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FEBRUARY 2020
OFTEN
OVER LOOKED BLESSINGS
Home is Our Sanctuary “Real Love is like a well watered garden full of good and fruitful sustenance”.
Live Learn Love
SPOTLIGHT OH
GREATNESS AN INTERVIEW WITH THE CAPTAIN 1
JOIN IN AND BE BLESSED!
*NOTE: NEW DAY & TIME SUNDAY 4:00 PM EST
FOUNDER & PRESIDENT
PATRICIA A. BUNTON 156 Sheffield Drive Dover, DE 19901, (302) 465-3892 Web: www.faithwalkersministries.org Fb, IG, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn 2
•Television •Radio •Magazine •YouTube •FB Live •Blogs
• ENLIGHTENING • INSPIRING • ENCOURING • MOTIVATING
WOMEN’S FAITH AND FELLOWSHIP EVENTS Want to help women live their best lives? Want to be a part of a sisterhood of loving, caring and supportive ladies who are sincerely concerned about YOU?
Guest speaker Pastor Angel Kelley
Welcome to our heart-centered circle of Women of Faith at Pretty n’ Pink!
Share your life story, thoughts and experiences to give other women the encouragement, power and help they need to make sense of their own lives. Pretty n’ Pink’s intent is to provide a platform where women of all ages, ethnicities, backgrounds, socio-economic status, races and cultures can fellowship together uninhibited, and share, minister, heal and grow together as they learn to love and appreciate themselves and each other.
Saturday, FebRUARY
Share your story
Pastor Angel Kelley
05-239-9323
It’s an opportunity for you to share your story and allow it to bless, encourage and inspire ministry others. time!
werful llowship with us and Sisterhood is encouraged and highlighted in mpowered!! our gatherings, and fellowship, fun, love and
29, 2020 12 - 2pm Guest speaker
Simpson Church
907 Centerville Rd, Wilmington, DE Contact: Apostle Patricia Bunton 205-239-9323
food abound! Several fellowship events are held annually, so please follow us on social media @ Faith Works Productions and visit our website www. faithwalkersministries.org for updates. Ready to inspire and be inspired? Come on out and join the Pretty n’ Pink Sisterhood…we’ve saved a spot just for YOU!
Donation: $10
Lunch served...gifts, prizes, games and powerful ministry time! Sisters...come out and enjoy this time of fellowship with us & leave encouraged, inspired, empowered!! 1
CONTENT PUBLISHED BY Faith Works Productions EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Patricia A. Bunton EDITORS Dawna Bunton Lanita Smart STAFF WRITERS Dr. Heather H. Tucker Dr. Marci Bryant Clyrese Minor Joye Davis April Moore Tamara Gregory LAYOUT/DESIGN Naymul Hasan
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Features
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From the Editor
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Movement & Momentum
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Secrets to Increasing Your Life Harmony
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CAN YOU PICTURE THIS DESIGNS
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AN INTERVIEW WITH THE CAPTAIN
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Planted to Live
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53 blessings
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RESET
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He Lives In Our Praise
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Guess your best
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The Professional Girlfriend
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DEALING WITH STRESS and EMOTIONS
Freedom Under God’s Grace
How To Obtain A Life Of Peace & Prosperity
From the Editor EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Apostle PATRICIA A. BUNTON
GREETINGS! Welcome to Faith Works Magazine!
In this our premier issue, I am so excited to share with our readers the vision for this amazing venture. We are a bi-monthly publication with digital and upcoming paper issues available for your reading pleasure. Our goal here at Faith Works is to inspire, uplift and encourage our readers through the many compelling testimonies and faith-filled, real-life accounts shared by believers just like you. We will provide engaging, inspiring and motivational nuggets of wisdom that challenge you to excel in your faith walk. The magazine is filled with articles and stories of overcoming, helpful insights, a touch of humor sprinkled throughout, and wonderful tips designed to help you navigate this journey called life. I am certain that you will enjoy every minute you spend perusing the pages of each issue and relish the joy of every single article that you read. Our hope is that you will experience a true feast for the soul and close the cover of our publication with a genuine smile of pleasure and satisfaction on your face. We look forward to having you join us as a part of the Faith Works Magazine family and as always, we sincerely appreciate your support. Your comments and suggestions are welcomed and encouraged! Be certain to check out our April Issue!
