From the Editor
I
am so excited to be releasing the first ever issue of A Blessed Home E-Magazine. This will be released on a quarterly basis and will feature great articles from anointed people on everything from fitness and raising children to fashion, recipes, encouragement from the Word of God and even an article featuring the adventures of a street preacher who just happens to be a woman. We will be adding new articles and features on every issue so, there will always be something new and fresh. Our goal here at A Blessed Home is to make sure you know that God wants to be a part of your everyday life and even in the smallest things like: cooking, cleaning, gardening, what you wear, and so much more. We as humans tend to think God has much more important things to do than to hear our simple prayers such as, “God help me make this new recipe for my family to enjoy” or, “I can’t seem to get this faucet fixed God, can you come help me?”. God wants to be included, He wants us to talk to Him and also take time to listen as well. He is interested in more than just a one sided conversation. Wouldn’t you get tired if someone just talked to you constantly and never gave you a chance to say anything, wouldn’t it make you feel obselete? So, I want to encourage you today to include the Lord in ALL you do, no matter how big or how small, He is just waiting to hear from you. I pray you will enjoy and be blessed from our magazine!
Stephanie Stephanie Stith
Editor
What’s In This Issue? Spring Fashion Trends Redeeming 2013 Love Book Review
by: Rebecca Wilhite
New Year’s Weightolution
Motherhood and Contentment
C O N T R I
ANGELA CUMMINGS Adopted at 3 weeks old her new parents called her "Merry Angela Cummings" which fits perfectly. She is now 42, a full time evangelist and the founder/president of "Highways and Hedges Ministries, Inc." The name means "happy heavenly messenger." God delivered her from a life filled with sex, bars, drugs, porn, gambling, hatred, suicide and hard rock music. God called her to preach on February 27th, 1999 at the Brownsville revival. Angela's biggest conviction is to make sure people understand the Truth of the Bible. Jesus told His disciples to preach, "Repent and Believe the Gospel." With the help of the Holy Spirit she has preached eleven and a half years in the open air. Places she has labored are parades, conventions, college campuses, high schools, churches, street corners, events, concerts, cults, homosexual churches, three nations in Europe and has reached many “A List” celebrities with the gospel one on one. Her hearts cry is like John the Baptist "Behold the Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world!!!" To connect with Angela, you can visit her website at: http://preacherwoman.org
B U T O R S
COURTNEY SCHNEIBS Hi! I am to write a little bio about myself, so here goes. I am a wife of 8 years, and mother of four children ages 6, 5, 3, and 6 months! My life is never dull! I am a native Texan, love this great state, but I could stand for colder weather at times. A lot of what I will write about will be through the eyes of my children, for they see the world a bit differently than us grown-ups do. It’s amazing all the wonderful things we can learn if only we looked through the eyes of a child. I don’t see myself as having arrived at this parent thing, only an Olympian in training. I know several moms who have come through as full Olympians at motherhood – I strive to be one of them. I love the Lord with all my heart and desire to follow Him. I want to know His heart in all things and show others the truth of His love and character. To connect with Courtney, please send an e-mail to: tcbm78@yahoo.com
DEBRA MAZDA Debra earned a BS in Human Movement and a ME.d in Sports Psychology at Temple University. Today, she is a Trainer, Mentor, Wellness Couch, Health Expert and Motivational Speaker and is the owner of ShapelyGirl Fitness, a women’s fitness club in Philadelphia. She also sits on the Board of Advisors for Women’s Education at Drexel University’s College of Medicine. Her book “Eating My Secrets” is due out spring 2013. Her message speaks out to real women: Fitness Comes in Many Sizes. Get off the couch, start moving and feel better, today.
