River Region's Journey November 2017

When I grow up I want to be...

a mom a dad

I WON’T LET HPV STOP ME! The HPV Vaccine is a cancer prevention vaccine. Boys, girls, and young adults should receive the vaccine to defend against several different strains of cancers. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends the vaccine begin at 11 to 12 years of age.

Don’t let HPV keep you from reaching your goals.

For more information, visit alabamapublichealth.gov/immunization or facebook.com/AlabamaImmunizationInfo

Volume 19, Issue 7

Feature Articles

N OVEMBER 2 0 1 7 Columns page 2

Publisher’s Note

page 12

Jason Watson

Faith @ Work

page 4

Attorney, mother and wife Kim Kervin shares her journey to a life-changing faith in Christ, discovering her spiritual gifts and how to use them, and what she hopes she’s passing on to her children.

Pastor's Perspective Jay Wolf, First Baptist Church Montgomery

page 17

Pondering the Journey Sam Whatley

page 14 page 20

Ministry Spotlight:

Women Arising

House of Hope 12

Pastor Kemi Searcy

by Ashley Sherlock

Tammy and Ronnie Butts head up this ministry in Prattville that serves, disciples and feeds the incarcerated, homeless, and hopeless. Thanksgiving dinner will be served for the needy on November 18 at 11 a.m.

page 26

The Intersection Bob Crittenden

page 32

Counselor’s Corner

page 18

Christmas in the River Region

Our listing of musicals, festivals, and sacred services will help you start planning for a wonderful Christmas!

Debbie Cowell, LMFT

page 36

Dave $ays Dave Ramsey

In Every Issue page 22

page 6

In Pursuit of a Truer Christianity

Books to Read page 8

Around Our Community page 12

by Scott Sauls

Faith @ Work

Be challenged to abandon the “usagainst-them” mentality Christians sometimes struggle with, and let love lead the way in your relationships

page 28

Support Groups 1

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River Region’s Journey

CCH Maga

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

Associate Publisher Gena Hill

Research Editor Wendy McCollum

Contributing Writers Tim Challies Bob Crittenden Debbie Cowell, LMFT Dave Ramsey Scott Sauls Kemi Searcy Ashley Sherlock Sam Whatley Jay Wolf

Advertising Opportunities

Stephanie Parsons, VP of Client Services ads@readjourneymagazine.com (334) 213-7940 ext 703

Digital Manager Scott Davis

Ad Design

Tim Welch, Welch Designs

From the Publisher What are you thankful for? If we each took out a pen and paper we could surely list many things... from sunny days and paychecks to being thankful Auburn and Alabama have done well so far this football season. I’m thankful for those things too, but I’m much more thankful for other things.

A family I’m close to lost their father last month.

He was on a trip to New England with his wife and close friends enjoying the fall colors when he suddenly passed from a heart attack. He was a Godhonoring man who walked by faith in Christ, so on one hand, it was easy to imagine the joy he is now experiencing with God in Heaven. But, on the other hand, my heart hurts for my friends and their family. We can be thankful for football wins, but when a loved one passes, football becomes petty. The realities of this life weigh heavy and we need support, hope and peace. We need God--Father, Son and Spirit. And, we need the Church.

I’m thankful I have God in my life. I’m thankful He opened my eyes to know I need to be rescued by Christ. I’m thankful to be God’s child sealed by His Spirit. I’m thankful for my brothers and sisters in Christ who, with God’s Word, encourage and remind me of our hope. There are some things I’m more thankful for because without them nothing else matters.

What are you thankful for?

Distribution Manager Chris Mitchell

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

For information, call 334-213-7940. River Region’s Journey is copyrighted 2017 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.

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CCH Magazine Ad_River Region.qxp_Layout 1 5/17/17 11:08 AM Page 1

Come Worship with Us!

Founded Upon God’s Word

Liturgically Joyful

At Christchurch, Holy Scripture serves as the final authority for our teaching and preaching. Indeed, over the course of three years, almost the entire Bible is read aloud and preached upon.

At Christchurch, worship involves the entire congregation, as we offer God praise, thanksgiving and adoration using worship traditions that can be traced back to the earliest days of the Church. Our worship is not designed to entertain us, but to honor the true “audience” of worship, the Lord!

Sunday Worship: 9:30 a.m.

Christian Education: 11:00 a.m. on Sundays and 6 p.m. on Wednesdays

Warm and Loving

Committed to Mission

By God’s grace and through His Spirit, the people of Christchurch enjoy the richness and joy of being a true family. We’d love for you to become a part of us! Regardless of who you are, you will always find a home at Christchurch.

The people of Christchurch respond to God’s Word by going out into the world proclaiming the good news of Jesus, and we joyfully serve as His hands and feet whether in places like Uganda and Guatemala or within Montgomery.

8800 Vaughn Road, Montgomery, AL 36117 www.christchurchmgm.net 334.387.0566

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Pastor’s Perspective Jay Wolf, First Baptist Church Montgomery

Our Holy Quest:

Learn and Live God’s Word!

Our First Baptist Family has a wonderful tradition of providing all of our first graders with a special Children’s Bible. I write each of the children a special note in their Bible and we dedicate a Sunday evening service to presenting the new Bibles to these precious children to convey to them the vast importance of being a life-long student of the Scriptures. A few weeks ago we presented 53 children with their special Bibles. I communicated to these future world-changing disciples of King Jesus the same message that I communicate to every be-

liever: our holy quest is to learn and live God’s Word. God is real and His Word is true. Every Christfollowers should determine to make God’s Word your textbook for life.

Jesus held the highest view of the Scripture when He proclaimed, “Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to abolish, but to fulfill it. Truly I say unto you, until heaven and earth passes away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass away from the Law until all is accomplished. Whoever keeps and teaches God’s commandments will be called great in the Kingdom of heaven.” (Mt. 5:17-19) Use these compelling pictures to propel your quest to learn and live God’s Word:

1. The Bible is a LIBRARY. God divinely orchestrated the creation and preservation of His Word. The 66 books of the Bible were written by 40 different authors using three languages over 1500 years. The Bible’s ultimate theme is Jesus Christ and His mission of redeeming fallen humanity. Beginning with Gutenberg’s first printing project in 1454, over 7 billion copies have been created of humanity’s most important instruction manual.

Paul explained, “All Scripture is inspired by River Region’s Journey

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God and is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and for instruction in righteousness.”

(2 Timothy 3:16)

2. The Bible is a LIGHT. “Thy Word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.”

(Psalm 119:105) You don’t have to stumble in the darkness of making bad decisions and engaging in self-defeating behavior. Instead, open God’s illuminating Word which reveals His protective and productive pathway to you each day.

3. God’s Word is a COMPASS. To successfully navigate the maze of this fallen and deceptive world, you need to know where true North is located. Like a compass for a traveler, God’s Word is a reliable tool that provides liberating truth you can trust. Jesus explained, “You shall know the truth and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32)

4. The Bible is a SWORD. Satan attempted to distract and defeat Jesus by offering a set of alluring temptations. King Jesus unsheathed the sword of God’s Word and slashed the devil to pieces with the three scriptures from Deuteronomy. Make it your goal to get a good grip on the sword of God’s Word by hearing it, reading it, studying it, memorizing it and implementing it. When you learn and live God’s Word, you effectively wield a protective weapon, which will help you become a powerful force for the Lord. “The word of God is living and active, sharper than a double-edged sword, which penetrates to the dividing of soul and spirit and judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12) Remember, the Bible is not the book of the month, but the book of the ages for people of all ages! Make God’s Word your textbook for life by learning it and living it each day.

Jay Wolf became pastor of First Baptist Church in Montgomery in 1991. He is married to Mary Ruth and they have four children. Visit www.montgomeryfbc.org for more information, and check out their ad on the back cover of every issue of Journey magazine.

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If I Had Two Lives

by Dan Vorm

I feel like I should have been familiar with the name Costas Macris, but confess it was unknown to me until a biography unexpectedly showed up in the mail.

Written by Dan Vorm, If I Had Two Lives is a stirring tale of an amazing life. I don’t know how it got to me, but I’m glad it did.

Born in Greece, Macris was raised in a Christian home, heard the gospel, believed it, and was saved. This made him among the one tenth of the one percent of Greeks who are evangelical. A man of unusual zeal, he became convinced at a young age that God had called him to missions. After attending Bible college and marrying, he took his family to the remote jungles of Irian Jaya.

His time in Irian Jaya was marked by the significant struggles and small but very real triumphs familiar to most missionaries.

He was at first responsible for “station-sitting” for missionaries on furlough (including Don Richardson of Peace Child fame), then began to establish new outposts of his own.

In every place he poured his heart and soul into the work and saw many precious souls come to faith. By the time jungle living broke his health and forced him to return to Greece, he left behind an organization comprised of a thriving central compound, thirty-seven school teachers, twenty-two evangelists, twenty airstrips, a three-plane local airline to serve missionaries, annual conferences, a children’s hostel, and, of River Region’s Journey

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much greater importance, established churches and baptized believers.

