Men's Issue 2014 by Megan Mottley

MEN’S ISSUE 2014

FINANCIAL STEPS

RAISING OUR STANDARDS

FOR EVERY WALK OF LIFE

TO RAISE OUR BOYS

Faith

IN FITNESS

PLACES EVERY MAN SHOULD VISIT IN HIS LIFETIME

TRENT

SHELTON ON REHABILITATING REAL MEN

JON POTTER

TERRY ROGERS

KEN STEORTS

MARLON BROWN

SMALL BUSINESS DIVINE • SMALL • BUSINESS • SECTION

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Visit us online at www.divinemagazineonline.com for links to the websites of these and other small businesses.

VOL 5 NO 2

CONTENTS

IN EVERY ISSUE 4 Simply Divine - Publisher’s Piece 6 Reflections 19 Lyrical Café COLUMNS & Fitness 8 Health Faith In Fitness

HEAVENLY BODIES

Chart Toppers

Literature & Entertainment

SPIRITUAL GIFTS

DIVINE Destinations

TIME OFF

Fashion & Beauty

TOTAL BEING: INSIDE & OUT

Food Forte

By Corey Latta

10 Places Every Man Should Visit in His Lifetime

5 Style Tips For Men

Manly Meals

ON THE COVER...

Trent Shelton: Rehabilitating Real Men

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VIRTUOUS LIVING

by Jeff Pates

Money Market Financial Steps For Every Walk of Life

POWER & PURPOSE

Lifelines

SOUL CONNECTIONS

by Terry D. Rogers

Going Way, Way Back By Timothy R. McCammon

APP AVAIL ABLE

Generations

Raising Our Standards To Raise Our Boys

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IPHONES & ANDROIDS

FAITH & FAMILY

by Tom Fuerst

Men of Standard Profile

Your carrier’s standard rates may apply.

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PUBLISHER Megan R. Mottley publisher@divinemagazineonline.com

GUEST EDITOR Corey Latta

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Kelly Hooks

PHOTOGRAPHY Audria Richmond FOR ALL YOUR DESIGN AND PRINTING NEEDS

CONTRIBUTORS Michael Lopez-Bond

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Marlon Brown Tom Fuerst Timothy R. McCammon Jeff Pates Jon Potter Cortney Richardson Terry D. Rogers Trent Shelton Ken Steorts

MTLY COMMUNICATIONS, INC. 1.855.456.4475 Ext 12 publisher@divinemagazineonline.com www.divinemagazineonline.com http://www.divinemagazineonline.com DIVINE Magazine is a division of MTLY Communications, Inc. DIVINE is published quarterly. No portion of this magazine, including without limitation, articles and listing, may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. Send story ideas, questions, or concerns to publisher@divinemagazineonline.com. Order print issues on our website at www.divinemagazineonline.com or from our Digital App available on all Android & iPhone devices. Request a free digital issue for your laptop, PC or Kindle devices at freedivinemagazine@gmail.com Copyright 2014 by DIVINE MTLY Communications. All rights reserved.

Celebrating 7 Years

Celebrating 7 Years 4

SIMPLY DIVINE

E D I TO R I A L P I E C E

Celebrating Amazing Men EVERYDAY! I have been fortunate to have some awesome men in my life from my grandfathers, to my father to my brother. The list goes on of men who have been instrumental on life’s journey. Over the years, I’ve discovered that men aren’t perfect but they do add a certain spice to life and without them the world just wouldn’t be the same. This issue is extra special because not only are we celebrating 7 years in publication but we are also celebrating all of the awesome men who work hard every day to provide for their families and communities. Father’s Day should be every day not just once a year and this issue will serve as a beacon of light and hope to honor men everywhere. When God created man, he crafted a unique individual who exhibits strength, power, courage and not to mention incredible style. Get ready to read stories about men who have overcome life’s issues, men who are paving the way for others and men who have incredible talents that inspire others to greatness. I’d like to introduce our Guest Editor for this issue, Corey Latta, who has spearheaded this entire issue and gathered stories by, for and about men. Corey is the Vice President of Academics at the Visible Music College, he’s married to Jennifer and they are expecting twins. Corey will also be releasing his first book entitled, “When the Eternal Can Be Met: The Bergsonian Theology of Time in the Works of C. S. Lewis, T. S. Eliot, W. H. Auden” later this year. Celebrate the men that God has placed in your life. Though it may take some time, forgive those who have used and abused you and lastly, raise all the young men in your sphere of influence to be kings. 2014 Challenge: Hug all the men in your life a little bit tighter, EVERYDAY! We hope that you will enjoy this issue!

Megan Mottley Publisher

Greetings DIVINE readers, I cannot express my excitement over the content in this Men’s issue. From reflections on a great film about masculinity to spiritually shaped truths about raising godly boys, this issue is full of content meant to impact manhood for the glory of God and the good of you, the reader. There are a few more contested and more important issues today than what it means to “be a man” in a world that often seeks to threaten the very definition of manhood, a definition that this issue will address in a number of ways through a number of voices. It is my hope and prayer that after reading this issue of DIVINE, you will be encouraged by these depictions of manhood, inspired to live in light of that encouragement, and informed on how to encourage others. To the men, I hope this issue echoes the words of scripture: “Be strong, and show yourself a man, and keep the charge of the Lord your God…” (1 Kings 2:2). To our beautiful lady readers, I hope this issue reveals something about the men in your life and with that revelation comes even richer relationships.

