March 2019
Celebrating the Music of
COMPLIMENTARY
EAT SIMPLE And Healthy
Michael W. Smith ®
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Faith’s Battles In The Courtroom
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Our Mission Publisher: Robert Stringfellow • 615-815-8765 publisher@christianfamilynashville.com Editor: Raymonda Jaggers Contributing Writers:
Bruce Ashford, Ph D Bree Barnett Anthony “Tony” Boquet Derek Brown Larry Crain, Esq Ashley Farrar Doug Griffin Brittney Griffy Nikki Hollis Darlene A. Kemp, MPH, MBAHCM
Jason Lindsey Kenneth Oosting, Ph D Mark Simpson Toby Swager Ashton Tate Chris Turner Kelley Rose Waller Ming Wang, MD, Ph D Ryan Wilson
Production and Art Direction: Wendy Satterwhite Website Development, Digital Marketing & SEO Services: The 5by5 Agency Printer: Franklin Web Printing Sales & Marketing: Robert Stringfellow, Brenda Delgado, Marketing Specialist, Dashia Brandon, Administrative Assistant and Social Media Manager Cover and Cover Story Images: Courtesy Michael W. Smith
Nashville Christian Family is published monthly by Clarion Concepts, P.O. Box 463, Spring Hill, TN 37174. The phone number is 615-8158765. E-mail ncfpublication@gmail.com. Reproduction of any part of Nashville Christian Family without permission of the Publisher is prohibited. Distribution of this paper does not constitute and endorsement of information, products or services. Views expressed in Nashville Christian Family do not necessarily represent those of the Publisher. Every effort has been made by Nashville Christian Family staff 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 2019 by The Christian Family Publication, Inc.
Nashville Christian Family ® exists to provide Christians and the community at large with ways to strengthen and grow as a part of the Middle Tennessee Christian Family. This local monthly publication is designed to promote positive living by sharing with readers of all ages relevant and timely news and information related to health, faith, parenting, youth, finances, Christian entertainment, missions, church leaders, and much more.
From the Publisher Spring is coming, March 20 being the first day. What a wonderful season of the year to celebrate God’s glorious and awe inspiring creation. Spring brings beautiful sunrises, warmer days with plants, flowers and trees beginning to come out of their winter slumber by showing their beauty. Birds abound with loud chirping and nest building and eggs hatch with cheeping babies, bees begin to buzz around, beautiful butterflies appear, and we all just seem to be in a better mood. We’ve heard it time and again, “stop and smell the roses.” It seems so difficult for us to do this because of the hectic and fast paced lives that our families all seem to lead. But it is important that from time to time we do indeed need to just stop, look, listen, relax. Springtime is the perfect time to “be still and know that He is God” as we enjoy God’s marvelous handiwork in His creation of such a complex yet beautiful world. On a upcoming pleasant spring day, get your family together and have some quality outdoor family time discussing the beautiful seasons including spring, that we are so blessed to be able to enjoy thanks to God’s awesome power.
Unless otherwise noted, scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version, copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Use by permission of International Bible Society. Circulation and Distribution: Nashville Christian Family is free and available at targeted, high traffic locations throughout the Nashville Metro Area and surrounding counties, Williamson, Wilson, Sumner, Rutherford and Maury. 10,000 copies are printed each month. Copies are available by subscription, $25 for one year (12 issues). To subscribe, e-mail ncfpublication@gmail.com
Publisher, 615-815-8765 publisher@christianfamilynashville.com
– Nashville Christian Family is a part of The Christian Family Publication, Inc. celebrating 19 years of Good News! Visit www.ChristianFamilyNashville.com
March 2019
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March 2019
Contents
Volume 10, Number 5
DEPARTMENTS 3 From the Publisher
18 The Home Front Be Proactive With Concrete Repair
6 Parent With Purpose Thank Your Lucky Stars
ON THE COVER 14
19 Parenting Points Feed Your Flame
6 Teachable Moments Breaking Up Fallow (Spiritual) Ground
22 Hassle Free Zone How to Disinfect Your Nasty Phone
7 An Encouraging Word Friends and fellow musicians will pay tribute Everyone Needs a Little Monday to Michael W. Smith on April 30, 2019, at Motivation In Their Life Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., celebrating his remarkable 35-year career. 9 Healthy Living See page 14. Be Happy, Be Healthy, Be Whole 12
Fighting Faith’s Battles In the Courtroom
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Eating Simple and Local
SPECIAL FEATURES 8
Short Is the Road That Leads From Abortion to Infanticide, Euthanisia
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Fighting Faith’s Battles In the Courtroom
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3D Lasik – Dr. Ming Wang
24 Pot Luck Eating Simple and Local 24 Kid’s Korner God’s Chain Reaction
10 Mission Makers Giving Outside the Shoe “box” 11 Faith At Work The Unforeseen Consequences of Bringing Others Along 16 Money Matters Spring Into Action
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25 Hometown Hero Finding Calm in Today 25 God’s Plan For Salvation and Eternal Life
26 Calendar
26 About Our Advertisers
17 Body & Soul Fellowship Is the Goal of Leadership
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Thank Your Lucky Scars
“Did he get stabbed?” I stared at the woman in surprise, trying to quickly formulate an appropriate response to her question in front of my children. The stranger had seen the large, knotted scar on the stomach of our littlest guy. I offered something vague about the surgery he needed soon after his premature birth and sighed. If that is an adult’s reaction to a perceived imperfection, what will other kids think? It’s no surprise in a culture that places such a high value on beauty that scars are a topic of conversation. Britain’s Princess Kate Middleton has had to deal with extensive speculation surrounding a scar on her head related to a childhood surgical procedure. When Queen Elizabeth’s granddaughter Eugenie was married last summer, the British press went wild that her gown revealed the scar from the scoliosis repair to her spine. People notice scars, and they’re curious about them. My house is no stranger to scars. Besides the stomach scar, that particular tiny torso also has an incision mark from a heart procedure. My husband has surgical scars on both wrists and one knee, and I have a C-section scar from our second son, plus a can’t-miss-it-from-space 12” vertical scar up
my back that I share with Princess Eugenie—the mark of spinal fusion from a scoliosis repair. Childhood curiosity is very real; there’s no denying children will ask anyone, anything. But if you look for opportunities in advance to build into your children a positive feeling about their own body’s uniqueness, they’re more likely to be accepting, or even excited, about differences in others. If you have a scar, tell them the story. And if they have scars, explain the cause as clearly as you can. Chances are, someday they’ll swim with a friend who had an atrial septal defect. Maybe they’ll be in gymnastics with a girl who had a compound fracture in her wrist. Or they’ll be science partners with a boy who had a tumor removed. Imagine how much better the day will go if you’ve equipped your child with language for the discussion instead of leaving them to a blank, long stare. Talk to your kids about their heart, listen to it lubdub, and let them know sometimes doctors have to reach inside special people and fix ‘em up like Ironman. Tell your child to feel the bones in their arm and explain that if those bones break, sometimes the person gets awesome metal pins in their
body like Wolverine. At the root of this conversation can be building an awareness, acceptance, and celebration of differences. It’s funny how adults and kids look at things differently. The belly scar that shocked the stranger, my oldest son noticed, too. One morning as I dressed our little guy, his brother was staring at the scar. Instead of a belly button, his stomach has a zig-zaq scar with a series of small knots. When I asked what he was looking at, he wistfully replied, “I just love his tummy. The knots look like the end of a hot dog, and they’re so beautiful.” Out of the mouth of babes! When you explain that scars are the mark of something that has healed, children understand. And don’t miss the opportunity—scars are a great conversation starter to bring your kids back to Jesus: on the cross, where He was scarred, everything was healed and we were made new. The scars of our Savior are a sign of His great, wide love. Scars are a visible sign that something that was once hurt or broken is now better! — Kelley Rose Waller www.kelleyrosewaller.com
T eachab le M om e nts Breaking-Up Fallow (Spiritual) Ground Temperatures are consistently rising, the sun is consistently showing its bright face and the birds are chirping. “The Growing Season” is finally here. Winter hasn’t been as challenging as in past years, but it was an extremely wet January and February. That can be a good because the soil moisture will be high as grass and seed begin to germinate in the warmth of the sun we hope March brings. However, all that rain can also mean that as the surface ground dries it can become compacted. Think of “compaction” as stamping down loose dirt until it becomes smooth and hard, kind of like a parking lot. When soil gets like this, it creates problems. For instance, new seed can’t penetrate so it doesn’t take root. Or, the roots of existing turf can’t spread and go deeper, which is key for healthy growth. Also, very little of the fertilizer you spread will actually make it to the root system you are trying to feed. Rain will dissolve it then most likely wash it away. Enter the aerator. Aerators punch holes in the ground while dragging someone around their yard. However, the work is worth it, especially if it you can’t remember the last time your yard was
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aerated. Aerators break up fallow ground and allow much needed oxygen to get to the root system of your turf. The loosened soil also allows seed to penetrate the surface and fertilizer to get where it will be most effective. An easy way to think about is like this: Fallow ground; no growth. Aerated ground; much growth. Our spiritual lives are exactly like that. When our spiritual lives grow fallow and our hearts harden, we choke off growing in Christlikeness. In fact, the Bible warns against it. In Psalms 95:7-8 we are warned about allowing our hearts to harden. Jesus also warns us in John 15 that if we become detatched from Him, we no longer bear fruit. Galatians 5 describe the Fruit of the Spirit, but without the Spirit’s ability to penetrate fertile souls, we will not “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18).
