River Region's Journey Magazine January 2013 Wedding and Marriage Issue

M A I N C A M P U S 6 0 0 0 AT L A N TA H I G H WAY 3 3 4 . 2 7 2 . 8 6 2 2 ASBURY CAMPUS 4540 NARROW LANE ROAD 334.281.8971 Learn more about Frazer’s Bible teaching groups and transformational missions at www.frazerumc.org.

Volume 14, Issue 8

Feature Articles

JAN UARY 2 0 1 3 Columns page 2

page 22

Publisher’s Note

Before You Say “I Do”

page 4

A Premarital Checklist

by Lou Priolo

Before walking down the aisle, take an inventory of how well your relationship handles conflict and other issues that will surely be present once you say “I Do”.

Jason Watson

Pastor's Perspective

Rev. Anderson T. Graves, II of Hall Memorial CME Church

page 14

Dave $ays Dave Ramsey

page 16

Shine

Kim Hendrix

page 26

page 18

Planning Your Dream Wedding

The Intersection

by Mary Sanders

Find out the hottest tips and trends for your upcoming union from our resident wedding expert, Mary Sanders of MaryMe.

Bob Crittenden

page 20

Grace to You John MacArthur

page 32

Page 34

Family Teams for Christ

When Crisis Strikes

page 38

Lisa and Mike Conn

What to Pray When You Don’t Know What to Pray

Counselor’s Corner

This prayer guide will help you lift up those who are hurting in a way that seeks God’s ultimate will for the situation.

page 42

by Karen Wingate

On Our Cover . . .

Brenda Payne

Get the Point?

Elaine Britt

In Every Issue

Melissa McKinney and Clay McInnis were married in September 2012. Read some thoughts from Melissa on wedding planning and marriage in this month’s issue.

Photo provided by Kim Box Photography.

page 6

On the Bookshelf page 8

Around Our Community page 40

Event Calendar page 44

Movie Reviews 1

January 2013

River Region’s Journey

Our Mission...

We believe the Good News concerning the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is worth sharing with our friends and neighbors in the River Region. Each month we deliver this life-changing message to the centers of activity across our community in a user-friendly and relevant way to empower and equip all those seeking to grow closer to God. Join us in this mission by sharing a copy with your neighbor or by becoming an advertising partner starting next month.

Editor DeAnne Watson deanne@readjourneymagazine.com

Publisher

Jason Watson jason@readjourneymagazine.com

Research Editor Wendy McCollum

Contributing Writers Elaine Britt Lisa and Mike Conn Bob Crittenden Rev. Anderson T. Graves, II Kim Hendrix John MacArthur Melissa McKinney Brenda Payne Lou Priolo Dave Ramsey Mary Sanders Gail Welborn Karen Wingate

Advertising Opportunities ads@readjourneymagazine.com (334) 213-7940 ext 703

Cover Photography Kim Box Photography

Ad Design

Tim Welch, Welch Designs

Distribution Team Kristy Brennan Wendy McCollum Chris Mitchell Manzie Moore Richard Ward Lesa Youngblood

From the Publisher Healthy marriages are near and dear to our hearts.

DeAnne and I were fortunate enough to participate in great premarital classes 19 years ago and also to be mentored by some special couples throughout the years.

Through these resources we learned early on the kind of investment it takes to have a healthy and thriving marriage. Many of these are practical things everyone knows, but their wisdom and strength are rooted in God’s design and Biblical prescriptions.

If you go to the magazine rack at any national chain store, you’ll find a plethora of magazines dedicated to wedding planning. This month’s issue of Journey won’t have as much on the topic as those magazines, but in some ways we have much more. What we’re sharing in this month’s issue will help you plan a wedding and BUILD A MARRIAGE - which is the most important part.

When it comes to planning your wedding day, we’ve enlisted the help of local wedding planner, Mary Sanders. Mary owns Mary Me and is one of the most gifted wedding planners and event coordinators in the region. In her article on page 26 she let’s us in on all the hottest ideas for 2013. After reading her article, give her a call to see how she can help you make your wedding day unforgettable.

Did you recognize who’s on this month’s cover? WSFA’s own Melissa McKinney-McInnis. Melissa and her new husband Clay were married just a few short months ago. Since she’s fresh off planning her own beautiful wedding we asked if she wouldn’t mind sharing some of the things she learned from her experience. Read what she has to say on page 30.

Finally, if you’re in a relationship, engaged or already married, let me point you to another article that’s a must-read in this month’s issue. Local counselor and regular contributor Lou Priolo wants to help you begin and build your marriage from a solid place. On page 22 he has written, “Before You Say I Do: A Premarital Checklist.” I’ve often heard pastors say during the wedding ceremony that “marriage should not be entered into lightly.” Lou’s article will help prevent that. If you are a couple thinking about committing to marriage, please sit down together and read through his checklist. You may find areas of concern, that if dealt with now, will prevent years of heartache in the future.

Our goal every month is to strengthen your lives with Biblical truth that is practical. This month is no exception. Our team is full of joy knowing that God will use this issue to build healthy marriages that result in healthy homes and communities. Always build your lives on God’s foundation of truth and He will make straight your paths.

River Region’s Journey is published monthly by Keep Sharing, P.O. Box 230367, Montgomery, AL 36123.

For information, call 213-7940 or FAX to 213-7990.

River Region’s Journey is copyrighted 2013 by KeepSharing. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited.

The opinions expressed in River Region’s Journey are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the owners, nor do they constitute an endorsement of products or services herein. River Region’s Journey has the right to refuse any content that is not consistent with its statement of faith.

River Region’s Journey

January 2013

2

Come Worship With Us!

Programs offered for all ages and stages of life.

Sunday 8:30 am 9:45 am 11:00 am 5:00 pm 6:15 pm

Worship Services Bible Fellowship Classes Worship Services Discipleship Classes Worship Service

Wednesday 4:45 5:30 6:00 6:30 6:35

pm pm pm pm pm

First Family Dinner Sanctuary Orchestra Rehearsal First Family Prayer Time Powerhouse (Student Ministry) Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal

Jay Wolf, pastor

Bring them in...

Build them up...

Send them out...

305 South Perry Street | Montgomery, AL 36104 334.834.6310 | www.montgomeryfbc.org 3

January 2013

River Region’s Journey

Pastor’s Perspective

O

Rev. Anderson T. Graves II, Hall Memorial CME Church

Desiring God

Not What He Can Give You “Shoot for the moon and even if you fall short, you’ll land among the stars.”

Okay...you do realize that the stars are actually farther away than the moon, right? Too often we say we’re pursuing something great when we’re actually lowering our sights.

In John 5, Jesus encountered a sick man who’d been unable to move for 38 years. Jesus asked, “Do you want to be made well?” (John 5: 6) For 38 years this guy’s been trying to get to the front of the line for healing.

We think, “Duh, of course he wants to be well.” Surely, when somebody asks him what he wants, he’ll reply that he wants to be made well.

River Region’s Journey

January 2013

Instead the man rattled of his wellworn spiel about how bad he had it and how nobody cared. He didn’t want healing. He wanted a handout.

In the next chapter, Jesus so impressed a crowd that when they had seen the sign that Jesus did, they wanted to rebel against Rome and make Jesus their king (John 6:14, 15).

At first glance it seems a good thing that these people wanted Jesus to be their leader. But, they didn’t want Jesus to reign because He had healed the sick and fulfilled Messianic prophecy. They didn’t want Jesus because they believed He was the Son of God. They wanted Jesus because He had given them a free lunch. The sign that impressed them was Jesus miraculously feeding 5,000+ people.

Jesus answered them and said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled.”

They taunted Jesus, trying to provoke Him to perform another “sign.” I guess it must have been getting close to lunch time. But instead of giving them more food, Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst” (John 6: 35).

At the end of that lesson, many of 4

His disciples went back and walked with Him no more (John 6: 66). Jesus offered the miraculous, but all they wanted was another free meal.

They failed to see what we fail to see: that God doesn’t just want to change our circumstances. He wants to change us.

Vote wisely, but even if God doesn’t hand the election to your preferred candidate, God wants your church to transform its community. Ask God for what you need, but even if He doesn’t grant your wishes for financial “prosperity,” God still calls you to lead a holy and loving life for His glory.

The man Jesus healed in John 5 and the remnant of the multitude that remained with Jesus at the end of John 6 were not materially wealthier. They were spiritually closer to Christ. They were healed and liberated from sin (John 5: 14). They were sealed to places in the miraculous ministry of the Messiah (John 6: 67-69).

We the church should never be content to accumulate financial, political, or social status. Jesus calls us to set our sights deeper and higher.

We can’t let political polarization, denominational squabbles, or Biblicallyneutral social issues have us shooting at the moon because missing that mark, we fall right back to earthly ways---- like everybody else.

Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. (Matthew 6: 33) Why settle for the moon, when you can shoot for the stars? Why settle for the world when God offers us Himself?

Rev. Anderson T. Graves II is the pastor of Hall Memorial CME Church, 541 Seibles Road, Montgomery. Anderson is a writer, community organizer, and consultant for education and ministry. Email him at atgravestwo2@aol.com Friend him at www. facebook.com/rev.a.t.graves.

t a O i r B l t a a t s t t w i b

C C c h G a c f H d F b m T t f l S e

G s a o o f f a C o c d t

h d

e:

t m

ill or

ed

nd ere ry

,

be

e

Mem-

l ww.

Our Statement of Faith In keeping with Protestant theology, we believe that the Bible, as contained in the 66 books of the Old and New Testaments, is fully inspired by God and therefore inerrant in the original manuscripts. The Bible is the only essential and infallible record of God’s self-disclosure to mankind. The Scriptures are the authoritative and normative rule and guide of all Christian life, practice, and doctrine. They are totally sufficient and must not be added to, superseded, or changed by later tradition, extra-biblical revelation, or worldly wisdom. The Bible is perfect in every way and shows us how to become and live as Christians.

The way of becoming a Christian is by faith alone in Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, who came to us, born of a virgin, in full human form while remaining fully God. Jesus was, and is, perfect, and was crucified so that others could live. Three days later He rose from the dead, never to die again.

He ascended into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God the Father, where He, the only mediator between God and man, continually makes intercession for His own.

Those who have faith in Jesus as their Lord in this life, and Savior from damnation in the next life, now live by the guidance of the Holy Spirit, becoming more like Jesus everyday.

We believe that God is one God. The one God has three persons: the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Just as God is one, so also, all believers are to be one. We believe in the unity and fellowship of all those that have faith in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. We are one in Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is the Head of the Church, His Body, which is composed of all men, living and dead, who have been joined to Him through saving faith. *All editorial content published must be in agreement with our Statement of Faith

5

January 2013

River Region’s Journey

On The Bookshelf

by Gail Welborn

Fight Your Way to a Better Marriage… to Deeper Levels of Intimacy

by Dr. Greg Smalley, Howard Books, Hardcover, 2012, ISBN-13: 978-1416544838, $21.99

Contrary to popular opinion, Dr. Gary Smalley of Focus on the Family teaches “conflict can take you to deeper levels of intimacy.” In Fight Your Way to a Better Marriage, readers learn conflict is not only needed, conflict is necessary. Smalley argues that relationships “…can’t grow without it.” He writes, “…if couples learned to work out their conflicts, the divorce rate could be cut by over 50 percent.”

He begins with the “reactive cycle,” illustrated by a diamond shaped diagram with “buttons” at the top and bottom framed by “reaction” buttons on either side. Arrows point from one to the other illustrating a cycle of conflict. However, buttons represent superficial issues that conceal underlying emotional “triggers” formed from childhood experiences. Smalley believes these are “lies written on your heart,” none of which include God’s truth.

Besides his fresh perspective and unique approach Smalley uses quotes and scripture to teach God’s truths. If your arguments lead to hurt feelings, withdrawal and criticism and you want to experience intimacy, respect, validation and connection with your spouse, read this insightful book.

The Girl’s Still Got It

by Liz Curtis Higgs, WaterBrook Press, 2012, 240 Pages, ISBN-13: 978-1578564484, $14.99

Liz Higgs, Bible teacher and witty conference speaker, takes readers on a “high-spirited walk through the book of Ruth” in her new devotional that features Naomi and Ruth’s “rags to riches redemption story.” Liz mischievously calls the pair, “leading ladies of the Old Testament.” The focus is Christ, mankind’s “kinsman redeemer” portrayed by Boaz who became Ruth’s “kinsman redeemer.”

In this verse-by-verse Bible study readers learn no matter who you are or where you come from, in spite of anything you might have done or not done, God loves you and has a plan and purpose for your life.

Twelve chapters take readers 3,000 years back in time where they join Ruth and Naomi traveling to Bethlehem into what they believe is an uncertain future. However, “…God knows how their story is going to unfold…” and it’s anything but uncertain.

Liz’s informative and easy-to-read devotional contains life lessons from our “ancient biblical sisters” wrapped within the inspirational narrative of a “kinsman redeemer.” Sheila Walsh writes, “…we weep with Naomi, kneel beside Ruth, and celebrate a God who redeems our stories in outrageously beautiful ways…”

Song in the Night

by Pamela Thorson, 2008, Luminary Media Group, 208 Pages, ISBN-13: 978-1930580381, $19.95, www.songinthenight.net/

Pamela Thorson’s inspiring account concerns a life-changing tragedy that forever altered their family and the life of their 19-year-old son Kevin, a story that began with the “…phone call every parent dreads…”

When Pamela heard Ronda’s voice, she thought their pastor’s wife called to update them on Kevin’s mission trip since he was due home soon. She sounded excited and Pamela anticipated “good news,” until she heard the words, “You need to sit down…”

Many years later Pamela still remembers Ronda saying, “Kevin has been in an accident,” yet has little memory of the rest of their conversation. Just horrifying words like—“paralyzed, ventilator and hospital.”

