NOMINATE SOMEONE IN NEED (PG. 25) YOUVERSION BIBLE APP, 1 BILLION INSTALLS
SOONER DOUGHBOYS WRITE HOME
for the way we live today
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The Grateful Issue
As the crisp air of November sets in and Thanksgiving approaches, I find myself reflecting on just how much we have to be grateful for. At City Lifestyle, gratitude isn’t just a seasonal sentiment—it’s the foundation of what we do all year long. We are truly blessed to serve our community by shining a light on the remarkable citizens, inspiring charities and nonprofits, and dedicated local businesses that make our towns such vibrant places to live. Each day, we are reminded that gratitude grows when it’s shared, and Thanksgiving offers the perfect opportunity to pause, give thanks, and celebrate the connections that enrich our lives.
This month’s issue captures that spirit through a collection of stories that highlight the heart of generosity, resilience, and community. We begin with the National Giving Campaign, which invites us to see those often unseen during the holiday season, reminding us of the life-changing impact of simple acts of kindness. For those preparing to gather loved ones around the table, our Thanksgiving Hosting Hacks article offers practical ways to reduce stress and maximize joy, ensuring that gratitude remains at the center of your celebration. History also plays a role this month, as we explore the University of Oklahoma’s preserved World War I letters in Sooner Doughboys Write Home, a moving reminder of courage and sacrifice that still inspires today. And finally, we turn to the global stage with the story of YouVersion’s “Beyond a Billion” milestone, where technology and faith intersect to bring hope, peace, and connection to people across every culture and nation.
Together, these features embody the gratitude we feel for both our heritage and our future—the people who have paved the way, the families and friends who sustain us today, and the opportunities ahead to give back and make a difference.
As you gather with loved ones this Thanksgiving, may your homes be filled with warmth, your tables with abundance, and your hearts with gratitude. From all of us here at City Lifestyle, thank you for letting us be part of your story. Wishing you and yours a joyous and blessed Thanksgiving season.
1-7: Scenes from the Opening Night of Cirque du Soleil’s production of OVO, which tells the story of an awkward, quirky insect that discovers a magnificent ladybug in a bustling neighborhood, and they instantly fall in love. The family-friendly production took place Sept. 14-17 at OKC’s Paycom Center.
by Jerri Culpepper
Photography
1-7: Oklahoma City Ballet welcomed more than 4,500 attendees to Ballet Under the Stars on Friday, September 12. This free community performance featured a diverse program of classical ballet selections and new contemporary works, showcasing the artistic range of the company. In addition to the professional dancers, the program highlighted emerging talent from the Yvonne Chouteau School, the University of Oklahoma School of Dance, and Oklahoma City Ballet’s Community Partner, Santa Fe South Elementary School.
Photography by Jana Carson (Performance Photos) and Ashley Sunderland (Crowd Photos)
The Ultimate Care for Your Ultimate Smile
Jurassic Park In Concert - Oklahoma City’s Civic Center Music Hall
Get ready for an adventure 65 million years in the making! The Oklahoma City Philharmonic presents Jurassic Park in concert at the Civic Center Music Hall on Saturday, November 29th. The full orchestra will perform John Williams’ iconic score live while the film plays on the big screen. This epic event promises an unforgettable night of movie magic. Tickets start at $24 and can be purchased at okcphil.org/concerts/ Jurassic-park. or call (405) 842-5387
Dr. Roberta Wright
Dr. Lars Bouma
Photography by Oklahoma City Philharmonic
Every Stitch, Pleat, and Pattern Tells a Story of Craftsmanship
With more than 25 years of experience, we specialize in transforming interiors through beautifully tailored window treatments, refined upholstery, and a well-curated collection of designer and performance fabrics. Visit our showroom in Robinson Crossing to discover fabrics, trims, and textures that elevate every space, from concept to completion.
