The Connected Child

We've featured a couple of guests on the Morning Show recently in connection with the upcoming "Connected Child" conference. Here is some info...

Meredith Smith is a PA at Forsyth Pediatrics on Robinhood Road in Winston-Salem. She and the rest of the professionals at her practice have many internationally adopted patients. Meredith is also an adoptive parent and on the Board of Directors for Caroline's Promise. She can be reached by phone at: 718-8000 and her email is: meresmith@triad.rr.com .

Dr. Karen Purvis is the author of "The Connected Child" and will be the featured speaker at the conference. Her website is www.theconnectedchild.com

Here are the conference details:

Saturday, March 15, 2008
Hillsdale Baptist ChurchAdvance, North Carolina
Registration begins December 3, 2007
$15 per individual/$25 per couple
Online registration form and payment information

Hotel Recommendation:
Village Inn Golf & Conference Center
6205 Ramada Dr. / PO Box 926Clemmons, NC 27012
Phone (336) 766-9121 Fax (336) 766-1112
Please mention "The Connected Child" conference for a special rate

Seminar designed for:
Parents
Social workers
Teachers
Medical professionals
Clergy
Adoption agencies
Clergy
Family / School counselors

Aldi Recipes

There is a great website called "Mom Advice" and the lady who runs it calls herself the "Aldi Queen". She has meal planners and recipes all using groceries purchased at Aldi. All of the recipes I've tried have been great. There is one salmon recipe that I've been a bit hesitant to try. Here is a link to her website

www.momadvice.com/aldi/

and here is her recipe for Dishwasher Salmon-let me know what you think!

Salmon ala Dishwasher

Ingredients:

4 (4 ounce) fillets salmon
Juice from one lemon
Salt & pepper

Tear off four sheets of aluminum foil, large enough to wrap each piece of salmon in. Grease one side of each piece of foil. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over each of the salmon fillets and sprinkle with salt & pepper. Wrap each piece of salmon carefully, sealing it well. To make sure that no air escapes, press down on the packet- if the air does escape it will need to be rewrapped. Put the packets on the top rack of the dishwasher and run for a full cycle, with heated drying. Salmon will be done when the dishwasher runs the full cycle.

Dr. Phillips "Giving Hand" Camaroon Mission Team Updates

Lots of us are prayng for Dr. Phillips and the rest of the Mission Team from NC who are trapped in Camaroon, Africa due to rioting. Here is a link to the Phillips & Cuthrell website where they are regularly updating the team's status.

http://www.winstonsalemdentistry.com/index.php?subpage=159

"From Year of the Frog" to "Fear of the Frog"

I used to be petrified of frogs, so I really appreciate this little ditty from Rhett and Link. For more of Rhett and Link's musical stylings, visit: rhettandlink.com

Leaplings Unite

There are a few freebies available on February 29th if you were born on that day. Here's a list...these have not been totally verefied, so you may want to check them out.
Leap Day Deals:

Papa Johns:
Leap Day Babies(AKA”Leaplings” get a free personal pan pizza when ordered online. http://www.papajohns.com/leapday/
There are other special online offers for non-leap babies
on Friday, like three large pizzas with three toppings, all for $29.29.

Boston Market:
Free leap day lunch — choices include chicken pot pie and meatloaf — to those born on Feb. 29

Whole Foods:
Whole Foods grocery store will be giving away free a 6 inch cake and a $10 gift certificate to any Leap Day Baby with a valid driver's license. If your Leap Day Babies do not have driver's licenses yet, take in thebirth certificate.

Dance Praise 2

To find out more about this Christian Music version of DDR, visit: http://www.digitalpraise.com/.

Here's a link to the video of today's dance challenge (Spoiler: I lost miserably!).

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/wbfj

The Tax Man Cometh

Thanks to Keith S. Hiatt, CPA for spending some time with us to talk taxes. Here is his contact info -

Firm: Breslow, Starling, Frost, Warner, Boger, Hilton, Hiatt, PLLC
Phone: 336-292-6872
Web: www.bsfwb.com

Best Customer Service in the Triad

Thanks to everyone who called in this morning to offer their opinions about the best customer service in the Triad. Here are your favorite businesses for customer service:

-Stokes Tire in King (part Mock Beroth Tire and Automotive)
-Harris Teeter, Cloverdale Avenue, Winston-Salem
-Wachovia Bank
-Brueggers Bagels, Friendly Shopping Center, Greensboro
-Lowes Foods, Greensboro
-Time Warner Digital Cable/Phone
-Moose Cafe, Triad Farmer's Market
-Chick-Fil-A
-Cagney's Restaurant, Reynolda Road, Winston-Salem
-Taco Bell, University Parkway, Winston-Salem
-Food Lion in Thomasville
-Fire Mountain Grill, Kernersville
-Power Medics, Tommy Cranford
-Sutton Flooring, Steve Sutton
-Piedmont Aviation Credit Bureau
-Something Different Restaurant, Asheboro
-Phillips and Cuthrell, DDS, Winston-Salem
-Lowes Foods, Robinhood Road
-State Employees Credit Union
-Gullions, King
-Just 4 Kids consignment shop in Walkertown (in the shopping center with Lowes)
-Starbucks
-Downtown Wachovia Bank in Asheboro
-Zaxby’s and Chick Fil A on Dixie Dr. in Asheboro
- BB&T Main Branch in High Point

Finally, I love what Amanda had to say about our responsibilities as Christian customers...

I also wanted to point out that while it's wonderful to receive good customer service, there's yet another flip side to this whole issue. I waited tables to pay for college and graduate school and I can say that my six years of experience (sometimes on my worse days I call them my six years of purgatory) in the food service industry has led me to tell people many times that the best way to get good customer service is to be a good customer. In other words, recognize that the world doesn't revolve around you (as I used to tell my friend Angie in college, "Ang, it's the universe, not the Angie-verse!") and even if your food is bad or takes too long to come out or whatever, you can bring it to your server's attention in a pleasant manner. You don't have to be ugly about it. Why would you be ugly to someone who sees your food before you do and has a certain amount of control over how long it takes to come out to you?? And, having worked at three different Cracker Barrels during that six years, I can honestly say that church people are some of the worst about expecting servers to bow and scrape to their every whim. Church people tend to come in huge groups on Sunday afternoons and Wednesday nights, are loud and rowdy, don't understand that food for large parties takes longer to get together, don't understand that it's practically for one person to bring 16 drinks out at one time, leave horrible tips (sometimes they leave only tracts!!), and then, if you're working on a Sunday afternoon, ask you why you didn't go to church that morning. (The reason would be that employees have to get to the restaurant at about 10 am if everything is expected to be ready by noon for the people who don't want to cook on Sundays; I grew up in South Carolina and the only businesses open before 1:00 pm on Sundays were restaurants, which really ticked me off because it seemed very hypocritical to me.)

Anyway, so that's my soapbox. If you're a Christian, show the love of Christ by not trying to turn servers into servants, recognize that servers still are only paid $2.13/hour and need tips (they're not "extras"), be patient, be merciful, and realize that the world really doesn't revolve around you. Then you're more likely to get good customer service. :-)

Cookin' with Bacon Video

Here's the video of Chef Jeff as he prepares
Pan Seared Steak Au Poivre w/Bourbon Sauce

Cookin' w/ Bacon-Pan Seared Steak Au Poivre w/Bourbon Sauce

Thanks again to Chef Jeff Bacon from Triad Community Kitchen
for sharing his time, expertise and FOOD with us today.
Here is his recipe from Monday, 2/18/08.

Pan Seared Steak Au Poivre w/Bourbon Sauce

Recipe By :Jeff Bacon CEC CCA AAC
Serving Size: 6 Preparation Time :0:30
Categories : beef

2 1/4 pounds steak -- Totally Trimmed
2 tablespoons oil
1/2 cup cracked black pepper (or coarse ground)
1/2 cup onion -- minced
1/2 cup bourbon
1 cup demi glace (or brown gravy)
1 tablespoon dijon mustard (or spicy brown)
2 tablespoons cream
1 dash kosher salt


-Trim steaks of all fat, gristle and silver
-Press a liberal amount of cracked pepper into each
side of the steaks.
-Heat oil in heavy pan.
-Sear steaks in pan until nicely
browned on both sides(very thick steaks
may need to be finshed in oven).
-Remove steaks to a warm pan or oven.
-Saute onions in remaining oil.
-Add bourbon and ignite (take care not to burn hair or face)
-Reduce until only about 1-2 tablespoons of liquid remain.
-Add brown sauce and mustard.
-Return steaks to pan and simmer a couple of minutes.
-You can finish to cooking temperature here.
(128-130 Rare 132-134 MR, 135-140 M,
141-145 MW 145 and up Well Done)

-Add cream and stir in. Turn off heat
-Place steaks and serve with sauce.

