Beautiful Issue 5

BEAUTIFUL MAY 2017 Issue 5

BEACH BODY OFW Mother’s Day Special

Photo by Theron Moss Model Kristen Ann Huth

Health: Body, Soul & Spirit 1

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ORLANDO FASHION WEEK

OFW

Photo by Forrest Rouble Model Anna Brewer Story begins on Page 10

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Photography by K Kalista

letter

from the

Editor

Hello Beautiful, As the warm weather begins to beckon us outdoors, inviting us to spend hours wrapped within it’s warm embrace, many of us start to think about our “Beach Body” or the lack of beach body we may have going on. When I refer to “Beach Body” that is the trendy way to say, “My body looks good enough that I am comfortable wearing a bathing suit in public.”

Having and maintaining a beach body is a lot of work and most forget about this work in the cold winter months as they are enveloped in their layers to protect them from the frozen air. As we begin to focus on beach body, we should think more about our health than we do about how we appear on the outside. Eating nutritiously and working out for only a portion of the year, are not doing your body any good.

Health goes even further than your body, though. It is important for all of us to maintain a healthy life: body, soul and spirit. You may be wondering what in the world am I talking about.

Lucky you, this magazine has been split into three sections, dedicated to the three aforementioned areas. So you will soon find out.

This month I challenge you, beautiful, to focus on a healthy lifestyle with your body, soul and spirit. By lifestyle, I mean a year round activity. And while you are at, spend some time loving on all the moms around you. Happy Mother’s Day to my beautiful mom, grandma and all my aunts!!

XOXO,

Karissa Hagemeister 4

CONTENTS

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May 2017

10 Orlando Fashion Week 26 Body Health 28 Interview with Daniel Browning 36 How to Juice 44 Beach Body 52 Style Your Work Out 60 Running For Beginners 64 Soul Health 68 You Can’t Take it With You 74 Spirit Health 76 Spiritual Cleansing 84 Mother’s Day Special Photo by Josiah Richwine 5

Beautiful

Editors Photograph by K Kalista

Karissa Hagemeister Editor in Chief IG @karissaluvhagemeister FB: Karissa Hagemeister

Karissa Hagemeister is on a life long journey in the pursuit of love, beauty and truth. Not only does she want to discover these things for herself but she desires to share them with anyone willing to watch and listen. Beautiful was birthed out of this desire. She enjoys modeling, acting and singing. She has her own fashion line and partners her business with a jewelry line, Chloe + Isabel. In July of 2016, Karissa published her first book. Her future plans are to revamp the fashion industry with the love, truth and beauty that she discovers by both her fashion business and Beautiful magazine.

ANTWAN HAYNES Photographer

Hello! My name is Antwan Haynes. I’m a Film Major at Southeastern University. I am a military brat and lived in Germany for 8 years before coming to Southeastern University. I enjoy making videos and editing videos, I plan to work in the Film Industry after I graduate. I live on this earth as a vessel for God and I am seeking to serve as much as I can.

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Forrest Rouble Photographer

Forrest Rouble is a 23 year old from Lansing, Michigan. Currently, he lives in Orlando, FL and is pursuing his his goal of becoming a well-respected and professional entertainer. He has been working as a performer and entertainer for a professional, global entertainment company for the last three years.

Forrest has recently channeled his unique and creative skills into the art of photography. When Forrest is not taking pictures, you can find him on social media in front of the camera, dancing his heart out. Find him on IG - @ forrestrouble22 and Youtube Forrest Rouble.

Theron Moss Photographer

Theron Moss a regionally published outdoor photographer specializing in adventure sports, travel and landscape photography. His photographs showcase athletes pushing their sports to the limit.

His skillfull balance between fast action and unnoticed details is showcased in his photographs.

“Picking up a camera gives me an opportunity to capture a specific vision to share with others. Ultimately, a well captured image represents a moment in time that is expressed infinitely, and that’s enough of a reason for me to hang a camera around my shoulders wherever I go.”

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Courtney Mack Writer

Courtney Mack is passionate about travel and trying the latest food trends. She has dined her way through more than thirty states and seven different countries. As much as she enjoys eating healthy, the temptations of unique, local flavor will swoon any girls heart.

