The Minute Magazine - March April 2013

March / April 2013

the

FREE

Minute magazine Volume 8, Issue 13

LEAP +

Tesa’s Place: The very real consequences of bullying

+

of FAITH

The Minute’s own Donna Arender on overcoming addiction and taking a giant leap 1

Spring has Sprung Calendar of Events

in

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Webster The Webster Parish Convention and Visitor’s Bureau invites you to these upcoming 2013 Events:

March 23 Spring Fling held at Yellow Pine Inn (South of Sibley in Yellow Pine) features arts and crafts, antiques, collectibles, craft items and a plant sale. Food and drinks booths will be set up for your convenience. For more information contact Mary McKinney at (318)377-3600 or log on to www.yellowpineinn.com.

March 30 Chickenstock Spring Arts Festival, celebrating Vincent Van Gogh’s birthday, presented by Cultural Crossroads at the Farm located at the 417 East Union in Minden. For more information, call Chris Broussard at (318)393.5991 or go to www.artsinminden.com.

April 6 Scottish Tartan Festival celebrates Scottish culture and heritage through living history exhibits, Scottish cattle herding, demonstration of the Highland games, bagpipe music and much more. Annually held at the Scotland Farms just north of Minden off Hwy. 79 at the Athens Road. For more information, contact Sheila Hoh at (318)393-2693 or www.scottishsocietyla.typepad.com.

April 20 Burn Run is a benefit for the Ark-La-Tex Children’s Burn Camp. It will be held at Lake Bistineau State Park II. Free admission, $20 Poker Run. For more information contact Paul Hill at (318)453-0141.

May 4 Heflin Sawmill Festival will be held in Heflin. This event will feature store vendors, food booths and arts and crafts. For more information contact Cathy Lee at (318)377-7539.

May 18 Trails & Trellises Garden Tour and Seminars presented by the Piney Hills Louisiana Master Gardeners will be held on May 18 in Minden.

For more information, please call (318)371-2586, or email Glenda at gcollums@agcenter.lsu.edu.

1-888-972-7474

WWW.VISITWEBSTER.NET

Sibley / Minden / Heflin, Louisiana

Photo from Scottish Tartan Festival held annually at Scotland Farms just north of Minden

Choices.

With Ruston Medical Group, finding the right doctor for you and your family has never been easier. Affiliated with Northern Louisiana Medical Center, these physicians have offices conveniently located throughout the area and offer services ranging from family care and general surgery to orthopaedics, pediatrics and more. To make an appointment, call 318-254-2624.

Stacy Conville, M.D. Family Medicine

Janice Ford, M.D.

Arifa Nishat, M.D.

Daniel Thompson, M.D.

Nwosu Ngofa, M.D.

Anas Kayal, M.D.

Joseph Rutz, Jr., M.D.

Landon Smith, M.D.

Family Medicine

Internal Medicine • Pediatrics

Interventional Nephrology

Major E. Blair, M.D. Orthopaedics

General Surgery

Family Medicine

OB/GYN

Dayanny Langiulli, D.O. Pediatrics

OB/GYN

Edward Rutland, M.D. Urology

Visit NorthernLouisianaMedicalCenter.com/Physicians to learn more about our physicians.

Members of the Medical Staff at Northern Louisiana Medical Center.

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editor from the

T

You’ve known her for so long. Now, suddenly, something has changed.

If you or a loved one is experiencing changes in the ability to cope with daily living, Senior Care at Minden Medical Center is here to help.

For Quality

Senior Care is available to persons age 55 and over with to caring for your health. Make it a smart one, a mental or cognitive decline that hinders daily life, who was named one of the nation’s top performers has become a threat to self or others, or is limited in selfmeasures two years in a row. care ability. Our mental health professionals are available

The through our 24 hour referral line to discuss treatment Joint Commission, the leading accreditor needs and are devoted to helping patients get back to e nation, for our achievements in quality… but their optimal level of functioning. e chosen by you. Minden Medical Center st toOur patients and their families – safe and services include: to providing the highest quality care possible, • Free initial consultation Management of secondary ing edge technology that you expect at • larger • Thorough assessment

medical needs onveniently close to home.

• Customized treatment • Continued care planning plans and referral assistance • Group, individual, and need, choose Minden Medical Center. family counseling denmedicalcenter.com

his issue of The Minute is filled to the brim with inspiring stories of extreme courage in the face of fear. Our very own Donna Arender, columnist extraordinaire, talks about overcoming her addiction to alcohol and taking a giant "Leap of Faith" to celebrate her victory.

Our goal at The Minute is simple. We want to encourage, enlighten, and inspire you to continually grow and change as an individual and community. How? Find ways to make a difference in someone's life. Make changes in your own life by doing what needs to be done to be happy. Live the life you want to live and stop waiting for the perfect time to make those changes. If you want a different legacy, start now.

If there is something in your life that you need to take a "Leap of Faith" to get rid of, go ahead and jump. We'll be there for you.

You have the power to be who you want to be, to do what you dream of doing, and to make the impact you want to make. All it takes is that first step. So I guess the question is: What are you waiting for?

Tiffany Byram

For more information or to schedule a free, confidential assessment, call us at 318-371-5646.

Hope is only a phone call away.

www.MindenMedicalCenter.com #1 Medical Plaza | Minden, LA

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inside this

issue TIFFANY BYRAM & JACKIE LEWIS Owners/Publishers Regional Editors Graphics/Layout

VICKI CASKEY Sales Manager

The Minute Magazine is distributed throughout Caddo, Bossier, Claiborne, Bienville, Ouachita, Webster, & Lincoln Parishes in Louisiana.

They are FREE for you to enjoy.

Take a few to your friends, relatives or anyone else that you think might need a refreshing, enlightening “minute.” For a list of locations near you, visit www.theminutemag.com today! For article suggestions, email Tiffany Byram at theminutemagazine@gmail.com

DONNA ARENDER Feature Story & Cover

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Founder

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Circulation & Distribution: Jackie Lewis

This magazine is

JENNY REYNOLDS

Contact Information: Office Phone: 318.263.8350 Ad Sales: 318.548.2693 2232 Highway 533 Arcadia, LA 71001

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However, you can have it mailed to you for $20 a year to cover postage & handling. Call us at 318.263.8350 and we’ll put you on our mailing list!

