July 2019
DELIGHTED SOUL Let's Tackle Transitions
Letter from the Editor If you’re anything like me, you’ve heard (or made) at least one complaint this week about the difficulties of adulting. Growing up is hard - there’s new responsibilities, less room for mistakes, changes in what we thought we knew about relationships, and of course, navigating our careers. At the same time, there are new blessings and luxuries, rewarding life lessons, and opportunities for growth. It’s all about our perspective. This month we’re talking about how to tackle transitions. Change won’t always be easy, and it will often make us uncomfortable, but if we bury God’s truth in our hearts, stay focused on the end goal, and surround ourselves with people who encourage us to do better, we’ll eventually reap the goodness that we sow in the process. Change is inevitable - from birth you gained weight, got taller, grew teeth, and learned to crawl, walk and talk - all signs of healthy development, and all major changes. Though some change can be negative, we can always seek God on how to react to it in a positive way. There are tools that will set us up for success - peek inside of this issue to find a few of those tools.
Jasmine Powell
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Table of Contents Go Sis, Go! EBONI JENERETTE’S JOURNEY Blooming through Transition IDEAS BY KRYSTAL HAWKINS
The Truth about Transition POINTERS FROM CHELSEA JONES Michelle’s Jewels WISDOM FROM MICHELLE POWELL Break It Down
UNDERSTANDING WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS ABOUT CHANGES
A magazine for young women in pursuit of deeper relationship with Jesus.
Go Sis, Go! CAREER PROFILE
Name
Eboni Jenerette (@e.jenerette), 2018-2019 Spring ISD Secondary Teacher of the Year
Hometown
El Paso, Texas
Education
High School: Carl Wunsche Senior High/Dekaney High (Home Campus). 2010 Graduate.
Undergraduate: Sam Houston State University. December 2014 Graduate. Interdisciplinary Studies: Grades (4-8) - Social Studies/English
Graduate: Lamar University. In Progress. Administration and Principal Certification
Professional
Employer: Twin Creeks Middle School Position: American History Teacher/History Department Chair How long? 4 years
I currently teach American History through 1877 (Colonial area through the Civil War and Reconstruction). I love teaching “both sides of the story.” When I say both sides, I mean just that. Teaching students that Thomas Jefferson wrote the published draft of the What do Declaration of Independence, as well as the original draft that couldn’t be published because you love it stated slaves were equal men. Rosa Parks went down in history for being the first black most about your current person that didn’t give up her seat on the bus, but the dark skinned/teen mom, Claudette Colvin, was the actual person that did not give up her seat to a white person. The Texas program? Essential Knowledge and Skills are what we are mandated to teach for standardized testing purposes. However, teaching my students information they likely will NEVER learn in their common day history class and them thinking it’s sooooo cool brings me joy like no other! Tough one! One of the most monumental experiences of my career thus far had been speaking at the 2016 Spring ISD District-wide convocation. I attended the 2015 convocation What is one and was delighted to see students encouraging educators as they prepared to begin the of the most upcoming school year. Students expressed their goals and shared their learning desires with monumental all 4,000 employees the district held. I proclaimed that one day I would speak at that amazing experiences on event, sharing my gratitude with all of my teachers and colleagues who assisted me along the your journey? way. To my surprise, the very next year, I did just that! In the past, I’ve had a bad habit of putting too much on my plate. I found myself How do you failing to find balance. I’ve never felt burned out, but it was at the hand of me failing to put avoid getting my best foot forward. Over this summer, I have prayed, prepared, and planned for how to burned out? balance my life this school year. We shall see how it goes. Being a teacher, I plan for the upcoming week during the current week. All lesson How do you balance your plans are completed by Thursdays and all materials are prepared on Fridays. Saturdays work, church, mornings are for praise dance practice and other ministry events, Saturday evenings are for and social family/friends/fun though I often just want rest. Sundays are for church and preparing for duties? the new week. My life often seems like a boring revolving clock, but for now, it’s all good. My ultimate career goal is to create my own nonprofit for children with a focus on overall self-advancement. Knowledge, self-image, and mental and physical health are all What is your things I struggled with throughout my life. These are also the main issues I see my students ultimate career goal? deal with in their everyday life. I would like to teach adolescents how to address these issues and put them in connection with those who may help them when needed.
