GOODlife Magazine March 2017 - Megan Alexander

Megan Alexander INSIDE EDITION’S

FAITH in the SPOTLIGHT

Shamrock City Rock City with an Irish Twist

A Recipe for Success

CONTENTS

Publisher

Kristen Bland

10 MEGAN ALEXANDER Staying True to Uniquely You: An inside look at staying true to God and yourself

Managing Editor

6 CONSIGNMENT SALES Check out this month’s list of upcoming children’s consignment sales and local events.

14 GROW BEFORE YOU GO Have you ever been frustrated to a point where going felt like the best option?

9 GOD’S RECIPE FOR SUCCESS Is there really a recipe for success?

Is there a plan that we can follow that guarantees that we achieve our goals in life?

17 GOODlife Recipes Teriyaki Pork Tacos with Jalapeno Coleslaw: Asian fusion tacos bursting with flavor

13 MOTHER’S DAY CONTEST GOODlife’s good mom writing contest. Tell us about your awesome mom.

18 GOODlife TRAVEL Shamrock City: Get your green on for Rock City’s annual irish celebration and festival!

Gabriel Bland Editor

Autumn Burr Advertising

info@goodlifemagazine.org 770.656.4400 Article Submissions submissions@goodlifemagazine.org 1582 Williams Dr, Suite 250 Marietta Ga 30066

Graphic Designer Damien Parodi

Contributing Editor Krista Messic

facebook.com/goodlifemonthly @goodlifemonthly

ON THE COVER GOODlife Magazine features Megan Alexander - National Correspondent for Inside Edition.

For the full story, see pages 10-12.

GOODlife Magazine is a monthly publication distributed throughout Atlanta and Metro Atlanta. Entire contents, including design elements and logos, are copyrighted and may not be reproduced in any media without the express written consent of the publisher.

GOODlife Magazine, LLC reserves the right to edit or reject any editorial or advertising content. Advertisers assume liability for content of all advertisements.

All information herein has been checked for accuracy to the best of our ability.

Not responsible for deletions, omissions, errors and or inaccuracies. © 2016 GOODlife Magazine, LLC. All rights reserved.

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Kids Consignment Sales March 2-4 ALL 4 KIDS WEST Cobb County Fairgrounds 2245 Callaway Road, Marietta Thu, March 2 from *9:30 am–8pm (*8:30am with $5 donation) Fri, March 3 from 9am-6pm Sat, March 4 from 9am-1pm March 3-4 MT BETHEL UMC CONSIGNMENT SALE 4385 Lower Roswell Road, Marietta Fri, March 3 from 9am-7pm Sat, March 4 from 9am-12pm March 3-4 WILDWOOD KIDZ-SENSE Wildwood Baptist Church 4801 Wade Green Road, Acworth Fri, March 3 from 9am-6pm Sat, March 4 from 9am-1pm March 3-4 GODS LITTLE SPROUTS Trinity United Methodist Church 814 West Avenue, Cartersville Fri, March 3 from 8am-7pm Sat, March 4 from 8am-1pm March 9-11 LITTLE LAMBS CLOSET First United Methodist Church of Marietta Thu, March 9 Pre-Sale ($5 Fee); 2pm8pm Fri, March 10 from 9am-7pm Sat, March 11 from 9am-1pm

March 10-11 CCC MOPS Cumberland Community Church 3110 Sports Avenue, Smyrna Fri, March 10 from 9:30am-7pm Sat, March 11 from 9am-1pm March 10-11 DUE WEST TREASURE CHEST Due West United Methodist Church 3956 Due West Road, Marietta Fri, March 10 from 9:30-7pm Sat, March 11 from 8am-12pm March 10-11 BORN AGAIN BLESSINGS Riverstone Church 2005 Stilesboro Road NW, Kennesaw Fri, March 10 from 9am-8pm Sat, March 11 from 9am-12pm March 11 TOTS TO TWEENS CONSIGNMENT SALE Sandy Plains Baptist Church 2825 Sandy Plains Road, Marietta Sat, March 11 from 9am-2pm March 16-18 ALL 4 KIDS EAST Mount Paran North Church 1700 Allgood Road, Marietta Thu, March 16 from *6 pm-9pm (*5pm with $5 donation) Fri, March 17 from 9am-6pm Sat, March 18 from 9am-1pm