Yield:
"6 ounces"
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Per Serving: 521 Calories; 36g Fat (71.1%calories from fat);
26g Protein; 7g Carbohydrate; 3g Dietary Fiber;
100mg Cholesterol; 337mg Sodium.
Serving Ideas : Great served with Sautéed Mushrooms.
Try serving with sauce under steaks.

Pastor Jackson Senyonga

Pastor Jackson will be speaking at several area engagements. Please arrange your calendar to hear his amazing, encouraging story!

Sunday, February 17, 9:30AM & 11:00AM
1st Presbyterian Church, Winston-Salem
http://www.1stpres.com/

Sunday, February 24
First Assembly Winston-Salem
http://www.firstassembly-ws.org/

Tuesday March 4, 2008 7:00pm
Millenium Center, 101 West 5th Street Winston-Salem
The Caroline's Promise 4th Annual Seeds of Hope Banquet
Call 336-669-7340 or email info@carolinespromise4u.org
for reservations and learn more about becoming a
Sponsor or Table Host. This event is complimentary
thanks to our committed sponsors.
www.carolinespromise4u.org

Singing Valentines

Yet another cool and totally unique idea for Valentines Day! Send your sweetie a Singing Valentine performed by the Triad Harmony Express. It only costs about $50.00 and all the proceeds will be donated to Hospice. They'll go pretty much anwhere to deliver your Valentine. Packages include 2 songs, a rose and a personalized card. For more information or to arrange a Singing Valentine, call 774-4044 in Winston Salem or 292-4941. Or visit their website at www.thechorus.com .

Chef Jeff's Recipe of the Week, February 4

Chicken Saltimbocca

Recipe By : Jeff Bacon CEC CCE AAC
Serving Size : 4 Preparation Time :0:12
Categories : poultry

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
24 ounces chicken breast, no skin, no bone, R-T-C -- 6 oz each
1 cup flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon fresh sage -- minced
8 each fresh sage leaves -- optional
2 ounces prosciutto -- 8 thin slices
4 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup dry white wine
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
4 tablespoons butter -- cut in 1/2" slices
1 tablespoon parsley -- minced
1 dash salt -- to taste

Either purchase pre formed chicken cutlets (approx 3 oz each)
or cut 6 ounce breasts in half and pound until an even thickness

Mix flour, salt and black pepper together

Dredge cutlets in seasoned flour then sprinkle with the minced
sage, then place one slice prosciutto on top of each cutlet pressing
to adhere.

Put two TBS olive oil in a 10-12 inch pan (not non stick) and heat until
oil shimmers

Fry fresh sage leaves about 10-12 seconds each then remove
and reserve for later

Place 4 cutlets prosciutto side down in hot oil and sauté until
beginning to brown on sides (do not pick up or move
until time to turn) about 3 minutes

Turn and brown other side, about 2 minutes. Remove cutlets to warm oven

Pour off used oil and repeat process with other 4 cutlets.
Remove to warm oven when done.

Remove old oil and any burnt pieces from skillet and return pan to heat

Deglaze by adding wine and simmering for 4 minutes then
add broth and simmer until reduced to approx 1/2 cup liquid

Return cutlets to pan, then add butter piece by piece and turn
off heat, swirling pan to incorporate and melt butter into sauce

Serve two cutlets per portion with 1-1 1/2 ounce of sauce each
and a fried sage leaf (optional) on top of each cutlet

Description: "Easy Italian Classic" Yield: "6 ounces"

Start to Finish Time: "0:25"

Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 501 Calories; 18g Fat
(36.8% calories from fat); 46g Protein; 26g Carbohydrate;
1g Dietary Fiber; 145mg Cholesterol; 1362mg Sodium.

Serving Ideas : Serve with pasta or rice side dishes

For more info about Chef Jeff Bacon and the Triad Community Kitchen, visit: http://www.hungernwnc.org/about-us/tck.html

You can email Jeff at jbacon@secondharvest.org

Father Daughter Dances

There are some great opportunities this month for Dads and Daughters to have a lovely night out. Here are a few ideas:

Parent/Child Dance
South Fork Elementary in Winston-Salem
2/8, 6:00-8:00 PM

Daddy/Daughter Dance
St. John’s Lutheran, Winston-Salem
Friday, 2/22, 6:00-9:00 PM
Tickets:
Advance- $22/Couple
At Door-$25/Couple
Additional daughters $5 each
Phone: 725-1651

Daddy/Daughter Date Night
Children’s Museum of W-S
Friday, February 8, 6:00-8:00 pm
$10 per person for members/$13 per person for non-members.
Make this a special evening with your daughter!
Dress up for an early Valentine date that includes dinner
(salad, pizza, drink and dessert), dancing, Valentine Bingo, and more fun activities.

Father/Daughter Dance
Westover Church, Greensboro
2/8/08, 7-9 PM
Contact: Church Office(336) 299-7374
info@westoverchurch.com

Who's Your Man (or Woman)

Still un decided about your favorite candidate for the 2008 Presidential election? Try this cool "Candidate Match" tool I found on WGHP Fox 8's website...

Thinking Out of the Box (of Chocolates) for Valentine's Day

School Kid Chronicles is a business in Greensboro that produces professional videos of kids which can be done on a yearly basis, providing parents with wonderful memories of their kids as they grow up. And, for Valentine's day, they are offering "Valentine's Chronicles" as a unique gift for that special someone. Your Valentine's Chronicle gives you a chance to tell your love story and will include a videotaped interview with you along with your choice of music professionally produced on a DVD. The DVDs label is customized with a picture of your choosing. At $49.95, I think it's a great value.

For more information, call School Kid Chronicles at 336-698-3888. Or, visit their website: http://www.schoolkidchronicles.com/.

They have another wonderful service, called Adoption Chronicles, done in partnership with the Children's Home Society. Adoption Chronicles offer a unique way of viewing children who are waiting to be adopted. Here is the website: http://www.adoptionchronicles.com/.

Samaritan's Feet

This is a great story...here is the article as featured in the Indy Star. For more info, visit www.samaritansfeet.org.

January 25, 2008

Samaritan's Feet
IUPUI's Hunter up to his ears in donated shoes
Charity drive to put shoes on feet of African children more than exceeds IUPUI coach's goal
By Curt Cavin
curt.cavin@indystar.com
January 25, 2008

IUPUI basketball coach Ron Hunter got his pedicure, his game victory and, as a bonus, more athletic shoes than he'll ever be able to carry to Africa in July. All on bare feet.

Hunter completed one of the most inspirational walks in this college basketball season by coaching Thursday night's game shoeless for children of impoverished homes.
An announced crowd of 1,059 were on hand at IUPUI Gymnasium for the 82-69 victory over Oakland and only a few of them went barefoot, but significantly more nationwide recognized Hunter's effort.

A staggering 110,000 pairs of shoes have so far been donated to Samaritan's Feet, a nonprofit, Christian-based charity that seeks to put shoes on 10 million people throughout the world over a 10-year span. Close to $20,000 in cash was donated. More is expected.

IUPUI announced that the Department of Homeland Security, which offered 10,000 pairs, told Samaritan's Feet to hang loose while officials determine how many more shoes they can donate.

Hunter, who appeared on ESPN's top morning shows Thursday and will be ABC's Person of the Week tonight on "World News Tonight," was humbled by the response. His goal was 40,000 pairs of shoes, a figure symbolic of the 40th anniversary of the death of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He had that many by lunch.

Soles4Souls, a Nashville, Tenn.-based charity, donated 40,000 pairs. Wal-Mart gave 25,000; Nine West, a women's shoe company, offered another 5,200. During Hunter's appearance on ESPN Radio's "Mike & Mike in the Morning" show, a Converse representative joined the program and promised another 15,000.

Most were directly shipped to Charlotte, N.C., where Samaritan's Feet is based. Hunter's office took all it could hold, becoming an impromptu warehouse. An estimated 500 pairs arrived at the gym prior to the game.

At one point in the afternoon, Hunter looked up to find 20 bags of shoes dropped off. They came without a name, just a note that read, "Coach, hope this helps."
"When we started this I thought 40,000 was going to be tough," Hunter said. "When they told me before the game we already had 100,000, honestly, I almost broke down in tears."

At that moment, he cried.

"Imagine if every coach would pick a game to coach barefoot and use their influence," said Emmanuel "Manny" Ohonme, a Nigerian who founded the charity four years ago. "We'd exceed our goals pretty quickly.

