lifestyle | Crestview News Bulletin

Take the listening command to heart

Written by archive on May 18, 2018. Posted in Faith, lifestyle.

When a person tries to convey a message, words, tone of voice, and body language all help to convey that message. When all three parts of the message mesh, and the listener receives it as intended, a clear communication has been made.

If one of those parts is off, a mixed message is given, and there can be confusion on the part of the listener.

How do you respond when you experience a miscommunication? Do you ask questions to clarify if what you thought you heard was the intended message, or do you fly off the handle in a fit of anger or despair?

This is why the Letter of James in the Bible tells us to “be quick to listen.”

There is an old expression which strongly recommends taking a deep breath and counting to 10 before responding in anger. Taking a deep breath and counting to 10 helps to not respond inappropriately in a flash of anger. It allows for a brief moment to discern if your anger or hurt is justified, or if perhaps you misunderstood what was being said.

Your first response should not be, “How can I get even?” but rather, “How can we take this and make it better? How can we learn from this and grow from it? How can we grow stronger because of it?”

It is very easy to let emotions flare up quickly in the heat of a moment. But when you briefly hold your tongue and reflect on what is being said, you will be able to respond more clearly, more rationally, more appropriately.

I encourage you to keep your ears open, and your heart ready to hear the word of God and respond to God’s leading – especially when communicating with others.

When you look for the positive in any given situation, you will be able to look beyond yourself and discern what God would have you do, and how God would have you respond. You will allow God, and God’s word, to live in you and through you.

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

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Take the listening command to heart

Record turnout for Korean Martial Art Festival in Crestview

Written by archive on May 11, 2018. Posted in lifestyle.

KMAF 2018 News Article – by John Wilkerson

Crestview Hosts International Martial Arts Symposium

CRESTVIEW — The 12th annual Korean Martial Arts Festival took place April 20, 21, and 22.

Instructors traveled from across the United States, Canada, and South Korea to teach and attend classes. The event is hosted by Gordon Martial Arts of Crestview Florida and became reality through a collected effort of local volunteers and internationally ranked martial arts masters.

Thomas Gordon, owner of Gordon Martial Arts, spoke about the founding of the symposium.

“I got into the martial arts to do the martial arts. I never lost focus of that goal. I’ve always wanted an opportunity to train and bring in good quality people to be around,” he said.

To say Gordon’s desire to create a highly respected event was through happenstance does not give credit to his original vision.

“I started, in the beginning, bringing is several high ranking Korean instructors. This year we had people coming in from Korea, Canada, from all over the United States. It has been a great event,” he said.

Korean martial arts are the foundation of the festival, but even from the beginning, all martial artists and instructors were welcomed. Testament to this is an early instructor of Gordon’s, Calvin Longton, who teaches Krav Maga and the Korean martial art of hapkido. Their relationship goes back nearly two decades, and Longton, who owns and operates Precision Martial Arts in Navarre, still teaches at the annual event.

Gordon said, “Many nationally ranked seminars exist for Japanese and Chinese arts, but Korean arts were lacking in national recognition. The Korean Martial Arts Festival set out to rectify this.”

To show the power and foresight Gordon brought to the festival, Black Belt Magazine listed the event as one of the top ten events in the nation, 2012. Official Karate Magazine endorsed the event in 2014.

The festival originally took place in a hotel dining area. The following year it was held at Gordon Martial Arts’ 5,000-square-foot location near downtown Crestview. The event has outgrown the space and now includes Friday evening and Saturday classes at Warriors Hall, next to the Crestview police station.

This year, the event filled the space to near capacity. “We had 130 show up for the event. It was a record turnout for us. It looks like we took 40 rooms at a local hotel. Some other places got some overflow from that as well. Then there are the restaurants, gas, and everything else,” Gordon said.

This impact does not represent a single day’s occurrence. Many of the seminar students and instructors arrived mid-week for the event. The festival has taken on a much-needed role by acting as a focal point for instructors and students to expand their training and professional relationships.

Crestview is well situated for the event with no extreme weather during the month of April and being centrally located from Tampa, Atlanta, and New Orleans.

