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FROM THE PULPIT: Having God here on earth, with us

Written by archive on . Posted in columns, Opinion, your-voice.

Jon often misbehaved at supper time. One day, his mother had enough and put the 5-year-old in his room for time out.

The boy's grandfather, who was visiting, heard Jon's wails of sorrow down the hall. Grandpa wanted to let Jon come out of his room, but did not want to negate his daughter’s authority.

After a moment’s thought, Grandpa went into Jon’s room to spend time with him until his time out was over.

Across town, Paul was walking in the woods with his 9-year-old son, Andrew. The boy pointed to a trail of ants scurrying across the forest floor, many of them carrying leaves and twigs.

He noticed a small group of ants trying to wrestle a particularly large leaf around a rock. It seemed no matter how hard the ants tried, they could not make it around the rock.

Andrew said he wished he could help them.

His father said, “But, you are too big, and they wouldn’t understand. If you were to help them, you would frighten them off. ”

Andrew thought for a moment and then quietly said, “If I became one of them, they wouldn't be frightened of me. Then I could help.”

God knew humanity's plight:  people overrun by sin, crying for help and seeking release from our self-imposed prisons.

God knew he could ignore his own rules and expectations, but knew that would not solve the problem. So, God decided he needed to be with us and among us.

He also knew that if he came here as he is, we would have been so afraid of him we would have run away. So, he came to us as one of us.

Jesus. Immanuel. God with us. How wonderful is that!

The Rev. Mark Broadhead is Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview’s pastor.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: FROM THE PULPIT: Having God here on earth, with us

HAPPENINGS: Reflecting on our blessings

Written by archive on . Posted in columns, lifestyle.

Pumpkin bread is baking in the oven and Christmas cards have been ordered, but I still need to run the labels and finish our Christmas letter. 

OK, and a few more gifts need to be wrapped and purchased. Then we'll be set for Christmas.

Each year, I wonder what joy and blessings I miss from rushing around. Am I so busy making sure everything gets taken care of that I have missed the joy this season brings? 

Hopefully that's not the case this year. I am making time to enjoy cantatas at churches, Living Nativities in our area, the high school choral and band Christmas programs, and Christmas Eve services. 

All these wonderful things keep me focused on what the season is truly about: the gift God sent in the form of His son, Jesus Christ. 

I am also going to enjoy a cup of coffee or tea with friends and catch up, even if it is just by phone. 

Our family will reflect on the blessings we have received from the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

The baking might get put off to another day, and some of the cards may get mailed late, but our enjoyment of Christmas will rise and we will have real joy.

December Happenings

•KIWANIS BREAKFAST & AUCTION WITH SANTA: 7-10 a.m. Dec. 13, Coach-N-Four restaurant, John King Road, Crestview. Includes workshop where children can shop for their parents, along with pancake breakfast and pictures with Santa. Tickets: $5 per person; free for kids age 6 and younger. Proceeds benefit the Crestview club's scholarships and community projects.

•YULE OF YESTERYEAR: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 13, Heritage Museum, 115 Westview Ave., Valparaiso. Details: 678-2615 or info@heritage-museum.org.

•CONCERNED CITIZENS OF CRESTVIEW'S OUTREACH CHRISTMAS DINNER: 4 p.m. Dec. 16 at Carver-Hill School Center, 461 W. School Ave., Crestview.

•Crestview High School Band Christmas Program: 7 p.m. Dec. 16, Pearl Tyner Auditorium, 1250 N. Ferdon Blvd.  No charge. 

•Advent service: 7 p.m. Dec. 17, Our Savior Lutheran Church, 171 W. North Ave., Crestview.

•Live Nativity: 5-8 p.m. Dec 19, 20 and 21, Central Baptist Church, 951 S. Ferdon Blvd., Crestview. Freewill offering.

•ST. MARK UMC CHRISTMAS SERVICES: United Methodist Church, 2250 PJ Adams Parkway, Crestview, plans five Christmas services.

 •6 p.m. Dec. 21, “early bird” communion and candle lighting service. 

