VL - Issue 1 - July 2011

Premier Issue!
FREE!
Help For
Your Life!
Hope For
Your Heart!
Health For
Your Body, Mind
and Spirit!
LAKE AREA REGION
Resource Guide
Community Calendar of Events
Help and Hope Resources

You Can’t Beat The Bay!
Blue Water Bay
LUNCH AND DINNER SPECIALS
7 DAYS A WEEK
Freshly grown organics both local and imported, we strive to
serve the freshest and best products that the world has to offer
in Seafood, Meats and Produce all in a casual dining experience.
Friday and Saturday night Seafood Buffet
4:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Sunday Gourmet Brunch
9:30AM - 3:00PM
top: Sauteed St Augustine Reef Shot Black Grouper
with Grilled Pineapple & Basil Salsa
middle: Fried crawfish grits with double
applewood smoked bacon gravy
below: Fried St.Louis Slow Smoked Ribs
with Melrose Organic Blueberry
& Herb Bar-b-q Sauce
We Also Cater…
Blue Water Bay has been making Weddings and other
Occasions into spectacular events since 1994.
From Elegant Dinners to Grand Buffets or
Backyard Barbeque’s. Any size from 10 to 10,000.
Our services will compliment your needs for
any occasion. Pick up or Delivered to your
location or Cooked and Served on-site.
352-475-1928 • www.thebluewaterbay.com
319 SR 26, Melrose, Fl 32666

Getting Off The Dock!
We’ve all heard the saying,
“If you want to walk on
water, you’ve got to get out
of the boat.” In fact, when
ministering to at-risk
youth on the waters of
the world through our In
His Wakes events, I’ve
shared a similar phrase...
“Victory only comes when you GET OFF THE
DOCK!”... to our participants as they sit nervously on
the water’s edge facing a challenge that seems insurmountable.
Victory comes when one is willing to lay
aside fear, pride, and the huge list of “what if’s” and
take to the water with courage and perseverance.
Well, here at Champion’s Heart, we’ve had a season
of “getting off the dock” and stepping out on faith as
we have moved out with God into unchartered waters.
As we’ve opened our hearts and doors to this amazing
community, we have gotten to know more and more
about our precious Lake Area Region and it’s residents.
There are so many opportunities in our area and so
much that we can learn from one another. With that in
mind, we decided to find a way to share the information
we have gathered, the stories that have touched
our hearts, and the things we are learning with you...
our friends and neighbors.
Welcome to Victorious Living! We, the staff at
Champion's Heart, are so excited about this premier
issue. It is our desire that through this publication you
will find hope for your heart, help for your life, and health
for your body. In this quarterly publication, you will find
inspiring stories from local individuals, businesses, and
ministries that are sure to stir your soul as well as provide
helpful information concerning our community. Check
out our calendar of events and guide of local "Help and
Hope" resources to stay abreast of the happenings and
opportunities within the Lake Area Region.
We look forward to developing this quarterly publication
with YOU. Please feel free to share your own stories,
pictures, recipes, and life lessons with us. Together we
can encourage one another through the waters of life so
that we can all live a life of victory and influence!
In His Service,
Kristi Overton Johnson
A Publication of Champion’s Heart…
Bringing Out the Champion in You!
Publisher/Editor
Kristi Overton Johnson
Publication Advisor
Karen Lake
Contributors
Minta Bennett
Dr. Bonnie Green
Bonnie Hagemann
Kristi Overton Johnson
Karen Lake
Carey Morford
Paulette Sikes
Kyle P. Tate
Joanna Merritt Weldon
Brad Williams
Creative Director/Graphic Design
Amy Zacowski
amy@whisperingdog.com
Advertising
Ron Lilly
ron@championsheart.net
Victorious Living
205 Magnolia Avenue
Keystone Heights, FL 32656
352.478.2098
fax 888.837.9153
Table of Contents
Hope For Your Heart
The Sun is Always There . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Live in Victory
From the PIt to the Pulpit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Escaping Egypt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Health For Your Mind, Body and Soul
On the Road to Health. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Health ‘On the Go‘. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Choosing to Live . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Your Choice Determines Your Course . . . . . . . . 11
Help For Your Life
Champion’s Heart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Park of the Palms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Answers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Sea Mark Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Leading Others to Victory
Leading with Love . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Fight for Your Family . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Becoming A Champion
Life and Leadership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
The Grind . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Community Happenings
Things To Do . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Happenings / Event Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Church Listings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Victorious Living is published quarterly in Keystone
Heights, Florida. ©2011, all rights reserved
by Victorious Living. Contents may not
be reproduced in any form without the written
consent of the publisher. The publisher reserves
the right to refuse advertising. The publisher accepts
no responsibility for advertsiting errors
beyond the cost of the advertisement itself. The
publisher accepts no responsibility for submitted
materials. All submitted materials subject
to editing.
Please send all submissions to be included in
Victorious Living to PO Box 968, Keystone
Heights, Florida 32656. You may send inspiring
stories, information on your organization's event
and resources, as well as recommendations for
individuals to be recognized for having a "Heart
of a Champion”.
Find more inspiring stories,
videos and media at
www.refreshmediaministries.com
www.championsheart.net 3

Hope For Your Heart || God’s Promises
The Sun Is
Always There
by Kristi Overton Johnson
Early one morning I stood in awe as I witnessed
the most incredible sunrise over the trees of our lake.
I immediately started thanking God for His amazing
creation and His beauty that was reflected in it. Then,
just minutes later, the most amazing thing happened…
clouds appeared out of nowhere and rain
began to pour. I have to admit I wasn’t praising God
for this drastic change in weather. I always prefer the
warmth and beauty of the sun’s rays over dark clouds,
wind, and rain.
As I thought of the drastic difference between
these two settings, I had a revelation of truth. Although
the clouds had moved in front of the sun and
the rain was pouring down, the sun was still there. It’s
just I couldn’t see the sun with my natural eyes.
As I thought about the above revelation, it was if I
heard the Lord say, “I’m always here too.” I was immediately
humbled by the truth that just as I praised
God for the sun’s rays and complained about the rain,
I also have a tendency to praise God when I see His
blessings and complain and grow anxious when
clouds and rain move into my life. How quick I am to
focus on the things I see with my natural eyes and
feel in my body and emotions rather than trust the
fact that the ‘Son’ is still there, loving me, fighting for
me, and working all things for good for me.
“Be strong. Take courage. Don’t
be intimidated. Don’t give them
a second thought because God,
your God, is striding ahead of
you. He’s right there with you.
He won’t let you down;
He won’t leave you.”
Deuteronomy 31:6
(The Message)
I am not the only one who has fallen into this cycle
of praising God in the good times and complaining
and worrying in the cloudy times. Murmuring and
complaining kept the Israelites from moving forward
into God’s blessings for 40 years! In Exodus 17:7 they
tempted God and strived with Moses by saying, “Is
the Lord among us, or not?” Clouds had moved into
the lives of the Israelites and rather than remembering
the protection, provision, faithfulness, and power
of the Lord their God, they focused on their circumstances
and actually wondered if God was actually
among them.
I believe we have to come to a point in our lives
where we answer the question, “Is the Lord among
us, or not” once and for all. If we don’t, we will always
be tossed about by every cloud that drifts into our life.
However, once we make the determination that God
is always present in our life, that His Word is true, and
that His love and faithfulness are never ending, then
our hope in Him becomes an anchor to our soul (Hebrews
6:19). We are then able to face the storms of
life knowing that one day the ‘Son’s’ rays will once
again shine brightly for all to see.
No matter what you are going through today, let
me encourage you with the answer to the above
question, “God IS among you.” Although the clouds
may be so thick you cannot feel His presence or see
His beautiful rays, you can trust in the fact that the
‘Son’ is always there and His glory will soon be revealed
in and through your situations. ✢
Kristi Overton Johnson is the
founder of Champion’s Heart and
In His Wakes, divisions of KOJ
Ministries. Kristi currently resides
in the Lake Area Region with her
husband, Tim, and three children.
4 www.championsheart.net

