Community Journal 47

Community Journal

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August 2015

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The Power of Effective Communication

Hearing God’s Still & Small Voice

By Minister Eugenie Doualla Elijah needed to hear from God, and thankfully he had a sensitive ear towards God, even though his circumstances had frightened him.

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PAGES 4-5

The Benefits of Cogent Conversations

By Frenetta Tate The ability to exchange information in a way that furthers understanding and promotes clarity is crucial to ensuring that our messages are getting the attention we believe they deserve.

Using the Power of Effective Communication to Help Your Community

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PAGE 14

Winning with Words

By Pastor Alan Some say actions speak louder than words, but I say that words have the power to make people act.

PAGE 12

Ivy Taylor Makes History as San Antonio’s First African-American Mayor

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In the Community…

I had no idea that history was being made. I was just tired of giving up.

-- Rosa Parks

August 2015 3

Journal Behind The

Publisher’s Message

MR. D-MARS

SR. PUBLISHER Keith J. Davis, Sr.

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT Kevin Davis

VICE PRESIDENT Kim Floyd

As an entrepreneur, the power of effective communication has helped make d-mars.com what it is today. Because of the support of the city and the community, I find it necessary to pay it forward in the community. The theme for this month’s Community Journal is The Power of Effective Communication. I want you to get inspired to use your power of effective communication.

ACCOUNTING MANAGER Eugenie Doualla

Office Manager Johnny Ray Davis, Jr.

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

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Dawn Paul

This month’s cover is celebrating some of the most influential leaders in Houston. It is of great importance to dmars.com that we pay tribute and honor some of Houston’s leadership who are using their power of effective communication to help make our city a better place to live. This month’s cover will encourage you to use your power of effective communication.

As always, thank you for your continued support of d-mars.com. When you support us, 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.

PHOTOGRAPHY L.C. Poullard Grady Carter Tony Gaines

MULTIMEDIA DIRECTOR Andrea Hennekes

LAYOUT & GRAPHIC DESIGNER Angel Rosa

DISTRIBUTION Booker T. Davis, Jr. Rockie Hayden

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Minister Eugenie Doualla Frenetta Tate Pastor Alan Linda Lindsay Evangelist J.J. Simmons d-mars.com News Provider

MR. D-MARS

Contents Using the Power of Effective Communication to Help Your Community............................................................................................................. 4-5 Hearing God’s Still & Small Voice.........................................................................................................................................................................................6 The Benefits of Cogent Conversations...............................................................................................................................................................................8 Win with Effective Communication.....................................................................................................................................................................................8 In the Community................................................................................................................................................................................................................10-11 Winning with Words...............................................................................................................................................................................................................12 Your Home..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................13 Ivy Taylor Makes History as San Antonio’s First African-American Mayor.............................................................................................................14 8 Simple Tips to Designing Safe Living Spaces for Seniors........................................................................................................................................15 How to Connect When You Communicate........................................................................................................................................................................16

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4  August 2015

Using the Power of Effective Communication to Help Your Community

By Dawn Paul

prosper. Are you using your power of effective communication to help better the community around you? If you don’t think you have that power in you, you’re wrong. You have the power to use your communication in ways unimaginable that can continue to help make Houston one of the best places to live.

For almost 20 years, d-mars.com has been inspiring, informing and educating the community with quality content. There is power in our effective communication. Without the support of the community and the great leaders in our city, some of our successes would not be possible. Not only do we use our effective communication to highlight star power, political figures and other notables, but we also use our communication power to highlight those unsung heroes who are doing selfless work and may not be receiving the recognition they deserve.

Associate Editor

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e are blessed to live in one of the largest and most diverse cities in the nation.

Houston, Texas is constantly growing. Houston has numerous business opportunities, but there are also several opportunities to get involved in the community. Houston is one of the most populous cities in the country, and there are countless opportunities to roll your sleeves up and use your talents to help make for a better community. This theme for this issue of the d-mars.com Community Journal is The Power of Effective Communication. There is amazing leadership in this city that helps make the Houston community thrive and

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August 2015 5

d-mars.com is known for celebrating and paying tribute to some of the great leaders in our city, whether it be successes in the business world or their involvement in the community. Our events highlight Houston’s most influential, and they are examples of what can happen when effective communication is used in a selfless way.

There are many great leaders in our city who are using their power of effective communication to raise awareness for diseases, social issues and other causes.