Courtney’s current career has no correlation with food, but more so it is an access to the marvels of travel. Her taste for travel and food are only two of her passions; seeing all people find Jesus as their Savior and gaining a revelation of their value in Him, while communing around great food, is the truest honor to her.

Kayla Kapp Stylist

Kayla graduated from Southeastern University with a degree in Marketing and is currently working as a marketing coordinator at the Winter Haven Hospital. Kayla is certified through the Athletics Fitness Association of America (AFAA) and is an avid gym goer! This northern girl has been involved in group fitness from a young age playing basketball, soccer, and softball.

Kayla is an instructor at a fitness studio in Florida called Balance Culture. You will most likely find Kayla shopping, reading, and enjoying a venti coffee. She loves finding the latest trends in fashion and helping other women invest in their wardrobe for less.

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THANK YOU Writers:

Photographers:

Erin Givens Aaron Williams Shelly Corbett Kirstin Czernek Jessica Lewis Courtney Mack

Forrest Rouble Antwan Haynes Theron Moss Josiah Richwine

Contributors:

Orlando Fashion Week KKalista Photography Matthew Scheall Daniel Browning Balance Culture

Layout Designers: Olivia Walls Xiomara Montalvo Michelle Rivera Casie Hoffman

Thank you to all the Beautiful mothers!

Published by Kingdom Dezigns, Inc. 9

Patricia Rodriguez

OFW

ORLANDO FASHION WEEK 10

The Most Fashionable Time of Year

By Karissa Hagemeister

All Photos by Forrest Rouble Tatjana Fuchs

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Brandon Rodriguez

Cord Skyla

Red carpet. Cameras flashing. Glitz, glam and grunge making its way through the rooms. One could feel “almost famous� at Orlando Fashion Week.

be the talk of the night? How would the models transform after being under the skilled beauticians able hands of Clinique and Paul Mitchell?

Two of the most prestigious nights a year, in central Florida, was held at City Arts Factory in downtown Orlando in early April.

With over 30 models and 12 designers, the gallery was thick with anticipation.

I know you were wondering all these questions and more. So I will sum it all up in one sentence: Orlando Fashion Week 2017 was one, big, beautiful success.

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This was the fifth annual Orlando Fashion Week that OFW Corporation has put on.

The team for OFW: Tina Bridges, Tara

Arman Irani

Grace Irizarry

show host for both evenings. There were also beautiful opera performances by Maggie Driebe and a dance performance by Roberto Sanchez’ Dance Team.

Cadman, Alana Nelson and Denia FerreiraCamona worked especially hard to gather a great group of designers, the best of the best models in Florida by working with Accents Model & Talent Agency, a spectacular venue and only the best marketing and public relations that fashion deserves.

I will share with you, my top three designer choices from the two nights and let you see a little bit of what their line is all about. As pictures speak more than words, we will let you taste the event by viewing the array of pictures taken by photographer and dancer, Forrest Rouble.

View more @theorlandofashionweek.

Some of the designers for the two-night show were: Lisa Nieves, Joseph Lago, Gloria Woods, Alana Nelson, Lori Warren, Lile Useche, and Ciara Rodriguez. Estee Martin, radio host for Power 95.3, was the 13

Anna-Kay Campbell-McCrae

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Abigale Lewis

Tru By Kwane

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Estee Martin

Natalia Aldarondo

Jerome Danesson

Maggie Driebe 17

Editor’s TOP Designer Picks: 1 Lisa

Jennifer Rose

Nieves

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Pretty Is As Pretty Does In this amazing collection we see colors like icy pink, winter whites and deep reds. Textiles like tulle, lace, and printed chiffon with 3D flowers. Gorgeous appliques were also used. However, most importantly this designer is not only interested in looking pretty on the outside but also being pretty on the inside, hence, the naming of this beautiful collection, “PRETTY IS AS PRETTY DOES” fall/winter 2017-2018 by Lisa Nieves.

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2 Joseph

Lago

Bettie’s Wardrobe

Jennifer Rose

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Lexus Bailey

Vicious Queen Line

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3 Lori

Warren

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Captiva Daydreams Collection Lori Warren’s Captiva Daydreams Collection features Floridafriendly cotton, linen and rayon fabrics. Breezy pieces ranging from sparkly sand tones to vivid aquas and sunset hues take her summer collection easily from day to evening. Her distinctive textiles are embellished with hand-crafted trims and textures created by re-imagining various materials in innovative ways. She has now partnered with Deaaux Mains to feature unique sandals and earring with a greater purpose. Lori’s garments are all machine washable, staying true to her easy wear/easy care design philosophy.

