ALT Magazine Dining Guide

S P R I N G 2 0 11

T h e s e p e o p l e r e c e i v e d l i f e

a s a r e s u l t o f a s e l f l e s s a c t o f

c o u r a g e . A p r i l i s N a t i o n a l O r g a n D o n o r M o n t h .

R e a d t h e i r

s t o r i e s i n s i d e .

A n d c o n s i d e r

g i v i n g t h e g i f t o f l i f e .

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S P R I N G 2 0 11 / c o n t e n t s

F E AT U R E S

3 0 T h e G r e a t e s t G i f t o f A l l

3 8 A l l e r g i e s - H o m e R e m e d i e s C a n H e l p

4 2 A l l A b o u t D o n a t i o n .

Publisher and Editor / Debbie Brower

Associate Editors / Jaclyn Gooding, Miranda Johnson

Photography / Image Forward Photography, Debbie Brower, Jaclyn Gooding, Miranda Johnson, Rozana Page

Sales & Marketing Manager / Charlie McMurphy

Feature Writer / Jane Bouterse

www.alt [email protected] Heather Dr., Texarkana, TX 75501(903) 334-9605

©2011 ALT Magazine

B U S I N E S S

4 0 P r o f i l e - O a k C r e e k F u r n i t u r e

H E L P F U L I N F O

5 4 F r o m H i s H e a r t

5 0 A r k - L a - Te x R e s o u r c e G u i d e

k / COVER

The Greatest Gift of AllAPRIL is NATIONAL ORGAN DONOR MONTH. Please celebrate by becoming an Organ Donor……You have the power to DONATE LIFE—The Greatest Gift of All!

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The Christmas tree was decorated, and dinner was done when the call came shortly after 5 p.m. on December 1,

1996. Somehow both Patsy and her friend DuBose knew the ringing signaled the anticipated—yet unanticipated—call from Sandy, the pre-transplant nurse. “ When Patsy answered the phone, Sandy’s voice: “‘Patsy, we have a liver. Are you ready for this?’” Patsy nodded agreeably, “’We are ready.’” For almost three months, Patsy had been living with DuBose, who had built her Houston home much sooner than originally planned to accommodate Patsy and her team. All the while, Patsy’s husband, Gary, had gone back and forth between his business and family in Corpus Christi and Patsy in Houston. Months earlier, these two super organizers—Patsy and Gary Poelma-- had signed all the legal papers and formed a Support Team. They had met several times with the team to make sure everyone understood their jobs when the call came and arranged their schedules to assume the

hospital responsibilities Patsy’s transplant would necessitate. The Team included David who was to stay with Gary at all times in case the surgery did not go as planned and Phyllis whose yummy dinners would feed the support team and Larry who occasionally would transport Gary from the hospital to a golf course. The balance of the team included carefully chosen family and other friends needed to sit and reassure and support and administer. Every possible preparation had been completed, communicated, discussed and reviewed. For Patsy, who had been building up to this moment for over 10 years, was about to begin what she has called her Second Life. According to Pam Silvestri , Public Affairs Director of Southwest Transplant Alliance in Dallas, “There are currently over 100,000 people nationally and more than 10,000 in Texas awaiting organ transplants. While more than 30,000 people do receive the organs they need each year, about 18 people die every day before the organs they need become available.” Dramatic

by Jane Bouterse

Patsy Poelma, pictured here with her husband, Gary, received a liver and is now enjoying what

she calls her “Second Life.”

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increases in organ donations both nationally and in Texas have not been able to offset the dramatic increases in those who need the eyes, tissue, or organs that can be retrieved for donation. One healthy donor—potentially-- can donate life or enhance the lives of up to 50 people. Two points about organ donation are crucial to know and remember: First: no one is killed for the purpose of obtaining organs for transplant. “Potential organ donors must pass away in a hospital on a ventilator.” “…blood and oxygen must flow through the organs until the time of recovery to ensure viability.” (www.donatelife.net) Second: organs and recipients are matched only on the bases of need and compatibility. Race, gender, profession, religion etc. are never considerations in recipient selection, but age ranges may be considered for a better match. For example, Texarkanian Polly Dowden is African-American and had just turned 37 when she began her second life with the heart of a 15 year old Anglo-Texan girl. Organ donations—like kidney, a portion of the liver, lung, intestine or pancreas-- can be made by living donors. Deceased donors, i.e. those whose brain death has been declared can donate any viable organ capable of being transplanted. Donors and donor families can be unknown and choose never to meet the recipient, as was the case with Patsy’s liver, or they can be strangers who become friends. Polly and Robert, her husband, have become close friends with the grandparents of Cassie, her donor. Pam Silvestri donated one of her kidneys to her friend, Jennifer Cox. Pam tells their story this way: Jennifer received a kidney from Toby Jones, a deceased donor, on July 29, 1995. She was so grateful that she contacted Southwest Transplant Alliance (STA) and became a volunteer. “Since she was working at one of the largest minority churches in South Dallas, she began reaching out to the area’s black churches on behalf of organ donation. Jennifer did an amazing job and ultimately came to work with STA as minority community advocate. She also befriended her donor’s wife, Beverly, and they are good friends to this day. “Over the years, Jennifer and I also became good friends. We discussed our marriages, our families, our most private thoughts….It was an amazing place to share.” Eventually, Jennifer’s daughter, Tiffany, a Lupus patient, needed a kidney transplant. Pam offered to donate one of

hers, but she and Tiffany were not a blood match; however, after 15 years Jennifer’s kidney had begun to fail. Once again, Pam tried, and she and Jennifer were a match. As they were celebrating their good fortune and the book tour for Jennifer’s upcoming book about caring for a child with a chronic illness, daughter Tiffany unexpectedly died.

