REAL LIFE REAL FAITH April 2018 Issue
3 BENEFITS OF TAKING RISKS
WHO SHOULD ELECTED OFFICIALS REPRESENT?
RUBEN STUDDARD'SÂ TRIBUTE TO LUTHER VANDROSS
EMPOWERING YOU TO EMPOWER YOURSELF
COCOA THE CHOCOLATIER CHEF
TONY'S
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Editor's Notes 5 Top Qualities of an Effective Leader
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3 Benefits of Taking Risks Unexpected Opportunities, Building Self Assurance, and Personal Growth
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Ruben Studdard's Tribute to Luther Vandross Ruben Studdard drops album honoring the late great Luther Vandross.
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Who Should Elected Officials Represent? It often appears, although most of these, claim they are serving their constituents, a large proportion, of them, proceed, with a focus and emphasis, on their own, personal agenda, and/ or, self - interest.
APRIL ISSUE 2018
REAL LIFE REAL FAITH Editor in Chief Cheryl Lacey Donovan Publisher Elissa Gabrielle Senior Editors Hurley Morgan Cee Cee H. Caldwell Columnists Brian Ganges, Michelle Cuttino, DaPorsche Rufus, Kathy Robbins MAqsood Contributors Donna H, Richard Brody, Anastasia Kanli Designer Cheryl Lacey Donovan
EDITORIAL OFFICES P.O. Box 450121 Houston, Texas 77245 832-827-4438
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Don't become a fraud in your own life!
COCOA A P R
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• A SWEET EATS MAGAZINE •
THE CHOCOLATIER CHEF
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Editor's Note CHERYL LACEY DONOVAN
In this world, there are mostly followers and a minute amount of true leaders who provide direction and make the world go round. You may not know what makes up a true leader, but you’ll likely know one when you see him or her. True leaders seem to have an aura about them that makes people take note when they enter a room or when they speak. It doesn’t matter how you look or what background you came from – it only matters if you’ve developed qualities at some point during your lifetime that give you the prized possession of true leadership. There are many qualities that a leader must cultivate, but five of the top qualities that a leader must possess are: 1. Honor – If you’re to become a true leader in whatever career or personal path you choose, you must have a strict code of honor. Your character is the most important part of your overall makeup and honor brings out the best of that character. 2. Commitment – No matter what you know or how much education you have, without commitment, you’ll never be a true leader. The Olympic gold medal winner didn’t reach the top just because he or she was fit. Commitment played a strong role in his win. 3. Courage – It takes a lot of courage to be a leader. You have to be able to follow through with whatever you’re afraid of and make it look as if you’re totally unafraid. With every fear you conquer, you’ll gain a unique brand of confidence that others don’t have. 4. Generosity – By giving to others of the time, knowledge, money and other resources you’ll build riches for yourself. Giving to others means that you’re not attached to the worldly things that can keep you from success. You have to be willing to let go before you can accomplish what you set out to do. 5. Communicate – A good communicator is a rare commodity these days. Just because you chat with others doesn’t make you a good communicator. You must maintain eye contact with a person and really listen to what he says. Reach out to others when you communicate and attempt to get to the heart of what matters. True leaders are grounded in their beliefs and unshakeable in their passions. They do what they love and don’t complain if it takes more time and effort than most people would attempt.
3 BENEFITS OF TAKING RISKS
We’ve all heard the saying “You’ve got to break eggs if you want an omelet.” The idea inherent is among the reasons why taking risks is so vitally important to achieving success. Think about it, if you don’t accept the risk of losing, you can never have the reward of winning. It is the risk that gives you the chance to come out on top. When you really understand this, you can easily see that risk-taking is a positive and beneficial behavior that allows success to develop in both life and business. In order to demonstrate this, in this article, we’re going to look at three specific benefits that come from taking risks.
