Storylist for week of 12/18/06

• Holiday Health: How to survive flu season

• Holiday Health: Don’t ditch diet during holidays

• Holiday Health: Ways to care for your heart

• Baptists urge Wal-Mart to practice Golden Rule

• The Baptist Standard family wishes our readers a Merry Christmas! Click to see our card

• BGCT African-American ministries director named

• Baylor's oldest new graduate receives long-awaited degree

• Chrismukkah? Hybrid holiday shows tension in religiously blended families

• Court to decide if taxpayers can sue over faith-based plan

• Ex-gay says: Treat homosexuality as temptation, not orientation

• DBU students raise funds to help hungry


• Group asks SBC to consider tongues policy

• Evangelicals told blogs best way to shape public opinion



• MORE BLESSED TO GIVE: Compassionate conservatives? Research says, ‘Yes'


• Green named interim president at BUA

• Dallas homeless choir hits all the right notes

• Violence deters Nuevo Laredo missions

• Child learns early lesson about selfless giving

• Growing church family finds room for expansion

• Love of reading modeled for children, single moms

• Shrink stress and save sanity by getting organized

• Tots compel students to give

• Dozen UMHB students share Christmas joy worldwide

• Waco students light up lives, raise money

• On the Move

• Around the State

• Texas Tidbits


• Baptist Briefs


• MORE BLESSED TO GIVE: Compassionate conservatives? Research says, ‘Yes'

• Protestants decide there’s something about Mary

• AIDS workers debate what lessons Uganda teaches

• Evangelicals apply the ‘good news' in diverse ways

• Report highlights legal wrangling over Bush's faith-based initiatives

• ‘Low food security' masks hunger in U.S.


• Books reviewed in this issue: The Christmas Angel by Katherine Duhon, Once Upon a Christmas by Lauraine Snelling and Lenora Worth and The Christmas Angel by Thomas Kinkade and Katherine Spencer.


• Classified Ads

• Cartoon

• On the Move

• Around the State

• Texas Baptist Forum


• EDITORIAL: A peace-full gift for a war-weary world

• DOWN HOME: Wanted: Yard-art Christmas Chicken

• TOGETHER: Passion grows for being ‘on mission'

• 2nd Opinion: Getting lost in Christmas

• COMMENTARY: What if Jesus had not come?

• RIGHT or WRONG? Conflict mediation

• Texas Baptist Forum

• Cybercolumn by Jeanie Miley: The Tie that binds



• BaptistWay Bible Series for December 17: In the light of the noonday, darkness abounds

• Bible Studies for Life Series for December 17: The intermingling of faith, hope & love

• Explore the Bible Series for December 17: God works through spiritual leaders

• Bible Studies for Life Series for December 24: Jesus, God's greatest gift to his people

• Explore the Bible Series for December 24: Honor the Savior's birth with worship


Previously Posted
• Warren confesses he was ‘blind' to AIDS epidemic

• Morality alone cannot stop AIDS

• Book cancellation shows Baylor troubles not over

• BGCT responds to clergy sex abuse; victims want more

• Love given, received at Cornerstone outreach

• Baylor prof says Schaeffer remained a fundamentalist

• Pieces coming together for McAllen church

• Bone marrow donation provides the gift of life

• Wreaths help single mothers turn their cottages into homes

• Federal authorities receive Valley report


See complete list of articles from our 12/04/ 2006 issue here.

Posted: 12/21/06

News of religion, faith, missions, Bible study and Christian ministry among Texas Baptist churches, in the BGCT, the Southern Baptist Convention ( SBC ) and around the world.

Posted: 12/22/06

BaptistWay Bible Series for December 31

Jesus is our sustainer and hope

• John 6:1-15, 25-35, 48-51, 66-69

By David Wilkinson

Broadway Baptist Church, Fort Worth

A Spanish proverb suggests “With bread and wine you can walk your road.” A Christian interpretation of the proverb sees beyond the literal to the deeper spiritual truth. The journey of life requires the sustenance of food and drink. Likewise, the spiritual journey is sustained by the bread and wine represented in God’s gift of Jesus and in the bread and wine of Communion with God and the community of believers.

Jesus sat at the well with the Samaritan woman and offered “living water.” Then, after the miracle (or, for John, the “sign”) of feeding the multitude, he offers the “bread of life.”

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These “signs” are parables in themselves, of course. Yet, just like Nicodemus and the Samaritan woman before them, the people who witness or hear about the miracle of a free lunch for 5,000 fail to see beyond the surface to the deeper significance of Jesus’ words and actions.

In John 6, the Gospel writer continues the central theme that Jesus is the Son of God who came into the world as God’s supreme gift to sinful and broken humanity—and that this gift of salvation is available to anyone who believes.

A mixed following

The multilayered story continues to unfold dramatically. Jesus’ popularity is taking off. “A large crowd” (v. 1) now follows him wherever he goes. These are “miracle chasers” drawn by the sensational and spectacular more than the spiritual.

As the huge crowd begins to gather, Jesus turns to Philip and asks, “Where are we to buy bread for these people to eat?” (v. 5). The question seems ludicrous and Philip replies in kind, pointing out (perhaps with considerable sarcasm) that six months’ wages wouldn’t be enough to purchase take-out for the crowd.

But the storyteller wants us to know something deeper is going on here and lets us in on the fact that Jesus’ question was not only to “test” Philip (v. 6), but also to create a bigger “teachable moment” for the disciples and all other would-be followers (then and now).