C O N T
You can visit Debra’s Website at: www.debramazda.com
REBECCA WILHITE Rebecca is a Christian author who is fully dedicated to the Lord, and sharing His message through her writings. With a lifelong love of books and reading, she has found her calling as a writer, with words flowing onto paper through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. She has written for her blog entitled, Advice to Caregivers. She has also written for Guidepost magazine, is in the process of releasing a children’s picture book, and is currently writing a Christian Romance novel. You will enjoy her book reviews here at the magazine, as she takes you through a detailed journey of each book. She will give you her thoughts and recommendations on the messages portrayed, and how you can relate to certain issues or struggles, some of which we may face each and every day.
You can contact Rebecca to chat or prayer at: rebeccasemail@peoplepc.com
R I B U T O R S
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Spring Fashion Trends 2013 As Spring approaches we find ourselves wanting to shed the heavy coats and sweaters of Winter for a more breezy light fabric with bright sunny colors. Spring 2013 is loaded with beautiful colors, most of which can be found by the sea. Colors inspired by water. The hottest color trend for the season is Emerald, and you will find it in everything from clothing, purses, shoes, and jewelry just loaded with this rich green. So, go ahead and dive in to beautiful color.
Michael Kors photo credit IMAXTREE
Zang Toi photo credit Frazer Harrison Getty Images
Valentino
Valentino
“Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are.� Zang Toi photo credit Frazer Harrison Getty Images
Michael Kors photo credit IMAXTREE
Luke 12:27
Colors of Spring 2013
Zang Toi photo credit Frazer Harrison Getty Images
Michael Kors photo credit IMAXTREE
From left: Ella Moss, BCBGMAXAZRIA, Nanette Lepore, Lela Rose and David Meister
New Year’s Weightolution by: Debra Mazda
Every year as the New Year approaches, many of us are looking forward to starting over. For nine out of 10 people that includes getting fit and losing. Many proclaim that this is the year I will get healthy and commit to a fitness program, eat healthy, stay focused and we verbally make a commitment to anyone who is listening. TV and the internet bombard us with commercials for quick weight loss such as Jenny Craig and Weight Watchers, while magazine ads parade the news of Hollywood diet for celebrities. Fitness centers hire extra help knowing that we will come in like a fury only to fizzle out come March as the reality of life sets in with family, work, no time, etc. Some will be at the mercy of many fitness experts pushing their fitness videos, preaching and bombarding your brain as well as emotions with the fantasy and lies of acquiring 6 pack abs and a leaner body that will magically happen in a couple of weeks. With this said, the reality is that no one is listening to you year after year except God. He hears your plea and knows the struggle that most go through, but we have to do our part in the equation. GOD’s word tells us that we are to live abundant lives and that you’re mental as well as physical health is certainly part of that abundance. Isaiah 1:19 If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the land; God promised that we will eat the best of the land as long as we are obedient to his him willingly. We don’t need to worry about foods if Jesus hung in there till the end we live right. GOD wants us to not only get healthy but we need to not get and he finished what the frustrated that we just give up and give in. Jesus hung in there till the end and he finished what the Father wanted him to do, just image where all of Father wanted him to do, just us would be if he just gave up. His word commands us to live a full life and image where all of us would that means we were not meant to be in the mess some of us are in with be if he just gave up. obesity, sickness, poor health and mental brokenness. You need to get prayed up to weather the storm and not let the enemy in as he will try in all area of our lives. Weight will fluctuate, time will constrain us, family matter as well as work will sometimes try to stop us and that is the reality of life. Jesus never said life would be a piece of cake, just that I am the Lord God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you “Do not fear I will help you”, Isaiah 41:13
With all this in mind I have created some easy, simple, and realistic steps that will be valuable to all those who want to get fit and healthy in the New Year. 1.
Portion control is such an important tools that is necessary for any weight loss program to be effective. We tend to over eat because we do not limit our portions. While meat is a great source of protein for brainpower and muscle growth, do not overdo it. Try to use your palm or a deck of cards especially to control your portions. Keep scoops to a level portion and load up on veggies as you can eat them unlimited. Eating a salad every day with a lot of veggies in it is a sure way to get yourself healthy.
