7 Words That Changed My Heart One Christmas

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By Darrel Geis, 7 Words That Changed My Heart One Christmas

It was Christmastime in 1995, and I had organized a group from my church to go Christmas caroling. Using crudely assembled, photocopied song sheets, we ventured into the neighborhoods surrounding our church. In spite of the cold, more people showed up than expected, so afterwards, I dropped by the local United Dairy Farmers convenience store to pick up more hot chocolate for our post-caroling gathering for cookies and refreshments.

As I approached the counter, the store clerk, a female in her mid 30’s, commented that I looked “really cold.” When I told her that I’d been out Christmas caroling, she stopped in her tracks, stared at me and replied “I didn’t think anyone did that anymore.”

I will never forget that moment, because her response of surprise (and, I believe, silent wonder), changed my heart about the significance of what my church group had just accomplished. In bringing the Good News of Jesus’ birth in song to our neighbors’ doorsteps, we had not only revived an age-old tradition, but the Holy Spirit had also lit a fuse in my heart that has burned ever brighter to the present day.

The very next year, I felt the Christian Blue Pages should use its God-given platform in the marketplace to inspire (and equip) the body of Christ to re-capture the true meaning of Christmas. By then, the celebration of the birth of Christ had so noticeably been replaced by commercialism, and what I call the “Happy Holidays” mentality of the season. We made contact with a company that provided the traditional Christ-centered carols camera ready, and we launched the Christmas Carol Songbook in Columbus, Ohio in 1996.

In 1997, we provided a songbook for our two other markets as well – Dayton/Springfield and Cincinnati/Northern KY – and a ministry was born. Today, in addition to providing songbooks in all six metro markets we serve in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana, we support a citywide caroling outreach called Carol Cincinnati (celebrating its 8th year in 2017) and Carol 2017 in our other markets. In addition, the website www.gocaroling.com provides instructions on how to go caroling, carol group registration and prize opportunities, as well as free downloadable songbooks.

Yes, Christians are restoring the spirit of Christmas once again through caroling, and having fun doing it! It’s an expression of God’s love that makes people step away from the busyness of the season to reflect on the wonder of the King Jesus, born in a manger. Here are a few stories of caroling experiences we’ve had over the years…

Story #1 – I knew God was doing something through the Christmas carol songbook when in the late 1990s a lady from Cincinnati who had picked up copies of the songbook at a Christian bookstore wrote me a letter to thank me for them. She was getting ready to host her family’s Christmas party again but had been concerned that it had gotten “too commercial” and was all about the presents. She decided to “interrupt the chaos” by having everyone (30+ people) sing Christmas carols together. In her words, “It literally transformed our Christmas celebration. We have started a new tradition for the next generation. Thank you so very much.”

Story #2 – While gathered for our company Christmas party one year, the Christian Blue Network staff decided to go caroling in an urban section of Dayton. One lady in Dayton came out of her house to listen, and, with her young son on her knee, cried tears of joy. I believe, at that moment, that we made her Christmas – through a simple act of kindness and love. Later during caroling, one of my staff members learned a valuable lesson – keep the songbook away from the lit candle he was carrying (Whoosh!)

Story #3 – A few years ago, while my family was caroling in a Springdale neighborhood, we noticed someone across the street had turned on their porch light and opened their door, “inviting us” to come. It was an elderly lady, probably a widow, and after we sang to her, she smiled and said: “Keep Christ in Christmas”. Then, literally three doors down from her, another elderly lady, after we finished singing, exclaimed: “I haven’t seen carolers since I was a teenager!”

My encouragement is to take one hour out of your busy holiday season – from Christmas shopping, decorating the house, preparing food, and wrapping presents – to “live in the moment” by going Christmas caroling and at a nursing home, your neighborhood, or in the community around your church. Once you do, you may find that “I didn’t think anyone did that anymore” might be 7 words that will change your heart, too…

May every heart prepare Him room!

Do Something Meaningful This Christmas

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By Drew Dinkelacker, Do Something Meaningful This Christmas

We see the de-valuation of Christmas all around us.

I willingly admit that I have spent more time and money on gift giving rather than personally preparing to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.

It’s clear that the story of Jesus, as the central focus of Christmas, has been lost on many in America.

I confess that I have helped to de-value Christmas.  God forgive me.

But, there is a change in my heart that is wanting to do something…do something better…do something meaningful this year to actually celebrate Christmas’ true meaning.

I don’t believe that I am alone in feeling this way.

Here is the good news…I believe we are at the infancy of a movement that is being born here in Cincinnati, that is also spreading to other cities in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana as well.

It is called Carol Cincinnati (Carol 2017 in other cities).

Movements start when current situations swing too far to one perspective. That has happened in our society with the removal of Christ from Christmas.

Several visionaries have claimed Carol Cincinnati has “movement” potential.  Whether they are accurate or not, the truth is this…caroling activity and events are making a comeback, and Carol Cincinnati is leading the way. On the second weekend of December (Dec. 8-10, 7-9 pm each night), hundreds of volunteer caroling groups will spread out among Cincinnati neighborhoods and beyond to share the Good News of the birth of Christ on the doorsteps of their neighbors.

It sounds simple enough.  Just go caroling.

For those of you who have done this before, you have witnessed firsthand the impact of singing these songs on someone’s doorstep.

  • It is an effective outreach.
  • It is a personal experience for both the caroler and those to whom they sing .
  • It is often welcomed.  We’ve seen lonely individuals and families sing along, laugh, cry, and share their burdens.  All are uplifted by the experience.

Carol Cincinnati was founded by Darrel Geis, president of the Christian Blue Network.