From the celebratory heights to the depths of loss was a short fall for the two friends, but Jennifer reassured Tiffany’s many mourners that she and her daughter had said what they needed to say, and both knew they were loved. She encouraged those listening to be sure their relationships were “where they needed to be”…. For Pam, the encouragement was a life changing one, as she spent the next few months getting her family relationships in order. “Thanks to Jennifer,“ she writes, “I now have

truly meaningful relationships with my family members.”

After that came the obligatory medical and psychological tests to be sure they were not only a physical match but also that Pam was acting of her own free will. Prayers were offered in their behalf, and the Dallas MORNING NEWS even ran their story. On the day of the surgery, Jennifer’s family was gathered at the hospital where they all hugged and laughed and cried, then the two friends adjourned to their rooms. The last thing Pam remembers are the

Italian accent and piercing brown eyes of the “very handsome anesthesiologist.” When her eyes opened next, it was all over. “Amazing” They agreed to allow the MORNING NEWS to document the surgery, so there are photos:

Photo Link: http://www.dallasnews.com/incoming/20110117-a-gift-of-life.ece?ssimg=105080#ssTOP105081

“The TV crews came the next morning and Jennifer and I finally got to see each other. She looked so healthy and beautiful and happy. And she had so much energy.

What a gift to be able to give to my good friend who’d given so much more to me.” Both organ donors and recipients must be carefully examined prior to either donating or receiving. With demand for organs exceeding the supply, every attempt is made to guarantee the success of the transplant. According to the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), “A person who may benefit from an organ transplant is referred by his or her doctor to a transplant center, which evaluates the patient. The transplant center runs a number of tests and considers the patient’s mental and physical health as well as his or her social support system.” Candidates must be acceptable in all areas of the examination before they are added, unranked, to the national patient waiting list for organ transplants. The United Network for Organ Sharing, 2010, explains that “Waiting time for transplantation varies widely depending on factors such as the organ needed, blood type and the degree of the patient’s medical urgency. Some candidates are transplanted less than a day after listing; others may wait years for a transplant. Median wait times include three to eight months for a heart, eight to 15 months for a liver,15 months to two years for a lung, and three to five years for a kidney.” Patsy Poelma, a Title I First grade teacher, for example, retired early on medical disability. The suspected culprit in her liver’s malfunction was hepatitis. ”I rocked along for 10 years,” she explains, “until in 1994 I turned a light shade of yellow, started bruising all over and was very, very tired.” The wife of one of her husband’s golfing buddies was an Internist, so she ran a series of tests which revealed Patsy had Liver Cirrhosis. Shortly thereafter Patsy’s dermatologist suggested that the lichen planus [a recurrent rash due to inflammation] she was suffering could be symptomatic of liver disease. Patsy and her husband Gary were in shock, so they traveled to Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston seeking a second opinion. Dr. Joseph Galati confirmed the

Pam Silvestri, left, donated one of her kidneys to her friend,Jennifer Cox.

Perry Smith was ready to give up when the news came that a heart had been located and his needed to come to the hospital for

transplant surgery.

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diagnosis and told Patsy she would need a transplant. He and his team were going to watch her for a while and would tell her when it was time. A long year crept by before that “time” for her to go on the transplant list, then another eight months had to be endured while she waited for the December 1 call. Patsy was lucky. Texarkanian Perry Smith was 55 years old when he had a massive heart attack at his class reunion in Longview, Texas. He had no history of heart disease. At the time Smith, an accomplished pilot, also smoked at least four packs of cigarettes a day, a habit that had grown from his first smoke at age 13, through the Air Force and accompanied him into any cockpit he piloted. He quickly adds, “They cannot prove smoking caused this.” Nonetheless, Smith began a round robin of medical routines: a stint, an almost fatal defibrillator and pacemaker installation when he contracted a staph infection in his lungs followed by 20 days of medicine at $500 a dose. Eventually, he traveled to Little Rock for surgery—5 by-passes. His condition worsened. By 1959, he was placed on a transplant list through the Arkansas