Their story is one of long-suffering in the midst of “God’s tender grace” that includes sweet moments of “divine intervention” bordering on the miraculous that led Kevin to ask: “Why has God honored me this way?” Even though Kevin is a wheelchair confined paraplegic, he’s gained enough strength and movement in his left hand to use a keyboard and mouse.

There is something for everyone in this narrative of courage, faith and trust that teaches “…you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you.”

River Region’s Journey book reviewer Gail Welborn lives in Sedro-Woolley, Washington.

River Region’s Journey

January 2013

6

Baptist Montgomery Parents Stroke Ad_Layout 1 11/16/12 12:04 PM Page 1

WHAT’S YOUR RISK OF A STROKE? GET A FREE ONLINE ASSESSMENT AT BAPTISTFIRST.ORG

BAPTIST SOUTH THE AREA’S ONLY CERTIFIED

STROKE CENTER

W H E N E V E RY S E C O N D C O U N T S, DON’T SETTLE FOR SECOND-BEST Following a rigorous evaluation, Baptist

hours a day – and has the expertise to admin-

Medical Center South has earned ac-

ister time-sensitive, clot-busting drugs that can

creditation by The Joint Commission as the

potentially save lives and limit paralysis when

area’s only nationally Certified Stroke Center.

every second counts. So don’t hesitate. At

This means that Baptist South has a specialized

the first sign of a stroke, call 911 and ask to

stroke team in place to assess all patients – 24

be transported directly to Baptist South.

STROKE SYMPTOMS • Facial drooping

• Sudden headache

• Numbness in one arm • Dizziness • Slurred speech

• Blurry vision

7

January 2013 River Region’s Journey 334.273.4444 I baptistfirst.org/facilities

C

Frazer Family Shares Christmas Spirit, Hope of Christ with Children in Need God has been working in the hearts of our Frazer family to give to the needs of children this Christmas season. Through a variety of donations and special collections, Frazer is working to share the love of Christ with children both here in our community and around the world.

In November, Frazer collected 1,295 shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child. These shoeboxes, filled with small gifts and personal hygiene products, will be shipped to orphans and needy children all around the world, through Samaritan’s Purse.

Frazer’s Children’s Ministry collected 426 pairs of pajamas during their Pajama Party for Jesus, Dec. 2. New pajamas were purchased and collected to give to children at Father Walter’s and Father Purcell’s here in Montgomery, and also to give to sick children at Children’s Hospital in Birmingham.

All 150 Angel Tree tags for local foster care children were covered by the Frazer family the very first week they were made available.

Gifts will be collected the week of Dec. 8 and 9 and then delivered to the Alabama Department of Human Resources to distribute to foster children in the Montgomery area. Frazer’s ONEFamily initiative is sponsoring this year’s Angel Tree collection.

Sunday, Dec. 2, the congregation gave more than $21,000 above and beyond regular offerings in support of the boys and girls of the United Methodist Children’s Home, for the annual White Christmas offering.

N

To

ar te

P

Fe

al in ha fr ne

w w G w

i T th b

T p b

River Region’s Journey

January 2013

8

Community-Wide Women’s Bible Study Foundations Community-Wide Women’s Bible Study St. James UMC, Tuesdays, January 29-February 26th 9:30-11am or 6:30-8pm No cost for Bible study, childcare available for $5 per week by reservation.

To register: call Sarah Olsen at 277-3037 or solsen@sjlife.com.

Do you feel like things are shaking all around you? Come join us as we encounter the Rock of Ages and establish a sure Foundation through the Word of God.

e. o

e

Among Friends Women’s Conference

with Kathy Troccoli, plus Patsy Clairmont & Donna VanLiere

First Baptist Church, Montgomery February 15-16, 2013. When the struggles and pain of life visit us we can feel so alone. We can easily shrink back and hide in the midst of our busy lives. Whether it has been sin, shame, or just plain distance from the Lord it is there. We feel disconnected. Discouragement, weariness, even bitterness can creep into our souls and we find ourselves going through the days without the strength, faith and promise of God’s hope in our hearts.We need fresh wind in our sails--new perspective. We need to be reminded of all that is ours in Jesus. We need to be among friends.

That is why this gathering is named just that. During our time together there will be rich Bible teaching, powerful stories, comedic relief and comforting music.

There will also be a time of worship and prayer. Come be Among Friends—and bring yours with you, too. For more info call: 334-834-6310.

9

January 2013

River Region’s Journey

I.C.E. Celebrates Jesus’ Birthday with Gibbs Village West It was a wonderful celebration of Jesus’s birthday at the Inner City Evangelism outreach in Gibbs Village West. The outreach and celebration brought a time to share with the kids why we celebrate Christmas and the importance of Jesus’s birth. The day included Bible Bingo with the adults and a Bible message, interacting with the children, enjoying lunch together and a birthday cake for Jesus. The kids learned “Go Tell It On the Mountain” with hand motions, which they participated in and loved! It was a wonderful day to share the true meaning of Christmas. For more information on Inner City Evangelism and upcoming outreaches, visit innercityevangelism.com or contact Layne at layne@innercityevangelism.com.

F 6 pu p th s fa Co w

i

Respite Care for Special Needs Parents

You are invited to attend this special Sunday Respite Care Program at Young Meadows Presbyterian Church, 5780 Vaughn Road, on 1st Sundays from 4-6 pm. Children with physical and cognitive disabilities (and their siblings) ages 6-18 are invited for a time of activities and a light dinner so parents can have a night out. Call Susan Clements at 301-0355 for more information and to make a reservation, or email rooftopfriends@gmail.com.

E “Train a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not turn from it.”

EVANGEL CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

Proverbs 22:6

C hallenging a CademiC a tmosphere in a C hristian e nvironment Accredited AISA Blue Ribbon School

l

in

G s a en G A f arm in th i s

W Evangel Christian Academy is a ministry of Evangel Church in Montgomery, Alabama.

Open House

334-272-3882

Thursday, January 10, 2013

ecalions.org

6:00 PM

Evangel Christian Academy admits students of any race, color, gender and national or ethnic origin.

River Region’s Journey

January 2013

10

W sh

er ch e e e,

e d

nd act

st s or

in.

Twelfth Night Party Open to Community

Free food, music & fun. Sunday, January 6, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. It’s time to put away the 12 drummers drumming, 11 pipers piping, and all the rest. Celebrate the end of the Christmas season and the start of the new year. Be our guest at a family-friendly party! Church of the Holy Comforter, 2911 Woodley Road, under the water tower off the Southern Bypass. For more information, call 281-1337.

Send your church’s or organization’s news to be printed FREE in our next issue. Email news to deanne@ readjourneymagazine.com by the 15th of the month!

Women in Ministry International Empowerment Training

Join the hundreds of women from Alabama to Africa whose ministries have blasted off from this powerful launching pad. Their lives have been changed forever and they are changing the world. This training will equip women to impact this generation for God by providing teaching, resources, support, opportunities for networking, a home base for future enrichment, and encouragement. Less than three years ago God gave Pastor Kemi Searcy of Fresh Anointing House of Worship the vision for WIMI and the desire to raise up an army of women to take their rightful place in God’s end time harvest of souls. Since that time classes have been held in cities in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Mississippi, as well as Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, Africa.

When: Jan. 22-27, Weekdays 5:30 PM9PM, Saturday 9AM-4PM, Sunday Graduation Where: Fresh Anointing House of Worship Activity Center, 203 E. Fleming Rd, Montgomery, AL 36105 For more info call Paula Stallworth (334) 613-3364 or www.womenintl.net or forwomenintl@gmail.com.

11

January 2013

River Region’s Journey

Mission Team Visits Kenya Orphanage Founded by Frazer Member

A mission team from Frazer UMC traveled to Kima, Kenya in August to visit the Mescal’s Children’s Center of Hope (MCCH) where 28 orphan boys and girls and boys and girls ranging in age from 3-15 years old have a home and refuge. Charlotte Robertson, Steve Robertson, Jonathan Robertson, Mark Griffin, Susan Allen and Gabriela Maxcy made this incredible, inspirational journey and returned home with vivid memories of a country with extreme poverty in a rural area with no industry.

At MCCH, children are nurtured by Ruth Owuor, the Founder of MCCH and a Frazer member, and her family. These children come from various backgrounds. Many are the victims from losing parents and family members from AIDS. Some have been abused, and some have placed by relatives unable to care for them.

The children had few clothes—one pair of pajamas each—no toys, no books, and no pillows for sleeping. There is no running water or electricity where the children stay, and cooking is done over a wood fire. But these are happy, loving children because they have three things, namely, safety, a place to sleep, three meals a day, and they are loved. The mission team gave each child a toy and new clothes.

For more information about MCCH, go to www.mescalskids.org. If your group would like for a representative of MCCH to come and share about the ministry, contact Charlotte Robertson at chacha25@charter.net or 334-546-7362. Sponsorships for children and donations towards the purchase of a van for the orphanage are needed.

River Region’s Journey

January 2013

12

gs,

nd a-

13

January 2013

River Region’s Journey

Q.

We’re debt-free except for our house, and that’s on a 15-year, fixedrate mortgage. We also have an emergency fund in place. We’d like to give back this year, and do a little extra giving than we have been able to do in the past. At what point should we start giving over and above what we tithe?

My advice would be to wait until you finish Baby Step 3, which it sounds like you’ve done. That way, you’ve paid off all of your debt, except the house, plus you have a fully-funded

A.

emergency fund of three to six months of expenses.

I’ll cite the Scripture that says he who doesn’t take care of his family is worse than an unbeliever. I’m paraphrasing, of course, but in my mind, from a financial point of view, taking care of your family means having your emergency fund in place and being out of debt, except for your house. At that stage, you’re beginning to build wealth and you can really help others while knowing those closest to you aren’t going without.

My wife and I made the decision a long time ago to live on a certain amount of money. We apply a formula to everything above that figure for tithing and taxes. The rest we allocate for giving, saving and spending. It works great for us, but be responsible and realistic with what you have. You don’t want one of those areas to hinder the others.

Q. Our son is graduating from high school next spring. We’ve saved cash to pay for his first year of college, and we have enough in mutual funds to pay for another semester. When should we pull out the money to use for his education?

A.

I wouldn’t touch the money until right before you write the checks. However, I don’t want you to follow my advice just because I said so. My mutual funds have made a little more than 16 percent this year. If they stay at that pace, or if they make just 10 percent during the first part of 2013, I’d want it to just sit there a while longer. Why not let the power of compound interest do its thing and make you as much money as possible?

The biggest question is what are you going to do for cash after the first three semesters? Your son needs to make sure he’s working summers, and maybe even part-time during school, in order to fuel his education. And neither of you should borrow money to make it happen. You guys have gotten him off to a great start. So if he does his part there’s no reason for either of you to go into debt for his college degree!

River Region’s Journey

January 2013

14

a hr

’t

to we or ll n?

w-

n at

it ot o y

t

d in er it

go

15

January 2013

River Region’s Journey

SHINE!

wi his ord ha co its

by Kim Hendrix

Have a Healing New Year Isaiah 49:13: “Shout for joy, O heavens; rejoice, O earth; burst into song, O mountains! For the Lord comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones.”

Did you have a night of celebration, shouting for joy as we began a New Year?

Many people ring in each New Year with festivities while sharing the exclamation, “Happy New Year!” While I hope you know happiness, my wish for you is to have a healing new year.

In this flawed world, people of all ages are constantly seeking healing. I see it in students who struggle with selfesteem issues, wanting to hurt themselves, thinking that will take away the pain. I see it in young men and women who are carrying the difficulties of an abusive childhood, still fresh wounds that just can’t seem to heal. I see it in middle-aged

friends who are still letting circumstances define who they are, and even in our seniors who can’t imagine living many more years without the one they had by their sides for more than half a century. Are you seeking a healing new year?

Even if your personal life is one of peace and comfort you can’t help but desire healing for our nation and world when you watch the headlines of today. The good news is that His word tells us the Lord comforts his people, he has compassion on his afflicted ones, and when you allow Him to comfort you he will use you in comforting others. The key is to allow Him to provide the very promises you read about throughout scripture.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4: “Praise is to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our

troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.” The words in 2 Corinthians 1, verses 3 and 4 are powerful. God pours comfort into us in all our troubles, so we can pour into others—using the very comfort God poured into us! Don’t mistake comfort for the absence of trouble or pain—comfort is often the strength and encouragement we need to make it through our difficult times. The hardship may not go way, but

an my wo un an thi be fin wa off pro the ap Sin to or wi

lad she fic she she to wh pe Ne

1P hi to

De Ha in in see liv an we the fill yo We hu Ki Jes

Kim Jam You rec Kim dau River Region’s Journey

January 2013

16

n es

s rt r d or

t

with God, we get through while feeling his healing hand every step of the way. In order to have this happen in your life, you have to know God’s word. This verse on comfort existed long before I ever knew its power in my life.

My most intense longing for healing and comfort in my life came after losing my mom when I was only 21 years old. It would be years later when I would finally understand only God could fill my void and through combing through His word this verse on comfort, among many others, became real and active in my life. I had finally allowed Him to comfort me. He was waiting and willing, but I was closed off and unaware of our Heavenly Father’s promises because I had never really taken the time to study His word and nurture a personal relationship with our Savior.

Since that time, God has allowed my path to cross with others who have lost a parent or someone tragically and I can tell them with great certainty, your joy will return.

