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On the Cover: BBU! Cover Winner Tiffany Magee FEATURES 20 Tiffany Miller BBU! Magazine Cover Contest Runner Up 23 Rayla Scott BBU! Magazine Cover Contest Finalist 26 Tiffany Magee Meet the winner of our BBU! Magazine Cover Contest
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:: Contents :: Volume 2 | Issue 4 October– December 2015
BEHIND THE LENS TEAM 9 FOR THE COVER: Get to know the team that made our cover photo shoot simply beautiful!
20 Tiffany Miller
ON THE RADAR 11 SPOTLIGHT: Women Empowering Change; Business Professional La’Tonia Nichols
18 EVENTS: In the Community Houston Latina Bloggers 22 BBU! LIST: Editor’s Pick
VISUAL STORY 24 VISUAL STORY by Photographer Roderick Lightfoot of RL Studios
BBU! STYLE 28 DESIGNERS WE LOVE: Couture Fashion from Alexandria Lee Designs
THE WHOLE U! 32 FITNESS: The Right Fuel 35 SOUL: True Happiness 38 SPIRITUAL: Here Comes the Son 40 READER’S LOUNGE 43 THE COUNSELOR’S CORNER: This issue’s topic is hope. Be inspired by Faye Carter’s take on the ways to de-stress in her latest article.
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Contributors
BBU! Magazine
PUBLISHER MY BEAUTIFUL FAMILY INC LLC ●●●●
Join the BBU! Team Beautifully Being U! Magazine wants to hear from you! We welcome submissions for publication. We provide inspiration and reliable information that helps women balance their lives. Submit to editors@beautifullybeingumagazine.c om
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Shunte Gamble-Davis
EDITOR-AT LARGE Wendell-Davis
CONTRIBUTING WRITER Faye Carter
CONTRIBUTING WRITER Shareefah Muhammad
CONTRIBUTING WRITER Ashley Sauls
CONTRIBUTING WRITER Alexis Moore
●●●●
Contact Us:
Beautifully Being U! Magazine P.O. Box 2294 Stafford, Texas 77497 (P) 832-866-4373 ●●●●
Beautifully Being U! Magazine is published four times a year as a digital download or as a printed copy and is purposed to be a great tool for beautifully living. Although BBU! Magazine strives to ensure the accuracy and correctness of the information published, we do not accept any liability or responsibility for any inaccuracies or missions. The views expressed by authors of publications or event presentations, published in BBU! Magazine, do not necessarily represent the views of BBU! Decisions or actions based on the information and publications provided by BBU! are at your own risk. Reproduction in whole or in part without prior written consent is prohibited. Trademarked property of My Beautiful Family Inc. LLC
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Behind The Lens Team â–‘ BBU! PHOTO SHOOT
Shatara Davis Make-Up Artist Photography by Roderick Lightfoot Tell us about your company. RL Studio incorporates a passion for photography and an understanding of light and composition to create stunning images for every client. What inspires your photography? The beauty, creativity and uniqueness of the universe. In the world of photography, how do you define beauty? That which invokes pleasure as its defined by the absorption and deflection of light. How can our readers contact you? www.rlstud.com
Company: RL Studio Photography Website: http://3679802.tifmember.com/ Instagram: @rlstudio
How did you get your start? My introduction came from watching my mother put makeup when I was child. My mom was a Mary Kay rep which allowed me experiment with different colors and texture on myself and friends. I was a makeup artist before I knew what a makeup artistry was. It was pure love at first before I knew it was real a profession. What advice would you give someone starting out in your profession? Learn your craft and be enduringly passionate about your God given gift. Study the human face, skin and how light act to it. "Practice not until you get right but till you can't get it wrong. How do you define beauty? Being comfortable in your own skin. It doesn't matter of your skin color, weight or size. Whether it's makeup or clothing, rock it, have confidence, and make it your own. "Keep It FIERCE Honey"
Company: Makeup by SHATARA Facebook: makeupbyshatara Instagram: @fierce_honey
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From the Editor
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his holiday season there are so many reasons making time for one another will be so important. Our relationships are connected to our destiny, our progress, and our ties to one another. Our relationships are our ministry. When we partake in healthy relationships, they speak life into those within our reach. Our relationships provid e the connection God desires for us to have; his love communicated through enriching intera ctions. Rela tions hips empower us to grow, reach, and stretch to heights unseen. Making time for one another is making togetherness a priority. Let’s reach out to love ones and those who share in our daily journey. Let’s make sure they know just how important they are to us.
