D.L. Jones Home Team - May/June 2022

D.L. Jones Home Team - May/June 2022

602-677-4130 • DLJonesHomes.com May/June 2022 North Valley Pride

10 LIFE-CHANGING LESSONS I LEARNED FROM MY FATHER

When Lisa and I were brainstorming ideas for the cover of this issue, she said to me, “June 19th is Father’s Day ... you should write a story about your dad.”

not particularly care for that reference. He was way too humble, and more importantly, he knew he was a servant of God and would often say, “To God be the glory, not Paul Jones.”

It’s hard to believe he has been gone for almost four years.

Throughout his life, he became a trusted leader and spiritual advisor. In addition to pastoring a church, he dedicated newborn babies and young children, conducted weddings, counseled couples of all ages, and officiated funerals and memorial services for thousands of people. Choosing the best life lessons required me to eliminate many other life lessons, dozens of which could stand alone as chapters in a leadership book. His wisdom was beyond measure, and I owe so much to him. Here are 10 lessons that have impacted my life as a young boy, teenager, husband, father, and businessman.

The Rev. B. Paul Jones was inspired to enter the ministry when he was 18 years old. He put that inspiration into action and never looked back on his decision by dedicating the rest of his life to spiritual leadership. That makes me a “preacher’s kid,” more commonly referred to as a PK.

Dad started a church in Ohio with about a dozen people, and over many years and building expansions, he grew the weekly attendance into thousands of worshipers. He served as an evangelist and pastor for over 45 years. But being a pastor never really ends, and he continued his influential ministry and church growth throughout his retirement for the next 24 years. Paul Jones was more comfortable speaking to a congregation of people from the church platform than anything else. His life was centered around the people of the church, their families, and their lives. I am proud to say that my dad was the mentor for many young pastors and a true icon among the leadership of the Church of God denomination. Just mention the name Paul Jones around other pastors in Ohio and the Midwest, and you will understand what I mean. Church pastors everywhere looked up to him. One of the last executive overseers under whom my dad worked liked to refer to him as “The Pope of Cleveland”. Truth be told, Dad did

RESPECT PEOPLE: Dad did not just teach me how to respect other people; he showed me how to do it every day. I can honestly say that Dad did not have an enemy in the world. I have never heard anyone say a negative word about him. THE LOVE OF READING: Dad did not care about reading fiction or novels. I suppose that was because his life was so closely aligned with the truths he passionately believed. He taught me that a good book is like a good friend who will always be there for you. He amassed a personal library of over 1,000 books about religion, church growth, leadership, world history, war, and biographies of influential people from all walks of life. My brother and I divided them, and many of those books will be with me for the rest of my life.

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THE IMPORTANCE OF FORGIVENESS: Dad taught me to let things be and not harbor anger toward other people who may have done me wrong. He would often say that God would eventually reveal to them where they were mistaken and lead them to a better understanding, and my role was not to interfere with God’s work! THE JOY OF GIVING: Dad taught me the freedom and delight that comes from giving without thought of receiving anything in return from anyone. He showed me what it meant to “pay it forward” long before the movie came out and lots of people began to realize the pure jubilation that comes from living that way. ALWAYS BE HONEST: Dad taught me the peace of mind that comes from telling the truth in every situation. He slept well, knowing he lived a transparent life of which he was proud. His life was based in truth, and he had nothing to hide. LIVE WITH INTEGRITY: Dad taught me the satisfaction that comes from doing the right thing every time, no matter the circumstances or the consequences. He reminded me often that my life would be directed by the choices I made. He taught me to be a man of my word and the honor that comes from doing business on a handshake. HAVE COMPASSION FOR OTHERS: Dad showed me what it meant to feel another person’s pain, while simultaneously doing everything possible to ease their hurt. As a minister, this was the foundation of his day-to-day life. He spent the last few months of his life in a hospital bed after suffering a stroke. Each day, he would ask the nurses to bring him a list of the names of the patients in the rooms down the hall. Then every night, he would pray for them audibly by name, in a voice that could be heard throughout the hospital floor. He did the same for the doctors, nurses, and hospital staff on shift.

