Ron Gibbons calls cancer a life-changer

Contents
June 2008
6
Big Splash
Colorful Redesign
Features
Loving Home
8
12
Ken Walker Takes a Walk Across America
Ron Gibbons Calls Cancer a Life-Changer
40
Celebrate Recovery
19
24
Columns
Pets
22
26
43
44
Brad Johnson – Lawn Care
Randy Cowell – Financial Planing
Planting in Pots
Bed Bugs Return to Bite Again!
Pet Corner
The Very Strange Pets of John Whitsett, Central Church
of the Nazarene
COVER: A special thank you to Katie Allen, this month’s cover article. Like all kids, Katie is happy Summer is here. Sunshine, fun at the pool, and lots of free time. Now that is something to cheer about.
PUBLISHER & EDITOR Tom McCloud
GRAPHIC DESIGNER Ben Allen
PHOTOGRAPHY & PHOTO EDITOR Don Kreutzweiser
SALES MANAGER Paul Aelmore
SALES Don Sands, Marsha Longaberger
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Randy Cowell, Anna D. Wright, Dr. Hope Harder,
Blythe Fowler and Brad Johnson
www.mccloudmedia.com • www.communityspiritmagazine.com
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8835 S. Memorial, Tulsa, OK 74133
phone: (918) 307-2323 fax: (918) 307-1221
DISTRIBUTION
Community Spirit is distributed to churches,
schools, restaurants, Christian bookstores, and
other businesses. Call us today to deliver to your church.
Community Spirit is published monthly by McCloud Media.
Claims by advertisers and the opinions of writers within
this publication do not necessarily represent
the views of Community Spirit or its publisher,
Equipment Publications, Inc.
Philippians 2:1-2
“If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if
any comfort from His love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any
tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by
being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit
and purpose.”
Our Mission:
To glorify God by telling stories of individual Christians whose good
works testify to God’s active presence in Oklahoma. Through the telling
of these true stories, we pray Christians will be inspired to do more
good works, the Body of Christ will be unified and all will hear the Good
News – that God offers everyone an abundant new life in Jesus.
Copyright © 2008 by Equipment Publications, Inc.
All Rights Reserved. Reproduction without written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited.
4
Co m m U N i t y S p i r it
JUNE 2 0 0 8
Big Splash Gets Facelift for the New Season
Big Splash will be 25 years old next year. And
through the years, hundreds of thousands of kids and
their families have zipped down the twisting turns of
the water flumes, experienced the heart-pounding drop
of the Silver Bullet, and floated carelessly along in the
Lazy River. It has been one of Tulsa’s best family summer activities.
Now fully remodeled and re-energized, the fun-filled
water park stands ready for the next 25 years. Manager, Amber Beck, explained that they are looking forward to a great summer
in 2008.
“Our guests will notice
several new improvements throughout the
park. All three flume
slides on the Tower,
the slides in the activity pool, as well as the
Speed Slides and the
Silver Bullet have been
updated with new fiberglass and gel coated with
bright vibrant colors. We have also coated the entire
Slide Tower Structure with a new non-slip surface
that will be comfortable for our customer’s feet. Our
customers will also enjoy our new wooden diving platform in the activity pool and all the cabanas throughout the park have been taken down and replaced with
colorful canvas and steel structures.”
Amber says they wanted to give their customers something special this year. “The unusually wet weather
last summer spoiled lots of days for our guest. But we
are hoping for an extra amount of clear skies to make
up for it. And when the folks get here, we wanted to
make sure they enjoy every minute.” Managed by
Murphy Brothers Exposition, the same folks who bring
6
Co m m U N i t y S p i r it
JUNE 2 0 0 8
the carnival to the Tulsa State Fair (as well as to other state
fairs across the country), Big Splash is owned by a Limited
General Partnership. The original investors included many
renowned Tulsans including such people as Glenn Michaels,
Roy Clark, Ed Barshara, Tim Arnold, Ken Stevens, Jim and
Jerry Murphy and Rollins Construction.
Big Splash is located at the corner of 21st
and Yale. It is open Monday through Thursday from 10 to 6, Friday and Saturday from
10 to 8, and Sunday from 12 to 6.
Admission is $19.95 plus tax. Special discount tickets ($9.95 plus tax) are available
during Nightsplash (Friday and Saturday
from 4 to 8.) On Sunday’s, come enjoy
family day for only $12.95 plus tax. Also,
for discounts during the week, look for specially marked Sprite and Diet Coke cans to
receive $6.00 off per ticket.
“What we thought would be a financial goldmine turned out
to be just a lot of fun,” joked Jerry Murphy. “But it has been
good for Tulsa. Tulsa needs a place like this where families
can enjoy a quality water park without having to drive to a
larger city.”
“Big Splash has three main
objectives for the year,” Amber
added. “We want to provide our
customers with an even cleaner,
updated park. Secondly, we have
made safety our number one
priority. We have taken extra
measures to ensure that our lifeguards and staff are properly
trained and exceed Oklahoma
safety regulations. And we continue to retain a safety group to
routinely inspect our equipment. Finally, we will promote
Youth Leadership by honoring today’s teens for setting a
good example. We are establishing programs to reward
today’s youth and acknowledge those who are trying to do
good things in the world.”
Come to Big Splash!
Whether your group is large or small, from 25 to thousands,
Big Splash can provide an entire day of family fun and entertainment. Companies, youth groups, clubs, school functions, and organizations can find plenty to splash around in
from the thrills of the Silver Bullet to relaxing in the Lazy
River.
Big Splash is one of the “coolest places” for birthday par-
For more information, call 918-749-7385 or
visit the website at www.bigsplashwaterpark.com.
ties. For only $175 (17.50 per person) you can bring 10
guests and the birthday guest comes free. Also, all ten
guests get a Free Cabana Meal Ticket!
It is also a great place for company parties, youth groups
or just to spend a fun day with friends. Special activities,
catering, and entertainment are available to handle most
any number of guests.
Come experience the new Big Splash! It’s the most colorful and exciting way to cool off and enjoy an Oklahoma
summer day.
J U NE 2 0 0 8 Co m m UNi t y Spi ri t
7
offer never existed. He said I should also draw out a plan
for the trip and follow it, never meandering from one place
to the next,” Ken said.
A few days later, Ken had to tell the French chef that he was
going to turn down the once-in-a-lifetime offer. Though he
had dreaded telling him, during the conversation, he was
able to share Jesus and minister to the man. “It is amazing
how God works. During my walk, I found out the restaurant had to be shut down due to some structural problems
with the building. God had placed me right where I was
supposed to be…walking across the country,” he explained
with a smile.
Walking Across America,
Telling Others About Jesus
“Shepherd’s Guide” Editor, Ken Walker
Walked Coast to Coast
How far would you walk to tell someone about
Jesus? Ken Walker, Editor and owner of the local
Shepherd’s Guide Directory, once walked clear across
America to do so.
“If I were to ever do it again,
Ken’s walk
started on April
I would only take a light nap
15th of 1996 in
sack. God will provide the rest.”
