Father’s Day!
Where the heart is
● Making your home a place of rest
● Laying a financial foundation
Elizabeth Ann & Tyler Howell
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Stephen and I posing for a Christmas card photo in front of our house. Maybe in next year’s Home Issue, I’ll write about all the adjustments he had to make after moving in with me!
My history in homes
If you’re driving toward Mount Nebo outside of Dardanelle, Arkansas, and you pass the old chicken houses (if they’re still standing), you’ll eventually come to the first house I remember living in.
As a child on that property, I collected rocks, carried terrified cats around the yard, and endured my first-ever sting from a buzzing insect. Indoors, I watched a lot of TV and developed a love for letter writing.
More importantly, I read books with Mom, told Dad all about my day when he got home from work, and made my baby brother laugh until he spit up.
When I was 8, we built a house in the larger town of Russellville nearby. That house is where I trotted down the stairs and told my parents I wanted to be baptized. It’s where Dad told me, “Being a Christian is fun,” but I needed to obey their rules. It’s where Mom and I threw rolled-up socks at each other from either side of the guest bed. (Yeah, being a Christian was fun!)
That house is also where I grew from an awkward kid into an awkward teen and, finally, a slightly less awkward high school graduate. Progress!
After a smorgasbord of living situations in college, I moved back in with my family, this time in Madison County, Mississippi. As someone whose faith was springing into life, I pored over scripture in my bedroom for hours; as someone with undiagnosed OCD, I probably overdid it.
One day at the kitchen sink, I told Mom I might visit a new church in northeast Jackson. She said the name over the door didn’t matter as long as I was going. I started a job in northeast Jackson around that same time, and eventually I felt like I was being pulled in two directions.
Then came the years of roommates and their dogs, six of each. I spent a year in an apartment before moving into a northeast Jackson rental where I and a procession of other women and canines would live for seven years.
That house on Valley Vista Drive is where I lived when I started seeing a Christian counselor — and when I took over MCL. I don’t have space to write about all the messy,
beautiful life that happened at Valley Vista, or the night I pounded on my bedroom floor as a desperate single woman and cussed at God. (I think the roomies were out, or I would’ve cussed more quietly.)
In 2020, when the pandemic was high and interest rates were low, my parents helped me buy a house in the Gluckstadt area. I was 32 and still longed for a relationship, but moving into my own home gave me space to breathe — and something else to think about. By God’s grace, I grew to be OK in my singleness. Less than a year later, I met Stephen.
God has used all of my homes to shape me, but He’s mostly done it through the people I’ve lived with (or not).
In Arkansas, my parents sat with me on the couch and asked questions about why I wanted to be baptized. It doesn’t matter what the couch looked like. It matters that my mom and dad were with me.
In Oxford, my cinder-block dorm room affirmed the importance of community after a would-be roommate never materialized. A larger-than-life-size poster of my favorite rock star was no substitute for a friend.
In Jackson, my roommates shared their food, prayed with me, and initiated game nights. The dogs dug holes in the backyard, and our landlord had to jackhammer our bathroom to fix a plumbing issue, but I never lacked people who loved me.
As I make the final changes to this column, Stephen and I are preparing to have friends over tonight. We’ve tried our best to exterminate the dust bunnies and throw the right throw pillows onto the right chairs. But that’s not what makes a house a home.
A home is where God’s presence and love embrace you, whether you’re crossing the threshold of a double-wide, a three-bedroom with a mortgage, or something in between. Let’s ask God to transform our houses into homes like that — for our families, and for anyone else we welcome in. I hope you enjoy this Home Issue of MCL! Y
Katie Ginn katie@mschristianliving.com
by SARAH REIN
Our homes will never fully satisfy — and that’s OK
This spring, my husband and I hosted a weekly small group gathering in our home. Our church does this periodically, and it’s particularly enjoyable because the groups are a mixture of ages. Several of us had young children, but just as many had young grandchildren.
I confess — I find it intimidating to play hostess to women of my mother’s generation. I have only ever been treated graciously by women over the age of 70, but I secretly fear that they go home distressed by my comparative lack of domesticity. My four children range in age from 14 to 5, so there are a lot of chipped dishes and mismatched silverware. I recently confided in my mother about my apprehension and, instead of assuring me I was worrying over nothing, she brought over a glass ice bucket with matching tongs.
Want to know what else will stress you out about your home? Comparison. Spend about five to 10 minutes looking at curated online images of thoughtfully decorated, meticulously cleaned homes in perfect
lighting, and your decade-old couch and mismatched throw pillows will set your teeth on edge.
Even on the days we embrace the chaos and practice gratitude, the upkeep of a home is relentless. Our home is a neverending to-do list of things needing to be updated, replaced, purged, or cleaned. We chase the moment of getting “caught up” on everything, only to find out it never arrives.
Such is the nature of life on this beautiful but frustrating earth. The never-quite-done home is just another symptom of all creation groaning for the return of the King. Christian — enjoy your home. Clean it. Decorate it
beautifully. Use it to cook for friends and host small groups. And when the faucet breaks and the trim needs to be painted, remember C.S. Lewis’ words in “The Problem of Pain”:
“The settled happiness and security which we all desire, God withholds from us by the very nature of the world: but joy, pleasure, and merriment, He has scattered broadcast. We are never safe, but we have plenty of fun, and some ecstasy. It is not hard to see why. The security we crave would teach us to rest our hearts in this world and oppose an obstacle to our return to God: a few moments of happy love, a landscape, a symphony, a merry meeting with friends, a bath, or a football match, have no such tendency. Our Father refreshes us on the journey with some pleasant inns, but will not encourage us to mistake them for home.” Y
Sarah Rein and her husband, Trey, are raising their four children in Brandon, where Trey is a school principal and Sarah is home a LOT. Luckily she’s an introvert who enjoys reading and learning about new things and people. The Reins love their church family at Lakeside Presbyterian and coffee.
