Community Journal 29 by d-mars.com

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January 2014

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Renewing Your Commitment to the Community

Houston Native Made Top 4 Finalist on The X-Factor TV Show

Josh Levi, 15, was one of four finalists in the boys category competing for the top spot on the hit TV show The X-Factor. PAGE 8

Selfless Service Through Nonprofits

By Jacqueline S. Terrell

Martin Luther King, Jr. gave us one of the most inspirational quotes I’ve heard on service. He said, PAGE 18

Dr. Dana Carson

page 4

A Kingdom Scholar is in Our Midst 10 Simple Ways to instantly Improve Finances in 2014 By d-mars.com News Provider

Do you wonder how you could better manage finances? You’re not alone. When it comes to money, most people are far from perfect. Whether you make $20,000 a year or $200,000, some simple steps can ... PAGE 19

page 17

The Buffalo Soldiers National Museum: Preserving the Rich Legacy of the African American Soldier Join our e-mail list for the latest updates @ d-mars.com

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Twin Musicians Mona Lysa Fulfilling Their Dreams

The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

www.TheROCKWOI.com Mark Your Calendars

The R.O.C.K. is moving from Alvin to the EDGE!

Grand Opening APRIL 2014 9321 Edgebrook Street Houston, TX 77075

Bring this AD to one of our worship experiences and receive a FREE Message!

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Dana Carson

BS, MS, M.Div., MBA, C.Psy.D., D.Min., Ph.D.

January 2014

Journal Behind The

Publisher’s Message

Keith J. Davis, Sr.

SR. PUBLISHER Keith J. Davis, Sr.

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT Kevin Davis

VICE PRESIDENT Kim Floyd

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Valerie Jones

ACCOUNTING MANAGER Eugenie Doualla

With the onset of a new year, what better time to renew your commitment to the community in which you live, work, eat, and play? Whether you volunteer your time to speak at a local school or plan to start your first nonprofit organization, let 2014 be the year you devote to bettering your community. This journal focuses on how to do so, as well as highlighting some community heroes who have already taken that initiative. As always again, thank you for your continued support of d-mars.com. When you support d-mars.com, you are supporting more than just our company; you are supporting the communities in which we live and work. Working together, we can succeed in making positive things happen.

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Contents

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

A Kingdom Scholar is in Our Midst . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Angelle Gillum

Johnny Ray Davis, Jr. C.T. Foster Eric D. Goodwine Tiffany Black

PHOTOGRAPHY L.C. Poullard Grady Carter Tony Gaines

Houston Native Made Top 4 Finalist on The X-Factor TV Show . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 A Star on the Horizon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 How to Use Texture, Colors and Accessories to Bring Emotion to Your Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Five Simple Ways to Find Deeper Meaning in Everyday Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Coming Clean: Tips to Keep on Top of Your Home’s Dirtiest Rooms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

MULTIMEDIA DIRECTOR

Growing Number of Parents Turn to Police to Report Cyber Bullying . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Andrea Hennekes

Schools Should Major in Mistakes, Not Perfection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

LAYOUT & GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Game Changers for the New Year – RENEWED PURPOSE Part One of a Two-Part Series . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Kevin Wright

Celebrate the Season with a New Beauty Routine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

DISTRIBUTION

Booker T. Davis, Jr. Rockie Hayden

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Bridgett Joe d-mars.com News Provider Dr. D.L. Jones J.T. Myers, M. Ed, MRT Valerie Jones Jacqueline S. Terrell

MR. D-MARS Tip of the Month

“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.”

– Harriet Tubman

Caring for Your Community: Three Ways to Give Back Year-Round . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Twin Musicians Mona Lysa Fulfilling Their Dreams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Five Hot Decorating Trends to Make Your Home Interiors Pop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 The Buffalo Soldiers National Museum: Preserving the Rich Legacy of the African American Soldier . . 17 Selfless Service Through Nonprofits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 10 Simple Ways to Instantly Improve Your Finances in 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

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January 2014

A Kingdom Scholar is in Our Midst seling and Guidance from Texas A&M, a Master of Divinity from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary/Or al Roberts University, and he was the first full-time clergy to ever graduate with a Global Executive MBA from the world-class Fuqua School of Business at Duke University. Dr. Carson’s bachelor’s degree in business administration is from the film location of “The Great Debaters,”—which starred Denzel Washington—HBCU Wiley United Methodist College where he became a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. He is the author of two acclaimed dissertations—“How Independent Churches in Select Areas are Reaching Young African American Males” (Boston University) and “Sincere Support or Subtle Subversion: Do Congregants Truly Endeavor to Integrate the Black Church to Embrace Multiculturalism” (Regent University). His theological prowess and wisdom is also recognized in the academy. Dr. Carson presently serves as an adjunct professor of leadership in the doctoral program at Oral Roberts University.

Clarion Call to the Church: Be Transformed!

t is said that great men who lead great movements are often beset with a gnawing dissatisfaction with the way things are. Great men dream of things that never were and ask, “Why not?” In the spiritual context, some really believe in the God “who gives life to the dead and calls those things that do not exist as though they did.” (Romans 4:17b) Or in the case of Dr. Dana Carson, once he accepted his call to full-time ministry, it became a call to God’s vision, purpose, and destiny for his life and defined his very existence. And for him, because of the great and expansive God he serves and studied in scripture, this call was a call to great and expansive vision, purpose, and destiny—no matter the costs, the level of sacrifice demanded, or the personal investment required.

Studies, Regent University in Organizational Leadership, and Logos University in Christian psychology. He also holds three master’s degrees: a Master in Coun-

With a vessel so dedicated to preparation for His glory, it is no wonder that God would set him aside to be a significant leader in the Kingdom Reformation movement which is reshaping modern Christianity as we know it. Over and above the message of today’s traditional church, Dr. Carson has thoroughly studied the scriptures regarding the message that Jesus Christ Himself preached: the Kingdom of God. He realized that despite the fact that John the baptizing one preached, “Repent for the Kingdom of God is at hand,”and that the disciples and Paul also preached and taught about the gospel of the Kingdom, most churchgoers

Preparation for the Call Many people have heard his voice and messages, but very few know his story and his preparation for the call. Born on December 25 in Chicago, Ill. to former Mississippi sharecroppers, Dr. Carson was a high school dropout who obtained his high school certificate the summer after his senior year. However, fueled by the drive of his call, Dr. Carson—against the odds—eventually earned three doctorates: Boston University in Theological

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had not heard the message of the Kingdom in the church. Thus, Dr. Carson’s passion is to explain the message of the Kingdom of God, emphasizing its Jewish context throughout the world, for not only is it a message of righteousness, peace, and joy, but it is a message of the power of the Holy Spirit, apostolic order, sonship, and service. Dr. Dana Carson believes that the church is currently undergoing a worldwide Kingdom-minded reformation. The church must now revisit its theology, practices, and underlying assumptions. The church must make a necessary and radical shift in order to fulfill the will of God and not man, no longer relying on the security blanket of the federal government, but sustaining its ministry operations with strategic business ventures. Dr. Carson believes that church as usual must change and if Christianity is going to continue to make an impact in North America, it must become a church of conviction, confession, compassion, and conversion through biblical literacy. He further believes that he is one of those who is at the forefront of the great latter rain revival that will emphasize the gospel of the Kingdom (James 5:7, Joel 2:23-25). Though many have spoken about and studied the Kingdom, Dr. Carson stands alone in creating a repository of writings on how to enter, live, resource, and spread the Kingdom of God and its gospel on earth. Dr. Carson desires to utilize what he believes God has given him to empower, strengthen, and grow the church for Kingdom expansion.

Dr. Dana Carson: President and Founder Dr. Carson’s library of Kingdom teach-

January 2014

Dr. Carson has authored more than 100 books, booklets, devotional guides, curricula, and other publications to assist every believer in understanding the Kingdom message and its application in this day and time. His curricula subject matter ranges from Kingdom citizenship (new members curricula) to world evangelism.