•1:30 and 3 p.m. Dec. 24, children/family candle lighting services.

•4:30 p.m. Dec. 24,  contemporary candle lighting service.

•6 p.m. Dec. 24, traditional communion and candle lighting service.

Details: 682-5280 or www.stmarkcrestview.com.

•Crestview High School Choir in Epcot's Candlelit Processional: 6:45 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. Dec. 27, 200 Epcot Center Drive, Lake Buena Vista. Admission to Epcot required.

•CHS Chanticleer and Destiny choirs perform at Universal City Walk: 10 a.m. Dec 28, 1000 Universal Studios Plaza, Orlando. Parking: $17

•New Year's Eve activities: 6 p.m. Dec 31, Central Baptist Church, 951 S. Ferdon Blvd., Crestview.

•Watchnight Service: 7 p.m. to midnight, Dec. 31, Live Oak Baptist Church, 4565 Live Oak Church Road, Crestview. Worship service will be at 11 p.m.

If you see me on my jaunts around town, please wish me a "Merry Christmas." I hope that you have a wonderful week.

Janice Lynn Crose lives in Crestview with her husband, Jim; her brother, Robb; her two rescue collies, Shane and Jasmine; and two cats, Kathryn and Prince Valiant.

The former music teacher enjoys scrapbooking, sewing, playing the piano and studying the Bible.

Email listings of upcoming events and activities of public interest>>

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: HAPPENINGS: Reflecting on our blessings

SIDELINE OBSERVATIONS: A fitting honor for the Martellos

Written by archive on . Posted in columns, Sports.

Shortly after former Baker School boys basketball coach Gerald Martello passed away, a Baker resident suggested to me that the gym be named in honor of the Martello family.

It's not a bad idea, but strong cases could be made for others who have coached and played basketball or volleyball for the Gators.

Baker School's football stadium is named in honor of Doug Griffith, the school’s principal for several years, so a precedent has been set for naming the Gators' facilities.

'AMONG THE BEST ATHLETES'

Gerald Martello was a great coach and the patriarch of one of the leading families in Baker School athletic history. Each of his four children, three sons and a daughter, made their own marks on the school’s rich athletic tradition.

I never had the opportunity to see any of the Martellos play ball, but I understand they were among the best athletes to grace Baker's basketball court and athletic fields.

Many people have told me that Vince, the oldest Martello son, was the best basketball player in school history. Vince played college basketball at Auburn and Florida State. Sadly, he lost a fight with cancer at age 23.

Baker School Principal Mike Martello, the youngest sibling and former Baker boys basketball coach, recently told me he was the worst athlete in the family. He said older brother Chris and sister Tena were tremendous multi-sport stars in their own right.

Still, Mike was a third-team all-state football player and made the all-state tournament basketball team. He also was a four-sport letterman for the Gators. As a coach, Mike took the Gators to the playoffs five times.

'A TRICKY THING'

Deciding to name a facility after a family or individual is always a tricky thing. One could argue that Monty Russell was more successful as Baker's boys basketball coach than Gerald or Mike Martello.

If sheer success is a reason for naming the gym in a person’s honor, a strong case can be made for naming the court for Kathy Combest.Combest coached the Gator girls basketball and volleyball teams to numerous district championships and state final four appearances.

There are ways to accommodate several worthy candidates. The gym could be named for two of the coaches and the court could be named for the third.

The University of Tennessee plays basketball in Thompson-Boiling Arena and court is called “The Summitt” in honor of former Lady Vols Coach Pat Summitt.

Maybe Baker could name the gym something like Smith-Jones Gymnasium and the floor Taylor Court.

The biggest drawback I can see with any of the idea is that John Ensor coached the Gator football team to three state championships and Jeff Webb coached them to another football title and, to my knowledge, nothing on campus bears either of their names.

I would dare say, if asked, the Martello family would be humbled by the thought, whether it came to fruition or not.

Men and women who play and coach their games don’t do so thinking that one day something will be named for them. Athletes and coaches participate in their sports for the love of the game and everything else is icing on the cake.

