TABLE OF CONTENTS 07
Reflection- Who's That in My Rear-View Mirror
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The Sums of My Yesterdays
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A Queen's Reflection
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Feature Spotlight: Dawn James
Authentically You Magazine
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REFLECTION-WHO’S THAT IN MY REAR-VIEW MIRROR 2018 has been a year of most surprising life alterations. During the beginning of the year, my Son celebrated his 20th birthday in January. The following month, his life was taken without notice. This is part of my life that I never in a zillion years would have thought would happen to ME. I see this turmoil almost daily on the news where a Mother must mourn the death of her child(ren) being taken from her by senseless acts of violence, and I always thought to myself, “I could not even imagine how She is able to deal with life now”. Unbeknownst to me, I am now dealing with the same circumstances of senseless acts of violence and do not understand how to get through it. It is a pill extremely hard to swallow, take-in and accept. It is extremely painful to talk about, but part of a story that has forever changed my life.
Another reflection of 2018 is I had a miscarriage a month ago. This is the second one, almost to the date a year ago. The pregnancy was a surprise, as were the last two living girls that I birthed, but it was heartbreaking all the same. I had a lot of mixed feelings when I found out about the pregnancy because I just lost my Son months earlier and here is another seed growing inside of me, or so I thought. Once I found out I was having a miscarriage, I had a major breakdown that was uncontrollable, which in-turn leads to the next reflection; Another life changing situation that almost put me behind bars for a year. A DUI almost stripped me from my three living daughters. First major run in with the Law in my life. Am I not heeding the warning signs of the effects of Selfmedicating to rid my sorrows, hurt and pain? -7-
I must be grateful to God for these obstacles in my life. The lessons that I learned from all of this allows me to see it in the rear-view mirror. That that is seen in the rear-view is the past. It allows me to leave it there and focus on the road in front of Me—the Present and Future. What is in front of me? Self-care; Self-gratifying; Selfishness; Self-driven; Me, Myself & I; Self-love. I am going to be Self*ish moving forward. I must be Self-centered. I need to be Self-absorbed. I want to be Self-serving. I got to be wrapped up in looking after numeral Uno as I embark on 2019. If Number One is not taking care of herself, how is she supposed to pave the way for the little Ladies behind her? Reflections have taught Me to put Me before anyone and anything to be as profound and productive as I can be to leave a legacy for the Ladies that I still must raise.
The holidays are fast approaching, the end of the year will be here in the blink of an eye, and the New Year is around the corner. Forgive yourself for all your transgressions and thank God that you live to see another day. 2018 has been the most difficult, abrupt, challenging, heartwrenching, painful, fearful, dreadful, horrific, devastating, tumultuous, chaotic year that I have ever had to face in my life. Through it all, I did realize one extremely important thing: God is fighting this battle and he instructed me to look no more in the rear-view mirror because this too has passed away. Nisha Williams bhomewitme@gmail.com www.facebook.com/icoach4u
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ALANDRIA LLOYD 1. When did you first begin writing? I began writing around the age of 10 years old. 2. What motivated you to become an author? I wanted to share my story with others to let them know that they aren’t the only ones experiencing hardship. I also wanted to encourage others to know that they can overcome whatever life throws in their direction. 3. Tell us a little about your book. “While I’m Waiting” is a 21 day devotional specifically for single and unmarried women. It encourages the reader to refocus their attention and try not to worry about when their Prince Charming will arrive. I wrote the book to encourage women to use their season of singleness to heal, build, create new things, and deepen their relationship with the Father. The book is filled with personal testimony regarding topics such as celibacy, sexual temptation, dealing with rejection, and much more. 4. If there was one message that you would hope a reader takes away from your book(s), what would it be, and why? As a woman, you are whole with or without a man. I really want women to focus becoming a better version of themselves, for themselves. It’s my prayer that single women would use this season to allow God to remove the residue and baggage that may have carried over from failed relationships.
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5. What audience do you think would be interested or would benefit in reading your book?