BE YOUR BEST: Dad expected the best from me. Straight A’s were not required, but slacking off would not be tolerated. Quitting before the job was finished was unacceptable. He enjoyed sports and had the utmost respect for champion athletes who achieved excellence. RESPECT YOUR MOTHER: While growing up at home, Dad made it abundantly clear that Mom was the queen of the house. He explained to me and my brother that even if we did not agree with something she said or asked us to do, she deserved to be shown the utmost respect, and he would not accept anything less from us toward her. While other people looked up to my dad, he looked up to my mom. When I got my first job at the age of 15, Dad asked me to pay her $10 every month for washing my clothes and cooking my meals. She remained the queen of our family until cancer took her life in 2012, just four days prior to their 62nd anniversary. TRUST GOD: If you have read this far, you know that my dad was a deeply religious man. As a family, we prayed and thanked God before every meal. Growing up, I attended church on Sunday morning, Sunday evening and Wednesday evening. My own spirituality remains a priority in my life, and I trace that to the way I was raised. The most important thing Dad taught me was to not neglect my soul. I miss my dad terribly. I miss his deep laugh, his caring heart, and his voice as he sang his favorite song, “Great Is Thy Faithfulness,” while walking around the house. Nobody sang it better that he did, at least according to my ears.

Rev. B. Paul Jones passed away June 16, 2018, the day before Father’s Day. He will always be my hero.

–Dennis Jones

Breaking News! Beginning in May, tune in on Saturday mornings to watch Dennis & Lisa Jones host episodes about lifestyle living in Anthem and the Valley of the Sun!

SELECT MARKETS

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The weather is getting warmer, which means you can enjoy more activities in the water. Canoeing or kayaking is an excellent way to get outdoors and be active. Besides looking at the beautiful scenery around you, taking to the water confers several physical and mental health benefits. Physical Benefits • Paddling can help improve your upper-body strength and muscle tone — because you’re using your arms to guide yourself through the water with the paddle. Paddling helps strengthen your arms, shoulders, chest, and back. BIG BENEFITS OF CANOEING AND KAYAKING Paddle Your Way to Better Health • You use your legs to balance, maneuver, and change directions in the vessel. In turn, this movement helps strengthen your lower-body muscles . • While trying to stay centered and balanced on the water, you will develop more core strength . Paddling helps work your lower back, abs, and oblique muscles.

Ashley & Lisa’s Homemade BBQ Sauce LISA’S KITCHEN

With Memorial Day and Father’s Day cookouts upon us, my friend Susan suggested that we share our homemade BBQ sauce recipe with everyone. In 15 minutes, you will have a sweet and tangy sauce for your chicken or ribs! INGREDIENTS 1/2 cup vinegar • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar • 2 tbsp honey • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce • 2 tbsp prepared yellow mustard • • 2 cups ketchup

–Ashley and Lisa

• 1 tsp dry mustard • 1 tsp garlic powder • 1 tsp onion powder

• 1 tsp paprika • 1 tsp pepper

DIRECTIONS

1. Whisk together all ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once the mixture comes to a bubble, reduce the heat to low. Simmer about 10 minutes until thickened. 2. Serve immediately or cool slightly and store in airtight container in refrigerator for up to a couple of weeks.

• It’s a form of cardiac exercise that will help your heart circulate more blood throughout your body. It will also improve your endurance , enabling you to go longer distances faster. Mental Benefits • While canoeing or kayaking, your body

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releases serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins from neurotransmitters. This will help boost your mood and self- confidence and improve your focus .

• These activities can enhance your memory and learning ability . This is because it exercises your hippocampus, one of the largest portions of your brain that is responsible for verbal memory and learning. • If you have trouble sleeping, this activity can improve your sleep . Exercising during the day can make you naturally tired, which helps you fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night. • Since you’ll be in the sun, your body can produce more vitamin D . This vitamin is essential for strong bones and an effective immune system. Canoeing and kayaking are great outdoor activities to help you get your daily dose of physical activity and a mental health boost. So, enjoy the warm weather and be one with nature — this may be your new favorite summer hobby this year!