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January 2014

ings is, to say the least, extensive. Dr. Carson is a prolific teacher whose anointing represents a combination of Spirit-filled fire and formal academic training. Dr. Carson has authored more than 100 books, booklets, devotional guides, curricula, and other publications to assist every believer in understanding the Kingdom message and its application in this day and time. His curricula subject matter ranges from Kingdom citizenship (new members curricula) to world evangelism. These books, rooted in sound doctrine, have lent definition, content, structure and renewed vitality to the primacy of the concept of the “Kingdom of God” as the core message of Jesus Christ. He is also redefining the posture and relevance of the Church in a post-modern world, and in his writings, he has subjected it to a vigorous critical analysis as it pertains to its mission, effectiveness, and message. Dr. Dana Carson is truly the Kingdom man. He has written more on the Kingdom of God than any other Kingdom author, but with these books, he provides the Body of Christ with Kingdom education. Dr. Carson, as the Kingdom man, is the founder and chancellor of two Kingdom-

based Bible institutes. In January 2011, he founded the Kingdom Institute, previously known as the University of Dana Carson Ministries (UDCM). The Kingdom Institute is a Bible training institute that provides on-campus Bible training with a Kingdom emphasis. Currently, he has established six different campuses: Brooklyn, New York; Round Rock, Texas; Kyle, Texas; Spring, Texas; Alvin, Texas; and Atlanta, Georgia. Two additional campuses will open this year: Charlotte, North Carolina and San Antonio, Texas. The Alvin location will move to Houston, Texas this spring. Every September, Dr. Carson holds an annual “Kingdom Summit” with other scholars in the academy: Dr. Trevor Grizzle and Dr. Brad Young, Greek and Hebrew scholars, who teach at Oral Roberts University. Dr. Carson has personally engaged in extensive theological training and academic scholarship that equipped him to author the Kingdom textbooks for the Kingdom Institute. The textbooks that are used to train aspiring Kingdom learners – both lay and leader – are: • Kingdom 101 • The Kingdom and the Church

• Kingdom Fundamentals • The Doctrine of the Kingdom • Kingdom Dynamics and Parables • The Kingdom and the Supernatural • Kingdom Worship • Kingdom Warfare • Kingdom Government • Kingdom Principles and Values (to be released 2014) • Kingdom Vision (to be released 2014) • Kingdom Eschatology (to be released 2014) In addition, Dr. Carson founded the Kingdom School of Ministry (KSM), which is an online Kingdom-focused Bible institute that is preparing men and women for 21st century Kingdom ministry through sound biblical training. “Saints are able to get their learning and keep their burning,” says Dr. Carson. KSM has taken seminary-level courses, streamlined them, and made them relevant to church ministries. The program is aimed at preparing Kingdom leaders, potential leaders, or laypeople who desire to study the Word of God at a higher level.

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This highly affordable and highly assessable comprehensive training resource is designed to train Kingdom leaders and serious Bible learners, who may not be able to leave careers or families to pursue a full-time degree, but still desire to do significant ministry. KSM currently provides a holistic Bible training program that offers three specialized programs which meet the learner’s particular needs. They include: The Fundamentals of Biblical Theology, The Five-fold School of Ministry, and the Kingdom School of Financial Literacy. In 2007, Theologian Awards Production and the Tour of Hope Foundation awarded Dr. Carson with the Five-Fold Ministry Award, and he has transformed his knowledge and understanding into a educational track for others who feel called to five-fold ministry. With the training he received in the doctorate program for Organizational Leadership, Dr. Dana Carson plans to roll out The Kingdom School of Leadership in 2015, for which he is currently writing the textbooks to assist him in training Kingdom leaders on how to be more effective in leading. Dr. Carson not only authored the text-

January 2014

books for the Kingdom Institute, he also authored the textbooks for the Kingdom School of Ministry. The following is a list of the textbooks he wrote specifically for KSM students: • Sound Doctrine • The Apostles’ Doctrine • Strange Doctrine • Kingdom Discussions in Theology • A Journey Through the Old Testament • A Journey Through the New Testament • A Journey Through Church History • The Growing Prosperity Systematically (GPS) – Kingdom Handbook of Financial Intelligence Volume 1: The GPS Money Mind – Your Key to Financial Literacy • The Growing Prosperity Systematically (GPS) – Kingdom Handbook of Financial Intelligence Volume 2: Kingdom Economics – Your Foundation for Investing • The Growing Prosperity Systematically (GPS) – Kingdom Handbook of Financial Intelligence Volume 3: The Power of Investing! • The Growing Prosperity Systematically (GPS) – Kingdom Handbook of Financial Intelligence Volume 4: Understanding your Financial Report Card • The Office of the Apostle • The Office of the Prophet • The Office of the Pastor • The Office of the Teacher • The Office of the Evangelist

Learn How to Live in the Kingdom of God RIGHT NOW! God used the little country town of Alvin Texas, the backside of the moun-

tain, to produce a man who understands, knows, and can write and teach others about the Kingdom of God with hermeneutical genius! Dr. Carson is not only one of the most well-written African American church leaders in history, but is on track to be one of the greatest providers of written resources on the subject of the Kingdom of God. Many refer to him as the nation’s “foremost Kingdom scholar,” and a perusal of his published works prove this true. Dr. Carson’s arsenal of Kingdom writings also include some of the following titles: • The Doors of the Church Are Closed • One True King • Lord Help! I’m Trapped in the Church • Kingdom Change and Transformation • Introducing the Kingdom • The Kingdom, the Church, and You • And This Gospel of the Kingdom • The Kingdom Man & The Kingdom Woman: How to Fulfill God's Purpose for Your Life! • Let’s Get Real • Kingdom Marriage: Trouble in the Flesh • Incarnational Leadership The Doors of the Church are Closed is one of the most relevant 21st century writings to the church. Statistics suggest that nearly 4,000 churches are closing with only 1,200 to 1,800 opening annually. Less than 20% of Americans regularly attend church and 97% of churches didn’t win one convert last year! Yet, the church has exchanged its mission of Kingdom expansion for popularity and wealth. This book identifies the root causes of the contemporary church’s failure and raises some monumental challenges to believers. The Doors of the Church are Closed addresses the issue of the wide-scale departure of the church from the paradigm that God

established in the 1st century church by tracing the church’s compromise and subsequent decline over the ages. This book has received national acclaim from pastors, theologians, and laymen, receiving the 2008 Christian Choice Book Award for Outstanding Achievement in End Times Literature. It gives Christians the answers to why they are tired with ‘church as usual’ – churches filled with traditions and practices but no power to overcome the demonic realm.