You may think that the leader you see speaking at the podium or in the media has a power that you don’t have. The truth is, you have that power inside of you, but you haven’t used it yet.

Many people think that the individual in the front is a more important communicator than the individual behind the scenes. The power of effective communication can be used in several different ways. Communication is not just important on a large scale, but a small scale as well. It doesn’t matter if you are using your communication to help thousands, hundreds or even a few. The important thing to remember is that as long as you are using your power of effective communication to help better the lives of those around you, that’s what matters.

Don’t think you have the power in you to make for a better community? Well, you are mistaken. Like some of the leaders highlighted in this issue are using their power to make great change, you can too.

There are limitless ways to help make this community better that you may not even be aware of. Remember, don’t focus on

the number of people, as much as how your involvement can help better the lives around you in Houston.

Education.com lists some great ways to make a difference in the community: 1. Help teach a younger child to read.

2. Help cook and/or serve a meal at a homeless shelter.

3. Gather clothing from your neigh-

bors and donate it to a local shelter.

4. Make “I Care” kits with combs, toothbrushes, shampoo, etc. for the homeless.

5. Pack and hand out food at a local food bank.

6. Adopt a “grand friend” and write them letters and visit them.

7. Visit senior citizens at a nursing home.

8. Rake leaves, shovel snow, clean gutters or wash windows for a senior citizen.

9. Pick up groceries or medicine for an elderly person.

10. Go for a walk with a senior citizen in your community.

11. Deliver meals to homebound individuals.

12. Teach a senior friend how to use a computer and the Internet.

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13. Tutor a student that needs help learning English or another subject.

14. Clean up a vacant lot or park.

15. Plant flowers in public areas that could use some color.

16. Read books or the newspaper on tape for visually impaired people.

17. Bring toys to children in the cancer ward of a hospital.

18. Contact your local political representative about key issues.

19. Register people to vote.

20. Clean up trash along a river, beach or in a park.

There is power in effective communication. This cover story highlights some of Houston’s leadership and should encourage and inspire you to use your power of effective communication to help Houston continue to be one of the best places to live. Houston is filled with amazing people of diverse backgrounds, and that is one of the things that makes our city great. Leaders and residents in Houston using their talents in selfless ways to help those in need helps make Houston great.

The power is in you to get involved and make great change. Use the power in you!

6 August 2015

Hearing God’s Still & Small Voice Minister Eugenie Doualla

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Contributing Writer

lijah needed to hear from God, and thankfully he had a sensitive ear towards God, even though his circumstances had frightened him. He had experienced tremendous victory, but afterwards, he ran for his life, hid in a cave and prayed to God to die. Knowing Elijah’s needs, God taught Elijah a wonderful lesson about what his voice sounds like. As Elijah waited on God, He demonstrated His power through wind, earthquake and fire. But God was not in those things. Instead, He spoke to Elijah in a still and small voice (I Kings 19:12) and gave instructions for Elijah’s next mission. Elijah obeyed the still and small voice of the Lord.

Elijah’s story helps us to understand how to hear God when we need direction. God did not reassure Elijah with a showy or flashy manifestation of power.

Instead, God spoke to His prophet through a still, small voice. He still

chooses to communicate directly to His children through a whisper deep within the spirit.

The Bible tells us that God is a spiritual being, and those who worship Him, must worship Him in spirit and in truth (John 4:24). Jesus explained that some people do not hear the voice of God, because they do not believe in Him, and they do not have His Word living in their hearts (John 5:37–40). He taught that we must be born again in order to hear His voice (John 3:7). When we hear His whisper, even though we cannot tell where it comes from, our ears become tuned in to hear the Master’s voice. He whispers to convict, correct and direct us by a still and small voice deep within our hearts.

Today’s Prayer: Father, I thank you that you are a sovereign God, and you never forsake your children. Thank you for teaching us your ways,

so we are not lost anytime we need direction or understanding. Thank you that your Word is a lamp to our path and a light to our feet when there are difficulties in life. We thank you that your love never ceases to amaze us. We proclaim your majesty at all times. We ask you to touch your children that are separated from you, and bring them back to you, so they can start anew and rebuild that relationship with you.

In the precious name of Jesus Christ we pray.

Alleluia!!

In my daily reading of God’s Word, I also refer to the teachings and writings of other ministers.

This submission was inspired by Joyce Meyer (www.joycemeyer.org). Follow me on Facebook at Eugenie Doualla.