Regional Organ Recovery Agency. For three years while he waited for a heart, he traveled every week to Baptist Health Center in Little Rock (“They have the best heart department in the country,” Smith believes.) to receive a six hour IV. Perry Smith was grounded. He slept in his chair because he had to keep his head above his chest, or his lungs would fill with water and he would drown. The inability of his heart to get oxygen into his body made him too tired to do anything. He endured gallbladder surgery, shingles, an aneurysm in his aorta, blood clots, morphine pills, MRIs, a new stint….the picture is clear. After three years of waiting, he had had enough, so he told his wife to call the Health Center to tell them, “I’m done. I can’t stand any more.” The morning following his decision, his wife awakened him to take his heart medicine before she left for work. “I told her, ‘I’m not going to take it anymore,’” but he had scarcely gotten the words organized when he heard the phone ring. “Christy [a pre-transplant nurse at Baptist] wants to talk to you,” his wife explained as she handed him the phone. Christy told Perry to come

ASAP. “I’ll have to take a shower first,” the words just tumbled out of his mouth, as he could hear his team gathered around the speaker phone in celebration. His long wait was finally over. Polly Dowden was working at Christus St. Michael’s Rehabilitation Hospital. In 2000, she had just been named Hospitality Team Leader after 12 years of employment. Her first incidence of heart problems occurred in the late 90s when, at 27, she developed a shortness of breath at work. She drove herself home and lay down but soon changed her mind and drove herself back to Christus St. Michael ER. Almost immediately after her arrival, her heart completely stopped. Shortly thereafter she was diagnosed with Acute Viral Cardiomyopathy or “a cold in the heart.” Simplified, the cold virus attacks the heart instead of the lungs. Immediately, Polly was sent to Dallas for a pacemaker-defibrillator. Even with the mechanical help, her heart was able to work at only about 30% capacity. Meantime, Dr. Minakshi Patel monitored her medications in Texarkana, told her she would need a transplant and put her on a

Polly Dowden received her heart from a Burkburnett 15 year old healthy, funny, athletic and smart Cassie McKee, whose grandparents chose to give the gift of life to four recipients, shown here “feeling” Cassie’s heart beat in Polly.

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list. In 2004, the day before Thanksgiving, Polly was stricken again. From her house to the hospital, paramedics told Polly, she coded several times. When she was stable enough, she was airlifted to Baylor Medical Center. Polly, the lady with the sparkling eyes, smiles, “Lucky me. I had two cardiologists at the same time—two doctors taking care of the same heart.” For eight days she was on life support before moving to a room. By this time, her heart had gotten worse and was only functioning about 10%. Her Dallas doctor induced a coma to insert a balloon to enlarge her arteries. By 8 a.m. the next morning, Polly realized her status on the transplant list was “needs now.” There was little time to check all her paper work before her heart arrived at 10:30 p.m. She had been in the hospital fewer than 24 hours, so pre-transplant work had not been done. “They did tons of tests as quickly as they could,” Polly explains. “The donor’s rare blood type and mine were a perfect match—a miracle. The doctor even came to my bedside to talk to me, and the nurses were in awe. He never did that. But he told me that in 10 minutes, my life was going to change.” Fourteen hours after being named a recipient, Polly received her heart from a Burkburnett 15 year old healthy, funny, athletic and smart Cassie McKee who died from smoke inhalation and burns. Cassie’s grandparents knew her love of life but wished they had talked about organ donation with her. Nonetheless, they made a choice which gave four people a new chance at life. Time may be an even more difficult component of the transplant environment than the disease from which the recipient suffers. The wait is like a roller coaster ride, as many recipients –like Perry Smith who missed three hearts-- and donor organs just do not match for some reason. The process of making the transplant has been gradually refined and improved so that, barring any problems, the actual organ transfer can be completed usually in two to three hours. The medical drug regimen, including the immuno-suppressant drugs among many others, begins immediately and continues throughout the lives of the recipients. So who can give this precious gift of life? ANYONE. “It is an honor, “ Silvestri explains, “for us to work with families that…can step out of their grief to be able to think of other people …they may never even meet.”

Polly Dowden’s donor was a teenager whose grandparents contacted Polly three months after their gift. They wanted the chance to meet her and feel Cassie’s beating heart. Dowden was happy to comply. “’Grateful’ is not good enough,‘ Dowden acknowledges. ‘I don’t even know if they have a word.” Today both families enjoy a unique friendship. Patsy’s donor was also young-- a young man, but his grieving family has never wanted to establish contact. Donors’ wishes regarding contact with

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recipients are always respected.Young people are a very

important group who should clearly make known their wishes regarding organ donation, as their sense of “invulnerability” tends to put them at risk. Donors of any age, however, are needed and welcomed. “It doesn’t take as much as most people think to become a donor,” Silvestri notes. With the new Donate Life Texas registry (in place since 2006), simply sign up at

www.donatelifetexas.orgor go to your local DPS office to register. For more information, folks can call

800-788-8058 or visit WWW.ORGAN.ORG. “While public opinion polls

show that 80% of people are aware of donation and think

it’s a good thing and would be willing to

donate, many people still do not take the time to officially register, leaving family members to make this decision at an already difficult time. The most important thing anyone can do to

help increase the number of organs

available is to be a registered organ donor, and to share

that decision with family members.”

