make-up fun - tawana williams...make-up fun with jestina howard the incomparable confessions of a...

www.thewowmagazine.com

Spring 2016

W O M E N o f t h e W O R DM A G A Z I N E

™

WOW! tawana williams:

unarmed and dangerous

DorindaClark-Cole

MAKE-UP FUNwith Jestina Howard

The Incomparable

Confessionsof a SINGLE

Woman

Ultimate Stress Busters

for a peaceful life

WOW! MAGAZINE | FALL 2015 | 3www.thewowmagazine.com

SPRING 2016WOW!MAGAZINE

07

INSPIRE

FROM THE EDITOR

WOW! Women of the Word Magazine,™ Inspire, Encourage, andEmpower™ WOWderful Woman™ and What's Your WOW? aretrademarks of PRICERIGHT, LLC All rights reserved. Reproduction inwhole or in part without express written permission is prohibited.

Music Editor George Ward chats with theIncomparable Gospel Recording Artist DorindaClark Cole about music, ministry and herlegendary family.

14 GINGER SMITH

09

TEX WEST

COVER STORY

DORINDA CLARK COLE

50

JOYCE MEYER

Connect with us on Facebookand Join the Conversation -www.facebook.com/womenofthewordmag

STACEY BRANCH OWENS

ENCOURAGE

28

33

PARENTING PILGRIMAGE - Priscilla Hill

52

CHRISTINA DIXON

EMPOWER

20 BJ RELEFOURD

9

36

22 TAMARA D. DAVIS

26 E. MARIE LAMBERT

4 | WOW! MAGAZINE | FALL 2015 www.thewowmagazine.com

contentsWOW!MAGAZINE

TAWANA WILLIAMS

RUNNING TIPSFROM DYLAN HALL

34

SOCIAL JUSTICE & MISSIONS

Tawana Williams is a living testimony that Godhas a purpose and a plan for each of usregardless of the challenges we face that seeminsurmountable.

Go to our website - www.thewowmagazine.comand find out how you can be featured in WOW!Magazine.

19

38 WOWDERFUL WOMAN

TAWANA WILLIAMS,THE HOPE COACH

42 DORA SANDERS HILL

48 SPIRIT FIT - Yvonne Taylor

BIRMINGHAM, AL [email protected]

WWW.THEWOWMAGAZINE.COM

THE ADVOCATE SPEAKS - Sunny Slaughter

BEAUTY, FASHION & STYLE

BOOKS & PROSE

16 TRACIE THREADFORD, Fashion Editor

TRACEY'S CORNER

24TAMIKA HOLMES

MONEY, BUSINESS & CAREER

STEPHANIE C. HARPER

44CLASSIC HOME & LIFESTYLE

38FEATURES

38 ON THE BILLBOARD

31 MISSIONS AND THE CHURCH

JWOWDERFULLY FUNNY

25 THE BACK PEW

25 JOYFUL TOON

contributors'WOW!MAGAZINE

TAMARA D. DAVIS


TRACEY PITTS

We say, "Welcome back!" to veteran WOW!contributor Tamara D. Davis. In her column,Tamara often shares her journey as a singlewoman with transparency and grace!

Tracey Pitts shares herunique poetry and lovefor the written wordwith WOW! readers.Read her heart inTracey's Corner.

22

19

24

spotlight

Stephanie Harper is anentrepreneur, writerand Career Coach.WOW! is like home toher so we welcome herskillful ability andexpertise!

STEPHANIE C.HARPER

GINGER SMITH

Ginger Smith has anamazing personaltestimony of deliveranceand she doesn't hesitateto encourage others todepend and trust on thepower of God in everyarea of life.14


contributors'WOW!MAGAZINE

TAMARA D. DAVIS


TRACEY PITTS

We say, "Welcome back!" to veteran WOW!contributor Tamara D. Davis. In her column,Tamara often shares her journey as a singlewoman with transparency and grace!

Tracey Pitts shares herunique poetry and lovefor the written wordwith WOW! readers.Read her heart inTracey's Corner.

22

19

24

spotlight

Stephanie Harper is anentrepreneur, writerand Career Coach.WOW! is like home toher so we welcome herskillful ability andexpertise!

STEPHANIE C.HARPER

GINGER SMITH

Ginger Smith has anamazing personaltestimony of deliveranceand she doesn't hesitateto encourage others todepend and trust on thepower of God in everyarea of life.14

6 | WOW! MAGAZINE | FALL 2015 www.thewowmagazine.com

WOW!Douglas Criss

Tracie Threadford

George Ward

Denna D'Mitri

Tracie Threadford

Tameka Delaney Edwards

Candie A. Price

Tamara D. Davis

Christina Dixon

Rachel Gordon

Dora Sanders Hill

Priscilla Hill

Tamika Holmes

Kymber Renee Irvin

E. Marie Lambert

Savaslas Lofton

Joyce Meyer

Gil Michel

Stacey Branch Owens

Ronald W. Parks

Tracey Pitts

Valerie Hicks Powe

B. J. Relefourd

Sunny Slaughter

Ginger Smith

Yvonne Taylor

Regina Wells

Tex West

Publisher & Editor-in-chief Candie A. Price

Assistant Editor

Copy Editor

Music Editor

Field Correspondent

Fashion Editor

Books & Prose Editor

Graphic Design

Contributing Writers:

Birmingham, AL 35235

+1-205-549-3214 | [email protected]

WOW! Women of the Word Magazine is published by PriceRight, LLC.

All rights reserved. No content may be reproduced without expressed written permission.

www.thewowmagazine.com

E D I T O R I A L O F F I C E

WOMEN OF THE WORD MAGAZINE

I LOVE SPRING!!!!

Spring is truly my favoriteseason, despite the pollen,the bugs and insects. What'snot to love; it's not too hotand not too cold (wellusually!)

Spring is also the time of yearthat many people begin to dospring cleaning - cleaning outclosets, restoring andrenewing the beauty in itemssuch as wood and furnitureand finding ways to brightenup their homes inpreparation for warmermonths. Even churcheslaunch Spring revivals toentice church members tocome out of their winterhiding and get more involved

From the Editor

Editor-in-Chief

Meet our Editors!

C A N D I E A . P R I C EGet Featured in WOW! or submit your article forpossible publication: Go to our online portal atwww.wowmagazine.submittable.com

Spring is here! Time for Restoration, Renewal & Revival

in the ministry. Restoration, Renewal and Revival! In what ways will youembrace these initiatives in your life? Many of our articles in this issue willhelp you in some way restore or renew your faith and revive your thinking tobe more and more like Jesus and walk in your purpose. Of course we ought tobe working on these areas in our lives at all times of the year, but there'ssomething about the hope of budding flowers, warm weather, consistentsunshine and shedding winter gear that makes Spring the perfect time to dopersonal introspection and stretching. Hope you are blessed by our efforts!Happy Spring!

WOW'd by YOU,Douglas Criss, Assistant EditorGeorge Ward, Music EditorTracie Threadford, Fashion EditorTameka Delaney Edwards, Books& Prose Editor


I LOVE SPRING!!!!

Spring is truly my favoriteseason, despite the pollen,the bugs and insects. What'snot to love; it's not too hotand not too cold (wellusually!)

Spring is also the time of yearthat many people begin to dospring cleaning - cleaning outclosets, restoring andrenewing the beauty in itemssuch as wood and furnitureand finding ways to brightenup their homes inpreparation for warmermonths. Even churcheslaunch Spring revivals toentice church members tocome out of their winterhiding and get more involved

From the Editor

Editor-in-Chief

Meet our Editors!

C A N D I E A . P R I C EGet Featured in WOW! or submit your article forpossible publication: Go to our online portal atwww.wowmagazine.submittable.com

Spring is here! Time for Restoration, Renewal & Revival

in the ministry. Restoration, Renewal and Revival! In what ways will youembrace these initiatives in your life? Many of our articles in this issue willhelp you in some way restore or renew your faith and revive your thinking tobe more and more like Jesus and walk in your purpose. Of course we ought tobe working on these areas in our lives at all times of the year, but there'ssomething about the hope of budding flowers, warm weather, consistentsunshine and shedding winter gear that makes Spring the perfect time to dopersonal introspection and stretching. Hope you are blessed by our efforts!Happy Spring!

WOW'd by YOU,Douglas Criss, Assistant EditorGeorge Ward, Music EditorTracie Threadford, Fashion EditorTameka Delaney Edwards, Books& Prose Editor

8 | WOW! MAGAZINE | WINTER 2016 www.thewowmagazine.com

WOW! MAGAZINE | SPRING 2016 | 9www.thewowmagazine.com

inspire.DorindaClark-Cole

MUSIC WITH GEORGEWARD

10 | WOW! MAGAZINE | SPRING 2016 www.thewowmagazine.com

BY GEORGE WARD

I was blessed to sit down and have an awesome conversation with the incomparable Dorinda Clark Cole, a member of the legendary Clark Sisters out of Detroit, Michigan. Before I share our conversation, I must mention as many would agree, that Dorinda Clark Cole is an extraordinary singer who comes from gospel royalty. Dorinda is one of the greatest vocalists, transparent in her approach. Her heart for God is on display, causing the audience to feel what she is feeling towards God and creating a unique worship atmosphere. Unlike some whose music does not show their connection to God, Clark Cole is more than a great voice and a “slammin” band. She is not only connected to God, but she has a heart to invite others to go in with her. I am pleased that Dr. Dorinda Clark Cole has agreed to share her testimony with WOW! Magazine! Undoubtedly she is validated as an Evangelist, Anointed Singer, Entrepreneur, and Talk Show host. I grew up in Ypsilanti, Michigan where I was exposed to the Clark Sisters at an early age, and was amazed at their musicianship. I was amazed by their tight harmonies that I hadn’t heard anywhere else and each sister had an important role in the ministry. Their mother

Dr. Mattie Moss Clark was a living legend who directed several nationally known choirs and had a positive effect on everyone who she came in contact with, and was instrumental in training her daughters to always give their best. She also demanded that they all learn how to play the organ. Dorinda went on to create a niche for herself as she is now recognized around the world as a solo gospel artist. Join me as I enjoy an awesome conversation with Dr. Dorinda Clark Cole.


George: Good evening Dr. Cole and welcome to WOW! MagazineDorinda: Thank you very much Brother George, it’s good to talk to you tonight

George: Is it okay that I address you as Dorinda or Dr. Cole?Dorinda: Please call me Dorinda. I do have 2 honorary Doctorate degrees.

George: Thank you. You are a member of one of the most talented and celebrated gospel music families in the world. How do you handle being in the “Industry” that, these days, seems to try to use secular methods for record sales?Dorinda: You can’t compromise to be recognized. There’s a difference when God crosses you over than when you try to cross over on your own power.

George: I hear you! Some take any opportunity they can, even if strings are attached.Dorinda: You cannot pay me enough to compromise my God. He’s been too good to me to go my own way.

George: You are an Evangelist as well. Do you find yourself combining preaching with singing when you take engagements?Dorinda: I get more invitations to preach. My mother saw this calling when I was 19 years old. Since then I’ve realized my preaching is a calling and my singing is my natural gift. I have had this dual ministry for 30 years now.

George: How do you keep your relationship with God strong while you’re on the road and managing a busy schedule?Dorinda: There is no way to be in any kind of a relationship and not talk. I keep my bond strong with Jesus everyday through prayer. Prayer is so important to me. I talk to Him in the morning, and throughout the day. He keeps my mind in perfect peace, because I remain focused on Him!

George: Let’s talk about your new CD “Living It” which to me speaks for itself.Dorinda: Yes, yes it does. I want to encourage people to be true to the God we serve. You just can’t talk about it only you must live this life according to the Word of God.

George: Yes, you just came back from The Stellar Awards.Dorinda: I did and was nominated for 3 Stellars; CD of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, and Song of the Year. I did not win either of them, however.