The band Petra released a song in 1987 titled, “Don’t Let Your Heart be Hardened.” In it, writer Bob Harman tells us, “Don’t let our heart be hardened; don’t let your love grow cold.” Later in the song he tells us, “Let his love rain down upon you, breaking up your fallow ground. Let it loosen all the binding till only tenderness if found.” Are you in need of spiritual aeration today? Has your heart gotten crusty and is in need of the Holy Spirit to come and break up spiritually fallow ground it so that you’ll grow again in God’s grace again? Take Hartman’s advice regarding your heart: “Keep it broken before Jesus, keep it thankful, meek and pure.” — Chris Turner is Director of Communications for the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board.
www.ChristianFamilyNashville.com
A n E ncou r ag i ng W or d Do you follow Lee Company on social media? We sure hope you do! As of a few weeks ago, we started a new campaign which we are calling “Monday Motivation!” This isn’t a new idea, or a moment of brilliance, rather, it is simply using strengths and positivity to speak into today’s world. Lee Company is all about culture. In our mission statement, you will see the phrase, “to create a place where our employees can thrive.” We believe in doing good, finding what motivates people, helping others, and having a fun family environment while we work. Who wouldn’t want to have these ideas embody their culture?
Everyone Needs a Little Monday Motivation In Their Life
The description of these posts is simply: “What inspires you? Our team members share their answers.” We took a few moments to ask several co-workers what motivational quotes they were personally known for, or what their favorite quote was. The response: TREMENDOUS! It has been an incredible experience to watch the results pour in as we allowed employees to use their voice and share with us what inspires them. To top it off, people have been even more excited to be featured on our Lee Company social media pages. Here are some of the quotes we have been sent: “All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.” Walt Disney - Erin Maupin, Vice President of Support, Home Services "A man is but a product of his thoughts. What he thinks he becomes." Mahatma Gandhi. - Brad Reimler, CM-BIM, Virtual Construction Manager “Whatever you are, be a good one.” Abraham Lincoln - Brad Gipson, Director of Operations Special Projects “The quality of life is in proportion, always, to the capacity for delight.” Julia Cameron - Lynde Morel, Administrative Coordinator, Facility Services “We can’t just be great at what we do, we need to be great at what our customers want.” - Todd Bajar, HVAC Service Manager, Facilities Solutions “Don't concern yourself with the money. Be of service, build, work, dream, create! Do this and you'll find there is no limit to the prosperity and abundance that will come to you.” Earl Nightingale - Kendall Knight, HVAC Technician, Home Services Creating an environment where our employees can thrive is the mission statement embodied by each Lee Company employee … and we hope you see it! Thank you for allowing us to spread the positivity as we visit your homes, facilities, and construction sites. We couldn’t be any more honored to be part of each of the communities where we live and serve. We hope this helps each reader keep their motivation going. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter to keep up to date with the most recent Monday Motivation. What inspires you? We’d love to hear more! Email us your quotes at: info@leecompany.com. #mondaymotivation — Bree Barnett , Communications Specialist Lee Company
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S p ecial F eatu r e Short is the Road that Leads from Abortion to Infanticide, Euthanasia Recently, a Democratic senator blocked the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, which would have ensured children who survived abortions were given medical care. Unfortunately, this shouldn’t be a complete shock. In the years since Roe v. Wade, our culture has continued its downward trend to supporting death, not life. The Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act was sponsored by Sen. Ben Sasse, R-Neb., and came on the heels of comments last week from Democratic Gov. Ralph Northam of Virginia insinuating that he supports infanticide in some instances. Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., objected to the bill, arguing that the legislation is unnecessary, and thus preventing the bill from receiving unanimous consent. Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla., pointed out that the Senate unanimously confirmed legislation congratulating New England Patriots on winning the Super Bowl but, sadly, couldn’t unify on behalf of a resolution condemning infanticide. Freshman Sen. Mike Braun, R-Ind., called upon American citizens to speak out against infanticide and added that he was surprised to encounter pro-infanticide sentiment so soon in his tenure.Braun is right to be horrified by the situation and he is right to ask citizens to speak out. But he should not be surprised to see pro-infanticide sentiment at this point in our nation’s history. In fact, he and other pro-life senators should expect not only a movement toward the legalization of infanticide but also arguments in favor of the legalization of euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide. Roe v. Wade legalized abortion by implicitly categorizing an unborn baby as the “personalty” (a legal term referring to one’s private property). Thus, ironically, merely a few years after America’s affirmation of the civil rights movement, the Supreme Court majority in Roe declared that there was, after all, an entire class of human beings—unborn babies—for whom there would be no guarantee of justice and equality. Regrettably, left-leaning jurists such as Justice John Paul Stevens supported the perverse logic of Roe by arguing that an unborn baby does not become a human being until the moment of birth. But such an argument is deeply incoherent; a being’s nature is not determined by its location. Furthermore, as Valparaiso University law professor Richard Stith argued 20 years ago, the incoherence of this progressive argument—that the moment of birth is a “bright line” at which an infant becomes a human being—may very well lead to the embrace of infanticide. In other words, since medical science makes clear that there is very little difference between a baby the day before birth and the day after birth, Stith speculated that progressive thought leaders would increasingly argue for the legalization of post-birth abortion. And that is exactly what has happened in ensuing years. Consider that in 2006, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecology surprised many people when it issued a formal statement arguing that the United Kingdom should consider legalizing infanticide in the case of disabled babies. Euthanizing the baby, the statement said, would alleviate a family’s emotional and financial burdens. Or, consider the fact that many of the West’s most influential ethicists support infanticide. For example, John Harris, a founder of the International Association of Bioethics, argues that if abortion can be justified, so can infanticide. “There is no obvious reason,” Harris said, per a Telegraph article published in 2004, “why one should think differently, from an ethical point of view, about a fetus when it’s outside the womb rather than when it’s inside the womb.”