Living In Victory || Freedom
From The Pit to The Pulpit
by Pastor Brad Williams
The cell was dimly lit and the concrete bench was
cold, hard and unforgiving. The questions raced... How
did it come to this? How did I end up here? What is
going to happen next?
As I lay there awake, turning my life over in my
mind, I could not help but think, itʼs not supposed to
be this way. I come from a good family. I am not supposed
to be spending another night in lock-up.
I was filled with fear. I had exhausted all the grace
and mercy the police, my probation officer and my
family could give. Who would help me? I had never
felt so alone. I had run from everything and everyone
in my life that challenged me and my selfish desires.
I had run to anything that would bring quick satisfaction,
escape and fun.
Drugs offered all three of the above, at least in the
beginning. Never one for moderation, I dove right into
the drug culture. Drugs quickly became a normal part
of my life. Shortly after I started, I was hooked.
The availability and escape provided by the pills
captured me. This led me down some very dark paths;
in time, I got lost in a world of drug abuse, constant
run-ins with the law, and many near-death experiences.
I lived as a fugitive because of my habit and the
things I had to do to support it. I alienated my loved
ones. I was a man lost and out of control! I remember
waking up one morning and realizing that I did
not like this lifestyle anymore. I didn’t like who I was
anymore. It had ceased to be a game; it had become
a tyranny. I was enslaved and I wanted to be free.
As I lay there awake, turning
my life over in my mind, I could
not help but think, it’s not
supposed to be this way.
I come from a good family. I am
not supposed to be spending
another night in lock-up.
Lying there in that cell, something stirred in my
heart, a desire for something different. As my heart
stirred, my mouth began to speak to the God that I
had refused to believe in for many years. I told Him
that I was tired. So tired in fact that I asked Him to either
put me on a different path or let me die — I just
could not continue on this way.
These were simple, yet honest words from a desperate
heart. What followed was nothing out of the
ordinary. No grand vision, no miraculous experience.
I just fell asleep and woke to my mom bailing me
out. However, that morning in August marked the
beginning of a new journey. As I walked away from
that cold cell, I began to walk toward the path that
God had prepared for me. With a surrender of my
heart and life to God, God began to do more
than I could have ever asked or imagine!
Godʼs answer to my prayer came in a most
unexpected way. He began to open doors for
me to learn about His ways. He slowly worked
in my life, and by the power of grace, I was
transformed and set free.
During my new journey, I had to face a lot of my
own sin and I had to take responsibility for my choices,
but God gave me hope in the midst of it all. As I looked
to the cross and experienced the saving and unconditional
love of Christ, God redeemed my life. No longer
was I a man on drugs, I was a man delivered by God
and set on a new path ... a path of victory.
After I was saved from my destruction and saved to
God, I felt a calling to be a voice of hope to the hurting
and helpless. God let me walk a pathway of pain,
so that I could tell others who hurt that there is hope
in Christ, and redemption in the cross. ✢
Brad Williams is the pastor of Keystone Heights Presbyterian
Church in Keystone Heights, FL. He is the husband
of Rachel and father of 4 children. He served as a
Youth and Family Pastor several years before accepting
the call to come and pastor in Keystone Heights in
2009. Brad is a recipient of God's amazing grace in his
own salvation and in the gift of his family. Brad is a
graduate of Reformed Theological Seminary and loves
to read.
The Sovereign LORD is my strength;
He makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
He enables me to tread on the heights.
Habakkuk 3:19
www.championsheart.net 5

Living In Victory || Freedom
Escaping Egypt
A
Local Resident’s Story of Domestic Abuse as told to
Kristi Overton Johnson
Abuse. Not a word I thought would be in MY history.
Never in a million years would I have imagined I
would be a victim of domestic violence. I was married
to the man I loved. He was not only my partner, he was
my friend. We did everything together; we even went
to church. Yet somehow, over time, I found myself in a
place of bondage and oppression. It was like I was in
Egypt and he was the Pharaoh.
God delivered me from that dry and weary land. It’s
a place I hope to never visit again. Yet I feel I must go
back, at least through sharing my story, so that I can help
bring others - women, children, and even men - out of
their Egypt, their place of bondage, so that they can walk
with their heads held high and live a life of victory.
It’s been well over a year since I walked out of my
home, away from a place that should have been a
refuge… away from the one who should have been
my protector. Even after all this time, I still ask that
loaded three letter word, “Why?”
That’s an answer I don’t think I’ll ever be able to
fully comprehend. I don’t know why. But what I do
know is this… I don’t think I could have done anything
differently in my marriage to have avoided the
abuse. If it hadn’t been me, it would have been someone
else… and unfortunately, may very well be someone
else right now.
Even if I had been ‘perfect’ (something no one can
be), he still would have found fault. I know because I
tried… I tried to be perfect. I poured the coffee and
added the creamer in the order he demanded. I got rid
of my NIV Bible and began to read the version that
pleased him. I changed churches, left small groups, and
quit reading certain devotions. I ‘checked in’ with him
on my cell phone. I severed relationships with my children,
parents, and friends. I even made sure I put the
right amount of meat in the crock pot because I knew
how upset he would become if I overstuffed the pot.
No, nothing I could have done or said could have
changed him. Only God could change the heart of my
husband. Only God could help him become the leader of
our household in the way God intended. Only God could
transform him into a man who loves his wife as Christ
loved the church… a man who would lay down his life
for his wife rather than lay down his fist on her body.
My abuse started like most domestic violence situations.
He began calling me names, poking fun at me, and
mocking me. The verbal abuse soon led to control and
manipulation tactics. He started controlling our finances
and withholding money, even money I had earned. He
began pressuring me to change my social habits.
Eventually, the poking, mocking, and control tactics
turned violent. Threats escalated. He even began to
threaten to kill my pet. No longer was I thrown out of
the house (meaning I couldn’t live there for a time period)
- no, now I entered a season where I would literally
and physically be thrown out of the house. I
would be thrown down the stairs, choked, and chased
around the house. The last incident included having
my head beat into the floor.
On several of occasions, I had to be hospitalized. Of
course, when asked about the cause of the injuries, I
would lie about what happened. I didn't want to get
him in trouble - I loved him. I would convince myself it
must have been my fault. I must have done something
to push him over the edge. I assured myself that I
would be better and “this would never happen again.”
continued on page 7
Rise up, Beloved... I am the Lord your God
who has brought you out of Egypt.
Refuse to be yoked again to bondage and
walk with your head held high!
Leviticus 26:13
6 www.championsheart.net

Living In Victory || Freedom
Escaping Egypt
Jesus died on the cross not only for my
sins but also for my life. He wants me to
live - really live (John 10:10)! He wants
me to be safe and filled with joy so I can
follow Him and serve Him. He wants me
to love and to be loved. He wants me to
live a victorious life (Jeremiah 29:11).
continued from page 6
He would promise it would never happen again,
too. He even promised he would get help. The truth,
however, was that he never did get help and he did
do it again, and again, and again. And with each incident
came an escalation in violence.
The turning point was when the abuse occurred in
front of my granddaughter. I realized the abuse wasn’t
just affecting me, it was also affecting the legacy I
would pass on to my family. I needed her to know that
it is NOT OK for somebody to treat you in this manner.
It isn’t right for people to call you names and hurt you
emotionally or physically.
I needed to teach her that her husband should be
the one person in the world she could trust to keep
her safe, protect her, and love her. He should love God,
not use religion as an excuse to ‘make’ his wife submit.
He should bless her and bring out the best in her.
He should never oppress and cause her to live in fear.
My granddaughter saved my life that day and I pray
my decision to stand up for what is right will save
hers… and hopefully others who read my story. People
need to know that abuse is wrong, whether it is
emotional, physical, or mental. This type of bondage
is not what God intends for His children.
Local Help and Support
Champion’s Heart : 352-478-8076 or 352-478-2098
Quigley House: 1-800-339-5017 or 904-284-0424
I am God’s beloved Princess, His treasured
possession, the daughter of the King.
And so are YOU! He died for our freedom.
Although I know divorce isn’t His will (nor
what I wanted), I also know that being
abused physically or emotionally is not His
will either. God is grieved by the pain inflicted
on His beloved.
If you are living in ‘Egypt’ right now, a place of oppression,
fear, and bondage, I encourage you to take
the One who can lead you out by the hand. Will it be
easy? No. But He promises, just like He did for the Israelites,
to provide for your every need. He will part your
Red Sea. He will send manna from Heaven. He has
done it for me and He will be faithful to do it for you.
Making the choice to protect yourself and your
family may be the hardest, scariest thing you ever do.
You will have to fight emotions like never before. You
will have to fight fear, confusion, and doubt. You will
have to fight thoughts that want to lead you back to
Egypt such as “It wasn’t as bad as you think it was. At
least you had somebody. Now look, you are all
alone… you messed up, you blew it!”
But if you determine to stand up for what is right,
if you determine to leave a legacy of values for those
who will come after you, if you determine to persevere
and trust God no matter how fierce the battle… you
will march into that Promised Land of freedom. Sometimes
the steps may be small, but one by one you will
move forward. You will be able to lift your head and
experience the freedom Christ died to give you. ✢
State Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-500-1119, option 2
10 Flags Your Partner
May Be an Abuser
They…
… Are extremely jealous
… Have unpredictable mood swings
… Anger quickly
… Embarrass you in front of others
… Use force during an argument
… Threaten to harm you,
your family or pets
… Speak for you
… Move too quickly at the
start of a relationship
… Control money
or… Something just
doesn’t feel right
Strategies To Stay Safe!
• Have a support system
• Pre plan a safe place to stay
• Pack and hide an emergency bag
• Write down everything relative
to the abuse
• If you leave, do not tell your
abuser where you are
• Use the laws and courts to
help protect you
www.championsheart.net 7