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Leap of Faith by Donna Arender From Simplicity to Stilettos by Chalaine Scott Simply Cooking by Melissa Teoulet Life's Blessings by Vicki Caskey You Never Know by Laura Horton The Journey by Jason McReynolds Healthy Woman by Jessica Haynes On the Spectrum by Lela Robichaux Never Waste a Minute by Ashley Marie Nygård Tesa's Place by Tiffany Phelps Seasoned Moments by Barbara Ellis Durbin

Copyright 2013. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be copied or reproduced without permission. The Minute Magazine cannot be responsible for unsolicited materials. The editorial content of The Minute is prepared in accordance with the highest standards of journalistic accuracy. Readers are cautioned, however, not to use any information from the magazine as a substitute for expert opinion, technical information or advice. The Minute cannot be responsible for negligent acts, errors and omissions. The opinions expressed in The Minute are those of our writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher. The publisher has the right to accept or reject any advertising and / or editorial submitted.

March / April 2013

the

cover

contributors Donna Arender Tiffany Byram Vicki Caskey Barbara Ellis Durbin

Jessica Haynes Laura Horton Jason McReynolds Ashley M. Nygård

Tiffany Phelps Lela Robichaux Chalaine Scott Melissa Teoulet

Our cover photo celebrates Donna Arender's Leap of Faith after overcoming her addiction to alcohol.

FREE

Minute magazine Volume 8, Issue 13

LEAP +

Tesa’s Place: The very real consequences of bullying

+

of FAITH

The Minute’s own Donna Arender on overcoming addiction and taking a giant leap

7

Leap of Faith I

t was a beautiful spring day with bright sunshine, clear blue skies, and cool crisp air. The perfect day for an awesome adventure. And this was not your ordinary adventure. I was on an important mission. But let me take you back in time a little ways, and get you filled in on what led up to this venturesome day.

Last year I was invited to speak at the Louisiana Baptist Women's Convention. I felt very UNQUALIFIED and nervous about going. But, I also knew if God had opened this door of opportunity, then I needed to be obedient and go. I spoke on "Restoring Broken Relationships." I explained how God can take us in our brokenness and He can Refinish, Restore, and Repurpose us. My story touched the heart of many women that attended my class and I truly believe that God used me to encourage others.

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Written by Donna Arender

I shared many of my own personal stories about broken relationships that God had restored in my life and how He had healed the "broken areas" in me. I told these women about my childhood sexual abuse, about my marriage surviving adultery, and the heartache of having a loved one that is bipolar and the challenges that come with it. Yep, I pretty much told them every "skeleton in my closet," and how God had been faithful to heal me.

Except for one... that is!

The one "skeleton" that I didn't share with these ladies was my addiction to alcohol. WHY? Because at the time, I was still drinking. But on February 5th, 2012, I began a new life. It was a life that I had dreamed of and prayed about for many years. It was a life without alcohol! It had been a long 30 year battle with on-again-off-again drinking. Even though there were periods in my life when I didn't drink at all; like when I was pregnant and nursing my babies, I eventually always started back. And each time, my addiction became worse than the time before.

When I first found out that I was going to be a grandmother, I was DETERMINED to QUIT. I was not going to be an alcoholic grandmother. The thought of being a grandmother and having a drinking problem just made me cringe! That's not who I wanted to be. Yet, the harder I tried to quit, the more powerful the addiction became. I was a high-functioning alcoholic which meant

that I worked a regular job, carried out my normal duties as a wife & mother, and I was very discrete about my drinking. I usually didn't drink until late afternoon or evening; however, I did drink 7 days a week. And I did this for many years. What started out as occasional "social drinking" in my earlier years had become a powerful addiction that CONTROLLED me. I was so ashamed; I even began to "hide" how much I was drinking from my husband. It was an endless cycle of drinking, waking up and feeling guilty, praying for forgiveness and the strength to quit, then I'd give in to the addiction by the end of the day... and repeat.

After returning home from the Women's Conference, I knew something was different, but I didn't know exactly "what." At first, I didn't realize what "work" God had done in me while I was there. He had delivered me from my addiction to alcohol!!! I made it through one day and I realized I had no desire to drink. (And this was HUGE for me... because I craved alcohol like most women crave chocolate!) I made it through the first day, and I remember opening my eyes the next morning and I immediately began to praise God and thank Him that I had actually made it through a day with no alcohol. Then I made it another... Unbelievable!!! I made it 2 days, then 3, and then it was a week! It was AMAZING. At first I was cautious, only taking one day at a time. (You know the devil tried to put all kinds of lies in my head!!!)

But after 1 month, I knew I was free from the bondage that I had been bound by for so many years. PRAISE GOD!!! I was free, yes, finally free from those chains of addiction.

And if that wasn't enough, I felt a very strong desire to go public with my story. YIKES!!! Once again, I was obedient to what I knew God put in my heart to do. So last year in the March/April edition of The Minute Magazine, I told the world my "dirty little secret." Talk about freedom!

Satan no longer had a foothold on me, because what had been done in darkness had now been brought to light. And not only am I free, but God is using me to reach out to others who are struggling with "skeletons" of their own.

In another act of obedience, I fulfilled “the mission” that I told you about at the beginning of this story. God revealed to me in a dream that He wanted me to go... SKYDIVING to celebrate my new life without alcohol and release the TRUST that I have in Him. I can’t even ride the escalator at the mall without having a panic attack, I have to take the elevator. Now here I was about to jump out of an airplane! (Say What?!!!) I knew that no matter what happened that day... God was in control. And I had a peace about my life and my relationship with the Lord like I never had before. If something would have gone terribly wrong, then I knew my story would still live on and bring God the glory.

Or if I made it safely to the ground, then my feet were firmly planted in a new direction with God leading the way. Sure enough, Jesus was there with me. When I landed, I heard him say “Good Job” and he gave me a big high five! Then he put his arm around my shoulder as we started to walk away and I knew my life would never be the same.