Dads hold their children in their arms for a little while, but they hold their hearts for a lifetime.
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“A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling.” – PSALM 68:5
My ‘shop in the back’
The world had only known them as bicycle store owners and tinkerers. Day in and day out, they helped local townspeople travel to and fro on two wheels. But their real work began when the lights went out and the business closed for the day.
Once in their shop space in the back of the bicycle store, they would work for hours, perfecting, drawing, testing, and tweaking. The townspeople didn’t pay any attention to these men, but we know them today as the Wright Brothers, who changed history forever. The showroom was their gateway to the community, their means to make a living, but their life’s work and calling were in a shop in the back, creating the engine for their airplane.
Interior design may be my bicycle business, but helping others to experience a God-inspired flow of beauty and order and to be a faith-led, principle-driven leader in the business community is my “shop in the back.” When I established Lauren Egger Designs in Mississippi in 2021, I couldn’t have imagined how God could use my “bicycle shop” for His kingdom purposes.
Daily, we all encounter different facets of God through various means. We may meet with the nurturing character of God at our schools or through children’s ministries. We may run across growth and personal responsibility facets of God while caring for our bodies, working out, and making good choices. But something unique occurs deep within us when we surround ourselves with design that resonates with us, speaks to our souls, and delights our eyes: We enjoy an invigorating jolt of rest and rejuvenation that is both healing and inspiring. This same reaction occurs when we witness the grandeur of God’s creativity through mountaintop sunrises or beautiful sunsets viewed from the beach.
When I create a design plan for my clients, the components of the proposal — colors, details, layers, unique touches — though part of the end game, are not the primary goal. My highest aim is to capture who God has made the client to be and bring those details to life through my work. In keeping with this mindset, the opportunity arose to expand Lauren Egger
Designs and, in May of 2025, I opened a first for Mississippi — a unique custom design studio that gives customers access to designer materials and a limitless array of possibilities by allowing them to participate in the creative process.
Those who come through the doors of Lauren Egger Designs will enjoy opportunities to produce beautifully exquisite items for their personal spaces, fashioning home accessories that directly reflect themselves, creating items of beauty that make their hearts sing.
Design is more than beauty. It is a direct reflection of the very heart of God, and I pray you will take the time to savor and appreciate its splendor in a new way. Y
Lauren Egger is the owner and principal designer of Lauren Egger Designs, a full-scale interior design firm and custom design store. Lauren and her husband, Clif Egger, are in a busy season of young parenthood — sports and kid activities — but are soaking up the moments. They do appreciate a good date night!
The Lauren Egger Designs store is located at 608 US-51, Suite A, in Ridgeland.
Built by Swayze Construction Company
Using your journey to guide others
One of the most memorable nights of my youth happened alone on the side of a mountain. I was a teenager at a summer camp in North Carolina and was preparing to complete the final test in a multi-summer journey to earn the rank of “Little Chief.” The culmination of that journey required an overnight solo experience on the mountain with only a small kit: two matches, a Snickers bar, tarp and twine, a flashlight, a knife, and a pocket-sized Bible. As I hiked up to my campsite, my fear was real. However, I wasn’t as alone as I thought. What we hadn’t been told was that each of us would quietly be paired with a guide — an older, experienced Little Chief who would hike with us partway, share their own story, and encourage us toward success. My guide helped point me to a safe spot, offered tips on fire-building and sheltermaking, and shared how he’d made it through his own test a couple of years
before. He didn’t give instructions; he gave his story.
Before he left, he showed me reflective tape and said he would mark a trail down the mountain in case I needed to give up during the night. But his story gave me hope that I could make it to morning.
That night became both a memory and a lesson: Find a guide, and be a guide. Life as a believer is not meant to be lived in isolation. God often leads us through our own journeys so we can become a guide for someone else.
Scripture offers a powerful picture of this in Acts 9. When the Lord told Ananias of Damascus to heal Saul of his blindness — the same Saul who’d persecuted Christians — Ananias was afraid and questioned it. But he obeyed. His act of faith became a turning point for Saul, who would become Paul, one of Christianity’s most influential voices.
Maybe you’ve walked through addiction, grief, divorce, or illness. Maybe your professional journey has equipped you with lessons hard-won. Whatever your path, when you share your story with honesty and compassion, it can bring light to someone else.
To be a guide, we must first be in relationship. Real impact requires empathy, not just instruction. As someone once told me, “Relate to, don’t dictate to.” One of the
“ To be a guide, we must first be in relationship. … One of the most powerful things you can say to someone struggling is, ‘Me too.’”
most powerful things you can say to someone struggling is, “Me too.”
Just like Ananias, we may never see the full impact of our story guiding someone else. That doesn’t make it any less valuable. Outcomes aren’t our responsibility. Sharing our story is.
So look around. Who’s watching your life? Who might need to hear how you made it through the night on your own mountain? Let God use your experiences to bring hope, direction, and light to someone else’s path.
Find a guide. Be a guide. Carry your story forward. Y
Chris Bates is CEO of AgoraEversole, a full-service marketing agency in Jackson, and can be reached at Chris@AgoraEversole.com. He and his wife, Stacy, live in Madison and have adult children and three grandboys.