ARTICLE BY RACHEL FEUERBORN
A Billion Opportunities for Connection:
How the World is Engaging in God’s Word
In our fast-paced, always-connected world, millions of people are discovering the Bible as a source of daily hope and peace. The YouVersion Bible App, a free Bible experience that began as a digital ministry of Oklahoma-based Life. Church in 2008 is about to reach a remarkable milestone: one billion installs worldwide.
“When we started this journey, we had no idea what to expect,” shares Bobby Gruenewald, YouVersion’s founder and CEO. “I was just trying to solve a simple problem: how could technology help me read the Bible more consistently? We never
imagined we’d be part of something that millions of people use to grow closer to God every day.”
What began as an idea to help people develop daily Bible engagement rhythms has now been installed in every country of the world. After 17 years, the global YouVersion Community continues to grow and engage with Scripture at a rapid rate— and this is only the beginning.
CELEBRATING A HISTORIC MILESTONE
In celebration of reaching one billion installs, YouVersion is hosting “Beyond a Billion,” an event in Oklahoma City on November 17 at the Paycom Center–home of the 2025 NBA Champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The event will feature powerful worship and inspiring stories from around the world, with special guests like Lauren Daigle, Phil Wickham, Matt Redman, CeCe Winans, Craig Groeschel, Christine Caine, and more. It will celebrate the countless lives that have been transformed by God’s Word in
communities around the world and look forward to what’s to come. Attendees can expect an uplifting experience that highlights the power of Scripture to bring hope, healing, and peace across all cultures and circumstances.
“This milestone isn’t about celebrating a big number. It represents a billion opportunities for God’s Word to meet someone in their moment of need and provide hope,” said Gruenewald. “We have a billion reasons to believe the Bible is just as relevant today as ever, and this moment gives us an incredible opportunity to celebrate the global momentum we’re seeing around Bible engagement.”
A GLOBAL MOVEMENT
Throughout 2025, people worldwide are engaging with Scripture at record levels. As we approach Global Bible Month in November, that momentum is accelerating.
At YouVersion, the Bible App is opened one billion times every 40 days, and we’re seeing explosive
“When we started this journey, we had no idea what to expect.”
growth in unexpected areas, such as Sub-Saharan Africa and the North Africa, Middle East, and Central Asia region. Even beyond YouVersion, print Bible sales are up, and research shows younger generations are more open to the Gospel than ever before.
“What’s happening globally is remarkable. In a time when people are increasingly unsure about what they can trust, the Bible stands alone as a source of truth that’s been carefully carried from generation to generation for thousands of years,” said Gruenewald. “Global Bible Month is an opportunity for the global Church to unite around God’s Word and invite people everywhere to discover its relevance for their lives today, many for the first time.”
DEVELOPING SPIRITUAL HABITS TOGETHER
As part of Global Bible Month, YouVersion is partnering with organizations like The Chosen, Glorify, Hallow, and BibleProject to encourage people to participate in a 30-day Bible Challenge in November. Participants can engage in whatever way works best for them, including an app like YouVersion or a print Bible. The medium doesn’t matter as much as the daily practice of seeking God through His Word.
“When people make Scripture a regular part of their daily routine, that’s where we see real transformation happen. They have more hope, more peace, and more joy. It’s the daily Bible engagement that leads to life change,” said Gruenewald.
Beyond a Billion
Come celebrate reaching one billion installs with YouVersion as they host “Beyond a Billion,” an event on November 17 at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, home of the 2025 NBA Champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder.
To sign up for the 30-Day Bible Challenge or to purchase tickets for the Beyond a Billion celebration, visit bible.com/billion
OU in
ARTICLE BY JERRI CULPEPPER
Book by David Levy Features Letters From OU Students, Alums and Faculty on the Front (and Back) Lines of World War I
WWI
In early 1918, as the Great War appeared at long last to be drawing to a close, the University of Oklahoma’s third president, Stratton Duluth Brooks, composed a letter. On Nov. 6—just five days before the armistice that formally ended World War I—he sent the letter to every current and former OU student, as well as all members of the faculty, serving in the armed forces and for whom the university had a mailing address.