George: I love the title track Living It. It speaks about our dependence on Christ for everything. “Every day I Live to Die and let You in” I love that line. I suggest to my WOW! Magazine readers to find these lyrics online, they will bless your soul. What is your favorite song that you must include in your concerts?Dorinda: “I’m Still Here.” George, let me share a story about that. I was going through and contemplating suicide. My mother was no longer there to help me deal with my issues. I went into a state of depression. I couldn’t take it anymore so I got into my car and was driving 90 miles an hour about to drive my car off the bridge. I heard the voice of God saying “Dorinda don’t do it” He told me that He gave me life and I have not completed what He has given me to do. I grabbed the steering wheel and the lyrics of this song came pouring out of me. Now I can truly say it was nothing but the will of God that “I’m Still Here.”

George: That is an awesome testimony, and I’m sure many will be encouraged and inspired to value their lives and be more sensitive to God’s will.Dorinda: I love what I call the Red Album where I worked with Asaph Ward who was producer and the Michael Fletcher Chorale was the dynamic choir from Detroit, Michigan. I enjoyed singing live on that CD.

George: I also noticed that some selections were in the studio as well.Dorinda: Yes. I like the live and studio aspect of recording on my albums. It has worked for me and I will always stick with that formula.

George: I cannot go any further without talking about your family. When the Clark Sisters started there were five sisters; Jackie, Denise, Twinkie, Yourself, and Karen. What happened to Denise?Dorinda: My sister Denise decided early on around 1982 that she no longer wanted to be a part of the group. My sisters and I always did things together and we are very, very close. Our mother insisted that family

was important. We share and celebrate each other’s success.

George: Talk to us about how your mother Dr. Mattie Moss Clark influenced you and your sisters?Dorinda: Our mother was wise, skillful, and anointed. She invested everything in us. She recognized our gifts and put us in position to be used how God led her. She realized Karen’s abilities and put her on top of a table to sing. She kept us off the street and in church, but most importantly the lifestyle of a Spirit-Led vocalist who could sing, direct, compose, and play. We all depended greatly on her and she was always there for us in every way, and we still greatly miss her.

George: Before I let you go I’ve seen one of your 3 Talk Shows and you are a natural host.Dorinda: Thank you, George. I was literally tricked into being the co-host. The host left after a few shows and the rest is history. I am honored to host these shows. They are:1.The Dorinda Show – TCT Networka.Highlights New Artists, 2.Celebrate Live – TCT Network, a.Pastors Sermons, b.Well Known Gospel Artists, 3.Gospel According to Dorinda – Word Networka.Well Known Gospel Artists, b.Featured CD’s, 4.Dorinda Clark Cole – Rejoice Network , a. Radio Show

George: May we have your website information? I have noticed in my research that you have a clothing line as well. I want our readers to take advantage of a Dorinda Clark Cole design. Dorinda: www.dorindaclarkcole.net

George: It was absolutely my pleasure to speak with you this evening and thank you for your openness and for sharing with us.Dorinda: You are very welcome, Brother George.

© 2016 George has over 25 years of experience in the Music Ministry and has served as Artistic Director, Minister of Music, Worship Leader, and Vocal Instructor. He can be reached at [email protected].

WOW! MAGAZINE | WINTER 2016 | 13www.thewowmagazine.com


According to Webster, the definition of a scar is; A: a mark left, by the healing of injured tissue; B: an indication of damage.

So, tell me, do you ever feel like just about the time you get your wounds cleaned up, and your scars from one battle are just about healed, something else seems to happen? Then, you have to begin the process of cleaning those wounds, bandaging them up and waiting for those scars to

heal up…only for the process to begin all over again? Most everyone has scars somewhere, on or in them…scars on their body, their emotions, their mind, etc. Some scars are fresh, maybe just a few weeks or months old. Other scars, however, may be deeper, from a time long passed, yet still visible, if just by you.

A scar is 3 things; One, it’s evidence you’ve been hurt. Two, it’s evidence you survived and have gotten through it. And Three, it’s evidence of empathy. (Empathy meaning…the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person). Empathy is heartbreaking — you experience other people’s pain and joy. Sympathy is easier, because you just have to feel sorry for someone, like sending a sympathy card if someone’s spouse passes away. And you’ll feel empathy if your spouse has passed away too.

No matter where your scars have come from, or where/what your empathy is toward now, THAT is what matters right at this moment. What matters is what you do with those things. For some of you, you have lost the most precious thing of all, you’ve lost HOPE. Where are you without hope? Maybe you are reading this right now and thinking, “If people could see my scars, what would they think of me? If they knew what I’ve done…what has been done to me, what would they think? I’ve been knocked down too many times. I’m too old to still fulfill my dream, and so on and so on.” Sound familiar? Don’t let circumstances drag you down or keep you from doing what God put in your heart. You may not understand why that person walked away (scar #1), or why your business failed (scar #2), why you came down with an illness (scar # 3). You may be wondering why you had to feel the sting of someone you thought was your friend, only to have to pull the knife out of your back when you found out that was not the case. (And the # of scars keeps on coming) Or maybe someone left a scar on you by making you feel inadequate in some way. Maybe, to them, you were not the right person for whatever circumstance it was. However, God sees down the road, and if we could just quit trying to figure everything out on our own and put our faith and trust in Him, we could save ourselves a lot of pain (scars). Maybe you’re dealing with the scar of someone lying about you. Maybe you’re dealing with disappointments…doors that have closed, that you thought you were supposed to walk through. That may not have been a closed door at all! Perhaps it was just the wrong door, and God has the right door for you to walk through just around the corner, if you can just hold on! So, what are you remembering? Are you remembering the hurts, the pain, the disappointments and trials? All those things leave scars on us that we carry around, if we choose. But I am asking you today to turn that around and remember your dreams.

What has God put on the inside of you? What used to ignite the passion on the inside of you that perhaps you have forgotten along the way? What have you allowed all the hurt, the deep wounds, and the scars to rob from you? Perhaps all the bitterness and anger of

THE OPENDOOR

BY GINGER SMITH

Have you seenMY Scars?


what they have left you with, or without, has robbed you of your destiny. Let me encourage you to turn your circumstance around by telling the enemy that every time he brings up a past hurt (scar), that you are going to begin to allow God to re-ignite the dreams and passions He has put on the inside of you from birth! Watch what happens when you take what Satan meant for destruction, and you allow God to breathe across the embers of those things that may seem impossible to you right now. Because with God, ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE! Instead of remembering the hurt, disappointment, loss of hope, worthlessness, anger and bitterness every time you touch one of your scars, begin to praise God that He brought you through it, and He has your life in His hands! And His plans for you are perfect in every way. Begin to thank Him, that the perfect person HE has planned for your future…your soul mate, is going to show up…in HIS time! Thank Him that the job you didn’t get was a blessing because the perfect job (a much better job) is just around the corner! Thank Him that for every person, circumstance, or trial He has seen you through…was to bring you into a wide open space of healing, peace, prosperity and blessing! But it has to begin in your mind. You have to begin to speak those things back into existence.

So every time you begin to think, again, “There is no way that ANYONE could possibly know ALL of the things I feel…to know the sting of betrayal, the loneliness of losing people I thought were my friends, the unrelenting, excruciating, agonizing physical pain in my body,” I want you to re-read the title of this article. You see, when I titled this article, “Have You Seen My Scars,” I wasn’t asking you if you have seen MY scars, or asking you to look at everything I’VE been through. I want you to read it again, as it was meant to be read (and asked) by the ONE person who DOES know, and has been there with you throughout all of your torment, trials, pain, and has always brought you through and will bring you through again. So don’t lose hope, and don’t be discouraged, because Jesus is asking you, “Is there anything too hard for Me?

“Have you seen MY scars?”

© 2016 Ginger is a licensed minister, author, recording artist and conference speaker. She has written a book, “Breath of Heaven” which is her gripping testimony of being radically apprehended by God. Ginger resides in Tennessee with her husband, Terry, along with their children, and grandchildren. Visit her website at http://www.gingersmith.org


FASHIONFORWARD with Tracie

Make-Up FUn

with Jestina Howard


BY TRACIE THREADFORD

Hey, hey, you WOWderful woman you! I have missed you. Spring has sprung and all the pretty pastels are in full effect. I

just love this time of year. I know this is a fashion column and we

WOWderful women love to be fashionable from our head to our toes. So for this issue, I would like to focus on our beautiful faces. You all are in luck, because I had a chance to catch up with premier make-up artist Jestina Howard of Aware Cosmetics. Just a little bit about Jestina:

Jestina Howard has worked as a professional makeup artist for 26 years in the areas of print, television, video, live performance and private consultations. With years of experience and tireless commitment, she is a highly sought after cosmetics professional throughout the country.

Her work has appeared in dozens of local, national and international trade publications, magazines, and newspapers, as well as commercials and telecasts. Some of her clients include B-Metro Birmingham, People and Essence Magazines, The Food Network, Saks Inc., UAB, WBRC FOX- 6, FOX Sports, MTV, Nike, Vulcan Materials, Golf Channel, PGA Tour Entertainment, Regions Bank and the list goes on. Over the years she has also been a freelance regional makeup artist for major cosmetic companies MAC, Bobbi Brown, Lancôme and Elizabeth Arden and now in WOW!

In 2003 Jestina created the Aware Cosmetics product line to further service her makeup clients and others. The products are paraben, talc, gluten-free and not tested on animals.

Not one to rest on her laurels, Jestina attends beauty trade shows and conferences in New York, Miami, Las Vegas, Atlanta, New Orleans and Los Angeles regularly. This helps her stay abreast of current trends, techniques and new products. She holds a certification in photography and video makeup from the Barbara Salamone Conservatory of Esthetics in Chicago, IL along with an airbrush certification from Dinair. She has attended training sessions with makeup artist to the stars, Sam Fine, author of Fine Beauty, Emmy award-winning makeup artists Eve Pearl and Todd McIntosh and Michael DeVellis, makeup artist and founder of The Powder Group and The Makeup Show.

Additionally, Jestina is a regional broadcast beauty spokesperson for Proctor & Gamble’s Beauty Brands such as Olay, Cover Girl, Pantene and Vidal Sassoon. She is booked regularly as a beauty expert for WBRC FOX 6 and WCFT ABC 3340. She is a former beauty editor for Go Haute and My Scoop Online Magazines and a current contributing beauty/style writer for The Birmingham Times.

As you can see, Jestina is very busy and I am so grateful that she took time out of her busy schedule to give us a few tips on how we can keep our looks fresh.

Tracie: So Jestina, I know rule number one of wearing make-up is skincare. What advice would you give our readers for keeping their skin healthy and clean? Jestina: I suggest investing in some good skincare products such as Olay, Mary Kay, Clarins or Aveda and start a regular regimen both day and night along with getting facials for your specific skin type on a regular basis. If you really take care of your skin, you won’t have to use a lot of foundation and concealer to camouflage your skin. I love going to Aveda Institute to have a 60-minute facial experience and be pampered while taking care of my skin. You only have one face so take care of it.

Tracie: Now as for foundation shades, what burns me up is when I see women with their face one color and their neck and chest another color. What should we look for when picking a shade, what should we match, our face or our neck?Jestina: When picking a foundation in a store, look for a shade with an undertone close to your skin tone then apply a swatch of

the shade on your jawline and a part of your neck. Take

a mirror outside in natural light to look at the shade you’ve applied to see if it’s close enough

to your skin tone that you don’t see any demarcations. I suggest looking for a foundation shade that has a yellow or golden undertone because most people have more yellow in their skin than pink. Ask the

salesperson to give you a sample of the

foundation to try it out a few days before purchasing so High definition finishing powder

awarecosmetics.com


FJ Todd of SaseeChic

you can look at it in different lighting. Be sure to get honest feedback from a close friend or family member to tell you how the foundation shade looks. . Tracie: So lately, the trend if you want to call it that, has been filling in your eyebrows. Another pet peeve of mine is the halo over your brow when you clean them up with concealer, how can we banish that unsightly halo? Jestina: Well to combat the halo effect just don’t apply the concealer on the top of the brow area, only sculpt the brow underneath.

