d-mars.com Community Journal 55

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April 2016

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Change Your Mindset

How do we describe five days in paradise?

By 2 Girls Who Travel Valerie Jones & Kim Floyd How do we describe five days in paradise?

PAGES 12-13

PAGES 4-5

Change Your Mindset

By Pastor Ogletree There are many things we should change our minds about, but one that is germane for every age group, socio-economic class, and marital status is health.

Re-Elect Allen Owen for Mayor of Missouri City, Texas

PAGE 16

PAGE 8

Houston Alumni Chapter Kappa League Completes 2nd Annual Eastern College Tour

The Game Changer

By Pastor Alan There is one skill in sports that successfully separates the average athlete from the sensational superstar.

PAGE 20

PAGE 14

In the Community…

NCAA Final Four

How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving, and tolerant of the weak and strong. Because someday in your life you will have been all of these.”Because someday in your life you will have been all of these.”

- George Washington Carver

April 2016 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

ACCOUNTING MANAGER

“Change Your Mindset” is the theme for this issue of the d-mars.com Community Journal. Are you active in your community? Are you contributing to the area that you live in? Are you paying it forward to those around you? It’s time to change your mindset when it comes to serving the community. Don’t worry about doing it big at first, because every little bit helps. Whether you start volunteering at a local community center or help your elderly neighbor, you’re doing something.

Change your mindset and start helping make for a better community.

Eugenie Doualla

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

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Dawn Paul

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 Val Jones - 2 Girls Who Travel Kim Floyd – 2 Girls Who Travel Pastor Alan Stella Alexander Ash Davito Minister Eugenie Doualla Tammi Durden Charlotte Jackson Linda Lindsay J.T. Myers Pastor Ogletree Shelondra Peavy Frenetta Tate d-mars.com News Provider

Mayor Allen Owen is running to be re-elected as Mayor of Missouri City, Texas. Mayor Owen truly loves Missouri City.

He has not only dedicated himself to Missouri City as the Mayor, but as a family man, resident, business leader, and community leader. If re-elected, Mayor Owen has goals for Missouri City moving forward. He wants to continue to have Missouri City be recognized as a great place to live, work, raise a family, and be an active part of a thriving community.

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.

Contents Re-Elect Allen Owen for Mayor of Missouri City, Texas............................................................................................................................................. 4-5 Fatal Distractions.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................6 Allow Your Décor to Change Your Mindset........................................................................................................................................................................6 Motion Picture Mindset........................................................................................................................................................................................................... 7 Houston Alumni Chapter Kappa League.............................................................................................................................................................................8 Rejuvenating Relationships..................................................................................................................................................................................................10 2 Girls Who Travel...............................................................................................................................................................................................................12-13 In the Community: NCAA Men’s Final Four.......................................................................................................................................................................14 Change Your Mindset..............................................................................................................................................................................................................16 Change Your Thinking and Change Your World...............................................................................................................................................................16 You Are What You Think.........................................................................................................................................................................................................18 The Game Changer..................................................................................................................................................................................................................20 Changing the Expected.........................................................................................................................................................................................................20 Step out and See.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................22 The Only Constant..................................................................................................................................................................................................................22

MR. D-MARS Tip of the Month

“One chance is all you need.”

– Jesse Owens

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4 April 2016

Dedicated to Continue to Make

Missouri City the Best City Imaginable

By Dawn Paul

Associate Editor

W

hen you think of Missouri City, Texas, what comes to mind? World class is how Mayor Allen Owen describes this booming city, and he is not alone.

This jewel right outside of Houston has been rated one of the 50 safest cities in Texas to live in. Being ethnically diverse is also on Missouri City’s list of accolades and what also

makes it so attractive. Mayor Owen serving as the Mayor of Missouri City has helped it receive the recognition it truly deserves. Mayor Owen has been serving the citizens of Missouri City, and he’s no stranger to civic duty, as he has held city positions prior to being Mayor that have given him the experience needed and necessary to effectively serve Missouri City and make it the amazing city it is today. Having been a long-time resident of Missouri City, Texas, with his wife and raising 3 children in the city, he has a genuine love for Missouri City, Texas. It is campaign time in Missouri City, and Mayor Owen is gearing up for reelection. He has made great strides for the citizens, and under his leadership, Missouri City now has its first African-American City Manager, Anthony

Snipes. Mayor Owen has proven himself as a great leader that deserves to continue to serve as Mayor of Missouri City, Texas.

Mayor Owen has had a very successful career in the banking industry and working with the city before serving as Mayor has provided him with the extensive experience necessary to effectively lead Missouri City, Texas.

He has served on the Bond Committee, the Planning and Zoning Commission, and the City Council in Missouri City before being elected Mayor.

Though he has the experience, he also has the mindset and spirit to be an effective leader. “Being Mayor doesn’t make me better than the residents. In fact, I would say that I am a resident just like them, which is true, and I want the same things they do. My role as Mayor is to lead the city towards meeting the needs and understanding why they are important to all citizens, not just a few special interest groups,” says Mayor Owen.

Missouri City has been voted as one of 2 Texas cities of the top 50 cities in

Mayor Allen Owen took some time to speak with d-mars. com about his run to be reelected Mayor of Missouri City, Texas.

What are the top concerns of Missouri City residents as of now, and how will you address them if re-elected?

Our major concern is the aging infrastructure.

We must address this in the future. If re-elected, I will work with city leadership and our citizens to deal with aging infrastructure. It is much like your home, in that when you reach the point of doing major repairs, you have to face it and do something. Using my background in finance, I will have to look at the approach that Missouri City must make when it comes to financing this solution.

What are the top concerns of Missouri City business owners as of now, and how will you address them if re-elected?

Most business owners today are concerned about one thing and that is being successful.

