Character magazine JUNE 2013 by Donna Sneed

Father:

The Family Foundation Page 6

Cover Feature: The Bishop’s Wife: Lady Alfreda Leggett

14 The Responsibility of Ministry Andrea Dickerson, Entrepreneur Hosts the “Dream Out Loud Workshop” Get info on page

JUN – JUL 2013

Magazine

A publication of Hill Publishing

Available online: www.charactermag.com

Character

magazine

“What WINNERS Live By”

Email: editor@charactermag.com Mail to: Post Office Box 5205 Saint Marys, GA 31558

JUN – JUL 2013

|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| IN THIS ISSUE 5| 6| 12| 13|

“Don’t Miss Your Moment” - Inner Sessions from the Editor-in-Chief Father – The Family Foundation by Prophetess Bettye Young Coach Tai Goodwin: 3 Advantages of Using Info Products to Grow Your Business Family Bible Wordsearch A Word from the Bishop’s Wife:

14 | Lady Alfreda Leggett “The Responsibility of Ministry”

15 Entrepreneur Andrea Dickerson “Dream Out Loud” Workshop

21| Highlights from the COGIC 63rd Women’s International Convention/Crusade Banner March 25| Prayer for Retirement 27| Why Not? by Lindsay Williams 29| Lil Johnny: Jesus Loves Me

D r. M o n i c a M c G o w a n BACK COVER: The Book, “My Life, My Faith, My Journey” FAITH STILL MOVES MOUNTAINS

Yes! There’s an App for that.

FREE Download www.charactermag.com

NOTABLE QUOTABLES

“Truth cannot be changed no matter what your title is, the church that you attend or your educational level. Its one thing when others deceive us but, when we start to deceive ourselves; then that's deception magnified. The Word doesn't change to fit us, we change to fit the Word.” Dr. Monica D. McGowan, Pastor /Author

It's difficult to experience how great it is... living in how great it was. @DonnaSneed on Twitter · via Twitter

Inner Sessions by our Editor-in-chief

Don’t Miss Your Moment We are already half way into the year and much has happened and transpired thus far. It is my hope that you have accomplished most, if not all of the goals you intended to have completed by now. If not, be not dismayed but put the pedal to the metal and get going. There’s much for you to do and don’t forget…someone is waiting for you to get to (your) finish line to pass the baton. If you have ever run in a relay, you know the importance of getting into position and starting on time. The anticipation of the hand-off can be so stressful but with focus and determination, it can be done smoothly and a win-win situation can come out of all the stress. That is my hope for you as you read through this issue of Character. We have labored to present some of our best inspirations. We are sure you will find peace through these pages with the end result being a smile on your heart. I am very excited to have a very special guest (hopefully future) Contributing Writer - Prophetess Bettye Young – join us this time. She has taken time out of her schedule to give us a glimpse and encourage us with an article about the “Father – The Family Foundation” on page 6. Freelance Journalist, Titus Ledbetter III, inspires us with the topic of Teen Evangelism. Wow! What an excellent subject for the times we are living in. You don’t want to miss out on any of these articles that we pray will provoke you to continue in the will of The Father (GOD). Be encouraged dear friends to take the position of prayer and don’t miss your moment to compel others to know Christ Jesus in a personal way. Many times and opportunities have passed but remember, you have right now…. What better time is there to start living the abundant life that includes bringing glory and honor to our God. Don’t miss your moment! Until next time, do all that you do – with grace and character.

