Inspired Women Magazine September/October 2014

F E A T U R E

TINA HUTCHISON

Inspiring a New Song of Hope Volunteer Choir Director, Tennessee Prison for Women

POWER OF PRAISE FOR NEW CHRISTIANS

Praise Him

Exercising with Your Child

FASHION:

inspired women magazine SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014

Need a Move of God?

BACK TO SCHOOL STRESS

Representing Christ

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september / october 2014

inspiredwomenmagazine.com Contributing Writers Karin Syren Natalie Hall Lanette Kissel Laurette Willis Deobrah Hightower Mia Green

in this issue 3 | Publisher’s Note 4 | Praise Sets the Stage 7 | The Power of Praise in a New Christian’s Life

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10 | Ask Coach Karin

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15 | A New Song in a Dark Place Dania Hernandez Ad Sales 305-720-5841

21 | The Only One 23 | Exercising with Kids: It Can be Child’s Play!

contact@inspiredwomenmagazine.com

27 | What’s Your Value? The Measurement 31 | Stand Out

PUBLISHER’S NOTE We’ve heard that this season is a season of double portion, open doors, abundance---an open heaven. Many have and are experiencing the expected and unexpected blessings from God already. Yet many are still waiting to have doors open to them, dreams realized, and miracles to take place. If you fall into the second category don’t lose heart. We must continue to praise the Lord because praise is the language of faith. So in this season let’s praise Him in advance for those open doors, accelerated promotions, divine favors, dumb-founding miracles and breakthroughs!

Karin Syren in her article Praise Sets the Stage using Paul and Silas as a backdrop teaches us that, “praise brings about the loosening of bonds; opens impossible doors, and shakes off fetters.” This can indeed be our year to finally realize our biggest dream, but we must praise Him, see our open door and burst through it!

Finish strong…Give Him the praise! inspired women magazine SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014

Be Inspired,

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Praise Sets the Stage Karin Syren, Vision Coach

And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.

Acts 16:22-25

Praise sets the stage for a move of God!

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Praise brings about the loosening of bonds;

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opens impossible doors, and shakes off fetters.

Praise ushers in freedom in the midst of the circumstances. Praise, a sacrifice of praise, is the sacrifice He desires of us today. (Hosea 6:6) And He Himself will enable us to offer it.

Paul and Silas had been beaten with rods and then thrown into a dank, dark, sewage and rodent infested Roman prison, into what probably amounted to solitary confinement, the inner prison (verse 24). It is in the midst of these unthinkable conditions that we see Paul and Silas bursting into prayer and songs of praise at the midnight hour!

They did not wait until they were free.

Instead, they praised Him unashamedly and loudly, in the midst of the circumstances (v.

25). The result was what might have seemed like a localized earthquake, affecting only the prison, loosening the fetters, and opening the doors, impacting everyone near these two prisoners. Because the circumstances did not seem to warrant praise, God Himself was their song!

They were not removed from the situation; they were set free in it. In the natural they had the ability to flee, but unlike Peter in Acts 12, they were not instructed to leave.

The result of this incredible act of obedience

says, “And His rest shall be glorious”. The New American Standard says, “and His restingplace shall be glorious”. That place of His glorious rest can be right in the midst of the circumstances! It was for Paul and Silas, and Their legal release came later (v.35) but they it can be for you. acknowledged and received their freedom while still in the circumstances. Take care Freedom begins in the inner man, and cannot not to confuse release with freedom. The help but eventually impact the physical release was a natural, physical phenomenon, circumstances. So set your intention this day but true freedom was within Paul and to praise the Lord, regardless of appearances, Silas. Freedom begins in the inner man, knowing that, according to John 8:36, if the and cannot help but eventually impact the Lord has made you free, you are free indeed. physical circumstances.

Refuse to allow the facts of circumstance to rob you of the truth of inner freedom!

Anyone can be freed from the circumstances and praise God as a result, but to be free What circumstances are you even now in the circumstances is real freedom, true allowing to create a prison for you? Is it a freedom, and only those for whom He has difficult relationship, financial concerns, become their Song can know that salvation. sickness and disease? Or is your prison an emotional or a spiritual one? Are you perhaps, Do you have a midnight hour in your life like Paul and Silas, literally imprisoned and right now; a place in which you are confined prison has bound your soul as well? Take and even bound hand and foot? God will careful stock and record each area which is turn your situation around as surely as He keeping you bound hand and foot, keeping did Paul’s and, what’s more, God Himself is your soul locked away in darkness. our song. I do not believe for a minute that Paul and Silas were able to sing praises in Consider a study of the range of emotions their own strength. They were undoubtedly expressed in the book of Psalms. While the miserable, but they were obedient and lent Hebrew word for Psalms is tehillim, meaning their souls and their mouths to prayer and praises, the book encompasses a great deal praise, and the Lord filled them. Freedom more than what we usually associate with from the circumstances followed. praise. Every human emotion is expressed within this section of the Old Testament.