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Similarly, Jonathan Glover, senior ethicist at King’s College London, argues that there is no such thing as an inherent “sanctity of human life.” He argues that babies are not autonomous because they are not even aware of the difference between life and death. Thus, parents and medical personnel should evaluate whether or not the infant’s life is worth living. Even worse is the inevitability that the movement to legalize infanticide will be accompanied by a push to legalize euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide. The career of Princeton University ethicist Peter Singer is case in point. Singer made his name by rejecting “the sanctity of human life” as nothing more than religious mumbo-jumbo, as he did in a 2009 Foreign Policy article. With the sanctity of human life thus rejected, he goes on to argue in favor of infanticide, voluntary euthanasia of the elderly, and physician-assisted suicide. In nations that have legislated along the lines of Singer’s utilitarian ethic, the results have been disastrous. Since the Netherlands legalized euthanasia nearly 20 years ago, doctors have taken the lives of thousands of elderly citizens annually. In the Netherlands’ culture of death, it is therefore not surprising that thousands of citizens carry cards prohibiting doctors from euthanizing them, and some elderly citizens express fear about going in for basic medical care because of the possibility of euthanasia. Recently, The Telegraph and the Daily Mail reported that a Dutch family had to hold down their mother, as she fought against being euthanized by her doctor. The patient, who was not named in the reports, suffered from dementia and had reportedly told medical officials that she wished to be euthanized when “the time was right.” And yet, even though she reportedly said “I don’t want to die” several times in the days leading up to the killing, the doctor, who was also not named, determined that the time was right, slipped a sedative into her coffee to relax her, and then tried to administer the lethal injection. The patient awoke and resisted the doctor, causing the physician to ask the family for help in holding down the patient down while he finished her off, per the reports. Northam’s support for infanticide and Murray’s objection to anti-infanticide legislation should not be viewed as insignificant. However, they should likewise not be seen as entirely surprising. Anti-life legislation is arguably the most consistent consequence of the culture of death enshrined in our legal code since Roe v. Wade. Northam and Murray represent a powerful movement to stay true to the ethic undergirding pro-abortion activism, and they are gaining support day by day. This unashamed movement to undermine the sanctity of human life must be resisted, not only by Congress but by the citizens of our great nation. If the United States Congress can unify to support a football team, then surely it can unify to defeat any movement that threatens the sanctity of human life. — Bruce Ashford is the Provost and Dean of Faculty at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, where he also serves as Professor of Theology and Culture. Follow him on Twitter @BruceAshford. THIS ARTICLE WAS FIRST PUBLISHED BY FOX NEWS
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Be Happy, Be Healthy, Be Whole “It's not always easy and Sometimes life can be deceiving I'll tell you one thing, it's always better when we're together.”
• Built in support system. Countless reports tout the benefits and documented success of having a cheerleader, an encourager, during weight loss. When I don’t want to make the healthiest choice, my wife is there to remind me of our goal and spur me on to successful completion. When she is tempted to buy too many Girl Scout cookies, hypothetically speaking, of course I’m available to remind her we have a plan and a goal. • Creating healthy habits – together. Many of us return to diets because once we reach our goals we go back to patterns that lead us back to weight gain. Working together, as a team, you can chart a new path for life, not just
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the time needed to reach your weight loss goal. • A stronger relationship. Let’s face it, losing weight is tough and going through it alone is doubly difficult. Losing weight with your spouse allows you to encourage each other, commiserate together, and build an even deeper bond in your marriage.
Inspired by a few lines from Jack Johnson’s song “Better Together,” I want to shine the spotlight this month on losing weight and feeling great – together. For me, my weight loss would never be successful if it weren’t for my supportive wife, Sheryl. No man is an island and hopefully your spouse is ready to help you and get on board to lose weight and feel great together. Why partner with your partner to lose weight? Here are just a few benefits of losing weight with the one you love.
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• It’s a win-win for the whole family. Losing weight and having more energy will not only benefit one another, but everyone around you, your kids, your co-workers and friends. Need some extra help in your diet and exercise goals? Let me point you to the people that helped me losing 65 pounds in 16 weeks – the staff at Cool Springs MD. Dr Lodge and his team of personal trainers, dieticians and medical professionals are ready to help you with their stated goal for everyone to be “Happy, Healthy and Whole” What has helped you lose weight? Any tips you would like to share? I welcome your feedback, thoughts and ideas and look forward to sharing them in a future article. You can email me at Doug@94FMTheFish.net or feel free to call me during my live radio show – weekdays between 3 pm – 7 pm on 94 FM The Fish. (800) 826-3637 — Doug Griffin
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Imagine being a Haitian schoolteacher or caretaker and for the past 13 years, you’ve seen little boys and girls you care for day in and day out receive Christmas shoeboxes full of goodies. This is certain to bring you joy, but also some sadness because, living in the poorest country in the western hemisphere, your need is just as great as theirs. Yet more often than not, you go unnoticed. This is not just an imaginary story, but a reality for too many people – and it should not be so. This year, Grace Chapel Church in Leiper’s Fork, Tenn. decided to change the script and rewrite the story for caregivers, elderly individuals, and kids who had never received a shoebox at Christmas time. It is a common scene in Haiti to see very young kids caring for even younger kids. After being in these villages for When childhood is lost so early in life, a Christmas Shoebox can mean more than many years ministering to these we realize. people in so many various ways, the missions team at Grace Chapel realized these groups When the Grace Chapel mission were long overdue to team returned from distributing be honored and blessthe boxes just last month, they ed. Every year for over shared how the shoeboxes for the a decade, Grace Chapel caretakers, elderly, and children has collected and filled came as a complete surprise to boxes for precious kids the recipients. With each box in multiple villages in given, the mission team was able the Cap Haitian area to speak words of blessing and Frantz LaFleur, a guard for the Haitian of Haiti. To meet the life over the caretakers, pray over schoolchildren, is overjoyed to receive his newly-realized need and love on the elderly, and celfirst Christmas Shoebox which included a of these often-forebrate the previously unreached polo shirt, tie, socks, hygiene supplies, a gotten groups, they children who received boxes for flashlight, and a watch! These young Haitian girls anxiously wait to open their very the first time in their life. While took pictures of each person and placed them on shoeboxes with a customized gift list first Christmas Shoeboxes. this simple act may have made attached. Church members were able to choose an individual to Christmas a little bit more special bless and then fill the boxes with gifts tailored to each person’s to the people in Haiti, our team gender and job responsibilities. In addition to supplying basic hygiene prodarrived home with full hearts knowing the way they give back will never look ucts, guards received flashlights, cooks received aprons, and teachers received the same again. notebooks, pens, and many other school-related items.
The response was overwhelming, as nearly 500 church members were thrilled to take a shoebox home, fill it, and return it back to church so we could then prep the boxes for the journey to Haiti. The picture of the person getting each box allowed for our members to feel a personal connection with the recipient and encouraged them to go above and beyond in their gift giving. There were more requests for the customized boxes than there were boxes to give!
— Nikki Hollis Marketing Coordinator Derek Brown, Director of Communications Executive Aide to Senior Pastor Steve Berger, Grace Chapel Church 615-591-5091 www.gracechapel.net
Call today! 615-794-0200 Call 615-794-0200 today for more information about joining our team!
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MOLLY MAID OF S. DAVIDSON, WILLIAMSON AND MAURY COUNTIES www.ChristianFamilyNashville.com
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Beloved, for years I have been working on a book about the apostle Peter. It has been a transforming experience. I discovered that the whole gospel record would be much briefer without him. No disciple took more of the Lord’s attention than him. And it all began with that individual meeting. Of the apostles, he didn’t meet Jesus first. John and Andrew did. John’s memory of that meeting with Jesus Christ is so powerful that, seventy years later when he writes his gospel, he can recall the time of day it happened! John 1:39 says, “It was about the tenth hour.” Can you remember an event in your own life so well? I do. It was about 8:30 on a Saturday night, at a Christian businessmens meeting in Belleville, Illinois, August 25, 1973 when I met Him. This first meeting with Jesus was so powerful, for so many. No one could move people with the simple words “follow me”, like He could. From the power of that first meeting, Andrew went and got his brother. It’s a good thing he did. A few verses later in John chapter one, Philip was found, and then he went and found and brought Nathaniel. These simple meetings became powerful chain reactions that would resound all through history. Have you gone to get someone? Remember: Andrew brought Peter, and Peter became part of Jesus’ inner circle with James and John. Andrew did not. How would he handle that? You cannot always control what God will do with those you bring. Andrew never worried about it, from what we can read in the gospel record. He just kept bringing others. He was the one who brought the youth with the fish and bread to Jesus. We all remember what a miracle came out of that encounter! He brought some hungry, seeking Greeks to Jesus, chapters later. Do you think Andrew had any idea what would happen to his brother because of that meeting? Did he have any idea that his often impulsive, loudmouthed brother would one day win three thousand people to Christ? He was a bringer, and he brought many that Jesus called keepers! Barnabus brought Paul along, and Paul eventually moved ahead of him in rank. This often happens! A man with a “bringing” ministry once brought young Billy Graham in a pick up truck, to a gospel meeting, the night he got saved. And the rest . . . . is history. You don’t have to be a big executive or a founder of a huge ministry or a mega pastor. Bring others along anyway. Bring someone to God’s house next Sunday. This month of March I am celebrating 44 years in gospel ministry, bringing many to Him over more than four decades through 30 countries of missions travel and pastoring. It has been fun! When I think of how I will once meet all of them, that song “I Can Only Imagine” comes to mind quickly.