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JUN – JUL 2013

Father – The Family Foundation By Prophetess Bettye J. Young

On the second Sunday in May we celebrated Mother’s Day for the importance of her role in the family. On the third Sunday in June we celebrate Father’s Day for the importance of his role in the family. The history of the impetus of Father’s Day is that a loving daughter wanted to honor her Civil War veteran father, a single parent, on his birthday, June 5, for taking care of her and her five siblings after the death of their mother. Whatever the reason that led to our national government instituting a day to celebrate mothers and fathers; it was a good thing to do. However, setting motherly sentiment aside, I forge ahead with caution, lest I be labeled a sexist. It seems to me that the order of celebration should be reversed since the greater responsibility for the family structure was placed on the man. You already know the story of how God formed man from the dust of the earth, after which he took a rib from the man’s side and fashioned the woman. You also know the story of God’s plan for the man and the woman as husband and wife. This is in the order of God. (Read Genesis 1:26-28; 2:7, 18-24; Mark 10:7-8; Ephesians 5:22-33). I make mention of this because the Holy Scriptures and the history of mankind bear witness of many devastating events that have occurred whenever God’s order is transgressed; public school systems chaos, female head of households, same sex marriages, just to name a few. As it relates to the family, I recall reading an article on the dismantling of the family structure wherein the author stated, when the man is out of place, the woman is displaced and the children become misplaced. Since it is the man to whom God delegated the responsibility of establishing and maintaining the family unit; it is of the utmost importance that the man receives Godly instructions as a child. Proverbs 22:6, NLT, reads, “Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.” Dr. Robert Thompson, founder and senior pastor of Family Harvest Church in Tinley Park, Illinois, said that “the seed sown from your heart is directly related to what your heart receives from your mind. Therefore, your behavior is based on your self-image.” continued next page >>>>>>>>>>

Father – The Family Foundation

June 16th It is essential that in addition to a Godly self-image, the appropriate self-image is also instilled in a child. In particular for boys and young men, contrary to the present-day trend, it is not cool nor keeping it real to “sag” your pants or embrace the many other selfdeprecating trends of the so-called “hip-hop” generation.

| Bettye Young

This is not a total indictment against “hiphop” because there are some positive and legitimate aspects of the message. Nevertheless, the focus in this article is on the man - the family foundation. Just as every man is different so is every family unit. However, the mortar that keeps the man solidly grounded and the family unit together is the same – Jesus the Christ. On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand! It is my constant prayer that men, before they marry, before they become fathers will ask for the wisdom of God as Solomon did. And after they marry ask for God’s wisdom to love, protect and provide for their wives. Likewise, after they become fathers ask for God’s wisdom to train their children, especially their sons.

Character Magazine | www.charactermag.com

Our COVER F E AT U R E

Gospel Music Legend and First Lady Karen Clark Sheard hosts International Summit for Women in Church Leadership.

For more info, continue to page 9.

Karen Clark –Sheard - I n

the NEWS

Ladies 1st "A Celebration of Women" Inaugural Annual International Summit Will Be Held September 18-21 in Virginia Beach, VA