LEMUEL
Single and unmarried women of all ages. Book clubs and women ministries could do small group lessons using the book.
6. Do you remember the first story you ever wrote? If so, what was it and what was it about?
Connect with Alandria Lloyd
Yes, it was a poem to my childhood sweetheart.
Alandria Lloyd
7. What motivates you to continue writing? Testimonies that I’ve received from those who have read previous books. To know that my story is empowering women that I’ve never had the opportunity to meet, is absolutely amazing.
Alandria_elle
8. When you are not writing, how do you spend your time? I hang out with family and friends. Most times when I’m not writing, I’m reading. 9. What words of encouragement would you say to others who may want to become an author? Don’t allow fear to stand in your way. Understand that your biggest supporters may not be your family members, but don’t allow that to distract you from sharing your gifts with the world.
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www.alandriaelle.com
THE SUM OF MY YESTERDAYS
Written by: Michelle Patrice Coe
I thank GOD for the understanding that appearances indeed can be deceiving and that lie of my life being meaningless was simply that, a lie! This is why it is so essential that we not only possess head knowledge when it comes to the Word of GOD, we must know it in our heart. Once I applied the scripture, we walk by faith and not by sight in a literal way to my life, I was able to understand that everything I endured had a purpose and my latter would be greater!
There is a saying, "nothing in life is free". Although I have used this phrase several times over throughout the course of my life; I failed to realize its significance as it pertained to my testimony. I am grateful for the opportunity I have been given to share my affirmations of victory; however, the fact that there is victory indicates there were challenges I had to overcome. As I playback memories of my yesterdays it is difficult not to do so without calculating the total sum of what was lost during the process.
Consider this, every time you go into an establishment to make a purchase you receive a service or good in exchange for your monies. There have been times you may have been completely satisfied with your purchase yet there were occasions you were not. When unsatisfied you count it as a learning experience and make the decision as to whether you will allow them another opportunity to provide a positive experience or to no longer support the business. Decision plays such a significant part of our lives, yet we often leave it up to our circumstances or others to determine an outcome. In the same manner in which we have control over how our money will be spent, the same holds true for our ability to budget our faith, time and emotions!
As my mind revisits life before complete surrender to CHRIST, I recall there was a time it appeared as if my life was picture perfect. On the surface, the things I had obtained deemed my life a success. It was however unfortunate that those things indeed did not and the truth of the matter was that my soul was wounded. The house, cars and material possessions came with the price of me living in a turbulent marriage. Heartache and tears also were calculated into the cost and I paid daily until I no longer had the means to pay. My emotions and hope were spent so I decided the facade had to end. Once the marriage ended I realized my spending had not ended and I would now endure the expenses of a new beginning. While this new beginning encompassed the joy felt from my release of a life of constant betrayal, it also came with a fear of the unknown. Would I find love again? What about the family I desire, would it ever exist? I had placed my worth into these roles so it appeared as if my existence would no longer have meaning. -11-
In times past, I have overpaid others because I did not completely comprehend my value. Now that I do, I understand the importance of making wise decisions regarding my steps. After all, if I acknowledge GOD in all my ways HE will direct my path. I do however have to first acknowledge HIM which is something I have to admit I have not always done. Now that I am in relationship with the FATHER, I strive to do so to avoid my spirit from becoming bankrupt.
I have discovered that decision making on my own will allow me to misdirect even my good intentions; I have and continue to learn that every good thing is not a GOD thing. I have found that doing good things on my own may not be beneficial for that individual or my purpose. My actions may cause a detour for all parties involved causing an inflation regarding the time associated with the process as it pertains to that situation; especially if my actions were done to please others not considering the FATHER'S desires. I am a vessel GOD chooses to use for HIS glory; I do however need to remain mindful that I am not HIM. It is funny how I had attached myself to individuals thinking I could fix them so they can operate in functional relationships or succeed in life. I can be used as a tool in HIS hands to help others; however, there may be times I need to step aside to allow another tool to be used. I cannot be the savior for all humanity; JESUS already has that position so I need not exert energy attempting unaccomplishable tasks; especially when an individual has not yet made the decision to surrender to CHRIST. Incorrectly shifting my position places me in a situation in which a debt of turmoil that I do not desire to possess can be created as it removes the focus off of my need to continuously be molded by the FATHER!