So, on that beautiful spring day in April of last year, I took a “LEAPOF-FAITH!” Somewhere over central California, God “renewed” my strength and I soared on wings like eagles. My old life as an alcoholic was dead and buried. The new life I have, not only delivered from my addiction, but also forgiven, is reason to celebrate! Not just that day... but every day for the rest of my life.

photos: (top left) Anita's Leap of Faith, central California, (top right) Anita flying through the air right before the parachute deployed, (middle right) Touchdown, (lower middle right) Anita and her husband Mike Arender pre-jump, (bottom right) Anita getting ready for the big jump.

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be brave enough to pull the trigger, or maybe, for some of us, it’s the trigger we need to stop pulling, maybe, we need to turn the gun away from ourselves and point it in a different direction, against all the things that are holding us back.

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Fear -----------------------------------

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e are born with fear. When we’re little, monsters hide under beds, the boogie man in our closet, scary creatures in the dark, coal in stockings as a consequence for bad actions, and our dad holds the seat of our bicycle while we try to balance on two wheels. When we’re little, our fears make up a big part of our existence.

As we grow, dad no longer guides our bike, the training wheels are removed, misplaced dirty laundry is the scariest thing to find under our beds, and Santa loses some of his magical power.

As we grow, childish traits transform to real life worries as events change our mindsets and circumstances shape our hearts. But as the years pass, different types of fears fill our minds, and as we get older, they beckon us to blend in and mock the thought we can stand out. Fear overtakes our imagination, torturing us with ideas of the future and scary scenarios of what could come. Fear

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is the reason we end up alone, stay at dead end jobs, invest in people who treat us poorly, and remain in relationships that don’t make us happy. Fear is the reason we remain unsatisfied beings in a world full of opportunity and happiness.

Fear deceives us and laughs in our faces as we allow it to reign over our lives. It comes from our past, stems from our regrets, originates from our mistakes and anchors its way into our future. It leaves scars and deep wounds, some not visible to the naked eye, but instead scratched into the hearts and souls of the best of us.

And these scars that we hide internally are worse than the ones we bear on our skin.

flame that burns within our soul--one that we cannot let die. We must keep fueling it, pouring gas on the sparks and adding logs to the embers. Our fear is the fire that keeps us alive, it may cause us to doubt or feel incapable, but when we face them, a rush comes over us, like we are capable of anything; the world is at our fingertips.

And when we overcome them, the world is ours.

Fear taunts us. It keeps us from purchasing that flight, admitting feelings, enrolling in that class, asking for that promotion, letting go of a person or even letting someone in. Fear is an excuse, a weakener, making our knees waver, our hands sweat, and keeping our hearts on guard. And sure, sometimes we need a little fear to keep us held together and our brain stable to make rash decisions, but usually, it holds a greater reign than it should. It stops us altogether instead of just challenging us to try.

And if we don’t attempt, it could be the excuse we're clinging to as we grey and wrinkle and the very reason we never moved from where we started.

The fact is though, that if we let fear control our lives, we would not be who we are today. We would never have learned to ride a bike, take our first step, brave our first kiss, accept our first job, live out a dream or even do something as simple as share a secret.

Fear is everywhere, and sometimes, it requires going into a dark place, or maybe coming out of one, but it is required of us for success and fulfillment.

Fear is the ammo to the gun. Sometimes we are If we have fear, we know so eager to load, yet other we are alive, there is a fire times we let it sit and rust. burning in our hearts, a Maybe we just have to

Are you letting fear hold you back because you are saving your perfect aim for the one thing that needs to be shot down?

Maybe you’ve been saving your bullets for a bunch of things that need to be relinquished. Well, it’s time to load the ammo, it’s time to aim that gun, and it’s time to shoot down your fears.

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I am a simple girl rooted in family, friends, the Bible, and my mama’s chicken casserole. At my best, I’m loved and respected; at my worst, I am saved by grace.

I am a girl removed from the country life of belt buckles and boots placed to blend in with the city life of stilettos and suits. From the quiet back roads of Louisiana, to the busy avenues of New York City, I am still just a girl in love with the simplicities: cuddles with my labrador retriever, game night with my family, laughs with my best friends, and a new pair of stilettos adorning my closet. I may be off chasing my big dreams in the big city, but my heart is always home.

Follow me @Chaleezy --------------------------------------------

Thrive.

Join us in celebrating our anniversary with keynote speaker Abby Rike.

When former Biggest Loser contestant Abby Rike lost her beloved husband, daughter and infant son in a car crash, she learned that even in your darkest hour, there is always hope. Abby will share how health and wellness can promote spiritual, emotional and physical healing.

A N ORTHERN L OUISIANA M EDICAL C ENTER R ESOURCE

Journey of Hope Fifth Anniversary Celebration Thursday, April 11 Ruston Civic Center 401 N. Trenton St. • Ruston 5-7 p.m. Women’s Expo 7 p.m.

Keynote Speaker Abby Rike

Tickets are $15 and include heavy hors d‘oeuvres, dessert and wine tasting at the Women’s Expo.

Seating is limited and tickets are required.

Abby Rike Contestant on The Biggest Loser, Season 9

66893_NLMC_HWann_4_8x6_08c.indd 1

A journey of exploration & imagination on America’s waterways.

Purchase tickets at NorthernLouisianaMedicalCenter.com/ HealthyWoman.

12/14/12 11:35 AM

A hands-on experience of the culture, commerce and conservation of America’s great rivers and their watersheds.

A TRAVELING EXHIBIT OF THE NATIONAL MISSISSIPPI RIVER MUSEUM & AQUARIUM AND THE NATIONAL RIVERS HALL OF FAME

Sponsored locally by the Red River Waterway Commission

AMERICAN ELECTRIC POWER FOUNDATION

®

Open now - May 24 On the downtown Shreveport riverfront Free with Center admission

www.sciport.org · (318) 424-3466 11

themselves.

Stay away from those people. The “I’ve got it all together Who Do You people” are also the ones Trust? who are in debt up to their ----------------------------------- eyeballs, are on the verge of divorce, and may have a few skeletons in the closet (literal or physical). ear is running rampant Be very wary of trusting nowadays. And I’m not perfect people! sure if you’ve noticed but fear leads to other bad Worry and anger actually things.