Corey Latta Editor Be Encouraged. Be Grateful. Be Inspired.

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REFLECTIONS

Reclaiming

GREATNESS AS MEN By Jon Potter “…how do we as men reclaim greatness in a society that has so many perversions…”

To every man reading this, I want to dissect the concept of reclaiming greatness; however, before I do, I want to provide a context for my thoughts. On January 2nd of this year, I awakened from a deep sleep with three words that suddenly leaped into my spirit. The first two were the words “redeem” and “restoration”, both of which were familiar to me. The third word was one that I had heard before, but had never used as part of my regular vocabulary. I was unfamiliar with its etymology and application. The word was “reclamation”. I felt a nudge by The Holy Spirit to study what reclamation meant and I was amazed to see its spiritual significance. In short, it means to reclaim what is useless and restore its productivity. I found it interesting that it is most often used in the realm of reclaiming land that has been flooded. I was reminded of the spiritual application where Isaiah 59:19 says, “when the enemy 6

DIVINE ISSUE DIVINE MAGAZINE MAGAZINE | |SURVIVOR MEN’S ISSUE

comes in like a flood, The Lord will raise a standard against him”. The question is, how do we as men reclaim greatness in a society that has so many perversions of the Word? How do we clear the proverbial landscape that has been flooded and reclaim it. Men, we have to redefine what we call “great” and adopt God’s definition. Concerning greatness, it might surprise you that God has not called any of us to obtain it. What He has called us to, is to walk out this life in Humility, Obedience and Excellence. Regardless of our individual gifts, pedigree, and influence, the Lord wants us to implement these virtues as we cultivate the fields of our lives. I believe in this so confidently, that if you and I humbly obey the laws of any field or discipline, and do this with excellence---greatness is inevitable.

However, greatness in God’s eyes is not a destination, but a journey, and how well we serve the needs of others as we take each step is a reflection of who we believe God is in our lives. It is interesting that in the day of mega ministries and lofty five-fold aspirations, many people have lost touch with Jesus’ idea of being great. The desire to abandon self and serve others seems so distant from much of what is prevalent in today’s Church of the Sensation and Gratification. Even in many pulpits, there is a disparity between what Christ taught on servanthood and what is practiced by leadership. Today everyone wants the spotlight, but no one wants to change the bulb. In John 13:3-5, the Apostle John gives us a portrait of how God would define greatness. To finish reading, “Reclaiming Greatness As Men” by Jon Potter visit http://www. divinemagazineonline.com. divinemagazineonline.com

HEALTH & FITNESS | H E A V E N L Y B O D I E S

FAITH

&Fitness

In 1 Corinthians 6:19, Paul asks his readers, “do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit?” This verse is one I strive to live by, a truth I apply to every area of my life, especially the area of fitness. I’ve been involved in fitness since I was 14 years old (that’s almost 20 years!), and I can think of nothing that has been more beneficially formative to my overall emotional, spiritual, and mental health. No matter what your current level of fitness is, you can make great gains in bodily transformation and quality of life. If there is one practical truth I’ve seen proven time and time again, a commitment to stay healthy through clean eating and regular exercise will radically enrich your life. We are given bodies by God to take care of, strengthen, and use to live out His purpose and our dreams. Have faith in fitness. It won’t let you down. These 5 tips work for both men and women, but let me target the fellas. I’m going to give you pointers that will help boost your confidence, build your body, and keep your temple in top shape. Eat clean! Hours in the gym cannot compensate for a bad diet. Muscle, fat loss, and health are cooked up in the kitchen. Maintaining a clean diet is involved and multifaceted, it’s so important to cut out all fast food, keep your sweet-eating at a minimum, eat at least 1.5 grams of protein per pound of bodyweight, drink at least 64 ounces of water a day, and take a multi-vitamin.

Lift weights at least 3-5 times per week. There is no substitution for lifting weights. A regular lifting routine will be one of your greatest weapons in building muscle, increasing your body’s ability to burn fat, and giving your body the shape you’ve always wanted. A good weightlifting routine will target the entire body in a week’s time, every body part. You can achieve this by splitting your days to focus on a couple of areas. For example, Mondays you can work Chest and Triceps, and then you can target Back and Biceps on Tuesday. Create a routine that will train every muscle group in a week’s time.

DIVINE MAGAZINE | MEN’S ISSUE

Cardio, cardio, cardio. In my opinion, you should do cardio for every day that you lift weights. Try to get in 30 minutes a day, sustain a fitness routine that builds muscle and improves cardiovascular health. Besides, your diet, nothing works so well to burn fat as a regular cardio. Run, get on the elliptical at your local gym, shadowbox in your living room, take a fitness class, just keep moving!