Harper’s Ferry,
West Virginia. Nearly one year later, he arrived at the
Pacific Ocean. He had walked across twelve states, West
Virginia, Virginia, Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, Mississippi, Kansas, Colorado, Arizona and California. Along
the way, he had met hundreds of amazing people, attended
churches of all sizes and learned a lot about himself. Most
importantly, he was able to share his testimony with people
who were curious about his long walk.
“I was able to use the metaphor of my walk to explain to
them about a God who is always there for us, in both the
highs and the lows, in the rain and in the clear skies,” he
said.
As Ken would walk through each little town, he would often
meet with the local newspapers
The call to tackle this unusual task
to tell his story. Their subsequent
came at an unexpected time in his
“I
was
able
to
use
the
headlines further shared Ken’s teslife. At 24 years old, he thought
timony and his hope in Jesus.
he knew God’s career path for his
metaphor of my walk to
life. Home from serving as a paraexplain to them about a
Ken walked nearly the whole way.
trooper during the first Gulf War,
God who is always there
“I never hitchhiked, but occasionhe had attended Baltimore Internaally when the weather got really
tional Culinary College, one of the
for us, in both the highs
bad, God would send someone
top cooking schools in the country.
and the lows, in the rain
to pick me up and take me to the
He had graduated Valedictorian
and in the clear skies.”
next little town or to their home
of his class and had been offered a
for a hot meal. On Wednesdays
position at a famous restaurant in
and Sundays, I would seek out
France. But somehow French cuisine lost some of it allure when he compared it with the a church. Noticing my backpack, the church would often
adventure of walking from West Virginia to California. offer me a place to stay and sometimes they would even ask
me to preach. They really treated me like royalty. AmazIt was a challenge he could not get off his mind and
ingly, I even gained 30 pounds during my trip.”
he was convinced it had been God who had placed it
there.
In between the towns, Ken would pitch his small tent in
roadside parks or in empty pastures. Sometimes the road got
“I decided that if I were to give up my dreams, I would
really long and lonely. He would generally walk more than
have to feel like I was truly having an opportunity to
20 miles per day, but rested for a couple of days when he
tell others about Jesus. So I talked to my pastor and
needed to do so.
he gave me some wise advice. He suggested that if I
was going to do this, I needed to pretend the European
8
Co m m U N i t y S p i r it
JUNE 2 0 0 8
Ken’s home church supported him during his trip with
$150 per month food money. Beyond that, God would
always provide. “Right when I needed it most, strangers
would walk up to me and hand me money. As I hiked up
the Appalachian Trail, I spent the night in this small hiker
hostile and someone had left a full box of Cheez-Its. I
laughed and laughed cause only God knew they were my
absolute favorite snack.”
Though he started the trip with a full backpack weighing
120 pounds, he quickly learned an important life lesson.
As he threw away everything he didn’t absolutely need,
he remembered the verse in Hebrews 12 that talks about
throwing aside everything that hinders you. “If I were to
ever do it again, I would only take a light nap sack. God
will provide the rest.”
Preaching in pulpits all across his journey, Ken encouraged people to be proud of whatever God was calling
them to do. Even in the toughest stretches of highway,
he would tell them that he never was afraid and he never
questioned whether he should have started this long trip.
Twelve years later, Ken is not the young man that took
that journey, but he says he would do it again. He
describes it as a fabulous experience that prepared him
for many future life challenges.
Five years ago, Ken started The Shepherd’s Guide in the
Tulsa area. Impressed with the directory in his hometown of Baltimore, he thought Tulsa needed to have one.
“Christians like to buy from Christians. Our directory
allows people to have an easy way to find Christianowned businesses. We don’t take just every business that
has a fish on their logo. We investigate the companies the
best that we can and each company has to sign a statement of faith in order to be included,” he explained.
Tulsa’s Shepherd’s Guide has been very successful and is
now among the top 20 of the company’s national franchises. The directories are located all over town in businesses, churches and Christian bookstores.
Ken says that he was not the first, nor the last, to walk
across the country. “People walk for all sorts of reasons.
There are lots of crazy people in the world who want to
bring awareness to lots of different causes. But for me, it
was an opportunity to meet people and to share my faith.
In the process, God proved over and over that He would
always take care of my needs.”
Ken Walker is a graduate of Rhema Bible Training
Center. He and his wife Pam have been married since
1997 and they have one daughter, Gracie. You can
learn more about the Tulsa Shepherd’s Guide by calling
918-493-7494.
J U NE 2 0 0 8 Co m m UNi t y Spi ri t
9
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J U N E 2 0 0 8 Co m m uni t y Spi ri t
11
The Man Behind the Advertising
Advertising has made him a local celebrity.
The difficult spelling of his last name has made
him just “Dr. Z”. But it has been hard work as
well as lots of blessings from above that have
made Robert Zoellner (Zel-ner) one of the most
successful optometrists around.
After years of hearing him on the radio, seeing
his famous 2-pair deal plastered on countless billboards and appreciating his long-time advertising
support of Community Spirit, we thought it was
time you knew a bit more about this very likeable
business leader.
We interviewed him in his spacious office overlooking the south Memorial showroom, a beehive
of activity where dozens of people were getting
fitted for new glasses. The office was filled with
fun pictures of family and friends and I thought to
myself that the festive room fit his big smile and
positive attitude. Though nicely appointed, something about the room made me want to get right
to business.
To call Dr. Z “driven” would be stating the obvious. Though he says that lots of kids had it worse
than he did, he was raised in what he calls “a large
family with modest means.” He took his first job
at 13, washing dishes in a Mexican restaurant
and working hard was just something the family
expected. Throughout his school years, while the
other kids were attending the Friday night football game or going out to a movie, he was hard
12
C o m m u n i t y S p i rit
JunE 2 0 0 8
at work. “But it did have its rewards,” he said as he
recalled how good he felt when he paid cash for his
first car, a 1974 Pinto.
He attended Union schools until his family moved
into the Bixby district in his junior year. After high
school, he went to NSU and graduated with a degree
in Mathematics before going on to Optometry
School.
In optometry, he found
the perfect
way to mix
his love for
science and
for people.
“There is
nothing
more satisfying than seeing the big
smile on the
patient’s face
when they
realize they
Dr Z. with “Bosley”
can suddenly
see clearly
again. But I
also loved the retail sales part of the business. It has
been the perfect blend for me,” he said.
Dr. Z’s formula for good business is a simple one…
Project the fruits of the Spirit to both your staff and
your customers. “Your business is only as strong as
the person you have answering the phone and if your
positive attitude doesn’t permeate to the staff, why
should you expect them to treat others that way?” he
said.
Demanding that his employees always “over-deliver,”
he continues to build his business on delivering good
value. “It is my name and my reputation on the sign
out front,” he said.
Though the first class building might lead you to
think otherwise, Dr. Z has always been known for
his low prices. He carries a full selection of styles
and price ranges, but he makes sure there is always a
strong assortment of low cost frames. He remembers
having to “make due” with broken and out-dated
glasses during his youth. “I was always the guy with
those black glasses held together with tape,” he joked.