March 17-18 LIL’ BLESSINGS CONSIGNMENT SALE Kennesaw First Baptist Church 2958 North Main Street, Kennesaw Fri, March 17 from 9am-7pm Sat, March 18 from 9am-1pm March 23-25 TWICE BLESSED CONSIGNMENT SALE McEachern Memorial UMC 4075 Macland Road, Powder Springs Thu, March 23 from 5pm-9pm Fri, March 24 from 9:30am-4pm Sat, March 25 from 8am-12pm March 23-25 ALL 4 KIDS WOODSTOCK His Hands Church 550 Molly Lane, Woodstock Thu, March 23 from *9:30 am–8pm (*8:30am with $5 donation) Fri, March 24 from 9am-6pm Sat, March 25 from 9am-1pm April 21-22 CLOTHING KIDS FOR THE KINGDOM Summit Baptist Church 4310 Moon Station Lane, Acworth Fri, April 21 from 9am-9pm Sat, April 22 from 8am-12pm

Is your church hosting any upcoming events? If so, let us know!

Send information to submissions@goodlifemagazine.org 6

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MARIETTA SQUARE ART WALK

March 3 from 5pm – 9pm Location: Marietta Square

TOBYMAC HITS DEEP TOUR

March 9 at 6:30pm Location: Infinite Energy Arena, Duluth http://www.infiniteenergycenter. com/events/detail/tobymac

SOUTHEASTERN COWBOY GATHERING

March 9 – 11 Location: Booth Western Art Museum, Cartersville www.boothmuseum.org

TOUCH-A-TRUCK

ADULT SPELLING BEE

March 18 from 10am – 2pm Location: Depot Park in Downtown Kennesaw www.kennesaw.com/touch-a-truck

IRON HILL KAYAK TOUR

March 18 from 8am – 12pm Location: Marietta Square https://runsignup.com/Race/GA/ Marietta/ShamrockShuffleMarietta

March 10 from 7:30pm – 10pm Location: The Strand Theatre, Marietta www.cismcc.org/WP/adult-spellingbee-2017 March 11 from 12pm – 4pm Location: Red Top Mountain State Park, Acworth

SECRET KEEPER GIRL – THE PURPLE PARTY TOUR

March 17 from 7pm – 9pm Location: First Baptist Church Woodstock www.secretkeepergirl.com

5K SHAMROCK SHUFFLE

SPRING ATLANTA HOME SHOW

March 24 – 26 Location: Cobb Galleria Centre www.atlantahomeshow.com

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W

ith February behind us and the winter months coming to a close people are beginning to prepare for the coming of Spring. Not just physically as people begin looking forward to warmer weather, but also financially. I do believe that tax season is a great time to do a financial check-up on where you have been, where you are, and where you are going.

Top 5 Pointers to Get Ready For Tax Season

Making Tax Season Less Taxing

By John Dillard

1. Staying Organized/Develop a System.

Everything we do in life is getting more and more detailed and complex every year including our taxes. Despite promises from Congress the tax code is harder to understand than ever before so developing a process/a software/a filing system so when the time comes to get started on your taxes you will be ahead of the game.

2. Use the Buddy System. Online software when you only have a W-2 may be ideal. However if you have a business don’t walk, run to a CPA whose practice is centered around the needs of growing business owners. A CPA can also serve as a Virtual CFO/Controller helping you develop good financial reporting, guidance with cash flow management, debt/business acquisition and management reporting to name a few. Not using a CPA for your business is akin to jumping off a cruise ship (even if it is sinking) without a life vest.