Keep your body guessing. No matter what your fitness plan, change it up every couple of months. Our bodies like to adjust, and when they adjust they often slip into cruise control, creating stubborn plateaus that we have to constantly combat. Changing your routine will keep your body in a state of adjustment, better engaging your muscles and preventing it from slipping into a place of slow growth. Last but certainly not least: make a commitment to live a fit life. All of the previous steps are worthless, if you don’t make a conscious decision to improve your diet and workout. THE greatest muscle you have is your mind. Get it right and your other muscles will soon follow on the road to a stronger you. When building temples for God, construction starts with the head. Commit and have faith in fitness.

In his spare time, Corey is a personal trainer and group fitness instructor in Memphis. For more on Corey’s fitness routine or for more information on personal training, email him at: latta.corey@gmail.com.

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COVER STORY | D I V I N E M A G A Z I N E

TRENT

SHELTON REHABILITATING REAL MEN

After a tumultuous four years in the National Football League along with some hard life lessons, Trent Shelton learned the importance of undergoing emotional and spiritual rehabilitation. Through his amazing evolution, Trent has gone from sharing the football sideline with Peyton Manning to becoming one of the top motivational speakers in the nation, a successful fitness coach, and a sought after cultural figure whose very purpose is to inspire. Trent Shelton is rehabbing the hopes and dreams of others one life at a time and he has a message specifically for young men. “The main thing that I try to get across to young men is to embrace who you are!” Trent’s message of self-assertion flies in the face of culture, which has targeted young men through social messages of moral and individual compromise. According to Trent, there is a battle waged on young 12

DIVINE MAGAZINE | MEN’S ISSUE

men by the world. The world wants men to conform to its own ever changing and elusive image, preventing them from being the self-made men for which they should strive to be. Citing specifically the negative influence of Hip Hop music, with its false images of materialistic success and meaningless messages of promiscuity, on young men, Trent warns guys, “the world is trying to change you. Your main gift is our uniqueness.” How do men retain that gift of uniqueness? “Faith in God,” Trent says with striking confidence. “Faith in God is it. Having faith in God is the most important thing you can do in life.” Trent supports his message of faith-based masculine maturity and being true to self with the foundation of scripture, “The Bible is our guide.” An active relationship with God coupled with a constant reading of scripture, men can reclaim their identities and live lives truest to who they are. Not only does Trent talk the talk but he also walks the walk. He launched a non-profit organization, Rehab Time (Renew Every Heart and Body) to be a bridge between the secular and the sacred. By erasing the dividing line that separates the two, his organization is designed to bring people from all walks of life together for a common cause which is to uplift, educate, and empower people in their everyday life. The mission of Rehab Time is to serve as a worldwide community that instinctively promotes change for the better by uplifting, empowering and demonstrating change from the inside out through the development of faith, self, fitness, relationships and leadership. The vision is to become the number one online community and worldwide resource community for the betterment of people. Trent is well on his way to accomplishing his vision and divinemagazineonline.com

COVER STORY | D I V I N E M A G A Z I N E goals; he has a huge following on his social media sites where he is most known for his heart-tugging videos and memes that feature insightful words of wisdom. Trent centers his mission on this message: “Living for God is being real. Getting into God’s word is the central point of life.” For Trent, faith in God, embracing how that faith empowers men to embrace their identities, and biblically inspired living are the keys to reclaiming

manhood from society’s siege on who men are and how they should live. As Trent encourages his audiences and numerous social media followers, the time for young men to rehab who they as children of God and to live that identity out in a world that so seeks to diminish their potential is now! And so, men, it’s rehab time. Take it from Trent, “be true to God and be true to yourself.”

Rehab Time Core Values • Fitness- I know change starts within, so my body is an outward manifestation of my internal progress.

• Integrity- I will never let the questioning of my character hinder me from reaching the pinnacles of my desires.

• Altruism- I will always let my inner joy come

not from receiving, but through my ability to give help to others.

• Responsibility-

I will never let any situation be used as an excuse for me to not uphold my responsibility to myself and to others.

• Leadership- I know if I head confidently in a

positive direction, not only will others follow, but also in time, it will help others move the same way.

•

Spiritually- Even through adversity, God will not only prosper me, but also use my adversities as blessings for others. Rehab Time Initiatives Life After Sports pRehab Breaking Your Own Heart Championship Mindset See My Heart Not My Past Catch Dreams P31 Woman

Find out more about Trent Shelton and Rehab Time at http://www.rehabtime.org divinemagazineonline.com

DIVINE MAGAZINE | MEN’S ISSUE

men of standard profile: Ken Steorts Visible Music College President

AMONG THOSE visionaries in Memphis whose work is changing the city spiritually and culturally, Ken Steorts has a prominent place. As President of Visible Music College, Ken is creating a dynamic culture of artistic and spiritual growth that is now pouring out into the city’s local churches and music stages. Ken Steorts created Visible Music College with the goal of training the next generation of artists in music, discipleship, worship and ministry. Ken was the founding guitarist, songwriter, and road manager of the rock band Skillet. While touring with the band he saw a large number of young Christian musicians with great character but little skill instruction or with great skill but little spiritual leadership. Ken envisioned an education center where academic and vocational study of music would be combined with characterbuilding discipleship and community. In the winter of 1999, Ken left the band to create a program for well-trained, passionate musicians and world-changers. During the spring of 2000, Ken Steorts and mentor Rick Miller traveled to Coventry, England to observe Nexus Academy of Music Ministry, an inspiring model of the kind of school Ken envisioned in Memphis. Visible Community School of Music and Worship Arts was launched in fall 2000 as a ministry of Grace Covenant Church (Lifelink Church) with a ninemonth training program. Twenty-one students from across North America and the United Kingdom were enrolled in

