OKC, OK November 2020

N OV E M B E R 2 02 0

Holiday Dishes

to Delight!

HOME + DESIGN RO B ER T BA X T ER EL EC T RI C G E T S PAT RI O T I C LI F E + C U LTU R E LO CAL C HARI T I ES WO R T H G IVI N G BAC K T O W E LLN E S S H I K E , K AYAK , B I K E YO U R WAY FI T

www.montecristoironworks.com

405.787.0111 5609 NW 4th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73127

LIFESTYLE LETTER

NOVEMBER 2020 PUBLISHER

Brian Ihnat | brian.ihnat@lifestylepubs.com EDITOR

The Holidays Are Upon Us! HAPPY NOVEMBER! I don't mean to scare you, but Thanksgiving and Christmas are right around the corner. Do you have your plans ready?

Terri Ihnat EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Heide Brandes | heide.brandes@lifestylepubs.com AD DESIGNER

Whitney Lockhart L AYO UT DESIGNER

Dana Rudolph

After such a tough year, we all need some holiday cheer. Like everything else, this year's holidays may look and feel a little different, but we can still help spread joy, love and generosity.

In this issue, you'll find ideas for planning the traditional Thanksgiving dinner,

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Heide Brandes CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Kimberly Richelle

tips on writing the perfect thank-you card, organizations in Oklahoma City who are going above and beyond to help those who are struggling and a peek into a unique home in Oak Tree.

Want to know which events are going on during the holiday season? Be sure to check out our calendar, but be aware that events that are scheduled may change at the last moment.

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

Brian Ihnat, Publisher Brian.Ihnat@LifestylePubs.com

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

ARIZONA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | CONNECTICUT | FLORIDA | GEORGIA IDAHO | ILLINOIS | KANSAS | MARYLAND | MASSACHUSETTS | MICHIGAN MINNESOTA | MISSOURI | MONTANA | NEW JERSEY | NORTH CAROLINA OHIO | OKLAHOMA | OREGON | PENNSYLVANIA | SOUTH CAROLINA TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON

CityLifestyle.com/OKC COVER PHOTOGRAPHY BY KIMBERLY RICHELLE PHOTOGRAPHY 4

OKC Lifestyle | November 2020

Proverbs 3:5-6 OKC Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the OKC area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors.

Information in OKC Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

CityLifestyle.com/OKC

5

INSIDE THE ISSUE NOVEMBER 2020

FEATURES 10 Giving Back Make a Difference in The World By Giving Back This Holiday Season

14 Thanksgiving Fit These Outdoor Workouts Can Help Burn Off Calories As You Spend Time With Famly

18 A Wine Room and a View This Oak Tree Home Thrills With Modern Kitchen, Ample Space and a Dedicated Wine Room

22 10

22 Dishes to Delight Local Limelighters Share Their Favorite Thanksgiving Recipes

18

14

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

8

Around Town

10

Inspired By

14

Healthy Lifestyle

22 Giving Back 26 Our Town 29 Faith Reflections 34 Lifestyle Calendar

9450 N. May Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73120 ph: (405) 607-0420 www.ahdok.com Like a Jewel at the center of space Whether single-piece or skirted, with deck or floor mounted faucets, Oceania Freestanding baths are available in models to fit your every need: floor mounted, pedestal or claw foot. All our freestanding baths are available as soaking baths and most are available as Air Baths with optional Chromatherapy lights.

CityLifestyle.com/OKC

7

AROUND TOWN

CHEROKEE NATION FILM OFFICE OFFERS SCHOLARSHIPS TO ADVANCE NATIVE TALENT Cherokee Nation Film Office is helping develop Native talent in the film and television industry by offering 50 new scholarships for certification courses with the Oklahoma Film & TV Academy.

Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. announced the scholarship opportunities at the inaugural Drive-In Movie Nights, hosted during the 68th annual Cherokee National Holiday.

Scholarships are offered to citizens of any federally recognized tribe with preference given to Cherokee Nation citizens interested in pursuing the Film Crew 101 certification with the Oklahoma Film & TV Academy. The self-guided online program is

David, the wife and mother of current and for-

delivered through a series of podcasts that offer an

mer guard members, was honored for her work in

in-depth look at the different roles on a film or TV

the Senate over the past decade on behalf of the

set and what they do. It’s a great first step to getting

Oklahoma National Guard and its members.

in the film and TV industry.

to her legislative efforts in mental health and qual-

certification and to apply for the CNFO scholarship,

ity of life which have provided Oklahoma Guard

please visit cherokee.film/scholarships/.

members resources to address their needs.