He survived the terrible illness that had forced his return, then got to work on his second great mission—reaching his own countrymen with the gospel. His nation of millions had merely thousands of believers, so he had his work cut out for him. He poured himself into this work tirelessly and, once again, experienced both triumphs and sorrows. Yet once again he saw the gospel drawing people to salvation. He died in 2006, leaving behind another thriving ministry.

There is no greater legacy to leave. For that reason alone, consider reading If I Had Two Lives. You’ll be blessed if you do.

The Waiting

by Cathy LaGrow

There are some stories that are too remarkable to not be told. This one begins in 1928 with sorrow, with tragedy: My dear madam, I have an unfortunate girl in my congregation that expects to give birth to a child about the end of this month.

I have investigated her case and am convinced that she was the victim of a dastardly crime of assault. She comes from a good family and has been staying with relatives in Sioux City. Could you take her in and help her when her time comes? Her family is not wealthy, but they will pay whatever your regular fees are.

I must mention, too, that her people want her to give her baby away since the father is a fugitive criminal, but the girl seems rather inclined to keep it, possibly you can give them the best advice. Do you find good homes for such children? Of course, they would prefer a Lutheran home.

I would greatly appreciate an early reply.

Faithfully yours, Reverend Kraushaar 6

The girl in question was 16-year-old Minka DeYoung, and as her pastor explained, she had been the victim of a violent assault. She and a friend were walking together one afternoon, when they were lured by strangers and raped. They had no categories for what had happened, for they had little knowledge of biology and not even a rudimentary knowledge of sexuality. Yet they understood that what had happened to them was shameful, so they told no one. It came as a complete shock to Minka when, several months later, she learned she would have a baby. At that time there was only one recourse for an unwed mother in respectable society—she would be sent away until she gave birth, and her child would be adopted by another family. This was done to protect the reputation of both mother and child.

Minka did not want to surrender her child. She loved her baby from the moment she learned she was pregnant. When she at last gave birth, she loved her even more.

She was willing to be scorned for the sake of her daughter but, convinced that it would in the girl’s best interests to not have to bear the shame of an illegitimate birth, Minka gave her away. It nearly broke her heart.

But that is not the end of the story, of course, and that’s why Minka’s granddaughter wrote this book all these years later. For almost eighty years Minka prayed for her daughter, dreamed of her, and longed to know what had become of her. Then, in her nineties, as she watched one after another of her friends and family members go the grave, she prayed these words: Lord, I’d like to see Betty Jane before I die. And, wouldn’t you know it, a series of events unfolded that finally brought them together.

The Waiting is their story, “The True Story of a Lost Child, a Lifetime of Longing, and a Miracle for a Mother Who Never Gave Up.” It is a powerful, beautiful read and I can’t recommend it highly enough.

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Eastwood Christian School

Anchored in the Word of God.

Following His direction.

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Education always takes a student somewhere; the real question is "where?"

What is truth? What is good? What is beautiful? What does it mean to be human? What is the purpose of life? These are questions addressed at Eastwood Christian School and the answers given are drawn from historical Christianity. The Bible is our only rule of faith and practice. Eastwood students are equipped with academic skills and critical-thinking ability which are joined by biblical character. This is why an Eastwood graduate is able to navigate through the tumultuous waters of modern society.

Explore Eastwood and discover the difference. + 1701 E. Trinity Blvd. + Montomgery, AL 36116 + 334.272.8195 + www.eastwoodschool.org Our Headmaster invites you to set an appointment with him.

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Better Together Tour

Gaither Vocal Band, Charlotte Ritchie, Gene McDonald, Kevin Williams Friday, November 17, at 7:00 pm Frazer United Methodist Church, 6000 Atlanta Highway, Montgomery For more information, call 334-272-8622 or visit www.frazerumc.org.

A Country Christmas Home Free

Chris Tomlin in Concert Friday, December 1, at 7:00 pm Montgomery PAC at the Renaissance Montgomery 201 Tallapoosa Street, Montgomery For information, call 334-481-5110 or visit mpaconline.org.

Thursday, December 21, at 7:30 pm Montgomery PAC at the Renaissance 201 Tallapoosa Street, Montgomery For more information, call 334-481-5110 or visit mpaconline.org

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The Charis Crafters Nineteenth Annual “Home for the Holidays” Craft Show The Charis Crafters Nineteenth Annual “Home for the Holidays” Craft Show will return to Wetumpka, Alabama the second weekend in November at the Wetumpka Civic Center. Tickets are available in advance and at the door for $5.00. One ticket is good for all show days! Door prizes will be given away.

The Craft Show features a variety of handmade items as well as homemade delight available for purchase. This year will feature OVER 30 Crafters as well as Vendors. The Civic Center will be packed with items perfect for gift giving, home decor and Holiday decorating! At the show you will find: Unique birdhouses, handcrafted jewelry, Woodcrafts, Amazing Pet Pillows, a variety of crocheted, knitted, quilted, smocked, appliquéd and embroidered pieces. There will also be: Southern cakes, pies, jellies,

jams, sauces, soups, cinnamon rolls (these usually sell out on the first day!) Homemade breads rolls, candies and other sweets! We will have local honey, soaps, lotions and creams. You will find plenty Auburn and Alabama football themed items and this year an even larger selection of Christmas tree ornaments and decorations.

One of the best sellers every year are the First and Second Edition cookbooks of recipes compiled by our crafters over the years that will be available for sale at the show. ALL PROCEEDS from cookbooks and ticket sales are given back to community charities and those in need.

Some of the Charities and Organizations Charis Crafters have supported over the years: Adullam House, ARC of Eastern Elmore County, Bell South Pioneers Blue Bird Camp for Cancer Patients, Beulah Baptist Church, Eclectic

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Christmas, Elmore County Crisis Pregnancy Center, Elmore County Foster Care Association, Faith Radio, Faith Rescue Mission, Foster Children’s Homes, Helping Hearts Hospice, Horse Play Equestrian Drill Team, Life Tech, Montgomery Cancer Wellness Center, People Who Care, Santuck Baptist Church Puppet Ministry, St. Vincent DePaul, Sugarberry, Thelma Baptist Church Thanksgiving Boxes, Threads of Love, Wetumpka YMCA Partnership in Youth and many more.

Charis Crafters is a group of local crafters who meet throughout the year to prepare and organize the annual craft show and distribute funds to local charities and community organizations. We share and spread God’s love in the community following the example of our Lord Jesus Christ.

CRAFT SHOW: Thursday Nov 9 11am – 7 pm; Friday Nov 10 9 am – 7 pm; Saturday Nov 11 9 am - 1 pm. For Ticket Information Contact Del Mock 334-2011817 or find us on Facebook.

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FEBRUARY 9-10, 2018 DREAM Women’s Conference presented by Renew Women’s Ministry Saint James UMC in Montgomery will MEREDITH ALEX host this two-day ANDREWS SEELEY event featuring Alex Seeley and Meredith Andrews. Early bird price is $59 (before November 12) and $69 (after). Register at www.dreamwomensconference.com.

Lakeview Baptist Church Fall Festival

I Am They at First Assembly of God

Sunday November 12, 4-6 p.m.

9225 Atlanta Highway, Montgomery, AL 36117 Inflatables, Hay Ride, Music, Games, Hot Dog Dinner, and more. FREE! For more info call (334) 213-3080 or visit http://www.lakeviewbaptist.cc/

Sunday, November 26 First Assembly of God Church 135 Bell Road, Montgomery, AL 36117 For more information, call 334-277-2670.

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Children’s of Alabama is ... l The

third largest pediatric hospital in the United States

l Licensed l The

for 332 beds & 48 NICU bassinets

first LEED-certified hospital building in Alabama

l One

of the Top 20 employers in Alabama with more than 4,700 employees across the state

l The

pediatric teaching hospital for the School of Medicine at UAB

l Home

to the Pediatric & Congenital Heart Center of Alabama, where more than 450 cardiac surgeries are performed annually

l Site

of the only pediatric kidney dialysis program in the state — one of the largest in the country

Russell Campus

l Home

205.638.9100 1600 7th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35233 Benjamin Russell Hospital for Children Lowder Building McWane Building Children’s on Third Outpatient Center Children’s Park Place

to one of the largest burn units in the Southeast

l One

of the largest pediatric rheumatology programs in the nation and the only one in Alabama

1601 5th Avenue South 1600 7th Avenue South 1600 7th Avenue South 1208 3rd Avenue South 1600 5th Avenue South

l Provides

care for more than 90 percent of Alabama children with cancer and blood disorders

Children’s South

205.638.4800 1940 Elmer J. Bissell Road, Birmingham, AL 35243 Outpatient surgery services, Pediatric Imaging Center, laboratory services, specialty care clinics and After Hours care

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www.ChildrensAL.org

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RRJ: When did you finally recognize Jesus as Lord of your life?

Kim: I feel God was preparing me to bloom as a Christian during my first years of law school. He never stopped trying to get my attention, but I refused to listen to Him. I wasn’t necessarily rebellious, just indifferent.