men of standard profile:

the 2000-2001 charter class. The college began pursuing national accreditation with TRACS (Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools) in 2003 and received formal accreditation in fall 2009. On May 14, 2005 Visible Music College granted its first three Bachelor of Ministry degrees. After nine years of growth, the original campus in Lakeland, Tennessee became too small and Visible Music College began a $6 million capital campaign to move the college and its dormitories to downtown Memphis. Visible Music College acquired the iconic C&I Bank Building in downtown Memphis as its education center in 2009. During renovation classes were moved to Lifelink Church in the Cooper-Young District in Memphis. The college moved into to the downtown campus in late Summer 2011. The campus includes four floors of performance, practice, classroom and administrative space. Future plans include renovation of the basement into recording and production studios and the top floor as a Library and event space. Visible Music College is committed to a philosophy of education that prioritizes community through teaching, accountability, and discipleship. Therefore, enrollment growth will be achieved through partners and teaching sites around the United States and world. Schal Werk Stadt, a partner campus in Holden, Germany, opened in Fall 2011. Ken’s vision has afforded hundreds of Christian musicians to receive training for their callings, dozens of churches are being filled with talented songwriters, producers, and worship leaders, and the place of art in the Christian faith is both broadening and deepening with each new semester at Visible. To find out more about Ken Steorts and the Visible Music College, visit www.visible.edu

Marlon Brown Assistant Construction Director/Homeowner Relations of Service Over Self (SOS) Ministries MARLON BROWN is a man reclaiming Memphis for God. Marlon, otherwise known as “Big Dog,” has worked at Service Over Self– an urban home repair ministry located in the heart of Memphis – for 11 years now. While most now know Marlon as the Assistant Construction Director at SOS and for his constant ministering presence in the city, his was not always a reputation of gospel-centered service to others. Marlon knows better than most, perhaps, what it is to be reclaimed. As one reclaimed by God’s purpose from a purposeless life, Marlon knows what it means to need the gospel he now demonstrates. Born and raised in Millington, Marlon’s mother died when he was 9. Leaving Marlon to be raised by his stepfather, a cold man whose only message to his stepson was, “You are nothing.

DIVINE MAGAZINE | MEN’S ISSUE

You’ll never be anything else but nothing.” Battered by that message, Marlon started using drugs, drinking, and having sex by the time he was 14. The street called to him, lured him in, and he answered. His mother’s wake fell on his 10th birthday, and Marlon grew into his deepening feelings of abandonment, worthlessness, and eventual nihilistic thoughts of selfloathing and suicide. Other than athletics, where Marlon excelled at Basketball, all that the world offered Marlon was negative. That encroaching negativity of a broken family and empty life was only worsened by racism Marlon could not escape. Marlon was the first African American to be Homecoming King at Millington Central High, an honor given to Marlon because of his athletic success and “popularity” one utterly rejected by a group of white racists, who beat Marlon, leaving him for dead. The cycle of basketball, girls, racism, hate, and eventually, crime

did not end with high school. Receiving a basketball scholarship Christian Brothers University but deepening his depraved lifestyle, Marlon continued a downward spiral of drugs, street life, theft, and an embittered racism instilled over a long period of time. The rampant drug led to debt to the wrong people, and Marlon left CBU for fear of debtors. Marlon, then, went to Beaumont, TX continuing to dabble in basketball after engaging a criminal life. The following months brought a whirlwind of volatile life events: selling dope to an undercover cop, joining the military only to be discharged, even being charged with attempted murder and acquitted under a technicality. Ending up at Lane College and eventually jail for selling drugs, Marlon finally returned to Millington to quit on life. Finish reading Marlon Brown’s Profile at http://www.divinemagazineonline.com divinemagazineonline.com

CHART toppers

LITERATURE & ENTERTAINMENT | SPIRITUAL GIFTS

TOP 10 Most Popular Books For Men 1. A Man After God’s Own Heart: Devoting Your Life To What Really Matters by Jim George 2. Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God by Francis Chan 3. Worry Free Finances by John Seibeling 4. Outside The Wire: Every Man’s Guide For Spiritual Warfare by Yves Johnson 5. Don’t Waste Your Life by John Piper 6. Facing Your Giants: A David & Goliath Story for Everyday People by Max Lucado 7. No More Excuses: Be The Man God Made You To Be by Tony Evans 8. Cheer Up Your Wife: A DIY Biblical Guide by Aleathea Dupree 9. Splashing in Puddles: How To Be A Father To Your Daughter by David B. Van Heemst 10.Sex, Romance and the Glory of God: What Every Christian Husband Needs To Know by C. J. Mahaney

