Photoshoot Courtesy James Hudson
CHRIST IT UP Content
On The Cover 12| Spring Forth Spring forth to a better you. 16|Cover Story Darnica Gordon shares fun facts about herself as well as her testimony. 23| #Moming On a Budget Here are several ways to shop on a budget.
In Every Issue
*Vessel's Note *Prayer for Salvation *Couples In Christ *Coffee with Sister Doris *Bookworm *Words of the Lord *What You Know About
...The Rest 11| Multiple Personalities Multiple children, multiple personalities. 14| Three is a Magic Number A mom shares her story of the wonders with her 3-year-old children. 20| Disappointed, Yet Relieved A heart racing short story by Leria Felix 24| Still Encouraged What are you doing/have you done to reach your goals? 24| Where’s Your Refund? Ways to invest your tax return.
2|CIU Spring 2018
Vessel’s Note
Happy Spring Everyone! I don’t want to sound redundant, but Spring is my favorite season! Not only do I celebrate my birth :), but I love seeing the earth come back to life. Life is such a precious thing that I feel we can all take for granted sometimes. So, take time to do things you’ve always wanted to do: write that blog, go skydiving if you want to, run that marathon. Be sure to spend time with the ones you love as well as ones that need love (orphans, homeless people, etc.). I don’t know if I’m all emotional because I’m turning another year older or what but following in God’s will has been amazing. I’m trusting Him for healing, wisdom, financial security…my life pretty much. We have great articles inside for you (my writing team is the best), so enjoy. Check for my testimony on page 18 you may (or may not) be surprised. Also, be sure to check for my “Birthday Giveaway” details on that page as well. I love you guys and thank you for all your support! Enjoy life, enjoy each other, enjoy our Father. To God be the Glory!
DG
Mz. CIU @darnicagordon
Give your life to Christ If you have read past issues of this magazine or if this is your first time, I am glad to introduce, The Sinner’s Prayer. Romans 10:9-11 (NIV) 9 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. 11 As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” To give your life to Christ, recite this aloud: Dear God, I come to you today as a sinner asking for forgivness. I believe in my heart and confess with my mouth that you are Lord. I believe that you died on the cross and rose on the third day with all power in your hand. And today I accept you as my Lord and Savior. In Jesus name, Amen!
3|CIU Spring 2018
OWNER & EDITOR Darnica Gordon PUBLISHER Christ It Up Publishing
CHRIST IT UP WRITERS
Kellie Hudson
B-Day: August 26th
Leria Felix
B-Day: October 30th
Staci Bose
Lauren Webb
B-Day: February 1st
B-Day: June 27th
CHRIST IT UP MAGAZINE 1323 Superior Ave Pittsburgh, Pa 15212|| 412-478-8892|| christitup@yahoo.com|| www.christitupmagazine.com
4|CIU Spring 2018
Need Media consulting? Contact bosladi@gmail.com
5|CIU Spring 2018
OWNER & EDITOR Darnica Gordon PUBLISHER Christ It Up Publishing
CHRIST IT UP WRITERS
Lisa Dorsett
Kimberly Fairley
B-Day: March 3rd
B-Day: September 26th
Lytia Brock
Abriana Leeper
B-Day: August 10th
B-Day: June 21st
Tiffiany Huff-Strothers B-Day: June 7th CHRIST IT UP MAGAZINE 1323 Superior Ave Pittsburgh, Pa 15212|| 412-478-8892|| christitup@yahoo.com|| www.christitupmagazine.com
6|CIU Spring 2018
7|CIU New Year Issue
Couples in Christ Meet my ideal relationship By: Darnica Gordon
When a man and woman come together as one God has one picture and we often times have another of how that relationship should look. I have been married 9 years and I had an idea of what I thought marriage should look like. And it went a little something like this: A man and woman love each other so much it makes everyone else sick. (Get a room!) They are always very open with each other. They are always doing things for each other to show how much the care for and appreciate the person. They constantly want to be around each other. They miss each other almost instantly when the other isn’t around. They text each other cute messages throughout the day. They pray, read scripture, and converse over the word of God.
Ephesians 5:22-33 New International Version (NIV) 22 Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. 24 Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.
25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her 26 to make her holy, cleansing[a] her by the washing with water through the word, 27 and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. 28 In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29 After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church— 30 for we are members I quickly came to find out that that is not what it was hitting for. of his body. 31 “For this reason a man will leave his father and Due to me and my husband being on different working shifts, mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one some days I only see him in passing, and believe me when he flesh.”[b] 32 This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about is gone I do NOT miss him most days (now if either one of us Christ and the church. 33 However, each one of you also must is out of town, that is something different). Our texts usually love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her include things about ministry, emails, the kids, schedules, bills husband. etc. There are “I love you” texts thrown in there occasionally. When it comes to being open, sometimes it’s hard and things can come out unexpectantly. There were holidays where I had to get makeup gifts because he had forgotten or some holidays we didn’t exchange gifts at all. The moral of the story is, have a relationship as God intended for you to have and if there are areas you need to work on, work on them.
