Community Journal 41

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January 2015

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Living the Dream in 2015

Making it Happen in 2015: 5 Choices to Stop Doing

By J. T. Myers M.Ed, MRT, ED So, you are excited about what the coming year has in store for you.

PAGE 7

Remembering Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Jan. 15, 1929 – Apr. 4, 1968 An honored, noble and respected leader in the Civil Rights Movement, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is a hero and role model to so many.

PAGE 12

page 4

Let’s Go Fishing! Mount Corinth Aims to Bring More Souls to Christ

What’s Your Valentine’s Day Personality?

By d-mars.com News Provider Whether you’re a hopeless romantic or you don’t believe in Cupid at all, everyone celebrates Valentine’s Day in their own special way.

PAGE 13

page 8

MLK Jr. Memorial Project Seeks Partnerships to Continue to Impact and Educate the Community Join our e-mail list for the latest updates @ d-mars.com

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

January 2015 3

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

Office Manager Johnny Ray Davis, Jr.

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES C.T. Foster Eric D. Goodwine Tiffany Black

PHOTOGRAPHY L.C. Poullard Grady Carter Tony Gaines

While some may consider individuals who dream as being unrealistic or living in a “fantasy world,” nothing could be further from the truth. The world needs more dreamers – individuals who aren’t afraid to take chances on a vision only they can see. Some of the most seemingly far-fetched ideas can result in the greatest inventions.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was a dreamer. In his famous speech, he shared his dreams with hundreds of thousands of people. We have witnessed his dream fulfilled. The power of a dream is immense. This month’s issue is full of inspiring stories of men and women who pursued their dreams. I salute all the dreamers in the world.

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.

Contents Let’s Go Fishing! Mount Corinth Aims to Bring More Souls to Christ................................................................................................. 4 Living my Dream in 2015.................................................................................................................................................................................. 6

MULTIMEDIA DIRECTOR

Making it Happen in 2015: 5 Choices to Stop Doing (Part 1 of a 2-Part Series).................................................................................7

Andrea Hennekes

MLK Jr. Memorial Project Seeks Partnerships to Continue to Impact and Educate the Community ...................................... 8

LAYOUT & GRAPHIC DESIGNER Angel Rosa

DISTRIBUTION Booker T. Davis, Jr. Rockie Hayden

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Live in Your Dream Space................................................................................................................................................................................ 9 Woodforest National Bank and Barbara Jordan Endeavors Team Up to Help Out the Community During the Holidays..10 Living the Dream................................................................................................................................................................................................ 11 Remembering Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. .................................................................................................................................................. 12 What’s Your Valentine’s Day Personality? How Anyone Can Make the Day Special..................................................................... 13

Valerie Jones Ash Davito J. T. Myers M.Ed, MRT, ED Linda Lindsay Charlotte Jackson d-mars.com News Provider

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4 January 2015

Let’s Go

Fishing!

Mount Corinth Aims to Bring More Souls to Christ

By Valerie Jones Associate Editor

I

t has been almost four months since Pastor Alan Lamar Patterson, affectionately known as “Pastor Alan,” was inaugurated at Mount Corinth Missionary Baptist Church. He is following in his father – the late Rev. Dr. A. Louis Patterson, Jr.’s – footsteps, leading the congregation his father once pastored.

With a fresh approach to spreading the gospel, Pastor Alan’s focus with Mount Corinth revolves around a creative, contemporary and cutting-edge vision. He’s able to reach the older generation as well as the younger generation by avoiding the problem with many of today’s black churches, which he describes as “theology of technology” – or being trapped by the tyranny of tradition.

“The traditional trap is a real tyrant to truth confining Jesus The Christ to our own preconceived concepts of what we think Christianity is, based on our own era and personal experiences that make us comfortable,” said Pastor Alan.

He offered the following example:

Music has undergone technological changes in our culture. My parents listened to singer Sam Cooke on a 45 record…my older brother listened to Sam Cooke on a cassette tape…I listened to Sam Cooke on a CD. If the current generation were to listen to Sam Cooke, most likely it would be in MP3 format.