OKLAHOMA IS 28TH IN STATES WITH HIGHEST DEBT PAY DOWN

OKLAHOMA 529 COLLEGE SAVINGS PLAN INTRODUCES MATCH OFFER

With the economy showing signs of life

The Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan

despite the ongoing impact of the coronavirus

(OCSP) celebrated 20 years of helping Oklahoma

pandemic, WalletHub’s new Credit Card Debt

families save for higher education for their children

Study revealed that U.S. consumers paid down

and grandchildren. With National College Savings

$118 billion in credit card debt during the first half

Month in September, OCSP is offering a $25

of 2020 – an all-time record.

match for any new account opened with at least

Oklahoma ranked as the 28th highest rate of debt pay down.

$25 and three straight months of contributions of $25 or more from now until Dec. 31, 2020.

This record reduction in credit card debt has

Beginning in 2000, The Oklahoma 529 College

been driven largely by generous unemployment

Savings Plan is the only direct-sold, state-spon-

benefits and household austerity measures stem-

sored savings plan in Oklahoma, offering state

ming from the pandemic, and the result gives at

income tax deductions, in addition to diverse

least a bit of a silver lining to point to from 2020.

investment options including enrollment-year

WalletHub now projects that U.S. consumers will end the year with a slight reduction in credit card debt for the first time since the end of the Great Recession in 2009.

SENATOR DAVID RECEIVES OKLAHOMA MEDAL OF FREEDOM

8

The supporting citation for David’s award points

For more information about the Film Crew 101

options that adjust automatically as a child approaches the start of college.

For more information about the Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan or to open an account, go to ok4saving.org or call (877) 654-7284.

Senate Majority Leader Kim David is the latest

Would you like to get in touch with us? We would

Oklahoman to receive the Oklahoma National

love to hear from you! Contact us at CityLifestyle.

Guard’s highest civilian honor—The Oklahoma

com/OKC using the Get In Touch link and let us

Medal of Freedom.

know what you think.

OKC Lifestyle | November 2020

Here to Help You Rebuild Your LifeÂŽ In any court date in the family court, there are a lot of moving parts. For example, if there is a trial or evidentiary hearing, parties are often worried about the case itself.

This might mean worrying about the witnesses who will be called, the evidence presented, and how the judge will rule. It also might involve the emotions and stress involved with having to be in court. For many, it took a long time to get a trial or court date.

Even if it is not a trial date, but merely a motion date, pretrial or settlement conference, these court dates can be stressful. Stress can cause parties to become nervous, anxious or even frustrated.

These feelings can sometimes bring out bad body language in the courtroom. The bad body language can culminate in frowning, being fidgety, slouching or even reacting negatively from a body language perspective based on what happens in court.

Some parties may moan or gasp. Others might throw up their hands or fidget in their chairs. In some instances, parties might furiously pass notes to their lawyers. Ultimately, the poor visuals can be damaging.

The bad body language can come when an individual simply sees the other party in a contentious case. But the wrong body language can begin when the opposing lawyer is speaking, when a witness is testifying or something happens that they feel is bad for their case. Worse yet, it can come when the judge says something or announces a ruling from the bench.

Bad body language can damage a case. Judges have lots of discretion in divorce or family court cases in terms of what they do. Often, judges are weighing the credibility

RE IAN

Body Language Can Matter in the Family Court of witnesses not only based on what they say, but what they can see.

If the family court judge sees body language they do not like, it can be damaging. Ultimately, parties need to be careful that they are in control of their body language.

They have to understand that this can make a difference.

Some useful tips include remaining stone-faced at all times. No matter what happens in a courtroom, most parties should not react to it in any way. Sitting in a chair with good posture can help. It can project confidence and a sense of calm.

Even with the stress of these court dates, parties have to go to their happy place emotionally. It might mean meditating or praying for peace. It might mean engaging in breathing techniques or trying to focus on something.

Whatever helps a person display a positive demeanor, they should employ.

Parties have to avoid showing their anger, anxiety and frustration as best as possible. To the extent they are getting emotional, talking to their attorney in a private room to express their concerns can help. It might mean taking a walk or going to the water fountain or restroom when emotions are building up. But when a party is in the courtroom, they should realize that everything they do can impact the case.

Bad body language can even impact the ability to settle the case. If the opposing party and lawyer can see that a party is becoming unglued, some may decide not to settle because they might believe that the other party will

W ILLIAM S

F I N E

not make a good impression.