For eight years now, Darrel and others (myself included) have poured our hearts into Carol Cincinnati.

This year, we feel that this event is on the verge of a breakthrough.

So I am asking you to “Do Something Meaningful” this Christmas…

  • Consider forming your own caroling group – Whether you are available the 2nd weekend of December, or some other time … doesn’t matter.

Do your part to share the Gospel message this season.

Visit www.GoCaroling.com for register for a free caroling kit, to download a songbook, and a chance to win prizes!

  • If you can’t pull off your own Caroling Group, then LIKE the Go Caroling Facebook page and sing around the family Christmas tree.

It’s not too late to participate.  Pick up free copies of the Christmas Blue Pages, pull together family and friends (or your church group), and walk around your neighborhood singing carols.

A movement to re-capture the true meaning of Christmas has begun. Will you be part of it?

By: Drew Dinkelacker

Drew Dinkelacker is the president of MarketingAccelerator.com, a Cincinnati-based strategic marketing agency, serving small to medium sized businesses with Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) services on an as needed basis.

513.785.0815

Check out their Hot Marketing Tips BLOG

High Point Real Estate

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Company: High Point Real Estate

Contact: Angie Hartong

Website: www.angiehartong.com

Phone Number: 330-705-8034

 

 

 

1. How is your business different from others in the same line of work? How does that difference benefit your customers?

We are independent contractors & family oriented. We are able to save our clients money.

2. How did you come to faith in Christ?

My family & friends.

3. How does being a Christian affect how you conduct your business?

We pray for our clients and share our faith as much as possible.

4. What ministry/cause is near and dear to your heart, and why?

Pregnancy support center – it’s a great cause and has helped my family in the past.

5. What is one interesting thing about you or your business that most people would not know?

That I work with my daughters as partners.

6. Why do you advertise in the Christian Blue Network?

I love working with fellow Christians who share my love for the Lord.

 

October 2017 | Word from the President

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On October 31st, my family and I will once again host our Geis family “Hot Dog Harvest” on the driveway of our home in Cincinnati. This annual tradition serves as an outreach to our neighborhood on Halloween night, as we treat costumed children and their parents to free hot dogs, hot chocolate, chips, and candy. Christian music blares over our stereo speakers, while chips bags and candy bars offered to our visitors feature labels containing an encouraging Bible verse.

As the smell of freshly grilled hot dogs drifts through the air, the crowd generally arrives in steady streams. It is a lot of fun meeting new faces, and catching up with those who come visit us every year.

When people ask us why we go to so much trouble to put this all on, we say that since this is the only time during the year that our whole neighborhood comes over to our house, we want to serve them dinner and let them know that Jesus loves them. We feel it is a great opportunity to redeem the holiday for Christ, to shine His light and love during a season when we, as believers in Jesus, tend to be more keenly aware of the (generally) unseen spiritual battle we face in this world.

We have many opportunities like this to share the Good News, at home and at work. In the Encouragement for Life blog this month, I share a number of practical ways in which we can leverage our position as leaders in business to influence our clients, co-workers, and community for the cause of Christ. I encourage you to read on.

             

Shine Like Stars

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By Darrel Geis, Shine Like Stars

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”   John 1:5

“Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky.” Philippians 2:15b

In my January 2017 blog titled “Game Day”, I shared the story of the faithfulness of a handful of students involved with OSU Bible Studies to share the Good News of Christ (during the years I attended Ohio State). As a ministry outreach, these undergrads would pass out OSU football team rosters that included interviews with football players who were believers in Christ. They brought the good news of Jesus into the “marketplace of everyday life”, and their work was influential in planting seeds of faith in the hearts of countless OSU students, including mine.

In a world where cultural forces keep kicking God out of schools, business, and other areas of society, we need to be, as Bible teacher David Jeremiah puts it, “salty saints” – preserving the right to speak the truth of Christ in the public forum, and “seasoning” every area with the Good News. The world of business is highly competitive – who has the best website, the most creative logo, or the most effective marketing strategy. But rarely do you hear or see the name of Christ mentioned outside of the walls of the church. Our culture, as a result, seems to get darker and darker every year. This should not be.

We as believers should demonstrate the love of Christ in our actions, for sure, but I suggest we also need to be willing to share stories of the Lord’s faithfulness in words as well. Every one of us who follows Christ has a story to tell – let’s share it as often, and in as many ways, as possible. Integrating our faith life with our work life is a great place to start.

If you are looking for practical ways to shine the light of Christ through your business (and personal) life, I offer these suggestions below – through prayer, what you share, what you “wear”, and how you care. Choose which ideas work best given your situation, then trust God that these actions will bear fruit for eternity:

Prayer – 1 Thessalonians 5:17 “Be joyful always, pray continually…”

  1. Pray for your clients, vendors, and staff
  2. Plan a weekly staff prayer time and/or devotional
  3. Open and close every meeting in prayer
  4. When a need arises, pray for someone right then, instead of saying “I’ll pray for you”
  5. Offer a prayer for your meal at restaurants; ask your server ahead of time if they have a prayer request you can include.
  6. Pray on the full armor of God at the start of your day
  7. Pray Psalm 5:3 – then wait expectantly

Share

  1. Tell your faith story regularly – with believers first – until you are comfortable telling it to others.
  2. Share your organization’s core (faith) principles on a “Who We Are” section of your company website (see “Who We Are” page as an example)
  3. Blog stories of faith – click here!
  4. Add a Faith section in your company e-newsletter
  5. Play Christian music in the background of your waiting room or office
  6. Populate social media with Biblical encouragements, mixed in quotes from inspirational leaders.
  7. Take advantage of holidays like Easter (including Lent), Mother’s and Father’s Days, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas to share the Good News on social media.
  8. Wear Christian attire at events.
  9. Place a Bible and other Christian material in your waiting room or lobby
  10. Send birthday cards to clients that include a scriptural encouragement.
  11. As long as it is in good taste, put a Christian bumper sticker on your car (i.e. Upward.org)
  12. Company Christmas parties – share the true meaning of Christmas, go caroling (see GoCaroling.com ). Simply wish people “Merry Christmas”.   God’s word never returns void.