It can also be difficult to reflect on time I have wasted as I indirectly allowed fear to withdraw from my desire to pursue my purpose. Will others approve? Will I meet their expectations? What if I fail? All questions that left me temporarily immobilized, creating anxiety regarding my disobedience. Yes, fear cost me peace because I knew I was not living my GOD given potential; however, until that account was overdrawn I stayed there. The light at the end of the tunnel is that I did eventually move, understanding that me not doing so would cause me to pay a substantial penalty I did not want to render. Instead of using my past as an excuse, I made the decision to make it a motivator! I was no longer the same person so I determined to no longer operate as if I were. When we have been devastated by our past decisions we often allocate too much energy to it versus simply learning and growing from it; which is exactly what we should do especially considering GOD knew everything mistake we would make and every circumstance we would face and still chose us! Me not listening to FATHER and walking my own way many times over had indeed provided what I believed to be substantial penalties and I am no longer willfully going to welcome any additional.
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Flashing back through memory lane often leads me to review what I have lost; however, I often neglect to consider what I have gained. Remember me quoting nothing in life is free? Well, it is not, including the wisdom and faith gained from my experiences. Admist the tears, pain and fear I found a new level resilience I had not realized existed. That resilience is a reflection of GOD'S grace in my life! Each time I neglected to immediately take possession of my identity as well as my destiny, GOD afforded me time to work past my pain, insecurities and fears so that I could one day walk confidently in HIS Will! Although still very much a work in progress, these past years I have embraced HIS leading me through doors of opportunity that show HIS faithfulness to me and others! I have now ceased from allowing my yesterdays to haunt me; instead I am using them to teach me how to navigate through life today as I do so in faith. I am not ignorant of the devices of the enemy because I have learned both through GOD'S Word and personal experience of his familiar tactics; in doing so I have a boldness that propels me to move forward! Of course I look back, but I do so only to pull from my experiences to aid in moving forward in a positive manner. As I take out my spiritual calculator to obtain a sum of my yesterdays I rejoice that what appeared to be loss ended up as surplus! GOD is using my yesterdays not only to help me, but also others. Indeed, it is all working for my good!
A QUEEN'S REFLECTION.... YOU ARE WORTH FINDING
Written by: Makunda Ewing
You are a Queen Worth Finding!
Are you ready for your big day? Are you ready to marry the man of your dreams, your destiny, or divine ordained spouse? Well, before you answer yes to any of these questions, I want you to ponder your value. I want you to ponder your value because many times in our lives, we may feel neglected because of past abuse, overlooked because of past failures, rejected because of past relationships, and not worthy of being loved because of past circumstances. I know at one time in my life, I have felt that way so if you have felt that way, you are not alone; however, today is a new day. You my Queen, my sister, my love, today you can be renewed in your mind and revitalized in your soul, because you are priceless, you are worth more than money can buy, you are worth finding by the man of your dreams. Today, I want to celebrate you and provide you with a mirror of reflection from God’s word. I want to share a true reflection of who you are in Christ, so be encouraged because this reflection is penned just for YOU!
I want to encourage you Queen, that you are worth searching for and you are worth finding. It says in Proverbs 18:22 (KJV): 22 Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the Lord.
