N OV E M B E R 2 02 0
Holiday Dishes
to Delight! HOME + DESIGN RO B ER T BA X T ER EL EC T RI C G E T S PAT RI O T I C LI F E + C U LTU R E LO CAL C HARI T I ES WO R T H G IVI N G BAC K T O W E LLN E S S H I K E , K AYAK , B I K E YO U R WAY FI T
www.montecristoironworks.com
405.787.0111 5609 NW 4th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73127
LIFESTYLE LETTER
NOVEMBER 2020 PUBLISHER
Brian Ihnat | brian.ihnat@lifestylepubs.com EDITOR
The Holidays Are Upon Us! HAPPY NOVEMBER! I don't mean to scare you, but Thanksgiving and Christmas are right around the corner. Do you have your plans ready?
Terri Ihnat EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Heide Brandes | heide.brandes@lifestylepubs.com AD DESIGNER
Whitney Lockhart L AYO UT DESIGNER
Dana Rudolph
After such a tough year, we all need some holiday cheer. Like everything else, this year's holidays may look and feel a little different, but we can still help spread joy, love and generosity. In this issue, you'll find ideas for planning the traditional Thanksgiving dinner,
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Heide Brandes CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Kimberly Richelle
tips on writing the perfect thank-you card, organizations in Oklahoma City who are going above and beyond to help those who are struggling and a peek into a unique home in Oak Tree. Want to know which events are going on during the holiday season? Be sure to check out our calendar, but be aware that events that are scheduled may change at the last moment.
CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore
Brian Ihnat, Publisher Brian.Ihnat@LifestylePubs.com
ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell
514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO
ARIZONA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | CONNECTICUT | FLORIDA | GEORGIA IDAHO | ILLINOIS | KANSAS | MARYLAND | MASSACHUSETTS | MICHIGAN MINNESOTA | MISSOURI | MONTANA | NEW JERSEY | NORTH CAROLINA OHIO | OKLAHOMA | OREGON | PENNSYLVANIA | SOUTH CAROLINA TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON
CityLifestyle.com/OKC COVER PHOTOGRAPHY BY KIMBERLY RICHELLE PHOTOGRAPHY 4
OKC Lifestyle | November 2020
Proverbs 3:5-6 OKC Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the OKC area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in OKC Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.
CityLifestyle.com/OKC
5
INSIDE THE ISSUE NOVEMBER 2020
FEATURES 10 Giving Back Make a Difference in The World By Giving Back This Holiday Season
14 Thanksgiving Fit These Outdoor Workouts Can Help Burn Off Calories As You Spend Time With Famly
18 A Wine Room and a View This Oak Tree Home Thrills With Modern Kitchen, Ample Space and a Dedicated Wine Room
22 10
22 Dishes to Delight Local Limelighters Share Their Favorite Thanksgiving Recipes
18
14
DEPARTMENTS 4
Lifestyle Letter
8
Around Town
10
Inspired By
14
Healthy Lifestyle
22 Giving Back 26 Our Town 29 Faith Reflections 34 Lifestyle Calendar
9450 N. May Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73120 ph: (405) 607-0420 www.ahdok.com Like a Jewel at the center of space Whether single-piece or skirted, with deck or floor mounted faucets, Oceania Freestanding baths are available in models to fit your every need: floor mounted, pedestal or claw foot. All our freestanding baths are available as soaking baths and most are available as Air Baths with optional Chromatherapy lights.
CityLifestyle.com/OKC
7
AROUND TOWN
CHEROKEE NATION FILM OFFICE OFFERS SCHOLARSHIPS TO ADVANCE NATIVE TALENT Cherokee Nation Film Office is helping develop Native talent in the film and television industry by offering 50 new scholarships for certification courses with the Oklahoma Film & TV Academy. Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. announced the scholarship opportunities at the inaugural Drive-In Movie Nights, hosted during the 68th annual Cherokee National Holiday. Scholarships are offered to citizens of any federally recognized tribe with preference given to Cherokee Nation citizens interested in pursuing the Film Crew 101 certification with the Oklahoma Film & TV Academy. The self-guided online program is
David, the wife and mother of current and for-
delivered through a series of podcasts that offer an
mer guard members, was honored for her work in
in-depth look at the different roles on a film or TV
the Senate over the past decade on behalf of the
set and what they do. It’s a great first step to getting
Oklahoma National Guard and its members.
in the film and TV industry.
to her legislative efforts in mental health and qual-
certification and to apply for the CNFO scholarship,
ity of life which have provided Oklahoma Guard
please visit cherokee.film/scholarships/.
members resources to address their needs.