The Church Needs the Kingdom of God Carson does not mince words: “The contemporary church in America has become a sociological phenomenon masquerading as an organism that belongs to God, when it is actually an organism that reflects the social, cultural, and traditional norms of society. The church that you see is not the church that Jesus designed and purposed nor does it reflect the development under the leadership of the early church fathers. In its present form and function, devoid of God’s power and purpose—it is a perversion.” He continues, “The Bible states my people perish for lack of knowledge (Hosea 4:6). The alarming thing about this text and this scenario is that the people were perishing due to the priests’ unwillingness to submit themselves to the knowledge of God and began serving their own self-interest. Likewise, many people are perishing in churches today, caught up in the self-interest of leaders who have not submitted themselves to the knowledge of God. I guess you can say that the people are trapped in the church of self-interest!” And Dr. Carson has made up in his mind to do something about that. Always considered a “Word” teacher and expository preacher, he knows that the remedy for the current condition of the church is the Word preached by Jesus—the Kingdom—and his published works ensure that no one

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need be ignorant about the primacy of the Kingdom of God anymore. And This Gospel of the Kingdom is where Dr. Carson revisits the “traditional view” of the gospel of the Kingdom of God and concludes that we have proclaimed the gospel with a misaligned emphasis placed upon the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. “The message of the cross and the resurrection was never intended to be the end goal, but the means to the end – the Kingdom! He explains how the gospel has been misinterpreted and that the authentic gospel of the Kingdom calls men to subject themselves to the rule and reign of God through Christ Jesus and that God desires to become Lord, not just Savior, of the believer’s life – the new dominating force in life that fills the void left by Satan’s dominion.” Dr. Carson contends, “Unfortunately, very few Christians have any idea, aside from quoting the Kingdom, what the Kingdom really is. We’re totally consumed and concerned with the church; but, unfortunately, we are missing God’s best for our lives.” Truly, Carson’s Kingdom works are a must read for any serious student of the Word of God. This ministry powerhouse, in the person of Dr. Dana Carson, has found a permanent location in Houston proper. The Reflections of Christ’s Kingdom World Outreach International, Inc., also known as The R.O.C.K., is finally coming to Houston! God has blessed the city of Houston with a powerful Kingdom scholar in an age where the Kingdom of God is now becoming the needed focus of Christianity. Go to www.drdanacarson. com or www.kingdomschoolofministry. com, and take advantage of this treasure coming to our community.

January 2014

Houston Native Made Top 4 Finalist on The X-Factor TV Show

osh Levi, 15, was one of four finalists in the boys category competing for the top spot on the hit TV show The X-Factor. Josh, an accomplished singer, songwriter, actor and dancer, began singing at age five. At age nine, he had a recurring role on NBC’s hit series Friday Night Lights. He permanently moved to Los Angeles in 2013 and recently starred in a feature film

A Star on the Horizon

entitled “The Next Dance.” As a contestant on The X-Factor, Josh sang in front of judges Simon Cowell, Kelly Rowland, Paulina Rubio, and Demi Lovato. “The X-Factor experience has been the most exciting, career-building, faithstrengthening, mind-blowing roller coaster ride of my life.” – Josh Levi

By Bridgett Joe Contributing Writer

rincess Jackson is a “Star on the Horizon” whose acting career kicked off when her dad signed her up for The Event auditions held in Houston. The Event is one of the entertainment industry’s most prestigious showcase and networking event for kids and teens dedicated to promoting models, actors, dancers and singers who are ready to take their careers to the next level. “When Princess was five years old she told us she was going to be a star,” said Phyllis Burton, Princess’ mom. “We knew she had a genuine interest in being in the entertainment business, so her dad signed her up and we had no idea that it would have gone this far!” Since The Event, 10-year-old Princess has been featured in a national brand campaign for “Wholly Guacamole,” has starred in two short films – The Bandits and Time Lord – which have been selected to show in the Black Film Festival in San Diego this month, and has signed with Pastoroni Bosby Talent – also known as PB Talent Agency in Houston. When not acting, Princess continues to hone in on her craft by attending acting classes at Next Level Acting Studios. She enjoys hanging out with her friends, playing football and basketball, and loves to give back to the community by volunteering her time feeding the homeless and those in need. Recently, Princess has taken on a new

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project which was inspired by a conversation with her dad (an HPD officer) about him patrolling and seeing homeless people without any socks. She came up with a quick solution to purchase socks and pass them out to those in need. Realizing that buying a few pairs of socks would not help many people, Princess came up with a way to give socks to every man, woman and child in the community without a decent pair of socks. From that, the "Sock Out Poverty" campaign was born! Princess, who happens to have a fondness for socks, came up with the idea to raise donations and bring awareness to “Sock Out Poverty” one step at a time. “We brought the idea to Walmart first so Princess could set up a table outside and collect socks,” Princess’ mom said, “only to find out Walmart no longer allows people to set up outside.” Initially the news that Walmart had changed their policy was disappointing, however, once the manager of Walmart realized the mission to collect socks, the store immediately came on board to partner with Princess and donate socks to the “Sock Out Poverty” Campaign. Soon after, Little Lord and Ladies – a children’s boutique and Princess’ clothing sponsor – heard about the “Sock Out Poverty” campaign and jumped on board as a drop-off point to receive socks for the campaign. Princess' passion for giving back to the community is evident in all that she does. She was excited she had the opportunity to partner with Walmart to "Sock Out Poverty" one step at a time!

January 2014

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10.

January 2014

How to Use Texture, Colors and Accessories to Bring Emotion to Your Home

ome decor can convey many different emotions – from warmth and comfort on cold and dreary winter days to elegance and festiveness during the holiday season. The colors and materials you use set the stage; everything from the textures that appear in the accessories, the arrangement of the furniture and even how sound reverberates in a room. It’s important to give your home new energy by occasionally redecorating one or more rooms. This is the perfect time of year to hire a designer and start looking at furniture and color schemes so your project is finished in time for spring and summer entertaining. Whether you’re working on the kitchen, bath or living area of your home, you might consider Porcelanosa, which offers some of the most advanced tile, kitchen and bath products that can enhance energy levels and emotions in the room you’re updating. The company has been around for more than 40 years – starting in a small village in Spain – and is always bringing avant-garde European design to homeowners and professionals around the

world. When redecorating a room to create a new emotion in your home, be sure to consider all the elements, from the floors to the ceiling, that harmoniously work together in developing the room’s ambiance. Here are some elements that can define a room’s emotion, whether you seek the look of a European industrial sleek getaway, or a rural rustic retreat. • Flooring - Colors, patterns and even sheen work together to create feelings in a room through flooring. Flooring options range from stone, marble, ceramic and wood – to name a few – and all of these come in a multitude of colors and patterns. Some homeowners choose to design their floors to blend in, creating a neutral backdrop for the rest of the room’s decorations. Others design the floor to be the focal point of the space, with dramatic colors. Work with a designer to determine what style of flooring will help create the feeling you want in your

room. Bigger pieces allow for smaller grout joints thus facilitating maintenance and creating an increased perception of the space. • Walls - A warm, almost rustic ambiance permeates a room surrounded with beautiful grained wood decorating the walls. However, wooden walls also require a bit of maintenance with cleaning and refinishing, and can be easily scratched or dented. A great way to keep the beautiful look of wood with durability against dents and scratches is to use Taco Oxford or Liston Oxford ceramic tiles from Porcelanosa. These two designs emulate the grain and striation of oak wood, extending the warmth of the room for a modern or rustic base. Because they’re ceramic tile, they are durable, easy-to-clean and hypoallergenic. Or consider bringing texture into your room by adding visible and touchable textures with dramatic raised patterns to your walls. Porcelanosa wall cover-

ings range from refined in the Nara patterning to intense in the Suede pattern, creating beautiful sculptured finishes to walls. These interesting and unique designs can immediately transform the energy in a room as a feature wall. To learn more and explore the textures yourself, contact a Porcelanosa design consultant and get your decorating plan underway. • Furniture lines - Bathrooms are usually the first rooms to be upgraded and redecorated, because guests and homeowners alike use them so frequently. Often these rooms are small; using wall mounted vanities and furniture with clean lines can help create a larger sense of the space. Geometric patterns also impart a sense of order to a room. The Porcelanosa Ciclo series capitalizes on this concept, with wallhanging vanities, pivoting wall shelving units and raised sinks to illustrate geometric patterns highlighting excellent – but out of view – storage. Discuss with your designer your thoughts on flooring, walls and furniture lines to create the perfect blend of emotions in your room’s decor. Once finished, it will be a room you’ll enjoy spending time in, and can’t wait to show off to visiting guests this year. - (BPT)

Simple Ways to Find Deeper Meaning in Everyday Life

urbulent, fast-paced, chaotic – the modern world is increasingly hectic. From this oft-crazy environment, a new movement is emerging – in which people are pausing to find deeper meaning in everyday life. Self-empowerment and true emotional connections can counterbalance daily stress and uncertainty, providing happiness and a genuine sense of worth. If you find the days seem to slip away and life's hurried pace to be draining, it's time to find some simple ways to add meaning to your life. Here are five ideas for nurturing a deeper connection with yourself and others: Reconnect with your passion

Did you enjoy painting when you were younger? Have you always wanted to take a photography class? Do you love to travel? It's important to recognize and nurture those activities you love most so that you're able to go out and do what you're great at in the world. New York-based yoga instructor, Tara Stiles has infused her passion and energy into her work as a yoga, meditation and wellness instructor.