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Laying a financial foundation
Would you rather have cracks in your countertops or cracks in your foundation? Intellectually, we all know that a cracked countertop is a much smaller problem than a faulty foundation. Yet when it comes to finances, many people do the opposite — focusing on surface-level fixes while neglecting the deeper, foundational habits that create long-term stability.
The truth is, your financial foundation determines how well you can weather both expected and unexpected challenges — job changes, market downturns, or health issues. It also impacts how confidently you make decisions in the future. But how does one build a strong financial foundation?
For business owners and self-employed professionals:
● Consider paying down the mortgage early. You could save hundreds of thousands of dollars just by putting together a debt repayment plan and sticking to it. This not only reduces long-term interest costs but also increases your monthly cash flow flexibility.
● Create a retirement plan through your business. There are many advantages to this, including investing for the future, becoming a more attractive employer, tax efficiency, etc.
● Know what you own and why. The best investment plan isn’t the most complicated, it’s the one you can understand, believe in, and stick with through volatility.
For those nearing or in retirement:
● Position your investments to handle volatility.
Recent markets have made this more important than ever. Stability doesn’t mean zero risk, it means taking calculated risk.
● Factor in tax efficiency. Consider whether a Roth conversion makes sense, the order in which you withdraw from accounts, and whether your assets are in the right place to minimize taxes in the future.
● This season looks different. It’s no longer about how fast you can build — it’s about what can stand the test of time and support the life you’ve worked so hard to create.
Build with purpose
When it comes to your finances, it’s not just about building — it’s about building with purpose. The right structure now creates freedom and resilience later. Because it’s not just about how much you grow. It’s about whether what you’ve built can stand, adjust, and last through whatever comes next. Y
Sam Buchanan is a lifetime resident of Jackson. He decided to pursue a career in financial services because of his passion for financial planning, investing, and people. In 2024, Sam graduated with highest honors from Mississippi State University with a degree in finance. He is currently pursuing his CFP® certification, demonstrating his commitment to professional development and excellent services. Sam has had previous work experience throughout his collegiate career, including with International Paper, Wellspire Financial Group, and Congressman Michael Guest. Outside of work, Sam enjoys playing golf, bow hunting, and participating in men’s Bible study.
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Senior living: Finding the right care at the right time
Choosing the right senior living option for yourself or a loved one is a deeply personal decision — and one that ideally should be made before a health crisis forces it. Many families begin exploring senior housing opportunities with certain expectations; however, the reality is that the level of care needed may already exceed what they’re looking to find. Understanding the key differences and planning proactively can lead to better long-term outcomes, improved quality of life, and peace of mind for all.
Why early planning matters
Many people put off the conversation about senior living until there’s a medical event, a fall, or a sudden change in cognitive health. At that point, the options become more limited — and the process more stressful. Planning early allows time for thoughtful decisions, tours, financial preparation, and involvement from the senior themselves, helping to ensure that the choice reflects both their needs and their preferences.
Understanding the levels of senior living
● Independent living: Best for active older adults who can manage daily tasks on their own but want a lifestyle with fewer responsibilities. Independent living provides amenities, social opportunities, and a maintenance-free lifestyle — but no personal or medical care.
● Assisted living: Ideal for individuals who need help with daily activities like bathing, dressing, or medication management, but do not require round-the-clock medical care. Assisted living also fosters social interaction and offers dining, housekeeping, and recreational programs.
● Memory care: Specifically designed for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Memory care residences provide 24/7 supervision, structured activities, and specially trained staff to ensure safety, comfort, and engagement.
● Skilled nursing: Best suited for individuals who need 24/7 medical care and supervision from licensed nurses. This level of
care supports those recovering from surgery, requiring rehabilitation services, managing chronic conditions, or needing long-term care for serious health issues.
How to know when a higher level of care is needed
When seniors and families wait too long, they often seek a level of care that no longer aligns with current needs. But there are tips to follow to help find the right care at the right time. First, start early and begin the conversation before a health crisis occurs. This gives you time to research, tour communities, and get input from your loved one.
Don’t be afraid to seek a Care Assessment. Most senior living communities offer free evaluations of a senior’s physical, cognitive, and social needs to help determine the right fit. You can also consult with a physician or senior care advisor for additional guidance. Be honest. It’s natural to want the most independence possible, but choosing the right level of care ultimately ensures the resident’s safety, comfort, and well-being. Finally, reduce resistance by empowering seniors themselves to have a voice in the decision.
If possible, consider communities that offer multiple levels of care so your loved one can “age in place” and seamlessly transition to higher levels of care as their needs change, without having to relocate to a new community. As Madison’s preeminent all-inclusive Life Plan Community, St. Catherine’s Village has the distinct advantage of offering all levels of care and is equipped to welcome residents to its 160-acre campus at all stages of senior living.
Finding the right senior living arrangement isn’t just about where someone lives — it’s about how well they live. By planning ahead, staying realistic about current and future needs, and understanding the distinctions between care levels, families can make informed decisions that provide the right balance of support, independence, and dignity.
The best time to start the conversation is now … not when it’s urgent … because when it comes to senior care, timing truly matters. For more information on how to find the right care at the right time at St. Catherine’s, visit StCatherinesVillage.com or call 601.856.0123 to schedule a tour. Y
Elizabeth Ann & Tyler Howell
Where the heart is
BY
PHOTO
JOE ELLIS PHOTOGRAPHY
Elizabeth Ann and Tyler Howell with their daughter, Everly, and their golden retriever, Annie, at their home in Flowood.