Want to share your story with Couples in Christ? Email us at christitup@yahoo.com
8|CIU Spring 2018
What You Know About....
Blessed and Bearded Interview By: Darnica Gordon
You know how there are those times you feel like you are in the right place at the right time? Well that was me at the end of January as I enjoyed the crisp cool air Charlotte, North Carolina had to offer. I was in town with Kim Fairly as she attended an event for her book, “An Encounter with Grace”. There I met several awesome people and one of those people were Viticus Thomas and his lovely lady. I was drawn to their table almost immediately with their T-Shirts of bearded men that read, “Blessed & Bearded”. I walk over to their table and introduce myself. I thought, What a great couple and business to introduce to Christ It Up readers!
Christ It Up: How did you begin your walk with Christ? Viticus Thomas: My Grandma gets the credit for bringing me to church for the first time. There is where I grew to be the man of God I am today. I was the youngest on the adult choir. I always knew having a biblical name that it was destined for greatness and to lead by example for my family.
CIU: What do you want people to get from Blessed and Bearded? VT: I want people to know that these are not just some shirts, but a lifestyle. JESUS, Peter, Noah, David, Moses, all had beards. I feel the beard gives us strength like Sampson. My life has been so much better since growing the beard.
CIU: Thank God for Grandmothers! So tell us, how did Blessed CIU: Do you have anything new coming up for 2018? and Bearded come about? VT: The website is almost done. I also have new apparel for VT: I was sitting in the house and I kept reflecting on how men and women. many compliments I would get for the grooming of my beard. CIU: What is your ultimate goal for 2018? I always thanked God for covering me in my life. He has kept me out of a lot of trouble, therefore I realized that I was blessed VT: To make Blessed and Bearded a house hold name. To have but I know that everyone is Blessed but there are few that are someone famous wearing my clothing. Blessed and Bearded. So I wanted to call the business and T-Shirt design “Blessed and Bearded”. CIU: How long have you been in business? VT: It’s just been a couple of months now. CIU: That’s awesome! You not only have shirts but beard products as well, how did that come about?
Be sure to follow VT @Blessedandbearded on Facebook and Instagram
VT: I saw a need for having beard grease for a softer and smoother beard. My girlfriend made it from scratch.
9|CIU Spring 2018
10|CIU Spring 2018
Multiple By: Darnica Gordon
Multiple
Multiple Personalities
It truly amazes me how 3 different people from the same 2 people act the complete opposite from each other. I know it sounds crazy, but it really does amaze me how my 3 children, though by the same 2 people (myself and my husband), act like they are from 3 different couples. My children range in age from 16 to 7 and I know the age difference is a huge factor but listen….
kids to understand everyone will not be treated the same even though we all live in the same house and they were all bore from the same 2 people. That the repeat offender will receive a harsher punishment then the first-time offender, and that it is to the discretion of the parents (my son likes to point out how unfairly he is being treated but he is the same one who is always bucking against everything me and his father says).
Daiona, my oldest, is 16 and very calm and polite. She loves to draw and is very even-tempered. She is literally an angel. Like in the actual sense of the word. I know what you’re saying, “That is impossible!” But it’s not. When something doesn’t go her way, she finds the positive in the situation. She is very encouraging and pleasant. It sounds weird when she’s in the house with the following two people.
If you don’t take anything else away from this article, take this, your children are different, and that’s okay. Recognize their differences and build off of that. And allow the child to recognize their own differences as well as the differences of their siblings and show how beneficial it is for everyone to be different. In the end, we are dealing with multiple personalities.
Donnell, my middle child, is the complete opposite of that. He battles everything. He wants to know why we are ruining his life. Doesn’t understand why he’s not allowed to do anything, etc. etc. He is only 12! I’m terrified for my life of how the next 5 (He will be 13 in 2 weeks even though he looks like he’s 16 already. He’s about 5’6!) years of my life will be. He wants to be on social media, be outside everyday (that may not sound bad, but I know different), and go to the movies with girls! I pray hard and I pray continually. Lord help me! Then there’s my baby, who just happens to be a diva. She is very girly yet very bossy. She is 7. She likes to keep up with her older siblings but being 7 can be completely annoying to your older siblings. And her and her brother got at it like an old married couple. It’s completely insane!