Fast forward to the night of my daughter’s birth, which was terrifying. My father, as well as my sister and her family, were in Prattville visiting when I went into premature labor. They had traveled to Prattville for the weekend to assist in putting up a privacy fence at a home we recently purchased. Athens is about a three hour drive from Prattville.

LilliAnna was born about two hours after I arrived at the hospital. If my family had not already been in Prattville at the time I went into labor, they would not have been here for her birth. God’s presence in every moment of that night makes it all the more memorable.

After LilliAnna was born, she was immediately whisked away to another hospital for urgent care. I remember being alone in the hospital room, but feeling a sense of closeness to Jesus that I had never felt in my life. That was the moment I invited Jesus into my life. I believe He continues to use that one moment in time to influence me on almost a daily basis.

RRJ: Kim, you grew up in Athens, Alabama in a Christian home. How did your parents create an environment for you to know God’s love through Christ?

Kim: Growing up, my parents were both hard working. My father worked in a textile plant in Decatur, Alabama and my mother worked in the home. We attended church on Sunday mornings, but were not really involved in other church activities. My parents also used our home and life routines to create an environment for us to connect to God and know his love through Christ.

While I was raised in a Christian home, it was much later before I invited Jesus into my heart.

My parents loved each other and loved us! They lived out godly lives and I believe that created a passion in us to work hard to do the same. I am a work in progress and have not reached spiritual success, but I work hard (some days more than others) to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ.

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RRJ: The verse, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13), is one that you live by. How has He strengthened you?

Kim: I always enjoyed being a part of various school clubs and groups. In my senior year, I was officer in a couple of clubs but really not a leader for organizing or planning events.

Later, when LilliAnna was five years old, we were invited to become a part of the March of Dimes family. Our family was asked to speak at various events and help raise money for the fight against premature births. I think this is when I finally listened to God and figured out that I can be a leader.

Before that, fear was holding me back from working my spiritual gift. But I wanted to help. When I let go of the fear and allowed God to handle my worries for me, it was easy to do all the things I wanted to do.

I believe most people want to help in some way, but struggle with fear or just not knowing how to help. I realized that maybe 12

my spiritual gift was to just get the process going and recruit everyone else to get on board.

RRJ: During your work as an attorney over the last 20 years, how have your eyes been opened?

Kim: Over the past almost 20 years, I have practiced domestic, custody, probate, civil and criminal law. Most often, I meet with people when they are struggling with some issue or problem. Going into the practice of law, I had this plan of helping people. In law school you learn how to be an analytical thinker, the elements of various torts or crimes, etc. When you start practicing law, you learn it’s about real people and their lives.

We as a state, and as a nation, are facing a huge drug problem. Many of the people who commit crimes are drug users. Many of the crimes people commit are drug related. A great deal of the people who complete a jail sentence or are placed on probation return to jail for continued drug use. It is hard to see a person lose his/her family and friends over drug usage and then still continue to turn to drugs. Some of my clients tell me that a drug user is always seeking that “ultimate high”.

One day, I was working the criminal docket and listening to my client give me the “I want to stop using...I am ready to quit” speech. I remember thinking, “Yeah, Yeah, sure, sure…” Then I saw his mom sitting on the front row of the courtroom straining to hear everything he was saying. I don’t know why God chose this particular moment, but I finally heard. As always I am still a work in progress, but I now work hard to hear every “I am ready to quit” as a true plea for help and pray that they come to know that it’s God’s grace that will help them through the process.

RRJ: How has this awareness helped you in raising your children?

Kim: As our kiddos grow up, I grow more and more concerned about exposure to drug use.

You see, there is no magical formula. I have seen clients from homes where there is no drug use and I wonder what went wrong. I have also seen people come from homes where drug use is prevalent and I wonder how they remained on the drug free path.

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We work hard to teach our children that the “ultimate high” can be found in doing service to others.

A few years ago, Maggie and Mylee started a lemonade stand alongside their brother’s “stick on” tattoo stand. Over the course of two years, they raised a total of around $8,000 for various charities. A lot of people ask how they raised so much at a neighborhood lemonade stand. God did it!

The best part for me was after each event when the girls would talk about how good it felt. While we have not had any lemonade stands in the past few years, the kiddos participate in other activities like wrapping presents at Bass Pro Shop to raise money for Operation Backpack, serving meals at the Salvation Army, and ringing the Salvation Army bell at Christmas.

I want them to know that the things they are doing should not be done to look good in the eyes of others. The true motivation is to grow and use those activities to gain even more knowledge of God. RRJ: You serve with several benevolent organizations and activities in the Autauga County area. How has this molded you to be an effective Probate Judge, an office you are running for next year?

Kim: My work in the community began long before God laid it on my heart to run for office. It sounds simple, but I care about people and my work brings me closer in my walk with God. Even when we are brought up in Christian homes, it is easy to become rebellious or indifferent to God. For me, growing closer in that relationship with him helps me fight off the risk of rebelliousness or indifference.

The work I do in the community helps me grow in my knowledge of mercy, grace, humility, compassion, understanding, patience, and courage. I believe all of these characteristics make a good judge.

RRJ: Kim, do you have favorite scriptures, hymns, or thoughts you can share to encourage our readers to be active Christians?

B A P T I S T FA M I LY M E D I C I N E The physicians and staff at Baptist Family Medicine are honored to meet the healthcare needs of our central Alabama communities.

From routine needs to urgent concerns, we look forward to building a warm, dependable and lasting relationship with you and your entire family.

Accepting new patients.

• Treating all ages • Same-day appointments • Medicare accepted • Most insurances accepted • Patient education • Physical exams/check-ups

• Acute/chronic medical problems • Immunizations • Women’s health • Pre-natal and OB care • Pediatric care • Age-specific screening testing

Call (334) 613-3680 to schedule your appointment today.

BAPTIST FAMILY MEDICINE 4371 Narrow Lane Road, Suite 100 • Montgomery, AL 36116 www.baptistfirst.org/baptist-family-medicine

Kim: One of my favorite Bible verses is 1 Peter 4:10: “God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts.

Use them well to serve one another.” Don’t be afraid to use your spiritual gift. I believe everyone’s spiritual gift is different and could change from time to time. If you see a need for something, fill it. If you have an idea, share it. You may not want to be a leader, but your idea can be the spark that an unsuspecting leader needs to realize his/her spiritual gift.

Kim and Chris Kervin have been married for 16 years.

They have six children: Katelyn, Matthew, LilliAnna, Maggie, Mylee, and Wyatt.

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Tammy has been ministering in jails and rehab facilities to women who don’t understand that outside those walls is where they belong. Because of her ministry, Tammy has had the chance to open the door for incarcerated women to be discipled on how to live in today’s society and to learn that they are loved by Jesus.

“Some of my favorite success stories are seeing people come to know the body of Christ, whether it be through a hot meal, through prayer, visitations, Bible studies or devotions. I have come to know people over the past four years since House of Hope 12 has been open that have truly blessed me in my walk.”

As these women who are reached by Tammy complete their sentences, many of them want to serve others in House of Hope.The ministry is open a few days out of every month for prayer, serving and feeding.

“I have seen women turn their lives around and walk with the Lord since this ministry has been started.”

House of Hope 12 serves food on holidays, but also every third Saturday at 10 a.m., and they have begun a prayer time every third Monday at 5:30 p.m.

Since its beginning, House of Hope 12 has grown to serve more than 100 individuals in need of a hot meal. In the future, Tammy says she and her husband would like to disciple both women and men through this ministry.

“Our hopes and plans are to be able to bring people into the ministry and lead Bible studies, prayer and devotions

“I knew that the Lord was leading me to culinary school. I didn’t know that would lead me to go out and serve the less fortunate and build the ministry I now have.”

Four years ago, Tammy Butts and her husband Ronnie began sharing God’s love through devotions, prayer and Bible studies at the Metro County Jail. This, plus Tammy’s culinary background, were the gateways for Tammy and Ronnie to begin their ministry in the community of Prattville, where they now witness to and serve those who cannot afford a hot meal.

“Our hope is to reach out to a community of incarcerated, homeless, abused and hopeless people to let them know they are loved through the body of Christ.”

DEC. 10 4 & 6:30 P.M. Contemporary & Traditional Sunday Worship 8, 9:30 & 11 a.m.

A family of faith for everyone • Spanish, Korean & Chinese Services 6000 Atlanta Hwy. in Montgomery 334.272.8622 www.frazer.church 15

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tion, take a meal into the community and help pass out fliers.

“This is a ministry outside the walls of the church,” says Tammy, “and we need help getting the word out so people will know they have a place to go where they’re loved. By taking food into the community and sharing a devotion with someone, we are opening the door of hope.”

To learn more about House of Hope 12 and how you can help, visit their website at www. houseofhope12.com.

House of Hope 12 will serve a Thanksgiving meal for anyone in need on November 18th at 11 a.m. This free meal will include turkey and dressing, chicken and dumplings, peas, green bean casserole, pies and cakes. The address is 740 East Main Street in Prattville. Call (334) 730-1331 for more information. Also, a clothing closet will be open for people who need clothes and shoes for Christmas. to a lost world. Some people just need some hope in their lives. So many want to just give up and don’t have any reason to live, but there is hope. Thats where House of Hope 12 comes in.”