Praise Him for His promise – before you see David, most prolific and best known of the it come to pass. Praise Him for freedom, in authors of the psalms, did not pen them the midst of the circumstances. Isaiah 11:10 only in his moments of triumph and joy. He was often distressed, mournful, angry and 1 Note that this was more than his entire repentant, as well as joyful and victorious. was the salvation of the jailer and his entire household.1 It is difficult to imagine the far reaching implications of Paul’s actions that night.

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family, but included servants and slaves as well.

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But each of the psalms eventually turns to The Bible Minute is available at Amazon. praising God in the circumstances. com or Barnes&Noble.com, as well as from a variety of other online book sellers. The Bible Now, take a step of faith in the Word you Minute can be purchased for Kindle readers, have heard and begin to praise Him, actively as well as being available from the Amazon and decisively, in the midst of each of your free Kindle Library and to subscribers of circumstances. Praise Him for no other kindleunlimited. Or read whole portions of reason than that He is worthy. Do not praise The Bible Minute on Google Books.

Him in order to change your circumstances, but in spite of them, and you will be amazed Karin is a certified life coach specializing in the at what follows! process of creating strategic visions for personal and organizational leadership. Increase your *** confidence by developing a clear picture of where you are going and how to get there. Discover Copyright Š 2010/2014, Karin S. Syren what makes you unique and how to form your All rights reserved. future around it. You can contact Karin for Adapted and reprinted by information about living Life With A Plan, as well permission of the author from, as for information regarding upcoming books The Bible Minute, Xulon Press, Inc. and new programs at ksyren@solushunz.net or check the website at Solushunz.com.

inspired women magazine SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014

Previous Issues Available

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visit: www.inspiredwomenmagazine.com

The Power of Praise in a New Christian’s Life

PRAISING GOD AND THE POWER OF PRAISE Praising God is honoring, exalting, and magnifying Him because of who He is and for all that He has done for us (Psalm 145:1-4). God dwells in the midst of praises, He is right there with us (Psalm 22:3). Praise has power and by praising Him, we can receive whatever we need for our lives.

SALVATION AND THE POWER OF PRAISE The first time I experienced the power of praise was the day I decided to give my life to the Lord.

I accepted Jesus Christ as my personal Savior and I began to realize how much God loved us to sacrifice His only begotten Son so that we could have eternal life (John 3:16).

I thanked and praised God for His Gift of Salvation and from that time forward, praise was a wonderful part of my life.

PRAISE BRINGS US INTO HIS PRESENCE As I grew in the Lord, I could actually see how praise effected my life and it was remarkable.

Praise made salvation real to me and I soon learned that when we praise God, the Holy

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I will always remember how the power of praise effected my life as a new Christian. Praising the Lord was important to me, and I loved giving God the praise. Praising Him helped me to grow and encouraged me to live for Him and not give up. I would like to share the impact the power of praise had in my life as a new Believer in Christ.

by Natalie Hall

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Spirit will usher us into His presence, and in His PRAISE LIFTS BURDENS presence there is fullness of joy, a joy that is Early in my Christian journey, I experienced the filled with His love. power in praising God when I became burden In His awesome presence, I developed a closer down with discouragement. I became very relationship with Him, and received all that I discouraged after God did not grant a prayer needed for my new Christian life. Psalm 16:11 request. Of course as a new Believer in Christ, beautifully declares what I felt and what I we have to learn that God works everything out for our good (Romans 8:28). However, I was not received. �Your presence is fullness of joy; At yet at that level of faith and the negative feeling Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.� lingered for a while.

Praising God is priceless. When we are in His presence, it is easy to focus on Him and who He is; He is almighty God and our Father. According to His promises, we receive from Him strength, encouragement, healing, deliverance, and so much more. We receive whatever we need for our Christian journey.

Reading scriptures about praise, and about blessing the Lord and not forgetting His benefits encouraged me to praise the Lord regardless of how I felt (Psalm 71:8), (Psalm 103:1-2). The more I praised Him, the more the discouragement dissolved and was replaced with encouragement.

Once we start genuinely praising God, it is POWER OF PRAISE difficult to hold on to negative feelings because while we are praising Him, we will begin to feel In conclusion, after accepting Jesus Christ as His love and His goodness and remember all your personal Savior, you will desire to give God praise because of His greatness, His love, and that He has done for us. because of all that He has done for you.

PRAISE BRINGS DELIVERANCE

As a new Christian after knowing who God is and after experiencing the power of praise in your life, you will not regret making praise an essential part of your new lifestyle; especially since we receive many benefits from praising Him.