"Passion is really about going after what you want to achieve in your life," said Stiles. Whether it's cooking, writing or gardening, make time for what you enjoy doing, rather than just doing what you have to. Even one hour a week dedicated to your passion will make you feel more centered and grounded. Express your individuality

Individual beliefs and values make us each unique, and you can express those ideals through your fashion and jewelry choices. For example, the new Pandora Essence Collection is more than just a beautiful bracelet. You can select from 24 hand finished charms, each representing inner-values like faith, love, courage, confidence and wisdom. Each charm slides effortlessly into position on a slender silver bracelet, thanks to three silicone grip stoppers inside each charm. Whether for yourself or a gift for a loved one, the bracelet is the perfect reminder of what’s really important in life. Give back

Volunteering in your community is a great way to connect with others and find

deeper meaning in the everyday. Leila Janah, a social entrepreneur based in San Francisco, traveled to West Africa at the age of 17, and volunteered in a school for blind children. The experience led her to found Samasource, a nonprofit organization that helps individuals living in poverty. Janah recalls that “[Volunteering in West Africa] was a time of incredible personal growth and it set me on the path to do what I do.” Whether you choose to help stock a local food shelf, supervise at your children’s school or travel abroad to help build houses for the poor, volunteering is sure to make you feel more connected with the world around you. Find “me time”

Modern life can be very busy with every hour in every day dedicated to some activity. This can take its toll on your body, so it’s important to remember to take care of yourself, even if you’re taking care of others. Find your own way to relax and rejuvenate. This may be spending a few minutes each day balancing the mind and body through stretching and meditation. It might be taking a quiet walk, reading a

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book or having a cup of tea while journaling. Whatever you prefer, make sure to take “me time” throughout the day. Be an ambassador for your beliefs

What truly ignites your soul? It may be your passion for green living, healthy eating or your faith. Whatever your beliefs, it’s important to show the world who you are and what you believe in. Penelope Jagessar Chaffer, an award-winning filmmaker, shares her beliefs and connects with others through her work. “I’m always trying to find that common thread between myself and someone else when I’m interviewing them,” Chaffer said. “I find that love, and talking about love, is this thing we can use to help connect us.” Talk about your beliefs and values with others; you might be surprised by what you find. Rather than getting swept away in a hectic schedule, try focusing on what truly matters to you. These simple ways to add meaning to your life will help you reconnect with yourself and with those around you. - (BPT)

January 2014

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12.

January 2014

Coming Clean:

Tips to Keep on Top of Your Home's Dirtiest Rooms

ousehold chores are a never-ending reality of life. In fact, on average women spend more than two hours a day on household activities, which include housework and cooking, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Time Use Survey. Yet, keeping up with kids, pets and a hectic schedule make it seem like there's still always something to clean. Tackle your home's dirtiest rooms with these quick tips to make chores easier and more effective so you can have a tidy, sparkling home in no time. Getting started House cleaning is not a pleasant task, so pump yourself up by creating a cleaning playlist to make chores more entertaining. If you lack motivation, a rockin' soundtrack will get you off the couch. It can also be fun to time yourself during tasks; as you'll be surprised that most of the chores listed below can be completed in 10 minutes or less. Kitchen cleaning Dishwasher duty Once a week, shake baking soda on a

damp sponge and wipe around the machine's edges to remove stuck-on food or stains. To clean the inside, run an empty cycle with Dishwasher Magic – to kill bacteria like E-coli. During cold and flu season, add a quarter-cup of bleach to the regular dish cycle to kill bacteria. The dishes will be safe and sanitized after the rinse cycle is finished. Zap the sponge We all know that sponges are a breeding ground for bacteria. Disinfect yours every night by squeezing excess water out and microwaving it on high for a minute. When it's shredded and smelly, replace it. Disinfect the kitchen sink A sparkling sink becomes your kitchen's benchmark for hygiene and tidiness. Moen makes cleaning the sink easier with its new Walden pullout kitchen faucet, available at The Home Depot, featuring the innovative Reflex system. Its self-retracting wand helps fill large pots, reduces splashing and improves rinsing in and around the sink. Additionally, the Walden faucet features Microban antimicrobial protection – built in to the faucet finish – to help inhibit the growth of stain- and odor-causing bacteria, mold and mildew. Refrigerator refresh It's important to make sure your refrigerator is always clean and odorless, especially if you are expecting guests. One trick to get rid of smells is to open a canister of oatmeal and place it in the fridge for a few days to absorb any unappealing odors. Maintain beauty in the bath Tackle the toilet Whether you like it or not, the toilet requires frequent cleaning. For a thorough wipe down, spray a disinfecting bathroom cleaner or chlorine bleach into the bowl and allow it to sit for 10 minutes to fully annihilate germs, bacteria and viruses. To maintain the cleanliness, pour one cup of baking soda into the bowl each week to keep it fresh. Scour the shower Showers are also a breeding ground for bacteria and mildew –feasting on body oils and soap scum. Make shower doors shine by rubbing a teaspoon of lemon oil on them twice a month, causing water to bead up and roll off. Or, try RainX Original Glass Treatment, a car-care product made to keep rainwater off your windshield. Use it twice a year. For easy maintenance, after each shower, clean the stall or tub and tiles with a squeegee. Spotless sinks After your family finishes brushing their teeth or shaving, use a dry terrycloth hand towel on the mirror and bathroom faucets to wipe away spots of lather so they won't build up. For a spotless fixture around the clock, consider the new Moen Ashville bathroom faucet featuring

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Microban antimicrobial protection. The faucet is available at The Home Depot in Moen's Spot Resist Brushed Nickel finish, which resists fingerprints and water spots to maintain the brilliance of the fixture. Living room Take care of toys Gather stuffed toys, in which dust mites, mold and pet dander can accumulate, and wash them in hot water and dry before using again. Place stuffed toys that can't be washed in the freezer for 24 hours, then rinse in cold water to remove dead mites, and dry completely. Eliminating pet hair If you're having a difficult time removing pet hair from furniture, put on a wet rubber dishwashing glove and wipe your hand over surfaces. Perfectly polished Turn on your favorite music, dampen a pair of old socks with furniture cleanser or polish and dust to the beat. You also can put those socks on your feet and "dance" over dirty floors. Stop clutter at the front door Mount a plastic or cloth shoe rack inside your front entry closet door and use it to stash all kinds of living and family room items. You can even designate one of the pockets for mail you're not sure whether to save or toss. Cleaning the home doesn't have to be a strenuous task. By creating a checklist of key items to tackle routinely, you'll keep on top of your home's dirtiest rooms. (BPT)

January 2014

13.