BE INSPIRED‌FAITH WORKS! 3
Faith Works
Accessories
& 4
Apparel
Freedom Under God’s Grace By: Dawna Bunton
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ave you ever watched a toddler squirm in the arms of its parent trying diligently to get down to the ground? The more the child squirms, the tighter the parent begins to hold onto the child. The child believes that there is adventure and good things that he will experience if he can only get to the ground. The parent knows the environment is not safe for the child to crawl around in at this time. Eventually, the child becomes irritated that his desires are being stifled and begins to whine and cry. I believe this is the way we look many times in the arms of our heavenly Father. He holds us close because he loves us and knows what is best for us; what is safest for us. Yet, we believe that we are missing out and that our desires are being ignored or withheld unjustly by our Father, who doesn’t understand or care about our needs. We think that there is so much that we should be experiencing but “Dad won’t let us!” When we are but babes, we desire the affection and attention of our parents. We want to be held and cuddled and garner their undivided attention. We trust and rely on them completely. As we grow, we begin to seek our independence-even when we are not yet ready for the world and its dangers. We don’t understand that those who love and care for us and are responsible for our safety, knows what’s best for us. The more freedom we are given to experience, the more we desire it. Let’s say a few years pass and that same child is now able to walk. With such a sense of independence, he wants to run and roam and explore. The parent is now not so hesitant to put the child down and allow him to have his freedom but keeps a close eye on the child’s movement. After all, his main concern is that the child enjoys himself
safely. When the child eventually comes back to the parent for affirmation, he scoops the child up into his arms and affectionately holds him close. But as any parent has experienced, the child is quickly ready to get back down and continue his exploration. The father holds him closer just wanting to love on him a bit longer, but the child begins to squirm and whine as before. He wants to be let go to do as he pleases. Mankind figured out early on that we have free will. As adults we exercise our free will every day. What many do not realize is, our liberty to do as we please can be dangerous and destructive outside of the canopy of the love and grace of God. We couldn’t fathom how much the grace of God has covered our daily decisions and interactions. It is the grace of God that allows us to go and grow and experience life and all that it has to offer. He is not withholding pleasures from us to tout his authority or to keep us from any good thing. His love and grace keep us from wandering too far off the path he has set for us. When we submit to his will and his way, the dying of our will must occur. This dying process can be painful. But our trust in him and belief that he has a good plan is comforting and eases the sting. The whole while, his grace continues to sustain us. The writer of Ecclesiastes came to the conclusion after all that he had experienced in life, that it could be simplified in a few sentences: “Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.” Ecclesiastes 12:13 NIV Beloveds, His grace is sufficient.