More than two years after the worst night of her life, Elizabeth Ann Howell’s eyes glisten as her husband tells the story. He gives a thorough account, even of the parts when he was unconscious.
Tyler describes January 26, 2023, as a “routine” evening: “I ate dinner, watched some Netflix, went to sleep — (and) the next time I was conscious and aware of my surroundings, I was on a ventilator at University (of Mississippi) Medical Center.”
Elizabeth Ann, or “EA” as loved ones call her, had woken up around 3:30 a.m. — a miracle in itself, Tyler says, since she’s not a light sleeper. Their golden retriever, Annie, had been coughing the past few nights, so EA assumed the sound that woke her was the dog.
“But it was me,” Tyler says, “gasping for air.” When she shook him — once, then again more forcefully from his side of the bed — he was unresponsive.
EA ran to unlock the front door while dialing 911. By the time she got back to the bedroom, Tyler was no longer breathing. EA started chest compressions.
“What’s funny (is) she was staying on track (by) singing the song from the Bee Gees, ‘Stayin’ Alive,’ as everyone’s taught to sing,” says Tyler, an internal medicine physician at Mississippi Baptist Medical Center. “The 911 operator had to ask her, ‘Ma’am, please quit singing. I’ll help you count, but I need you to tell us your address.’”
A Flowood police officer arrived first and took over the chest compressions, which EA had been doing for nine minutes. EA called her mom to arrange childcare for their daughter, Everly.
“Then she called one of my good friends, Samer Mehio, who lives thankfully just five minutes away and happens to be a second-year cardiology fellow,” Tyler says.
First responders had to shock Tyler a couple of times to restart his heart before loading him onto the ambulance. They took him to Merit Health River Oaks, and then Samer facilitated a transfer to the cardiac ICU at UMMC.
“I was stabilized, and they were able to figure out that I had indeed had a cardiac arrest,” Tyler says.
If EA hadn’t been trained in CPR less than a year earlier, he might not have survived. “Less than 10 percent of people survive a cardiac arrest outside the hospital,” EA says. “However, if CPR is started immediately, it can double a person’s chances.”
‘God put us together’
Tyler’s heart attack happened in his and EA’s Flowood home. When EA purchased the lot, she was still Elizabeth Ann Miskelly, single, and in her fifth year of teaching. (She’d earned a business administration degree with the intent to work at the family business, Miskelly Furniture — eventually. Now, though, she thought she’d spend the rest of her career teaching.)
“As I kind of started doing (house) plans, I went to (Miskelly), but there were a couple things I wanted that weren’t on the floor at that time. So I said, ‘Can I go to market with y’all?’ (Then) it evolved into, if I’m looking for these things, I know there are people my age who are looking for it,” she says.
The rest is history. Readers will notice that Miskelly Furniture’s MCL ads are frequently centered on the Elizabeth Ann collection, curated by EA to add some contemporary flair to what she calls the “bread and butter” of the Miskelly showroom.
EA and Tyler on their wedding day in 2018.
On an early date to a Mississippi State football game.
EA competing with Coolio, her Czech warm-blood horse.
Meanwhile, before she’d built her house, EA met Tyler — for the second time. After a Mississippi State-LSU game in Starkville, the two were both standing awkwardly on the fringes of the same friend group when Tyler noticed her.
“I said, ‘Man, that girl’s really pretty. I need to get her number.’” So, after introducing himself and chatting for a bit, Tyler did just that.
“As soon as I punched in her number, it came up ‘Elizabeth Ann Miskelly’ — it was already in my phone. And she already had my number saved.” But neither of them could remember how they’d met.
“It wasn’t until (she) talked to her friends from college (that we figured it out). About six years earlier, we had both been at Orange Beach (and) were staying at the same condominiums (with) our friend groups and had actually met out by the pool.”
Coast … And then there were a lot of people at that Mississippi State-LSU game,” Tyler notes. “God put us together.”
When they started dating, Tyler was in his fourth year of med school at UMMC. When it came time for him to match with a residency program, he wanted to stay in the Southeast — but “I had interviewed in Tennessee and Alabama and a few other places,” he says.
Thankfully, EA told him that if he matched out of state, she was willing to either build her house and sell it, or keep the lot and put her plans on hold. She would move to be in the same city as Tyler.
“They had a boat … so we got his number,” EA interjects with a laugh.
“When you think about how many people go down to the Gulf
Praying for the impossible
EA and Tyler wasted no time: They got married in December 2018, during Tyler’s first year of residency at UMMC. They had their daughter, Everly, on August 25, 2021.
In 2022, “since we had a daughter,” EA says, she decided to participate in CPR training at Miskelly Furniture. CPR Stars, run by Seth and Karie Loman, conducted the training. They made it so much fun, EA came home and showed Tyler what she’d learned.
Less than a year later, when Tyler’s heart stopped, “everything they had taught me the year before just kicked into gear,” she says. “That’s just the Lord.”
In the wee hours of that morning, when she and her family were waiting for Tyler’s ambulance to arrive at UMMC, “(My brother) said, ‘EA, I feel like the Lord has given me the word “whole.” And I just think we need to pray that word over Tyler.’ So we did. Because really, what else is there to do?”
EA initially assumed Tyler had had a seizure because he was young and in good health. When she learned he’d had a heart attack, “I couldn’t understand,” she says.
The Howell home under construction.
Everly’s third birthday party at the Howell home was dinosaurthemed.