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8 August 2015

The Benefits of Cogent Conversations

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Frenetta Tate

Contributing Writer

he ability to exchange information in a way that furthers understanding and promotes clarity is crucial to ensuring that our messages are getting the attention we believe they deserve.

Cogent conversations are meaningful, effective and clarity-focused. Information is exchanged between people in a way that promotes a variety of helpful benefits and transformational experiences. As a result, these conversations create better relationships and enhance our lives in seamless ways. Without such communication, we can experience a great deal of chaos that can be felt immediately. There are many benefits of cogent communications, but the main benefits are that they can break

down barriers, demolish walls of prejudice and bring enlightenment and understanding in relationships.

Breaking barriers is not isolated to the glass ceiling or being the first to achieve a major accomplishment in diversitystarved industries or sports. We can break down barriers in our everyday communications with one another. We can demolish walls of prejudice right where we stand through active listening and an honest desire to comprehend without prejudices clouding the view.

Cogent communication imparts knowledge and brings understanding. That knowledge serves as a light shining in a place where there has been a lack of

enlightenment.

This intellectual or spiritual light clears the path for an even deeper understanding.

Through our communication, we reveal truths and expand minds. This happens when we are willing to explore other perspectives that stretch and build upon our current knowledge. We can bring healing through our words and even diminish someone else’s suffering by speaking words of liberation.

We restore hope and reconcile relationships, promote self-expression and empower others to speak with boldness and confidence by encouraging them to use their voice and be heard. Cogent

communication can quell arguments, often trading misunderstandings for comradery. At times, the exchange of ideas can spark an interest that blazes a new trail, promotes learning and becomes a catalyst for personal and professional growth. A healthy exchange can even create an atmosphere where love, forgiveness and unity abound.

These benefits and more are ours in abundance when we choose to shift our conversations to seek and extract meaningful experiences that can have a positive effect on our relationships with others and within our communities.

Below please see a little inspiration from me to you titled “Choose Faith.”

We can’t have fear and faith at the same time, because they are opposites. Faith cancels out fear, and fear cancels out faith. Fear paralyzes you.

Faith propels you. Fear sees nothing.

Faith sees possibilities. So we choose whether we want a life of fearfilled, paralyzing nothingness or a faith-filled life of propelling possibilities. Let’s choose faith.

Frenetta Tate is a Certified Life Empowerment Coach and CEO of EmpowerMe365 Innovative Business Solutions. She can be reached on Twitter at @frenettatate and on Facebook at frenettatatespeaks.

Win with Effective Communication

By Dawn Paul

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Associate Editor

his month’s theme for the Community Journal is The Power of Effective Communication. You may not realize it or believe it, but it’s true that effective communication can produce winning results. How you communicate in your personal and professional life can help you to win. Communication can be intimidating for some people, as everyone is not a natural speaker. If you are one of those who are insecure when it comes to communicating, no worries.

Communication is like riding a bicycle.

The more you do it, the better you get at it. It’s important to remember that the person you see speaking in front of thousands of people didn’t start off as a speaking guru. It takes time to develop that skill. Just like they mastered communication, you can too. I encourage you to face your fear of communicating, believe in yourself and start to win. You are an effective communicator, but you have to believe it. There is power in your communication.

Below are 10 verbal communication tips from www.littlethingsmatter.com.

These communication tips may be helpful in your personal and professional life.

10 Verbal Communication Tips 1. Be friendly. People who communicate with a friendly tone and warm smile

almost always have the edge. The reason is simple. We are subconsciously drawn to people who are friendly, because they make us feel good and bring more enjoyment to our lives.

2. Think before you speak. Many people say whatever goes through their minds, without putting any thought into what they are saying. As a result, they say things that end up reflecting poorly on themselves.

3. Be clear. Most of us don’t have the time, nor do we want to spend our emotional energy to figure out what someone else is trying to say. People who are indirect in their verbal communication and who tend to hint at things without saying what’s really on their mind are seldom respected. When there is

something you want to say, ask yourself, “What is the clearest way I can communicate this point?”

4. Don’t talk too much. Talking too much can be a big turn off to many people. Very few people like to be around someone who talks too much and dominates the conversation.

5. Be your authentic self. People are turned off by those people who feel the need to put on a show to make their point. Instead, people are attracted to someone who speaks from the heart and is genuine, transparent and real.