"And we're getting e-mails every couple of minutes from people who want more information or to say they just bought a pair," he said. "Plus, there's all these high school coaches around the country who say they want to coach a game barefoot."
For the record, Hunter's exposed feet weren't stepped on during the game. It bears noting that he almost never sits down when the action -- and the feet -- are flowing.
"My feet hurt so bad," he said after the game. "But imagine a child or a human going their whole lives without shoes."

Hunter, 43, said his month-long association with Samaritan's Feet has already affected him, and he knows it could be on the verge of changing the lives of others.
Several of his players have vowed to join him on the summer trip, which he'd like to take to Cameroon, home to Jaguars freshman guard Christian Siakam. In Siakam's family, shoes are a luxury; not everyone has them.

Now, a man with no ties to IUPUI has offered to charter a jet to fly the team to Africa, pending NCAA approval, of course.

"I knew when I saw Siakam's face we were doing the right thing," Hunter said.

People Who Go Above and Beyond

Today (1/24) on the Morning Show I shared a story about the Principal of Hanes Middlle School in Winston-Salem, Mr. Childers. He went way above the call of duty last night when he spent an hour on the phone with me and my son Andrew to talk about his school. And, it made a big difference for Andrew who is now really excited about the idea of going to school there. And it turns out that lots of you have experienced someone whose extra effort made a big impression. Here are some examples:

India is a Nurse on the Oncology Floor at Wesley Long Hospital. Will Dorsett says she was a real blessing to his family while his Grandfather was battling Lung Cancer.

Delores says that Mr. Fitzpatrick at Kernersville Elementary School is amazing!

William says Bryan Bryant with Aircare Heating and Cooling in Kernersville worked on his faulty home heating system. He was there working late last night and then called early this morning to make sure the system was working well. And, it's not the first time Bryan has worked at Williams house and he always does a great job.

Cindy says she called Westover Church in Greensboro last week to inquire about a Bible Study. The woman she called, Beth, was working from home because of icy road conditions. Even though it was a snow day, Beth called around to make sure there was still room left in the class and then called Cindy back, letting her know that she could sign up.

Terry is a Hostess at Texas Land and Cattle. Terry's mom was so proud of her daughter when she was recently given a tip by a customer, which doesn't usually happen to a hostess at a family style restaurant. Terry checked with her manager to make sure that she was allowed to accept tips. Once she had his approval, she thought it over and then left the tip on the customer's table for the waitress who served them.

J. emailed this story about a teacher whose caring made a difference in her child's life...

It brought to mind Beth Scott - when my (now 11th grader) was in 2nd grade at High Point Christian academy, he was intensely frustrated with school. We know he had ADHD and some learning challenges, but at that time there was no resource available there. Beth had made herself available to the school, as she felt God calling her to this school to work, even though there was no such position yet. Mr Hardee did in fact hire her in the late winter/early spring. She was proctoring in my son's Stanford Achievement testing and recognized many signs of a very frustrated little boy. With Mr Hardee's permission, she called me at work, and in fact came to the hospital where I worked in order to discuss my son, and his educational needs. We prayed, cried and planned for his next year at the academy, and oh, what a difference she made in my child. By placing him with a teacher who not only understood his needs, but could also make the necessary accomodations for his learning style, he blossomed into a happy, loving student, who has gone on to overcome his learning differences, is an AB honor roll student and is in the Beta Club at the academy. He will graduate next year and plans to major in psychology - he is an Eagle Scout, and is truly a wonderful kid. I was despairing of ever being able to reach him educationally and did not see what God had in store for him back then. Beth has moved on to many other things, and I have lost touch with her - but I will never forget the teacher who followed God's leading in her life, came to my son's school as a teacher, and made all the difference in his world - I thank God for such teachers every day - thanks for asking this morning about special teachers in our childrens' lives - they truly are my heroes!

Do you have a story, too? Leave a comment about this blog and I'll add it!

Chef's Ball 2008--Mmmmmmmm!!!!

Here's a tasty event for the weekend...

ANNUAL CHEF’S BALL TO BENEFIT AREA NONPROFITS

WHAT:
The American Culinary Foundation –Triad Chapter, will hold its Annual Chef’s Ball next Sunday, Jan. 27 in Greensboro. Funds raised benefit three nonprofit efforts - Triad Community Kitchen, a program of Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest NC, The Chef and the Child program – a nonprofit branch of the ACF that fights childhood hunger through education, grants and crisis intervention programs; and to culinary scholarships at Guilford Technical Community College. The ACF Triad Chapter’s Presidents Ball has raised over $120,000 toward this goal since it’s inception in the early 1990’s.

Events this year:

Culinary extravaganza prepared by the Triad’s Top Chefs
Awarding of 2007 Triad “Chef of the Year”
Other local culinary awards
Live entertainment by the Wally West Quartet
Ice Sculptures by Fire and Ice as well as top ice carvers from around the Triad.


WHEN:
Sunday, Jan. 27, at 6:30 p.m.

WHERE:
Embassy Suites, Greensboro

Admission:

Tickets are $60 per person, $100 per couple, or $400 for a table of ten. Call 399-6774.

Chefs Ball 2008 Menu

January 27th 6:30 PM – Embassy Suites – Greensboro

Passed Hors d’oeurves

Bruleed Bananas and Foie Gras in Dark Rum and Cane Sugar

Sesame Seared Ahi Tuna with Wasabi and Pickled Ginger on
Won-Ton Crisp

Main Features
Bayonne Ham Wrapped Wild Boar Rack Chops, Hot Oven Roasted, Served with a Morello Cherry and Blood Orange Cumberland Sauce

Warm Crepinet of Rabbit on a Warm Red Skin Potato Salad With a Dried Cherry Vinaigrette. Micro Greens and a Chive Cracker.

Mesclun Greens with Toasted Almonds, Orange Segments, Scallions in Herb Vinaigrette

Mini Osso Bucco Braised in a Rich Tomato Sauce, Served on a Bed of Wild Mushroom Risotto and a Parmesan Crisp.

Lamb Wellington, Boneless Lamb Loin with a Porcini Force, and French Foie Gras

Teres Major Stuffed with Roasted Root Vegetables and Wrapped with Pancetta

Curried Chicken Terrine with Pistachios, Dried Tomatoes and Roasted Garlic (Display)

Spinach Salad With Candied Pecans, Red Onion Confit, Crumbled Gorgonzola, Red and Yellow Teardrop Tomatoes and Dried Cranberries in a Honey-Sherry Vinaigrette

Pancetta Crusted Pork Tenderloin with Sweet Potato Foie Gras Hash and Charred Marshmallow

Bowtie Pasta Salad with Lemon Caper Vinaigrette with Smoked Salmon

House Cured Ham and Salmon

Butter Poached Lobster with Ginger-Apricot Couscous Salad and Vanilla Scented Baby Vegetables.

Shrimp & Chive Beignets with a Honey & Smoked Chili Dipping Sauce

Fried Green Tomato w/ White Cheddar Grit Cake

Desserts

Orange Cardamom Chocolate Truffles

Lemon Crème Daisies

Raspberry Chocolate Mousse Triangles and Hazlenut Carmelized Apple Filo

Baskets by Ganache Bakery and the Area’s Top Chefs

Tracking Santa

Find out where Santa is on his Christmas eve route!!! Click here: www.noradsanta.org

WBFJ Men's Acapella Group?

So here's the deal...the AMAZING version of "The 12 Days of Christmas" was actually performed by a Men's Acappella group from Indiana State University. Here is the video and s a link to buy the concert on DVD: http://www.a-cappella.com/product/646/video-performance-pop

Karen Kingsbury is Coming to Town!

Millions of women world wide have fallen in love with the heartwarming stories of Karen Kingsbury. Now you have an opportunity to meet her at a special women's event called "Winter Blues" at First Christian Church in Kernersville. Mark your calendar for January 18th, that's the date of the event. For details visit go http://www.fcc-kville.org/Home/Kernersville/Articles/Women

Smithmas Tree Fun

Last week, Darren, Verne and I had the pleasure of delivering a Christmas tree to the Kiger family...winners of the WBFJ "Christmas Tree Thing". I'd tell you all about it but I think Cindy Kiger does a great job telling the story on her blog, so I will send you there:
http://farmmuse.blogspot.com/

Thanks to Weldon and Cindy Kiger for their hospitality and graciousness. And thanks for the WONDERFUL milk!!!

A Great Christmas Gift for Any North Carolinian!

North Carolina Then & Now
By Kevin Adams, 2007

156 Pages, 125 image pairs
14¼ x 10½ inches hardcover
Retail price: $39.95
Published by Westcliffe Publishers
www.westcliffepublishers.com

You can meet Kevin, buy his book and have him sign it for you at a couple of upcoming book signings...