“All of us would hear Sam Cooke singing the same song: “A Change is Gonna Come” because Sam’s song is the same as it was yesterday, today and will be forever. The noticeable difference is the external packaging in which it is presented,” Pastor Alan said.

He noted that the problem with many churches, figuratively speaking, is that they aren’t trying to hear “A Change is Gonna Come.” They are content without any changes.

“They don’t mind using 45 record methods and mindsets in ministry,” he said. “That’s not cool.”

He explained that while the Gospel has not changed, the way in which it is

presented should.

“Why? Because Jesus is the same – yesterday, today and forever,” Pastor Alan said.

“The vision I have for Corinth is that we will become the most creative, contemporary and cutting-edge church in the city. In order for this approach to be effective for a younger generation, the Church must be considered a place that is cool.”

According to Pastor Alan, Jesus was “the coolest person who ever walked the planet.”

Noting Jesus spoke in everyday common man language and often used parables of stories that were creative, contemporary and cutting-edge, Pastor Alan revealed he is relatable to the younger generation at Mount Corinth because he’s regular – he acts ‘regular,’ dresses ‘regular’ and speaks ‘regular.’

“Jesus revealed a radical redefinition of reality that was not received by the established religious leaders of His era,” said Pastor Alan. “None of those ‘religious’ leaders made a positive spiritual impact in the lives of people, but Jesus did! I’m a Jesus follower!”

This past summer, Pastor Alan was excited to launch Mount Corinth’s LET’S GO FISHING campaign, the first ministry he

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organized under his pastoral administration. The campaign is based on Matthew 4:19, in which Jesus said, “follow me and I’ll make you fishers of men.” Pastor Alan appointed four church members to lead the ministry: Zeora Jackson, Pamela Hawkins, Tangi Ford and Micah Love. d-mars.com interviewed the leaders of the LET’S GO FISHING campaign to learn more about it and the positive impacts it’s made on the church. d-mars.com: d-mars.com:What Whatleadership leadershiprole roledo do you play in the LET’S GO FISHING camyou play in the LET’S GO FISHING paign at Mount Corinth? campaign at Mount Corinth?

Zeora Jackson: Helping the team guide others in the vision given by Pastor Alan, based on Matthew 4:19.

Pamela Hawkins: I was one of the committee members titled “Fearful Fishermen” appointed by Pastor Alan to lead in the [campaign], winning souls to Christ. Matthew 4:19 said “Follow me.” Following Jesus’ word makes me a fisherman of men.

Tangi Ford: My assignment is to discover innovative ways to keep our congregation excited about fishing in the community without straying from the base principle of “Fishing for Men.” Our team

January 2015 5

comes up with creative announcements that we unveil during services on a weekly basis, and we make sure Pastor Alan’s vision is fulfilled. My campaign stage name (yes, we have stage names) is “Fisherman Fashionista” and it has been my ploy to reveal to the congregation that fishing for men is so much more than just looking the part. No matter how good we look, we must step out of our comfort zones to GO FISHING! Micah Love: As being called on by Pastor Alan, it is understood that we should lead by example and lead with enthusiasm.

Our main role is to be the GO group to motivate action at [Mount Corinth]. d-mars.com: core d-mars.com:What What coreprinciples principlesare are you trying to teach with the you trying to teach with thecampaign? campaign?

Jackson: If we are followers of Christ, and if our mission is to glorify HIM, move forward and reap the benefits of being a fisherman and being there when lives are saved.

Hawkins: The core principles for the fishing campaign are to find lost souls everywhere and let them know and hear about Jesus…that he saves…that we as Christians don’t have to be the only people to witness God’s grace and mercy. Everyone can be saved if they believe.

Ford: During our inaugural summer campaign, our goal was to get members excited and into the habit of inviting people to worship with us. The next phase of the campaign was not about the vast numbers of visitors. It was about lives being transformed. Our challenge in the fall was to make saving souls a routine part of each and every one of our lives. We want FISHING to become a lifestyle, not just a campaign.