So you are worth finding and don’t allow anybody to tell you differently, not even you can deny this great proverbs that you are worth finding…your king will obtain favor from the Lord just because you are his wife
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So repeat and declare this after me: I am a good thing
2.) The second letter in Favor is A…so reflect and
and I will bring favor to my king, my husband. I am
remember you my Queen are worthy of being found
FAVOR and I am worth finding.
because you are Accepted in the beloved. According to Ephesians 1:6 (KJV):
You are so valuable that God has made you priceless. Also, I want you to reflect and be reminded that you are
6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
far above rubies, according to Proverbs 31:10 (KJV): 10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far
You may not be accepted by people in the world or
above rubies.
even some of your friends or coworkers, but in Christ know without a shadow of a doubt that you are
There are five reflections that I want you to see about
accepted. You are made in the image of God. You are
the Queen in You. I will use the acronym for FAVOR to
beautiful.
show you the beauty of your reflection. So, let’s
dear sister, my dear Queen are made in the image and
declare what God says about who you are and not what
likeness of God.
man or woman says about you:
therefore, your King will accept you when you are
God didn’t make any junk because you my
You are accepted in Christ, so
presented and found by him. 1.) The first letter in Favor is F… So when you look in the reflection of God’s mirror remember, I am a Queen who
3.) The third letter is V in Favor…so reflect and
is worthy of being found because I am fearfully and
remember you my Queen are worthy of being found
wonderfully made, according to Psalms 139:14 (KJV):
because you are victorious. According to 1 Corinthians
14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and
15:57 (KJV): 57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us
wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that
the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
my soul knoweth right well.
You are victorious!
Also, you are forgiven above all else, according to
4.) The fourth letter is O in Favor…so reflect and
Romans 4:7: Saying, blessed are they whose
remember you my Queen are worthy of being found
iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.
because you an overcomer. I know many things may have come against you; divorce, financial setbacks, physical, emotional, and even psychological abuse. But
So you my dear sister girl, my lady, you are boo’d up. You are fearfully and wonderfully made, and forgiven of
I want you to know you are an overcomer. Greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world. We even
your sins. There is no other woman like you. You are so
overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our
unique that no other woman or man for that matter has
testimonies according to Revelations 12:11 (KJV):
the same right thumbprint like you. And when you feel
11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb,
like you have failed in your life, you need to remember
and by the word of their testimony; and they loved
that you are forgiven.
not their lives unto the death.
Many times in our lives we make decisions that we are
That test of life starting at home with the children
not proud of, and we suffer with the consequences of
acting out, and ending at your place of business, where
our mistakes, but we need to reflect and be reminded
you have been overloaded by stress, all that you just
that God sent his son Jesus to die for every sin that we
faced and overcame was only for a triumph testimony.
commit. God’s grace covers us, so don’t take his grace
Your God will receive the Glory and the honor. Queen,
and mercy for granted.
you are an overcomer.
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I want you to also reflect on this word and remember Queen you are worth finding because you are an overcomer, according to 1 John 5:4 (KJV):
4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
5.) The fifth and final letter is R in Favor…so reflect and remember you my Queen are worthy of being found because you are a royal priesthood, according to 1 Peter 2:9 (KJV):
9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.
You are a Queen, so wear your crown with pride and dignity. You are chosen, there is no other woman like you…you are a jewel…you are one of a kind...you are far above rubies. You are so worthy and valuable that no price of money can compare to the value of your gift, your presence, your ability, everything that you bring to the table. You shine bright like a diamond. You are a Queen and your king when he finds you will see you worthy to wear his crown and glory.
You my Queen are FAVOR. You are his favorite lady. You are his favorite jewel. You are his favorite everything. You are fearfully and wonderfully made. You are forgiven. You are accepted in the beloved. You are victorious, you are an overcomer, and you are a royal priesthood. You wear your crown well and you are worthy of your king finding you. You are worth the wait and worth searching for. A Queen’s Reflection… You Are Worth Finding.
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Feature Spotlight CAMERON STEWART Cameron Stewart – Board of Certification Prosthetist Orthotist, Co-
A graduate from Tuskegee University, Cameron scrimped and
founder of Alcam Medical, Partner @Alcam Reality, Community
saved his way to forming a partner in a field close to his heart –
Advocate and Speaker.