Growing Number of Parents Turn to Police to Report Cyber Bullying

s more people become aware of the harmful consequences of cyber bullying, parents are more likely to report cyber bullying incidents directly to their local police than local school officials. That's the finding of a new national survey of 642 American parents conducted by the Fraud Prevention and Investigations business unit of Thomson Reuters. According to the survey, 36 percent of parents would turn to law enforcement first if they learned that their child was the victim of cyber bullying threats and attacks versus 29 percent of parents who said they would go to their local school officials. One reason that parents may hesitate going to their local school officials is that 30 percent of parents surveyed didn't know if their child's school has a policy to address cyber bullying. Cyber bullying is defined as bullying that takes place using electronic technology, according to stopbullying.gov, a website managed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Cyber bullying can take many forms â&#x20AC;&#x201C; hurtful messages or embarrassing photos posted on social media sites, harassing text messages and emails, and private information pur-

posefully shared through text messages, email or through the Internet. The issue has become a priority for parents surveyed, of which 50 percent indicated that they are very concerned about the rise in cyber bullying. Today, more than 80 percent of teens use a cell phone regularly, making it the most common tool among cyber bullies, according to dosomething.org. The presence of teens on social media sites has only compounded the issue, blurring the lines between a schoolyard problem and a law enforcement concern. In a related survey of U.S. law en-

forcement professionals conducted by Thomson Reuters in conjunction with PoliceOne.com, 48 percent of law enforcement agencies report that time spent investigating cyber bullying, bullying and school violence has dramatically increased over the past two years. Yet, most law enforcement agencies feel ill-equipped to effectively investigate these cases, with 76 percent reporting that training to handle cyber bullying complaints has been insufficient. While parents may trust law enforcement officials more than school officials with handling cyber bullying incidents involving their children, 68 percent of the

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law enforcement professionals surveyed said that they work to foster stronger relationships with school officials and/or principals to prevent or deter cyber bullying. "Though cyber bullying is a challenging issue for students, parents, school officials and law enforcement, these statistics suggest that people want to work together to understand the issue, protect kids from cyber bullying, and help kids understand the serious consequences of participating in cyber bullying," said Jason Thomas, manager of Innovation for Thomson Reuters.- (BPT)

14.

January 2014

Schools Should Major In Mistakes, Not Perfection

By Dr. D. L. Jones Contributing Writer

ow many pencils have you seen without an eraser? How many articles are written without a rough draft? Have you not heard the phrase, “if at first you don’t succeed, try-try again?” Mistakes are the pathway to learning. As I entered my twentieth year of public education, I embraced yet another year with great expectations for myself, all teachers, and the students whose parents entrusted their education in my hands. This year started practically the same as the previous 19 years; the educational doors opened with eager teachers and administration welcoming students to the start of another year. As usual, I innately had two basic goals for my teachers: to inspire students to learn and help them pass the state standardized test. What’s not on the aforementioned list, but should be, is giving students the permission to make mistakes – in fact, many. To my shame, this should be top on the list.

Why? Because as educators we're teaching in a generation of standardized test driven perfection – primarily in public traditional and charter school districts. The pass-or-fail noose is so tightly attached to the neck of students and teachers, as a result, taking the fun out of learning and causing students to become terrified of making a mistake or not knowing the right answer. If I haven’t learned anything else in my 20 years as an educator, I should know this one truth; if students are afraid of mistakes, then they're afraid of trying something new – of being creative and thinking a different way. When children become scared to raise their hands when they don't know the answer and their response to tackling a difficult problem is just to ask the teacher for the right answer – something is erratically wrong with today’s teaching and learning practices. As an educator in Houston, I’m not exclusively speaking about Texas education. Across the nation, our school districts, state legislation and governing agencies have created an educational system whereby our children have become "victims of passing standardized tests." Why is this? Today’s successful student and school are defined by a passing score on a state standardized test. Think about it for a moment. If academic achievement is defined by a standardized test mandated by a state agency, we narrow the freedom of academic exploration and mistakes. In essence, we have produced students who

have become “right answer regurgitates.” I believe in the true process of learning – which inevitably includes the process of making mistakes. In life, isn’t it a fact that we learn from our mistakes? This is also true in the classroom – contrary to popular belief, feeling free to make mistakes should be more important than regurgitating the correct answer on the STAAR test. I realize that mistakes in life can sometimes hurt us. Some have found themselves in a world of trouble over one unfortunate mistake. As a parent, I understand my role in minimizing the mistakes in my daughter’s life. However, I want to keep this article in its proper prospective. The focus here is on educators and the detriment of teaching, whereby a student’s knowledge never exceeds passing a standardized proficiency test. This absence of being truly educated diminishes the opportunity for students becoming productive citizens with valueadded knowledge that only comes from making mistakes, correcting them, and learning from them. As you can see, the focus of this article is not on the student, the focus is on the educator and the educational system. It’s time we revisit the true purpose of education, whereby placing the emphasis on the process of learning, not solely on test scores. This paradigm shift is not easily achieved, but most difficult in a nation

Game Changers for the New Year RENEWED PURPOSE

It’s your moment.

Part One of a Two-Part Series

By J. T. Myers, M. Ed, MRT

Contributing Writer

ach New Year many of us make a litany of promises to do better, work harder, and become more successful. All are well intentioned goals but with no sense of purpose. That is why often they end up unaccomplished in a river of toxic waste swirling around in the subconscious of your mind. Setting goals as we all know is very important, but without a sense of direction, it just ends up being a list of unfulfilled possibilities. While embarking on each year with a new laundry list of things we want to accomplish, everyone methodically writes down their aspirations and objectives. However, by mid to late March, many of them have become a part of a numerous pile of other New Year’s goals unfinished, which fall into the abyss of unfulfilled dreams. How do we combat this reoccurring cycle this year? By understanding that in order to achieve anything, you must begin with the end in mind and have a purpose. Purpose is what shows you the meaning behind the steps you want to take to achieve an objective. It is impossible to go forth with any sense of direction if you do not know the rationale for doing something. So, instead of making

No matter your passion, HCC can help turn your dreams into reality. If you’re just getting started, or starting a new chapter, we have the skills and knowledge that meet your goals and your schedule. HCC has convenient locations and hundreds of programs and degree plans. What are you waiting for? Go get it. It’s yours. Your journey begins here.

Learn about our logistics program, and many more at HCC.

Its your future D-Mars Spring 2014 .indd 1

where academic success is measured solely by standardized tests. Teaching to the test is all about test results and not the exploration of great minds, untapped talents and abilities. I read an article where students in Japan are expected to work out a problem in front of their peers, free of being humiliated or embarrassed of making a mistake. Even if the student is wrong, there is no shame. Students are taught that mistakes are an opportunity to learn, not an indication of failure. Educators must help students embrace the importance of effort and persistence. This learned trait helps the student explore ideas, take risks and not be ashamed of learning with the uncertainty of not knowing. Unfortunately, this change will not come from the Texas Education Agency (TEA) or the White House; this change only comes from the bottom up. Grassroot change is where it begins – teachers, parents and educational advocates can get it done. Until then, I’m confident that today’s teachers hold the power to create the classroom environment in which students embrace mistakes as a pathway to learning. Students must view mistakes not as an embarrassment, but as an inevitable part of learning. There are no wrong answers in the classroom, only right answers yet to be discovered.

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a shoestring long list of things you want to do, try something different and start from what your ultimate goal or purpose is and build backwards or in reverse order. This way you know the exact steps it will take to accomplish the things in which you seek. When you renew your purpose there will always be naysayers. You must know often you will have to stand alone. Many will want the outcomes of what you seek but few are willing to put the work and dedication into accomplishing it. It is for this reason that often you will have to leave others behind to cultivate the seeds that are already present within you. Out of the struggle to see things come to fruition, you will discover the strength and solace of being able to stand on your own. Today, more than ever before, you have the opportunity to be as highly technical and creative as possible. You must reinvent the world as YOU see it at a moment’s notice. Only then will you truly be able to harness the power to change minds, change lives, and change the world. Stay on track and make sure you catch Part Two of a two-part series – Game Changers for the New Year: No Excuses.

January 2014

Celebrate the Season with a New Beauty Routine

Caring for Your Community: Three Ways to Give Back Year-Round

o you think your family should get involved in volunteer efforts, but you don't know how to get started? Whether you choose to be active in your community on a weekly basis or dedicate holidays to helping out, it's never too late to begin giving something back, and there are many ways to make a difference on a local and national level.