Love: Our core principle is to communicate with fellow Corinthians that we are Christians who follow and do what Christ has commanded us to do. d-mars.com: d-mars.com:What Whatare aresome someofofyour your goalsforfor 2015(with (with campaign goals 2015 thethe campaign and andchurch the church as a whole)? the as a whole)?

Jackson: Living the dream in 2015 by extending the same grace I once received.

Hawkins: 1) To continue the LET’S GO FISHING campaign as team members and make it better than last year. 2) Work more with our church members in 2015 getting them excited about continuing to fish for lost souls to Christ. 3) Increase our membership with the young and old to become a part of Mount Corinth church. 4) Continue to support our great Pastor Alan as he teaches the Word of God and lead me as a Fisherman for Jesus.

Ford: We would like to see our church family truly practice what we’ve been

Committee members for the LET’S GO FISHING campaign pictured are (l-r): Pamela Hawkins, Tangi Ford, Zeora Jackson and Micah Love.

taught, which is to seek and save those who are lost (Luke 19:10). This includes everybody and excludes no one! I am anticipating an influx of a diverse mix of members into our congregation as a result of our following God’s Word as it is written. My goals for the church in 2015 all focus on growth – our individual growth as Christians, our congregation’s growth in numbers and the growth of our impact on the community.

Love: The first and ultimate goal is to win and save souls to Christ; in the same instance, having the unchurched become a faithful member of a church. Another goal is to get people to hear The Word of God for what it is…plain and simple, and let the Word be explained to them by our pastor. d-mars.com: d-mars.com:How Howwill willyou yougo go about about accomplishing these goals? accomplishing these goals?

Jackson: 1) Continuous promotion of the scripture focus – Matthew 4:19. 2) Practicing daily habits that will be noticed by those who are hungry and searching. 3) Publicity within and outside the walls of Mount Corinth. Everyone has a different circle of peers who they communicate to every day.

Hawkins: By being a worthy vessel for Jesus and praying daily for the LET’S GO FISHING team members, our pastor and church family. I will pray for God’s power in me to continue to go out and tell people about Him; share my blessing with others about how good God is when you place him first in your life; continue to put information on social media; and continue to share with my family members, neighbors, friends and coworkers, witnessing to anyone about God’s grace.

Ford: As a team, we make sure that we follow Pastor Alan’s guidance of staying Bible-based, prayer-minded and Christ-

centered. I believe that as leaders of this campaign, we must set the stage and lead by example. Once the congregation sees the leaders doing what has been taught (FISHING), I know that the trend will catch on. My prayer is that the trend will soon become a way of life for each and every Corinthian.

Love: The way we are going about our goal is by “Going Fishing” – searching and spreading the Word to those we know and even people we don’t know. Maybe it’s just a casual conversation or us telling them the good news of Christ or inviting them to attend Mount Corinth with us.

We are making ourselves walking marketing agents for Christ and church. d-mars.com: d-mars.com:AsAsfar farasas numbers numbers go, go, howwould wouldyou you the campaign how saysay the campaign fared fared this summer? this summer?

Jackson: The summer of 2014 was unexpected. The numbers were well over 1,000. It was a new campaign and fresh start for all who accepted the challenge.

Members who were normally low-key took their invitational capacity to another level, which led to a contagious community of constant celebration.

Hawkins: I think the campaign went great! It brought out of a lot of people to hear the Word of the Lord. A lot of prayer and decisions were made about Christ.

People changed to see that church is cool and not boring and hearing our powerful Pastor Alan was a plus. Some of my family members received Christ and joined as a result of me fishing that summer.

Ford: The summer campaign was awesome! Our members truly showed their excitement for inviting their friends, family members, coworkers

Advice from Pastor Alan for 2015: “I believe the biggest problems most individuals deal with in a new year, ironically, are old problems.