Wear (Promotional Opportunities)

  1. “DO wear your faith on your sleeve” — view advertising as an opportunity to reach clients AND witness – include Christian symbols, scriptural references in print, web, and mobile advertising.
  2. Add a Faith statement or symbol on your business card
  3. Offer Christian giveaway items at your trade show booth
  4. Advertise on (and listen to) Christian radio – many people come to Christ through this ministry
  5. If you haven’t already, advertise in the Christian Blue Network (we’ll help you shine your light).

Care

  1. Promote Christian causes in your newsletter
  2. Tell people “God bless you today” verbally, on voicemail, etc.
  3. Collaborate with others (or other organizations) on faith initiatives
  4. Apply the Matthew 18 principle if have an issue with a brother or sister in the Lord, or anyone.
  5. If you love someone, tell them, and tell them that God loves them, too.
  6. Grow in understanding of faith/life balance – check out the resources found at atworkonpurpose.org.

Take a step of faith, and trust that God will make you “shine like stars in the universe”.

If you practice other ways to bring the Good News into your work world, I’d love to hear from you!

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16

Davidson Garage

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Name: Scott and Cindy Davidson

Title: Owners

Company Name: Davidson Garage

Phone Number: (937) 236-8640

Web Address:  www.davidsongarage.com

Address:  5166 Wagner Ford Road | Dayton, Ohio | 45414

About Davidson Garage:

Davidson Garage specializes in major and minor car and truck repairs. They are a family owned and operated business, and, in 2017, are celebrating 50 years of serving the Lord in business, delivering honest and professional automotive repair and maintenance services to the people in Dayton and the Miami Valley. The qualified ASE certified technicians at Davidson Garage employ today’s latest automotive technology, and are equipped to handle all major and minor repairs on domestic and foreign cars. Davidson Garage is a 27 year advertiser in the Christian Blue Network, and are a past winner of the Better Business Bureau’s Integrity Eclipse Award for Greater Dayton.
  • How is your business different from others in the same line of work? How does that difference benefit your customers?

Scott & Cindy: The automotive field has been changing at a break neck speed and every year the vehicles are getting more complex with additional features and components. To stay up on the current vehicles we have to continually train, research and expand our specialty tools. Having been in the automotive business for fifty years now I’ve seen so many changes to the automotive industry, and our shop knows what’s needed to continue to give the customers vehicle the right service and options to fit there need. Not every customer that comes into the shop can afford all the repairs, so we will educate them on priority and safety items that we feel our customers need. We treat our customers like family and not just sell to make a buck. We want our customers to have a wonderful experience even when vehicle repair is not on their top ten things they would like to spend their hard earned money on.

  • How did you come to faith in Christ?

At the age of 3 years my wife and I attended the same local church together. My mom and aunt were my wife’s Sunday school teachers that started teaching the foundation of Christ to us at a young age. After we both grew up and went our separate ways we found each other again at that same church one Easter morning, and became a husband and wife with God in the center of our marriage. We both realize that God needs to be in the center of our marriage, home and business, and we can’t realize ever going through this troubled world without him with us. We both can’t remember ever not having a relationship with the Lord, even though we weren’t listening sometimes.

  • How does being a Christian affect how you conduct your business?

Living as a Christians in a relationship with Christ holds us to a higher standard in business when it comes to integrity and character. Our relationship with Christ is an understanding that the business no longer belongs to us but it belongs to the Lord, and we serve Him and his commandments in every aspect of the daily duties of running a shop. So with that in mind, we never hide that we’re a Christian owned shop, and you never know who comes into the shop. Employees also watch you, and we want them to see something different so that they might want to learn more about what’s different and learn about Christ’s love.

  • What is one ministry/cause is near and dear to your heart, and why?

We as a family business have volunteered locally for our Montgomery County Sheriffs PAL, serving area disadvantaged youth in various programs and events. As a family business, we believe that if you spend at least 1 hour a week mentoring a child, crime is decreased, and as mentors, we can reduce the possibility of school drop outs while encouraging area youth to be successful adults. We’re also very active in our local church, doing outreaches throughout the year in our city, nation and uttermost parts of the world.

  • What is one interesting thing about you or your business that most people would not know?

Cindy is a lifetime member of the local Dayton NAACP. Her passion is stop and or prevent racism through love, compassion, and unity. I on the other hand have been the Easter bunny in our community for over the last 15 years.

  • Why do you advertise in the Christian Blue Network?

As a family owned business for over 50 years, advertising in the Christian Blue Pages has been a life long commitment to partner with like-minded businesses, and to better our community through biblical business practices and ethics. We also use the Christian Blue Pages to look to do business with others that have those same ethics.

Welcome to the Team, Lisa Cutshaw! | Indianapolis Area Advertising Sales

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Lisa Cutshaw, is the Account Executive for the Indianapolis area for Christian Blue Network. She has over 15 years of sales experience in pharmaceutical, college textbook and online ad sales. She has a bachelor’s degree in Business Marketing from Butler University. Throughout her years of experience, her close personal service to her clients has been her trademark. Personally, she is married, has six children and two grandchildren.