Building Self-Assurance
Unexpected Opportunities
Personal Growth
We often take risks in order to obtain a very specific benefit. You do X in order to get Y. However, there are times when that specific benefit is eclipsed by other positive results that were completely unexpected. When you take risks, your actions cause you to be placed in situations that are not run of the mill or ordinary. Because of this, the reward of being in that situation is also not run of the mill or ordinary. One risk taken for a specific benefit can easily lead to unexpected opportunities which provide benefits that are out of this world.
Oscar Wilde once said that experience is the name that we give to our mistakes. The point here is that without mistakes or failure there can be no experiences that promote learning or growth. In a strange way, you need to first fail before you can truly succeed. This means that if you don’t take risks, you can’t fail. Without failure, you are not guaranteed success. You only make your overall failure virtually guaranteed. Without risk, you will stay where you are and that is the ultimate failure.
One of the main benefits of taking risks is that you get better at taking risks. It doesn’t seem logical, but risky behavior leads to even more risky behavior. Now, when we talk about risky behavior, we are talking about positive behaviors. No one should ever behave in a way that puts them in personal danger. That said, taking positive risks allows you to develop the ability to be able to judge the future risk. In other words, you get better at estimating the odds of success the more that you take risks.
As Your Glory surrounds me I realize that Your Love Is situated and positioned all around me! For I am always intrigued by your wonderful wonders Oh yes, It's quite astounding! Hmmm... Or perhaps I should have said outstanding instead? I mean, it is quite outstanding how marvelous your works are From the rising of the sun to the departure of the moonlight. Oh how I meditate on Your Infinite and Infallible Goodness Oh Gracious! Lord, please help me to understand...
Written By: DaPorscha Rufus AUTHOR of " YOUR BOOK From: God", 366 Days of Inspiration, Spiritual Guidance, Anointed Prayers and Heartfelt Poetry, Contributor for Real Life, Real Faith, " Porscha's Seeds of Hope" Writer 4 RUBY Magazine, "Messages of Faith" Scribe/ Blogger for The Litish #StayWoke Column, Columnist for Good Deeds Magazine, On-Air Personality for DFWiGospel Radio " Good Ideas and Dreams ONLY Radio!
Studdard
RUBEN
Christopher Ruben Studdard (born
After growing up listening to his
of 24,000,000 cast in the May 2003
September 12, 1978), is an American
mother's Donny Hathaway albums,
finale,[6] becoming the second American
R&B, pop and gospel singer. He rose
Fred Hammond, and gospel music,
Idol winner. Alabama Governor, Bob Riley
to fame as winner of the second
Studdard began to pursue a career in
declared March 11, 2003 as "Ruben
season of American Idol and received
the music industry, majoring in voice
Studdard Day"
a Grammy Award nomination in
studies at Alabama A&M. He sang
December 2003 for Best Male R&B
with Just a Few Cats, a popular local
Studdard has worked as an actor in
Vocal Performance for "Superstar". In
Birmingham jazz and R&B band
several roles, including single-episode
the years following Idol, Studdard has
founded by members of Ray Reach's
appearances on the television series 8
released six studio albums, including
UAB Jazz Ensemble, along with other
Simple Rules, Life on a Stick, All of Us, and
his platinum-selling debut, Soulful,
local musicians. Years later, Studdard
Eve, as well as a cameo appearance in
and the top-selling gospel follow-up,
stated: "A lot of people don't realize
the film Scooby Doo 2: Monsters
I Need an Angel. He is most well
how hard I was trying to get into the
Unleashed. He has also appeared on a
known for his recording career, which
business before American Idol. I was
television commercial for a Birmingham-
has produced hits including "Flying
making demos and just working so
area Kia dealer.