Tracie: For those of us that prefer a more natural look, what colors can we incorporate into our everyday look and how can we jazz it up for the evening?Jestina: To achieve a natural look it’s all about the shades you use and the way you apply them. You can apply warm tones such as tan, caramel, espresso or cool tones such as violet, mauve or plum to create a natural look. To jazz up the natural look incorporate a darker shade like black to the outer corner of the eye and line the eyes with black on the top and bottom then apply a pair of false lashes to add drama.

Tracie: Something else I see and have issues with is the placement of eye shadow. Will you tell our readers the correct placement if there is one?

waterproof gel eyeliner with angle definer brushawarecosmetics.com

Jestina: The simplest and most universal way to apply eyeshadow is to apply the medium shade on the lid, darkest shade in the crease and lightest shade under the brow arch.

Tracie: Do you do the chemical composition of your brand? Jestina: No, I don’t. I go through a manufacturing company.

Tracie: Contour and highlighting: I see this overdone and done incorrectly on so many ladies. Help us Jestina, please! What is the correct way to contour and highlight? What are the best products to do this with? Jestina: To achieve a flattering daytime contour and highlight effect on your face,

you have to make sure it doesn’t look too dramatic, because you will be up close and personal with people and not on stage at a distance. Your face should be softly defined and the highlight and contour shades should be well blended where your face looks naturally enhanced.

My favorite highlight and contour sticks are by Lancome and Sephora. You can use a pressed powder or foundation powder 1-2 shades darker than your skin tone to contour your face. If you are not comfortable with your contouring skills, then just strobe your face: (meaning

highlight) the top of your cheekbones, under your brow bones and the inner eye. This will give you the same effect.

Tracie: Now I like to have fun, so tell our readers 10 things they must have in their make-up kit? Jestina: 1. Natural bristled brush collection2. Foundation3. Face Primer4. Eyeshadow Primer5. Black mascara6. Black liquid or gel waterproof eyeliner7. Contour/Highlight Stick8. Neutralizer to combat discoloration9. Brow Powder or Brow Pencil10. Finishing Powder

Tracie: Tell our readers 10 things to toss from their make-up kit? Jestina: Makeup is just like food, they have expiration dates, so make sure to toss any products that are expired:Makeup• Mascara (regular or waterproof ), liquid, pencil or gel eyeliners: 4 to 6 months (always toss out dry mascara—never add water to extend its life)• Cream, Liquid or Stick Foundations or Concealers: 6 months to 1 year• Mineral based products: 6 months• Powder-based products: 2-3 years• Lipsticks, Lip Gloss, & Lip Pencils: 2-3 yearsSkincare• Cleansers: 1 year• Toners: 6 months to 1 year• BHA or AHA Exfoliants: 1 year• Facial or Body Moisturizers and Serums: 6 months to 1 year• Lip Balms: 1 year• Remember: If it smells funky, looks gunky


or the texture has changed significantly—definitely toss it out! Watch (or sniff ) for any new odors, as smell is one of the first qualities to change when a formula has expired.

Tracie: What’s your go to product that you cannot do without and why?Jestina: Lipcolor is my go to product. My favorite shade is Red Bottoms from my Aware Cosmetics line. It’s a deep rich wine lipstick with specks of glitter infused in it. I like it because it stays on all day and it’s flattering on my skin tone. It’s my go to product because if I don’t have time to fully “beat” my face, I can do my brows, cancel out my dark circles with a little salmon toned neutralizer, put mascara on my lashes, and add Red Bottoms to my lips and I look totally pulled together.

Tracie: As for make-up, what’s trending on the runway right now?

Jestina: Blue Eyeshadow or Eyeliner

Candy Apple Red Lips in Gloss or MatteDefined LashesEmerald & Sapphire Smoky EyesDark Moody Purple Red Lips or Black Cherry LipsStrobe Highlighting or Glowing ComplexionsBold Brows

Website: www.awarecosmetics.comIG:aware_cosmeticsFB: AwareCosmeticsMakeupServicesTwitter: @awarecosmeticsTracie: Thanks so much Jestina for sharing your expertise with our WOWderful women!

© 2016 Tracie Threadford is a wife, mother and grandmother extraordinaire. She has a passion for fashion and her years in the financial industry have taught her the meaning

of frugality. When she is not WOWing for WOW! Magazine as Fashion Editor, she can be found on her personal finance blog http://traciebthreadford.com.

TRACEY’SCORNER

The Righteousness of God in Him

I am the righteousness of God; free from shame, rejection, and sin.I am the righteousness of God, and all that I need is within.I am no longer bound by lust and the evil, wretched past.I am the righteousness of God and troubles cannot last.I have a right to health, wealth, peace and a good marriage too.I have a right to all those things, because God’s word says that I do.I am the righteousness of God and I cannot be moved!Sin has no dominion over me, and I can’t be fooled.I am the righteousness of God, free from the wiles of my arch enemy.I am the righteousness of God, His Grace had made me free. Check the “Good Book” and see what Jesus did on Calvary. My righteousness is only based on what He did for me. Without Jesus I’d be a pawn, serving the enemy, trapped by his deceitful lies and living in defeat.Yes, I’m the righteousness of God, and I know this by faith. In this lost and dying world, Jesus is my “Saving Grace.”I won’t be moved by what I feel or see, I’ll continue to walk in God’s VICTORY, and because my righteousness is God’s gift to me, I’ll cherish it throughout eternity.I’ll tell the world how God has forgiven past, present and future sins, and how they can live this life when Jesus lives within.I desire to see the lost and backslidden come running to My Savior, because He wants to show them all the good He has in store.

Once they embrace His Grace, in sin they will want to live no more.I am the righteousness of God, and it is stated in II Corinthians 5:21, I am finally resting in His finished works, for my life has just begun.“For He hath made Him who knew no sin to be made sin on our behalf; that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”I! Corinthians 5:21

I am...

Tracey earned a BA in Middle Grades Education, a BA in Theatre, and a BS in Psychology from The University of West Georgia College. She has not taught for twenty-six years. Her awards and honors include a seven-time recipient of Who’s Who Among American Teachers, 2003-2005, Best

Christian Play Writers, and a 2007 recipient of the Who’s Who Among American Women in Education. Tracey loves reading, liturgical dancing, and watching moves. She has been happily married to H.Leon Pitts, jr. for twenty-four years.

BY TRACEY PITTS


THE LADYLEADER

Purpose and Power Prevails


The crackling of firewood in the fireplace. The fragrance of warming beverages flow throughout; yet something is missing. There’s an argyle comforter thrown

across an ottoman awaiting the arrival of someone who has experienced a day filled with either tragedy or triumph; yet something is missing.

In this era both males and females have an opportunity to excel academically. Career achievement is common now; many of our ancestors were not given the option to dream of such a life; yet something is missing. Our neighborhoods are so diverse now in many areas, but if we don’t see the occupants we don’t have any idea who the residents are; something is missing.

The annual suicide rate is 12.93 per 100,000 individuals. Many suicide attempts, however, go unreported or untreated, as stated in the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (http://afsp.org/about-suicide/suicide-statistics/) Why is this rate so incredibly high, when it appears as though we’ve gained more? Why is suicide appearing to be the greatest solution, rather than the worst scenario?

I believe we must initially define who we are, what our purpose is, and allow His power to guide and direct our paths. Each of us has a divine purpose that was instilled within us while we were yet in our mothers’ wombs. I believe we have attached our purpose to our employment, our neighborhoods, and sadly to our financial statuses. Purpose does NOT have a specific zip code or tax bracket. Purpose resides in those who live in both basic housing and elaborate estates. Purpose is not determined by the opinion of others. Purpose is a God given gift that compels you to reach within yourself and project

His will for your life to others. Purpose is so well packaged on the inside, that when it is exposed it shines as a brilliant sparkle in a diamond. It is so unique that there is no God given purpose that looks the same. There are, of course, diverse variations of purpose - yet like a fingerprint your reason for being a resident on this earth is uniquely yours.

My belief is that the power of prayer provokes life-altering effects. Prayer, coupled with faith, can move mountains, change neighborhoods, cause a decline in

crime and initiate a movement that causes character building.

Physical suicide happens when someone has given up, and feels his/her presence is no longer vital. However, mental and emotional suicide takes places when a person removes himself/herself mentally, emotionally and socially while yet still residing in a physical body. It’s time for purpose

and prayer to become activated in the lives of our brothers and sisters. We can’t give up. Can you imagine if someone’s prayers did not prevail on our behalf? Imagine if someone did not take the time to speak into our lives and activate our purpose?

I trust, hope and pray that each of us takes a moment to re-evaluate our purpose and saturate it with prayer. There is a power that has been deposited within each of our lives and it shall prevail.

BY B. J. RELEFOURD

© 2016 BJ Relefourd-The Lady Leader resides in Metro Atlanta. The Executive Director of the Women of Power Network, distributing diverse facets of inspiration

media ministry. She is the Co-Pastor of Vision of Life Ministries with her husband of over 35 years.

“The annual suicide rate is

12.93 per 100,000 individuals. Many suicide attempts,

however, go unreported or untreated...”


encourage.

Marriage Will Not Deliver You

BY TAMARA D. DAVIS

For quite some time, the Lord has been undoing a fantasy mindset I developed in regard to marriage. I believe there are many women who have this same mindset so I would like to share what God opened my eyes to see. Prayerfully, this will encourage someone to be delivered from erroneous and

detrimental thinking when it comes to being single in the Lord.For most of my life, I thought life without a mate was pointless.

I was briefly married in my early twenties and that marriage further warped my mindset. To me, life was just life and there was no excitement and joy to it because all I did was work, go to church and come home to take care of my children. However, behind closed doors, I tried to fill my own void by being with different men with the hopes that one of them would eventually “see” me and rescue me from my mundane life of parenting and work. There were many things I didn’t want to do because I didn’t have a husband. Things such as owning a home or travelling weren’t of interest to me. I simply didn’t want to “do” life without a husband. In my mind, there was no “life” in singleness. I only saw “joy” with a man. One day, the Lord challenged me and said, “Tamara, let Me show you what I can do in your life without a husband.” When He said that, I immediately knew He wasn’t trying to demean or devalue marriage because He created marriage. What He wanted me to see was how beautiful my life could be in Him. He wanted to teach me that marriage is not the source of life. He is! That was over ten years ago when I surrendered to the challenge. The Lord has not disappointed me!

Significant time has passed and He has truly magnified Himself in my life. He has blessed me indeed with some wonderful, material things as well as a full, beautiful, peaceful life in Him. Two years ago, I thought I was finally ready for a relationship. I thought I was headed for marriage only to discover that God had a different plan. He wanted me DELIVERED! He was not done with my process. What I didn’t realize was that underneath the hidden surface, there were thoughts and behaviors still lying dormant and hiding in my spirit, which manifested in this relationship. As I was pulling up to my sister’s house one day, God dropped a mind renewing, heart-shifting, spirit changing revelation on me. He spoke these words to my spirit “Marriage will not deliver you.” I sat in my car in awe at what He said to me. Up until that point, I was not aware that I

was looking for marriage to deliver me.God went on to teach me that marriage won’t bring me out of

poverty. It won’t heal me from sickness and disease. It won’t heal me from loneliness and childhood issues. Marriage won’t give me value. That’s God’s job and He wants it exclusively! If you’re looking to your husband or a man for any of those things, you have made him your god. That, my friends, is idolatry. I heard my pastor say this one day: we MUST make God our enough so that He can prove to be our more than enough.