As a new Christian, I learned from scriptures how praising God delivered Paul and Silas from prison (Acts 16:25-26). Paul and Silas were thrown into prison and at midnight, they prayed and sang hymns to God and as a result of their praises, there was an earthquake and SUMMARY: suddenly, the doors to the prison were opened and everyone’s chains were broken. Paul and • Praising God brings us into His presence.

Silas are a perfect example of how praising God • Praising God lifts burdens. can deliver us out of adverse situations.

PRAISE PROMOTES A POSITIVE ATTITUDE AS WE GO THROUGHOUT OUR DAY

• Praising God brings deliverance.

• Praising God promotes a positive attitude as we go throughout our day.

Thanking Him and praising Him throughout our day, is an excellent way to include Him in our daily lives. I could tell the difference in my attitude when I included praise in my daily routine. My attitude was more positive, and I had a smoother day.

teaching them the Word of God. She also enjoys listening to inspirational music and hanging out at the ocean with her husband.

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We all have experienced the power of praise in I also learned that we can praise God anywhere our lives. Reflect on how the power of praise has and at any time. This helps us to maintain a effected your life and give God the glory. positive attitude wherever we go. Praising God is not limited to one location. We can praise Him during our personal time, during worship and with other believers, In addition, when we Happily married, Natalie and her are in public places, we can whisper praises to husband live in North Carolina. She has Him and we should always be ready to say good a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology. things about Him. Psalm 34:1 states, “I will bless She has a passion for reading the Bible, the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually and inspirational writing. She enjoys be in my mouth.” working with young children and

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ASK COACH KARIN

Karin Syren, Vision Coach

Question: Feeling overwhelmed and stressed as we get the kids back to school.

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Coach Karin: Back to School – Help!1

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nature, the most difficult thing for people to deal with. It comes in roughly three types. alteration After an all too brief summer, it’s time to dust off is very slight, often virtually unnoticeable; a few practical suggestions for handling the Back exchange/swapping, is trading one thing for to school stress -- for children and parents alike. another; and finally, most difficult to navigate, transformation, the often painful journey from As a coach and counselor, stress is an issue I one distinct state to another.2 see over and over. Adjusting to hundreds of changes, small to overwhelming, is enough to Moving through the school system generally involves yearly exchange or swapping, and if a throw anyone off kilter. child is new to the school system or moving up Life is change and yet, change is, by its very to a new school (ie, junior high to high school), it can feel transformative!

1 Download your complimentary copy of One Month of Daily Stress Busters, at www.solushunz. com, today and be ready for what’s around the corner!

2 A good example is the process of caterpillar to butterfly. The individual is the same, but the change is complete and comprehensive.

Stress is the result, often accompanied by such worrisome symptoms as loss of appetite, withdrawal, lethargy (or increased animation), behavior issues, interrupted sleep patterns, increased dependency (“clinginess”) and the old standby, the stomach ache.

conversation. Listen closely for what may be hidden in the responses.

copy of the author’s materials on Fruitful Communication.

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Acknowledge and affirm your child’s concerns, rather than dismissing them as “no big deal.”

Instead, ask your child what would help them make the adjustment. Make no assumptions.

As the fateful day draws nearer, you may even Most people will tell you what they need, if notice a return to old discarded or outgrown given an opportunity. behaviors, such as thumb-sucking in younger children, or a renewed need for a favorite stuffed Choose a time when you can be fully present, animal, blanket or routine. investing full attention in the discussion. On your way out the door to school or five minutes Once you have identified that stress is the before Grandma comes is not a good time to issue, consider employing the following simple, open up a conversation. customizable, process to help you and your child face the inevitable.

Once you are fairly clear on your child’s concerns and they have communicated what they believe 3 1. LISTEN they need, don’t be afraid to offer suggestions.

See below for a few ideas.

Listen deeply to your child. Surface listening will rarely reveal what you need to know. Learn 2. REMEMBER to listen between the lines, observing not only words, but facial expressions, body language, Before approaching a conversation with your focus, etc. Let these observations guide your children, take some time to contemplate your responses. own school experiences. Try to resurrect your feelings on first days. What did you dread and Watch for signs of distress and be ready for what did you anticipate with pleasure? Get conversation. But I would caution you to fight inside the child you were, not the adult you are. the urge to sit down and question your child.

If you want to open the door to conversation, Maintain your perspective – on them not you. begin by asking open-ended questions around As potentially valuable as the above exercise the subject. These will invite a two-way can be, guard against becoming so engrossed in your own memories that you lose your focus.

3 For more information on effective Remember, this is not about you; it’s about your communication methods, request a complimentary child.

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As you share personal experience, be on guard against using your experience as a teaching tool. Be your child’s ally. Use your experience to help them know that you have been in their shoes and you understand how they feel. Once they have absorbed that, they are bound to ask you how you handled it and what the outcome was. Wait for them to ask!