(Detroit, MI – May 9, 2013) -- Gospel Music Legend Karen Clark Sheard, the first lady of Greater Emmanuel Institutional Church of God and Christ in Detroit, MI, which is pastored by her husband, Bishop J. Drew Sheard, will host an international summit for women who serve in various leadership roles in the church. Lady Karen Clark Sheard Presents: Ladies 1st "A Celebration of Women" Inaugural Annual International Summit will be held September 18-21, 2013, in Virginia Beach, VA. The summit will bring together women of God who are pastors, co-pastors, ministers, wives, widows and adjutants from all denominations for three days of sharing, healing and breakthrough in a relaxing environment outside of the traditional church landscape. The summit will be divided into three phases: The Woman Within, The Woman for Her Family and The Woman of the Ministry. The first day will focus on personal needs. It will begin with a day of beauty, pampering, shopping and sightseeing; followed by an afternoon tea time (meet and greet); and capped off with a white carpet dinner and fashion show. The second day is designed to target family needs and issues. The final day of the summit focuses on issues and concerns around ministry. Days two and three will feature a series of workshops and other activities. The Ladies 1st International Summit is the vision of Clark Sheard, who hopes to use the summit as a platform to recognize and show appreciation to women who give so much of themselves to their families and ministries. Part of Lady Sheard’s vision and goal for the Ladies 1st Summit is to provide enriching and fulfilling tools that will help maximize the full potential in those women who have a sincere heart for servitude. “As a partner in ministry with my husband [Bishop J. Drew Sheard], and through my travels, I get to see firsthand the need for this summit,” she says. “These women of God are often forced to conceal their struggles from the friends, who just don’t understand, and the congregations that they serve. They have stories to tell and hearts to be healed.” Clark Sheard can relate to the struggles these women have in trying to juggle family, ministry and their own personal development. She has seen and done it all and she will share her experiences and lessons-learned with her fellow summit participants who are facing similar challenges. A four-time GRAMMY® Award-winner and multiple Stellar and GMA Dove Award winner, Karen Clark Sheard is a vocalist, songwriter, entrepreneur, first lady, wife and mother. The daughter of pioneering gospel choir director and gospel music icon Dr. Mattie Moss and member of the famed Clark Sisters, she is part of a musical dynasty. She also has a thriving solo career and is the founder, along with her husband, of Karew Records, a family-owned label. She guides the lives and careers of her daughter, award-winning gospel music sensation Kierra Sheard and her son, J. Drew Sheard II, a producer and musician. She travels the country as both a singer and an evangelist, and she plans and leads both churchbased and national women’s conferences. In addition, her family is the subject of a docu-drama series, The Sheards currently airing on the BET Networks on Sundays at 8:00 p.m. ET. The registration fee for the Ladies 1st "A Celebration of Women" Inaugural Annual International Summit is $180, which includes all workshops, the day of beauty, white carpet dinner and fashion show, a luncheon and two prayer breakfasts, Conference rates are available at participating hotels in the area. For more information or to register for the summit, please visit http://kcsladies1st.com/. Contacts: For interviews with Karen Clark Sheard: Gwendolyn Quinn GwendolynQuinn@aol.com 718.622.4100/917.769.7808 GWENDOLYNQUINN 718.622.4100 917.769.7808 GwendolynQuinn@aol.com

MEDIA TRAINING PUBLICITY PUBLIC RELATIONS MARKETING Visit charactermag.com | 9

Encourage YOUR Teen to Make POSITIVE

RELATIONSHIPS

If you don’t already have a night set aside for teenagers at your ministry. Why not start one? Get your teens involved. Make Friday night a Movie night with Popcorn. MAKE IT FUN and they will invite others!

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T E E N E VA N G E L I S M

Written by Freelance Journalist

Titus Ledbetter III

Teenagers should be encouraged to bring their friends to church because it is one of the best ways that younger Christians can evangelize, according to a ministry leader at Highview Christian Fellowship in Fairfax, Va. Shy teens can introduce their friends to youth ministry leaders who can talk to them about the joy of salvation, according to Minister Brittany Patton, vice president of the church’s teen executive board. However, teenagers are also not too young to minister themselves, she said. Teens should keep their message simple when they share the good news of Jesus Christ, Patton said. Biblical principles are straightforward enough for anyone to understand, she said.

Thomas said the Romans Road, a step-by-step plan for leading people to salvation, is an effective tool for reaching the lost. It is a popular five-step method for sharing the gospel using scriptures from the book of Romans. If teens memorize the Romans Road to salvation, they will be well on their way to winning souls – of all ages – to Christ!

Teenage evangelism should not look that much different than adult evangelism, said Bishop Phillip O. Thomas, senior pastor of Highview Christian Fellowship. However, it is important to develop creative ways for talking to teenagers about Christianity and capturing their attention, he said. The four factors that limit those who seek to evangelize are insecurity, inferiority, ignorance and incapability. These factors also hinder adults from evangelizing, Thomas said.