3. Use a Checklist. A checklist and do much to help you avoid missing out on either something you need to report or a valid tax deduction you might otherwise miss. I have developed one for use I believe much more user friendly that is available 24/7 at the top of our contact us page or the bottom of our home page at HIS CPA 4. Planning Ahead. Keep in mind that when you are preparing your year-end business and personal income taxes and that you are “settling up” with the IRS/State of GA on what your actual total tax liability for the year is. Keep in mind tax law requires you to “pay your taxes as you go” and that an extension to file is not an extension to pay. Planning Ahead of what you will owe allows you to both stay abreast of the year’s tax liability while helping to avoid any unnecessary year-end surprises.

5. Meeting With Your Financial Planner. Meeting with your financial planner is an essential at least once a year and perhaps much more often depending on changes in the stock market, setting up a retirement plan for your business, debt liquidation, getting married, having children and of course the double perk of paying for their college education. For as John Wooden said “Failing to Prepare is Preparing to Fail.”

At His CPA PC, You are MUCH more than just a number. You Matter. Visit us online and if you are a business owner looking to take your company to the next level give us a call at 770.814.9304.

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God’s Recipe for Success

By Craig Jones

Is there really a recipe for success? Is there a plan that we can follow that guarantees that we achieve our goals in life?

A lot of people have wasted time, energy, and money on get-rich-quick schemes, but only God’s word can guarantee us success.

Hebrews chapter 6, verse 12 says: Don’t become lazy, but be imitators of those who inherit the promises through faith and perseverance.

This scripture gives us a powerful recipe for success. For this scripture to work, you have to apply every truth represented. Just like when you bake a cake, you have to use all the required ingredients and follow the steps in the recipe to make it delicious. So let’s look at what God’s recipe for success calls for.

It starts by saying “Don’t be lazy.” For us to make this recipe work, we have to understand that it takes work. A lot of people are dreamers, but it takes more than a dream. At some point, you have to wake up and pursue your dream.

In my home, we love to watch cooking competitions, and afterward, my daughter wants to help her mother in the kitchen. Something about watching others create something makes us want to do the same, and that’s exactly what this scripture tells us…be an imitator of greatness. When you see people succeed, watch what makes them great and apply it to your dream.

This scripture specifically tells us that the two main ingredients for success are faith and perseverance. Faith means you have to believe in what you are doing. When I was in high school, I worked as a telemarketer for one week and hated it. There were many reasons I despised it, but mostly I could not get excited about selling magazines. However, as a pastor, I love sharing with people the life-changing truths of God’s word. I love what I do, and I believe in it. So whatever you decide to pursue in life, make sure it’s something you’re passionate about.

The next ingredient in the recipe for success is the one most people seem to be lacking. It says that to inherit the promise, you must have perseverance. You have to believe in what you are doing so much that you won’t give up. Anything worth having is worth fighting for. In my experience, most people give up when they are right at the door of success.

So discover what you’re really passionate about and pursue it without the option to quit. Everyone wants success, but you can actually have it if you believe in what you are doing so much that, no Craig and Janna Jones are the matter how hard the road, senior pastors of Abiding Church you determine that you will never give up on the located in Kennesaw, GA. journey.

Learn more at www.abiding.church march 2017

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STAYING TRUE to UNIQUELY YOU

An inside look at staying true to God and yourself, with Inside Edition’s

Megan Alexander -By Gabriel Bland

H

ow do they do it? Those people who seem to have it all together—they seem to balance their career, their family, and their personal life, all while continually growing in their relationship with the Lord. The answer, while simple, presents a challenge for every person. Their “secret” is that they don’t have it all together, but that they are figuring it out one day at a time. And in the words of C. S. Lewis, “The future is something which everyone reaches at the rate of 60 minutes an hour, whatever he does, whoever he is.” So the defining factor between the people that continually grow and improve themselves in life is that when they make mistakes and opposition comes, they get back up and keep pressing forward.