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Blooming through Transition Ideas from Krystal Hawkins (@kryslejoye) ________________________________________
“Wherever life plants you, bloom with grace.” ________________________________________ SO HERE’S THE THING: As a 28-year-old Black woman living in Austin, Texas, I have been blessed in too many ways to count. I’m at the midpoint of my career, I’m on the praise and worship team, and I’m currently developing a business catered to the Black community (woo woo!). As I continue to work towards my career goal, a potential business and the praise and worship team – why am I also anxiously waiting for my time to become a mother? You heard me right. In the midst of my everyday busyness, I often feel a rush of baby fever come over me, to the point that I keep a list of baby names noted in my iPhone. It may seem weird, but I do so to keep from worrying about the future and whether I’ll be able to produce a kid someday. As an adult, I have managed to develop this worrisome, risk-averse feeling that often interferes with the order of steps, God has for me. Honestly, I don’t believe I am ready to become a mother. Heck, I’m not even pregnant. But I do worry that when I am ready, I won’t be able to conceive. But you see, there’s no logic to my worrying. The thoughts just appear in my mind, and I go along with it. Where does this worry come from and how do I get rid of it? The answer: God’s Word. “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, or what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 25
So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:25-26; 31-34 31
Every day God gives us an opportunity to work on our present self and the present things he has provided us. But we have to seek his kingdom and keep according to His word to do so. For me, this means giving my attention to the present opportunities God has given me, and being okay with what He has destined for my future – whatever it is. Baby, business, singleness or singer – it doesn’t matter. I have to find comfort in my current season and remain peaceful until my future gets here. As we patiently wait, we can go to God and ask Him for our heart’s desires, future goals and wants. We can plant a seed for those things through prayer. But once we’ve prayed, we can’t linger or become anxious about what we’ve already asked Him for. Why? Because God has already proclaimed that “all things will be given” to us. So as we continue to learn how to deal with our current life transition, let’s also keep in mind that every life is given its own pathway. And we can only grow to get there one day at a time. ________________________________________ If you are anything like me, and have existing moments of worry, it’s time to subdue those feelings. It’s time to pray, let go, and grow! So let’s plant a seed, or grow one (literally) for the things we truly desire for our futures.
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For all you green thumbs out there, see my top four plants that can help see your life transition through!
#1. Prayer Plant This is the real name of the plant (trust me, I tripled checked). Maranta Red Prayer plants have large, oval leaves that fold and unfold in a regular pattern, similar to a pair of praying hands. These indoor plants thrive in humidity and help purify the air. They need indirect sunlight and should be kept evenly moist. Prayer plants can be found on Amazon.
#2. Aloe Vera Plants The Aloe Vera plant is apart of the succulent family and has so many benefits that I had to give a shout out. This plant is known to heal burns of all kinds, but it can also be utilized for natural hair treatments. To keep your Aloe Vera plant happy, be sure to pot it in a terra cotta with well-drained dirt. For more helpful tips, check out Good Housekeeping. Amazon also has a collection of mature Aloe Vera plants available.
#3. Orchids Elegant Orchids are beautiful plants and will require tender love and care from its owner. Unlike some of the plants listed earlier, Orchids do require a consistent water routine. If you keep your orchids happy, expect to see beautiful wing-like blossoms on each delicate stem. You can find the Elegant Orchid available in white and purple at 1-800-Flowers.
#4. Split-Leaf or Swiss Cheese Plant The Split-leaf Monstera (or Swiss Cheese as some would say) is a plant native to the tropical forests of Southern Mexico. This plant is famous for its natural leaf holes, the technical term is “leaf fenestration.” The Swiss Cheese plant also works well for homes and offices, as it flourishes in indirect sunlight or artificial lighting. You can find the Split-leaf plant on Amazon.