The feeding of the 5,000 is at one level a story of Jesus’ compassion. At another level, it is a story about the power of God in the person of Jesus. In the face of an absurd impossibility, Jesus dramatically demonstrates the transformational possibilities of meager resources—a boy’s lunch—when placed in gratitude and trust into the hands of an infinitely resourceful God. At yet another level, it is a sign that points to Jesus’ identity and mission as the Son of God.

In response, the crowd is so worked up, they are ready to anoint Jesus as king (v. 15). Jesus, however, sees the dark lining in all the euphoria and adulation. Recognizing most people are following him for the wrong reasons, he does two things.

First, he gives the crowd the slip and retreats to be alone (v. 15)—an important insight into the pattern of Jesus’ spirituality (and a lesson for anyone who seeks to live like Jesus). Second, he begins to challenge the misperceptions of his identity and mission, calling people to a deeper understanding and commitment (vv. 25-35).

The exchange between Jesus and the crowd (vv. 25-35) echoes the literal-versus-spiritual conversations with Nicodemus and the Samaritan woman. To the woman at the well, Jesus contrasts water that temporarily quenches one’s thirst with “living water” that quenches the thirst for God and leads to eternal life. Now, the One who has just produced a miraculous meal for 5,000 (complete with leftovers) tells the crowd God is able to provide nonperishable, genuine soul food that “endures for eternal life” (v. 27).

This “bread of life,” Jesus declares, is Jesus himself. Again, as he does repeatedly in John’s account, Jesus emphasizes the nature and the source of this gift. God is—and always has been—the source of life both physically and spiritually. Like the manna that sustained the Hebrews in the desert, the gift of Jesus as the “bread of life” also comes from heaven, from the same God. Significantly, Jesus’ bold affirmation that he is this “bread of life” is repeated three times in this account (vv. 35, 48 and 51).

Mixed reactions

Still thinking in a literal sense, the crowd knows a good thing when they hear it: “Sir, give us this bread always!” (echoing the response of the Samaritan woman, “Sir, give me this water, so that I may never be thirsty”). In a poor society where provision of the daily necessities of life could never be taken for granted by most people, their preoccupation with never having to worry about such things is understandable.

While the crowd doesn’t “get it,” their simple, unsophisticated response is at least closer to the truth than the religious leaders whose response is to complain about such audacious—and blasphemous—claims from this son of a simple Galilean carpenter and his wife (vv. 41-42). The plot continues to thicken. On one side are those who jump on the bandwagon for the wrong reasons, eager to get in on the benefits of this wonder worker. On the other are those who feel threatened by Jesus and begin to conspire against him.

Rather than sidestep the growing controversy, Jesus adds fuel to the fire with a short speech about eating his flesh and drinking his blood—images that were strange, shocking and even offensive not only to his detractors but to “many of his disciples” who were perplexed by such talk. While “this teaching is difficult” (v. 60), Jesus only adds to the mystery, noting that “the words I have spoken to you are spirit and life,” yet another echo from the conversation with Nicodemus about “water and spirit.”

The result of such talk is predictable. “Many of his disciples turned back” (v. 66), a sobering thought that should not be lost on anyone who reads John’s account. Even with Peter’s affirmation, “You have the words of eternal life” (v. 68), the chapter ends ominously with Jesus’ response that even among his chosen twelve “one of you is a devil” (verse 70).

Discussion questions

• What are the material “signs” that Christians today may expect from God as evidence of God’s presence and provision? In what ways do we still want a “God-on-demand” who is at our beck and call?

• If we dare to preach and live the gospel as Jesus did, would it lead many in our churches to “turn back”? What are the claims of the gospel that would lead to a negative response?

• In what ways does the “Bread of Life” continue to be a rich metaphor for the Christian community?

News of religion, faith, missions, Bible study and Christian ministry among Baptist churches, in Texas, the BGCT, the nation and around the world.

Posted: 12/22/06

Bible Studies for Life Series for December 31

Good news—the gospel is for everyone

• Luke 2:25-38

By Kenneth Lyle

Logsdon School of Theology, Abilene

Gifts, both the giving and receiving of them, have been much on the mind lately. Over the last several weeks, as we have prepared for and experienced Christmas, chances are that more than enough time has been spent thinking about gifts. By this time, some gifts have been given, received and some perhaps even returned or exchanged. Our hope is that friends and family members keep, cherish and put to good use each carefully chosen gift.

Over the last several weeks, we have reflected about “Life-Changing Gifts from God: Faith, hope, love and the gift of God’s son Jesus.” Our response to these gifts allows them to become life-transforming realities in our lives. The hope, as with all gifts, is that we would keep, cherish and put to good use these gifts from God and recognize God’s gift of salvation through Jesus Christ.

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Following the description of Jesus’ birth, the story takes a dramatic outward turn. To this point in the narrative, the story has been an account of essentially a family affair. With few exceptions, the action and dialogue focus on the lives of just a few people: Zechariah, Elizabeth, Mary and Joseph.

However, after Jesus’ birth an angel of the Lord announces the event to shepherds. This justifiably famous account sits deep in the hearts and minds of most Christians, and though the focal passage for the lesson urges us forward, Luke bids us to tarry at the manger just a bit longer.

My first encounter with these powerful words came when I, as a young boy, first viewed, “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” In response to Charlie Brown’s heartfelt request for someone to tell him the meaning of Christmas, a sympathetic Linus steps to center stage and recites Luke 2:8-14. At the end of his soliloquy, Linus says simply, “That’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.”