Prosthetics. As a major player in several powerhouse type businesses, one could say Alcam Medical is personal to him. He
Cameron is a 100% man. He gives it everything he has. While
values his workmanship and has been recently appointed to the
Cameron’s professional highlights are amazing in their own right,
Board of Directors for Board of Certification/Accreditation.
so is his passion for living a faith filled life. He was introduced to
Cameron understands the world of prosthetics and orthotics
faith at a young age. It is important to note he wears his faith for
intimately, as he stood close to his sister through her own
everyone to see. He is the grandson of a Pastor and some would
experiences wearing an orthotic device. He attended all of her
say he didn’t choose his path, that perhaps it was chosen for him.
appointments and one could say it was one of his primary
This could be a probable assumption, except Cameron Stewart
influences for his chosen profession. Not resting on his laurels,
isn’t a follower. Quite the contrary, he leads with an intense
he has formed many lucrative partnerships and has learned the
sincerity and he never wanted to step away from his church-deep
art of investing. In fact, you can hear Cameron reciting his
roots.
favorite saying – “You can’t save your way to wealth, you must invest.”
As a professional writer, I would say there are few opportunities in our career where you meet someone that forces you take a
As a testament to his faith, he leads by example and teaches
personal inventory. This is such the case. I don’t believe in
others how to improve their financial health. Belonging to
coincidences. I can tell you as the author of this piece, that I am
several groups where he fellowships with other likeminded men,
beyond grateful to be given the opportunity to write about
he keeps himself grounded and humble. In a series of open
Cameron. Let me tell you about more...
questions, you may see a bit of yourself in Cameron. He a true
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inspiration. Here is his interview:
Q: Do you consider yourself to be in a rare field for a black male?
Yes, this industry has a very low number of African Americans, I would say less than 5%. I have the largest African American owned Orthotic and Prosthetic company in California, possibly the nation, but I can’t confirm that. Q. Other than personal success, do you have a deep motivation that gets you through tough times?
My family is very important to me. I aspire to leave a legacy for my children to inherit. Q. What do you read in your downtime?
I have been spending a lot of time reading Proverbs lately. It speaks to my heart. I like to quote from it also. Q. Are you fearful for the direction of the country – wondering what your kids will experience as young adults?
Sure. I think we all worry at times. However, I do have tremendous discipline in most areas of my life. There just isn’t much room for both fear and faith to exist. I believe in living by faith. I do all I can to educate on the principles that matter most to me. Q. Tell me about your inspirations?
My family, my parents. They have inspired me to be the best version of myself. Q Can you describe to me who you are in a sentence?
I am a man with integrity who earned a high degree of credibility through hard work and making good decisions. Q What are you going to say to the man who wants to date your daughters?
Respect must be shown. Q What kind of art works hangs on your office walls? Hebru Brantley, I love his work! Q. Where do you see yourself in the next decade?
I hope I am still talking to people in some fashion whether it be in church, on boards, or intimately. I have a lot to say. It isn’t comfortable for me to be so forward with what is in my heart and mind all the time. I just feel driven to answer my calling – I need to educate, inspire, and assist. I need to illustrate the path... Q It sounds like your ambition weighs heavily upon you, almost as if there is a sense of urgency?
No, not burdened. Just prophetic prompting for lack of a better word. I know I am in a position where I am literally a real time role model. I am a young, black man basically showing others how to swim in unfamiliar ponds. I take this responsibility to heart. It is essential to walk my talk.
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My name is Chisa Roby I am 36 years old and a mother of 4 children and married for 12 years. I am a minister of the gospel of reconciliation and I have a bachelors degree in Psychology with the concentration of
The Vision: Embracing The New You Life Coaching Services vision is to educate individuals, families, or groups that need assistance
counseling from Trinity International University and currently will be completing a Masters in Psychology with a concentration in community psychology in the Spring. My focus is to help those with daily life
to deal with life's challenges and to have a strategy to be able to pursue a solution. Teaching others how to overcome any obstacles, issues, or problems that comes their way from a
challenges and how to embrace better things, situations, and
biblical perspective. Teaching on how to be spiritual fit and
relationships with learning biblical principles and learning Kingdom
spiritually stable and to gain spiritual growth for your life. To
Technique and to enjoy the quality of life by encouraging the heart,
embrace everyone with teachings, life coaching exercises,
healing the mind, and enhancing the spirit that is within you as an
mentorship curriculum, and life empowerment.