Stange Law Firm, PC limits their practice to family law matters including divorce, child custody, child support, paternity, guardianship, adoption, mediation, collaborative law and other domestic relation matters.

Stange Law Firm, PC gives clients 24/7 access to their case through a secured online case tracker found on the website. They also give their clients their cell phone numbers. Call for a consultation today at 855-805-0595.

To schedule a consultation:

855-805-0595

WWW.STANGELAWFIRM.COM The choice of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisements. Stange Law Firm, PC is respsonsible for the content. Principal place of business is 120 South Central Ave, Suite 450, Clayton, MO 63105.

Court rules do not permit us to advertise that we specialize in a particular field or area of law. The areas of law mentioned in this article are our areas of interest and generally are the types of cases which we are involved. It is not intended to suggest specialization in any areas of law which are mentioned The information you obtain in this advertisement is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice.

You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation.

We invite you to contact us and welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail.

Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Past results afford no guarantee of future results and every case is different and must be judged on its merits.

Oklahoma County Office 2601 NW Expressway, Suite 411 W

Oklahoma City, OK 73112

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INSPIRED BY

GIVING BACK

MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD BY GIVING BACK THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

ARTICLE HEIDE BRANDES | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

THIS YEAR WAS HARD ON EVERYONE, BUT FOR THE MOST VULNERABLE IN SOCIETY, 2020 WAS EXCEPTIONALLY DIFFICULT. Between

WATER4 Water4, an Oklahoma City-based international nonprofit

the

founded in 2008 by Oklahomans Dick & Terri Greenly, exists

COVID-19 pandemic and the stresses of dealing with uncer-

to equip local entrepreneurs in developing countries to pro-

tainty, charities need your support now more than ever.

vide sustainable safe water access to every person, school

unemployment,

Kick off your holidays by giving back to organizations

and clinic in their communities. Every day, more than 2.1 billion

that lift up those in need. Here are three charities to con-

people lack access to safe water and 600 million people have

sider this year.

to walk an average of 3.7 miles to fetch water for their families.

SCARS AND STRIPES COFFEE

lems with local resources. We’re committed to working

“We’re committed to local people solving local probScars & Stripes Coffee, founded in Oklahoma City

through the capacity, strength, and greatness of ordinary

by Chad Watts, is founded on empowering veterans to

people to do whatever it takes to see a world where every

start their own businesses. The company creates a vet-

last person has abundant access to safe water,” said Matt

erans-only salesforce and only veterans can sell Scars

Hangen, president & CEO of Water4.

& Stripes Coffee products. Scars and Stripes use a sin-

To date, Water4 has completed more than 6,000 water

gle-level direct marketing sales model combined with a

projects and helped to provide safe water to more than

military rank structure to provide employment and income

1.5 million people. To support Water4 or to learn more,

opportunities for veteran team members and empower

visit water4.org or email hello@water4.org.

them by giving them a hand up instead of a handout.

“We want to empower veterans and connect them with

THE REGIONAL FOOD BANK OF OKLAHOMA

communities all across this great country by developing

School closures and unemployment due to COVID across

the largest veterans-only salesforce. Now, all veterans

the country left many children without a reliable source

across America will have a team to join following their

of food. Plus, parents who are feeling even more strained

military service. “ said Watts. “Since only 1% of Americans

during this crisis are facing an extra burden of child care.

are joining the service, it’s no surprise that 44% of post-

Every $1 you give to the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma

9/11 veterans say they have difficulty reintegrating into

will help provide four meals to Oklahoma families. he major-

civilian life after leaving active duty. It’s challenging for

ity of people served by the Regional Food Bank are chron-

service members to find a new tribe in the civilian world

ically hungry children, seniors living on fixed incomes and

that understands them.”

hardworking families struggling to make ends meet.

To support, visit scarsandstripescoffee.com.

10

OKC Lifestyle | November 2020

To donate, visit regionalfoodbank.org.

Scars and Stripes Coffee

Water4

The Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma provides meals to families in 53 counties.

CityLifestyle.com/OKC

11

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13

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

THANKSGIVING FIT THESE OUTDOOR WORKOUTS CAN HELP BURN OFF CALORIES AS YOU SPEND TIME WITH FAMLY

ARTICLE HEIDE BRANDES | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

THANKSGIVING MAY BE A HOLIDAY THAT BRINGS LOVED ONES TOGETHER TO CELEBRATE ALL THAT WE HAVE TO BE THANKFUL FOR, BUT IT ALSO BRINGS ON THE DREADED HOLIDAY WEIGHT GAIN. The average American will eat a whopping 3,000 calories during Thanksgiving for dinner alone. Drinks, dessert and appetizers can bring the total calorie count to 4,500, according to the Calorie Control Council, an industry group.