Without Wings", "Sorry 2004", and
hard."[5] A back-up singer from Just
"Change Me", but he has also segued
a Few Cats asked him to accompany
He appeared in an episode of One on
into television and stage work. Most
her to Nashville, Tennessee for an
One as himself & in an episode of All of
notably, he toured with Robin Givens
audition on the 2003 second season
Us as an older Bobby. He also appeared
in the comedy-drama I Need a Hug
of American Idol.
in the 8 Simple Rules episode where CJ's
and in 2008 starred as Fats Waller in
dad comes; he played a delivery boy
a national tour revival of Ain't
When auditioning, Studdard sang
whom CJ mistakes for his father. He
Misbehavin',[2] which spawned a
Stevie Wonder's "Ribbon in the Sky".
greets him by hugging him and saying
Grammy-nominated soundtrack.
This guided him to being one of the
"You have always been my idol", referring
local finalists. On American Idol, he
to his win on Idol. Studdard also
Studdard most recently appeared on
impressed viewers with his
appeared on an episode of Eve as Paul,
the fifteenth season of The Biggest
performances of the Leon
Janie's younger brother who has a huge
Loser. He is signed to Verve Records
Russell/Bonnie Bramlett song
crush on Shelly.
and released his newest album,
"Superstar" (best known as a hit for
Unconditional Love, on February 4,
The Carpenters) and the Peabo
Studdard headlined the revival tour of
2014.
Bryson/Regina Belle duet "A Whole
Ain't Misbehavin', starring alongside fellow
New World"; during his time on the
American Idol season 2 alumni Trenyce
Studdard was born in Frankfurt,
show, Studdard received praise from
and Frenchie Davis. Starring as Fats
Germany, to American parents, while
music legends such as Lionel Richie,
Waller, Studdard received positive reviews
his father was stationed there with
Neil Sedaka, Robin Gibb of the Bee
and was part of the cast recording album
the U.S. Army, and grew up in
Gees, Luther Vandross, and Gladys
released by Rhino Records on January 13,
Birmingham, Alabama.[4] The
Knight.
2009.[28]
youngest son of two teachers, at the age of three, he sang for the first
During the televised competition,
time at the Rising Star Baptist Church
Studdard gained the nickname
in his hometown of Birmingham. He
"Velvet Teddy Bear" and was noted
continued singing gospel in church,
for his shirts printed with "205", the
performing solos as a child while his
telephone area code of his
mother sang in the local choir. While
hometown of Birmingham. Studdard
at Huffman High School, he played
also did a cover version of "For All We
football for which he received a
Know", originally recorded by Donny
scholarship to Alabama A&M
Hathaway, whose music he grew up
University. While at Alabama A&M he
with.
joined the Omicron Delta chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, the men's
He won the contest over runner-up
music fraternity of America.
Clay Aiken by only 134,000 votes outÂ
Grandma's Hot Flaky Butter Biscuits This is very popular for breakfast in many southern states but has spread to almost the entire country. The trick is to get a very flavorful gravy is to cook the flour and sausage together for a while before adding the milk, totally leaving open for how much browning your prefer. What could be better than to add homemade biscuits for your gravy? They are really easy to make adding a great touch to your meal.
By Debora J. Reckley
What you need:Â
2 1/2 Cup all Purpose Flour (plus a little more for dusting pans) 2 Tbsp Baking Powder 1 Tsp Sugar 1 Tsp Salt 8 Tbsp Unsalted Butter 1 Cup Buttermilk 2 Tbsp Butter melted
NOMADIC
|
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Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Sift flour, baking powder, and salt into a large mixing bowl. Stir all ingredients together then transfer to a food processor. Cut the butter into cubes and add to flour, pulse 6 to 7 times until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Or, cut butter into flour in the mixing bowl, add buttermilk and stir with a fork until it forms a coarse ball, don't worry if it a bit sticky. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and roll it into a rectangle, about 1 inch thick. Fold it over and gently roll it down again.