TOP 5 Christian Albums (For Men) 1. Wow Hits 2014 - Various Artists 2. Church Clothes: Vol. 2 - Lecrae 3. A Messenger - Colton Dixon 4. The Acoustic Sessions (Volume One) - Casting Crowns 5. Rise - Skillet

TOP 5 Gospel Albums (For Men) 1. Best Days - Tamela Mann 2. Withholding Nothing - William McDowell 3. Gravity - Lecrae 4. Azusa: The Next Generation - Hezekiah Walker 5. God Chaser - William Murphy

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DIVINE MAGAZINE | MEN’S ISSUE

DIVINE DESTINATIONS | T I M E O F F

Places Every Man Should Visit In His Lifetime

Make 2014 a year of fun and adventure! Take time to explore the great outdoors and discover some of the world’s best kept secrets without a second thought about your budget, time constraints or who to bring along. We’ve compiled a list of places that you have to explore in your lifetime, whether you’re traveling alone, spending time with your wife, hanging out on a guy’s trip or making memories with the kids. Pack your bags, grab your camera and start here: 1. SARDIS RESERVOIR, MS

The ideal location for solitude on a solo excursion but also popular for its great fishing spots perfect for a guy’s trip. Plenty of recreation activities to choose from including camping, hunting, boating, swimming, skiing, and picnicking. Discover more at http://sardis.uslakes.info.

2. SEDONA, AZ

One of the most frequented resort and vacations spots in the US. Beautiful mountains, great hiking spots, and full of outdoor adventure, Sedona is a must see! Check out the official Sedona city page at http://www.sedonaaz.gov.

3. KEY WEST, FL

The Florida Keys have a quiet peace about them, while also providing adventure, exotic scenery, and lively nightlife. Located at the southern most point of the United States, Key West is as tropical as it gets within the States. Plan your trip at http://www.fla-keys.com/

4. ASPEN, CO

Get four vacations in one when you experience the Power of Four—Snowmass, Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk. Explore over 5,300 acres of terrain, endless dining options and nightlife. Choose a romantic getaway package or a weekend that the entire family won’t soon forget. Start planning at http://www.aspensnowmass.com.

5. REELFOOT LAKE STATE PARK, TN

Bond with your son(s) or daughter(s) on a unique getaway from the bright lights and big city life. Create lasting memories while witnessing rare bald eagle nesting grounds, viewing the marvelous natural lakes, and dining at some of the area’s most delicious catfish restaurants. Explore the amenities at http://reelfoottourism.com

6. SAN ANTONIO, TX

Take the River Walk downtown, visit the Alamo, and stay in some of the most premier hotels in the country when you visit San Antonio. The people are great. The food is great. The city is full of life. Noted as one of the top romantic destinations, plan your romantic getaway at http://visitsanantonio.com/

7. HOT SPRINGS NATIONAL PARK, AR

Great lakes, great hikes, great food! Hot Springs boasts of adventures that capture its rich history from Bathhouse Row to the Gangster Era. Choose to rough it outdoors on a campground or relax at a nice bed and breakfast. Customize your trip at http://www.hotsprings.org.

8. LONDON, UK

Books are written on the ins and outs of London tourism. In a city with the most extraordinary museums in the world, the most beautiful churches in the world, and the most iconic landmarks in the world, London is a traveler’s dream, and there are affordable ways to experience it all. Get your passport ready but not before checking out http://www.londonpass.com for tips and travel ideas.

9. OCHO RIOS, JAMAICA

The world’s friendliest people and most breathtaking beaches are within a short plane ride from the US. All-inclusive resorts provide a weeklong stay in Paradise, or you could try more local accommodations and explore the gorgeous landscape of Dunn’s River Falls as well as the birthplace of Bob Marley. Feel the vibe at http://www.visitjamaica.com and prepare for the trip of a lifetime.

10. DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA

Indulge in a perfect combination of adventure, tranquility, nightlife, exotic cuisine and complete relaxation on the finest beaches on the Indian Ocean. Plan to kayak, visit a water park, or venture to a near by safari. The possibilities are endless so check out http://www.durbanexperience.co.za to determine where you’ll start your African excursion.

Men, it’s time to stop working so hard and live a little! Whatever your preference, just go! It’s good for your manhood, it’s good for your family & it’s good for your health!

DIVINE MAGAZINE | MEN’S ISSUE

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FASHION & BEAUTY | TOTAL BEING: INSIDE & OUT

STYLE TIPS

FOR MEN

Grooming is a constant must! A woman looks at a man’s hair and grooming as a direct reflection of his responsibility factor. “Does he keep up with himself?” “If he can’t clean up his hair when it gets messy, will he clean a room? His house? His car?” Start simple. Don’t give a woman the opportunity to question your grooming ability at first glance.

Whether if you’re a dreamer or a blue collar individual, the most alluring aspect of a man to a woman is his ambition. A man with strong ambition showcases drive and determination. This gives the woman a sense of security, hope for the future, and an additional purpose to support. A real woman enjoys supporting her man.

A blazer (also known as a sports coat) is a necessity in your closet. The blazer must be tailored to fit the contours of your body shape. A neutral color can be utilized on multiple occasions either dressed up with a button-down shirt or more casual with a thin material graphic tee.