Alain Burrese, author of "Survive A Shooting" and security instructor, spoke highly of the event. “I come because of the great opportunity to train and have fellowship with martial artists. We have children who are knee high, to an instructor, Dr. Kimm, who is 80 years old,” Burrese said.

Also teaching this year was Grand Master Nowon Park, who traveled from South Korea to teach at the event and visit with several of his students who live in the United States.

“You could not find a better group of people that come here for training, to share, and to teach,” Burrese said.

Gordon Martial Arts is a focal point for Korean martial artists to gather, share knowledge, and build lifelong friendships.

In response to his desire to keep the festival in Crestview, Gordon said, “when I first started the event, I considered taking it to Atlanta, Dallas, or New York. I didn’t want to do that because everything goes to the big cities. I wanted to pull back to our community, where I grew up.

"This my home. I wanted other people to come see how good we have it here,” Gordon said.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Record turnout for Korean Martial Art Festival in Crestview

We all have the gift of free choice

Written by archive on May 11, 2018. Posted in Faith, lifestyle.

What does one do when a trust has been betrayed?

It happens, doesn’t it? A person in a position of authority makes promises to work toward certain goals, only you learn the person never really intended to do so.

A spouse makes a vow to remain faithful on a wedding day. But then for whatever reason, becomes involved with another person or becomes emotionally unattached.

A colleague goes behind your back and does irreparable harm to your reputation or undermines a project on which you have worked diligently.

Such instances are all too real. The reason behind such failures is due to the fact that from the very beginning, humanity broke its relationship with God. By choice, humanity determined that obeying God was merely optional.

And so it is, because God has given us the awesome responsibility and gift of free choice. We can choose to follow or not follow the ways of God. Either way, there are consequences to those choices.

In broad generalities:

•To not follow the principles set forth by God means a person is interested in only his or her own wellbeing.

Pride, selfishness, greed, and the like become the driving force in life. It doesn’t matter how one gets ahead as long as they get ahead. Others are to be used as stepping stones.

•To follow God’s ways means a person has a desire to please God in all aspects of life.

This means looking out for the well-being of others, saying and doing the right thing even if it is uncomfortable or painful. It means recognizing others are just as important as yourself, and that your word is your bond.

So how does a follower of God’s ways respond when a trust is broken? By all means address the issue. If the matter is fixable, work on it. It will take time – and sometimes a very long time with very hard work – to attain reconciliation.

If the matter is egregious and the relationship is not reconcilable, you can forgive the person. But remember that does not mean you condone what was done. Nor does it mean you have to subject yourself to such behaviors in the future. It means you let go of the burden of the matter and move on.

Don’t hold on to grudges. Don’t seek revenge. Just as Jesus forgave those who nailed him to a cross, so can we forgive those who betray a trust.

Why would we do that? Because it is the right thing to do.

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

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: We all have the gift of free choice

Building a healthy taco using local produce

Written by archive on May 11, 2018. Posted in food, lifestyle.

Tacos are a traditional Mexican dish with a mixture of various fillings on a flat bread tortilla.

Having recently visited the Yucatan Peninsula and consumed tacos on a daily basis, it became evident to me that even in Mexico, different regions make their tacos with local available produce, meats, beans and rice. The American version can consist of anything from local produce, like zucchini, squash and corn, to the traditional tomatoes, cheese and lettuce.

Since Cinco de Mayo is celebrated on May 5, try this taco recipe for a slant on local flavor and taste.

My goal is to build a taco that is tasty, local and provides creativity in the ingredients. We will use some of the traditional elements, but stick with me as we explore various toppings to make your taco healthy and fresh.

Select your tortilla

Tortillas vary in size, color and grain. For a healthy option, select the smaller size ones made from whole grains. My favorite is a six-inch corn blended tortilla.

Start with a protein

The filling can be made from ground turkey, chicken, pork, fish or hamburger. For a vegetarian option, try tofu crumbles, black beans or refried vegetarian beans.

Brown the meat using your favorite Mexican spice, like chili powder, garlic, cumin, white pepper and onion powder.

Pick your filling

Local vegetables this time of year that will add flavor and color can be used a filling. Try spiral cut squash like yellow squash or zucchini. Cook in a small amount of olive oil to tenderize.