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By: Lenita Smart
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his is “track season” for the kingdom of God! He is setting, sending, and pacing us. If you’re being set, it may look like transitions are happening left and right. Maybe, certain relationships have shifted or ended, and you now must embrace a new mindset. Or, perhaps, an opportunity for influence has risen, but the fear of failure [or success] is gripping you. Well, these are prime opportunities for God to set and align your feet for a new start. Life changes can seemingly interrupt what we had intended for our lives. Things can feel awkward, unsettling, or confusing but it is not a stuck place. It’s a moment to shift! This can mean taking much-needed time away with the Lord to get clarity and focus on what He can fulfill instead of what it feels like you’ve been denied. Repeat after me: it’s only a shift! The second layer of what God is doing right now is sending. Even though it is our joy to yield to how He places our feet in the pedals of a new starting block, know that we are not meant to stay there. We move when He moves! Not seeing the end from the beginning is not a deficiency – it stretches our faith and increases our dependency on God and the power of Holy Spirit. We are called to trust His voice and take strides into our new faith territory. This can mean starting the business He showed you, purchasing the property He positioned you for, or taking those speaking engagements to tell your story. Whatever movement looks like for you, do not be afraid. Isaiah 43:1b-2 states:
…Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine! 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, nor will the flame burn you. (NASB) The third aspect of this time is that God is pacing us. Just like an actual track runner, we must be ready to adjust to the conditions of our race. This is where momentum is happening, and we are coming into sync with the rhythm of God’s heart. Merriam-Webster defines momentum as: “the force that a moving body has because of its weight and motion.” God knows exactly what He’s put in you and how weighty it is, and it takes His wisdom to gain strength and power the right way. Even a skilled runner knows when to pick up speed, and how to preserve strength as necessary – because of training. This is what the Lord is actively pouring out as we venture into new places and opportunities. Expect it and depend on it! Every act of obedience and honor to God in this season is yielding more strength and more power! Lenita Smart is an ordained minister of the Gospel. She has a heart for worship and loves the exploration of the deeper things of God. Lenita currently resides in Houston, TX where she works with leaders, prophetic teams and intercessors. In her spare time, she enjoys learning new music on the flute and ukulele, reading,
Booking, and traveling. For more information: LenitaSmart@gmail.com
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THE FORUM RADIO TALK SHOW The goal of The Forum Talk Show is to provide a public medium whereby currently relevant and often controversial issues, ideas and views can be openly and freely exchanged between the host(s) and listening audience. Viewers are given the opportunity to respond to host views and opinions and freely express their own. Being forthright in our positions and opinions on topics, we seek to broaden our audience’s general knowledge and understanding relative to the issues being discussed, while bringing awareness to public interest questions and concerns on a personal, local and national level is our intent. The show is designed to be Informative, Enlightening and Entertaining. You can also catch us on these platforms; Apple podcasts, Spreaker, Spotify, Google play and Castbox. TUESDAYS 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM HOST: Patricia A. Bunton CO-HOST: Dawna Bunton
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Secrets to Increasing
Your Life Harmony By Dr. Heather H. Tucker, PHD CEO/Life Harmony Coasch, Speaker, Trainer
Business, Life and Technology Harmony
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ife has its ups and downs, highs and lows, as well as its blessings and burdens. It’s easy to focus on the things that are within our control such as our work (i.e., careers and businesses). It’s harder to give our dedicated attention to the more troublesome side of life such as our relationships, family, and health. Sometimes the burdens we carry can be so great and people in our lives can have no idea about the weight that we are carrying around. It’s not just about what it looks like, what does it feel like? Life harmony is the ability to cultivate peace on all sides of life, even in the midst of chaos. It’s the ability to create emotional wisdom and have awareness of the emotions of ourselves and others around us. It’s important to focus on healing the home because that is from which everything flows. We never want to get so busy making a living that we forget to make a life. Every decision that we make can possibly lead to tipping the scales from harmony to disharmony.