2.
When eating out, do you use good judgment? Always remember to order SMALL portions when eating out. Since you do not know what most ingredients have been added to the food, there might be hidden sodium that will swell up the cells and make you feel bloated and miserable. Keep it small and you will not be tempted to overeat.
3.
Do you have an appropriate snack ready when you need it most? One of the secrets to my success in keeping over 130 pounds off of my body is meal planning and that is 90 percent of the time which also includes snacks. If you keep things like fruits, cut up veggies, yogurt or even 2 graham crackers handy it will help you not binge and eat something that could possibly set up a binge. Snacks should be kept to around 150 calories and make sure they are healthy. Just because a food is 150 calories, do not confuse it for being a health food. Eat healthy snacks for more energy and a small amount of fuel for the body.
4.
Are you keeping time of your workouts? While healthy eating is so important for a strong body and mind, it is vitally important to make sure you exercise and do it often. A good fitness program will consist of a cardio, strengthening and stretching program. A good way to start is 2-3 days a week and then depending on your personal goals, that might need to be changed within 6 weeks or so. Remember that working out is the best remedy for depression as well as high blood pressure , cholesterol and fatty acids.
5.
Changing your fitness routine? I remember years ago I ate the same foods for weeks upon and weeks with no results to show for it. The same breakfast, lunch and dinner for about a month and not a pound to shed. As years went on I learned that you need to eat a variety of food and the same goes for exercise. The body needs and likes to be SHOCKED that goes for what we eat and how we train. So if you are doing the same routine it is time to get moving with a new workout. Get a buddy or hire a trainer and let them put a program together for you. You should be changing that up every 4-6 weeks.
Do not weigh in the same time daily? Years ago the AMA told us not to get weighed all the time as is was not good for our peace of mind. Today, this thinking has changed. To keep track of your progress is it important to have something to gauge it by and although the scale can be scary you can at least see some results. I think it is more important to get measured but those results take longer, so weighing in will help you to stay on track. Remember, God tells us, our bodies are temples and that the fruit of the Spirit is love Joy peace patience kindness goodness faithfulness gentleness and self-control Galatians 5:22 – 23. While God does not expect us to be perfect and, he certainly knows our weaknesses I truly believe he will honor any change that is positive no matter how long it takes. I pray daily for God’s mercy, compassion and healing on my health and yours. Start praising Jesus and he will help you every step of the way. Debra Mazda, ME.d, CPT is President/CEO of ShapelyGirl Fitness. She is a Christian wellness trainer, coach and motivational speaker. Debra’s new book “Eating My Secrets” is due out in Spring 2013. Debra has personally lost 140 pounds and kept it off for over 25 years. For more information go to www.SHAPELYGIRLFITNESS.com
Book Review
by: Rebecca Wilhite
Redeeming Love Written by: Francine Rivers
My recommendation for one of the best Christian romance novels is, “Redeeming Love” by Francine Rivers. It is the best novel I have ever read in my life or probably will ever read. I am sixty-nine years old and I am a reader. I have read many novels in my life time but this is the best. It is a Gold Book Award winner. It has sold over one million copies with four hundred and thirty-two pages you cannot put down. Inspired by the book of Hosea in the Bible. It is about a prostitute and the man who loves her with unconditional love, just as God loves us. Let’s look at the book of Hosea from the Bible where this book is taken from. Hosea was a young preacher and God told him to go and marry a prostitute. God was going to use this marriage as a lesson of how much He loved His wife Israel. God viewed Israel as His wife. Israel was committing spiritual adultery. She was whoring around playing the harlot with other gods. This was His wife who was being unfaithful to God. So Hosea did as God told him to do. He took Gomer as his wife. At first she seemed happy with her husband Hosea. They had a son, but after the birth of their son she became restless and unhappy. She did not seem to share her husband’s love for God. No matter what Gomer did Hosea kept on loving her, forgiving her and taking her back.