Just recently at church I met a young lady who is seeking comfort and healing; she’s carrying lots of baggage from a difficult childhood. I could see in her eyes she greatly desires comfort and I pray she’s at a point where she will allow Him to comfort her. He wants to make you feel whole again, he wants you to feel joy and peace and he wants you to have a Healing New Year, every year.

Will you allow it to happen?

I nominate

_______.

There are businesses who carry the torch for good. We ask you to bring them to light.

LEAD SpONSORS

Auburn University Montgomery B&M Management Balch and Bingham Business Council of Alabama Copperwing Merrill Lynch Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce The Samaritan Counseling Center

Nominations Open from December 01, 2012 through February 10, 2013 The annual River Region Ethics in Business Awards recognize finalists and recipients in five different categories for their commitment to the highest ethical principles in the workplace.

The awards are presented by The Samaritan Counseling Center, Inc. in collaboration with Auburn University Montgomery’s Schools of Business and Sciences. To nominate a deserving business or individual visit www.riverregionethics.com.

2012 recipients included Seay, Seay and Litchfield, Up and Running, GKN Aerospace, Family Sunshine Center, and Sieu Tang Wood. For more information, contact Alice Williams at 262-7787, ext. 200.

1 Peter 2:24: “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.”

Dear Heavenly Father, Hallelujah that you are Sovereign—all is in your control. We love you and need you in ways many of us never imagined. You see the condition of our world and of our lives. May we allow you to pour comfort and healing into this New Year. I pray we lay the heaviness down at the foot of the cross and allow your unfailing love to fill our voids and ease our pain. Thank you for this New Year and all it brings.

We celebrate the immeasurable and are humbled to be used in building your Kingdom. In the mighty name of your son Jesus Christ we pray, Amen.

a proud media partner

www.riverregionethics.com

Kim Hendrix is the Director of Development at Saint James School in Montgomery. She leads the Shine Your Light ministry at Frazer Memorial U.M.C. and recently ended a 26 year career in television news.

Kim and her husband Scott, have a 12 year old daughter, Annie, who brings them great joy.

17

January 2013

River Region’s Journey

The Intersection:

Fr in ca tra

Christian Cultural Commentary by Bob Crittenden

eit po sig ar co in tre for

Let’s Hear It for the “Nones” There is no doubt that the sphere of religious practice is changing before our very eyes. We have beheld the development of a variety of worship styles, a broadening of the types of churches where people will worship, and a significant group of people who either do not worship at all or are what we might called unaffiliated or even unchurched.

Two surveys that have been released over the past few months highlight the alterations on the landscape of spiritual practice. In October, the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life released a study of the religious habits of Americans, and the increase in the number of people who claim to be religiously unaffiliated is rising quickly. One-fifth of the

U.S. public, and a third of adults under 30, do not identify with any particular religion. In the last 5 years, the unaffiliated, also known as the “nones”, have increased from just over 15% to just under 20% of all adults in the U.S. But, before you conclude that these individuals are largely atheist or agnostic, think again – out of some 46 million people that are unaffiliated, more than 13 million, or 6% of the American public, are self-described atheists and agnostics. There are nearly 33 million people, or 14%, who say they have no particular religious affiliation.

Out of the unaffiliated, one-third of them say religion is at least somewhat important in their lives. Two-thirds

believe in God, though less than half say they are absolutely certain of God’s existence. And although a substantial minority of the unaffiliated consider themselves neither religious nor spiritual (42%), the majority describe themselves either as a religious person (18%) or as spiritual but not religious (37%).

A new Gallup poll, which is the product of almost an entire year of polling, released in correlation with the new book by Gallup Editor-in-Chief

0000067769-01

New friends are now best friends. New experiences are now the best times ever. No wonder it’s so easy to tell others about it and include them in the fun.

Welcome to Riverview Camp for Girls!

We’ve do put Itogether everything you’re looking for in a perfect“I saw camp onemy of Why choose Riverview each summer? mysetting! first river Recognized on a mountain,as I rode Golf,times Dance, Dance, Outdoor Sports, Soccer,use Beach Volleyball, Basketball, “As go,Stomp it was one of the BEST.”Skills AndClass, what child couldn’t some of that these days?

Riverview Refinement, Program, Campfires night,Recognized optional trips and more!

We’ve put together everythingCIT you’re looking for in a perfect every camp setting! as one of the Southeast’s best all-around summer camps for girls, Riverview is an oasis of fun, friends and happiness. Spring and Fall &available 2 week Sessions ages to 16...

Mother-Daughter Weekends1are also!

Registeredfor Nurses and6 Physician on Staff. Entire full-summer staff is First Aid andand CPRFall Certified.

Camper/Counselor Ratio 5:1 Spring Mother-Daughter Weekends...

waiting lists start early...sign up soon!...

Waitingwww.riverviewcamp.com! lists start early...sign up soon!...

1

Call for FREE DVD and catalog 1-800-882-0722 Accredited by American Camping Association • Members of Christian Camping International

D RAMA

www.riverviewcamp.com

Only 1 /Mountain 2 hours from Huntsville Located on top of Lookout in Mentone, AL. Only a 3 hr drive.

• R OPES C OURSE • C LIMBING T OWER • O UTDOOR L IVING S KILLS • C AMPFIRE F UN • C OUNSELOR -I N -T RAINING •

River Region’s Journey

January 2013

18

an da inc fou gio are mo we

pe wi are no nu

tra ran Jes ap ide ha He ter pa su

co for to Hi wo

AND

Dr. Larry & Susan Hooks, Owners/Directors • Donna Bares,Asst. Director

1 & 2Week Sessions for Ages 6-16

C RAFTS • C HORUS

first I had campfires every night. Icamps felt close to God. giggled a lot is with friends and counselors. time flew by! thehorse.

Southeast’s best all-around for girls,IRiverview annew oasis of fun, friends andThe happiness...

I Exciting felt safe and secure. Iinclude: gained confidence in myselfPool,Tennis, through the world around me.” activities Riding, Heated Canoeing, Ropes Course, Climbing Tower,

AND

FLAG TWIRLING • CHEERLEADING • RIFLERY • ARCHERY • TRIP DAY • GOLF

We don’t wonder anymore how it happened, that one summer could bring such happy memories.

B ASKETBALL • S OCCER • A RTS

• H ORSEBACK R IDING • S WIMMING • T ENNIS • C ANOEING • D ANCE • A EROBICS • G YMNASTICS • B EACH V OLLEYBALL •

pe ide tio 20 to ism ha

Bo fro inte and me

s

ual es s

e

B ASKETBALL • S OCCER • A RTS

•

AND

C RAFTS • C HORUS

Frank Newport, God is Alive and Well, shows an increase in what it calls the “unbranded” religious people – and this can include those who attend churches that are not part of a traditional denomination.

All in all, 7 out of 10 Americans describe themselves as either very (40%) or moderately (29%) religious. Newport states that, “It is possible that religion will be more significant in years ahead, and we may be on the cusp of a religious renaissance.” He predicts that, “there will be continuing changes to the ways in which people worship in the years ahead, most likely an extension of the current trends toward unbranded, nondenominational, more freeform religious expression...”

Gallup also relates that, even though an increasing percentage of adults say they don’t have a formal religious identity, the United States remains a largely Christian nation: more than three-fourths (77%) of American adults in 2012 identify with a “Christian” religion, which, according to the study, includes Protestantism, Catholicism, Mormonism, and other Christian religions. And 94% of those who have a religious identity are Christians.

In light of these trends, we must ask how Christians and our churches can respond. We cannot ignore the abundance of information about the practices of young adults, including the so-called “millennials”. The Pew survey found that almost a third of adults under 30 have no religious affiliation (32%), compared with just one-in-ten who are 65 and older (9%). And young adults today are much more likely to be unaffiliated than previous generations were at a similar stage in their lives.

It is also striking to me that we have a number of people who say they are religious, but are not identified with traditional structures. That can be a mixed bag: there are churches that are innovative and inspiring, may or may not belong to large denominations, and are experiencing numerical and spiritual growth. That’s good.

What is disturbing is the tendency of people to buck tradition and to select their religious tenets from a broad range of sources – those who incorporate perhaps a little Jesus here, maybe including the elements that are most appealing, but they will also maybe mix in some New Age ideas, and proceed to redefine God in their own image. We have to recognize that we are created in His image and that He makes it possible for us to relate to Him, not on our own terms, but on His. That means we also cannot ignore the passages and principles of Scripture that deal with topics such as sin, obedience, and judgment.

True Christianity does not include a “design-your-own” component. In His love for us, God has prescribed a way for us to live, in the power of His Holy Spirit, according to His Word. He desires for us to revere Him and regard His word as infallible – if we do that, He will be faithful to work in and through our lives for our good and His glory!

2416 W. Cloverdale Park Montgomery, AL 36106 334.834.8990 www.fumcmontgomery.org

and the

word of our God

will stand forever.

Isaiah 40:8

Join us for worship, fellowship, and service.

Sunday Morning Worship 8:45 & 11 a.m.

Worship Service at Cloverdale School Sunday at 6 p.m.

Dr. R. Lawson Bryan Senior Minister

AND

D RAMA

•

grass withers

The flower fades but the

Bob Crittenden is host of “The Meeting House”, heard weekday afternoons from 4-6pm on Faith Radio, 89.1FM in Montgomery. Described as “the intersection of faith and culture”, the program features Christian music and conversation about a variety of topics. Learn more by visiting www. meetinghouseonline.info.

19

January 2013

River Region’s Journey

River Region Support Groups Adoption

Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy APAC- Alabama Pre/Post Adoption Connection Support Group meets the 3rd Thursday from 6:007:30pm in room 8253 at Frazer Memorial UMC. Provides education and social interaction for adoptive families. For more info, call 409-9477 or email apac2@childrensaid.org.

Di

Lo Div star shi mo

Lo Div Bld

Location: Landmark Church, 1800 Halcyon Blvd.

Leaders: Chad & Betsy Emerson (334) 201-5241 Wednesday, 6:30pm in Rm. 116. The Orphan Care Group will focus on God’s call to help orphans through adoption, foster care, and missions work.

The group will share experiences, study and Biblical themes regarding orphan care, and provide a support and interest network for individuals who want to support orphans.

Lo AD Tue 272

Lo Div Sun at t hel

Alcoholic / Addict Location: Caring Center of FBC, 52 Adams Avenue CrossRoads Support Group is for addicts/alcoholics and family members. Meets at 6 p.m. Tuesdays and follows a Christ-centered 12-step program. Call 264-4949.

Location: Centerpoint Fellowship, 2050 Commerce St., Millbrook. We are located one block east of I-65 just off Cobbs Ford Road. Celebrate Recovery meeting every Tuesday night at 6 pm. Call (334) 356-3076.

Location: Cloverdale Baptist, 608 E. Fairview Celebrate Recovery, a Bible-based Christ centered approach to recovery from hurts, habits and hangups, meets Friday nights, beginning with dinner at 5:30 p.m., Praise and worship, 6:30, Open Share Small Groups, 7:30, and Solid Rock Cafe, at 8:30.

Call 265-9223.

Location: Dalraida UMC, 3817 Atlanta Highway Alcoholics Anonymous meets at 6 p.m. on Tuesdays.

272.2190. Alanon meets at 6 p.m. on Wednesdays.

Location: Grace @ Bell Road, Corner of Bell Road and Atlanta Hwy. Alcoholics Anonymous and Alanon meetings are held Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, at 6 p.m. An Open AA Speaker meeting is held on Saturday at 6 p.m. An Alanon & AA held on Sundays at 2 p.m.

Location: Grace Point Community Church, 78223 Tallassee Hwy (Hwy 14), Wetumpka Celebrate Recovery- every Tuesday night- 6:15pm.

All are welcome! These meetings are a safe and loving environment for individuals seeking to conquer their hurts, habits and hang-ups! gracepoint.info.

Location: Journey Church, group meets in Fellowship Hall at Coosada Baptist Church, Millbrook Celebrate Recovery - Christ-centered 12-step for anyone struggling with addiction or life-challenging issues. Mondays at 6pm (meal), 7pm (large group), 8pm (small group). Childcare available. Call Chuck at 850-723-9705.

River Region’s Journey

January 2013

Lo AD the in R Sat Atl cal yah

Lo AD nig Cal

Location: Santuck Baptist Church, 7250 Central Plank Rd. (Hwy 9), Wetumpka. Celebrate Recovery meets each Thursday evening at 6:15 in the Fellowship Hall. This is a Chrsit centered 12 step-program for anyone struggling with hurts, habits, and hangups. Call 567-2364.

Location: Landmark Church, 1800 Halcyon Blvd.

RSVP- This is a 12 step spiritual recovery program for overcoming addictions. Using the steps and Bible we help build self-esteem, responsible behavior, the making of amends for our destructive actions, and to fill the void in our hearts in a loving relationship with God. Wednesday @ 6:30pm in Rm. 121 of the Life Center.

Location: St. James UMC, 9045 Vaughn Road Celebrate Recovery meets every Thursday night from 6-8 pm in the Youth Room. This is a Christ-centered 12-step group for anyone struggling with an “addiction or life-challenging issues.” For information, call Chris Henderson at 334-215-0427.

Location: Trinity Episcopal, Wetumpka (Across from Winn Dixie on HWY 231) Gamblers Anonymous-Saturdays at 7 p.m.

Alzheimer’s / Dementia

Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy An Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregivers’ Support Group meets on the first Thursday of each month at 11 a.m. in Room 3103. Call 272.8622.

Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy A Dementia Daycare is held each Thursday in Rm. 3101 from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Each participant may 20

bring a sack lunch. There is no charge. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. For info, call the LifeCare office at 272-8622.

Cancer Location: Dalraida Baptist, 3838 Wares Ferry Road.