In the letter, the president of the still fledgling university asked these men to write back as often as possible, describing their experiences in their branch of service in detail. His stated purpose: to bind the letters together in volumes and kept in the archives of the university.
Within weeks, letters began trickling in, some typed but most scrawled by hand, hastily composed, and almost indecipherable. Other letters arrived the next year, delayed by other duties and the military’s proclivity to move personnel from place to place.
Some 70 men ultimately wrote to President Brooks and, as each letter arrived, it was placed into a box, filed in alphabetical order and deposited in the personal papers of Stratton Brooks.
For over a century, those letters remained stored away in the Western History Collections’ archives, out of sight and out of mind.
A few years ago, OU professor emeritus David W. Levy stumbled across the letters while searching for something else. After perusing them, he decided many featured content that would be of interest to historians and other history buffs, including those with ties to OU.
Levy selected 53 of those letters to be included (in annotated form) in a book titled Sooner Doughboys Write Home (2025, University of Oklahoma Press). The book, which includes an introduction by Levy and a foreword by OU President Joseph Harroz Jr., includes what Levy calls the most “interesting and revealing” of these letters, many by men who went on to become prominent lawyers and physicians locally and in other communities nationwide.
Written by students and faculty of the university—many of whom returned to complete their degree at OU or to serve with distinction on the OU faculty—these letters offer insights into the
Left page: Cover of David Levy's Book Sooner Doughboys Write Home
This page, top: 1920 Sooner Yearbook portrait of Stratton D. Brooks (1869-1949), the University of Oklahoma’s third president
Bottom: 1918 Sooner Yearbook foreword, showing the patriotism of the study body at the time
life of the everyday soldier in the service of the U.S. Army, Navy, Marines or Air Force. The letters reveal military life inside a submarine, in the trenches, in mobile medical units, military and medical training sites here in the United States and elsewhere.
Those familiar with OU history will recognize many of the letter writers’ names, including Walter Stanley Campbell (1887–1957), who had served on OU’s English faculty since 1915 and served six months in France, becoming a captain in the Field Artillery. Under the name Stanley Vestal, Campbell wrote two dozen books on the American West and American Indians. At OU, he founded the Professional Writing program, which has produced dozens of publishing writers over the years.
In his letter, Vestal wrote: “All of us are animated with but one desire—to finish the war and get home. We are not [now?] fighting on because the war is not over. We came over to settle it, so that we could return to our soft drinks and decent towns and jazz bands and Henry Fords and turkey dinners.”
Another well-known figure whose letters are included in the book is Joshua Bryan Lee (1892–1967), a 1917 OU alumnus who served with the 135th Infantry in France, where he was tasked with providing entertainment and raising morale among the troops. After serving 14 months in the war, he returned to OU to chair the Public Speech Department, a position he held until his successful bid for the U.S. House of Representatives in 1934. He was elected to the Senate in 1937 and was sometimes mentioned as a possible vice-presidential candidate in 1940. He ended his career practicing law in Norman.
Sooner Doughboys offers a moving glimpse into the hearts and souls of men who gave months and years of their time, and sometimes their lives, in support of their country through military service. In his introduction, Levy (often referred to as OU’s historian) also offers invaluable insights into the university in the early years of the 20th century, as well as the state and nation.
I read the book in only one or two sittings, enthralled by the glimpse the letters offer of a very different time in American (and OU) history. Some address boredom (between military campaigns or in non-active-duty assignments), others intense feelings of homesickness. Yet others reveal a quiet courage and sense of duty in the face of death and sickness (1918 was the year of the nation’s historic flu epidemic).
Sooner Doughboys Write Home can be purchased online at oupress.com
Historian David Levy
H O P E
with YOU
The holidays have a way of calling us back to what matters most—faith, family, compassion, and the quiet but powerful act of giving. As lights go up and calendars fill, there are still many who sit in silence, carrying burdens too heavy to bear alone. But what if this season, you could be the spark that changes everything for someone else?