See more at https://www.loriwarrendesigns.com/

Shoes by Deaaux Mains

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Chris Sellers Art

chrssllr@gmail.com 24

IG @chrssllrart 25

HEALTH:

Photo by Antwan Haynes 26

Body Like so many people I know, I get so caught up going through life, trying to take care of everything and everyone, I end up completely neglecting my own body.

I forget that I only have one chance to take care of it. The humans body is so complex and if taken care of, it will properly keep you moving and healthy. If not taken care of, you will get sick it is just a matter of when.

Growing up, I did not understand the importance of the food that I consumed.

I was a big food junkie and I could get away with it because I inherited an extremely fast metabolism. However, as I entered my mid-20’s I felt like I was dying. All those years of neglecting my body and not feeding it proper nutrition, hit me like a cement truck.

Since then, I have learned that my bad eating habits have led to a gluten sensitivity and an extremely dangerous anemic condition. I have retrained my body to crave the nutritious things that it needs and I have become very disciplined refraining from things that contain gluten, sugar and caffeine.

Thankfully, bodies are forgiving. When you begin to detox from the poisons you have been feeding yourself and fill up on what is need, the body begins to heal itself. I no longer feel like death is knocking at my door but I will also never go back to that lifestyle.

The same concept holds true for working out. We need to be active, daily. There are so many forms of activities out there that I am sure you can find one that you enjoy. Your body needs it and you need to care for your body.

By Karissa Hagemeister

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d2i

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Dance 2 Inspire

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Unleash the a 34

artist within 35

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JEN ATKIN

Feather Bun Cuff-Hair Accesories

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Styling YOUR WORKOUT with Kayla Knapp

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Photography by Stephanie Garrison Layout by Olivia Walls

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Photography by Hayley Kinker 47

FITNESS

MAD

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FABULOUS Photography by Hayley Kinker

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Lu La Roe

Beautifully Created Fb: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LuLaRoeBeautful/ Instagram: @lularoeamandashannon Contact us via email: lularoebeautifullycreated@gmail.com Or phone: 7278043782

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RUNNING FOR

BEGINNERS

By Shelly Corbett

Since I have started running, many friends and acquaintances of mine have expressed their interest in running and I often get questions about how to properly train. I absolutely love running and welcome any opportunity to talk about it, so I am excited to share some tips and tricks that I have learned over the past year. I am definitely not a professional, but I have learned a lot through experience (the hard way) and also through a lot of research. So without further ado, here are my top 7 tips for those that are new to running or even just a little bit curious:

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Decide that you can do this.

My biggest piece of advice is this: If this is something that you really want to try, make a decision that you can and will do it. Many people talk to me about how they would love to run, but they would just never be able to do it. It’s intimidating. It’s going to be difficult and painful. They’re too out of shape. They have asthma. They would die.

Etcetera. In other words, they have made the decision that they are going to fail before they ever try. When I first started running, I could barely make it three minutes before feeling like my entire body was on fire and my lungs were about to burst. I have always struggled with severe asthma and a love for binge watching Netflix TV shows. Prior to this experience, I was far from an athletic person. So if I can do this, than so can you!

If running is something that you are curious about and would like to be able to do…then do it. Turn off the mind games and negative thoughts in your head, because those are the only things that are going to keep you from succeeding. Once you conquer those thoughts, all that is left to do is keep moving your feet and breathing. It is a freeing feeling to move past these emotions.

Layout by Karissa Hagemeister

the right shoes.

2. Find This is not negotiable. Running shoes are expensive, but

they are an investment in your health, not a splurge.

When I first began running, I went to FitNiche, which specializes in running shoes. They evaluated my foot structure and my running gate in order to find a shoe that would correct any abnormalities in my gate and provide the proper support on my feet and arches. Also, if you run regularly, these shoes will last for about 6 months. Because I do trail running occasionally, in order to build strength, I use my older shoes for the trail and my newer shoes for paved running.

with protein.