Most people retain what they should release. The retention turns into a rehearsal. It’s hard to reverse it if we continue to rehearse it. If someone said something that offended us in 2014, we’ll keep rehearsing it in 2015. If we got into an argument with a spouse, boyfriend/girlfriend, family member, friend, coworker or boss in 2014, we’ll keep rehearsing it in 2015. If the doctor gave us a negative report in 2014, we’ll keep rehearsing that appointment in 2015. If we got a car repossessed, house in foreclosure, etc. in 2014, we’ll keep rehearsing that event in 2015. Many people have a proclivity of hanging on to the past, neglecting any hope for the present.

We don’t have to have everything figured out or worked out, but we can opt out of focusing on our past and spend more time planning out and funneling our energies toward future opportunities. The grace gift of a relationship with Jesus The Christ is we can start over today. Therefore, the best is always yet to come.”

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and neighbors to worship with us. It was amazing to see us exceed the campaign’s expectations Sunday after Sunday. I’ve been a member of Mount Corinth for quite some time and I have never seen anything like it. We had more than 1,000 visitors worship with us this summer, and I truly know that this is what [Pastor Alan] meant when he said we need to learn how to use our “invitational capacity!”

Love: The summer campaign was fantastic. Being a member of Mount Corinth for 30 plus years, this has been record-setting. In the past, the summer was typically the slow months. But this summer, church services were overflowing with visitors and space was very limited. Word on the street was “get there early so you can get a seat!” d-mars.com: d-mars.com:What Whatare areyour yourpersonal personal reasonsfor for being being involved involved with reasons with the the campaign? campaign?

Jackson: The internal joy I experience never leads me back to anything material. It leads me to the relationship birthed through a personal need to belong to the one who made me and expects me to grow and share with others the Grace only He can give.

Hawkins: I want to do what Jesus asked me to do. This was a testimony to me: I always wanted to share my faith with others in a way that the invitation was coming from me. My husband and I were raised in the church and raised our children in the church and continue to live putting God first in our life. Often, people would ask me where I attend church and I would tell them, not knowing or thinking of that as an opportunity to witness. Being a LET’S GO FISHING committee member made it so personal to me!

Ford: I grew up at Mount Corinth and had definitely become complacent and comfortable with going through the motions of simply “going to church.” I was at church every Sunday, which is what I had been raised to do, but I was solely soaking up the Word for myself and not sharing it with others as I should have been. This campaign lit a fire under me! I’ve invited people to worship with us on a regular basis, I find myself witnessing all the time now and I’m more confident when it comes to stepping out of my comfort zone to share the good news with others.

Love: It’s great to be a part of something that brings lost souls to Christ. Secondly, I can see the vision of Pastor Alan, and I think it’s a direction I can definitely see today’s church going. It’s also great to be a part of the Kingdombuilding process.

6 January 2015

Living my Dream in 2015

I

By Ash Davito

Contributing Writer

have always been ambitious, even as a kid growing up in Houston. What inspired me the most as a child were the community events I would attend with my mother. She was a public school teacher for many years and wanted her students who were less fortunate to experience the same things she did for me and my brothers.

That’s when I learned the power of networking. My mother would network at these events and soon after, many of the greatest professional athletes in Houston were guest speakers for the

students at her school.

I’ve always wanted to live my dreams, and my dream was to be “that guy” speaking to hundreds of kids telling them they can live their dreams also.

First, you have to plant the seeds. What I mean by that is you have to do the work that is in your heart to accomplish your goal. You have to believe in yourself and know when to encourage yourself when necessary, just as you would nourish the seeds you plant by watering them. Most often, the community is depending on you just as much as you are depending on the community. Every great project needs a leader and you just may be the one. There is a child somewhere in the world right now who needs to hear about your experience and ex-

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pertise, most importantly to know that they need to have a dream and know it’s possible to reach.

In 2014, I planted seeds – writing a movie script, casting for the script and filming and editing the movie.

In return, I would have a platform to help hundreds of talented people reach their dreams, premiere my film to the world and have a gateway to leverage me as a guest speaker to inspire m o r e youth.

Because I planted those seeds in 2014, I can look forward to a harvest of Living the Dream in 2015!