individual living in the world called "Life." I work for a nonprofit called "The Community Supportive Living Systems Inc" where I am a Housing Advocate that helps residents with resources in the permanent housing that we provide and a supervisor with a full staff who train and conducts meetings and etc. I am an entrepreneur with a Life coaching business called "Embracing The New You Life Coaching Services." and I have an outreach program and that is mentoring
The Objective: Embracing The New You's Objective is to be an instrument to a clients life and coach individuals to become a victor and not a victim. Becoming a Mid-Wife to encourage the heart and
individuals to build them and help them to walk into their fullest potential. I am an author of a book called "Breaking The Silence" where it talks about sexual, mental, verbal, physical, and dysfunctional families. My desire is to reach one and touch one with God's word so that they can be free from the bondage of life.
feed the soul with God's word and give inspiration and instruction for those who have a hunger to change something new and remove the old. exposing past hurts, dealing with addictions. Dealing with rejections and understanding how to embrace yourself and learn about you as a person.
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Itsy Bitsy Bookworms with Pamela Hornsby-Irvin -21-
1. Tell us more about you. I am a mother and grandmother. I have a degree in Early Childhood Education, from Forest Park Community College and a Business Administration w/ Emphasis in Project Management degree from Columbia Southern University, I am an Early Childhood Educator, Entrepreneur, Radio Host, and Motivational Speaker. I am currently pursuing a Master's degree in Education.
2. What motivates you to do all that you do? My passion for children. The fact of knowing and understanding that children are our future and it is our responsibility to provide them with the tools they need to be successful and productive citizens, not just in our communities but the entire world. We can either produce developers or destroyers. It's as simple as that. It's not rocket science.
3. Why do you have the desire to empower children when it comes to reading? I know that this is cliche, but reading is fundamental. Literacy is all around us. Everything in life is reading and writing. Take a second a try to think of something that does not require reading and or writing. No one can succeed in life without knowing how to read or write. You have to have the ability to read recipes to prepare meals, read instructions as to how something is assembled and read menus at your favorite fast food restaurant just to name a few. To cultivate people that do not know how to read is like forgetting how to breathe.Knowing how to read is a must. 4. Tell us more about Itsy Bitsy Bookworms Itsy Bitsy Bookworms w/bookworm logo, initially began as a business that provided children's books that assisted minority children develop a strong sense of self while being unapologetic as to who they are. Itsy Bitsy Bookworms is and has always been about the kids, helping them to feel good about themselves and to see their value and worth. However, as of last year, Itsy Bitsy Bookworms has become a media company consisting of an international radio and television station.
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5. You have both radio & television. How do you plan on using your media in 2019. In regards to Itsy Bitsy Bookworms Radio..Where We Are ALL About The Kids and Itsy Bitsy Bookworms Television, my goal is to provide children, parents, grandparents, and caregivers of children with quality programming. Those who control the media..control the mind. Via educating those that care for children in any capacity in all things kids, which includes early childhood education and child development will elevate and empower them so that they can empower the children. Understanding the psychology and biology of children is crucial. When you know better..you do better.
6. How can someone be a guest on your show? It is as simple as emailing me at itsybitsybookworms.2016@yahoo.com. In addition, I am looking to feature musicians with original music for Itsy Bitsy Bookworms Radio and Television. They can reach out with an email as well.
7. If you could empower parents when it comes to the success of their children in reading, what would you say? Start early exposing your child/children to print. Show them print on food labels, restaurant signs, and menus. Explain to them that literacy is all around us. Select a diverse collection of books. Observe them as they grow to recognize what their interest are and purchase books that reflect their interest. It's not that kids don"t like to read, they just have not found a book that feeds their interest.