“I want to make sure our customers have good quality products at a price they can afford.”
his motivator. “Money is a means to an end. It is
nicer with it, but the bigger thrill is to use it to help
other people reach their goals,” he said.
When he is not working, you are likely to find
him on his 200 acre ranch he calls The Rockin’ Z
Ranch. Located south of town on Highway 75, it is
a place for him to unwind, to ride 4-wheelers with
the kids, to sit around and play his harmonica, and
especially a place to raise racehorses. It has become
his favorite hobby/business. He loves riding, the
smell of the barn and watching the beautiful horses
fly out of the starting gate. And now his biggest
dream is to win the Kentucky Derby. “It is the
Super Bowl of horse racing,” he said with excitement.
Dr. Z is often asked to speak to various business
groups or to lecture at local colleges. His message is
a simple one. “Do what you were built to do. Don’t
let any thing get in your way. Don’t have enough
money? Go to college anyway. Work hard and learn
to delay gratification. Work hard now so you can
play later.”
Dr. Z and his wife Carrie have three children of
their own. Bridget is 18, Blake is 16 and Beau is 14.
Through the years, you have no doubt heard them on
his radio spots. And as they have grown up, Dr. Z has When you hear the next radio commercial or see his
made sure to teach them his values of hard work and next ad in Community Spirit, know that there is a
compassion for others.
real person, a really good guy by the way, behind
the “Dr. Z” persona. We encourage you to make an
Aside from his optometry business, he has Dr. Z’s
appointment and “see” for yourself.
Sleep Center, a music production company, a real
estate company, and is now part owner and board
member of Regent Bank. He says that money is not
J u n E 2 0 0 8 Co m m uni t y Spi ri t
13
Therapy®, and chemotherapy. Following treatment,
scans showed three areas still positive for cancer. But
surgery a short time later revealed all three areas to be
non-cancerous, showing either dead, damaged or calcified tissue. Ron believes this result was a direct answer
to prayer, not only by himself and his family, but by
his physician and others who were asking God to intervene.
His latest CTCA scans in March of this year showed
no evidence of disease. “I’m still going through some
speech and physical therapy to help with swallowing,”
he said, “but instead of dying, I’m out looking for a
new job, and at CTCA regularly to talk with and pray
for other patients.”
As part of his cancer journey, Ron lived with the feeding tube for a year and nine months. The nutrition team
worked with him throughout his treatment, tailoring
his tube feeding and diet to meet his specific needs.
God used cancer to reel him back in
Ron Gibbons calls cancer a life-changer
Tulsa resident Ron Gibbons admits cancer
opened his eyes to what’s important in life.
Though a follower of Christ, he’d become, in his
words, “caught up in the world and out of the
Word.” In 2003, he was busy with a new sales and
marketing job and keeping up with the many sports
activities his three sons were involved in … nothing
bad, but “my priorities were just out of line.”
However, when a sore throat turned out to be Stage
4 squamous cell carcinoma at the base of his tongue,
life changed drastically.
Shortly after receiving this shocking diagnosis, and
while still evaluating where he wanted to go for
treatment, Ron began blacking out – once while
driving – and experiencing extreme fatigue. Doctors
originally thought he was having heart problems,
but, later, he learned the tumors in his throat were
14
C o m m u n i t y S p i rit
JunE 2 0 0 8
pushing against his carotid artery, cutting off oxygen to his
brain.
“The hospital and physicians where I was diagnosed didn’t
give me much hope with my cancer,” he recalled. “So I
refused more treatment from them. I’d been trying to decide
what to do; the blackouts just accelerated the process. I
remembered an ad on television for Cancer Treatment
Centers of America (CTCA) and a treatment option called
TomoTherapy® which precisely pinpointed radiation to the
tumor site. I wanted the least amount of throat damage possible, because speaking was critical to my job. I called for an
appointment.”
Ron was failing fast. When he came to CTCA, he could
barely walk or eat. The tumors were filling his throat. He
was admitted to the hospital, and remembers that, from the
beginning, the doctors and clinicians filled him with hope. “I
knew I was in the right place,” he said.
Ron was stabilized, strengthened and had a feeding tube
implanted. He then underwent radiation, including Tomo-
“You don’t know how it affects you mentally when
you can’t eat,” he recalled. “Life revolves around food,
from going out to eat with family and friends to dropping by for a cup of coffee. I prayed repeatedly for
God to let me eat. It took me a long time to realize
it’s not about me, it’s about God. When I changed my
prayers to, ‘When you’re ready, God, I’m ready too,’
it wasn’t long before I was able to eat again. I started
with mashed potatoes. My first piece of chocolate cake
created an explosion of memories in my mouth … of
birthday parties, celebrations … so good.” He now has
a stable healthy diet, high in fruit, vegetables and lean
protein sources.
Ron said the devil works on your mind and emotions
when you have cancer, trying to fill you with doubt.
He relied on prayer and Scripture, like Psalm 118:17,
“I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of Jehovah,” to keep going.
Throughout these last few years, Ron has seen God
intervene in his life with one miraculous event after
another in the midst of difficult circumstances and serious financial setbacks, including job and insurance loss
and even the loss of home. “Hundreds of people prayed
for me regularly. People like my former boss and others
at CTCA stepped up with financial help for the things
we needed most. My wife and I learned how little we
could really get by on.”
He continued, “I’ve learned that God often uses things
like cancer to reel you back in to Himself. I know He
has plans for me and didn’t bring me through this for
nothing. Cancer changed my whole life. I’ve got my priorities straightened out. I’m on my knees daily, thanking God for that day; I take time to appreciate life and
family and spending time with them. I’m adamant about
sharing my story with people and giving them hope. I’ve
been so blessed. God saved my life, by using CTCA’s nurses and doctors. I prayed for the doctors’ hands, hearts and
minds before surgery, and they prayed with me as well.
Now, I pray for people all over the world that I’ve met
through CTCA. That’s a wonderful privilege.”
No case is typical. You should not expect to experience
these results.
Nutritional Support at
Cancer Treatment Centers
of America
According to the National Cancer
Institute, about one-third of all cancer deaths are related to malnutrition.
Therefore, it’s important to give the
body a constant supply of nutrients to
use as fuel during the healing process.
At Cancer Treatment Centers of America, the Nutrition Metabolic Support
Department aims to keep patients
strong and nutritionally balanced, so
their cancer treatment isn’t interrupted.
Licensed and registered dietitians provide expert care through comprehensive nutrition assessment, education
and supplementation, with an emphasis on proactive nutrition intervention.
Their goal is to:
• prevent malnutrition,
• reduce side-effects,
• promote positive healthy eating
habits, and
• enhance overall well-being and
quality of life.
To learn more about Cancer Treatment
Centers of America, visit www.cancercenter.com/communityspirit
J u n E 2 0 0 8 Co m m uni t y Spi ri t
15
16 C o m m u n i t y S p i rit
MAY 2 0 0 8
Lots of Pots –
Container
Gardening
We have all seen the colorful photos of patios
with lots of pots brimming over with picture perfect flowers. Have you tried your hand at container
gardening with some success and feel ready to dig
deeper into it? Or, like me, have you tried and met
with limited success, or failure, and wondered what
to do?