Making the decision to be an

organ donor requires a selfless resolve. Remember, however, that donors can be living or deceased, but each one of us possesses the power to donate life to someone else. The list of recipients includes the famous—Steve Jobs, Natalie Cole, Billy Graham, Pat Summerall as well as people whose names will remain unknown. Both donors and recipients are courageous people who are willing to give and receive the greatest gift of all-- a new chance at life by people helping people. Technology can make a transplant happen—even create a temporary substitute or overcome problems—but life exists only in the organs themselves. In truth, the stories of Patsy, Polly, Perry and Pam (what a coincidence), are filled with humor and heartache, faith and determination and would make an inspiring book. Each story, albeit different, does show the importance of loving support, technical expertise, astounding generosity and courage as well as a touch of “miracle.”

APRIL is NATIONAL ORGAN DONOR MONTH.Please celebrate by becoming an Organ Donor……You have the power to DONATE LIFE—The Greatest Gift of All!

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The word ‘allergy’ means abnormal or altered tissue reaction which occurs if the body tissues are sensitive to the allergen. Some allergic symptoms include migraines, recurring headaches, irritability,

dizziness, depression, nervousness, conjunctivitis, neuralgia, hay fever, eczema, diarrhea,sneezing, stuffy nose, asthma, urticaria, vomiting and swelling of eyes and face.

But no need to worry, you can get rid of these allergies by following some home remedies using foods and other tools to protect yourself and your loved ones against ominous allergens.

Friendly Foods:

BananasOne or two bananas a day are useful for those who are allergic to certain foods and who consequently suffer from skin rashes, digestive disorders, or asthma, The fruit does, however, cause allergic reactions in certain sensitive persons and they should avoid it.

Castor OilIt is found that five drops of castor oil in half a cup of any fruit or vegetable juice, or plain water, and taken on an empty stomach in the morning, is beneficial for allergies of the intestinal tract, skin, and nasal passages.

LimeLime is considered an effective remedy for any kind of allergy. Half a lime may be squeezed in a glass of lukewarm water and sweetened with a teaspoon of honey. It can be taken once daily first thing in the morning for several months. This remedy not only flushes the system of toxins but also acts as an antitoxic and antiallergic agent. However, those who are allergic to citrus fruits should not take recourse to this remedy.

Around the House:

Air ConditioningUsing Air conditioning is a good way to address problems with pollen. By keeping humidity low, keeping dust mites and mold under control and acting as a filter, air conditioning is very effective- especially if you have an air cleaner installed. Keep the windows closed and the pollen out!

Hard Surface FlooringAllergens are sticky particles and cling to soft surfaces. This means, lots of carpeting is extremely unhealthy for those allergic to dust mites, pet dander and mold. The initial investment towards Installing hard flooring will likely prove to be worth it when your allergies are kept to a minimum!

BleachMold and mildew can be devastating to those who suffer from allergies. Bleach is a simple mold-killer that’s available at almost every market. Try using a bleach/water mixture to wipe down bathroom surfaces, floors, walls and household appliances. After applying the beach mixture, let it sit for five minutes before rinsing the surface with plain water.

Relieve Stress- Relieve Allergies:

Stress is your body’s response to situations, inside and out, which interfere with the normal balance in your life. Virtually all of the body’s systems -- digestive, cardiovascular, immune, and nervous system -- make adjustments in response to stress.

When you’re all stressed out, your body releases hormones and other chemicals, including histamine, the powerful chemical that leads to allergy symptoms. While stress doesn’t actually cause allergies, it can make an allergic reaction worse by increasing the histamine in your bloodstream.

Lessen the StressIdentify and remove or reduce the source of your stress. If your stress is from overwork, learn to delegate, especially during allergy season. If your stress is from overextending yourself, rethink your priorities.

Get plenty of sleep every night, not just on weekends. Getting in bed and resting can restore the body’s balance and help the allergic body heal.

Exercise daily. Even if you only have time to take a walk, exercise helps reduce stress hormones that may cause you to feel keyed up. And remember, exercise produces epinephrine, which acts as a natural decongestant, helping you breathe better.

www.onlinehealthtips.net www.home-remedies-for-you.com www.livestrong.com www.webmd.com

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Welcome Spring Into Your Home...

Great gifts for

all occasions!

With Polywood Outdoor Furniture...

Come see our new EXPANDEDSHOWROOM!

For everyone in your family...Choose only the best for your bouncing, beautiful baby with this exceptionally well-built children’s furniture handcrafted

to the highest standards. All furniture comes in a generous offering of finished-to-perfection hardwoods.

Lasting elegance...There is no better place to sit for a meal than around Amish dining room furniture. Amish dining room furniture is made for a family to sit around and enjoy not just the meal, but each other’s company, as well. All of our dining room furniture is sturdy and durable - your family and future generations of your family will be able to sit at and around our dining room furniture for years to come.

Cuddle up...Amish bedroom furniture brings to mind the simplicity and elegance of another era. The skills of the Amish furniture makers have been honed, developed, and handed down over generations. Now, we as consumers have the opportunity to have the same beautiful furniture in our homes as the Amish have in their homes.

Our Amish furniture is made of SOLID Oak, Cherry, Maple, Hickory or Quartersawn Oak and is built to last.

Did you know...That most of the furniture made today uses substitute materials such as particleboard. Because particleboard is made from wood fragments bonded with resin, it is considered an all wood product BUT IT IS NOT solid wood.