House of Hope 12 is in need of funds to cover their power and phone bills, copy paper and ink, and food for their food pantry. House of Hope 12 will also happily accept prayers and volunteers to lead a Bible study or devo-

A Florida native, Ashley Sherlock moved to Montgomery to pursue a degree in English. She now coordinates events for an independently owned bookstore in Thomasville, Georgia. She enjoys books, the outdoors, and all things whimsical.

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Whose Neighbor Am I? Recently I visited an elderly friend (let’s call her Adeline) in a well-to-do suburb. Adeline is a widow, living alone in a four-bedroom twostory home. Being over 85, she seldom trudges up the fifteen steps to the upper floor. But she is not really alone. Adeline has neighbors.

More than six families on her street have taken her on as a project. Every day someone visits her; someone calls; and someone cooks and brings over more food than she can eat.

They are not relatives and only one (that I know of) is a member of her church. They are just folks who have come to love and care for her as she has loved them the past 36 years.

Several years ago, Adeline realized she was getting tired while talking to a neighbor by the street. She went inside and brought out a chair to sit in. She left the chair out there so she could use it again. The neighbor thought this was a good idea and brought over another chair. Another neighbor found wrought iron chairs and a table on sale and brought them over. Someone found an old glider swing, painted it, and set it up on the pine straw. Now anytime Adeline sits in her yard, someone on her street will stop what they are doing and come over to visit. They jokingly call that part of her yard The Park.

That’s love in action. It seems foreign in our post-front porch society, where everyone seems insulated indoors and enthralled with TVs, computers, and hand-held devices. But my friend and her neighbors are showing us that it is still possible.

What does the Bible say about neighbors?

In the Gospel of Luke (Chapter 10) Jesus was asked by an expert in the law what was required for one to inherit eternal life.

“What is written in the Law?” he replied.

“How do you read it?”

He answered: “‘Love the Lord your God with all our heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind” and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

“You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.”

But he wanted to justify himself, so he

asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” (Luke 10:25-28) Jesus answers the question by telling him a story that we call the Parable of the Good Samaritan. The parable illustrates that anyone and everyone, even those with whom we cannot relate, are our neighbors. And this is a powerful truth. It breaks down every barrier of race, creed, and nationality. However, I wonder if we, as followers of Jesus, have allowed this analogy to overshadow the obvious fact that our neighbors are also the folks who live in our neighborhood.

In the parable, the Samaritan traveler rescued a man who was robbed, beaten, and left half-dead. Two Jewish holy men had ignored the victim, but not the Samaritan. He gave him medical attention and took him to an inn.

There he paid for his food and shelter for days and offered to pay more when he returned.

At the end of the story Jesus asked, “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”

The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”

Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”

(Luke 10:36-37) Perhaps we should ask, “Whose neighbor, am I?” The people who live near us would say we are their neighbors.

But do we act like their neighbors? Do we even know who they are?

I support foreign missions, home 17

missions, disaster relief, and praying for the persecuted church. All of these people are my neighbors. But the elderly man across the street and the young family next door are my neighbors too. We need to take the time to get acquainted with those who live around us. We need to speak to them, care for them, and pray for them.

The weather is turning colder. Adeline’s neighbors are digging a fire pit so they can keep meeting outside. How creative.

How can we show God’s love to our neighbors?

**Sam Whatley’s latest book, Ponder Anew, is now available at the Frazer Bookstore located inside Frazer Memorial UMC.

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00 a.m. on Sundays ednesdays

Aldersgate UMC 6610 Vaughn Road The Great Christmas Cookie Caper Sunday, December 3 at 4:30 p.m.

Christmas cookie contest, mission projects and concert.

“Almost There” Sunday, December 10 at 10:30 a.m.

Lessons and Carols Service. A heart stirring presentation featuring the Chancel Choir, Founded Upon God’s Drama Team and Word Orchestra. Liturgically Joyful At Christchurch, Holy Scripture At Christchurch, worship involves Narrator: Macon serves as theRev. final authority for ourArmistead the entire congregation, as we teaching and preaching. Indeed, offer God praise, thanksgiving and Christmas Service over the courseEve of three years, adoration using worship traditions almost the entire Bible is read that can be traced back to the Sunday, December 3 p.m. p.m.Our aloud and preached upon. 24 atearliest daysand of the6Church. is not designed to entertain Communion, Carols and worship Candlelight us, but to honor the true “audience” the Lord! worship, For more information callofthe Aldersgate music ministry office at (334) 272.6152.

Centerpoint Fellowship Church - Pike Road WilsonWarm YMCA, 1445 WilsonCommitted Park Drive and Loving to Mission Christmas Services

By God’s grace Eve and through His The people of Christchurch respond Spirit, the people of Christchurch to God’s Word by going out into the Sunday, December 24, Regular morning enjoy the richness and joy of being world proclaiming the goodservice news a true family. We’d love for you to of Jesus, and we joyfully serve as atbecome 9:30 aa.m.

Candlelight service at 5in p.m. part of and us! Regardless His hands and feet whether places of who you are, you will always find a home at Christchurch.

like Uganda and Guatemala or within Montgomery.

led by our cathedral choir, adult ensemble, and orchestra.

Christmas Eve Services Sunday, December 24 Communion Service at noon, Family Service at 3:15 pm, and Candlelight service at 5 and 7 pm.

Visit www.fumcmontgomery.org.

Pr First Baptist Church ad on Back Cover

305 South Perry Street The Joy Singers Christmas Program Sunday, November 26 at 6:15 p.m.

Stakely Sanctuary; Come join us as the JOY Adult Choir leads us in worship celebrating the birth of Christ.

The Living Christmas Tree December 8-10; Performers will delight you atop the 40 ft. set resembling a Christmas tree on stage. Tickets go on sale beginning of November. Please call (334) 834.6310 or visit us at www.montgomeryfbc.org First Presbyterian Church 9299 Vaughn Road, Pike Road Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship Service Sunday, December 24 at 5:30 p.m. Join us as we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Please call (334) 279.1372 or visit www.firstchurchmontgomery.org.

Frazer Memorial UMC ad on page 15

6000 Atlanta Highway Women’s Christmas Front Saturday, December 2nd at 9 a.m.

Youth Worship Arts December 3 at 6 p.m. in Wesley Hall Christmas Musical: The Christmas Storybook Wesley Hall, December 10 at 4 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Frazer presents this community wide production, Christmas Theatre.

“Candlelight Worship” December 24; Please call for times. Please call (334) 272.8622 or visit www.frazerumc.org.

8800 Vaughn Road, Montgomery, AL 36117 334.387.0566

www.christchurchmgm.net Christchurch

ad on page 3

8800 Vaughn Road Candlelight Harpischord Chamber Concert Friday, November 17. You are invited to a free concert of sacred and secular music. The 45-minute performance will feature instrumental and vocal pieces performed by the church’s chancel choir and soloists from the church, as well as outside professionals. The free concert in the church’s sanctuary will begin at 6 p.m. Reception to follow in Canterbury Hall. Reception tickets will be available by calling (334) 387.0566, ext. 203. Please visit www.christchurchxp.net.

Dalraida UMC 3817 Atlanta Hwy, (334) 272.2190 Sunday, December 17, at 11 a.m.

Multi-generational Christmas Musical. Please call for more information.

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First United Methodist Church ad on page 27

2416 West Cloverdale Park, (334) 834.8990 Hanging of the Greens Sunday, December 3, 4 p.m. Come with unwrapped toys or monetary gifts for families in need as we dress our Sanctuary for the season of Advent.

Service of Lessons and Carols December 10, 8:30 and 11:00 am Celebrating the story of the birth of the Christchild through the reading of scripture and the singing of traditional carols. The music will be 18

Gateway Baptist Church ad on page 13

3300 Bell Road, (334) 272.9494 Candlelight Service and Communion Sunday, December 24, at 5 p.m.

Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church 1550 East Washington Street Annual Christmas Production December 9 at 4 p.m. Hosted by the Youth Dept. Join them as they celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Call (334) 462.3048.

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Saint James United Methodist Church 9045 Vaughn Road, (334) 277.3037 Christmas Cantata December 10 at 11 am in the traditional sanctuary. The service will feature the Chancel Choir.

Christmas Eve Services Sunday, December 24 9:30 a.m. - Sanctuary, Sunday Service.

11 a.m. – Traditional Sanctuary and Contemporary Sanctuary 5 p.m.- Combined, Candle lighting and communion service.

Vaughn Forest Church 8660 Vaughn Road A Christmas in the Forrest Sunday, December 2 from 6-8 p.m.

Christmas Services Saturday, December 23 at 6 p.m. and Sunday, December 24 at 4 p.m. Call (334) 279.5433.

Prattville Centerpoint Fellowship Church Marriott Conference Center, 2500 Legends Circle Sunday, December 24, Regular morning services at 9:30 a.m and 11:00 a.m. and Candlelight services at 3:00 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.

Centerpoint Fellowship Church – Westside White Water Camp, 2276 US Highway 82 Sunday, December 24, morning service at 10 a.m.