I met with container gardening expert, Dianne Nail,
OSU Extension Master Gardener. Since she was
also directing the Home and Garden Show display
this year that featured container
gardening, our photographer and
I joined her there to snap a few
photos that will show you some
helpful ideas as well.
My first thought was about containers, but Dianne said, “Actually the first consideration is location.” In Oklahoma, it is particularly important to consider how
much wind will whip through
in selecting a suitable location.
Next, ask how much sun? How
much shade? To my surprise, in
our part of the country, the term
full sun on a plant’s tag does not
typically mean a location facing
south, unless it is shaded during the hottest part of the day.
Otherwise, you will need truly
drought tolerant plants for that
site, and you will have to experiment.
Anything that will hold soil can be used as a container. It is best if it has a drainage hole so excess
water can flow out the bottom. Water the plants
until water flows out the bottom. But if there is no
drainage, and you don’t feel you can put a hole in
the container, you can adapt for that. Insert a pot
with bottom drainage inside the closed container and
put the plants in that. About an hour after watering,
drain out the excess water.
Since moisture can travel unevenly in extremely tall
pots, strawberry jars also work best by adapting the way
you water. One trick is to insert pvc pipe with holes
drilled in the sides down the center, and add soil around
it. Keeping sufficient moisture for the plants at the top of
a tall pot can still be a challenge, so Dianne puts the plants
at the mouth of the strawberry jar in their own separate
plastic pot.
How much water? With good drainage, it is hard to overwater in July and August. In mid-summer it can take twice
a day to keep plants from wilting. I asked about pots with
wick-watering systems. There are inexpensive small ones
that work well, but it is difficult to get sufficient moisture
that way in large pots, and a large wick type pot can cost
$100. If a couple hundred dollars is in your budget, online
I saw some large container planters that featured an irrigation system with a timer.
Before arranging your plants in the container, do some
planning. First, remember to put all shade or all sun lovers together. If you are unsure and aren’t inclined to spend
lots of time researching which plants
to use, Dianne pointed out there are
many recipes for arranging containers
with compatible plants. These will
show a color photo and list the plants
for you.
Next, look at the container. What
color and shape is it? The container
and plants should flow together.
Now, size up the space where it will
sit. Is it against a wall or fence so
it needs height in back? Will it be
viewed from all sides so it needs
height in the center and color all
around?
Here is another interesting tip: when
selecting plants, don’t limit yourself
to annuals. You can use shrubs to
give height and fullness. For early
bloom, perennials—including spring
bulbs—can provide color until the
other plants take over for the rest of the summer. Bougainvillea also works well.
“Deadheading” refers to removing dead flowers that are
ready to set seed, and removing leggy stems to shape plants
to look prettier. Since Mother Nature’s main purpose is to
set seeds for the next generation, many plants quit blooming when the flowers die and begin to set seeds. Deadheading fools Mother Nature into continuing to produce
more flowers. There is a best way to deadhead. See the
description in the sidebar.
Since the right soil is the foundation that supports your
J u n E 2 0 0 8 Co m m uni t y Spi ri t
19
plants, wisdom is in order here. Do not use dirt from the
garden. Garden soil, and even last year’s potting soil in
a container, contains weeds and organisms. And the soil
from last season in that container also contains salts. Each
year use fresh premixed potting soil. The newer soils have
moisture beads and even fertilizer. Although the bags
may state the fertilizer lasts up to eight months, this does
not hold true for container plants. Blooming annuals are
extremely heavy feeders, so you will need to begin fertilizing a month after planting in these soils, and monthly
while plants are in bloom. Mix fertilizer carefully for best
results. Dianne prefers to use the type of fertilizer you mix
with water to provide consistent immediate nutrition.
Check regularly for pests. Simple, organic gardening techniques can be very effective. For example, a concentrated
spray from a garden hose can blast off aphids.
Deadheading. To prevent
plants from setting seed and
extend bloom time, pinch off
dead flowers just below the
flower head.
Although greenery and flowers
are most amenable to container gardening,
a few vegetables
can be grown in
containers. But
typically expect
reduced yields.
Try dwarf fruit
trees like apples
and pears. Most
vegetables are
best in raised
beds, as well as
berry bushes,
because you need
several bushes to
pollinate properly.
“Tipsy Pots” container is easy to make from four
clay pots. The bottom pot is about 14-inches
diameter and supports a metal rod attached to
a base plate and placed at the bottom. It is then
filled almost two-thirds full with heavy rocks or
concrete, then with dirt up to the top. Three clay
pots about 10-inches diameter form the tipsy
stack. One at a time they are threaded onto the
metal rod through the hole in their bottom and
filled with dirt. Then the next pot is stacked and
filled with dirt. You can leave the display this
However, some are worth trying. A container crop of spinach will give you about five days of fresh leaves. Herbs
work well in containers. If you want tomatoes, cherry
tomatoes are a good candidate, and be sure to plant at least
two so they can cross pollinate.
way with the rod simply extending out the top.
As I listened to Dianne, I discovered the reasons why I had
less than desirable results with my experiment with container gardening. She was so knowledgeable, I imagine you
found some tips you could use as well. Don’t you think
one of the best ideas is that Tipsy Pots planter featured in
the sidebar? Happy container gardening!
pots, and also water slowly to avoid washing out
The one pictured has a decorative topper set on
top of the rod. When filling the pots, use sphagnum moss to help secure the dirt in the tipped
the soil. You can also insert pvc pipe with holes
drilled in its sides, and top water through that, as
described for tall watering pots.
Anna D Wright is a freelance writer, speaker, and IDS Assoc
Interior Designer. She may be reached at anna_d_wright@
yahoo.com P.O. Box 700262, Tulsa, OK 74170. Phone (918)
585-2662.
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Going Green Starts in your Front Lawn
We hear a lot about the importance of “being
green” these days, whatever that means. For most
folks, I think it means living a lifestyle and doing things
in a way which protects and even improves the environment we live in. Being a good steward of God’s creation
starts right in your own front lawn, and the back too, for
that matter.
In America, we have nearly 20 million acres of lawns
which provide not only aesthetic and economic value to
urban homeowners, but also real environmental benefits
as well. These benefits are often overlooked or taken for
granted. Turf areas under professional or consistent care
by homeowners are denser and healthier, providing the
following benefits to your home environment and our
city as a whole.
Cooling
The front lawns of a block of eight average houses have
the cooling effect of about 70 tons of air conditioning—
enough to cool 16 average homes. On a hot summer
day, grass can be 10-14 degrees cooler than exposed
soil and as much as 30 degrees cooler than concrete or
asphalt. Just ask our local college teams: the Cowboys,
Sooners, and Golden Hurricanes, which surface they’d
like to play on during a hot September Saturday!