The rhythm and tone of Linus’ voice still fills my head each time I read or hear these words: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will towards men (Luke 2:14). Linus’ words to Charlie Brown—the angel’s word to shepherds long ago—the announcement of God’s intention coming to bear in the world are “what Christmas is all about.”

That the announcement comes first to lowly shepherds demonstrates an important facet of Luke’s perspective on the gospel story. The focal passage (Luke 2:25-38) comes from Luke’s account of the days and weeks following the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem and presents two important minor characters who recognize and give thanks for what God has done in Jesus. However, the first outward turn of the gospel comes toward shepherds, outcasts, those on the fringe of society.

For Luke, there is perhaps no more important theme—the gospel is for everyone! This is not a minor or momentary aside for Luke. Luke’s good news story emphasizes the important role of women, minorities and the poor.

Even the righteous and devout Simeon recognizes the universal scope of what God is doing in Jesus. When he is present with the child in the temple, Simeon declares: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel” (vv. 29-31).

The ever-widening circles of God’s grace begin with the announcement of God’s good news to shepherds, and God’s devout servant recognizes the result is the possibility of salvation for the whole world.

Because Simeon remains attuned to God’s presence and leading in his life, God’s decisive action in the world does not escape his notice. Moved by the Holy Spirit, Simeon goes to where he expects to see God in action (v. 27). Once at the Temple courts, Simeon recognizes the baby Jesus as God’s salvation for Jews and Gentiles.

Beyond the recognition of God’s salvation, Simeon understands the significance of this moment in history. Simeon sees that for himself, for Israel and for the world, things will never be the same. “Now,” Simeon says, “dismiss your servant in peace” (v. 29). Simeon’s life, which has been faithfully moving towards this point, now changes forever.

Israel, too, faces the possibility of “falling” or “rising” based on its response to what God has done in Jesus (vv. 34-35). The whole world faces its destiny in how it responds to what God has done in Jesus.

C.S. Lewis famously expressed in Mere Christianity about Jesus: “You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God: or else a madman or something worse. You can shut him up for a fool, you can spit at him and kill him as a demon; or you can fall at his feet and call him Lord and God.” God has acted decisively in Jesus, and no one can know him and be unchanged.

The focal passage concludes with a brief account of the prophet Anna who also greets Mary, Joseph and Jesus in the temple. At the outset of this text, Luke tells us Simeon was “waiting for the consolation of Israel” (v. 25). At this turning of the narrative, we meet Anna who gives thanks to God and speaks about the child “to all who were looking for the redemption of Israel” (v. 38).

Luke’s bracketing of these stories with these similar phrases suggests these faithful and devout individuals understood Israel finds consolation in what God has done in Jesus—that Judah experiences redemption through what God has done in Jesus. Anna gives thanks because God is faithful to his plan to bless the whole world through her people.

Let it be also our reason for celebration and gratitude—that we who have received the gift of salvation might give thanks for our continuing opportunity to bring God’s gift of salvation to all people.

Discussion questions

• How do we continue to allow the gospel story to make those important “outward turns” toward those on the fringe of society?

• How and where do we continue to recognize God’s decisive working in the world?

• What are appropriate ways to celebrate and give thanks for God’s salvation offered to the whole world?

News of religion, faith, missions, Bible study and Christian ministry among Baptist churches, in Texas, the BGCT, the nation and around the world.

Posted: 12/22/06

Explore the Bible Series for December 31

Working together to accomplish God’s will

• Nehemiah 1.1-11; 2:1-20; 3.1-32

By Howard Anderson

Diversified Spiritual Associates, San Antonio

The returning Jews showed spiritual lethargy and a coldhearted indifference toward God. Nehemiah returned to Jerusalem and successfully led a 52-day rebuilding of the wall. Under the leadership of Nehemiah, the people were motivated to work cooperatively.

Heartbreaking news (Nehemiah 1:1-11)

Nehemiah, whose name means “the Lord comforts,” was a highly placed statesman associated with Ezra in the work of reestablishing the people of Judah in the Promised Land. The month Chislev corresponds to our November-December (Ezra 10:9). “The 20th year” (444 B.C.) refers to the 20th year of the rule of Artaxerxes (464-424 B.C.). Artaxerxes was the same Persian king who had commissioned Ezra to return to Jerusalem (Ezra 7:1). “Shushan the palace” was about 150 miles north of the Persian Gulf, in present day Iran.

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Nehemiah’s brother, Hanani, had visited Jerusalem and returned to Shushan. This journey, which covered nearly a thousand miles one way, would probably have taken at least four months. Nehemiah was concerned about the Jewish people and Jerusalem.

Life was difficult for the people in Jerusalem. This difficulty was due in large part to the condition of “the wall in Jerusalem.” In the ancient Middle East, a city wall provided protection for the inhabitants. The condition of a city wall also was seen as an indication of the strength of the people’s gods. The ruined condition of the wall of Jerusalem reflected badly on God’s name.

Nehemiah was deeply disturbed. Without a wall, Jerusalem was vulnerable to attack. The riches of the temple treasury (Ezra 8:15-36) would have been quite a temptation for Israel’s enemies.

Nehemiah acknowledged God’s government of the world, including his sovereignty over the pagan king over Nehemiah, the Jewish people and the city of Jerusalem. By using “covenant and mercy” together, Nehemiah was holding God to his promises. The Lord had staked his character on his loyalty to his covenant with his people.

