.

“These products are meant for all people everywhere,” Yancey said. “We love all people.”

She builds upon that theme by stressing the company’s preference for products that don’t kill an attacker. The company isn’t taking an anti-gun stand but prefers to merely deter an assailant, hopefully ultimately allowing God to work in his life. “We have a very gracious Heavenly Father, and when we take a life, we’re playing God’s role,” Yancey said. n

Christian Living | January / February 2015 33

OVERLAND PARK CINEMAS

SHOWING JANUARY 11 @ 5:00PM FREE Tickets Available at InsideOUT Salon www.InsideOutSalonandSpa.org Six Modern-Day Abolitionists Featured in A Documentary on Sex Trafficking in the U.S. Rated PG-13

In light of the recent activities becoming public in Idaho and the Treasure Valley local anti-human trafficking organizations are coming together to bring awareness and help to our community. Be a part of keeping children and communities safe. Join us on this day!

CREATIVITY In The Kitchen

Post Christmas Dinner Recipes Ultimate Chicken Serves 4

Directions:

Season chicken with salt, pepper and paprika. Heat 2 Tbsp. olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear both sides of chicken. Continue to cook on medium heat until chicken is thoroughly cooked. Transfer to a plate and keep warm. In same skillet, heat remaining olive oil and sauté apples, celery and shallots until tender. Gently heat blue cheese dressing in a saucepan.

Do not bring to a boil. Arrange spinach on plates, top with hot vegetables, apples and chicken. Spoon warm blue cheese dressing over all and sprinkle with pine nuts.

Ingredients:

4 (6-oz.) boneless skinless chicken breasts Salt and black pepper ½ tsp. paprika 3 Tbsp. olive oil, divided 1 lg. Granny Smith apple, cored and sliced 1 C. sliced celery ⅓ C. sliced shallots or red onions 8 oz. clean baby spinach leaves ¼ C. toasted pine nuts ¾ C. blue cheese salad dressing

Apple Berry Cobbler

Directions:

1. Spray a pie dish with cooking spray and set aside.

Ingredients:

4 apples, peeled, cored and cut into thin pieces 1 cup blueberries ½ cup cherries, pitted and cut into pieces ¼ cup unsalted nuts, chopped 3 tablespoons brown sugar 1 teaspoon lemon zest ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon cornstarch 3 Granola bars, softened for 10-15 seconds in the microwave and crumbled into small pieces Cooking spray

2. In a large bowl, combine fruit, nuts, brown sugar, lemon zest, cinnamon and cornstarch.

3. Place fruit mixture into pie dish.

4. Top fruit mixture evenly with crumbled granola bars.

5. Bake at 350 degrees F. for about 40 minutes or until topping is golden brown and fruit is bubbly.

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Christian Living | January / February 2015 35

THE MISSIONARY Life

Small boy with eternity in his heart

At the very center of this photo is a young boy from India named Dilsher, at the time an orphan at Asha Sadan in Varanasi. The child in the background is another orphan. At left is Marty Williams, a physician’s assistant from Coeur d’Alene, and at right is Lauren Phillips. (Courtesy photo)

By Lauren Phillips Having just returned from India, I was lying awake, safe in my warm bed next to my snoring husband, staring into the dark and thinking of a boy. At my desk in my office a year or so before, I’d seen his picture as he was admitted into our care. The data sheet said he was 13 but my eyes told me something different. He couldn’t be more than 8 or 9; he was so tiny and looked so very sick.

It was a miracle that this boy was even alive. In India, among children born with HIV, the chance of survival is nil. He’d been left on the streets after his parents died of AIDS. With the deadly virus coursing through his veins, it’s no wonder he was not able to grow and mature normally. I spent just a few days in India, upside down in time, dehydrated from the heat and humidity, bowels gurgling from spices or a nasty little bug that finds its way into my gut, and I have a hard time putting two sentences together. How had he survived 13 years before coming to us?

Our team from the U.S. was spending the day with the boys from Asha Sadan, (Hindi for House of Hope) in Varanasi. While I was watching a very raucous game of hot potato, I heard Henry, the wonderful man in charge of the ministry, say, “I’m afraid that that boy won’t be with us much longer.”

36 January / February 2015 | Christian Living

My head snapped up and I began searching this child out. He didn’t stand out because everyone was having such fun. When I finally saw him he was sitting, smiling with his friends, and enjoying the game with his American aunties and uncles. My heart began to break. What is it about death or even the thought of losing someone that causes so much pain? I’m sure it’s a deep primal thing that I’m unable to fully understand; yet, I do know that we were never created to suffer death, but live eternally with God. As I watched the boys playing, he got up — slowly and painfully. I could see that he was tired. I walked over to him and started a broken conversation learning his name, Dilsher. I stayed with him the rest of the day, my tears swallowed up by the joy of just being with him. He remembered me from last year and motioned with his hands to remind me of an amusing little trick I’d done.

He was asking me to do it again. At that point I’d have done anything to make him smile, never mind that I hadn’t washed my hands in hours.

So, I took up my first imaginary needle and began to thread it. Then I picked up my top lip and pretended to poke the needle through the underside pulling it until it reached the imaginary end where the string yanked my lip up. He smiled. I repeated this with my lower www.boisechristianliving.com

Lauren Phillips lives in Boise with her husband, six children and three grandchildren. She loves serving Jesus and His people and administrates Calvary Chapel Boise’s international outreaches.