Happy Holidays! Shunte Davis 10 BBUmagazine.com
On the Radar â–‘ IN THE COMMUNITY
One Sweet Year Women Empowering Change Celebrates its First Year
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W
hat a ride! Women Empowering Change has turned one and we are so proud of the amazing year we're having. We appreciate all the feedback and support. We have freshened up our lineup of events to include more workshops, more vendor/sponsor opportunities, and more fun! Who are we? Women Empowering Change offers an avenue for women to make a difference. We have a vision of a united group of purposed driven women all over the world who can inspire change through empowering growth, leadership, and community support. What do we do? We invite you to partner with one of Houston's newest and fastest growing women’s networks. Women Empowering Change is a Houstonbased organization that exists to bring women together to connect, grow personally and professionally, discover strategies for life/work balance, and to develop new business/personal relationships.
We host events once per month throughout the city plus the Women Empowering Conference, a weekend-long retreat. WEC regularly communicates with its members and guests also via our e-newsletter, Facebook group/fan page, meetup, and by using other social media outlets. How can you connect? Join today and experience the contagious enthusiasm of WEC by visiting us online at Www.WomenEmpoweringChange.org for a Complete roster of our 2015-2016 events. Is membership required to join an event? Membership is not required to participate in our monthly events. As much as we would love to build our member list, our true purpose is to build a connection with each other through meaningful events held each month. You are welcomed to join us as often as your schedule permits! Our events usually require an advance RSVP, therefore we encourage all participants to join our newsletter to never miss an event.
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BECOME A WEC MEMBER TODAY! To celebrate our 1 year anniversary, membership for 2016 will be at a discounted rate. New Member Rates start at only $25 for the year! Monthly Meet-Ups FUN Quarterly Socials Mentorship Opportunities Access to Workshops & Seminars Speaking & Vendor Opportunities Social/Professional Networking Mixers Exclusive Member Discounts & Freebies Private invitation to WEC Member only Events And More! www.WomenEmpoweringChange.org Join today and let’s empowering change together. 14 BBUmagazine.com
On the Radar ░ CALENDAR
WEC Calendar 2015 November- Meals on Wheels Volunteer December- Quarterly Social- Annual Holiday Party
2016 January- Leading Ladies Brunch “Purpose, Power & Preparation” February Quarterly Social- The Sugar & Spice Affair March- Leading Ladies Brunch “Language of Love” April Quarterly Social– Love Fashion Spring Market Social May- There’s an App for That June- WEC DocU! Series Taping July- WEC DocU! Series Taping August- WEC Conference Retreat (3 days)
Visit us online for more events www.WomenEmpoweringChange.org
Join today and let’s empowering change together. 15
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On the Radar â–‘ SPOTLIGHT
Virtuous Cosmetics By La'Tonia Nichols { Tell us about you. } I am a Christian. It might sound funny, but I say that because I really do believe in putting Christ first in all that I do. I know I can't do anything without him. I am a wife for 15 years to Reverend Corey Nichols, a mother of four and a grandmother to one. { What is your personal mantra or motto? } Be you, be true, be beautiful because you are. { What is your occupation? } I am a MUA. To some that means Make Up Artist, but to me it stands for Mother Understanding her Assignment.