Friday, 12/7, 7:00 PM
Shakespeare and Company in Kernersville

Saturday 12/15
Barnes and Noble, High Point, 11-1
http://storelocator.barnesandnoble.com/storedetail.do;jsessionid=ABC89C6142815609A05889BF063DCBC9?store=2806

Barnes and Noble, Friendly Center, Greensboro 3-5
http://storelocator.barnesandnoble.com/storedetail.do?store=2795


Here is what Kevin has to say about the book...

The most educational and rewarding project of my career, North Carolina Then & Now showcases over 115 before-and-after image pairs from across the state. For over two years I studied tens of thousands of historical photographs and rephotographed the most representative views for the book. My goal was not merely to present a modern portrayal of the scene depicted in the historical image, but rather to put myself in the historical photographer's shoes, to place my camera at the precise location of his or hers and to show the viewer exactly the changes that have occurred. This required painstaking research and a meticulous approach to the rephotography. Making many of the rephotographs required shooting from the middle of busy streets, hanging over the roofs of tall buildings, and trying to keep from hurling my lunch while shooting from small airplanes. While it was impossible to achieve exact framing on some of the images, all of them provide a very close representation of the modern-versus-historical scene.

Family Life Organizer

I came across this book at Barnes and Noble a few weeks ago and loved it! If you're looking for a tool that will really help you get organized and on top of things...this is it! I also think it would make a GREAT Christmas gift for any busy mom.

Find out more at www.family-facts.com.

Black Friday Shopping

Here are some GREAT websites to visit if you want to get a head start on your Black Friday shopping:

www.bfads.net
www.blackfriday.info
www.slickdeals.net

Lemme know how you do!

Any Wounded Soldier

Despite email you may have recieved recently, Walter Reed Army Medical Center cannot accept cards or packages addressed to "Any Wounded Soldier". If youd like to show your support of our servicemen and women at Christmas or any other time of year here are some websites to check out:

americasupportsyou.mil
www.usocares.org/
www4.army.mil/ocpa/tooursoldiers/
www.redcross.org

Cry of the Orphan

Focus on the Family, Family Life Today and a host of other organizations committed to answering God's call to care for orphans have joined together to create the "Cry of the Orphan" awareness and action campaign. There are over 143 million orphans worldwide and with the AIDS crisis in Africa, that number is steadily growing. Please, take some time to explore the Cry of the Orphan website and pray about how God wants you to get involved in caring for these children.

The following is an excerpt from the Cry of the Orphan site and I think it very eloquently states why you and I need to get involved in this issue...

Why This Matters To God
The World's Waiting Children Matter

The numbers are staggering...More than 143 million orphans worldwide...every 14 seconds an AIDS death leaves another child orphaned...more than 800,000 children pass through America foster care system each year.

Yet, there is One who cares — our Father in heaven. Throughout the Bible, God shares his compassion, his love, and his special concern for the most vulnerable among us — the orphan. The world’s waiting children. Children with no father or mother to protect them, waiting for someone to care for them, someone to love them.

“Dispense true justice and practice kindness and compassion each to his brother; and do not oppress the widow or the orphan…”
— Zechariah 7:9-12

The Scriptures are clear that the Lord gives the family of God the responsibility to care for the orphan's needs — to love and protect them. In fact, God's concern for orphans is so central to his plan for us here on earth that he inspired James to write: "Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world," (James 1:27)

Why would God tell us that caring for orphans is "pure and undefiled religion"?

Maybe it’s because the world sees God’s heart when he works through his people to help the helpless. And maybe it’s because caring for orphans is such a perfect picture of our relationship with God. In our inability to please God in our own efforts, in our utter helplessness to initiate a relationship with him, we are more like orphans and strangers than we like to admit.

It’s time for the body of Christ to step up. The urgent needs of orphans around the world are calling the Christian community today to a radical faith. One church, one family, one person can make a difference.

Today God is stirring the hearts of his people to this incredible need and opportunity. There is a movement of an increasing number of churches and evangelical organizations worldwide who are coming together as one voice to not only raise awareness but more importantly to mobilize the body of Christ to take action on behalf of the orphan.

“Vindicate the weak and fatherless; do justice to the afflicted and destitute. Rescue the weak and needy; deliver them out of the hand of the wicked.”
— Psalm 82:3-4

Anita Renfroe

You heard it on the Morning Show...Anita Renfroe's Total Momsense. Anita sings everything a mom says to her children to the tune of the William Tell Overture. Here's the video. For more fun with Anita, visit her website anitarenfroe.com

Five Things You Should Never Fix

We learned a lot from our chat with Stacy Bradford from Smart Money Magazine about the gadgets in our life that are just not worth the $$ to fix. Here's a link to the complete article.

http://money.aol.com/top5/general/things-not-to-repair

I Will Just Start!

Ever thought of starting your own business? Pam Newman from Quickbooks was on the Morning Show today and gave us some great suggestions about how to get started. Here are a few websites she recommends...

www.iwilljuststart.com

www.kauffman.org

I Will Just Start!

Save Lazy 5 Ranch

My family LOVES lazy 5 Ranch in Mooresville, but this wonderful North Carolina attraction is in danger of being shut down. The issue is with the way the farm is being taxed and a potential change that would cost the farm too much money to stay in business. For all of the details here's a link to an article about the situation:http://www.topix.net/content/kri/2007/10/popular-attraction-could-be-forced-to-close-a-day-at-the-farm-endangered

To sign a petition and for more information about Lazy 5, visit their website: www.lazyfiveranch.com

Help the Orphans of Guatemala TODAY!

Please take the time to make phone calls, send emails, or fax letters to your member of Congress and UNICEF/New York. We've tried to make it easier for you, by writing a sample letter that you can use. You CAN make a difference for the children of Guatemala! To learn more about the Guatemala 5000 Intitiative please visit: JCICS
Step 1: Contact your US Senators by phone or email. Feel free to use our sample letter, making necessary changes. Ask to speak to the Legislative Director or Chief of Staff.

Email Richard Burr Phone: 202-224-3154 Fax: 202-228-2981
Email Elizabeth Dole Phone: 202-224-6342 Fax: 202-224-1100
If you don't live in North Carolina - find your Senator's contact info here: Find your Senator
Step 2: Contact your Representative to the House of Representatives. Send the same letter. House of Representatives

Dear


I am writing in response to the Guatemala 5000 initiative. As adoptive parents and advocates for orphans everywhere, I am concerned about President Berger's announcement that there will be no grandfathering of Guatemalan adoptions that are currently in process. We have taken many mission trips to Guatemala and know first hand the conditions of the children's homes. Our concern is not only for the 5000 adoptive families in process, but most importantly for the 5000 children who should be able to come home to those forever families. We are concerned about the welfare of these children if their adoption process is not allowed to be completed.

We are asking that you get involved and

Sign the letter to President Berger of Guatemala that is sponsored by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute. If you do not have a copy of this letter, please contact CCAI at 202-544-8500.
Sign the letter to UNICEF that is sponsored by JCICS. www.jcics.org

These letters simply ask that all adoptions in process as of January 1, 2008 be allowed to process to completion under existing notorial laws.

Thank you for taking the time to hear our concern. We thank you in advance for supporting the Guatemala 5000 Initiative.

Step 3: Call or fax Ann Veneman, Executive Director of UNICEF Headquarters
Phone: 212-326-7000 Fax: 212-326-7758
Feel free to use the sample letter below, making necessary changes.

Ann Veneman, Executive Director

UNICEF

I am writing in response to the Guatemala 5000 initiative. As adoptive parents and advocates for orphans everywhere, I am concerned about President Berger's announcement that there will be no grandfathering of Guatemalan adoptions that are currently in process. We have taken many mission trips to Guatemala and know first hand the conditions of the children's homes. Our concern is not only for the 5000 adoptive families in process, but most importantly for the 5000 children who should be able to come home to those forever families. We are concerned about the welfare of these children if their adoption process is not allowed to be completed.

We realize that you have incredible influence and are asking that you use it to ensure that the 5000 children already in the Guatemalan adoption process, be allowed to process to completion under existing notorial law.

Step 4: Send an email to guatemala5000@jcics.org informing them of your support of intercountry adoption.

Questions About Creation?

Thanks to Allen Branch, a minister at First Christian Church in Kernersville for coming in to talk about dinosaurs and creationism. For more information about this topic a great resource is www.answersingenesis.org.

Lauren Cole Run/Walk for CF

Sign up today for this 5K Race to benefit Cystic Fibrosis Research.
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Ledford High School
Race time: 10:00AM
Pre-registration:7:30-9:30 AM

For more info, contact Sami Joe Snider at takeurmarx918@aol.com or 336-689-0121.