Make local volunteering a new family tradition

or most places, winter undoubtedly means chilly temperatures, less sunlight and – inevitably – dry, tight or flaky skin. This season, follow these easy tips to break the cycle of dull winter skin by revamping beauty routines that will ensure radiant skin is always in the forecast. The Simple brand, a range of facial skincare products that is perfect even for sensitive skin, launched the Simple Advisory Board (SAB) to help women everywhere discover the benefits of a holistic approach to skincare. The SAB is a group of noted lifestyle and wellness experts who offer tips to help women care for their skin from the inside out. Board member and celebrity make-up artist Gita Bass offers up her favorite tips to achieve gorgeous, glowing skin all winter long.

Meet your new best friend: moisturizer The first (and most important) step in keeping skin dewy and fresh in the dead of winter is to keep it hydrated by using a moisturizer that contains SPF. Use Simple Light Moisturizer with SPF 15 to instantly double skin's hydration while protecting from the sun's ever-present rays. Moisturized skin will also help foundation spread evenly over skin and help make-up last all day.

Hey there, bright eyes To combat winter gloom, add an unexpected splash of color to lash lines. Bass recommends pairing a colorful liner with voluminous lashes to make eyes pop. Not only is this on-trend this season, but this easy step is sure to brighten up any occa-

Contrasting, deep lip hues are fast becoming a red-carpet favorite that is easy to replicate at home. Find a wine color that matches the skin tone to take the look from day-to-night. Prepping lips with a matching liner ensures staying power and definition.

Through the past few years, the national volunteer rate has risen to more than one in four adults or 64.3 million Americans devoting their time through a formal organization. Volunteering is an excellent way to network and can provide opportunities to develop skills. People looking for volunteer opportunities need to look no further than www. volunteermatch.org, which connects organizations with volunteers to help fill needs from soup kitchens to animal shelters. Robert Rosenthal, vice president of communications for volunteermatch.org, says thousands of organizations are looking for volunteers. The website hosts a groundbreaking internal search engine to help people, and even entire families, find the perfect place to volunteer. You can filter search results to include opportunities that are located nearby and that embrace your values. "If you can, it's also great to choose a cause your children already care about, like animals or their local park," says Rosenthal.

Ensure a clean canvas for tomorrow

Select brands that reinforce your values

Once the festivities are over, be sure to unwind and remove make-up. Simple Eye Make-Up Remover Pads are a great way to effectively remove eye make-up without leaving a greasy residue. Focusing on different lifestyle choices that impact skin – such as diet, fitness and stress management – can improve skin health and overall well being. Women can embody the holistic approach to skincare by adhering to the Simple philosophy which is what is left out is just as important as what is put in when it comes to gentle, yet effective skincare. All products contain no dyes, artificial perfumes or harsh chemicals that can upset skin and contain skin-loving ingredients and added vitamins natural, healthy-looking skin.- (BPT)

You can also make a difference by selecting brands that are giving back in some way. Beginning with one child's wish in 1997, Things Remembered, the leading national retailer of personalized gifts, launched a Make-A-Wish line of ornaments and products to continue to help other wish children replace fear with hope as they battle their life-threatening conditions. For 17 years, the personalization retailer has offered customers the opportunity to support Make-A-Wish, especially during the holiday season. With more than $6.4 million raised and 850 wishes granted, Things Remembered continues its commitment to helping wish kids and their families by donating two dollars from every item sold from the Make-A-Wish

sion.

The art of the sultry, smoky eye Winter is a busy season filled with holiday gatherings, office parties and New Year's Eve bashes – a well-done smoky eye is the perfect look for any of these occasions. Update the look by incorporating a deep violet or plum-colored eye shadow. Swipe a light, shimmery base color over the lids to brow bone and blend in the darker shade from the lash line to eyelid crease for ultimate drama.

Kiss the winter blues away

15.

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gift line every holiday season. This donation helps Make-A-Wish grant wishes to children with life threatening medical conditions. "People make our Make-A-Wish ornaments a real priority during the holidays as a way to celebrate their families and traditions and also to make a difference to children across the country," said Amy Myers, vice president of creative services for Things Remembered. Myers said the Things Remembered Make-A-Wish program is a way for people to feel good and do good when they shop for holiday gifts. "I don't think the importance of the cause is lost on anyone," she said. "Traditions are important. Year after year, as people add to their Make-A-Wish ornament collection, they know that their engraved ornaments go beyond their own Christmas tree."

Serve those who are serving us One of the most heroic acts one may do in life is to join the military. Whether currently serving or a veteran, these individuals – and their families – make a tremendous sacrifice for our country and deserve our support during their time of service and in the years that follow. Consider paying homage to the servicemen and servicewomen in your community on Memorial Day and Veteran's Day but also throughout the year. From gathering monetary resources to sending cards to troops overseas, there are many ways to help. Consider participating in the Tough Mudder, an international 10- to 12-mile obstacle course challenge, which proudly supports disabled veterans through the Wounded Warrior Project. With events such as the Berlin Wall or running the Mud Mile, Tough Mudder participants have raised more than $3 million. If unable to help out through monetary means, there are other ways to get involved with organizations. One such group called Homes for Our Troops utilizes help from volunteers to support the building of specially adapted homes for severely injured veterans and their families. Regardless of whether you make a family tradition out of volunteering in your local community, supporting retailers who are giving back, or helping to build a home for a military family, one thing is certain, any time of year is a great opportunity to teach your family the importance of helping those in need.- (BPT)

16.

January 2014

Twin Musicians Mona Lysa Fulfilling Their Dreams • Performed in Singapore, Dubai, and across Europe in which they had the opportunity to open for both Alicia Keys and The Pussycat Dolls • Scored music placements for “The Basketball Wives of Atlanta,” collaboration with “LMFAO,” and a single for rap artist Flo Rida “Run to You” which placed last summer • Currently has a single called "Get On The Floor" which dropped in Denmark Learn a little more about Mona Lysa: Q: What are your real names? Age?

A: Our names are Mona and Lysa. We are 24 years old. Q: Growing up in Houston, did you always have a desire to sing/perform? By Valerie Jones Contributing Writer

ouston natives Mona and Lysa are twin sisters who make up the group Mona Lysa – they are singers, songwriters, and musicians. Both are adept at playing the piano. Born and raised in Houston, the talented duo hopped on a one-way flight

to Los Angeles to pursue their dream and haven’t looked back. They have accumulated much success, which includes: • Appearance on NBC's "America's Got Talent" • Featured in "Clash of the Choirs" singing with Kelly Rowland of Destiny's Child • Appeared in movies "Just Dance" and "The American Dream" with Mike Jones

A: We have always had a desire to sing and perform. We started singing and playing the piano at age five at our grandfather’s church. Q: What's the biggest obstacle you've had to overcome to make it in this industry? A: The biggest obstacle we've had to overcome to make it in this industry is hearing ‘no,’ especially from people we admired in the music industry. We had to learn that if

we believed in ourselves, people saying no couldn't and wouldn't stop us from achieving our goals.