January 2015 7

(Part 1 of a 2-Part Series)

Making it Happen in 2015: 5 Choices to Stop Doing

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

S

Contributing Writer

o, you are excited about what the coming year has in store for you. You are armed with a laundry list of New Year’s Resolutions about how you are going to be the ‘new you.’ But before you get too ecstatic about all the new happenings in your life, let me stop you right there. For 2015, let’s start off with stopping things that are toxic and not positive for us. I have compiled a list of the five most important things you should stop doing. After reflecting on many of the things people did in 2014, I have summed up these top five as the most pivotal to stop doing for 2015.

watching reality TV You #1 Stop may ask ‘what’s the harm?’ The truth is that these individuals (reality stars) are getting paid for you to watch them. Their publicity and cash flow increases with the more viewers they acquire who give them notoriety

by continuously watching. Many people view these shows and generalize an entire race as behaving in the same inappropriate and unacceptable manner that many of the characters on the show portray. It is deplorable and does not further the community or the next generation in any positive way. Sure, it may be difficult to stop watching at first because many people have become addicted to this lower form of entertainment. However, it is possible to stop. Start by weaning yourself off of them and doing something more productive with your time, such as reading to improve yourself.

are in. Often times there are unforeseen circumstances that you cannot control (example: natural disasters).

Other circumstances are ones that you have put yourself in due to either immaturity, not seriously thinking about a decision before making it, or being careless. Accept what mistakes you have made, learn from them and move

saying what you are go#5 Stop ing do. This is critical for you

fabricating sto#2 Stop ries about what you

have. This is so prevalent because of the inundation of social media. People post so many “selfie” pictures of leased vehicles, watches, phones, houses, etc. It is irrelevant because what point does it really serve to brag about a certain lifestyle? The reality is that most people are working class and can aspire to more if they put their minds to it and not focus on inflating themselves to make others envious of something they have not acquired or actually do not have.

#3

Stop blaming others for situations/circumstances that you

if everyone looked and acted the same (similar to the Stepford Wives and Robots). Uniqueness is what makes the world lively and different. The individuals who have figured this caveat out are the people that continue to impact society on a large scale. Be you and let the world see who “YOU” are and embrace the essence of what you bring to the table that no one else but you does.

on. Do not hold others accountable for what decisions you have made. Do not make excuses for why you are not where you feel you should be, but accept your current reality and do what it takes to get out from under a situation/circumstance that does not serve you well. trying to be a carbon#4 Stop copy of everyone else. You were

designed with a purpose. Earnestly seek to figure out what that purpose is because the world would be boring

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to make it happen in 2015. Do not tell tons of people about all the things you plan to do or what you are “gone-do” reminiscent of the “gone-do” tribe that I wrote about last year. “Gone-do” tribe people are those who are always saying what they “gone-do,” but never actually do. If you would like to accomplish something, it requires action to words; not just words. This is what keeps many stagnated and not progressing in life.

Like Nike says: “Just do it!” Besides, if you keep telling everyone your great ideas, someone is going to decide to take one of those and make some serious money off of it.

Let us all get in a position where we can say that we are not talking about making strides but are actually doing it with action (making it happen)! Stay tuned for the Part Two of “Making It Happen 2015: 5 Choices to Start Making” in which choices are outlined to start doing this year.

8 January 2015

MLK Jr

Memorial Project

Seeks Partnerships to Continue to Impact and Educate the Community

By Valerie Jones Associate Editor

H

ouston’s MLK Jr. Statue and Memorial Plaza is a testament to more than three decades of hard work, perseverance and dedication by several organizations and individuals – namely Ovide Duncantell, founder and CEO of the Black Heritage Society.

The official unveiling of the 12-foot-tall statue of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. took place in May 2014 at the MLK Memorial Plaza in MacGregor Park in front of community members and leaders. The memorial plaza serves as a significant reminder, a treasured piece of history, a place in which adults of all generations can come and reflect. Community members are encouraged to bring their families and children to the memorial plaza and use it as a learning opportunity to share the history and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. “The entire Houston community owes thanks and gratitude to Ovide Duncantell for his perseverance,” said Sylvester Brown, Project Manager for the Black Heritage Society. “He has been the greatest contributor to the City of Houston now having one of the few MLK, Jr. statues and memorial plazas in the entire country.”