Hosea also kept preaching and telling the people to turn from sin and to trust God. This is what “Redeeming Love“ is based on. It lets you know that no matter what you have done God still loves you.
Even if you have sinned more than Angel and believe me she sinned a lot. God still loves and forgives. No matter how deep in sin you get there is hope and forgiveness. You will see the beauty of real love what it looks like. Only God can love you the way Michael loves Angel. This is the kind of love we all hunger for. It is a very inspirational romance novel with a lot of emotions, pain and suffering. A real tearjerker so get your Kleenex. It’s an experience, a journey one where you will never be the same after you read “Redeeming Love”. It will bring you to your knees you will never forget this story. I hold back from sharing too much of the story. I want you to experience it ALL for yourself. You will thank me later. When I finished reading “Redeeming Love” I just sat holding the book in my hands. I said,” I wish I could write like that. I got on Francine Rivers web-site to just see what kind of person could write such a book. She said, “I take no credit for writing “Redeeming Love” I did not write this book God wrote this book. Knowing God the way I do I believe it. After you read it you will feel the same. If you have ever felt like God could never forgive you for something you have done in your life, read this book and then go and read the book of Hosea from the Bible. Get your Kleenex! You will need it. A good read. By Rebecca Wilhite
F R A N C I N E R I V E R S has enjoyed a successful writing career for more than thirty years. A New York Times best-selling author, her novels have been awarded or nominated for numerous prizes, including the RITA Award, the Christy Award, and the ECPA Gold Medallion. In 1997, she was inducted into the Romance Writers Hall of Fame. Francine’s works have been translated into more than thirty different languages and she enjoys best-seller status in many foreign countries. She and her husband live in Northern California, with her three grown children and grandchildren nearby. Visit Francine online at www.FrancineRivers.com
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Highlights of 2012
by: Angela Cummings
After returning back to California after Christmas in Texas, one of my first prayers was "God, please send me a celebrity to preach to soon before I lose my boldness." Within the hour I overheard a voice at a Mexican restaurant, the voice of James Bond (Pierce Bronson). I was charging my phone outside in Malibu waiting, about to go preach at a high school in another city. So, I followed him asking him "If you died today would you go to heaven or hell?" His response was "I don't know." He rolled down his car window and let me finish my message to him about Jesus Christ being the only way. Adventures with the Lord have restarted because some of my favorite assignments are preaching to the celebrities. God brought me Superman(Dean Cain) and Iron Man(Robert Downey Jr) that week as well. I do not always get photos. That is not my goal. God wants me to point everyone to His son Jesus. Jesus paid a high price with His life on that cruel cross. He paid a debt that He did not owe. He was not a criminal, yet Him volunteering for this proved and demonstrated the LOVE of God. That is why it is critical that the Church of America return to preaching the cross. America needs the message of the Cross again and, 10 steps to financial blessings will not help the families that just had a child killed in kindergarten class. Jesus is the healer of broken hearts, Luke 4. This year I traveled to San Francisco to preach for first time at a gay pride march. That was wild, because I saw a completely naked woman walking around. Nobody tried to clothe her. Cops did not try to stop it. People were throwing milk bottles, water bottles, pens, beer on preaching and silly string. They pushed us and even dove on top of our banners. We only want people to know truth and the way to heaven and that God does want to save them. Not everyone is thankful when a preacher shows us. Just like when in the Bible, small riots or small stirs break out. Hey, just another day in the office for me. After eleven and a half years of doing this, I get used to it. My goal is that as many people as can hear will hear me say, "Repent and believe the gospel." That is what Jesus taught His disciples to preach in Mark 1.