Photo Courtesy Yahoo.com
I find it hard to believe that when I gave birth to these individuals that the hospital actually gave me the correct children back. I remember meeting a family and the siblings were so…loving to one another. They weren’t arguing or being mean. It felt like I was watching a television show on NBC. I couldn’t believe it. I wondered, Why don’t my kids behave like this with each other. What am I doing wrong? Have you ever questioned this? Or am I the only one? What I have realized just recently is that my children are different. They were all created individually; fearfully and wonderfully by God. So, it is my job to recognize their differences and allow each child to see them as well. Allow the
11|CIU New Year Issue
SPRING Forth By Life Coach Lytia
Spring time is here! For many, spring presents itself as a time to finally do those chores and things that you wish you were able to do during the bitter cold winter months. In spring when we look at the trees we are able to appreciate the newness that life has to offer. The flowers are blooming. The birds are chirping a new song. Life takes on a whole new meaning. Are you are going to focus on the spring cleaning aspect? Activities include cleaning your home, organizing your closet, and finally mowing the lawn. These are just some of the things that people like to do at the beginning of spring. We focus so much on the outside and our homes. What about the inside spring cleaning that needs to take place? What about the self inventory that needs to be handled in order to move into a new season? It’s spring! Should you not spring forth with new ideas, new
purpose, and a new sense of self? Should the bitter cold, the relaxed vision and the overall comfortability be replaced with drive? I want to encourage you to come out of hibernation. I want to encourage you to set new realistic goals for yourself. If you are interested in changing physically you cannot forget about the emotional and mental changes that need to take place. Below I have composed a list of activities to help you spring forth no matter what the goal. By sticking to a solid routine, healthy eating, sleeping, and spending habits, Spring will look good on you. When a plant is nurtured properly, fed with light from the Sun and hydrated, it has no choice but to grow. The same goes for you. You may be surprised how much you’re able to thrive when properly nurtured. You’ve been relaxed for too long it’s time to do something new and spring forth!
Ways to SPRING Forth to a Better You Be mindful of your time. For seven days use a journal or notebook to document your daily activities. We are given 24 hours in each day, document what tasks were accomplished, activities done and even conversations. Upon completion of the seven days go through and see where you are spending the majority of your time. Set yourself up to win. There’s nothing worse than setting yourself up for failure. We do that by not setting realistic goals. When setting realistic goals start small, make sure they are attainable, hold yourself accountable and enlist the help of others who will also hold you accountable.
12|CIU Spring 2018
Rest and reset. Life is an ongoing journey. It’s OK to take time away from social media, social gatherings and the overall hustle and bustle of life. Designate at least one weekend a month for a “waycation.” This is time for you to take a weekend trip or unplug for the weekend from the outside world. Remember that even God rested. Embrace change. Many changes will happen during the course of your life just as the seasons change so do events in your life, circumstances, relationships. Be open to the idea of change. Breaking out of old habits can open the door to new opportunities.
13|CIU Spring 2018
“Three is a Magic Number…” By: Abriana Leeper
My mother, at the end of a long school and work day, would come home, pile us up together in the living to watch a thing while she cooked a thing (or like I do now, pretend to cook a thing while I am honestly just using the TV as part of my escape plan so I can pass out--literally--for a few moments). Something we often watched was Schoolhouse Rock, more specifically, ‘Multiplication Rock’. One of the song segments I still remember--I mean I’ll be honest, I remember them all way too vividly--for the multiples of 3, was a catchy little ditty called, “Three is a magic number, yes it is, it’s a magic number” and it goes on and on in slow jam infamy for a few minutes, explaining how amazing, no magical, the number 3 is especially for multiplication.
their heads as a righteous bribe--with no shame I might add--to try and compel them to behave better. This rarely works, and yes, depending on my lack of self-control at the moment I give in regardless.
As my daughter moves into 4 by God’s grace alone, and my son trips his way into 3, I am reflecting more and more on this “magical” stage and trying to be proactive about how I discipline and respond to my son. (Ha!). This age has often left me feeling so out of control and angry; and after the battle is won by my children, I remain in the ashes of my drained energy and emotions, convinced I am the worst mother on the planet. My children’s best and worst qualities emerge in these moments, and I see an honest representation of myself in them. I am older now, and wiser, AND a mother of a current/ Their strength, their resilience, stubbornness and strong wills transitioning 3-year-old, and a 2-year-old unfortunately are at their very best. These children are the warriors I prayed transitioning into the pits of 3. There is ABSOLUTELY for while they were marinating in the womb--and God gave NOTHING magical about the number 3 when it comes to me EXACTLY what I asked for (thanks…). I honestly have children. Maybe just my babies, but I have never been so close hated this time of their lives, ha. However, I know that God to ending whole lives as I have been this past year! This age and is teaching me how to discipline in a way that abolishes the stage has left me with emotional whiplash scars. Only toddlers behavior but not the very essence of my kid. can flow so beautifully between the worst tantrum of my life, then with ease turn around with a dry face (where the tears go so fast I will never know) and tell you they love you and would Let’s just hope and pray that my son makes it out alive. very much like a “sweet treat”. Sweet treats in my home can really be anything “sweet” I have on hand that I have held over
14|CIU Spring 2018
GET THE
Love Respect AND Care YOU DESERVE!