Air Quality
A 50’ by 50’ well–maintained grass area will create
enough oxygen to meet the needs of a family of four
every day. Acting like a gigantic sponge, lawns absorb
all types of airborne pollutants such as dust and carbon
dioxide, as well as noise. Less weeds means less weed
pollen, a relief to those with allergies.
Water Quality
Studies show healthy lawns absorb rainfall 4-6 times
more effectively than farm fields, being exceeded only
by virgin forest. Lawns return the moisture to the water
table where it can again be used by everyone. A Penn
State University study showed thick lawns slow the
velocity of run-off and allow the water to infiltrate 15
times better from a high quality lawn than from a patchy
lawn with a lot of weeds.
Soil Quality
A healthy lawn prevents erosion by water or wind and
the loss of valuable topsoil—less mud and dust in the
house. If you’ve ever moved into a new home before it
was sodded, you’ll know what I mean!
Aesthetics
There can be no argument that a beautiful lawn is imme22
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diately pleasing to the eye and relaxing in its appearance.
Lawns help to soften and reduce reflected light—less
glare.
Exercise
While some may scorn its needs, others find lawn maintenance requirements an excellent opportunity to enjoy
reasonable exercise and a diversion. Homes, sports fields,
and parks with healthy grass acts as a cushion to reduce
shock and potential injury.
Value
Appraisers estimate that a well-landscaped and maintained lawn adds 7% to the value of residential property.
A recent Gallup survey concluded that a 15% increase in
selling price can be realized when the home is nicely landscaped.
Having a beautiful, well-maintained lawn is one of the
best things Tulsa area homeowners can do for our urban
environment and neighborhoods. Trees are great, and
we’ve seen the value and benefits trees provide after the
ice storm last winter. But don’t forget the benefits of your
home lawn. Caring for it can be done in an environmentally responsible way, either by using quality professional
help or by doing your own lawncare.
For more information on the value and benefits of a
healthy lawn, go to the Project Evergreen website, www.
projectevergreen.com, or go to www.yardenthusiasts.com.
Native Tulsan Brad Johnson has been caring for Tulsa
lawns for over 24 years, as the founder of green-up! In
1984, and owner of LawnAmerica since 1999. He can
be reached at Brad@Lawnamerica.com
Sleep Tight! Don’t Let the Bedbugs Bite!
cerns forced exterminators to stop using DDT products.
About the size of an apple seed, the small bug latches on
to its human victims to suck blood much like a tick. The
bite often causes itchy sores on the skin and small traces
of blood can be seen on the bed sheets.
The nasty little bugs are difficult to eliminate. They
can go for over a year without a meal, making it nearly
impossible to spot them before it is too late. Worse, they
can get in your clothing and travel back home with you
to take up residence in your own bed.
Ugh! Just in time for your vacation, Bedbugs are back!
Those tiny little bugs that once especially plagued the
hotel/motel industry back in the 1940s, have returned
with a vengeance. Once thought to be nearly eradicated,
they have slowly been returning ever since safety con-
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“If you see evidence of them in your home, call a
these pests can be a challenge, we have the right tools
professional. Over-the-counter foggers and sprays are
and knowledge if we act quickly. Even then, mattresses
rarely enough to eliminate them. Though getting rid of
sometimes have to be discarded,” Roger explained.
Before you crawl into that motel
bed, fold back the sheets and the
mattress pad. Carefully inspect
between the folds of the mattress.
Bedbugs are small, but if they are
there, you should be able to see
them. Also look for signs of tiny
bloodstains.
“Arrow Exterminating has seen incidences of bedbug
infestation skyrocket over the last few years. A few years
ago, we might have seen one case a year. Now, we treat
multiple cases per week,”said Roger Graham, General
Manager of Arrow Exterminating.
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BEING A G.O.O.D MAN
(This article is dedicated to all those men who have refused to stop for directions)
I recently attended a financial planning symposium whose theme was “Living in Uncertain Times.”
For three days we discussed planning issues and discussed the fact that the only thing certain in life is that
life is uncertain. If you have lived any length of time at
all you will certainly concur with this statement. Everyone can agree that life can - and inevitably will - throw
you a curve ball. Having analyzed thousands of financial plans and counseled hundreds of individuals and
families, I can say with some authority that debt ranks
as the number one menace to the wellbeing of Christian
and non-Christian families in America. It contributes
to more divorces than any other cause and deprives all
those with it from the joys of financial freedom. The
fact that it exists within the boundaries of your financial
plan makes you more susceptible to life’s “financial”
curveballs.
Seize the Opportunity
In the writings of Paul to the church at Ephesus he
encouraged them to “wake up” and smell the coffee!
“Be very careful....how you live - not as unwise but as
wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the
days are evil.” Ephesians 5:14-16. What great advice!
We should take advantage of opportunities. (It is not
an accident that you are reading this article.) If we continue this study of opportunity we are led to the Latin
word for opportunity, kairos, which literally translated
means “toward the port.” In ancient times, sailing was
extremely difficult. Returning to a port was no easy
task. The wind and the tides offered the only means of
power, so the crew would have to recognize and seize
every opportunity available if they hoped to succeed in
their task. For ancient sailors, to seize the opportunity
or their kairos, to catch the wind riding the tides home
was the epitome of recognizing the situation and acting
upon it.
Knowing and Doing
In 1st Chronicles Chapter 12 there is an accounting of
tribes as they gathered for battle in support of David,
their new king. One tribe stands out above all the others, not because of their numbers or their battle skills,
but as verse 32 describes, the men of Issachar, who
understood the times and knew what Israel should
do - 200 chiefs with all their relatives under their command - assembled to join David. The men of Issachar
are singled out here because they “understood” the
times and they “knew” what had to be done. From a
financial perspective “understanding the times” can be
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interpreted as knowing where you are on your personal
financial roadmap. One of my favorite saying is, “If you
don’t know where you are, any road can take you to
your destination.” Not recognizing and taking responsibility of your financial shortcomings will only delay the
inevitable.
Give your Family a Gift This Father’s Day
How are you preparing and equipping your children
to handle their finances? In Proverb 22:6-7, men are
instructed to raise up children recognizing their individual bents and to specifically instruct them about debt.
You can almost hear the wise sage explaining to his children, “The borrower is servant to the lender.”
You, too, can be a man of Issachar! How? By recognizing the problem areas in your finances and personally
taking responsibility for them. Just like those brave men
that gathered to do battle for their king, you will be
doing battle for your family. Recognizing how debt is
adversely affecting you and your family will be your first
step toward being a G.O.O.D. man for your family, one
that is committed to Getting Out Of Debt. Get started
today!
Randy C. Cowell is a columnist and President of
ACT Financial Services, Inc. in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Author of God Good –Debt Bad, Randy welcomes
your thoughts and prayers. He can be reached at
918-664-0081 or by e-mail at rcowell@htk.com.
“Randy C. Cowell is a Registered Representative
of and Securities and Advisory services offered
through Hornor Townsend and Kent, Inc. Member of
FINRA/SIPC. HTK does not offer tax, legal and credit
service advice. The views expressed are not necessarily those of HTK. ACT Financial Services, Inc is
not affiliated with HTK.”