OKLAHOMA IS 28TH IN STATES WITH HIGHEST DEBT PAY DOWN
OKLAHOMA 529 COLLEGE SAVINGS PLAN INTRODUCES MATCH OFFER
With the economy showing signs of life
The Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan
despite the ongoing impact of the coronavirus
(OCSP) celebrated 20 years of helping Oklahoma
pandemic, WalletHub’s new Credit Card Debt
families save for higher education for their children
Study revealed that U.S. consumers paid down
and grandchildren. With National College Savings
$118 billion in credit card debt during the first half
Month in September, OCSP is offering a $25
of 2020 – an all-time record.
match for any new account opened with at least
Oklahoma ranked as the 28th highest rate of debt pay down.
$25 and three straight months of contributions of $25 or more from now until Dec. 31, 2020.
This record reduction in credit card debt has
Beginning in 2000, The Oklahoma 529 College
been driven largely by generous unemployment
Savings Plan is the only direct-sold, state-spon-
benefits and household austerity measures stem-
sored savings plan in Oklahoma, offering state
ming from the pandemic, and the result gives at
income tax deductions, in addition to diverse
least a bit of a silver lining to point to from 2020.
investment options including enrollment-year
WalletHub now projects that U.S. consumers will end the year with a slight reduction in credit card debt for the first time since the end of the Great Recession in 2009.
SENATOR DAVID RECEIVES OKLAHOMA MEDAL OF FREEDOM
8
The supporting citation for David’s award points
For more information about the Film Crew 101
options that adjust automatically as a child approaches the start of college. For more information about the Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan or to open an account, go to ok4saving.org or call (877) 654-7284.
Senate Majority Leader Kim David is the latest
Would you like to get in touch with us? We would
Oklahoman to receive the Oklahoma National
love to hear from you! Contact us at CityLifestyle.
Guard’s highest civilian honor—The Oklahoma
com/OKC using the Get In Touch link and let us
Medal of Freedom.
know what you think.
OKC Lifestyle | November 2020
Here to Help You Rebuild Your LifeÂŽ In any court date in the family court, there are a lot of moving parts. For example, if there is a trial or evidentiary hearing, parties are often worried about the case itself. This might mean worrying about the witnesses who will be called, the evidence presented, and how the judge will rule. It also might involve the emotions and stress involved with having to be in court. For many, it took a long time to get a trial or court date. Even if it is not a trial date, but merely a motion date, pretrial or settlement conference, these court dates can be stressful. Stress can cause parties to become nervous, anxious or even frustrated. These feelings can sometimes bring out bad body language in the courtroom. The bad body language can culminate in frowning, being fidgety, slouching or even reacting negatively from a body language perspective based on what happens in court. Some parties may moan or gasp. Others might throw up their hands or fidget in their chairs. In some instances, parties might furiously pass notes to their lawyers. Ultimately, the poor visuals can be damaging. The bad body language can come when an individual simply sees the other party in a contentious case. But the wrong body language can begin when the opposing lawyer is speaking, when a witness is testifying or something happens that they feel is bad for their case. Worse yet, it can come when the judge says something or announces a ruling from the bench. Bad body language can damage a case. Judges have lots of discretion in divorce or family court cases in terms of what they do. Often, judges are weighing the credibility
RE IAN
Body Language Can Matter in the Family Court of witnesses not only based on what they say, but what they can see. If the family court judge sees body language they do not like, it can be damaging. Ultimately, parties need to be careful that they are in control of their body language. They have to understand that this can make a difference. Some useful tips include remaining stone-faced at all times. No matter what happens in a courtroom, most parties should not react to it in any way. Sitting in a chair with good posture can help. It can project confidence and a sense of calm. Even with the stress of these court dates, parties have to go to their happy place emotionally. It might mean meditating or praying for peace. It might mean engaging in breathing techniques or trying to focus on something. Whatever helps a person display a positive demeanor, they should employ. Parties have to avoid showing their anger, anxiety and frustration as best as possible. To the extent they are getting emotional, talking to their attorney in a private room to express their concerns can help. It might mean taking a walk or going to the water fountain or restroom when emotions are building up. But when a party is in the courtroom, they should realize that everything they do can impact the case. Bad body language can even impact the ability to settle the case. If the opposing party and lawyer can see that a party is becoming unglued, some may decide not to settle because they might believe that the other party will
W ILLIAM S
F I N E
not make a good impression. Stange Law Firm, PC limits their practice to family law matters including divorce, child custody, child support, paternity, guardianship, adoption, mediation, collaborative law and other domestic relation matters. Stange Law Firm, PC gives clients 24/7 access to their case through a secured online case tracker found on the website. They also give their clients their cell phone numbers. Call for a consultation today at 855-805-0595.