A Fair Appraisal

So, WBFJ at the Dixie Classic Fair has come and gone once again . Since I barely have the energy to hold myself upright today, here's a quick list of the things that I'll remember from the 2007 Fair.

1. Losing the media goat milking challenge to my own co-worker, Bonnie Hilton. But, I did a lot better than last year, placing a respectable second....eat my sawdust Austin Caviness!

2. Having church at the fair for the vendors and fair workers. Even though there were only a few of us there, it was an absolutely BEAUTIFUL service and I'm sure God was there. Thanks Cindy Johnson and her band "Stage 2" for the wonderful music. Thanks to Scott Haulter, a minister from First Christian Church in Kernersville for his message. And, to the folks at the Dixie Classic Fair for allowing us to be there.

3. Meeting YOU at the gazebo! It was great saying hello to so many of you who came by during the fair. Thanks for all of your kind words and encouragement.

4. Collecting nearly 70,000 non-perishable food items for Crisis Control Minstry! Way to Go!

5. Judging the Heavenly Layerd Cake competition. My blood sugar level may never normalize.

6. Cornerstone Christian Church and their fantastic food!!!

7. Our Morning Show visit with a trainer from the Rainforest Experience exhibit. Not only did I get to handle a 50-pound python, but I may be the only person alive who has ever been peed on by a coatimundi while doing a live radio show.

8. Karaoke at the gazebo...enough said.

Important News From Caroline's Promise

Urgent Action Needed for Guatemala Adoptions

Many of you are aware that the President of Guatemala has made a decision to cease all Guatemalan adoptions to people living in the U.S., effective January 1, 2008. You can learn more from the Joint Council on International Children's Services:
http://www.jcics.org/Guatemala5000.htm


"President Berger's plans also call for the suspension of adoptions currently in-process. Such a suspension would be extremely detrimental to the children referred to adoptive parents. If President Berger's plan is actually implemented, up to 5,000 will unnecessarily remain in foster care or orphanages indefinitely. This situation represents a pending crisis for the adoptive families who have chosen to provide permanency, safety and love to a child in need and most importantly a crisis for 5,000 children of Guatemala." JCICS website.

JCICS has established the Guatemala 5000 Initiative and we encourage you to participate. They are asking all of us to make 6 phone calls and send 1 email to members of Congress and UNICEF. They are asking us to do this on October 8 -10. Your participation CAN make a difference!


Ultimately we depend on our Heavenly Father to intervene on behalf of these precious children. We believe that He is calling the Church to do its job and get involved!

PLEASE get involved! Here's what you can do:

1. Call US Senator Richard Burr (202-224-3154)

2. Call US Senator Elizabeth Dole (202-224-6342)

3. Call House Representative Virginia Foxx (202-225-2071)

4. Send an email supporting Intercountry Adoption to guatemala5000@jcics.org

Guatemala Prayer List:

That people will take the time to participate in the Guatemala 5000 Initiative.
That the government of Guatemala will at the very least provide a "Grandfather clause", allowing children who have been referred to adoptive parents to complete their adoption and not remain in orphanages.
For the children's homes and caregivers in Guatemala who will now be under extreme financial stress as they try to meet the needs of children.
For the US families who have children in the adoption process in Guatemala.

PLEASE get involved! Visit http://www.jcics.org/Guatemala5000.htm and forward this to people who want to make a difference in the lives of children

Smencils

Thanks to Tricia Orr from Simply Delicious for providing Smencils for PLINKO this year. Smencils are scented pencils that come in a variety of smells. Simply Delicious has all kinds of creative fund raising ideas. Visit their website at www.simplydeliciousnc.com

Pollard Family Updates

For three weeks we have been united in prayer for the Pollard Family from Clemmons who were injured in a serious car accident. Jeremy Pollard is the Student Pastor at Union Grove Baptist Church in Davidson County. Jeremy, wife Tiffany and their 18 month old son, Stephen were severely injured in the accident. However, God has been so faithful in answering prayers and their recovery has been nothing less than miraculous. Tiffany was released from the hospital over a week ago, Stephen is coming home today and it is likely that Jeremy will be released from the hospital later this week.

Here are two letters from Tiffany and Jeremy that were posted on their Care Page.

September 20, 2007 at 07:12 AM EDT
Message from Jeremy to you!

Proverbs 3:5,6

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and HE shall direct thy paths.

Dear Friends in Christ,

The last 3 ½ weeks have been the toughest, by far, in my life. But one of the great things about these verses is that God gives two distinct commands – one, to trust and two, to acknowledge Him in everything. If there is one thing that my family and I have learned it is that trusting God is not the easiest thing to do, but when we lean on Him, even in rough times like this, His promise is true and He will direct our paths.

I would like to thank each of you for the many thousands of prayers you have lifted up on behalf of my family. We are all improving and looking forward to being together at home soon.

When your storm comes, I hope that each of you will do as our families have done. Be faithful to pray and trust HIM in the storm.

Hoping to see my Union Grove church family in a few weeks,

Jeremy Pollard
Student Pastor
___________________________________________________________________________________

Heal the wound but leave the scar, to remind me of how merciful you are.” “I am still confident of this, I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart; wait for the Lord.”

On August 27, our family entered a storm and since that evening, many of you have been traveling with us. Jeremy is doing much better and hopes to go home the first of this week. Pray for strength. Stephen is daily im­proving, and we hope to take him home later this week. Pray for grace and for his appetite.

Thank you for all the prayers and encouraging comments. You are con­tinually lifting my spirits. Please keep interceding for us.

“All I am and ever hope to be, I owe it all to Thee...to God be the glory.”

—Tiffany

Suicide Prevention Walk

A person dies from suicide every 16 minutes in the United States. You can make a difference in the prevention of suicide by taking part in the "Out of the Darkness Community Walk" on Saturday, September 22, at Tanglewood Park.

For more information visit www.outofthedarkness.org.

WBFJ, Anointed and Melinda Doolittle at the Mall!!

Considering Adoption?

Family Camp 2007

For the third year in a row my family spent Labor Day weekend at Camp Bethel in Wise, VA., for Family Camp Weekend. Check out my "Tourin With Tami" Blog for my review of the weekend and a slide show.

Dealing With Bullies

Thanks to Dr. Heath Greene and Mrs. Teresa Tindall from Associates in Christian Counseling for joining us on the air today with tips on dealing with bullies. For more information, or to contact Associates in Christian Counseling, visit them online: www.christiancounseling.com.

While you are there, make sure to sign up for the ACC newsletter. You'll recieve useful and relevant information from the professionals at ACC in your email each month.

This is Definitely Worth Taking a Few Minutes to Watch!

This is a video done by a church in Denmark.

Crop Walk Against Hunger

October 21, 2007

Four Walk Sites:
Corpening Plaza, Downtown Winston-Salem, NC
Fourth of July Park, Kernersville, NC
Tanglewood Park, Clemmons, NC
Walkertown Park, Walkertown, NC

Crop Walk is an event for Church World Service which is an international relief, development, and refugee resettlement agency operating in over 80 countries, including the United States. While Church World Service is the primary beneficiary of the walk, Crisis Control Ministry and Sunnyside Ministry each receive a portion of the proceeds. Last year we raised almost $50,000.

To sign up your group or for more information, call Judie Holcomb-Pack at 336.724.7875 x1040 or email her at jholcomb-pack[at]crisiscontrol.org. You can also visit www.crisiscontrol.org for more info.

For more information about Church World Service see www.churchworldservice.org.

Hush

Nicole Braddock Bromley is one of the millions of people who were sexually abused as a child. She shares her story and offers advice to fellow survivors in her book, "Hush: Moving From Silence to Healing After Childhood Sexual Abuse". For more information visit her website at www.onevoiceenterprises.com

More to the Secret

In response to Rhonda Byrne's "The Secret", Tulsa pastor, Ed Gungor, has written a best selling book called, "There's More to the Secret". It's available on-line or at Wal-Mart and various other book stores. For more information go to www.moretothesecret.com

Fearless

The second book in Robin Parrish's "Dominion Trilogy" has come out. Fearless picks up 2 months after Relentless ends. Robin will be at the High Point Barnes and Noble on Saturday, August 11 from 7:00-9:00 PM. For details about the book and the book signing visit www.robinparrish.com.

New Heart, New Mind!

Thanks to Dr. Joe Verga from Associates in Christian Counseling for his insight on this morning's show. If you missed it, he talked about how becoming a Christian transformed his life and led him to his profession as a Christian Counselor. We also discussed how to discover and use your gifts. Dr. Verga recommended a couple of books to help you in your discovery process:

-Rick Warren, "A Purpose Driven Life"
-Brennan Manning, "Abba's Child: The Cry of the Heart for Intimate Belonging"


To contact Dr. Verga, call 896-0065 or visit www.christiancounseling.org. While you are there make sure to check out this month's e-newsletter for more information about today's topic.