6. Practice humility. When you have humility, you have a modest view of your own importance. It is one of the most attractive personality traits one can possess, and it is one of the most

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significant predictors of someone who is respected. People who speak with humility and genuine respect for others are almost always held in high regard.

7. Speak with confidence. You don’t have to sacrifice self-confidence to practice humility. Speaking with confidence includes the words you choose, the tone of your voice, your eye contact and body language.

8. Focus on your body language.

When you are engaged in face-to-face verbal communication, your body language can play a significant role in the message you communicate and the words you speak. Your body language communicates respect and interest. It puts real meaning behind your words.

9. Be concise. Plan ahead. Constantly ask yourself, “How can I say what needs to be said using the fewest number of words possible, while still being courteous and respectful?”

10. Learn the art of listening. Being an attentive listener is more important in verbal communication than any words that can come out of your mouth.

You must show a sincere interest in what is being said, ask good questions, listen for the message within the message and avoid interrupting.

No matter what the situation, whether it’s in your personal or professional life, you can win with effective communication skills. It’s all about the power of effective communication. I encourage you to get out there with confidence and use your communication skills. You can do it! You can win!

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10 August 2015

In the Community…

To View More Photos, Visit Our Website www.d-mars.com and Click on ‘Photos’

History Makers Misty Copeland and Lauren Anderson Speak at Kingdom Builders Center

Blazers and Bowties Event at NOEL Fine Furniture Design Center

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In the Community…

August 2015 11

To View More Photos, Visit Our Website www.d-mars.com and Click on ‘Photos’

Industrial Welding Academy

2015 City of Houston Public Mayoral Candidate Community Forum at Mt. Zion Baptist Church

Houston Community College

Go DJ Awards

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12 August 2015

Winning with Words

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Pastor Alan

Contributing Writer

ome say actions speak louder than words, but I say that words have the power to make people act. The power to effectively communicate does not resonate so much with the ability someone has with talking, as it is the capability someone has in trusting the one who is communicating.

Interestingly, the profound effect of communication has nothing to do with anything external. Effective communicators have the power to make people act, and they know how to win with words.

Let’s consider the following three keys: First, INSPIRATION. Individuals who have the ability to inspire people to change their circumstances, climates and conditions, are people who win with words. Oprah inspired her guests through the power of her proclamation.

You can walk into The Potter’s House in

Dallas, Texas one way and leave out the sanctuary another way, because Bishop Jakes has the kind of power to inspire in his proclamations.

Second, MOTIVATION. Oprah’s

talk show lasted for 25 years on television, and it was one of the highest rated talk shows in the history of television. This success was not just because she inspired people but because she also motivated

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people. Inspiration is good, but motivation is better. Motivation pushes you into action. Bishop Jakes is so good in his proclamations, that many call him a motivational speaker. His words move someone beyond the level of inspiration and into the sphere of motivation.

Finally, ACTIVATION. Oprah has the ability to do what few people can do, and that is make us act based upon her motivation. When people leave The Potter’s House on a Sunday after a worship service, Bishop Jakes very likely called them to the point of action. After being motivated by the message and inspired by the individual, people feel motivated to act. That’s the power of winning with words.

There’s no secret to what God can do, and what He’s done for others, He can do for you too. If we focus more on the internal rather than the external, we too can develop the gift to win with words.

Before we know it, we can become an inspiration, providing motivation that moves people to the point of activation and change. Actions may speak louder than words, but words have the power to make us act. Start winning with your words today.

Pastor Alan is the Pastor at Mount Corinth Church located at 4901 Providence Street, Houston, Texas 77020.

August 2015 13

Your Home

By Linda Lindsay

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Contributing Writer

hat is your home saying about who you are? When you visit a home as a guest, a tourist or even a potential buyer, the first thing you see is the outside. The exterior of a home can speak volumes about what is contained within it and about what is important to the home’s inhabitants as well. How do you communicate within the walls of your environment?

All living spaces should tell stories, and each home should be designed with a different concept in mind.

Listed are some valuable tips to

help you communicate your style: • Large windows with sheer panels allow light to flood the room, giving it a sense of warmth.

• Lots of light from large windows gives a room an almost ethereal feel.

• Custom drapery treatments play a starring role in your space.

• In the main living area, using primary colors allow the walls to pop, yet not be glaring.

• Play with colors, lights, shapes, textures and materials to create spaces that are truly unique, but always feel comforting.

• For a calming and luxurious feel, use color choices and soft textures that are reminiscent of a spa escape.

