Written by
Dee Loflin, SMT Manager/Writer
Missouri – “Success Can Kill You” – “One man’s story of success failure, faith and forgiveness by Rodney Jetton.” I went to high school with Rod Jetton and though he has not led a perfect life and who has, he has learned from his mistakes and he is learning how to heal. Isn’t that what life is all about – learning and forgiving!
Rodney’s new book chronicles the rise from a young Marine officer to the second youngest House Speaker in Missouri state history. As Speaker of the House, he had the power to kill any bill that flowed through the General Assembly. He was a very powerful man. Rod was on the fast track to becoming possibly one of the youngest Governor’s of Missouri, but his personal life was set on a course for self-destruction. He went through a very public and humiliating fall from grace.
On December 7, 2009, Rod Jetton was arrested for felony assault charges after a one-night stand with a woman he connected with on social media. He was facing serious jail time. Soon after that Rod received a call from a former girlfriend telling him she was pregnant and he was now going to be a father at the age of 42. A few weeks later, Rod found out he was the target of a grand jury investigation from his handling of a bill when he was Speaker of the House. In just a few months, Rod was broke and without a job.
While Rod’s difficulties were necessary to tell his story, the most helpful aspect about his book is the way he details the emotional and physiological effect that success and power had on him as he climbed the ladder of success.
The book begins with a few short chapters covering Rod’s early life growing up and going to Charleston High School, his college days and becoming a Marine before moving on to his entry into the political scene. He provides highlights of his rise to power, legislative and political success. Then in chapter seven things begin to spiral for him and his family. He doesn’t pull any punches about his shortcomings and mistakes.He tells it like it is and tells the truth!Throughout the book he makes many references to his faith in God and he truly believes that his sins led him to his downfall. He closes with a list of lessons learned and in the last few chapters how he recovered from his mistakes.
Rodney is a courageous man and for him to tell his story is perhaps what will help him heal and help others not to make the same mistakes as he did. He is not only inspirational to many, but I consider him my friend and I always will.
“I hope that this book serves as a warning to those entering the political world,” commented Jetton. All politicians should sit back and take a few hours to read this book, perhaps then they will be a little more humble.
What are others saying about Rodney Jetton and his book, “Success Can Kill You”.
“Rod’s ability to identify the early warning signs of pride, bitterness and paranoia in his life are exactly the type of cautionary advice anyone who is experiencing success needs to hear. He does a great job of keeping the reader’s interest with forthright stories, useful illustrations and sound advice. Thoughtful leaders would be wise to read this book and heed the warnings gleaned from his mistakes.” -Johnathan Miller, Former Kentucky State Treasurer
“There is not a more compelling story of the reality of politics that I know. I knew Rod throughout this time and am thrilled he has decided to share his story. It is courageous. As power and money consume more of our body politic, this will be one of the most important reads of our time. If you know someone who has run, or who might ever run, "Success Can Kill You" is the best contribution you could make to their campaign.” Dr. Gina Loudon, FOX news commentator, author, and talk show host. (DrGinaShow.com)
Written by
Dee Loflin, SMT Manager/Writer
Dexter, Missouri – If you’ve tried and failed to lose weight before, you may believe that diets don’t work. The Becking Clinic just might be the answer to your prayers. They have many inspiring success stories and over the next few months they will share many of their stories with our ShowMe Times readers.
All of us at one time or another have wanted to lose a few pounds or at the very least live a healthier lifestyle. Dr. Eric Becking who heads the Becking Clinic team provides an innovative, integrated care for patients who have made their health a top priority.
Eric and his wife, Chantelle are Dexter natives and though their lives have taken them around the world, they love coming back to the heartland. “We are both passionate about helping people,” commented Dr. Becking. “We are very driven to help people make positive changes in their lives.”
When he started Becking Clinic he mainly offered chiropractic services; however over the years Eric has broaden the scope to much more than just simple alignments and back adjustments. Dr. Becking has created an innovative health care clinic with many services such as:
· * Pain Management Therapy
· * State-of-the-art Exercise Technology with
Whole Body Vibration
· * Electronic Self Check-In with helpful videos
· * Extraordinary Weight Loss Program
· * And much more…….
Eric knew from a very young age he wanted to be a healer. He underwent extensive hand surgery and hand rehabilitation. “I loved the surgeon,” he said. “My therapist was great. They cared for me and it changed my life.”