Update on Baby Paola from Guatemala

I recieved news recently that baby Paola died the week after we left Guatemala. I have such mixed emotions about this. I will never understand, this side of heaven, God's purpose for sending her here to live as an orphan and suffer from poor health for 3 months, only to bring her back home.

On the other hand, I am so thankful that He sent our team when He did. There were a few of us that felt led to give her special attention, the kind of earthly love that she may not ever have had a chance to experience. And, because we were there and loved her, there are now people mourning her loss, who have pictures of her and feel pangs of sadness when we look at them.

I am so happy that she is with her Father now. It warms my heart to think about Jesus holding her in his arms. And, I'm so relieved to know that she finally has a home...our only true home and the one we will all share some day!

The Martyr's Song
-By Todd Agnew
Sing! O son of Zion! Shout! O child of mine!
Rejoice with all your heart and soul and mind!
I’ve been waiting to dance with you in fields full of colors you’ve never seen.
And I’ve been waiting to show you beauty you never dreamed
That’s always been in you.
And I’ve been waiting...
To see you tremble as you’re embraced
By a world saturated with My love.
And I’ve been waiting for The Day
When at last I get to say, “My child, you are finally home.”
Sing! O son of Zion! Shout! O child of mine!
Rejoice with all your heart and soul and mind, for you are finally home!
I’ve been waiting to watch you realize what all your longing was for.
I’ve been waiting to show you the thread of grace
that ran through all your pain. And I’ve been waiting...
to let you drink the water of which your greatest joy on earth
Was just a taste.
I’ve been waiting for the day when at last I get to say,“My child, you are finally home.”
Sing! O son of Zion! Shout! O child of mine!
Rejoice with all your heart and soul and mind!
Sing! O daughter of Zion. Cry out! O child of mine!
Dance with all the strength that you can find...for you are finally home!
Every tear you cried dried in the palm of My hand.
Every lonely hour was by my side.
And every loved one lost, every river crossed—
Every moment, every hour was pointing to This Day...
I’ve been longing for This day!
I’ve been waiting to dance with you in fields full of colors you’ve never seen.
And I’ve been waiting to show you beauty you never dreamed
That’s always been in you. And I’ve been waiting...
To see you tremble as you’re embraced
By a world saturated with My love.
And I’ve been waiting for The Day
When at last I get to say, “My child, you are finally home.”
Sing! O son of Zion! Shout! O child of mine!
Rejoice with all your heart and soul and mind!
Sing! O daughter of Zion. Cry out! O child of mine!
Dance with all the strength that you can find...
for you are finally home!...
for you are finally home!

Children's Home Produce Sale

Yummy home grown tomatoes, juicy watermelons and fresh summer squash. These are just a few of the offerings you'll find at the Winston-Salem Children's Home produce stand. The children who reside at the Children's Home plant, grow, harvest and sell the produce, providing them with a wonderful experience each year.

Show your support and love by visiting the produce stand at least once this summer, it's located at 1001 Reynolda Road in Winston-Salem. For details and produce stand hours visit www.tchome.org/FarmStand.

Dirty Mouth?

Bleaching Clinic/Fundraiser at Phillips and Cuthrell

Saturday, August 4th

Get upper and lower bleaching trays and bleach for a minimum donation of $195...hundreds less than most offices charge. The best part...you'll be helping out a great cause!

Proceeds will benefit the Wyo Dental Clinic located in Yadkin County providing quality, low cost dental care to individuals residing in Yadkin, Davie, Forsyth, and surrounding counties. The clinic serves individuals with limited access to dental care.

To make an appointment call the Wyo Dental Clinic 336-463-2073. The clinic will be held Phillips and Cuthrell’s office on Westgate Center Drive in Winston-Salem. For more information visit: www.winstonsalemdentistry.com.

Please Pray for Baby Paola. I met this baby girl at the orphanage in Guatemala. Doctors don't know why, but she is severly malnourished. I found out today that she is back in the hospital and may not survive. I pray that she is not alone and that there are loving people surrounding her. My greatest fear is that she will suffer and die alone in a hospital. I am trusting God, the Father to the Fatherless, to provide this baby with love, comfort and protection.

Guatemala Blog

For updates on my trip to Guatemala, click here.

Locks of Love

WOW! That's all I can say about our "Locks of Love Hair-a-thon" at Mike Todd Serenity Salon and Spa. There were 85 donors and over 70 feet of hair donated! Please check out all of these great pictures of the people who came out to support the event!

http://www.wbfj.fm/locksforlove.htm

Here are my before and after pix. Watcha think?

Bedtime Classics

Have a great idea for a children's bedtime story? Your idea could become the next classisc bedtime story if you win the Johnson & Johnson/Harper Collins Bedtime Classics contest. For all of the details about how to enter visit http://www.bedtimeclassics.com/. Hurry, the deadline is July 15th.

Caroline's Promise Guatemala Blog

The Guatemala Trip is just around the corner. If you'd like to know more about the trip and the people going check out the new blog:

http://guatemala2007carolinespromise.blogspot.com/

Our First Locks of Love Donor!

7-Year Old Mikayla will be out of town on June 13th, but that didn't stop her from making her donation to the WBFJ Hair-a-thon! Thanks to the folks at Mike Todd Serenity Salon and Spa for taking care of her before the big event.

WBFJ Hair-a-Thon

WBFJ/Mike Todd Serenity Salon Locks of Love Hair-a-Thon
Date: Wednesday, June 13th, 8:00 AM-3:00 PM

Everyone who comes to Mike Todd Serenity Salon and Spa on Knollwood Street in Winston-Salem from 8-3 to donate hair to Locks of Love gets a free hair cut. Plus, enjoy free goodies from Chick-Fil-A Thruway. Verne, Tami and Lana will be at the salon from 8-10 AM broadcasting and Tami will get her hair cut. Donors must have 10 inches of hair to cut in order to give. Walk-ins will be accepted, but make a reservation for a guaranteed spot. To make a reservation or for more information call Mike Todd Serenity Salon at 774-8999.

About Locks of Love:
http://www.locksoflove.org/

Locks of Love is a public non-profit organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children under age 18 suffering from long-term medical hair loss from any diagnosis. We meet a unique need for children by using donated hair to create the highest quality hair prosthetics. Most of the children helped by Locks of Love have lost their hair due to a medical condition called alopecia areata, which has no known cause or cure. The prostheses we provide help to restore their self-esteem and their confidence, enabling them to face the world and their peers.

About Mike Todd Serenity Salon:
http://www.miketoddserenitysalon.com/

The Todd family has 4 generations in the barber & beauty industry, with over 203 years experience, and all three living generations still work together in the family business today with over 161 years total combined work experience! (that doesn't include our other 8 stylists!)

Mike's mom & dad, Bobby & Barbara Todd, trained under "the" Alexander of Paris, who invented the "Shag" haircut of the '60's. And also with "the" Vidal Sassoon of London (Barbara had her hair cut by Vidal Sassoon while in London!) Then they returned to Winston-Salem and start the "Uni-sex" and precision haircutting trend of the '60's and early '70's.

Mike also went to London after finishing Cosmetology school at Leon's Beauty College in Greensboro, in pursuit of excellence in education. He also trained with the Prestigious Toni & GuyHairdressing Academy, and went on to be voted Ambassador of the year 1991 with them and has had his hairworks published in several European Magazines. Mike's older and younger sisters, and niece complete the family legacy.

Letters From War Video

Just in time for Memorial Day...here's a link to download and view the Mark Schultz video for "Letters From War".

http://downloads.wordrecords.com/

Get to Work!

UPDATE: THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED

Forsyth County Teen Job Fair
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
3:00-7:00
First Christian Church, Kernersville
(336) 692-0927
rserge@alltel.net
www.fcc-kville.org

Goin to Guatemala

Have you ever had something happen in your life that you knew was a “God thing”? I’m talking about those times in life when events and people are orchestrated in such a way that you know it is not of your own doing. Lately, I have had a “God thing” going on in my life that I want to tell you about.

Recently, I have become involved with a local organization called Caroline’s Promise. The purpose of this ministry is to: educate the community about adoption, provide guidance and assistance to Christian couples in the adoption process by offering education, encouragement, financial assistance & prayer, and meet the physical & spiritual needs of children throughout the world with the hope of those children accepting Christ as their Savior. Because I’m adopted, I deeply believe in this ministry’s desire to help connect orphans with forever families.