Ever since the root from the same economy soured, fear has issue.

Control.

You set in. Conspiracy theorists worry because there is are saying the end of the something that you realize U.S. is coming. Some are you have little or no control saying the government is over and that fact begins out to get us. Some may to sink in. With anger you be buying gold, building realize you have little or no an arsenal, and living in control over something so it a bomb shelter. The root makes you enraged. Anger cause of these things is placed upon others is you fear. You may call it worry trying to take back that or anxiety. But make no control with intimidation or mistake about it, it is a lack force. Through counseling of trust. couples, watching my -----------------------------------

F

Now before you go all anarchist on me, hear me out. I’m not saying you should trust your government completely.

You don’t even have to trust them at all. Anything run by a human being is going to let you down at some point. No one is perfect.

Especially the people who put out an image of perfection about

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my family. I conjure it up all on my own. The issue of how we deal with our worries is so important: 1. We could go to the doctor and get a pill. The problem with medicines, though, is that it doesn’t make the worrying go away longterm. When you get off the medicine you still have the fears that you had when you went on it.

2. We can try to deal with these dilemmas by trying to solve them all by ourselves.

We tell ourselves we can do it. We trust we can do it but in the back of our minds is the little voice that says, “What if we don’t do it?” I guess we don’t trust ourselves after all.

How we deal with worry can suck our energy, steal our joy, and make others not want to be around us. We have to realize that there is very little control we have over our circumstances. But there My wife fears bad health. is one who does have Her family did as well control… our Heavenly when they were growing Father – God. up. That’s where she got it but it’s still hers. I fear In the bible He says finances or rather lack of that we shouldn’t worry them. Didn’t get that from (Matthew 6:25-34). Sure, friends, and knowing my own fears and worries I’ve realized something… there is only one way to get rid of worry. Examine who you trust.

thanks God! But here’s the thing, when you read about Jesus in the bible He was never worried.

Never! No anxiety, no fear.

Why? Because He fully and completely trusted His Father in Heaven. Do they make a “trust God” pill?!?!?

Nope. So how do we get there? In Matthew chapter 6 Jesus tells his disciples the way to not worry is to know that God promises to take care of those who follow Him (Matthew 6:33).

He says that His Father takes care of the birds and the flowers and provides all their needs. God loves us more than birds and flowers and will provide all of our needs and then some. This is a promise from God and from Jesus Himself. God has never not fulfilled a promise to His people.

So the question is, are you one of His people? If you have a relationship with Jesus you will quickly realize you won’t need a pill to deal with your fear.

He’ll take care of you. We need to realize that He is in control of the details, of your life, and of this world.

He is in total control. And when we have anxiety we can throw it to Him (1 Peter 5:6-7) and because He is in control we can walk away and not worry. Your level of worry reveals the depth of your trust in God. So, who do you trust?

Yourself? Or God?

Jason McReynolds is the pastor of New Orleans Community Church. He and his wife, Liev, have three children. To learn more about him, or NOCC, visit: www.neworleans community church.com

Run.

Coming soon to Louisiana’s only Wear a wig and your best running shoes to make a difference.

“Wig Out for Wellness 5K” goes to benefit Wiggin’ Out, a charity that raises money for women in Northern Louisiana who are undergoing chemotherapy and may need a wig. It’s a good time for a great cause, so run with it.

Wig Out for Wellness 5K • Race begins at 9:00 a.m. on March 23 at Lincoln Parish Park, 211 Lincoln Parish Park Road in Ruston • $25 early registration until March 1; $30 after March 1 • Men and women are invited to participate For more information, visit NorthernLouisianaMedicalCenter.com/HealthyWoman.

To register to run, visit Active.com.

A N ORTHERN L OUISIANA M EDICAL C ENTER R ESOURCE

Opening March 23 On the downtown Shreveport riverfront

www.sciport.org/IMAX · (318) 424-3466

HEAD START DRIVING Driver’s Education for ALL ages!!! ENROLLING NOW

Minden Arcadia Ruston

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Private Lessons

38 Hour Drivers Ed. Course Third Party Tester 14 Hour Pre-License Course Call The Picketts at (800) 382-4815 for more information or to reserve your spot OR Call/Text David at (318) 245-6566

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700 VF Outlet Drive, Suite 107, Arcadia, LA 71001 13

ideas thinking they were stupid and honestly most of them were.

But out of nowhere, sometimes, great things can happen. Usually it is when you least expect them to.

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What is love?

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I

often drive down the road with a million things on my mind struggling to keep them all in perspective. I manage to carry on conversations in my head and somehow manage to keep them organized most of the time. On occasion they crash like cymbals making my head spin and I have take some time to regain focus.

On one such day a few years ago an idea flashed in my thought process. It was as clear as a bright sunny day in the summer but it was actually the dead of winter. The brightness of this idea on such an otherwise dull dreary day made me shut out all other thoughts and focus

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Fast forward to now.

My simple little idea turned into a wonderful organization with a team of people whom without it would have never been possible. Together we are making things happen. We have grown each year and much yes it was a spark of to my amazement we interest but that was all it are doing exactly what was and as most sparks I imagined just a short do it faded quickly. time ago.

on this one in particular.

Within thirty minutes or less my idea took form and without even writing anything down I had a It would be two months plan for this idea. later before I thought of I came home that my idea again. Wouldn’t evening still reeling with you know it would be excitement about my while I was driving down idea. I begin to set things the road with of course in motion by making a million things running phone calls, setting up rampant in my head. My meetings and talking phone rang and upon about it with anyone that answering it I received would listen. Before long a very nice surprise. my excitement turned to That spark of interest frustration and all of the from a couple of months sudden my bright idea before had reignited.