SOURCES
29 Beautiful Houseplants You can Actually Order Online (Buzzfeed) A Guide to All the Trendy House Plants (21ninety) The Whole Truth – Monsteras (The Sill)
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The Truth about Transition
Change can be tough, no matter the season. Here’s some advice from Transition Extraordinaire Chelsea Jones (@sojournerchels) In the past 4 years, I’ve relocated 7 times to 4 different states while in 2 different graduate programs, and through 5 jobs/internships. Though trying to get my curls to pop across 4 different climates has been difficult, it did not surpass the difficulty of maintaining friendships in the midst of transition. I graduated college with a core group of friends. I learned that no matter whether I was And as the natural order of life goes, I’ve seen my friends jubilant or reluctant when I sent a grow professionally, personally, grow closer, and grow “Congratulations” text, my opinion on apart. We’ve welcomed handsome spouses, joyful babies change will not stop it from happening. and many of our friends’ *new friends*. I learned that no matter whether I was jubilant or reluctant when I sent a “Congratulations” text, my opinion on change will not stop it from happening. It is ultimately up to me to decide whether I will work with it, or fight against it. I believe there are two ways in life to adequately deal with change; by accepting it or addressing it. Accept. \ ik-’sept (1) to give approval to and (2) to regard as proper, normal or inevitable. It was incredibly hard for me to adjust to the fact that living in different states meant missing many of my friend’s momentous events. But once I began to accept that this would be my life (for longer than I can predict), I started to replace the thoughts of anger and resentment with ideas for making quality time more meaningful. Acceptance is always easier said than done. It requires that we know the purpose of what we’re accepting. I had to identify and remind myself of WHY I chose to live away. What did this career mean to me? Why was it worth it? As we all know, those questions are hard to answer at the beginning of our careers. But that’s where seeking God comes in. Acceptance is much easier under obedience. When we know that what we’re (or a friend is) doing is in alignment with God’s plan, it helps us overcome the insecurity that follows it. Whether it’s your new job, a relational change, etc. ask God to show you/remind you of your why and keep this thought near and dear when doubt fills your mind. A key to acceptance is to allow this life stage to be the new normal. There’s a reason Andre 3K said “spaceships don’t come equipped with a rear view mirror… “ that’s because staying focused on the past (when your life is changing) is the easiest way to live in discontentment. Do your best not to compare your new life to your older, more Seek out the joy of the new routine. comfortable one. Seek out the joy of the new routine. Does an old friend have less time to talk? Great, that’s an opportunity to go deeper with someone who you haven’t already. Does your friend’s new home require a longer commute? Awesome, explore new podcasts, sermons or audiobooks for your ride. Whatever you do, find a way to flow with the current of your new life, rather than against it. So, what happens if you just CAN NOT accept this new state of life? I found myself here as my best friends got married and became mothers. I struggled to see my facetime buddy focus on one important role, raising a tiny human. When my newlywed friend turned down group trips for time with her husband, I wondered if friendship after marriage is even possible. You may be experiencing the same things, or maybe a different change. But when you find yourself unable to accept, you must begin to address. Address. a-,dres\ (1) to deal with: TREAT or (2) to direct the efforts or attention of oneself. Addressing our reluctance to change means asking ourselves why this is so difficult for us. Is it hard because it’s new and we haven’t learned how to fill the space? Or is it because feelings of jealousy have creeped into our thoughts? Is it difficult because there is an uncommunicated hurt attached to the situation?
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Whatever it may be, we must first discover it in conversation with God. For me, journaling helps to sort out my thoughts and get to the root of a feeling. After I journal, the Holy Spirit begins to make clear what I need to pray about, and God fills my heart with contentment until I have an answer. But it doesn’t always stop there. Sometimes, God will require me to address the issue with the friend involved. It’s useful not just to acknowledge an issue, but to hold each other accountable as we grow through it. For me, this was recognizing that my life stages may always be different from my friends’ and encouraging them to make married, or mom friends that could Addressing the angst in change is not easy, but understand their unique struggles. Addressing the can free us from the frustration of internal pain. angst in change is not easy, but can free us from the frustration of internal pain. Regardless of whether you’re learning to accept or to address the transitions in life and friendships, the key to overcoming is meaningful quiet time with God. Who you become in the silence of your night will determine what you are able to handle in the calamity of the day time.