WHERE YOU’RE TREATED LIKE FAMILY Love Respect and Care provides home care
Call 412-362-0657
service 24 hours a day/7 days a week. We provide such services as: Meal Preperation Companionship Errands Lighthouse Keeping Bathing/Grooming
Seeking Employment? Visit www.loverespectandcare.com to complete an application today!! 15|CIU New Year Issue
16|CIU Spring 2018
Mz. CIU Meet the Owner and Editor 34 “Fun” Facts 1. I suck my thumb.
class!).
2. I hate pens with no tops.
22. I was always an honor student and took Scholars classes.
3. I love stationary!
23. I love computers and met my husband in Computer class (it was my class, he was skippin’).
4. I love New York City (You guys may actually know that already). 5. I was atheist. 6. I’ve been saved since 2008. 7. I became a parent at 17.
24. I only have one grandparent left (Hey Grum!!). 25. I experienced back-to-back deaths in my family from ages 30-33. 26. My first time to the beach was at age 29.
27. My first time to New York I was 31. 8. I had really low self-steam from the ages 18-32 (That’s horrible! Be sure to love yourself no matter what. God made us 28. I am secretly a rapper (I need a ghostwriter though, lol). fearfully and wonderfully). 29. I love to dance. I would do it professionally if I could. 9. I practically raised my younger brother. (Hi Pooch!) 30. By the time I was 30 I had 3 children. 10. I’ve been with my husband since I was 15 years old. 31. My mom also had me when she was 17. 11. It took him 10 years to ask for my hand in marriage and 10 32. I’m secretly a comedian. seconds for me to say yes (smh). 12. I wanted to be a detective but ended up pursuing law (that only lasted until 12th grade). 13. Duquesne University was my dream school (that’s where I planned to go to college as well as law school). 14. I hate chocolate ice cream and chocolate birthday cake. 15. My favorite color is pink/blush (can you tell?). 16. I had a Pitt Bull named Sheba when I was 6.
33. I love butterflies. I can’t believe I’m 34!
Left to right: Kim Fairley, Staci Bose, Leria Felix, Darnica Gordon, Lisa Dorsett, Lauren Webb, & Kellie Hudson
17. My dad is my hero. 18. My mom is my Ace Boon Coon. 19. The age my daughter is now is the age I was when I was pregnant with her. 20. Even though I love to write, I have horrible penmanship. 21. I know how to count to 10 in French ( I hated French
17|CIU Spring 2018
Testimony
It all started this one crisp summer’s day… well not exactly. Let me start from the beginning. I was born April 19th, 1984 at 6 lbs. 11 oz... Okay I won't start all the way at the beginning, let's start at about high school. In 9th grade I met my now-husband in computer class. He was skipping, I was actually doing my work. Long story short he asked for my pager number. We started talking, by 10th grade I was pregnant. I graduated high school with honors, a seal in law and public service, and a two-year-old. Motherhood was a great transition for me it caused me to grow up very quickly very early. I grew up like a lot of us, in the projects with a single parent. Around age 12 my mother married a longtime friend and I wasn't even at the wedding. Well there wasn't one exactly (they eloped). But like many children I did not like the idea of a man living with us. Why couldn't my father have been there. Now don't get it twisted my dad has always been very involved in my life and still is to this very day. He is one of my biggest supporters. Now through the years I've dealt with many things which I frequently share in the magazine like living paycheckto-paycheck. I share about how I used to go between paying bills or YOLO and it never worked out in my favor. Other things that I’ve dealt with in relationships such as cheating, fighting, or arguing. If you read my 34 fun facts, you know that I also battled with low self-esteem for many years. It wasn't until a in July of 2008 that I would encounter something great. Between February and July of 2008, I was running ramped. I would go clubbing every weekend, dropping my kids off with family members that I usually wouldn't have. I had pink and blonde hair! I was at a point where I was sick and tired of being sick and I was tired of being responsible for everything and everyone and I was the only one doing it. So, I decided to do what I wanted to do, which none of that really was what I wanted to do, but it seemed right at the time. I remember my mother-in-law calling me and I would ignore her calls (sorry) and she would leave prayers on my answering machine. She
YOU COULD BE OUR WINNER!