September 2017 | Word from the President

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Most reading this article would probably agree that many recent events we’ve seen in the news are a confirmation of the fact that we live in a fallen world. From racial unrest in Charlottesville, VA, to devastating hurricanes in Texas and Florida, our country has been faced with extreme challenges that beg some kind of response from we, its citizens.

Natural disasters have a way of awakening us to the reality that we as humans are not really in control here, and generally, elicits (from believers and non-believers alike) a response of compassion for those less fortunate. That response may come through prayers offered up for the flood victims and their families, monetary or food donations, or volunteering in the cleanup.

But racial divisions run deeper that flood waters and strike at the very core of our belief structure. Ultimately, any judgment we render (in our thoughts, words, or deeds) towards another person who is different from us is a testament of the attitude of our heart…

“For out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks.” Luke 6:45b

Before we judge someone (or a group of people) for any reason, we would be wise to remember this – there’s always one more thing we don’t know about that person (or their situation). We at the Christian Blue Network, for the past 26 years, have been committed to “putting our hands” to the plow with our brothers and sisters in Christ. We believe that by supporting one another’s businesses and organizations in the marketplace, we can develop relationships across the denominational and racial lines that too often divide us as believers (especially on Sunday morning).

Developing relationships is the key to understanding others who are different from us, and understanding evokes empathy, and empathy forms a pathway to love. Isn’t this the critical need of our world today? We as believers in Christ, who know His truth, should be setting the example for the world to follow. The great news is, according to Jesus, this will be an undeniable witness for Christ…

“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.” John 13:35

But attempting to understand those unlike us has to start with a willingness to examine one’s own heart…

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me and know my anxious thoughts, and see if there be any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way.” Psalm 139:23-24

In the blog “Have Compassion” found in this newsletter, I share a situation that happened to me a number of years ago that proved a signal – that such an examination of my own judgmental heart towards others of a different color was desperately needed. I greatly encourage you to read this article and discover how the amazing grace of God brought two seemingly different people together in one heart-awakening, perspective-altering moment.

In Christ,

Darrel Geis
President

Thrivent Financial | Jeff Ritter

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Name: Jeff Ritter

Title: Lead Financial Consultant

Company Name: Thrivent Financial

Phone Number: (614) 626-2778

Web Address: https://connect.thrivent.com/jeff-ritter/

Address:  7502 Slate Ridge Blvd. |  Reynoldsburg, OH  | 43068

About Jeff Ritter & Thrivent Financial:

Jeff is the Lead Financial Consultant at Thrivent Financial.  Thrivent Financial offers a full range of financial products and services to support your every need.  Jeff specializes in helping individuals, as well as families and businesses, achieve their financial goals!  Jeff and his team view money as a tool and not a goal.  The Thrivent team helps their members be wise with money all while living generous lives.

 

Jeff says “Doing what is right and in the member’s best interest is at the forefront of Thrivent’s integrity.”  Many people may not know that Thrivent has been voted one of the most Ethical Companies in the world.  Jeff’s mission is to help Christians be wise with money and live generous lives, our values and the work we do align perfectly.  One thing people may not know about Jeff is that he is an avid bicyclist and has ridden his bicycle across the entire United States from Reedsport, Oregon to Williamsburg, VA during the summer of 1976 to celebrate the Bi-Centennial of the US!

Business Description:
We offer a full range of financial products and services. I specialize in helping individuals, families, and businesses achieve their financial goals.

  • How is your business different from others in the same line of work? How does that difference benefit your customers?

We view money as a tool, not a goal. Because we are member owned and tax exempt we help our members be wise with money and live generous lives. Our members get the opportunity to live out their generosity through Thrivent, via Action Teams, Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity and Thrivent Choice. We also have a Thrivent Community allowing us to partner with other 501(c)3 organizations in helping them achieve their goals.

  • How did you come to faith in Christ?

I was baptized and grew up in the church. It has been a natural part of my entire life.

  • How does being a Christian affect how you conduct your business?

Doing what is right and in the member’s best interest is at the forefront of our integrity. Thrivent as a company has been voted one of the most Ethical Companies in the world, according to Ethisphere.

  • What ministry/cause is near and dear to your heart, and why?

We attend Redeemer Lutheran Church in Lancaster, Ohio and are very active there. I am also the Chairman of Bike Buckeye Lake, creating safe family bicycling to and around the Greater Buckeye Lake Region through the creation of multi-use trails.

  • What is one interesting thing about you or your business that most people would not know?

I am an avid bicyclist and have ridden my bicycle across the entire United States from Reedsport, Oregon to Williamsburg, VA during the summer of 1976 to celebrate the Bi-Centennial of the US.

  • Why do you advertise in the Christian Blue Network?

Our mission is to help Christians be wise with money and live generous lives, our values and the work we do align perfectly.

 

Welcome to the Team, Tim Roshong! | Akron/Canton Area Advertising Sales

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Tim Roshong, an alumni of Kent State University, Joined the Christian Blue Network in June of 2017. Since 1980 Tim has been active in advertising, marketing, sales and business building. Tim has built and sold 2 successful businesses and comes from a family of small business owners including his father, brothers, uncle, and Grandfather. One of Tim’s passions is helping Christian business owners to grow their business while sharing the love of Jesus with their customers and employees.

Tim lived in Houston Texas for 20 years after college where he met his wife Kathleen. With 2 adult children (one self-employed) they also enjoy their 6 grandchildren. Now Residing back in North Canton, Ohio for 20 years where he grew up, Tim still enjoys time with his parents and brothers on a daily basis by the grace of God.

Tim attends First Christian Church and has been both an elder and a Sunday school leader as well as helping the Developmental Disabilities Program launch into one of the largest church based DD ministries in the country. Tim also was the chairman for the building of a Church based Community Center.