“Let thine ear now be attentive, and thine eyes open.” Nehemiah asked God to look at him and listen to him as he prayed. These words were designed to encourage the one praying, for God does not turn his ears from or close his eyes to his people (Exodus 2:23-25), “the children of Israel.” Nehemiah indicated the continuity of the Jewish people of his day with the Israelites of the past. He then confessed the sins of his father’s house as well as his own.

Israel had sinned against the Lord and against his commandments. Nehemiah included himself among the sinful people by using the word “we.” Commandments, statutes, and ordinances describe the totality of God’s law (Nehemiah 9:13-14).

After confessing his sin and the sin of the people, Nehemiah reminded God of what he had said. “I will scatter you abroad among the nations” is an illusion to God’s covenant in Leviticus 26:27-45 and Deuteronomy 30:1-5. Nehemiah was born in Persia, a distant nation, because of God’s fulfillment of this promise.

The Lord had promised that if the nation of Israel would return to him in obedience, he would regather them to their land. Nehemiah addressed the Lord as a covenant-keeping God. He confessed his and the people’s sin because the law demanded confession (Leviticus 16:21). Then he held God to his covenant to return Israel to the land: “bring them unto the place that I have chosen to set my name there.” The ultimate intent of God’s covenant was not just to return the people, but also to return them to the place where God had established his name.

“Now these are thy servants and thy people.” Nehemiah was suggesting to the Lord the time was right, the people were right and the task was right to restore Jerusalem. “By thy strong hand” is one of the phrases associated with God’s deliverance of Israel from Egypt (Exodus 6:1; 13:14; 15:6).

Building plans (Nehemiah 2:1-20)

Four months after hearing the report from his brother about Jerusalem, Nehemiah still was grieving over the conditions in Jerusalem. “The king” noticed Nehemiah’s sad expression and concluded it was caused by “sorrow of heart” rather than physical illness. Persian monarchs believed just being in their presence would make any person happy. Yet, Nehemiah was about to request the emperor’s permission to go to Jerusalem, suggesting he would rather be somewhere other than in the emperor’s presence. On top of that, it was Artaxerxes who had ordered the work on the wall to be stopped (Ezra 4:21-23). Nehemiah had reason to be afraid.

Addressing the king with proper respect, Nehemiah related the burden of his heart, “the place of my fathers’ sepulchers.” This phrase was designed to catch the king’s attention. In many Asian cultures, a connection with the burial places of one’s ancestors was a matter of great importance.

“So I prayed to the God of heaven.” Even though Nehemiah had come into the presence of “the king,” he had never left the presence of the true King of Kings. After his silent prayer (v. 4), Nehemiah spoke boldly, asking for permission to leave the king’s palace to travel to Jerusalem to rebuild the wall.

Nehemiah knew he needed safe passage for his journey to Judah, so he requested “letters” from the king to show to “the governors beyond the [Euphrates] River.” His plans were detailed. He asked the king for permission to go to Jerusalem (v. 5), for letters to ensure safe passage (v., 7) and also for provisions. Nehemiah requested a letter addressed to “Asaph,” (v. 8) the man in charge of “the king’s forest,” to enable him to obtain supplies of lumber for three projects: (1) gates of the palace, (2) the wall of the city and (3) his personal house. Jerusalem had plenty of limestone for building projects. But timber, necessary for making roofs and others parts of large building projects, was scarce, “according to the good hand of my God.”

The king graciously granted Nehemiah all he had requested, but Nehemiah knew the ultimate source of his provisions was God.

The only people who knew Nehemiah’s building plans were the few men who had made the secret night ride with him (v. 12). Nehemiah encouraged all the people to assist in rebuilding the city’s walls. He emphasized it was not just his idea to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, but the idea had come to him from the Lord (vv. 8, 12). In response to Nehemiah’s challenge, the people replied: “Let us rise up and build.”

Sanballat, Tobiah and Geshem all were unhappy about Nehemiah’s coming. They accused Nehemiah of false motives and plotting rebellion against the king. He ignored their accusations. The same three opponents still are unhappy and trying to block the work of God in the 21st century. Nehemiah asserted that God was involved in what he was doing. Nehemiah’s motive was not rebellion against the king, but submission to God.

Reporting progress (Nehemiah 3:1-32)

Eliashib the high priest and the other priests were the first people to start rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls. At this point in Israel’s history, the priests were the leaders. There were no kings or judges, so the people looked to the priests for leadership. It is significant that the high priest and the priests “built the Sheep Gate.” The Sheep Gate was on Jerusalem’s northeast side, just north of the temple and was used for bringing sheep to the temple for sacrifice. The priests dedicated the repaired gate, wall and tower to the Lord. They knew that unless God blessed the city with his presence, no walls and gates would keep the people safe (Psalm 127:1).

The narrative moves around the perimeter of Jerusalem in a counterclockwise direction. “Tower of the Hundred … Tower of Hananel,” a northern section of Jerusalem, opened up to the central Benjamin plateau where enemy forces could attack most easily from the north. The rest of the perimeter of the city was protected by the natural valley topography.

The Fish Gate was so named because merchants sold fish on the northern side of Jerusalem. Men of Tyre and other seacoast towns routinely brought fish to sell (Nehemiah 12:39; 13:16). The Old Gate was in the northwest corner. The Broad Wall and Tower of the Ovens were on the west side. The Valley Gate was on the west side and is where Nehemiah began and ended his inspection trip of the wall (Nehemiah 2:13-15). The Dung Gate, also known as the Refuse Gate, was at the southern tip of the city where a common sewer ran to the Kidron Brook into the Valley of Hinnom. The Fountain Gate was in the southeast and the Water Gate was near the Gihon Spring in the east. The Horse Gate was in the northeast sector. The East Gate was located to the east of the temple mount. The Miphkad Gate, also know as the Muster Gate, was located in the northeast sector.