They also know that by finding the things that have worked for other people and adapting them to their own lives, they can drastically shorten the learning curve.

Megan Alexander is one of those people that appears to have it all together, while she will be very quick to tell you that she does not have it all figured out, her insights, if applied, can significantly help every person achieve the sustainability and endurance they need for a fruitful life. Megan is a national correspondent for Inside Edition and a special correspondent for Thursday Night Football on CBS. She is the author of “Faith in the Spotlight”, where she shares her practical advice for achieving excellence in career, faith, and family and gives an honest look at thriving in a secular industry, as a believer, without compromising on her faith and values. She is a mother of two, travels, is immersed in the world of media and sports, and is still daily growing in her relationship with the Lord. So we sat down with Megan to get practical advice and some strategies that she uses in her life, that you can use to continually grow yourself and stay true to who you are in God in a world that pressures conformity every day.

We sat down with Megan to get practical advice and some strategies that she uses in her life that you can also apply to continually grow yourself and stay true to who you are in the Lord in a world that pressures conformity every day.

When asked how she finds balance in her life, Megan responded, “The honest answer to that is I don’t like the word balance. I think we should throw it out the window.” She asserts that the idea of “balance” comes with expectations that leave us feeling guilty if we’ve spent more of our time in certain roles on any given day. She went on to explain that each day presents itself with a unique set of “demands” on a person, and depending on those present for a given day, the individual may need to make a priority shift between roles. “I honestly reset myself every day. I’ve really found that some days I’m all work, 24/7, and some days I’ve found I’m all mom and wife. Every person is unique. I can’t compare myself to someone else or I will go crazy. I have had to find what works for me. You need to figure out what works for you.”

Knowing the “why” behind what you do is crucial to maintaining the drive you need when challenges and setbacks come in life, work, or relationships. In “Faith in the Spotlight,” Megan challenges her readers to write out a personal “Mission Statement,” which is a short written statement to help them refocus and keep them on track in life. She explains, “Start with the big ‘why’ question. What do you want to do, but why do you want to do it? It’s putting pen to 10

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“Knowing the ‘why’ behind what you do is crucial to maintaining the drive you need when challenges and setbacks come in life...”

paper, and saying ‘Ok what do I believe in? What’s important to me?’” In other words, find the things you want to always keep in perspective, and write those down. Megan goes on, “For me it’s been really helpful in terms of defining the absolutes in my life. For example, as an actor…I know this is kind of an extreme example, but a nudity clause. In a movie, I will not take off my clothes, which is a real issue in the entertainment industry. A mission statement can be simple, just a couple of lines, but it reminds you, ‘OK yeah, why do I get up in the morning?’ ‘What do I believe?’ For me, I keep it on a notecard, on my desk as a reminder there in front of me.”

“A mission statement can be simple, just a couple of lines, but it reminds you, “OK yeah, why do I get up in the morning?’...”

Having daily reminders of not only where you stand, but where you want to go, is so crucial because human nature tends to lose sight of the big picture when we focus on the details.

One of the best ways to get those reminders is through accountability with like-minded individuals who share that desire to grow. This is not just limited to surrounding yourself with friends who will encourage you in this way, but it also means finding mentors in life that you can look up to and from whom you can gain insights and knowledge.

Megan went on to describe the different types of mentors a person can have, as well as strategies for proactively seeking them and their counsel. “You have to be creative with it.

In the book, I talk about distant mentors. Those are people that you may never even meet.

But if it’s somebody like Oprah, I’m going to read every book she’s written. I’m going to study her interviews. I’m going to follow her as a role model from afar. Then there are casual mentors. An example of a casual mentor would be when I bumped into Deborah Norville in the hallway. She’s the anchor of our show, and she’s extremely busy. If I get five minutes with her in the makeup room, I am going to be extremely intentional in my conversation. I was engaged when I joined Inside Edition. I remember asking her, ‘What’s the secret to a good marriage?’ She’s been married twenty years, which is highly unusual in our business, and she gave me couple pieces of advice.