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lip. When I finished sewing I picked up both invisible strings attached to my lips and tugged; my lips yanked in opposite directions. My little brother and the crowd that had gathered were delighted, then they started trying it themselves. “Auntie, Auntie! Do it again!” My new friend smiled at me and my heart swelled with love.

This life passes so quickly and moments like these just don’t linger long enough. My memory of that day spent with my little brothers brings new tears and an earnest prayer that each precious son of the living God will not die alone or in vain. I have to remember that this cursed disease that sucks the life from their little bodies does not win in the end. They have eternity in their hearts now; God’s love has snatched them from the claws of death and their lives have been made new.

This promise of eternity never seemed so sweet.

We said goodbye that day and when I turned to leave I thought, “I’ll see you again soon and we’ll have lifetime upon lifetime to spend playing games, happy before our King — no more tears, sorrow, or pain — together forever.” n

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Christian Living | January / February 2015 37

MAXIMUM Health

God’s medicine is best for you immune stimulating effect. Additionally,

By Rosie Main garlic is also used to lower blood pressure, Every winter as the weather changes, the cholesterol, and help prevent/reverse cancer. skies darken and the temperature drops people begin to get sick. The doctors’ offices are packed and the line at the pharmacy is Apple cider vinegar backed up. Much of our society has been ACV is a fantastic natural antibiotic. convinced that they are genetically deficient ACV contains acetic and malic acid, which and prone to illness and their only true soludestroy bacteria and fungus on contact. The tion is in man-made drugs and other synacetic acid also forms acetate compounds thetically derived products. This flies in the in the body that help detoxify the system. face of natural creation and thousands of Additionally, ACV contains a rich array of years of human survival adaptations. alkaline buffering minerals potassium and We were born into this world with everymagnesium. Pathogenic bacteria, viruses, thing we need to live strong, healthy, and and fungi secrete highly acidic and inflamvibrant lives. God created powerful remedies matory waste products. ACV provides a Rosie Main is a chiropractor, USA team for stressful seasons in natural foods and good source of these critical minerals to help herbs that destroy dangerous bacteria, viruses, doctor and a Maximized Living doctor. She neutralize such waste products and limit their owns Main Health Solutions at 2300 W. damage inside the body. and fungi. Old Chinese philosophy suggests looking over your shoulder for what ails you. Everest Lane, Suite 175, in Meridian.

For instance, you find artemisinin, which is a She may be reached at 859-6170 or rjmaindc@yahoo.com. For more informa- Oregano oil cure for malaria, in plants where malaria is This is an extraordinarily powerful natural tion, visit MaximizedLivingDrMain.com. common. In the same context, we will find antibiotic.

In fact, oregano has been found in support for our common health crises within a recent study to be significantly better than our body itself and the herbs and plants around us. all of the 18 currently used antibiotics in the treatment of “Let thy food be thy medicine and medicine be thy MRSA (methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus) staph infections. food” — Hippocrates This super herb is very rich in anti-oxidant phytochemical Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, always turned flavonoids and phenolic acids.

It is the third highest herb in first to general nutrition and care of the human frame before oxygen radical absorbency capacity (ORAC).

Oregano is one reverting to handcrafted remedies. However, in times of duress of the world’s greatest sources of the powerful antibiotic phehe went after natural “superfoods” to bring balance back to nol component thymol. the body. Three of Hippocrates’ favorite tools to use in times Oregano oil has been classically used as a disinfectant, an of acute infections, colds, fevers, and flu are garlic, vinegar, aid for ear, nose, and throat/respiratory infections, candida, and oregano oil. Used for thousands of years, these and many and any sort of bacterial or viral conditions. Additionally, it other naturally produced products have worked wonders on works to suppress inflammatory mediators and cancer cell even the most devastating forms of infection and disease. production. Oregano oil is more potent than the dried herb; however, the dried version Garlic is a super herb still contains many powerful Garlic is one of nature’s most health benefits. powerful immune boosting secrets. Garlic contains over 100 Healthy lifestyle biologically active components is key including allinin, allicin, allinase Many people misuse natand other unique ural health solutions and sulfur-based comthink of them as medicipounds. When nals that help to cover up garlic is crushed the damage done by a poor or chewed, it forces lifestyle full of stress and the allinin and bad living habits. But all allinase enzymes the herbs in the world will together, creating not make up for the dama potent chemical age caused by poor lifestyle. reaction that produces They are merely meant to allicin and gives garlic help the body adapt to the its characteristic odor. increased stresses that cerAllicin and many other tain seasons provide. Better sulfur-based compounds living through a healthy lifeact as powerful antibiotic, style is the best solution. Below anti-viral, and anti-fungal are some tips to help you agents that have an incredible

38 January / February 2015 | Christian Living

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Health tips

1) Use freshly crushed garlic in meat products, salads, soups, etc. If you tend to have lower blood pressure, do not use excessive amounts of garlic.

2) Put a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water and drink throughout the day. Fresh squeezed lemon and lime work great as well.

3) Use dried oregano on meats, salads, steamed veggies, and grain dishes.

4) Put a dash of oil of oregano on the tip of your nose and ear during times of infection.

Additionally, you can take two small drops in water and drink throughout the day. n Sources for this article include:

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Christian Living | January / February 2015 39