Just for Men -- Montgomery’s first and only faith based cancer support group for men is intent on providing information, Christian fellowship, and helping turn adversity into prosperity. Meetings are held the third Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. in the fellowship hall. Please call 272-2412 email cancerpatient@ bellsouth.net.

Gr

Lo Co por chi nua aC at 7 enc 272

Lo Gri Ha

Location: ChristChurch, 8800 Vaughn Road Cancer Support Group for general cancer. Tuesday afternoons at 1 pm. For more info, please call Christy Holding at 531-1390 or Debbie at 467-4578.

Lo Gri at 5 272

Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy Women of Hope Breast Cancer Support Group, providing education, awareness, and mentoring for breast cancer patients/survivors, family, friends or anyone interested in becoming a part of this compassionate journey, meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. in Rm 8253. Call 272-8622 or womenofhope@charter.net.

Lo 155 Gri me des lov mo For

Depression

Ho

Location: Landmark Church, 1800 Halcyon Blvd.

Leaders: Mike & Suzanne Greene (334-271-3331) Every other Tuesday, 6:30pm in Rm. 117. Goal is to create an atmosphere of acceptance and trust, where people can feel free and safe to discuss their feelings and thoughts without shame or embarrassment.

Lo Th tho ing 6:3

s

A-

d.

ong e wt@

ay

78.

wy

as-

) to re gs

Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy A Depression/Bipolar Support Group meets on the 1st Thursday of each month from 7:00-8:30pm in Room 3101. This group also meets on the 3rd Saturday afternoon, 12-2 pm, Dalraida UMC, 3817 Atlanta Highway in Church Annex. For more info, call 334.652.1431 or email dbsamontgomery@ yahoo.com.

Divorce Location: First Baptist Church, 305 S. Perry Street Divorce Care and Divorce Care 4 Kids, Wednesdays starting August 22, 6:30 pm. Cost $15.00 (scholarships available) Contact Kathy Cooper at kcooper@ montgomeryfbc.org or 334-241-5125.

Location: First UMC, 100 E. Fourth Street, Prattville Divorce Recovery meets Wednesdays at 6:15 p.m., Bldg. 101. Call 365.5977.

Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy A Divorce Recovery Support Group meets each Tuesday, at 5:30 p.m., in Fellowship Hall Lobby.

272-8622.

Location: Heritage Baptist Church, 1849 Perry Hill Divorce Care Support Group meetings are held Sundays at 6:15 p.m. Divorce Care for Children also at this time. Call 279.9976. Grief Share groups are held each Sunday at 5 p.m. Call 279.9976.

Location: Vaughn Park Church, 3800 Vaughn Road A Divorce Recovery group meets on Wednesday nights, from 7 to 8 p.m. Children’s classes available.

Call 386-7295.

Grief Location: Eastmont Baptist, 4505 Atlanta Hwy. Compassionate Friends is a national self-help support organization for families grieving the death of a child meeting first Tuesdays at 7 pm. We have an annual special event on Tuesday, Dec. 4. We will hold a Candlelight Ceremony in memory of our children at 7 p.m. at Eastmont Baptist Church. Registration is encouraged and may be made by calling (334) 2842721. We will also collect Toys for Tots.

Location: First UMC, 100 E. Fourth St, Prattville Grief Recovery, Thursday nights at 7 p.m., in Wesley Hall Room 104. Call 365.5977.

Location: Frazer UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy Grief Recovery Support Group meets Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m., Rm 3105, in Fellowship Hall Lobby.

272.8622.

Location: Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church 1550 E. Washington Street Grief Ministry is a grief recovery support group that meets every Monday at 6:00 P.M. The ministry is designed to help anyone through the hurt of losing a loved one by successfully traveling the journey from mourning to joy. Alicia Glover is the coordinator.

For more information contact Glover at 334-281-2754.

Homosexuality Location: Landmark Church, 1800 Halcyon Blvd.

The Barnabas Group, created to address the needs of those in conflict with homosexual thoughts and feelings meets first, third and fifth Tuesday evenings at 6:30 p.m., in the library at the Life Center. 277.5800.

Mental Illness

Location: Dalraida UMC, 3817 Atlanta Highway 1. Beginning January 28, 2013, NAMI Montgomery will host General Membership meetings on the 4th Monday of the month at the Dalraida UMC annex building. Meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. This meeting is open to anyone who is interested in issues concerning mental health.

2. The NAMI Montgomery Family Member Support Group continues to meet on the 2nd Monday of the month, starting at 6:30 p.m. at the Dalraida UMC annex building. Call Mary Jo Logan (271-2280) for directions/details.

3. Beginning in February, 2013 NAMI Montgomery will offer the 12 week NAMI FAMILY TO FAMILY education program (free) on Thursdays from 6-8 p.m. at the Bell Road Lowder Regional Library. Call Mary Jo Logan (271-2280) to register for the course.

Parenting Location: First Baptist Prattville, 138 S. Washington Moms LIFE (living in faith everyday) Meets twice monthly from 8:30 - 11:45 am in the chapel at the Church from Aug - May. We offer a time of fellowship, Bible study, musical guest, special guest speakers and a lot of fun!! Cost is $5 per meeting. For moms of all stages and ages of life. Childcare provided by reservation. For more info and to reserve your spot, call Kelley Manning at 361-7919.

Location: Vaughn Forest Church, 8660 Vaughn Road Are you in need of a time-out? MOPS joins mothers together by a common bond, to be better wives, moms, and friends along this journey in the trenches of motherhood. We meet the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month from 9:30—11:30 a.m. Childcare is provided. For information e-mail VFCMOPS@ gmail.com.

Location: First Baptist Church, Montgomery 305 S. Perry Street MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) If you are a woman who is pregnant or has a child birth through kindergarten, desires to make new friends, wants to share the challenges and joys of motherhood, is looking for opportunities for personal growth through trusted resources,then MOPS is for you.

Call Kristi Gay at (334) 233-8989 for more information.

Physical Challenges

Location: Aldersgate UMC, 6610 Vaughn Road Visually Impaired Support Group – Meets monthly on second Thursday 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. The group is called Outward Sight - Inward Vision and is for those with vision loss and their caregivers. Our mission is to assist those experiencing vision loss to maintain their independence by providing access to valuable information and spiritual support. Call Aldersgate UMC 272-6152.

Location: Cloverdale School Bldg. (First UMC) Parkinson’s Support Group of Montgomery meets the fourth Sunday of the month in Room 103 at 2:00pm. More information, contact Nathan Attwood at First United Methodist Church (334-834-8990).

Location: First UMC, 2416 W. Cloverdale Park Montgomery Hearing Loss Support Group meets every second Thursday in Wesley Hall at 4 pm. The 21

entrance is on Park Avenue. Informative speakers are present, refreshments are served and no reservations are required. The public is welcome.

Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy A Fibromyaligia Support Group meets the 3rd Tuesday of each month from 6-8pm in room 8114.

Call 272-8622.

Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy An MDA/ALS Support Group will meet Tuesday August 10 6:00p.m. – 8:00 p.m. in room 3101.

Anyone who is affected by a neuromuscular disease or family members of those affected are encouraged to attend. To receive further information, please call 396-4534.

Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy A Parkinson’s Support Group will meet the 3rd Thursday at 6:30 p.m., in room 8114 at Frazer UMC. This group is for those who have Parkinson’s disease and the family members. 272-8622. (No Meeting in December) Location: Landmark Church, 1800 Halcyon Blvd.

Leaders: Junior Bagwell (334) 669-9334 Meets every 2nd Tuesday of each month at 345 Melanie Drive, in Carol Villa. Our goal is to share and use the struggles that we as a group are facing, biblical principals, prayer, medical experts or any other resources available to help us deal with the life-long challenges that are caused by the various diseases that we have encountered.

Location: Taylor Road Baptist Church, 1785 Taylor Rd., Montgomery Gluten Intolerance Group of Montgomery meets on 2nd Thursdays from 6-7 p.m. Check the blog for special “alternate site” meetings and other info at www.glutenfreemontgomery.blogspot.com.

Pregnancy Loss / Infertility

Location: First UMC, 100 E. Fourth Street, Prattville Hannah’s Prayer--for women dealing with pregnancy loss/infertility issues. Meeting 2nd Thursday and 3rd Sunday of each month. Call 365.5977.

Singlehood

Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy Singles’ Small Groups meet each Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall Lobby. Call 272-8622.

Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy T.N.T. (Tuesday Night Together) for Singles meets Tuesdays from 7-8 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall, bldg.

7000. A meal ($5.00) and program are provided. For reservations, call the Singles office at 272-8622.

Location: Cornerstone Christian, 301 Dalraida Rd. Unavoidably Single Again (USA) Fellowship, a support group for widows and widowers. Informal meetings for fellowship and fun are held on the third Saturday of each month starting at 10 AM. Contact Lynda at farauthor@aol.com or 354-8869.

Veterans

Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy Veterans OEF/OIF Caregivers Support Group meets on the 3rd Wednesday from 11am-1pm in Room 3108. Cntact Joy at (334) 725-2542.

January 2013

River Region’s Journey

Before You Say “I Do”

inv nec is r is d lig do un

fri

in list pla the

par oth ma bib res

A Premarital Checklist

by Lou Priolo Dr. Anthony Florio likens certain premarital danger signs to traffic lights.

Like red blinking danger signs mean STOP, then proceed with caution (if at all)... Negative traits may be hidden from you, and just the tips show what is going on beneath a supposedly mature exterior.

In my counseling ministry I have given the following checklist to many couples along with the following advice.

“If there are more than a couple of these ‘danger signs’ in your relationship, you should probably be concerned. The greater number of these issues you encounter between the two of you, the more you should consider putting your relationship on hold, not necessarily breaking up, but slowing things down (or at least not moving forward) until these issues are resolved.”

Place a check in the box next to each and every danger sign that either you or your boyfriend/girlfriend (fiancé) believes is a recurring issue between the two of you—not something that happens River Region’s Journey

January 2013

just once in a while. (Ideally, both of you should take the inventory).

cording to biblical principles, it is indicative of significant underlying problems.

Recurrent doubts about the relationship (Romans 14:5)

Avoidance of certain issues or topics of discussion

There are several reasons why people in relationships have doubts. People who are prone to anxiety, for example, may have doubts because worriers tend to worry about those things they value (like the importance of making a wise choice for a life partner). Doubts may also arise from physical issues, like sleep loss or certain prescription medications (or the indigestion that resulted from the anchovy pizza one had for supper). It may be that God’s built in smoke detector (your conscience) is warning you of a serious problem that needs to be examined in light of the Scriptures.

If there is an apprehension to bring up “sensitive” issues for fear of starting a fight or of receiving a defensive (proud) response, this is a major red flag. It may be indicative of an inability to resolve conflicts biblically on the part of your partner or an inordinate desire for approval on your part.

Frequent arguments It is not necessarily a problem to have conflict so long as the conflicts are resolved quickly, effectively, and with a minimal amount of sin. But when conflicts turn into quarrels that are not resolved ac22

Increased (inordinate) physical involvement You resolve to limit the acceleration of your physical intimacy, but find that on each date you start again at the place where you left off. Sometimes couples get involved physically as a way to avoid arguments. Just one of the reasons for this being a danger sign is that your relationship may remain on a physical level only, throughout your courtship and marriage.

After you’re married, you may not like the personality that goes along with the body.

les dir

Fear of ending the relationship Love (the biblical antithesis of fear) involves giving others what they need, not necessarily what they want. It is doing what is right rather than what it feels like doing. It is doing what is best for the other person, in light of eternity, according to the Bible, and doing it whether or not the person being loved understands what you are doing.

Opposition from family and friends Solomon said, “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man is he who listens to counsel” and “Without consultation, plans are frustrated, but with many counselors they succeed.” (Proverbs 12:15, 15:22) When there is strong opposition from parents, spiritual leaders, close friends and other relatives, consider their reasons before making a final decision. If their reasons are biblical, it is best to wait until the issues are resolved.

Lack of spiritual harmony Amos asks, “Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?” (3:3 NKJV) The Bible directs, “Do not be bound together with unbe-

lievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness?” (2 Corinthians 6:14)

Pride

Some marital conflicts simply cannot be resolved apart from one person admitting wrong.

Anger (characterological)

Scripture warns, “Make no friendship [let alone marriage—the ultimate friendship] with an angry man. . . lest you learn his ways.” (Proverbs 22:24–25)

Impatience The person you marry is going to have struggles with sin that will likely take time to correct. If you cannot patiently endure with him/her you will greatly increase your marital misery.

Intolerance In addition to struggles with sin, your spouse will come into the marriage with certain annoying, idiosyncratic mannerisms and ways of doing (or not doing) things that are not sin, but may cause you some measure

of daily frustration—unless you are a very tolerant person. Moreover, if you routinely manifest a critical, condemnatory, accusatory, judgmental attitude about those idiosyncrasies you will be in for a rough ride.

Selfishness/inconsiderateness

Selfishness is the root cause of virtually all marriage problems. Is the person you are wanting to marry a giver or a taker?

Inability to resolve conflicts

In his book, Christian Living in the Home, (pp. 64) Jay Adams explains the importance of conflict resolution skills in choice of a mate.

“How, then, may one know how to choose a mate? There are only two absolutely essential requirements: first, that the other person is also a Christian; second, that the two of you not only desire to, but growingly give evidence of being able to, face, talk over, and solve problems together from God’s Word in God’s way. While socioeconomic, ethnic, chronological, and other factors may rightly enter the picture as minor matters of preference, they are in no sense essentials.