You may be asking “What does making God my ‘more than enough’ look like?” First, I had to pray

for the desire to have God be my “more than enough” because truthfully, I didn’t want

Him to be that. I only thought God was good for certain blessings but

it was a man’s job to salvage the broken little girl. God has shown me that He cares about this area of my life as well. Next, I began to speak “God is my more than enough.” I learned how to turn over every need to Him – mental, emotional, spiritual, physical and financial. I also learned how to listen and obey,

even when it meant walking away from a man who was not

God’s best for me. Obedience is a demonstration of trust and God

honors that. If the Lord has told you to stop communicating with a certain

someone, stop! If He’s told you to walk away, walk away. Whatever God has told you to do in

regard to your relationships and singleness, do it. If not, you will end up settling for less than His best. Trust God to meet you at that moment of obedience. Don’t concern yourself with not having anyone to talk with or being alone. God is always present and waiting to meet you where you are. There is a purpose attached to the instruction.

Psalms 22:5 in New King James Version says this “They cried to You, and were delivered; They trusted in You, and were not ashamed.” God will not shame you. Love doesn’t shame. Remember, God is your deliverer from any and everything that has ever had you bound. Marriage itself cannot do that. Until we make God our “more than enough,” nothing and no one will ever

WOW! MAGAZINE |SPRING 2016 | 23www.thewowmagazine.com

of a Single Woman

Confessions

Tamara is passionate about encouraging women to live beautiful, whole, com-plete lives through Jesus Christ. She’s not afraid to share her trails, failures and testimonies because she knows how powerful testimonies are. Tamara resides in St. Petersburg, FL with her three children. She can be reached at [email protected].

...God dropped a mind renewing, heart-shifting,

spirit changing revelation on me. He spoke these words to my spirit, “Marriage will not

deliver you.”

“

”


Growing up in the church there was a familiar congregational song they used to sing. The lyrics of the song were, “Lord send

a revival and let it begin with me!” The song implies that there is a need for something

to change. If we look up the Word revival in the thesaurus, we will find synonyms for the word such as: Improvement, recovery, upturn, resurgence. It’s customary that at the beginning of

every year people make “resolutions,” usually for things such as losing weight, stopping bad habits or rededicating their lives back to Christ. While it’s easy to notice when others slip off of their resolution track, the question begs, “Are we as concerned about ourselves as much as we are concerned about others?” In the world of social media and reality

TV, there is so much information out there about who did what and with whom that it is very easy to get distracted by what is going on with others and forget about our own shortcomings, or at least put our own short comings on the backburner and keep it covered up, while making sure that others are on the serving table. It’s not a selfish thing to think of yourself

first. In fact in many cases it’s necessary to do so. Can you imagine how much further along we would be with our dreams and goals, if we took the focus off of others and simply focused on self….even if it’s just for a season? Here are a few ways to begin a revival that

“begins with me!”:

1. Commit to a life of prayerThe misconception that you have to have

a war room for a prayer room is just that, a misconception. We can talk to God anytime and everywhere. The Bible says pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5). When our thoughts turn to worry, fear, discouragement, and anger, having a committed life of prayer allows us to consciously and quickly turn every thought into prayer and every prayer into thanksgiving.

2. Commit to affirming yourselfYes, tell yourself how great you are! Many

Let it Begin with ME!

BY STEPHANIE C. HARPER


times we look for validation from others, when we need to know that if no one else validates our dreams, goals or aspirations, they are still very important and needed! Make a list of things that you want to complete and put goals and deadlines by it. Start with small things, like writing yourself a love letter and telling yourself, “I love you” every day until it becomes a habit.

3. Exercise the power of no!This is a big one! So often we over extend

ourselves because we want to be a part of something. However everyone has a season where they just need to rest. If you are overwhelmed with everyone else’s projects, it’s hard to focus on your own. Many times we have additional commitments based on our spouses, children, family and friends. Consider taking 30 days to work on a “me project” and then celebrate your success. Everyone won’t understand, appreciate or support your “me time,” but it’s necessary for you to be all that you can be! No point in creating resolutions, without having a plan in place to achieve the results. Before we can revive any dead thing, we

first have to be revived. Before we can be of help to others, we have to first help ourselves. Before we can help others to shine, we have to first illuminate ourselves. Before we can be a blessing to others, we have to first learn that we are blessed. Before we can improve the situation of others, we have to first improve ourselves. When it comes personal, it becomes practical. It’s important that we don’t just go through the motions of singing the words, “Lord, send a revival and let it begin with me,” but it’s crucial to our survival that we actively engage in becoming revived!

Stephanie C. Harper, PHR, CCP, CHRM is a certified human resources professional by trade. Publisher of CAREER Magazine she is also a Business Coach helping individuals in the areas of employment, entrepreneurship and publishing. For more information visit www.StephanieHarper.com

www.thebackpew.comUsed with permission.

Stay connected!www.thewowmagazine.com


THE JOURNEY OF AWOMAN

Raised by Children


BY E. MARIE LAMBERT

© 2016 E. Marie Lambert is an educator with a passion for youth, the underserved, and the lives of women. Marie is Founder and Executive Director of the True Way Youth Empowerment Foundation. This fall Marie can be heard on WTMR 800 AM Radio on Saturdays between 5-5:30 PM for her Ten Minutes With True Way segment. Visit her website at www.truewayyef.org.

I knew billions of women gave birth and it was good in theory, but the reality of pushing a life from my girl-parts was scary and just absurd! Not long after I adjusted to being the mother of one, I learned I was expecting again! I actually cried off and on for about two weeks; “I just had a baby.” I’d wail. After the initial shock of being born, our son was easy and happy-go-lucky. But the girl was not so easy. She was a high-risk pregnancy and I was at the doctor’s and Fetal Well-

Being center three times per week. After a couple of months, we learned that our daughter had a painful heart defect, extreme acid reflux, and asthma. With open-heart surgery and a few other procedures, she is thriving. Our children are only 13 months apart, a little more than “Irish twins.”

As they grew, my growth was ongoing. As mothers, we support our children’s growth and development, juggling careers, carpools, husbands, household duties, and the like. Mothering takes the humbleness and submissiveness of Mary, the patience of Job, and the wisdom of James 3:17.

My children are now young adults and continue to teach me so much about navigating the world and about governing myself. I spent a lot of time talking to them and sharing all that I thought they possibly needed to know about getting along, yet, I was continually pruned. We have very candid and authentic discussions around our dinner table, and I’ve gotten an earful. As each of us manages our lives, careers, and passions, I’ve needed help to put all of my “stuff ” in perspective. From my children, I learned that they were watching my life in correlation to the time we spent at church and in ministry. They asked unexpected questions that let me know they were listening. I recently found out that my son used scripture and the threat of “God’s watching, or the devil’s gonna get ya” to manipulate my daughter both into and out of bad behavior! They laugh hysterically about that now. When my kids were away at school, I often sent them scriptures to encourage them. I was reduced to tears when they sent some of those same scriptures to encourage me when I needed them. I learned that what I thought was friendly advice to their friends seemed more like subtle chiding. I learned that my social timid-ness and extreme public reserve was interpreted as snobby and judgmental, and that you don’t wear folded socks with loafers and cuffed pants, and that double-cuffed pants makes me look shorter! I learned that it was okay that I was not perfect and that although I didn’t do everything right, they still thought, and think, I’m a really good mom, wife, and overall good person. They have often said that my “corniness” is so cute because I am so genuinely corny!

My kids are two of my best friends. I know that saying about parents not being friends with their kids, but I always rebut with this; as my child’s friend, I am obligated to tell them the truth about dangerous or inappropriate choices, bad behavior or bad breath, or too much make-up or cologne. I don’t pretend to agree when I really don’t, I love and accept them unconditionally, even when I don’t like them, and I always accept and offer a sincere apology. We are friends that laugh and cry, share secrets, dance unabashed together, dish about someone to get it off our chest and then honestly consider the lesson or growth of that interaction and take ownership of our part, give one another respectful criticism and advice, support and cheer for one another, pray together, remind one another of the ministry that is supposed to govern our lives, and press our foreheads together sharing one plate of sushi. As my husbands’ illness progressed, it was my children that taught me that it was okay to lament and to really let myself mourn the loss of my partner, as I had known him. They let me cry it out at the dinner table where we do some of our best family stuff.

They are wise beyond their years and I often just shake my head at their depth and intuitiveness. I hadn’t expected to ascertain so much from having children. Sometimes I resisted, the same as children, but I know that I am wiser for accepting; understanding the place it comes from. My worldview and attitudes about life and experiences are deeper and richer from being open to their ideology and uncorrupted input. As we live, we should continue to learn and grow. I encourage you to be open to the life lessons that the very ones we taught, are able to teach us. I have been Raised By Children.


PARENTINGPILGRAMAGEwith Priscilla

“You shall teach them to your children, talking of them when you are sitting in your house, and when you are walking by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.” Deuteronomy 11:19

“Children do not come with a manual!” We are all familiar with that quote. This article is not by

any means intended to be that “prolific manual” or to serve as an expert’s opinion. These are just a few things my husband and I’ve learned and are learning along the jour-ney that I wanted to share. Remember we are all in this together. At the end of the article I’ll show you how you can specifi-cally contribute as well. Before I begin al-

low me to preference by saying I know it goes without saying but the foremost way of teaching our children anything is by ex-ample. As much as they should do what we say, they are most likely to do what we do.

1) Teach your children that God is realYes our children need to know of all

of God’s majestic, miraculous works of old, but they also need to know that He’s a very present help in a time of trouble. (Psalm 46:1) He is not just grandmom and granddad’s God. He wants to dwell in and move on their behalf as well. Model to them what it looks like to acknowledge Him in all your ways, what it looks like to diligently seek Him. Let them know that God cares about their cares, how they get along with others, what they want to be in life, who they marry, etc.

2) Teach them to Honor their father

10Things to Teach

BY PRISCILLA HILL

and motherThis principle can be taught two ways.

First by the way you honor each other to your children. No matter how upset you make each other never allow that time to be open game for your children on your spouse. Never allow or encourage disrespect. Teach them to love, appreciate, and always hold in high regard their parents. The second way to show this is by allowing your children to see you loving, caring, honoring, blessing, calling, and visiting your own parents. I know all our plates are full, but one day real soon you will be your parents.

3) Respect Authority and othersIn this ‘the most important person in the

whole wide world is me’ society, there is little regard for others and respect is much too tall an order. I’m so sorry to say this, but it seems that this generation gets so many rights, but gives so little respect. They respect no one, not even themselves. I don’t even think most of them ever heard the word manners. Remember when senior citizens and police officers were respected? Authority is ordained by God. (Romans 13:1, 2). Let us encourage our children to lose the bad attitudes and like Daniel, distinguish themselves because of the excellent spirit found in them. (Daniel 6:3)

4) Teach them to work hard/Teach them that life is hard

Man that is born of a woman is of few days and their troubles are many. ( Job 14:1) If they anticipate hardness, they will learn how to endure it like a good soldier. They need to understand that life is not a cake walk. They need to learn how not to fall to pieces over the slightest thing that doesn’t go their way. They need to learn how to cope and work through things. Do not make them feel like they are entitled to all the finer things in life just because they are your angels. Instead teach them the joy and pride of earning what they desire.

5) Teach them that actions have consequences

Having the gift of mercy, it breaks my heart for me to see anyone, let alone my children experience pain. I am often guilty of trying to buffer my children from the pains of life. I am learning how foolish this is. Pain can be the best teacher. Nothing like getting burned to make you say I do

not think I want to put my hand in that fire again. It is very hard as parents to watch our children suffer from poor decisions. We want to come to their rescue and bail them out. When we do this we are doing more harm than good. We are setting ourselves up for a life time of cleaning up after them.

6) Teach them to give Being able to give is in and of itself a gift,

as I can think of nothing more rewarding. As God has prospered you give freely, generously, and privately, to those less fortunate, in so doing you are lending to the Lord. (Proverbs 19:17)

7)Teach them to be channels of God’s love

The greatest of these is love. Love is how we are distinguished as Christ’s disciples. Home is the training ground for love. How can you love God and hate your brother or sister. TV champions, showcases, and gets rich off of family strife and tension on all these reality shows and sitcoms. Have none of it! I don’t want to hear a thing about how inseparable you are with your BFF, but you cannot stand the sight of your baby sister. Our kids have six best friends and the beautiful thing about it is they all have the same last name. Showing loving kindness to your family makes it second nature when it comes to others.