Don’t Miss the Bixby Green Corn Festival!
June 26-28
The 33rd annual Bixby Green Corn Festival will
be held on June 26-28. The three-day event is
small town at its best, providing fun for the whole
family. The old-fashioned good time is held at
downtown Bixby’s Charley Young Park. It includes
great music, arts and crafts, food, bingo, a carnival
and games for the entire family.
On Friday, there will be a talent show and on Saturday morning, people will line the streets to watch
the annual Green Corn Parade.
Downtown Bixby is located south and east of 151st
and Memorial. Even though Bixby is Oklahoma’s
fastest growing communities, it hasn’t lost the
hometown charm. You and your entire family are
going to love every minute of the festival. From the
Ferris Wheel to the great music and food, the Green
Corn Festival will soon be your annual appointment for a family-filled good time.
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REMY Companies
and
ICC Entertainment
Announce
SOUTH
VILLAGE
SMOOTH
JAZZ
FESTIVAL
And
Groundbreaking
Celebration
Famed Smooth Jazz saxophonist Dave Koz heads
the roster of performers for the First Annual South
Village Smooth Jazz Festival which will help
break ground at the site of the Remy Companies’
planned 50-million dollar retail/office/entertainment complex at 146th and Memorial on the
banks of the Arkansas River on Saturday, June 7th.
Guitarist Jeff Golub, hot new Latin saxophonist Jessy J
and local favorite Grady Nichols are also on the bill for
the 3pm concert. ICC Entertainment is producing the
show. Chuck Cissel and Oklahoma City-based Bruce
Benson and Studio B round out the show. The all-day
show will honor the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame.
Dave Koz is a platinum-selling artist, humanitarian,
entrepreneur, radio host, and instrumental music advocate. He has received six Grammy nominations. The
list of artists who Koz has played with bears testament
to his talent and includes such familiar names as Burt
Bacharach, Ray Charles, Natalie Cole, Celine Dion,
Kenny Loggins, U2, Anita Baker, Chris Botti, Michael
McDonald, Luther Vandross, Barry Manilow, Johnny
Mathis, Vanessa Williams and Rod Stewart.
Jeff Golub is a contemporary jazz guitarist with six
solo albums and three CD’s as the leader of “Avenue
Blue”. Before becoming a soloist, Jeff worked as a
sideman with a number of very successful rock and pop
stars. From 1988 until 1995 he was with Rod Stewart,
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performing on four albums and five world tours as well as
recording the live DVD “One Night Only” live at Royal
Albert Hall.
Jessy J debuted with veteran producer Paul Brown in
2006. Her instant success led to her first major show at
the Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival later that year, and
in 2007 she became one of the only artists to ever headline
shows on all three weekends of that event. Now she is taking it to the next level with her debut CD, Tequila Moon.
The title single is #1 on the Smooth Jazz charts. She’s also
known for her powerful, sensual vocals.
Most local fans are familiar with Grady Nichols’ smooth
sounds, although many are not aware of his success outside of his home state. He has played literally from coast
to coast, continues to play festivals around the country,
and has had great national success on the Smooth Jazz
radio charts. At the South Village Festival he’ll be playing
selections from his new CD, “Take Me With You”. Nichols says, “We’ve definitely taken a big step forward from
our Smooth Jazz roots on this new CD. I’m eager to play it
for my fans”.
Gates will open at 2pm and the show starts at 3pm. Parking will be free, courtesy of Primeaux KIA. There will be
food and beverage tents on site. A lucky audience member
will win a trip for two on the Smooth Jazz Cruise coming up in November and hosted by Dave Koz provided
by CD103.7. Tickets are available now, on-line, at www.
SouthVillageJazz.com.
SMOOTH JAZZ RETURNS TO
OKLAHOMA AIRWAVES
It’s been ten years since Tulsa had a full power
Smooth Jazz station. Now CD103.7, known onair as Smooth Jazz Oklahoma, is sending the
melodic, rhythmic sounds of Dave Koz, Wayman Tisdale, Kenny G, Chris Botti, Anita Baker
and others over Tulsa.
The 100,000 watt station takes a unique
approach to how it delivers its music. Some of
the biggest star musicians in the Smooth Jazz
genre double as announcers and host their
own shows from studios in Los Angeles and
Chicago.
Ramsey Lewis co-hosts the morning program while famed saxophonist Dave Koz has
2-7pm duties. Every weekend includes on-air
announcer shifts by keyboardist Brain Culbertson, Grammy winner guitarist Norman Brown,
and even the world’s number one saxophonist,
Kenny G.
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2 0 0 8 CO M M UNI T Y SPI RI T
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HELP
WANTED
EXPERIENCED FULL TIME
SALES REPRESENTATIVE
Base, Commission & Benefits
Some Established Accounts
Enjoyable Work Environment
Don’t Just Work…
Join Us in Making a Difference!
Community
Spirit
®
“Living Legend – Chuck Berry
Comes To Tulsa!”
John Lennon may have said it best when he
said, “If you want to give rock and roll another
name, you should call it Chuck Berry.” The ORU
Mabee Center, together with Road Work Entertainment, is proud to welcome music icon, guitar god,
and living legend Chuck Berry to Tulsa. Chuck
Berry will perform at the Mabee Center on Saturday, June 14, 2008. Tickets range from $38 to $58
(plus applicable fees). Special guest David Dover will
open the show. Tickets are available in person at the
Mabee Center box office, over the phone at (918)
495-6000, on online at www.mabeecenter.com.
Chuck Berry is the undisputed Founding Father of
rock and roll. Influencing everyone from The Beatles
and Elvis Presley to Bruce Springsteen and the Rolling Stones, Chuck Berry made rock and roll music
what it is today. His hits include “Maybellene”,
“Roll Over Beethoven”, “Rock and Roll Music”,
“Sweet Little Sixteen”, “No Particular Place To
Go”, “School Days (Hail! Hail! Rock and Roll)”,
and of course, “Johnny B. Goode.”
Don’t miss seeing this Rock and Roll Legend!
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Each day at Camp, we will unpack these powerful principles that will shape you as an athlete:
Day 1 - DESIRE Desire to know Him (Phil. 3:7-11)
2008 FCA SUMMER
CAMPS ARE COMING
YOUR WAY!
FCA Summer Camps are a time of “inspiration and perspiration” for athletes and
coaches to reach their potential by offering
comprehensive athletic, spiritual and leadership training.
Day 2 - DISCIPLINE Discipline to trust and respond to
Him (Phil. 3:12-14)
Day 3 - DEDICATION Dedication to follow Him (Phil.
3:15-17)
Day 4 - DESTINATION Destination to be with Him (Phil
3:18-21)
Join us at FCA Camp in 2008!
Northeast Oklahoma FCA is expecting a record number
of area athletes and coaches to attend one of their
offered FCA Camps this summer. FCA is currently
working to raise camp scholarship funding to help
every student who wished to attend a FCA Camp
the chance to participate. You can help by considering a donation in ANY AMOUNT to the FCA Ministry at FCA - P.O. Box 700401 - Tulsa, OK 74170.