18|CIU Spring 2018
would constantly invite me to her church that was in a tent called Lighthouse Cathedral. I couldn't understand how she was going to a church that was in a tent! But that July summer night I understood why. That evening I witnessed something that I had never witnessed before in my life and I have to admit I was definitely skeptical of what was going on. I walked into the church to the music that was blaring out the speakers. By this time I had come to church enough times to know a few of the songs. I was enjoying myself. There was a pastor there by the name of Tyrone Steals and he was calling people to the front and telling them things that God had told him to tell them. I didn't believe that's what was really happening I assumed that he knew these things about these people and everyone was acting this way because that's what you do. But I for sure didn’t want him calling me to the front because I didn’t want to have to be fake and act like the others were acting. Before I knew what was going on I was crying, the music was playing, and a woman walked up to me and said, “You know the Lord loves you?” and I nodded slightly. As she talked to me she wrapped her arm around my shoulder and guided me to the front where the man stood. I didn’t even care that I was there I was so overcome by something that I didn’t understand. The man spoke to me. “You know what the Lord wanted me to tell you? That no matter what you’re doing He loves you.” I didn’t hear any of the other words that he spoke because I was crying so heavily. Those words hit hard on my heart because I knew that I was lashing out because I made a decision to have sex at an early age, outside of marriage, that caused me to be a parent that I wasn’t ready for. And it left me to deal with many parenting issues by myself. But God is so good! The following year I was married to my high-school boyfriend, we had a baby in wedlock which was absolutely amazing, and I am now the Owner and Editor of a Christian magazine. It’s funny to think of where my life is now. I used to proclaim atheism! With all of my kindness, Scholars classes, rewards, goals to be a lawyer; I was on my way to hell. I thank God for Jesus!
BIRTHDAY GIVEAWAY
Visit www.christitupmagazine.com to enter.
www.christitupmagazine.com
19|CIU New Year Issue Are you ready to share your story?
Disappointed, Yet Relieved A Short Story By Leria Felix
I have opened my mouth unto the Lord and I won’t take it back. This is what I told myself and was cool walking this walk. Then I met him, the way he walked into the room, he had my attention. He said my name, I gasped in anticipation. He looked at me, I saw his smile and knew my intention. My presence was his destination. And I was willing to go there. We talked and talked and talked some more. Then he walked away. I exhaled. Disappointed, yet relieved.
whispered in my ear, “Are you ready to go?” My response was easy. “Yes. I am ready.” And I was willing. But scared. Because I had opened my mouth unto the Lord. Should I take it back? I think I might have to take it back. The walk upstairs was exciting and foreboding, I’m feeling every feeling. Heightened passions and regretful moaning. Romantic fire and remorseful sighing. And again, I’m barely breathing. I’m thrilled and terrified. Aroused and arrested. Desiring and devastated.
Our second date was amazing. We laughed a lot. Always laughing. The music came on, there was dancing, and singing. And he held my hand as we walked, arms swinging. And when he opened my door, there was no space. No breathing. I was vibrating. I was weak. Anticipating. And then he stepped back. I exhaled. Disappointed, yet relieved.
The truth is that I want this. I want him. And he knows it. He grasps my waist, hugs me and I’m light headed. And I’m no longer thinking about any of my reasons for no. All I hear is my internal yes. My body says yes. My mind says yes. But my spirit is silent. He leans in close, kisses my cheek. And he says, “Good night, I wanted you to get to your room safely.”
A few months later, we took a weekend trip. He was driving, speeding. The rev of the engine matched the beating of my heart. He looked at me, and I can see him leading. Leading me. And I could feel myself needing. Needing him. Then my body shuddered, sweating. And an exit sign comes up, Hotel two miles ahead. He looked at me, touched my arm, I grasped his, my eyes pleading. Internally, I screamed “Please!” He turned, stared forward, driving onward. I looked forward as well, exhaling. Disappointed, yet relieved.
I’m frustrated and on fire. I know he read this desire. “You’re leaving?” He smiles, shakes his head but says “Yes.” He pauses, and breathes. “I know how you are feeling. I’m living the struggle too. You are not the only one dealing with this. With us.” So we stand there. One heartbeat, two, a third. I finally ask, “Why are you struggling?” And He said “Because I too have opened my mouth unto the Lord. I made a vow to GOD and I won’t take it back. My body is His until I’m married.” He takes one step back and as he closed the door, I exhaled. Disappointed, yet relieved. I’m not in this alone.