Dr. Becking earned a Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Missouri and a Bachelor of Science degree at Logan College of Chiropractic and later a Doctor of Chiropractic degree at Logan College. He earned his Board Certification in 2004.
It takes a team of knowledgeable like-minded individuals to operate his clinic. He works collaboratively with physicians and specialists to ensure a patient’s optimal health and his staff are well versed in helping you achieve your goals.
His wife supports him as Becking Clinic’s Strategic Partner and Consultant. “I am involved in our practice by supporting my husband and contributing to the success of our staff,” commented Chantelle. “I meet with the team weekly to help guide and support the most effective processes for a truly enjoyable and productive experience in our clinic. I want to welcome you and I am certain you will find your life improved from working with us.”
Chantelle and Eric both graduated from Dexter Senior High School and have been married 17 years. They weren’t sure if they wanted children early on, but now they have four children. Adopting from two countries, Guatemala and Ethiopia, they have created a warm and caring environment for their children. “We are very passionate about adoption,” stated Eric. “Three years ago we did something we never thought we would do either and became foster parents after learning the level of need in our area. As parents we love big, mess up daily, learn and move forward. It takes a lot of grace.”
Dr. Becking is as passionate about his clinic as he is about his family. He truly understands your current health challenge and what your options are to improve. The Becking Clinic is committed to getting you better.
All of us know someone who is struggling to lose weight. Their doctor-supervised Weight Loss Program has dramatic results. A typical client can lose 20-35 pounds in 42 days. Imagine what that can do your health and self-esteem. The ShowMe Times will be bringing you a series of wonderful success stories over the next few months so you can see real people in the community doing what they have dreamed of doing for years – lose weight and get healthy.
If you would like more information about the Becking Clinic go to their website by clicking HERE or give Dr. Becking and his staff a call at 573-243-9777.
The Becking Clinic will soon be offering services in the Dexter area and are currently located at 528 E. Jackson Blvd in Jackson, Missouri.
“I want to be authentic and real! Life and people are so much more interesting when they are real,” Becking stated. “Sometimes when I read stuff about people I wish they would be more real.” When you visit with Dr. Becking you will know he is the real deal! He is kind, compassionate, and truly dedicated to helping people. It’s time to start your new journey in life. Eric and his team will be with you every step of the way.
Written by
Dee Loflin, SMT Manager/Editor
Dexter, Missouri - When Abbie Warren graduated from Dexter Senior High School in 2010 the only thing on her mind was playing sports at the college level. She earned a scholarship to play volleyball at Mineral Area College in Park Hills, Missouri, but her heart pulled her to play basketball. A year later she tried out and earned a full scholarship to play at Three Rivers College in Poplar Bluff, Missouri.
Something was still missing, something just wasn’t right. She did some soul searching like many of us do and she applied at several Christian colleges. John Brown University in Siloam Springs, Arkansas signed her to play basketball and she knew the minute she started attending school that God had called her there.
“My faith in the Lord really grew and I was attending a lot of different Bible classes,” commented Abbie. “I dug deep into the word and the history of the church. Something I had never experienced before.” John Brown University is a private, interdenominational, Christian liberal arts college founded in 1919.
Abbie knew what was like to grow up in a loving Christian home. She is the daughter of a preacher who was a pastor for two local area churches, 2nd General Baptist that is now Risen Church and Liberty Hill Baptist Church both located in Dexter. This set the stage for her Christian values and beliefs and her yearning to attend a Christian based college.
Her father is Phil Warren and Abbie’s mom passed away when she was only two years old, but when her dad remarried Abbie gained a wonderful Christian woman in her life. She already had two siblings, Kellie and Andy. She gained her brother James when Cindy married Phil. Later Phil and Cindy adopted two more children, Harley and Oliver and together they became a happy blended family of seven. Abbie said she wouldn’t have had it any other way. She loves them all!
During Abbie’s high school athletic career she played volleyball and basketball as a Bearcat and was on the first team to go to state her junior year for the Lady Bearcats basketball team.
“I don’t think I truly appreciated Coach Allen and Coach Sitze back then like I do now,” stated Abbie. “They complimented each other so well on the court. Both are good Christian men and helped us develop our strengths as we matured and really enhanced our ability to play good ball.”
“That’s what I liked about John Brown University,” continued Warren. “Good Christian coaches like I had in high school surrounded by a good group of girls playing ball. God called me to this college for a reason and it just felt right for me.”