Just this week, God opened the door for me to go on my first ever mission trip and be part of a short-term outreach to Guatemala with Caroline’s Promise. I fully believe that God wants me to be a part of this trip. In fact, I was past the deadline to register for the trip when I realized that God was calling me to go. But, believe it or not, there was ONE seat left on the plane to Guatemala and I was able to join the team!

I will be part of a 23 member team that will stay at The Eagles’ Nest Children’s Home in Solola, Guatemala. You should definitely check out their website to see the wonderful things they are doing and pictures of the orphans they care for: www.eaglesnestint.org . We will participate in construction projects around the home and minister to the children who live there. We will also travel to a remote village to participate in their church service and distribute school supplies in their community. This trip will take place June 21 – June 30, 2007.


I know that God has made it possible for me to have this opportunity to go and share His love with others, and I am excited about being on this team. Please be a prayer partner with me as I prepare my heart for this trip. I pray that God will use me to work in the hearts and lives of the people I meet. I also hope to grow in my own Christian walk. Please join me in praying that my team will be an effective witness for Jesus Christ. I also need financial support. I must raise $1400 by June 1 to cover the cost of housing, transportation, food and ministry activities. So please be in prayer that God will provide the neccessary funds for this trip.

I’d love to tell you more about this opportunity. If you have any questions email me at tami@wbfj.fm .

Slim and Beautiful

A new diet by Dr. Aaron Tabor promises to reduce belly fat and improve skin, hair and nails. Want to know more about the book, "The Revival Slim and Beautiful Diet" or about Revival Soy products? Visit revivaldiet.com

Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity of Forsyth County has two upcoming events that your whole family will enjoy. On April 28th they are celebrating Earth Day at the ReStore. Then, on May 3rd, 4th and 5th come celebrate BirdFest with food, an art sale and demonstraitons from local artists. You can find all of the details at habitatforsyth.org.

Second Harvest Food Bank

Can you believe that a $1.00 donation to the Second Harvest Foos Bank provides $15.00 worth of food for the hungry in our community. I spent over $4.00 on a coffee at Starbucks this weekend. That could have provided $60.00 worth of foood. Now, that's an investment!!

Here are some ways you can get involved. For more info visit www.hungernwnc.org.




Feed Your Soul at Empty Bowls
April 25, 2007
Administrative Professional's Day
11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
(Drop In Anytime)
Downtown Winston-Salem Fire Station
651 N. Marshall Street
Admission $25 — includes lunch & a handcrafted pottery bowl.
Bowls contributed by artists at Seagrove, The Sawtooth School for Visual Art, The Enrichment Center, Winston-Salem State University and UNCG Ceramics Programs, Winston-Salem/ Forsyth County Schools and many others



Triad Community Kitchen
is a unique program that impacts our work to help feed hungry people on many levels. It makes good use of increasing donations of perishable food to our organization, using these and other ingredients to prepare ready-to-heat meals in a bag. These meals are cook-chilled, a process that ensures an extended shelf life of 30 days or longer if frozen, and distributed to our partner agencies, like soup kitchens and group homes, serving those in need. And the program operates as a free job training program for unemployed, under-employed (earning under the NC self sufficiency standard) and homeless individuals, preparing participants for sustainable, gainful employment in the under staffed food service and hospitality industries.

Jeff Bacon, a certified executive chef, directs and teaches the ten-week curriculum which offers training and certification in ServSafe® sanitation, basic culinary skills, knife skills, kitchen safety, mass food production and cook chill technology. Real world job experience is gained through a one-week internship with a local food service organization or restaurant.

Overcoming the barriers to employment that many Triad Community Kitchen students have faced is an important key to their ultimate success. For this reason, the program will incorporate instruction and activities designed to help them improve their level of workplace readiness.

A national program of America’s Second Harvest, The Nation’s Food Bank Network, there are currently 36 network members operating Community Kitchens across the nation, and an additional 50 independently operated programs.

Class Schedule Through December 2007

Class of 2007-1
Starts: 2-12
Internships Begin: 4-16
Graduation: 4-23-07
Class of 2007-2
Starts: 4-30
Internships Begin:7-2
Graduation: 7-9 Class of 2007-3
Starts: 7-30
Internships Begin:9-24
Graduation: 10-01 Class of 2007-4
Starts: 10-08
Internships Begin: 12-10
Graduation:12-17

The class is offered at no charge to the student and bus passes are available.

For general questions about the program, contact Program Director Executive Chef Jeff Bacon at (336) 784-5770 or jbacon@secondharvest.org.

To apply to enter the program, download and complete the application. For assistance regarding the application process, contact Ms. Rosa Williams at Goodwill Industries at (336) 724-3625.

Gardening Info From Toby Bost

Do you need answers about your garden and yard? Here's how to contact today's guest Toby Bost with the NC Cooperative Extension Service:
(336) 703-2850
www.forsyth.cc/ces

Here are the details for some upcoming events sponsored by the NC Cooperative Extension Service:

Meet Joe Lamp'l on April 30th!

Meet nationally recognized garden writer and television personality, Joe Lamp’l of the GardenSMART PBS TV Show. Mr Lamp’l will present a seminar and do a book signing at the Cooperative Extension Center on April 30th at 7:00 p.m.

The program is sponsored by the Friends of the Tanglewood Arboretum; the cost is $8 per person. Please register by mail and include a check payable to the “Friends of the Arboretum”.

For more information, call 703-2850.

------------------------Plant sale------------------------

The fourth annual greenhouse plant sale will be from 9 a.m. to noon April 6, April 11, April 14, April 18 and April 21 at the Arboretum at Tanglewood Park, which is behind the manor house. On each day of the sale, there will be free programs on a variety of horticulture topics. The programs will begin at 11 a.m.

The programs will include:

• Flower Arranging with Lois Price of the Garden Club Council on April 6.

• Heirloom Tomatoes with David Bare, garden columnist for the Winston-Salem Journal on April 11.

• Rain Gardens with Wendi Hartup, an extension agent, on April 14.

• Growing Roses with master gardener Nancy Harper on April 18.

• N.C. Perennial Flowers with master gardener Vic Armstrong on April 21.

• A program on propagating wildflowers with master gardener Rosemary Wheeler will be held at the arboretum greenhouse on April 25. Wildflowers will be for sale.

Matthew 25:45

Matthew 25:45 "He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'"

Your help is needed this Wednesday at the LJVM in Winston-Salem for Project Homeless Connect. If you can help, there is a volunteer training tonight(Monday, 4/16).

Here are the details about the event and the contact information:

Project Homeless Connect to Serve Community’s Homeless

Winston-Salem, NC … On Wednesday, April 18, Project Homeless Connect, a one-day outreach program, will offer in one location information about employment, housing, job training, education, substance abuse, emergency assistance, Social Security, veterans benefits, legal assistance, and more to assist the homeless, and those facing the loss of their home, in Winston-Salem and Forsyth County.

In addition, Project Homeless Connect will offer the homeless help with immediate needs, including showers, haircuts and food. Transportation will be available to the event from sites around the city.

The event will be held from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the LJVM Coliseum Annex, 414 Deacon Blvd.

Project Homeless Connect is being sponsored by the United Way of Forsyth County, the N.C. Interagency Council on Homelessness, Kilpatrick Stockton LLC, and the City of Winston-Salem. It is being coordinated by the Ten-Year Plan Commission to End Chronic Homelessness and the Winston-Salem Council on Services to the Homeless.
The commission is modeling Project Homeless Connect on similar programs elsewhere, said Andrea Kurtz, the director of the Ten-Year Plan. “In other cities, Project Homeless Connect has connected a significant number of the homeless to housing, employment, health and other necessary services.”

For more information about the event, volunteering or for transportation, call 721-9378.

Lessons From a Fig Tree

Lesson #1-Miracles happen outside of your comfort zone!

Russ Lee, a long time Christian artist, once said the coolest thing about miracles. He said, “You know that boundary you set around yourself called your comfort zone? Just over that line is where all of the miracles happen.” It’s so true! I’m a big fan of comfort…believe me. If I could spend all day wearing pajamas, I would. But, I see time after time in the Bible where people accept God’s invitation outside of their comfort zone and into the place where He does the most glorious things.