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April 2016 5

the USA to live in and one of the safest cities in Texas to live in. Though he has seen his leadership make a positive impact, he does not take this position lightly and knows and understands that the Mayor cannot achieve greatness for the citizens alone. He has worked diligently with elected officials, law enforcement, school officials, and others to get Missouri City where it is today. Mayor Owen is looking for re-election, so he can continue to successfully work with city leaders to help take Missouri City to an even higher level. He knows that there is much more to be done. “One of my greatest accomplishments as Mayor of Missouri City, Texas, is seeing the city rise to being known as one of the safest places to live in Texas. I have seen the city’s growth from a small bedroom community to a thriving metropolitan that now provides a place where everyone is welcome to live and establish themselves in business,” Mayor Owen expresses.

“If re-elected, I will continue to work with City Council and other leaders to ensure that quality of life continues to be the best it can be for the citizens.

That is the goal,” He adds.

Mayor Owen’s List of Supporters Includes: • Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner • MC Police Officers Association • Fort Bend Pastors • MC Fire Fighters Association • Houston Area Asian Church Council • Congressman Al Green

• State Senator John Whitmire • State Senator Rodney Ellis • Constable Ruben Davis • County Judge Bob Hebert • Councilman Jerry Wyatt • Councilman Don Smith • Cary Yates • HVJ PAC • Lineberger Gogan Blair & Sampson, LLP • Houston Area Realtors

“I want to continue serving the citizens of this great city. I will be proud to continue to serve them. During my time as Mayor, I have proven that I can continue to be an effective leader for Missouri City. I am hopeful to be re-elected Mayor, so that I can continue to make Missouri City the best city imaginable. I see many more things that I want to accomplish in Missouri City, and I want to be there to see them done.”

– Mayor Allen Owen

We as a city have to continue to deliver the services that keep the quality of life continuing to improve for our business owners. I work hard with city leaders so that Missouri City is a place where people want to live, want to shop, and want to help the businesses succeed.

If we were to ask business owners in Missouri City about your leadership, what would they say?

As a banker for many years who financed many businesses, I understand the needs of a small business owner. I know what makes them successful and what makes them fail. As a city, we are responsible for seeing that they succeed and do whatever we can to help. I also have had the opportunity over the years to work with larger companies as they began to look at our city as their new home, helping them understand why Missouri City should be their home. Encouraging companies to make Missouri City their home is part of my role as Mayor, and working with our Economic Development Department is part of that role.

In a Rice University study, Missouri City was named “the most ethnically diverse city in the most ethnically diverse region

Association • Margaret Garner

Mayor Owen has received recognition for his leadership and received Time Warner Cable’s Community Partner Award and the American Planning Association’s Visionary Award, but for him it’s not about the accolades. He says, “Having citizens come up to you on the street and thank you makes it all worthwhile. It has been an honor to serve as Mayor, and I want to continue to serve Missouri City, Texas.” Mayor Owen truly loves Missouri City. He has not only dedicated himself to Missouri City as the Mayor, but as a family man, resident, business leader, and community leader. If re-elected, Mayor Owen has goals for Missouri City moving forward. “I want to continue having our city be recognized as a great place to live, work, raise a family, and be an active part of a thriving community. We have so much to offer, and we just need to continue telling our story,” says Mayor Owen.

For more information on Mayor Allen Owen and his platform, please visit www.mayorallenowen.com.

in the country.” Talk about why ethnic diversity is important.

Diversity is another reason we were picked as a top city. There are over 95 languages spoken in our schools today. Having a diverse community is an asset, because it opens doors for economic growth and economic empowerment for all citizens of our city. I am truly proud that Missouri City embraces the different cultures in our city. We have capitalized on that and embraced it as a major asset to our community. Rice University’s study was so important in that it highlighted and exposed what we have known all along.

they understand the importance of these grants.

How has your work with law enforcement made Missouri City a safe place to live?

I have the opportunity to go to Washington, D.C., once a year and ask the Justice Department for grants to help fund our public safety needs. Fortunately over the past years, we have been successful in acquiring grants of $850,000 and most recently $500,000.

These grants allow us to hire additional officers.

We have also received grants from the State of Texas for other needs. Working with our legislators in Washington and Texas to give their support for these grants is my role. We have an excellent working relationship with them, and

Talk about your community involvement.

I believe in giving back to my community.

I lend my support and serve in many organizations such as the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, where I have served for over 45 years. I’m also active with the Fort Bend Women's Shelter, March of Dimes, Fort Bend Community Justice Council, Fort Bend Meals on Wheels, Fort Bend Fair Association (life member), FBI Citizens Academy, DEA Citizens Academy, former Chairman of the Texas 4H Foundation, and the Asian American Family Services Board. I am also an active member of the First United Church.

Talk about the school system in Missouri City, Texas.

We have an excellent school district, and it is one of the major reasons people move here.

It was the reason my family moved here. We have grown from having 2 high schools to now having 7 that serve our students and many more middle and elementary schools. We rank as one of the highest number of people with college level degrees in the state. So, based on that, education is important to our residents, and having a quality school system is critical.

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6 April 2016

Part 1 of a Two Part Series

Fatal Distractions: The Don’ts because if it was, so many people would not succumb to the perils of fatal distractions. However, what I will tell you is that it is possible to not fall prey to fatal distractions often.

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

L

Contributing Writer

ife sometimes presents boulders heading in your direct pathway. Some are through our own doing.

Others are due to just unfortunate circumstances.

However, it is the distractions that we allow to infiltrate our mind that are the most fatal in crushing our spirits and extinguishing the goals that burn within us. Distractions are defined by Webster as “the stirring up or confusing of emotions.” You might think that the most important distractions are the ones that are physical – social media, television shows, or actual people. But the most fatal distractions are the ones that play over and over in your own mind. These breed the internal conflict that starts warring inside of you, diminishing your hope for the future, increasing doubts, replaying of past failures, and stripping your confidence away layer by layer. Fatal distractions are the ones that not only keep you from attaining your goals, but paralyzing you with fear to immobilize you from even trying.

There is a constant struggle you will

Allow Your Décor to Change Your Mindset

have to contend with while here in this society. It is the almost deafening effect of background noise that serves to increase the fatal distractions in your life.

How often have you thought of a great idea, only to dismiss it when the possibility of failure seemed far too great?

When was the last time you attempted something that has never been tried or only yielded few successes? Is it because of the fatal distractions in your head? I will submit to you that we all have at one time or another. What can be done to counteract these fatal distractions?