East Memorial Baptist Church 1320 Old Ridge Road Christmas Services December 3 at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. For more information call (334) 365.7500 or visit our website at www.eastmemorial.org.

Prattville’s Messiah Church ad on page 29

First Baptist Church, Prattville ad on page 24

138 South Washington Street Christmas Eve Service Sunday, December 24 at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Please call (334) 365.0606.

Glynwood Baptist Church 376 McQueen Smith Road N., (334) 361.9180 Children’s Christmas Musical Sunday, December 3, 10:15 am “The Best Christmas Present Ever” Christmas Eve Service Sunday, December 24, Vespers Service, 5 p.m.

2072 Fairview Avenue Advent Services Wednesdays, December 6, 13, 20 at 6:30 pm Christmas Eve Services December 24 at 10:30 am and 5 pm Christmas Day December 25 at 10:30 am Visit www.myMessiahChurch.org or call (334) 730.4300.

Wetumpka Centerpoint Fellowship Church Bienville Square Shopping Center, 4876 US Highway 231 Sunday, December 24 Regular morning service at 9:35 a.m. and Candlelight service at 4:30 p.m.

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Make Time for Yourself One of my first memories of flying in an airplane was when a very pretty flight attendant appeared and started instructing the passengers about safety. What stood out to me the most then, and every time I have boarded a plane since, is, “Put your oxygen mask on first before helping others.” Why is this so vital in ensuring survival? If you don’t have your oxygen mask on your own face, you won’t be alive long enough to help anyone else of course.

This instruction is an important physical principle, but it alludes to a spiritual principle as well. Being a natural caregiver at heart, my love for people and my desire to serve causes me to often run around taking care of everyone else to the neglect of my own self.

In Apostle Paul’s farewell address to the elders in Ephesus, he admonished them, saying, “Pay attention to yourselves, and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has appointed you overseers, to shepherd the congregation of God” (Acts 20:28).

The elders’ assignment was given to ensure that the believers in Ephesus were being aided in every way possible – their spiritual, emotional, and physical needs were to be met.

Yet, Paul cautioned the elders to take care of themselves first. They needed to be well rounded in every way possible before taking care of their congregants. Just as in the airline example, we can only give to others when we are alive emotionally, spiritually, and physiRiver Region’s Journey

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cally. A spiritually dying man cannot throw anyone else a lifeline.

Women are the chief caregivers in our society. It is well known that caregivers have the propensity to overwork, and over extend themselves. This lack of self-care leads to exhaustion and burnout, sometimes resulting in unpleasant behaviors like moping, nagging, abrasiveness, and harshness.

The classic example of the results of not caring for oneself is that of Martha, sister to Mary and Lazarus.

The family was hosting Jesus and His disciples at their home. Martha’s focus on elaborately serving her guests made her so tired, she rudely interrupted Jesus’ teaching saying “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”

And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:38-42).

Do Jesus’ words give us license not to serve others? Is He saying we shouldn’t take care of the house and the family? Absolutely not! I believe Jesus was implying for us to take off the Super Woman capes we have been wearing and realize that we have been created to be human with human needs, we can wear out and must take time for our-

selves. Just as Jesus did while He was on the Earth. (Mark 6:31)

How Do We Make Time for Ourselves When Tasks Scream at Us? 1. Let loose the Mary in you. Find times in the day where you spend quality time with God as often as possible. These are to replenish, refresh, renew, and rejuvenate the spirit in order to serve better, longer, and out of a place of joy and not stress.

2. Schedule time to do what you love to do.

I find sitting on my rocker in my back yard, not doing anything, to be very refreshing for me. I also love reading, writing, and watching a healthy movie. They fill my rest tank. How about you? What do you like to do? You may prefer athletics, like swimming, biking, or hiking. You may like social activities, such as going out to eat with a friend. You may enjoy getting your hair and nails done, or getting a massage.

3. Make sure you receive adequate sleep.

There is nothing as draining to me as a lack of sleep. Because of the many hats I wear, my mind can be so bombarded with the countless things on my plate that if I don’t get control of these thoughts, I can be lying in bed while my mind is roaming the aisles of Wal-Mart picking up school materials at the same time. The next day finds me tired and stressed.

4. Eliminate stress as much as possible. By trusting solely on God, and taking life without being too serious, make it a point to laugh at yourself and life. Remember, your Sovereign Almighty God is in control.

Receive divine permission to make time to pamper yourself sometimes. You are a blessing, Sister, and a gift to humanity. Enjoy the gift of life.

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In his first letter to the young pastor Timothy, Paul warns against “wolves” in the church who have a craving for controversy and quarrels, and who feed on constant friction (1 Timothy 6:3-8). It should go without saying that craving controversy and feeding on friction does not make people of faith a light to the culture. Rather, it shows them to be a product of the culture.

In my role as a “public Christian” who leads a church and weighs in on the issues of our day through speaking, discourse, and writing, I am eager to nurture environments in which people can openly disagree…but without the fear of being caricatured, labeled, or demonized. In other words, I am for disagreeing in an agreeable fashion. I guess you could say that I am a strong advocate of tolerance.

My friend and former colleague Tim Keller says that tolerance does not require us to abandon our convictions. True tolerance, says Keller, is revealed by how our convictions lead us to treat people who disagree with us. Tolerance that only tolerates people who think like us is not tolerance. Let’s be honest. It is covert prejudice.

“The Year of Outrage” Slate came out with a multi-essay piece recently that identifies 2014 as “the year of outrage.” The subtitle to the article is as follows: From righteous fury to faux indignation, everything we got mad about in 2014. Featured in Slate were pieces on sexual identity outrage, liberal outrage, conservative outrage, holiday outrage, religious outrage, and so on.

Similarly, New York Times contributor Tim Kreider describes an epidemic he calls “outrage porn.” Kreider says that so many letters to the editor and blog comments contain a “tone of thrilled vindication” from “people who have been vigilantly on the lookout for something to be offended by… some part of us loves feeling 1) right and 2) wronged.”

For the Christian witness to be taken seriously in an increasingly pluralistic, secular, non-religious environment such as the West, it is critical for Christians to learn and re-learn the fine art of being able to 1) have integrity in our convictions, 2) genuinely love, listen to, and serve those who do not share our convictions, and 3) be committed to both at the same time.

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The Harvard Chaplain’s name is Chris Stedman. He is an atheist. Yet, his perspective is deeply Christian, wouldn’t you agree?

The Jewish spies collaborated with Rahab, a working prostitute at the time, to get the work of God’s Kingdom done. Rahab eventually made it into Jesus’ genealogy. Joseph served in the Egyptian Pharaoh’s court as chief of staff, Nehemiah as the Persian King Artaxerxes’ cupbearer, and Daniel as a high-level employee of Babylon’s Nebuchadnezzar…all faithful, noncompromising men of faith in deeply secular environments who 1) had integrity in their convictions 2) genuinely loved, listened to, and served those who did not share their convictions, and 3) were committed to both at the same time.

There is also Paul, who co-opted the ideas of leading secular poets and philosophers into his public discourse, ideas that were also congruent with the truth of God. Quoting such poets and philosophers from memory, Paul spoke winsomely, lovingly, and with certainty to the Athenian university and cultural elites of the God who can be known (Acts 17).

Former U.S. President Bill Clinton recently said that the one remaining bigotry in modern society is that we don’t want to be around anyone who disagrees with us.

Emma Green of The Atlantic wrote an article called “Taming Christian Outrage” highlighting how some Christians have become part of the outrage madness in the blogosphere, the media, and their personal lives. Green’s belief is that the common thread among “outraged” Christians is not an interest in winning hearts, but rather an interest in asserting their own rights, privileges, and comforts in a post-Christian culture.

Can this be a good thing when Jesus, the rightful King, set aside his rights, privileges, and comforts in order to move toward his enemies in love?

Can Deep Disagreement and Genuine Love Coexist?

I like what a former Harvard Chaplain said about bridging relational divides between people who disagree, even on the most fundamental level. He writes:

Belonging Before Believing Do we realize how liberating–and how Christlike–it is to enter discussions about culture’s contested issues in a way that builds

The divide between Christians and atheists is deep…

I’m dedicated to bridging that divide—to working with…atheists, Christians, and people of all different beliefs and backgrounds on building a more cooperative world. We have a lot of work to do…My hope is (to) help foster better dialogue between Christians and atheists and that, together, we can work to see a world in which people are able to have honest, challenging, and loving conversation across lines of difference.

bridges instead of burning them? Can we see the rightness of inviting friends, colleagues, and neighbors to belong and journey with us before they believe with us? Can we see to potential that is there for fruit if we begin to embrace people before they agree with us and whether they ever end up agreeing with us at all?

2600 Bell Road Montgomery, Alabama 334.277.6690

460 McQueen Smith Road Prattville, Alabama 334.358.6411

Dr. John H. Payne IV • Dr. David Stanley • Dr. Davis Denney • Dr. Rob Owen 23

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Do we realize how liberating–and how Christlike–it is to enter discussions about culture’s contested issues in a way that builds bridges instead of burning them? Can we see the rightness of inviting friends, colleagues, and neighbors to belong and journey with us before they believe with us?