Last summer just before her senior year at John Brown University Abbie learned her parents were moving to Saipan, the largest island in the Northern Mariana Island, a commonwealth of the United States and she became mad and frustrated with their decision. “Why would they do this to her in her senior year and not be there for her graduation that she had worked so hard to obtain. She was mad at God for asking her parents to leave Dexter.” In just a few short weeks she would understand. God had a plan. She needed to have a little faith and patience.
When the opportunity arose for Abbie to travel with a Missionary group to Manila, Philippines she jumped at the prospect. She would be able to demonstrate her basketball skills to children. That was last summer when her parents were leaving to move from her hometown as well.
The young ladies she worked with had been abused and were living with a woman who housed about 30 girls. They weren’t orphaned, but rather their parents game them up so they would have a better life and perhaps be safe from abuse.
Manila can be a harsh environment for young girls. There are roughly 20 million people, some living in unspeakable conditions. “It was a little crazy at first. It was a big change from small town Dexter to such a huge city, but the girls were happy,” noted Abbie. “They always smiled and they owned nothing, they had nothing to be happy about, but the never stopped smiling. That really spoke to my heart.”
“I finally understood what God had planned for my parents. I knew that they were needed in Saipan. I was finally at peace with their decision.”
After she returned and started back to college in the fall, she felt empty, perhaps a little anxious. Something was missing and as the days turned to weeks she tried to put all the pieces together she decided one evening to have a heart to heart with God. She yearned to go back to the Philippines to see those smiling children, but there was absolutely no way she thought. “I am like only 22 years old! I can’t go off to another country. I am supposed to settle down, get married, work a 9-5 job!”
She talked to the tour guy one day and he told her that there was two positions open, one a physical education and a coaching position. “How could I be a PE teacher when I am majoring in Kinesiology? (a study of human movement addressing physiological, mechanical, and psychological mechanisms.) My dream job was coaching,.” Was God telling her to come back to the Philippines?
“I went to church the following Sunday and the service was a little different than in the past. We prayed, listened to the sermon, prayed, and listened to more of the sermon, repeatedly. Each time I prayed for an answer from God about the Philippines. Finally the preacher wanted to know if there was someone in the congregation who wanted to go overseas and perform mission work. I could hardly believe it. God had answered my prayers. He was telling me to go back.”
It wasn’t a quick process for Abbie. They lost her application because of a typhoon. Skype wasn’t working for her face-to-face interview, but she persevered and landed the job in March 2014 and so the real work begins now for her future.
She began the arduous work of sending out commitment letters to people she knew. Asking to be a guest speaker at local churches wasn’t difficult, but she only has until July to raise the much-needed money it will cost her to fulfill her calling.
“I will be giving my story and asking for prayer for safe travels,” said Abbie. “I leave for the Philippines on July 10th and will begin orientation on July 18th at Faith Academy School.” The school is a missionary based for pre-k through high school and mostly Asian cultured. There is a boarding school as well and children of local missionaries can leave their child in a safe place while serving in other areas.”
Abbie will coach with several students age kindergarten through 5th grade and will also be the asst. coach for volleyball and basketball at the high school.
Teachers do not get paid. They must raise 100% in donations to pay for their insurance, social security, food and living expenses. Abbie has agreed to an initial two-year commitment and must raise approximately $58,000. She has already done a tremendous job raising nearly $20,000 in just two months.
“My sister and I came up with really awesome idea of 50/50 Teams. I am trying to get 50 people to give $50 per month.”Abbie said her commitment of two years wasn’t too long or too short, it was perfect for her life right now. Who knows where the future will take her. One thing she knows for sure is that God called her to do this and He will be there every step of the way.
“I am so blessed to be doing this,” said Abbie. “It was my dream to coach some day. I just had no idea it would be in the Philippines. I can’t wait to get back to those smiling faces!”
Abbie will be speaking at the First General Baptist Church in Dexter during their Sunday morning service on May 25th. She will also speak at the First General Baptist Church of Bloomfield for their evening services.
If you would like to hear Abbie and her story here are a few dates below:
Sunday, June 1, 2014
Liberty Hill, Dexter – morning service
St. Joe General Baptist Church on Hwy FF in Idalia (Bloomfield) – evening service
Sunday, June 8, 2014
Risen Church, Dexter – morning service
First Baptist Church in Dexter – evening service
Sunday, June 22, 2014
The Lighthouse Christian Center, Dexter – morning service
June 29, 2014
The Hill in Joplin, Missouri with Rev. Bo Norman
If you would like Abbie to speak at your church or business, please contact her via email at a_warren1991@hotmail.com or find her on Facebook by clicking HERE.