Romans 3:10-12 -- “As it is written: there is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands there is no one who seeks God. All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one.” Romans 3:23 – “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

Teenagers must be prepared if they are to share their faith effectively, he said. Young people are not shy about talking about subjects they are fond of and know a lot about, Thomas said. “There is no way you can get around the discipline of learning the scriptures,” he said. “And so, part of what the teen leaders should be doing is teaching the teens the foundational scriptures.” Teens should become comfortable with talking about the Bible, Thomas said. He recommends those who plan to evangelize read “Know What You Believe,” by Paul Little. The book is very simple reading, Thomas said.

2) The price of sin is death.

He also said teenagers should invite their friends to church to give them a support system. If teenagers have a concern and a love for their friends, the best thing that they can offer them is a path to salvation, he said. Thomas is urging all of the members of his church to be actively involved in relational evangelism. Patton said ministry leaders plan to talk about evangelism much more in the coming months during Bible Blitz, a Wednesday night teen Bible study at the church. During Bible Blitz, teenagers usually ask ministry leaders about their friends’ religions and about who is going Heaven, Patton said. The biggest challenge holding teens back from evangelism is convincing them that all of the stories in the Bible actually took place, she said. Patton wants to bring teenagers within the community into the church by holding more events that are open to the general public. She wants the teens to help run events, in parks for example, to invite young people to become Christians. These events can bring teenagers who rarely attend church services into the body of Jesus Christ. “You don’t have to be a Minister to minister,” Patton said. “That is what I would tell teens. You are never too young to start reaching out to other people who don’t know what you know.”

Here is an outline of the Romans Road using scriptures from the New International Version of the Bible: 1) Salvation is required because all have sinned.

Romans 6:23 -- “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

3) Jesus Christ paid the price for our sins by dying on the cross. Romans 5:8 -- “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” 4) Salvation is available through faith in Jesus Christ. Romans 10:9-10 -- “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.” Romans 10:13 -- “For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” 5) Salvation brings us into a peaceful life with God. Romans 5:1 – “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 8:1 – “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:38-39 – “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” JUN – JUL 2013

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Launch While Working

| Tai Goodwin

Three Advantages of Using Info Products to Grow Your Business Are info products a part of your marketing or revenue plan? If you are launching while working, info products can be the perfect passive-income opportunity to expand your business, grow your income, and position yourself as an authority in your niche. Three Advantages of Using Info Products Information products are a fantastic tool to increase profits, credibility, traffic and much more. They have a low start up cost, are simple to produce and in most cases, they’re low risk products that you can create yourself. Even better, if you have the right content and choose he right audience, your products will always be in demand. Savvy service-based businesses and solopreneurs use infoproducts as a regular part of their product line and marketing strategy. Here are a few of the advantages of selling online information products rather than traditional physical products.

• They have a low start-up costs and quick development cycle

• They are distributed on – demand, and

• Info products generally have low overhead compared to physical products Connect with Author/Entrepreneur/Coach Tai Goodwin http://www.taigoodwin.com/

Family Time. Family Fun.. FAMILY CHRISTIAN CROSSWORD PUZZLES

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The Bishop’s Wife:

ffectionately known as Lady Alfreda Leggett, this woman of God declares, “I am a confident, intelligent, strong woman of God. I am married to Bishop J. Wayne Leggett, a man who loves God and the people of God. We are the proud parents of three lovely daughters; Jessica, Ashley, and Courtney Leggett.” My role as a pastor’s wife is to serve alongside my husband to help build the ministry, to love and nurture souls as they come into the kingdom and to pray for my husband as he shepherd’s God’s people. Serving as a Pastor’s wife I was with one local congregation, but as Bishop’s wife I am in fellowship with several congregations. I see it as more people to love.

The Responsibility of Ministry

How do you handle the responsibility of ministry and the (obvious) platform that you have? I handle the responsibility of ministry with much prayer, fasting, and staying in the word. I also strive to treat people the way I wish to be treated because God holds me accountable for my actions and reactions.