3. Fuel When I began running, I was in the process of cutting

dairy and most meats out of my diet. For this reason, the products that I recommend may not be right for you. Part of this process is doing some research for yourself, paying attention to your body, and finding what works well for you. One of my favorite products is Garden of Life’s Raw Protein Chocolate shake. It is vegan, gluten free, and dairy free and contains sprouted brown rice protein, live probiotics, and enzymes. I mix this with sweetened vanilla almond milk and it tastes amazing and chocolatey. I drink this about an hour before each run.

This allows me to digest it enough so that I do not get an upset stomach or cramp while running.

properly.

4. Hydrate Most people do not realize that you are actually not

supposed to drink very much water during your run. In fact, during the half marathon that I recently completed, I only had one bottle of my sport’s drink the entire time.

You should only drink about 2 oz. per mile, which is enough to keep your mouth wet. This is because, when you begin running, your digestive system takes a break. If you are guzzling water, you will get very sick. Also! If you are running long distance, straight water is not a good idea. You need to replenish with electrolytes and drinking straight water will throw your electrolytes off kilter.

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Again, you will get sick. Not fun. You will also need to find a drink for running. This was tricky for me, because I realized that so many sports drinks have caffeine in them, which I think is insane. If you decide to go this route, than more power to you. Just know that caffeine is diuretic, so‌.things could get uncomfortable out on the trail.

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5. Create a schedule and

accountability; stick with it.

I will be completely honest in this regard: I would’ve never started running without the encouragement and sometimes brutal force of a good friend. Especially towards the beginning, it is important to have a goal and an accountability partner. We were training for a half marathon, so we picked a strict scheduled and decided that we would run according to our schedule, no excuses, rain or shine.

6. Practice gratitude and be

present in the experience.

Running has taught me to be thankful and show gratitude for the things that I do have. When I want to quit or when I forget

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why I run, I remind myself that running is not a chore; it is an opportunity. Running reminds me that I am free and I am alive. When you run, try not to constantly distract yourself from the pain with music or audio. As you learn to accept and lean into pain and discomfort, you will experience a freedom and acceptance for yourself, the present situation, and the world around you. Taking a moment to meditate on your surroundings—the sounds, the sights, the smells, and the feeling of your body getting stronger—is a healing and powerful experience. During my runs, I remind myself that it is important to take advantage of every day and every opportunity that I have to strengthen my body and my mind. I practice gratitude towards myself and those around me.

a reason to 7. Find run.

Last year was one of the most difficult periods of my life. I experienced a lot of grief and hardship in my life. My motivation was at an all-time low and my anxiety was through the roof. I was experiencing debilitating migraines that would last for 3 weeks at a time. During this time, a good friend of mine convinced me to sign up for a half marathon. Having no previous experience as a runner, I began my training. Running has become such a source of healing in my life. I run because I have learned that I can't fully be present and take care of those that I love if I am unable to first take care of myself. As I push myself to finish yet another mile, I am continually reminded that I am strong and I am capable. I no longer dwell on what my body is incapable of, but of how incredibly capable and resilient it has become. I love the feeling of traveling and gaining new physical and mental strength by using nothing but my body. I run to propel myself towards hope.

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Kickboxingwith Klass Karissa

MAY 2017 59

BEACHBODY

By Jessica Lewis

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ast April, I decided to make a change in my health and fitness. I decided to become a Beachbody coach. I’ve always struggled with my weight and after having three kids, I figured this was just how my body was going to be. I was uncomfortable in my own skin, my clothes were getting snug, and I was tired and sluggish all the time. I lacked confidence and had low self-esteem.

I knew there had to be more. I knew I couldn’t stay this way and be able to keep up with three active kids. I kept seeing friends on Facebook get in shape and lose weight and they were doing this all from home. I had been invited to accountability groups for years, but I finally decided enough was enough. I needed to take back my health and set a good example for my kids.

So I messaged my coach and said, I have to do this. I remember that first work out from 21 Day Fix, I thought I was going to die and I even cried. It was hard. I didn’t know if I could do this. What had I gotten myself into? I told myself it’s only 30 minutes. You can do this. I had to give myself a pep talk and remind myself why I was doing this.