Q: Who inspires you? A: We are inspired by Alicia Keys. We write and play instruments just like her. She is unique and the first of her kind and that's exactly what we are. Q: When did you start playing the piano? Do either of you play any other instruments? A: We started playing the piano at age five. We would here jingles on TV and play it by ear on the piano. Also, our dad plays the guitar so we also play the guitar and drums. Q: What do you feel has been your biggest accomplishment as a performer? A: Our biggest accomplishment as performers was when our single dropped in Europe and they flew us to the biggest beach party in Europe to perform in front of 20,000 fans. It felt so amazing to hear our fans sing our song. Connect with Mona Lysa: www.twitter.com/monalysamusic www.instagram.com/iammonalysamusic

Five Hot Decorating Trends to Make Your Home Interiors Pop

ooking for ways to switch up your style this year? From the right patterns and colors to impressive accents, the latest home design trends will keep your space looking fresh and fabulous in 2014. "Now more than ever, homeowners are willing to experiment with design," says Taniya Nayak, interior designer and DIY television personality. "The start of the new year is the perfect time to add character and personality with unique details, patterns and pops of color." Here are the top five home decor trends Nayak predicts will make a big impact in 2014: • Painted detail on furniture pieces A hot trend in 2014 is to bring fleamarket furniture back to life with painted patterns and details. "Refurbishing old furniture pieces is a popular – and easy – look to achieve," says Nayak. "All you need is a little bit of paint and a lot of creativity." New pre-cut, patterned painter's tape makes this simple project much easier. FrogTape Shape Tape is available in three of the most on-trend patterns: chevron, wave and scallop. Before painting, simply apply the tape in the desired pattern on a

hand-me-down or thrift store find to create a custom piece for your home. Plus, since Shape Tape is treated with patented PaintBlock Technology, you'll create super-sharp lines and help prevent paint bleed. • White hot White is a mainstay in home design. It's timeless, classic and extremely versatile. In 2014, try pairing white with different textures, like natural wood. You'll create a unique focal point while highlighting other warm features in the room, as well. "Another method is to create contrast with white. Use a single, bold accent color, like yellow, fuchsia or navy, to move your eye across the space," Nayak recommends. By simply rethinking how to use white, your home will be a warm and inviting haven all year long. • What's old is new again: vintage details You can create a home filled with vintage details, regardless of the age of your

house. In 2014, try using muted color palettes, like gray, taupe or certain shades of green or rose, and industrial accents to transform its appearance. "Incorporating pieces of distressed wood will also add to the overall vintage effect," adds Nayak. "You can create this look – even with pristine lumber – by adding nicks and scrapes to the surface with a heavy metal chain and a hammer. Once you've added the desired amount of distress, cover the wood with a dark stain. Quickly wipe away, allowing the color to settle into the imperfections." Whether it's displayed prominently as a focal point, or used sparingly on accent pieces, distressed wood elements will help tie the vintage trend together. • Masculine meets feminine "Merging styles to make the entire family happy is not always easy," says Nayak. Instead of looking too rugged or too girly, a key trend in 2014 is to blend both masculine and feminine components into your home design. "Combining two

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styles doesn't mean the end result will be safe or boring. There are a number of creative solutions that will satisfy everyone's tastes while making an impressive design statement." Try painting a design on a wood floor. This technique allows the raw, masculine features of the wood to show through, while introducing a feminine overlay of patterns or colors. Popular patterns include quatrefoil, herringbone and modern floral designs. • Metallic finishes and accents Using metallic accents creates the perfect finishing touch in any room of the house. "The right accessories, like eyecatching metallic, make any space look and feel complete," says Nayak. In 2014, the hottest finishes include brass and antiqued mirrors: both add depth, light and just enough sheen to make accents feel extra special. Best of all, there are a number of quick and easy DIY projects you can complete to bring this trend into your home. One is to spray paint branches silver or gold and then pop them in a vase – it will add instant glamour and help your home design shine well into in the new year. "Don't be afraid to mix and match the latest trends to reflect your personal style," adds Nayak. "With the right ontrend elements and a dose of character, you'll transform your house into a home fit for the new year." - (BPT)

January 2014

17.

The Buffalo Soldiers National Museum: Preserving the Rich Legacy of the African American Soldier

By Valerie Jones

Contributing Writer

he history of African Americans in the United States has been filled with fighting for equal rights, treatment, and opportunities. African Americans have made significant contributions to society in many different forms – allowing for advancement as a people. Perhaps, one of the greatest contributions came from the Buffalo Soldiers – the first, black professional soldiers in a peacetime army. African Americans have served proudly in every great American war and “Buffalo Soldiers” is the term used to refer to all African American soldiers serving in the 9th and 10th U.S. Cavalry and the 24th and 25th U.S. Infantry Regiments. The Buffalo Soldiers were assigned to the harshest and most desolate posts during the late 1800s and early 1900s. They were courageous soldiers who battled for their country. With his extensive collection of military artifacts, Vietnam veteran and African American military historian Captain Paul J. Matthews founded the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum (BSNM) in 2001. The BSNM is a nonprofit institution located in Houston which boasts the largest collection of African American military memorabilia in the world. “The museum started in my garage more than 40 years ago and has grown beyond my wildest expectations,” Captain Matthews said. “It’s truly a dream come true. This is not a Black museum, but an American history institution. We may focus on and feature black people, but it’s all about American history.”

The BSNM is the only museum in the United States dedicated primarily to preserving the legacy and honor of the Buffalo Soldier. With a mission of educating, preserving, promoting, and perpetuating the history, tradition, and outstanding contributions of the Buffalo Soldier, the BSNM has exposed a younger generation to the great contributions of the Buffalo Soldiers. “The Buffalo Soldiers played a significant role in settling the American West. They built camps, forts and railroads, delivered the mail, and chased outlaws. Without the Buffalo Soldiers, the westward movement would have been delayed 50 years,” Captain Matthews said. “Children of today need to understand

and appreciate the contributions and sacrifices made by these brave men and women who paved the way for the roads they are currently traveling. The admirals and generals in the U.S. Armed Forces today stand on the shoulders of the Buffalo Soldiers.” U.S. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee issued a Certificate of Congressional Recognition to the BSNM on March 2, 2001 and former Houston Mayor Lee P. Brown proclaimed Nov. 31, 2001 as Buffalo Soldiers Day. Educating the community is very important and the BSNM allows for the rich legacy of the African American soldier to live on through various exhibits, includ-

ing: • • • • • • • • • •

Revolutionary War Civil War Indian Wars Spanish-American War World War I World War II Vietnam Women in the Military Chaplains in the Military Modern Day Buffalo Soldiers (NASA-Astronauts) The BSNM is also involved in numerous programs, some of which include the Leadership Development Program, the Research Center and Military Library, the Veterans Registry/Oral History Project, and several Educational Outreach programs. “I thank the Lord every day that I rise for giving me the opportunity to collect, exhibit, and tell the story of the African American soldiers who fought, bled, and died in defense of America,” Captain Matthews said. “And we want the world to know that American history is incomplete until you tell our story.” Location: 3816 Caroline Street Houston, TX 77004 713-942-8920 www.buffalosoldiermuseum.com Exhibit Hours: Monday-Friday: 10am – 5pm Saturday: 10am-4pm

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18.

January 2014

Selfless Service Through Nonprofits

By Jacqueline S. Terrell

Contributing Writer

artin Luther King, Jr. gave us one of the most inspirational quotes I’ve heard on service. He said, “Everybody can be great...because anybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.” You are already wellequipped to serve. So, where do you begin? One vehicle through which you can serve others is by supporting your local nonprofit organizations. Why should we support nonprofits? Because nonprofits support us. Deloyd T. Parker, Jr., Executive Director of S.H.A.P.E. (Self Help for African People Through Education) Community Center says, “It’s important for communities to support nonprofits because nonprofits support communities. Many nonprofit organizations exist and were born out of a need to support individuals and communities where there was no government or corporate assistance. … [S.H.A.P.E.’s] programs meet the needs of the community; they are designed to strengthen individuals and families. This is why it’s important that those who can support us do so. It is through our collective efforts that our communities will be transformed….” Hope Educational District, Inc., housed on the campus of Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church, is comprised of Hope Academy (a college and career readiness high school) and Global Learning Village, an elementary school prepar-

ing students to compete globally. Andre’ Mathews, Superintendent of Schools for Hope Educational District, Inc., believes “the essence of any establishment is the community. The community represents the core foundation of nonprofits… Service is the key to a sustaining community. Communities must reinvest in the services needed for a growing and sustaining body of people with common goals. Supporting these common goals aids in the establishment of community identity. Nonprofits often protect the community and serve as vessels of opportunity often abused by selfish profit-oriented businesses.” To begin or renew your commitment to nonprofit service, you must identify an organization in your community through which you can serve. You can find them around the city of Houston – offering programs targeting our youth, educational disparities, elderly care, health awareness, economic development and other important services. According to the Executive Service Corporation of Houston, there are approximately 22,000 nonprofit organizations operating in the Houston area. These organizations include churches, hospitals, museums, foundations and universities, but are not limited to the small community centers that often get overlooked. From the outside looking in, it’s hard to imagine that nonprofit organizations have their challenges and hurdles to overcome. One of the most common hurdles is getting interested volunteers to donate their time to the organization. Our community organizations are looking for people just like you. They want you to bring your unique knowledge, skills and abilities to their worthwhile work. “You can help people by sharing the things you already know and know how to do,” says Kevin Fuselier, Communications Coach and Speaker, Strong City Communication Ministries. Fuselier adds, “you don't need special training or special powers to help do something good by volunteering for a community organization.”