You will not want to overcook — keep them crunchy. Also, shave off fresh corn and add it to your filling or mix it in with your protein.

Pick your toppings

Diced tomatoes make a great topping with color and flavor. A squeeze of fresh lime juice is also a favorite.

Other toppings could include diced avocado, sliced hot peppers like jalapeño, bell or other peppers that grow well in our area. Traditional toppings include various types of shredded cheese and sour cream.

Don’t forget the fresh herbs

Cilantro grows very well in this area, as well as chives, onions and parsley. Fresh herbs add a splash of color and flavor.

Finishing touches

Try the homemade salsa recipe for a side dish with chips or for a topping to pep up the flavor.

Fresh salsa

2-3 medium-sized fresh tomatoes, diced into small pieces

1/2 red onion, diced

Peppers of your choice – jalapeño (hot) or bell pepper (milder)

Juice of one lime

1/4 cup chopped cilantro

Salt and pepper to taste

Add some spices like chili powder or cumin for flavor

Prepare all the ingredients and mix in a bowl. Store in refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Pamela H. Allen is the interim county director and an agent at the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension office in Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Building a healthy taco using local produce

Residents may qualify for Baker's free dental clinic

Written by archive on May 11, 2018. Posted in health-fitness, lifestyle.

BAKER — The local free mobile dental clinic is soon. The event provides fillings and extractions to people in need.

It begins with a screening day 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 18 at the Baker Area Recreation Center, 5503 Highway 4, Baker. Clients who qualify will be booked for appointments the week of May 21-25 at the center.

Those who apply for dental treatment must be six or older, be part of a family at or below the 200 percent poverty guideline, and do not have dental insurance coverage. Childcare will not be available during the screening and clinic.

Mary Ann Henley, clinic project director, and her husband, Royce, are Baker Lions Club members. She discussed how the clinic came into being and what attendees can expect.

"'We serve.' That's our motto, and we try to reach out in the community and do as many helpful projects as we can, so that we can minister to and help other people.

"Royce made a mention at a club meeting that this was a project that maybe we could look into," she said.

The group contacted the Baker Area Ministerial Association and Okaloosa Baptist Association for help. They contacted the Florida Baptist Convention and arranged to start the clinics in 2012.

"The mobile dental unit is furnished and stocked by the Florida Baptist Convention. They take care of all of those expenses of the unit. And we just are scheduled once a year … and host the clinic here. They bring the unit to Baker, we set up at the pavilion at the Baker rec center, and then our patients come there."

Nurses will gather medical information from each patient to maintain a safe environment for the dental care to be performed, Henley said.

Volunteers fellowship with attendees at the event, and attendees receive a gift bag with dental products and donated complete Bibles. Snacks and water will be available during their appointments.

As director, Mary Ann reaches out to dentists and organizations all across Northwest Florida, including Eglin Air Force Base, to provide two dentists per day May 21-25 for the mobile unit's two chairs.

The convention provides a designated driver, a worker that does all the autoclaving for the appointments, and all the supplies dentists need to do the extractions and fillings.

Royce said the most important part for him consists of "getting the bus from south Florida …brought to Baker, put in place, and set up. And then during the week, I have other people besides just myself."

At that point, the group of more than 30 members provide support for the patients getting dental work done, and the dentists and crew.

He said they do whatever's necessary so as not to impede the people doing the work.

Contact Mary Ann Henley, 865-3144, for additional information.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Residents may qualify for Baker's free dental clinic

Help restock local food banks during Stamp Out Hunger

Written by archive on May 2, 2018. Posted in health-fitness, lifestyle.

FORT WALTON BEACH — Help make a difference in the community by participating in the nation’s and the community’s largest food drive: the 26th annual National Association of Letter Carriers "Stamp Out Hunger" Food Drive taking place May 12. The goal is to help local food banks restock their pantries.

The NALC, in conjunction with the US Postal Service, the AFL-CIO, UFCW, Valpak, and United Way of Okaloosa and Walton Counties, May 12 will be collecting non-perishable and non-expired food items to include quick meals like macaroni, spaghetti, soups, canned meats, peanut butter, canned juice, canned fruits, canned vegetables, baby food and cereal.