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We know it all too well: Our week starts out strong, with a positive outlook and great aspirations for the work ahead, but by midweek, our momentum starts declining, and it’s difficult to bring back our enthusiasm when we still have two full days left. How can you harness positivity and productivity and power through the rest of the week? Monday and Tuesday don’t define the rest of your week. Sometimes, the beginning of the week takes such a toll on us that by Wednesday, we just hit a giant wall. To recharge and continue pushing forward, start each day with a fresh beginning, letting go of the troubles and struggles from the day before. When you let one or two bad days get the best of you, this can snowball — turning into a bad week. Seize each day and start anew. Save fun for midweek. Is there a certain exercise routine or class that you love? Have you discovered a hobby that always puts you in a better mood? Do you have a favorite restaurant in town? Scheduling activities you love on Wednesday can give you something to look forward to as well as work to keep the funk away, too. Doing what you love can completely revitalize your positive mindset. Make a new hump day tradition! Take some time for yourself. 3 FOOLPROOF WAYS TO OVERCOME THE MIDWEEK SLUMP Hump Day, Slump Day

MUSIC CAN CHA Experience It Live Du

We have all experienced songs that change our lives in some small (or big) way. The very first song we danced to at our wedding was “Me and Mrs. Jones.” It got a big laugh, and we still giggle about it today. Now, whenever we hear that song, we are brought back to that very special day. And we are not alone. There are even proven, scientific reasons music has such a powerful effect on our brains. Music is a ‘total brain workout.’ Music is a very mathematical and structural form of art. You may not realize it, but when we listen to music, many neural connections work hard in our brains to make sense of it. This gives your brain a “total workout.” A Harvard study suggests that music “strengthens connections” between your brain’s auditory and motor regions, which may have positive effects on other behavioral or cognitive operations that draw on these same networks.

According to an otolaryngologist at Johns Hopkins Medicine, “There are few things that stimulate the brain the way music does. If you want to keep your brain engaged throughout the aging process, listening to or playing

Oftentimes, our weeks are consumed with endless tasks for others — our boss, kids, spouses, neighbors, or friends — that we forget to do things for ourselves. Find some time to decompress, take a break from the endless to-do list, and just breathe. It’s a great way to momentarily remove stress from your life! By tuning into these tips, the next time Wednesday rolls around, you are guaranteed to feel much more prepared to take on the last few days of the week! Hump day horrors, be gone!

music is a great tool. It provides a total brain workout.” That

tracks, according to other studies in the field. Research

has shown that listening

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Pets Need Space Too CREATE A PET-FRIENDLY AREA IN YOUR HOME

In your home, you probably have bedrooms for each family member as well as a family or living room for the entire clan to congregate on a daily basis. But where do your pets normally hang out? Do they go where the family is, or do they have their own space? Just like us, our pets need a place where they feel safe, protected, and relaxed. If you are looking to add a furry family member to your abode or simply change up the flow of your house, try adding a space for your pet. Before you even enter the design phase, though, keep in mind how social your pet is before making a decision. If your pet loves being around people, consider making their space part of the family room instead of in a separate room. Once you have decided on where you want your pet-friendly space to be, make sure you have the right items. Possibly most importantly is a bed for your pet to rest. If you are designing a room for a dog, try to pick a bed you know they will like and feel safe and secure. Add extra blankets for comfort. If you are picking a bed for a cat, choose something comfortable that offers a level of protection. Make sure the bed does not clash with the other design elements of the room. Now that you have found the perfect bed, invest in a few other items to take the space to the next level. Any additional beds, rugs, and blankets you buy should be easily washable; you can keep the area clean and hygienic. Animals have accidents so try not to invest in an expensive rug for the area. Also, make sure to include toys, and if you are designing for a cat, remember a climbing tower.

ANGE YOUR LIFE uring Music in May!

to music can reduce anxiety, blood pressure, and pain as well as improve sleep quality, mood, mental alertness, and memory. Music is a brain research tool. Our relationship with music may change in the future. If you have ever heard of neuroplasticity, you may know that our brain’s chemical pathways can be very powerful — and they are not always permanent. Rather, our brain is highly adaptable, which is why many researchers have taken an interest in music. As the Harvard study explains, music making is found to be a great way to explore the benefits of neuroplasticity for neurological and/or developmental disorders as well as normal aging. Make live music your getaway. Music is healthy for your brain and can be healthy for your soul, too. It can make us laugh, cry, shout, dance. Listening to amazing music can feel liberating and nostalgic, or even create a new memory for you and your kids. And while listening to music is great at any time of the day, we know about a free local concert series we think you would really like.