To schedule a consultation:
855-805-0595
WWW.STANGELAWFIRM.COM The choice of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisements. Stange Law Firm, PC is respsonsible for the content. Principal place of business is 120 South Central Ave, Suite 450, Clayton, MO 63105. Court rules do not permit us to advertise that we specialize in a particular field or area of law. The areas of law mentioned in this article are our areas of interest and generally are the types of cases which we are involved. It is not intended to suggest specialization in any areas of law which are mentioned The information you obtain in this advertisement is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. We invite you to contact us and welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Past results afford no guarantee of future results and every case is different and must be judged on its merits.
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Oklahoma City, OK 73112
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INSPIRED BY
GIVING BACK
MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD BY GIVING BACK THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
ARTICLE HEIDE BRANDES | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
THIS YEAR WAS HARD ON EVERYONE, BUT FOR THE MOST VULNERABLE IN SOCIETY, 2020 WAS EXCEPTIONALLY DIFFICULT. Between
WATER4 Water4, an Oklahoma City-based international nonprofit
the
founded in 2008 by Oklahomans Dick & Terri Greenly, exists
COVID-19 pandemic and the stresses of dealing with uncer-
to equip local entrepreneurs in developing countries to pro-
tainty, charities need your support now more than ever.
vide sustainable safe water access to every person, school
unemployment,
Kick off your holidays by giving back to organizations
and clinic in their communities. Every day, more than 2.1 billion
that lift up those in need. Here are three charities to con-
people lack access to safe water and 600 million people have
sider this year.
to walk an average of 3.7 miles to fetch water for their families.
SCARS AND STRIPES COFFEE
lems with local resources. We’re committed to working
“We’re committed to local people solving local probScars & Stripes Coffee, founded in Oklahoma City
through the capacity, strength, and greatness of ordinary
by Chad Watts, is founded on empowering veterans to
people to do whatever it takes to see a world where every
start their own businesses. The company creates a vet-
last person has abundant access to safe water,” said Matt
erans-only salesforce and only veterans can sell Scars
Hangen, president & CEO of Water4.
& Stripes Coffee products. Scars and Stripes use a sin-
To date, Water4 has completed more than 6,000 water
gle-level direct marketing sales model combined with a
projects and helped to provide safe water to more than
military rank structure to provide employment and income
1.5 million people. To support Water4 or to learn more,
opportunities for veteran team members and empower
visit water4.org or email hello@water4.org.
them by giving them a hand up instead of a handout. “We want to empower veterans and connect them with
THE REGIONAL FOOD BANK OF OKLAHOMA
communities all across this great country by developing
School closures and unemployment due to COVID across
the largest veterans-only salesforce. Now, all veterans
the country left many children without a reliable source
across America will have a team to join following their
of food. Plus, parents who are feeling even more strained
military service. “ said Watts. “Since only 1% of Americans
during this crisis are facing an extra burden of child care.
are joining the service, it’s no surprise that 44% of post-
Every $1 you give to the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma
9/11 veterans say they have difficulty reintegrating into
will help provide four meals to Oklahoma families. he major-
civilian life after leaving active duty. It’s challenging for
ity of people served by the Regional Food Bank are chron-
service members to find a new tribe in the civilian world
ically hungry children, seniors living on fixed incomes and
that understands them.”
hardworking families struggling to make ends meet.
To support, visit scarsandstripescoffee.com. 10
OKC Lifestyle | November 2020
To donate, visit regionalfoodbank.org.
Scars and Stripes Coffee
Water4
The Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma provides meals to families in 53 counties.
CityLifestyle.com/OKC
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HEALTHY LIFESTYLE
THANKSGIVING FIT THESE OUTDOOR WORKOUTS CAN HELP BURN OFF CALORIES AS YOU SPEND TIME WITH FAMLY
ARTICLE HEIDE BRANDES | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
THANKSGIVING MAY BE A HOLIDAY THAT BRINGS LOVED ONES TOGETHER TO CELEBRATE ALL THAT WE HAVE TO BE THANKFUL FOR, BUT IT ALSO BRINGS ON THE DREADED HOLIDAY WEIGHT GAIN. The average American will eat a whopping 3,000 calories during Thanksgiving for dinner alone. Drinks, dessert and appetizers can bring the total calorie count to 4,500, according to the Calorie Control Council, an industry group. Instead of falling into a food coma all day and bemoaning your full belly, try these outdoor activities that not only help burn off those extra calories, but also bring the family together for a fun, outdoor activity.