Hygiene is extremely important. You must be aware of your status before anyone else. Smell can be your first greeting; good or bad. Also don’t overdo it with cologne; it’s very distracting if the person you are conversing with is constantly sneezing due to your smell. This can be viewed as disrespectful and inconsiderate of the people around you.

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By Michael Lopez-Bond Lead Designer & CEO of Cashmir Clothing

The fit of your jeans can either make you or break you. All men should know the exact fit of their waist and inseam. Yes, we do prefer a tad bit of extra comfort room in our lower region but that can easily be negotiated by shopping different brands. Good quality jeans can be quite expensive but in the end it’s worth it to make the investment and they will get plenty of use. Also, if you’re a beginner at shopping for jeans, please refrain from faded jeans. Solid tones, especially dark wash blue jeans should be your primary focus.

MICHAEL’S STYLE TIPS DIVINE MAGAZINE | MEN’S ISSUE

FO OD FORTE | V I RTUO US LI V I N G

MANLY

MEALS by Jeff Pates

Every year when the air turns crisp and the temperature begins to fall, it’s time to pull out the sweaters and cook some of those cool weather favorites. Here’s a chili recipe that every man will love with a secret ingredient that will make you want to refill your bowl again and again. Plus, the best sidekick to any great bowl of chili is grilled cheese and together they help to ﬁght the menace of manly hunger.

COLD DAY CURE CHILI Ingredients 1/2 lb. of smoked sausage (my fav is Conecuh: www.conecuhsausage.com) (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained (15-ounce) can dark red kidney beans, rinsed and drained (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained (15-ounce) can great northern beans, rinsed and drained 1/2 cup green bell peppers, chopped 1 cup red onion 1 1/2 tablespoon minced fresh garlic 1/2 tablespoon of cumin seed ground 2 chipotle chiles, in adobo sauce, minced 2 tablespoon of adobo sauce (sauce that the chipotle comes in) 1-2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa 2 teaspoon salt 5 or so liberal shakes of Worcestershire sauce 1 tablespoon brown sugar 1 tablespoon of fresh cracked pepper Directions Heat oil in large Dutch oven or large pot over medium-high heat. Add cumin, pepper anda liberal pinch of salt. Add

DIVINE MAGAZINE | MEN’S ISSUE

onions and garlic. Sauté until onions are translucent, about 6 minutes. Now add the secret ingredient, the sausage, cook until brown. In a separate skillet, cook ground beef and season it with salt and pepper. Drain the ground beef and add to the pot. Next, stir in all three cans of beans and tomatoes. Bring the heat to medium low. Now, stir in minced chipotle, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and cocoa. Add salt to taste. While there is deﬁnitely a time and place for a grilled cheese consisting of white bread and Kraft singles, the key to making an awesome grilled cheese is simple: quality ingredients. You must use good cheese and good bread.

melt the cheese. Variation: Try using only applewood smoked cheddar and 3-4 slices of bacon. Recipes by Jeff Pates creator of Pates Seasoning. He lives in Memphis, TN with his wife, Abbye, where they love to offer hospitality by cooking and sharing meals with friends, neighbors, and strangers. Jeff has handcrafted a seasoning blend available through his website, www. patesseasoning.com. When Jeff is not cooking up something new in the kitchen, he is traveling and playing music with his wife.

3 CHEESE GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICH Ingredients sharp cheddar cream cheese smoked gouda real salted butter slices of good loaf Directions Preheat skillet over medium-low heat. Place a tablespoon of butter in the skillet or griddle. Spread cream cheese on one side of the piece of bread. Add a slice of the other two cheeses to the bread. Now, butter one side of another piece of bread and place it butter side up on the assembled sandwich. Place assembled sandwich on the skillet or griddle and grill until golden browned, then ﬂip. Continue grilling until cheese is melted. If using a skillet, you can place a glass top over the skillet to retain the heat and help divinemagazineonline.com

MONEY MARKET | P O W E R & P U R P O S E

Financial Steps For Men From Every Walk of Life by Terry Rogers

“When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things”. 1 Corinthians 13:11

his verse clearly states that there has to be a transition in our lives. It shows that thoughts, ways, and habits have to mature along with us. One area that many should mature in is their finances. Unfortunately, in many cases, people go out into the world as adults with no real discipline or education around money and with no structured financial training. You can go through your K-12 years as well as college only to look back and realize that you never received the fundamentals in mature financial management practices. For example, I can remember when I first left high school and credit card companies suddenly became my best friends. They sent the coolest and brightest letters, presenting me with the lowest interest rates and the highest credit limits. I thought it was all great . . . at the time. Only later, after much maturing, would I learn that credit card dependency is the exact opposite of how anyone should start his or her financial lives. I’m not saying that there is no place for debt in anyone’s lives; however, debt does need to be diligently controlled and minimized as much as possible. Too divinemagazineonline.com