8)Teach them how to forgive and be forgiven

Forgiveness is a struggle both ways. It is one of the most difficult things in the world to forgive someone who has deeply hurt you, but oh how much more liberating it is both ways. If we can grasp forgiveness, I mean true, genuine, ‘I don’t hold it, just like the Lord does not hold it’ forgiveness, I’m convinced we will add years back on our lives. Forgive people, forgive yourself, receive forgiveness. I will be the first to admit that forgiveness is not easy, but it is

more than worth it.9) Teach them to be people of integrityA good name is to be chosen rather

than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold. (Proverbs 22:1) A very wise woman once admonished one of my girls to never do anything that would dishonor The Lord’s name, her family’s name, or her name.

10) Teach them gratefulness Anybody can sit around, say woe is me,

and play another somebody done somebody wrong song! But to wake up thanking the Lord for a brand new day, filled with brand new mercies, and another opportunity to bring Him glory, that’s gratefulness. We

should never compare ourselves to others, never complain about what we don’t have. We should count our blessings, name them one by one. God gave us His only begotten Son to die for our sins. If it so pleases Him to do nothing more, I am eternally grateful for everlasting life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Our children may think they know more than both parents combined, but contrary to their opinion, they desperately need our guidance and instruction. A

child left to himself will bring his mother to shame, (Proverbs 29:15) but God’s word promises if we train up a child in the way he should go, when he is old he will not depart from it. (Proverbs 22:6)

We’d love to hear what you find is fundamental to teach your children. Please share your list. Next issue I will share a list of the top ten things our subscribers think should be taught. Please feel free to leave your list under this article on our website. Thanks for sharing in the pilgrimage. Can’t wait to read your responses!


© 2016 Priscilla Hill has been married to the irreplaceable love of her life Rev. Wayne Hill, Sr. for over 23 years. They’ve been blessed with seven

beautiful children. The Hill ’s make their home in the Atlanta, Georgia area.

“Yes our children need to know of all of God’s majestic, miraculous works of old, but they also need to know that He’s a very present help in a

time of trouble.”


Inspire The World Publish Your

Book Today With

THE MOST RESPECTEDFULL-SERVICE PUBLISHING FIRM

Hard cover and digital distributionCustom designs and illustrations

Full Publicity and Promotion Campaign

Your book made available at all major secularand specialty Christian bookstores

Call today for your Free Publishing Kit!

800-579-6794

With

c f


How might your practice to reach those without a relationship to Christ be attributed to answered prayer?

Our Lord once declared: “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” [Matthew 9:37-38] He did so upon making an interesting observation then, no doubt relevant today. Sometimes the evangelism arena of those to be saved is far more ready than those positioned to reach them, both at the heart and practice levels. Obviously, answered prayer must move the direction of disciples who are perhaps not ready for the field of evangelism work.

We’ve all possibly heard before, that prayer changes things. Well, it actually does, and even more so because answered prayer is solely orchestrated by our Father and God. One mark of prayer’s power is when our individual and corporate hearts are transformed to complete specific aspects

of our Lord’s will. Matthew 9:38 certainly is one of those specific prayer focus points: “Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” Clearly Christ envisions answered prayer to be the sole reason our mission direction and desire is changed from entering church to serving saints to being sent out to serve prospects of the non-Christian world. Being sent out is measured answered prayer. I’m certain many segments of the Body of Christ pray, from households to houses of worship.. But I’m also certain there’s a fresh call of the Spirit to focus our hearts anew on prayer requesting. Christ actually directed us to pray versus the general prayer privilege we’re afforded. Generally, we can request of our Father and God anything we need, from daily bread to wisdom managing day to day matters of life. And God certainly will answer! But usually when Christ directs our prayer requesting we’re not the benefactors, God and purposes of His will are. And such requesting can challenge the faith of even faithful Christians who practice prayer.

The context of Matthew chapter 9:37-

38 clearly reveals Christ unveiling a first century dilemma with even 21st century implications: “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” And He concluded answered prayer was the remedy. About our lives, where the hearts of sinners are many and ready and evangelizers few, answered prayer is to the reason a newfound thrust of sending out occurs among Christ disciples. Sending out is God at work!

And since it’s answered prayer, being sent out creates three combined spiritual and practical points of transformation for missions work specifically for those not yet saved.

1. Compassionate Hearts – Christians with newfound compassion for non-Christians is reflective of a fresh nearness to Christ. As Christ is loved with compassion, so are we. Answered prayer is the gateway of God giving us a heart for the unsaved long before they have a heart for Him.

2. Reading Readiness – Witnesses who can read persons ready to receive Christ. From Christ’s perspective, a plentiful

MISSIONS AND THECHURCH

SENT: An Answered

Matter

Inspire The World Publish Your

Book Today With

THE MOST RESPECTEDFULL-SERVICE PUBLISHING FIRM

Hard cover and digital distributionCustom designs and illustrations

Full Publicity and Promotion Campaign

Your book made available at all major secularand specialty Christian bookstores

Call today for your Free Publishing Kit!

800-579-6794

With

c f


harvest indicates human hearts made ready by the Holy Spirit for receiving Him as Savior and Lord. [ John 16:7-10] Then reading readiness becomes ours!

Answered prayer assures we’re no longer aloft to the ready but reading the ready.

3. Laborers Doing the Work - Disciples reaping souls and making new disciples! That’s what answered prayer produces, laborers ready to work in the harvest fields of communities, cities and countries of our world, to reach those God is saving and baptizing those who receive and nurturing to maturity those devoted to further knowing and following Christ.

Perhaps it’s by personal choice we determine to attend church. But it’s our God through answered prayer who sends us out to serve in Christ in the harvest field of salvation for others.

© 2016 Officially licensed and ordained into the Gospel ministry in 1986 by the Consolation Baptist Church, Ronald Winston Parks currently serves as lead pastor of Love Fellowship Community and World Mission Church of Darby, Delaware County-Pennsylvania. He is the director of the Philadelphia Bible Fellow-ship Church Planting Alliance, INC, a Philadelphia-Pennsylvania based mission agency. He has served in

pastoral ministry since 1987.

JESUS

crossing guard

I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life. – John 5:24 niv

© 2

008

Mic

hael

D. W

ater

sw

ww

.joyf

ulto

ons.

com


Adam Sandler’s portrayal of workaholic, Michael Newman, in the 2006 movie Click was funny until the real message clicked in (pardon the

pun). After receiving the gift of a special remote control that allowed him to fast forward and rewind through different parts of his life, Sandler’s character did what a lot of us do without a remote. He developed a series of automatic responses. It seemed like a no brainer. When you don’t want to deal with something or someone just - click!

In a recent discussion, I expressed my concern over the tendency many have of responding to unwanted, uncomfortable, or painful experiences with knee jerk reactions that reject any possibility that good may be contained within it. As Christians who are being “conformed into the image of God’s Son” we are to be led by the Spirit of God (Romans 8:14). However, if we find ourselves reacting to the unpleasant aspects of our lives with automatic responses, then there is a chance that we may be

automatically rejecting the leading of the Holy Spirit without recognizing it.

Let me be clear, not all automatic responses are to be avoided. In fact, we can develop some habitual reactions that are beneficial. For example, when we feel anxious we can choose to bring our concerns immediately to God in prayer with a thankful heart. The result of this swift reaction to anxiety, God’s Word promises, will yield incomprehensible peace standing guard like a garrison over our hearts and minds (Philippians 4:6-7 AMP). In turn, this peace makes it easier to hear the Spirit’s leading through times of distress. On the other hand, if we tend to react to life’s discomforts with worry and fretful imaginings, the result then is quite another story.

If we’re honest, we have to admit that when we only engage in things that we are comfortable with, not only are we resisting God’s desire to conform us into His Son’s image, but we also have no need for the Spirit’s direction and empowerment. As I consider my own automatic responses I

whisper a prayer that all of God’s children will reflect upon areas in our lives where we fail to open our hearts to the Holy Spirit’s direction. There is no question that the last thing I want to do is click through life following my own way only to discover that I missed real life with God altogether.

CHRISTINADIXON

© 2016 Christina Dixon is a writer, speaker and publishing consultant who has been taking Christian writers from manuscript to marketplace for

over a decade. To contact Christina email her at [email protected].

The Danger of an

Automatic Response


T

“The Rock, Resurrection and Restoration”

THE ADVOCATESPEAKS

Finding Purpose in

BY SUNNETTA “SUNNY” SLAUGHTER

There are some things that happen in our lives that we would like to forget, choose not to remember, or will always carry with us, just beneath

the surface. In 2003, tragedy and trauma struck our family in the worst way. I found out that I was married to a child predator, and his last victim would be one of my own. However, by 2010, I thought that I was finally on the other side of the seven-year storm and a “life interrupted.” The possibility of not being engaged in the waves of battle, internal fight and constant fluctuating stages of survival, would allow me to breathe once again. But I exhaled too quickly and soon realized that I was living in the short-term of my own expectations, and the wounds that had a layer of healing, would begin to bleed profusely.

This time I would find myself standing on the edge of a new battle ground, unchartered waters and in a raging storm. You know they say that trouble don’t last always, I just could not seem to get to the “always.” I was falsely accused. People were coming for me! They were determined to discredit my name, reputation and invalidate my years of advocacy and activism in human trafficking (you remember Martin and Malcolm). I was caught up in a tidal wave and they had placed my children in the path of their destructive intentions. My family had once again become collateral damage, and we would be forever changed. We were all at the rock, and it was heavy.

Many times people say, “well now that it’s over you should just move on with your

life, don’t keep talking about, it’s in the past, and just be glad that you got through it.” It is always easy for someone to judge a journey that they themselves could never imagine taking, let alone surviving, and especially when you don’t look like what you’ve been through. See if I looked broken, then someone might be more inclined to let me cry. If I looked torn and beat down, someone might be more inclined to show empathy, not just for what they see, but what they don’t, my “wounds.” If I looked like I was struggling to carry this rock, then someone might be more inclined to offer me a hand, or better yet, understand why I am so passionate.

But thank God that I don’t look like what I’ve been through. There was purpose in that pain, and having a relationship with The Father didn’t make it any less painful to go through, but it did give me some clarity and understanding that whatever this was, it was not simply about me. He said, “Be still and know…” and when you are locked up for 89 days, falsely accused or not, you are going to be still, and when you know that you are innocent, you can’t help but be changed. God calls us to seek Him long before the rock becomes the reason.

You gain an appreciation for the still waters, the reduction of the background noise and your reflection in a distorted jail cell mirror. You can’t move the rock placed before you until you recognize why the sacrifice was even necessary in the first place. You can’t move to the resurrection of your purpose until you are willing to be so transparent about your test. You can’t begin to give your testimony until your

wounds are covered by humility, and please understand that they will ooze whenever you forget that this is not about you. And your resurrection testimony can’t be given until your faith becomes the reason that you don’t look like the hell that you’ve just been through.

It is six years later and I am just moving into the new phase of my purpose, restoration. My faith has been in overdrive lately because while restoration is wonderful, it also can put another rock in your path: fear. I am no longer willing to fly under the radar for anyone or anything. And while I was so ready to leave Alabama, I recognize that my memories would not disappear and my wounds would still exist. My sister recently reminded me that God is not a man that He should lie and of Psalms 23:5 “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Well, 2016 is my year of restoration and I don’t want anyone to miss it, because these next chapters have FAVOR written all over them.

© 2016 Sunny Slaughter is an Activist, Advocate, Survivor and Tedx Speaker. She can be reached at [email protected].


JOYCEMEYER

Stress Busters for

a Peaceful Life

Ultimate


If you’ve been alive in this world very long, you know there are different kinds of stress that can affect our lives. There’s nutritional stress, relationship stress, financial stress, and the list goes on and on.

We’re all affected by stressful situations at times, from minor inconveniences like traffic, long lines at the grocery store or losing your keys to more extreme issues such as chronic illness, the death of a loved one or divorce. But if you are a believer in Jesus Christ, then you are equipped to face and defeat stress.