-

a

oner

d his

y,

23

January 2013

River Region’s Journey

The one factor beyond salvation that is truly essential is the ability to solve problems biblically. With this capability, persons with quite diverse backgrounds find it possible to enrich their own lives profoundly. Difference (or similarity) is a matter of preference, not an essential. But, aside from the desire and ability to solve difficulties scripturally, carbon copy backgrounds will not make two sinful persons compatible.”

Lack of compassion Someone whose compassion is seriously lacking will without a doubt cause much pain to his spouse. The apostle John said, “Whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?” (1 John 3:17)

Disrespect

Both husbands (1 Peter 3:7) and wives (Ephesians 5:33) are commanded to show respect to their spouses.

Bitterness Forgiveness (the antithesis to and antidote for bitterness) is an essential ingredient to any marriage where at least one person is a sinner!

River Region’s Journey

January 2013

Irresponsible behavior Financial irresponsibility is especially indicative of problems. Paul reminded the Thessalonians, “For even when we were with you, we used to give you this order: if anyone will not work, neither let him eat.” (2 Thessalonians 3:10)

Irrational thinking Irrational (or subjective) thinking distorts and hinders a person’s ability to love others.

This is so because, among other things, so much of love involves how we think about others.

Examples of irrational thinking include jealousy (love is not jealous), suspiciousness (love believes all things), a pattern of making rash judgments or uncharitably judging the motives of others, frequent accusatory comments, a critical, censorious spirit, and excessive or irrational fears.

Excessive passivity This is especially a concern for men who, by design, are intended to be the initiator in marriage.

Legalism/perfectionism Legalism involves exalting a per-

24

sonal standard higher than the Sriptures and desiring to obey that standard more than the Scriptures. Perfectionism is an all or nothing mindset that sees anything less than near perfection as failure.

Unresolved conflicts

When a person comes into a marriage without a conscience toward those in his past that he has wronged he is in danger of shipwrecking the relationship.

May I again suggest that if you have taken this inventory and have checked off more than a few items, that you talk to a trusted pastor or biblical counselor. It will be worth your time and could save you years of misery and heartache.

A graduate of Calvary Bible College and Liberty University, Lou is the author of several books, including The Heart of Anger, The Complete Husband, Teach Them Diligently, Getting a Grip, and Pleasing People. A noted lecturer, and full time biblical counselor for over 20 years, he is the director of The Center for Biblical Counseling at Eastwood Presbyterian Church where he is also an elder. He is an instructor at Birmingham Theological Seminary in Birmingham Alabama. Lou has an extensive CD ministry oriented toward helping Christians apply the Bible to specific problems in living. He is a Fellow in the National Association of Nouthetic Counselors, and a section editor for the Journal of Modern Ministry. Lou and his wife, Kim, are the parents of two girls, Sophia and Gabriella.

r

e f

see what’s cooking

sity,

ly, nd

ood

y

al r im,

at New Park!

New

NEIGhboRhood Pool opening May 2013!

New Park offers exceptional home values in one of the River Region’s fastest growing neighborhoods. On the menu— great location within walking distance to the city’s newest schools and YMCA, a wide variety of builders creating comfortable, livable and beautiful homes, plus a park-like neighborhood perfect for enjoying the great outdoors.

New

PaRk CRossING hIGh s Cho ol

Stop by our New Home Information Center or visit one of our furnished models. You’ll see we’ve got the perfect recipe for a happy home.

opening august 2013!

Get Connected!

Park Crossing is now open connecting Taylor Road to Ray Thorington Road, bringing added convenience from New Park to East Montgomery’s fabulous shopping, dining and new high school.

Find your new home now!

Visit us today!

New Park Information Center, 9430 Park Crossing

The new neighborhood from Jim Wilson & Associates

G 334.215.9215

newparkliving.com

Park Crossing, off Ray Thorington Road

For the latest neighborhood news and promotions, follow us on Facebook.®

25

January 2013

River Region’s Journey

Planning Your 2013 Dream Wedding

tio the din vin It w mo shi an wi my Mc by far

“T big 19 gla Gl gli tab ele ad ing the firs

are wi

The Hottest Ideas Trending

by Mary Sanders Looking back over this past year of weddings, it has been fun to see the trends we read about and planned for really take shape as they were executed for many brides. It is always a challenge to make each wedding unique when many brides have similar tastes, but it certainly is a goal of mine. Looking forward to 2013 gets me excited after previewing some of River Region’s Journey

January 2013

the ideas that are trending and influencing weddings for this next year. Here are a few of the ideas that will inspire weddings and brides.

Patterns and prints will show themselves a lot in wedding designing this year.

As an initial design element to set the tone for the wedding, find a pattern or print to carry throughout your planning process.

Include some detail of it on the wedding 26

invitations, programs, and details at the reception. It’s the idea of having a theme without making it cheesy or overdone.

Patterns and prints are showing up in table décor and linens, cakes and even in men’s attire and bridesmaid’s dresses. It’s okay to change it up and not have solid color dresses.

As in 2012, Pinterest will have a huge impact and serve as a place to find inspira-

3

tion for brides. Last year you saw a lot of the “farm-esque” rustic style in weddings. This year look to see that farm, vintage style taken to a whole new level.

It will be farm and vintage, but with a more formal flair added. You will see a shift from Shabby Chic to more eclectic and formal…think wooden farm tables with crystal décor and fine china. One of my brides from 2012, Melissa McKinney McInnis, embraced this farm-esque feel by using pieces from her groom’s family farm as centerpiece containers.

The upcoming release of the movie “The Great Gatsby” will also have a big impact on weddings this year. The 1920s, in general, will be seen in the glam fashion on wedding runways.

Glamour is making a comeback with glitzy gold or metallic accents, crystal tablescapes and chandeliers. Think elegant, refined garden party with lots of added sparkle. I even like the idea of having the names stamped in metallic gold on the wedding invitations to give guests that first impression of the wedding to follow.

For color schemes in 2013, neutrals are on the rise. Pink, champagne, and gold will be seen in wedding dresses, brides-

maids dresses, table linens and bouquets.

These colors can serve as a base for another color or can hold their own weight as a color scheme. Blues, from pale blue to seafoam to navy, are also going to be popular. The color mint will make a huge statement as well.

To most brides, it is all about the details, and there are a lot of fun details that can be carried out to make the wedding day fabulous. Something that is still making its way in weddings is Specialty/ Signature stations. You have seen it a lot with candy stations in the last few years,

g

e

ble ’s

ge a27

January 2013

River Region’s Journey

or signature drink stations, but now with favorite foods in mind, themed menu stations are becoming popular. Having a chef

River Region’s Journey

January 2013

or attendant at the stations also adds to the atmosphere of your reception. Let your specialty stations reflect you as a couple and the foods you like.

Also, dessert stations are still a huge hit. Whether pies, chocolates, or cupcakes, guests are still swooning over the sweets!

In décor and floral, garlands will be the perfect touch to adorn tables, arches, and even hung from chandeliers.

Mixing wood with crystal and gold pieces embraces the vintage glamour idea. Candles have always been very popular to decorate with, but ever more so now. Mercury glass is a good element to bring into the design of the reception.

Etsy is also a huge hit in the wedding world. Its popularity has boomed over the last year and continues to soar. So many brides are taking advantage of the creative freedom that comes with Etsy. You can find anything on this

28

website… custom bridal party gifts, wedding favors, cake linens… you name it. It also gives so many local artists a chance to get their names out there.

As always there are so many ideas and inspiration out there for brides. I still stand by the thought that your wedding should be a reflection of you, the bride and groom. Let it be a day you look back on for years to come that makes you smile, and one that has good memories of the planning process. I always try to remind my brides that the most important thing is who they are marrying, and at the end of the day they will be just as married, regardless of what happens or gets done.

Starting the marriage off with the right person, and on the right foundation with the Lord as the head, is far more important than what table linens or flowers you pick.

That’s all just icing on the cake!

Wedding planner Mary Sanders is owner and operator of Mary Me. She may be reached by email: weddingplannermts@yahoo.com. Mary lives in Pike Road with her husband and three children. **Photos of the Melissa McKinney and Clay McInnis wedding provided by Kim Box Photography.

It to

l

nd

d

ant k.

: ike

-

29

January 2013

River Region’s Journey

Melissa & Clay McInnis Married September 22, 2012

ga we nin kn ca Fo ke ma fro wh an ma an im we ge mo an are be tw the wa

ou

Clay and I have been married three happy months. With each day we grow more thankful for each other and God’s big picture plan for our lives. We were blessed with a fairly seamless transition into married life and I truly believe it was the result of a constant awareness of God’s role in our union.

River Region’s Journey

January 2013

30

s

as

From the moment we were engaged I started realizing the task that we commonly call “wedding planning.” If you have been a bride you know the details mount quickly and can easily take on a life of their own.

For this reason, I knew the best way to keep the wedding in perspective, while magnifying the marriage, required help from The Lord--especially in a day where wedding planning has become an industry. The options for bridesmaids dresses, flower arrangements and hairpieces can be overwhelming. I immediately prayed, “Lord, I know this wedding planning WILL, not might, get stressful at times during the next 10 months. As long as I know this now and know that you are the reason we are marrying, I am confident we will be able to handle whatever unexpected twists come our way.” We went into the entire process with what I believe was the right focus.

We prayed for provision from the outset. It set the stage for the en-

gagement and stresses that can come with planning perhaps the largest event of your life. We also made a point to forget about the expectations of others and to create the wedding we wanted with our personal touches woven throughout the day. One way we kept from being bogged down with the details was to refrain from reading too many wedding magazines or hopping on the websites. They can be fun, but can also add the stress of options and expectations. Our philosophy: do what YOU desire and make the wedding a reflection of the Lord and you.

When the wedding week was upon us, we constantly told ourselves to forget about the details. By that point there was nothing more we could do or change. We simply agreed to HAVE FUN! And we did.

The wedding came and went. It was the most beautiful evening we could have imagined with perfect weather!

Again, another blessing covered in

prayer beforehand. We believe the Lord was glorified in our day as guests reassured us His presence was undeniable.

Now that we are married, we love it. Yes, we have our ups and downs just like any other couple, but we are best friends. Every day is another chance to enjoy one another while also learning HOW to be a wife and husband. We are thankful for God’s grace in those times!

I think the thing to remember for any marriage--be mindful of the small things that have great value. For us, those are cooking breakfast together, enjoying morning coffee and lazy Saturdays. As we embark on this new journey, we are anxious to see what God’s future holds--hoping if He brought us together, He’ll use us to advance His kingdom here on earth.

Written by Melissa McKinney McInnis with photo by KimBox Photography.

Centerpoint Fellowship Church at Pike Road Join us for a celebration of God’s goodness through praise and worship, followed by a life-applicable Bible-based teaching by senior pastor John Schmidt via video.

Come casual and enjoy our service that starts at 9:30 a.m. every Sunday at the Jim Wilson YMCA at New Park. Nursery and children’s program provided.

For more information contact our office at (334) 356-3076 or visit our website at centeringlives.com

31

January 2013

River Region’s Journey

Family Teams for Christ

ria ac fer

by Lisa and Mike Conn

Co • B • L sha • C

The Art of Marriage Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.

Genesis 2:24 (KJV) Mike and I, through our non-profit marriage ministry, Covenant Family Ministries, offer as a teaching tool for your marriage “tool box”, the 6-video Bible study, The Art of Marriage, to groups in Montgomery several times a year. This winter, we will begin a new group in January for military couples at the Maxwell Air Force Base Protestant Chapel on Wednesday nights along with starting a second group for medical couples who wish to strengthen their marriage with God’s word.

River Region’s Journey

January 2013

The Art of Marriage is a video series which can be used as a follow-on for the “Weekend to Remember” marriage getaway, or simply utilized as an excellent 6-week Bible study for couples at any stage of marriage.

Here are some tips from “The Art of Marriage”: The Purpose of Marriage • Marriage is not primarily about you.

• It is just as important to BECOME the right person as it is to FIND the right person.

• The myth of “THE ONE” is not biblical.

The one you married is the one with whom you are to make a life.

32

Co • B • L • C Receiving Your Spouse • “Receiving your spouse” means more than “accepting” him or her; it means you embrace the God-given differences he’s built into each of you.

• It’s remembering every day that moment you joined together at the altar--each a special gift to the other.

• Your spouse is not your enemy.

• Receiving your spouse is a DAILY choice.

Th • O fai ou • W tha on • S iso

Th

u

nt

God designed marriage to be a covenant, not a contract. What’s the difference?

Contract • Based on legalism • Lasts “as long as we both shall love” • Calls for the signing of names Covenant • Based on love and loyalty • Lasts “as long as we both shall live” • Calls for the binding of hearts The Drift Toward Isolation • One reason couples drift apart is that they fail to make their marriage the priority it ought to be.

• We are culturally conditioned to believe that our happiness ought to be our numberone priority in life.

• Selfishness is one of the root causes of isolation.

The Problem and The Solution “To be able to look forward to a life-

long, thriving marriage, you must have a clear understanding of the gospel. Without it, you cannot see God, yourself, or your marriage for what they truly are. The gospel is the fountain of a thriving marriage.”

--Dave Harvey, When Sinners Say “I Do” “The gospel of Christ crucified for our sins is the foundation of our lives.

Marriage exists to display it. And when marriages breaks down, the gospel is there to forgive and heal and sustain until he comes, or until he calls.” --John Piper, This Momentary Marriage

• Jesus Christ’s sacrifice reconciled me to God and allows me to live in peace with him and others.

• I must learn to walk each day by the power of the Holy Spirit in order to stay close to my spouse.

Completing the Picture • I must learn how to resist the natural drift toward isolation in marriage.