Brown described the statue and memorial plaza as ground zero for many civil rights issues.

“For example, the Michael Brown protests in Houston extended from the gathering at the memorial, which had more than 2,000 participants,” he said. “The memorial plaza at MacGregor Park is ground zero for civil rights issues that affect our community – locally and nationally.”

In addition to spreading the importance of the statue and memorial plaza, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Project seeks collaborative partnerships with for-profit and nonprofit organizations to assist in execution of programs that educate the youth in the community about the life, legacy and history of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. “There’s so many of today’s youth who are unaware of the sacrifices that were made at the behest of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement which allow them the opportunity to enjoy the things they enjoy today,”

said Brown. “It is incumbent on our adult community who witnessed those sacrifices to pass the knowledge on to the future generation. We need partners to make it grow…we need the entire for-profit and nonprofit community to support the MLK Memorial Project.”

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Project currently partners with numerous organizations – including S.H.A.P.E. Community Center, Citgo Petroleum, dmars.com, H-E-B, North Houston Frontiers Club, Radio One, Houston First Corporation, Who Am I Incorporated and Barbara Jordan Endeavors – to promote the STEM Challenge, which includes numerous programs.

One of those programs, I’m Just Game’in, is a video design game challenge that empowers students to create their own video games and promotes rigorous learning and encourages creativity, computational thinking and enables STEM education. The program is administered

by IMPACT and supervised by its educational director Eboni Davis.

The MLK, Jr. Memorial Project aims to introduce several new programs and implement new initiatives, such as creating a committee to help with a membership drive for the Black Heritage Society, implementing new technologies and increasing its educational

reach through social media.

“We’ll be launching a fundraising program that will allow for members of our community to place their names or the names of their family members or loved ones on brick pavers inside of the memorial plaza to remain forever,” Brown said. “This program is expected to kick off in late February.

Duncantell expressed that his greatest fear is having the Martin Luther King, Jr. statue vandalized or desecrated due to lack of security.

“The paver fundraiser would allow the statue and memorial plaza to be protected with today’s newest security technology,” he said.

To learn more about the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Project or find out ways to get involved and/ or donate, visit http://houstonmlkjrmemorial.org/.

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January 2015 9

Live in Your Dream Space

Y

By Linda Lindsay

Contributing Writer

ou can begin 2015 by making dramatic transformations in your living environment. Whether it is a renovation, remodel, restoration or simply a makeover, let us look at how we can make some exciting things happen in your environment for the New Year.

Design Tips • Do classic updates for everyday living, creating a Modern, Transitional or Traditional home • Trust and believe in your instincts which will allow you to create a style that celebrates your lifestyle • Start off with a goal and a plan: Walk through each area of your home and create lists of priorities • Study design solutions for a luxury lifestyle goal • Include your outside space – the pool

area adds to your overall extravagant design oasis • Create some extraordinary interior designs motivations that can happen through space planning or architectural changes • Reflect on your own personal style… on your own or with a designer • Use accessories making a statement with eclectic items • Change floors from rugs to hardwood or tile • Consider new marble or granite for countertops • Shop Smart for new furnishings • Look at areas of the home such as the bathrooms and make them a desirable space

• Purchase new appliances for the Kitchen • Create personality areas – this can be done by changing backsplash areas (not only in the kitchen or bathroom) – use decorative tiles to enhance in other areas such as the dressing room or accent wall in any area of your space

o This can be done with paint, but to get a real WOW factor, use behind a bed or on your TV wall

o I call this JEWLERY FOR YOUR HOME – a selection of special accent tiles • Intimate spaces require special attention (i.e. bathroom and Bedrooms) – these

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areas allow you to start your dream resulting in a sensational feeling and fresh start • When looking for special finds, think comfort, style and functionality • Bring in vibrant colors along with artistic lighting fixtures • Art – shop at galleries or auctions to add to your art collection • Photography – show off the family pictures in great Frames (Black and White photos are timeless) • Bedroom makeovers are one of the best gifts you can give yourself and others • Add window treatments and make sure they are tailored • Children’s rooms should be functional and cute • Make sure that all parties are involved in any design process of shared spaces • Learn to trust your taste • Ask yourself two questions before finishing a design project:

o What makes the space SPECIAL?

o What will make it more SPECIAL? Life is beautiful so live it in an environment that you and everyone you share it with will just absolutely love.