A simple walk after Thanksgiving dinner can help burn off those calories. 14
OKC Lifestyle | November 2020
SO IF YOU ATE TOO MUCH STUFFING AND AUNT JUDY'S PUMPKIN PIE IS WEIGHING HEAVY IN YOUR STOMACH, HEAD OUTDOORS AND BURN OFF THAT FOOD WITH A FAMILY ADVENTURE.
01.
TAKE A HIKE
02.
PEDAL AWAY POUNDS
03.
HIT THE WATER
Fall is a wonderful time to hike. The
Grab the kids and hop on your bike
leaves change colors, the weather
for a family cycling adventure. You
kayaking can be a fun fall adven-
is cooler and the trails aren't nearly
don't even have to race. According to
ture for the whole family. Kayaking
as crowded. Even better, a 160-
Harvard University, biking at a mod-
is a great way strengthen your
pound person will burn somewhere
erate speed of 12 to 13.9 miles per
core and upper body, and a 130-
between 430 and 440 calories per
hour will cause a 155-pound person
lbs person will burn as many as
hour of hiking, while a 200-pound
to burn 298 calories in 30 minutes.
300 calories during a one-hour lei-
If you have a lake or river nearby,
person will burn closer to 550 calo-
surely kayak ride. A 175-lbs person
ries per hour of hiking.
will burn up to 400 calories per hour. CityLifestyle.com/OKC
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A WINE ROOM AND A VIEW THIS OAK TREE HOME THRILLS WITH MODERN KITCHEN, AMPLE SPACE AND A DEDICATED WINE ROOM
ARTICLE BRENT GIBSON PHOTOGRAPHY BRENT GIBSON
TUCKED INTO THE OAK TREE ADDITION IN NORTH EDMOND, THIS HOUSE HIDES UNQUE AND DELIGHTFUL TOUCHES THAT ENHANCE THE 5,000-SQUARE-FOOT HOME.
The kitchen and dining room open up to a large two-story living room which looks over the pool and the Oak Tree Golf Course. Other notable touches in this wonderful home include a pow-
The recently-completed modern custom home design by Bent
der bathroom designed by Nicole with quartzite countertops and
Gibson Class Home Design was the creation of Shane Rickey in
a gold pattern on the walls. A custo mosaic tile made from marble
collaboration with the clients and the builder John Matteson Custom
and brass is the focal point of the master bath.
Homes. Built in the Oak Tree Golf and Country Club, the home fea-
But one of the real beauties of this home, especially for wine
tures linear roof lines with varied heights, which creates an expan-
lovers, is the glassed-in wine room, which is the focal point of the
sive look, complimented with stone and stucco accents.
house. The wine room can be seen from the entrance of the house
The iron front doors make a bold statement and were custom-made by Monte Cristo Ironworks. The four-bedroom domicile boasts of a large modern kitchen
and from the back kitchen area. It’s an absolute dream for anyone with a wine collection and a desire to entertain.
with quartzite counters and intricate tile patterns designed by Nicole Rickey, interior designer. Nicole used her exclusive lighting line Luxe Lighting to add artistic elements to the large kitchen
For more information on custom home design or for Nicole Rickey
area, which leas to a comfortable dining room.
Interior Design, visit brentgibson.com.
18
OKC Lifestyle | November 2020
CONTINUED >
This Oak Tree Home boasts of hidden gem elements inside, including a dedicated wine room.
The brass and marble mosaic tile inlay is the focal point in this master bath.
CityLifestyle.com/OKC
19
A WINE ROOM AND A VIEW (CONTINUED)
A modern custom kitchen designed by Nicole Rickey has ample work space and storage. Quartzite counterstops and backsplash were used throughout. A view into the glass-enclosed wine room. The back kitchen, designed by Nicole Rickey Design, has easy access to the wine room. The powder bathroom with quartize counter top is a cozy intimate space.
20
OKC Lifestyle | November 2020
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GIVING BACK ARTICLE HEIDE BRANDES | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Dishes to Delight LOCAL LIMELIGHTERS SHARE THEIR FAVORITE THANKSGIVING RECIPES
TIRED OF SERVING THE SAME OLD THANKSGIVING DISHES YEAR AFTER YEAR? Why not try something new, something different, something daring? We turned to the Chilcoats of Monte Cristo Ironworks and to our friends at The Greens Country Club for a few new recipes for you to try this year at your Thanksgiving gathering. ENJOY!