Pets play a huge role in our lives and are incredibly important to our families. Giving them a clean and comfortable space in the house will enhance their well-being. If you create the space based on your pet’s needs and wants, they will truly be your bestest friend.

Each year, our Anthem community hosts an event called Music in May in the Community Park Amphitheater. The outdoor concerts are held every Friday evening in May from 7–9 p.m. This is a family-friendly event, so grab a blanket, bring a picnic dinner, and enjoy the diverse sounds of local Arizona bands underneath the Anthem sky. The event is open to the public with free admission and parking. Food trucks are on site the first week, and ice cream trucks are on site the remaining weeks of the concert series.

Give us a call for schedule details and let us know if you plan to attend! We would love to connect with you at the park!

–Dennis & Lisa Jones

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POOL SAFETY — AND WHY IT MATTERS A HEALTH PSA FOR ARIZONA HOMEOWNERS In 2020, 137 drowning incidents occurred

Third, CPR/CCR instructions and the 911 emergency number should be posted in the pool area. Although you may want to handle electronics carefully near water, a phone should always be located in or near the pool area in case of emergencies. Additionally, all pool owners should attend water rescue and CPR/CCR classes and store lifesaving equipment in an easily accessible, nearby location to the pool area. Lastly, make sure your gate locks and latches are checked regularly to ensure they work properly. Your pool gate should never be left propped open, and any items that could be used to climb a pool barrier should be removed around your pool barrier. We hope these tips help you and your family stay safe this summer! Swim safely out there!

in Arizona — 75 of those drownings involved were pediatric (infant, child, or adolescent). There’s a good reason why Arizona has the highest number of swimming pools per person and why Arizona’s swimming pools require plenty of regulation.

It all starts with one word: safety.

While swimming pools make the extra-hot summer days a lot more bearable, we must remember that swimming pools can be dangerous for families without proper safety habits and regulations. As we approach the first blaze of summer, we thought we would provide a quick PSA to remind homeowners of the most important pool safety tips their families should know. First, make sure your home is following pool safety regulations. Although your pool should be in the clear, especially if you

bought it recently, it never hurts to look up the residential pool guidelines to ensure your pool is safe. Second, never leave a child unattended in the pool or pool area. According to the Arizona Department of Health Services, flotation devices and swimming lessons are not substitutes for supervision. Being there in person is necessary.

Make a Wreath for Any Occasion WITH THESE 3 MATERIALS

Grapevine Grapevine bases are the best if you want your wreath to look traditional or natural. They’re usually made of entwined bundles

Since the 16th century, wreaths have been a staple holiday decor item that people once made from the fallen branches of a Christmas tree. In more recent history, folks travel to the local hardware/home decor store to pick up a wreath for their door during the holiday season. However, it seems as though wreaths are gaining popularity beyond just the winter holidays. Whether it’s to celebrate your favorite sports organization or the changing of the seasons, you can make a wreath to recognize the occasion. From Facebook Marketplace to specialty boutique shops, there are plenty of places to purchase a customizable wreath, but what if you want to make your own? With a certain level of flair and creativity, anyone can create their own wreath. You just need to figure out which material works best as your base. Wire If you’re looking to make a wreath that’s long-lasting and durable enough to handle any type of weather, look no further than a wire- base wreath. Wire bases are available in various sizes and levels of thickness, so you can make almost any design. If you want your wreath to look dainty, you should use a single-wire frame, but if you want your wreath to look full and bountiful, use a double-wire instead.

of grapevines or twigs to look like they came straight from the earth. Grapevine bases are cost-efficient and are the perfect option for anyone looking to create a classic-looking wreath. Styrofoam A Styrofoam wreath may not have the elegance of a wire one or the traditional style of the grapevine wreath, but it is the perfect option for bold designs. You can get a Styrofoam base at any home decor store and spray-paint it in the color scheme of your final creation. You can then place yarn and other decorations to bring your wreath to life. Since Styrofoam is lightweight, the items you place on the wreath will also need to be lightweight or the wreath will fall apart.