And hopefully you will be able to get a few of those true mentors, which for me could be someone I met at church, where I get to meet with them for coffee occasionally and exchange dreams and ideas and brainstorm. So you have to be creative, you have

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ACTING & MUSICAL THEATER

to sort of piecemeal it together… And don’t be discouraged if somebody turns you down. I’ve certainly had people turn me down.”

The reality is that setbacks and opposition are guarantees in all areas of life at one time or another, but if we can learn to shift our perspective to a place that won’t let those setbacks stop us, nothing can impede us from overcoming opposition. Megan shares, “There have been so many times when people have discouraged me from auditioning for a part, even for the job at Inside Edition. My agent at the time told me I wasn’t their type and I didn’t stand a chance. But I had an acting coach right out of college, a wonderful Christian man, who said, ‘Don’t look at it as getting the job. Look at it as an experience, and go in wanting to learn something about yourself or meet somebody new.’ If you go in for feedback, or you go in to just overcome some public speaking fears or to just try something new, it changes everything.” This change in perspective, coupled with the truth that God made you as a unique individual with talents, perspectives, and a distinctive physical appearance that only you have, counteracts one of the biggest lies that the world continually boasts…that you need to change who you are, how you look, and the way you think to match what somebody else thinks.

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Megan adds, “My message to everyone is that there have (404)964-0529 | ONCEUPONABALLETATL@GMAIL.COM ONCEUPONABALLETATL.COM | MUSICALTHEATERCENTERATL.COM been times people have told me that I was not the right type, I should not go in for that audition. I want people to know, especially young girls, you are unique and you have to be proud of who you are. Please don’t be discouraged because there have literally been times where if I had listened to those voices, I would have not gotten the job. Be proud of what you look like. It is awesome to be different.”

Megan’s desire is to encourage people who are faced with difficult choices to “stick up for themselves, hold true to how they were raised—their faith, their values, and their family.” She reassures that when you do that, “You won’t just survive, you can thrive!”

Four ways to overcome opposition and stay true to yourself and God: •

Reset daily: Every day is unique and will require you to approach it differently than the day before.

•

Write your “Mission Statement:” A short written form of self accountability to refocus on the big picture.

•

Find accountability: Find like-minded dreamers to surround yourself with, and find individuals from whom to gleen insight into where you want to go.

•

Shift your perspective: Rejection is going to come, so ground yourself in the truth that you are wonderfully and uniquely made.

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For more from Megan, be sure to check out her book “Faith in the Spotlight.”

A GOODlife Starts with Mom

Mother’s

Do you have an awesome mom? Well, we want to hear about her! She could be featured in the May edition of GOODlife magazine for a special Mother’s Day tribute. Is there something you’ve never said to your mom, but want to tell her? Maybe it’s a thank you for making your life happier, getting the family through challenging times, or inspiring you to be a better person. Here’s your chance!

Day

Contest

Submit an original written work (story, poem, letter, etc.), 450 words or less, about or to your mom to submissions@GOODlifemagazine.org, and be entered to win a special Mother’s Day prize for your mom!

Prizes Include (Valued at $1,000): Three 13 Salon and Spa “Day of Beauty” - Hair design and finish - Any color service for desired outcome - Hair power conditioning treatment - Gel spa manicure - Gel pedicure

Hilton Atlanta/Marietta Hotel & Conference Center

- Spa facial Weekend night stay with - Facial waxing - Full body massage breakfast for two - Full makeup application Publication in - Hair power gloss GOODlife Magazine - Body treatment Winning entry published in May issue, - Two spa add-ons print and digital versions

RULES and DEADLINES:

Provide your full name, phone number, and mailing address, both in the email and on the submission itself. Any pictures included need to be high resolution (300 dpi).

