Meilleure Bits & Pieces November 2023 by beyouimagesolutions

Bits & Pieces

November 2023

Author: Lisa Gilliard

First Word

Smile With Me

Bits & Pieces

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Editor’s Notes MyraMeilleure Publishing Inc. founded in 2020, developed while volunteering to create and write a Newsletter for the theology school that I attended. MyraMeilleure Publishing Inc. is a platform for ministries, businesses, educators, and experts in their fields to share. It is a resource for habitual messengers who are teachers of knowledge and share anything they offer to our community.

Editor In Chief Myra Skelton

Contents Happy Thanksgiving

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9 Lisa Gilliard

Bits & Pieces Magazine Celebration

Main Story Lisa Gilliard

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First Word

Jesus Fulfills God’s Word Today, let us focus on the first word and ask a few questions. Has it come to pass? If not are you working on it or moving towards it? And have you started on next word? Am I moving out of order? We ask God in prayer and a song, “Lord, order my steps in your word, dear Lord, lead me guide me in every way”. Is this not what we say and sing? Jesus says in Matthew 11:29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. Learn of me, He says! Reading through Matthew, I took notice of things being fulfilled that were spoken by God through his prophets. In Matthews, in order for Jesus to come forth through a virgin, Mary had to accept, saying, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her” Luke 1:38. Joseph has to accept Mary being with child and not put her away being warned of God in a dream to fulfill things spoken by God. Matthew 1:22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet,

Then Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea: for thus it is written by the prophet. Matthew 1:5-6 – Micah 5:2

Matthew 2:17 Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet saying, 18 In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not. As you continue in Matthew, you will read that Jesus was fulfilling a word from God that was spoken through his prophets. And he went in order.

Before Jesus was born, His steps were ordered by God by spoken words. Many have come to pass and some are to be fulfilled 7

“Our steps are ordered” There have been many words spoken in my life, and many times I would jump in trying to do it, and it wasn’t time. Stressing and worrying about how am I going to do what God has shown me, spoke through me, and to me. Now, I realize that everything I am going through and learning is to prepare me for what God has already prepared and finished. And that I need to stay in order of the steps that he has ordered for me.

Remember, in waiting, our strength is renewed. Use the time to get everything in order. Take His Yoke, Learn of Him

Going back to the first word that is still active and putting that into action. Because every word after the first one is for building on top of the first word spoken. So, I encourage us today to pray and ask God to help us put our steps in order according to his will. And that we walk it out with grace and peace. The journey is kind of like the Mario Game trying to get to the castle to see the queen. And we are running to get to the King Jesus. Along the way, we have to jump over stuff, run through valleys, collect coins, and gain strength, and life. And keep leveling up gaining knowledge from the level we just finished. With each level getting a little harder and harder but yet making it to the end. 8

Smile With Me

AChildren’s Book Company 9

Lisa Gilliard Author

“In The Begining” In August 2010, my life was completely flipped, turned upside down. I lost the love of my life and my absolute best friend. Dealing with the reality of losing my husband of 15 years was the most emotionally challenging task I had to face. Unbeknownst to most, many days, I was an emotional wreck. I hit pothole after pothole, which brought on the waterworks - uncontrollable crying at times and at the most unexpected times. Triggers were everywhere I turned. My husband had a terminal illness for three years; therefore, we had time to plan for life without him. He requested to be cremated, so after his passing, I spent many weeks talking to his urn and crying. I can’t count the number of times I cried myself to sleep because my heart was truly hurting. I can attest that you’re never completely ready to face the loss of a loved one, even when you know far in advance.

Thankfully, my doctor prescribed an anxiety medication and recommended grief counseling. Combining these things, along with my faith and trust in God, helped me get it together. As I got better, I had the desire to write a book. However, I had no clue what it would be about. I knew I didn’t want to write about grief because I had zero plans of staying in that place (state of mind). I preferred to write an uplifting story. Please don’t misunderstand me. My grief counselor, along with sweet friends, continue to put me in contact with others who share my story but are not yet where I am in their grief process. I love to reassure people that better days are coming. DISCLAIMER: I am not a licensed grief therapist or a Joy Restoration Coach. It’s the conversation with someone who can relate and has walked their path that goes a long 10 way.

So, let me back up a little bit. I am an educator with 18 years of experience under my belt when it comes to helping children navigate life. Building friendships and learning how to be a good human is where I find myself assisting children the most. One day, I sat down and made a list of several things (besides core academics) I’ve aided children in accomplishing. Some of the skills I help foster in children are appropriate behavior, respecting authority, getting along with others, picking good friends, following directions, respecting themselves and others, communicating well, making good decisions, problem-solving, and conflict resolution, just to name a few. Fast forward from 2010 to 2020, I had an “Aha” moment. Why not write an uplifting book that will help children be good humans by simply being one thing K.I.N.D to others?