• My individual sin is the issue behind marital conflict. I must learn to take responsibility for my sin and reconcile with God.

Lt. Col Mike Conn and wife, Lisa, founded Covenant Family Ministries when Mike retired from the Air Force in 1997. CFM is an independent marriage and family education ministry committed to partnering with churches, organizations, and individuals in Montgomery and across Alabama to build Family Teams for Christ. Married for over 30 years, Mike and Lisa have three wonderful daughters, two great sons-in-law, and two precious grandchildren.

33

These are just a few tidbits from The Art of Marriage. If you would like to know more about God’s plan for marriage by attending or starting an Art of Marriage study group, please call us at 334-462-5227.

January 2013

River Region’s Journey

When Crisis Strikes Your close friend tells you that her husband has left her and her three small children. “Please pray,” she weeps into the phone. What do you ask for?

A Christian college newsletter reports a fatal car accident involving four young people on an outreach trip for the college. “Pray for the families,” the newsletter implores. For what, you wonder?

Your pastor’s wife has been diagnosed with cancer. You read about Christians suffering horrible persecution in Pakistan, China, and India. Our world is torn by sin’s consequences.

Every day, our newspapers, mail, and telephones constantly remind us that human suffering abounds, around the corner and worldwide. Emails concerning life threatening medical conditions are forwarded with a single mouse click.

Each situation, beyond the bounds of human control, cries out for you to intercede for God’s power and protection.

Paul encouraged the Ephesians to “always keep on praying for all the saints” (Eph. 6:18). This admonishment follows Paul’s exhortation to stand firm against the powers of darkness by putting on the armor of God (Eph 6:10-17).

But how do we verbalize these concepts in prayer?

Our natural human tendency is to think first of healing and restoration.

We want the pain to stop. We want the problem resolved. We want to fix whatever is wrong. But is that always God’s way?

What to Pray When You Don’t Know What to Pray

by Karen Wingate River Region’s Journey

January 2013

34

ha ca wa inv ge dis ve for

Gr she he tem

are ex

rat ab spe ap of

aC him If be

he bo an lea an of lea tha the ch the co ord ob wo wa

be tha In fam in ple ch an an po

l

r

-

.

t

.

When I learned that my grandmother had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, I found myself caught in a downward spiral of emotions. Grandma was invincible. I couldn’t believe she might get sick and die. Needing to share my distress, I told as many people as I could, veiling it, of course, as a prayer request for healing.

Why? The thought suddenly hit me.

Grandma has lived a long, full life, and she must die sometime. If we pray for her healing and she dies anyway, will we be tempted to feel that God has let us down?

Prayers for healing and restoration are supported in the Bible. But we must examine our motives for praying that way.

We often pray for healing and restoration because we feel otherwise helpless about a particular situation. But there are specific things we can pray for, even when a person or situation is beyond or sphere of influence. Here are a few ideas: 1. Pray for faith. If the person is not a Christian, pray that this trial may cause him or her to consider the need for Christ.

If a Christian, pray that his or her faith will be deepened through this crisis.

good, and it consequently lost some of its senselessness for our congregation.

that seems too bold, ask the person, “How can I pray for you?”

4. Pray that other believers will be supportive of the person and family involved. Sometimes, church people are too quick to blame sin for another’s suffering.

This is a time for mercy, not finger-pointing. Pray that God will raise up people who will offer comfort and support. In cases of persecution, pray that the church will be merciful to those who buckle under persecution. Our Lord was merciful to Peter after his denial; we should be, too.

When I asked how I could pray for a young mother traveling to Russia on a shortterm missions project, her answer surprised me. “We are taking our six-month-old baby with us,” she said. “It will be hard to purchase the things we are used to having for the baby. Pray that the baby stays healthy, that my way will be eased in the care of the baby so that I will not be overly distracted by his needs.” When she returned I had something specific to ask about, and she was able to tell me that all had gone smoothly with the baby’s needs, just as I had prayed.

Praying for others is something we can always do, even when the situation is complicated, messy or unclear. When we pray specifically for faith issues, it gives us a chance to see God’s awesome power, working in ways beyond our comprehension. And those who are standing by will see not that prayer works, but that God works – something we all need to know.

5. Ask the Lord, “What is Your will for these people?” Ask Him how you can be personally involved. Perhaps He will lay on your heart to send a card or money, or to go in person to offer comfort.

If you feel this nudge, be sure to obey His prompting.

6. Let the person know you are praying for him or her. Be specific. Instead of saying, “We’ll be thinking about you,” say, “I am praying (this) for you.” If

Karen Wingate is a contributing writer.

2. Pray that the person and his or her family would express their faith boldly, despite opposition. When Peter and John were dragged before the Jewish leaders for healing a man, they used it as an opportunity to proclaim the resurrection of Christ (Acts 3,4). After they were released, they and the other believers prayed that God would give them boldness. In the very next chapter, they were given a chance to test this request. In response to the Sanhedrin’s accusation that they were continuing to teach in Jesus’ name against orders, they declared boldly, “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). I would say that their prayer for boldness was answered!

3. Pray that his or her faith would be a silent testimony to unbelievers and that bystanders would come to Christ.

In 1972, one of our church elders and his family plummeted off a mountain highway in their Bronco, instantly killing the couple. The peaceful acceptance of their three children amazed the emergency room staff and led another patient to accept the Lord and be baptized in the hospital therapy pool. God used this horrible event for His 35

January 2013

River Region’s Journey

Grace to You

tia pro Ep wh

by John MacArthur

Marital Harmony You husbands in the same way, live with your wives in an understanding way, as with someone weaker, since she is a woman; and show her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered.

(1 Peter 3:7)

The word translated live (sunoikountes) means “dwelling together” and refers to living with someone in intimacy and cherishing them. Believing husbands must constantly nourish and cherish their wives in the bond of intimacy:

In the same way refers again to the duty of submission (2:13, 18; 3:1). This time it is the believing husband who submits to serve his wife. Husbands obey that duty by adhering to three basic responsibilities in caring for their wives’ needs: consideration, chivalry, and companionship.

First, husbands are to live with their wives in an understanding way, which means they must be considerate. Understanding speaks of being sensitive and considering the wife’s deepest physical and emotional needs.

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless. So husbands ought also to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself. (Eph. 5:25–28; cf. Prov. 5:18–19; 1 Cor. 7:3–5)

A believing husband should also be chivalrous to his wife, realizing she is someone weaker, since she is a woman. Just as submission does not imply inherent inferiority for the ones who submit, so the word weaker does not mean the wife is intrinsically weaker in character or intellect than her husband. The word (rendered “weaker vessel” by the King James and New King James translators) also does not mean that women are spiritually inferior to men (cf. Gal. 3:28). It just means that women generally possess less physical strength than men. With that in mind, Chris-

for gra bu bel Go Pe gra fav 15 7; 4:6 ma er. ric cep day frie to chi is t int to and no to Isa in of lim tha res ans thr the hea Th ing hu gra

an Ch Th tes un

Wi to t gen enc Gra sin gro pul thr River Region’s Journey

January 2013

36

e-

ity er er he g o

-

tian husbands are the sacrificial providers and protectors of their wives (cf. 1 Sam. 1:4–5; Eph. 5:23, 25–26; Col. 3:19; 1 Tim. 5:8), whether or not the wives are believers.

Third, the husband is to be a companion for his wife as a fellow heir sharing in the grace of life, which refers not to eternal life, but to the true and intimate friendship that belongs only to those who are possessors of God’s most blessed gift in this life—marriage.

Peter labels marriage the grace of life because grace (charis) means “unmerited, undeserved favor” (cf. Rom. 1:5; 3:24; 5:15, 17; 12:3; 15:15; 2 Cor. 8:1; 9:8; Gal. 2:9; Eph. 2:7; 3:2, 7; 4:7; 4:29; 2 Tim. 1:9; Heb. 4:16; James 4:6). Marriage is a divine providence given to man regardless of his attitude toward the Giver. Intimate companionship in marriage, the richest blessing of this life, was a foreign concept to the Greco-Roman culture of Peter’s day. Husbands were generally uninterested in friendship with their wives, expecting them to merely maintain the household and bear children. In contrast, the Christian husband is to cultivate all the richness God designed into the grace of marriage by showing honor to his wife in loving consideration, chivalry, and companionship. So that his prayers will not be hindered is the reward God promises to the loving, caring husband (cf. Ps. 66:18; Isa. 59:2; John 9:31; James 4:3). The prayers in view may be specifically for the salvation of an unbelieving wife, but nothing in the text limits it to that. The warning is clearly given that if a husband in Christ is not fulfilling his responsibilities toward his wife, God may not answer his prayers. No more serious divine threat could be given to a believer than that— the interruption of all the promises of prayers heard and answered (cf. John 14:13–14).

That is severe, cutting off the divine blessing, which shows how critical is Christian husbands’ loving care of their partners in this grace of life.

The key to having a positive witness to an unsaved spouse is living an exemplary Christian life as a faithful, submissive spouse.

That obedience pleases God and provides the testimony that honors Jesus Christ before the unsaved partner.

Widely known for his thorough, candid approach to teaching God’s Word, John MacArthur is a fifthgeneration pastor, a popular author and conference speaker, and has served as pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California since 1969. John and his wife, Patricia, have four grown children and fifteen grandchildren. John’s pulpit ministry has been extended around the globe through his media ministry, Grace to You.

Coming This Month!

A New Indoor Facility Offering 2 Private Party rooms!

37

January 2013

River Region’s Journey

Counselor’s Corner

his ate Eg use ast cam los in lin W

by Brenda Payne, Eastwood Counseling Center

Counseling from the Life of Joseph As a counselor, I often meet with troubled people. Sometimes, the difficulties they face are a result of their own sinful choices. In such cases it is necessary to call them to repentance and obedience. But other times, the women I counsel are living uprightly yet facing misery at the hands of sinful people (or circumstances beyond their control). She may be a respectful and submissive wife whose husband is increasingly difficult to live with. She may be a godly single woman whose prospects for a husband are growing grim. Or, it could be a mom who has given her life to the biblical instruction of her children only to face a rebellious teenager.

It is one thing to suffer as a result of our own sin, but what if we are “playing by the rules” and still suffer? We tend to operate under the assumption that if we are “good” than God owes us: He will reward us with good or at least keep us from harm. How are we to view things when even in our obedience we are assaulted with misery and misfortune?

Joseph is the one truly upright patriarch you will find in the book of Genesis (Chapters 37-50). Every other patriarch has obvious character flaws, but Joseph is a man who fears God and yet faces many hardships and setbacks.

Joseph’s life seems to epitomize the saying, “no good deed goes unpunished”. Let’s take a look.

First of all in Genesis 37, we learn that Joseph was the favorite of his father’s 12 sons.

His father’s partiality produced animosity between him and his brothers. While on an errand, in obedience to his father, Joseph is captured by his brothers who schemed to kill him but ultimately decided to sell him into slavery. The slave traders took him to Egypt (a pagan and foreign land) and sold him to a high ranking officer (Potiphar) where Joseph becomes “a successful man” overseeing the household. The Bible indicates that Joseph was quite a “stud”, so much so that his boss’s

wife wanted to take him to bed. She pressured him day after day, but he resisted the temptation (Chapter 39). And what did he get for his righteous stand? A false accusation and a prison sentence! Joseph must have been an outstanding inmate because the prison warden placed him in charge of the prisoners. In the dungeon, Joseph interpreted dreams for the king’s cupbearer and baker. He asked them one favor, “Only remember me...mention me to Pharaoh, and so get me out of this house.”

The dreams came true but the cupbearer forgot to keep his promise to Joseph! Two years later, when Pharaoh needed his dreams interpreted, the cupbearer remembered Joseph who was promptly brought before Pharaoh to interpret

1. I suf tho hu and bro

2. ma tro the

3.

Go Br ing abl pro yo con

B

A f s

s

M @

M e

River Region’s Journey

January 2013

38

ed

n

e

ot er, ,

t

his dreams (Genesis 41). Joseph was immediately exalted to a position of authority over all Egypt, second only to Pharaoh himself. God used Joseph to prepare the Egyptians for a devastating famine. Joseph’s brothers eventually came to Egypt for food and faced their long lost brother. Ultimately, God used all the events in Joseph’s life to preserve His people and the line of the coming Savior (Genesis 42-45).

What are some take away points?

1. It is sometimes God’s will that we endure suffering at the hands of sinners. Some of those sinners will be blinded to how their sin is hurting us (Joseph’s father and the cupbearer) and others will be very deliberate (Joseph’s brothers and Potiphar’s wife).

2. Remember that our obedience does not make God our debtor nor is it a promise for a trouble free life. Jesus was perfect and endured the worst suffering imaginable.

3. We need to continue to walk by faith in God’s promises and not by sight. Author Jerry Bridges says, “Faith is obeying God and trusting Him for the result, believes God is fully able to do all He has promised, and believes the promise of God is as real as the circumstances you are in, even if the circumstances seem to contradict the promises.”

4. We need to remember the character of God--especially while suffering. The Scripture tells us that God was with Joseph, He gave him favor, He showed him steadfast love, and was orchestrating all the events of his life to fulfill His purposes.

8. We need to continue to faithfully execute our duties in the midst of where ever God has us and look to be a blessing to those who are around us. Joseph was consistently given more responsibility and served those who were over him and under him.

5. We need to fear the disapproval of God more than the disapproval of man. How did Potiphar know the success of his household was due to Joseph’s walk with the Lord? Joseph must have told him! Joseph told Potiphar’s wife he could not sin against God. He told the cupbearer, the baker and even Pharaoh that dreams come from God alone. And, he acknowledged before his brothers God’s purposes in his suffering.