Offer compassion not sympathy. Sympathy commiserates but leaves people where they are. Compassion moves on the situation and offers a hand. Using your remembrances as a jumping off point to compassion, let your child know you hear and understand their concerns, that they are valid and you have experienced many of them yourself.

a friend for a pre-first day visit to school.

Together they can find classroom(s), locate lockers, lunchroom, gym, etc.

• Make school supply shopping an event, perhaps followed by a favorite distinctly summer activity. (Note: In any shopping you do, keep in mind that while practicality is essential, trends and fashion matter to even the youngest child just as they do to you.)

• Take time off, if possible, to take your child to school on the first day, even if that means never getting out of the car. Your understanding, support, and willingness to be quietly and unobtrusively present will be appreciated more that you can imagine.

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Assure them that you are there not only to listen, validate and support but that you are ready to Change is always challenging and first day jitters problem-solve, to help them achieve a realistic are a fact of life, for children and adults alike. No check list will completely eradicate them, but vision for comfort in the situation. open communication and loving support will get both you and your child over the hump!

3. PLAN

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Remember, successful outcomes are no accident. We’d love to be there to help you with complimentary resources. To download any of Employing a simple strategic plan,4 work with the materials mentioned in the footnotes of this your child to create a plan for approaching article, please go to www.solushunz.com. *** the changes they are facing, for honoring Copyright ©2014, Karin S. Syren their perceived losses, and for managing the All rights reserved stress they are experiencing. Often simple Recreated from copyrighted material exercises, such as the following will help your presented in child feel significantly more confident as first day approaches. Create your own together and Mission Accomplished and Penetrating the Change Mystique remember, never force anything.

And an interview on • You might suggest taking your child and Weekends with Whitney *** 4 See the So-lu’shunz website for the elements of Download your free copy of the ebook, the Life with A Plan, Purpose, Mission, Vision & One Month of Daily Stress Busters at Goals and to download your FREE copy of the www.solushunz.com ebook, Mission Accomplished.

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FREE 21-Day Christian Fitness Program and information:

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Tina Hutchison Interview

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Perhaps many have not heard of Tina Hutchison just yet and there’s a possibility that her purpose may not bring her to becoming a household name. However, the selfless work she does will produce much greater rewards than becoming the next music recording star. In fact, Tina chose a life of service instead of a life of stardom in the music world. Tina has a powerful gift in her voice that transmits love, conviction, and anointing when she sings. However, it is not just about the gift, it is about how she uses this gift that makes her remarkable and a woman after God’s own heart.

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Tina Hutchison has been singing since she was a little girl. At an early age she began connecting with God and with people through music. As the daughter of a music minister, Tina put her roots down in the church and grew there. She learned firsthand - from her parents’ example what it meant to live a life of service to others. It was an example and a training that she would later employ herself as she happened into God’s divine purpose or her Romans 8:28 moment.

Tina arrived in Nashville in 1989 with hopes and dreams of music. While she came close to a few record deals, nothing ever materialized. Tina became

A New S

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Song in a Dark Place

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discouraged and hopeless, like many of us do in pursuit of a dream that doesn’t turn out quite the way we planned or hoped for. While these days were dark for Tina, God had a plan.

is allowing Christ to be the answer through her. May blessings overflow in her life as she continues to pour into the life of others.

IWM: Hi Tina! I have read the great work you are doing with incarcerated women.

But first let’s talk about how you got started. I read that you have been singing since you were a little girl. How did your childhood love of music influence you?

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In October 2004, Tina Hutchison accepted the position of volunteer choir director at the Tennessee Prison for Women. Little did she know how profoundly her life would change when she made the decision to serve in this capacity. Soon others would join her in the work and created a network of helpers who support and champion TINA: I grew up in a home filled with faith the cause of seeing broken lives restored. and music. My father was a minister and an amazing musician. He taught Tina’s mission along her team of helpers me to sing with from my soul and to is to shine a ray of light in a dark place. forever honor the One who gave me the She understands that there are different voice. I watched him and my mother reasons why these women fall into a serve people in need - always going the dark place—incarceration. But Tina is extra mile to help. This would be my not there to judge them, but rather love catalyst into the world of serving others. them through Jesus Christ, so that they However, I would take many detours can learn to live transformed lives and before I willingly arrived at that beautiful destination. make a difference in the lives of others.

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Tina inspires hope in the lives of the women at the Tennessee Prison for Women by leading a weekly choir program. In addition to finding their inner song, these women are taught basic life skills as they look forward to breaking behaviors that have kept them bound. Tom Skinner, in an address at the 1970 Urbana missions’ conference said, “Yes, Christ is the answer. But Christ has always been the answer through somebody.” Tina

IWM: What were some of the detours you describe?

TINA: I came to Nashville intent upon having a huge music career. It was my big dream.