Our Amish furniture is made of SOLID Oak, Cherry, Maple, Hickory or Quartersawn Oak.

Polywood Outdoor Furniture...At Oak Creek Furniture, you will find many different styles of polywood furniture. The material used is water and weather resistant, and most importantly, created from recycled polyethylene. For this reason, our polywood lawn furniture is considered a green product.

There is no maintenance required, no cracking or splinting, and the polywood material does not promote bacterial growth or mildew. Choose from seven different colors and products such as swings, gliders, benches, deck chairs, table & chair sets, bridges and footrests.

Why is Oak Creek Furniture Different? We have chosen Amish furniture craftsmen who are recognized leaders in the solid wood furniture industry. Amish furniture is made by hand in small Amish wood shops so every piece of furniture receives the same attention to detail. Our Amish handcrafted furniture is built to last.

Why all the fuss about details? Because the Amish craftsmen build furniture that your children and grandchildren will be proud to inherit. Come see our Amish-built bedroom furniture and oak dining room furniture. The selection of the boards and the grade of the hard wood, along with dovetailed drawers, mortise-and-tenon construction and the multi-step finish are all just small parts of the build process that add up to an heirloom quality piece of oak or cherry furniture.

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Types of Donations

Blood (or Whole Blood) Donation

This is the most common type of donation, during which approximately a pint of ‘whole blood’ is given.

The blood is separated into transfusable components – red cells, plasma, platelets and/or cryoprecipitated AHF.

This type of blood donation usually takes about an hour, though the actual donation takes about 8-10 minutes.

You are eligible to donate ‘whole blood’ every 56 days.

Platelet Apheresis

During this type of donation, an apheresis machine collects the platelets and some plasma and returns the red cells and most of the plasma back to the donor.

Platelets are a vital element of cancer and organ transplant treatments, as well as many surgical procedures as they help prevent massive blood loss.

A single donation of platelets collected by apheresis can constitute one or several transfusable units, while it takes about five whole blood donations to constitute a single transfusable unit of platelets.

The donation takes approximately one and-a-half to two and-a-half hours.

Plasma Apheresis

During a plasma apheresis donation, the blood is collected by a machine, which separates the plasma, red cells and platelets and returns the red cells and/or platelets back to the donor.

While donors with Type AB blood can only give red cells to other Type AB recipients, they are the universal plasma donors. The ‘right type’ donation for AB donors may be an apheresis donation of plasma or plasma and platelets.

The donation takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Double Red Cells

Double red cell donation is done with the help of an apheresis machine which collects the red cells but returns most of the plasma and platelets to the donor.

Red cells are the most transfused blood component, and certain blood types are often in short supply.

Double red cell donations from Type O donors and donors with Rh-negative blood types play a very important role in maintaining blood supply levels.

Donors need to meet slightly higher hemoglobin and body height/weight requirements in order to be able to give a double red cell donation.

Double red cell donations take approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes, though the actual donation takes about 30-35 minutes, and allow you to give two units of red cells.

Available in most donation centers and some blood drives.

Donors are eligible to give double red cells every 112 days.

Tips for You

Come prepared:Have a light meal and plenty to drink.

Bring your donor card, driver’s license or two other forms of identification.

Bring the names of medications you are taking.

Some Benefits for You:You will receive a mini physical to check your:

Pulse

Blood pressure

Body temperature

Hemoglobin

Facts About the Supply and Demand of Blood:Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood.

More than 38,000 blood donations are needed every day.

A total of 30 million blood components are transfused each year in the U.S. (2006).

The average red blood cell transfusion is approximately 3 pints.

The blood type most often requested by hospitals is Type O.

The blood used in an emergency is already on the shelves before the event occurs.

More than 1 million new people are diagnosed with cancer each year. Many of them will need blood, sometimes daily, during their chemotherapy treatment.

A single car accident victim can require as many as 100 pints of blood.

The number of blood donations collected in the U.S. in a year: 16 million (2006).

The number of patients who receive blood in the U.S. in a year: 5 million (2006).

Share of the U.S. population eligible to give blood: Less than 38 percent.

Blood cannot be manufactured – it can only come from generous donors.

Type O-negative blood (red cells) can be transfused to patients of all blood types. It is always in great demand and often in short supply.

Type AB-positive plasma can be transfused to patients of all other blood types. AB plasma is also usually in short supply.

*Find this information and more on:www.redcrossblood.org

All About Donation.You could make a difference. Here’s how.