At 61 years old Tim hopes to impact the kingdom of God in a positive way over the next 10+ years putting off retirement as long as possible. The Christian Blue Network is a great platform for just that.

 

Dominion Academy of Dayton

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Name: Rev. Wayne McNamara

Title: Founder

Company Name: Dominion Academy Of Dayton

Phone Number: (937) 224-8555

Web Address: https://dominionacademy.org/

Address:  925 North Main Street | Dayton, Ohio | 45405

About Dominion Academy of Dayton:

Dominion Academy of Dayton is a college preparatory school providing a classical education based on the Bible, reason, and Tradition.  Because of their challenging curriculum, Dominion Academy students enter college with the skills that generally surpass their peers.  Their small class size enables them to give attention to not just academic skill, but character and spiritual formation.
At Dominion Academy, they begin each and every day with prayer and some kind of instruction in worship to acknowledge that God is the beginning and end of all, the source of knowledge and good purpose, and to remind us that our work every day is unto Him.
  • How is your business different from others in the same line of work? How does that difference benefit your customers?

We are a classical, Christian, college preparatory school. Because of our challenging curriculum, our students enter college with skills that generally surpass their peers. Our small size, and small class sizes, enable us to give attention to not just academic skill, but character and spiritual formation.

  • How did you come to faith in Christ?

God’s gracious work began in my life with my baptism just five months after I was born. Although both of my parents were lapsed Christians and we had almost no exposure to the Christian faith during my first sixteen years, the Lord was with me preparing me for an encounter with Him during my junior year in high school.  By the work of the Holy Spirit and the love and testimony of friends the Lord revealed Himself to me in a way I could not deny. Five months later He opened my soul and poured Himself into me. The course of my life was dramatically changed.

  • How does being a Christian affect how you conduct your business?

We started Dominion Academy of Dayton to be a discipleship ministry working with families to help Christ to be formed in their children. We desire that our students grow to love well, serve well, communicate well, and possess skills that might lead them to fruitful godly vocations and faithful witness. We seek to be honest, excellent, and faithful stewards of all the Lord has entrusted to us.

  • What ministry/cause is near and dear to your heart, and why?

Worship and prayer.  We begin every day with prayer and some kind of instruction in worship to acknowledge that God is the beginning and end of all, the source of all knowledge and good purpose, to remind us that our work every day is unto Him.

  • What is one interesting thing about you or your business that most people would not know?

Though we are the ministry of an Anglican Church we are very ecumenical and sensitive to the distinctives of differing traditions.

  • Why do you advertise in the Christian Blue Network?

We would like the uniqueness and goodness of who we are and what we offer to be available to as many of our fellow Christians as possible.

 

Farmers Insurance | Jeremy Ferguson

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Name: Jeremy Ferguson

Title: Agency Owner

Company Name: Farmers Insurance

Phone Number:  (614) 769-6436

Web Address: https://agents.farmers.com/oh/worthington/jeremy-ferguson

Address: 438 East Wilson Bridge Road | Suite 105 | Worthington, Ohio 43085

About Farmers Insurance:

Jeremy Ferguson is the owner of the local Farmers® Insurance Agency in Worthington, OH.  He tries his best to offer his clients the best coverage at the best price all while covering all their insurance needs.  When you meet Jeremy his process to get your enrolled is straightforward and is personalized to help make you smarter about your insurance needs.  He has the knowledge and experience to point you in the right direction.

Jeremy came into his faith at a church camp.  Today he still tries to use Christ’s character to conduct his business.  A ministry that Jeremy holds near and dear to his heart is Gospel For Asia.  Gospel for Asia supports local ministries in the 10/40 window.  He has chosen to advertise with Christian Blue Pages to help him connect and serve Christians.  A fact about Jeremy that you may not know is that he likes archaeology as well as church history!

Business Description:

As your local Farmers® agent in Worthington, OH, I help customers like you in our community identify the insurance products that fits your family’s needs. This process is straightforward and personalized to help make you smarter about insurance. I have the knowledge and experience to help you better understand your coverage options–whether that’s auto, home, renters, life, flood, business insurance or investments.

  • How is your business different from others in the same line of work? How does that difference benefit your customers?

I understand insurance and the needs of people. I do my best to offer them the best coverage and price to fit their needs.

  • How did you come to faith in Christ?

Through a church camp (wanna be like Jesus was the camp name lol )in my teen years.

  • How does being a Christian affect how you conduct your business?

I try my best to mirror Christ character and conduct.

  • What ministry/cause is near and dear to your heart, and why?

Gospel For Asia. They support local ministers in the 10/40 window.

  • What is one interesting thing about you or your business that most people would not know?

I like archaeology and church history.

  • Why do you advertise in the Christian Blue Network?

To connect and serve faith based people.

 

Lantz Sales

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Name: Gary Lantz

Title: Owner

Company: Lantz Sales

Website: http://www.lantzsales.com/

Phone Number: (937) 653-5203

Address: 

1819 East US Highway 36
Urbana, OH 43078

About Lantz Sales:

Gary Lantz is the owner of Lantz Sales.  Lantz Sales takes pride as being known as the “Computer Dealer”.  Lantz only sells quality equipment and their service is outstanding with a fair labor rate.  They try to be fair and honest in their dealings.  Thus, they have a high loyalty rate among customers.
At Lantz, they try to treat others the way we want to be treated, and they apply Christ-like values to their business dealings.  To top it off Lantz has been a family owned business since 1965.  Stop by Lantz Sales for your next computer/technology needs.

Business Description:

We only sell quality equipment and our service is outstanding with a fair labor rate. We try to be fair and honest in all our dealings. Thus, we have a high loyalty rate among our customers.