“Publishing”

Next, it was time to put a title on my book. After consulting with a few children, friends, and other educators, the title - Kindness Confetti - was born! The next big step was getting the book officially put together, published, and put in the hands of children and parents. I had to get my book copyrighted, and it needed an ISBN. That pushed the project back by about three weeks. During that time, I researched and reached out to some publishing houses. I’ll spare you the details of meeting the requirements for various publishers. I did hit a brick wall, though, when I was in search of a graphic designer to properly format the front and back covers of my book. I consulted with four designers, but we couldn't seem to meet the publisher’s requirements. Well, during this same timeframe, my school was having a recipe book printed for a fundraiser. Long story short. I contacted the printing company, and they made the final steps of this project come to fruition. As a result, I chose to selfpublish. It took about 16 days for the printers to complete my book.

I spent a good bit of time writing the narrative, editing, rewording, changing scenarios, and moving pages around. What I thought would be the biggest challenge (communicating to an illustrator how I wanted the characters to be all-inclusive, to look, to be placed, their facial expressions, etc.) turned out to be the easiest part of putting the book together. Carli Kennedy, my Illustrator, was able to take my ideas and lay out the book perfectly. With just a few words, Carli was able to transform my characters just the way I wanted. 11

“Get Your Copy” While waiting for Kindness Confetti to be completed, I met with a website builder who was able to put Kindness Confetti officially on the map. Also, during those 16 days, I reached out to several business owners for the opportunity to have a pop-up on their sidewalk. So far, my Pop Up events have been a huge success. My book was officially complete just before Memorial Day (2023) and my first pop-up was held the first weekend in June. This was just a few days after picking up my book from the printer! At that event, I sold 35 copies in two hours! My book was completed in May and I held my book launch at the end of June. My book launch was held at the end of June (a month after the book was completed). That event was phenomenal! So much love was shown to me by my family, friends, and special guests that day. I was on cloud nine! I have sold 196 copies since June. All summer, I’ve participated in Pop-Ups across the upstate (Anderson, Easley, Taylors, Downtown Greenville, Greer, and Travelers Rest). Soon, I will be traveling to Houston, Texas to attend my first-ever National Black Authors Book Festival. The sweetness in all this is that on four occasions, people have paid it forward. They have purchased additional copies of my book and asked me to share the book with families who may not be able to afford it.

Follow Kindness Confetti on Instagram @smile_with_me_llc and at www.smilewithme2023.com. Check these sites to find out where we’re going next. However, if you’d like me to Pop Up at your event, please call me at 864.635.5880. Books are available on the website (listed above) for $10 and a small shipping fee. If you’d like your copy to be autographed, please note that in the special instructions box. The age range for my book is 2nd grade - 6th grade. It has four sections and at the end of each section, you will find 2-3 reflection questions to discuss. And… in case you're wondering… more books ARE coming. I am currently working on Volume II and I’m planning for it to be ready by Spring 2024.

Smile With Me www.smilewithme2023.com 12

Celebrating Milestones We are absolutely excited to celebrate one year of Bits & Pieces Magazine. Bits & Pieces was birth in July 2022. What started as writing newsletters for a school turned into a magazine for the world. We know that it is past July but it is never too late. We say thank you to everyone who has shared a word, thought, story, book,or advertisement in our magazine. Thank You Shot Outs To: Treca DeShields Angela Hill founder of Journey Changers Latisha Willis Susan Holland

Christopher Skelton Tamia Norris Elijah Kelly Chris Salley

Thank You To.. Debbie Dotson Danesha Dawson

We thank you for your support of Bits & Pieces Magazine

Thank You To… Kevin Pickens Carolyn Ayers

Big Thanks to… Tiffany LaSha Chris Young Dr. Davis

Special Thanks To.. Dr. Davis Mr. Maxi And many others, we thank you for your contribution to Bits & Pieces.

HouselessYouth Community Awareness Month

Homeless Youth Month holds immense significance as it serves as a dedicated period to raise awareness about the multitude of challenges faced by young individuals experiencing homelessness here in our local community. This month provides an invaluable time to highlight their unique struggles and emphasizes the pressing need for immediate action. This article aims to delve into the importance of recognizing their needs, providing them with comprehensive support services, and actively advocating for policy reforms. By fostering a deeper understanding and empathy for this vulnerable population, we can collectively work towards creating a society that guarantees a secure and nurturing environment for every young person to call home.

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Give your life to Jesus Get eternal life with God. Confess your sins and invite the Lord in to be your savior. ● Romans 10:9,10,13 that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth, confession is made unto salvation. Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved ● Sinners Prayer – Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner. I believe You died for my sins. Right now, I turn from my sins and open the door of my heart and life. I repent of each and every one of my sins. Have mercy on me, oh Lord, and save me. I confess You as my personal Lord and Savior. Wash and cleanse me with your blood. And fill me with your Holy Spirit in the name of Jesus I pray Amen.

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