{ What inspired you to pursue this career field? } I didn't choose being a MUA, it chose me. I don't call this my job or career rather my passion and my ministry. I believe in empowering women to know they are a beautiful with or without makeup. { What services do you provide for your clients? }
I provide many makeup services such as full face make up application, eyelash applications, and eyebrow cosmetic or tint. I travel as an added service. { What has been your biggest achievement? }
My biggest achievement to me is when I knew who I was and started to walk in my passion. { What advice would you give an aspiring entrepreneur? } My advice to many would be to NEVER give up on you, your dream, your purpose, and your destiny. Website: www.Leobeautymua.com 17
On the Radar â–‘ EVENTS
Houston Latina Bloggers Networking Mixer
Founded by Connie Gomez of Momma of Dos and Co-Founder Jihane Rodriguez of Onix J, Houston Latina Bloggers ( HLB) is an organization purposed to create a nationwide awareness of Houston-based Latina Writers and Bloggers. It was also created to establish an online presence within Social Media and PR groups. HLB makes it their mission to disseminate relevant and pertinent information not only to the Latino/ Hispanic community here in Houston, but also to other local writers and Bloggers.
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We Want That! Thinking Girl’s Boutique Best Treats in Town by
Crumble & Co.
Connect with Us! Email: houstonlatinabloggers@gmail.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/ HTXLatinaBlog Twitter: @houtxblogueras Instagram: houstonlatinabloggers HLB Photography by Alex Montoya of
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On the Radar ░ FEATURE
Tiffany Miller “Give the world the best you!” 20 BBUmagazine.com
How do you define beauty? I would define beauty as: B-old , E-legant, A-ffectionate, U-nique, T-enacious, Y-outhful. Beauty to me is the way God Jehovah see’s us; the way he created us in his image. The world’s definition of beauty seems to cloud everyone’s judgment of what beauty is but the creator himself defined it for us.
How do you define fashion? Fashion to me is the way you express yourself, both quietly and loudly at the same time.
What is your personal style?
My personal style is classy and chic. Marjorie Harvey Style-The lady loves couture! I love wearing heels even though I am tall. What is your favorite fashion trend? My favorite fashion trend is the mixing of prints and colors. What inspired you to pursue a career in modeling? I was inspired to journey into modeling in my teenage years. When I went to a model call I was told to come back when I had my braces off. I was disappointed and never went back. In 2014 I decided to do a photo-shoot and pursue my modeling dreams. How do you handle stress/pressure that comes with modeling? The pressure and stress that comes with modeling to me is just like stress from anything you love or desire to do. I pray and ask God Jehovah for direction in every area of my life. I pray for his strength and peace to surround me. That way stress and pressure have no room to take me away from embracing and enjoying the journey. What is one of your favorite perks of being a model? My favorite perk of being a model would be getting dolled up with makeup and wearing the wonderful outfits! What advice would you give an aspiring model? I would advise and aspiring model to be confident in herself. No one was created to be you except you. Give the world the best you!
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Helping you take the guess work out of gift giving for him.
Best Men’s Wallet for 2015 Paul Smith Color Block Card Holder
BBU! LIST
Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Cologne
By Wendell
Apple Watch 42mm Silver Aluminum Case with White Sport Band 22 BBUmagazine.com
On the Radar ░ FEATURE
How do you define beauty? I define
beauty as being able to love the skin you’re in! I define myself as a big beautiful woman. I carry myself in such high regards that I command the room as soon as I enter. Beauty truly comes from the inside but it doesn't hurt to have a face to match that inside.
Finalist Rayla Scott
What inspired you to pursue a career in modeling? I once was a Hair Model for Hair Shows, so I decided How do you define fashion? I DON'T! I don’t think fashion is defined why not try this and see the outcome. by one particular individual. I think How do you handle stress/pressure that fashion is the statement you make with comes with modeling? I Pray over all the clothes you decide to wear. things in my Life. What is your personal style? I wear what I feel looks good on me... Period Point Blank
What is one of your favorite perks of being a model? I enjoy the glitz of makeup and dressing up.
What is your favorite fashion trend? Casual Sexy
What advice would you give an aspiring model? Never Give Up. Never Let Anyone tell you who you are. Be you at all costs.