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Fighting Faith’s Battles in the Courtroom Clients facing a courtroom battle naturally react with some fear and trepidation, but when their case involves issues surrounding the practice of their faith and religious liberty, the experience takes on a whole new perspective. Such cases can often test the sincerity of a client’s faith, and require an advocate that is experienced in presenting legal arguments why it is essential to protect the client’s constitutional right to live out the dictates of their faith. Larry Crain began taking on such cases early in his law practice. He now is regarded by many in the religious liberty field as one of the most experienced attorneys in the nation on matters of First Amendment litigation. His client list includes a wide range of individuals, religious leaders, students, pastors and ministries across the country that he has represented in court cases involving challenges to their religious freedom, and the list continues to grow. “Just recently, I was in court with a Pastor and members from his church. We were arguing a very hotly contested case over certain doctrinal positions taken by the church. When I returned to my office after winning the argument, I received an email from the Pastor who said he noticed that I had bowed my head to say a prayer before the case was called. The Pastor commented: “We knew then we had the right lawyer who looks to God for his help.” Crain’s commitment to defending those who face challenges over their religious freedoms has led to some unusual cases and important victories. He recalls that it has also cultivated a deep respect and admiration for the stands taken by his clients over the years. “It is important for Christians who put in action their call to be salt and light to understand that it can, and often does, come with a price.” Some of the cases he has handled here in Tennessee have borne out this truth. Some years ago, Crain received a call from the mother of a child enrolled as a second-grader in an elementary school in Middle Tennessee. Dorian Crowell was asked in his second grade class to write a story about winter. Dorian began his sto-
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can turn on very subtle nuances. How consistent have they been in making their religious faith a priority in all areas of their daily walk? Humility is an important factor in how they have interacted with those who oppose their actions. Realizing that we live in a fallen culture today in which judges often view “through a darkened glass” the importance of their faith to them. Care must also be taken in what Crain calls the “characterization” of their case. Casting a client’s case as one based on freedom of expression, for example, may present the best argument for why their constitutional rights have been violated. ry: “My favorite part of Winter is Jesus. . .” When his teacher saw him writing the story at this desk, she immediately took up it up before he could finish it, wadded the paper up into a ball and threw it in the trash. When Dorian asked his teacher why she did this, the teacher replied: “You can’t use that name in your story!” Incidentally, the name of the school was “Liberty Elementary.” Students suspended for passing out religious tracts, valedictorians censored for sharing their faith in Christ, teacher’s forbidden from keeping a bible on their desks, ministers banned from school cafeterias to have lunch at the invitation of a young person from their church, professors denied tenure track because they espouse a Christian world view, these are but a few of the types of cases Crain has handled. “I believe that Scripture teaches us that those who live out the dictates of their faith in Christ are to expect persecution. Paul was quite explicit in saying this was to be expected by everyone who follows Jesus.” 2 Tim. 3:12 “Indeed, all those who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” Advice To Clients There are some lessons learned through his years of work in the area of constitutional litigation that Crain says can be passed on to clients today. • Preparation. There is simply no substitute for preparation when taking on a legal challenge to one’s religious faith in court. This means focusing on the factual details of the case, and making sure the client understands that many times their case
• Perseverance. Constitutional litigation is not for the feint of heart. Few clients go into a lawsuit with a full appreciation for how their faith will be tested, and how important it is to stay the course. Crain spends several hours preparing his clients for depositions and cross-examination. “This is where oftentimes one’s faith is put to the test,” says Crain. “But I have seen miracles take place in a courtroom. Skilled prosecutors stumbling for words when cross-examining a student testifying about their commitment to Christ. Judges who interrupt the trial to express their admiration for a pastor’s sacrifice to his community of believers. This is the fruit born of perseverance, and in a courtroom, the truth can feel like a breath of fresh air.” • Praise. Crain makes it a practice to remind his clients to develop an attitude of praise in the midst of their trial. He is quick to point out the admonition in 2 Chronicles 20:15: “Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God's.” It is important to remember that while the conflict appears to be an over-zealous prosecutor, or a government worker, they are not the enemy. “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” Eph. 6:12. — Crain Law Group also offers legal services in a broad range of areas other than religious liberty. For more information about the services they provide contact them at (615) 376-2600 or go online at www.crainlaw.legal
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The Surprising Way President Trump is Putting Your Hard-Earned Money Back in Your Pocket… But Only if You Take Immediate Action! If you’re a Tennessee resident, over the age of 53 and own a 401(k), IRA or 403(b) account, you could be on the path to paying significantly more in tax than you should be. Not only are your retirement accounts subjected to income tax, withdrawals from these accounts can force you to pay tax on your Social Security benefits. They can also cause you to pay more for Medicare. While things like market volatility, inflation and low interest rates are factors, nothing quite threatens your retirement like taxes. And right now, tax rates are the lowest they have ever been – not only in your lifetime, but likely your parents. Here’s the Problem… When you consider our growing national debt and the aging of Baby Boomers, how likely is that future tax rates will NOT be increased? President Trump has given savvy Americans a terrific opportunity to position themselves for a Tax Free Retirement, but this opportunity won’t last for long. Regardless of your political views, it’s not hard to see that these changes will be quickly undone when the administration changes hands.
Your copy of Dan Cuprill's new book, plus a wealth of Tax Free Retirement information can be yours - request it today.
Here’s the GOOD NEWS… Assuming you don’t define patriotism by the amount you pay in taxes, there are proven wealth protection strategies that can dramatically defend the safety of your retirement savings. These cutting-edge tax reduction strategies – including Roth IRA conversions, Trusts, life insurance and many other strategies are purposefully underpublicized. Here’s something amazing… In order to share these strategies with as many Americans as possible, Dan Cuprill has made his latest book, Defuse: 7 Steps to Protecting Your 401(k) From the Ticking Tax Time Bomb available for FREE. As an added bonus, Dan will include his Tax Free Retirement Toolkit, packed with valuable reports, DVD and CD, revealing exactly how you can get as close to paying zero taxes in retirement as possible.
If your address is registered within Tennessee, your copy of Defuse: 7 Steps to Protecting Your 401(k) From the Ticking Tax Time Bomb and the Tax Free Retirement Toolkit will be shipped to your door at no cost. Here’s What to Do Next to Claim Your FREE GIFT… Please visit www.RetireTaxFree.net to request your kit online or fill out the information below and return it by mail before February 28th, 2019.