Can we see to potential that is there for fruit if we begin to embrace people before they agree with us and whether they ever end up agreeing with us at all?

wars with carefully constructed arguments and political power plays, or that we win hearts with humility, truth, and love? God have mercy on us if we do not love well because all that matters to us is being right and winning arguments. Truth and love can go together. Truth and love must go together.

In this, Jesus shows us the way.

When the rich ruler walked away, rejecting Jesus’ offer to come follow him, Jesus looked at the man and loved him. And as the man walked away from Jesus, he was sad. Not angry or hostile or feeling judged.

Sad… One sign that Jesus is in our midst is that we have a quiet, settled belief that Jesus is the truth. A byproduct of this quiet, settled belief is that when people walk away from us, they walk away sad, because something in them wishes that it could all somehow be true for them.

I’d like to share one last thought, a tiny excerpt from my book, Jesus Outside the Lines, that summarizes what I’m attempting to say here:

Peter wrote, “In your hearts, honor Christ…always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15-16).

Paul said the same thing but in a different way: “Walk in wisdom toward outsiders…let your speech always be gracious” (Colossians 4:6). “Always” is a comprehensive word, yes?

What is our basis for being gentle, respectful, and gracious always? Our basis is the grace in which we now stand. It’s the certainty that because of Jesus, our day of judgment has been moved from the future to the past.

It is because of this reality–that God has no anger or outrage left for us but only a smile earned for us by another–that we Christians should be the least offended and least offensive people in the world.

May it be so.

What matters more to us—that we successfully put others in their place, or that we are known to love well? That we win culture

Scott is serving as the Senior Pastor of Christ Presbyterian Church in Nashville, Tennessee, where he lives with his wife Patti and two daughters, Abby and Ellie. Scott has authored three books: Jesus Outside the Lines, Befriend, and From Weakness to Strength.

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will be displayed this year in the Christmas season proclaiming the love of Christ Jesus!

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A Faith Radio donor and neighbor is providing hundreds of 7-foot freestanding wooden Christmas crosses for us to distribute to our listeners for a generous donation.

This donation helps Faith Radio continue to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ. We will have the crosses available on Monday, November 20, at the Faith Radio Studios. There is a limited supply of crosses.

Reserve your cross or magnet today by calling 800-239-8900 or visit www.faithradio.org.

Call or visit faithradio.org to get your Christmas cross magnet!

The ministry of Faith Radio/WLBF is supported by individuals in the Christian community. You can participate in strengthening families as we provide spiritual encouragement with your financial support.

November 2017 River Region’s Journey 25 mail at P.O. Box 210789 Contact us at www.faithradio.org, call 800-239-8900 or by Montgomery, AL 36121-0789.

Landmarks Symbolism can be very important in conveying ideas and remembering the past.

Throughout America, there are religious landmarks that can reinforce the significance of faith in our land.

The Newsmax website has compiled a list of its “Top 50 Religious Landmarks in America.” Some are not expressly Christian, but there are a number of these that have a direct tie to the Christian faith. I have picked out a few on which to concentrate.

Two landmarks related to Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. appear in the countdown. At #48, you find the site of his famous “Mountaintop” sermon on the eve of his assassination, Mason Temple Church of God in Christ in Memphis. #26 is also related to Dr. King: Montgomery’s Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church, the pulpit of which Newsmax cites as the place from which Dr. King “ignited the Civil Rights Movement.” He was pastor from 195460 and, “he and others led countless civil rights meetings and activism, supporting the 1955-56 Montgomery bus boycott.”

At #25, you see one of several landmarks with a relationship to the founding of our country. Trinity Church in New York City is where President George Washington, as well as John Jay and Alexander Hamilton, attended services while New York was the country’s first capital. Hamilton and some of his family members are buried it he church’s cemetery.

About #12, Christ Church in Philadelphia, the article says, “Prominent Revolutionary War leaders worshipped here…” Buried in its cemetery are “some of the most important political and religious leaders of the Colonial and Revolutionary-era, including those of River Region’s Journey

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Benjamin Franklin and four signers of the Declaration of Independence.” #24 is The Billy Graham Library and Museum, which is located in Charlotte. The story says, regarding Graham and the site: “The impact of his ministry and information about his life and organizations’ efforts are displayed through multimedia presentations, photos, memorabilia, and a tour of his childhood home.”

At #22, you find St. Paul’s Chapel in New York City, “the oldest surviving church building, the only colonial-era building, and the oldest public building in continuous use in Manhattan.” The article notes: “George Washington and the first members of Congress prayed there after Washington’s inauguration at Federal Hall on April 30, 1789.” The story also says that the chapel “not only survived the Great Fire of 1776...but also miraculously survived 9/11. Located opposite of the World Trade Center, not one of its windows was broken.”

A number of these sites were related to opposition of slavery. Two examples: at #11, the Quaker gathering place known as the Third Haven Meeting House in Talbot, Maryland featured a group that was devoted to the abolition of slavery since the 17th Century. At #10, there’s Harriet Tubman Thompson AME Zion Church in Auburn, New York and Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historic Park.

At #3, you find San Antonio de Valero, better known as “the Alamo.” Newsmax states, “this unassuming and uncompleted Spanish mission remains the quintessential symbol of freedom in the West.” The #2 landmark is Plymouth Rock and Plymouth Plantation in Plymouth, Massachusetts.

The #1 landmark is “God’s Square Mile” in Ocean Grove, New Jersey. News26

max relates that, “This popular seaside retreat, concert, and vacation destination for millions is a lasting testament to the Victorian-era revivalist movement that followed the Second Great Awakening. Methodist ministers founded Ocean Grove believing ‘religion and recreation should go hand in hand.’”

You also find familiar symbols, such as Washington’s National Cathedral and St. John’s Church, as well as Old North Church in Boston.

Some principles for us: We remember landmarks, but we do not worship buildings.

The Church is not the building, it’s the people; and the body of Christ is comprised of people who have accepted Jesus as Savior.

I think it’s helpful to remember the faith foundations of our country. We can recognize that there was a spiritual component to the quest for independence, people of faith were in a leading position in the abolition of slavery, and the civil rights movement grew out of spiritual roots. In our individual lives, we can be inspired as we think back on times and places where God has manifested Himself in our own lives.

Finally, there is value in imagery. Spiritual practices remind of the presence of God. The illustrative nature of communion, as we observe the death of Christ and the shedding of His blood, can renew our souls, and the practice of baptism communicates powerfully the new life we have in Christ. We see various images of God’s faithfulness throughout the Scriptures - twelve stones placed in the Jordan River, the rock Ebenezer that Samuel, altars that were constructed. We don’t worship the symbols, but God can use the symbols to refresh us in our knowledge and appreciation of Him. 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.

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Adoption Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy and First UMC, Millbrook APAC- Alabama Pre/Post Adoption Connection Support Group This group provides education and social interaction for adoptive families. Montgomery Group meets 3rd Tuesdays, 6-7:30 p.m., Room 8114 at Frazer. For more information call Sonia Martin at 409-9477 or she can be reached by email at smartin@childrensaid.org. For information on the Birth Parent and Adult Adoptee Support group please contact Kathy King 205-943-5331 or email kking@childrensaid.org.

Location: Dalraida UMC, 3817 Atlanta Highway Alcoholics Anonymous meets at 6 p.m. on Tuesdays. 272.2190.

Alanon meets at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesdays.

Location: Grace Presbyterian Church, 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.

issues. Mondays beginning at 6:15 pm. Childcare available. Call Larry at 334-832-5714 or visit myjourneychurch.com.

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.

Alcoholic / Addiction

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: Prattville Church of Christ, 344 E Main St. CASA - 12 step (Christians Against Substance Abuse) spiritual recovery program, for overcoming addictions. Class begins each Wednesday evening @6:30 PM. Please call 334-365-4201 for additional information.

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: Journey Church, 435 Sheila Blvd, Prattville Celebrate Recovery - Christ-centered 12-step for anyone struggling with addiction or life-challenging

Location: Santuck Baptist Church, 7250 Central Plank Rd. (Hwy 9), Wetumpka Celebrate Recovery meets each Thursday evening at

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6:15 in the Fellowship Hall. This is a Christ centered 12 step-program for anyone struggling with hurts, habits, and hang-ups. Call 567-2364.

Sex Addicts Anonymous (SAA) is open to all struggling with addictive sexual behavior. If you believe you have a problem with sex addiction (or are wondering if you might) and you want to change your behavior, we recommend you visit our group.

For locations, please visit- https://saa-recovery.org/ or please contact – MontgomerySAA@outlook.com.

Meetings are held: every Sunday night - 7:45 p.m, men only. Every Monday night - 7:30 p.m, men and women.

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.

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

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Location: First United Methodist Church, Wetumpka 306 W. Tuskeena Street ‘Fresh Start’ Recovery meets every Thursday, 6-8pm (meal included). In 2011, Fresh Start Motorcycle Ministry (FSMM) began when God laid it on the heart of a lifetime biker to minister to those with his background. All are welcome, not a requirement to own/ride a motorcycle. Format used is the Holy Bible.