  • How is your business different from others in the same line of work? How does that difference benefit your customers?

We always try to treat others the way we want to be treated, and we apply Christ-like values to our business dealings.

  • Why do you advertise in Christian Blue Network?

We want folks to know we apply Christian standards in our work, and we want to attract customers with the same moral values.

  • What is one interesting thing about you or your business that most people would not know?

We are a family-owned and operated business that has been in the area since 1965.

Mack Mattress Outlet

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Name: David & Sherrie Bower, Owners

Company Name: Mack Mattress Outlet

Phone Number:  614-793-1048

Web Address:  http://www.mackmattressoutlet.com/

Learn more about Mack Matress Outlet!

Business Description:

Retail sales of mattresses and related items. Specialising in Simmons, Sealy, Serta, and Sterns & Foster factory seconds at about half the price of retail stores. First-Quality mattresses are also available.

  • How is your business different from others in the same line of work? How does that difference benefit your customers?

Our non-commissioned salespeople give the customers a relaxed, no high-pressure shopping experience. Our factory seconds allow the customer to get a high-quality mattress at an affordable price.

  • How does being a Christian affect how you conduct your business?

We operate our business by Christian principles which include honesty, integrity, and care for others. Our desire is to serve our customers in a way that is best for them, not best for us.

  • Why do you advertise in Christian Blue Network?

We like to reach out to the Christian community because we are all aspiring to the same purpose.

  • What is one interesting thing about you or your business that most people would not know?

We are a second generation family business that began 43 years ago.

Humility: The Key to Wise-Decision Making

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By Hugh Whelchel, Institute for Faith, Work & Economics

“Overconfidence can lead to poor decisions. Ultimately, pride is our root issue and humility is the best antidote.”

In a talk at Catalyst in 2009, Malcolm Gladwell tries to answer the question, “Why does confidence sometimes lead to bad decisions?”

As an example, he tells the story of the defeat of Union General Joe Hooker in the Battle of Chancellorsville during the Civil War. While Hooker had General Robert E. Lee’s army outnumbered two to one and had far superior intelligence, he was soundly defeated.

Hooker was so sure of victory that the night before the battle he said, “God Almighty could not prevent us from victory tomorrow.”

Gladwell makes the obvious point and history confirms that Hooker’s overconfidence became his downfall.

I recently read Michael Lewis’ new book The Undoing Project, a fascinating story of Daniel Kahneman and Amos Tversky, two Israeli psychologists who spend their careers studying how people make decisions.

In an NPR interview, Lewis says about the book:

It explains why experts’ intuitive judgments can go wrong and why you need to have data to rely on as a check against the judgments of these experts.

Lewis describes a host of studies by Kahneman and Tversky that reinforce Gladwell’s argument that overconfidence is bolstered by a sense that we know more than we actually do. And this in turn almost always leads to poor decision making.

Pride: The Age-Old Problem

We live in an age where we take great pride in what we think we know. This arrogance stems from what the Bible calls pride. The book of Proverbs confirms Gladwell’s conclusion, “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall” (Prov. 16:18).

C.S. Lewis, in Mere Christianity, has this to say about pride:

According to Christian teachers, the essential vice, the utmost evil, is Pride. Unchastity, anger, greed, drunkenness, and all that, are mere flea bites in comparison: it was through Pride that the devil became the devil: Pride leads to every other vice: it is the complete anti-God state of mind…it is Pride which has been the chief cause of misery in every nation and every family since the world began.

Lewis points out that the very first sin was driven by pride, and it wasn’t actually in the garden.

We read in Isaiah 14 of Satan’s fall from grace. Clearly, Satan’s sin was pride. This most wise, beautiful, and powerful angel wanted to be like God. Angry and rebellious, he no longer wanted to serve but to be served.

Man’s original sin was also fueled by the same pride. Genesis 3 shows how Satan lied to Eve by saying,

You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil (Gen 3:4b-5).

Deceived and confused, Eve’s pride fueled her desire to buck the created order and be God-like. Tempted by pride, weakened by unbelief, she disobeyed God’s command and plunged the human race into spiritual ruin.

None of us would have done much better. In fact, the Apostle James reminds us this same temptation confounds each of us daily:

Each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death (James 1:14–15).

In this vein, 16th-century Pastor Jonathan Edwards observes that “[Pride]…is the chief source of all the mischief that he [the devil] introduces, to clog and hinder a work of God.”

We Don’t Have to Remain Lost in Our Pride

Here’s the good news: toxic, self-exalting pride has a biblical antidote—humility.

The Apostle Paul tells the Philippians,

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. (Phil. 2:3-4)

In fact, throughout the New Testament, we are called to embrace humility as a way to live our lives in service to God and our fellow man. The word Jesus and the apostles used is the word tapeinos (in Greek), which we translate as humility. It literally means having the right view of ourselves before God and others and acting accordingly. It is not something we do as much as it is an attitude displayed in the way we live out our lives.

Three Ways to Correct Our Self-View and Cultivate Humility

So how do we arrive at a right view of ourselves before God and others?

The answer to this question will have profound implications for everything we do, including our vocational work.

The first place to look, of course, is God’s word. We have been given the Bible as a guide for faith and practice. As we study it, we will find that humility begins with understanding first who God is and then in turn who we are. From here we learn that true confidence comes when, by faith, we place our talents, gifts, and resources at the call of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Second, when correctly understood, prayer is an exercise in humility. We come before God, through Christ, asking to be forgiven of our sins and renewed by his grace. We should earnestly pray for the Holy Spirit to change our prideful hearts, for this is not something we can do in our own strength.