Yes, Send Me My Tax Free Retirement Toolkit! Name:
__________________ Address: City:
__________________ ZIP:
E-mail: Phone:
__________________ Return by Mail: Dan Cuprill 188 Front Street Ste. 116-48 Franklin, TN 37064
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www.ChristianFamilyNashville.com
MICHAEL W. SMITH To Be Honored with Special Night At Bridgestone Arena
PERFORMANCES BY:
With over 45 Dove Awards, three Grammy awards, and an American Music Award, Michael W. Smith has forever enshrined his mark in the music history books. Smith garnered yet another Grammy nod recently with a nomination for ‘Best Contemporary Christian Music Album’ for his latest worship effort, Surrounded. In a once-in-a-lifetime tribute event, promoted by Outback Concerts and produced by Tony Conway of Conway Entertainment Group, friends and fellow musicians will pay tribute to Smith on April 30, 2019, at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. Celebrating his remarkable 35-year career will include Amy Grant, Bob Goff, Brian Littrell from the the Backstreet Boys, CeCe Winans, Chonda Pierce, Danny Gokey, Donnie McClurkin, Francesca Battistelli, The Gatlin Brothers, The Isaacs, Jars of Clay, Jason Crabb, Jim Brickman, Jordan Smith, Jordin Sparks, Justin Flom, Laura Story, Lee Greenwood, Mac Powell, Matt Maher, Matthew West, MercyMe, Natalie Grant, Newsboys, The Oak Ridge Boys, Phillips, Craig and Dean, Randy Travis, Ricky Skaggs, Russ Taff, Sandi Patty, Scott Hamilton, Vince Gill, Wayne Kirkpatrick and the Original MWS Band, Wynonna and more to be announced soon. Dubbed 35 Years of Friends: Celebrating The Music of Michael W. Smith, music lovers will experience over 50 artists, from all genres, performing a set list to include many of Smith’s 35 #1 hit singles. In addition, 2018 marks the 35th Anniversary of Smith’s iconic song “Friends,” which helped introduce his music to people around the globe. Smith once again shared the song with the world when he performed it at memorial services for his dear friends Reverend Billy Graham and President George H.W. Bush. “Michael is a Christian music icon and we can think of no better way to celebrate him than with this star-studded lineup we have put together,” says Outback Concerts’ Morgan Carney. “It’s going to be an event not to
be missed, and will be a fantastic celebration of one of the greats.” “I’ve had the privilege of working with Michael for over thirty years,” said John Huie, Head of Music at CAA in Nashville. “I’ve seen his music impact people from all walks of life – from Presidents to pedestrians. This celebration of his contributions to music and the impact of the song ‘FRIENDS’ will be very special. It’s been fun watching it come together as so many artists from all genres are anxious to celebrate Michael and his music. An event like this is a first for a Christian artist – and it’s going to be great!” “Putting a tribute event together can be a tremendous amount of work, unless you are doing a tribute to Christian superstar Michael W. Smith,” said Tony Conway (Conway Entertainment Group/Ontourage). “I have been a fan and follower of his music and mission in life since he started performing. Every single artist that his manager Chaz and I talked with said yes right away. It is an honor to work alongside Michael, Chaz and the promoter, Mike Smardak of Outback Concerts. One thing we can all promise, and that is this will be a very special, one night only concert, with lots of surprises and magical collaborations.”
MICHAEL W. SMITH SANDI PATTY HOME FREE BOB GOFF PHIL KEAGGY LAURA STORY VINCE GILL BRIAN LITTRELL MAC POWELL PHILLIPS, CRAIG, AND DEAN RANDY TRAVIS ZACH WILLIAMS WYNONNA WYNONN NATALIE GRANT FRANCESCA BATTISTELLI LEE GREENWOOD STEVEN CURTIS CHAPMAN THE GATLIN BROTHERS THE OAK RIDGE BOYS HEN CHO HENRY POINT OF GRACE MARK LOWRY NATE BARGATZE MATT MAHER JUSTIN FLOM SCOTT HAMILTON NEWSB NEWSBOYS AMY GRANT CHONDA PIERCE JIM BRICKMAN JOHN CRIST DON FINTO CECE WINANS RIC SKAGGS RICKY RUSS TAFF MATTHEW WEST DONNIE MCCLURKIN CHARLIE DANIELS JARS OF CLAY RASCAL FLATTS DANNY GOKEY AVALON JASON CRABB JORDAN SMITH THE ISAACS MERCYME JORDIN SPARKS + WAYNE KIRKPATRICK
– Jeremy Westby
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Brought to you by: Community Partner Vista Points • www.vistapoints.org
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Spring Into Action What is something you would like to do this spring? I bet the thought of establishing a trust for your loved one did not cross your mind. Yet, now that you are thinking about this, let’s consider the benefits of special needs trusts and what they can provide someone living with special needs or a disability. Disability; what is considered a disability? If a child is living with special needs or a person is living with a physical, mental or intellectually-diagnosed condition, a special needs trust may be of benefit. A family member may want to establish a third-party supplemental needs trust for a loved one, in an effort to set aside assets for this person to use presently or at a future date. Other family members are able to contribute to this trust, as well. The money put into the trust is exempt from being counted as an asset, for government purposes, and there is no Medicaid payback assigned to this type of trust. Let’s look at what happened to a young woman living with special needs. Jane was 24 years old and diagnosed with a neurological disorder. Her family talked, on occasion, of how they would
leave money to Jane, to help her with her day-to-day care, if they died. The conversations were productive, but no one acted upon them. Jane’s uncle died and left her an inheritance of $150,000. Jane accepted the inheritance and was very happy, for a short time. Because Jane was receiving government benefits, SSI – Supplemental Security Income and Medicaid, her benefits were cancelled when she accepted this money. Now Jane had to use the $150,000 to pay for her medical needs, food, therapy, and other day-to-day necessities as well as any entertainment, vacations, and general wants and desires. Jane’s new-found money did not last very long. Within nine months she had spent the money buying gifts for the family, purchasing a car for a relative, taking the family on a vacation, and her general day-to-day care. All this spending was fun for a while, but when Jane’s money ran out, no one knew what to do to help Jane. She applied for her government benefits to resume. However, because Jane had gifted so much money away to family and friends, she had a waiting period, of many months, before she could qualify for the needed benefits.
CALL TODAY FOR A FREE HOME ESTIMATE MOLLY MAID OF S. DAVIDSON, WILLIAMSON AND MAURY COUNTIES
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Luckily for Jane, her family came to the rescue. They cared for Jane, helping her in any way they could. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Many times, after the money is depleted, friends and family tend to distance themselves from their loved one. This leaves the person living with a disability in a vulnerable position, with no money and no healthcare. This spring think about what your family needs and how you can provide for them now and after you are gone. If your family member is living with a physical, mental or intellectual disability or has special needs, consider talking with an attorney as to how you can establish a third-party supplemental needs trust for your loved one. Life is in full bloom. Spring into action. — Darlene A. Kemp, MPH, MBA-HCM, is the Executive Director of Vista Points, Inc. For more information on special needs trusts, please visit www.vistapoints.org or call 615-758-4660.
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Visit us at MollyMaid.com to learn more. ©2016 Molly Maid, LLC. Each franchise is independently owned and operated.
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B ody & S ou l I love unique words and each year new ones are created by average people like me and you. As a matter of fact, I created a word for my replacement of the word “problem-solver”. I have never liked that word because the very phrase elevates the problem above the solution; at least it does so in my mind. So, the word “Solutionary” was born in 2009. Today its popularity continues to grow.
This process fulfills our need to satisfy our entire being: 1. mind - pursuit of the truth 2. body - serving others 3. soul - unconditional love
These traits satisfy the needs of the follower by; 1. alleviating their fears 2. building a sense of honor 3. instilling trust All of these threes go hand in hand and all are very important in shaping a quality leader. It is my belief that before someone is worthy of being followed, they must first prove to be a good follower them self. By being a loyal follower one learns what it means to honor, respect and trust someone else. These lessons are critical in our own personal development as well as in the teambuilding dynamic that every leader desires. Most importantly, these were the exact steps our Lord took along his human journey.
Opening the three abilities of mankind, our: 1. mental 2. physical 3. spiritual Uniting our three personas; 1. spiritual 2. professional 3. personal There are only three roles of participation; 1. leader 2. follower 3. disinterested third party
If this is my last post, I want all to know there was only one purpose for all that I have written; to have made a positive difference in the lives of others.