The One Thing That Matters MostOn my personal journey to learning about

stress and how to defeat it, I discovered the importance of establishing practical boundaries, like having healthy eating habits, getting good rest and exercising consistently. As I applied these changes to my life, I started to feel good again.

But Psalm 27:4-6 (NIV) reveals something that’s even more important to do: “One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life…. For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock. Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me….”

In these verses, David is saying, “Here’s how you can help yourself when you’re in trouble: Seek the Lord – it’s the one thing that is more important than anything else!” Notice that verse 6 says “Then my head will be exalted above the enemies that surround me.” So when do we get help? After we’ve spent time with God.

God’s Word contains the practical instruction we need to have peace, real joy and happiness. So spending time with Him in prayer and Bible study is the main key to defeating stress in your life.

Recognize the True Source of StressProverbs 14:30 gives us an amazing

promise from God. It says, “A calm and undisturbed mind and heart are the life and health of the body, but envy, jealousy, and wrath are like rottenness of the bones” (AMPC). This scripture shows us that anything other than a calm, undisturbed mind creates stress. And when we worry,

overthinking our problems, wondering what we’re going to do, we’re actually causing stress to grow in our soul.

If you’re thinking, “But Joyce, I can’t help it! I can’t stop worrying,” then I want to tell you that you can help it. Anything God tells us in His Word to do, He gives us the ability to do it. So we can learn how to have a calm, undisturbed mind – through Christ – if we choose to trust Him and ask Him to help us do it.

First Peter 5:7 says to cast “the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately

and cares about you watchfully” (AMPC). The best thing we can pray when we’re struggling with worry is, “God, I’m not smart enough to run my life by myself. I need Your wisdom, grace and strength to do the right thing. Please help me.”

I really want you to get this: Your ability to defeat stress is determined by what’s going on inside of you, not by what’s going on outside of you in your circumstances.

Tap into Your God-given Stress BustersIn John 14:27, Jesus says, “Peace I leave

with you; My [own] peace I now give and bequeath to you. …Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. [Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled]” (AMPC).

As a born-again believer in Jesus, you already have His peace in your spirit. In this verse, He’s saying, “Here’s My part and here’s your part: I’m going to leave My

peace with you, and because you have My peace, when stressful things happen, you don’t have to get upset on the inside.”

I’ve learned that when I feel myself starting to get upset, if I remember that John 14:27 tells me to “stop allowing yourself to be agitated and disturbed,” then I can “talk myself off the ledge.” In other words, instead of jumping into a problem that is emotionally driven, I remind myself, “Calm down. Don’t say something you’ll regret or that will make things worse. Get God’s perspective of this situation and choose to believe the best of the people involved.”

Knowing God’s Word and trusting Him completely are the keys to living in peace. I want to encourage you to study scriptures

like Matthew 11:28-29, which says Jesus will ease, relieve and refresh your

soul when you come to Him and let Him take care of you. And 2 Timothy 1:7, which says God hasn’t given us a spirit of fear but of power, love, a calm well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control.

Spend time seeking God above all else, and you can learn

how to use everything He’s given you to defeat the stress in your life!

Joyce Meyer is a New York Times bestselling author and founder of Joyce Meyer Ministries, Inc. She has authored 100 books, including Battlefield of the Mind and Get Your Hopes Up! (Hachette). She hosts the Enjoying Everyday Life radio and

TV programs, which air on hundreds of stations worldwide. For more on this topic, order Joyce’s The Mind Connection book and action plan. You can also contact us to receive our free magazine, Enjoying Everyday Life, by calling (800) 727-9673 or visiting www.joycemeyer.org. Please note: The views and opinions expressed throughout this publication and/or website are those of the respective authors and do not necessarily reflect those of Joyce Meyer Ministries.

“Knowing God’s Word and trusting Him

completely are the keys to living in peace.”


Sunny with two of her four children: CiYenna and AlexanderTAWANA WILLIAMS

empower.WOWDERFULWOMAN


REGINA: Share briefly with our readers your background, such as what caused you to be born without arms, your childhood; at home and at school, and how did your upbringing affect your life today?

TAWANA: I was blessed to be born without arms and with impaired use of my legs due to the drug Thalidomide that was given to my mother when she was pregnant with me. My mother told me “there was nothing that I could not do.” I had Grandma Rogers that did not play with me and when I was 4-1/2 half years old, she looked me in the eyes and said “Tee, you must not have needed arms because God didn’t give them to you!” She said, “Nothing is missing, if you don’t have it, you don’t need it.” Those words have resonated in my heart and my spirit over the years. I’ve overcome so many challenges and adversities in my life! I was gang raped during a home invasion many years ago, raped by my stepfather, and I was addicted to crack and cocaine for 10 years. I’ve experienced abortion, motherhood, a stroke and recently a mild heart attack and because of these challenges, I know that I can help your readers overcome whatever adversities they may be facing in their lives and that’s why I am “UNarmed But Dangerous.”

REGINA: Share with us some challenges you have faced in life, specifically not having arms, as well as just challenges of being a wife, mother, activist and author.

TAWANA: Yes, it was hard growing up being picked on, laughed at, teased and

humiliated on a daily basis but I realize that challenges come to make me strong, that’s my strength. “No Test-No Testimony!” I’ve been married to my childhood sweetheart ‘Toby” for 24 years; we got married on Christmas Day, December 25, 1991. We dated for four years but we’ve been friends for more than forty-six years. I was six and he was twelve when we met. What a blessing we are to each other. All of the things that I’ve accomplished and have gone through in my life have pushed me and made me the awesome woman that I am today. It has

never been about me, it’s always been about helping others to be greater.

REGINA: As I researched you and reviewed video after video of you being interviewed, I can’t tell you how impressed I am with you, especially hearing you

thank God for the things you have been through and how you overcame being angry with God at times when many might say you had the right to be. Share with our reader’s details of those times and exactly how you allowed your anger to become adoration for the Lord.

TAWANA: I realized that we were born for purpose, blessings and to give God glory! Yes there were times in my life that I felt bitter and

angry but I realized that bitterness was like drinking poison and expecting someone else to get sick, which meant I was holding onto the anger and it was only hurting me. So, I had to release it and ask for forgiveness. Back then I said, “Why me, today I say why not me!” I am “The Hope Coach” and I’m giving hope to people around the world.

REGINA: Tell us about your husband and children and share with us any challenges they face concerning your physical make-up and busy schedule.

BYREGINA D. WELLSWhen WOW! Editor Candie A. Price sent me the story of Ms. Tawana Williams, I knew I was in for a treat! I was not disappointed! Mrs. Williams was born without arms, the challenges and trials she faced as a child were great, but I am so inspired by her story of triumph that I cannot wait to share it with you all. Here is my interview with her!

UNarmed but Dangerous!

“...there were times in my life that I felt bitter and angry but I realized that bitterness was like drinking poison and expecting someone else to get sick, which meant I was holding onto the anger and it was only hurting me.”

ON THEBILLBOARD


TAWANA: I have a daughter named April. When ‘Toby” and I got together as a couple she was only eighteen months old. He told me that he would take care of us both for the rest of our lives, and he’s doing just that! We are a family. April has blessed us to be grandparents of three amazing grandsons! Parenthood and being grandparents definitely didn’t come with instructions or directions, we just had to figure it out along the way. With our busy schedules, we had to learn to balance it all. I use my feet, shoulders and mouth to do things; I do what I have to do, this is life for me. I type 35-40 WPM, text, I sew with a needle and thread, I cut paper with scissors, iron, cook, hold the phone; anything you do, I can do, too! I motivate myself to get things done, I’m so driven and determined that I just can’t stop…I couldn’t stop if I wanted to…My motto is: “All Things Are Possible To Them That Believe.” God has always been my source!

REGINA: I noticed the closeness of you and your husband in the interviews. Being a married woman myself who is also active in my community, works full-time and has a small business, I know that marriage can be a challenge. Can you share with our readers a few tactics you and your husband have used as well as some things you have implemented to keep your marriage strong?

TAWANA: Absolutely, our marriage comes first. We are totally committed to our relationship/friendship with each other. We make our life decisions based on us, not others and our circle is tight! We keep God first in everything that we do. He is the center of our joy! We have been traveling and motivating others for more than nineteen years at churches, schools, day care facilities, nursing homes, prisons, drug rehabilitation centers, Boys & Girls Clubs, Veteran Associations, colleges, universities, sororities, fraternities, corporations and organizations, most of those times we’ve used our own money to bless God’s people. Now that’s paying it forward!

REGINA: I saw your appearance on the Judge Hatchett Show where you talked to a young lady who was using marijuana, had low self-esteem and anger issues. The time you spent with her seemed to have a great impact on her life. Have you communicated with her since the show?

If so, how is she doing? And can you share with us what words of wisdom you would have for teens today that are faced with so much racial injustice, among other pressures?

TAWANA: That was one of my greatest experiences of giving hope…TT and I have a great friendship and bond. She’s doing so much better, she’s grown now and raising her own family. My words of wisdom for this generation are: “Start where you are and use what you’ve got! Be Authentic! Give Yourself Permission to do it. Tell Yourself YES! Reprogram Your Mind; Your Thinking Must Change!”

REGINA: I heard you say many times with great conviction that you are “blessed to have been born without arms.” I know you have not always felt that way, what things happened or what was the turning point in your life that brought you to that mindset?

TAWANA: There was a shift in my mind and in my life about 20 years ago. I made a conscious decision that I would live intentionally, with purpose and to help other people. When God delivered me from a ten-year crack and cocaine addiction in 1991, I had to do something with my life; it wouldn’t let me sleep! It was all over me, I had to do it!

REGINA: I heard you talk about how your mother’s sense of urgency to get you help when you were born was one factor that constructed your life the way it is. Tell our readers about that and why you now approach everything with that same fervent urgency.

TAWANA: Yes, I had a mother who told me there was nothing that I could not do; she said anything is possible! She knew that my feet would be my hands but didn’t know how to train me. She contacted Social Services and different organizations with no response. As a last resort she wrote a letter to President John F. Kennedy sharing my story and our situation, two weeks later he responded with orders and instructions for me to be trained at the Duke Cerebral Palsy Hospital in Durham, NC free of charge!REGINA: I know you do a lot of traveling to speak and encourage others. Have there been any significant experiences, good or

bad, that you have learned from that you can share with our readers? Have you met any one celebrity or otherwise that really impressed or influenced you?

TAWANA: Over these almost 20 years of traveling and giving hope to others, yes there have been many challenges. Financial challenges, family challenges, relationship challenges but I realized that challenges come to make me stronger; that was my strength. This is my passion and I did it for free for 9-1/2 of those years and then people started paying me to do what I love to do! I’ve met Fantasia, Bishop Paul S. Morton, Bobby Jones, Vicki Winans, Dr. Myles Munroe, The Pace Sisters and others. My personal friends and mentors are Mr. Les Brown-Speaker and Author and Mr. Joe Dudley, Sr. CEO/Founder of Dudley Hair Care Products. God is so awesome!

REGINA: I know you have written several books including your best seller “Unarmed but Dangerous,” and that you are planning to turn that book into a film, what is your focus of sharing your story in such manners, who do you want the book and film to reach the most? Finally, what other things do you have in the works that you would like to share with our readers?

TAWANA: Yes, I’ve written five books. My first book, I’m Different But I Can, is a children’s book with activities, puzzles, crosswords and more; my daughter is co-writer. My second book UNarmed But Dangerous-The Tawana Williams Story is my bestseller. It will debut in movie theaters everywhere soon! I also have a crowd-funding page, http://www.GoFundMe.com/UNarmedButDangerousMovie. The Movie will help those that complain, make excuses and live mediocre lives to step up their game! Please Support the vision today. My third is Motivation For The Soul-Move or be Moved, a collaborative book with 17 friends and their amazing stories. The fourth is Da-Bomb-Systems that Create a Wealthy Mind Set, a book of wealth principals, strategies, tips and nuggets that will push you to new levels. My fifth book is Mind Interrupted-Experiencing Technical Difficulties. I wrote this book after having a stroke in November 2011. It was my therapy. I didn’t miss a beat because two months later I was back on my grind; speaking and helping others. I was born to win!