Repeat 6 times. Gently roll out the dough some more, so it forms a rectangle. Cut dough into biscuits using a floured glass or biscuit cutter. Do not twist cutter when cutting, this will crimp the edges of the biscuit causing it to not rise. If you have scraps, form a new rectangle and cut more biscuits. Place biscuits on baking sheet and place in oven. Bake until golden brown, around 10 to 15 minutes. Brush melted butter on top and enjoy. Serves 6 to 8.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9886735 NOMADIC | 24
Ruben Studdard Sings Luther Vandross Ruben Studdard, the Grammy-nominated R&B,
interpretation of them. I am so proud of this
gospel and pop singer was the winner of American
record
Norma Holt
Idol’s second season. He has recorded six studio albums, appears frequently on TV, toured
As for the tour, we are not only recreating some of
extensively and has sold over two million albums
the production elements, musicians, background
worldwide.
singers, wardrobe and lighting that were ever present when Luther took the stage, but my heart
For Ruben Sings Luther, my goal was to not only
and soul will be in every note I sing as I honor one
to pay tribute to Luther but to add my own passion
of the greatest vocalists we’ve ever had.
on top of Luther’s brilliant songs. It all started with my mom who has always loved Luther and played
Studdard's love of music led him to create The
his music in our home continuously – especially
Ruben Studdard Foundation for the Advancement
during Christmas. You can say I grew up with the
of Children in the Music Arts. The foundation's
world’s biggest Luther fan. In my young teens, I
mission statement says their aim is "to promote the
would perform a Luther song or two at weddings
essential role of the arts in education through
and people would keep requesting more of his hits.
learning initiatives for the development of
I recorded ‘Superstar’ awhile back which was
students in the Greater Birmingham Area."[29]
Grammy nominated and sang different Luther songs during my live shows. But people always
Studdard has signed on as an official spokesperson
asked when I was going to do an album of Luther’s
for "Be Sickle Smart", a nationwide grassroots
songs. Happily, the day has arrived. It was a
health-education program aimed at increasing
thrilling experience selecting the songs from his
awareness of iron overload among people living
different albums and putting my own .
with sickle-cell disease.
Listen to Rubens Interview with Cheryl with the link below
https://fccdl.in/yZPdEjiNPV
Real Life Real Faith | 16
TWITTER USERS
30%
MORE LIKELY TO BE A DEMOCRAT QUOTED REFERENCES CAN ALSO BE HELPFUL.
FACEBOOK HAS GREATEST IMPACT ON PURCHASE BEHAVIOR AT
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TAKING OVER THE WORLD
WRITTEN BY ALFIE BURNS
ACCORDING TO WIKIPEDIA, A NEWS ARTICLE DISCUSSES CURRENT OR RECENT NEWS OF EITHER GENERAL INTEREST (I.E. DAILY NEWSPAPERS) OR OF A SPECIFIC TOPIC (I.E. POLITICAL OR TRADE NEWS MAGAZINES, CLUB NEWSLETTERS, OR TECHNOLOGY NEWS WEBSITES).
RLRF
Who Should Elected Officials Represent For a variety of reasons, we often elect politicians, who, either because of their personalities, rhetoric or promises, etc, are appealing, rather than by identifying, and considering, whether they have a viable solution (or solutions), and a willingness, to listen effectively and do, what's best, for the common good! Who should our elected officials REPRESENT? It often appears, although most of these, claim they are serving their constituents, a large proportion, of them, proceed, with a focus and emphasis, on their own, personal agenda, and/ or, self - interest. With that in mind, this article will attempt to briefly examine, review, consider, and discuss, using the mnemonic approach, what this means and represents, and why we deserve this type of quality representation. 1. Relevant; realistic: Rather than merely, emphasizing unrealistic promises, and rhetoric, a true leader, must proceed, focused on relevant solutions, and a realistic perspective. Why does this appear, to be, so rare? 2. Explain: Don't we deserve, a thorough explanation, rather than some sort of cover-up, or empty rhetoric? Our elected officials must be willing to explain their reasoning, in a perceptive, effective manner. 