To participate, place food donations in a bag next to the mailbox early the morning of May 12. The letter carrier will pick up the donations as they make their regular mail routes and then deliver them to local food banks.

For a list of our participating local food banks, visit www.united-way.org/food-drive/

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Help restock local food banks during Stamp Out Hunger

‘Small but mighty’

Written by archive on April 20, 2018. Posted in Faith, lifestyle.

LAUREL HILL — On April 24, 1898, Rev. Erasmus Ellerbe Ervin, then pastor of First Presbyterian in DeFuniak Springs, organized the Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church with 11 charter members. It was the flourishing railroad town’s second church, a Baptist congregation having been organized the year before Rev. Wilson’s visit.

For the past 120 years, congregations big and small have gathered at Laurel Hill Presbyterian to worship, mourn, celebrate, sing, study and serve their community. At a special 11 a.m. worship service on April 29, the church will celebrate its first century-and-a-fifth.

The Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church, led since 2007 by the Rev. Mark Broadhead, continues to serve the people of Okaloosa County’s oldest municipality and surrounding areas.

“I call it the little church with the big heart,” Rev. Broadhead said. “It’s small but mighty.”

Some other highlights from the church's history include the following:

•The church, with their Baptist brethren in Christ, first met in the Masonic Hall. Members soon began constructing a sanctuary on Fourth Street, land

•The new church building opened for worship in 1901, even as the $1,000 construction project was wrapping up, and remains Okaloosa County’s oldest continuously used place of worship.

•Sunday services are still held beneath the same high cathedral ceiling in the simple 30-foot by 40-foot sanctuary. Around 1925, a two-room Sunday school addition was added to the rear of the church. One of the rooms was divided into two rooms during renovations in 1956.

•A small portable pump organ purchased in the 1920s will be featured during the April 28 120th anniversary worship celebration.

•Church members acquired a pipe organ — the only one in northern Okaloosa County — from Mississippi College in 1995. The smaller Sunday school room was again partitioned into a pipe chamber, housing the Moeller Organ’s 245 pipes.

•In 2013, the wall dividing the two rear rooms was removed, opening up the space as a fellowship hall and gathering spot for church meetings, suppers and public events, such as the sweets and treats that follow the church’s annual December Living Nativity. A community crafters group will soon begin meeting in the hall.

WHAT: 120th anniversary worship service

WHEN: 11 a.m. Sunday, April 29

WHERE: Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church, 8115 Fourth Street

NOTES: The Rev. Mark Broadhead, pastor, with guest preacher the Rev. Dr. Roy Martin, General Presbyter, Presbytery of Florida. Worship service followed by dinner on the grounds.

NOTABLES WHO ATTENDED LAUREL HILL PRESBYTERIAN

•Earl Campbell, a trombonist in the first Okaloosa School Band, predecessor of the Crestview High School Big Red Machine

•Ernest Willie Campbell, former Masonic Grand Master of the State of Florida

•Ferrin Campbell Sr., former Okaloosa County Sheriff and State Representative

•Ferrin Campbell Jr., former Laurel Hill mayor

•Lt. Gen. Robb Chedister, former Eglin AFB commander

•"Cooter" Douglas, former noted radio personality

•Dr. Mabel Jean Morrison, former educator and philanthropist

•John Monroe Summerlin, first sheriff of Okaloosa County

•Mamie and Pearl Tyner, local philanthropists

•McDonald Campbell, 103 years old, is still attending. She's the church matriarch and the first librarian of the current Laurel Hill School.

LAUREL HILL PRESBYTERIAN CELEBRATION

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: ‘Small but mighty’

Common courtesy can inspire gratitude

Written by archive on April 20, 2018. Posted in Faith, lifestyle.

It has been said of late that common courtesy is not so common any more. While this may be true, there are still pockets of it around. I say this because I recently experienced two instances of it.

The first occasion was last week. I went for a preliminary consultation for a minor surgical procedure I need to have. At this doctor’s office I experienced courtesy and professionalism of the highest level.