REGINA: Lastly, how can our readers get in touch with you if they want you to speak at their events or to purchase your books?

TAWANA: To order any of my books & products, visit my website http://www.TawanaWilliams.com. You can also TEXT 72727 to Hope or email me [email protected]. For speaking engagements, interviews or appearances call 252-291-6081 “The Hope

Coach”-Tawana Williams.

I would like to thank Mrs. Williams for taking the time to share such a powerful testimony! I don’t know how you cannot be touched and changed after reading this story! Tawana Williams is an amazing Woman of the WORD, indeed! Her mission and passion in life to help others has me in complete awe! So many times we look for excuses and complain about what we don’t have, instead of moving forward

trusting God completely! She is a true warrior for the Lord, and as she evangelizes all over the world. I pray God continues to bless and strengthen her and her family. I only hope I can one day inspire, encourage and empower one person as much has she has so many for so long!

Tawana signs a book for a customer

Tawana and husband, Toby.

© 2016 Regina D. Wells aka Gena-Mae is the owner and founder of Gena-Mae ProductionsShe is a wife, mother, writer, director, photographer and producer. Her movie “Between Love & A Hard Place” will be released soon. Like her pages on FACEBOOK (Gena-Mae Productions and Between Love & A Hard Place)


When I think of springtime, I think of renewal. I think of sunshine. I think of life coming forth and

springing forth from a place that has laid dormant for many months. Little by little, as the climate begins to shift all around us, life is emerging. I know this is a crazy introduction to an article on juicing, but the vibrant colors and the wonderful aromas that I smell when I’m preparing my fruits and vegetables remind me of springtime.

And what a perfect time to start juicing. The fruits and vegetables are coming in season, and the variety is getting better.

Juicing is much different than blending (smoothies). Although I think both are very good for you, I must say, I prefer juicing.

When juicing, the machine extracts the juice (this is the water and most of the nutrients the produce contains), leaving behind the pulp. When blending, there is no left-over pulp. Blenders pulverize the whole produce to make a smoothie. During the winter months when it is much harder to find fresh fruit, and vegetables, smoothies are great because most use frozen fruits and veggies.

If you have never tried juicing, the springtime is a great time to start. Most of us are trying to regain some sense of control after a long winter of holidays, over eating

and inactivity. Juicing helps to give our body powerful nutrients and antioxidants, which are so beneficial for not only good health, but to look beautiful and vibrant as well as. When you juice, 70 percent of the nutrients are extracted, and since there is no pulp, it makes it readily available for your body when you drink it. It is a great way to jump start your day and give yourself energy. All of the vital nutrition your body needs is captured in the glass. Pretty cool, considering how busy our lives are these days.

I like to add ingredients like ginger root and turmeric, which both have wonderful anti-inflammatory properties. Juicing is really so easy. You don’t have to have a

Spring into Juicing


CLASSIC HOMECOOKING with Dora Sanders Hill

specific recipe oramount. It just helps to do a little research

on the various nutritional properties of the different fruits and vegetable so that you can tailor your juice to your specific needs. But the main thing is to make it taste the way you want it to taste. You can more fruits or vegetables and experiment as you go along. If you want it sweeter you can add more fruit. If you want a tang you can add a lemon or lime. If you like tropical flavors, try adding mango and pineapples to some beets and carrots. Odd combinations, but delicious when mixed together.

The green vegetables are great for detoxing. I love spring time because I go out into my back yard and pick tender dandelion greens to wash and add to my

juice. If you use dandelion greens from your yard, just make sure it is from an area that is free from pesticides. Kale is known as a

“super food” and has many health benefits. Its great juiced with celery, cucumbers,

spinach, broccoli, apples, pears and pineapples. Just about any vegetable that has a high water content is great for juicing, and the added benefit is weight loss!

Before you start juicing do a little research on the best juicer for you. There are many types on the market, but a little due diligence will help you make a good choice on a quality juicer that will

best meet your needs. Spring time is here and the best way to put some “spring” in your step is

to get started juicing. Your body will

thank you. You will have more energy, your skin will be more beautiful, and you’ll be ready for the warmer months that are on the way!

© 2016 Dora Sanders Hill is a Life Strategist, Author, Entrepreneur, and has been a chef for more than 30 years. Dora is a mother and a grandmother and resides in Chicago, Il-

linois with her husband, Edward. Visit her site at http://classichomecooking.blogspot.com You can reach Dora at [email protected]


BUSINESS &CAREER

BY TAMIKA HOLMES

WWhen contemplating the decision to start a business several factors must be considered. Everywhere you turn there is a new business established, but statistics indicate three out of five entrepreneurs will fail before their fifth year in business. Why is that? What makes some entrepreneurs more successful over others? It could be the lack of knowledge to run a business or the lack of knowledge to grow a business. We get inspired when we have a talent or ability to create. That is what business is all about - the ability to create. As an entrepreneur there are monetary goals we want to reach to live comfortably, but as an entrepreneur I get a rush out of creating.

I started my first business when I was just six (6) years old. I lived in the Smithfield Community in Birmingham, AL, and we had a lot of elderly neighbors. My dad would volunteer to cut our elderly neighbors’ grass and tend to their yards for free. I would help our neighbors clean up inside their homes. Little did I know that this would be the inner makings of an entrepreneur. I can remember helping Ms. Ella, one of my favorite people. She had trouble reaching up, so I would go to her house and reach the high places for her. We had tea, played dress up, and ate sugar cookies. She had all of these really cool clothes from the 1920’s era. One Saturday she gave me $1.00 for helping her clean up. Then the bug hit me. So I asked my father if it was appropriate to take money helping people clean up. That’s when he told me about business. He told me that people make good livings helping people clean up. So I drew up some flyers; literally with crayons, markers, and color pencils, and started taping them to the door of all of our elderly neighbors. I had about six (6) regular customers who counted on me every Saturday to come by and help dust, clean floors, polish silver, and more.

Why did I share this little story with

you? I found myself a few years ago very ambitious about my education and the skills I learned, but very miserable in the job I was working. Two Master degrees did not take me into the career I thought I wanted. I have a Management and Human Resource background, and thought I would try my hand at working in Human Resources. I went through all the channels and talked with HR reps at my recent job at a local gas utility company to ask the age old question, “how do I get in?” I expressed extreme interest, but couldn’t find a job in HR. Every job I applied for within or outside the company came with a wonderful rejection email pretty much saying, “Thanks, but no thanks.” I remember being bold one day asking the question to a seasoned HR professional saying “How does one get a job in HR?” She replied, “You don’t get a job in HR, you are groomed for HR.” My jaw hit the floor. I finally found the answer, I had to be “chosen.” Well, I knew this wasn’t going to happen off of the fly, so, I joined a local HR networking group. I joined as an active member in March, 2009. I networked, went to all the meetings, luncheons, after hours events, was on the board for two years, but still wasn’t getting noticed. I once heard in a lecture at one of the networking events through this local networking group that in order to thrive in this world you have to have an open heart, open mind, and good sense. Those words of wisdom my dad left me meant the obvious, but much, much more, too. You see I had to go back to school to get educated, but I had to use an open heart and open mind to turn that education into something. I did some research on resume writing and interviewing and found some of the information quite intriguing.

Once I found that my resume and interview styles were mediocre I started working on how to impress. First, I revamped my own resume, and I practiced, practiced, and practiced some more the skills, qualities, knowledge, and abilities I brought to the table. Did it work? Well, I am still not working in HR, but something else was birthed out of this process. I started getting calls and interviews, but found that once examined I was overqualified for a lot of the positions I was applying for. I found myself at a well-known Community College here

in Birmingham talking to graduates about the information I found in my research. One of the young ladies approached me and asked if I could look over her resume. I took a look at it and noticed some of the same mistakes I had made in my own resume. It was very mediocre. She wasn’t selling herself. She had five (5) years experience in administration, but wasn’t being looked at for a job. I walked her through the steps, revamped her resume, and she did get a better job. She sent me a thank you note expressing her thanks and sent me a $15.00 check in the mail. From there a business was born. I started a resume writing business in September, 2011 called T.D.H. Operations. We worked the first year with minimum clientele. I had a lot of research to do on building a business, marketing, writing a business plan, keeping up with finances, etc. I was all things accountant, human resources, marketing agent, operations manager, salesman, and more.

I studied my craft and blossomed from a mere resume writing company to a Career Education, Career Development, Business Development, and Marketing Firm. Even with the success of starting my own business I was still not happy. I found myself overworked, and underpaid. Depression crept up on me back in 2012. I was literally on the couch of my mind. I checked out of life and all of my duties and responsibilities as a wife, mother, and business owner. I was doing the bare minimum. People would call on me for help and couldn’t get in touch with me. I was unresponsive. I even had my husband and kids worried about me because I would go through bouts of crying, laying in the bed, and up late at night not sleeping. I went through this from September 2012 through January 2015.

I had to make some major decisions. The first step was seeking God to gain balance. The second step was making some serious career changes. The company I worked for underwent some major restructuring. The company was bought, people were forced into retirement, some were displaced, and others were shuffled into jobs they either were not qualified for or did not want. It was chaos! Towards the end of 2015 it was my turn to undergo the drooling pressure of restructuring. I was extra stressed working

Faith vs. Fear:Following your Destiny

fulltime, teaching part-time, and running a business. I started getting ill, gaining weight, my sugar levels would plummet, and I had a couple of occasions of blacking out. Not good at all!

I panicked and made a decision to close the doors and shut down my business. As soon as I spewed it out of my mouth I got physically ill to my stomach. I mean shut down my business? My baby! My creation! What was I to do? A friend of mine saw me down one day and asked me what was going on? I explained to her my dilemma, and she gave me comfort. Jokingly or through frustration, I forget which one, I told her I should quit my full-time job and run my business fulltime. You know God has a funny sense of humor and a way of telling you something without saying a word. After making that statement I immediately felt a million dollar weight lift off of my shoulders.

I prayed for confirmation, and received it. A former co-worker talked with me and informed me that another vendor we worked with was looking for a contractor to do some administrative work for his

company. He wanted me because of my track record with the organization I formally worked for. The contract was very lucrative. I took a leap of faith and followed it! I put in my notice, cashed in my retirement, paid all of my debt, and am now working for myself full-time! I have been very successful, stress-free, carefree, and blessed!!!

I had to take the action of believing God over my fear, and move towards Him in order to gain a blessing. I followed some very key scriptures to move in the path God has for me. The best advice is not to lean to your own understanding because you will talk yourself out of your blessing!

Principle Scriptures to Invest In! “Trust in the Lord with all your heart.

Lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your path.” Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)

“Behold, I am doing something new! It’s already happening; don’t you recognize it? I will clear a way in the desert. I will make rivers on dry land.” Isaiah 43:19

”Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with

thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6 (NIV)

“Faith without works is dead.” James 2:26 (KJV)

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 (NIV)

“God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, love and sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)


© 2016 Tamika D. Holmes, MBA, MHRM specializing in Career Education, Career Development, Business Development, & Marketing Solutions. You may

contact her at [email protected]

“The best advice is not to lean to your own understanding because

you will talk yourself out of your blessing!”

The FTC suggests that over 10 million consumers have errors on their credit reports. You might be at risk!

800-986-0315CALL FOR A FREE CONSULTATION TODAY

FROM BAD CREDIT

FREEYOURSELF

Remove negative items from your report*

More than 92% of our clients see positive results within the first 90 days!*

Get the credit score you deserve!