Finally, in the fellowship of the church, we see examples of others who have learned the power of humility. There is no greater example of this than Christ, the creator of the universe, who came to earth taking human form to serve, not to be served, and freely give his life as a ransom for many. (Phil. 2:5–11)

Andrew Murray, in Humility: The Beauty of Holiness, may have said it best:

Christ is the humility of God embodied in human nature; the Eternal Love humbling itself, clothing itself in the garb of meekness and gentleness, to win and serve and save us.

Humility stands in stark contrast to the hubris of our current world. Humbling ourselves could have negative consequences in our workplace or community. Yet, believers have the promise that “those who humble themselves will be exalted,” if not in this world, in the next (Matt. 23:12).

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HUGH WHELCHEL

Hugh Whelchel is Executive Director of the Institute for Faith, Work & Economics and author of How Then Should We Work?: Rediscovering the Biblical Doctrine of Work. Hugh has a Master of Arts in Religion and brings over 30 years of diverse business experience to his leadership at IFWE.

To learn more about the Insitute for Faith, Work & Economics, visit www.tifwe.org.

This article is republished with permission from the Institute for Faith, Work & Economics ( www.tifwe.org ). IFWE is a Christian research organization committed to advancing biblical and economic principles that help individuals find fulfilment in their work and contribute to a free and flourishing society.

The Kristina Murphy Team, HER Realtors

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Name: Kristina Murphy | Realtor

Company Name: The Kristina Murphy Team, HER Realtors

Phone Number: 614-374-1028

Web Address:  https://www.herrealtors.com/KristinaMurphy

 

Learn more about Kristina Murphy and the Kristina Murphy Team!

 

Business Description:

We assist buyers and sellers in achieving all of their Real Estate dreams and goals!

  • How is your business different from others in the same line of work? How does that difference benefit your customers?

Together we have over 35+ years of experience.  In this market, you need someone with the experience and knowledge to get the job done.  We are all also full time – so we can accommodate whatever times work best for you!

  • How does being a Christian affect how you conduct your business?

Honesty, integrity and patience.  This is one profession where you need to believe it will all work out the way it’s meant to!

  • What is one interesting thing about you or your business that most people would not know?

That I started with HER when I was only 18 years old as a receptionist.  Here I am 19 years later, same company!

Home Sweet Home Remodeling, LLC.

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Name: Ric SirLouis | Owner

Company Name: Home Sweet Home Remodeling, LLC.

Phone Number: 330-696-1697

Web Address:  http://homesweethome.co/

 

Learn more about Ric SirLouis and Home Sweet Home Remodeling!

 

Business Description:

Design / Build General Contractor specializing in Residential and Commercial Building and Remodeling and Accessibility Solutions.

  • How is your business different from others in the same line of work?

I feel as though I am only a steward of a business given to me by my Lord. Consequently, I feel compelled to perform to very high standards of honesty and integrity in an industry that may not hold the same values. The privilege of almost 30 years’ experience and education in the industry is a blessing. Otherwise, we are a fairly typical building and remodelling company. However, we have (concentrated/specialized) in custom designing spaces for our customers. We have purchased workstations and software licenses to a highly sophisticated design program that will not only produce typical blueprint type plans but also produce highly detailed photographic quality renderings. These renderings allow customers to “see” exactly what their space will “look like” when complete; all before we ever sign a building contract.     Also, we have highly skilled tradespeople and provide highly detailed finished work.

  • How does that difference benefit your customers?

These days, many people want to remove partition walls and re-arrange the layout of buildings or cabinetry. Our visualization software and experience allows customers to have a great deal of confidence in predicting the outcome.

  • How does being a Christian affect how you conduct your business?

We are in the “people business” and we are Builders. Buildings wear out. People are forever! Needs change over time and we are privileged to custom design and build spaces for our customers. Starter home vs empty nest, vs accessibility; we have the pleasure of getting to know our customers’ needs and how we may best serve them. Secondly, we approach our work from an abundance mentality. We do not feel as though we are competing for work and need to “win” a job at the expense of anyone. Our Lord will “feed” us. He will bring people and projects to us as He sees fit. We do not mind “losing” a project when it is not right for a customer; we help people honestly determine if a project is the right for their home or business.

  • Why do you advertise in the Christian Blue Network?

We find it refreshing to speak and deal with fellow believers. We place Christ and others first and non-believers often don’t get that. Dealing with people with a Christian worldview is much easier!

  • What is one interesting thing about you or your business that most people would not know?

We spend a great deal of resources feeding and helping homeless people.

 

Hartz Sealcoating

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Name: John Hartz | Owner

Company Name: Hartz Sealcoating

Phone Number: 513-271-1682

Web Address:  http://www.hartzsealcoating.com/ 

Address: 8123 Glendale Milford Rd, Cincinnati, Ohio 45249

Learn more about John Hartz and Hartz Sealcoating!

Business Description:

Commercial and residential asphalt maintenance: cracksealing, sealcoating, patchwork, and striping of driveways and parking lots. Our best service is our honest advice!

  • How is your business different from others in the same line of work? How does that difference benefit your customers?

We focus on treating our employees with love and respect. While we always put our customers’ asphalt needs first and pricing that in a way to give them the biggest bang for their buck, the best thing we do for them is send out employees that care about their work. Our employees care for our customers, their property and our reputation because we care about our employees and their work satisfaction and the joy they have at home.

  • How does being a Christian affect how you conduct your business?

Being Christian allows us to engage both our employees and our customers alike on a deeper level than just as a business transaction. We care about what is going on in their lives and listening to them helps us to meet more than just their surface needs. They know we care about them as a person and our more interested in the relationship we develop with them than getting what we want out of them. Being Christian motivates us to tell customers when they don’t need our services, give discounts when financial needs are discerned, and allows us to give second chances to our employees when they make mistakes. It affects every aspect of our work.