The Howells after Tyler’s heart attack.
“When I saw him for the first time at the UMMC ER, he looked a lot different than the guy I had gone to bed with the night before,” she says.
“And then you see your friends who had done residency with him — and (gruesome medical) things just don’t really faze them — so to see them really rocked and upset by that, I think is when I was like, this is really bad.”
She was told she wouldn’t know anything for 48 hours — and that when Tyler woke up, “he may be really different.” But everybody kept praying.
“When we got moved to the ICU, it was just me and him. And obviously he’s not responding, he’s on a ventilator, he’s sedated — (but I’m) just feeling this peace (that passes understanding) — really, really praying and believing that the Lord was really going to do the impossible.”
Tyler says the data indicated that “none of my tissues or organs got adequate blood flow (during my cardiac arrest). If I saw this in another patient, and I knew that they had had no heartbeat for about 15 minutes and CPR had been done … it would be very reasonable to talk to the family about the anoxic brain damage that was probable.”
As it turned out, he woke up about 15 hours after the heart
attack and was coherent — just confused and scared to realize he was on a vent. Soon he gestured for something to write with.
“The first thing I started writing out was SBT, which stands for spontaneous breathing trial,” he says. “But because I was on some medicine that impaired my ability to form memories, I wrote it out every five minutes — just begging to be taken off the ventilator.”
He didn’t have to wait long. That same evening, EA went home, since the ICU doesn’t allow overnight visitors. The next morning, she was pouring a cup of coffee when she received a FaceTime call from one Tyler Howell.
“I was shocked!” she recalls. “I answered and he said, ‘What’s up?’ and I’m like, ‘What’s up with YOU?’ I knew there was a chance of him being extubated (that) day but had no idea I would hear his voice that quickly. I threw on clothes and drove straight to the hospital.” When she arrived, he was sitting up and eating Chick-fil-A.
Miraculously, Tyler’s brain was not affected by the lack of blood flow during his cardiac arrest. The biggest physical memento, two years later? An implantable defibrillator installed under his skin on the outside of his chest.
“Because I have had one cardiac arrest, I’m at increased risk of having another. And to make sure I don’t go nearly as long without a heartbeat … if my heart decides to go into V-fib, which is the name of the arrhythmia that happened, then I will get the shock (from the defibrillator) to take me out of it.”
“He hates it, and I love it,” EA says.
“It’s never gone off, praise the Lord,” Tyler adds. His own patients have said it feels like being struck by lightning or being kicked in the chest by a mule!
Gratitude, chaos, and the grace of God
When EA talks about Tyler’s heart attack — or even thinks about it sometimes — “I think Satan likes to use it as a way to bring up a little anxiety,” she says.
PHOTOS BY JOE ELLIS PHOTOGRAPHY
A Legacy of Faith, A Life of Purpose
It is a joy to see Elizabeth Ann and Tyler recognized for the life they live together — one marked by integrity, grace, and unwavering faith. Their story is inspiring, not only because of what they have accomplished, but because of how they live: anchored in Christ, guided by truth, and committed to serving others.
Oscar and Joyce, it is clear that the spiritual foundation you have laid has taken deep root in Elizabeth Ann’s heart and the choices she has made with her life. Your leadership, in faith, family, and business, is reflected in Elizabeth Ann’s strength and humility, taking both the family’s faith and business to new heights.
We couldn’t be more honored to have been alongside you for parts of your journey and look forward to many more years together as friends, partners, and followers of Christ.
Your Balefire Family
Jason Hester, George Hester, Chris Tipton, Steven Rutledge
(972) 361-1001
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That’s why we’re consistently recognized as a regional and national leader in providing safe, patient centered care.
Because we know, the first step to getting well is getting better care.
Instead of dwelling in that anxiety, what she tries to do is be thankful. “Tyler and Ev will be back in her playroom, and she will just be cackling laughing, and (I’ll) pause and (say), ‘Lord, just thank You.’”
Tyler has experienced a similar perspective shift. “There hasn’t been a day that I have not held my little girl, held EA, and just (been grateful) — only the Lord knows how long our time is.”
Also, “I don’t feel like I’ve ever shied away from my faith, but I have become far more bold in sharing, especially in my work, just because I now actually can relate pretty well to a lot of the patients I see,” he says.
“He wasn’t the best patient, as it turns out. So now when people are (at the hospital), he’s like, listen, I get it,” EA adds, laughing.
Tyler’s cardiac scare even influences how the Howells think about
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what really matters in their daily routine:
“(His heart attack) puts perspective on, it’s really not that big of a deal if (Everly) doesn’t make it to K3 till 9:30 (in the morning),” EA says. “Even stuff at work, just trying not to let the little things bug you as much — not to say they don’t ever, but … things can just change in an instant. So trying to keep the main thing the main thing.”
Plus, even in a home designed by EA, no day is perfect.
“If you have a house that has a toddler and it’s not chaotic, please call us, ’cause we would love to know what that’s like,” she says with a laugh. “Mornings are — creative, would be a nice way of saying it.”
If mornings are spastic, evenings are when the Howells spend quality time together, EA says. Everly is an only child, and the Howells’ schedules are fairly forgiving, so they’re able to enjoy more
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togetherness than perhaps the generation before them. And they live on their furniture — not just curate and display it.
“I have a 3-year-old and a 5-year-old golden retriever. So having furniture that will survive those things (is important), whether that’s marker on the sofa, or maybe Annie’s got muddy paws and hopped up on the chair,” EA says.
Still, the Howell home has a certain … feminine vibe.