Do you feel there are some traditional challenges that “hold women back?” if not, please speak to women who may feel limited or bound by what is perceived as traditional challenges. What should be their response to it? Yes I do feel that there are some traditional challenges that may limit or hold women back such as having to do twice as much and work twice as hard for the same respect and pay as men. Ladies let’s not be weary in well doing, for in due season we will reap if we faint not.

Please share your thoughts on priorities… How do you balance being a child of God, a mother, a wife and example to the many women who are connected you?

My first priority is to love God with all my heart, my family, and then the church. Although, I am a licensed Missionary in the Church of God in Christ my mission field begins with our daughters because charity begins at home and spreads abroad. What message do you hope your audience or congregation receives from you? I would like for the audience to remember no matter what accomplishments we make in life, “Only what we do for Christ will last.” JUN – JUL 2013

Entrepreneur and Successful Daycare Owner, Andrea Dickerson, encourages us to DREAM Great plans are being developed to help you obtain clarity towards achieving your business goals, writing your book, using your passion to make a profit and growing your existing business. Today, I want to start you on a wonderful path of making your dreams a reality by writing down 101 goals that you want to accomplish within the next twelve months. To accomplish this, think about what you are passionate about, the business you currently have or the business you want to start. Write your goals pertaining to that.

OUT LOUD

Why should you write 101 goals? First, because when we reach a goal, it loses it's power and importance for us. We need plenty more to keep our conscious and subconscious mind at work! Second, goals have different gestation periods. Some are accomplished quickly and some will take your daily effort and action to accomplish it over time.

Connect with Andrea www.facebook.com/SuccessfulDaycare

Melinda Acoff helpsâ&#x20AC;Ś Spread Awareness of Lupus I am in need of your help to assist me in spreading awareness about a silent killer largely found among women of all races. The disease is Lupus. May has been designated as Lupus awareness month, as many of you know I was diagnosed with Lupus in 2001. Lupus has affected my digestive system, respiratory system specifically my lungs, my circulatory system (Heart) and my reproductive system. I also have Fibromyalgia and Reynaud's phenomenon. I have been hospitalized over 9 times due to Lupus complications. During Lupus Awareness month please help me in spreading the word about this cruel disease that has affected my life and the lives of many others.. I will be sending you a Lupus fact daily and all that I ask is that you share the information with your e-mail contacts and place the information on your social media pages. It is estimated that 1.5 million Americans have some form of lupus. Lupus a chronic, and yet severe autoimmune disease for which there is no cure. Every day these patients such as myself must deal with our own immune systems turning against their bodies or shutting down resulting in health effects including heart attacks, strokes, seizures, organ failure, and miscarriages. Many people do not suspect they may have a potentially disabling and life-threatening disease because lupus symptoms tend to come and go, and different symptoms may appear at different times during the course of the disease and their lives. Nine out of 10 people with lupus are female, and the

disease develops most often between the ages of 15 and 44. African American, Hispanic/Latino, Asian, and Native American women are two to three times more likely than Caucasian women to develop lupus.

To educate yourself more on lupus, please visit www.lupus.org. To find out if you may be at risk for lupus visit the Lupus Foundation of Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s symptom checklist at lupus.org/body.

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From the Publisher Hi Friends! My company, Hill Publishing, is partnering with a very special coworker, friend and more importantly, my sister in the Lord who desires to join a team of Missionaries going to Costa Rica at the end of this year (2013) to "do the will of our Father and serve others who are in dire need." I would not ask if this was not near and dear to my heart as well. I want to help my sister GO. PLEASE JOIN ME and make a (taxdeductible) donation (in any amount). Visit www.charactermag.com and CLICK THE DONATION BUTTON. None of the monies you donate goes to my budget, but ALL OF IT will go to Melissa to assist in getting her on that Mission trip this year. THANK YOU FOR YOUR DONATION!