Believe it or not, it is a process, but one that is not simple, at least at the beginning. Just like habits, it takes at least 30 days and constant, purposeful repetition to make something a part of your daily life. I am not going to tell you it is easy,

Below are some helpful steps to keep you from falling victim to fatal distractions: Step 1: Don’t replay past failures in your head as the reason you cannot attempt or succeed at future endeavors. This requires you as an individual to get out of your own way. This will only serve to further keep you from taking steps to move you forward toward the goals you have. In addition, it will increase the discouragement you may already feel.

Step 2: Don’t engage in conversation with people who don’t have your vision. How can conversing with these types of people be a fatal distraction and not a physical distraction? This is fatal, because negative statements can take root in your mind, increasing the doubts that may be lurking on the top layer of your thoughts.

Step 3: Don’t do mental comparisons of yourself to others. It is like comparing apples to oranges. Though both are fruit, there are distinctive differences in characteristics and appearance. Although you were created as a human being, possessing the basic physical structure that the average person has in common, you were created to be uniquely you. With the uniqueness of who you are, there is a definite purpose you were manufactured on the Earth to fulfill.

Step 4: Don’t associate with individuals who are not showing growth.

People who are the closest to you are the easiest to influence you in one of three possible ways – forward, backward, and stagnant (not moving).

Fatal distractions can keep you from seeing the many gifts that are deep inside of you. It is up to you to consistently crush out this background noise that seeks to keep you bound to an unfulfilled and mediocre life.

Be sure to look for the second part of this two part series, “Fatal Distractions – The Do’s” (What are you going to do?).

---------------------------------------Writer’s Credit: J.T. Myers is also the writer of the article in the February March 2016 issue of the d-mars.com Community Journal titled, "Standing Alone."

closet. Are your closets cluttered? Do you need to throw some things away?

Below are some spring cleaning tips when it comes to your closets:

Your Kitchen Closets Get rid of the plastics and replace with glass. Purchase glassware that makes you smile.

Your Clothing Closets

T

By Linda Lindsay

Contributing Writer

his is the time of year you need to look at the must dos, must haves, needs and wants when it comes to your space. It’s time for spring cleaning.

Spring is the perfect time to make sure that there is a place for everything, and everything has a place. For spring cleaning, organize the things you need, and throw out the things you don’t want and don’t need. Get rid of all of the clutter.

Believe it or not, your living space can have an impact on your mindset.

The most important space in your home that impacts your mindset is your

Take everything out of each closet in your home. You will need an entire day for this project.

Create 5 Piles: 1. Keep Pile 2. Giveaway Pile 3. Recycle Pile 4. When I Lose Weight Pile 5. Get Rid of It Pile (if you have not worn it/used it within the last 8 months)

Linen and Towel Closets Donate all those items that have not touched your body within the last 8 months. These closets will be fresher and cleaner with fewer things.

You need to make room in your closets for new items.

Here are a few more spring cleaning tips: Bring the outside in. Get new spring plants inside the house, and open the windows. Fresh plants and fresh air help improve the flow of oxygen, promoting movement. Create a space that you love.

Spend your money wisely. It’s all about quality, not quantity. Define your personal style. It may help to do some re-

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search by looking at magazines to help determine what you like best. Research how to make the correct decisions on colors and placement of furnishings.

You want a positive mindset? It’s hard to have a positive mindset and work in a cluttered space. Your mindset is created by what you surround yourself with.

Take the time to make sure your space satisfies your needs. Your space should allow you to be the person you truly are.

April 2016 7

Motion Picture Mindset

I

By Ash Davito

Contributing Writer

f your life was a motion picture, what would your film consist of?

Drama? Romance? Inspiration?

Comedy? Would your life be a short film, full-length feature film, or a series? Do you have a plan behind this film? All of those things matter. In fact, those are some of the exact questions that distributors ask filmmakers during the submission process. God gave us free will, meaning we are the director of our own lives and ultimately our own destiny. God will not force us to make the right decision. I believe that the Lord has a perfect system in place for us to learn from our mistakes.

I always wanted my story to be heroic

and victorious. While in college, I didn’t know where I was going or how I was going to get there. However, I knew if I walked out on faith, trusted my experience, and researched my destiny, I would succeed. The most humbling thing I tell myself daily is, “You don’t know it all, and you will never stop learning.” Everything starts with your mindset going into the process. The results of our lives often depend on the decisions we make and our state-of-mind while making those decisions. I always set high goals and standards for my movie career. Because of high expectations for myself, I was able to successfully release my comedy film, Temp to Fire. I knew if I started thinking like a millionaire and a successful mogul, my

goals would become reality.

What are you thinking? Are you thinking about making a short “good enough” film project to say you did it, or are you thinking about making numerous feature films with great quality production and a celebrity cast? Are you thinking about showing your film to a few friends for a pat on the back, or are you thinking about global distribution, so that millions of people around the world have access to your motion picture? All of our thoughts matter and our thoughts are a reflection of what’s in our heart.

Throughout my journey of becoming a successful film producer, I have learned some very valuable lessons that will only help me become better at what I do. Suc-

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cess alone is self-defined. What I consider to be success or successful, others might not. Someone earning $200 million dollars may feel successful and accomplished, but someone earning $200,000 may feel just as successful. It’s more important what you do with what you have. I decided to produce a full-length feature film instead of a short film, because I knew I could achieve it. I also programmed my mind to develop a business plan before I even started the movie production. Now that you’ve made a movie, now what? I had to change my mindset before even going into the process. I had to stop thinking like an actor and start thinking like an executive producer. You have to know exactly what you want in life and figure out the best way to use the resources you have. One of the resources you have is your mind. If used properly, your mind and the proper mindset can help develop you spiritually, mentally, physically, and financially. The more you focus and align yourself with the right people and things that are connected with your destiny, the closer you get to your dreams. The right mindset can have you go from chasing your dreams to living your dreams.

I challenge you to change your mindset.

Focus on producing a fruitful harvest in every aspect of your life where you want to see a positive change. Until next time, God bless you and see you at the top!

