lifestyle | Crestview News Bulletin

Author seeks Scriptural solutions to sexuality, abortion, other issues

Written by archive on May 27, 2014. Posted in Faith, lifestyle.

The number of societal issues facing today's world is staggering. With no clear-cut answers, conflicting viewpoints tend to destroy any attempt to create wellbeing for the human race.

One author now says the answer for mankind's wellbeing and future lies in studying the past.

R.C. Besteder's Adam is a new look at the Adam of the Bible and a complete analysis of the first human on Earth. Exploring Adam's story and relating it to modern times, Besteder looks to clear up confusion about the man who fathered the human race.

"Today there is mass confusion worldwide on a host of issues that are destroying society and threatening the peace of our world,” Besteder said. “We need to know we are one in Adam.”

The knowledge that everyone descends from Adam gives insight on issues such as family, spirituality, sexuality, racism, abortion, divorce and morals. Besteder believes the human race needs to look back to their origins in order to fix problems in today’s society.

Adam encourages readers to look beyond racism, stamp out violence and pay special attention to family, according to a spokesperson. It helps readers seek the truth and build a more harmonious future for mankind.

"If we want to understand ourselves and what we're to be about, we've got to go back to the beginning when it all started," Besteder said.

Available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Westbow online bookstore

R.C. Besteder has studied the Bible for decades and has read it through more than thirty times. He also has a passion for history and has a degree in history earned while preparing for Christian ministry. His passion for understanding Adam has led to the constant study of mankind. Besteder has served as an Air Force Chaplain for 21 years and a civilian pastor more than 21 years, working to help others understand the Bible.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Author seeks Scriptural solutions to sexuality, abortion, other issues

TRY THIS: Make fruitful container gardens

Written by archive on May 27, 2014. Posted in lifestyle.

Picture yourself harvesting a few fresh strawberries for your cereal in the morning or perhaps picking a few apples from your own backyard tree to cook up into a pie. It is possible, even if you garden on a balcony or small lot. And even if you have plenty of space, you will still appreciate the fun and convenience of reaching out the backdoor and harvesting some homegrown fruit.

Strawberries are excellent container plants. Grow everbearing or day neutral varieties, so you will be harvesting strawberries throughout the growing season. Reduce your workload and increase success with a self-watering hanging basket (gardeners.com). Or dress things up a bit more with a decorative container. The haystack hanging baskets have the beauty of the coco fiber lined planters, but require half the watering. The AquaSav™ liner is a combination of coir and recycled plastic designed to conserve moisture. This means better results with less watering.

But don’t stop there. Add some dwarf fruit trees to your patio plantings. A dwarf apple, peach or pear will provide beautiful spring flowers, nice foliage for the summer and fruit for you to enjoy. Select self-fertile varieties, those that only require one plant to produce fruit, if space is limited. Grow your dwarf trees in large weather-proof pots with drainage. Those in cold climates will need to provide some winter protection, but the first harvest will make that extra bit of work well worth the effort.

Or try your green thumb at growing lemons, limes and other citrus in a container. The fragrant flowers and glossy green leaves are a beautiful prelude to the tasty fruit. Even cold weather gardeners can put their green thumb to the test by growing a Meyer lemon, Kaffir lime or other citrus in a container. Just move the potted plant indoors for the winter and back outdoors next season once the danger of frost has passed.

And don’t forget the blueberries that are high in antioxidants and flavor. These nutritious beauties require moist well-drained acidic soil. Something most gardeners do not have. This makes growing them in containers, where you control the soil, a good option. Blueberries provide seasonal interest with their nodding white bell-shaped flowers in spring, colorful fruit in summer and yellow, orange or red color in fall. Though only one plant is needed to bear fruit, keep in mind that your harvest will more than double if you grow two.

So survey your patio, deck, balcony or garden for space to add a container or two of fruiting plants that are sure to add beauty and flavor to your garden and meals this season.

Gardening expert, TV/radio host, author & columnist Melinda Myers has more than 30 years' horticulture experience and has written over 20 gardening books, including Can’t Miss Small Space Gardeningand the Midwest Gardener’s Handbook. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” DVD seriesand the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment segments. Myers is also a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Bloomsmagazine. Myers’ web site, www.melindamyers.com, offers gardening videos and tips.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: TRY THIS: Make fruitful container gardens

All Okaloosa parks pass Florida Department of Health water testing

Written by archive on May 26, 2014. Posted in health-fitness, lifestyle.

All Okaloosa County parks passed water testing, with six parks receiving moderate quality ratings, the Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County stated this week.

Tests are based on EPA-recommended enterococci standards.

Enteric bacteria’s presence indicates fecal pollution from stormwater runoff, pets and wildlife or human sewage.