Entries must be received by midnight April 7, 2017. One entry per person allowed. Winner will be notified in our May issue. All entries must be original work, and any previously published work will not be eligible for the prize.

For more rules and information, visit www.goodlifemagazine.org march 2017

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Choosing to

Grow

Before You

Go

By Gavin Adams

Have you ever been frustrated to a point where going felt like the best option? Or maybe the only option?

You were… …Frustrated with a relationship, and you just had to get out. …Frustrated in a marriage. So you walked out. …Frustrated with a job. So you quit. …Frustrated with your lack of progress. So you dropped the gym membership and grabbed a candy bar (sorry, was that too close to home?)

We’ve all been there. Most of us too many times to count.

The frustration-to-leaving conundrum is very real and very visceral. At times, leaving is absolutely the best option. But not always.

For now, let’s focus our energy on workplace frustrations.

I’ve never met a person who’s lived a life free of work-related frustration. As an emotion, frustration drives us to make many decisions. Not necessarily good decisions, but decisions none-the-less. Of all the decisions we face in the midst of our frustration, decisions that seemingly remove the frustration come to us first.

So, when we are frustrated at work, we often consider our options. When our frustration isn’t likely to change, we know it’s time to make a change. Change departments. Change bosses. Change companies. Change careers. And even change industries. But what if there is a different kind of change that is more fruitful?

“When our frustration isn’t likely to change, we know it’s time to make a change.”

If you are frustrated now (or the next time you are, which might even be tomorrow), here’s what I want you to consider: Is it possible that your leaving might sacrifice your 14

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growing? To say it a different way, running from frustration might ruin our chance to learn in the frustration. That’s a truth not easy to embrace.

“Running from frustration might ruin our chance to learn in the frustration.”

Here’s what I’ve experienced personally, and I’m guessing many of you have, as well. When we are facing frustration, choosing to grow through it rather than go from it is typically our best initial choice. I say initial because eventually most of us will move on from our current workplaces, but if there is an opportunity for us to grow first, leaving absolutely will remove it. What’s more, the opportunity may never resurface.

When I find myself frustrated at work, here are the decisions I try to consider:

1. Decide who’s responsible for the frustration.

Gavin Adams is the Lead Pastor of Woodstock City Church, a campus location of North Point Ministries, and a student of leadership, communication, church, and faith.

If I’m the cause of my own frustration, then running doesn’t help in any way. Why? Because everywhere I go, there I am. If we pause long enough in any frustration, we will typically find we are part of the problem. Not necessarily all, but part. It might be our attitude. It might be our lack of hunger to grow in our role. It might be our pride, or maybe our emotional intelligence. Whatever it is, we must own our slice of the frustration pie.

That said, if we can conclude the frustration is outside of our locus of control, then we need to wrestle with some other emotions and decisions.

2. Decide to stay…longer than you want.

When there is a situation that is causing frustration, I’ve learned (at times the hard way), that patience in the situation is always the most prudent initial response. When we decide we are going to stay, no matter for how long, we must correspondingly decide that our staying will need to outlast our natural inclination for going. Staying in anything difficult isn’t easy, hence our propensity for going. But when we decide to stay for longer than we want, we position ourselves for deeper growth.

I believe the longer we stay, the more we can grow. Sure, there’s a point of diminishing returns, but often that is further away than we want to believe.

3. Decide what needs to grow before you eventually go.

Odds are you will go eventually, but when that time comes, hopefully, you will be choosing to run to something, not away from something. While you are sitting in the frustration, decide how and where you can grow in it — specifically.

Where specifically can you learn. What specifically needs to mature in you. Here’s a hint: Your frustration. What’s causing your frustration is probably linked to the opportunity for your growth.