Live in your Dream Space for the Year 2015!!

Linda Lindsay Flip Flop Designer

10  January 2015

Woodforest National Bank and Barbara Jordan Endeavors Team Up to Help Out the Community During the Holidays

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January 2015 11

Living the Dream

By Charlotte Jackson

W

Contributing Writer

hen you hear the word ‘Dream,’ maybe you think about former Houston Rockets player Hakeem “The Dream” Olajuwon or “The American Dream” so many of us heard about while growing up. Or, perhaps you are like me: you think of that historical speech by the late Dr Martin Luther King, Jr. For many of my friends, they grew up with a copy of that famous speech in their living room or perhaps even on a bedroom wall. As a Caucasian female being raised in the South, it was not something that I was familiar with until I left home. And yet somehow, those words have guided much of my life.

In my heart, I believe that every person is created equal and should have the opportunity to live their life seeking the dreams that God has given

them. As I face the challenges of each day, I remind myself that others had to fight hard to get what they wanted and that in doing so, they appreciated the end result so much more than if it had been given to them. At times, when discouragement could have set in due to the circumstances around me, I found the energy to get up and move—sometimes facing mountains but knowing that if that dream is important enough, the battle is equally important.

I often wonder if we have instilled these same values in our children and the others around us. We turn on the

news and see where so many young people want the easy, quick and often illegal way to accomplish something.

We see the predatory payday loan stores popping up on every block.

They offer QUICK cash advances and car title loans with ridiculous fees, yet when you are desperate, or you have not been taught to handle your finances, you are willing to pay the price. The calendar barely changes from December and we see signs encouraging us to “Hurry in today with your last check stub of the year and file your taxes for a QUICK return.”

Amazing that in the small print you

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read that it is costing you 10 to 30 percent of your refund.

Unless you have been living under a rock, you already know that there is a war on our young people. Gangs, drug dealers and generations of absentee parents force young teenagers to grow up too quickly and get involved in drugs and crime, which lead to instant gratification (as well as a criminal record or even death) but for a young person without a mentor or a foundation, it is a quicker way than asking for help in enrolling in college and working their way to success.

I look around and see young adults who were not encouraged to pursue an education and they are working in unhealthy industries such as sexually oriented businesses or selling drugs.

They have learned too quickly how to work “the system” and qualify for government benefits and even get mad if they have to wait to qualify. It is easier for many to lie to qualify rather than put forth the effort and follow rules.

What sort of dreams to they have?

What dreams are they teaching their children about?

So, bringing all of this back to living the dream of which Dr. King spoke.

What am I going to do differently this year to not only fulfill my dream, but teach others that hard work pays off?

What can I do to help someone else?

Why is it my responsibility to help someone I don’t even know? I think most of you will agree that in order to live “the dream,” we must first realize it is not about us, but about being part of something much greater.

Today, I challenge myself and you to make a list of what it will take to see the dream come true.

12 January 2015

Remembering Dr.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Jan. 15, 1929 – Apr. 4, 1968

A

n honored, noble and respected leader in the Civil Rights Movement, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is a hero and role model to so many. With his practicing and preaching of non-violence, he educated the masses as a pastor, activist and humanitarian. His life and untimely death will forever be remembered and celebrated. King’s is a legacy that spans decades and will continue to live on forever.