Contact me for more details or to be sure you get credit for your TAX-DEDUCTIBLE donation. Email: donna@hill-publishing.com "I am asking you to prayerfully consider partnering with me with a one-time financial donation to go abroad. I have had my fair share of struggles and there have been people who have selflessly helped me during my greatest times of need. It is now my turn to be a blessing to others..." Melissa

ÂŠ 2013 Character Magazine

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Lift Him Up Artist Juanita E. Harden Get Connected.

facebook.com/juanita.p.harden

Yes it is ready! Thank you for your prayers and well wishes and now the real work begins it is my confession that to God be the glory for all that he is doing and for all that is has done. I would like to share my testimony concerning the music ministry that God has given me: When I didn't know or understand the terminology of anointed I was told over 20 years ago that God had anointed me to sing, and that I would receive Grammys for my music. I didn't know or understand at that time. I only said ok. But 25 years later for sure I have heard that over and over. What I do know is that God did tell me this is the ministry that I would need to wait on according to Romans chapter 2 verse 7. The spirit of the LORD told me in 1989 "That out of all the things that he had given me to do and all of the things that I desire to do for him the one thing that I needed to do then was to raise my children because that was the only time that I would have to raise them. I am glad to say that the children are now grown and yes the time and season has come. I have never doubted the call of God in my life and certainly the Anointing has been undeniable. I am both excited and ready for this season in my life. That being said I am seeking your prayers of agreement that the will of God be done in this ministry and that those whom God has ordained to take this ministry where he would have it to go and do what he would have it to do - will be led by his Spirit. I thank God even now for open doors, favor and blessings.

What I appreciate the most about waiting on the LORD is that at this time in my spiritual growth, season of my life, it is not about me but about yokes being broken, captive being set free, broken hearts being mended. I am not seeking fame but that God will be honored and glorified through the song ministry. I was so fascinated when God first begin to speak to me in songs revealing to me who he is and ministering to me. It was at that time in my life I would say "It was freaking me out." The supernatural power of God is not at all about religion. Thank you so much for your continued prayers.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Time Season has come.â&#x20AC;?

ÂŠ 2013 Character Magazine

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Tips by

So You Want to Get Published!

Nowadays even the big publishers are stretching themselves to offer a helping hand to unknown, unpublished writers and authors. How can you get in on this fast moving wave of authorship? These days, it’s not so hard to do. While there are still those who savor the opportunity to actually hold a book in hand -- for the feel of the real book – there are many who now working outside of their homes and they are on-the-go more often than not. This means, they don’t have much time to stop to purchase a book, pack it and travel from post to post with it in hand. With technology, readers can now download eBooks within seconds and dive right into a how-to or a favorite novel without any delays. All the more reason why larger publishing companies are extending many opportunities to unheard of authors and over the last few years, we have seen that “niche” grow in leaps in bounds. Here are some tips to help you succeed in getting published: • Publishers look for Author Personality!  They cannot afford the long-shot author. As an author, it is your job to prove you are the author they have been waiting for. • Invest in Professional Editing Service  Common errors: spelling, punctuation, grammar, capitalization, sentence structure, consistency (in style and flow of thought) These checks add quality and value to your book • You want your readers to refer your book to others  all the more reasons why you should be certain your finished product is “clean”, polished and professional.  this stimulates word-of-mouth

PUBLISHING AGREEMENTS

Choose a book cover that will express your thought as clearly as possible.

 Print and Read for clarity to understand exactly what service is provided to you. Be sure to look for any fine (small) print.  Communicate. Communicate. Communicate.  Before signing agreements, find out who owns the book rights.  Talk about Royalty payments with your publisher. Research the standard rate for your profit as well as what the publisher’s rate will be.