Michelle’s Jewels
Words of Wisdom from Mother-In-Chief Michelle Powell Transition: movement, passage, or change from one position, state, stage, subject, concept, etc., to another; change. Change: to make the form, nature, content, future course, etc., of (something) different from what it is or from what it would be if left alone: He shall not search whether it be good or bad, neither shall he change it: and if he change it at all, then both it and the change thereof shall be holy; it shall not be redeemed. Leviticus 27:33 The song Changed by Tramaine Hawkins that says, “A change, a change has come over me,” and Tamela Man’s song Change Me says, “Change me, oh God, make me more like you. I need you to change me, Jesus, like only You can.” I love these two songs because they always remind me of the change that came over me as a Christian; I invited Christ into my heart, and He started changing me to give God glory. We as Believers must do an inventory of our heart, we must ask God to search our heart. Pray, “Cleanse me, oh Lord, search me through and through. Wash me whiter than snow.” We must ask God to change our hearts and minds to follow His will. When we receive Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we have willingly opened our heart to change. A transition takes place in our heart. Our mind wants to line up with our changed heart. God cleanses our temple, and houses the Holy Spirit within us. A perfect work of change is moving in us that will honor our God. In our Christian walk, God changes us unto His will when we surrender to Him. Our change can seem easy, but the transition can actually be hard when we get in the way of God. Just like we go through seasons of change on earth, we go through seasons of change in our spiritual walk. We can be in a season of overflow of plenty or of lack, a season of joy or of sadness, a season of too many friends or of isolation. While our spiritual side is being perfected, we can be content in our physical side in whatever season God has us in. Of course, our physical being seems to never be satisfied. We question ourselves when we deem it necessary to change and transition to something else. In this life we desire to change jobs, change churches, change cars, change spouses, change homes, change locations, only because we do not like the circumstances that we are in during our season, or we see others having a more bountiful season than us. We start changing all sorts of things in our lives, and when we don’t seek God first, those transitions are hard. No matter what season or circumstance we find ourselves in, we can seek God for guidance and direction to get the right answer to the following questions about transition and change: How do we actually know when it is time for a transition or change in our lives? How can we guarantee transitions will be smooth? When is the right time for us to take a step in a different direction? When do we need to take a leap of faith? When do we move forward to our next level? Did we transition well when we changed last time?
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To live a life with smooth transitions when we make changes, we must seek God in our decisions. Transitions can be easier when we surrender to God and ask Him to bring change into our life. When God gives us a smooth transition, we have no regret. Change can be good and beneficial or change can be bad and detrimental. With God on our side directing our lives, any change we make will give Him glory, and us joy. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:2 The ultimate transition a believer goes through is the transformation of the mind. We transition in our thinking when God renews our minds. In life we always want to choose the smooth and easy route, but we often regret that decision. We find ourselves sometimes hurrying to places where we did not ask God for His permissive will for us to go. Did we seek God in the change that we have chosen? We must acclimate not only to the climate we are in, but to the Holy Spirit, the Christian culture, and our community. In our transitions, we have to look for change in our heart to help us to be loving, forgiving and kind, with a heart of servitude, like our Jesus. In this season of life, seek God for direction in your change. Allow God to inform you as to which way He has designed for you to go.
July’s Scriptures The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. DEUTERONOMY 31:8 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” JEREMIAH 29:11
Break It Down By now you must know that nothing catches God by surprise, and like a good vacation resort, “nothing” is all-inclusive. God has His hand in everything we’ll think, feel, and experience until our last breath on Earth, why wouldn’t He also know every change we’ll see? He has gone before us and prepared our way, and being a loving God, He is walking our individual journeys with us now, comforting and speaking to us daily through the Holy Spirit. He’s not going anywhere, though that’s hard to imagine because of our human relationships that fade and grow, it’s true. We don’t need to fear because we’re never alone - in fact, the Word specifically says that God didn’t give us the spirit of fear. Let’s walk through seasons of change with bravery and trust in our Creator whose plans for us are bigger than anything we can fathom, plans that will prosper us and provide hope and a future. Do you want to share feedback or see a specific topic covered in the future? Let me know! jas@delightedsoulmag.com
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