For any info contact ministry leader, Paul Henderson, 334-201-5428.

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Alzheimer’s / Dementia

Location: First UMC, 2416 W. Cloverdale Park, Wesley Hall Bldg.

An Adult Parkinson/Alzheimer’s respite ministry meets from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. Lunch is served. Contact Daphne at 834-8990.

Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy An Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregivers’ Support Group meets on the first Thursday of each month at 10:30 a.m. in Room 3103. Call 272.8622.

Cancer

Location: Aldersgate UMC, 6610 Vaughn Rd Cancer Survivors Support Group is sponsored by Samaritan Counseling Center. We would love to have anyone (patient or family member ) join us. Thursdays at 1 pm. Please call before attending just to make sure we are meeting that week. Please call Debbie D at 4674578 or Ben W at 202-1912.

Location: Dalraida Baptist, 3838 Wares Ferry Road.

Just for Men -- Faith based cancer support group for men. Meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. in the conference center. Please call 272-2412 email stan.hurst@knology.net.

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.

Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy. Women of Hope Breast Cancer Support Group, providing education, awareness, and mentoring for

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breast cancer patients/survivors, family, and friends, meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. in Rm 8253. Call 220-4599 or visit womenofhope@ charter.net.

Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy. The Montgomery Area Multiple Myeloma Support Group meets from 10 a.m. to noon the second Saturday of every month in Room 3105. We have guest speakers, video presentations, printed information and a group that welcomes sharing their journey with myeloma in an informal setting. Refreshments are provided. Contact Joe and Tricia Crowley at 264-7586 or jpcrowl46@yahoo.com.

Divorce

Location: First Baptist Church, 305 S. Perry Street Divorce Care Wednesday nights @6:30-8:00 pm in Room 405B. Child care is available. Contact Kathy Cooper at 241-5125 for further information.

Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy Divorce Care meets each Tuesday from 6-7:30pm. in the Fellowship Hall Lobby. This group will provide support & guidance to assist you in working through the issues, pain & pressures surrounding divorce. Also, DivorceCare for Kids is available. Call 495-6350 or e-mail jan@frazerumc.org.

Location: Vaughn Forest Church, 8660 Vaughn Road DivorceCare fosters a weekly supportive and caring environment to heal the hurt of separation and divorce.

Call 279-5433.

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Gambling

Location: Cedarwood Community Church, 10286 US HWY 231 in the Wallsboro/Wetumpka community Gamblers Anonymous, Saturdays at 6 pm. 567-0476 Location: Mental Health of America Bldg, 1116 South Hull Street, Montgomery. Sundays @ 5 pm.

Location: St Paul’s Lutheran Church, 4475 Atlanta Hwy, Mondays @ 6pm.

Gamblers Anonymous Hotline: 334-541-5420 or you can call 2-1-1 and ask for meeting information.

Alabama Council on Compulsive Gambling: 277-5100

Grief

Location: Cornerstone Christian Church, 301 Dalraida Road River Region Survivors of Suicide meets on the second and fourth Thursday of every month (excluding holidays) from 6:30-8:00 PM. This is an open group for those who have lost a loved one to suicide and welcomes anyone regardless of their religious beliefs. Contact Cheryl Vinson at riverregionsos@gmail.com with questions or for more information.

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. Call (334) 284-2721 for info.

Location: First UMC, 100 E. Fourth St, Prattville Grief Share, Tuesday evenings at 6:30 pm in the church parlor. 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: Grace Baptist Church, 304 Old Montgomery Highway, Wetumpka Mourning to Morning is a Christian growth group for mothers who have lost a child, from before birth through adulthood. Meets the last Thursday night of each month. For info, contact Alice Scarborough (334) 462-4775 or Gwen Ellis (334) 567-8754 or e-mail mourningtomorning@gmail.com. Join us on Facebook.

Location: Millbrook FUMC, 3350 Edgewood Rd Grief Share meets Sundays from 5-7 p.m. For more information or to sign up, please call the church office at 285-4114 or email churchoffice@mfumc.org.

Location: Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church 1550 E. Washington Street Grief support group meets every Monday at 6:00 P.M- 7:00 P.M. For additional information, please contact Alice Glover at (334)281-2754.

Location: Vaughn Forest Church, 8660 Vaughn Road GriefShare is a support group that meets Wednesdays from 6-8 pm. This program is non-denominational and features biblical concepts for healing your grief. GriefShare will be led by Howard and Carol Payne and Jim Williams. Call 279-5433 for more information.

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. Call April Scott at 828-446-6666.

Location: First Baptist Church, 305 S. Perry Street MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) is a place you can share a good meal, make new friends, and find encouragement as you face the everyday challenges of raising your little ones. We have educational speakers, great conversation, and fun activities. Free childcare is provided. Meetings are every 2nd and 4th Tuesdays, 9:30-11:30 a.m., September through May. Contact Tiffany Alewine at 241-5165.

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Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy Frazer mom2mom is a playgroup to connect mothers of ages birth to 5 at Frazer UMC to share fun and inspiration in our journey together, with our children, and with Christ. Email Mom2mom@frazerumc.org for more information.

Location: Landmark Church, 1800 Halcyon Blvd.

Single Moms Support Group, Wednesday nights at 6:30 p.m. in classroom 118. For information call 277-5800.

Location: Perry Hill UMC, 910 Perry Hill Road Single Moms’ Care and Support Group meets 2nd and 4th Thursdays from 6:15 - 8:00 PM. December meeting will be on the 11th. Free snack supper provided to moms and children. Child care for infants -16 years. Call 272-3174.

Location: Redland Baptist, 1266 Dozier Rd, Wetumpka A MOPS group will be held 1st and 3rd Tuesday’s of every month during the school year, and has scheduled play dates and moms nights out through the summer and beyond.

While moms are in a MOPS meeting, their children are

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lovingly cared for in the MOPPETS program. Email Denise Braswell at deniseorscott@yahoo.com .

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 info e-mail VFCMOPS@gmail.com.

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. Call 272-6152.

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 affected by a neuromuscular disease or family members of those affected. To receive info, call 396-4534.

Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy. Parkinson’s Support meets 4th Thursdays at 6pm in room 8114. Call 495-6350 for more info.

Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy. Ostomy Support meets every other month on the 2nd Sunday at 2:30 pm in room 3101. In 2017; August, October & December. Call 495-6350 for more info.

Location: Vaughn Park Church, 3800 Vaughn Rd. Montgomery Area Down Syndrome Outreach Group meets 2nd Friday of each month from 6:30- 8 PM. We have activities, speakers and special events throughout the year for the parents, siblings and children with Down Syndrome. Childcare is provided. Please visit www.montgomeryareadownsyndrome.com or our Facebook page (MADSOG) for information. Please contact MADSOG at montgomeryareadownsyndrome@gmail.com.

Same Sex Attraction

Location: : Young Meadows Presbyterian Church, 5780 Vaughn Road, Montgomery Upstream Support Group for those dealing with unwanted same sex attraction and family members or loved ones of those who are gay identified. The group meets at 6:30 pm every first, third and fifth Tuesday evenings. For more information call 334.244.1385.

Singlehood

Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy Boundaries study for singles meets each Tuesday from 6-7:30pm in the Fellowship Hall Lobby. This study will help singles learn to set boundaries with emotions and help avoid the harmful behavior of others. For information, call 495-6386 or email singles@ frazerumc.org.

Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy Single and Parenting! A New Group for Single Mom’s. This group meets every Tuesday from 6-7:30pm for hope & encouragement & guidance & parenting ideas. For information, call 495-6386 or email singles@frazerumc.org.

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Keeping Your Marriage Healthy A vital component in keeping your marriage healthy is to start making healthy changes in you.

A healthy marriage is like a finger print in that no two are exactly alike.

For most people, healthy marriage relationship skills do not come naturally. We usually default to the model of our primary caregivers. Over time we add, through trial and error, what works and what doesn’t. Still others gain insight by attending marriage conferences, reading books, or attending other organized classes.

The marriage relationship is constantly changing as couples move together through the seasons of life. Balance has to be maintained and priorities re-evaluated with each normal transition. It’s wise to evaluate your marriage relationship frequently for subtle changes that are creating negative feelings in either you or your spouse.

We are taught as Christians that we are unique creations. 1Thessalonians 5:23 describes us as having a body, soul, and spirit.

If one of these areas is not healthy, we will become off balance. This can have a negative impact on your marriage. Understanding who we are and how these areas can impact your spouse is a great place to start for either repairing or improving your marriage.

The mind is very complex. How we perceive our world can be drastically different River Region’s Journey

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between couples living in the same environment. Miscommunication seems to be a universal roadblock. Here are just a few of the more frequent communication obstacles and solutions that can help.

Wrong Assumptions – Some people are quick to assume that a comment has a negative meaning. Constant clarification is crucial whenever a comment generates a negative emotion in the listener. Simply repeat what you thought you heard and give your spouse a chance to either verify or restate their comment before the negative feeling takes root.