My definition of success was in a box - along with my faith. I spent many years sitting in a pew and standing on church stages while a war was raging inside me. My mouth might be singing “I Surrender All” but my heart was conveying a very different prayer. Trapped in performance-based

acceptance, I was desperate to elevated. I was drowning in the waters of discontent.

I made some disastrous choices in that season but they would prove to be my most glorious undoing. And when we are undone, the Divine can work on mending us from the inside out.

loved me back to life. One day I began to sing a song of gratitude. It was just a whisper at first. A desperate plea. But the more I sang it - the more I healed.

God is so kind. We forget that when we’ve been so careless with the canvas of our life. But his kindness trumps any human stupidity and creates a work of art from our mess.

TINA: There was a time when I lost my song. When shame, anger and sorrow silenced me. I bought into the notion that my journey was over. That there was nothing of worth left for me to give. Talk about a big fat lie! People - precious people - never gave up on me.

Never stopped praying. And they

TINA: Praise opens our hearts. I like to call worship vulnerable gratitude. When our hearts are open we can hear the lessons we need to learn. We can become aware of the work God wants to do on our inside. And we can see the needs around us that we are gifted to meet. The key is a

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IWM: Can you share with us what praise has delivered you from on a personal IWM: What power does praise hold and level? are there keys to unlocking that power?

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willingness on our part to be present and open. We can go through all the motions with a heart locked up tight but we will miss out on the great God adventure awaiting us.

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IWM: In 2004 you became a volunteer choir director at the Tennessee Prison for Women. What led you to do that? And what impact has it had in your life and in the life of these women?

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TINA: Talk about a God adventure! I toured a half-way house for newly paroled women in downtown Nashville.

It had only two residents at the time, but my conversation with them lit a fire inside my spirit. There was a woman I knew of who had been a prison volunteer for over 20 years. I reached out to her and before I knew what was happening she had volunteered me to be the new choir director at the Tennessee Prison for Women. God has such a great sense of humor! I wanted to say no - as I felt so ill equipped - but “yes” spilled out of my mouth and within weeks I was standing in a room full of inmates. With a lump in my throat and an erratic heartbeat, I introduced myself to this group of girls. That had TDOC stamped on the back of their blue shirts and tattoos inked on their skin. But to my surprise, they looked just like me.

We have loved one another ever since.

Over the past ten years hundreds of

women have participated in our Voices of Freedom Choir. We are a safe place inside the walls of razor wire and we are a family. I have become their most honored student and their biggest cheer leader. When you stand before a group of street-smart women with your real heart utterly exposed and vulnerable- you will watch them mirror what they see. They will dismantle their walls one brick at a time and they will trust you enough to let you love them.

Love changes everything! The past, not matter how awful, does not have to define us. Love sees who we are AND who we can become.

IWM: You have a quote on your website from Maya Angelou which says, “I know why the caged bird sings...” Why does that mean to you?

TINA: Music is a medicine. It can provide the soundtrack for your deepest pain and your most amazing joy. My girls feel free when they sing. They forget we are standing inside the walls of a prison.

When one of our members learned of her mother’s death, she came to choir practice. She cried the entire two hours that night and said it helped her to express her grief. Another one of our girls sang choir songs for hours to an inmate who was on suicide watch. It helped pull her from the darkness. These girls may be behind bars, but when they

lift their voice in praise, their soul can be in God’s present NOW. And even in the badlands, rivers can flow. free as a bird.

IWM: In a world that seems to be becoming more and more self-absorbed, what has serving these incarcerated women taught you?

TINA: I have learned that true fulfillment in life comes when we ask what we can give instead of focusing on what we can get. When we bow low to serve we are exalted on the inside. Our own spirits are lifted when we seek to help someone else rise up.

IWM: What’s next for Tina Hutchison?

TINA: I am blessed to say that Holding Out Hope is partnering with the Tennessee Department of Correction to record a CD of the Voices of Freedom Choir. We are also partnering with The Five Stones Group to create a documentary film about the choir and the making of the CD. It should be available for purchase sometime in 2015. As I said, God is kind.

So very kind.

IWM: What song has been your favorite You can find more about Tina Hutchison and her ministry at www.tinahutchison.com and why?

TINA: “Can’t Give Up Now” by Mary Mary is a choir favorite! We sing our hearts out on that song - it is an anthem of hope.

IWM: What verse has kept you going in difficult times and why?

This verse reminds me that life is not found in the rearview mirror. Life is found

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TINA: Isaiah 43:18-19 from The Message -“Forget about what’s happened; don’t keep going over old history. Be alert, be present. I’m about to do something brand-new. It’s bursting out! Don’t you see it? There it is! I’m making a road through the desert, rivers in the badlands...”