Before I knew what began to dim. was happening we had Feeling defeated I talked a full blown fire going about it less and less. and the heat was unlike Putting it on the back anything I had ever felt burner, so to speak. before. It was roaring Those closest to me and beautiful and I was shared my enthusiasm in shock! My idea was and encouraged me to about to become reality continue to pursue this and I could not believe idea of mine. I chose to it. hold onto to it for another That still small voice in place and time. our head is pretty smart Then one day out of sometimes and if we will nowhere while sitting just listen to it and have in a meeting about a little patience, great something not related to things can happen. this idea I mentioned it Sometimes out of fear to someone. Much to my I have shrugged off surprise I saw something ideas and never picked I had never seen before them back up again. I this day. A spark, why have often brushed off

I have shared this with you now because I am humbled and grateful. I want to encourage you to listen to that still small voice. Get in tune with your thoughts. Listen to yourself. Quit telling yourself that you can’t do something and go do it. Take that first step and if you stumble get up.

Always believe something wonderful is about to happen. You might surprise yourself.

As I plan for the third annual Wiggin’Out event that will take place on October 10th of this year I still can’t believe it is reality. But you know what? It is and I couldn’t be happier.

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Purchasing more life insurance can help cover the costs of your child growing up, if something unexpected should happen to you.

- Does my recent marriage affect my life insurance?

If you have recently gotten married, you might want to increase your life insurance coverage or change the beneficiaries on your policy.

Having more life insurance could make your family's future even more secure.

computer over the last year, make sure your policy covers replacement costs due to a fire or theft.

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Time for an Insurance Check-up

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W

hen was the last time you reviewed your insurance coverage? Just as getting an annual medical check-up is a sensible way to maintain your health, reviewing your insurance policies annually can provide peace of mind and may save you money. As you review your policies, here are some questions to keep in mind:

- When was the last time I had my luxury items appraised?

If you have expensive items such as jewelry, furs, coins, artwork, and antiques that have not been appraised recently, you might want to consider doing so. Having up-to-date insurance can help take some of the sting out of replacement costs in case of theft or damage.

- How can I lower my premiums? If your premiums are too high, consider raising your deductible. A higher deductible could lower your premiums, but will also make you more responsible for a greater portion of each covered loss.

Homeowners Insurance:

Auto Insurance:

- Does my coverage keep up with current rebuilding costs? If your home sustains serious damage due to a fire or a severe storm, does your policy cover rebuilding costs? If not, you might want to consider increasing your coverage.

- My teen recently got a driver's license. How does this affect my auto insurance? If your teen is now driving, let your agent know and be prepared for your family auto insurance premiums to rise. But keep in mind that insurers may offer discouts to high school and college students who maintain a B average and complete driver-safety programs.

- Does my recent home renovation affect my coverage? If you have added square footage to your home recently, its value may have changed. Check with your insurance agent about increasing your coverage.

- Does my policy cover new purchases? If you bought a new appliance or

- Does my car's value affect my insurance? If you have a much older vehicle, look up its value online to see if carrying collision and comprehensive coverage is still cost-effective.

If the car's book value is low, it might not make sense to

maintain comprehensive and collision coverage.

- What else can I do to lower my rates? If you increase your deductible, you can substantially reduce your monthly premiums.

Life Insurance: - We've just had a baby.

Should I increase my life insurance coverage?

- How does my new job/ layoff affect my coverage?

If you recently got a better paying job and are planning to expand your lifestyle (a new home, a bigger car, etc.), then getting more life insurance might be a good idea. If your life insurance policy was tied to your old job, you might want to consider starting a new policy that suits your current needs.

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drain them in the fridge overnight. Now that your chocolate is ready, use the paintbrush to paint a thin layer of chocolate inside the mold. Be careful to cover the entire cavity to avoid your filling from leaking out. Once you have completed the whole tray, place it in the freezer to harden and continue with the remaining trays.

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Homemade Easter Candy -----------------------------------

S

pring is here. Spring is here. Spring is here.

I’ve been chanting that to myself lately. Sure I love spring as much as the next person, but I don’t normally greet spring with quite so much enthusiasm. This winter though has been incredibly wet and dreary, and I for one am very very glad that it’s over. Now that spring is here, so is Easter.

You remember Easter don’t you? It’s the holiday with a bunny and colorfully dyed eggs. Every year, my sisters and I would make homemade chocolate Easter candies. Those memories are some of my fondest. It’s not so much a recipe as it is a process and an easy one at that.

All you need are some chocolate wafers, candy

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molds, a small paintbrush like the kind you’d find in a watercolor palate, and whatever types of filling you like. Oh and I almost forget, you must always have the radio on when making these candies. That’s the most essential ingredient.

It is also encouraged to sing and dance as you make these.

Ok, so let’s get started. If you are lucky enough to live close to a craft store like Michael’s or Hobby Lobby, you can find the chocolate and the molds there. You might also be able to find them at a big box store like Wal-Mart.

I prefer chocolate wafers only because that is what we always used. You could probably use baking chips instead without noticing any difference. Since these are for Easter, I tend to go for egg shaped molds or other spring-ish designs.

Obviously these are a personal preference and feel free to use whatever shape molds strike your fancy. You’ll also need to have at least one of those small paintbrushes handy.

You’ll use it to paint up the sides of the mold to create the cavity that holds your filling. A pack of brushes can be found anywhere you’ll find children’s art supplies.

Now we move on to the fun part: the filling.

Each year we always had the classic flavors such as heavenly hash, peanut butter, caramel, and pecan as well as a few experimental ones.

The best part about this is you are only limited by your imagination. If you want to fill them with gummy worms, be my guest. For this article, I bought whole almonds, chopped macadamia nuts, marshmallow cream, ice cream caramel topping, Nutella, honey-roasted peanut butter, and a can of mandarin oranges.

The first thing you want to do is grab either a double boiler or a pot and a bowl.

Fill the pot with enough water to boil, but not so much that the water will touch the bottom of the bowl. Bring that to a boil and place the bowl on top, reducing the heat to a low boil. Into the bowl, put the chocolate. I like to use a mix of milk and dark chocolate here. Stir it around until the chocolate is all melted.