Here is an excerpt from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s famed “I Have a Dream” Speech delivered Aug. 28, 1963 on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. during a civil rights march:

“…It would be fatal for the nation to overlook the urgency of the moment. This sweltering summer of the Negro’s legitimate discontent will not pass until there is an invigorating autumn of freedom and equality. Nineteen sixty-three is not an end, but a beginning. And those who hope that the Negro needed to blow off steam and will now be content will have a rude awakening if the nation returns to business as usual. And there will be neither rest nor tranquility in America until the Negro is granted his citizenship rights. The whirlwinds of revolt will continue to shake the foundations of our nation until the bright day of justice emerges.

But there is something that I must say to my people, who stand on the warm threshold which leads into the palace of justice: In the process of gaining our rightful place, we must not be guilty of wrong ful deeds. Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred.

We must forever conduct our struggle on the high plane of dignity and discipline. We must not allow our creative protest to degenerate into physical violence. Again and again, we must rise to the majestic heights of meeting physical force with soul force.

The marvelous new militancy which has engulfed the Negro community must not lead us to a distrust of all white people, for many of our white brothers, as evidenced by their presence here today, have come to realize that their destiny is tied up with our destiny. And they have come to realize that their freedom is inextricably bound to our freedom.

We cannot walk alone.

And as we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall always march ahead.

We cannot turn back...”

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January 2015 13

What’s Your Valentine’s Day Personality?

How Anyone Can Make the Day Special Whether you’re a hopeless romantic or you don’t believe in Cupid at all, everyone celebrates Valentine’s Day in their own special way. From a fancy date or girls’ night in, to a festive class party with the kids, there are activities and treats to suit every type of Valentine’s personality out there. Which one are you?

gestures that come from the heart.

Start by sending messages to the special people in your life. For a significant other, you might text famous romantic quotes throughout the day to show your love. Then, skip the expensive flowers and get crafty by making Sweetheart Roses with HERSHEY’S KISSES chocolates, which come in special pink and red foils for the holiday. Simply wrap two KISSES chocolates in cellophane or plastic wrap to create a rosebud shape and then attach your creation to florist wire and wrap it in green florist tape.

Add a little note saying how much you care for a finishing touch. This gift is a sweet treat and you won’t have to worry about it wilting.

• The Hopeless Romantic

• The Last-Minute Cupid

Do you wear your heart on your sleeve?

Do you look forward to Valentine’s Day every year as a time to celebrate the people you love? Then you are a hopeless romantic and you embrace everything that Valentine’s Day stands for. For you, the day should be filled with thoughtful

If you are the person who waits until the commute home to swing by the store for your sweetie’s gift, you are a last-minute cupid. You like Valentine’s Day, but you are not known to plan ahead. Fortunately, there’s no need to worry with a few quick and impressive

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ideas for special gifts.

To start, a handwritten card is always appreciated. Simply say what’s in your heart – you don’t have to be Shakespeare. When the words are your own, your loved one will know you genuinely care. Next, attach a gift that signifies all the sweet things in life.

• The Class Parent In classrooms across the country, Valentine’s Day is a special time to celebrate friendship at school. If you’re the class mom or dad, you know the class will be counting on you to help the kids get ready for this special day and prepare all the cards and goodies.

Help students celebrate their friends by having them make their own cards.

Use construction paper, ribbon, glitter and stickers to help your kids make customized cards for classmates. Then, add a sweet treat that are sure to be a classroom favorite.

Parents can also start a new family tradition at home and show their kids how much they care by giving them Valentine’s Day baskets.

Fill the basket with

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impressive treats such as chocolates or fruit candies.

• The Playful Platonic

If you think that Valentine’s Day is more fun spent with friends, then you have a playful platonic personality. You don’t need all the mushy over-the-top romanticism – you know the true loves of your life are your friends and you want to use this day to celebrate everything they mean to you.

For example, you might meet with your favorite buds for happy hour or spend the evening at home swapping manis and pedis with your best girlfriends.

This is the perfect time to flip through some pictures and take a trip down memory lane. Make your home a festive oasis by filling a candy dish throughout the night.

No matter your Valentine’s Day personality, there are simple ways to make the day extra special. From yummy treats to sweet gestures, you’ll show the loved ones in your life you care – today and every day of the year. – (BPT)

14  January 2015

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16  January 2015

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