Timila S. Rother's Sweet Potato Casserole Timila S. Rother may be best known as the president and CEO at Crowe & Dunlevy, but she’s also a heck of a cook as well. When she isn’t leading one of the largest law firms in the state, she’s whipping up holiday favorites like her famous Sweet Potato Casserole. INGREDIENTS Filling + 4 to 5 large sweet potatoes baked and peeled (microwave is fine) + 1-1/4 cups of sugar + 3/4 cup butter (melted) + 2 eggs, well beaten + 3/4 cup evaporated milk Topping + 1 cup cornflakes + 1/2 cup pecans + 3/4 cup butter (melted) + 1/2 cup coconut (optional) MIXING AND BAKING 01 Mix baked and peeled sweet potatoes with sugar, 3/4 cup melted butter, eggs and evaporated milk. Bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes. Timila Rother's Sweet Potato Casserole
02 Crunch together cornflakes, pecans, 3/4 melted butter and coconut. Spread on the baked filling and bake an additional 15 minutes at 400 degrees.
22
OKC Lifestyle | November 2020
Aunt Martha's Apple Cranberry Pie You may know the Chilcoat family from their Monte Cristo Ironworks crafted doors, but they make a a scrumptious apple cranberry pie that’s a winner for Thanksgiving. INGREDIENTS
Go beyond the typical apple pie and try this Apple Cranberry Pie!
+ Graham Cracker Crust + 1 can apple pie filling + 1 can cranberry sauce with whole cranberries + 1/4 tsp nutmeg + 2 Tbl cornstarch + 1/3 cup flour + 1/4 cup brown sugar + 1/4 cup butter, melted + 1/4 cup chopped nuts DIRECTIONS 01 Brush one egg yolk on the graham cracker crust and bake for 5 minutes at 375 degrees. 02 Mix fillings, nutmeg and cornstarch and pour into prepared crust. 03 Mix the next ingredients in a separate bowl and spread on top of pie ingredients. 04 Bake 35 minutes at 375 degrees.
CONTINUED >
CityLifestyle.com/OKC
23
GIVING BACK (CONTINUED)
Fried Samoas® Shrimp Shannon Evers is the CEO for The Girl Scouts Western Oklahoma, so it should come as no surprise that one of her favorite appetizers is made with... Girl Scout Cookies. This fried shrimp dish pulls in the flavors of the popular Girl Scout cookie for a unique dish that helps young women! INGREDIENTS + 5 extra-large shrimp, peeled and deveined + 5 Samoas® Girl Scout Cookies®, finely chopped + 2 cups seasoned bread crumbs + 2 cups flour + 1 cup coconut flakes + 4 egg whites + 1 pinch cayenne pepper + 1 lime for garnish + Vegetable oil for frying DIRECTIONS Yields 5 shrimp 01 Toss coconut flakes with bread crumbs, cayenne pepper and chopped Samoas® Girl Scout Cookies®. 02 Dredge shrimp through flour, followed by egg whites and Samoas® Girl Scout Cookies® mixture. 03 Fry shrimp in vegetable oil at 350 degrees until golden brown. 04 Garnish with coconut flakes and lime wedges.
Somoas Shrimp
24
OKC Lifestyle | November 2020
• DIS CLEAN INFECT •
KEEP YOUR
What’s a holiday dinner without a little adult libation? Mark Seward, Food & Beverage director at The Greens Country Club, knows how to make a cocktail for any occasion, and this Spiced Rum has all the flavors of
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The Greens Spiced Rum
CERMTIFIED CLED AN R . CL
E A N A PPROVE
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Thanksgiving. Add a fresh cinnamon stick to make it extra festive! INGREDIENTS + 1.5oz spiced rum + 1/2 oz cinnamon syrup + 6oz hot cider + Cinnamon stick
Call The Maids® to clean and disinfect your home today.
Combine and enjoy!
The Greens Spiced Rum
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CityLifestyle.com/OKC
25
OUR TOWN
Robert Baxter
Patriotic Employer! IF YOU CAN'T FIND YOUR SHORTS, CALL ROBERT BAXTER ELECTRIC
26
OKC Lifestyle | November 2020
ARTICLE HEIDE BRANDES | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
“I remember my mother telling me ‘You can never go wrong by doing the right thing,’ That always stuck with me.” IN EARLY SEPTEMBER, THE FAMILY-OWNED STAFF OF ROBERT BAXTER ELECTRIC GATH-
After selling Baxter Electric in 2012, he quickly discovered retirement was not his cup of tea.