In the meantime, wash and dry the molds and set out your fillings. If you are using canned fruit as a filling, you will want to

By the time you have finished all your trays, your first one should be ready for filling. Remove it from the freezer and careful add your chosen filling. It is helpful to add only one filling per tray. If you are using a liquidy filling such as caramel, place the tray back in the freezer so the filling can harden. If that is not necessary, bring the tray over to the chocolate to “top off” the mold. Be sure that you completely fill the mold to seal the two pieces of chocolate together. Place it back in the freezer to finish hardening. Continue with the rest of the trays. The candies don’t take very long to harden, so by the time you are placing the last tray in the freezer, the first one should be ready.

Turn it upside down and gently pop them out of the mold.

I used the marshmallow cream and almonds to make heavenly hash.

Nutella and macadamia nuts were a great combination. The ones filled with peanut butter or caramel are always a favorite. The mandarin orange candies came out really delicious. Maybe next year, I’ll try a caramel and orange combo. See how much fun making your own Easter candy can be.

You may never buy candy again.

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written by Jessica

Haynes

-------------------------------- was created by women for "Women make between 80 daughter and son in a fatal

Supporting Women's Health --------------------------------

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or women, fulfilling the varied roles and responsibilites required of them - mother, daughter, caregiver, friend, mentor, volunteer or career professional, not to mention finding time to care for themselves - is a challenge.

Northern Louisiana Medical Center is here to help by offering the community the Healthy Woman program, a free program designed just for women.

Healthy Woman is designed to support a healthy mind, body and spirit for women - and the families they care for. Healthy Woman

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women to provide up-todate health care information for the entire family. The program's mission is to empower women with the knowledge and confidence to make informed health care and well-being decisions for themselves and their loved ones.

Healthy Woman presentations will cover physical and emotional health care, as well as financial well-being and spiritual development.

Health care topics will include pertinent information on heart disease, diabetes, breast cancer, menopause, nutrition, osteoporosis, stress management and life balance issues.

An advisory council composed of women throughout the community help to assist in identifying topics of interest and promoting the program throughout the area.

and 90 percent of all health care decisions, often while balancing careers, primary and secondary families, issues with parents and civic work," said Northern Louisiana Medical Center Chief Executive Office Brandy Dubois. "We want to help them with information to make those decisions."

The Northern Louisiana Medical Center's Healthy Woman program will host their fifth annual Healthy Woman Anniversary Celebration on Thursday, April 11, 2013 from 5-8 pm at the Ruston Civic Center. Tickets are $15.

Members will enjoy heavy hors d'oeuvres, desserts and wine tasting. The event will feature a women's expo and keynote speaker Abby Rike. Abby Rike, former contestant on The Biggest Loser, faced an unfathomable tragedy in October 2006, losing her beloved husband, her young

car crash. She is a living example that even in your darkest hour, there is always hope. Abby will share her personal insights on loss and hope, and how health and wellness can promote spiritual, emotional and physical healing. Seating is limited. For tickets, visit NorthernLouisianaMedical Center.com/HealthyWoman.

Joining the Healthy Woman program is easy - just visit NorthernLouisianaMedical Center.com/HealthyWoman to sign up. Membership is FREE, and the benefits last a lifetime. Healthy Woman members can access timely health information, receive upcoming event information, register for future health seminars and manage their membership online. For more information about Healthy Woman, call Jessica Haynes at 318-2542492.

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Syndrome, you have judged that he is undeserving.

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Discrimination -----------------------------------

T

oday I learned something that broke my heart. My child has felt the harsh sting of discrimination and narrow-mindedness. All parents want to shield their children from as much of the world as they can, and we are no different; perhaps, a bit stricter because we know how socially inept our child is and that he would have a very hard time “getting it.” But you can’t always win that battle.

I know there are people out there who can’t or won’t understand all the aspects of autism and the spectrum it spans. I never thought we would have direct dealings with anyone like that.

After all, we surround

ourselves with people who support our efforts to make sure our child gets everything he deserves in life. That includes a good education. Our son is scary-smart; he can sit and hold a conversation with computer geeks and engineers and scientists.

He even knows what they’re saying! Have you ever sat and listened to a conversation about radio waves or kelvin measurements of the sun? (Kelvin is temperature measurements, by the way; I Googled it.) So, it just goes to reason that we would fight for him to have the best opportunities at education as we could get him; give him the chance to shine the way he should and make sure he gets good opportunities at higher education. So, we have fought very hard to keep him in some very reputable schools. He was recently accepted to a great high school.

He had to meet certain criteria to get in and he did that. He has the grades, the test scores and met the attendance and discipline requirements.

Then, someone came along and made a phone call to that great school.

They told them that our child is a behavior problem and they were shocked the school would accept such a child. There it is, in those few short words: narrow-mindedness and discrimination.

Someone out there doesn’t think my son deserves the same education as their own child because he has a disability that affects him in ways people don’t understand. The social world around my son is an enigma to him, he doesn’t know how to respond to it or to the emotions it evokes in him. Sometimes it manifests itself in ways that are inappropriate.

Even if you don’t know my child has Asperger

The next time you see a parent struggling with a child in the grocery store or in a restaurant, don’t look at them and think they are bad parents because they aren’t controlling that child.

Don’t go into a school and shun the kids that are crying or upset and yelling because you think they are bad kids.

And if your own child comes home and tells you stories about the child in class that yells out occasionally or has to leave the classroom to calm down, don’t encourage your child to stay away from them.

Instead, recognize that difference is what makes our world go round; teach your child that there are sometimes people out there who struggle with simple, every day routines and need a little encouragement or help to do it. Tell them to be nice to others no matter how different they may seem. Look at that struggling parent in the store and smile, maybe even go so far as to say “you’re doing great, mom, keep it up!”

You might just make that person happy.

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as an opportunity, then we make it so. Simply choose your perception and retain the thought that happiness and positive mental wellbeing can, and will, be achieved.

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Obstacles --------------------------------

T

his little word should be life's middle name; however, an obstacles cousin can be our greatest of friends.

I like to call opportunity the cousin of an obstacle.

Throughout life we find that our hopes and expectations simply don't pan out in the manner we hope.

Choice of thought and action, when things go wrong, can completely alter how we may overcome an obstacle.