We have the three pillars of a servant leader; 1. agreement of the truth 2. acceptance of the truth 3. endorsement of the truth
As a student of leadership, I have studied leadership for a little over thirty years and recently the term “followship” has been growing in usage as a word that describes the practice of following a leader. I LOVE IT!...mainly, because the entire premise builds off the power of the wisdom of three. It guides a Solutionary along the ultimate path that leads to a successful life. As we prepare for the Lenten season we are asked to do just that, live a successful life of service. That lofty aspiration can only be reached through the obtainment of three area of focus; 1. The selfless pursuit of • Learning • Professing • Living the truth 2. Using the truth in the service to others by • Doing what's right • Doing the best we can • Treating others the way we wish to be treated 3.
Through an unconditional love for: • Your God • Your Neighbor • Your Self
— Anthony “Tony” Boquet, the author of “The Bloodline of Wisdom, The Awakening of a Modern Solutionary”
We even divide the people who follow a servant leader into three groups; 1. the people to whom the leader reports 2. the people who report to the leader 3. the leader’s family and friends
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T h e H om e F ront Be Proactive With Concrete Repair We are all ready to get back outside. Find some sunshine and enjoy the fresh air. After the winter months and the recent flooding, it is important to walk around your home and check for any changes or damages. Make your to-do list, but don’t forget concrete on that list.
• Winter: Ice patches will develop in the lower spots of the surface.
Maintaining the concrete around you home is often overlooked, or so low on the priority list we never get around to it. However, concrete repair is still important. Broken or sinking concrete is not attractive and will continue to get worse with time. Curb appeal applies to appearance but also value of your home. Concrete is expensive to replace. A ¼” difference in a path is considered a trip hazard. Trip hazards = Liability. As a property owner you are also responsible to protect those who visit your property.
What you’ll see: Cracks, breaking, sinking, settling. These are all indicators of changes and break down of the concrete. You may also hear a void under the concrete. The area will sound hollow when you tap on it. Skateboards, wagons, or other fun toys with wheels may feel the roughness of surface.
No one wants loved to trip and get hurt on something that could have easily been corrected. A trip on a sidewalk at a business will distract the customer from the real reason and could be expensive for the business if any medical attention is needed.
All 4 seasons: • Spring: Water puddles. A lot of fun in rubber boots or a real nuisance in nice shoes. • Summer: Stubbed toes, and skinned knees. • Fall: Leaves will hide the uneven hazards.
Causes: • Poorly compacted soil. When the home or structure was built the soil was not compacted well and over time has settled. • Dry Soil. When the soil dries out it shrinks, creating voids under the concrete. • Flooding: Wet soil is weak and water will wash that soil away leaving large voids that cannot support the weight of the concrete. Don’t wait on a trip hazard to cost more money down the road. Permanent concrete repair solutions is faster, cheaper, and easier than you think. Don’t replace it just raise it. For a free inspection call 1-615-547-8701 or visit www.ChristianBasement.com — Brittney Griffy, Marketing Manager at Frontier Basement Systems
Crain Law Group, pLLC We Solve Legal Problems Dedicated to the Practice of Law as an Honorable Calling Over 30 Years of Court Room Experience National Litigation Experience in Over 26 State and Federal Jurisdictions I Civil Rights and Constitutional Law I Injury I Contracts I I Business I Church Law I Non-Profits I Employment I I Conservatorships I Wills I I Civil Litigation I Real Property Disputes I
615-376-2600
Larry@CSAFirm.com I www.csafirm.com
5214 Maryland Way I Suite 402 I Brentwood, TN I 37027
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How to Disinfect Your Nasty Phone Phones are magnets for germs and bacteria. If you’re like most people, you love your phone and take it everywhere. It’s with you at work, at school, in the car, and even in the bathroom. You spill food on it, drop it in the dirt, and let your kids play with it. Then, you put your phone up to your face when you get a call. Are you grossed out yet? Here’s how to clean your phone to prevent spreading germs and getting sick. Reduce Germs in the First Place The bathroom is the worst place to take your phone if you’re hoping to reduce germs. It seems like a simple request, but three out of four Americans use their phones and do their business at the same time. Even if you wash your hands, germs still find a way to latch on. To keep your mobile device as clean as possible, make the bathroom a phone-free zone. Another way to reduce germs is to use an antimicrobial phone case. There are several available on the market today that kill germs on contact or make the surface uninviting for bacteria to grow. You can find cases in numerous colors that fit several types of phones, so search around online and find one that suits you best. Remove Smudges from the Screen Hold your cell phone so the light hits it just right. See all those grimy smudges and oily fingerprints? Do away with them in a flash by rubbing the screen with a microfiber cloth. Your phone should have come with one, but you can find replacements at pharmacies and drug stores if needed. Avoid using paper towels to clean phone screens because they can leave debris behind or scratch the surface, especially if you don’t have a screen protector. Disinfect Your Phone Avoid using soap or glass cleaner on your phone. Instead, stick with disposable disinfectant wipes for a quick and easy solution. You can purchase these or make your own. If you opt for the DIY approach, fill a small spray bottle with equal parts distilled water and 70 percent isopropyl alcohol. Then, dampen a microfiber cloth or lint-free rag with the solution. (Never spray liquid cleaner directly onto electronics.) Remove your phone case and rub the device all over with your homemade cleaner. Be careful not to let moisture get into any ports, speakers, or microphones. Clean Your Phone Case A clean phone is nice, but the case that surrounds it can be equally as germ-ridden. To clean the case, start by removing your phone. Then, dip the case in soapy water. Scrub grimy spots with a new, unused toothbrush. Make sure you clean both the inside and outside of the case. Rinse with clean water and buff the case dry with a soft cloth. Let the case air dry for an hour before putting it back on your phone. Kill Germs with UV Light Purchase a UV-light phone sterilizer to kill 99.9 percent of germs in just 10 minutes. You can use this device to clean other small personal items as well, such as your credit cards, keys, wallet, and watch. Germophobes rejoice! Get Help Cleaning More Than Just Your Phone House cleaning services from Molly Maid are a lifesaver for busy families and working professionals. We provide a guaranteed, contract-free way to free up your time so you can do more of what you want. o arrange professional house cleaning in your area, please contact your local Molly Maid or call us at 615794-0200 today for a free estimate! — Ashley Farrar
Ever feel burnt out? Like the torch at the end of an episode of Survivor, your flame has been snuffed. Only, you don’t get to leave the island. The game isn’t over. You don’t feel like going on, but you have no choice. We fight many things in life, battles that aren’t ours to begin with. We take on the weight of the world, never achieving what we set out to accomplish. We spread ourselves thin. How great would it be to have the passion you once had? But you have people counting on you to solve their problems. They need you to be strong for them. Your passion will have to wait. Did you know that one technique for fighting forest fires is to light smaller fires in the path of the blaze, consuming the fuel the larger fire needs to continue? Through controlled burns, they create a firebreak. In dire cases, they will use backfiring to consume entire areas, redirecting the flames. Dynamite can be used to cause a massive loss of oxygen at the source of the burn in a hope to extinguish the fire. When our passion is strong, it’s not failure that extinguishes our flame. The wildfires you’re forced to deal with take the energy and fuel that would have kept you burning. Things blow up that are beyond your control. Those explosions take resources you planned to use later. It’s not the fault of the flames. Know what needs your immediate attention and deal with it. Protect your flame. You may have to let someone else handle those other fires. Instead, we try to fight all fires hoping to protect those we love. Eventually, we buckle under the strain. We haven’t tended our own flame so we burnout. The adversity meant to make us stronger destroys us because our fuel was burnt up. As parents, we can be guilty of this with our children. Wanting to save them from a lesson we learned, we protect them from adversity, forgetting what the trial did for us. We fight their fires for them when our job is to teach them to fight on their own. Adversity isn’t bad, it brings growth. When faith is tested and we stand firm, perseverance is our reward. Faith becomes stronger. When we tend to our faith, we feed our flame, making us better parents and better examples of Christ’s love. — Toby J. Swager is a husband, father, author of two books, Non-profit director, and a pastor. He currently serves at Connection Pointe Church in Goodlettsville, Tenn. Log on to his website for more information, www.walkingwithswager.com.