To read more about Ash Davito and his projects, please visit www.davitofamilypublishing.com.

8 April 2016

Houston Alumni Chapter Kappa League Completes 2nd Annual Eastern College Tour By d-mars.com News Provider

T

he Houston Alumni Chapter Kappa League is known for its outreach to the young generation, opening doors for them to succeed in the area of education. Members of the Houston Alumni Chapter Kappa League hosted their 2nd Annual College Tour last month (March 15 - March 20). 49 Kappa Leaguers and 6 chaperones from the Houston Alumni Chapter took part in this event. This year’s tour featured colleges and universities on the East Coast.

As always, the purpose of this annual event is to encourage students to aim for high educational goals, inspiring academic achievement. The Houston Alumni Chapter Kappa League is exposing students to various types of colleges and universities and educating them on the opportunities and advantages that these colleges have to offer.

This year’s tour included: Florida State University (Tallahassee, FL), Florida A&M University (Tallahassee, FL), Duke University (Durham, NC), North Carolina A&T State University (Greensboro, NC), Clark Atlanta University (Atlanta, GA), Morehouse College (Atlanta, GA), Georgia Institute of Technology (Atlanta, GA), and Tuskegee University (Tuskegee, AL).

The organization is looking forward to adding Georgia Southern University on a future tour.

The Houston Alumni Chapter Kappa League gives a big congratulations to senior Kappa Leaguer, Delano Young, who has been accepted to both Clark Atlanta University and Morehouse College. He had the opportunity to speak with admissions officers while at the respective universities on this tour, and he was offered scholarship monies to attend Morehouse College.

Like last year, the tour concluded with an opportunity for the young

men to fellowship with members of the Mobile, Tallahassee, and Birmingham Kappa Leaguers at the 13th Annual Battle of the Bay Step Show Competi-

tion and after party in Mobile, AL. The Houston Alumni Chapter Kappa League gives a special thanks to the Brothers of Alpha Xi (Florida

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A&M University), Tallahassee Kappa League, Tallahassee (FL) Alumni Chapter, Statesboro (GA) Alumni Chapter, Omicron Phi (Georgia Southern University), Cary (NC) Alumni Chapter, Durham (NC) Alumni Chapter, Alpha Nu (North Carolina A&T State University), Stone Mountain (GA) Alumni Chapter, Lambda Delta (Georgia Institute of Technology), Mobile (AL) Alumni Chapter, and Mobile Kappa League for all of their assistance and hospitality while visiting.

April 2016  9

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10 April 2016

Rejuvenating Relationships One Date at a Time given purposes. This will bring joy, peace, and happiness to the relationship.

If you don’t respect and care for your spouse, peace will not abide in your home. What kind of person finds pleasure in selfishness? What harvest are you expecting from planting bitter seeds?

Don’t fool yourself. A healthy relationship takes work.

By Stella Alexander

Q

Contributing Writer

uiet as it may be kept, when you enter into a committed relationship, it is no longer all about you. This is why it is very important to know the person you are establishing a union with; and they should know you. And as you grow and evolve individually and collectively, you should continue sharing and communicating with each other. Be honest and true to yourself first.

Don’t settle for a relationship with someone just because you don’t want to be alone. You may find yourself more miserable and lonely. Secretly you will be angry with yourself because you manipulated a relationship for self gain.

What did you gain?

Being with the person who fits with you, who has an understanding of who

As you enjoy the lovely fruit from your harvest, remember: • It took work to choose that special seed to plant.

• It took work to water and cultivate.

• It took work to harvest. you are, and who has desires for your dreams and aspirations to come to pass is wonderful. I want you to see your relationship with your spouse as an opportunity to grow the loveliest fragrant garden.

It will take real work to grow sweet lovely fruit. You must know what you desire to harvest. Plant seeds that will yield the fruit you desire.

• You want hugs, give hugs.

• You want adventure, plan some-

thing adventurous.

• You want spontaneity, be spontaneous.

Remember to water and cultivate the land. It takes work to harvest a beautiful crop. In the beginning, you don’t see the daily decisions, time, and work it will take to get the end product. Communicate with each other to know and understand the dreams and aspirations of your spouse. Find pleasure in helping your spouse blossom, as the two of you journey to fulfill your individual God-

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The labor will be worth the fruit you will enjoy when you continually rejuvenate your relationship.

YOU MUST DO THE WORK! NO ONE ELSE CAN DO IT FOR YOU. DON’T LEAVE LOVE TO CHANCE. Stella Alexander is a speaker and author. For more on Stella, please visit www.stellaalexander.com and email her at poet@stellaalexander. com.

April 2016  11

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2 Girls Wh

12 April 2016

Valerie Jones

Kim Floyd

Take Costa R Top 5 Things You Must Do in Costa Rica:

For a detailed description of all we did in Costa Rica, visit our b

By 2 Girls Who Travel: Valerie Jones & Kim Floyd

H

ow do we describe five days in paradise? It’s simple … La Pura Vida.

For those unfamiliar with the phrase, La Pura Vida – which translates to The Pure Life in English – is pure optimism and positivity for Costa Ricans. Everybody uses the phrase there.

It’s like their mantra – basically, they’re saying take it easy and enjoy life! It’s customary to end every conversation with it and after being in Costa Rica just one day, it certainly became part of our vocabulary.

There’s so much to say for the beautiful Central American country of Costa Rica and fortunately we were able to explore a decent part of it – from flying in to the airport in the capital San Jose, the scenic ride to Jaco Beach (where our condo was located) and visiting Manuel Antonio National Park.

Great food, adventure and scenery abounds in Costa Rica and we were ready for it all! Jaco is a busy beach town located on the Pacific Coast of Puntarenas, Costa Rica. It attracts a young, lively crowd with its easy access to the beach (our condo was beachfront) and strip of night clubs, bars and restaurants. But Costa Rica is large, so if you’re traveling with family, and looking for more family-friendly areas, you’ll have no trouble finding them. We suggest searching for family-friendly resorts!

Keep reading to check out our list of things you must do if you visit Costa Rica!