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www.AnotherLevelLiving. com/3Secrets 1-757-333-0669
Here are 3 secrets to increasing your life harmony: 1. Get clarity on where you are and where you want to be. How satisfied are you with the following areas of life? career, relationship with your spouse or significant other, physical environment, friends, life balance, education/personal growth, spirituality/religion, emotional health (happiness), physical health, family, fun/leisure, and finances. What are the areas have ignoring or not been paying attention to? It’s time to face that we’ve been neglecting and identify ways to increase satisfaction in such areas. 2. Life is too short not to be happy, prosperous, and abundant. What’s holding you back from living and achieving your dreams? Sometimes, it’s other people, but most of the time it’s ourselves. Most of us weren’t taught to have healthy boundaries. Creating healthy boundaries is the key to success. It’s easy to become consumed by others’ intentions for you, yet we can teach people how we want to be treated. A big life lesson that many successful people learn is the power of saying NO to people and opportunities that don’t best serve them. Time is the one thing we can never get back and we must focus to accomplish the desires of our heart. Make sure you are using your time and giving it to others wisely for your best interest. 3. Take steps to live fully in the present day, not the past or the future. We can’t change the past and the future hasn’t happened yet. Our perceptions of past experiences are primary drivers for what hold us back from living our best life. Many of us, especially those who have been called for great things, suffer with some variation of post-traumatic stress from significant emotional events that may have happened in childhood, work environments, relationships, etc. We often go through life unaware unless we come to a situation that reminds of us or is similar to what we had previously experienced. Living in the past, we can come frozen in time and it’s difficult to move forward. The best thing to do is heal your past, with support, in order to life more in the present. Others can live Implementing these secrets can change your life. God doesn’t want us to live a life stressed out and overwhelmed by the things that are happening, he wants us to live in perfect peace even while there is chaos. We cast our cares onto him, and he takes care of our burdens while following his lead to take action on our purpose, passion, and prosperity. He wants us to experience mental and emotional freedom so that we can hear Him clearer and strengthen our relationships with Him, ourselves, and others. It’s about opening up ourselves so that His will can be done in our lives. “Where there is no vision, the people parish” (Proverbs 29:18). Now’s the time to expand your vision and do your calling with ease. Here’s a free audio to support you to your next level: “3 Secrets to Expanding Your Life Vision”
CAN YOU PICTURE THIS DESIGNS
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www.canyoupicturethisdesign
anya Tilghman is a native of the Eastern Shore of Maryland. She is a proud graduate of James M. Bennett Sr. High School Class of 1992.
When Tanya was a young child, she always observed her mother working in the church as a clerk. She was constantly designing something on the computer, putting together bulletins or making something creative for her friends and church family. Tanya believes this is what inspired her to be in the industry she is in today – Graphic Design! Her journey began in 1995, when she and her husband Clarence moved to Washington, DC. where he was stationed in the U.S Air Force, and she had to look for work. There was a temp agency that hired her immediately with basic computer skills but offered classes to enhance her skillsets. When Tanya didn’t have work assignments, she would play around in the design programs (Photoshop, Printworks, Corel Draw, etc.). She was assigned to a company called Radian Inc, where she was able to spend a lot of time in the marketing/graphic department. Tanya took the time to watch and learn as much as she could. The couple then relocated to Delaware, and a few short years later she had an opportunity to put what she had learned to the test. One
of her friend’s grandmother had passed away and she asked if Tanya could make a funeral program. At this time, she had only played around with making a few logos and designs for friends. She quickly accepted the challenge to create this program. Using a template of a celebrity program, she quickly assembled the program and gained the attention of a few local funeral directors, who began to inquire about services. Tanya began to design as a hobby, while still working a fulltime corporate job. For the past 15 years, Tanya used her design skills to make extra money for her household. Even though her desire was to own a graphic design firm, her dream was not realized until 2018 when she lost her main source of income. After speaking with her husband, she decided not to work for another company, but to put that energy into building her own company, Can You Picture This Design. With the support of her husband, family and friends, Tanya was able to not only launch her business full time, but also open her first location in Wilmington, Delaware in November 2019, a little over a year from the time she lost her job. She currently provides graphic design and in-house printing services and has a lucrative reseller apparel program. Tanya and her husband (who is a partner in the business) have been married for 26 years and have 5 children, Brittani, Carla, Alexis, Danielle, and Clarence III. They currently reside in Delaware.
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AN INTERVIEW WITH THE CAPTAIN By: Dr. Marci Bryant
FROM CAPTAIN TO COACH
…Constant in service to both man and God!