Not Actively Listening – A common trigger for anger in a person is feeling as though no one is listening.

Active listening involves a few simple steps. Frequent eye contact, stopping other tasks, and turning your body toward the speaker sends nonverbal messages to your spouse. It is telling them that you are interested in what they have to say.

Also occasionally reflecting back what the person just said lets them know you are following the conversation.

Not Validating Feelings – Minimizing the feelings of another can result in several negative outcomes. A confrontation may be triggered. The person whose feelings were minimized may withdraw from further communication. In some cases the withdrawal results in looking to others who do value their feelings, opinions, and ideas.

It is crucial that you put as much value to the feelings of your spouse as you give to your own feelings. Couples frequently disagree.

Validating feelings does not mean changing your position. It just puts value to all feelings in the relationship.

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Most couples are at different levels of spiritual maturity. If both are Christians, it is vital that each spouse accept the other where they are spiritually. Wanting your spouse to spiritually grow is reasonable. Pushing them to be where you think they should be is not.

A powerful tool spouses can use to encourage each other spiritually is daily prayer.

There are two books I frequently recommend that couples have found extremely helpful, The Power of the Praying Wife and The Power of the Praying Husband. They were written by the popular author Stormie Omartian.

Poor physical health can put great strain on a marriage.

Some Illnesses are out of our control. Many health issues are the result of putting other life responsibilities before our personal health. Making your health a top priority can energize and improve intimacy. Spouses working together to stay healthy and active can create a close and rewarding bond.

When personal reflection and attempts to improve your marriage relationship are ineffective, marital counseling can be a helpful solution. All will agree marriage is hard work.

When couples face that hard work together, the journey becomes a unique and rewarding experience.

Debbie Cowell is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and works out of our Prattville office. She is a member of the Alabama Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy and the American Association of Christian Counselors. Ms. Cowell works with individuals, couples, families, adults, adolescents and children. Debbie’s clinical interests include depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, grief, spiritual and identity development, marriage and family counseling, parenting issues, adolescent issues, and child behavior issues.

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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 needs to be in agreement with our Statement of Faith

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Although I can’t recall the circumstances, I remember deciding to run away from home. I was mad because I didn’t get my way. While I jammed things into my bulging suitcase, my mind churned. How far could I walk before dark? Where would I sleep? What would I eat? Tears stung my eyes. I felt sorry for myself.

My mother appeared. “What are you doing?”

“Running away!” I announced, hoping to upset her.

“Why don’t you wait until after lunch?” said Mama. “Then, if you still want to run away, I’ll help you pack.”

Relief flooded my five-year-old heart.

Mama had just given me an “out” for something I wasn’t sure I wanted to do.

After lunch, I waited for her to ask if I still wanted to run away. The question never came. That day, I learned love and security meant more to me than getting my way.

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It took the prodigal a little longer to figure this out. He did some riotous living and ate from the pig trough before realizing rebellion isn’t as great as it appears. We all have a rebellious nature. Here’s why:

We’re sinners Sometimes we have the mistaken idea we’re innately good and mess up once in a while. According to Scripture, it’s the reverse: “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Sin is our nature and we have to battle against it constantly.

Ignoring this fact causes us to fool ourselves and make bad decisions that get us into trouble.

We’re self-focused

The problem of self goes hand-inhand with our sin nature. We want what 34

we want when we want it. We’re impatient and usually don’t care who gets hurt as long as things go according to our plans.

Luke 9:23 reminds us, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.”

Denying self is a conscious decision. Selfdenial requires looking beyond ourselves, realizing blessings, and reaching out to others who are struggling with issues bigger than our own.

We’re resistant to authority The Bible chronicles many stories of rebellion: man against man, and man against God. We resist authority because we have an inflated opinion of our own wisdom and think we don’t need guidance. Resistance to authority is as old as Adam and Eve and takes effort to overcome.

Rebellion = Freedom?

Rebellion seems to offer freedom, but that kind of freedom is a mirage. Soon the consequences outweigh the momentary thrill of doing as we please.

Why rules?

God set boundaries for our protection.

Without them we’d wander into situations that could harm us. God’s rules weren’t designed to keep us jumping through multiple hoops, but to provide guidelines for life.

The central guideline instructs to love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mark 12:30). When we keep our eyes on Jesus, and stay connected through Bible study and prayer, rules don’t feel restrictive.

They provide security and guidance.

Turning around Have you ever taken a road and later discovered, after traveling on it for a while, it’s leading you in the opposite direction from your intended destination? It takes an intentional course correction to get going in the right direction. The difficult part of changing direction involves admitting

God. That relationship you’re wrong. This Rebellion seems to is a haven from the requires courage and maturity. But offer freedom, but challenges we face and a refueling stop on the pride stops many of that kind of freedom journey of life. us from acknowledging we’ve made is a mirage. Soon a mistake.

The lost son, the consequences despite previous outweigh the poor choices, swalThe prodigal’s lowed his pride, compassionate father momentary thrill of understood the power of turned from the destructive path he doing as we please. forgiveness. Although was traveling, and the Bible doesn’t say, came home. The perhaps the father, too, key phrase in the story is “when he came was a rebellious son with a forgiving fato his senses,” (Luke 15:17). Often, God ther. The prodigal’s father greeted his son provides a come-to-our-senses moment, with open arms and provided a celebration but we refuse to act on it. But just as my for a son who strayed, realized his mismother gave me an “out” when I threattake, and came home. God offers us the ened to run away from home, God always same celebratory welcome when we make provides an escape route for irresponsible the decision to stop, change, and return. If behavior, if we’re willing to take it. we’re willing to admit our rebelliousness, our sin, He’s willing to forgive and forget.

“He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west” (Psalm 103:12 Home isn’t necessarily a house or NLT). What a great promise! a destination. “Home” is the process of cultivating an ongoing relationship with Candy Arrington is a freelance writer.

The Freedom of Forgiveness

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He’s becoming a man Q. My son is about to go off to college, and I’m concerned about how he’ll handle his money when he gets there. We’ve taught all our children how to use your envelope system, and to save and give, but I’d like some advice on how he can safeguard his finances a little better.

A. If you haven’t already covered it, he needs to learn to utilize a debit card and reconcile a checking account. Set the account up in your name and his, so you can follow what’s going on in the account. If there’s an issue, this gives you easy access so that a minor incident doesn’t become a huge problem.

Right now, the best way for him to learn is to make educated, informed decisions

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November 2017

on his own and to stand on his own two feet. You’re there for guidance at this point — not control. I’d let him use a debit card, cash, and have a few simple envelopes for expenses. Also, he needs to report back to you monthly what’s going on with the budget. What I’m talking about here isn’t control; it’s a simple, regular review and coaching session on finances. This is an exciting time in your lives. You’ve laid a foundation, and it’s time for this little one to spread his wings a bit.

Together, you can make sure he’s learning and living the way a young man should!

Where do I put the money?

Q. I have a savings account for my twoyear old that has $5,000 in it, and about half of that is in gold. I’m going to save

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for his college separately, and give this to him to help start his life after school. Is there a better place to put this other than a traditional savings account?

A. First of all, you should not invest in gold.

Gold is a very volatile, very dangerous investment. I don’t have a dime invested in gold, and I would strongly suggest that you not invest in it, either. If you take a look at the life-long track record on gold it will scare you to death.

For the time being, you can leave it all in a traditional savings account. But if he’s not going to use it for many, many years you could move it into a conservative mutual fund. In fact, you started when he was at such young age, a nice, conservative mutual fund might be a really good idea.

When he gets a little older, he can start adding to it himself from the money he makes from odd jobs and chores and such.

After 15 years or so, thanks to your foresight and his contributions, he’ll probably wind up with a pretty nice chunk of cash.

Help Alabama

Shine!

The Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) is a joint research project between the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Alabama Department of Public Health. Its purpose is to determine why some babies are born healthy and others are not in order to aid in the development and assessment of programs designed to identify high-risk pregnancies and reduce adverse pregnancy outcomes.

New mothers are randomly chosen from the state birth registry to participate in PRAMS. Surveys may be returned by mail or completed over the phone. Let your voice be heard!

“Happy to be part of this survey.”

“Thank you for checking on us!”

Actual comments from survey responses.

Moms who complete the PRAMS survey receive their choice of a cooler bag, diapers, or manicure set!

Responses are kept confidential to the extent of the law. For more information, please call us at 334-206-2923 or go to alabamapublichealth.gov/PRAMS ADPH does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender, age, religion, disability, genetic information, and other federal, state, or agency regulations and policies. Inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies may be directed to Civil Rights Coordinator: ADPH CRC, RSA Tower, 201 Monroe Street, Suite 1010, Montgomery, AL 36104, Tel. 334-206-5226, o r email crcomplaints@adph.state.al.us.

The

Living Christmas Tree December 8 • 7 pm December 9 • 4 & 7 pm December 10 • 4 & 7 pm Tickets available online beginning November 6.

Call 334.241.5156 or order online

at www.thelivingchristmastree.org No offering will be taken during the presentation. $5 per ticket suggested.

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH montgomery

305 South Perry Street Montgomery, AL 36104