Whether Baker's gym is one day named to honor the Martello family or not, I do believe there needs to be some way to pay tribute to a family that has given and meant so much to Baker School.

Email Randy Dickson at randyd@crestviewbulletin.com, tweet @BigRandle or call 682-6524.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: SIDELINE OBSERVATIONS: A fitting honor for the Martellos

HAPPENINGS: Sharing Mother's cranberry nut bread recipe

Written by archive on . Posted in columns, lifestyle.

I am now busy with my baking, decorating and Christmas cards.

But for now, let's focus on the baking.

See below for Mother's Cranberry Nut Bread recipe; I think she has made this bread for about 50 years. I baked two loaves and took one into the Crestview News Bulletin offices for them to sample. (Editor's Note: It was delicious!)

•••

CRANBERRY NUT BREAD

1 package rinsed fresh cranberries

1/2 cup water

1-3/4 cups white sugar

6 ounces orange juice concentrate

4 cups all purpose flour

1 Tablespoon baking powder

2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon baking soda

4 eggs

2/3 cup oil (I use canola)

2 teaspoons orange peel

1 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans

Boil the cranberries, water, sugar and orange juice concentrate in a sauce pan until the cranberries pop.

Sift together the flour, baking powder, salt and baking soda, then gently add the cranberry mixture and mix well.

In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, add oil, orange peel and nuts and mix well, then add the egg mixture to the flour and cranberry mixture and mix thoroughly.

Coat 2 loaf pans with cooking spray, lightly dust the bottom of the pans with flour, then evenly divide the mixture into the loaf pans.

Bake for 1 hour at 350 degrees.  A toothpick should come out clean when the bread is done.

Cool for 10 minutes, gently remove from the pan and continue to cool on baking racks.

Enjoy!

•••

Now, on to December Happenings:

•Laurel Hill Middle School Christmas Program: 6:30 p.m. Dec. 9, 8078 4th St., Laurel Hill. Tickets: $1.

•Crestview High School Choir Winter Program: 7 p.m. Dec. 9, Pearl Tyner Auditorium, 1250 N. Ferdon Blvd., Crestview. Tickets: $7 adults; $5 children.

•Advent Service: 7 p.m. Dec. 10, Our Savior Lutheran Church, 171 W. North Ave.

•Schola Cantorum from Northwest Florida State College: 7 p.m. Dec. 10, First Presbyterian Church, 492 N. Ferdon Blvd., Crestview. Offering accepted.

•Crestview High School Drama presents "Harvey": 7 p.m. Dec. 12; 7 p.m. Dec. 13; and 3 p.m. Dec. 14, Pearl Tyner Auditorium, 1250 N. Ferdon Blvd. Tickets: $5. 

•"The Living Nativity": 5:30-8 p.m. Dec. 13, Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church, 8115 4th St. This is the story of the first Christmas told in a fun, interactive way. A combined church effort with Laurel Hill and Crestview Presbyterian, as well as other Laurel Hill churches; features live animals.

•Red Roots gospel concert: 6 p.m. Dec. 13, Central Baptist Church, 951 S. Ferdon Blvd. Donation: $10.

•"What Sweeter Music," a Christmas Cantata written by Mark Hayes: 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. Dec. 14, Crestview First United Methodist Church, 599 Eighth Ave., Crestview.

•Crestview High School Band Christmas Program: 7 p.m. Dec. 16, Pearl Tyner Auditorium, 1250 N. Ferdon Blvd.  No charge. Come hear music to celebrate the season played by Crestview's finest young musicians.

If you see me on my jaunts around town, please wish me a "Merry Christmas." I hope that you have a wonderful week.

Janice Lynn Crose lives in Crestview with her husband, Jim; her brother, Robb; her two rescue collies, Shane and Jasmine; and two cats, Kathryn and Prince Valiant.

The former music teacher enjoys scrapbooking, sewing, playing the piano and studying the Bible.

Email listings of upcoming events and activities of public interest to  NorthOkaloosaHappenings@gmail.com.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: HAPPENINGS: Sharing Mother's cranberry nut bread recipe

FROM THE PULPIT: Let God be in control

Written by archive on . Posted in columns, Opinion, your-voice.