“Thankfully, (Tyler) lets me do my thing,” EA says. “I feel like there’s more pink in this house than I feel like most guys care to have in their homes. … Sometimes he comes home and there’s just new stuff.”
Meanwhile, Tyler killed a turkey the morning of this interview. “We’ll find a special, special place for the turkey — probably not prominent, but special,” EA jokes. It might go into the bonus room/guest room, located over the garage, where Tyler has a desk and some workout equipment. “We keep that door closed,” EA says with a laugh.
A different animal-centric outdoor pastime provides an outlet for EA: equestrian training with Coolio, her Czech warm-blood horse, boarded at Southern Traditions Farm in Canton. She and Coolio compete in local hunter-jumper events.
“Tyler knew that I rode (horses) growing up, (and) when he did wake up and was talking (after his cardiac arrest), he was like, ‘Man, this is going to cost me a horse, isn’t it?’ Coolio is an extended member of the family.”
Whether enjoying their hobbies, their jobs, their daughter, or each other, the Howells know the only reason Tyler is still here is by “the grace of God,” he says.
“The fact that I woke up cognitively intact — as far as I can tell (laughs) … it would be statistically ignorant to attribute it to anything other than God. There are so many things that had to happen in the exact right order, at the exact right time. (It was) nothing but just the Lord working through the people I love most to keep me here.”
EA’s design tips and faves
● Invest in making your home a place of rest: “It’s easy to spend on clothes and things like that, but you don’t wear those items every day. You will look at your living room and bedroom furniture every morning (and evening). I think that if you invest where you spend so much time, it will pay off and help bring some joy to you when you walk in the door after a long day!”
● Her favorite place to relax at home: “It would be a tie between my swivel glider in my living room — I still beg my 3-year-
old to let me rock her sometimes, and I love to have my morning coffee there too — and my bedroom. I look forward to getting in bed at night and watching Netflix with Tyler — plus I sleep really well thanks to my mattress from Miskelly’s!”
● Favorite item in her house: “Everly moved to a big-girl bed, and it actually was my grandmother’s bed. So we did sand it and paint it, so it’s a little more updated, but I think that’s probably the most special thing to me.”
Everly’s big-girl bed belonged to EA’s grandmother.
How to get certified in CPR
CPR certifications typically last only two years, “because the guidelines change,” EA says. If you need a refresher, “The American Heart Association here has connections around the Jackson area of people they can recommend to do training. I love Seth and Karie (at CPR Stars).
“I was a little apprehensive, (because) oh my goodness, I have to get up here in front of everybody and do this thing that I don’t know how to do, (but) it was fun.”
Contact the American Heart Association at 601-321-1200. Find out more about CPR Stars in their ad on page 24. Y
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How to find rest, refuge, and respite in your home
Ideally, we all want our homes to be a place of comfort and rest, where we can unwind at the end of the day. Often, that is not the case. The kids, the laundry piles, and the home improvement checklists keep on growing, and it seems like our blocks of available time keep shrinking.
There are plenty of ways to make our homes feel more restful. You’ll find some below, including from MCL friends and advertisers. But the bottom line? Our ultimate home is found in Jesus Christ. If we center our households on Him, the rest will fall into place — even if we never see the bottom of the laundry basket.
Balance comfort and appearance
Sure, we all want our homes to look amazing. But if that contemporary chic recliner doesn’t actually feel good when you recline in it, how much “rest” will it really bring you? On the other hand, if your recliner looks like old pea soup, you might feel stressed just looking at it, regardless of its physical comfort. Know yourself and what matters to you (and make sure you have at least one comfortable place to sit in your house).
Be selective in your decor
To find respite in your home, surround yourself with things that bring you joy,
whether it be beautiful art, fresh flowers, or timeworn vintage pieces. In my own home, I have all of the above, with a bit of mid-century modern thrown in. I prefer a mostly white background — and I’m selective about the items I do display — so that each antique, bouquet of roses, or piece of art pops!
My refuge is my sunroom, where I pray, read, and work on small projects. Yours could be a home office, bedroom, or patio. Whatever the case may be, your home — especially the room where you relax most often — should be a reflection of you.
– Debby Eubanks, Soft European Traditions; located at Metropolitan Antiques & Interiors (see ad on facing page)
Carve out a sanctuary
Create a space in your home that’s a true sanctuary — a quiet room free of distractions. Leave your phone outside, play worship music, and spend time in the Word. This designated haven helps you cut through the noise of life and find
real rest, refuge, and peace in God’s presence. – Jarred Couch, Highland Realty, Clinton
Declutter as you go
If your dining room table is too full of backpacks, books, and junk mail to see any actual dining — or if general clutter in your home is stressing you out — this tip is for you. Each time you pass by a cluttered area or move from one room to the next, grab one item and put it back where it belongs. This can apply to messy vehicles, too! Grab that sweater out of the backseat before you go in the house — and then instead of throwing said sweater wherever, hang it up or fold it and put it away. By decluttering as you go, you’ll be surprised how quickly your space clears up.
Don’t neglect your outdoor
space
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Debby Eubanks’ sunroom in Madison County.
If you aren’t sure whether you have a relationship with God or where you’ll go when you die, please don’t put this magazine down until you’ve read the following:
✝ THE PROBLEM
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. – Romans 3:23
For the wages of sin is death … – Romans 6:23a
The natural result and consequence of our sin is eternal death, or hell (Revelation 20:15), separated from God. This is because God is completely perfect and holy (Matthew 5:48), and His justice demands that sin be punished (Proverbs 11:21).