Europe was a nice surprise for me. God provided to me helpers, with a fully paid 5 week missions trip to Europe. Prophetically I was sent by the Lord on Sept. 17th which happened to be the Jewish New Year. Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany is where I preached first. The Lord did not send a helper to me there, I went alone. A banner was given to me that was over 5 feet tall and said, "Fear God" and other side "Trust Jesus." When you read book of Jude you will see how that message is there. In Berlin, a girl came up to me and tapped me on shoulder while I walked with that banner, she said she was a lesbian and muslim. That she came to her personally and wanted her to convert. She rejected Jesus. This happened to her in Jerusalem. How cool is that? Go Jesus!!! She asked me if it was too late for her? I knew right then I was His messenger sent to her. I did not want to go to Berlin but, I went because the Lord asked. I love the Holy Ghost!!!! Next was a train ride to Amsterdam. It rained and was cold a few days, but the Lord sent me to preach anyway. I preached several times at Dam Square, then at the train station and also in the red light district. Demons got stirred up too. I met many Muslims there and shared the gospel with thousands. To GOD be the glory!!! So glad He sent me. After coming home I begin to preach at high school, concert, 5 college campuses, football game, youth group and a church revival. God had me at one ocean in the West and then another ocean in the East by the end of the year, and now far south in Miami. This is where I will preach Christmas and New Year’s Eve 2012. Then, I may travel America again with a campus ministry. The invitation is there. Bro Jed likes when I preach because, I am very loud and God uses my voice to reach people far away. What a calling!!! So thankful to be called of Great God and my savior Jesus Christ (Titus 2). If you would like to visit my website go to: www.preacherwoman.org, see videos at: YouTube streetpreacherangela or support my travels with small or large gift. My paypal is byebyeflorida@yahoo.com. I only have one giver that gives $50 every month without fail. Imagine the walk this is just trusting the Lord for the rest. Hebrews 11:1 Faith pleases God. Thank you for reading, Angela Cummings
Motherhood and Contentment By: Courtney Schneibs
Well here it is almost midnight but my heart is burdened and the only way I know to unburden some of the ache it feels, is to pour it out on paper. I thought I was going to write an article going in a specific direction, but the Lord has just impressed upon my heart to go in a different direction, with one word being the focal point– contentment. I know I write this in the wake of the appalling and heart wrenching elementary school shooting in Connecticut. It’s just amazing to see how one actually views life and what is truly important. I know for me, ashamedly, I admit that complaining is one of the battles I fight. I can complain to God about how I don’t have a nice enough home, how I don’t have the money that I want so I can spend it on the things I want, how the yard doesn’t look that immaculate – you know the one that doesn’t have toys spread across the lawn, the makeshift castle that my children built with pieces scattered throughout the yard, or patches of mud where my kids decided they were going to have mud wars that causes only patches of green grass all throughout my yard. Yet, as I take a step back and look at my life again, through the eyes of Christ, (it’s amazing how well He can see things in such greater perspective) I realize, I wouldn’t change a thing. My children are my greatest blessings in this life – and if I never have another nice new shiny object – I think I will be okay with that. I can get so caught up in not being content that I forget to look around at all the blessings the Lord truly has given me. The interesting thing is that He doesn’t just give blessings in the form of finances – it’s in love, security, joy, and peace. To hear my children’s laughter every day, to feel their hugs each morning and night, and numerous times throughout the day is just too invaluable for me to ever part with. Fancy house or not – nothing compares to having little arms about my neck and the sweet whisper of, “Mommy, I love you.”