Instead of falling into a food coma all day and bemoaning your full belly, try these outdoor activities that not only help burn off those extra calories, but also bring the family together for a fun, outdoor activity.

A simple walk after Thanksgiving dinner can help burn off those calories.

14

OKC Lifestyle | November 2020

SO IF YOU ATE TOO MUCH STUFFING AND AUNT JUDY'S PUMPKIN PIE IS WEIGHING HEAVY IN YOUR STOMACH, HEAD OUTDOORS AND BURN OFF THAT FOOD WITH A FAMILY ADVENTURE.

01.

TAKE A HIKE

02.

PEDAL AWAY POUNDS

03.

HIT THE WATER

Fall is a wonderful time to hike. The

Grab the kids and hop on your bike

leaves change colors, the weather

for a family cycling adventure. You

kayaking can be a fun fall adven-

is cooler and the trails aren't nearly

don't even have to race. According to

ture for the whole family. Kayaking

as crowded. Even better, a 160-

Harvard University, biking at a mod-

is a great way strengthen your

pound person will burn somewhere

erate speed of 12 to 13.9 miles per

core and upper body, and a 130-

between 430 and 440 calories per

hour will cause a 155-pound person

lbs person will burn as many as

hour of hiking, while a 200-pound

to burn 298 calories in 30 minutes.

300 calories during a one-hour lei-

If you have a lake or river nearby,

person will burn closer to 550 calo-

surely kayak ride. A 175-lbs person

ries per hour of hiking.

will burn up to 400 calories per hour.

CityLifestyle.com/OKC

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A WINE ROOM AND A VIEW THIS OAK TREE HOME THRILLS WITH MODERN KITCHEN, AMPLE SPACE AND A DEDICATED WINE ROOM

ARTICLE BRENT GIBSON PHOTOGRAPHY BRENT GIBSON

TUCKED INTO THE OAK TREE ADDITION IN NORTH EDMOND, THIS HOUSE HIDES UNQUE AND DELIGHTFUL TOUCHES THAT ENHANCE THE 5,000-SQUARE-FOOT HOME.

The kitchen and dining room open up to a large two-story living room which looks over the pool and the Oak Tree Golf Course.

Other notable touches in this wonderful home include a pow-

The recently-completed modern custom home design by Bent

der bathroom designed by Nicole with quartzite countertops and

Gibson Class Home Design was the creation of Shane Rickey in

a gold pattern on the walls. A custo mosaic tile made from marble

collaboration with the clients and the builder John Matteson Custom

and brass is the focal point of the master bath.

Homes. Built in the Oak Tree Golf and Country Club, the home fea-

But one of the real beauties of this home, especially for wine

tures linear roof lines with varied heights, which creates an expan-

lovers, is the glassed-in wine room, which is the focal point of the

sive look, complimented with stone and stucco accents.

house. The wine room can be seen from the entrance of the house

The iron front doors make a bold statement and were custom-made by Monte Cristo Ironworks.

The four-bedroom domicile boasts of a large modern kitchen

and from the back kitchen area.

It’s an absolute dream for anyone with a wine collection and a desire to entertain.

with quartzite counters and intricate tile patterns designed by Nicole Rickey, interior designer. Nicole used her exclusive lighting line Luxe Lighting to add artistic elements to the large kitchen

For more information on custom home design or for Nicole Rickey

area, which leas to a comfortable dining room.

Interior Design, visit brentgibson.com.

18

OKC Lifestyle | November 2020

CONTINUED >

This Oak Tree Home boasts of hidden gem elements inside, including a dedicated wine room.

The brass and marble mosaic tile inlay is the focal point in this master bath.

CityLifestyle.com/OKC

19

A WINE ROOM AND A VIEW (CONTINUED)

A modern custom kitchen designed by Nicole Rickey has ample work space and storage.

Quartzite counterstops and backsplash were used throughout.

A view into the glass-enclosed wine room. The back kitchen, designed by Nicole Rickey Design, has easy access to the wine room.

The powder bathroom with quartize counter top is a cozy intimate space.

20

OKC Lifestyle | November 2020

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21

GIVING BACK ARTICLE HEIDE BRANDES | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Dishes to Delight LOCAL LIMELIGHTERS SHARE THEIR FAVORITE THANKSGIVING RECIPES

TIRED OF SERVING THE SAME OLD THANKSGIVING DISHES YEAR AFTER YEAR? Why not try something new, something different, something daring?