ERED FOR THEIR COMPANY DINNER. Little did
“I was so bored about a year into retirement. My
70-year-old Robert Baxter know that he would be
leg was messed up, so I couldn’t play golf, so I went
made man of the hour.
back into business,” Baxter said. “I opened as Robert
An employee of Robert Baxter Electric, Michael
Baxter Electric. This time, we didn’t do a lot of new
Nixon, also served in the National Guard. Every time
construction or commercial construction, but did
he had to serve, Baxter not only gave him the time off,
mostly service work.”
but paid him for it as well.
Although Robert Baxter Electric still does some
“I remember my mother telling me ‘You can never
remodeling and room addition work, most of the calls
go wrong by doing the right thing,’ That always stuck
are helping people with their electrical services and
with me,” said Baxter. “I’m 70. I should have been in
shorts. In fact, that’s when the new slogan came about.
Vietnam, but I had a young wife and child and really
“If you can find your shorts, call us,” said Baxter.
bad knees and they didn’t want me. Supporting
“It’s a fun slogan. It’s something I heard Paul Harvey
Michael was my way of serving.”
say way back in the 80s or something.”
Nixon nominated his employer for the “Patriotic
Robert Baxter Electric started with one truck and
Employer” award for the State of Oklahoma. Out of
one other employee. Today, the company is a fami-
thousands of essays submitted, Nixon’s essay won
ly-owned operation with four trucks and seven staff.
and Robert Baxter earned the “Patriotic Employer”
Headquartered in Edmond, Robert Baxter Electric
honor for the State of Oklahoma by the Office of the
takes on home electrical needs. Whether it’s install-
Secretary of Defense.
ing better lighting in your kitchen, or having all the
He is now in the running for the national honors.
electrical outlets and switches in your new room
“I thought that was pretty cool,” said Baxter. “I was
addition installed by a professional, or making sure
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OKC Lifestyle | November 2020
FAITH REFLECTIONS
WALKING THE WALK
A JOURNEY DOWN THE WINDING LIFE PATH OF UNASSUMING SPIRITUAL LEADER FRANCIS CHAN
FROM THE PULPIT OF A THRIVING MEGACHURCH OF MORE THAN 5,000 MEMBERS AND GROWING, TO A HOME IN THE POOREST REGION OF HONG KONG. From authoring a New York Times bestseller, to being surrounded by people struggling to make it by on just 50 cents a day. For most, it probably sounds like a tale of riches to rags; an unfortunate result of someone falling upon hard times. But for Francis Chan, it’s exactly what his soul needed—an opportunity to fulfill his God-given purpose of becoming a man who can truly say he practices what he preaches. And it was all by his own choice (with maybe a little guidance from above). Francis, born in San Francisco, was raised in a traditional Chinese home and navigated a challenging upbringing. His mother died during childbirth. His father remarried, then his stepmother died in a car accident when he was 8. His father remarried again, then, when Francis was 12, died of cancer. Francis was around 14 when he was introduced to a youth group by a friend. “I fell in love with Jesus,” he says, explaining that it was
ARTICLE NICOLETTE MARTIN
then he decided if there really was a Heaven and Hell, it didn’t make sense to spend his life doing anything other than telling people about Him. Twenty-six and newly married, Francis and his wife Lisa founded Cornerstone Community Church in Simi Valley, California in the early 90s, beginning with 30 people. Within the first two months, the church grew to 100. In 2000, the church grew even more, to 1,600. By 2008, Cornerstone Community Church was one of the largest in Ventura County and Francis’ new book “Crazy Love” was a New York Times bestseller.