Remember that your donation is 100% tax-deductible and will be receipted by the FCA National Office in Kansas City.
For more information you can visit the Oklahoma
FCA website at www.okfca.org or by contacting
Area Director, Chris Kaiser at 918-496-8322 or
ckaiser@fca.org.
Sponsored by:
“One thing I do: forgetting what is behind
and reaching forward to what is ahead, I
pursue as my goal the prize promised by
God’s heavenly call in Christ Jesus.”
- Philippians 3:13-14
As a Competitor, your goal is to focus –
every time – every second. The one thing
you need to do is GET FOCUSED. Nothing
else matters except for this one thing. With an
undying, unwavering commitment, every athlete needs to seize the moment. Forget the past.
Press on. Move out. Grip the future with reckless abandonment. Whatever it takes, pursue
the prize with a passion unknown to mankind.
Dig deep into your soul and with all the desire,
discipline, dedication, and destination you can
produce, run toward the prize. Your single
goal is to glorify your God. With everything
you have, pursue Jesus Christ in all you do.
On and off the field of competition, your focus
is Jesus Christ.
At the 2008 FCA Camp, you will be challenged to GET FOCUSED in all areas of your
life. Your Camp experience will be life-changing. One of those weeks that will mark you for
the rest of your days! Don’t miss out.
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Inez Smith never misses the chance to play.
At 90 years old, she has a new hobby. In
fact, she is quite good at it. She won their
recent bowling tournament and she holds
her trophy with the same pride as any
champion.
“You would have had to be here to believe
it. The room was full of spectators and
everyone was yelling and cheering with
every shot,” Inez said with excitement.
Wii Bowl and
We Love It!
Wii Games Become Exciting Hobby at
Retirement Centers
A new fad is rolling through Tulsa’s retirement
centers. Seniors have fallen in love with Wii Fit (pronounced “We”). Out of their chairs, away from their
televisions, and interacting with their community, they
are literally waiting in line to play the action games on
Nintendo’s latest console.
The new technology intertwines fitness with great
graphics. The player holds a hand sensor, lines up the
shot and then swings their arm just like they were at
the alley. They then watch the screen as their bowling
ball rolls down the alley and impacts the pins with all
the sound effects. The result is a game so realistic you
feel like you are really bowling.
Though she had only bowled a few times
in her life, she took to the game very
quickly. Another woman scored a 219 and
it was up to Inez to beat her. The resulting
close game had everyone cheering and it
has been the talk of the community ever
since.
But bowling is not the only “sport” the seniors are playing. Wii has other games such as golf, tennis and even
boxing. “We haven’t had anyone take us up on the boxing yet,” Randy said with a smile. “But we are starting a
golf class and I think it will be a hit as well.
As the folks at The Country Club of Woodland Hills
improve on the Wii, they are beginning to “feel their
oats.” In fact, they hereby challenge the other retirement
centers to a tournament.
But come ready to play, cause these folks take Wii very
seriously.
If you want to see the phenomenon for yourself, come
visit The Country Club of Woodland Hills just south
of 61st Street, between Mingo and Memorial. (6333 S
91st East Ave.) Or, if you want to take them up on their
challenge, contact Randy at 252-5451.
You’re gonna love this game!
Go to the once quiet activity center of The Country
Club of Woodland Hills and you will find a room full
of seniors taking turns to “go bowling” on the Wii.
“We purchased it last November and it has been a
hit ever since,” said Randy McManus, Asst. Activity
Director. “We were looking for something to add a
little zip to our activity program. The Wii Fitness is
great exercise and everyone absolutely loves to play. It
has gotten people out of their rooms, on their feet and
engaged in something they truly get excited about.”
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our spiritual being seeking wholeness in unity with the
Creator. Doing what I want or what the mind of Christ
wants. Whether people choose to admit this need for
wholeness matters not – it exists – and we, as believers in
the triune God know it.
The constant life-long struggle between these two natures
manifests into hurtful, non-productive, destructive or
addictive behaviors. Don’t be fooled - harboring anger,
bitterness and resentment over offenses dealt or committed long ago exacts a hefty penalty. Thriving on manipulation and control of other people or situations carries the
cost of lost relationships and opportunities. Injecting just
a little dishonesty when no one presses for truth destroys
credibility with ourselves and others. Perhaps that unmet
need for attention and acceptance is the driving force
behind a compulsion to eat, drink, spend, rage or abuse
drugs from the pharmacy or street corner. The sinful
nature works tirelessly to hide, deny and diminish.
choices. Glen says it best, “The Lord turned an ugly
sickness into a wonderful gift… a completely transformed life. The new life God has blessed me with is a
gift and not something I have worked for or earned.”
He cites Ephesians 2:10… “For I am God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which
God prepared in advance for me to do.”
Do you have a large hole in your heart or are you living a double life? Is God calling you closer to learn
what it is He has prepared in advance for you?
Take an evening and visit a Celebrate Recovery program at one of 15 area churches – remove yourself
from the throne of your heart and take a walk on the
road to recovery.
Everyone needs to travel this road.
Sponsored by:
The “ah ha moment” is often considered hitting bottom
or being blinded by an illuminating flash of light sparking
the realization that one is not God – but is, in fact, powerless to control the tendency to do the wrong thing. Have
you come to this realization?
Happy are the Meek
by: Blythe Folwer
The past few issues of this magazine included
articles about members of the community whose
lives have been reshaped by Celebrate Recovery (CR), a Christ-centered program and healing
ministry, founded in 1991 at Saddleback Back
Church and active in thousands of churches
today.
Community Spirit Magazine has graciously offered to
continue with a series of articles about more of your
neighbors who are experiencing transformed lives as
a result of practicing Celebrate Recovery’s eight principles which are based on the Beatitudes. These are, in
short:
1. Realize I am not God… / Happy are those
who know they are spiritually poor.
2. Earnestly believe that God exists… / Happy
are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
3. Consciously choose to commit… / Happy are
the meek.
4. Openly examine and confess… / Happy are
the pure in heart.
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C o m m u n i t y S p i rit
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5. Voluntarily submit… / Happy are those whose
greatest desire is to do what God requires.
6. Evaluate all my relationships… / Happy are the
merciful. Happy are the peacemakers
7. Reserve a daily time with God…
8. Yield myself to be used by God…/ Happy are
those who are persecuted because they do what
God requires.
June’s Celebrate Recovery article opens with principle one
and a thought provoking question: What’s all this talk
about recovery - recovery from what?
Many folks claim no addictions to drugs, alcohol, pornography, gambling, or thievery. But most of us are touched
by bad divorces, abusive relationships, periods of unemployment or grief from losing loved ones. Compulsive
over-eating and depression is quite common, and while
some people are free of these heavy burdens there remains
a simple truth. Everyone needs recovery.