Other Resources: For Editing Services:

Book Publishing:

www.hill-publishing.com

www.authorhouse.com

Donna is the author of the Inner Session series of Prayer and Study Guides. Drop It and Live! is the first of the series. It is great for your Women’s Bible Study. Available at Amazon.com and innersessions.com © 2013 Character Magazine

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Highlights from the Church of God in Christ Women’s International Convention 2013 ORLANDO, FL

Each year, Mother Willie Mae Rivers – General Supervisor of Women – and the auxiliaries prepare their banners and march in the annual COGIC Banner March. This much anticipated event reflects the unique units within the massive convention of more than 15, 000 women (not including the men who attended this year).

(above) – the Pastors’ Wives Circle reveals their banner which reveals the Scripture from proverbs 12:4 … A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband.

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www.hill--publishing.com www.hill January 2014 – January 2015

Start Now! JUN – JUL 2013

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While celebrating your FREEDOM, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget to

PRAY for America!

TA S H A C O B B S

Available IN STORES

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JUN â&#x20AC;&#x201C; JUL 2013

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Prayer for Retirement Thank you Father for waking me in my right mind Especially since I’m on this side of time. I’m eligible for retirement, and I will if I can but I can’t just retire, I need a good plan. Difficult age has come, and the time has lit, I’m too tired to work, but too poor to quit. So please Father if it be thy will Help me to eliminate every bill. With the rising cost of living, it’s so hard. So help me to cut up all but one credit card and help me to use it only for emergencies and important things. So I can start to experience the success it brings. Help me to keep my head high and not get depressed No matter what I’m going through, I’m too blessed to be stressed. We struggle to beat the clock and punch on time, no lie. Then the supervisor takes our badges and says go on stand-by. Thank you Father for a job, such as this, that I can come in, sit down and just reminisce… Over things that don’t surface when I’m working steady. I want so much, to retire, but not until I’m ready. By Helen Miller

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I heard someone say "Why not” is the door to many possibilities. Thinking about it, I found it to be very true. Often times we come up with reasons why things can not be done and it can get to the point that we can talk ourselves out of what could be the biggest blessings of our lives. As believers, we must get to a mature place in our faith where we truly believe the word and the promises that God has spoken over us; that we are the head and not the tail, above and not beneath, lenders and not borrowers; the promise from Paul in Philippians 4:13… “I can do all things through Christ that strengtheneth me.”

The next time you are faced with something ask yourself WHY NOT? If God said it, there is absolutely no reason why it can not come to pass for you. You want to go to school? Why not! You want to start your business? Why not!

You are ready to answer the call that's on your life? Why not! You want to take that step of faith and market that idea God gave you? Why not!

Lindsay Williams

The only thing stopping you, is YOU!

There is no good reason why you can not go forth and I just believe… NOW is a great time for you to capitalize on the greatness that's within you! GO FOR IT!

You are ready to fulfill your dream that you have been pushing aside for some years? Why not!

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Get Connected.

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by LINDA

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VISIT ONLINE

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ÂŠ 2013 Character Magazine

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Jesus Loves Me

Hello boys and girls! This is your boy Lil Johnny coming back at you again with a word of encouragement.

Some of you are struggling, you want to be loved. You want to feel accepted. You want to fit in with the crowd. Sometimes it seems as if no one is paying you any attention. Seems as if no one wants to talk to you. Seems as if no one wants to be your friend. You may wonder, what's wrong with me? Why am I not standing out? Why do I not feel love? Well boys and girls I'm here to tell you, you are loved. You are loved by the man upstairs and his name is Jesus. You may not have man's love, but to have that unconditional love; that love that never changes is the best love you can ever have. Embrace his love today, receive his love today! Tell yourself this day and every day, “Yes Jesus loves Me, For The Bible Tells Me So.” Lil Johnny

Creator: Dorcas Williams, Folkston, Ga. To find out more about Lil Johnny and to see what he’s up to, follow him on Facebook .com/dwill3

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Material may not be reproduced in whole or in part in any form without prior written permission. Printed in USA . Character Magazine, a publication of Hill Publishing, is currently published quarterly.

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