By Darlene Franklin

“Why should I be afraid?” Israel’s greatest warrior king, David, asked in Psalm 27.
These past few months, I could have given him a few reasons from the “disease that stalks you in darkness” (Psalm 91:6, NLT) category. It started with a pulmonary embolism that could have taken my life and progressed to a succession of less threatening but still uncomfortable and debilitating ailments, most recently the need for cataract surgery.
Given my propensity to anxiety, I decided to proactively arm myself with encouragements not to give in to fear. When I opened my Bible, I discovered that every time it tells me to not be afraid, it also gives a reason.
If often also gives additional instruments. “Just” do this instead. As I adjust my attitude, my fear level drops.
“Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today.” (Exodus 14:13 NLT bold face mine and also in the paragraphs below)
In the words of the Desiderata by Max Ehrmann, “No doubt the universe is unfolding exactly as it should.” Given time, most issues will resolve themselves.
Yes, there are times I’m supposed to get to work or even go on the offensive. But I start by standing still. I’m not in control, and why do I want to be? God is so much more powerful than I am on every level.
“The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.” (Exodus 14:14 NLT) The phrase “stay calm” follows on the heels of “standing still” in the Bible, suggests the two work hand in hand. “Stand” involves physical action, to maintain an upright position while on one’s feet, without wavering. In this case, “stay” works more like “to be.” I can stand still because I am calm.
“Still” implies calm. I am undisturbed by outside forces, not showing or even feeling strong emotion, e.g., fear.
“Just open your eyes and see how the wicked are punished.” (Psalm 91:8 NLT.)
Take a look at the larger picture. When the doctor told me, I had blood clots in my lungs—not one but two—I was unaware that that I had already passed the first test to survival. I hadn’t died in a heart attack as soon as they developed.
Recently, I spent eight hours in emergency room because of chest pain which turned out to be nothing worse than gastric difficulties. Over the long hours I spent watching the ER fill, empty, and fill again with new patients, I opened my eyes to those in much worse shape than me. I could afford to wait while newborn babies sick from pneumonia cried feebly and accident victims hovered on the brink of life and death.
“Just remember what the Lord your God did.” (Deuteronomy 7:18-21 NLT)
Remember the past. Was I frightened the last time I went through a similar experience? When the doctor warned me that the surgery was very serious, implying “and you could die.” Of course! I was afraid, but at peace—and I survived.
The more often something like that happens, the easier it becomes to remember God’s in control. Whether I live or die, I can trust him. The heart and mind connect what I’m learning from my Bible study and what’s happening in my life more clearly. Past experience increases my confidence that God has a purpose behind the current trial that’s tempting me to fear.
“Just have faith.” (Mark 5:36 NLT)
This guideline feels obvious—except the person who was told to have faith had every reason to doubt. Jairus, a leader in his synagogue, had come to Jesus when his daughter was deathly ill. Before they reached the house, he received word that his child had died.
Jesus’ response to the news? “Just have faith.” Minutes later He raised the girl from the dead. But if I had been Jairus in that moment, I would have felt like screaming, “I had faith. I came to you.” Undercurrent: You failed me.
Jesus encouraged Jairus to continue in the same faith he’d started out with. To trust God even in his bleakest moment. And sometimes I’ll be called on to trust in the face of massive disappointment, impossibility, and personal pain.
The next time fear comes knocking at the door, let’s remember these five principles so we can face those challenges with courage. God is on our side, and He’s always more powerful than what’s happening.

INTEGRIS is joining other hospitals and health centers around the country in a national effort to produce a stable supply of generic drugs. The venture is designed to address the growing frustration caused by persistent shortages of simple yet vital medications.
Utah-based not-for-profit generic-drug company Civica Rx is spearheading the initiative. “Drug shortages have become a national crisis, with patient treatments and surgeries canceled, delayed or suboptimal,” says Martin VanTrieste, chief executive officer of Civica Rx. “We thank these organizations for joining us to make essential generic medicines accessible and affordable in hospitals across the country.”
The benefit of the Civica Rx initiative is expected to be two-fold. Hospitals will not only have access to generic drugs that are frequently in short supply, but they will also be able to purchase those medications at a reduced cost. A savings that can then be passed along to patients.
“We are excited to be a partnering member in this venture,” says Tommy, Ibrahim, M.D., chief physician executive at INTEGRIS. “We enjoy a proud tradition of being a leading-edge health care provider known for a pioneering spirit that has paved the way for many medical firsts and technological advancements. We believe this initiative is another example of that. It is an innovative approach to providing quality, accessible, more affordable medicine to the citizens of Oklahoma.”
Civica Rx plans to bring 14 hospital-administered generic drugs to market in 2019. The overall vision is to become a model generic drug company that provides high-quality Food and Drug Administration-approved products at affordable prices.