Adriana Zamot is editor and publisher of Inspired Women Magazine. IWM began as a two page newsletter when she wanted to share with a few friends some of the highlights of Christian conferences that she had attended. She enjoys writing and sharing of the Lord’s goodness and mercy. Her hope is that IWM will inspire, motivate, and encourage other women towards their divine excellence. Most people refer to her as “AZ.” She has a Master Degree in Human Resources Administration and Development. She attends Majestic Life Church in Apopka, FL. You may contact her publisher@ inspiredwomenmagazine.com

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“You are blessed for believing that the LORD would keep His promise to you.”

Luke 1:45 God’s Word ® Translation

The Only One

by Lanette Kissel I would hope that my every thought, word, and deed displays that my Lord is the only One worthy of all honor, of all praise.

I hope that my life will acknowledge in every second, every minute, every hour, that He is the only One with the knowledge, the wisdom, the power.

I hope I will be receptive to hear His voice so I can be the Christian I need to be.

I hope I will always remember to thank Him for the many things He has done for me.

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I hope I will use my pen on His behalf as long as I am able to tell the story, that He is the Lamb of God, the worthy Sacrifice, and the only King of Glory.

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in·spire (n-spr)

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v. in·spired, in·spir·ing, in·spires ~ To affect, guide, or arouse by divine influence. ~To fill with enlivening or exalting emotion: ~ To stimulate to action; motivate ~ To affect or touch ~ To breathe on. ~ To breathe life into

Exercising with Kids: It Can be Child’s Play!

By Laurette Willis, CHC Director of PraiseMoves Fitness Ministry www.PraiseMoves.com

overweight adolescents has risen by nearly 300 percent!

We all know how important exercise is to our child’s growth and physical development. • 60 percent of overweight children already Lack of exercise is partly responsible for the have one risk factor for heart disease growing childhood obesity epidemic in our • 85 percent of children diagnosed with culture. type 2 diabetes are obese According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) in the U.S., the percentage of overweight • 25 percent of overweight children are already showing early signs of type 2 children aged 6-11 years has almost doubled since the early 1980’s. The percentage of diabetes

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Statistics show the startling frequency of weight-related disease in children:

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• Approximately 20 percent of newly start a new fitness tradition in your family. diagnosed cases of childhood diabetes are type 2, associated with obesity. This Exercise helps adults maintain a healthy, consistent weight, and it can also help relieve figure is up from 4 percent in 1990. stress and keep a balanced mood, sleep The trend seems to be affecting pre-school better, and combat some chronic diseases, children, too. From 1994 to 2001, overweight such as diabetes and heart disease. The CDC among children aged 2-5 years, increased says adults should participate in moderate physical activity (such as brisk walking) for by 42 percent.

30 minutes at least five days a week.

Considering that overweight children often become overweight or obese adults who Here are some fun and easy activities you can model poor dietary and exercise habits to their do as a family to help make fitness a habit children, the cycle continues until someone and invest quality time with your children. decides to break the destructive cycle.

Activities with Infants and Young Children What’s the Answer?

Whenever possible, go outdoors and enjoy being active in the backyard, local Get moving! neighborhood or park. This gives little In addition to eating more healthful ones the opportunity to interact with their unprocessed foods from a wide variety of environment, too. sources, exercise is vital to growing bodies.

Stroll-Along: Stroller exercise classes and Children who are active on a daily basis groups are growing in popularity. A search develop stronger muscles and bones, and on the internet will help you find a group are less likely to develop health problems near you. While it may seem that Mom is such as type 2 diabetes and high blood getting more of a workout than baby, it’s pressure in later years. Daily physical activity also a great way for you to interact with is also linked to regulating a child’s mood other mothers in your area. StrollerFit has and enabling her to sleep better. classes at YMCAs and other locations across the U.S. (see http://strollerfit.com).

It’s been estimated that toddlers require 30 minutes of structured physical activity every Of course you don’t need a group to stroll day. An additional 60 minutes of playtime is along! You can also take your baby out in a also recommended. baby sling or carrier and take a brisk walk around the neighborhood.

Since we all want to be good role models for our children, making fitness a part of our I Can Dig It! Playgrounds with sandboxes daily routine will benefit them – and us at enable baby to play outdoors in the sand the same time! You can break the cycle and with his own toys and you don’t have to

inspired women magazine SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014

worry about him falling on the hard ground. While playing “catch,” for example, whenever Bring a bucket and shovel and help build you catch the ball, say part of the verse for that day. Have your child complete the verse the castle of your dreams! (and vice-versa!).