much debt takes away from your true net worth and can keep you in a perpetual state of financial infancy. Net worth should be the focus of a mature man when it comes to building wealth, and when considering net worth, salary is not the only factor to consider. In my years in the finance industry, I’ve literally known a professional that never made more than $40K annually, retire a millionaire. On the other hand, I’ve known a well paid professional that brought in hundreds of thousands to millions some years, yet retire will little to nothing. Net worth is about value. It’s about ownership. In a sense, it’s also about leadership. In the simplest way to put it in a formula, just take the value of all your appreciating assets (home, properties, account balances, investment balances) and subtract the amount of the liabilities (mortgage, auto loans, credit card balances, other debt). The number you have is your net worth, a constant thermometer for financial maturity. Example, let’s say you only own one thing, a piece of property, for example. The appraised value on it is $100K and you have an outstanding loan on it for $50K. Your net worth is $50K. Just like all major corporations have to keep track of numbers like this, along with other financial data, I believe everyone should keep same detailed records. Men should thrive to increase their net worth

along with other principles in their lives. As kids and younger adults, spending can be one of our greatest temptations. Many find that it’s important to have the best items, clothes, and toys money can buy. Every demographic in America runs this same risk of irresponsible spending. Excessive spending” with early credit card debt, excessive spending for materialistic gains is another habit that goes totally against the financial steps of a mature man. The mature man writes a plan. He has vision. He looks at future goals. He envisions what his retirement will look like. He researches to find what his kids’ or future kids’ college costs may be. A mature man considers the things he would like to accomplish and the places he would like to go while he’s living in this blessing called life. To find out more about Financial Steps For Men From Every Walk of Life, visit divinemagazineonline. com. Terry Rogers, Registered Representative Shoemaker Financial 2176 West Street – Suite 110 – Germantown, TN 38138 Terry Rogers is a registered representative of Securian Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Shoemaker Financial is independently owned and operated.

Advice for successful-minded men in different stages of life SINGLE MEN • Build a saving money culture. Discipline yourself to put aside at least 10 percent of your gross income • Learn to live within your means. Limit or eliminate impulsive/trendy shopping and build towards more substantial long-term goals. This is especially more tough with single people of younger ages. ENGAGED MEN • It’s time to review the savings and planning already in place.. or start a solid plan. • Make vision more clear considering another person is involved and will depend on you. MARRIED MEN • Work with a professional if you haven’t already. Should be working with a trusted advisor that keeps the family on track. • Let discussions (as tough as they may be) of wills, trusts, estate arrangements, Life insurance be just as important as discussions on investment growth. DIVORCED/WIDOWED MEN • Stay positive/focused. One of the most negatively impactful events (next to death and long term medical issues) will be divorcing. Don’t let emotions take you off track with the plans. • With this situation or any of the others listed…no matter what age or marital status, a written plan helps.

Registration No. 873009 and DOFU 3-7-14 DIVINE MAGAZINE | MEN’S ISSUE

LIFELINES | SO U L CO N N EC TI O NS

Reflecting on

Manhood

in Nat Faxon & Jim Rash’s The Way, Way Back By Timothy R. McCammon

One of the most controversial aspects of the Christian life tends to be authentic manhood. From its portrayal in films to the way it is lived in everyday life, manhood is something sought after and often fumbled by man. One particular illustration of this journey toward authentic manhood is displayed in Nat Faxon & Jim Rash’s The Way, Way Back, a fairly recent film that follows a young man named Duncan who struggles to define what true manhood is soon after the divorce of his parents and the awkward introduction of a new man into the role of father figure in his life. Not only does Duncan have to come to terms with the situation of a broken family, abandoning father, and poor new father substitute in the film, he is also 14 years old, a crucial age in which each man must begin to find his place within society. As such, and as is expected, Duncan is quite the wallflower, speaking only when spoken to, and generally downcast by the rejection of the family around him, who should support him most. The most pressing themes presented in this film are that of authentic manhood, as well as a coming of age into that manhood. As is shown throughout the course of the film, the men that should be Duncan’s male role models horrendously fall down on the job, all

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the while his mother struggles to simply “make things work,” never taking a proper stand when the time presents itself. Trent, the up and coming male figure to be that has shifted into the space left by Duncan’s biological father (played by Steve Carell), is a glaring depiction of hypocrisy at its finest and proves a foil to Duncan’s journey to healthy masculinity. On one hand, Trent seeks respect and trust between Duncan and himself, and on the other he returns to the childish and immature ways of his past infidelities, making his pleas for trust and respect all the more hollow. Duncan’s biological father, as is revealed late in the film, appears to give the façade of simply getting himself situated from the divorce before Duncan can go and spend time with him, but he truly wishes to have nothing to do with Duncan. As a result of this social alienation within his family, Duncan seeks refuge at a water park local to the beach house owned by Trent in which the family is staying for the summer. Duncan finds that not all is as it seems at the water park, as anyone and everyone that he expects to look down on him rather lends him a hand up and accepts him as part of their social group. In particular is the comical owner of the water park, Owen, played by Sam Rockwell. In the beginning, it seems as though Owen has some issues with being a responsible man himself, but is later snapped into perspective and begins to truly fill the role of a male figure to Duncan that Trent and his biological father have left entirely empty. The capstone moment of Duncan’s journey into true manhood comes in the conversation held by Duncan and Owen on the morning when the family is leaving Trent’s vacation home, when Owen advises Duncan to forget everything that

Trent has done to put him down, to break away from all of the oppressive negativity and go his own way. Soon after, Duncan takes Owen’s advice as his family is forcing him to leave the beach house; Duncan inevitably leaps from the vehicle to return to the water park for a moment of triumph, a crucial rite of passage into becoming his own man as the now top-dog of the water park. In the end, the film beautifully displays how false manhood can be imposed on some, the power of others to change in order to become the man they should be, and the powerful effect that true manhood can have on the up and coming generation of men that follow closely behind, looking to the men of this generation as a role model for what being a man truly means. It is a lesson that all men should take to heart, to stand up and become the upright and true man in order that the future “Duncans” of our world may see a ray of hope and truth in them rather than a pit of despair and fallacy.