The founders of City Lifestyle, through their private foundation, are once again launching its annual Christmas Giving Campaign—a heartfelt effort to seek out and support individuals and families who have quietly fallen through the cracks. The mission is simple: to bring light, dignity, and hope to those who need it most.
Since its beginning just four years ago, this initiative has grown from a humble idea into a life-changing movement. Last Christmas alone, more than 200 families across the country received unexpected support—financial relief, but also something even more powerful.
“We don’t just send checks,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”
Together with City Lifestyle President Matthew Perry, Steven has helped shape this into a tradition that goes far beyond charity. “This is about community,” Matthew adds. “We believe we’ve been blessed, so now we get to be a blessing.”
Every story begins with a nomination. Often, it’s a neighbor, coworker, friend, or teacher—someone who’s been quietly carrying too much for too long. One past recipient, after receiving unexpected support during a time of deep personal struggle, wrote:
SCAN TO NOMINATE
“We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”
“Beyond the very practical solution of receiving funds to fix my car, this thing you guys worked together to do is bigger than that. I carry the Christmas card you sent in my purse. When things get really hard, I pull it out and remember what it felt like to be seen. That card represents hope— that change for the better is possible. I’m not sure how many people get to carry hope around in their purse. But I do.”
Another wrote in after her husband was diagnosed with aggressive brain cancer and unable to work:
“This support has blessed our family not only financially, but emotionally and spiritually as we trust God to meet our needs throughout this difficult time. Thank you to our anonymous friend and to your foundation. What a joy and gift to be part of God’s family!”
Each year brings countless stories like these—real lives touched by simple acts of kindness. Some use the funds to pay overdue bills, others to afford groceries, medication, or repairs. But no matter the circumstance, the impact is the same: hope is restored.
This season, you have the opportunity to be part of that. The campaign is now open to nominations—completely confidential and prayerfully considered. Whether it’s someone battling illness, facing unemployment, or just in need of a helping hand, you can bring them a moment of grace that will ripple far beyond Christmas morning.
“Knowing my mom was chosen filled my heart with indescribable joy,” said another past recipient. “Your generosity doesn’t just brighten her life; it inspires hope and faith in all of us. It enables her to stay in her home and get back on her feet.”
Nominations are open from November 1st to December 5th, 2025. To submit someone you know, simply scan the QR code or visit @CityLifestyle on Instagram, where you’ll find the nomination form in the bio.
This holiday season, let’s give more than gifts. Let’s give each other the gift of being seen. Because sometimes, the smallest gesture becomes someone’s greatest miracle.
To nominate someone in need, visit: KingdomBuildingFoundation.org or scan the QR code.
Tips on meal prepping for less stress
ARTICLE BY ALISON STANTON
Let’s face it: hosting Thanksgiving dinner can be stressful.
Between grocery shopping, house cleaning, cooking and baking, it’s no wonder the day devoted to giving thanks can feel a tad daunting.
Here’s some very welcome good news: whether this is your first holiday hosting rodeo or you’ve stuffed many a turkey over the years, you can knock out most of the Thanksgiving meal prep work in advance – some of it two weeks before the big day.
To make this year’s Thanksgiving meal easier and more enjoyable, consider the following timeline of tips.
2 WEEKS BEFORE
Create Your Thanksgiving Menu
• Print out the recipes you plan to use – this will be much easier than constantly tapping your phone to prevent the screen from going dark or scrolling when your hands are covered with flour or onions.
• Using your menu and printed out recipes as a guide, compose a complete shopping list.
• Double check your supply of herbs and spices to see what you have on hand –even the ones you are pretty sure you have enough of, like salt and pepper (this tip comes from personal experience!).
• Shop for all non-perishable and frozen food items. Basically, if it doesn’t need to be stored in the fridge, or if it doesn’t have a short shelf life, it’s going in the cart.