Look around. It seems as though the world continues to spin out of control. There is rioting, war, famine, illness, greed, gluttony, bickering, distrust — the list goes on.

A great deal of inhumanity is foisted on fellow human beings. Emotions run deep, and explode in anger and hatred.

What causes people to be so self-indulgent and self-righteous that they believe they are correct and everyone else is wrong; or that they are entitled to whatever they desire; or that when they don’t get their way they can throw a temper tantrum?

It comes down to not paying attention to God or acknowledging God as the creator of life. It's unwillingness to surrender selfish desires and the need for control.

Let's acknowledge what The Bible says in Isaiah: Chapter 64, verse 8: “O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand.”

When you say this, you acknowledge God is your creator. You ask God to make you pliable in his hands. You ask God to shape you and mold you into what He intends for you to become.

God responds with open arms and a gentle spirit. He proved this when he came to Earth in Jesus Christ.

When our lives are focused on God, he treats us like sons and daughters. In Jesus Christ we are sisters and brothers. We are called to care for one another as he cares for us. The color of one’s skin matters not. Economic standing matters not. Religious upbringing matters not. National origin matters not.

As Christmas approaches, ask yourself: Are you paying attention to God? Or are you paying attention to the ways of the world? Remember, God came to Earth in Jesus to save us from the ways of the world, not to encourage us to wallow in them.

How will you prepare yourself?

The Rev. Mark Broadhead is Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview’s pastor.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: FROM THE PULPIT: Let God be in control

Catching up with Crestview's Childree (VIDEO)

Written by archive on . Posted in columns, Sports.

CRESTVIEW — The News Bulletin's Sports Department selected Crestview High School basketball player Dakota Childree as the North End Zone Spotlight Player of the Week.

Watch this week's North End Zone Sports Report to learn more about Dakota.

Read all about him exclusively in the News Bulletin's Dec. 3-5 Midweek Edition, available at these locations.

Also: You won't want to miss Monday's double header with the Gators and Hoboes. Randy Dickson has more on that in this week's Sports Report.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Catching up with Crestview's Childree (VIDEO)

SIDELINE OBSERVATIONS: The seasons never end

Written by archive on . Posted in columns, Sports.

I always find December to be a tricky month.

Fall sports have ended and I’m trying to get into the swing of winter sports. There is plenty to do, but I keep thinking about the upcoming Christmas season and how much I need to do in so little time.

There are plenty of sports to cover between now and Christmas. As I look at the schedules, I see games almost every weeknight between now and Christmas with one or two Saturdays thrown in for good measure.

I can’t use the excuse that I have nothing to do because, in the sports business, there’s always a game or other event on deck.

The next few weeks will be filled with trying to figure out how good local teams will be in their respective winter sports.

Can Crestview High School's boys basketball team make another run deep into the playoffs without a proven big man in the paint?

Will Crestview's girls make another playoff run as well?

What does Laurel Hill's boys basketball team need to do to contend for a playoff spot in a tough District 1-1A that's home to defending state champion Malone and an always dangerous Paxton team?

Can Laurel Hill's girls stay with defending state champions and rival Paxton?

How will things shake out at Baker School under first-year boys basketball Coach Janavor Weatherspoon? Can the Gators play dark horse in District 3-1A?

What is the ceiling for a young, still inexperienced Baker girls team under second-year Coach Jamie Kerrell?

There are plenty of questions to be answered in soccer at Baker and Crestview as well.

And I can’t forget girls weightlifting at Baker and Crestview or Crestview High School's wrestling team, which will host three matches this year.

As we turn our attention to winter sports, it seems as if spring sports aren’t too far away.

In a little more than a month, on Jan. 12, softball and tennis practice can start. Baseball, track and boys weight lifting start the following week. Flag football practice opens Feb. 16.

It really seems as if the seasons never end for local athletes and sports writers.

The seasons of life are measured not so much by changes in nature as they are the kind of ball that is being thrown, kicked, hit or shot.