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Lyrical CAFE

Written by V. Michael McKay Produced by Cortney Richardson & Tim Mason Published By Schaffer Music Publishing, SESAC

In This Place Featuring The Inspiring Single “Famous” Is Now Available At Spin Street Music & Any Digital Store Including iTunes, Google Play, Amazon, & Muze.

SPECIAL MESSAGE TO MEN The Corinthian Song is one that speaks of troubles and perplexities, which is certainly a part of every man’s life. Men are expected to create and to cultivate; to provide and to protect and there are pressures associated with attempting to do so. Many men are bruised and battered due to blurred vision, unclear instructions, and a history of failure. Hope, however, stems from the confidence that GOD’s power increases elasticity and keeps men strong and whole. The man who is unbroken is the man that does not allow painful circumstances to trump him. This song is an anthem for all men who fight for what matters the most- Authentic Manhood. I am troubled,yet not destressed, Perplexed, but not in despair. Cause I’m a vessel full of power, With a treasure, none can compare. Persecuted, but not forsaken. Cast down, but not destroyed. I am a vessel full of power I’ve got a treasure, from the Lord. Chorus: I’m a vessel full of power With a treasure from the Lord. So thank you father for your power It has resurrected me. Oh, the painful circumstances That my poor soul could not flee. Bruised and battered but not broken Born in sin but from sin set free I am a vessel, full of holy ghost power With a treasure hidden in me.

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GENER ATIONS | FA ITH & FA M I LY

aising Our StandardS To Raise Our by Tom Fuerst

Last Christmas my wife bought my two year old son a miniature purple stroller to push around dolls and stuffed animals. He and his sister were constantly fighting over the pink one we bought the year before, so we eliminated the problem by buying him one, too. While I may have preferred that he have a blue or green stroller, you might guess little plastic strollers only come in “girly” colors. I understand a lot of fathers would never allow this to happen in their home. Boys do not play with dolls. Boys do not push strollers. Doesn’t playing with dolls and pushing stuffed animals in strollers undermine our son’s masculinity – maybe even obliterate it?

maybe it is because student loans ensure I never have a lot of cash, but I hope my questioning of these definitions and our culture’s marks of masculinity actually arise from a grand picture of the gospel of Jesus Christ – a gospel I want to pass on to my son more than any culturally conditioned masculinity marker. In order to define true masculinity, the gospel points to a man who had his beard ripped out, never touched a

But I have to ask where we get our definition of masculinity. Who defines what it means to be a man? Where I live, Duck Dynasty beards, football, and shooting things are the markers of masculinity. To these, we can add khakis, cash, and climbing the corporate ladder. The beards prove we have vim and vigor. Football proves our toughness. Shooting things proves our power to kill and that we lack the emotion to care. Khakis demonstrate we work a certain kind of job and cash demonstrates we are successful at that job. And climbing the corporate ladder proves we can triumph over our peers at our job. Maybe it is because when I grow a beard it looks like a blind man tried to mow my face, maybe it is because sitting in a freezing deer stand with urine all over me could not seem less appealing, or

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football, and spent his weekends in the wilderness fighting Satan. If he had worn khakis, they would have been blood stained, he died without a dime, and the only ladder he climbed was a cross. I understand shaping my son’s view of masculinity is my responsibility, but the church exists to be a group of people defined by different standards – standards primarily identified by the self-giving love exhibited by Jesus. The church community, therefore, helps form my son’s view of masculinity. Yet, even in the church, our definitions

BOYS

are skewed. All the self-giving love roles are delegated to women--caregivers, consolers, cooks, and curers. We even train our daughters for this by giving them baby dolls and toy kitchens; but our sons, who are not expected to be compassionate and caring, are taught to shoot not sympathize, hit not hug, and bring in cash not give their lives away. So, when my wife bought my son a purple stroller to push around dolls and stuffed animals, I did not object. Rather, I thanked her. I want my son to see that true masculinity is not defined by the machismo, culturally conditioned views of this world the church has adopted, but by Jesus Christ, who gave himself away, took on the role of a slave, and disregarded strict social boundaries in order to proclaim a God who, like a tender mother hen, desires to redefine masculinity in light of his self-giving love. I cannot imagine a more important marker of masculinity for my son, and if other Christian men will not help, I guess a plastic, purple stroller will have to substitute.

SOCIAL MEDIA WEIGH IN: Do you think we should raise our standards and change our views on how to raise our boys better?

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