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this doctrine and that doctrine, but those same people are mean, cruel, selfish, jealous, and bitter. They are just like the Pharisees of old who studied God’s Word and taught God’s Word, but they never really obeyed God’s Word. They merely gave lip service to the commands of God. Could you be guilty of the same? As you look over your life, are you doing what God says to do? 1. Are you seeking first the Kingdom of God, or do you have God on the back burner? 2. Are you forgiving people who hurt you, or are you holding on to grudges and bitterness? 3. Are you loving your wife, even if she is not very loveable right now, or are you ignoring her and doing your own thing? 4. Are you respecting your husband, even if he is not very respectable right now, or are you constantly chipping away at him with disrespectful barbs and snide comments? 5. Are you disciplining your children and training them up in the fear of the Lord, or are you too tired to really enforce any loving, healthy boundaries? My friend, the time is NOW to start doing what God says to do. Does Christianity work? YES! But it does not work unless you do it. Start doing His will by obeying His Word. You will be amazed how the blessings will start to flow as a result. Remember, “If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them” (John 13:17). Will you start today? Now as for me, I’m off to the gym to start doing my exercise program. Debbie is looking forward to a whole new me, one who takes up less of the bed.

Jeff Schreve Pastor

www.fromhisheart.org [email protected]

Like many people, I had a goal to hit the New Year with a diet and exercise plan. I was going to cut carbs, get on my

newly purchased elliptical machine four times a week, and lift weights three days a week. I was going to be a specimen by the end of the first quarter. Hmmm. As I write this, my elliptical machine is gathering dust, and I am heavier than ever.

Now we all know “why” my diet and exercise plan is not working. It is not working because I am not doing it! The Bible says, “A good understanding have all those who DO His commandments” (Psalm 111:10). Jesus told us that the blessing is not in the knowing but in the doing. AT HOME In the Christian life, the rubber meets the road at home. Without question, marriage and family are critical to our lives. It matters little how high you climb on the ladder of success in the business world. If your marriage and family is a disaster, everything else really rings hollow. And why do so many who claim to follow Christ have such dissatisfying home-life situations? It is because the elliptical machine is gathering dust, so to speak. People often know what to do, they just don’t do it. They want to have a great marriage and family without doing the things necessary to have a great marriage and family. They want to have a deep walk with God without doing the things necessary to have a deep walk with God – things like time in His Word, time on your knees and time with a small group who can hold you accountable and help you grow. Debbie and I are privileged to get to share at Family Life Weekend Marriage Getaways around the country. We share proven, biblical principles for experiencing a wonderful marriage and family. But you know what? Even though we teach on this stuff and know what the Bible says about it, we don’t experience oneness in our marriage UNLESS we DO what we know. The blessing is not in the knowing, it is in the doing. HOW ARE YOU DOING? There are some people I know who study the Bible and can give you chapter and verse on

Jeff Schreve is Senior Pastor of FBC Texarkana (www.fbctexarkana.org) and Founder of From His Heart Ministries (www.fromhisheart.org).

If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them. John 13:17

by Jeff Schreve

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Air and HeatingCentral Air450 S. Kings HighwayTexarkana, TX 75501903.832.1212

AlterationsBea’s Alterations2917 N. Stateline Ave.Texarkana, TX903-792-2955

ApartmentsLegacy at Pleasant Grove5911 Richmond Rd.Texarkana, TX888.763.2676

Richmond Oaks Apartments2815 Richmond Rd. Texarkana, TX 903.832.6150

Summerhill Woods Apartments4501 Summerhill Rd.Texarkana, TX 903.793.7888

Westwood Apartments101 Redwater Rd.Wake Village, TX 903.832.8446

AttireAbby Gayle’s4012 Summerhill SquareTexarkana, TX 903.792.0088

Gayle’s4059 Summerhill SquareTexarkana, TX903.792.0056

BanksGuaranty Bond Bank2202 St. Michael Dr.Texarkana, TX 903.792.8600

Texar Federal Credit UnionRichmond Rd.Texarkana, TX 903.223.5626

CakesColdstone Creamery4228 St. Michael Dr.Texarkana, TX903.838.2653

Julie’s Deli4055 Summerhill Sq.Texarkana, TX903.792.3354

Reception ArtsBecky RisingerAshdown, AR870.898.5273

Silver Spoon5530 Scottsdale DriveTexarkana, TX 75503903.838.4648www.silverspooninc.com

CaterersChappo’s Italian Restaurant1617 New Boston RoadTexarkana, TX 75501903.791.1726

Culinary CreationsPam Elliott903.831.4674

Fuzzy’s Tacos4809 Texas Blvd.Texarkana, TX903.791.8226


La Fogata3401 Genoa RoadTexarkana, Ar870.773.1879

Ark-La-TexResourceGuide


Smokey Joe’s BBQ300 W. New Boston RoadNash, TX903.223.8227

Timothy’s4115 N. Kings HighwayTexarkana, TX903.831.5999

Wendy’s4201 Stateline AvenueTexarkana, TX2902 Richmond RoadTexarkana, TX3737 New Boston RoadTexarkana, TX1615 N. HerveyHope, AR124 N. Loop Highway 59Atlanta, TX

Wingstop2700 Richmond Road, Suite 14A1Texarkana, TX903.255.00904501 N. State Line,No. 106Texarkana, TX903.792.9464www.wingstop.com

ClothingAbby Gayle’s4012 Summerhill SquareTexarkana, TX903.792.0088

Gayle’s4059 Summerhill SquareTexarkana, TX903.792.0056

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Cosmetic SurgeryCarmony Oral, Facial and Dental Center5305 Cowhorn CreekTexarkana, TX 903.791.8405