A cheerful greeting from the person at the front desk, a brief 10-minute wait (which included time for filling out one form) before someone led me to an examination room, the calm demeanor of the one confirming my medical history, and an unrushed exam and conversation with the surgeon left me feeling well cared for and that they were taking me seriously.

There was a problem with insurance codes at the check-out window when I went to pay. The same cheerful woman that welcomed me worked hard to get matters clarified, even going "up the ladder" in the billing office to get matters straightened out. They were.

I then asked a question this cheerful woman couldn’t answer, but that was okay because I didn’t really need an answer. However, before reaching my car in the parking lot, I heard my name called. She came running out with an answer to my question. I was pleased, grateful, and downright bowled over.

Talk about going the second mile! I was treated with courtesy and helpfulness.

On the second occasion, my wife and I went out to dinner this past week. It was a nice restaurant. The ambience was wonderful. The food was excellent. But what truly made an impression was the demeanor of our server.

She has been working there only a month, but her courteousness, politeness, timing, and attention to our needs were all spot on. This young lady was poised and professional. She chatted and laughed with us without being intrusive in the least.

So wonderful was our experience that I did something I very rarely do. I spoke with the manager to give my compliments for the food and dining experience, but more importantly to give our praise about our server. (And yes, her tip reflected our pleasure.)

While courtesy may not be so common any more, I would encourage you to live according to the standards of our Lord. One of his teachings to take to heart is, "Treat others the same way you want to be treated."

If we all do that, common courtesy will become common once again.

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

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Common courtesy can inspire gratitude

God answers prayers

Written by archive on April 17, 2018. Posted in Faith, lifestyle.

How do you respond when things don't go your way? Your response may depend on the generation of which you are a part.

A few will say: Well, I guess it wasn't meant to be.

Some will say: This too shall pass.

Others will say: Why do I never get what I want?

Still others will say: I don't want to deal with this unpleasantness. You fix it for me. Give me exactly what I want and demand!

How do you respond? Are you able to accept that some things just don't turn out the way you had hoped or anticipated? Do you kick and scream until you get your own way? Or do you wind up somewhere in the middle — disappointed but accepting of the situation?

Again, your response may be, by and large, dependent on your generational position. Or, it may be dependent on your geographical location and the type of community in which you grew up.

How you respond may also be tied into the level and maturity of your faith in God.

I might dare say that those who petition God for unrealistic requests – like a new car, more money, more material possessions – are rather new to the faith and somewhat immature in this area. They tend to see God as a giant genie who is supposed to grant all their wishes.

(If you haven't already, watch the movie "Bruce Almighty" and you'll get a hint of why God does not give us everything we desire.)

It is important to understand that when God doesn't give us what we ask, even when it sounds so reasonable and sincere, it is because it is not the best thing for us or those for whom we ask.

For example: When my mother was dying of pancreatic cancer, prayers were lifted for healing. When she died, a few people were disappointed that their prayers went unanswered.

They were somewhat taken aback when I assured them their prayers were answered. I said, "She has received the ultimate healing that can be given. She is in heaven, cured of her disease, free from pain, and rejoicing in the presence of our Lord."

I'll ask again, how do you respond when things don't go your way? Let me encourage you to look at the situation through the eyes of our loving Lord, and be accepting that what is ultimately the best is what he will do for you.

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

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: God answers prayers

Schedule of North Okaloosa Relay for Life events

Written by archive on April 10, 2018. Posted in health-fitness, lifestyle.

CRESTVIEW — Here is a list of upcoming events and fundraisers for the Crestview Relay for Life, which is 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. April 20 at the Crestview High School, 1250 Ferdon Blvd. N., Crestview. Send your fundraiser information (event name, time, date and address of event) to news@crestviewbulletin.com. Proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society.

•A Speedee Printing and Lou Lou Beans raffle benefits the Crestview Relay For Life. Tickets are $5 each. The prizes are a Simply Southern T-Shirt, beach bag and a 16-ounce Corkcicle canteen. A winner will be announce 3 p.m. April 12 on the LLB Facebook page. Go to LLB, 973 Ferdon Blvd. S., Crestview, to purchase tickets.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Schedule of North Okaloosa Relay for Life events

LAUREL HILL PRESBYTERIAN CELEBRATION

850.682.6524