In lieu of such a concept, we must retain the idea that happiness is a choice, life is about perception, and everything is relative.

One of my favourite quotes by Oscar Wilde reads, "To live is the rarest thing in the

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world.

Most people exist, that is all." This, I believe, truly represents the thoughts of an understanding mind and open heart. Confidence and acceptance of these notions alters how much simple decisions can influence your happiness for weeks on end. We must adapt with the changing momentum of life so that our thought processes adhere to positivity in every situation. We must also understand the role that every single decision can have in your life.

Have a little faith and remind yourself that as one door closes, another may open. Make the choice today to create a new, improved mentality.

An obstacle is only an obstacle if you choose to perceive it as one.

An obstacle should be viewed in the most optimistic manner: as an opportunity to change things in your life that may have needed attention or to re-evaluate what is truly important to you.

Being able to perceive each obstacle as an opportunity for greater understanding will allow the choice of happiness

to be made for you. It is your perception that makes an obstacle seem so daunting because an obstacle is only an obstacle if you make it so. This notion directly coincides with the idea that everything is relative.

Each day I wake up and ponder these notions. It is an incredible feeling to consistently remind yourself how small of an entity you are compared to the universe; all the while understanding that such a tiny being can make a difference and can overcome even the seemingly greatest of obstacles. It is at the most overwhelming moments in life that we can lose sight of what is truly important and dear to our hearts. It is crucial that we remind ourselves how truly special this one life is and that it is our responsibility to turn each obstacle into an opportunity. The world is waiting!

Relativity is a concept that ideas and things are dependent on one another through existence in the first place. If we allow what seems to be an obstacle to exist, then it is relative to us as an -------------------------------obstacle, however, if we choose to view such idealized obstacle s

"To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all."

-Oscar Wilde

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We put the life back in life insurance.

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Written by Tiffany Phelps

Tesa's Place

A

ugust of 2009, the Centre family changed forever.

In the past 10 years, the Centre for the Arts (the Centre), located in the small town on False River, Louisiana, has seen over 4000 students come through its doors.

When the Centre has a new student sign up, that student immediately becomes family. The Centre's mission is "Proving to each child they matter, can make a difference, and always have a place to go... through the arts." It exists for one primary purpose – to be a safe haven for those who are called different. The Centre brings artists, musicians and actors from all over the world to impact the lives of students and give them a creative outlet through classes and private lessons. Offering everything from tumbling, fine arts, music, theater, and creative writing, the Center fills a much needed gap in the lives of students of all ages.

She came in with her mother.

Tesa was less than 85 pounds.

Her mother wasn’t much more.

Tesa stood and smiled.

Her mother, Tarsha, sat to catch her breath.

It was apparent this mother was not well.

Tesa was one of many students waiting to register.

Her mother did not view her as one of many.

Tarsha Middlebrook, had come with a purpose that day and it had nothing to do with the obvious illness taking her life. She was there for one reason and one reason only…to make sure we knew what an amazing child was among us. She gasped between sentences, but the momentum continued to grow.

“Tesa, play the piano. Show them how you taught yourself…Tesa look, there’s some paper. Show them The article you are about to read was written by Tiffany how you can draw….Have you guys read her poetry? …

Phelps, Executive Director of the Centre. In life, not Tesa, let them read your poetry…” every story has a happy ending and this one talks about the very real effects of bullying. The life and tragic death There was no doubt. This was no gloating pageant of Tesa Middlebrook is a beautiful but painful reminder mom. This was a mother with limited time to prove to of just how fragile life is. Our hope at The Minute is that the world that her baby was going places. There would while reading this story you will begin to understand just be no discussion of brain tumors or the recent move how important it is to try and make a positive impact in from Nebraska that day. The topic was her daughter the lives of the people around you. You never know what and what this mother needed to do to make sure that Tesa was taken care of. battles they are fighting.

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In less than one week, Tesa was a part of the Centre's family. Soon, people would wonder how the Centre ever existed without her. Tesa did not wait to be assigned a job as a student worker. She needed no orientation to begin what she saw as her mission at the Centre. She required no nametag and did not ask if the job she chose to do was necessary. In fact, Tesa’s “work” between classes went unnoticed until a staff member overheard her as she approached a little girl waiting nervously on the bench.

“Excuse me. Stand up, please” she said.

The, now even more nervous, young girl stood.

“Yep, you are tiny too. We should be friends.”

classical to emo, and had been an artist since she could hold a pencil.

Tesa’s days of being accepted and encouraged to be herself in Nebraska were replaced with days of being humiliated and alienated in her new Louisiana school.

The more she forgave and tried to build relationships, the worse she was treated. After being told one too many times to go back to class when she went to the office, she hid in a closet in an empty classroom. After the second student yelled out in the middle of class to Tesa, “Go kill yourself,” the girl sitting in front of Tesa, one of 3 people she considered a friend, demanded the teacher do something.

Lack of similarities did not stop Tesa from being “I felt a tug on my jacket and turned around to see Tesa successful in her self appointed position. This became with her head on the desk and she was holding on to my apparent when a new teen began at the Centre. jacket. I told her it was ok. I could feel her shaking as she held my jacket for the rest of class,” explained the “Wow, you are really tall,” Tesa said as she walked up to friend. him. She reached up, hugged him, and said, “Yep. We should be friends.”