If we aren’t actively working to grow, then we might as well go. But if we can determine what areas of our life need to be improved, our frustration is a great tool to be leveraged in the growth.

“What’s causing your frustration is probably linked to the opportunity for your growth.”

4. Decide to go when you can’t grow.

There will be times when our need to go supersedes our need to grow. This happens most obviously when we recognize there is no more room for growth in the current context. Not that we are fully grown in all areas of our life, but that in our current workplace context, we have learned what we can learn in and through the frustration.

Think of this like a point of diminishing returns. When our growth work begins to return void, the returns on our efforts are most likely diminishing.

Going is inevitable, but going before growing sabotages our improvement opportunities.

The easiest way to think about it is to never run from something, only to something. If we only run to things, we help ensure our frustrations aren’t driving us away from opportunities to grow. march 2017

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I Need You

By Steve Countryman “I need you!” I find myself telling God this almost daily. It is a reality of where I am in my relationship with my heavenly Father. It is also sad that it took me so long to come to this realization. How often have I waited until I have exhausted all of my options before considering bringing my problems to my God in prayer. Taking it to God should always be our first option, not our last.

I find it strange that I have spent most of my Christian walk wanting to be a better Christian, a better Christian friend, a better Christian husband, and a better Christian business owner; but doing it on my own terms, thinking that I knew what to do and how to do it as well as the next Christian. All of this was based on my own perception and feelings—making all my decisions by leaning on my own understanding. How foolish!

God has gone to great lengths to provide us, His children, all we will ever need… His Son Jesus who died upon a cross for the sins of the world and was raised again. His Word with every answer to every possible problem. His awesome Holy Spirit to guide our steps and direct our paths, changing us from glory to glory. His angels to help and to protect. Every possible spiritual tool that we could ever need is provided, all wrapped in His wonderful blessings of divine health and prosperity. 3 John 2 says, “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.”

I know how frustrated I can get when I’m trying to help someone who won’t accept my help. You know the person who, every time you see that individual, always tells you his or her stories of woe, but refuses to accept any advice or help from you. It’s like you’re being invited to a “pity party” but not allowed to attend unless you’re willing to only give comfort and sympathy.

I marvel at God’s patience and mercy, for we Christians treat God the same way. We cry out for God to help us and beg Him to answer our prayers, but when He answers them and sends the help, we ignore Him. We choose to lean on our own understanding instead of leaning on the One who can deliver us from all of our problems!

I have learned the hard way that it’s a good thing to need God’s help in all things, at all times, and in all ways! Leaning on God and His Word is the only way to live. Why try to just survive each day when you can have the victory in all things and live an extraordinary life? Try living for God instead of living for yourself. Otherwise, you spend most of your time staring at your “tray of trash”—all of your problems. You waste your time and energy worrying about what’s on your tray, while becoming a stale, worthless Christian in the meantime.

Anyone who has had addictions or serious problems and was sincere about getting help had to admit first that they needed help, that they couldn’t fix it on their own. They had to be willing to receive the necessary help to get through their issues. If not, then the help wouldn’t help! Admitting that you need God isn’t a sign of weakness, but of victory! When you’re in over your head—as we all are at times—there is only one who can rescue you, and His name is Jesus!

For those who think that they don’t need God are the true examples of fools. There are those who are ignorant of the truth and don’t know better. There are others who are stupid because they know better, but choose to ignore the truth. Then there are those who are boastful fools because they know better and are proud of their stupidity for ignoring the truth.

What about you? Do you acknowledge your need for God or do you try to handle everything on your own? It is a matter of trust, and I choose to trust in Jesus. Lord, I need you!