Dry CleaningHoliday CleanersLocations throughout Texarkana Area 870.773.4072

Event LocationsGarrison GardensTexarkana, AR 71854870.773.0275www.garrisongardens.net

The Pavillion at Elk Meadow8 Miles West of New Boston on I-30382 PR 42042DeKalb, TX 75559903.319.5130

Prissy Chrissy Ranch915 FM 2148 SouthTexarkana, TX 75501903.838.6121www.prissychrissy.com

Raindrop Hill Farm4300 N. Kings HighwayTexarkana, TX 903.832.7913

Regional Arts CenterCabe Hall321 W. 4th StreetTexarkana, TX 75501903.792.8681www.trahc.org

Fitness CentersAnytime Fitness Richmond Road3415 Richmond Road.Texarkana, TX 75503903.794.5348

FlooringG&A Carpet1019 N. Kings HighwayNash, TX 903.832.0553

Lighthouse Flooring6223 Mall Dr.Nash, TX 903.793.2047

FloristsH&N Floral7801 N. State Line5708 Richmond Rd.Texarkana, TX 903.794.1417903.832.2000

Queen City FloralHighway 59 NorthQueen City, TX 903.796.2891

Ruth’s Flowers3501 Texas Bllvd.Texarkana, TX 903.793.6711www.ruthsflowers.net

Scooter Raney at J. Brown for the Home121 College DriveTexarkana, TX903.793.4114

Twisted Vines406 N. Stateline AvenueTexarkana, AR870-772-2700

Furniture

Oak Creek Furniture8024 West 7th St.Texarkana, TX 903.832.0793

GiftsDot’s Ace Hardware3411 Richmond Rd.Texarkana, TX 903.838.0059

H&N Floral7801 N. State Line5708 Richmond Rd.Texarkana, TX 903.794.1417903.832.2000

Lane’s Gifts & Collectibles720 Realtor Ave.Texarkana, AR870.773.2123

Mixing Bowl4014 Summerhill SquareTexarkana, TX903.794.4014

Queen City FloralHighway 59 NorthQueen City, TX 903.796.2891

Scooter Raney at J. Brown for the Home121 College DriveTexarkana, TX903.793.4114

Table Manners3205 Kennedy LaneTexarkana, TX 903.838.3538


Hair CareHeadmasters Hair Salon3703 Mall DriveTexarkana, TX903.832.6261

Style StudioLisa Harris3201 Kennedy LaneTexarkana, TX 903.223.1719

HospiceDierksen Hospice6500 N. Summerhill Road, Suite 2BTexarkana, TX903.793.6350

HospitalsChristus St. Michael Health System2600 St. Michael Dr.Texarkana, TX903.614.1000

Health South Rehabilitation515 West 12th St.Texarkana, TX903.793.0088

Wadley Hospital1000 Pine St.Texarkana, TX903.798.8000

HotelsBest Western Texarkana Inn & Suites5219 Crossroads ParkwayTexarkana, AR870.774.1534

Clarion Lacross Hotel5100 N. Stateline Ave.Texarkana, AR870.774.3521www.lacrosse-hotel.com

Courtyard by Marriott5001 North Cowhorn CreekTexarkana, TX903.334.7400

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Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott4209 Mall Dr.Texarkana, TX 903.838.1000

Hampton Inn & Suites 4601 Cowhorn Creek RoadTexarkana, TX 903.832.3499

Holiday Inn Express & Suites4545 Cowhorn Creek RoadTexarkana, TX 903.223.0008

TownePlace Suites by Marriott5020 North Cowhorn CreekTexarkana, TX903.334.8800

InsuranceBrian PurtleAllstate Insurance3301 Richmond Rd.Texarkana, TX 903.832.5881

Elite InsuranceTammy McDowell1705 N. Kings HighwayNash, TX 903.794.0000

Farm Bureau Insurance4140 McKnight Rd.Texarkana, TX903.838.8707

Greg Cockerell State Farm Insurance4807 Texas Blvd.Texarkana, TX 75503903.793.7502

Kelli Ashbrook State Farm Insurance3410 Moores LaneTexarkana, TX 75503903.223.8100www.kelliashbrook.com

Ron Morrow State Farm Insurance3306 Richmond Rd.Texarkana, TX 75503903.832.5505www.ronmorrowagency.com

JewelersAlexander’s Jewelers3701 Mall DriveTexarkana, TX903.832.3557

Blue Isle Expressions3402 Richmond RoadTexarkana, TX903.791.9992

Crocker’s Jewelers3117 Kennedy LaneTexarkana, TX 75501903.832.8686

Micah’s Jewelers2812 Richmond RoadTexarkana, TX903.735.2336

Make-upGayle’s4059 Summerhill SquareTexarkana, TX903.792.0056

Salon Visage EsthetiqueMary Ann Robbins4506 Summerhill Rd.Texarkana, TX903.794.4007

SanctuaryKimberly Parham, M.D.3502 Richmond RoadTexarkana, TX 75503903.334.8661

Medical EquipmentRespiratory Solutions3101 Kennedy Lane, Suite 1000Texarkana, TX 75503903.793.2110