3. Perceptions; priorities; purpose; planning: How should public leaders, address perceptions, and focus on meaningful priorities, in a well - planned, relevant manner? Evaluate the purpose, of the individual, elected official, and consider, whether he appears, to proceed, in a well-considered planning - oriented manner! 4. Reasoning; rational; rationale; revenues: The public deserves to be informed of the reasoning, reasons, and rationale, a leader proceeds, with! Only, when the rhetoric, is rational and positive, and considers revenues, in relationship to expenditures, and limitations, do organizations, proper! 5. Empathetic; emphasis: Shouldn't someone be willing to listen effectively, and learn/ discover the perceptions of those, he serves and represents, and proceeds, in an empathetic manner? Examine one's emphasis, and whether it focuses on the common good, Â rather than any personal, political agenda! 6. Sustainable solutions; stronger; system: If someone, you elect,Â
doesn't seek to make the nation stronger, and enhances, a system, focused on sustainable solutions, why are they, in their office? 7. Excellence; endurance: Demand your representatives focus on excellence, rather than good enough, and have the common sense, to proceed, with the necessary endurance, to make everyone better, and more meaningful! 8. Needs: Whose needs are being represented, and are they representing your concerns, needs, and perspectives, rather than their self - interest? 9. Timely; truthful: At the very least, citizens deserve truthful representation! Timely, well considered action, is a necessity of those, serving as our elected officials! When we look at today's world, and political climate, many are concerned that the rhetoric, vitriol, etc, expressed by President Donald Trump, appears to favor certain segments, over others! This will only occur, when voters, stop and overcome their tendency, to be apathetic, and assume personal responsibility! Richard has owned businesses, been a COO, CEO, Director of Development, consultant, professionally run events, consulted to thousands, conducted personal development seminars, and worked on political campaigns, for 4 decades. Website: http://plan2lead.net and LIKE the Facebook page for common sense politics: http://facebook.com/commonsen se4all http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Ri chard_Brody/492539
WISDOM FOR EVERYDAY LIFE FEATURE
PAGEÂ 17
2018
LIGHTHOUSE CHRISTIANS CONVERSATIONS WITH GOD Kathy Robbins Maqsood We are called to be trees planted by the rivers
A lighthouse is only useful if the light is shining
of water. The roots are dipped in the love of
within. A light is a brightness given by the sun, a
God and established deep in the word of God.
flame, a lamp that makes things able to be seen. It is
But there is another planting in the water
something which can be used to set fire to
that effects the lives of many people. It is the LIGHTHOUSE. A lighthouse is a fixed structure in the form of a tower equipped with a light visible to
something else; Â a way of viewing or regarding something.We are filled with the Spirit of God who shines within and through our lives. He releases fire to produce light, but also to consume what is not of the Kingdom of God.Those who are cold or have lost their way in the storm and feel confused the warmth
mariners for warning them of obstructions,
of God's love and the truth of the word of God will
for marking harbor entrances. Most
point to them the direction to take.The Bible
importantly it is built upon rocks. The Lord is
declares the Word of God is a lamp unto our feet
our high tower, our Rock on whom we trust.
that illumines where we are to walk. This releases
me and purpose. God created seed, time and
the prophetic anointing that opens up the word to
harvest.
our hearts.
The heart is a seed bed from which spring forth the issues of life. It was created to cultivate the seed of the Word of God. Each of God's promises is to produce a harvest in your
These lighthouses are children of God skilled in the word of God. It has become flesh within them. They feed on the Word and receive from one another. They learned to align with God's ways and their strength is in the Lord Jesus Christ. In their
heart at a particular time. It is to reflect the
weakness, they know Christ is strong. They use the
kingdom of his righteousness producing the
weapons of their warfare and fight with the sword of
fruit thereof. Your WORDS will reflect what is
the Spirit which is the Word of God.
filling your heart.