*Client results vary. There is no guarantee that your results will match those above. We count a single removal from all three bureaus as 3 removals.

traciebthreadford.com


BY YVONNE TAYLOR

Exercises Weight Set Reps

Push Ups ---------- 3 12Mountain Climbers ---------- 1 60Squats ---------- 3 10-12Burpees (cardio) ---------- 1 60 secs

The addition of the cardio blasts between resistance exercises changes the workout to increase intensity and caloric burn up to 30%. These changes will definitely help you to begin to see results in your workout efforts.

3.) Cross TrainCross training is not only a great way to change your workout for maximum effectiveness, it is also a great way to keep your workouts fresh and assist in minimizing the incidents of over-use injuries. Effective cross training includes exercises and formats that strengthen

RECHARGE YOUR

available to you. For example, instead of taking a spin class, take a spin on a real bicycle. Riding outdoors allows you to change the terrain of the actual ride to increase the challenge to your muscles. You can ride a smooth paved trail or a more rugged trail. You can ride a flat terrain or a hillier terrain.

• Other outdoor exercise options include playing tennis, basketball, participating in swimming or even rowing on an actual lake. The options provide opportunities to workout in teams which provides camaraderie and accountability, two factors that are proven to help exercisers stay on track and be successful.

• Changes in the types of workouts that you do, like the start-stop quick action of tennis and basketball, provides great cardio/interval training.

• Exercising outside also helps the body receive and absorb natural vitamin D,

not to mention that being outside in nice weather and breathing in fresh air just makes you feel good.

2.) Change Your Workout Format or IntensityIncreasing the intensity of a workout consist of changing the tempo, pace and patterns of your workout which helps to create muscle confusion and push your body back into reactive, change mode. For example, if you’re accustomed to doing a basic straight set resistance training workout (i.e. 3 sets, 10-12 repetitions of a specific exercise like biceps curls, chest press, overhead press etc.) you may want to try adding cardio training to create a circuit/interval workout. Your new workout will consist of resistance exercises followed by short burst cardio exercises for 30-60 seconds. A portion of a sample workout is below:

Spring is here and you’ve been working out for three months, feeling great and seeing great results when all of a sudden everything comes to a screeching halt. If this has

happened, you’re probably experiencing a workout plateau and it’s time for a workout recharge.

A workout plateau occurs when your body has become accustomed to your workout and you no longer see changes in your body. To overcome a workout plateau it is necessary to tweak or make major changes to your fitness routine.

Tweaking your workout can include increasing the amount of weight that you lift or the number of repetitions you’ll perform for each exercise. A major change or full recharge to your workout will consist of engaging in an entirely different workout format, such as circuit training, interval training or HIIT training, in addition to changes to the weight and repetitions.

Tweaking or fully recharging your workouts will create changes that will “shock” your body into restarting the change process and increasing the results you wish to achieve.

Below are a few tips and exercise ideas that can help you recharge your workout:

1.) Change your workout environmentThe weather is nicer so why not take your workout outside. The benefits of exercising outdoors include: • Exercising outdoors helps to increase

the variety of workout options that are


muscles, challenges the cardiovascular system, works muscles through full range of motion, improves posture and flexibility. Above is a sample workout schedule that will provide some cross training ideas:

Making small or major changes to your workouts is the most effective way to break a workout plateau. The tips, exercises and examples provided in this article will give you ideas on things you can do to keep your workouts fresh, reduce the possibilities of injury and obtain maximum results. Recharge your workout today for a better, healthier tomorrow.

SPIRITFIT

© 2016 Yvonne Taylor is a Fitness Professional with 20 years of personal training, Pilates and Group Exercise and client experience. She is also the former director for the Spirit Fit Ministry at Trinity Baptist Community Church in Crystal Lake, Il.

Day 1 Cardiovascular Training (i.e. Treadmill, Rowing, Cycling, etc.)

Day 2 Two Resistance/Weight Training

Day 3 Yoga or Flexibility Training (Foam Roller Work/Static or Active Stretching)

Day 4 Cardio/Interval Training

Day 5 Pilates/Core Training

Day 6 (Optional) Stretch/Relax


OPENHEART

Speak Life

BY TEX WEST

You think you something girl, don’t you? Let me tell you something, you ain’t never gonna mount to nothing.” Those words seared a mark in my head and scorched

my spirit like fire. I was four years old when I started to understand what those words meant and was confused as to why my mother said them. Anger was the most prominent feeling that I remember as a child. I never believed her words but I was angry because she spoke as if she believed them. I loved my mother dearly and I know that she loved me. After many years of conflict, prayer and final breakthrough in forgiveness – I was able to see my mother differently. I was able to understand that hurt people, hurt people. Nonetheless, her words were like a sword that inflicted deep wounds that have since been healed with scar tissue.

I’m blessed because school and church, the lighthouses in my life, guided me through the sometimes dark and cloudy days of my childhood. I entered kindergarten as a shy and withdrawn child who had a wonderful teacher that spoke life into me and made me believe that I was special and could do anything. Compliments and words of encouragement flowed like water from her mouth and my thirst for validation were quenched with her words. I constantly tried to exceed any expectations that she had for me. I quickly learned that if I did well in school: happy faces, stickers, hugs and smiles of approval followed. I grew up hearing people describe me as ‘the smart one’; I was no smarter than any of my other siblings – I was just hungry for approval and my appetite could only be satisfied outside of my home. My church was literally in our backyard. I knew down to the minute when an event was scheduled at church. My babysitter and I became fixtures of the church. We joined every club, choir, committee and organization that would let us in. My home church modeled the love of God in my life. The aisles were full of surrogate mothers, fathers and grandparents. It amazed me how they would readily jump up in thunderous applauds over the reciting of the simplest of Easter poems, or flipped over and under the pews for the Junior Choir’s off-beat songs or the way that they would sit with all eyes

turned toward the back entrance of the church (as they fanned the latest funeral home fans, in symphony) when it was time for us to march down the aisles (choir anniversaries, usher board anniversaries, birthday club celebration – we marched for any occasion!). Even when I wasn’t a part of anything going on, I would still sneak in church and hide because the sounds of my grandmother’s choir, the Pastor’s Aide’s meetings and the closed-door deacon board meetings were the warm sounds of my surrogate home. God placed wonderful people in my life that accepted me just as I was but constantly reminded me of what I was to become.

As I’ve gotten older and find myself reflecting and evaluating my choices, I’m thankful for every situation and circumstance that the Lord has allowed in my life. As a child I refused to accept the negativity that was spoken and lived out in front of me. It wasn’t that I was especially strong-willed, stubborn or special, but it was because of the words of encouragement from others. Proverbs 18:21, “The tongue has the power of life and death and those who love it will eat its fruit.” With our tongues we have the ability to cause someone to soar with the eagles or to crush their very being. Negativity is contagious and creates a toxic environment for its inhabitants. It is so easy for us to let down our guard and allow the weapon of our tongue to speak death or negativity to others. Speaking life is intentional.

How many of us, as adults, are walking around with baggage (in my case, duffle bags) from negative words spoken to us as a child that left it’s mark? Were you told that you were: stupid, fat, skinny, too light-skinned, too dark, good hair, nappy hair, bald, poor, good for nothing, worthless, ugly… Did you accept the labels? Maybe you didn’t have a surrogate support system or maybe no one told you how you were fearfully and wonderfully made by God (Psalms 139:14). Did anyone tell you that before God created the foundations of our world, He knew you ( Jeremiah 1:5)? Life isn’t fair but we have a fair and just heavenly Father who sent His son, Jesus to atone for all of our wrong-doings by us, against us, and against Him ( John 3:16). Capture all of those negative thoughts and labels and bring them into submission to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). If you didn’t know before, now you know. With every new breath is opportunity and

choices. Will you choose to believe what God has said about your life?

From the words of Ms. Shrives and Ms. Gunn from Brown Summit Elementary, “You’re as smart as a whip, ou can be anything that you want to be.”

From the words of my entire surrogate mothers of Locust Grove Baptist (Ms. Ella, Ms. Charlene, Ma Ada, Ms. Emma, Ms. Lois, Little Mama, Ma Dorothy, Aunt Betty, Ms. Esther and Mama Cindy, “Look at you, baby! You’re something else, I tell you; God’s got something special in store for you! I can see you doing great things!”

Philippians 4:8 (NIV) says, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about these things.”….. and Speak Life!


Speak Life

© 2016 Tex West is a Jesus Follower and student of life. Living life purposeful and hopeful. Sharing her stories and celebrating all goodness.


Life is not supposed to be perfect.

Here’s the thing- we want perfection so we don’t need to feel the disappointments,

frustrations, and sadness that life will certainly bring. I get it. Really, I do. But in reality, it’s those things that bring us closer to the Lord. I am often reminded that the times when life was the least perfect, God was doing miraculous things in me and building my faith to a place it would never be if life was smooth sailing. It’s all about Him and what He is doing through life’s challenges. He gets the glory.

If you think about it, our relationship with the Lord is based on having an imperfect life. We were born sinful; that’s the ultimate imperfection. Our spiritual state required a Savior. If we were perfect, then there would be no need for Jesus in our lives, no need to be reconciled and made right with God. But we weren’t, and aren’t, perfect. So Jesus has filled a void that only He can. Because of His perfection and sacrifice, we have a relationship with God that allows us to experience the fullness of all He has to offer when life gets messy. We forget that He has told us that “in this world, we will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” ( John 16:33 NIV) The beauty of a life with challenges is that we are not in it alone; God is there to walk with us.

When looking at messy lives, I think of Job and Paul. One’s life was turned upside down because he lost everything and had a wife and friends who doubted God. Life was so bad, Job questioned God about letting him live if his life was going to be so miserable ( Job 3:11-12). The other had to fight for the cause and gospel of Jesus Christ while having a “thorn in the flesh” which kept him humbled, even after begging the Lord to remove it three times

(2 Corinthians 12:8). Both had imperfect lives but both, ultimately, glorified God. Like Job, I have questioned God and even wanted to hide from Him when life got to be too much to handle. But in His faithfulness, He was loving enough to gently draw me back to Him, reminding me of who He is and how great His love for me is. Other times, like Paul, I have boldly asked God to change my circumstances so life can be better. Because, of course, I could be a happier person if my husband

met my every need, my children were more respectful, my wallet was fuller, my anger was always under control, and my body was healthy. But He chose not to change a thing, all the while building Godly character and a dependency on Him that I needed. Whatever your imperfection or thorn is, the Lord is using it to mature you and get glory from your life.

God did two things with Job and Paul that He will also do for us when life’s imperfections threaten to keep us from living in victory. First, God reminds Job of His greatness and His sovereignty by asking a series of questions which leads

Job to recognize that God never left him in the first place. Job saw himself in light of God’s greatness and repented, eventually receiving double of what he had lost. In Paul’s case, he got a personal lesson in grace. The strength of God’s grace allowed him to withstand the thorn, just as it will help you withstand your own imperfect life. Paul understood that the only purpose of the troubles is so that “Christ’s power may rest on” him (2 Corinthians 12:9). Being reminded of God’s greatness and grace is exactly what we need in order to gain perspective on life’s difficulties.

What is certain is that there will be trouble in life. What we do during

those troubles makes the difference in how we see ourselves and the Lord,

whether we learn the lesson God is teaching us or not. We have a choice - either stay frustrated and defeated or humble ourselves under a great God and receive His grace as a blessing. Just like Lazarus’ sickness in John 11 would not result in

death, but that Jesus would be glorified, so our imperfect lives can

and should be used to point people to the Perfect One who will walk with

us and sustain us.And that’s the truth.

© 2016 Stacey Branch Owens has a heart for the helpless and hopeless. Her life has repeatedly proven Proverbs 19:21. A native of Philadelphia, she currently resides in

the Charlotte, NC area with her husband and two daughters.

STACEY BRANCHOWENS

The Truth Is...

“Whatever

your imperfection

or thorn is, the Lord is

using it to mature you

and get glory from

your life.”


WOW! Magazine Delivers!

Check us out online!

thewowmagazine.com

Inspirational Stories

Encouraging Topics

Empowering Messages

make-up fun - tawana williams...make-up fun with jestina howard the incomparable confessions of a...

Documents