Pet GroomerBows & Tows254 E. New Boston Rd.Nash, TX 75570903.223.3647

PhotographerImage Forward Photography200 Heather Dr.Texarkana, TX 75501903.334.9605www.imageforwardtxk.com

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PhysiciansExpress Care5483 Summerhill RoadTexarkana, TX 75503903.223.5931

Ly Gaylor, M.D.DermatologistCollom & Carney Clinic5002 Cowhorn Creek RoadTexarkana, TX 75503903.614.3006

Philip Hahn, M.D.Advanced Foot Care5606 Summerhill RoadTexarkana, TX 75503903.791.1222

Jon Northam, M.D.6 Woodmont CrossingTexarkana, TX903.791.1044

Mark Wren, M.D.Physiatrist3510 Richmond Road, Suite 400Texarkana, TX 75503903.831.6275

Vision Source4401 Morris LaneTexarkana, TX 903.838.9063

PlumbingCentral Air/Roto Rooter450 S. Kings HighwayTexarkana, TX 75501903.832.1212

Real EstateConnie WalkerColdwell Banker United3001 Richmond RoadTexarkana, TX903.277.0100903.832.2486

Impact RealtyBill and Tracy Spradlin1200 N. Kings Hwy., Suite 104Nash, TX903.748.3186903.748.2477

Teresa LiepmanRemax5120 Summerhill Rd.Texarkana, TX 75503903.276.9464

RefreshmentsBJ’s Refreshment Center3260 N. Stateline Ave.Texarkana, AR 870.774.5931

Bolls Distributing700 E. Broad St.Texarkana, AR 870.774.9283

The Villa Liquor Store5108 N. StatelineTexarkana, AR [email protected]

RentalsBig Event / Atlas Game Room2837 New Boston Rd.Texarkana, TX903.334.7444

Bounce-A-Lot903.276.2961www.bounce-a-lot.com

Dot’s Rentals814 N. Robison RoadTexarkana, TX 75501903.792.70113413 Richmond Rd.Texarkana, TX903.838.0551


RestaurantsChappo’s Italian Restaurant1617 New Boston RoadTexarkana, TX 75501903.791.1726

Daddy Dougaloo’s905 New Boston RoadTexarkana, TX 75503903.791.0172

Dairy QueenLocations throughout Ark-La-Tex

Fuzzy’s Tacos4809 Texas Blvd.Texarkana, TX903.791.8226

Golden Corral3809 Sowell LaneTexarkana, TX 75503903.334.8399


La Fogata3401 Genoa RoadTexarkana, AR 71854870.773.1879

Shorty’s Donuts2729 New Boston RoadTexarkana, TX 75501903.832.6686

Silver Spoon5530 Scottsdale DriveTexarkana, TX 75503903.838.4648


SonicLocations throughout Ark-La-Tex

Tasty Donuts1443 N. Kings HighwayNash, TX 903.838.0422


Wendy’s4201 Stateline AvenueTexarkana, TX2902 Richmond RoadTexarkana, TX3737 New Boston RoadTexarkana, TX1615 N. HerveyHope, AR124 N. Loop Highway 59Atlanta, TX

Wingstop2700 Richmond Road, Suite 14A1Texarkana, TX903.255.00904501 N. State Line,No. 106Texarkana, TX903.792.9464

Retirement/Assisted Living HomeCornerstone Retirement Community4100 Moores LaneTexarkana, TX903.832.5515

Edgewood Manor4925 ElizabethTexarkana, TX903.793.4645

The Magnolia4205 Richmond MeadowsTexarkana, TX903.838.7319

SittersSittersKathryn Norwood/Karen SchmidtTexarkana, TX903.277.2191

Spas/SalonsAll About YouDiana Gregory/Lori Campbell4100 Summerhill Sq.Texarkana, TX903.792.7775

Salon Visage EsthetiqueMary Ann Robbins4506 Summerhill Rd.Texarkana, TX903.794.4007

SanctuaryKimberly Parham, M.D.3502 Richmond RoadTexarkana, TX 75503903.334.8661

TravelVickie’s ToursPO Box 682Hooks, TX903.547.3030

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Wedding AttireBridal Castle3209 Kennedy LaneTexarkana, TX903.838.3886

Reed’s Bridal and Formal2501 N. StatelineTexarkana, TX903.793.7333

Wedding CoordinatorsAbracadabra Wedding and Event PlanningDebra Mason, Event [email protected]

Wedding FavorsPop Pop Shoppe2011 Mall Drive, Suite BTexarkana, TX903.793.0209

Wedding OfficiantJeff [email protected]

Wedding PlannersAbracadabra Wedding and Event PlanningDebra Mason, Event [email protected]

Wedding Rehearsal Dinner LocationsJulie’s Deli4055 Summerhill Sq.Texarkana, TX

903.792.3354




Weight LossAll About YouDiana Gregory/Lori Campbell4100 Summerhill Sq.Texarkana, TX903.792.7775

Richmond Nutrition3316 Richmond RoadTexarkana, TX903.832.0437

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ALT Magazine Dining Guide

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