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tanding in the midst of three ladies engaged in what seemed to be a very intense conversation, stood this 6-foot tall striking male, who appeared to be deeply intrigued with the dialogue taking place. From a distance, it appeared as if they all knew each other intimately, however, I would find out later that they did not. In fact, they had just met earlier that day, the first day of the life coach training we were all attending. Suddenly, in walks the evening’s Facilitator, and the group reluctantly moved toward their seats. with the understanding that they would resume their conversation at the midmorning break. As the day wore on, I would learn that not only was this gentleman a retired airline pilot, but a real estate mogul as well and was now about to add a Life Coach Certification to his list of accomplishments. While his brief introduction was certainly impressive, what I would later learn before the end of the training weekend was, that Captain Dick Woodhull was also a devout Christian also. He stood out among this class of approximately 25 trainees because of his commanding ability to listen to what others had to say with genuine interest. He always responded with such compassion and meaningful input, that no one ever wanted to leave his presence. I don’t really remember how it came to light but I confessed that I had a fear of flying. He approached me after class on the second day and offered to help me with my fear of flying. I couldn’t believe I was hearing him correctly. After all, I did not live in Florida so it would not be convenient for him to meet with me; additionally, I was certainly not acquainted with individuals who were willing to give their services away for “free”. This would include training materials, phone time and follow up work assignments. But he convinced me that he wanted to do this task to help me get beyond my fear. benefit me. So, I agreed and now after working with him my fear of flying has greatly diminished. Coach Woodhull enjoys his life. It is constantly filled with the joy of helping others achieve their personal and professional goals. He listens to what’s important to a potential client; then moves forward to help them reach their ideal state of contentment. He is a joy to talk with. He is also a very devoted husband and family man. In conversing with his wife Denise, I have learned that they 10 10
DICK WOODHULL
not only excel in their marriage, but they have come together as partners in business. They work together in real estate where she says that Dick has been invaluable to her as a mentor,’ helping her in closing 37 ventures this past year. He has also become the phenomenal coach factor in reaching individuals struggling with weight issues, which is a passion for her. Together they make a great team at home and in the workplace. They each are soundly grounded in their professional credentials and they practice their Christian faith in their family and home life. They’ve made their home in the state of Florida but travel extensively. They both look at life as not only an opportunity to help others but to enjoy each other. His hobbies include golf, which he also states emphatically is also his handicap. He says this with a wide grin on his face. Currently, his goals include continuing to serve and empower others to reach the success they desire and deserve. His life has not been perfect, and he’s had to reinvent himself, and yes, he has suffered loss and misunderstandings between family and friends, but his faith has made him determined not to let life defeat him. This one thing he says has kept him going, “believing that God is ultimately in control, and he just needs to trust Him and keep moving in the direction that he has been called”. He has no plans to retire from life while there is yet someone who needs him and someone to help. He wants to make a difference whenever and wherever he can. Coach Dick Woodhull is very sensitive to the needs of others and has a gentleness that glides past one’s resistance of his probing. In other words, he makes you feel comfortable talking to him about your personal challenges. Moreover, he does not respond in a judgmental way. His approach is soaked with kindness and understanding as well as solution-oriented direction. It is hard to think of him as one who may be experiencing problems & personal challenges of his own, but he does. Yet, he never allows it to interfere with his ability to help resolve someone else’s dilemma. What a Captain, one who can make split second, life altering decisions; what a Coach, one who can feel empathy and provide needful direction, what a Friend, one who will stand with you, walk with you and pray with you. Whatever it takes, lets win together! He would love to hear from you.
Contact Dick via email at: coachingwithcaptaindick@gmail.com
Love is in the Air Real Love is like a well watered garden full of good and fruitful sustenance. It runs deep, and endures the heat of the scorching sun as well as the harshness of storms and winter’s cold. It exudes the fragrance of tantalizingly sweet peace and passion in perfect tandem. It embraces the obstacles of life with determined resolve... and declares that defeat is not an option!!! Real Love is not easily swayed. It sees through the eyes of compassion and tender selflessness. It mirrors the perfect heart of the Father and never fails.
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Planted to live I Love My Daughter!