The people worked together—not just in the same place, but also in cooperation. Goldsmiths, merchants and bricklayers labored on the wall.

Discussion questions

• What has God asked you to undertake that the cooperation of others is needed to accomplish?

• How do we know if a task is of our own desires or if it comes from God?

News of religion, faith, missions, Bible study and Christian ministry among Baptist churches, in Texas, the BGCT, the nation and around the world.

Posted: 12/22/06

Holiday Health: Don’t ditch diet during holidays

The holidays are right around the corner, and that means parties, family get-togethers and plenty of favorite comfort foods. What would a holiday be without turkey, dressing, pie, cranberries and more?

Is it possible to navigate the holidays without ruining our diet? Yes, said Dee Rollins, clinical dietitian and nutrition educator for Baylor Regional Medical Center at Grapevine. The key is to be conscious of what we eat.

Rollins offers these eight tips for healthy holiday eating:

1. Never go to a party hungry. Many people skip meals before a party. That sets them up for failure. Instead, eat regular meals that day and have a small snack before you leave home. Try cheese and crackers, a piece of fruit or peanut butter on toast.

2. Remember why you’re there. The party may be based around food, but you’re there to socialize. Make eating secondary. Don’t hover around the food table. Take what you want and move away.

3. Enjoy your favorite holiday foods. Select the special foods you might not get at any other time during the year—like dressing and gravy—and savor them. Skip the rest. Rollins’ philosophy is, “If it isn’t ‘to die for’ wonderful, why eat it?”

4. Watch the calories that come with beverages. A glass of wine might be 150 calories, while a cocktail with fruit juice might have 200 calories.

5. Portion size counts. We may be expected to overindulge during the holidays, but over time, we’ll pay the price. If the portion you’ve been given is super-size, you don’t have to eat it all at once. Enjoy a small helping and ask if you can take home the rest.

6. Pay attention to your body. It takes 20 minutes for the signal to reach our brain that we’re full.

7. Don’t forget to exercise. Many people may turn to food when they feel overwhelmed. When our stress level goes up, we eat more and sleep less. Exercise can help. Make it part of your holiday routine.

8. Be a helpful hostess. Offer the healthiest food you can. Alter a recipe so it’s low-fat or lower in sugar. Make the brownies bite-size. Plan a beautiful spread with fruit and vegetables. People will eat what you serve.

For more information about Baylor Regional Medical Center at Grapevine, visit www.BaylorHealth.com.

News of religion, faith, missions, Bible study and Christian ministry among Baptist churches, in Texas, the BGCT, the nation and around the world.

Posted: 12/22/06

Holiday Health: How to survive flu season

It’s flu shot season and this year the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention added a new recommendation for flu shots for children ages 6 months to 5 years.

“What we’ve found out is that up to one in 1,000 children can be hospitalized for complications from the flu—that’s higher than we thought initially,” said Steven Davis, an infectious disease specialist on the medical staff at Baylor Medical Center at Irving. “One of the most important things people can do is talk to their physician about getting vaccinated.”

Not only do young children frequently come down with the flu, they often spread it to their grandparents. And grandparents who are weak or have chronic conditions like diabetes or lung problems may risk complications from the disease.

“There’s lots of flu transmission over the holidays, with people traveling, visiting extended families and taking public transportation,” Davis said.

He recommends two tried and true (but underused) strategies for keeping yourself and others healthy:

Wash or disinfect your hands frequently. “It’s common sense, but it can be very helpful in preventing transmission in flu season,” Davis said.

Cover your cough. “We remind people in the ER, if they cough or sneeze, to use a tissue and hand disinfectant,” Davis said.

If you do get the flu, see your doctor right away. Medications such as Tamiflu and Relenza can cut the intensity and duration of symptoms.

But who needs a shot? According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, these people should get a flu shot every year:

• children ages 6 months to 5 years.

• people 65 years of age and older.

• people 2 years old or older who have an underlying, long-term illness.

• women who will be pregnant during flu season.

• people who live in nursing homes or other chronic-care facilities.

• people who are 6 months to 18 years of age and take aspirin daily.

• health care workers who have contact with patients.

• people who have or take care of a baby under 6 months old.

For more information about Baylor Regional Medical Center at Grapevine, visit www.BaylorHealth.com.

News of religion, faith, missions, Bible study and Christian ministry among Baptist churches, in Texas, the BGCT, the nation and around the world.

Posted: 12/22/06

Holiday Health: Ways to care for your heart

With Christmas approaching, many of us are already in shopping mode, gathering gifts for friends and loved ones. This season, why not give yourself a present—the gift of a healthy heart.

Here are four ways to put your heart at the top of the list:

1. Know the risk factors for heart disease. They are smoking, age, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and family history.

2. Know your numbers. Blood pressure and cholesterol are the big culprits in heart disease. Do you know your numbers?

“Blood pressure is normal when the top number, the systolic reading, is less than 120,” said Kanti Agrawal, a cardiologist on the medical staff at Baylor Medical Center at Garland. The lower, or diastolic, number should be below 80.

When it comes to cholesterol, “We recommend that people have their first complete lipid profile around age 20, repeating every five years after that if levels are within the normal range,” Agrawal said.

The National Cholesterol Education Program recommends total cholesterol less than 200 mg/dL, LDL (bad cholesterol) less than 100 mg/dL, and HDL (good cholesterol) higher than 40.