Call 689-7859 or 833-9247 for more information.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: All Okaloosa parks pass Florida Department of Health water testing

FEMA, Bridgeway Center partner for behavioral health support

Written by archive on May 26, 2014. Posted in health-fitness, lifestyle.

The Florida Department of Children and Families has selected Bridgeway Center Inc. to provide behavioral health support to the FEMA Disaster Recovery Center in Okaloosa County.

Bridgeway Center is providing paraprofessional behavioral health staff for the DRC and will continue to assist Okaloosa residents adversely affected by the recent flood as long as the DRC remain open.

The DRC — in the Senior Service Center, 205 Stillwell Blvd., Crestview — is open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: FEMA, Bridgeway Center partner for behavioral health support

'Tame' modern Christian men encouraged to play 'Barbarian Games'

Written by archive on May 25, 2014. Posted in Faith, lifestyle.

CRESTVIEW — Archery, tomahawk throwing, blow darts, a kettle bell toss and a tug-of-war are on this weekend's agenda for Lifepoint Church men.

This Saturday, men are encouraged to leave their inhibitions behind and participate in the 4th Annual Barbarian Games, church deacon Michael Smith, the event organizer, said.

The outdoors event allows men to compete in games and enjoy fellowship, he said. Two popular activities are a tug-of-war and the caber toss, in which participants attempt to toss a large wooden log end over end.

Many participants wear kilts during the event.

"It's amazing how many of the guys will go out and get a kilt on their own," Smith said. Although attendees are encouraged to wear kilts, they can wear regular outdoor attire.

In addition to eating roasted-pig cooked over an open fire, men are encouraged to bring minimal camping equipment, when sleeping outdoors.

The activities will conclude with faith-based messages from Smith, the Rev. Mark English and guest speaker Kevin Mucher, a chaplain from the 6th U.S. Army Ranger Training Battalion on Eglin Air Force Base.

Attendees will meet at Lifepoint's parking lot early Saturday morning and return on Sunday morning. The outdoor event will take place at an undisclosed, in-county private property.

So, what's the purpose behind the games?

Well, the modern Christian man is very "tame" compared to biblical figures, Smith said.

"The Barbarian Way: Unleash the Untamed Faith Within," a book by Christian author Erwin Raphael McManus, inspired The Barbarian Games.

Its underlying message?

"We are men; we should be sincere about who we are," Smith said. "The men in the Bible were brave and courageous."

WANT TO GO?

WHAT: Barbarian Games

WHEN: Saturday through Sunday; meet 8 a.m. at Lifepoint Church, 400 S. Ferdon Blvd., Crestview, and leave 9 a.m. Sunday.

WHERE: Attendees will travel to undisclosed, in-county private property

COST: $40 per person

CONTACT: 682-3518.

Email News Bulletin Staff Writer Matthew Brown, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 'Tame' modern Christian men encouraged to play 'Barbarian Games'

Community Health & Fitness Fair May 28

Written by archive on May 20, 2014. Posted in health-fitness, lifestyle.

The annual Community Health & Fitness Fair is 8:30 a.m. to noon May 28 at Santa Rosa Mall's Main entrance, 300 Mary Esther Blvd., Mary Esther.

More than 30 vendors will provide free blood pressure, BMI and other screenings, as well as information on healthcare options available in Northwest Florida.

Call 855-614-7274 for more information.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Community Health & Fitness Fair May 28

EXTENSION CONNECTION: Growing a grass handprint makes a great summer DIY project

Written by archive on May 20, 2014. Posted in lifestyle.

Soon, kids will be out of school, and you know they'll be bored and itching for fun.

So try this boredom buster!

Creating a grass handprint is simple and doesn’t require special equipment.

Materials

•Container to plant in (Ensure the top is large enough for your handprint. Pie plates work great and are super-cheap!)

•Potting soil

•Grass seed

•Writing utensil (pen, pencil or marker)

•Scissors (preferably safety scissors)

•Construction paper or card stock

•Water

Instructions

•Trace your hand on a piece of construction paper.

•Use the scissors to cut out the image.

•Fill the container almost to the top with potting soil; leave at least an inch of space.

•Immerse your paper handprint in water.

•Remove it from the water quickly and lay it out on a flat surface.

•Sprinkle grass seed over the paper handprint until it is covered.

•Lay the seed-covered handprint atop the dirt in the container and cover it with a quarter-inch of soil.

•Ensure the pot receives adequate sunlight and water as directed on the seed packet your seeds came from. In a few days, you should have a grassy handprint!

It's a great introductory lesson to gardening or plant sciences, and it’s just plain cool.

Haley Worley is an agent at the University of Florida's Extension office in Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: EXTENSION CONNECTION: Growing a grass handprint makes a great summer DIY project

FINANCIAL FOCUS: Start saving today for tomorrow’s college bills

Written by archive on May 19, 2014. Posted in lifestyle.