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EXPERTS IN: Concrete Repair Basement Waterproofing Crawl Space Solutions Foundation Repair
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Brought to you by: Community Partner Dr. Ming Wang • www.wangcataractLASIK.com
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3D Lasik Dr. Ming Wang, MD, PhD, of Wang Vision 3D Cataract & LASIK Center, Nashville, TN, introduced to the state the latest LASIK technology. Dr. Wang is currently the only surgeon in the state who performs 3D LASIK.
“The driving force of modern 21st century technology is digitalization. This is more accurate and precise than the traditional analog technologies. Using the 3D LASIK digital signal enhancement technology, we digitally overlap preoperative eye maps and match that with the image of eye in real time during surgery. This gives us unprecedented accuracy and precision to treat eye conditions such as astigmatism. Our 3D LASIK patients have been thrilled with their new vision and we have patients from all over the U.S. and world who have come to Nashville for 3D LASIK”, Dr. Wang added.
“We were very excited to be the first to perform the 3D LASIK procedure,” said Dr. Wang, a clinical associate professor of ophthalmology for the University of Tennessee and the director of Wang Vision 3D Cataract & LASIK Center, Nashville, TN. LASIK is a surgical procedure that corrects nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Since the advent of LASIK 20 years ago, nearly 30 million LASIK procedures have been performed worldwide. However, despite the popularity of the procedure, the technology itself that has been used for LASIK has remained largely unchanged for many years. The new 3D image-guided high-definition LASIK represents an innovative improvement of LASIK. Dr. Wang explained, “In a standard LASIK procedure, the surgeon looks through a traditional microscope with the naked eye. What you see is what you get. There is no image processing or signal enhancement. Therefore, since the eyeball is very small, there is limited resolution and accuracy in the surgical procedure. In contrast, with the new 3D LASIK, the surgeon uses the state-of-the-art high-definition microsurgical system. This provides a stereoscopic and digitally signal-enhanced view of the entire surgical field. It allows the surgeon to achieve more precision with the laser focusing on the eye, and thus improves the accuracy of the LASIK procedure and the quality of vision for our patients.”
About Ming Wang, MD, PhD: Dr. Ming Wang, a graduate of Harvard & MIT (MD, magna cum laude), is one of the few cataract and LASIK surgeons in the world today who holds a doctorate degree in laser physics. He has performed over 55,000 procedures, including on over 4,000 doctors. Today, he is a world-class eye surgeon. He is the ONLY surgeon in the state who performs 3D SMILE & 3D LASIK (18+), 3D Implantable Contact Lens (45+), 3D Forever Young Lens (50+), and 3D Laser Cataract Surgery (60+). He has published 9 major textbooks and a paper in the world-renowned journal “Nature”. He holds several U.S. patents and performed the world’s first laser artificial cornea implantation. Dr. Wang founded two 501c(3) non-profit organizations, which have helped patients from over 40 states in the U.S. and 55 countries, with all sight restoration surgeries performed free-of-charge. You can reach Dr. Wang at www.wangvisioninstitute.com, or by calling 615-321-8881.
FREE VISION SEMINAR
3D SMILE & 3D LASIK (18+) • 3D Implantable Contact Lens (21+) 3D Forever Young Lens (45+) • 3D Laser Cataract Surgery (60+) Call for the date and time of the next seminar
615-321-8881
$1,200 savings for attending the seminar 50% savings for laser floater removal procedure
MING WANG, Harvard & MIT (magna cum laude); PhD (laser physics) Wang Vision 3D Cataract & LASIK Center 1801 West End Ave, Ste 1150 Nashville, TN, 37203 www.wangcataractLASIK.com • drwang@wangvisioninstitute.com
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FEBRUARY LUNCHEON Tuesday, March 26 10:45am - 1:00pm Cornerstone Church 726 W Old Hickory Blvd Madison, TN 37115 Keynote Speaker Larry L. Crain, Esq Crain Law Group
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K i ds K or n e r GOD’S CHAIN REACTION BIBLE TRUTH God triggers a chain reaction in our lives transforming us into new creations.
Eating Simple and Local Diet… This word carries such guilt and complexity in our day and age. Some think of it as the food that we intake, but many think of it as something they “go on”. We have made eating so complicated and it is causing so much confusion on what we need to put into our bodies. We do not need another diet that goes to the extreme. We don’t need to just lose weight so that we can look good and feel good about ourselves. We need to have a lifestyle that is sustainable, enjoyable and gives our body everything it needs in every season of life. Sound impossible? Its not! Firstly, I will say that it is impossible in our own strength. We cannot create a healthy lifestyle if we try it on our own. Believe me, I’ve tried! We must have help from those walking with us and from God. Many don’t see God in Physical health, but He is totally in our physical health. So much so, that he wants to help us walk it out every day! If we want to be healthy in every season, then we must have God’s perspective of that season and how he has called us to steward the body that he has given us. We can do it with him! With that said, let me talk about a couple practical things that I have found to help uncomplicate things. First, eat simple. Second, eat local. The simpler we eat usually the better for us the food will be. Many times when we try to eat healthy we get these complicated recipes that take forever and have a lot of hidden sodium and sugar. This means extra processed calories that we don’t need and extra time that we don’t have. This isn’t sustainable. Try making super simple meals with seasonings that are low in sugar and sodium. This will be more sustainable and healthier in the long run. Next, try and get foods that are raised or grown in your area. This will usually mean that the food is cleaner and less processed. Know where your food is coming from! In this day and age many do not really know where their food is from. This is not how god intended it. We were created to eat whole foods that our bodies can use for fuel, not processed calories that our body can not break down efficiently. Let’s not focus on the foods that we shouldn’t be eating and focus on what we should be eating! Our body needs calories and nutrients from the food we eat. We have been trained to think that a calorie is bad, when in reality our body needs them in the right amount. In the same way that cars need the right fuel and maintenance, our bodies need the right food and nutrients in order to function the way that they were created. Let’s partner with the way that God made our bodies as we go from Glory to Glory for a lifetime. — Ashton Tate is a Certified Personal Trainer, Nutrition Specialist and owner of Glory to Glory Fitness in Franklin, Tenn. His passion is helping people live a balanced and healthy lifestyle by making fitness uncomplicated. glorytogloryfitness.com glorytogloryfitness@gmail.com
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Nashville Christian Family
WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! HANDS-ON EXPERIMENT
Instant Water Bottle Freeze Slam INGREDIENTS • Large Metal Bowl • Rock Salt • Ice • Thermometer • Refrigerated Bottled Water INSTRUCTIONS STEP 1: Fill the large metal bowl 1/4th of the way with ice. Pour a cup of rock salt in the bowl. Mix the ice and salt. Describe and classify the ice and salt by their observable properties before and after mixing. STEP 2: Place the refrigerated bottled water into the bowl. Completely cover the bottled water with ice and salt. STEP 3: Insert the thermometer into the ice. Closely watch the thermometer. Once the thermometer reads 16°F, wait 15 minutes, and then carefully remove the bottled water. STEP 4: Slam the bottled water, upright, onto a flat surface and observe. Describe and classify the water by its observable properties before and after you placed it into the ice and salt. EXPLANATION The lack of impurities in the bottled water allows the water to supercool. Once you slam the bottled water onto a flat surface the supercooled water molecules form a crystal in a process called nucleation. This creates a chain reaction, causing the bottled water to go from a liquid to a solid. BIBLE CONNECTION Just like the bottle of water transformed from a liquid to a solid, God triggers a chain reaction, in our life, transforming us into a new creation. — Jason Lindsey - STEM Certified Educator and Meteorologist Hooked on Science l www.hookedonscience.org l Executive Director/Founder/ jlindsey@hookedonscience.org
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Finding Calm in Today Alli Crews is a light for Nashville, Tennessee. I, this young and humble writer, had the privilege of interviewing Alli and hearing her thoughts on volunteering, motivation, and the world we live in. In my modest opinion, her lifelong commitment to provide calmness, peace, and love during times of need is an example of actions speaking louder than words. Alli was born in Murfreesboro and grew up in Nashville. She was adopted at a young age through Miriam’s Promise. After volunteering with Miriam’s Promise during middle and high school, Alli headed to Texas for college. There she studied French, pursuing a way to connect and engage with new peoples and communities. She moved back to Nashville and now works in customer service at Lyft. Today people in difficult situations call in to Lyft, and Alli offers the calm voice of reason in the midst of their messes. Calmness in the chaos of life is a motif for her. In work, volunteering, and day-to-day experiences Alli constantly works to engage with others. Alli now serves on the board of Miriam’s Promise. The board manages the direction of Miriam’s Promise, and Alli specifically oversees social media within the nonprofit. Miriam’s Promise nurtures families through pregnancy and parenting counseling as well as adoption services. From an early age, Alli has been involved with this local nonprofit by providing summer lunches, speaking on panels about adoption normalcies, fundraising, helping produce events, and now working in social media.