If your numbers are high, talk with your physician about medication and lifestyle changes to bring them down.

3. Know the warning signs of heart attack.

• Pain, squeezing or pressure in the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back.

• Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck or jaw.

• Shortness of breath.

• Sweating, nausea or lightheadedness.

If you experience these symptoms, call 911. Faster treatment equals less heart damage.

4. Practice prevention. Stop smoking, lose weight, exercise regularly, lower your cholesterol and lower your blood pressure. The most important step you can take? See your doctor for a regular checkup.

When you take care of your heart, you give yourself a gift that lasts season after season.

For more information about Baylor Medical Center at Garland, visit www.BaylorHealth.com.

News of religion, faith, missions, Bible study and Christian ministry among Baptist churches, in Texas, the BGCT, the nation and around the world.

Posted: 12/22/06

Holiday traditions vary among
Baptists around the world

By John Hall

Texas Baptist Communications

Waves crash along a sandy shore, flip-flops rest on a towel, and the smell of barbecuing shrimp drifts through the air. It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. At least, that’s the way it looks in Australia—or South Africa, for that matter.

How Baptists celebrate Christmas varies from country to country and culture to culture around the world, but Christ remains the focus of the holiday festivities.

Christmas falls in the heart of summer for Baptists living in the Southern Hemisphere, and many of them celebrate Christmas near beaches and swimming pools where they can cool off.

Scott Houser, a Baylor University graduate and missionary in South Africa, combines elements of Christmas celebration from South Africa and the United States.

“It’s the height of summer here in December, so rather than snow, we’re likely swimming,” he said. “We’ve never owned a traditional big Christmas tree, but rather, have a three-foot high wire tree decorated with African beads. … It’s hardly big enough to place presents under. We do try to have the traditional Christmas and Thanksgiving fare such as turkey, dressing and sweet potatoes.”

In the Netherlands, Sinterklass delivers presents on Dec. 5, and Dec. 25 is reserved for the religious celebration of Christmas, noted Zan Sellers, a BGCT-endorsed chaplain stationed in Schinnen, Netherlands.

Many military personnel view the holiday as time to spend with friends and family, Sellers said. Because soldiers often are away from their families, they treasure the moments they can spend with them.

“For most military, Christmas is a time for family,” he said. “Most of us have been gone to foreign lands during holidays without our families, which enhances the Christmas season when we are with our families.”

Most Nigerian Baptists turn their Christmas Eve programs over to the youth, who lead dramatic interpretations of Christ’s birth and musical events, said Solomon Ishola, general secretary of the Nigerian Baptist Convention. The presentation is followed by an evangelistic invitation. The service may last until midnight, after which many Nigerian Baptists go house to house singing Christmas carols.

“Christmas is a time to remember that God showed his love for us by giving us his son Jesus,” Ishola said. “It is Christmas that has made it possible for us to be free from all our sins.”

In Israel, Baptists use the holiday to share their faith. Increased attention is focused on Nazareth, the biblical home of Jesus, which opens avenues for Israeli Baptists to enter into conversations about God.

They participate with other Christians in a ministry called Nazareth Village, which recreates a first-century town. The site draws local residents and tourists, providing an opportunity for many people to hear the gospel.

Israeli Baptists also work with other Christians in a publicity campaign with billboards that read “Jesus is the Fest” and provide a toll-free number and website for people to contact for more information about Jesus.

“Baptists in Israel are around 2 percent of the total Christian population, but this small community of faithful followers of Christ is vibrant and celebrates Christmas in a very special way—trying to draw the attention of all people of Israel to the reason billions around the world are celebrating Christmas,” said Bader Mansour, treasurer of the Association of Baptist Churches in Israel.

News of religion, faith, missions, Bible study and Christian ministry among Baptist churches, in Texas, the BGCT, the nation and around the world.

Posted: 12/22/06

CYBER COLUMN:
Merry Christmas

By Berry D. Simpson

Saturday morning, Dec. 16, Cyndi and I woke up about 8 a.m., a true weekend indulgence. Cyndi left to take Lady the Running Labrador around the block before leaving for her class, and I squeezed in a run. It wasn’t my best run, I must admit. I spent an hour and a half in a four-minute-walk-11-minute-run rotation, all designed to rebuild my left knee. But really, it was a great run, because it was good for my heart and soul. My knee feels much better than it did a year ago, I can run better, I’m not eating pain-reliever every morning for breakfast, and I don’t wake up in the middle of the night with aches and pains. I’m thinking if I can drop another 20 pounds after Jan. 2 and keep my mileage constant, I will regain my old form from, well, at least four years ago, such at it was. What I’m trying to say is this:

I can smell hope in the air—hope of another marathon or two, maybe even an ultra on dirt—and hope is a mighty thing. Christmas is near, and the air smells like hope.

After returning from my run, I poked around the house doing laundry and reading the paper. Then I drove to that fine dining establishment, Whataburger, to drink coffee while reading my Bible and working on my Bible study lesson for Sunday morning. It was a good, relaxing time, and I got a lot of work done, except for the city-related conversations with people who recognized me and wanted to know about whether Cracker Barrel was moving to town and whether we should allow oil and gas drilling within the city limits and why do so many drivers run red lights. But everyone was smiling and enjoying each other, because Christmas is just a week away.

Leaving Whataburger, I drove to Gold’s Gym, where I met Cyndi for her Body Pump workout class, an intense hour of high-rep weight training that leaves me exhausted and crawling to the door afterwards. But Cyndi played Christmas music for the cool-down stretching, and it was great. I was rejuvenated.