In a kitchen and dining area, showcase white walls with plenty of natural light and wood accents. It will be a minimalist feel, but will be far from sparse with textured curtains and uniquely shaped furnishings. Also, in the kitchen and dining areas, make sure there is no clutter, both figuratively and visually. This area will scream you are welcomed to eat in this space.

In the living area, furnishings can be a bit more whimsical. A beautiful textured wall behind the sofa, an artistic lamp and a woven rug create a very cozy feel in the room, while sticking with the same color palette and feel as the rest of the home.

Clever storage options should be

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found throughout the home in your guest rooms, built-in wood closets and under the bed drawers. This gives plenty of room for clothes, toys and other items. Play with texture, but take a more natural feel that will speak in volumes, expressing how confident you are. In the hallways, speak who you are by showcasing YOUR favorite artist on the walls. Art is a very personal expression. In the bathroom, a rug acts as a focal point in the otherwise minimal, but still beautiful space.

Place greenery lightly in just about every room. This expresses your love of nature.

Remember, your home should tell visitors who you are.

14 August 2015

Ivy Taylor

Makes History as San Antonio’s First African-American Mayor

By Dawn Paul

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Associate Editor

here is great power and responsibility in a leadership position. This is especially true of those who are leading a city.

Ivy Taylor was recently elected and sworn in as San Antonio’s first African-American mayor. Taylor is a history maker, and when you make history, your leadership can be of great influence and inspiration. Being the first African-American mayor in this city’s history, this is more than just a title, but a great opportunity for Taylor to leave a legacy of greatness for the next generation to follow.

A native New Yorker, Taylor was raised in a house with parents who instilled in her old fashioned values.

With these old fashioned values, she was also raised to make God a priority. As a young person, college was not on her radar. Her parents were not adamant about education, but when she got accepted into Yale University, it was then that her mother expressed that college was always a dream for her daughter. Like many who have humble beginnings, she was the first in her family to earn a college education. After receiving her undergraduate degree from Yale University, she went on to earn a Master’s Degree in City and Regional Planning from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill.

Taylor started her career in the City of San Antonio with the Housing and Community Development Department and the Neighborhood Action Department. Taylor has worked with several neighborhood associations, nonprofit organizations and developers to facilitate inner city redevelopment. Taylor also served as Vice Presi-

dent at Merced Housing Texas. While at Merced, Taylor worked tirelessly to create and implement programs that would improve family stability for those living in apartment communities.

Taylor was appointed to serve as Mayor of San Antonio in 2014, to

fulfill Julian Castro’s unexpired term as mayor. Prior to being appointed to this mayoral position, Taylor served as the District 2 City Council Representative. It was during that time she led the effort to bring over $50 million in federal funding for revitalization of

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San Antonio’s Eastside. Taylor’s mindset to focus on growth for San Antonio is one of the factors for her leadership success. Taylor has worked with San Antonio Water Systems, and her additional leadership includes, but is not limited to: • Board for Healthy Futures of Texas • Board for Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Texas • City’s Planning Commission • Commissioner for the City’s Urban Renewal Agency • Advisory Board for Our Lady of the Lake’s Center for Women in Church and Society Though Taylor’s recent accomplishment has given her major national attention and recognition, she has not been basking in the media attention, but has kept her focus on the work she must do as leader of the City of San Antonio. Taylor is not naïve about the great responsibility that she has ahead of her. Taylor knows that San Antonio has provided many people with amazing opportunities. Taylor’s leadership as the Mayor of San Antonio will help the San Antonio community continue to build and grow.

Taylor’s achievement as the first African-American mayor makes a great statement in a city that has a large Hispanic population. In this day and age it’s surprising our country is still talking about firsts, but Taylor sees her leadership role as a way to inspire the next generation. There are many young African-Americans that feel like their choices are limited, but Taylor being the first African-American Mayor of San Antonio will inspire them to believe that anything is possible with hard work. To find out more about Mayor Taylor and the City of San Antonio, please visit www.sanan tonio.gov.

August 2015 15

8 Simple Tips to Designing Safe Living Spaces for Seniors By d-mars.com News Provider

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he saying goes, “With age comes wisdom,” but oftentimes, it also comes with a new set of physical challenges, such as limited mobility and difficulties with hearing and seeing.

That’s why when designing living spaces for seniors, whether in an assisted living community or in your life-long home, safety and comfort take a front seat.