We turned to the Chilcoats of Monte Cristo Ironworks and to our friends at The Greens Country Club for a few new recipes for you to try this year at your Thanksgiving gathering.

ENJOY!

Timila S. Rother's Sweet Potato Casserole Timila S. Rother may be best known as the president and CEO at Crowe & Dunlevy, but she’s also a heck of a cook as well. When she isn’t leading one of the largest law firms in the state, she’s whipping up holiday favorites like her famous Sweet Potato Casserole.

INGREDIENTS Filling + 4 to 5 large sweet potatoes baked and peeled (microwave is fine) + 1-1/4 cups of sugar + 3/4 cup butter (melted) + 2 eggs, well beaten + 3/4 cup evaporated milk Topping + 1 cup cornflakes + 1/2 cup pecans + 3/4 cup butter (melted) + 1/2 cup coconut (optional) MIXING AND BAKING 01 Mix baked and peeled sweet potatoes with sugar, 3/4 cup melted butter, eggs and evaporated milk. Bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes.

Timila Rother's Sweet Potato Casserole

02 Crunch together cornflakes, pecans, 3/4 melted butter and coconut. Spread on the baked filling and bake an additional 15 minutes at 400 degrees.

22

OKC Lifestyle | November 2020

Aunt Martha's Apple Cranberry Pie You may know the Chilcoat family from their Monte Cristo Ironworks crafted doors, but they make a a scrumptious apple cranberry pie that’s a winner for Thanksgiving. INGREDIENTS

Go beyond the typical apple pie and try this Apple Cranberry Pie!

+ Graham Cracker Crust + 1 can apple pie filling + 1 can cranberry sauce with whole cranberries + 1/4 tsp nutmeg + 2 Tbl cornstarch + 1/3 cup flour + 1/4 cup brown sugar + 1/4 cup butter, melted + 1/4 cup chopped nuts DIRECTIONS 01 Brush one egg yolk on the graham cracker crust and bake for 5 minutes at 375 degrees.

02 Mix fillings, nutmeg and cornstarch and pour into prepared crust.

03 Mix the next ingredients in a separate bowl and spread on top of pie ingredients.

04 Bake 35 minutes at 375 degrees.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/OKC

23

GIVING BACK (CONTINUED)

Fried Samoas® Shrimp Shannon Evers is the CEO for The Girl Scouts Western Oklahoma, so it should come as no surprise that one of her favorite appetizers is made with... Girl Scout Cookies. This fried shrimp dish pulls in the flavors of the popular Girl Scout cookie for a unique dish that helps young women!

INGREDIENTS + 5 extra-large shrimp, peeled and deveined + 5 Samoas® Girl Scout Cookies®, finely chopped + 2 cups seasoned bread crumbs + 2 cups flour + 1 cup coconut flakes + 4 egg whites + 1 pinch cayenne pepper + 1 lime for garnish + Vegetable oil for frying DIRECTIONS Yields 5 shrimp 01 Toss coconut flakes with bread crumbs, cayenne pepper and chopped Samoas® Girl Scout Cookies®.

02 Dredge shrimp through flour, followed by egg whites and Samoas® Girl Scout Cookies® mixture.

03 Fry shrimp in vegetable oil at 350 degrees until golden brown.

04 Garnish with coconut flakes and lime wedges.

Somoas Shrimp

24

OKC Lifestyle | November 2020

• DIS CLEAN INFECT •

KEEP YOUR

What’s a holiday dinner without a little adult libation? Mark Seward, Food & Beverage director at The Greens Country Club, knows how to make a cocktail for any occasion, and this Spiced Rum has all the flavors of

OLD TRADITIONS

TECT PRO

The Greens Spiced Rum

CERMTIFIED CLED AN R . CL

E A N A PPROVE

BY STARTING

A NEW ONE.

Thanksgiving. Add a fresh cinnamon stick to make it extra festive!

INGREDIENTS + 1.5oz spiced rum + 1/2 oz cinnamon syrup + 6oz hot cider + Cinnamon stick

Call The Maids® to clean and disinfect your home today.

Combine and enjoy!

The Greens Spiced Rum

405-400-0600 MAIDS.com Locally owned & operated.

CityLifestyle.com/OKC

25

OUR TOWN

Robert Baxter

Patriotic Employer!

IF YOU CAN'T FIND YOUR SHORTS, CALL ROBERT BAXTER ELECTRIC

26

OKC Lifestyle | November 2020

ARTICLE HEIDE BRANDES | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

“I remember my mother telling me ‘You can never go wrong by doing the right thing,’ That always stuck with me.”