We drove together to Rosa’s on Midland Drive for our traditional Saturday taco lunch, where we saw so many people we know we hardly had time to eat. The restaurant was abuzz with shoppers, and it was exciting.

After lunch, Cyndi and I split up. She went to school to work on her campus newsletter, and I went on a mission to find a couple of those spiral-tree-like lighted yard ornaments. As it turned out, I was two weeks too late to find what I wanted.

I went to Home Depot. I went to Lowe’s. I went to the traditional Wal-Mart. I went to Hobby Lobby. I went to Ace Hardware (or, as I call it, Handy Dan). I went to the new Wal-Mart. I was unsuccessful everywhere I went, but surprisingly, I wasn’t frustrated about it all. I had a great afternoon driving around town and walking through crowded stores, something I wouldn’t have anticipated. It was meditative and soothing. Maybe because Christmas was coming, or maybe because I was alone and didn’t have to worry that I was wasting someone else’s time taking so long. In truth, I would rather have been home holding hands with Cyndi, but maybe that would come later. I could’ve made a few more stores if it hadn’t become dinnertime.

So Cyndi and I had delicious homemade gumbo and toasted garlic bread at Pete’s and Cindy’s house. I’ve eaten Pete’s cooking before and knew what to expect, so it was hard to drive the speed limit to his house and not break into a trot up the sidewalk to his front door.

After gumbo, we all drove over to the Ector County Coliseum to watch the Christmas presentation by First Baptist Church of Odessa. We especially loved the first part with big Celtic drums and dancers and singers and joy.

The Christmas season can show up in a lot of ways; maybe in driving around town mile after mile, or digging through picked-over Christmas ornaments, or eating homemade gumbo, or even running and lifting weights. It all counts. Jesus came to be with us in life as we live it, and what a glorious thing he did.

Merry Christmas.

Berry Simpson, a Sunday school teacher at First Baptist Church in Midland, is a petroleum engineer, writer, runner and member of the city council in Midland. You can contact him through e-mail at berry@stonefoot.org.

News of religion, faith, missions, Bible study and Christian ministry among Baptist churches, in Texas, the BGCT, the nation and around the world.

Posted: 12/22/06

Baptists urge Wal-Mart to practice Golden Rule

By Hannah Elliott

Associated Baptist Press

DALLAS (ABP)—Wal-Mart, the self-styled low-price leader, can’t seem to get a break these days. While the giant retailer has recently come under attack from pro-gay groups for backpedaling on diversity initiatives, a group of Baptist pastors and leaders has spoken against Wal-Mart for exploiting workers in order to increase profits.

Robert Parham, executive director of the Baptist Center for Ethics, recently lead the charge against Wal-Mart on national TV. He appeared Dec. 15 on CNBC’s On The Money to discuss a letter and television ad in which Joe Phelps, pastor of Highland Baptist Church in Louisville, Ky., demanded the retailer adhere to the Golden Rule—Jesus’ command to “do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

The TV ad, which aired Dec. 14 in 25 states and 43 markets, was funded by the union-backed WakeUpWalMart.com. The group accuses the company of gender-based discrimination, child-labor law violations, and failure to provide health care to workers.

Parham appeared on CNBC opposite Ira Combs, pastor of Greater Bible Way of the Apostolic Faith in Jackson, Mich., who defended Wal-Mart for its history of creating jobs and providing inexpensive goods in low-income neighborhoods.

On the show, Parham said Jesus would be “more concerned about health care for the children of Wal-Mart employees than low prices.”

“When we celebrate Christmas, we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, who gave us the moral imperative, the Golden Rule, and … we believe that the Golden Rule challenges American consumers to think about where they should shop,” he said in the interview, which is archived on CNBC’s website.

Parham said all people of faith affirm the value of the Golden Rule, so Wal-Mart should “strive to be a Golden Rule company — not follow secondary standards and seek only profit for a few.”

Combs responded by pointing out that Wal-Mart is “not running for sainthood” but operates in a capitalist, free-market system. He said the store has become a target simply because it meets consumer needs better than competitors. In a subsequent recap of the event, Parham noted Combs serves on an advisory group recruited by Wal-Mart to counter negative public opinion.

“I think that the problem here is this is not really a theological question and debate, this is really an ideological one, which deals with social and economic issues,” Combs said. He also blamed Parham for philosophy “steeped in a great deal of the union philosophical bent with regard to how these businesses and corporations should operate and carry out their business.”

On the WakeUpWalMart.com TV spot, Phelps asked shoppers: “If these are Wal-Mart’s values, would Jesus shop at Wal-Mart? Should you?”

Apparently, the answer is no. In a column that appeared on ethicsdaily.com, Phelps said shopping at Wal-Mart is “an insult to God. … What we buy matters to others and to God.”

Phelps said he made the ad to “wake up the American consumer, especially those with Bible values, to the reality that our buying power has real power to affect a lot of people around the world.”

“Everyone wants lower prices, but not at the expense of neighbors who work for Wal-Mart, or people around the world who make their products,” he wrote. “Our purchasing choices are the crucial link in granting companies like Wal-Mart our tacit permission and our financial support to continue practices that exploit the young, the vulnerable, and the working poor.”

A spokeswoman for Working Families for Wal-Mart, a group formed to defend the store, called the ad campaign “shameful,” especially during the holidays. “While the union leaders are wasting their members’ dues on an attack campaign, Wal-Mart is benefiting tens of millions of working families through its low prices and quality job opportunities,” she said in a press statement.