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8. What is next for you in 2019? The launch of Itsy Bitsy Bookworms Television. It will be an extension of Itsy Bitsy Bookworms Radio. It is going to offer quality programming for children and parents. It's going to be great! More published children's books and more exciting guests on Itsy Bitsy Bookworms Radio.. Where We Are ALL About The Kids! And last but not least , my parenting tips that I offer on Itsy Bitsy Bookworms w/bookworm logo on my YouTube channel. Every Tuesday night at 7pm CST there will be a new parent tip waiting for parents and caregivers of children to view.
9. What are your top goals to accomplish by the end of this year? Again, to launch Itsy Bitsy Bookworms Television,expand Itsy Bitsy Bookworms w/logo presence on social media, offer products for Itsy Bitsy Bookworms followers to take with them daily, and more published children's books.
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10. How can we follow and connect with you? You can follow and connect with me on Facebook (itsybitsybookwormsfanpage) and Itsy Bitsy Bookworms w/logo, ItSy BitSy Bookworms RaDio, the group PARENTS GRANDPARENTS AND CAREGIVERS OF CHILDREN, please like, join, and friend request me. Also Instagram (Itsy Bitsy Bookworms),YouTube (Itsy Bitsy Bookworms w/bookworm logo) please subscribe while you are there and itsybitsybookwormsrock.com.
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FEATURED SPOTLIGHT
DAWN JAMES -27-
The great English poet Alexander Pope wrote that “to err is human, to forgive divine.” I contemplated this saying for almost two decades before I could finally bring myself to forgive someone for committing an act of violence against me. Some will argue that the act of forgiveness is one of the hardest things to do. I will argue that forgiveness is one of the most critical things you need to do for your mind, your heart, your soul, and your karma!
I know heartache, intimately. It took me 16 years to forgive someone who tried to end my life when I was six months pregnant with my first child. How do you forgive someone who lashes out in anger, rage, and violence? It was a long road I walked, and for many years I was hurt and angry, and I felt betrayed by my best friend, who was also my mother. Yes, that’s right, my mother tried to end my life then her own when I was six months pregnant. And on my daughters’ sixteenth birthday, I finally realized why I needed to forgive her.
Why is forgiveness a ‘must do’? If we are unable to forgive ourselves or others for past hurts, disappointments, and failures, then we’ll remain constricted in a perpetual vibration of ‘pain’. As human beings, we strive for self-preservation by shunning pain, avoiding it, suppressing it, masking, and attempting to dilute it with drugs, alcohol, and other external substances. But the pain remains whether consciously or subconsciously. Painful memories linger in our psyche until we bring ourselves to a point of introspection and the act of forgiveness. Lower vibrational emotions such as pain, shame, blame, anger, and guilt restrict our heart energy flow.
When we forgive someone, we are not only releasing negative emotions, but we are also making room for the free flow of positive high vibrations, and the vibration of forgiveness can indeed lift us and benefit us in many ways. These are some of the things the vibration of forgiveness can do for us: • Lighten our heart by removing the heavy weight of negative experiences • Lighten our speech when we stop complaining or accusing others of being responsible for our experiences • Lighten our emotions by releasing feelings of anger, frustration, spite and pain and make room for peace, joy and love • Free us so that we are no longer enslaved by the circumstances we once thought were controlled by someone else or by external forces • Free us to live and to love • Strengthen us by allowing us to recognize our ability to withstand any circumstance or experience and rise above it, learn from it and move forward with our life
The heart, like the brain, generates a powerful electromagnetic field. Our emotional state affects the flow of energy throughout the heart. During periods of negative emotional upheaval, loss, or grief, our heart feels heavy and weighed-down. This is why we sometimes feel a ‘heartache’. Conversely, when we experience elation, happiness or joy, like falling in love, our heart feels lighter and larger as positive emotional energy flows through us.
ABOUT DAWN Dawn James is a Conscious Living teacher, greenliving advocate, musician and author of several books on vibrational frequency and conscious living. Her newest book Raise the Vibration Between Us: Forgiveness, Karma, and Freedom completes her trilogy and will be translated into several languages in 2019. Learn more at www.raisethevibration.ca
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