IN EARLY SEPTEMBER, THE FAMILY-OWNED STAFF OF ROBERT BAXTER ELECTRIC GATH-

After selling Baxter Electric in 2012, he quickly discovered retirement was not his cup of tea.

ERED FOR THEIR COMPANY DINNER. Little did

“I was so bored about a year into retirement. My

70-year-old Robert Baxter know that he would be

leg was messed up, so I couldn’t play golf, so I went

made man of the hour.

back into business,” Baxter said. “I opened as Robert

An employee of Robert Baxter Electric, Michael

Baxter Electric. This time, we didn’t do a lot of new

Nixon, also served in the National Guard. Every time

construction or commercial construction, but did

he had to serve, Baxter not only gave him the time off,

mostly service work.”

but paid him for it as well.

Although Robert Baxter Electric still does some

“I remember my mother telling me ‘You can never

remodeling and room addition work, most of the calls

go wrong by doing the right thing,’ That always stuck

are helping people with their electrical services and

with me,” said Baxter. “I’m 70. I should have been in

shorts. In fact, that’s when the new slogan came about.

Vietnam, but I had a young wife and child and really

“If you can find your shorts, call us,” said Baxter.

bad knees and they didn’t want me. Supporting

“It’s a fun slogan. It’s something I heard Paul Harvey

Michael was my way of serving.”

say way back in the 80s or something.”

Nixon nominated his employer for the “Patriotic

Robert Baxter Electric started with one truck and

Employer” award for the State of Oklahoma. Out of

one other employee. Today, the company is a fami-

thousands of essays submitted, Nixon’s essay won

ly-owned operation with four trucks and seven staff.

and Robert Baxter earned the “Patriotic Employer”

Headquartered in Edmond, Robert Baxter Electric

honor for the State of Oklahoma by the Office of the

takes on home electrical needs. Whether it’s install-

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ing better lighting in your kitchen, or having all the

He is now in the running for the national honors.

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“I thought that was pretty cool,” said Baxter. “I was

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pretty surprised.”

Robert Baxter has being doing the right thing all his career. He started Baxter Electric in 1976, and at the time, he was the youngest electrician to go into business in Oklahoma. By the late 1990s, he was the

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CityLifestyle.com/OKC

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OKC Lifestyle | November 2020

FAITH REFLECTIONS

WALKING THE WALK

A JOURNEY DOWN THE WINDING LIFE PATH OF UNASSUMING SPIRITUAL LEADER FRANCIS CHAN

FROM THE PULPIT OF A THRIVING MEGACHURCH OF MORE THAN 5,000 MEMBERS AND GROWING, TO A HOME IN THE POOREST REGION OF HONG KONG. From authoring a New York Times bestseller, to being surrounded by people struggling to make it by on just 50 cents a day.

For most, it probably sounds like a tale of riches to rags; an unfortunate result of someone falling upon hard times. But for Francis Chan, it’s exactly what his soul needed—an opportunity to fulfill his God-given purpose of becoming a man who can truly say he practices what he preaches. And it was all by his own choice (with maybe a little guidance from above).

Francis, born in San Francisco, was raised in a traditional Chinese home and navigated a challenging upbringing. His mother died during childbirth. His father remarried, then his stepmother died in a car accident when he was 8. His father remarried again, then, when Francis was 12, died of cancer. Francis was around 14 when he was introduced to a youth group by a friend.

“I fell in love with Jesus,” he says, explaining that it was

ARTICLE NICOLETTE MARTIN

then he decided if there really was a Heaven and Hell, it didn’t make sense to spend his life doing anything other than telling people about Him. Twenty-six and newly married, Francis and his wife Lisa founded Cornerstone Community Church in Simi Valley, California in the early 90s, beginning with 30 people. Within the first two months, the church grew to 100. In 2000, the church grew even more, to 1,600.

By 2008, Cornerstone Community Church was one of the largest in Ventura County and Francis’ new book “Crazy Love” was a New York Times bestseller.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/OKC

29

FAITH REFLECTIONS (CONTINUED)

Watch the full interview @ CityLifestyle.com!

Then, in 2010, Francis decided to leave it all.

But, he wasn’t leaving God. He was separating himself from the megachurch that had started in his living room as he and other elders began to question its direction.

“Was this really what the Church is meant to be? Is this all God had in mind when he created His Church in the first place?” Francis questions in his second book Letters to the Church. “We began to wonder if our definition of a church actually fit God’s definition.”