Mommy and Me Exercise Classes: Check to see if there are exercise groups in your area Act out different biblical accounts (Noah, that encourage mother/child participation. Jonah, Daniel in the lion’s den, David and More areas are offering PraiseMoves classes Goliath, and the parting of the Red Sea) and (“The Christian Alternative to Yoga”) for Jesus’ parables from the New Testament. adults and children. If there are no Certified PraiseMoves Instructors in your area yet, While doing sit-ups, toe-touches, pushwork out to a DVD with your child or start a ups, say scriptures aloud to help keep you group in your area. Contact PraiseMoves for “pumped up!” Several Christian fitness programs (such as PraiseMoves) include information (http://praisemoves.com). scripture with their workouts for children If You Plant It, It Will Grow! Don’t have a and adults – to help keep you fit in spirit, garden? Perhaps the local school has an soul AND body! area in need of some flowers. Does your neighborhood have a community garden? Lastly, have fun! You have the opportunity Toddlers will enjoy watching the plants to show your child that it feels good to move our bodies – the bodies God gave us to care grow, and you’ll get a good workout, too. for and enjoy. You can break the cycle of Catch, Jump, Bark and Dance! Indoor fun childhood obesity in your generation and see can be as simple as rolling a ball back and your grandchildren and great-grandchildren forth or playing “catch” or “kick the ball.” become fit witnesses for Christ!

Depending on your child’s age, a minibasketball came is fun, as is jumping rope Check out Laurette’s new to simple rhymes. Make believe you are book & DVD set from different animals. Say the name of the animal, Destiny Image Publishers: and then both of you move and sound as if “40 Days to Fit & Fabulous you were that animal. Wanna dance? Turn with PraiseMoves.” Christian up the music – and shake it loose (dancing is Fitness Expert and Certified GREAT exercise and lots of fun, too)!

Health Coach Laurette Willis Incorporate Scripture: Faith and fitness are is the Director of PraiseMoves Fitness Ministry a great combination! Playtime is an ideal with DVDs, Training, and Classes by Certified opportunity to include simple memory PraiseMoves Instructors on six continents (http://PraiseMoves.com). Get your free “5 verses such as, “I can do all things through Simple Steps to Looking and Feeling Fabulous” Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians at http://5StepsGuide.com . ©2014 4:13). A Bible promise book is a good resource.

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SEEKING A

DYNAMIC SPEAKER FOR

YOUR NEXT CORPORATE or FAITH-BASED EVENT?

DEBORAH HIGHTOWER Leadership & Success coach Financial consultant Best-selling author

inspired women magazine SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014

SPEAKER

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Deborah is an award-winning financial consultant and holds numerous professional designations in that arena. Her first book contribution, The Secret to Winning BIG: Top Strategies for Winning BIG in Life and Business, is a best-seller.

She writes for numerous lifestyle magazines and blogs and has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Boston Globe, Forbes, Chicago Tribune, The Charlotte Observer, Miami Herald, Dow Jones Market Watch, Morningstar, CNBC, NBC, CBS, FOX, ABC and other news outlets. Whether speaking at conferences, faith-based occasions, fundraising events, or corporate boardrooms, she encourages others to reach, stretch and grab the opportunities that lay in wait. email: deborah@deborahhightower.com facebook: DeborahHightowerInc twitter: @pennedbydeborah linkedin: deborahhightower

Popular Topics POISED, PREPARED and in Hot PURSUIT of Your PASSION Work/Life Balance: Finding Greater Fulfillment and Happiness Motivation: Find it, Pass it on‌ Expand Your Boundaries: Outreach The F’s of Life: Faith, Family, Friends, and Finances

For All Bookings: (478) 719-0881 or

www.deborahhightower.com

by Deborah Hightower

Part Two In Part One of What’s Your Value? The Measurement, we began the story of a young woman who once believed her value

was $150. That’s the amount of money she was paid for 30 minutes of ‘work’. Let’s be clear.

She didn’t get to keep the money; she had to pass it on to her pimp.

At the time, she was 14 years old and found herself trapped in the sex trafficking world. An unstable home life, few friends and a desire to break free drove her to run away with a guy she thought

inspired women magazine SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014

What’s Your Value?

The Measurement

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inspired women magazine SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014

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loved her. After all, he had approached her with smiles, took her to dinner, bought her gifts, let her ride in his smooth car, and said the three words she so desperately craved ‘I love you”. Little did she know he didn’t love her at all; he was simply building his business.

cash per week; the average age of girls used in the sex trade is 14; and one in four girls will be sexually abused before she turns 18.

You may only relate human trafficking to foreign countries; but it’s a growing epidemic in the United States. You may think it’s not your problem; however, what affects one directly affects another indirectly. You may think that it’s on the ‘other’ side of town; but girls are being lured into the dark underworld in broad daylight all over town.

Pretending the problem doesn’t affect you is short-sided. This problem trickles from the big cities into the suburbs and small towns right into your neighborhood.

It’s time to take notice and do something about it!