And then that night at his cousin’s lake house. Everyone was partying. The music was flowing. And we were dancing. Between us, so much was happening. Too much. When He
Scripture References (NLT) Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 “When you make a promise to God, don’t delay in following through, for God takes no pleasure in fools. Keep all the promises you make to him. It is better to say nothing than to make a promise and not keep it.” (NLT)1 Corinthians 6:19-20 “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies. (NLT) Judges 11: 30-36 “And Jephthah made a vow to the Lord. He said, “If you give me victory over the Ammonites, I will give to the Lord whatever comes out of my house to meet me when I return in triumph. I will sacrifice it as a burnt offering.” So Jephthah led his army against the Ammonites, and the Lord gave him victory. He crushed the Ammonites, devastating about twenty towns from Aroer to an area near Minnith and as far away as Abel-keramim. In this way Israel defeated the Ammonites. When Jephthah returned home to Mizpah, his daughter came out to meet him, playing on a tambourine and dancing for joy. She was his one and only child; he had no other sons or daughters. When he saw her, he tore his clothes in anguish. “Oh, my daughter!” he cried out. “You have completely destroyed me! You’ve brought disaster on me! For I have made a vow to the Lord, and I cannot take it back.” And she said, “Father, if you have made a vow to the Lord, you must do to me what you have vowed, for the Lord has given you a great victory over your enemies, the Ammonites.”
20|CIU Spring 2018
21|CIU New Year Issue
Words of the Lord
By: Darnica Gordon
John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Recently I was talking with friends about how different stories in peoples’ lives end. They felt that I only wanted to hear about stories that ended with this dramatic work of God because I was asking how God worked it out, or how the person sought God. I couldn’t understand how me asking those questions led them to think that I was looking for this marvelous miracle in these stories. It led me to explain that regardless of how small we feel the outcome is, God is in everything. Rather if He has given you peace in a situation to leave or just strength to endure until He gives the next direction, God is always working and waring on our behalf. The above scripture fits so well because if we have nothing else; if we see nothing else, we have His word!!
22|CIU Spring 2018
“But take heart! I have overcome the world.” -Jesus
#MOMING
On a budget: A Proverbs 31 Mother’s Shopping Tips By Kellie Hudson
As a mom of 5 kids I often find myself looking for the best deals for everything and anything! From the cheapest but best quality clothes to where to save money on our food budget. In this article I’m going to share with you some of the tips I found helpful while living on a budget.
These stores include Kid to Kid, Once Upon a Child, Plato’s Closet and Good Will. There are a lot more second-hand stores around that I didn’t mention! I’m not much of a second-hand person but my mother definitely is... she loves going to these stores and finding brand named clothing for really cheap and she almost CLOTHING AND SHOES: always finds something good! I know a lot of people who shop at these stores REWARDS PROGRAMS! and find great items and you can also What I found really helpful when buying sell your kids gently used clothes back to clothes for my kids that really helps me to stores like Kid to Kid and Once Upon a save money is shopping at stores that offer Child to make money for new clothes or a free rewards program. These programs put towards shopping for more clothes in their stores! usually add points whenever you spend money in their store and then at so many FOOD: points you get a coupon that’s basically good for anything in the store. These ALDI AND WALMART! stores include Kohl’s (Kohl’s cash), The Children’s Place (place cash and children These two places have the best prices on place rewards), JCPenney’s, Foot Locker generic named food compared to Giant and more. Eagle and other regular priced grocery stores. Even if you and your spouse aren’t SHOP ONLINE! too much into generic food most of these products your kids would never know the What I have found when shopping for clothes and shoes for my children is that difference. They are great places to stock up on snacks, cereal and other items for online prices are always cheaper than your kids. in store and usually they have deals and coupons and free shipping once you hit a certain amount. They sometimes even have free shipping on orders! COUPON! Look for coupons for stores! Most clothing and shoe stores have email sign up where they send you tons of coupons and deals every day! Always check your email before shopping to make sure you’re not missing any good deals. MARSHALS, TJ MAXS, GABES AND ROSS! If you have children or teenagers that are trying to keep up with all the brand name clothing and shoes, these places are the best! I shop here for my oldest son who is also a teenager and is insistent on wearing brand clothing such as Jordan and Under Armor. We save a bunch on these brands compared to regular retail. Also, if you shop in the clearance you get an even better deal. SECOND HAND CHILDREN’S STORES!
disappointed! ONCE AGAIN... COUPONS! Look For coupons in your local newspapers, sign up for emails and their social media pages for everyday deals at place that offer family activities... Chuck E CHEESE, Dave and Busters, Sky Zone, Splash Lagoon and more. EVERY DAY ITEMS: AGAIN REWARDS PROGRAMS! Places like Kmart and Shop and Save offer points on your card for every dollar you spend. Those then add up and you get money added to use on items in the store. I usually use these money points for diapers, cleaning supplies and other things I need for the house. PRICE MATCH!
Look at the difference in price from Walmart, Target and other stores before you buy them to see what store offers the best price! Then once you know what store is going to give you the best deal you know what store to go to for what items. Don’t pay $2 more at one store CHECKING THE DIFFERENT SALES on shampoo that you can get for $2 less EACH STORE IS HAVING! at another store. Also, Target is always offering the buy 3 or more and get five Check your weekly store circular to see dollars or more (depending on items what kinds of deals and sales they are you’re buying) gift card to use on future having, make a list, and get the items you purchases! This can save you money also. went there for on your list! This will save you a good amount of money. COUPONING!