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ure, one would say which parent doesn’t love their child. For me , my love for my beautiful one is more than maternal; it is spiritual. My daughter represents a promise that was kept. Her name has great meaning and she is a a gift from God. For many years, I prayed, longed, and hoped for her and finally without warning, I was blessed with a miracle that bloomed from love submerged in a river of tears. I love my daughter because I have learned some of life’s greatest lessons from her. To me , she is like a garden, tilled, fertilized and nutured that, once planted blooms into the most beautiful of flowers that warms the world. She is a blessing and a gift. Bette Midler’s song, “The Rose” speaks of a such a transformation. It is a God given mystery revealed : Life in a garden , much like the heart of a child, is an extension of God and there are lessons to be learned. My daughter is a flower ever so graceful and giving. Recently , at her request, we planted a tiny backyard garden. She along with this garden live parallel lives. Together, they teach me lessons each day greater than mere knowledge and far beyond their time. I have learned there is more to life, living, growing and love than meets the natural eye. I spent three seasons in this space amazed at how much there is still to learn if you allow yourself to be taught. God and the universe are amazing teachers and will freely give to you keys to healing, success, comfort and love from the most unlikely places. Who would have thought I would find awakening and deliverance from learing simple yet profound lessons from My Daughter’s Garden. Life, like a garden also mirrors nature and transitions through seasons. One of those seasons is winter and usually in life the winter season is the end of it all …. or death. Some flowers in My Daughter’s Garden are perennials which means though they start dying with the fall or become covered over by snow, buried and seemingly lifeless during winter, in the spring they
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“Just remember in the winter Far beneath the bitter snows Lies the seed that with the sun’s love In the spring becomes the rose.” come back again because they were created to live. Our little mini roses are perennials, beautiful and thorny but they were created to withstand all seasons. They are created to live over time and through adversity. They’ve been through some things, but they were purposed for continuing. Others however are annuals. They are beautiful but are meant to live through only a single season. They are like an illicit affair, deceptively beautiful in the moment and may even put down roots and take over the heart like the marigold took over my garden spreading out large and expanding; they may even drop a few seeds from the flower head as though they could have to the potential to be anything but shortlived. It appears real but is all an illusion and lack the substance it takes to hibernate over winter and come back in the spring. The reality of it all is this, at some point I will dig those beautiful marigolds up and throw them all away. Her little rose bushes however will stay. I will
carefully mulch the roots in so they can be protected until the calamity of the winter has passed them by. In the spring, when I turn over the garden soil, I will be careful not to damage the tender roots that keep them planted in the ground. I will water them, and I will fertilize them, and I watch them once again rise from the depths of death. I will do these things because I now know things I did not as a new gardener. I have been through several changes with our rose bushes in a short time in this garden. I’ve been through enough to know that if it’s not dead, perhaps it should not be buried. I now know that trials and adversity will come. I know that this garden is going to take me through unpleasant changes, anxiety, challenges and moments of sadness. I now know that even though I planted the garden to make me happy that sometimes I won’t be happy at all. There will be a time when the entire bush (not just a bloom) will wither and die even though I planted them specifically because they are supposed to last. What I do now know is, if I just keep loving and watering and feeding even when I am frustrated with the wait and the fact that they have been more of a pain than a blessing, and my efforts seem unrewarded they can come back again. I now know if give love and time a chance to do its work and I keep giving, perhaps in the end I can have something surprisingly new and beautiful like a tangerine yellow flower growing from a white rose bush. On occasion, the winter season drags on for what seems like an eternity. Week after week the weather forecasts treacherous conditions and winter storm warning ahead. This past winter has been particularly rough, more so than any other winter has in the past 5 years, dumping feet upon feet of snow and ice on the ground before even recovering the previous storm. We all complain but we deal with it. Notes of; “enough,” “I can’t take much more of this and, “I can’t wait until spring!” fills the air in the Northeastern United states. Life is often like that, dealing blow after blow without giving us a chance to stand on our feet and recover before the next devastation falls. The truth is, while we may have experienced somewhat of a break with warm winters and early spring, time must run its course and the seasons will change as they are required to do. When it is wintertime, prepare yourselves for what is to come. For no matter how long winter seems to prolong, springtime will arrive. Sadly however, sometimes the winter season in the garden is truly the end. There is no coming back. There isn’t enough water or fertilizer in the garden store to