Health For Your Mind, Body & Soul || Food
On the Road to Health!
by Dr. Bonnie Green
Carbohydrates are found in foods we encounter
everyday. There are two types of carbohydrates - simple
and complex - also known as “bad” and “good”
carbs. The type of carbohydrates we ingest is very important
because they can be a major contributor for
obesity and diabetes.
Simple carbs are found in foods such as candy and
pre-packaged processed foods. These “bad carbs” are
refined – they are easier to digest since they have been
stripped of their vitamins and minerals during the processing
and packaging procedures. Once eaten, they
are broken down and absorbed quickly into the bloodstream.
When these sugars enter the bloodstream,
the body’s pancreas produces insulin. Insulin’s job is
to move the sugar out of the bloodstream and into
cells where they are stored for future use.
Therefore, because these refined bad carbs are absorbed
quickly - sugar floods the bloodstream and insulin
rises. This is bad for your weight and health
because the quicker insulin rises means the quicker it
falls. And when insulin begins to fall – so does your
blood sugar. This fall of blood sugar triggers cravings.
We often satisfy these cravings by snacking and
overeating – which leads to weight gain. Weight gain
leads to insulin resistance which in turn leads to diabetes.
It’s a nasty cycle!
Signs of overeating and the beginning of diabetes
are a large waistline yet thin legs and arms, fatigue,
headaches, irritability and cravings.
Complex carbs, often referred to as “good” carbs,
are unrefined and left in their natural state as much
as possible. These include foods such as whole grains,
beans, starchy vegetables and brown rice. These good
carbs take a longer time to digest (because of the high
fiber content) which causes a gradual increase and a
gradual decrease in blood sugar level. This gradual
up and down does not trigger cravings. The high fiber
makes us fill fuller and the meal actually last longer.
Adequate protein intake with every meal will
counter-balance insulin, prevent hunger and promote
the body’s use of fat for energy. Protein will reduce
excess insulin secretion and help promote weight loss
and encourage long term maintenance of an ideal
body weight. Strive to have 80 -100 grams of protein
a day from sources such as grilled or baked poultry,
lean meats, fish and eggs. It is recommended that
you eat 4-5 protein rich small meals during the day or
every 4 hours to help regulate blood sugar.
To initiate your weight loss and make long-term
changes in your diet, you must reduce dietary carbohydrates
that stimulate insulin secretion, eat them
with protein to slow down the insulin surge and make
fiber a daily part of every meal. By changing the types
of food you eat and the frequency of your meals, you
will be on the road to good health. ✢
Bonnie Green, M.D. is a practicing
physician at The Shands
Starke Medical Group. She is also
the owner of The Weight Place
located in Starke, Florida.
We Love Referrals!
Cool Beans Accounting Inc.
Lex Green, CPA
“The Bean Man”
904-364-8026
greenbooks@embarqmail.com • coolbeansaccounting.com
120 East Call Street • Starke, FL 32091
Betty’s Pizza
“Simply Great Food”
Brenda & Robert Milam
Proprietors
475-5717
www.bettys-pizza.com
319 Wynnwood Avenue • Melrose, FL 32666
To-Go (352) 475-5717 • Delivery (352) 475-9665
brenda@bettys-pizza.com
8 www.championsheart.net

Health For Your Mind, Body & Soul || Lifestyle
Health on the Go
by Kristi Overton Johnson
For the last 3 decades I have found myself ‘on the
go’ whether as an athlete traveling the globe or more
recently as a mother of three trying to keep up with
life! Obtaining and maintaining good health takes purposeful
action. The following choices have been vital in
helping me maintain optimal physical, emotional and
spiritual health as I travel the journey of life ...
• Go to sleep and wake up at the same
time daily. By protecting my sleep schedule,
going to bed at a reasonable hour, and sleeping an
adequate amount of time I have the energy I need
to do what needs to be done.
• Be proactive about your food. I always
pack several healthy snacks and lots of water in my
purse, car and suitcase! By having healthy foods
on my person, I am able to feed my brain, energize
my body and prevent myself from swinging in a
fast food restaurant for a quick fix. Fresh fruit and
veggies are easy to eat and transport. Yogurt and
natural nuts are a great snack too.
• Exercise Daily. Walking daily for at least 30
minutes does wonders for my mind, soul and body.
It has helped me stay in shape and gives me the
opportunity to have some much needed quiet time.
• Pray and Praise. I begin each day with a prayer
walk thanking God for all He has done and praising
Him for who He is...The Great I AM. I cast all my
anxious thoughts over to Him and thank Him in advance
for giving me the victory. This helps me stay
focused on Him and not the negative things going
on around me. It also enables me to keep moving
forward in life.
• Learn to say, “No!” Many people wonder
how I am able to balance ministry and family life ...
it is only through God’s grace. I have to make sure
I am doing ONLY what He is directing me to do as
it is there that I will find the grace and strength to
do it. If I don’t feel God leading me to do something,
I don’t do it. ✢
We all know breakfast is the
most important meal of the
day. Here is my favorite
“on the go” meal that is
well-balanced and delicious.
Mix together:
8 oz of your favorite yogurt
1/4 cup dry oatmeal
Sliced fresh fruit like bananas
or berries
1 tablespoon chopped nuts
Place in fridge overnight
in a portable container.
In the morning, grab and go!
BEAUTIFUL!
Come view our beautiful “Tuscany
Themed” Chapel. It is perfect for small
weddings. The chapel is connected to our
newly renovated Education Center that can
up to hold up to 140 people. The education
center also makes a wonderful setting for
business conferences and personal events.
We are equipped with projection screens,
seminar tables, kitchen and other necessary
equipment to make your event a success. We
also have a small seminar room available for
events under 25 people.
In addition to our beautiful facilities, we
are located next to Magnolia Park. This
quaint park can also be used for your event.
Our center lends itself nicely for indoor and
outdoor events. The possibilities are endless!
Call us for availability and pricing at
352-478-2098 or email renee@kojministries.org
www.championsheart.net
www.championsheart.net 9