We must remember that contentment has a huge part to play. Wasn’t it Christ who was content to be born in a manger, so far away from home, from all the praise, glory, and honor He truly deserves, just to be with me – me - the imperfect and sometimes downright ugly human being – just so He could show me His heart and His unfailing love? A lump has now filled my throat at all the times I have wasted complaining. Christ didn’t come so that I could complain about how things don’t go my way – He came to give me, everyone, life and life Fancy house or not, nothing compares to more abundantly. He is our reason to celebrate. So having little arms about my neck and the hug those around you, let’s be content with what we sweet whisper of, “Mommy, I love you.” have, and we will see the love of Christ in a way we’ve never seen Him before. Open our eyes Lord – help us to look out of our own little life bubbles to those around us, help us to embrace all that You want us to have – love, joy, peace, and knowing that all these come from a contented heart. My heart aches for those families who have lost their precious little ones - so let us be mindful of the real reason we celebrate life –not for materialistic perishable things -but rather for the loved ones we hold close. So hug your loved ones a bit tighter and may that love always remain constant in the forefront of our minds. “I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).”
John 9:10b
Scriptures On Contentment
“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.” I Timothy 6:6-8
“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” Philippians 4:11 “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." Hebrews 13:5
Welcome to 2013, old things have passed away and behold all things seem to be new again. I have always looked forward to the New Year and to what challenges and experiences would be around the corner for me in the upcoming months. I never did make resolutions, but began to have a yearly tradition of writing out my Hopes, Dreams, and Visions for the upcoming year. As I would pray and ask God to lead me in the direction He wanted me to go, I cannot tell you the amount of items I actually did accomplish off that list each year. When the New Year rolls around, the Chinese label the upcoming year with a certain animal, this year has been designated as, “Year of the Snake” (I will get into that later on in the article). While this is not something I believe in, I do believe that the Lord has let me know, He has designated this year as, “The Year of the Overcomer”. I must warn you, even though I do enjoy talking about cooking, gardening and such, this is going to be a gritty, non-feel good article but, hold on til the end because, we will have the victory, we win! We are going to be facing a lot this as a Nation and even if we do not want to believe it, God has removed His hand from our land; His protection is no longer on America. When disaster comes, don’t blame God, He did not cause it but without His protection, this Nation is open game for the devil. Why did God remove His hand of protection? America is not only in a financial downfall, but also a Spiritual downfall. We no longer have Freedom of Speech and Freedom of Religion; those have been replaced with the Freedom to Sin. We have government leaders who no longer live by the principles put forth in our constitution, but by a willingness to accept and stand up for sin and everything that Christians stand for are no longer popular. We have celebrities who want to revise the Bible and take out whatever does not agree with their views, while we only stand by without a word to say to defend our Holy Word of God. Christian businesses are now forced to either take part in providing abortions or close its doors. While we are celebrating the resurrection of Jesus, the Homosexuals in San Francisco are holding contests called “Hunky Jesus”, and we have the nerve to ask, “why did God not protect this Nation?”...simple answer...WE KICKED JESUS OUT OF OUR COUNTRY! As this upcoming year has been labeled by the world as the Year of the Snake, I actually feel that it is very appropriate because satan is referred to as a snake, and satan also used a snake to deceive Eve and change the course of history in one bite or actually in one disobedient act. So, where does the overcomer part come in? When the world around us is suffering, dying, struggling, we will be victorious because, we as Christians are still covered by the hand of the Almighty God. This is the time to seek God, to stand up for His Word, to let others know where their hope should come from. To get our priorities straight, to seek first the Kingdom of Heaven knowing God will provide all that we could ever need.
In 2013 we WILL be shining brightly into this world as examples of an overcomer.
“Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever.” Daniel 12:3 “Him who overcomes I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will he leave it. I will write on him the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on him my new name.” Revelation 3:12
How do you become an Overcomer? Start by asking Jesus to forgive you of your sins and come into your heart. Start 2013 as a new person, forgetting the old things and the past because, after praying this prayer, you will be as innocent as a new born baby. Here is your opportunity to change your life..
If you just prayed this prayer, please e-mail us and let us know. We want to hear from you. ablessedhome@mail.com
What’s Coming Up In Our Next Issue
April-May-June 2013
Summer Travel Trips and Tips June Brides Modest Swimwear Mother’s Day Brunch Christian Business Woman Spotlight