Home Life

BRANSON CARES: How the Entertainment Industry is Leading a Community to Make a Global Impact

Shelly Pond
7 Jul 2022
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branson

In the center of America’s heartland, Branson, Missouri, has embraced a mission to help children with severe disabilities across the globe through an initiative aptly titled BRANSON CARES. Dubbed “The Live Entertainment Capital of America,” Branson attracts more than 9 million visitors a year to experience thrilling attractions and the outdoor beauty of the Ozarks in a hospitable, family-friendly environment. But it’s the theater industry in Branson that’s leading the charge by inviting audiences to join the community in donating to Hope Haven International Ministries, an organization that provides free pediatric wheelchairs to children who would otherwise be without mobility. […]

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Is the Destruction of our Families Fostering Mental Illness?

Lisa May
6 Jul 2022
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In the light of current events, our entire country is collectively moving through the five stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and inevitably for some, acceptance. While the motivating factors are different, the overarching question resounds in the same outcry: WHY? Why must the innocent, our children, be the object of suffering and hatred? When we blow away the chaff, what’s left is the family or the lack thereof.  What defines families? While the world defines family in many ways, the Biblical definition has remained the same: two parents, a father and a mother, guiding children through childhood, adolescence […]

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mental

How to Create an Atmosphere of Joy

Dr. Bob Barnes and Torrey Roberts
15 Jun 2022
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atmosphere

(Scroll down to leave a comment on how you create an atmosphere of joy for your kids.) Music is a big thing in our house. We try to have music on while we are doing jobs, we serve in music ministry at our church, and the first thing that our youngest does as soon as the car starts is to ask for the music to be on. There is a song on the radio by Zach Williams that both my kids sing to at the top of their lungs and it is called “Old Church Choir.” As I was listening […]

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Dads: Iron Men

Newton Fairweather
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Dads are not from the Marvel Comic Universe but are expected to perform like they are. It’s not easy to be a dad. There is no orientation for the job. It comes with moments of joy and pain. Often you get blamed for things you know nothing about, or you are expected to be a problem solver with or without experience. There are no manuals. However, the best possible, closest thing to a manual, that will give you some directions is the bible. For example, consider Ephesians 6:4 – “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way […]

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iron men

Compassionate Education

Dr. Maria E. Saunders
4 Jun 2022
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compassion

When I’m asked about the differences between the Elementary Education program at Trinity Florida and that of other local universities, my answer is always the same, “Nothing, but everything.” On the surface, they seem identical. We all have a state-approved teacher training program; we teach the same basic course work; our professors are all highly qualified, and we issue the same degree – a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. However, the difference is not in what we teach but how we teach. When filtering education through the work of Christ, we emphasize a parallel between Jesus’ ministry of compassion and […]

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Homeowner’s Insurance: “Insuring” You Get Your Money’s Worth

William C. Davell
17 May 2022
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The Good News provides a monthly column with important content having to do with topics from the legal community. This month Bill Davell discusses homeowner’s insurance with Tripp Scott director Ed Curtis. The business model for insurers involves two main principles: first, minimize risk, and second, maximize premiums while minimizing payout. Homeowners here feel the effects of both principles. The $30-billion combined costs of Hurricanes Irma and Michael and use of legal loopholes by unscrupulous actors to turn the tables and gouge insurers have led to waves of premium hikes, non-renewal notices and often, an aggressive posture by insurers toward […]

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homeowners

STEMing with Girls

Susie M. Cohen, Ph.D.
11 May 2022
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STEM

Mae Jameson, the first African American woman in space, referred to protecting imagination and interest and making life into one that you would be comfortable and happy with. When it comes to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), many women across America lose interest and deviate from their dreams of a secure life within a STEM-related career. This decision might be based on several factors such as their stereotypical views about STEM and negative thoughts about their abilities. As a result of decreased interest, women are vastly underrepresented in STEM-related fields, and this issue has been a growing concern across […]

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Good News Applauds Women of Distinction 2022

Shelly Pond
4 May 2022
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“Many women do noble things, but… a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised,” declares Proverbs 31:29 -30. This well-known chapter describes a remarkable woman involved in all facets of her community, active in the marketplace, involved in charity and managing the affairs of her household. She is a woman of distinction. This month, in conjunction with Mother’s Day, Good News applauds five women of distinction who are leaders in our faith community. Read their thoughts on their calling along with a few words of advice.   Elizabeth Mitchell Boca Raton Community Church   A talented author and […]

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women of distinction

Love Well by Meeting the Need

Lisa May
3 May 2022
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need

God created us for an intimate relationship with Him and others. We are born with biological needs for bonding and closeness. We’re physically needy. We need food, clothing, water and shelter to survive. We’re spiritually needy. Man needs communion with God and freedom from guilt and shame; we need forgiveness, mercy and grace. We’re also emotionally and relationally needy. We need a relationship with God and others. We’re intellectually needy; we’re born with intellectual capacity, but we need instruction and information.  Unaware, many of our deepest and most potent desires are wrapped up in our desire to have our needs […]

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Marking Major Milestones

Dr. Bob Barnes and Torrey Roberts
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There are many milestones in your life where you pause and take stock. For some it is a significant birthday or anniversary. Some pause every New Year’s Day to think through goals for the new year. In our family we recently had one of those events: our son’s 13th birthday. It has made me pause to think how fast it’s gone but also realize how much time is left until he graduates high school. Just five fast years…sigh.    Looking back It makes me think back to the baby or family dedication at our church. That Sunday morning before we […]

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milestones