• Plan three easy and tasty dinners for the days leading up to Thanksgiving and purchase those ingredients during your shopping trip. Or plan at least one night of takeout. CONTINUED >
4-5 DAYS BEFORE
Clean & Organize, Buy Fresh Groceries
• Clean your home completely, enlisting family members to help. Then, as the big day approaches, you can touch up as needed.
• Finish your grocery shopping for fresh vegetables like potatoes, onions and carrots and other items not purchased earlier.
• Go through your fridge and toss any old, expired condiments, leftovers and mysterious food items that no one is eating. This will free up valuable real estate for your various dishes.
Prep Meals & Set the Table 2-3 DAYS BEFORE
• Wash and chop all veggies and place the prepped produce into plastic baggies or airtight food storage containers. If some recipes call for “minced onion” and others require “chopped onion,” label the bags accordingly.
• Set the table, and include the empty serving dishes. This will help you figure out ahead of time where the larger dishes can go (and if they will all fit!) Add Post-It notes to the empty dishes to remind you what will go in what. Use a clean sheet to cover everything and keep it all dust-free until Thursday. You can also do this for a buffet.
• Gather all needed serving spoons and other serving pieces.
• Pre-measure herbs and spices for your recipes and store them in labeled small plastic bags with the name of the dish they are for and what’s in the baggies. You can also do the same for any flour, sugar or other non-perishable ingredients you’ll use in your dishes.
Tidy, Prepare Dishes & Drinks 1 DAY BEFORE
• Do a quick clean and tidy around the home; for instance, run the vacuum and shine up the bathrooms.
• If you haven’t already done so, bake your pies, or, at the very least, prepare your pie dough. Wrap the dough in plastic and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble and bake the pies.
• Make the mashed potatoes. Bonus tip: on Thanksgiving, put the potatoes into a slow cooker and heat them up using the “warm” setting.
• Prepare the gravy. If you have a second slow cooker, it too can be warmed up this way on Thanksgiving. This will also help free up pots, pans and burners on the stove!
• Set up a separate drink station where guests can help themselves or someone can serve them away from the kitchen. Stock it with glasses of different sizes, napkins, bottle and can openers and straws.
uniqueGIFTING
ARTICLE BY MEL BOBAN
ADVICE EDITORIAL: ALTERNATE GIFT IDEAS FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON
The holiday season is officially on, and gifting is top of mind. We’re all used to scrolling online, browsing the malls or hitting the local boutiques, but sometimes it’s fun and unexpected to switch it up. If looking to surprise and delight recipients this year and to bring a new tradition to the season, offbeat gifting can be a great way to turn a new leaf on stale routines.
1) PRE-HOLIDAY SURPRISE.
For those traveling, send gifts early, such as cheeses, fruit or pies.
2) FUTURE FUN.
Browse winter or spring events; snag tickets to enjoy with recipients.
3) GENEROSITY.
Donations make heartfelt, thoughtful ideas.
4) TRAVEL.
Gift a loved one with a trip.
5) TIME.
Is a recipient busy, overloaded and overworked? Treat them to a whole home cleaning before or after the holiday.
6) LOVE OF LEARNING.
If a loved one is planning international travel, grab them a gift card for a language learning app.
7) THOUGHTFUL MESSAGES.
Ask friends and family to record loving messages on cellphones; combine recordings using a video app for meaningful holiday greeting.
8) BON APPÉTIT.
Sign up special someone for cooking class regarding favorite cuisine, or cuisine they struggle to make.
9) RECIPE BOOK.
Gather traditional family recipes and create printed books for guests as priceless keepsakes.
Jimmy turned a magazine into community.
City Lifestyle isn’t just a publication — it’s a pulse. A rhythm of voices, neighbors, and stories woven together by someone who believes in the power of connection. As we expand, we’re looking for people ready to turn care into community. Are you ready to be that spark?