Lil Audrey’s Safe Place Foundation, led by Executive Director Audrey Brown, is a small organization tucked away in Third Ward Houston. As a nonprofit organization, Lil Audrey’s is committed to improving life for foster children. They provide them with a bright and successful future through housing and educational programs. Volunteer opportunities available with Lil' Audrey's include youth mentoring, fundraising, volunteering for community giving-back projects with Cuney Homes and other housing facilities, and tutorials. Hope Academy High School, under the umbrella of Hope Educational District, Inc., also needs mentors for their young teen mothers, male mentors for their young males and educational and career-oriented professionals to provide support and guidance to young aspiring professionals seeking opportunities in designated fields of interest. Maybe you are passionate about helping children succeed. Maybe you are a retired teacher seeking opportunities to volunteer through tutoring or mentoring. Maybe you are a young professional who can provide insight to an aspiring young man or woman. Finding opportunities to use your gifts and knowledge benefit not only the recipient of the services, but will satisfy you as well. Another common hurdle for most nonprofits is fundraising. S.H.A.P.E.’s primary challenge for 2014 continues to be economics and finding financial resources to continue operations on a desirable scale. Parker shared, “We need to expand our programming and staffing if we are going to remain relevant as our community and its needs change and expand. In order to meet those needs, we need to acquire additional financial resources.” In this economy, we all tend to hold our purse strings and wallets a little tighter. However, donating actual dollars is only one way to contribute. If your passion is event planning or you are great at coming up with creative ideas to make money, you can help an organization raise funds. As a corporate CEO or entrepreneur, you can provide opportunities for those

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participating in career development programs. Judson Robinson, Jr., President and CEO of Houston Area Urban League says, “[their] clients are oftentimes labeled as unwilling to work when the truth is they want to provide for themselves and their families like anyone else. What stands in their way is an opportunity to prove themselves in many cases. We must begin the fair and balanced dialogue of what it will take to make everyone selfsustaining.” If you have decided this year that you want to make a difference in the world, start by making a difference in your community. Volunteer to support the good things that are happening in your community and you will be making a difference in someone's world.We are only as strong as our community organizations. Jacqueline S. Terrell is Managing Director of J. Terrell Consulting Firm, LLC, specializing in program development, fundraising, and event/conference management for nonprofit organizations. Visit their website at jterrellconsultingfirm.com; email: jterrellconsultingfirm@gmail.com. Many thanks to contributions from S.H.A.P.E. Community Center, Houston Area Urban League (HAUL), Hope Educational District and Lil’Audrey’s Safe Place Foundation. The HAUL Annual Gala will take place on June 28, 2014,Hilton Americas Hotel; The Hope Educational District, Inc. is planning its Black College Tour in Spring 2014 for all qualified juniors and seniors. For additional information, please contact Andre’ Mathews, Superintendent of Schools, at a.mathewshopeacademy@ymail.com or 713-828-9033; Lil Audrey’s Safe Place Foundation is planning P.O.W.E.R. in Your P.U.M.P.S./An Evening with Founding Member of Ebony Opera Bass Baritone DORCEAL DUCKENS and Friends. Please contact Alma Brown, 713-714-3219 for additional information; S.H.A.P.E. is preparing for its 2014 Kwanzaa celebration. Please contact S.H.A.P.E. at 713-521-0629.

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Simple Ways to Instantly Improve Your Finances in 2014

o you wonder how you could better manage finances? You're not alone. When it comes to money, most people are far from perfect. Whether you make $20,000 a year or $200,000, some simple steps can

start you on the right financial path, and some of them only take a few minutes to complete. "Personal finance is an intimidating topic, especially if you've made mistakes in the past," says Michael McAuliffe, an adjunct instructor at Morton College

and president of the nonprofit Family Credit Management. "But everyone has the opportunity to start fresh and make improvements. Your past missteps don't have to dictate your financial future if you resolve to be proactive today." McAuliffe recently co-authored a finan-

cial workbook titled "Personal Finance Made Easy." Topics covered include money management, savings, investing and more. McAuliffe suggests 10 simple ways for you to start improving your finances immediately:

Stop, think, save – When out shopping, don't mindlessly pile things in the cart. Take a moment to stop, think what you really need, and save by not buying extras. Cutting unnecessary spending is easy when you make a habit of briefly pausing to analyze what you really need.

Cut five percent – If your employer cut your paycheck by five percent, you’d be unhappy, but you’d still be able to survive. Why not make that cut now? Reduce the extras like your daily latte or weekly visit to the salon and the savings will mount quickly.

Save – Every little bit counts when it comes to savings. If you save just $5 a day – the cost of a fast food lunch – you’ll have $1,800 in a year. It’s okay to start slow and build momentum. The ultimate goal should be to save at least 10 percent of your net income (income after taxes and other deductions).

Budget – It sounds simple, but most people don’t have a solid budget. Create a spending plan now and stick to it. List all expenses and see where adjustments can be made. Refer back to your budget regularly to stay on track.

Keep multiple savings accounts – The less accessible your money is, the easier it is to reduce spending. Keep multiple savings accounts and pay yourself first. One savings account could be designated for an emergency fund, another for a new car or a future vacation.

Make it visual – Discourage overspending by reminding yourself why you are trying to save. A photo of your vacation destination, for example, illustrates what you’re saving for; put it everywhere you spend money – wallet, computer monitor, vehicle, etc.

Make your money work for you – Consistent contributions add up over time, and thanks to the power of compound interest, the longer you leave your money untouched in a savings account or other investment, the more it can grow.

Home savings – If you own a home, you know it can cost a lot of money. Cut costs by doing home improvements and maintenance jobs yourself rather than hire out. Call your insurance agent and see if there is a lower rate for homeowner’s insurance. Check into refinancing while rates are still low.

Manage checking accounts – You need a checking account, but are you really keeping track of your money? Online banking makes it easier than ever to balance your checkbook, track your spending and set up alerts when your balance goes under a certain amount.

Review your credit report – From mortgages and car loans to employment and renting eligibility, your credit report and score affect many aspects of life. You can review your credit report for free annually by going to www. annualcreditreport.com. Make sure you know what’s on it and make corrections as necessary. - (BPT)

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January 2014

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January 2014

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January 2014

HE HEARD MY CRY FELLOWSHIP

he heard my cry

Mission Statement HHMCF is dedicated to following the Word of God, feeding the flock the Word of God and fellowshipping with the saints. That the lost might be saved, the saved might be fed and equipped to edify the body of Christ.

Faith-Filled

Pastor Claude Cummings, Wife Joaquina Cummings & Daughter Jillian I love the Lord, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live. -Psalm 116: 1-2

Bible-Based

Family-Friendly

Sunday Morning Worship

Starts at 9:00 AM at the Communication Workers of America Building

1730 Jefferson St., Houston, Tx 77003

Phone: 713.581.0852 | Email: Info@hhmcf.com | www.hhmcf.com | Experience Our World of Marketing, Media and Communication

He Heard My Cry