A report, conducted by The Urban Institute for the U.S. Justice Department, looked at the underground commercial sex economy (UCSE) in eight major U.S. – Atlanta, Dallas, Denver, Kansas City, Miami, Seattle, San Diego, and Washington, DC. They aimed to uncover its magnitude. In their findings, Atlanta was ranked the top city with a $290 million sex trafficking economy. Let’s put it in perspective: that’s more than Atlanta’s illegal drug and gun trade combined. Further, they found on average pimps in Atlanta make $32,833 in

Other cities have an astounding economy in the sex trade as well. Miami came in second place at $200 million; Dallas $99 million; San Diego $97 million; Denver $40 million.

What can you do? Join others in the fight You can play a significant part in the by supporting events, such as Rescue 2 movement to rescue and restore girls caught Restore: An Evening of Music. Grammy, in these devastating circumstances. It is our Stellar and Dove award-winning artists desire to bring communities together like Daniel Winans and Billy Dorsey; Deborah never before. Strength is found in numbers Hightower; and Open Door Band will grace and we need you to join us in the fight. It the stage in Atlanta on Thursday, October 2, is our vision to support organizations like Wellspring Living in other cities across the 2014 at Mount Paran Church of God to raise nation. Would you like us to come to your awareness and benefit Wellspring Living city? Let us know by emailing deborah@ (www.wellspringliving.org). The concert deborahhightower.com. begins at 7:00 pm. Tickets are available at www.rescue2restoreatlanta.eventbrite.com. Several years have passed and the young woman in this story has overcome her past Here are other ways you can help: Sponsor and is running toward her destiny. With a our artists. Advertise in the Souvenir smile, she says, “I used to think my worth Booklet. Purchase tickets for others. Spread was $150; but now, I know I’m priceless!” the word on social media and among your networks. Donate to the cause.

Email deborah@deborahhightower.com for information about sponsorships, donations and advertising. For ticket purchase, visit www.rescue2restoreatlanta.eventbrite.com. mission is to confront the issue of sexual abuse and exploitation through awareness, rescue, and restoration through treatment programs designed to give girls hope for a good future. That’s what it’s all about.

inspired women magazine SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014

Wellspring is a 501c3 organization whose

Deborah is the co-author of the bestselling, The Secret to Winning BIG: Top Strategies for Winning BIG in Life and Business. She is also an award nominated singer-songwriter. More information can be found at www. deborahhightower.com.

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inspired women magazine SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014

Living Longer, Living Smarter

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A woman’s work is never done — which includes planning for her future. Let Decide.Create.

Share. show you just how easy it is to take the first step.

SM

Get the tools you need to plan for a secure future,designed especially for women, which will provide you with information and the tools you need to plan for your own financial future and help empower you in your community.

Stand Out wearing this proactive number that sent the paparazzi and social media sites into a frenzy.

I know, I know, I’m using a very dramatic visual of what NOT to do as a woman representing Christ, but my point is that when it comes to our sense of style and fashion we should Just a few weeks ago R&B singer Rhianna stand out, and in the total opposite way than walked the red carpet at the CFDA show Rhianna did.

inspired women magazine SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014

A

s Christian women when it comes to fashion we don’t always take our cue from the world, or at least we shouldn’t. We must hold ourselves to a higher standard in everything that we do, and our beauty and fashion choices are no different.

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We’ve got to remember that we are in this world, but not of it therefore we must not take our cue from the things that this world has to offer. Now, I am not saying that we can’t ever be inspired by or admire a look that one is wearing, but we must know how to tailor it to fit our specific tastes.

have to remember to do in this instance is to be INSPIRED by the look that you saw. Don’t try to duplicate the exact look because the look may not fit what your personal style represents. Instead take the various elements that you love about the look and allow it to inspire you to create a fashion piece that fits within your signature style.

inspired women magazine SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014

Here’s 3 simple guidelines that you can follow when creating a signature fashion style that’s sure to stand out from the rest... 3. Stay true to you - You are fearfully and wonderfully made and there isn’t another woman, lady, or little girl on this 1. Know your personal style - In order earth like you. You don’t have to fit in to for you to be able to create a signature what beauty and fashion says is hot and look for yourself you have to know what on trend. YOU set the trend! stand out, be your personal style is. What do you like the beYOUtiful you that God created you when it comes to fashion? Do you like to be. You’re fierce, own it, know it and maxi dresses or do you prefer pant suits? don’t be afraid to let your light shine as Do you like full length blazer or do you you show it! prefer 3/4 length sleeves on your blazer?

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Do you like peplum tops or are they a definite no? Sit down and figure out what your sense of style is and that will help you not be swayed with every new trend that pops up on the runway.

2. Be Inspired - There are times that you’ll see a look being worn by a celebrity or fashion model on TV or in a magazine spread that you’ll just absolutely love and want to duplicate immediately! What you

Mia Green is a professional makeup artist, and the owner of Les Fleur Cosmetics a makeup studio that specializes in ethnic skin and custom blended cosmetics. For more info you can visit www.lesfleurcosmetics.com

inspired women magazine SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014

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