A chocolate Labrador Retriever named Penney and a passion for old maps led to a unique business opportunity.
“I am nearing retirement and decided if wanted to retire to the country where Penney would have a place to run, I would need to have a small business to make ends meet,” said Mike Howard, owner of Penney’s Territorial Maps.
After collecting old maps for many years, Howard began copying them and hanging them up at work and in his home. One thing led to another, and before long people were requesting them.
“We have about 30 shops in northeast Oklahoma who stock and sell the maps,” Howard said. “I have really been surprised at how well the maps have been received… The business is expanding to other states, and I now have dealers in Texas, Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas. I should be in New Mexico and Colorado by the end of 2019.”
Howard reproduces the old maps that are artificially aged and then sets them in rustic wood frames. Howard said he loves the reaction his customers have to his maps.
“I love hearing all the stories about their family’s history, looking for long lost towns, or pointing out where their land run claim was,” he said. “I have learned so much history about Oklahoma just talking to customers about the maps. I feel customers love the maps because it gives them a link to the past.”
Established in November 2016, Penney’s Territorial Maps joined the Made in Oklahoma Program this year. To learn more about the business, visit www.madeinoklahoma.net/products/penneys-territorial-maps/ or find them on Facebook.

by Bobby Anderson, Staff Writer

On the darkest days, sometimes all it takes is a single ray of light to turn everything around.
For the last 20 years, Louise Colbaugh, 90, has shined in the Oklahoma City metro, volunteering at metro hospitals.
Colbaugh is closing in on three years volunteering at Community Hospital in south Oklahoma City but before that she gave 17 years at Hillcrest and eventually St. Anthony.
“I enjoyed it,” she said of her decades of unpaid service. “I don’t know. It’s just a way of life after awhile, you get up and go. You don’t sit at home and watch television or whatever.”
Colbaugh stayed home until almost 45, rearing a son and a daughter before heading out into the workforce.
Her son moved on to the paper products industry in Houston. Her daughter is close by in Moore and retired herself.
Her great granddaughter has already graduated college and is going on to pursue her degree as a physician’s assistant.
Attending graduation for her great granddaughter was a moment she’ll never forget.
“Wonderful and proud,” beamed Colbaugh, who also has two younger great grandchildren.
After raising kids and before volunteering she went back to school and studied accounting. She worked in the accounting department at Shepler’s western store.
As her husband’s health faltered, she decided she needed better insurance. She worked at Tinker Air Force Base as a civilian in the accounting department, eventually in the AWACs division.
Numbers were numbers, but only a lot more zeroes were at the end of those military budgets.
Colbaugh and her husband celebrated 51 years of marriage before he passed.
“It was bad,” she said of the end. “He had so many heart surgeries before he died. They tried to do surgery on him again and he never came out of it.”
For most who spend time with a loved one during an extended illness, the hospital would be the last place they would want to spend more time. Too many hours of fear and pain.
Colbaugh ran towards it.
“It’s just a way of life. It’s like another home to me,” Colbaugh said. “It gives you a purpose to get up in the morning. You know you’re going to meet people and you’re going to talk. I just like to do it.”
It’s an opportunity for Colbaugh to pour into others. She has stories to share. She’s felt the same feelings.
“It may be something like getting them a cup of coffee or a warm blanket,” Colbaugh explained. “I enjoy doing it and I enjoy talking to the people. It’s satisfying I can help people.”
“Like I say, it’s a way of life for me now.”
Colbaugh’s journey to Community Hospital began when St. Anthony closed its gift shop. A few of her fellow volunteers made the trip as well.
“Some people they’ll sit home and don’t do anything and then they wonder why they feel so bad,” Colbaugh said. “If they only knew how satisfying it was they would run for it really. That includes men and women. I work with both.”
“And there’s always somebody coming in and they see what you’re doing and they want to volunteer, too, but it’s getting farther and farther in between.”
Community Hospital has two campuses featuring a comprehensive range of medical services offering nursing care in a close-knit, compassionate community.
“You get paid. You get paid with gratitude and the thank-you’s you get,” Colbaugh said. “Men especially say ‘thank you for being a volunteer.’ That just makes me feel good.”
“And Roxy (Kostuck) our manager she is so good to all of us. She has Valentine’s parties and she gave me a 90th birthday party and it was wonderful.”
She immediately used the gift certificate she received to splurge on a cashmere sweater.
Colbaugh typically volunteers every Monday and Tuesday, coming in at 8 a.m. and working until 2 p.m.
She grabs the cart filled with complimentary items and goes room to room checking on patients and their families asking if they need anything.
From there she goes to the surgery waiting room.
“I go in and see what I can do for them,” she said. “And then I come back and Roxy always has something. I wrap a lot of gifts. They give away so much I can’t believe a hospital does that.”
As you might expect, Colbaugh is a big fan of volunteering her time. She’s quick to share her experience when others ask.
“I would tell them they would appreciate coming up here once they started,” Colbaugh said. “It would be good for them and they would get lots of exercise. I think they would love it.”