Between the fitness program and the color coded portion control containers I was 60

slowly creating new and better habits. I love food and maybe a little too much. I love desserts and sweets but I needed to learn moderation. That’s what the portion containers did. It showed me how much I could eat, just the right kind of food. I still enjoy treats and cheat meals but my portions are smaller and I crave them a lot less then I did a year ago.

When I started, I weighed 167. I wore about a size 14 jeans and after completing multiple rounds of 21 Day Fix, 21 Day Fix Extreme and 2 rounds of Core De Force, I weigh around 134 and fit into a size 6 jeans. I accomplished all this from home and only working out about 30-45 minutes a day. It wasn’t just about the weight for me, it was about losing inches and getting stronger and gaining confidence. The accountability groups helped keep me on track, knowing there was a group of people just like me who were working on being the best version of themselves and transforming from the inside out.

I love that I don’t have to drive to and from a gym and that I can get results all from the comfort of my living room. It’s never to late to make a change to start living a healthier lifestyle. I’m so thankful that I decided to join and make that change!

This isn’t some fad diet, it’s a lifestyle

MOVEMENT Layout by Xiomara Montalvo

change. If you’re wanting to make a change in your life, feel free to message me on Facebook. I’d love to have you join us on this journey! https://www.facebook.com/jessica. lewis.73550

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“The best vers

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HEALTH:

Model Kristen Ann Huth 64

Soul Just as our bodies becomes weak and unhealthy when we neglect to care for it, our soul does as well. Your soul is made up of your mind, will and emotions.

If you are like most people, your soul has the greatest pull on what you do.

However, it is when we allow our soul to have control of us that we can become soul sick.

MIND: Allowing your mind to think about whatever it pleases, often leads to suicidal thoughts and if thought upon long enough, to actions as well.

WILL: Just because you think that you want or need something, does not mean that your body, soul and spirit need it. What your will wants, may be very detrimental to your health.

EMOTIONS: Living by your emotions is the cause of an unstable life, anxiety, fear and depression.

Instead of allowing our souls to have complete control over everything that we think, say and do, it is important for us to take control of our mind, will and emotions.

Think about what you are thinking about.

Tell your will “No!� it is good self-discipline.

Do not believe everything you feel.

By Karissa Hagemeister

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Matthew Scheall, Music Artist Music page: www. soundcloud.com/ scheallmathew IG: matt_scheall_

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YouCan’t

Take It

With You

By Aaron Williams

Are you feeling lachrymose this month?

Perhaps you are in financial strife or one of your relationships is at bitter ends? We’ve all been there and there has been no clearer remedy than that of engaging with your closest friends and family.

For me, I can find no better way to do this than through the power and the majesty of movies.

They shape our personalities, they inspire us and make us dream to be better people. But, in the end, movies will fade away and we should realize that all that glitters in this world may be gold, but you can’t take it with you.

This is an ideal that Frank Capra captures in his 1938 classic of the same name. It stars a young James Stewart as Tony Kirby, w ​ ho is the vice-president of the powerful company owned by his greedy father, Anthony P. Kirby. (Kirby Sr.). His father is dealing a monopoly in the trade of weapons and needs to buy one last house in a twelve block area owned by Alice's grandparent, Martin Vanderhof.

But it so happens that Vanderhof daughter is in one of Tony’s employees and the two are madly in love.

And you thought your relationship was complicat-

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ed! Alice’s family could care less about the riches, and they live together in a giant home where they constantly take in strangers who are overworked in their modern lives and need a chance to express themselves. But the Kirby’s only care about the riches and with the two lovebirds in the mix, we get a clash or quarreling emotions and personalities fit for the silver screen.

Capra was always one of those filmmakers, who in the strict days of Studio System Era (1927-1949), would adhere to the regulations and the status quos. He was the rare case that proved you can work from within the system and still make outstanding art. His films speak to a higher calling of moral sentiment and human virtuoso.

They reflect the common e​ very man​and the American life of that every man. They raised hope, showing us that even the most unexceptional people can rise to do great things and that we all can rise above our trivialities to become better human beings along the road of life.