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BBU! FEATURE
A Visual Story Visual Artist: Roderick Lightfoot Model: Tiffany Magee MUA: Shatara Davis
Natural & Sweet 24 BBUmagazine.com
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BBU!
░ FEATURE STORY
Tiffany Magee How do you define beauty? I define beauty as the combination of qualities, inner and outer, aesthetics, along with confidence.
How do you define fashion? Fashion is style of dress, etiquette. What is your personal style? According to a recent quiz, I am a high-maintenance glamour girl who loves designer clothes and the best things in life. Even though it states I like the best things in life, I don’t necessarily “have to” wear designer clothes. I like unique pieces that compliment my body and is sure to be a stand out when I step into the room.
What is your favorite fashion trend? I love black and white with a pop of color.
What inspired you to pursue a career in modeling? I am currently a promotional model, but I would love to venture off into print. I decided to get into promotional modeling to earn extra income.
How do you handle stress/pressure that come with modeling? There’s minimal stress. I am pretty easy going, so I don’t internalize much.
What is one of your favorite perks of being a model? I enjoy meeting new people and receiving compliments!
What advice would you give an aspiring model? Keep your aspirations at the forefront and seek mentorship.
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BBU! Style â–‘ DESIGNERS WE LOVE Alexandria Lee Designs by Gwendolyn Davis
Alexandria Lee Designs Website: www.alexandrialeedesigns.com 28 BBUmagazine.com
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The Whole U!
░ FITNESS
The Right Fuel By Alexis Moore
Y
ou make sure your car has the right fuel inside and stays clean, right? Well, your body works the same way! In order to be physically active and start working out we should first make sure we feed our bodies the right fuel. Once you change your relationship with food and understand it’s a life style change, and not a diet, you will be on your way to a much healthier you.
“Feed yourself the best, to feel your best.” Food is meant to be satisfying and to enrich the longevity of life, not weigh you down and cause you to become lethargic. With proper nutrition, your energy level will increase and you will be ready to start your home workout with some functional exercises.
Purposes of functional exercise: Distribute even blood flow to muscles. Keep joints well lubricated. Promote pain-free movement in everyday life. Maintain an elevated heart rate. Be able to go low and easily get back up. Have a good night sleep. Maintain the level of energy needed to get through the day. All are components of a successful functional exercise regimen. We all want to hold on to the qualities of good health and youth, but with age our bodies naturally experience a decrease in muscle and bone mass, flexibility, and balance. With this in mind the role of exercise becomes even more important. Continue reading for some functional exercises you can do at home!
“People often ask what to buy to use at home for work outs. The dumbbells and step-ups are my two favorite pieces because you can do so much with them and they cost very little. They are so portable, you can take them to the park and anywhere else. I never leave home without them!” Alexis Moore 32 BBUmagazine.com
GET AMOOREFITBODY AT HOME
Planks This exercise primarily targets the core, building strength with an isometric contraction.
Hip Bridges This exercise targets glutes and the core it also promotes hip flexibility.
SQUATS This exercise targets major lower body muscles and the core and it also helps enhance balance. Be sure to keep your heels firmly planted on the ground and keep your torso upright. Pause for a second before returning slowly to the starting position.
Jumping Jacks Jumping Jacks w/Dumbbells- Lots of people roll their eyes at the age-old jumping jack. However, jumping jacks are so beneficial when it comes to functional exercise. In today’s society we sit down throughout the day at the computer, on the phone and during most other involvements that associates with electronic devices. Our feet carry neurotransmitters and we need to keep them activated. Light impact is great to get things moving and blood flowing. And like burpees, when performed with control, this will also work multiple muscle groups and get the heart rate up.
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The Whole U!
░ INSPIRATION
True Happiness By Shareefah Muhammad
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ave you ever watched the video Happy by Pharrell Williams and wondered what could make the people dancing in it so happy? Have you ever considered that you too could feel that way as well? Though happiness can have its own personal definition for everyone, there are a few core things that we all can do universally that help to feed and propel those conditions that make us happy. As we know the greatest gift that we all have received is the gift of life, so the best way to show appreciation and gratitude for it is to do the best we can to take care of it; that results in true happiness and the best form of worship to its Creator. Let’s look into some of these fundamentals that fuel the desire to be truly happy!