by Bryan Painter

Muskogee – A lot of people say they are thankful for what time has taught them. However, Kelly Wiedel, who ranches with husband Bart in eastern Oklahoma, has a lifetime of experiences to back that up.
There are simple things she has learned.
Take for instance haying.
“I’ll never forget the day when my father-in-law Jim Wiedel said I had tractor driving in my blood because I asked him if I could rake again,” Kelly Wiedel said.
She also won’t forget what she learned one day when she was out haying.
“When raking hay with a tractor without a cab, stay away from bumble bees,” she said.
Wiedel has painted countless feet of pipe fence and gateways.
“From that I have learned to always paint with the wind at my back,” she said.
There are also things she’s learned that weren’t so simple, such as the first time her husband was ever involved in a vehicle accident. She was a passenger.
“It caused me to get vertigo and after time with it not going away and many different tests and scans of my head,” she said, “we found out that I had a brain aneurism and had to have brain surgery. So the wreck was a blessing because it saved my life.”
Perhaps it was all those experiences and more that led her to place a sign in their dining room that reads, “It may not be the easy way, but it’s the Cowboy Way.”
On a Sunday morning
Kelly was only 6 years old when she met this lanky boy named Bart at church on a Sunday in the early 1970s. Her family had just moved to the area and as it turned out, she grew up living roughly 10 miles from his family’s cow/calf and haying operation.
Kelly and Bart married in 1984 and started out with a small cow/calf operation near Muskogee. Three years later they became partners with his parents and together the families had 400 momma cows.
In between then and now, they have purchased more land and cattle. They have taken on the management of another 1,000-acre ranch.
Beverly Delmedico has known Kelly and Bart for several years.
“I don’t know of a couple that is closer together than Bart and Kelly,” she said. “They do absolutely everything together. They are just something else. I love Bart and Kelly both.”
Very proud of their family
Wiedel has another sign hanging on the wall, “Home is where the herd is.”
While they are proud of their ranch, they are extremely proud of their family. Others have recognized the Wiedels as well.
Kelly and Bart’s family received the Oklahoma Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee’s District Six Farm and Ranch Family Recognition during the organization’s 77th annual meeting on Nov. 17.
They have three children, James Robert Wiedel, Jared Jay Wiedel and Lacy Miller, along with six grandchildren.
So, Kelly Wiedel says this about agriculture.
“It has given me a life to work beside my husband and raise our children in a way of life that has made them want to continue to live their lives in agriculture,” she said. “Our two sons have cattle of their own and work with us in the hay field. Our daughter and her husband have their own cattle operation about 45 miles away. We hope that our children and grandchildren have learned that hard work will make them better people.”
There is that word again, “learned.”
Life on an agricultural operation provides its own forms of continuing education.
There are the enjoyable lessons.
“I am most happy on the ranch when it is spring time and all the baby calves are running around,” she said.
Then, there are the challenging lessons.
“We went through a bad drought and had to bale cornstalks to provide hay for our cattle, because we sold more hay than our fields made because of the drought,” she said.
A key part of that comment is, “We went through…” They didn’t stop, they didn’t turn back. They put on their work gloves and they “went through.”
So how does Wiedel summarize the lessons learned so far in life?
Kelly Wiedel said, “It takes a person who is willing to put in a lot of time and hard work to make a ranch successful.”