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Teriyaki Pork Tacos with Jalapeno Coleslaw

By Krista Messic

Ingredients Dale’s Steak Seasoning (2 caps full) Fresh garlic, cut into slivers (about 16 slivers) 1 pork tenderloin ¾ c. Soy Vay Marinade, Island Teriyaki Sauce Half bag of coleslaw from produce dept. (not prepared) ¼- ½ c. mayonnaise ¼ c. pickled jalapenos (in the jar), chopped 1 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar Sugar (optional) Garlic salt Black pepper Flour tortillas

Coleslaw Place coleslaw in a mixing bowl. Add mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, jalapenos, and 1 tablespoon of the juice from the jalapeno jar. Mix well, adding mayonnaise or vinegar to adjust consistency. Add garlic salt, black pepper, and sugar to taste. Cover and place in refrigerator for a minimum of one hour.

Teriyaki Pork Rinse pork tenderloin and pat dry. Plug the tenderloin with garlic by puncturing the meat with a small paring knife to about the center of the meat and placing the garlic slivers in the holes. Punctures should be evenly spaced over the entire cut of meat. Place the meat in a pan, pour one capful of Dale’s Steak Seasoning on one side and rub around, turn over and repeat on the bottom. Cover and set aside for about 30 minutes (do not refrigerate).

Heat grill to approximately 400 degrees. Generously coat clean grill grates with oil to prevent meat from sticking. Place the tenderloin on the grill and cover, flipping the tenderloin only once, until internal temperature reaches 140 degrees, about 5-7 minutes per side.

Brush the Soy Vay Marinade, Island Teriyaki Sauce over the tenderloin during the final minutes of cooking.

Remove from heat, cover, and allow to rest for 10 minutes; the meat will continue to cook and juices will redistribute. Cut into small cubes.

Place cubed pork in flour tortillas. Add drizzle of Soy Vay Marinade, Island Teriyaki Sauce to pork and top with jalapeno coleslaw.

march 2017

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Rock City’s Irish Celebration:

Shamrock City Looking for the luck of the Irish? Get your green on for Rock City’s 10th Annual Irish celebration and festival – Shamrock City!

This event, which has once again been selected a Top 20 Event by Southeast Tourism Society, will be held for two weekends, March 11–12 and March 18–19, from 8:30am–5pm.

This premier St. Patrick’s Day celebration takes place at the famous Rock City, atop Lookout Mountain near Chattanooga, Tennessee.

It includes live music, food, and other entertainment. And one of the highlights is seeing High Falls, which runs beneath Lover’s Leap, transform into a shimmering curtain of green!

Enjoy listening to a variety of live bands featuring Irish, Scottish, Celtic, and Highlands music, as well as City of Chattanooga Pipe Band performances. Watch Irish-inspired dance performances and take a lesson to join in the fun.

Fill your belly with some festive Irish foods and green-colored goodies. Choose from a selection of stews, corned beef and cabbage, specialty beer, kettle corn, and some Starbucks pickme-ups. Rock City’s Fudge Kitchen will feature its famous fudge with a “green” twist, as well as assorted specialty Irish candies and freshly made limeade. Be sure to stop by and see a fudge-making demonstration throughout the day.

The vast array of activities offers fun for the whole family.

Everyone can enjoy the up-close-and-personal Suffolk Sheep Encounter. At the Shamrock Quest Kids’ Adventure, children can experience their own Irish adventures as they seek “Pot of Gold” stamps along the shamrock trail, try their luck panning for gold, and more.

So make the short drive to Shamrock City and find the luck of the Irish! $22.95 adults; $12.95 kids (Or get an annual pass for less than the cost of two tickets and come back all year for free: http:// www.seerockcity.com/plan-your-visit/annual-pass/)

GOODlife

Travel Tip

According to Rock City staff, the crowd numbers peak from 12pm-2pm. Arriving before 11am will give you a comfortable head start on the crowds to better enjoy your day.

And if you have the time, there are several hiking trails on Lookout Mountain that the locals love to hike that can be found on the main roads leading up to Rock City. If that’s something that “peaks” your interest, be sure to check out the options and locations of the trail heads beforehand to find which ones your family would enjoy most!

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