What this film lacks in pace, it makes up for in its defiant message of living through the toughest of times and acknowledging that everything on this Earth will one day fade away and all that will be left is the judgement of the Lord our God. When I saw this film, my first impression was that it was going to be the A-Typical ​Capracaorn* l​ove story. But several minutes into the film’s runtime, we see a genuine heart and quality of character that is hard to find in most films. Its message speaks to us about the human 69

condition and the enduring nature of the human spirit. We all feel like we could make more at that 9 to 5 job, or we could be more than we are or love more than we do. But if we take a back seat and let God take the steering wheel, then we will see that all is well.

If I could attribute one thing to this film, it would be the characters. Story is initially set up to revolve around and challenge the characters; to put them out of their comfort zones and stress the unstressed. Through all that trial and adversity, the characters change and we see a reflection of mankind and humanity (which is why we tell stories in the first place). When I say story, I don’t mean ​plot​. Plot could be any arrangement of events. Too many movies focus on this today (especially the big name blockbusters) and there is very little room for actual character growth and emotion to be shared with its audience. This is a problem Y ​ ou Can’t Take it With You (1938) captures and fixes beautifully. If you are looking for a heart-warming movie to comfort you through thick and thin, then seek the wonderful wisdom of Frank Capra’s masterful love story and remember, you can’t take it with you. *Capracorn: A self-endowed term that Capra coined for his films.

Other Frank Capra Movies to Check Out: It Happened One Night (1934) It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) Mr Smith Goes to Washington (1939) Mr. Deeds Goes to Town (1936)

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HEALTH:

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Photo by Josiah Richwine

Spirit The spiritual aspect of our lives may be the most complex of them all.

The spirit is not easily explained or entirely understood. Within our spirit we have a deeper longing for something more than the average life that we live. We all know that there is something greater than ourselves.

Something greater than what we can see. I can assure you that there is. I have found what is greater and having that has made my world entirely different. One million times better than it used to be.

Everyone needs to go on their own spiritual journey. You cannot neglect your spirit and expect those longings to go away. You cannot expect someone to take the journey for you. You cannot try to fill those longings with objects, or by consuming certain substances, or even with other humans. There is only one thing that can satisfy that part of you. I challenge you not to settle until you have truly, entirely found the One.

By Karissa Hagemeister

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Photo by Josiah Richwine

Spiritual Cl

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leansing

By Erin Givens Layout by Karissa Hagemeister

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S

pring is in the air so you know what that means? Spring cleaning!

We all have that one closet we put all the holiday decorations and cleaning supplies in.

Stuff that we want to keep because we don’t have the heart to throw it away. And now that closet is cluttered filled with useless junk.

Life could be or is like that closet. Still holding on to past situations and relationships.

Suppressing those feeling because it’s hard to talk about them. You’re confuse because talking to this guy or this girl brings up old feelings. Life doesn’t have to be like that.

In the beginning of this year I was praying. I didn’t want to enter into a new year feeling the same way I’d entered last year, confused. I prayed this prayer: God whatever or whoever is in my life that is stopping me from receiving my blessings remove it. Whatever or whoever is in my life that is not like you remove it. Help me to understand that my timing is not your timing. I want to be a part of what you are doing in my life include me.

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Photo by Antwan Haynes

Photo by Josiah Richwine

Along with that prayer I fasted from secular music. Secular music is one of my biggest distractions so I fasted for a week. During that week I detoxed my body, exercised, and did a little yoga. When my fast was over I’ve never felt so calm and focus. I was happy and not worrying. I prayed more than ever. At one point that’s all I wanted to do was pray. After that I kept it going for two more weeks.

I tried listening to secular music and it felt sort of weird. Like doing something I know I’m not supposed to be doing.

Fasting doesn’t have to be music you can fast from anything you feel is distracting you.

Majority of my friends are fasting from social media. I fasted from eating pork last year. Television is another thing you can fast from. Remember to pray and read your bible and watch God work in you.

David says in Psalm 51:10 “Create in me a clean heart and renew the right spirit in me.” It’s time to get your life right and right with God. Don’t go into the next season feeling lost, confused and holding grudges.

“Create in me a clean heart and renew the right spirit in me.”

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Kkalista Photography www.kkalistaphotography.com

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Letter to my Mother

Hi, up there, I know you are doing well Mom. I’m sure you are living better than you ever truly lived on earth. It’s sad to not have you here with me, but when I think about where you are, I look forward to our reunion. I just wanted to say thank you, hello, and tell you I love you and miss you. Although you are no longer physically in my life anymore, I think about you in every part of my life.