Take, for example, the calling of one of Jesus’ first disciples, Nathanael…

John 1:43 (NKJV) The next day Jesus decided to leave for Galilee. Finding Philip, he said to him, "Follow me." 44Philip, like Andrew and Peter, was from the town of Bethsaida. 45Philip found Nathanael and told him, "We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph." 46"Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?" Nathanael asked. "Come and see," said Philip. 47When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, he said of him, "Here is a true Israelite, in whom there is nothing false." 48"How do you know me?" Nathanael asked. Jesus answered, "I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you." 49Then Nathanael declared, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel." 50Jesus said, "You believe because I told you I saw you under the fig tree. You shall see greater things than that." 51He then added, "I tell you the truth, you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man
In the Old Testament, being “under the fig tree” often refers to being safe, at leisure, secure, comfortable, at peace, taken care of…

Micah 4:4 (NKJV) But everyone shall sit under his vine and under his fig tree,
And no one shall make them afraid; For the mouth of the Lord of hosts has spoken

1 Kings 4:25 (NKJV) And Judah and Israel dwelt safely, each man under his vine and his fig tree, from Dan as far as Beersheba, all the days of Solomon.

Jesus tells Nathaniel that he saw him while he was under the fig tree. We can assume that Jesus saw him in a supernatural way…Nathanael must have been alone at the time. And, this event is enough to convince Nathanael that Jesus is the Son of God. Jesus’ response to Nathanael is something like…“That’s why you believe??? Because I saw you under the fig tree? Just wait till you see what’s in store!! You ain’t seen nothing yet!!”

Jesus sees us in our safe, comfortable places. But imagine the possibilities when we step out of that comfort zone and follow him just like Nathanael did!

Lesson #2- Jesus wants us to bear fruit!! He is a patient and loving master gardener, but our time will eventually run out!

Matthew 21:18 (NKJV) Early in the morning, as he was on his way back to the city, he was hungry. 19Seeing a fig tree by the road, he went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves. Then he said to it, "May you never bear fruit again!" Immediately the tree withered.

Luke 13:6 (NKJV) Then he told this parable: "A man had a fig tree, planted in his vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it, but did not find any. 7So he said to the man who took care of the vineyard, 'For three years now I've been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree and haven't found any. Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil?' 8" 'Sir,' the man replied, 'leave it alone for one more year, and I'll dig around it and fertilize it. 9If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.'

In both of these passages Israel is represented by the fig tree. In the parable in Luke, God is the owner of the vineyard and Jesus is the caretaker asking for more time to care for the tree in hopes that it will eventually bear fruit. And, I believe, these verses also have many implications in our own life…

*Jesus longs for, hungers for, our lives and our faith to bear fruit. He is disappointed when we don’t.

*What is fruit? It is evidence of a healthy, growing faith!

Gal 5:22 (NKJV)But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

*Notice in both passages the trees bore NO fruit. Don’t get caught up in the guilt trap believing that what you have to offer isn’t good enough for God. If your fruit is produced as a result of sincerely seeking and knowing God, and living in accordance with his will…it is acceptable to Him.

*He’s regularly checking us out to look for fruit.

*We’re not left on our own to produce this fruit…we have an expert gardener watering , weeding and feeding us to help us bear this fruit. We must stay in His care by reading the bible, going to church, praying, etc.

*(Bear with me on this one…I know it’s kind of gross, but the point is valid) Fertilizer is poop. And we all know what it’s like to have manure dropped into our lives. I think the expression “Poop Happens” is true. It just does. Matthew 5:45 (NKJV) 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. The important thing to note is that when manure is used in gardening, the gardener uses animal waste for fertilizer…not his own (except maybe in Chinese rice paddies…eeewww). It’s true in our lives too, may times that trials we face are not caused by God, but allowed by Him and used to help us grow.

*The tree does not bear fruit to please the gardener or to be allowed to stay in the garden, the tree bears fruit because in a gardener’s care that’s just what trees do. Likewise, we should not force ourselves to be fruitful so that God will be happy with us or so that we can go to heaven. The fruit in our lives should be a natural outcome of DAILY watering and care (prayer and bible study).

*Jesus is not fooled by a bunch of shiny green leaves….we can fill our lives with all kinds of nice looking Christian adornments (12 different bibles, fish on your car, Christian music, being at church every time the door is open, etc). If real fruit is not there…he knows it!

*We don’t have forever to bear this fruit. A withered up tree is a great visual reminder of what a life that never gets to the point of fruit bearing looks like.

Lesson 3. Don’t lose your fruit every time you’re shaken!

Nahum 12 (NKJV) All your strongholds are fig trees with ripened figs: If they are shaken, They fall into the mouth of the eater.

In this verse Nahum is describing how easily Ninevah will be defeated. Like shaking fruit from a tree.

How easily are you shaken? How much shaking does it take before your fruit is dropping from your branches and you start to wither up? In other words, when trials come, do you stand firm in the faith, trusting God as you weather the storm, or do you shake your fist at heaven and begin to withdraw from Him? God wants our fruit to be used for good, for his Glory. Moreover, our fruit should be available to feed those that are hungry for God's love. Not the enemy who shook us up to start with or opportunistic scavengers ready to take advantage of us when we’re vulnerable. There will be storms, we will be shaken, but we must hold fast to the faith and the fruit that the Master gardener has been so carefully cultivating us to produce.

Memorial Fund

Kyle Thomas Bowlsby, 19, of 824 Church St., died Monday, April 9, 2007, at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center after a sudden accident.

The funeral service will be conducted at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 15, at Christian Bible Fellowship by the Rev. Bruce Readling. Interment will follow at Gibsonville City Cemetery.

A native of Fairfax, Va., he was employed by Swissport at Raleigh-Durham International Airport and was a member of The Boy Scouts of America. He was a volunteer at Loaves and Fishes Christian Food Ministry and the Gibsonville Library.


Kyle's dad is a soldier currently serving in Iraq. He is now faced with the expenses of the funeral and hospital bills...Kyle had no insurance. If you'd like to help out a memorial fund has been established. Here's the info:

Kyle Bowlsby Memorial Fund
Wachovia Bank
200 North Main Street
High Point, NC 27260

Let Me Talk You Out of Your Dress!

OK, so you know that old prom dress hanging in the back of your closet? How about those bridesmaids dresses? Do you really think you're ever going to wear them again? Do you honestly believe that your daughter will want to wear them someday? And, in the unlikely event that you are invited to a formal event, you know that you'll want to buy a new dress, right?!?!?

Now that I have you persuaded...here is a great place to donate your gently used formal dresses. Winston-Salem Rehabilitation and Health Care Center hosts a prom for their residents each year. Many of their clients are unable to afford a new dress for this event and would welcome your donation! They espacially need plus sizes. Men, your gently used suits, suit coats and dress pants are also needed. The event is April 27th, so they need your donations ASAP. If you can help, call Beth Salmons at 336-724-2821.

Be a Child Advocate

Do you long to make a difference in the life of an abused or neglected child? I can think of no better way to do so than to volunteer as a child advocate with the Guardian ad Litem program. Here is some info about the program:

Mission Statement:
The mission of the North Carolina Guardian ad Litem Program is to provide trained independent advocates to represent and promote the best interests of abused, neglected, and dependent children in the state court system and to work towards a plan that ensures that these children are in a safe permanent home.

Description:
Every year more than half a million abused and neglected children are in need of safe, permanent, nurturing homes. Volunteers are needed in every NC county to help judges make the best decisions in court about what is in the best interests of the children who come before them. The objectivity and thorough advocacy of our volunteer Guardians ad Litem help children navigate the many facets of out of home placement and ensure that their voices are heard in courtrooms across the state. Training , support and supervision are offered to assist volunteers in our programs. We make a difference for children, one child at a time, keeping a child's sense of time our focus.

For more information, you can call Catherine McDonald with the High Point Guardian ad Litem office at 336-574-4315 or 336-801-5388. Annie Cahoon is the director of the Forsyth County Guardian ad Litem program. Her number is 336-761-2384 ext. 5. You can also visit the NC Guardian ad Litem website.

My Signs Would Say, “Completely Self-Centered” and “Trying to Put Others First”

One of my favorite new songs is “I’m Not Who I Was” by Brandon Heath. In the song, Heath describes finding an old picture of someone whom he’s had some type of falling out with. Upon seeing the picture, he is reminded of the anger and bitterness this relationship left him with. However, he comes to the realization that he is no longer the same person that he was and he has forgiven his old friend. Heath wishes this person from his past could see the person that he has become. The song’s message is beautifully summarized in this verse, “Well, the thing I find most amazing in amazing grace is the chance to give it out. Maybe that's what love is all about.”

In the video for this song, which you can watch below, a variety of people are pictured holding up signs. In the first picture of each person the sign they hold describes the kind of person they used to be. The second picture shows the same person with a sign describing the new person they have become in Christ.

This video made me think about what my “Before and After” signs would say. What about yours? As we approach Easter Sunday, what a perfect time to reflect upon how Jesus has changed us individually and how he has changed the whole world with his redeeming love.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! (2 Corinthians 5:17)