✝ THE SOLUTION
… but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. – Romans 6:23b
But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. – Romans 5:8
Jesus Christ died in our place on the cross and took on the punishment for all our sins (Isaiah 53:4-6). Then God raised Him from the dead (John 20)!
✝ HOW TO RECEIVE SALVATION
If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. – Romans 10:9
Trust in what Jesus has done for you — His death for your sins and His resurrection — and trust Him as Lord.
✝ IS IT FOR ANYONE?
For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. – Romans 10:13
✝ THE RESULTS
Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. – Romans 5:1
For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. – Romans 8:38-39
✝ WHAT TO DO NEXT
So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. – Romans 10:17
If you decided to trust in Jesus, grow in your faith by reading more of God’s Word in the Bible. We recommend the gospel of John (it comes just after Luke) as a good starting point — or Romans!
Finding a church close to you that teaches faith in Christ is another important step. It’s crucial to spend time with other believers so we can encourage each other in our faith.
If you have questions about anything on this page, please contact us at 601.896.1432, or send us a message on Facebook @MSChristianLiving, Instagram @mschristianmag or Twitter @MSChristLiving.
‘Dressing’ your home: Weaving style and purpose into your space
Our homes are more than shelters; they are the backdrops, or “BTS,” to our daily lives, the spaces where we nurture relationships, seek solace, and connect with God. Just as we choose our attire with care, comfort, and personal expression, we can shape our living spaces to reflect beauty, order, and praise to our Father, who has entrusted us with this blessing.
This isn’t about chasing trends but being intentional about how we want our space to feel when we come in at the end of a long day.
The colors you choose for your walls can evoke feelings of peace and tranquility, much like a soothing color palette in your wardrobe. The textures you introduce through throws and pillows can add warmth and invitation, mirroring the cozy embrace of a favorite sweater. Even the way you arrange furniture can foster connection and hospitality like an outfit carefully put together for nights out with your friends or spouse!
Here are some ways to cultivate beauty and purpose in your home:
Embrace natural elements: All of God’s creation sparks inspiration that we can use in our homes: the vibrant hues in a sunset, the rainbow, the blooms in flowers, the colors of the oceans … Bring the outdoors in with plants, natural wood tones, and textures like linen and cotton. Choose colors that resonate with you. Soft blues and greens can inspire serenity, while warm earth tones can foster a sense of groundedness. Don’t be afraid to play around with different colors and textures. Function with grace: A decluttered and intentionally arranged home can foster tranquility. Striving for simplicity, as well as making a space functional, helps make moving and serving in our day-today a breeze. Setting aside a day each week to straighten up my space reduces my anxiety and helps me feel more focused. Meaningful accents: Display items that hold spiritual significance or remind you of God’s blessings: a cross, a meaningful piece of art, a Bible verse beautifully framed. These are like the cherished accessories and
jewelry that add depth and character to complete an outfit and tell a story. I have a piece of art that says, “I trust the next chapter, because I know the Author” hanging in my bedroom. It’s the first thing I see when I wake up.
Purchase mindfully: When choosing decor, consider quality and longevity over trends. Don’t get overwhelmed by homes you see in magazines or social media. Your home should be a space of peace and rest, and that looks different for every home.
It’s an ongoing, gentle process, this “dressing” of our dwellings. May it be a joyful one, a way to cultivate spaces that reflect the love and grace that dwell within you. 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NIV) reads: “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” Our intentionality in creating a welcoming and peaceful home can be seen as an act that brings Him glory. Y
Nicole Brown, the creative force behind Lelia’s Southern Charm, channels her passion for fashion into inspiring content, sharing her latest finds, Pinterest-worthy outfits, and local favorites. When not curating her digital closet, she’s exploring new destinations and cultivating a community that celebrates finding the joy in the everyday! Find her at LeliasSouthernCharm.com, @leliassoutherncharm on Instagram or TikTok, and Lelia’s Southern Charm on Facebook and Pinterest.
No other set of books, except the Bible, will prepare the reader for an abundant life NOW and for a glorious ETERNITY better than Hallelujah, Love & War and The Sound of Glorious Marriage Music. These books can be reviewed and purchased at amazon.com. Select Books and type in
“The Greatest Love Story Ever Told!” ATTY JOE RAGLAND, J.D., LL.M., LL.D.
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“by Joe Ragland.”
Joni & Friends Family Retreat
We’re all called to be part of the body of Christ — but when your physical body is confined to a wheelchair, or when your child is nonverbal, you tend to think Jesus’ body will be just fine without you.
Your church wants to love you, but they don’t know how. Pitying smiles and variations of “I don’t know how you manage” are often the extent of it.
This is why Joni & Friends exists: to make sure churches are resourced to love the disability community well, in the name of Jesus.
That can look like a nonverbal young man finding a place to volunteer by greeting church visitors with a smile at the door. It can look like a church holding a weekly night out for parents of kids with disabilities. The latter is happening at Flowood Baptist Church, where Pastor Bobby McGuffie (featured in our May edition) and his wife are parents to two girls with special needs. It can also look like an extended time of fun and respite at Joni & Friends’ Family Retreat, coming up July 7-11 and 14-18 at Camp Kamassa in Crystal Springs.
Parents attending the retreat for the first time are often wary about leaving their disabled child alone with a volunteer, said Joni & Friends Area Director Azia Smith.
But before families ever arrive at camp, the organization has not only interviewed them about their specific needs, but trained a specific volunteer to meet those needs. That means being able to address individual medical issues and being familiar with each disabled person’s likes, dislikes, and triggers.