Whether it is when I am walking and see someone who looks like you. Or enter or exit a season in my life, I always think of you. I know it was not God’s plan for you to leave so soon in life, but I am thankful that though God did not take you from me, he did prepare a place to receive you into a heavenly home. I am thankful that God is always one step ahead.

Thank you for the memories—for always loving me and for making me laugh. I am blessed to have shared such great times with you. Thank you for being the best mom; for being kindhearted and genuine all the time, for training me in the Word, for supporting me through everything, and for your time—but most importantly, for the love.

I hope one day to be all that you were. I want to love with a heart as big as yours. I want to laugh all the time with my family, friends, and strangers. I want to smile and brighten people’s day, like you did mine. I want to have greater faith, to be stronger and sure that everything will be ok. I want to mean to my family and everyone else as much as you did to everyone in your life, and especially me.

Thanks for setting the highest bar for my life.

I don’t really know what it’s like up there in Heaven, but until I find out and we are reunited, I hope you can send glimpses of your world down to me. I’m sure Heaven allows you to live out your dreams that you couldn’t on earth. Hang out with your family that left before you. Enjoy your paradise, because it is yours, forever. Today and every day, I edge and follow my dreams with no fear, because life is short. I want to show you in all one forgets you and that people will be reminded of you through me.

Love, Your Biggest Fan

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am doing my best to make you proud and be the person you taught me to be. I will live on the that I do that I love you, I miss you, and you mean the world to me. I want to make sure no

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Courtney Mack

social media’s

Top Mothers

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Photo by Josiah Richwine

Babara Ann Keith I had the greatest mom. She wanted to be an actress and even modeled for a while. Then she had me and gave it all up to be my mom and later became a nurse to make sure my sister and I had a roof over our heads and food to eat. She wasn't perfect. She was a bipolar alcoholic. But she was mine. And she loved me. And my sister and I turned out pretty ok. She's been gone for 12 years now. She went out like she lived: very dramatically. On the night of her 63rd birthday, she'd been partying all night and was run down by a drunk driver as she jaywalked, drunk, across the street to Waffle House for breakfast at 2 AM. She felt no pain and she got her wish to never be a burden on us. Not a day goes by that I don't think of her and miss her. I haven't got over her being gone; I've just gotten used to missing her.

By Shannon D. Keith

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Janice Higginbotham She and my Dad were given the choice to bring me home and allow me to die within 3 days when I was born... But they fought for my life when I was born with an illness. I only had a 2% chance of surviving, without an experimental surgery, again only giving me a 2% chance of life. My Mom NEVER LEFT MY SIDE! She read to me , sang to me and fell asleep with her hand on my chest to make sure I was still breathing! My Mom is my hero!

By Kyrie Higginbotham

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Angie Lewis

She had me at 18, and was a single parent for many years. My dad was back and forth out of the picture, but she, along with my grandparents, raised me. She was able to finish college and spend 30 years in the legal field. The odds were stacked against her and she never gave up and never gave me less than 100%. She never talked bad about my father and made sure I saw him and knew that side of my family. She taught me to be independent and strong, no matter what life presents me.

By Brittany Cole

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Ida Agatha Hughes I have the greatest mom. A single mother raising 4 daughters on her own.. I'm the last one of the lot but she has never missed a PTA meeting.. Was at all my track and field meetings. Was there to get me ready for school. Made sure I got the best education possible at all prestigious schools back home in Jamaica. I had the opportunity to go to college, the first in my family, in a different country. She has never given up on me even when everyone else around me could only see the worse in me.

She gave her life to God my sophomore year in college and has been an encouragement, mentor, and motivator to me in our community. All my friends and schoolmates refer to her as Auntie Ida. I miss her everyday.

She makes an effort in being in my life and kids lives even though we are oceans away from each other. The day I walked across the stage to receive my bachelors degree, I was not surprised to see and hear her in the audience as the loudest and proudest mother. I would not have made it this far without her in my life pushing me to be the best that I can be.

By Anna-Kay Campbell-McCrae

Layout by Casie Hoffman

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Cheryl Williams

Aaron Williams & his mother

To ALL of You ...

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Happy Mother’s Day Tamara Haygood

Karissa Hagemeister, her mother, sister & brother 93

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