Health For Your Mind, Body & Soul || Choices
Choosing to Live!
by Paulette Sikes
I was 44 years old, running along on the treadmill
of life healthy, strong and ready for whatever came
my way. Well, a diagnosis of stage 3 breast cancer
was the ‘off switch’ and I was left standing still watching
the world run on without me.
With this diagnosis came a wave of uncontrollable
fear and disbelief. Best chance of survival, I was told,
was through a mastectomy, aggressive chemotherapy
and radiation. I was actually shown a mortality table
of my life ”with” and “without” treatment… that
was certainly a horrifying experience.
Looking back on this time in my life and the years
leading up to it, I can clearly see how God was preparing
me for this day, a day when I would have to ultimately
and completely rely on Him. I admit there was
one “Why me?” day. But when that day came to an
end, I realized I didn’t want to waste the precious time
I did have with my family trying to figure out why. It
didn’t matter why. What mattered was that I continued
to live.
Psalms 118:17 says,
“I shall not die but live,
and shall declare the
works and recount the illustrious
acts of the
Lord.” I realized like David
in the Bible, I had a choice.
I could die right then and
there in the doctor’s office
with my
As a man thinks in
his heart, so is he.
Proverbs 23:7
diagnosis (not an immediate physical death, but an
emotional death); or, I could choose to live out every
precious day that God saw fit to give me to the fullest.
I chose the latter.
So, rather than focusing on the why, I started giving
thanks for the life that I had already lived. I started
thanking God that my kids and husband didn’t have
cancer. I started praising God for everything that I
could think of… big and small things.
The result was that I
was actually able to
enjoy my life and
my family in the
midst of the
storm. Negative
thoughts and
emotions were
quenched by
the attitude of
gratitude that I
had towards life
and God. As I focused on Him, He in turn lifted me up
and gave me the strength and courage to rise up out
of that death bed and live!
I used to refer to the chemo and radiation offices
as God’s waiting rooms. You can actually see the difference
in people living with faith and those living
without it. I met people that were diagnosed as terminal
yet they walked into that office with a smile on
their face and joy in their hearts. I met others with recoverable
conditions that were hopeless and sad.
How ironic. The one’s diagnosed as terminal had
life. The ones who would recover this side of Heaven
had already died a premature death.
Do you have a circumstance that is challenging
your faith right now? If so, give it to God. Cast your
cares on Him, rely on Him, and determine in your spirit
to live out every day in victory. No, the journey will
not always be easy, but your attitude will determine
the fruitfulness of your days and I believe it will also
determine the outcome of your life. I am a living,
cancer-free testimonial to that truth! ✢
Paulette Sikes is a victor over
cancer and is currently living life
to it’s fullest with her husband,
Dan and her 2 teenage daughters
in their hometown of Starke.
Paulette’s passion is encouraging
people to press forward in life
victoriously.
LAW OFFICES OF
Charles Daniel Sikes, P.A.
Attorney at Law
Criminal, Civil and Administrative
Litigation and Appeals
904.964.2020
daniel_sikes@yahoo.com • Fax 904.964.9400
817 MacMahon Street • Starke, FL 32091
352.473.0680 • 877.379.6217
Fax 352.473.0687
www.almostfamily.com
105 Commercial Drive • Keystone Heights, FL 32656
Accredited by JCAHO
10 www.championsheart.net

Health For Your Mind, Body & Soul || Thoughts
Your Choice Determines Your Course
by Minta Watson Bennett
Thoughts are powerful! In fact, every great thing accomplished in
life started with a thought. Similarly, every act of human destruction
also began with a thought. Thoughts determine the course of a man’s
life. Proverbs 23:7 says, “As a man thinks, so is he.”
Our thoughts determine the course of our day. Just think about it,
the moment you wake up, before you even speak a word, your mind
is already filled with thoughts. What you determine to dwell on will determine
what kind of day you are going to have. If you wake up thinking
and speaking, “I’m tired!” then, for the rest of the day you will
feel that way.
On the other hand, if you wake up thinking and declaring, “It’s
going to be a great day!”, it will turn out to be just that! Does this
mean your circumstances will always be perfect? No! But your attitude
resulting from your thought process will enable you to face whatever
comes your way with joy.
Last week, we made a difficult decision regarding our family.
When I woke up the next morning, the first thought that came to my
mind was, “I made the wrong decision.” My whole day was
God says in
2 Corinthians 10:5 that in
order to live a life of victory
we need to cast down imaginations
and every high thing that exalts itself
against the knowledge of God.
consumed with this thought. Even at night
this same aggravating thought would come
to me.
Finally, during the middle of the night and
in a half conscious state, I decided and declared,
“Enough! I am not going to think
about this any more!” I then rolled over and
went back to sleep. When I woke up the next
morning, the thoughts were gone. Furthermore,
I had a great day. It was as though a
weight had been lifted off my shoulders.
Do you need a weight lifted off your shoulders?
Then it is time to pay attention to the
thoughts you are dwelling upon. God says in 2
Corinthians 10:5 that in order to live a life of
victory we need to cast down imaginations
and every high thing that exalts itself against
the knowledge of God. It also says we are to
take our every thought captive and make sure
it lines up with God’s Word.
In the verse above, the word ‘imagination’
means thought or plan. According to God’s
Word, when a thought comes to you,
you can choose to accept it or cast
it aside. Our choice will determine
our course. I sure wish I
had chosen to cast aside my
thought of doubt rather than
dwell on it all day long!
Don’t let your thought
process ruin your life. Don’t let it
steal your joy. Think about what
you are spending your time thinking
about. Make sure that your thoughts line
up with God’s thoughts towards you. Make
sure your thoughts about your situation line up
with God’s thoughts about your situation. Determine
the course of your life...determine to
live a life of victory. ✢
Minta Bennett is the
Director of the
Champion’s Heart Life
Resource Center. She is
married and the mother
of two teenagers.
Her passion is helping
people walk in victory
through mentoring and
tutoring.
Exchange the Lie
with Truth…
Lie…
“Why would God love me?
I don't matter to God!”
Truth…
John 3:16 says, “For God loved
the world so much that he gave
his one and only Son, so that
everyone who believes in him will
not perish but have eternal life.”
H
Lie…
I have done too many “bad
things” for God to love me.
Truth…
Romans 5:20 says, “But where sin
abounded, grace abounded much
more.”
H
Lie…
I can't do this, life is too hard.
Truth…
Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all
things through Christ who
strengthens me.”
Isaiah 41:10 says “Fear not, for
I am with you; Be not dismayed,
for I am your God, I will
strengthen you, Yes, I will help
you, I will uphold you with My
righteous right hand.”
H
Lie…
What if they think bad about me?
What if they come against me?
Truth…
Jeremiah 1:8 says “Do not be
afraid of their faces, For I am with
you to deliver you, says the Lord.”
www.championsheart.net 11

Help For Your Life || Local Resources
Champion’s Heart Life Centers
Providing Help and Hope to the Lake Area Region
Champion’s Heart will soon be celebrating it’s
one year anniversary. So much has happened
since our purchase of what was formerly St.
Anne’s! We have remodeled all of the facilities so
as to provide a beautiful environment for people
to enjoy community activities, develop healthy
relationships, learn life skills and grow in their
faith. We have also been blessed to create wonderful
partnerships with county ‘help’ agencies
as well as with amazing ministries such as LAM,
Park of the Palms, Answers and local churches
who have a passion to bring hope into the hearts
and help into the path of people in crisis.
Champion’s Heart is committed to our community
and we will persevere in our passion to
bring out the champion that lies within each individual.
Champion’s Heart does not exist to be
a place where one can come to receive a “handout”;
rather, it is a place where a hand of love
will always be extended, and if one decides to
grab hold, they will be led by the grace of God
into a place of victory and freedom.
Through our Resource and Education Centers,
we connect people with the help they need as
well as build a foundation of hope that will keep
them anchored during the storms of life. We do
this through Bibles studies, leadership conferences,
life skill seminars, resource facilitation,
mentoring/tutoring, and through relational and
prayer support.
We have some unique opportunities planned
for the near future that will bless our community.
We are excited about our premier issue of Victorious
Living. It is our desire to grow this resource
magazine into a quarterly publication that unites
our community and provides a voice for many.
In September we will launch ALLTogether, a
ministry designed to unite hearts locally and
worldwide. Monday through Friday, our beautiful
chapel will be opened at noon for local residents
to come together and pray. This prayer time will
be an informal time of worship with live musicians.
Residents can bring their lunch, eat on our
grounds and enjoy a time of refreshing. People
can flow in and out according to their schedules.
only refresh hearts with God’s
Word locally, but also worldwide.
We believe that God is going to
touch the world from our beautiful
facility right here in Keystone
Heights.
In addition to the worship
opportunities, we are scheduling
many community wide
events for people of all ages.
On Saturday, September
17 we will be hosting an
exciting back to school
event with professional
athletes, live bands and
movies in the park! Visit
our website, championsheart.net as
we aim to host unique events each
month.
Finally, we are moving forward in
our vision to provide a state-of-theart
multimedia center that will
provide an incredible education
opportunity for local high school
students to learn and experience
TV/radio/internet broadcasting. It will
also provide a valuable service to local
businesses, ministries and residents.
We are excited about what God
has in store for the Lake Area Region
through Champion’s Heart and our
partners. We are dedicated to serve
our community and
to offer various opportunities
for victory.
To do this, however,
WE NEED YOU. As a
non-profit organization,
we depend 100%
on the financial contributions
of people like
you. Will you join us? Together
we can bring
“Hope and Help” to the
Lake Area Region and
beyond! ✢
We are also launching an exciting internetbased
teaching and singing ministry that will not
12 www.championsheart.net