WALK BY FAITH, By Lisa Sydnor

Volunteers are the life-blood of non-profits. They may serve as board or advisory council members, in janitorial or maintenance positions, clerical, fundraisin, communications or as stockers in a food pantry. In other words, any position within the organization. On April 19, 2018, the Independent Sector, in partnership with IMPLAN, announced that the latest value of a volunteer hour is $25.69 – up 2.2% from 2017. That figure, estimated from data collected in 2017, shows the incredible contributions volunteers make to our communities and our country. Currently, 63 million Americans volunteer about 8 billion hours of their time and talent to improve people’s lives and the natural world. With the new value of volunteer time, these Americans are contributing approximately $197.5 billion to our nation.
When someone says, “I am JUST as volunteer”, they are truly missing the significant impact they have on the nonprofit world.
RSVP – Retired and Senior Volunteer Program – has served Oklahoma County since 1973. In 2017, 130 nonprofits in Oklahoma County were the beneficiaries of 136,700 service hours from 707 volunteers; a financial impact of $2.9 million.
Beth Patterson, Executive Director of RSVP of Central Oklahoma, said that the need for more volunteers is critical to help local nonprofits meet their missions and the needs of their clients. RSVP recruits and trains senior volunteers for agencies, such as; American Red Cross, Ronald McDonald House, Project 66 in Edmond, City Care’s Whiz Kids (tutoring), Upward Transitions Travelers Aid at Will Rogers World Airport, and RSVP Provide-A-Ride.
In 1994, RSVP started Provide-A-Ride, a service providing low-income seniors free transportation to medical appointments. RSVP volunteer drivers, age 55 and older, utilize their own vehicles, choose their own schedules, select the geographic areas they want to serve, receive free supplemental accident and liability insurance, and mileage reimbursement. In 2017, 85 volunteer drivers provided 7,476 rides or 261,660 miles driven to medical appointments for 367 seniors.
Provide-A-Ride participants must be 60+ and schedule rides in advance. Maintaining their independence and dignity, being self-sufficient, keeping medical appointments and becoming friends with the drivers are a few of the benefits participants receive through the program. For the drivers, knowing that they performed a much needed and valued service for someone, ensuring that they get their prescriptions filled and alleviating often burdensome transportation costs is what it is all about.
This program is so successful because of the people; that personal touch. One example is RSVP volunteer driver Pat Nebgen, “I do this to give added meaning to my life; to give back; to share my day with someone. The smiles, hugs and lively conversations are added benefits.” Pat began volunteering at RSVP after the death of his wife of 47 years. And, because of Don Blanding, who began volunteering in January 2017; “I enjoy driving and love that I can help seniors live more independently. I greatly enjoy being a part of RSVP. The elderly seniors that we serve are truly dependent on someone else for transportation to their medical appointments. They are always so appreciative of the help they receive. It makes me feel good to see how thankful they are.”
Some participants have shared their thoughts and appreciation:
· Provide-A-Ride volunteers are angels on wheels. Thank you for your kindness in my time of need. Angie G.
· The volunteer drivers are so friendly and courteous. I feel like I’ve made new friends. Now I look forward to my appointments because of them. Mildred M.
· RSVP Provide-A-Ride has made all the difference in ensuring I get the proper care my doctors want me to have. Jerri B.
· I am 91 and have macular degeneration so I can’t drive anymore. Provide-A-Ride volunteer drivers are my eyes on the road now, and I am so grateful. Ida Jean K.
· Provide-A-Ride is a bright cheery ride for those of us who are not able to drive anymore. Nan G.
· I don’t know what I would do for rides to my doctors without Provide-A-Ride. Loretta A.
· If I didn’t have Provide-A-Ride I wouldn’t be able to go to my medical appointments. Deborah M.
· I’ve lost my husband and children, and I don’t have family close enough to help me. Bless you for caring for us! Billie B.
If you are struggling with having reliable and affordable transportation to medical appointments, call RSVP to learn of your options. If you are looking for an avenue by which to give back to the community, what better way than to provide reliable, free transportation for fellow seniors. This is truly a win/win situation and the bonus is making new friends.
RSVP will recognize approximately 300 volunteers at the Annual Volunteer Recognition Luncheon on April 17, 2019, at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds Bennett Event Center. Sponsorships are available. To learn more about becoming a Provide-A-Ride participant, find out more about local volunteer opportunities with RSVP, or become a sponsor for the volunteer recognition, call 405-605-3106 or email [email protected].
RSVP is a part of the Corporation for National Service and a United Way of Central Oklahoma partner agency.