1

Go ziplining. If you crave adventure and want to experience a one-of-a-kind view of the rainforest, then ziplining is your answer. It’s such a freeing feeling to glide high above the trees and live to tell about it! And if you’re able, invest in a GoPro and snap it onto your helmet so you can save and share the memories and experiences with family and friends.

2

Go to the beach.

Seriously, any beach.

Costa Rica has plenty … and they’re beautiful!

Think white sand beaches and crashing waves. Not only do they make good photo ops, but some of the more secluded beaches – like the beaches at Manuel Antonio National Park, for example, which are only accessible by visitors to the park – make for a more private, less crazed beach experience. Soak up some sun, take a swim or read a book – whatever floats your boat.

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3

Befriend Girls W you are va locals! Don a conversa the bar or best place a weekend advice bec no bias. Th obligation go somew give you th off their ow And who w where to fi casado in native Cos Locals can you the hid the best ea only a loca know and valuable ti to get arou who know may make new friend buddies!

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April 2016 13

By 2 Girls Who Travel: Valerie Jones & Kim Floyd Armed with a love for culture, adventure, food, arts and entertainment – and equipped with a laptop, camera and multiple cellular devices – 2 Girls Who Travel has a mission to share their journey with the world. Throughout their travels, they conduct exclusive interviews, write about cool finds, give destination-specific travel tips and provide their takes on the best food and drinks and so much more. Embodying two different kinds of travelers – Val is the adventure-seeking millennial and Kim is the cultured lover of luxury – readers will learn more about them as they share their experiences traversing the globe! Subscribe to the 2 Girls Who Travel blog 2girlswhotravel.com.

blog 2girlswhotravel.com.

d the locals. This is a 2 Who Travel tip any time acationing: meet the n’t be afraid to strike up ation with someone at ask a shop owner the e to go for live music on d. Locals are great for cause they have hey have no to tell you to where, so they’ll he truth, based wn experience. would know find the best Jaco than a sta Rican? n share with dden gems, ating spots al would even offer ips on how und. And ws? You e some ds or travel

5 4

Visit the hot springs. We wish we could say we did this on our trip to Costa Rica, but due to time constraints and the fact that Costa Rica’s most popular hot spring, located at the Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort, was a fourhour drive away, we weren’t able to go. However, after speaking with friends who visited the hot springs and seeing the pictures, we are completely confident in listing this as a must-see for Costa Rica travelers. The scenery is spectacular – and words just don’t do it justice. While the hot springs are lovely in the daytime, they make a romantic backdrop at night. Trust us … just go!

Eat an authentic Costa Rican meal.

This pretty much goes without saying. Any time you visit a different region, you have to try the local food. And in Costa Rica, your best shot at that would be eating casado, which is a traditional Costa Rican dish which typically consists of rice, beans, plantains, salad and your choice of chicken, pork or fish. We had a lot of casado in Costa Rica and the meal varies slightly by cook and restaurant, so try a few different ones and pick your favorite!

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TM

14 April 2016

Houston Hosted the NCAA Men’s Final Four By d-mars.com News Provider

T

he National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) is a member-led organization dedicated to the well-being and lifelong success of college athletes. Recently, Houston hosted the NCAA Men’s Final Four and Villanova won the national championship. This event set the following viewing and attendance records according to the NCAA:

Community impact • Through its partnerships with Lowe’s, Connor Sports and Spalding, the NCAA renovated and revitalized the Jim and Barbara Morefield Boys & Girls Club.

• Various youth programs impacted more than 12,000 children, including the Read to the Final Four program, NCAA POWERADE Youth Clinics and Dribble fueled by POWERADE. • The Read to the Final Four program began with more than 6,800 Houston Independent School District students participating in a reading challenge bracket, culminating with the crowning of the champion school, Dogan Elementary, at Reese’s Final Four Friday.

• With more than 9.1 million minutes read from all 68 schools participating, the Final Four winning schools received a cash prize and the Most Valuable Reader from each of the 68 participating schools received a free bicycle from Cycle Houston.

• The NCAA and the Houston Local Organizing Committee worked on a veterans initiative, hosting several days of service within the Houston community.

• Partnering with veterans’ service organizations, such as The Mission Continues and the Lone Star Veterans Association, the committee refurbished a 97-year-old YMCA, renovated three local veterans homes and donated $40,000 to the Lone Star Veterans Association with proceeds from the Final Four 4 Miler.

• More than 3,500 volunteers were active throughout Final Four week.

Broadcast/Digital Viewership • NCAA March Madness Live net-

sued to members of the media for the 2016 Final Four.

Team Welcome and Fan Events

ted 3.4 million live video streams for the national title game, which resulted in 1.1 million live hours of video consumption, a 16 percent increase over last year and an all-time record for an individual game during the NCAA tournament.

• With 18.1 million live hours, the tournament also generated more video consumption than any other tournament.

• Turner Sports’ exclusive presentation of the national championship across TBS, TNT and truTV averaged 17.8 million viewers and a 13.2 household coverage rating/10.6 U.S. household rating.

• Viewership peaked at an average 22.3 million viewers in the final minutes of the game.

• The Villanova University-Univer-

sity of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, game became the second-most-viewed college basketball game of all time on a cable television network, following only the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s defeat of the University of Kentucky in the 2015 semifinals, which ended Kentucky’s perfect season.

• The championship game was also the most viewed event of any kind on Sling TV. • The national championship game generated 56 million impressions across March Madness social media accounts, up 112 percent over last year.

• Video consumption for social media was also up with 8 million views overall, more than five times the volume of video for last year’s championship game.

• A total of 1,672 credentials were is-

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• Final Four Fan Fest presented by Capital One at the George R. Brown Convention Center had more than 300,000 square feet of interactive games, sports and activities and was attended by 55,486 fans.

• The three-day March Madness Music Festival at Discovery Green attracted 165,000 fans and reached maximum capacity on both Saturday and Sunday.

• Tip-Off Tailgate presented by Infiniti and held at NRG Stadium saw 66,259 fans.