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WISDOM FOR EVERYDAY LIFE
2018
All are called to carry the light of Christ Jesus but not all will become a lighthouse. These are members of the body who have been positioned in such difficult circumstances where others would have crumbled.Their training has been so intense for many lives will look to them. They have endured such intense fires repeatedly as they yielded their lives more and more to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Crying aloud daily for wisdom to know what God wants them to do they ask and expect to hear because intimacy has been developed with Father by spending time in the word and in His presence. Although winds of adversity blow, they learned to recognize his voice more and more clearly. When assaulted by unexpected turmoil and fear, they stand upon the promises and speak the word of God aloud to the storm. They bend with winds knowing Who Father is and who they are. They no longer fear the process of change but continue to press into the winds and the dark knowing that Father will reveal Himself at any time and this storm too shall pass. Wisdom has been gained by the Word of God and life's experiences. They cry aloud for discernment to recognize double mindedness produced by waves of doubt and unbelief that spin off from the unexpected storms on the waters of life and blast against the lighthouse. They are learning to recognize the lies, delusions, and deceptions knowing the enemy of the soul wants to undermine God's voice to them. These are worshipping warriors who have learned in the midst of EVERYTHING to give Him thanks. Their hearts and mouths are filled with praise even in the midst of the onslaughts of the tests and trials of their faith. They have become a VOICE whose roots are deeper than others just for times such as this. They are vessels of encouragement crying out warnings as danger approaches or give counsel or direction during times of transition or heading out to sea into destiny. They reach back to others knowing that in their weakness Christ is strong. In Him they are will not be moved, unshakeable for the Kingdom of God is within. They are pillars of faith who have endured persecution, stood in the midst of suffering and pain, been ignored when crying aloud. Others look at their lives and receive courage. Their perfection is IN CHRIST and their hope is in the resurrection to a better life understanding that God has far better things in mind for them that will also benefit them and those whom they will touch. Many will look to the light within these in the days to come. Keep shining your lights for we honor you in the power of His grace.
Kathy Robbins-Maqsood is a native and lives in Asheville, North Carolina. She is a teacher, speaker, prophetess, psalmist, and missionary. She is the Founder and Executive Director of Reflections of Hope Ministries and Reflections of Hope-Pakistan. Kathy may be reached at reflectionsofhope.net.
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Picnic Party Amanda J. Hales
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9913535
Parties are a great way to get together with friends,
makers, nacho stations and roving ice cream cart
but there's nothing worse than a boring party that
Adding inflatables is also a great idea when
leaves the guests wondering why they bothered
planning a picnic party. If you are in a wide open
showing up in the first place. As the host it's your
space there is a lot of room to set up the inflatable
job to come up with a theme, keep everyone happy
and with so many different styles and sizes
and make sure the party is a success but what if
available there is sure to be something that catches
you have a large guest list and a limited amount of
your fancy and will make your event pop. The kids
space?
will love something different to do and the parents will love having the kids occupied for the duration.
Enter the picnic party, one that emulates a picnic in the park or by the lake but kicks it up a notch by
Picnic parties add a touch of whimsy to an ordinary
encompassing many people and giving the whole
party and allows you to invite as many people as
thing a party vibe. Sure you can have a party almost
you wish. Keep it traditional with sandwiches and
anywhere, but going to a public place like a park or
chips or kick it up a notch with a barbeque, food
lakeside gives everyone the opportunity to come
machines or a potluck. No matter what you decide,
and go as they please and bring whatever they
the picnic theme is one that works for all ages and
want to add to the festivities.
all types of people and what better way to get together? Hope for a sunny day and have a great
A pot luck picnic works well with a lot of people as
picnic for your next get together!
you'll always have plenty of food on hand and one person isn't going to have to be responsible for it
Main Event Fun has been providing great corporate
all. If you want a little more control there are
events in Southern Ontario for over ten years. As
websites where guests can check what they are
the leaders in fun, we offer every inflatable
bringing so you don't end up with all desserts or all
imaginable, fun food machines, clowns, magicians,
'grandma's favorite potatoes' dishes.
mobile petting zoos and best of all our expertise in
Another option is renting mobile food machines
putting together the perfect event each time.
where guests can help themselves from things like
Check us out today at
hot dog cookers, candy floss (cotton candy)
http://www.maineventfun.com to find out more!
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