As new state leaders are sworn in today, John D. Doak reflects on his eight years as Oklahoma’s insurance commissioner. Doak was elected the state’s 12th insurance commissioner in 2010 and was re-elected for a second term in 2014.
“I’m honored that Oklahomans chose to elect me to represent them, both in terms of insurance company solvency and ensuring fair claims handling,” Doak said. “I’ve been privileged to witness the courage and resilience of Oklahomans in the face of difficult natural disasters. It’s also been a pleasure to work with our state Legislature and governor and to travel to every one of Oklahoma’s 77 counties, meeting and working with the people who live there.”
During his tenure, Doak has tirelessly worked to raise awareness of the Oklahoma Insurance Department (OID) and how it can help Oklahomans. He started a field representative program to reach every corner of the state. He also made it a mission to have boots on the ground as soon as possible after a disaster. Many times Doak himself would visit with storm victims to reassure them that his office was there to help, if needed.
Another issue Doak worked on during his time in office was lowering the rate of uninsured motorists. Oklahoma has one of the highest rates in the country. Just a few months ago, the OID announced it would host the Auto Insurance Verification System which allows law enforcement to verify a driver has insurance in real time.
“One of my proudest accomplishments is that, as I leave the OID, it is now being recognized as a global leader in insurance regulatory issues,” Doak said.
Doak’s recognition that government must be ready to accept new and innovative ideas and products has helped frame that thinking. His belief that the OID should not only to protect consumers but allow the free market process to bring new quality products to consumers is recognized by many leaders worldwide.
More of Doak’s accomplishments include:
*Recovering $27,675,828 for Oklahomans since 2011
*The passage of House Bill 2308 which allows the OID to construct and own an office building
*OID employees earning more than 160 professional designations
*Co-hosting the National Tornado Summit since 2011
*The passage of the Insurance Business Transfer law
*Developing an earthquake education requirement for insurance professionals
*Testifying before a U.S. Senate sub-committee about insurance fraud
*Helping launch the University of Tulsa Cyber District
“I wish the best to the new leaders of our state, Gov. Kevin Stitt, Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell and Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready,” Doak said. “Commissioner Mulready has already proven that he is a dedicated public servant with expertise in the insurance industry, and he will continue that tradition in this new role.”

Brightmusic Chamber Ensemble presents fine classical music in an intimate, family-friendly setting. All concerts will take place at 7:30 pm on Tuesday evenings at the beautiful and historic St. Paul’s Cathedral in downtown Oklahoma City at 127 NW 7th Street (at Robinson). Bright Music website, www.brightmusic.org, contains more detailed information about this concert, including the musicians who will be appearing. Season passes are available online, and individual tickets are available at the door for $20. Admission is free for children and students with student ID and for active-duty military service personnel with ID.
“Reeds-A-Plenty”
Experience the Richness
Tuesday, March 19, 2019, 7:30 pm at St. Paul’s Cathedral, 127 NW 7th Street (at Robinson).
Experience the exquisite richness of woodwinds as the Brightmusic Chamber Ensemble presents a diverse sampling of 18th- through 20th-century works for reeds in its fourth concert of the 2018-19 season Tuesday evening, March 19, 2019. On the program are worthy works by Saint-Saëns and Glinka, as well as three of the worthiest French composers and a Czech you’ve probably never heard of. This is a rare opportunity to hear these delightful but less frequently performed works, some by composers who are best known for their compositions for the wind ensemble. Plenty of charm! Plenty of delight! Plenty of reeds!
The works on the program are:
Francois Devienne, Trio No. 5 in B-flat Major (for flute, clarinet & bassoon), Mikhail Glinka, Trio Pathétique in D Minor (for clarinet, bassoon & piano), Florent Schmitt, A Tour d’Anches (“Reeds in Turn”) (for oboe, clarinet, bassoon & piano), Clemence de Grandval, Trio de Salon, op. 8 (for oboe, bassoon & piano), Lukasš Hurnik, Fusion Music for Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon & Piano, and Camille Saint-Saens, Caprice on Danish and Russian Airs (for flute, oboe, clarinet & piano).
Musicians appearing:
Parthena Owens, Flute, Lisa Harvey-Reed, Oboe, Chad Burrow, Clarinet, Rodney Ackmann, Bassoon , Ruirui Ouyang, Piano and Sallie Pollack on the Piano.
The performance will take place at St. Paul’s Cathedral, 127 NW 7th Street (at Robinson). Individual concert admission is $20 per ticket. Children, students and active-duty military personnel are admitted free with ID. More information about this concert is available on Brightmusic’s website at http://www.brightmusic.org.