Certain furniture or design elements in your home that made sense before may no longer be practical. Fortunately, experts share there are many options available to address common aging factors, including increased risk of falling or declining vision. It starts by getting a little creative and designing a living environment that promotes continued independence, with form and function Andrea Owensby, senior director of Design for Sunrise Senior Living, explains, “Ensuring your aging loved one’s safety can seem overwhelming at times, but there are a lot of simple changes you can make to help prevent accidents and improve quality of life so that seniors feel more at ease in their homes.”

Andrea and her team suggest these tips: 1. Finesse the furniture: Create an

open living space with larger pathways between furniture, which allows walkers or wheelchairs to easily maneuver the space. Strategically place larger pieces of furniture so they can be used for balance while moving throughout the room.

2. Think lightweight and sturdy: Furniture should be light enough to easily be moved, but also needs to be heavy enough that it won’t slip out from under someone when they’re sitting down or standing up. Having arms on chairs, for example, assists with balance.

3. Take into account shapes: Having round furniture keeps the layout open and protects your loved one from bumping into sharp corners. Switch out round knobs for pulls and levers, which can greatly help those experiencing arthritis.

4. Create an accessible space: Place frequently used items in accessible cabinets and drawers. Keeping items at waistheight eliminates the need to reach high or bend down. This helps to reduce the risk of falls, while promoting independence by encouraging seniors to do things on their own. Also, putting lamps, microwaves and telephones at arms-length eliminates the need to reach and potentially lose balance.

5. Hide your cords: Taping down or tucking away cords eliminates the potential for tripping. The easiest way to do this is to place cords behind and under furniture or along the edges of a room. Visit your local office supply

store, which likely offers cable management products.

6. Avoid scattered rugs: Although decorative, area rugs can be a tripping hazard and increase the risk of falls for seniors. Be sure when they are used you purchase rugs that are non-slip and a contrast color to the floor below so they are easier to detect by aging eyes.

7. Make it practical: When choosing chairs and couches for a home, style is important but most critical is that the pieces are well-designed and purposeful.

Having furniture that is too low, deep, or stiff can make it difficult to get on and off.

8. Leverage lighting options: Using lighting at the right levels for a task can make all the difference. Motion-sensor lights – especially between the bedroom and bathroom – make for easier navigation. Not only is this helping to create a safe environment, you’re also being

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energy conscious! Ensure task areas are well lit to reduce strain on the eyes, and incorporate natural light as much as possible.

Finally, a safely decorated home doesn’t have to sacrifice style or personal touches. Consider recreating the look of a previous home with fewer pieces, or add a common color scheme in a room to add flow and make the space feel larger. Incorporate accessories that are functional, such as colorful trays or boxes, to conveniently store your favorite items.

Top off the room with photos to evoke special memories.

Following these tips can minimize the stress of designing a safe space for your aging loved one and help make their living space still feel like home. For more senior-friendly design tips, including an interactive room layout, full-color design guide and more inspiration, visit SunriseSeniorLiving.com. – BPT

16 August 2015

How to Connect When You Communicate

By Evangelist J.J. Simmons

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Contributing Writer

any people these days are talking, but very few are effectively communicating. Below, please see some key essentials to effectively communicate:

ing to understand it. A few months ago, I was out doing ministry, and I ran into a 60-year-old man who told me as long as he has been in church, he now finally believes in the subject of sowing and reaping a financial seed. That story really blew my mind.

ever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16, New International Version). Jesus didn’t just tell people to believe in Him, but He showed them the benefit of believing in Him. He told them they have received eternal life.

Always Show the Benefit

When people know that we have some type of love in our heart towards them, they listen with their hearts, not with their ears. It’s easy to explain to your

Look at this extremely familiar scripture. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that who-

Communicate in Love

Passion

When you are passionate about the subject at hand, the people who are listening can see, feel and hear your passion. When you are passionate, then and only then, can you persuade and convince your audience. People want to know you believe in what you are proclaiming.

Be Consistent

Do you know why some people end up falling in love with certain people?

It’s not always love at first sight with everybody. Some people communicate their love through their consistency. I heard somebody say when you get tired of hearing something, you are just start-

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spouse about a situation when they know that behind your words you love them.

When people believe you are speaking only with you in mind, they don’t receive your words. Many people are passionate, consistent and are the greatest power point presenters with awesome speaking abilities, but they will not endure for the long haul if they don’t see and hear words of love.

For more wisdom, please visit my website at www.jjsimmons.org.

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