Basically - we all need to recover from leading a double life
– serving two hearts, two minds and two sets of values. It’s
our sinful, self-serving human nature that struggles with
Glen, the ministry leader of Celebrate Recovery at Asbury
United Methodist Church shares his ah ha moment…
“God was working in my life before I was willing to admit
that fact. For years and years I had a large hole in my
heart which caused lots of pain, bitterness, sadness and
unhappiness. My answer was to try and fill the hole with
the ways of the world – not the ways of the Lord.”
During the summer of 2002, Glen’s life reached a boiling point as overwhelming anxiety and depression landed
him in the hospital’s psychiatric unit. It was there that
he made the best decision(s) of his life and took steps 1,
2 and 3 of Celebrate Recovery’s 12-step program. Glen
admitted he was powerless; he believed a greater power
could restore his sanity and he chose to turn his life and
will over to the care of God and practice these principles
of the Beatitudes: Happy are those who know they are
spiritually poor. Happy are those who mourn, for they
shall be comforted. Happy are the meek.
Aware of a call from God to work with people struggling
with addictions and criminal behavior, Glen realized he
was no different than those he felt called to serve. A great
wife, good job, fat salary, country club membership, nice
car, home and toys did nothing to fill the hole in Glen’s
heart. There was no lasting peace or joy in Glen’s life.
Can it be said that Glen hit bottom and suddenly came to
his senses or can the hand of God be seen at work; leading
Glen on a personal journey through addiction to drugs,
aversion to keeping the law and a history of making poor
ATTEND A CR MEETING NEAR YOU
Fridays
Southern Hills Baptist Church, Tulsa 918.743.8897
New Community Church, Muskogee 918.683.9111
Olivet Baptist Church, Tulsa 918.245.2241
Saturdays
Family Church, Tulsa 918.455.8094
Sundays
Eagle Heights Baptist, Stillwater 405.624.3422
First United Methodist, Owasso 918.272.5731
Mondays
Asbury United Methodist Church, Tulsa
918.492.1771
Grace Community, Bartlesville 918.333.2030
Tuesdays
First United Methodist Church, Tulsa 918.832.1379
Believer’s Church, Tulsa 918.495.2929
First Baptist Church, Claremore 918.694.8355
First Baptist Church, Owasso 918-381.7801
Thursdays
Faith Fellowship Church, Collinsville 918.371.2996
First Baptist Church, Pawnee 918.762.3669
Highland Park Christian, Tulsa 918.627.0783
For more information, go online to
www.celebraterecovery-shbc.org
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Crib City
is Baby Bed
Buyer
Headquarters
Pets Have
Hormones Too
Attention all Baby
Bed Buyers…
You can afford high quality beds
and bedding accessories for your
Princes and Princesses without
investing a Kings Ransom!
After nearly 16 years at 41st
and Garnett, Crib City opened
an exciting new location at 71st
and Memorial. The new store
is just next to Roth’s Dress For
Less and it is twice as big with
twice the selection as before.
Known for offering quality
products at working-family prices, Crib City offers well-known
product lines such as Angel,
Million Dollar Baby and Sorelle.
Not one of those catalog-type
stores, Crib City actually stocks
items for you to compare.
Owner, Randy Edwards and his
father started the store 16 years
ago. Since that time, Tulsa area
families have been telling their
friends about the low prices and
good merchandise.
Come see Randy and let him
help you with this very important investment in your child’s
comfort. The store is open
Wednesdays 12-6, Thursdays
12-7, Fridays 12-6, Saturdays
12-6 and Sundays 1-4.
Almost every one knows everyone someone that
has diabetes, but the results of a recent survey
showed that nearly half of pet owners did not know
that their pet, cats and dogs, could be the victim
of diabetes. Excessive thirst, excessive urination,
over eating, weight loss despite a ravenous appetite are
some of the classic signs of diabetes. Just as in humans,
diabetes can cause cataracts which in turn may lead to
glaucoma. You will be relieved to know that it can be
treated. Insulin and a special diet can control this problem and allow you to enjoy your pet for many years to
come.
Hypothyroidism is another hormonal imbalance
that is relatively common place. These pets are very
intolerant of cold and don’t handle hot weather or exercise well either. They may have hair and skin problems
and tend to obesity even while their owner cuts back on
the amount of food.
Both problems are easily diagnosed so if your pet is
gaining weight or losing weight, no matter how hard
you try to control his or her diet, call your Vet.
R. Scott Nicholson, DVM, is a respected Broken Arrow
veterinarian. Dr. Nicholson’s clinic is located at 816 S. Em
and he can be contacted at 806-6074.
Visit Crib City… 71st and
Memorial
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43
Unusual Pet,
Really Nice
Preacher
He jokingly calls it “Ferdinand,” but doesn’t think the
snake really has a name.
“Ferdinand” is the family pet of John Whitsett, Pastor of
Central Church of the Nazarene. “Well, it actually is my
son’s pet, one of three different snakes he keeps in a cage
in his room,” John explained.
This particular one is a Barneck Scrub Python, a “Morelia amethistina” to be scientific. It can be found all over
southern Asia, in places like Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and in northeastern Australia.
John Whitsett, Pastor of Central
Church of the Nazarene “cuddles”
with his son’s python.
So why does this preacher own snakes? “They are really
misunderstood,” John said. “Just so your readers don’t
think we are totally weird, we do also own two dogs. But
my son Collin has always been fascinated with reptiles
and the snakes have actually proven to be very good pets.
They require very little attention, only having to be fed
once every couple of weeks.”
church has it’s best days ahead of them. “We have
this wonderful location (81st between Sheridan
and Memorial), in the middle of a thriving part of
town,” he said.
“Ferdinand did get out of his cage once. My son was gone
and we heard some noise in his room. The snake had
knocked some trophies off on the floor. My wife had to
put him back in the cage. It really wasn’t as exciting as it
sounds,” John explained.
John and his wife Angie, have two sons. Kevin is a 21 and
is a senior at Trevecca Nazarene University and Collin (the
snake owner) has just graduated from Union High School.
The family is new to Tulsa, but not new to Oklahoma.
After serving at churches in Red Oak, Texas, San Hosea,
California and Raleigh, North Carolina, the couple has
“come home” to Oklahoma. John was originally from
Oklahoma City and he graduated from Southern Nazarene University in Bethany. They have been at Central for
a year and a half.
“We love it here. Central is a great church full of loveaffirming, genuine people. There is a real feeling of health
and winsomeness at this place,” he said.
At 72 years old, Central Church of the Nazarene is one
of the older churches in Tulsa. But John truly believes the
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C o m m u n i t y S p i r it
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The church generally has between 450 and 500 in
attendance each Sunday. “It is a loving, compassionate church that truly wants to access the lives
of people. It is not just because I am in any kind
of honeymoon period here,” he joked, “I love this
church.”
With their youngest graduating from high school,
John and his wife are facing the transition of
becoming “empty-nesters.” It is not something
they look forward to, but they are ready to face it.
After all, they will have the love of good friends at
church, two dogs and… three snakes to help get
them through it.
Sponsored by:
You can learn more about Central
Church of the Nazarene by visiting their
website at www.ccnt.org. The church is
located at 7291 E. 81st Street in Tulsa.