As it became more apparent that Tesa’s mother’s days were coming to a close, the Centre staff began one of The more amazing part of her job came after the the most intimate walks with a student they had ever introduction and declaration of friendship. Tesa meant taken. As this strong and wise mother began to prepare what she said. Once nervous her daughter for her inevitable newcomers could for weeks death she also began to and even months be seen prepare those who loved Tesa scanning the lobby for their most, how to help Tesa continue good friend, Tesa. after she was gone. Although Tesa was deeply sorrowed by Tesa would get dropped off at the death of her mother, the the Centre by the bus. Her preparations Tarsha had taken Uncle Mike would pick her eased her daughter’s pain. up. She could often be heard convincing her uncle to come With Tarsha’s help, Tesa had back a little later so she could successfully built a support stay a while longer. Some system of friends at the Centre. may think it was for the meal Teens often commented that donated by someone in the they could not imagine anyone community or perhaps to just not getting along with Tesa. hang out and relax. The truth From the youngest student to was, Tesa could find both good the oldest instructor, Tesa had a food and relaxing company way of making each person feel at her home. Moments after like they were one of the most Uncle Mike agreed to come important people in her life. back, Tesa could be found coloring with a nervous 5 In August of 2011, nearly 3 year old waiting for class, or months after her mother’s death, encouraging a quiet teen to Tesa began her final year of high talk about their day. school. She began her senior year with a determination even When asked to describe Tesa, stronger than before. Normal her fellow Centre for the Arts after school discussions, which classmates describe her as still centered around Tesa’s a leader, confident, outgoing, struggles at school, began to and constantly reaching out to others. It was not until take on a new hope. Now she added a countdown to one of her mother’s many visits, that the truth about her plan of endurance. Tesa was awarded a scholarship how amazing this teen was became apparent. Tarsha to an art college in Arizona. There was an end in sight revealed that although the confident and outgoing leader and Tesa had no doubt she would make it. Her artwork, was truly the Tesa she had always known, this was not music, and writing even began to show the triumph over the Tesa that could be seen daily at her new school. those that had tried to hold her back.

On the surface, Tesa looked like her classmates. In a school where all but one student was African American, Tesa blended perfectly. The similarities ended, though, once Tesa spoke. Having lived in Nebraska until her sophomore year, Tesa’s accent was notably different. The differences did not end with Tesa’s perfect enunciation of every word. She also enjoyed various music styles, from

On Thursday, March 1st around 7:00pm Tesa left the Centre for the last time. None of her friends said a lengthy goodbye. None of the staff held her just a little longer. No one gave her artwork to bring home or asked for her music books to be returned. In fact, she reminded one of the director’s to put aside recital tickets for her family and told a parent helper that she was going on a

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youth trip the next day after school. The parent put her night of Tesa’s death ended up a mission placed in the arm around Tesa and walked her to meet her ride. heart of Tesa’s Centre friends. Inspired by Tesa’s spirit of forgiveness, 12 teens gave up their summer, raised Less than 16 hours later, although no one would realize nearly $15,000 by selling Red String bracelets, and it for 7 more hours, the Centre changed forever. opened up a teen ran coffee shop as a safe place for all teens … even the bullies.

Tesa woke up Friday morning and began packing her bags for her youth trip, started number 982 of the -------------------------------------------------------------------------1000 drawing she swore she would create before she For more information on The Centre for the Arts and graduated, and paused her xbox after playing it for a few Tesa's Place and what you can do to help visit: minutes before catching the bus. She sat behind the bus www.centreforthearts.org. driver in her usual seat and joked with him all the way to -------------------------------------------------------------------------school. She went to first period and part of second.

Sometime close to 11:00 am, Tesa took her final breath. It was Friday and many seniors did not have to attend on Fridays, including Tesa’s 3 friends.

Tesa’s body was discovered hanging from the bleachers a little after 5:00 pm, on March 2, 2012.

It’s been one year since that devastating day. I stand outside of the building next door to the studio. The sign reads, Tesa’s Place.

This time last year, this building was storage for the Centre. Tonight, I look through the window and see students… every race, various schools, different backgrounds … building friendships together. What began as anger the

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Topping: 2-14 oz can of diced tomatoes 1 large onion sliced 2 t. lemon juice & 2 slices of lemon 1 T. olive oil Salt & Pepper to taste

----------------------------Southern Summers -----------------------------

E

arly summer in the south; muggy days, reminiscent of droning bumble bees flitting from bright bouquets of multicolored Lantana, to spindly Brown-Eyed Susies, then off to blue and pink Hydrangeas.

Chirping crickets and the peaceful coo of a mourning dove; the confused twerp of the addled blue jay and the chit-chat chirping of the agitated squirrel; all bring into unity the cacophony of seasonal sounds.

Southern sunshine beaming brilliantly on the bare heads of lively children; juveniles who ardently toss water balloons on unsuspecting opponents or run barefoot in abandon across open hay fields. Giddy laughter left to glide across the sunstilled air as it floats behind frolicking players.

Produce from the garden splayed across planked front porches; vegetables still glistening from heaven's morning dew and grit from the sands of earth.

Harvests which abundantly yield their goodness to earthly tillers of the soil; that

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which arouses the appetite as the aroma of enticing meals leisurely waft from open kitchen windows.

Sluggish days which dawdle forth as unhurried as the bayous; native southern waters which gently meander their way south.

Soft days which linger on quiet warm breezes, cottony zephyrs.

Those tender winds which caress man's awareness; and remind him of his own finite nature.

Southern summers, no other place on earth did God produce such poignant seasonal moments.

A tangible emotional pull; a comfort produced in the heavens, and placed in the hearts of man to remind us from where all blessings flow.

----------------------------Stuffed Summer Squash 8-10 yellow long or crookneck squash (Not too large) Cut the neck off of squash and clean & toss away the seeds and meaty parts from the larger portion of the squash with a melon scoop. (Slice and reserve remaining neck portion in a separate container.)

Stand the hollowed squash in a 4 quart heavy bottom pot. (You may have to slice small amount off bottom of squash for it to stand in the pan.

Stuffing 1 lb ground chuck 1 c. raw long grain rice 1 small can tomato sauce 1 egg ½ c. bread crumbs 1/8 c. milk 1 t. garlic pepper 1 t. Tony Chachere’s ½ t. garlic ½ t. salt

Mix ingredients for the stuffing well and place in hollow squash. It is o.k. to layer squash if you are cooking more than just a few. Between layers and on top pour the diced tomatoes(with the juice), onion slices, sliced squash, olive oil, lemon juice and salt and pepper to taste. If you have more meat mixture than squash, make meatballs and place on top. Place 1/2 cup of water in bottom of pan and cook on high heat until steam rises.

Reduce to medium low heat and cover. Cook about 50 minutes. Test a top squash for doneness.

Delicious with peas and cornbread.

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Whatever your healthcare need, choose Minden Medical Center. www.mindenmedicalcenter.com

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