CONTINUED >
CityLifestyle.com/OKC
29
FAITH REFLECTIONS (CONTINUED)
Watch the full interview @ CityLifestyle.com! Then, in 2010, Francis decided to leave it all. But, he wasn’t leaving God. He was separating himself from the megachurch that had started in his living room as he and other elders began to question its direction. “Was this really what the Church is meant to be? Is this all God had in mind when he created His Church in the first place?” Francis questions in his second book Letters to the Church. “We began to wonder if our definition of a church actually fit God’s definition.” “Everything had grown to be very dependent upon one person,” he continues. “The Bible tells us that every member of the body has a gift that is necessary to the functioning of the church. When I looked at what went on in Cornerstone, I saw me and a few other people using our gifts, while thousands just came and sat in the sanctuary for an hour and a half and then went home.” After leaving Cornerstone, Francis wrestled with what the next step was. He and Lisa ended up selling their Simi Valley house and moving their family of six at the time overseas to India, Thailand and China. And the $1 million his bestselling book made in the first year, plus the money it continues to make? Francis signed it all over to a charitable gift fund helping the poor and victims of human trafficking. “We witnessed the simplicity of the lifestyles in rural Thailand, and the joy of the men and women who served widows and orphans day in and day out” “You meet these believers that just blow your mind. It’s everything the Bible talks about,” Francis says, inspired by those he’s met throughout his travels. “Some of the
It was after that Francis believes he was called back to the
godliest people, the most committed...people that I
States, and the Chan family ended up back in San Francisco.
admire and aspire to become like. If I can get past my
This time, much like the beginning of Cornerstone, Francis
own hunger for comfort and enjoyment and really sac-
and Lisa once again felt a calling to plant a church.
rifice like I’ve seen some of these people do, I know I’ll have even more fulfillment in life.”
What started this time was We Are Church—an organization passionately pursuing what God wants in a church, done through
“People tha t I ’ve f ou nd tha t have spent t h ei r l i ves tr uly loving o t h er s a r e t h e jo yf u l peopl e.” 30
OKC Lifestyle | November 2020
values and practices like devotion to scripture,
committing
to
churches of 10-20 people meeting in a home, and calling everyone to share the gospel and make disciples.
“Som et im e s you sh ed som e t h i ngs an d you re al i ze i t ’s a c t u a l l y bet t er; s om e o f t he th i ng s w e t h ou gh t w ou l d brin g us in t o t h e p r esenc e of G od actually now di st r a c t u s.” Francis’ extensive time overseas has shown him a contrast
In the throes of a pandemic, quarrels over U.S. politics, a
between the American church and the spirituality and Godly
growing divide among people and beliefs, and the unsurety of
lives of others across the world, and now struggles with see-
life, Francis’ vision of where the concept of church is heading—a
ing the division in the church, due in large part to growing
non-prophetic guess, he clarifies, laughing—can be summed up
issues of individualism and pride.
through a story of his daughter Rachel, when she was 5 years old.
“Try to look at the church in America from an outsider’s
“We regularly visited this rundown place in our city called
perspective, Francis challenges. “Is that really where you
Paint Pals,” he laughs, reminiscently. “There was this old maze
would look for answers— knowing the divisiveness; know-
you walked through with only a few walls, some little ceramic
ing all the scandals; knowing everything you know about it?
things you could paint and this big bubble machine that was
The church is in a really poor state and it in some ways feels
just a hula hoop dipped in bubble solution.”
like it’s getting worse.” “I wish we could learn and see the sacrifice of others,” he continues. “Overseas they’re just obsessed with each other.” Francis, pretending to hold up a phone facing himself, goes on to describe how he sees this generation as a generation all about taking selfies; noting that you could be in the Grand Canyon or Niagara Falls and you’re always in the picture—always the center of everything.
“One day I was just like, ‘Honey, this week I’m going to take you to Disneyland!’ And she was like, ‘What’s that?’” he says. “I go, ‘You have no clue. This is like the happiest place on Earth. You’re gonna go nuts!’” Francis says Rachel began to get very sad, asking if they could just go to Paint Pals. “She’s working herself into tears,” he laughs. “Like, you’re crying because I’m about to take you to Disneyland.”
“All we really need to do is hit that little button that switches
“I feel like we’re just like Rachel when she was 5,” he says,
it off selfie mode,” he says. “And now I can’t even see myself. All
fondly recalling the Paint Pals days. “We’re accustomed to
I see is God and those around me. People that I’ve found that
certain things and God has something so much better for us. I
have spent their lives truly loving others are the joyful people.”
believe he’s leading us all into a deeper intimacy with Him that
Much like separation from his megachurch setting,
is just off the charts. Sometimes you shed some things and you
preaching in front of thousands, and the continued growth
realize it’s actually better; some of the things we thought would
of We Are Church exudes, Francis continues to spread the
bring us into the presence of God actually now distract us.”
belief that people are the church.