So when you sit down and have a salad or your favorite smoothie, sprinkle a little flaxseed over the top or in the mix and enjoy. Be happy with B vitamins! NO! I do not mean going to the nearest GNC and purchasing the latest technologically advanced B vitamin supplements. The most efficient way to get these vitamins is through foods that are rich in them. This is an opportunity for you to go bananas over bananas, and coo coo for mangos, yogurt, salmon and many other food sources. Such foods are high in vitamins B6, B12 and B9 (folate); all of which are considered “anti -stress’ vitamins. They help to affect ones mood and lessen effects of anxiety and depression.
One key is to get sunshine! Basking in the light of the sun grants us energy that we can get from no place else. This energy helps boost our mood and stimulates the production of a hormone in the body called serotonin, also known as the “happy hormone”. The natural sunlight also helps our bodies to make a natural production of vitamin D, which research is now finding plays a larger role in cancer prevention than once believed. So the next time you want to take that quick phone call or read a few chapters in a book make sure to choose the option to do it outside with the sun.
With all of these wonderful things to add to increase one’s happiness, let’s look at something to avoid: processed and unrefined sugar and artificial sweeteners. I know some of you just lost your happiness right there!!! However it is not the end of the world. There are other options out there besides processed sugars. These include and are not limited to honey, pure raw cane sugar, stevia, date sugar and others. Unlike these sugars, processed sugars make you feel good temporarily but the end result is a reduction in your happy hormones (hence the crash after being stimulated). Other effects include a disruption in your hormonal balance and of course the infamous connection with unwanted and undesired weight gain.
Another way to maintain a good quality of happiness is to eat the best of foods. In particular I am going to focus on the best types of fats to consume here because it too plays a major role in happy hormone production. Healthy fats that will make you feel good and not guilty include flaxseed, olive oil (unrefined and cold pressed) and raw or clarified organic butter. These types of fats contribute good sources of omega 3 fatty acids to the body which also reduces inflammation.
Most importantly, think happy thoughts! They way we think is just as impactful on our bodies as the way we eat. This means that we also have to pay attention to what we are feeding our minds. Is it something that is stimulating, nourishing your purpose for which you were put on this earth to do? Or is it something that is constantly draining the life right out of you in a subliminal way? Let us choose wisely what it is that consumes our mental attention because it could be impacting our daily lives in a major way. 35
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Here Comes the Son By Ashley Sauls
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The Whole U!
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░ SPIRITUAL WELLNESS
When I rest in the storm, God covers me and protects me. I find comfort and solace in God through disappointments, losses, frustrations, and moments of indecision. He speaks His love to me and He refuses to leave my side.
often recall my grandmother’s reaction to thunderstorms while spending time at my grandparents’ home in Georgia. She would always say, “Be still and lie down. God is speaking.” The rain seemed to constantly appear when I was in the middle of drawing or sitting at the typewriter. On the rare occasions I tested her “weather theory”, the thunder boomed much louder than I expected. Quickly, I would find a place to lie down until the storm passed.
The storms of life are not the defining factor in our lives though. Storms are transient. After the storm passed my grandparents’ home, my grandmother would once more begin to stir about the house. Hearing her footsteps let me know it was safe to move again, signaling my return to playing and enjoying the day.
Sometimes, the rainstorm would last the entire day and I would spend the day in silence. I didn’t know what God could possibly be saying; I just knew my instructions were to listen. At that time, I did not understand what my grandmother meant. As I have grown older, I now take this lesson and apply it to life’s storms. Just like rain, sometimes life brings with it unanticipated difficulties.
Will we continue to go about life in a normal fashion even at the expense of missing lessons from the storm?