  • Why do you advertise in the Christian Blue Network?

We advertise because we want to be known as a Christian business. We want people to know that we do things the way God intends, that they will get more than a fair shake with us—that we will be both honest and caring. We want to be known as a Christian-owned business because as God blesses us with success, we want him to get the glory!

  • What is one interesting thing about you or your business that most people would not know?

I am the lead singer in a Neil Diamond tribute band named Forever Diamond.

Prayers for America with Dr. Dave Butts

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By Dion Elmore, Prayers for America with Dr. Dave Butts

With just a few days until we observe the 66th Annual National Day of Prayer, the chairman of the board of The National Day of Prayer task Force, Dr. Dave Butts shares a few thoughts on …Prayers for America     

  1. Protection

“Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to you while you may be found; surely when the mighty waters rise, they will not reach him. You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance” (Ps. 32:6-7).

Pray for the Lord’s protection throughout the new administration’s term of office. Physical and spiritual protection is needed for President Trump and Vice President Pence and their families as well as for all of the administration.

Lord, be our Defender!

  1. Presence

“I will put my dwelling place among you, and I will not abhor you. I will walk among you and be your God, and you will be my people” (Lev. 26:11-12).

Nothing is more important than the Presence of the Lord Himself in the halls of government. Far too many in our nation would isolate our faith to a private personal one or to a house of worship. The Presence of God changes lives and meets the deepest needs—not just those of individuals, but also the needs of our nation and its culture. Welcoming the Presence of the Lord into government can open the door for a longing for His Presence in all of society.

Make Your Presence known Lord!

  1. Peace

“I will grant peace in the land, and you will lie down and not one will make you afraid. I will remove savage beasts from the land, and the sword will not pass through your country” (Lev. 26:6).

In the midst of a badly divided nation from top to bottom, we desperately need God’s peace. Pray for the Lord’s peace to come into the Congress of the United States and into the Supreme Court of the land. May this new administration, that during the campaign often stirred up controversies, become known as an administration that unites and brings peace. Pray also that God’s peace would touch the church in this nation that found itself badly divided over this election.

We long for Your peace to come to our nation, Lord!

  1. Provision

“He provides food for those who fear him; he remembers his covenant forever. He has shown his people the power of his works, giving them the lands of other nations” (Ps.111:5-6).

We need to humbly come before the Lord and confess our need for His great provision to be poured out upon our nation. We need wisdom from above. We need the provision that meets healthcare needs in just ways. We need the provision of a robust economy that allows us to provide good jobs to those who are able to work. We especially need to be a nation that realizes that what we have comes from the Lord’s hand.

Thank You for being our Provider, O Lord!

  1. Proficiency

“Now obey my voice; I will give you advice, and God be with you! You shall represent the people before God and bring their cases to God, and you shall warn them about the statutes and the laws, and make them know the way in which they must walk and what they must do. Moreover, look for able men from all the people, men who fear God, who are trustworthy and hate a bribe, and place such men over the people as chiefs of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens.   And let them judge the people at all times. Every great matter they shall bring to you, but any small matter they shall decide themselves. So it will be easier for you, and they will bear the burden with you. If you do this, God will direct you, you will be able to endure, and all this people also will go to their place in peace” (Ex. 18:19-23). 

We need a government that is proficient in all its ways. The people of our nation too often look to government as an example of that which doesn’t work well. Inept and inefficient is often our basic view of the government. We need the new administration to begin to function well. We need this administration regularly to ask for the Lord’s help to make it proficient in government. That includes understanding what is and what is not the proper role of government.

Lord God, would You empower our government to properly use its power for efficient and just government!

David is a much sought after conference speaker both nationally and internationally. He serves on several Boards of Directors and committees focused on prayer, revival and evangelism. Dave received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Lincoln Christian College (1975), and Bachelors (1978) and Masters (1982) from Indiana State University. In 2014 he received the Doctor of Philosophy in Theology (PhD) from Atlantic Coast Theological Seminary. From 1974-1992, Dave served in various pastoral roles in local churches. In 1993 Dave and his wife, Kim, launched Harvest Prayer Ministries.

Besides authoring numerous magazine articles on prayer and missions for various publications, Dave is the author of With One Cry, Vertical with Jesus, Forgotten Power, When God Shows Up, Desperate for Change, The Devil Goes to Church, Prayer and the End of Days, Asleep in the Land of Nod,  Revolution on Our Knees and Pray Like the King, which he wrote jointly with his wife, Kim.

Original Article is found here.  It was posted by: http://www.nationaldayofprayer.org

McManus & Associates, LLC – Attorney at Law

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Name: John McManus, Attorney

Company Name: McManus & Associates, LLC – Attorney at Law

Phone Number: 317-841-0315

Web Address: www.McManusAndAssociates.com

Current Address: 11650 Lantern Rd, Ste 117, Fishers, IN 46038

Learn more about John McManus!

  • How is your business different from others in the same line of work? How does that difference benefit your customers?

I am an attorney specializing in helping people deal with their financial problems. We will meet with people when they are facing financial problems, and go over what kind of options they have, such as debt negotiations or bankruptcy.

  • How does being a Christian affect how you conduct your business?

I love the opportunity to spend time with my clients, and work on solutions. Often these debts are overwhelming, and people do not know where to turn. I love to see the hope on their face when we are done.

  • Why do you advertise in the Christian Blue Network?

I think it is important to support Christian businesses. And, the Christian Blue Network provides a place where people can find a business which operates under Christian principles. I think this is really important for the Christian community.