Some social analysts observe the United States in the past half-century has shifted from a Bedford Falls-like culture of small businesses and community-friendly financial institutions to a Pottersville-style nightmare of predatory lenders and seedy businesses that target the poor. And for American society in general, the result is anything but “a wonderful life.”  Some social analysts are calling for a renewal of a “thrift culture” in America. “We have created a debt culture,” David Blankenhorn, executive director of the Institute for American Values told the Texas Baptist Christian Life Commission’s statewide conference earlier this year. Blankenhorn and some of his […]

For Ariann and Eddy Denison, starting a dance studio was not a simple business venture; it was a way to give the community a place to get a taste of enduring Christian values. Their dance studio, The Studio in Davie, was birthed from Ariann’s childhood dream of opening a dance studio. She says she always wanted to be a role model to influence children in a positive way. So, she and her husband opened up The Studio on Sept. 13, 2007. The Studio offers ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, modern, hip hop, musical theater and advanced technique classes. Ariann brings a […]

The salmon were in full summer swing in Sitka, Alaska, and author Margaret Feinberg was busy caring for her aunt’s bed and breakfast giving her relative a much-needed break. While serving up scones along with the usual morning chit-chat with the guests, Feinberg asked a visitor from Oregon what line of work she was in. “I’m a shepherdess,” Lynne, the guest responded. “Uh…what?” Feinberg asked. “I have more than a dozen Shetland sheep that I breed and care for,” said the former executive. And so ensued the conversation that would lead Feinberg to pen “Scouting the Divine: My search for […]

His House Children’s Home offers shelter, counseling and faith-based education for abused and neglected children At His House Children’s Home, children in foster care are taken care of physically, emotionally, spiritually – and academically.  “We are the only foster and adoptive services agency that provides a private and faith-based education for at-risk children in South Florida,” says Sabrina Sosa, community relations coordinator for His House Children’s Home’s (HHCH). HHCH’s His House Academy offers a private school education using ABEKA curriculum to the children they care for, and now they’ve opened their doors to students in the community at large. The […]