As I would gaze out the window, I would notice the sun peeking through the clouds. Sometimes, the beams of sunlight would be so bright that the darkness of the storm became an afterthought. Still today, I enjoy looking up in the sky after a storm and I can only smile. I think
of it as God’s reminder to me that before and after my personal storms, His light shines. Maybe you too have found yourself in a stormy scenario with a grim outlook. Learn in the storm. Learn through the storm. However, do not miss the beauty of the Son that shows His greatest love, compassion, and grace in our dark places.
Without warning, we are in the middle of a storm and we have a critical decision to make. Will we continue to go about life in a normal fashion, even at the expense of missing lessons from the storm? Or will we take the time to be still and hear what God wants to communicate?
Isaiah 40:31 reminds us, “ But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] will gain new strength and renew their power; They will lift up their wings [and rise up close to God] like eagles [rising toward the sun]; They will run and not become weary, They will walk and not grow tired.” (AMP)
I have learned the safest place for me to be is to be still and rest in Him. When I am in this place, I do not need to explain what I am experiencing. Sometimes my words are exchanged for groans and my silence for tears. Sometimes I do not understand why the storm has come. God’s word reminds us that His thoughts are higher than our thoughts and His ways loftier than our ways. Trying to “figure it out” through my own reasoning brings little peace.
God never abandons us, but uses the dark times to help us grow and learn how to utilize His strength. After the rain passes, we will soar with new strength, wisdom, and rejuvenation. 39
Reader’s Lounge ░ The Author & The Book
What inspired you to write Morning Motivation? Morning Motivation was written at a time when I lived in a very negative place with my thinking. It seemed complaints and self-depreciating thoughts flowed more freely than celebratory thoughts. I had no wish to experience life in this manner, especially because God calls us to live abundantly. In realizing my personal need for growth, I noticed other people struggle in thinking, speaking, and acting according to God’s promises. I wrote the devotional from a personal place to help others understand that even in dark circumstances, joy comes. We can be motivated by knowing God will bring wisdom, hope, and His perspective to light in the morning. What challenges did you face completing this project? How did you overcome them? While writing the devotional and study guide for Morning Motivation, my perspective was put on trial. I experienced personal challenges that made me question the very premise of the book: holding on to joy. During those times, I wanted to give up and even felt that abandoning the project would bring relief from the mental pressure I was experiencing while writing the books.
The Author Ashley Sauls Tell us about you. I am an undeniable encourager who loves to help those I meet understand their value. As an author, I live a multifaceted life full of diverse friends and family. I have a love and passion for people. I am a worshiper who loves to embrace God’s presence as I minister in song or in dance. I am the wife of Marshall Sauls, my college sweetheart from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor.
Luckily, I have a strong support system of family, friends and ministry leaders that nurtured me, prayed with me, and even helped me to recognize the need for these books. Even in the face of adversity, I can say I grew stronger in my faith through God as my comforter and confidant. You truly build a closer, more intimate relationship with God when you learn His love for you despite difficulties and disappointments.
My husband helps me, as a visionary, to enjoy the journey with plenty of laughs. As the daughter of Pastor Calvin Kossie and Lady Mary Kossie, my love for community and service to others developed naturally. I am a sister to three beautiful sisters and an aunt to a beautiful niece and two nephews. Our family’s patriarchal entrepreneur, L.C. Strozier, my grandfather, inspired me to cast God sized visions. I appreciate who I am and the people God has placed in my life to assist in the development of my character. Every day, I walk in grace.
What has been your biggest achievement? The highlight of my year was serving as a conference speaker for the Central Texas African American Family Support Conference in Austin, Texas. The conference brought to light pressing issues surrounding mental health and provided support and hope for those who are either affected or know someone who is affected by mental health concerns.
What is your occupation? I am an author and professional speaker. By degree, my experience is as a Clinical Researcher.
As a faith based speaker, I was honored to share the imminent need for ministry leaders to know how to utilize mental health strategies for themselves as well as encourage mental health within their congregations. Any time I serve as a voice of support and strategy, I find this honorable.