Nearly six months ago, Francis’ path led him to the Sham
“It’s not about going to a place and needing a critical mass
Shui Po area on the Kowloon side of Hong Kong with most
of 8 people or 1,000 people or this or that; it’s the person of
of his family, including his wife, all but one of his daughters,
Christ and enjoying that,” he says. “I really believe the Lord
two sons-in-law and two grandchildren. It’s a place where he
wants us during this time to go back to the scriptures, rethink
later found is where his mother also did ministries in the 1950s,
‘What did he really want the church to be?’ Believers have
and allows him the continued humbling opportunity to live out
been scattered since the beginning of the church. People
his journey through the Gospel, working with the ultra poor
were alone, people were in little groups and found each other
to bring relief, sharing the word of God and, you guessed it,
and enjoyed Christ together.”
planting churches.
CityLifestyle.com/OKC
31
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33
NOVEMBER
LIFESTYLE CALENDAR
6
7
annual Rodeo Hall of Fame Weekend
GILBERT GOTTFRIED
ORR'S GOURD WILD PUMPKIN FESTIVAL
are $170 for the weekend activities.
Bricktown Comedy Club, 409 E. California
Orr Family Farm, 14400 S. Western Ave.
You don't want to miss out on all of
Bring your old pumpkins to the farm
the laughs at the Bricktown Comedy
to smash or destroy the unsold
Club when Gilbert Gottfried takes the
pumpkins at the farm in unique ways.
stage Nov. 5-7! Tickets are $15 to $30.
Guests can take a stroll through
For more information and for tickets,
pumpkin guts and goo during the
visit bricktowncomedy.com.
bash and participate in other farm
NOV 6- JAN 31 DEVON ICE RINK 301 W. Reno Ave
The Devon Ice Rink returns for its 10th season in the Myriad Botanical
actvities. The event in included with regular admission.
celebrating rodeo legends’ induction into the Rodeo Hall of Fame. Tickets For tickets and information, visit nationalcowboymuseum.org.
23 THE SANTA MARKET CRAFT SHOW FOR ALZHEIMERS State Fair Park,
3001 General Cushing Blvd.
The Santa Market Craft Show for
11
Alzheimers features over 100 ven-
FREE OKC STREETCAR RIDES
latest in direct sales. Attendees can
dors showcasing decor and fashion, handmade and unique items and the
Downtown Oklahoma City
also enjoy food truck, a silent auction,
Gardens in 2020. Get ready for
Explore downtown Oklahoma City
free photos with Santa and more. This
another great winter of outdoor ice
on the OKC Streetcar for FREE!
free event benefits the Alzheimer’s
skating at Downtown in December’s
Throughout the year, EMBARK is offer-
Association of Oklahoma.
premier attraction. At Devon Ice Rink,
ing free rides on the OKC Streetcar to
you can skate across 5,500 square
promote the use of public transporta-
feet of real ice, and indulge in sea-
tion. This month, the free rides will be
sonal food and beverage offerings.
on Nov. 11, 21, 26, 27 and 28.
Lose yourself in a magical, park-like atmosphere surrounded by the glittering lights of the Devon Ice Rink. https://downtownindecember.com/ devon-ice-rink/
13 BLUE MAN GROUP
29 PINK FLOYD LASER SPECTACULAR Rose State College
Hudiburg Chevrolet Center
Paramount’s Laser Spectacular is the smash hit, psychedelic laser and light
Civic Center Music Hall, 201 N. Walker
show, featuring the Original Master
7
More than 35 million people around
Recordings of Pink Floyd. The con-
the world have experienced the smash
cert features the music of Pink Floyd
FESTIVAL OF FREAKS
hit phenomenon that is BLUE MAN
set to theatrical haze, dancing lasers
GROUP and now it’s your turn! BLUE
and strobe lights. For more informa-
Oklahoma State Fair Park,
MAN GROUP returns to Oklahoma
tion, visit pinkfloydlasershow.com.
3001 General Cushing Blvd.
City for a limited engagement on their
Festival of Freaks is excited to
new North American tour. For tickets,
announce Saturday, November 7,
visit okcbroadway.com.
2020 as the NEW date for the Oklahoma City event. Any tickets purchased for the March 21, 2020 original date will be honored on the new date. Admission is $5. Children age 3 and under are admitted free.
34
OKC Lifestyle | November 2020
13 RODEO HALL OF FAME WEEKEND
National Cowboy & Western Heritage
Would you like to get in touch with
Museum, 1700 NE 63rd St.
us? We would love to hear from you!
The National Cowboy & Western
Contact us at CityLifestyle.com/OKC
Heritage Museum and the Rodeo
using the Get In Touch link and let us
Historical Society kicks off the
know what you think.
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