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Alli Crews, Christmas caroling with her family.
She is unafraid to be a strong presence in the turbulence of family struggles. She strives to “speak peace and love into adoptions” through her service. Volunteering has led Alli to step out of her comfort zone: learning how to reach out to people and ask for support, learning the behind the scenes effort invested in a nonprofit, and so much more. The life Alli lives speaks deeply to doing good and leading by example. She says volunteerism is something anyone can pursue, and regardless of the outcome some good is done! Simply trying different kinds of volunteering produces good even if you decide it is not for you. I believe Nashville and this world need more people like Alli who are willing to lead by example and push their own boundaries. If you think Alli is the coolest person ever and want to be her best friend, you are in the same boat as I am! If you read this and feel like you are interested in volunteerism, you are in the same boat as I am! And, I’m glad to say I have a solution! Miriam’s Promise is holding their annual fundraiser, Celebrate the Promise, on April 5th at the Factory on Franklin. They are always looking for more help so visit the Support Us section on their website, www.MiriamsPromise.org, for more information. — Ryan Wilson
Has something in the magazine or something you have discussed with someone or some thoughts that you have had or something that you have heard, brought you to a point of realizing that you want and need to know Christ in the truest and personal sense?
If so, below is a simple outline for someone of any age who is not a Believer to act on their desire to accept Jesus Christ into their heart as their Savior. God’s Plan of Salvation God created us to honor and serve Him Revelation 4:11: “You are worthy, O Lord, To receive glory and honor and power;For You created all things, And by Your will they exist[b] and were created Each of us has sinned against God Romans 3:10: As it is written, “There is none righteous, no, not one” Romans3:23: For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
Jesus Christ died on the cross in our place, paying the penalty for our sin Romans 5:8: But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. We each must accept Jesus Christ as our personal Savior Romans 10:9: that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:13: For “whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.”
The penalty for sin is eternal separation from God and Heaven Romans 6:23: For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Good works cannot ever earn God’s forgiveness and Salvation Titus 3:5: not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us. God loves each of us John 3:16: For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
To accept Christ into your heart and life, pray a simple prayer along these lines - “Dear God, I know that I am a sinner and I am sorry for my sins. I know that Jesus died for my sins and the sins of the world. Right now, I ask Jesus into my heart and receive Him as my personal Savior. Forgive me of my sins, thank you for saving me through the blood of Jesus. Please Lord, help me live for you. In Jesus name, amen.” All scriptures are taken from The New King James Version of the Holy Bible.
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MARCH 2019 Calendar List Your Event!
If you have an event you would like listed in the Nashville Christian Family Community Calendar e-mail us at: NCFPublication@gmail.com subject line - Calendar March 6 - April 18 Lent 2019 March 10 Daylight Savings Time Begins – 2:00 AM March 26 16th Annual Pro-Life Women’s Day on the Hill 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM, War Memorial Auditorium 301 6th Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37243 Hundreds of pro-life women will gather on Capitol Hill in Nashville. Though representing diverse communities and counties across the state, we will be united with one message: Protect Life! Make plans to be a part of the 16th Annual ProLife Women’s Day on the Hill as we celebrate Tennessee’s Pro-Life values. Join Tennessee Right to Life as we welcome Jennifer Christie. March 8, 15, 29 Youth Golf Clinic And Camp – The Athletics Division of the Williamson County Parks and Recreation Department announces registration for a Spring Golf Clinic for youth ages 5-12. The golf clinic will be taught by Jim Kite, a PGA Instructional Professional. A resident of Nolensville, Kite has taught at the Rick McCord Golf Academy in Orlando and the Apple Valley Country Club. The clinic dates will be Friday, March 8, 15 and 29 from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Indoor Arena at Crockett Park in Brentwood. Participants should register for activity #13791 at www.wcparksandrec.com. The clinic fee is $75 (includes equipment). Registration will open April 1 for a Summer Golf Camp to
be held June 3-7. For more information, contact Mike Arnold at (615) 377-6530, ext. 6620, or Mike.Arnold@williamsoncounty-tn.gov. ONGOING Last Tuesday of every month Tennessee Christian Chamber of Commerce Monthly Luncheon – Last Tuesday of every month except December. Connection Groups - Networking/Leads Meetings held in these locations: Brentwood, Cool Springs/Franklin, Downtown, Hendersonville, Mt. Juliet, Murfreesboro. For meeting locations, times and dates or for more information about the Chamber and events, visit www.tnchristianchamber.org or email rstringfellow@yahoo.com. First Friday of each month Healthy Living Potluck – Join us the First Friday of each month for Biblically based Inspiration, Motivation and Information on living a consistent and sustainable healthy lifestyle. For women and men of all ages. When: 1st Friday of the month Time: 6:30-8:30 pm Where: The Cloister Community Center, 105 Emma Neuhoff Ct, Nashville, TN, behind St. Henry’s church. Cost: $5 plus a healthy dish to share, bring your recipe! Each month has a topic and a theme. You can find more on our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/benourished4life Or email thewellnessworkshop@msn.com
A bout O u r A dve rti s e r s
Coming in
APRIL April 21 Easter Sunday
April 30 Celebrating the Music of Michael W. Smith – Friends and fellow musicians will pay tribute to Smith on April 30, 2019, at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. Celebrating his remarkable 35-year career will include Amy Grant, Bob Goff, Brian Littrell from the the Backstreet Boys, CeCe Winans, Chonda Pierce, Danny Gokey, Donnie McClurkin, Francesca Battistelli, The Gatlin Brothers, The Isaacs, Jars of Clay, Jason Crabb, Jim Brickman, Jordan Smith, Jordin Sparks, Justin Flom, Laura Story, Lee Greenwood, Mac Powell, Matt Maher, Matthew West, MercyMe, Natalie Grant, Newsboys, The Oak Ridge Boys, Phillips, Craig and Dean, Randy Travis, Ricky Skaggs, Russ Taff, Sandi Patty, Scott Hamilton, Vince Gill, Wayne Kirkpatrick and the Original MWS Band, Wynonna and more to be announced soon. For more information and tickets, visit www.michaelwsmith.com.
Please support these local businesses that support Nashville Christian Family with their advertising. Support us by patronizing them.
Bott Radio Network – www.bottradionetwork.com, 615-871-1160
P.E.S.T., Inc. – www.pestinc.net, 615-382-9774
Cool Springs MD – www.coolspringsmd.com, 615-283-7291
Saint Thomas Health – www.sths.com, 615-284-LIFE
Ben Davis – www.selectpointe.com , 615-584-4946
The Fish 94FM – www.94fmthefish.net, 615-367-2210
Frontier Basement Systems – www.christianbasement.com, 615-547-8701
TN Christian Chamber of Commerce – www.tnchristianchamber.org 615-815-8765
Larry Crain – www.csafirm.com, 615-376-2600
Vista Points – www.vistapoints.org, 615-758-4660, 888-422-4076
Lee Company – www.leecompany.com, 615-567-1000
Wang Vision Institute – www.wangvisioninstitute.com, 615-321-8881
Matson and Cuprill – www.retiretaxfree.com, 513-623-0259
WayFm – www.wayfm.com, 615-261-9293
Molly Maid – www.mollymaid.com, 615-794-0200
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