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About The Book
Will there be future books on the horizon? Yes! I am currently working on a curriculum for ministries to learn how to best serve the needs of their community called Beyond the Building. Through listening to stories of families I have served, I believe Beyond the Building will help ministries understand the importance of serving out of love versus an obligation to meet a service quota. This project is scheduled for release in the latter part of 2015.
Our morning thoughts set the tone for our entire day. These thoughts intermingle subconsciously, influencing conversations and actions-whether good or bad. We are encouraged in Philippians 4:8 to think thoughts that are true, honest, pure and lovely.
What advice would you give an aspiring writer? First and foremost, be willing to write your story. Whether a fiction or nonfiction work, take the necessary time to put your thoughts on paper. Secondly, do not spend time in the writing process alone. There are many steps to take in producing a book. Do not be afraid to ask for help in editing your book, designing your book and even marketing your book. There are others who are more than willing to help you bring the vision of being an author into fruition. Finally, enjoy the process. Enjoy knowing that what you have to write is valuable to someone and they need to hear it from you.
Our minds can only be open to these thoughts if we apply the Word of God to our thought life. Depending on the season we walk, it can sometimes be challenging to find the good and positive. And yet, when we take a moment to invite morning motivation into our lives, those challenges become an easier path to walk.
The Book
Allow the wisdom of this devotional to remind you of your value in Christ and thus provide a pure foundation to face daily challenges with strength and love. Amazon Purchase Link: http://goo.gl/L31HbP
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Website: www.meyelabel.com FB: www.facebook.com/corporatechic IG:@meyelabel IG:@officialcorporatechic Twitter: meyelabel Motto: Dress the Part, Shop Smart
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The Whole U!
░ COUNSELOR’S CORNER
Failure before Success By Faye Carter
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[I digress.] I re-enrolled in college algebra for the third time. This time around, other struggling students and I formed a study group. Finally, we were gaining understanding and having fun as we became acquainted. Hallelujah! I passed college algebra with a surprising “A”. It was the success that I longed for. From this experience, I learned that failure many times come before success. I heard a wealthy man say that if it weren’t for his countless failures he wouldn’t be as successful as he is today.
aye Carter, reporting once again from the Counsel’s Corner with a word of empowerment. The key to most people success believe it or not is failure. Failure is oftentimes is frowned upon because it’s a word that nobody wants to associate with. I’ve never seen anyone jump up and down with excitement about failing. Nor have I witnessed anybody brag to their friends and love ones about their awesome failure experiences. In reality, failure is viewed like an irritable rash that keeps coming back.
You might be thinking, “How many times do I have to fail before I’m successful”? Well, I don’t know, but I do know a day can make a world of difference. There’s a song penned by Maria Graver that says, “What a difference a day makes twenty-four little hours. Brought the sun and the flowers where there used to be rain.” In other words, it’s not going to rain on your parade forever. Invest in a good umbrella and keep it moving. Like Tyler Perry you might be amazed!
I remember when I was in high school and avoided algebra like a plague. I took Related Math I, II, and III and soared like an eagle. However, when I got to the university, collage algebra was mandatory. College algebra was a huge struggle for me. I was often confused and frustrated. For two semesters straight, I enrolled in college algebra and failed miserably. On top of that, I was placed on academic probation. Failing was devastating to say the least. On the other hand, failure can be a stepping stones to success. For instance, the famous Wright brothers’ failures led them in conquering the air and opened the door for us to fly to various destinations in shorter traveling time. Actor, writer, and producer, Tyler Perry’s beginning career in theater was a failure due to low ticket sales. One day to his dismay the line was wrapped around the theater. Today Tyler’s productions grace the screens with millions of viewers.
Growing up I recall my mom’s favorite quote, “If there’s a will, there’s a way”. So I ask you, “What’s in your will today”? Are you willing to give it one more day? Or, are you down for the count? A righteous man may fall seven times but he gets back up again (Proverbs 24:16).” It’s in the getting up that leads to success.
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