• Reese’s Final Four Friday, which featured open team practices and Reese’s College All-Star Game, topped 2011’s attendance numbers with a total of 19,200 fans, including close to 1,000 students from the 2016 Final Four host institutions and 7,438 Houston Independent School District elementary students.

• On Saturday, April 2, Houstonians and out-of-town guests helped break a record with 2,200 runners at the Final Four 4 Miler, the largest fun run to date for the Final Four weekend, which began and ended at Houston City Hall.

• Sunday, April 3, saw 3,400 children and their families at the Final Four Dribble fueled by POWERADE. For more, please visit www.ncaa.com.

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16 April 2016

Change Your Mindset

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By Pastor Ogletree Contributing Writer

here are many things we should change our minds about, but one that is germane for every age group, socio-economic class, and marital status is health. I dare to say that all of God’s children need to renew their minds on this subject, and do it with haste.

The 7 Deadliest Diseases for Blacks listed by blackdoctor.org are: Diabetes (60% more common than whites, 2.5 times more likely to suffer limb amputation, 5.6 times more likely to suffer kidney disease than others); Asthma (three times more likely to die of asthma than whites); Sarcoidosis (deaths from lung scarring 16 times more likely than whites); Lung Cancer (Black men 50% more likely than white men); Strokes (kill Blacks 4 times more for 35-54 year olds than whites); High Blood Pressure (nearly 42% of Black men and more than 45% of Black women ages 20 and older); Cancer (Black men have 40% higher death rate and Black women have a 20% higher death rate than whites).

We must be mindful that diet, exercise, and sleep patterns play a huge factor in one’s health. Unfortunately, we do things that contribute to the above statistics. We make ourselves sick and invite disease by not having the right mindset about health.

For Christians, we have to acknowledge that God wants us to have a healthy life, which means a healthy body, soul, and spirit. Paul tells us in Romans 12:1-2:

And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

Our mindset must perceive good health as God’s desire for us. There are many scriptures (Deuteronomy 7:15;

Matthew 4:23; 3 John 1-4) that reveal this. God desires good health for the believer. One’s health impacts everything: work, business, recreation, sex, rest, relationships, peace, joys…everything.

John prayed for Gaius, asking God that he be prosperous and thrive in all things. Too often, people desire to thrive in the area of finance and not health. People desire to become prosperous, to live on a certain level, and to be able to acquire material things. In pursuing financial prosperity, the health is sometimes neglected. Many Christians seek to thrive spiritually and never consider their health.

We need to have a healthy body, as well as a healthy soul. One should be commended for having a clean bill of health spiritually, but what good is it if it cannot be enjoyed due to poor health?

If we are going to present our bodies to the Lord, we should renew our minds and prioritize presenting Him a healthy body!

Pastor John D. Ogletree, Jr. is the Senior Pastor and Founder of First Metropolitan Church located at 8870 West Sam Houston Parkway N., Houston, TX 77040.

Change Your Thinking and Change Your World Fight the Giant of Mental Clutter

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By Tammi Durden Contributing Writer

o you desire to see positive changes in your life? Maybe you would like to be more patient and kind, lose weight, and possibly earn a higher income. Have you been trying to achieve your goal for some time now and just cannot seem to reach it no matter how hard you try? So you’ve tried everything but nothing seems to work?

Allow me to shed some light on the situation. The beginning of all change originates in the mind. If you have not changed your way of thinking, your situation will not change. Everything begins with a thought.

Insanity is defined as doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. You cannot continually think the same and expect your life to be different. There has to be a shift in your thought patterns…a change in your mindset.

Here are a few tips that will come in handy and help you change your mindset:

Admit It and Quit It You must first recognize that your thinking is flawed. If you do not admit there is a problem with your think-

ing, change will never happen. Certain situations may occur in your life that serve as a spotlight on your current way of thinking. Do not dismiss this wakeup call. Often times we need a conscious interrupt to illuminate our current mindset in order to bring attention to flawed thinking patterns. The appropriate course of action at this juncture is to identify poor thought patterns and immediately correct it. You can change what you are thinking by a shift in your awareness. Begin to practice consciousness and pay attention to what you are thinking. This simply requires a modification in your thinking from negative to positive thoughts.

Purposefully replace the bad thoughts with good thoughts. Be honest with yourself, and admit that change must take place. Once you begin to take on a positive perspective and practice healthy thinking habits, your situation will change for the better.

Get Rid of Stinking Thinking Stinking thinking is simply having the wrong thoughts, thinking negatively or the worse. What if I can’t do it? What will people say? I don’t have enough education. I’m not as smart as my co-worker. He will probably get the promotion. Stinking thinking produces destructive thought patterns that will bring you down every time.

When you think negative, you are negative. When you think failure, you become a failure. You are what you think about. Choose to take on a winner’s mindset and embrace the courage to change. Start thinking positive thoughts, and cultivate positive habits.

Reading uplifting books and listening to positive messages will always help you adjust your frame of thought. So, every day make it your intention to renew your mind with positive thoughts and eliminate stinking thinking!

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The trauma and pain of life’s experiences will sometimes tempt you to retreat and fall asleep or mentally check out. You must clear the mental clutter and do the consciousness work to constantly grind at staying awake.

With everything you’ve got, resist the temptation to surrender to negativity.

Your mind is the battlefield and you must become a champion for life. Yes, there will be constant chatter and negative thoughts going on in your head.

However, maintaining consistent and disciplined thoughts will help you stay on track. Your mind is the battlefield, and positive thoughts are your weapons. Every time a negative thought pops into your head, cast it down with something positive. This battle will continue, but keep fighting back with positive thoughts until negative ones are minimal. For example, if you have the thought that bad things are going to happen to you, then immediately replace it with a thought of positivity.

Remember, when you change your thinking, you change your world. In order to receive different results, you must have different thoughts. Make a commitment to change your mindset, and always be intentional and disciplined when thinking. Become diligent about eliminating any and all disruptive thoughts. When doing so, you will begin to experience amazing change. Start thinking like the champion you were created to be, and you will find yourself on a sure path to living your best life now!

For more information on Tammi Durden, please visit her on the web at www.tammidurden.com.