Help For Your Life || Local Resources
Our mission is to provide HELP and HOPE to the residents
of the Lake Area Region through relational and resource support,
life skill training and through the truth of God’s Word. Life
is filled with challenges. Through our mentoring & tutoring opportunities,
support groups, Bible studies, prayer support, life
coaching and resource center we seek to provide our community
with unconditional love, encouragement, and hope as
well as practical help that will enable people of all walks of life
to not only persevere and overcome life’s challenges, but to
emerge on the other side with their head held high. Our desire
is to help people walk in true freedom and in the truth of
who they are in Christ… A Champion!
Life Resources
Life Coaching, Mentoring, Tutoring
& Prayer Support
Regardless of age, race, or gender, our staff is ready to help you
overcome life’s obstacles. We offer support in the areas of education,
planning your finances, physical and spiritual health,
and relationships. Come by our Life Resource Center for a private
consultation or call 352-478-8076.
Mental Health
A licensed mental health counselor is available by appointment.
Call 352-478-8076.
Resource Facillitation
Do you need ‘Help and Hope?’ Visit our Life Resource Center
and let our staff connect you with currently available resources.
Florida Access Computer on site. Call 352-478-8076.
Small Group Fellowship
Our center offers non-denominational small group Bible
Study opportunities for men and women, as well
as opportunities for corporate prayer and worship. Visit
www.chapionsheart.net for a schedule of group meetings.
Healing Opportunities
Celebrate Recovery
Are you ready to be free from past hurts, hang-ups, and habits?
Are you looking for a place where you are loved, accepted, and
encouraged? CR is for YOU! Meets Weekly on Thursday
evenings @ 7:00 in our CH Education Center.
Visit championsheart.net for more information or call 352-478-
8076. Champion’s Heart Life Centers are located in the heart
of Keystone Heights. The CH Life Resource Center is located at
160 SW Nightingale Street, Keystone Heights. Office hours are
M-TH, 9AM-1PM. Call 352-478-8076. The CH Life Education
Center is located at 205 SW Magnolia Ave, Keystone Heights.
Call 352-478-2098
Park of the Palms
Serving the aging population of Bradford,
Clay and Alachua counties with
the highest level of comprehensive,
individualized care is the vision of
Park of the Palms, Inc. This comes
to life in beautiful independent
living structures and assisted living
facilities (ALF) in the Robert
J. Willey Manor. Some residents
have mild cognitive impairment
(MCI). MCI is a condition in which
a person has problems with memory
or other essential functions that
show up on cognitive tests. These individuals
are best served living in community.
The socialization and loving care that they receive
at the PARK is life-enhancing.
Studies indicate that as many as 10–20 percent of 65 and older have
MCI. Itʼs estimated that 15 percent will progress from MCI to dementia each
year. Nearly half of all people who have MCI symptoms will develop dementia
in four years. No treatment is available to stop the deterioration in
dementia-related disease but socialization is known to increase brain activity
and cognitive response. Despite the lack of disease-modifying therapies,
studies consistently show that active management can significantly improve
quality of life. This includes maximizing use of such services as counseling,
support groups and the adult day services offered at the PARK (a testing
site for the Alzheimers Associationʼs National Memory Screening.)
In our busy world many families face the full-time care of elders. In response
to these issues the PARK has initiated Adult Day Services that provide
the assurance that your loved one is cared for in a safe, clean, caring
environment in a similar fashion to the day care that you chose for your children.
Director of Nursing, Sandra E. Lugo, RN and the ALF manager, Cathy
Milligan, leads the team of 24/7 caregivers. The Administrator, Larry B. Henderson,
M.Div., has the responsibility for all matters of healthcare in the
PARK. Larry comes with a broad background in group home management
as well as fiscal and administrative matters. Our compassionate staff knows
each client and provides comfort, assistance and love while they enjoy
games, puzzles, seasonal activities and more. A growing body of evidence
suggests that the health of the brain is closely linked to overall health of the
heart and the level of outside stimulation. More limited data suggest a robust
social network and mental stimulations with intellectual curiosity is AS
IMPORTANT as that low-fat diet rich in fruits and vegetables. The Christian
community has a unique opportunity to serve in this field. Studies indicate
that prayer and spiritual exercise interacts with the brain in ways that we
never understood. Those who are suffering from impairment can be “exercised”
by a spiritual environment with a positive affect on their quality of life.
Living at the PARK has been found to increase life expectancy an average of
10 years over the government-predicted scale. Why? Tranquility of lifestyle,
spiritual exercise, friendships, care and comfort of a healthy environment
and encouragement to know the peace and stillness of living in happy Christian
fellowship. ✢
www.championsheart.net 13

Help For Your Life || Local Resources
Answers Resource Facility
Answers Resource Facility is a pregnancy resource center
currently leasing office space at KOJ Ministries’ Champions
Heart Resource Center at 160 SW Nightingale
Street in Keystone Heights, FL. Answers officially opened
January 2011, and is offering services 3 days per week.
Answers offers hope and restoration to women who
are facing choices or concerns regarding pregnancy,
family dynamics, past hurts from abortion, abuse or
other sources of pain. They do this by promoting the
values of the sanctity of human life, premarital abstinence
and marital fidelity in our community. Answers
helps people in need, regardless of race, age, religious
background or financial status, who are affected by an
unplanned, untimely or unwanted pregnancy. Their
ultimate goal is to lead families to the knowledge and
understanding of making Jesus Christ their personal
Lord and Savior, as He is the only true ANSWER.
Answers provides services at no cost to their clients.
All of the organization’s financial support is based
solely upon individuals and churches in the community
and their understanding of the need to have a local
life-affirming ministry. All services are provided
voluntarily by Client Advocates who have experience
and training to educate and support a woman or
For I know the plans I
have for you,” declares
the LORD, “plans to
prosper you and not
to harm you, plans
to give you hope
and a future.
Check Out
View Answer’s video
illustrating a young
woman’s journey
from crisis to hope,
healing and
fulfillment at their
You Tube channel -
FindAnswersNow or
search for Answers Resource Facility
family in crisis. Answers hosts volunteer trainings on a
quarterly basis and they are open to anyone who feels
led to serve in any way for this type of ministry.
“Overall, we are here to support women.” says
CEO and founder JoAnna Merritt Weldon, “It’s not our
job to judge or ‘right a wrong’… God has placed
Answers here to be a source of hope and healing for
any woman no matter how ugly or un-expected her
situation may be.”
Please take time to visit Answers website at
www.findanswersnow.org or call 352-473-1000 to
find out more. ✢
Services Offered At
Answers:
• Provide clinical grade pregnancy testing.
• Educate our clients and the community of
the value and importance of the sanctity of
human life.
• Provide referrals for a free ultrasound to
abortion vulnerable women.
• Reduce teen pregnancy by promoting
abstinence to youth and the community
through education; and provide information
regarding the risks of sexually transmitted
infections.
• Provide parenting, self-esteem and adoption
counsel to those we serve.
• Provide referrals for affordable medical
assistance, housing, food and clothing needs.
• Provide abortion recovery support groups
and counsel to women and men in our
community.
• Share the hope of Christ with those entering
our doors.
Please take time to visit our website at
www.findanswersnow.org or call us
at 352-473-1000 to find out more.
Answers is located at
160 SW Nightingale Street in Keystone Heights.
Office hours are Monday,
Wednesday* and Thursday 9:30-4:30.
*Please visit our website for summer hours.
Jeremiah 29:11
Remains to Be Seen
ESTATE APPRAISALS & LIQUIDATIONS
Lynne E. Keyes
Licensed & Bonded Auctioneer
and Estate Appraiser
Referrals Paid • References Available
352.475.3981
www.treasuresinwriting.com
Licenses AB816 • AU1163
Julia’s Midtown Cafe
PIZZA & ICE CREAM
CALZONES • STROMBOLI
SMOOTHIES • SHAKES
478-8154
(Next to Compass Bank)
14 www.championsheart.net