9. We need to remember that God is as interested in the means as He is the ends. Oftentimes, we just want to get to the end of our suffering but God is using all the in between places to mature us and prepare us for better service.

6. We need to look for and see God’s mercies in our pain. Joseph did not die in the pit. He was not executed for his alleged sexual misconduct. His prison dream interpretations led to his audience before Pharaoh. His suffering served to save his family and nation. There was mercy for him and for others that was not readily apparent in the midst of his trials.

7. We need to guard our hearts against bitterness by trusting that God is in control of the good as well as the bad in our lives. Joseph embraced his brothers with joy and did not seek revenge for their murderous actions.

10. Finally, We need to remember that Joseph points us to our greatest example of suffering, Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 2:21-23) The next time you are wronged, recount the life of Joseph and see how many ways you can find to correctly respond to your trouble.

Then, read the gospels and consider how Jesus endured unjust suffering. Pray fervently that God will give you grace to follow these great examples in your own life!

Brenda is a certified counselor through the National Association of Nouthetic Counselors. She counsels part time at Eastwood Presbyterian Church where she is a member. She and her husband Paul have three children--Kadie Allen, Rome, and John Clark. Brenda is active in teaching women’s Bible studies and discipleship. She has taught a number of seminars on issues related to women.

The

Barnabas

Group

A Christ centered peer based support group for those struggling with unwanted same sex attractions and family members or loved support and encouragement are available.

Meets 1st, 3rd, & 5th Tuesdays @ 6:30 PM - Landmark Church More information: call (334) 277.5800 OR email barnabas@landmarkchurch.net Landmark Church is a member of the Exodus International network of churches that welcomes those who struggle with unwanted same sex attractions. a ministry of Church

39

January 2013

River Region’s Journey

Community Calendar Christian Community Calendar Christian Ongoing Happenings AGLOW International meets every third Thursday, 9:30 at the Montgomery House of Prayer. All women welcome to join together for praise, prayer and an anointed message.

Contact mboudousquie@yahoo.com.

Beacon Light Ministries, Food Ministry is open on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday, 5:306:45 p.m. Please bring I. D. and Proof of Government Assistance.

Capitol Heights UMC, 2000 Winona Ave., Montgomery offers Parenting Classes beginning at 7:00 p.m. on Thursdays. 2642464.

Christchurch, 8800 Vaughn Road, Montgomery, offers a Women’s Enrichment Bible Study led by Jeanne Dean on Thursdays, 9:30-11:30 a.m., in Canterbury Hall. All women are welcome. Childcare for ages birth-4 years is provided. Call 387-0566 x 201 for more info.

Christchurch offers a men’s Bible study led

by Fr. John-Michael van Dyke, on Thursday mornings on the 11th floor of Goode Medical Bldg, Jackson Hospital. Breakfast is served beginning at 6:45 a.m. and teaching begins at 7:15 a.m. Call 387-0566 x 201.

Church of the Highlands meets each Sunday at 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. downtown Montgomery in the MPAC theater located in the Renaissance Hotel, 201 Tallapoosa Street. Visit churchofthehighlands.com or call 1-205-980-5577.

Chisholm Baptist Church, 2938 Lower Wetumpka Road, Montgomery, holds Sunday morning Bible study (9:30), Morning worship (10:45), Tuesday prayer breakfast (8:30) Wednesday evening prayer service (6 pm) and Senior Body and Soul Group (every 1st Tuesday at 1 pm). Email jbass9784@charter. net or call 262-6437.

Dexter Avenue UMC, 301 Dexter Avenue, offers a Friday Christian Night Club with Ballroom Dancing every Friday at 6:30 P.M. Cost is $5 for a one hour lesson, devotional, and 3 hours of DJ music. People of all denominations are welcome.

First Presbyterian Church, 9299 Vaughn Road, hosts Family Night every Wednesday beginning at 5:20 p.m. with supper, followed by a study on prayer. Everyone is welcome.

For more information call (279-1372).

First Presbyterian Church, 9299 Vaughn Road, hosts a Men’s Prayer Breakfast every Friday morning, 6 a.m.

The Youth of First United Methodist Church, Montgomery every Wednesday night at 7:00 p.m. for Wednesday Night Live, a time of praise and worship in “the attic”.

Also, every Sunday night at 6:00 p.m. is River Region’s Journey

January 2013

MYF which includes a snack supper $3.00 followed by activities, small groups and lots of fun! Visit www.fumcmontgomery.org or call 334-834-8990.

First United Methodist Church will host Terrific Tuesdays. Please come and join us for fellowship, a program and lunch. Terrific Tuesdays will meet each Tuesday in room 204 of Wesley Hall. Fellowship time will begin at 10:00 a.m. followed by a program at 10:30 a.m. and lunch at 11:30 a.m. The cost of lunch is $2.00. Every fourth Tuesday the time will extend until 3:00 p.m. for bridge, games, and other activities in room 203 in Wesley Hall. For additional information please contact NeeNee Webb at 834-8990.

Good News @ Noon is an interdenominational Bible study, held at the First Baptist Community Ministries Building on Adams Street, Thursdays, at noon. Small cost for hot lunch. Call 272.1133.

Hall Memorial CME Church, 541 Seibles Road, Montgomery, offers Bible Study Tuesdays at 5:30 P.M. and Wednesdays at 6: 30 P.M. For directions or information call 334-288-0577. Email HallMemorialCME1@ aol.com or visit www.HallMemorialCME. blogspot.com.

Hall Memorial CME Church says: VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! Tutors, prayer-warriors, and office/clerical volunteers needed for the Montgomery City Jail Ministry & G.E.D program. Opportunities are ongoing.

No experience or certification necessary.

Contact Pastor Anderson T. Graves II, at hallmemorialcme1@aol.com. Call 334-2880577. The City Jail ministry is an in-reach ministry of Hall Memorial CME Church, 541 Seibles Road, Montgomery. www.hallmemorialcme.blogspot.com. iConnect.coffeehouse provides a place for women to experience meaningful fellowship with women seeking genuine connection.

Meetings will be held in the Atrium at Frazer UMC 3rd Tuesdays from 9-11 a.m. For more info, call Frazer’s Women’s Ministry at 4956391.

Messiah Lutheran Church, 6670 Vaughn Road, invites all to Wonderful Wednesdays starting with a $3.00 meal at 5:30 pm (RSVP 277-4213 by Monday noon), worship with eucharist 6:15-7:00 pm, and adult choir rehearsal and Catechism class for 7th-9th graders at 7:00 pm. Please call for Wednesday schedule due to seasonal breaks.

For information, call 277-4213.

Mt. Gillard Missionary Baptist Church, 3323 Day Street, holds Wednesday Bible Study in the church Fellowship Hall and lasts for one hour. Please come and participate in roaming the Bible learning God’s 40

word through teaching. The Rev. Henry M. Carnegie, Jr. is the teacher and pastor. Midday Bible Study begins each Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. Evening Bible Study begins each Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. Call 233-8750.

New Freedom Worship Center, 6004 –A East Shirley Lane, Apostle T. Briggs~ Pastor; Sunday Worship Service 10:30 a.m. and Wednesday Night Bible Study 7:30 p.m.

Open Door Christian Faith Church, 1601 Dewey St. Montgomery, offers Women’s Prayer Mondays at 5:00, Men’s prayer Wednesday at 5:00, followed by bible study at 6:00. Couples ministry held every 1st Wednesday of the month at 7:00. Pastor William Cromblin, and the Open Door Church family invites you to “come experience the move of God. For more info, call the church at 334-269-6498.

Perry Hill UMC, 910 Perry Hill Rd, sponsors a Bluegrass Jam in the Church Fellowship Hall on the third Saturday of each month from 9AM - 12AM. All Bluegrass Artist plus Fans are invited to attend. Attendance is FREE. For information call Kathy@ 272-3174.

Perry Hill UMC, 910 Perry Hill Rd, hosts a Wednesday Night Supper and Revive! program each week from 5:30pm til 7:00pm.

Reservations are required by noon on the Monday prior to the supper. Cost is $4 per person or $12 per family. Call 334-2723174 for more information or to make reservations.

The River of Life Church, located at 116 County Road 40 E (in the Pine Level Community Center) Prattville. Pastor Nick Edwards invites you to a “Place of New Beginnings”, where families come and grow together.

Church Service Schedule: Sunday 10:30 a.m.

Sunday School; 11:00 a.m. Morning Worship; 5:00 p.m. Evening Worship. Wednesday 6:00 p.m. Adult Bible Study, Teens (Genesis Project), Jr. High (Limitless), Royal Rangers, MPact Girls, Rainbow’s/Noah’s Zoo Club.

Thursday 9:00 a.m.Women of Grace Bible Study. Nursery provided. We invite you to”come experience God in a personal way, feel loved by all and know that you belong”.

Office 334-657-0392 or visit www.theriveroflifechurch.net.

Saint James UMC, 9045 Vaughn Road, offers S.N.A.G. (Sunday Nights About God!) This program starts at 5:00p.m. and ends at 6:30p.m. Childcare is provided for small groups until 7:00p.m. Don’t forget this program is available for all children!

Saint James UMC, 9045 Vaughn Road, offers Wild & Wacky Wednesdays! Wednesday night supper starts at 5:15p.m. We will

sta pro pro tic Sa Ch Cl mo of Br at Me of and inf Bib p.m Du of Sc Wo (33 ww S-S Sin On kn Ch p.m Vi Ra Tu 4th 9:3 a.m com Ea Su Wo nan Co at wo bro for the Al to er. thr gel Yo Va da fro cog 6-1 al ou inf roo

-

h

or;

1

y

il-

ch

@

m.

w

m.

ay is rs,

, ”.

-

ers

t

o-

sl

Community Calendar Christian Community Calendar Christian start checking children in at 6:00p.m. This program ends at 7:30p.m. and childcare is provided until 8:00p.m. for small group participants. Call 277.3037 for more info.

Saint Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church, 706 E. Patton Avenue, “Clothes Closet” is open to the public each Thursday morning from 10 a.m. – Noon. The Men of Saint Paul host a free Men’s Prayer Breakfast the Third Saturday of each month at 8 a.m. in the Church Fellowship Hall. The Men’s Prayer Breakfast is open to all men of all ages. Come and share your concerns and needs of our Men of today. For more information, please contact (334) 354-1897.

Bible Study is held each Wednesday, 6-7 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Pastor Farrell J. Duncombe is the teacher and Senior Pastor of the church. Come and join us for Sunday School each Sunday at 9 a.m. and Morning Worship at 10 a.m. Need transportation, call (334) 264-7618. For info call 286.8577 or www.saintpaulamemontgomery.com.

S-STOP, a commUNITY Bible study for Singles. Souls Strengthened Together for One Purpose. Psalm 46:10 “BE STILL and know that I am God.” Meets at Prattville Christian Academy on Sunday nights at 6 p.m. For info email sstop04@gmail.com.

Vision Full Gospel Ministries, 163 Rifle Range Road, Montgomery, holds Bible Study Tues. Night 7:00 p.m., Pray & Praise 2nd & 4th Thurs. Night 7:00 p.m., Sunday School 9:30 am, Sunday Worship Service 10:45 a.m., Internet radio-homecominggospel. com Sunday 3:00p.m. Central & 4:00 p.m.

Eastern. and Satellite Radio -wlsg 1340am Sunday 3:00p.m.

Women at The Well Ministry meet at Remnant Worship Center on Endover Street off of Court Street behind the Feed and Seed Store at 1:00pm every 1st and 3rd Saturday. We are women who desire and have a heart to see broken, crushed, hurting women be transformed through the one man who can fulfill their every need...JESUS...THE POTTER. All women of all denominations are welcome to come and share the Word of God together....to encourage, and build one another up through the words of our testimonies. Evangelist Linda McCall, 334-220-1924.

Young Meadows Presbyterian Church, 5780 Vaughn Road, invites you to attend its Sunday Respite Care Program on 1st Sundays from 4-6 pm. Children with physical and cognitive disabilities (and their siblings) ages 6-18 are invited for a time of activities and a light dinner so parents can have a night out. Call Susan Clements at 301-0355 for information and to make a reservation, or rooftopfriends@gmail.com.

This Month Saturday, January 5

Brantwood Children’s Home and HCS Group is pleased to present Resolution Run starting at 8:30 am. Starting Point: Paterson Field Parking Lot; Ending Point: Brantwood Children’s Home. T-shirts, warm-up, massages, snacks, water, coffee and awards will all be available! PreRegistration: $25.00; Day-Of Registration: $30.00; *Virtual Runners: $25.00. *Virtual Runners are welcome to support Brantwood while sleeping in on the day of event! 100% of the proceeds go to benefit the children who call Brantwood home.

Call 265-0784 or visit www.brantwoodchildrenshome.org.

Sunday, January 6

You are invited to a Twelfth Night Party for free food, music & fun, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. It’s time to put away the 12 drummers drumming, 11 pipers piping, and all the rest. Celebrate the end of the Christmas season and the start of the new year. Be our guest at a family-friendly party! Church of the Holy Comforter, 2911 Woodley Road, under the water tower off the Southern Bypass. For more information, call 281-1337.

Tuesday, January 8

An Intro to Biblical Counseling Course begins at Eastwood Counseling Center in Montgomery. Taught by Lou Priolo this course offers 2 credit hours to Birmingham Theological Seminary.

Cost is $250 per person or $400 per couple. 12 weeks on Tuesday nights from 6:30-8:30 pm. Call 386-2384 for more info and to register.

January 22-27

Women in Ministry International Empowerment Training 2013. Join the hundreds of women from Alabama to Africa whose ministries have blasted off from this powerful launching pad.