“Everything had grown to be very dependent upon one person,” he continues. “The Bible tells us that every member of the body has a gift that is necessary to the functioning of the church. When I looked at what went on in Cornerstone, I saw me and a few other people using our gifts, while thousands just came and sat in the sanctuary for an hour and a half and then went home.”

After leaving Cornerstone, Francis wrestled with what the next step was. He and Lisa ended up selling their Simi Valley house and moving their family of six at the time overseas to India, Thailand and China.

And the $1 million his bestselling book made in the first year, plus the money it continues to make? Francis signed it all over to a charitable gift fund helping the poor and victims of human trafficking.

“We witnessed the simplicity of the lifestyles in rural Thailand, and the joy of the men and women who served widows and orphans day in and day out” “You meet these believers that just blow your mind. It’s everything the Bible talks about,” Francis says, inspired by those he’s met throughout his travels. “Some of the

It was after that Francis believes he was called back to the

godliest people, the most committed...people that I

States, and the Chan family ended up back in San Francisco.

admire and aspire to become like. If I can get past my

This time, much like the beginning of Cornerstone, Francis

own hunger for comfort and enjoyment and really sac-

and Lisa once again felt a calling to plant a church.

rifice like I’ve seen some of these people do, I know I’ll have even more fulfillment in life.”

What started this time was We Are Church—an organization passionately pursuing what God wants in a church, done through

“People tha t I ’ve f ou nd tha t have spent t h ei r l i ves tr uly loving o t h er s a r e t h e jo yf u l peopl e.”

30

OKC Lifestyle | November 2020

values and practices like devotion to scripture,

committing

to

churches of 10-20 people meeting in a home, and calling everyone to share the gospel and make disciples.

“Som et im e s you sh ed som e t h i ngs an d you re al i ze i t ’s a c t u a l l y bet t er; s om e o f t he th i ng s w e t h ou gh t w ou l d brin g us in t o t h e p r esenc e of G od actually now di st r a c t u s.”

Francis’ extensive time overseas has shown him a contrast

In the throes of a pandemic, quarrels over U.S. politics, a

between the American church and the spirituality and Godly

growing divide among people and beliefs, and the unsurety of

lives of others across the world, and now struggles with see-

life, Francis’ vision of where the concept of church is heading—a

ing the division in the church, due in large part to growing

non-prophetic guess, he clarifies, laughing—can be summed up

issues of individualism and pride.

through a story of his daughter Rachel, when she was 5 years old.

“Try to look at the church in America from an outsider’s

“We regularly visited this rundown place in our city called

perspective, Francis challenges. “Is that really where you

Paint Pals,” he laughs, reminiscently. “There was this old maze

would look for answers— knowing the divisiveness; know-

you walked through with only a few walls, some little ceramic

ing all the scandals; knowing everything you know about it?

things you could paint and this big bubble machine that was

The church is in a really poor state and it in some ways feels

just a hula hoop dipped in bubble solution.”

like it’s getting worse.”

“I wish we could learn and see the sacrifice of others,” he continues. “Overseas they’re just obsessed with each other.”

Francis, pretending to hold up a phone facing himself, goes on to describe how he sees this generation as a generation all about taking selfies; noting that you could be in the Grand Canyon or Niagara Falls and you’re always in the picture—always the center of everything.

“One day I was just like, ‘Honey, this week I’m going to take you to Disneyland!’ And she was like, ‘What’s that?’” he says. “I go, ‘You have no clue. This is like the happiest place on Earth. You’re gonna go nuts!’”

Francis says Rachel began to get very sad, asking if they could just go to Paint Pals.

“She’s working herself into tears,” he laughs. “Like, you’re crying because I’m about to take you to Disneyland.”

“All we really need to do is hit that little button that switches

“I feel like we’re just like Rachel when she was 5,” he says,

it off selfie mode,” he says. “And now I can’t even see myself. All

fondly recalling the Paint Pals days. “We’re accustomed to

I see is God and those around me. People that I’ve found that

certain things and God has something so much better for us. I

have spent their lives truly loving others are the joyful people.”

believe he’s leading us all into a deeper intimacy with Him that

Much like separation from his megachurch setting,

is just off the charts. Sometimes you shed some things and you

preaching in front of thousands, and the continued growth

realize it’s actually better; some of the things we thought would

of We Are Church exudes, Francis continues to spread the

bring us into the presence of God actually now distract us.”

belief that people are the church.