More than 176 million people shop at Wal-Mart each week. The retailer has more than 1.8 million employees worldwide, 1 million of whom have health plans, according to the Wal-Mart website.

Phelps is a board member of the Baptist Center for Ethics, which commissioned a petition letter to the same effect as the TV commercial. The letter, drafted by Parham, was sent in partnership with WakeUpWalMart.com to Wal-Mart CEO Lee Scott. As of Dec. 19, 132 people had signed it, including activist Tony Campolo, seminary professors and many Baptist pastors.

Calling themselves “moral theologians,” the signers said: “We believe that Wal-Mart has been given and entrusted with much wealth, power and influence,” the letter said. “Wal-Mart’s leaders need to recognize their moral obligations to be good stewards of what the corporation has been given and entrusted, not simply through acts of charity but with justice for working-family employees who have built, but not necessarily benefited, from Wal-Mart’s vast earnings.”

WakeUpWalMart is sponsored by the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union.

News of religion, faith, missions, Bible study and Christian ministry among Baptist churches, in Texas, the BGCT, the nation and around the world.

Posted: 12/21/06

A Truly Awesome Christmas

By Travis McClinton

Ah, the joys of the season are upon us. Christmas Trees, cookies and cake, peppermint sticks, the crisp breeze of a December wind, and the wonder in the eyes of children as the excitement of the glorious day comes closer. The feelings swell your heart, and overflow with happiness.

Being a father of two, this time of year always makes me giddy like a child myself. But the other day made me realize how wonderful this time of year truly is.

One Friday, I went to pick my children up from school and overheard my son talking to a friend of his. Living in the age of technology, they were, of course, talking about one of the new video games on the market. The words, “wow,” “amazing” and “awesome” came up in the conversation. I normally let things like this go, but I decided to ask Andrew what he meant by “awesome.” He told me it was something cool and incredible. I sat quietly and nodded. Then he asked why.

I told him “awesome” has a slightly different meaning than “cool.” I told him it means to leave someone in awe and wonder. My littlest child finally perked up and asked what I meant. So I told them that to be in awe and wonder is to be so amazed, that your legs feel weak, you are speechless, and you are just filled with so much joy that you can’t keep still. We talked more about the definition of “awesome” until Erin asked, “Daddy, what do you think is awesome?” Hundreds of things flooded my mind. The birth of my children, the day I got married, and the day I graduated from college all came forth.

Then in the back of my mind, a tiny thought slowly appeared and I almost wept. When I was young, I loved to listen to my little record player. And the record I literally wore out was A Charlie Brown Christmas. And from that, I remembered my favorite passage of Scripture.

Luke 2:8-14

Luke 2:8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

Luke 2:9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

Luke 2:10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

Luke 2:11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.

Luke 2:12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

Luke 2:13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

Luke 2:14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Both children sat quietly. Then, being of inquisitive natures, they both asked why. I sat back, and began to tell them.

Imagine, a quiet and cold night. You and your friends are sitting on a hill watching hundreds of sheep, trying not to fall asleep. Then you see a small pin prick of light off in the distance slowly building in brightness. You nudge your buddy, and he sees it as well. It grows and grows, brighter and brighter. Soon, your sheep are twitching, and your buddies are starting to get a little nervous. Finally, you see a light that is brighter than day glowing around a person hovering just above you in the sky.

By this time, you are trembling with such fear, you can’t stand, you’re body is stiff and cold, and you can’t keep calm. You’re terrified. Then a voice so gentle, but commanding attention, falls on your ears, saying, “Fear not,” and immediately you’re calm.

This angel then tells you that what you are about to hear is a sign for a momentous occasion: Not far from where you are is a baby that is just now coming into this world. A Savior for all mankind. He who will save all from sin. A child who would be Christ. A child who will be born in humble surroundings, but will do amazing things.

For a brief moment, you think nothing could be more amazing than what you have just witnessed. Then slowly, like a small hum, a sound starts building. You notice the light getting brighter than you thought it could. And then the most beautiful sound flows through the air. A chorus of amazing voices that stagger you even further to the point of sobbing and weeping for joy. Those voices of such amazement singing, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”

And in the blink of an eye, they’re gone. You don’t move. You’re afraid it was a dream. You turn your head slowly and notice the same look on your friends’ faces. Was it real?

In a heartbeat, you’re running faster and faster to the nearby town. You don’t know where to go, but are drawn to a small barn. You skid to a halt. And you look in the small feeding trough, and there lying in old cloths is a small baby boy, with a peace and calmness that wafts throughout the small group of people.

You then realize what you are seeing and what has just happened. You, a lowly shepherd, have been told the most amazing news. News that will shake the world. News of such amazing importance, it has been told to you. You then know that whatever may come, all that matters is that you were told of Jesus’ birth. And you will always remember it.

Silence gripped my children. I smiled. I knew that through their amazement they were the shepherds who have been told an amazing thing. They would always remember what was said this day. And I knew just how they felt.

Later the next week, my son’s teacher called me and told me my son told her the story I entrusted them. She thanked me for reminding them, as well as her, what Christmas is truly all about. And she told me what Chirstmas story she will be giving her family this year.

I’ll always tell my kids the Christmas story. And I know that one day, I will tell my grandkids, too. But I will always remember what my son told me, through huge eyes, but with the quietest whisper of a voice, “Wow, Dad, that is AWESOME!”

Travis McClinton is an information technology trainer for the Baptist General Convention of Texas Executive Board, based in Dallas.

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