I hope these tips can help those who are looking to save a little, or a lot, of money in your budget! #happymoming
Coupons, coupons and coupons! All those dollar coupons add up so use them! It takes time but definitely worth it! 13She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. 14She is like the merchant ACTIVITIES: ships, bringing her food from afar. 15She gets up while it is still night; she provides SEASON AND YEARLY PASSES! food for her family and portions for If you have a big family, you will definitely her female servants. 16She considers a benefit from a season pass to place like field and buys it; out of her earnings she the zoo and museums. You are usually plants a vineyard. 17She sets about her able to go as much as you want. work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. 18She sees that her trading is GROUPON! profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. Proverbs 31:13-18 Groupon always has plenty of deals on family fun and activities! Even on vacations! Check them out you won’t be
23|CIU Spring 2018
Still Enouraged? So, it’s no longer the first of the year.
“Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does Many of us may have made different resolutions. I personally not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. ended to change my mindset. Regardless of the path we took, I He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he wonder if we are all still encouraged. increases strength, but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they It’s easy to be really hyped up about new things and the hope of shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” what could come, but too often life happens and we loose sight (Isaiah 40:28-31) of the youthful hope we once possessed. One of the biggest things my church instills in us is what’s called a “next step”. It’s putting some action steps into place to ensure you can meet the goal you have.
What’s your next step? What are you waiting for?
So I guess my purpose of writing is to inquire, what was/is your next step? Who will you be accountable to? What has slowed down your inspiration or drive?
Where’s Your Refund? By: Darnica Gordon
If you’re like me you have already received your W-2, filed your taxes, waited patiently for the IRS to get their lives together, to finally getting your refund check deposited into your account. With the tax season coming to an end and summer quickly approaching, what things have you been able to do with your return? If your refund isn’t completely depleted, here is a list of things you can invest your remaining funds in to try to get a return on that instead of being in the same place you were on January 31st. Awhile ago I had posted a meme on Facebook that said, “Deciding between paying bills or YOLO”, and back in the day (early 20’s lol) I literally was YOLO-ing it up! And every time I turned around I was getting a shut off notice. Usually my income tax got ate up by buying kids clothes and expensive shoes, eating out, paying a few extra dollars on a few bills, coach purses, etc. etc. Then it would be gone and I would be back to square one. Let us practice YOLO-ing smartly. Invest: Whether if it’s in Stash (Stashinvest.com), Acorns (Acorns.com) or that T-Shirt company that you always wanted to pursue. Invest in something that you will receive continual income from. Pay Off Debt: Paying off debt in a lump sum will save you on future payments and accruing interest. If you pay off debt with your income tax you free up your finances for the remainder of
24|CIU Spring 2018
the year. Pay Extra: Pay extra on your electric bill or gas bill so that you end up with a credit. Credits come in handy down the road when maybe you run into a hard patch. Also, with that, pay of one of your small bills. For instance, I pay off the internet bill every year with my refund so that I don’t have to worry about it for a year. Save: Say you are already doing the things listed above, then your refund is a great way for you to bulk up your savings account. Even if you only put a couple hundred dollars away, that could save you in a major time of need. Now understand that I know that Income Tax time is one of the few times when you can spend without having to be responsible (almost), but think about your future self. How happy he/ or she will be that you decided to put that couple extra hundred dollars to the side instead of blowing it on something unnecessary. Luke 16:11-12 11 So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? 12 And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else’s property, who will give you property of your own?
advertise to our growing audience! 25|CIU New Year Issue
Coffee with Sister Doris Dear Sister Doris, I am a Christian woman in a relationship with a married man. We have been intimate a few times. He wants to continue the relationship because he is planning to leave his wife. I told him that we should break it off and that he can contact me when he is divorced. He said that if I loved him I wouldn’t want him to go through this alone. His wife is a horrible woman. All she does is nag him about time with the family and money so I can understand why he wants to leave. I just don’t want her to think that he left her because of me. I want her to know that it was all her fault. I read a scripture about nagging wives making men want to leave. I told her that scripture but she is convinced that it is me. Signed, I love him Dear Love, Honey, have a seat. As a matter of fact, have several seats. I’ll go get us coffee and I’ll be right back. I need to go pray. Would you like sugar or cream? I’m not sure where to begin… I’m glad that you came to see me. I’m glad that you still read the Bible. I’m glad that you still love Jesus. But let’s start with
•
“A Christian woman in a relationship with a married man.”
Exodus 20:17 17”You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.” You cannot date a married man. Even if he is separated or if he is about to be divorced, he is still married. Let him and his wife finish their relationship. You have to back out completely.
•
We have been intimate a few times.