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18 April 2016

You Are What You Think The Importance of a Positive Mindset

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By Shelondra Peavy Contributing Writer

he depth of this place cannot be measured.

It’s the place where dreams are born, but it’s also the place where dreams die. It’s the place where forgiveness is developed, but it’s also a place where malice festers. The mind is the place where perceptions and interpretations can make or break you.

It’s true that the way a person interprets adversity, setbacks, criticism, and challenges is their own choice. However, such choices rest heavily upon an individual’s mindset.

Truthfully, everything begins in the mind, and interestingly; many things end in the same place.

What an astounding thought it is to know the true power of the mind; realizing that love, hate, success, failure,

courage, fear, strength, and weakness all reside in the same place. Yet it is the mindset of a person that dictates what prevails and what fades away.

Depending on the individual’s thoughts and emotions, success can overcome failure, and courage can push out fear; all in the mind.

Once your thoughts and emotions become systematic, they form a neurological network that keeps the mindset habitually in place. Literally, it keeps you on “automatic pilot” mode. That’s why when you master a habit, such as playing an instrument or riding a bicycle, it no longer requires much thought after you’ve engaged in that activity long enough. This indicates that the habit has been not only mastered, but it’s been embedded in your mind. In other words, it’s become second nature. So, what should you do when your mindset is a negative one?

And, how do you handle it when your habits are undesirable ones? For instance: What happens if your weakness snuffs out your sense of inner strength?

Or, what happens when your fear overshadows any courage you may have once had? And, what happens when

hatred grows like strong wild vines and chokes the life out of any love that once lived inside of you?

What happens?

Your thoughts are everything. They turn into moods, attitudes, words, and actions. Then, actions turn into habits. From there, a person’s habits create their character.

Therefore, since your thoughts belong to you, you can change them. Although you may have formed your beliefs when you were a child, under the influence of a depressed mother, an overbearing father, or a pessimistic grandparent, you are now an adult who has the power to

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renew your mind.

That said; we all possess the power to change our minds and eventually, our circumstances. This change begins with choice and responsibility. These are two essential elements of personal power.

Therefore, if we choose to feed a positive mindset, it will weaken the negative one.

Here’s how a new mindset can begin: Dare to dream, dare to imagine a new possibility, defy fear, conquer hatred, nurture courage, fight doubt, invite peace to abound, and live to love.

Then, instantly a new nature will begin to form.

From there, pick one thing you want to change: one recurring thought, one particular belief, one warped perception, etc. Then, actively rid yourself of any thought, mood, or emotion that will hinder you from being the best possible you.

Finally, strengthen your new mindset by adding enthusiasm, inspiration, smiles, and serene thoughts to your daily agenda, because one thing is for certain: If you change your mindset, you’ll change your life.

April 2016  19

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20 April 2016

The Game Changer

low through, and I hope it will help you as well.

• If you are in school and it is taking longer than planned to graduate, don’t stop now, but follow through.

• If you’ve been dreaming about starting your own business but are facing too many obstacles, don’t stop now, follow through.

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• If your goal is to advance to the next level position on your job, but the odds seem to be against you and you are overlooked, don’t quit now, follow through.

By Pastor Alan

Contributing Writer

here is one skill in sports that successfully separates the average athlete from the sensational superstar.

This special skill which is apparent in basketball, football and golf, among other sports, is called follow through.

The follow through is the part of a stroke, swing, or throw that continues after the ball has been struck, touched, or thrown. It is the act of completing an action or process.

If you are a shooter in basketball, a quarterback in football, or a golfer on the golf course, the follow through is what separates the best from the rest.

It is the follow through after the confrontations with opposition and contact on the pass or shot attempts that determine the success of the player on the court, field, or course.

• If your goal is to develop your spiritual life and draw closer to God, but every time you try to make time to attend church something comes up, don’t give up now, follow through.

In the game of life, confrontations and contacts are a part of our everyday encounters.

How we handle the obstacles, opinions, and opposition we face is evident in our follow through.

If we want to be a better student, a better spouse, a better friend, a better employee, or a better business owner, we can’t allow circumstances or conditions around us to cause us to capitulate or quit. These challenges and conundrums are nothing but opportunities for us to overcome our odds.

We must choose to effectively follow through in our actions, ambitions, and attitudes in every situation in life.

So many of us have missed out on divine opportunities, because we quit and wave the white flag of surrender to soon.

Remember, no matter what we encounter, it is always too soon to quit. This is our season and our year if we just learn to follow through.

My motto is “Live the Dream in 2016.”

Below is some encouragement that has helped me change my mindset and fol-

Changing the Expected

By Charlotte Jackson

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Contributing Writer

ver the past few years, I have had the opportunity to meet many people from various walks of life.

It would be easy to take these people at face value. Yet, I have come to realize that every person has a unique story which brought them to where they are today. Too often we hear about absent fathers or the fatherless generation. Mainstream media wants to have us believe that when these men walk away, their children become a burden to society by relying on government programs or that their children, particularly their sons will follow along the same journey.

Last month, I wrote about some very strong mothers who were determined to have their sons accomplish more and leave a strong legacy. I would like to ex-

pand on that this month. One man who I have met along my journey is one of three children born to parents who never married. The father went on to find other women to bare more children, while the mother worked tirelessly to provide for these three children. The father ended up being arrested 48 times in Harris County. Sadly, my friend’s only brother ended up dying in prison the day before he was due to be released. Their sister lived a life of battling with alcohol and crack cocaine. Yet somehow my friend ended up changing the expected.

He ended up entering law enforcement and served as a Chief of Police for a large school district. He has been profiled on national television for his journey from the streets of Houston to the position of a respected member of law enforcement who is helping to change the lives of others. His knowledge and experience has helped many criminal justice students understand that there is much more to learn than what is found in a textbook. Now at the age of 65, it is not a rare sight to see him making a presentation to raise awareness on gang

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It doesn’t matter how this first quarter has gone thus far in 2016, we still have 3 more quarters to go. If we follow through our adversities, burdens, circumstances, dilemmas, and encounters, we will find favor with God and man. Develop the game changer attitude, FOLLOW THROUGH, and be victorious.