Help For Your Life || Local Resources
Unexpected Answer To Prayer
by Kristi Overton Johnson
Last spring I made my way to Penny Farms to visit
Seamark Ranch. For several years our ministry, In His
Wakes has had the privilege of ministering to the
children who reside at Seamark Ranch. As I took a tour
of the facilities, not only was I amazed at the beauty of
the grounds but I was inspired by the vision of this
amazing organization. Little did I know how Seamark
would affect my life, and the life of my son.
As I toured the education facility of Seamark, I
secretly envied the education opportunities available to
the children who reside at Seamark Ranch. For years I
had been homeschooling my son who struggles greatly
with the effects of having dyslexia. As we battled daily
the trials of having a learning handicap, I longed for
help for my child. I longed for an opportunity for him to
excel in academics as well as enjoy the experience of
being educated around other children. As I met with
the Director of Seamark, I was speechless when she
said, “If your son would like to attend our school,
he can.” With one sentence, God had answered my
private prayers and given me the desires of my heart.
My son would now have the help he needed and hope
for an incredible education and future.
Since last spring, I have watched my son transform
right before my eyes. He now has a learning environment
perfectly matched to his learning needs. He has
loving teachers who are able to identify his specific
learning style and equip and encourage him to be all
God has designed him to be. I will be forever grateful
to Seamark for the opportunity afforded to our family.
I am excited for the opportunity for other children
from the Lake Area Region to be touched by this
amazing organization.
I will be forever grateful to Seamark for the opportunity afforded to
our family. I am excited for the opportunity for other children from the
Lake Area Region to be touched by this amazing organization.
Yes, Seamark Ranch provides a bright future for
children in crisis by providing a Christ-centered home,
but they also offer many opportunities for children residing
locally. From full-time education opportunities
and summer tutoring programs to outdoor adventure
camps… there are many opportunities for your child
to receive hope and help at Seamark. I encourage you
to do as I did last spring… get in your car and take a
ride out to Seamark. Check out their facilities, hear
their heart, and then be prepared to be blessed!
Visit www.seamarkranch.com for more information
or call 904-529-1951. ✢
Seamark Ranch, located on a beautiful
468-acre campus in Penny Farm, seeks to
provide a “traditional home” environment
where each child can experience
the security of boundaries and the
acceptance of unconditional love. The
Seamark approach is therapy-based and
individualized. We strive to heal wounds
and help children prosper in faith, in
school, and in the community. Seamark
Ranch's Education Program helps
children break the cycle of failure by
experiencing academic success and
rekindling a love for learning. Seamark
Ranch's Education Program stabilizes
children in crisis by assessing each
child's educational needs and developing
a plan for overcoming their educational
gaps. For children needing a more
individualized learning environment
Seamark Ranch's on-campus school
offers project-based learning through
instruction and curriculum geared
to each child's learning strengths and
weaknesses. As Seamark Ranch grows,
we anticipate that 90% of our children
will need some individualized instruction
through our on-campus school.
www.championsheart.net 15

Leading Others To Victory || Love
Leading With Love
by Carey Morford
Not too long ago, I admitted to a friend that I
wasn’t very good at evangelism. He told me that
wasn’t true.
In defense of my statement, I’m not very good at
most of the evangelism tactics I’ve seen. I’m not very
good at handing out tracts or walking up to someone in
the grocery store or on the street and saying, “Do you
know Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior?”
Those things feel cold and awkward to me. I’m not
comfortable standing on the corner with a “Do you
know where you are going when you die?” sign. That
requires a boldness I’ve yet to develop.
It’s not that I don’t think those things have been effective
or that people aren’t obeying God when they
do those things. All I’m really trying to say is that when
I hear the word “evangelism” that’s what I think of,
and right or wrong, those things make me want to
hide under a rock.
However, in defense of my friend (and the word
evangelism); I think he was right.
Evangelism and its derivatives come from the ancient
Greek word which is transliterated evangel and simply
means, “messenger”. Messenger is defined in good ol’
Webster as “a person who conveys messages.”
So, then, my friend would be correct. I am a conveyer
of messages. Sometimes, I convey my own message,
and sometimes I convey the message of Christ.
Although, Webster and the Greek may not help us
understand the how-to of evangelism, I recently read
a book that rescued my philosophy of evangelism. The
book was written by Leonard Sweet and is entitled
Nudge. In his book, he says, our job as evangelists is
not to carry the message of Christ to people. He says
that if we believe God is truly omnipresent, then we
must believe that God is present everywhere; and
therefore, our job is not to “carry” God anywhere, but
to simple point people, or nudge them toward the God
who is already present and at work in their lives.
This concept has many implications that I’m just
beginning to dig into, but the most personal and powerful
implication and application has been the simple
realization that no matter who I’m talking to and no
matter what they are going through or where they are
in their life’s journey; God is at work in their life.
If the person I’m talking to isn’t a believer, and
maybe even if they are, they probably can’t see God is
working, and that’s where my job as an evangelist…
as His messenger… comes in.
To do this, two things must happen. First, I have to
know God and His ways well enough that I can
recognize Him in my life and the lives of others.
Second, I have to be intentional about looking closely
enough at people and their lives (not in a creepy,
stalker way, but in an I-genuinely-want-to-be-yourfriend
way) so I can see where God is at work.
A side note to Christians: I don’t think
that I’m the only person who
has ever tried to
befriend a person
because of my
“Jesus-agenda,” but
as Christians, we’ve
got to get over that. It
doesn’t work out well
for them, for us or
for Jesus. Let’s
agree to just love
people and let the Holy
Spirit do the rest.
Anyway,
when we genuinely
build a
relationship with
someone and we get
to know God well
enough that we
recognize when He’s
moving, then we have
to be obedient in pointing
Him out. I will be the first to admit
that this pointing Him out thing gets a
little tricky; but I’m also learning that
most of the time I am the one who makes it tricky.
Matthew 11:27-30 says, “All things have been
committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son
except the Father, and no one knows the Father
except the Son and to those whom the Son chooses to
reveal him. Come to me, all you who are weary and
burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon
you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in
heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke
is easy and my burden is light.”
Evangelism often becomes tricky when we start
depending on ourselves instead of Jesus. When we
start thinking that we NEED to figure out what God is
doing in a person’s life, or when we start thinking it is
our responsibility to find just the right time to bring up
the “J-word.” Or, like I said before, when we start looking
to develop a relationship out of duty or religion.
When, the truth is, none of that is our responsibility.
Our responsibility is to love God and love people.
So, we trust that the Holy Spirit will open our eyes to
who and what we need to see, and open (or close)
our mouth when need be. And, as easy as that it is,
it isn’t natural. It requires discipline and prayer and
sacrifice and patience. ✢
Carey Morford was raised in Keystone
Heights by Chuck and Suzie
Head. After attending college in
South Carolina, Carey returned to
Keystone Heights where she
currently resides with her husband,
Isaac and their two daughters,
Layla and Rigby. Carey and Isaac
both work at Keystone Elementary
and Keystone Jr./Sr. High School.
16 www.championsheart.net

Leading Others To Victory || Family
Fight For Your Family
This is Kyle Tate, Attorney at Law, writing you a note
of encouragement to let you know that all of us can
be victorious in life with the right mixture of faith and
hard work. Obviously a relationship with God is a
must when it comes to laying the foundation for
achieving success in life. I believe the next foundational
building block necessary for achieving success
and complete fulfillment in life is strengthening the
ever so delicate family relationship.
I handle many family law/divorce cases in my law
practice and the family destruction that occurs
through the litigation process is sometimes irreparable.
While divorce may be necessary when a person
needs protection from an abusive spouse, most of the
time a couple ends up in divorce because either one
or both of them stopped working at their marriage.
So with that in mind, this is the place in my
message where I want to encourage you to get
competitive about protecting your family unit. Don’t
let laziness and let self-pity take over and destroy your
relationship with your spouse and children. Get up
Get competitive about protecting
your family unit. Don’t let laziness
and let self-pity take over and
destroy your relationship with
your spouse and children.
each and every day with an eye toward working as
hard as you can to strengthen your family relationship.
It takes hard work – no way around it, and it’s
worth it!
While I may be shooting myself in the foot so to
speak when it comes to signing new clients, so be it.
I had rather be a voice to encourage you to go to work
to strengthen or save your family. Simply put, stop
kidding yourself and meet the daily challenge to
strengthen your relationship with God and your family.
I find that many people who tell you they worked
all day weren’t really working hard at all and certainly
not to the fullest extent of their abilities.
Work, as we all truly know, is more than showing
up and going through the motions. So stop going
through the motions and do everything you can in your
life to be a champion with God and your family! As
you go forward in life, think about this simple message
from the late great UCLA Basketball Coach John
Wooden, “‘Success’ is peace of mind which is a direct
result of self-satisfaction in knowing you made the effort
to become the best you are capable of becoming.”
So be the best you can be with God and your
family – go to work and make the “effort” to live a life
a victory! ✢
Kyle Tate, founder of The Tate
Firm, has a local office in Keystone
Heights specializing in civil and
criminal cases.
904-966-2575
www.championsheart.net 17