As a Christian, you should not be having sex with anyone that is not your husband. 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 “Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” •
All she does is nag him about time with the family and money so I can understand why he wants to leave.
1 Thessalonians 4:11 And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; You cannot speak on this situation at all. You are getting pieces of a picture from a man who is trying to be in a relationship with you. You don’t know the full story. This is something that he and his wife need to handle without the influence of you. You cannot be impartial because you want to be with him. The time argument is probably because he is spending his time with you.
26|CIU Spring 2018
Coffee with Sister Doris •
I just don’t want her to think that he left her because of me.
The problem is him, first and you, second. When I think of this situation, I think about seniors in high school. I think they call it senioritis. So what happens is students are in school for 3 years. The fourth year, they are itching to get out. It’s not because they aren’t good students and not because the work is hard. It’s just that they are looking forward to a time when things can be easier. They can’t wait until graduation so that life can just be easier… or so they think. After graduation is no easier. As a matter of fact, it may be harder. You are graduation to him. You seem easier. There are no children, bills, family issues, etc. But once he leaves his wife and you two move in together, your own set of problems will pop up. For starters, he’ll have an ex-wife, children, financial obligations to that house, he may possibly still be having sex with her, etc. So that means that the two of you will have financial, time, and maybe space issues from day one. So things won’t necessarily be better or easier.
•
I told her that scripture but she is convinced that it is me.
Honey, you are the mistress. You cannot counsel the wife. But let’s just say that your counsel worked and he decided to stay with his wife. Would you be ok with him never seeing you again? I think the answer is no because you are questioning now if you should let go knowing that you should back away from this affair. While you are looking for scriptures for his wife, look for some for him. Proverbs 6:20-35 talks about adultery and how dangerous it is for a man. In the chapter, it’s referring to a wife, but you, my dear, are the bride of Christ. Proverbs 6:29 no one who touches her will go unpunished. If you care for him as much as you say and if you care for yourself, you have to cut all ties from him. You need to delete his number, block him on all social media, etc.
•
Your relationship with Christ is way more valuable than this piece of relationship this man is offering you.
Protect your relationship with Christ. Go to God, ask for forgiveness, and repent of your sins. You are going to have a broken heart for a while because this is a break up of a relationship. You are going to need to be in your Bible for guidance and healing. Sweetheart, the most important thing in this whole conversation is that your soul is at stake. You are choosing a path that will lead to damnation. I don’t want that for you. I know that you don’t want that for yourself. Most importantly that’s not what God wants for you.
I hope that our chat helped. Until next time, Sister Doris will be praying for you.
Have a question for Sister Doris? Email christitup@yahoo.com
27|CIU Spring 2018
Scales Family Law Practice Helping families through Crisis!
Scales Family Law Practice
is dedicated to helping your family resolve their legal disputes and to successfully help you navigate through the legal system at a reasonable price!
Contact us now to schedule a consultation!
412-278-7161 or attorneylscales@gmail.com Divorce • Child Custody • Child Support •
Protection From Abuse • Spousal Support
Sc a le s Fa m il y La w Pra c tic e BN Y Me l l o n Bu i l d i n g 5 0 0 Gra n t St re e t, Su i te 2 9 0 0 Pi tts b u rg h , Pa 1 5 2 1 9 Phone : 4 1 2 -2 7 8 -7 1 6 1 Scales Family Law Practice accepts all major credit E-m a il : a tto rn e yl s c a l e s @g m a i l .c o m
Book Worm By: Darnica Gordon
If I Believe is an amazing story. This book is so well written Kim Cash Tate causes you to believe you actually know these characters; like they are actual people. The mixture of ministry and God’s mindblowing power causes for an exceptional tale. Be sure to pick this book up. And after you’ve read it immediate pick up When I’m Tempted. I had to wait for this book to actually come out to read it, but you don’t have to. You mind as well grab both at the same time. If you are new to Bookworm and have no idea who Kim Cash Tate is, you will see most of her books talked about here (I think she’s going for a Guinness World Record on how many books can be released by an author). So, if you are new and you want somewhere to start, start with “Cherished” or “Faithful”.
Let me know what you guys think of these books. Several people have reached out to me to let me know how awesome they are and that they’ve actually started a book club around her books. Be aware that I read a lot and I read many authors so you will see a variety of books here. Until next time, happy reading!
Want to share what you’ve been reading? Email us at christitup@yahoo.com
29|CIU Spring 2018
30|CIU Spring 2018
SINGLE COMING SOON
31|CIU Spring 2018
CHRIST IT UP MAGAZINE 1323 SUPERIOR AVE PITTSBURGH, PA 15212 PHONE: 412-390-9701|EMAIL: CHRISTITUP@YAHOO.COM WEBSITE: WWW.CHRISTITUPMAGAZINE.COM