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Take a Break

Picking the Perfect Souvenir

A way to preserve or share a piece of your trip is to bring home a souvenir, but choosing a souvenir is not always a stress-free experience. How do you pick the perfect souvenir and not just the first thing you see in a tourist shop? Here are some tips for picking a truly meaningful gift for yourself or your loved ones. For whom are you buying? What are your recipient’s interests, or what do they spend the most time doing? If you are buying for yourself and enjoy coffee, you might buy a local coffee blend to enjoy at home. However, if your recipient does not enjoy or rarely drinks coffee, that type of gift might not mean much to them. Is it legal to bring home? Whether you are traveling domestically or internationally, many regulations affect which souvenirs you can bring home. Even if you find the item in a tourist shop, that does not mean it will be allowed into the country or even onto the plane. And the TSA does take this seriously. In 2012, two tourists were detained at the U.S. border for trying to bring home chocolate Kinder eggs — a specific kind that are illegal in the U.S. due to the potentially hazardous small toys inside. Purchase a handicraft. Handicrafts — items created by local artisans — are awesome souvenirs! But make sure you buy where artisans actually sell their own goods, such as an open-air market. Unfortunately, while some popular tourist shops may sell “locally made goods,” many souvenirs intended for tourists are actually made by cheap manufacturers in other countries. Keep something from the adventure. Bringing a glass bottle to take home some sand is a popular way of creating your own souvenir from a beach vacation. But you can do this with almost any item! Whether you choose stones, ticket stubs from favorite shows and activities, or a handmade item from a class, make sure to look out for souvenirs that will remind you of great memories and experiences.

CINCO FOURTH

HAWTHORN LEMONADE LIBRARY MAYPOLE

MEMORIAL NURSES PROM TAURUS

FREEDOM GRADUATE

We hope these tips will help you make the best choice. Bon voyage!

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My Father’s Best Life Lessons Inside

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Breaking News!

Lisa’s Kitchen: BBQ Sauce

Lisa & Dennis Jones

Strengthen Your Entire Body!

3668 W. AnthemWay, Ste. B-158 • Anthem, AZ 85086 602-677-4130 • DLJonesHomes.com

Don’t Let Wednesday Get You Down

Music Is Life-Changing ... And Brain‑Changing

How to Create a Space for Your Pet

Pool Safety — And Why It Matters

Celebrate Any Event With a Homemade Wreath Hate Souvenir Shopping? Let’s Make It Easy

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Take a Break

Veterans Day vs. Memorial Day

Last year, I shared the story of my personal connection with the local Anthem Veterans Memorial. I was lucky enough to create and place pavers to honor a very special group of veterans. They were a group of 13 Quantico Marine athletes who died in service during the Vietnam War, one of whom was my uncle, 2nd Lt. John Bruce Capel. I am so happy to have been able to memorialize these brave men in some small way — and this month, you can commemorate our fallen veterans too. Each year, there are two events at the Anthem Veterans Memorial: one on Veterans Day at 10 a.m., and one on Memorial Day (which is on May 30) at 9 a.m. We have talked about the Veterans Day event before, but you may ask: What is the difference between the two holidays? Why do we honor both? Both holidays are observances to honor those who have served in the military. Veterans Day is dedicated to all those who have served; however, Memorial Day particularly honors those who were killed during their service. VETERANS DAY VS. MEMORIAL DAY What’s the Difference?

Veterans Day is an important holiday for thanking all of our living and fallen veterans for their contributions to our country’s security. Many of our living veterans have sacrificed physically and mentally to serve our country; they and their families often continue to live with these sacrifices. Memorial Day is also important. We cannot forget the inspiring sense of urgency, duty, and patriotism that propelled millions of brave men and women to protect their country for the ultimate price, their lives. Consider starting off your summer by joining Dennis and me at the Anthem Veterans Memorial this month, along with the Daisy Mountain Veterans and Anthem Community Council for “A Day of Remembrance” on Memorial Day, May 30. The ceremony will last about 45 minutes, and please bring your own seating. Do not be shy to email me at [email protected] if you plan to attend! We would love to see your familiar face.

–Lisa Jones

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