When that truth sinks in for parents and caregivers, “you can watch the relaxation happen,” Smith says.
Smith herself is one of these parents. As a single mom of 7-year-old twins, one of whom suffers severe emotional outbursts, “In some settings I get made to feel like my child isn’t meant to be there,” she says.
Then she attended a single parents’ retreat put on by Joni & Friends. She went to enjoy the retreat itself, but she also knew the global nonprofit had a local job opening and prayed about it on the way.
Within 30 seconds of stepping onto the camp property, she knew she wanted that job. “They were going to have to drag me out by my hair,” she jokes.
The two sessions of the Mississippi Family Retreat will be formatted identically, Smith says; families can choose the week that works best for them.
Camp Kamassa, which celebrated its grand opening this year, was built “with the disability community in mind,” Smith says. For instance, there are no wheelchair ramps. Instead, the chairs can simply roll
through doorways, with no incline present or needed. McGuffie will serve as retreat pastor, encouraging parents that they have been “prepared for such a time as this,” he says. Adopting two special needs children has “radically altered our lifestyle,” he says, “but not for the worse. Don’t see it as a burden, see it as a blessing. You’ve got this organization that’s willing to walk alongside you and encourage you.”
In fact, everyone at the retreat is there to walk alongside you, Smith says. When asked for one truth she wants volunteers to remember, it’s this:
“Love is the thing that will translate — always.”
About the Joni & Friends Family Retreat
● When: July 7–11 or 14–18
● Where: Camp Kamassa, Crystal Springs
● What: Morning worship time, messages from retreat pastor Bobby McGuffie, respite time for parents and caregivers, and too many activities to list, including woodworking, ceramics, and other arts and crafts!
● Who: People of all ages with disabilities (no official diagnosis required), and their families/caregivers. Each week, 115 volunteers will serve approximately 100 people from 35 families.
● How: Cost is $360 per camper, $440 per volunteer. However, thanks to scholarship donations, “most people don’t have to pay the whole cost,” Smith says. Pick a date and apply at https://joniandfriends.org/calendar/c ategory/mississippi/, or email Azia Smith at azia.smith@joniandfriends.org Y
Before & after: Kitchen Tune-Up
“When I first moved into my home, I felt like something was missing. I had always dreamed of a light, airy kitchen — one that was not only beautiful and open but also efficient and easy to navigate. I would see stunning kitchens on TV and imagine having a bright, modern space of my own.
“That dream started to take shape the day I called Mr. Carlos at Kitchen Tune-Up. He truly listened to what I wanted and turned my vision into reality. Thanks to his attention to detail and thoughtful design, my kitchen is now both functional and gorgeous — everything I hoped it would be.”
-– Mrs. P., Florence, Mississippi.
Mrs. P. chose our Cabinet Redooring Plus Service. We added a peninsula, modified her tall wall oven cabinet, removed the cooktop
base cabinet, added a custom range hood, and added new custom raised panel doors and drawer fronts. We also added new quartz countertops, 3x12 ceramic wall tile, a farmhouse sink, luxury vinyl flooring, LED lighting, and numerous kitchen organizers that just make life better (full extension rollout trays, concealed trash pull-out, soft-close hinges, and under-mount soft-close slides).
Please visit our website at KitchenTuneUp.com/services/ to learn more about all of our Kitchen Updating Services. We have a service for every budget!
Give us a call today at 601.750.0190 to schedule your free in-home appointment. We would love to have you join Mrs. P. in awarding us another five-star review! Y
Mrs. P.’s kitchen in Florence, Mississippi, before (above), and after (below).
“For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything.”
~ HEBREWS 3:4, NIV
“The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.”
~ MATTHEW 7:25, NIV
“But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.”
~ JOSHUA 24:15, NIV
“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
“I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’”
~ PSALM 91:1-2, NIV
“Knowing their thoughts, he said to them, ‘Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and no city or house divided against itself will stand.’”
~ MATTHEW 12:25, ESV
“The Lord’s curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the righteous.”
~ PROVERBS 3:33, NIV
“Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.”
~ PSALM 127:1, KJV
“They will build houses and dwell in them; they will plant vineyards and eat their fruit. No longer will they build houses and others live in them, or plant and others eat. For as the days of a tree, so will be the days of my people; my chosen ones will long enjoy the work of their hands.”
~ ISAIAH 65:21-22, NIV
“Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”
~ DEUTERONOMY 6:5-7, NIV
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?”
~ JOHN 14:1-2, NIV
“Now be pleased to bless the house of your servant, that it may continue forever in your sight; for you, Sovereign LORD, have spoken, and with your blessing the house of your servant will be blessed forever.”
~ 2 SAMUEL 7:29, NIV
“And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”
~ COLOSSIANS 3:14, NIV
“By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.”
~ PROVERBS 24:3-4, NIV
More Than A Symbol. It’s Our Commitment.
For generations, St. Dominic’s has served Central Mississippi with compassionate care rooted in faith. Now as St. Dominic Health, we honor our legacy while evolving our logo and name fully within the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System.
Our new logo features the Tau, a cross symbol which represents values that have guided us all along: reverence and love for all of life, joyfulness of spirit, humility, justice and service. The Tau, along with our new name — St. Dominic Health — re昀ects who we are: a ministry inspired by healing and strengthened by the pursuit of excellence in healthcare. Our healing ministry continues.
stdom.com/health We Are Now St. Dominic Health