Becoming A Champion || Leadership
Life & Leadership
by Bonnie Hagemann
Wait! Before you skip over this article because you are telling yourself that you
are not a leader, hold on. I think you may find that this article is for you and maybe
just for you. You see, I work with leaders every day, because that is my life’s work.
I develop leaders. My entire focus is studying and understanding leadership and then
teaching it to others. Here is what I’ve learned:
1.Being a leader can begin at
any phase of life.
2.It’s a choice.
3.It doesn’t matter what mistakes
you have made in the past.
There are two kinds of leaders, those
who are leaders by example and those
who lead others. Most of the time, we
think of leaders as people who lead others.
They run companies with employees,
have government offices with a lot
of staff, or are a military leader with a
brigade. But, individual contributors can
also be leaders. For example, think
about the respected physician in town.
He or she may not manage a single person
and is still considered a leader in
the community. The same goes for an
athlete, a minister, or any other individual
contributor who lives his or her life
with integrity and courage.
And that is why this article is for you.
You can be a leader as an individual
contributor or as a leader of others if
you will live your life with integrity and
courage. Still not convinced you can be
a leader? Let me go one step further.
It doesn’t matter what mistakes you
have made in the past! I know many
examples of people who have failed in
a major, devastating kind of way and
rose again to make a difference in their
families, communities, businesses and
some even on a greater scale. I can
name many who are still around but to
save myself from having to ask for their
permission, let’s use some who are no
longer around. How about Moses,
Abraham Lincoln, or Winston Churchill?
All are stories of repeated and impressive
failures followed by massive, historical
success.
The truth is I really do not enjoy
working with leaders who have not yet
been through failure. I like to work with
people who have been knocked down
so hard that they did not think they
could get back up, because those are
the ones who become the best leaders.
No matter what phase of life you are
in or how major your failures have been
in the past, you can decide today that
you are going to be a leader. The first
step is seeing yourself as a respected
person; someone you can respect,
someone your family can respect and
someone your community can respect.
That takes integrity. Integrity is doing
what is right no matter how much it
costs you personally or financially. And,
it will take courage. Courage is the
inner fortitude to keep getting up no
matter how much it hurts.
This is a call. You may not be seeking
leadership, but leadership is seeking
you. How will you answer? ✢
Bonnie Hagemann
is a member of the
Board of Directors
for Champion’s
Heart Life Centers.
Bonnie is the
CEO of Executive
Development
Associates, a 28-
year-old internationally
known boutique consulting
firm that specializes in executive
development, executive coaching, and
high potential development. To date,
Bonnie has 11 published works.
You can be a leader if you will
live your life with integrity and
courage. It doesn’t matter
what mistakes you have
made in the past!
18 www.championsheart.net

Becoming A Champion || Commitment
The Grind
By Karen Lake
Football players call it the grind. It's those summer
months that drag from the spring game to fall, when
players go from workout to workout and there seems
to be no end in sight.
The grind reminds me of the day-to-day routine that
goes into anything a person wants to do well. It's not
glamorous. People don't see the hard work. There are
days when quite frankly, any excuse would do to abandon
the workout, forego the difficulty. But you don't.
It is the monotony of excellence.
That part doesn't make the press.
The reason I bring it up is because I run stadiums.
I've been running stairs at the high school for years, for
more than a decade, actually. There are no stadium
championships. I can't compete for a trophy or a title.
Sadly, I can't place a goal in front of me to work toward
and count that as an achievement. Still, I run.
Why?
There are days when
quite frankly, any excuse
would do to abandon the workout,
forego the difficulty.
But you don't.
It is the monotony
of excellence.
First, I like the intense physical exertion of running
the stairs. I like burning calories. I like the discipline it
takes to make the effort to go to the stadium. Plus, I
love consistency.
So when I get out of my car and start the walk to
the stairs, I'm thinking about my goal for that day.
There's a lot of self talk in that distance. How many
laps do I want to run? How many sit-ups between
laps? How many pushups? Do I want to add an exercise
to make it harder? Push myself? Whatever I decide,
that's the goal. And before I know it, I'm
stretching out, looking up at the stairs, placing my right
foot on the first step to start that climb and going the
distance. I have this conversation with myself 3-4-5
times per week.
That's the grind.
Does it mean I win a championship? No. What it
means is that I have learned to be my own champion
because I set my goals on a day-to-day basis. I grind
it out when the weather is August hot or January cold.
I cheer myself on even when I don't feel like being there.
In essence, I have to champion my own cause
and be my own advocate. For me, that defines a
Champion's Heart. ✢
Karen Lake and her children have
lived in the Lake Region for over
ten years. She was the former editor
of the Lake Region Monitor and
presently works at Santa Fe College's
Watson Center. Over the
years, she has advocated for many
local causes and organizations. She
is a member of the Keystone Rotary
Club, executive director of the Florida Youth Challenge
Academy Foundation and works for her local schools. She
is acting as a publication advisor for Victorious Living
“Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."
1 Corinthians 10:31
www.championsheart.net 19

Our Community || Things To Do
Have You Visited Our Local Aviation Museum?
Few people realize the opportunities available at
our local airport. Not only can one learn to fly, but one
can also learn exciting history from our local aviation
Museum called Wings of Dreams.
The mission of Wings of Dreams Aviation Museum
is to showcase aviation history, enlighten the public
on the lesser-known history of World War II and preserve
for future generations the legacy of pioneer aviators,
combat airmen, Women Airforce Service Pilots
(WASP) and America’s space program.
Wings of Dreams is located in a temporary facility
at Keystone Heights Airport, formerly the Keystone
Army Airfield, a World War II air base that trained pilots
for reconnaissance missions and for the Normandy
Invasion. A permanent facility will be
constructed on 6.5 acres at the end of Runway 5,
which will include a warbird restoration facility, aviation
museum, aerospace education center and space
museum annex to house a collection of space program
artifacts, including the Guidance and Navigation
Simulator (GNS) after the NASA space shuttle
program comes to an end.
Wings of Dreams organizes an annual air show
featuring warbirds and vintage aircraft, military and
aerobatic demonstration flights, WWII reenactors,
symposiums and educational programs. For more
information on events, programs and museum hours
of operation, call 352-256-8037, send an email to
info@wingsofdreams.org or visit their website at
www.wingsofdreams.org. ✢
Important Local Numbers
Keystone Heights City Hall
555 South Lawrence Boulevard
Keystone Heights, FL 32656
(352) 473-4807
Clay County Sheriff’s Office
901 North Orange Avenue
Green Cove Springs, FL 32043
(904) 284-7575 or (352) 473-7211
Clay County Fire and
Rescue Emergency
(352) 473-8930
Melrose City Fire Department
301 Cypress Street
Melrose, FL 32666
(352) 475-2005
Putnam County Sheriff’s Office
130 Orie Griffin Boulevard
Palatka, FL 32177
(386) 329-0817
Bradford County Sheriff’s Office
945 North Temple Avenue #B
Starke, FL 32091
(904) 966-2276
Clay Electric Cooperative, Inc.
225 West Walker Drive (SR100)
Post Office Box 308
Keystone Heights, FL 32656
(352) 473-4917
20 www.championsheart.net