If you would like to donate online click HERE.
Abbie has promised to keep the ShowMe Times up-to-date once she moves overseas and we will post photos and updates when she let's us know. This is a two-year endeavor and we couldn't be more proud of her accomplishments. Her future is bright!
Written by
Dee Loflin, SMT Manager/Writer
Boston, Massachusetts – Hometown boy makes an impact at Berklee School of Music in Boston. Many of our readers will remember Joseph Greer, 2013 graduate of Dexter Senior High School and talented musician. He was selected among thousands to attend Berklee School of Music in Boston, Massachusetts and what an impression he has made in his first year at college.
"I have friends from all over the world now and they are the best of the best of the musicians in the world," stated Joseph.
Greer began playing piano at the age of nine under the direction of his piano teacher, Pete Paryseck. While studying jazz and pop tunes, he also learned about Gospel music at the church he attended since the age of three, Mt. Calvary Power House Church in Poplar Bluff.
Gospel music has definitely had a strong impact on his life and how he composes music. "I was able to perform two Gospel concerts with the best Gospel musicians I have ever seen," commented Greer.
Joseph was selected by the Berklee Piano Department to perform in a student composer competition and he won. He was later featured in a recital with the other winners of the competition who performed their original pieces in jazz, piano, small ensemble and gospel organ settings.
"I wrote a song for the Hammond b3 organ and it was picked along with six others to be performed at the Berklee Piano Department/Student Composer Show. I was even chosen to play for a slide show for Henry Diltz. He was the photographer on stage at Woodstock!"
In his first year of college it’s not surprising that Joseph would walk away with an outstanding musicianship award. He received the Multi-Keyboard Award. This award is given to a student who embodies musical and academic qualities that Berklee seeks to promote within the three instructional divisions of the college – Professional Performance, Professional Writing, and Music Technology, and Professional Education. This award is one of the most prestigious the college offers, given that nominations are made by faculty within the student’s area of specialization. The award was presented at the Berklee College of Music Spring Awards ceremony.
One of the most exciting endeavors of his freshman year of college was performing in the Prince & Janet – The Tribute, a Jevie pop series concert. He played the Prince of course and what a fantastic performer he has become.
"I got to be Prince who is definitely one of my music heroes. I love his wild and craziness, his ideals, and how he dresses. Plus he's pretty short just like me! I sang 'I Wanna Be Your Lover', 'How Come You Don't Call Me Anymore', and 'Kiss'.
Joseph also stated that the show was so successful that the school would like to have a repeat performance again in the fall!
As far as his summer plans go, he's home in Dexter to visit and will return to Berklee in the fall. "My first year at Berklee was absolutely amazing! It's been an awesome ride," stated Joseph Greer.
I imagine we will see more accomplishments from this Dexter native! Good luck Joseph we wish you well in life's journey!
Submitted by
Dee Loflin, SMT Manager/Writer
Dexter, Missouri - Bagby Investment Consultants is pleased to announce that it has changed its name to Bagby Wealth Management to better reflect its offerings and approach to serving the financial needs of clients.
The community can expect a fresh look to accompany the name change and offerings have been updated to provide an even higher level of service. Clients can expect the same level of attention, professionalism, and guidance they have always expected from Bagby and his team, and ownership of the company has not changed.
Mike Bagby, founder and president of Bagby Wealth Management, has been actively involved in the financial services industry since 1982. After opening an independent branch office in 1984, Mike established Bagby Investment Consultants in 1994 as an independent Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) that offered financial planning, wealth management services, investment management, and investment advice to clients in several states. Today, operating as Bagby Wealth Management, the firm continues to grow and thrive because of its client-centered approach to the growth and preservation of wealth.
Mike Bagby, president of the firm, commented: “We take a team approach to help our clients achieve their financial goals. We’re confident our clients will appreciate our new name, look, and service offerings which will only enhance their experience with us. Look for us to grow and expand with this new brand.”
With over 30 years of serving the Dexter community, Mike and his team at Bagby Wealth Management are committed to providing clients with tactical, strategic advice and wealth management services to build, preserve, and utilize wealth.