This training will equip women to impact this generation for God by providing teaching, resources, support, opportunities for networking, a home base for future enrichment, and encouragement.

Weekdays 5:30 PM-9PM, Saturday 9AM-4PM, Sunday Graduation; Where: Fresh Anointing House of Worship Activity Center, 203 E. Fleming Rd, 41

Montgomery, AL 36105. For more info call Paula Stallworth at (334) 613-3364 or www.womenintl.net or forwomenintl@gmail.com.

Saturday, January 26

The Prattville Service League is hosting its 2nd Annual Chili Cook-off at the City of Prattville Annex Parking Lot at 11:30 a.m. Enjoy the day sampling delicious chili, listening to great music, and kids activities. Better yet, enter a team and put your chili recipe to the test!

Admission is $10.00 and kids 10 and under are free. The Prattville Service League was able to give over $22,000 to the 2012 Grant Recipients in Autauga County this year thanks to your support at events such as this. For more information please go to www.prattvilleserviceleague.org or contact Susan Bowlan at (334)451-2585 or sjbowlan1216@ yahoo.com.

January 29-February 26

You are invited to a Community-Wide Women’s Bible Study at St. James UMC, Tuesdays, 9:30-11am or 6:30-8pm. No cost for Bible study, childcare available for $5 per week by reservation. To register: call Sarah Olsen at 277-3037 or solsen@sjlife.com. Do you feel like things are shaking all around you? Come join us as we encounter the Rock of Ages and establish a sure Foundation through the Word of God.

February 15-16

Among Friends Women’s Conference with Kathy Troccoli, Patsy Clairmont & Donna VanLiere. First Baptist Church, 305 S. Perry Street, in Montgomery. During time together there will be rich Bible teaching, powerful stories, comedic relief and comforting music.

There will also be a time of worship and prayer. Come be Among Friends— and bring yours with you, too. For more info call: 334-834-6310.

Please send your calendar events to deanne@ readjourneymagazine. com by the 12th of the month for FREE print.

January 2013

River Region’s Journey

Get the Point?

as… ing me wh 1P be ma tha dir rem an co

by Elaine Britt

The Point of the Passage:

On The Potter’s Wheel Yet you, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand. (Isaiah 64:8) This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord, “Go down to the potter’s house, and there I will give you my message.“ So I went down to the potter’s house, and I saw him working at the wheel. But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him.

(Jeremiah 18:1-4) Ready or not, it is time to engage our imaginations. Close your eyes and

transport yourself into an artist’s studio – in this scenario, it is a master potter. See the potter’s wheel, the shaping tools, the raw clay… The artist does not notice you because the work absorbs every ounce of concentration. The work is as yet unfinished, but you can see a shape emerging as skillful hands miss no detail. As you watch, your mind begins to form images of what the finished pot might look like…

As your imagination fixes on a possible ‘final product,’ see the pot voluntarily jumping off the wheel just as it is taking shape and becoming beautiful. Once again, Scripture addresses this very tendency in us as Isaiah 29:16

offers, You turn things upside down, as if the potter were thought to be like the clay! Shall what is formed say to the one who formed it, “You did not make me”?

Can the pot say to the potter, “You know nothing”?

Allowing ourselves to be ‘shaped’

by God daily is difficult. It requires a choice on our part that goes against the grain of our societal mores - a characteristic that is more likely to be scorned than saluted - that of genuine humility. We are prone to adopt a ‘not as bad

Building the lives of young people on Jesus Christ, the chief cornerstone.

You are invited to visit us and learn how a Classical Christian education can benefit your child.

COMMUNITY INFORMATION MEETING AND OPEN HOUSE January 17, 2013 at 7:00 p.m.

At Cornerstone Classical Christian Academy, our goal is to equip students with the knowledge, skill and vision necessary to be effective leaders and servants for our Lord Jesus Christ.

MORNINGVIEW BAPTIST CHURCH 125 Calhoun Road • (334) 356.7788 • www.ccamontgomery.org River Region’s Journey

January 2013

42

Se on ou tru in un by ge is it w tog an in

ho the

s e ne ? w

e

d

d

as…’ attitude, comparing our shortcomings to those of others. The only honest means of comparison, however, occurs when we stand side-by-side with Jesus.

1 Peter 1:16 commands us to “Be Holy, because I am Holy.” If we take this command to heart, we begin to understand that our one shot at fulfilling this Biblical directive is to yield our will to the Lord’s, remaining ‘on the wheel’ while allowing and reveling in the ‘potter’s hands’ accomplishing his eternal work in us.

Return now to the potter’s studio.

See the initial lump of clay being placed on the wheel. Jeremiah 1:5 illuminates our understanding with an amazing truth as we read, Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you… We are each uniquely planned, shaped, and formed by him, limited only by his creative genius which knows no bounds. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and when it was your time to be ‘shaped’ and ‘knit together,’ God spared none of his genius and he made no mistakes. At that point in time, you were perfect.

Once we enter this fallen world, however, everything changes because of the choices we, as humans, have made

and continue to make. What we do with the perfection the Lord creates is on us, not on God! He continually places us ‘on the wheel,’ lovingly shaping, guiding, molding…and we remain there until it is inconvenient or until we have a different idea. At that point, we hop off the wheel and go our own way, oblivious to the potential…love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, (Galatians 5:2223), that we have walked away from.

In his daily devotional book, Dennis Kenlaw offers, “One verse of Charles Wesley’s hymn ‘Jesus, Lover of My Soul’ begins with a remarkable thought: Thou, O Christ, are all I want; More than all in Thee I find…He seems to be saying that the answer to any human need is in Christ…that he is better than anything that he can do for us or give to us…Christ himself is enough. To have him is enough. We need no more…ask whether a person who has everything plus God is really any richer than a person who has only God. A person…who has only God is certainly not in poverty; he is as rich as the person who has everything plus God. God is enough.”

As we begin a new year, let us resolve to remain ‘on the wheel,’ enjoying God’s loving and caring ways as he ‘shapes’ us into beautiful new vessels.

Let us daily place ourselves side-by-side with Jesus’ life and teachings, using them as our example. Utilizing Scripture, What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you – guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us. (2Timothy 1:13-14) As we embrace and incorporate the body of wisdom we have been endowed with, let us look to God and echo the words of the hymn, ‘More than all in Thee I find,’ indicating that we have indeed discovered that God is enough.

Elaine Britt and her husband, Tim, reside in Montgomery, with son Bryan at UAH in Huntsville and son Kevin at the University of Montevallo. She counts her family as a great blessing. By profession, Elaine is a 33 year veteran Interior Decorator and owner of Carriage House Interiors, now freelancing from home. By God’s calling and to her great joy, she is a writer, whose published works include stories in A Cup of Comfort Devotionals; Lord, I Was Happy Shallow; and Heavenly Patchwork; one book, Messages, as well as various e-zine and magazine articles.

BUildinG CHaraCTer MaKinG a diFFerenCe CHanGinG liVes

Friendly Fridays Just starting or starting over Join us for Friendly Fridays beginning October 21 and we’ll help you start an exercise program just for you!

Our trained staff will work with you and guide you through a workout.

Y’s Up at Hampstead 239.8096 Y’s Up at Somerset 356.1351 Y’s Up at Westminster 832.1013

For more information ymcamontgomery.org

43

January 2013

River Region’s Journey

Movie Reviews Reviews provided by MovieGuide: A Family Guide to Movies and Entertainment Ratings are based on production quality and moral acceptability. See details below. ***Reviews do not necessarily reflect views of the publishers of River Region’s Journey.

Parental Guidance

The Guilt Trip

Quality: **** Moral Acceptability: +1 (Wholesome) Starring: Billy Crystal, Bette Midler, Marisa Tomei, Tom Everet Scott, Bailee Madison, Joshua Rush, Kyle Harrison Breitkopf Genre: Comedy Audience: Older children to adults Rating: PG Content: Very strong moral, proparent, pro-family worldview with some strong but brief content supporting traditional American values of tough love and competition satirizing today’s feely touchy liberal parenting and liberal antagonism against teaching children how to compete in sports; no foul language but some scatological content that younger children may emulate such as 3-year-old boy calls his grandfather “Fartie” instead of Artie and pees on skateboard ramp; some slapstick violence; no sex scenes but married couple leaves children with grandparents to go on a trip to be alone; and joke between grandmother and mother when grandmother says granddaughter should wear a dress that shows off her “cute heinie.”

PARENTAL GUIDANCE is a funny, often delightful, family movie about parenting. Alice and Phil suddenly need a babysitter for their three children during their upcoming vacation. Phil suggests they use Alice’s parents, Artie and Diane.

Alice reluctantly agrees, as do her parents. Problems arise because Artie’s preoccupied with just having lost his longtime job as a minor league baseball radio announcer. Also, some of the modern rules in his grandchildren’s lives don’t make sense to him. Making matters worse, the 3-year-old grandson proves difficult to handle. Also, the other siblings have unique problems.

PARENTAL GUIDANCE has lots of humor and heart. It will make viewers laugh and cry, sometimes at the same time.

Billy Crystal and Bette Midler are very funny as the grandparents. They are a joy to watch. Also, Crystal delivers an impassioned plea for common sense parenting in one scene that many parents will want to stand up and cheer. His speech also promotes the value of competition and achievement as the best ways to build self-esteem. However, it has some scatological comedy, mostly involving the 3-year-old boy.

Quality: **** Moral Acceptability: -2 (Extreme Caution) Starring: Barbra Streisand, Seth Rogen, Kathy Najimy, Yvone Stahovsky Genre: Comedy Audience: Older teenagers and adults Rating: PG-13 Content: Light mixed pagan worldview with some moral elements that are pro-family mixed with some pagan elements, plus light homosexual content about being a hermaphrodite; eight obscenities, three strong profanities, and 20 light profanities; light violence includes two men hit each other; no depicted sex but crude commentary talking about a hermaphrodite, girl asks man if he would like a lap dance, but he says no, and mother talks about her son’s private parts when he was a child; no explicit nudity but scene in a strip club with girls in underwear; drinking and drunkenness; no smoking or drug use; and, lying.

THE GUILT TRIP is a comedy starring Barbra Streisand and Seth Rogan. Andy Brewster has created a cleaning product and takes a road trip to help get it funded and distributed. Starting his trip in his hometown, he spends some time with his mother, Joyce. Being a very loving mother, Joyce worries about Andy’s happiness. To connect with her son, Joyce tells Andy about a long lost love in her younger days.

Suddenly, Andy has a desire to find the man, and does. Andy decides his mother should meet him. So, he asks his mother to go with him on his business trip, though he doesn’t tell her the real reason.

THE GUILT TRIP has a positive pro-family message, but there are crude elements, including some crude commentary and foul language, plus light homosexual content.

There’s also a visit to an exotic dance club with girls in skimpy outfits. That said, viewers are able to really connect with Joyce. THE GUILT TRIP also has a clear plot line and good acting. And, there are some clean laughs among the crude elements.

The previous reviews are a selected sample of informative reviews from MOVIEGUIDE: A FAMILY GUIDE TO MOVIES AND ENTERTAINMENT, a syndicated feature of Good News Communications, Inc. To subscribe to MOVIEGUIDE which includes a complete set of at least 10 reviews of the latest movies as well as many informative articles, please visit our web site at www.movieguide.org or write or call:”MOVIEGUIDE,” P.O. Box 190010, Atlanta, GA 31119 (800) 899-6684.

What the ratings mean:

Production Quality: (1 to 4 stars) Moral Acceptability: -4 (Abhorrent), -3 (Excessive), -2 (Extreme Caution), -1 (Caution), +1 (Wholesome), +2 (Good), +3 (Moral), +4 (Exemplary) River Region’s Journey

January 2013

44

January 2013 Journey Ad_Layout 1 12/19/12 9:24 AM Page 1

encourages your growth...

Ambassadors Conference

...removing barriers and restoring fellowship

January 25-26, 2013 Vaughn Forest Church Montgomery FREE Friday night (7pm-9pm) and Saturday morning (9am-noon) featuring

Dr. Tony Evans

Area churches coming together to encourage and equip church leaders and believers to reach out to people in our community with God’s Love.

We must be faithful to sow the seed!

As we begin a new year, we ask you to prayerfully consider making a Kingdom Investment in this ministry. Faith Radio is touching many lives each day and night and your donation can make an eternal impact. Faith Radio is listener supported and your support matters! Contact us 1-800-239-8900 or visit our website www.faithradio.org.

89.1 FM

Montgomery

WLBF

334.271.8900 | 800.239.8900 | mail@faithradio.org | www.faithradio.org P.O. Box 210789, Montgomery, AL 36121

Listen LIVE Now at www.faithradio.org | Montgomery WLBF 89.1FM | Andalusia WSTF 91.5FM Dothan WLBF 90.3FM | Eufaula 91.9FM | Alexander City 94.1FM | Sylacauga 94.1FM | Thorsby/Jemison 96.9FM

Trinity Presbyterian School is Montgomery’s foremost educational institution binding academic excellence with Christian perspective. Trinity is proud to have had a National Merit Finalist for the last three years, and recently announced a National Merit Semifinalist for the 2012-13 school year. In addition, the 73-member 2012 graduating class earned over $3.4 million dollars in scholarships.

OPEN HOUSES

K4 - Jan. 16 K5 - Jan. 24 MIDDLE SCHOOL - Jan. 29 l

l

webelieve.

Big things come in little packages.

TrinityWildcats . com

Contact Monica Lott 334.213.2137 Nondiscriminatory statement as to students: Trinity admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origins to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. Trinity does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, national or ethnic origins in any of the educational policies, scholarship programs and athletics, and other school-administered programs.