Our Community || Happenings
Calendar of Events
Every Saturday!
Soup & Sandwich Lunch
The Soup Kitchen
The Keystone Senior Center,
125 North East Commercial Circle,
Keystone Heights, FL
11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Every Saturday, it is open to every one of all ages.
Cost: Free
Beginning in September,
Champion’s Heart Chapel
will be open Monday through
Friday at noon for prayer.
Every Second Monday!
The Compassionate Friends
Trinity Baptist Church, 3716 SE State Road 21,
Keystone Heights, FL
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Meets the 2nd Monday of every month for parents
who have lost children.
Alice Watts (352) 473-7261
trinitybc@trinitybc.org
www.trinitybc.org or
www.compassionatefriends.org
Every Thursday
Celebrate Recovery
Champions Heart Education Center
205 Magnolia Avenue, Keystone Heights, FL
7:00 pm
Michelle Lawson (904) 449-4200
www.championsheart.net
July 18-21
Vacation Bible School “Sonsurf”
Freedom Baptist Church
7207 North State Road 21, Keystone Heights, FL
9:00 am – 1:30 pm
Angie (352) 473-2778
angiepayne@freedombaptistkh.org
www.freedombaptistkh.org
July 25-29
Upward Basketball Camp
Trinity Baptist Church
3716 SE State Road 21, Keystone Heights, FL
6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Jason Mole (352) 473-7261
trinitybc@trinitybc.org
www.trinitybc.org
September 17
Champions In Action Youth Event
Champions Heart
205 Magnolia Avenue, Keystone Heights, FL
Come for an entertaining and inspiring evening
featuring live music and pro athletes!
6:00 pm
Renee Harp (352) 478-2098
renee@kojministries.org
www.championsheart.net
Flying High at Lake Swan Camp
Lake Swan Camp is conducting its annual MISSIONARY AVIATION
CAMP July 17 – 23. Campers are taught principles of flight, navigation, map
reading, use of night vision, downed aviator exercise, physical fitness, and they are
exposed to the calling and role of a missionary aviator. In addition, team building
exercises and decision making are weaved throughout the week long course.
Camp Director Tim Huggins, former scout pilot, AH-64 Apache Helicopter Pilot
and currently a Captain for a US airline will join Lt. Colonel Buck Burney, a former
F-16 Pilot and youth Pastor to provide a unique platform of challenge and training
to kids 14-18 years of age. Lt. Colonel Burney will be the featured speaker on
Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings.
The theme for this world class camp is Mission On Target. Campers will learn
life skills including the technical and mechanical aspects of flying and the requirements
and value of aviation in a missionary environment. Campers will also learn
life lessons that will help keep them on target for a victorious and impacting life!
For more information about the Missionary Aviation Camp or other summer
camps available at Lake Swan, visit lakeswancamp.org or call 352-475-2828.
www.championsheart.net 21

Our Community || Opportunities
Area Resources
Church Listings
Community Church
of Keystone Heights
345 Palmetto Avenue
Keystone Heights, FL 32656
(352) 473-4182
Trinity Baptist Church
3716 SE SR 21
Keystone Heights, FL 32656
(352) 473-7261
www.trinitybc.org
Keystone Heights
Presbyterian Church
4002 SR 21
Keystone Heights, FL 32656
(325) 473-2521
www.khpcworship.org
For God loved the world
so much that He gave
His one and only Son, so
that everyone who believes
in Him will not perish but
have eternal life.
John 3:16, NLT
Freedom Baptist Church
7207 SR 21
Keystone Heights, FL 32656
(352) 473-2778
www.freedombaptistkh.org
Keystone Heights
First Assembly of God
8025 State Road 100
Keystone Heights, FL 32656
(352) 473-3432
First Baptist Church
of Keystone Heights
550 East Walker Drive
Keystone Heights, FL 32656
(352) 473-7201
www.fbckeystone.org
Keystone United Methodist Church
4004 State Road 21 South
Keystone Heights, FL 32656
(352) 473-3829
www.keystone-umc.org
Help Resources
Food Bank
Lake Area Ministries
131 Commercial Circle, Keystone Heights, FL 32656
M-F 10:00am – 2:00pm
Food and assistance for qualified clients.
Chip Wester or Paula Buckner
lakeaream@bellsouth.net
lakeareaministries.org
Women’s Health
Answers (crisis pregnancy)
160 SW Nightingale Street
Keystone Heights, FL 32656
(352) 473-1000
www.findanswersnow.org
Birth and Beyond (women’s health)
1326 State Rd 100
Grandin 32138
386-659-2104
www.birthbeyondfl.com
Champion’s Heart needs volunteers!
Do you have a heart for the hurting? Help us bring
out the champion that lies in every person.
Call 352-478-2098 for more information.
Family Support
Champion’s Heart (resource facilitation,
relational support, access program, mental health)
160 SW Nightingale Street
Keystone Heights, FL 32656
352-478-2098
www.championsheart.net
Sea Mark Ranch
3631 Sea Mark Ranch Rd.
Green Cove Springs 32043
www.seamarkranch.com
Needs Assistance
Lake Area MInistries (FDA approved food
distribution, prescription assistances. Back to school
assistance. Access program M-F 10:00 - 2:00.
131 N.E. Commercial Circle
Keystone Heights 32656
352-473-2846
www.lakeareaministries.org
Senior Care
Park of the Palms
677 Heliron Ave
Keystone Heights 32656
352-473-6100
www.parkofthepalms.org
Senior Center
125 North East Commercial Circle,
Keystone Heights, FL
352-473-7121
22 www.championsheart.net

A Champion’s Heart
I’ve experienced firsthand the journey of becoming a champion
on the water. It wasn’t easy! As my late Granddaddy Charlie
always said, “It takes a long time to be a champion, baby.”
Boy was he right! It took 25 years from my first trip on water
skis to become a World Champion. However, throughout my career,
I came to realize that being a champion is more than just
bringing home the gold. Being a champion is about having character.
It’s about how you play the game, how you win AND lose,
and how you treat those in your path.
A Person with a
Champion’s Heart...
… Is not driven to please the world or impress their peers.
They are driven by passion.
… Is not focused on winning. They are focused on being the
best they can be.
… Does not seek to win by disadvantage. They are driven by integrity.
They do the right thing because it is the right thing to do.
… Isn’t easily discouraged by hardship or defeat. They face
challenges head on knowing trials produce character and
character impacts the world.
… Learns from their mistakes, makes corrections and marches on
with their head held high.
… Does not allow the mistakes of others to affect
how they move forward into tomorrow.
… Does not aimlessly wander through life.
They live life passionately and purposely.
… Isn’t driven by fear. They do not focus on ‘what if’ and
‘what may be,’ rather they focus on what can be.
… Is disciplined. They do what it takes to achieve their dreams.
… Is teachable. They listen and weigh the advice of others.
… Doesn’t rest on their laurels. They are always looking for new
ways to improve.
… Is others minded. They look outside of ‘self’ to meet the
needs of others.
… Makes adjustments to achieve victory. They do not change
their dreams, they just find new ways to achieve them.
Winning a gold medal is easy in comparison to being a champion
on a daily basis. Life, like skiing, has obstacles and waves
around every corner. By developing a champion’s heart, you will
develop character traits that will enable you to live a victorious
life no matter how choppy the water!
Kristi Overton Johnson
1999 World Champion
World Record Holder 1992-2010
If you desire to live a
victorious life,
focus on developing
a Champion’s Heart.
You will never be
disappointed with
the path your life
takes and your life
will never fail to
impact the world
around you.
Do you know someone with a Championʼs Heart?
Write to us and let us know! Weʼd like to recognize
local champions in our upcoming issues.
Send nominations to “Championʼs Heart,
PO Box 968, Keystone Heights, FL 32656.”
www.championsheart.net 23

Assisted Living in the Wiley Manor
The Manor is home to 40
bright and cheerful residence
units with 24/7 assistance
from nurses and care
givers for activities of daily
living with a personal touch.
The beautifully appointed
Weir Dining Room and common
lounge provide a family
atmosphere that encourages
interaction and companionship.
Each resident is encouraged to personalize
their accommodations
with their own favorite furniture.
Special menu arrangements are
made for dietary considerations.
As Ambassadors of Christ and to the Glory of God,
we will strive to maintain our properties to the highest
standards. We will provide factual reporting to
residents, tenants, contractors, employees, regulatory
bodies; and we will respect the privacy of resident’s
personal information. Recognizing that technologies
are constantly changing, we will create an atmosphere
in which we will upgrade and refurbish appropriate
components to maintain the highest possible
standards in all aspects of our service.
Special Features:
• Staff assistance available around the clock
• Emergency call system in all rooms
• Medication Assistance/ In-house Pharmacy
• Daily Housekeeping and Laundry
• Therapy Program
• Individually-controlled HVAC units
• Outdoor Garden Activities
• Weekly Community Activities
• On-campus transportation system
• Extended Congregate Care (ECC)-when needed
• Hospice Care seeks to enable patients to continue
an alert, pain-free life, to manage symptoms so
that their last days may be spent with dignity and
quality surrounded by their loved ones
Our highest purpose is serving our residents.
Christian Assisted Living • Adult Day Care • Respite Services
352.473.6100 • www.parkofthepalms.org
ALF/ECC FL License #5265