“The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride.” --Ecclesiastes 7:8 Pastor Alan is the Senior Pastor at Mount Corinth Church located at 4901 Providence Street, Houston, Texas 77020. violence or talking with parents on how to communicate with their children when it comes to sexual predators.

It is very common to see this man in the community, lending a hand where needed and sharing the importance of getting an education and voting. The past two weekends have found him cooking for 100+ young children and their parents at community events, giving back to the next generation, and mentoring young Black males.

This friend I’m referring to is Mr. Larry Patrick. In addition to his work in law enforcement, he has extensive knowledge in the horticulture and landscaping business. This knowledge is something he shares with young men, often who have faced many obstacles and find it difficult to work in traditional jobs. He is the type of person who not only teaches subject matter but builds self-esteem along the way.

And as he does all of this, he is quick to tell you he is nothing special, just someone who wants to see others succeed. Larry is yet another angel walking among us, teaching us that we can break the cycle and become so much more than who others expect us to be.

April 2016  21

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22 April 2016

Step out and See

being successful is having a good career, living in the house of our dreams, having a luxury vehicle, good savings account, major credit cards with a large limit, etc.

What about reaching our destiny we have in GOD? Run the race and finish it.

Matthew 22:14 reads, “Many are

called, but few are chosen.” It is time to run for our destiny. Each of us has a divine purpose (the spiritual gift) on this earth with our name on it before we meet JESUS face to face.

It means what GOD called upon you can only be fulfilled by you, as incredible as it could sound.

How can we find our spiritual gift?

Some of us have to go through some Bible classes to discover it, for some it is a strong desire that we have carried for so long; for others it is a vision or simply a thought placed inside of us that we know.

It doesn’t mean that we all have to exercise our gift as pastors or ministers inside a church, or as an evangelist.

Our LORD needs HIS children e ver y where: church, the workplace, in politics and around friends, government and communities, etc.

The very first place we should start is in our families, with our children and spouse by applying the word of GOD in our lives.

W e know we are operating in our gift w h e n each time we do something, the satisfaction is priceless. It is something we can do so easily without feeling any weight and without being motivated by compensation.

4. Address the fears and distractions that have paralyzed you, and get unstuck.

When it comes to relationships, we often want the other people around us to change first, but personal change has nothing to do with the other person. It is about us. There is a popular quote that says, “Change is good. You go first.” If every person focused on their own issues and on the things they need to change, our world would be in better shape. But far too often, we point the finger at the next person, failing to look at ourselves.

Taking the time to look at ourselves and beginning the journey of transformation and change, we will soon realize that it is good for us to continue to evolve into better people. Improvement of self is an ongoing process of learning and growing. Above I shared how to respond to change. Now I share how you can move forward after responding to change: 1. Come to a healthy resolve about the change. Accept it. Grieve if you must, and apply the situation to your life and glean any nuggets of wisdom.

2. Share your thoughts about the

change. Talk to someone or journal it.

Make sure you have a safe person to talk to. This should be someone who loves, supports, encourages, and wants the best for you.

3. Look at the brighter side of the change. Find the benefits or rewards, and allow it to give you hope.

4. Remember to BREATHE. Take it one day at a time.

Whether we accept it or not, embrace it or shun it, change will come into our lives. How we handle it is the determining factor of whether we move forward or remain stuck in the past.

Choose to move forward. Know that a change comes to help you grow into a better and wiser person, and everything will work out for your good.

Prayer: Minister Eugenie Doualla

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Contributing Writer

he meaning of the number FIFTEEN in the Bible: 3 x 5; 5 = Grace and 3 = Divine Perfection of the Godhead. This number symbolizes acts wrought by the energy of Divine grace.

• Fifteen is 7 + 8 = Covenant (7) and Resurrection (8); when JESUS manifests himself as GOD and defeated death and Satan (Resurrection was on Sunday, the 8th as well as the 1st day).

• Fifteen is a special mark of the energy of divine grace issuing in glory.

• The fifteenth day of the 1st month was designated the Feast of Unleavened Bread, which begins at sundown after the Passover sacrifice (sundown begins the next day for the Israelites). It is the day of the Last Supper [Leviticus 23:6].

• The fifteenth day of the 7th month is the beginning of the final feast of the liturgical year, the Feast of Tabernacles.

[Leviticus 23:34].

We are in the season of special glory, regardless how long you have been waiting, one touch of the Master can change everything in a day, an hour, a minute or second. What a great GOD we serve!

We are accustomed to thinking that

The Only Constant

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By Frenetta Tate Contributing Writer

eraclitus, the Greek Philosopher said, “The Only Thing That Is Constant Is Change.” We’ve heard that change is a part of life and it is inevitable. This is true, but in order for real change to occur, we must stay in the process. While we would love to avoid it, it is impossible to shelter ourselves from it.

“Heavenly Father, I ask you in the name of JESUS CHRIST to release your children from anything that hinders them from reaching their destiny. Father, give them the heart to seek first your kingdom so everything will be added to them.

Father, give them the boldness and assurance like kings and queens so they can step out to their calling with power and authority, amen.”

There are many things in life that motivate us to evaluate and modify what is not working or what needs to improve. Embracing the truth of that evaluation will thrust us forward to the potential of real change in our lives; the kind that is lasting and permeating. There are four self-reflective ways to respond to change. If you grab hold of these principles and apply them to your life, it will have a lasting effect: 1. You must know and understand the beliefs that are acting as a barrier to your growth. Infuse truth to those beliefs, and replace them with new beliefs that serve you in a better capacity.

2. You must identify the bad habits that are sabotaging your success, and integrate good ones. When you say “no” to a bad habit - you are saying “yes” to a good habit.

3. You must expose the excuses you continue to make, and take appropriate action by ceasing the excuses and clearly identify why you are defending your behavior. Instead of making an excuse, stop and ask yourself why, and make a different decision.

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*** Frenetta Tate is a Motivational Orator, International Author, Women’s Empowerment Coach, Business Consultant, and Partner. Learn more at www.frenettatate.com or on Twitter and Instagram@frenettatate.

April 2016  23

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