And so it goes as I look ahead to a busy December and more busy months to follow.

Email News Bulletin Sports Editor Randy Dickson, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: SIDELINE OBSERVATIONS: The seasons never end

FROM THE PULPIT: This Advent, cut back on the parties

Written by archive on . Posted in columns, Opinion, your-voice.

Advent is a season of preparation — preparing one’s heart, mind and soul for the coming of our Lord.

Between now and Dec. 25, Christians look forward by remembering the past.

In this season, we prepare to celebrate Jesus Christ's birth as foretold by the prophets. Along with John the Baptist, we look forward to the life and ministry Jesus will bring. And with great expectation, we watch for our Lord’s second coming at a time and place of God’s choosing.

Too frequently, however, this season's spiritual expectations get grossly overshadowed by its social expectations. Too many parties. Too many places to go. Too much shopping. Too much, well, you name it.

My suggestion? Cut back on the myriad events and occasions society expects. Use that time to focus on preparing your heart, mind and soul on this time's spiritual nature.

You see, Christmas is about God coming to Earth in Jesus Christ. That is the ultimate gift in life. All else is secondary.

The Rev. Mark Broadhead is Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview’s pastor.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: FROM THE PULPIT: This Advent, cut back on the parties

Catching up with Baker's Amanda Parisi (VIDEO)

Written by archive on . Posted in columns, Sports.

CRESTVIEW — The News Bulletin's Sports Department selected Baker School  basketball player Amanda Parisi as the North End Zone Spotlight Player of the Week.

Watch this week's North End Zone Sports Report to learn more about her.

Read all about Amanda exclusively in the News Bulletin's Nov. 26-28 Midweek Edition, available at these locations.

Also, don't miss Randy's special Thanksgiving week comment! (We were so touched by it!)

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Catching up with Baker's Amanda Parisi (VIDEO)

HAPPENINGS: What gifts do you plan to give?

Written by archive on . Posted in columns, lifestyle.

It's beginning to look a lot like Advent, with the hanging of greens taking place in many churches this weekend as we prepare for the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. 

Traditional Advent wreaths have four candles in an outer ring, and one in the center.

The candle ring is a circle representing that God is eternal, and the candles represent that Jesus is the Light of the world.

The candles' names generally vary year to year, according to different church traditions. Usually, there are three purple candles, one pink, and a large white candle in the center of the wreath.

Advent has four Sundays. The first Sunday, a purple candle, Hope or Prophecy, is lit; the second Sunday, a purple candle, Preparation or Bethlehem, is lit; the third Sunday, a pink candle, Joy or Shepherds, is lit; the fourth Sunday, a purple candle, Love or Angels, is lit; and the white candle in the center is the Christ candle, which is traditionally lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.

Here's what's happening next month:

•Advent Service: 7 p.m. Dec. 3, Our Savior Lutheran Church, 171 W. North Ave., Crestview.

•Crestview Chamber of Commerce Breakfast, 7 a.m. Dec. 4, Crestview Community Center, 1446 Commerce Blvd., Crestview. Cost: $3.

•Crestview Christmas Parade: 5:30 p.m. Dec. 6, Main Street. Theme: "Christmas Around the World."

You know, while we think of Advent and Christmas gifts, I have found that sometimes the greatest gift is time: taking someone to lunch or grocery shopping.

I know my life is so hectic, that it is nice to just sit down, have a cup of coffee or tea and visit.  For some of our elderly relatives and friends, this is the gift they have been waiting for all year.

As we reflect upon this season of Christmas, what gifts do you plan on giving to your family, church and friends? 

Janice Lynn Crose lives in Crestview with her husband, Jim; her brother, Robb; her two rescue collies, Shane and Jasmine; and two cats, Kathryn and Prince Valiant.

The former music teacher enjoys scrapbooking, sewing, playing the piano and studying the Bible.

Email listings of upcoming events and activities of public interest to NorthOkaloosaHappenings@gmail.com.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: HAPPENINGS: What gifts do you plan to give?

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