Another school year is drawing to a close. If you have young children, you might be planning their summer activities.

But you might want to look even farther into the future — to the day when your kids say goodbye to local schools and hello to college dormitories.

When that day arrives, will you be financially prepared?

For the 2013–2014 academic year, the average cost — tuition, fees, room and board — was $18,391 for an in-state student at a four-year public college or university, and $40,917 for a private school, according to the College Board.

These costs may be considerably higher when your children enter college.

Of course, these are just the “sticker” prices; some families pay less, thanks to grants and tax benefits, such as the American Opportunity Tax Credit and the Lifetime Learning Tax Credit.

College is still a good investment in your child’s future. Over an adult’s working life, an individual with a bachelor’s degree can expect to earn, on average, nearly $1 million more than someone with just a high school diploma, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Unfortunately, you may not be saving enough — or you might not be making the most of your savings.

More parents use a general savings account than any other method, according to Sallie Mae’s "How America Saves for College" 2014 study. However, these types of accounts typically earn tiny returns with no tax advantages.

On the other hand, attractive college-funding vehicles include a 529 plan; earnings accumulate tax free, provided they are used for qualified higher education expenses. (529 plan distributions not used for qualified expenses may be subject to federal and state income tax and a 10 percent IRS penalty.) Furthermore, your 529 plan contributions may be deductible from your state taxes. But 529 plans vary, so check with your tax advisor regarding deductibility.

A 529 plan offers other benefits. For one thing, lifetime contribution limits for 529 plans are generous; they vary by state, but some plans allow contributions exceeding $200,000. And a 529 plan is flexible: If your child decides against college or vocational school, you can transfer unused funds to another family member, tax and penalty free.

While a 529 plan is a popular choice for college savings, it is not the only option. You also might want to consider a Coverdell Education Savings Account, which, like a 529 plan, can generate tax-free earnings if the money is used for higher education expenses.

Typically, you can put in a maximum of $2,000 per year to a Coverdell account, but it offers more flexibility in investment choices than a 529 plan.

Your children may be young, but before you know it, they’ll be packing their bags for college. So, no matter which college savings vehicles you choose, put them to work soon.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: FINANCIAL FOCUS: Start saving today for tomorrow’s college bills

CHS alumni among worship ensemble ministering in Crestview on Monday

Written by archive on May 19, 2014. Posted in Faith, lifestyle.

CRESTVIEW — Crestview High School alumni Jessica Phillips and Ryan Jackson have returned home, and they've brought a few friends from the University of Mobile.

Jackson and Phillips will be among 14 performers in Impact, a touring contemporary praise and worship music ensemble, performing Monday night at Emmanuel Baptist Church.

Phillips, a long-time Emmanuel member who previously sang worship music with the church's youth band and the adult praise team, said she anticipates the homecoming.

"My whole family is part of … Emmanuel," said Phillips, a junior working to earn her degree in worship music with a concentration in church ministry at the Christian university. "I'm pretty excited (that) we are in Crestview."

The group travels on weekends to perform at multiple churches and worship events in the country's southeastern region.

In January, the group ministered to a Sunday morning service at First Baptist Church of Crestview, where Jackson is a long-time member.

"It was a little bit of an emotional experience for me," said Jackson, a junior who sings and plays acoustic guitar. "The church has encouraged my faith so much."

Now, he's doing the same for others.

"I like that we get the get the opportunity to use our gifts to minister to other people," he said.

WANT TO GO?

WHAT: Impact concert

WHEN: 6:30 p.m. Monday

WHERE: Emmanuel Baptist Church, 3252 E. James Lee Blvd., Crestview

COST: Free

Email News Bulletin Staff Writer Matthew Brown, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: CHS alumni among worship ensemble ministering in Crestview on Monday

Health department: beware of mold in water-damaged buildings

Written by archive on May 19, 2014. Posted in health-fitness, lifestyle.

Take precautions when cleaning and repairing flood-damaged homes and buildings, the Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County advises.

Moisture that enters buildings accelerates mold growth, which can present short and long-term health risks.

Mold often appears as a staining or fuzzy growth on furniture or building materials and may look cottony, velvety, rough or leathery. It may have different colors like white, gray, brown, black, yellow or green.

WHAT TO DO

If you spot mold in your home, the health department advises taking these actions:

•Remove standing water from your home or office.

•Remove wet materials. If mold growth has appeared, carefully remove or clean the moldy material.

•Consider using personal protective equipment — like cleaning gloves and safety goggles — when cleaning or removing mold. Individuals with known mold allergies or asthma should not clean or remove moldy materials.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Health department: beware of mold in water-damaged buildings

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