Nearly six months ago, Francis’ path led him to the Sham

“It’s not about going to a place and needing a critical mass

Shui Po area on the Kowloon side of Hong Kong with most

of 8 people or 1,000 people or this or that; it’s the person of

of his family, including his wife, all but one of his daughters,

Christ and enjoying that,” he says. “I really believe the Lord

two sons-in-law and two grandchildren. It’s a place where he

wants us during this time to go back to the scriptures, rethink

later found is where his mother also did ministries in the 1950s,

‘What did he really want the church to be?’ Believers have

and allows him the continued humbling opportunity to live out

been scattered since the beginning of the church. People

his journey through the Gospel, working with the ultra poor

were alone, people were in little groups and found each other

to bring relief, sharing the word of God and, you guessed it,

and enjoyed Christ together.”

planting churches.

CityLifestyle.com/OKC

31

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33

NOVEMBER

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR

6

7

annual Rodeo Hall of Fame Weekend

GILBERT GOTTFRIED

ORR'S GOURD WILD PUMPKIN FESTIVAL

are $170 for the weekend activities.

Bricktown Comedy Club, 409 E. California

Orr Family Farm, 14400 S. Western Ave.

You don't want to miss out on all of

Bring your old pumpkins to the farm

the laughs at the Bricktown Comedy

to smash or destroy the unsold

Club when Gilbert Gottfried takes the

pumpkins at the farm in unique ways.

stage Nov. 5-7! Tickets are $15 to $30.

Guests can take a stroll through

For more information and for tickets,

pumpkin guts and goo during the

visit bricktowncomedy.com.

bash and participate in other farm

NOV 6- JAN 31 DEVON ICE RINK 301 W. Reno Ave

The Devon Ice Rink returns for its 10th season in the Myriad Botanical

actvities. The event in included with regular admission.

celebrating rodeo legends’ induction into the Rodeo Hall of Fame. Tickets For tickets and information, visit nationalcowboymuseum.org.

23 THE SANTA MARKET CRAFT SHOW FOR ALZHEIMERS State Fair Park,

3001 General Cushing Blvd.

The Santa Market Craft Show for

11

Alzheimers features over 100 ven-

FREE OKC STREETCAR RIDES

latest in direct sales. Attendees can

dors showcasing decor and fashion, handmade and unique items and the

Downtown Oklahoma City

also enjoy food truck, a silent auction,

Gardens in 2020. Get ready for

Explore downtown Oklahoma City

free photos with Santa and more. This

another great winter of outdoor ice

on the OKC Streetcar for FREE!

free event benefits the Alzheimer’s

skating at Downtown in December’s

Throughout the year, EMBARK is offer-

Association of Oklahoma.

premier attraction. At Devon Ice Rink,

ing free rides on the OKC Streetcar to

you can skate across 5,500 square

promote the use of public transporta-

feet of real ice, and indulge in sea-

tion. This month, the free rides will be

sonal food and beverage offerings.

on Nov. 11, 21, 26, 27 and 28.

Lose yourself in a magical, park-like atmosphere surrounded by the glittering lights of the Devon Ice Rink. https://downtownindecember.com/ devon-ice-rink/

13 BLUE MAN GROUP

29 PINK FLOYD LASER SPECTACULAR Rose State College

Hudiburg Chevrolet Center

Paramount’s Laser Spectacular is the smash hit, psychedelic laser and light

Civic Center Music Hall, 201 N. Walker

show, featuring the Original Master

7

More than 35 million people around

Recordings of Pink Floyd. The con-

the world have experienced the smash

cert features the music of Pink Floyd

FESTIVAL OF FREAKS

hit phenomenon that is BLUE MAN

set to theatrical haze, dancing lasers

GROUP and now it’s your turn! BLUE

and strobe lights. For more informa-

Oklahoma State Fair Park,

MAN GROUP returns to Oklahoma

tion, visit pinkfloydlasershow.com.

3001 General Cushing Blvd.

City for a limited engagement on their

Festival of Freaks is excited to

new North American tour. For tickets,

announce Saturday, November 7,

visit okcbroadway.com.

2020 as the NEW date for the Oklahoma City event. Any tickets purchased for the March 21, 2020 original date will be honored on the new date. Admission is $5. Children age 3 and under are admitted free.

34

OKC Lifestyle | November 2020

13 RODEO HALL OF FAME WEEKEND

National Cowboy & Western Heritage

Would you like to get in touch with

Museum, 1700 NE 63rd St.

us? We would love to hear from you!

The National Cowboy & Western

Contact us at CityLifestyle.com/OKC

Heritage Museum and the Rodeo

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Historical Society kicks off the

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