resurrect dead roots and make withered leaves come alive. We bid our final farewell, hearts heavy, yearning for the ideal of that which has been lost and we mourn bitter-sweetly for all those unrealized dreams. We vow to be more diligent for though not always, sometimes, there is a second time around. Sometimes we pretend that it is ok, and that seething pain doesn’t rip through our hearts. Often, we look back at what we could have done differently and sigh. Perhaps we’ll plant more perennials and none of the annuals that are sure to die in the end, but then we realize that is not the solution because for varied reasons that which was designed to come back again sometimes does not. Detaching ourselves and not building relationships that have depth for fear of heart break may backfire because sometimes, the wall we have built to keep others out only entraps us causing us to be prisoners destined to spend a lifetime in permanent solitude. It is so important to understand however that no matter the variety of flowers, how hardy they are or if they are designed to stand the test of time, the health and success of the garden is as much reliant on the gardener as it is on the garden. Have you loved enough? Have you taken the time to learn about your plants and the environment needed to foster growth? Do you know how much water and sunlight is needed? How about fertilization? Did you know that some plants die when fertilized? Have you been the best steward over what you have claimed to love, or did you take the one mold fits all approach and left this place of refuge to happenstance? Sometimes it’s necessary to try again. And then if we are careful to love only like we are supposed to, when we do, we will find a different outcome the next time around. My daughter and time have taught me this. With all that I know, I am willing to take another journey through seasons and time with the roses in My Daughter’s Garden for I know that life in a garden is not always sunshine and beautiful blooms. There are devastating storms and droughts and there may be more taken from than deposited into me and if I am lucky, I will have a season of enjoyment where this space I have created proves to be as fulfilling as it was designed to be. I am willing to give everything with love, (knowing I will be frustrated at times), because once upon a time true love gave everything up for me. I can wait out this winter because I know, in the end these roses will not die; not this time.
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53 BLESSINGS OFTEN OVERLOOKED
Fresh- picked corn, barely steamed and
Someone saying you did a good job.
The smell of the air as you approach the shore.
The aromas of your mother’s kitchen at Thanksgiving.
dripping with butter.
Sheets dried in the sun. A kiss from your son when his friends are around.
A girlfriend who Listens Strong arms.
Slipping under fresh sheets after a warm bath. Laughing out loud. Express checkout lines.
The purring of your cat curled up in your lap.
The morning stillness before anyone has awaken.
The wisdom of children
Wide hips
Knowing that you have made a difference in someone’s life.
Listening to a child read his first book by himself.
Husbands who cook.
Favorite old songs on the radio.
Feeling the warmth of the sun on your skin.
A full moon on a clear night.
Your daily chat with Mom
The scent of your husband’s undershirt.
The deep silence of an empty church
Sitting outside on a summer evening watching fireflies.
Giggles.
A letter from your best friend.
Secrets told to you in strict confidence by your teenage daughter.
A place to call home.
Losing even one pound
The conspiratorial twinkle in your child’s eyes when you share a private joke.
Someone calling just to say sometimes overlooked
The sound of rain falling on a tin roof. A down comforter on a cold winter night.
Someone asking “how are you?” and really caring about the answer.
Gentle MEN
Comfortable shoes. Sitting in a field picking nd eating and eating strawberries. New crayons.
Forgiveness Touching feet with your husband in bed. A still lake at dusk. The scent of a baby’s skin.
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The guts to say you’re sorry
A favorite chair. A child’s head resting on your shoulder The quiet after a snowfall. The deep, fresh smell of damp earth in a pine forest.
Unconditional love Chocolate. Make-up.
How To Obtain A Life Of Peace & Prosperity By: Clyrese Minor
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and said, ‘Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he my run that reads it.” Picture yourself living a debt free life. Create a vision board to help you visualize your dream.
I had an idea of what the definition of goals was, but I wanted to look it up so that I would know the exact meaning. Google defines goals as the object of a person’s ambition or effort; an aim or desired result.
Attainable- Make sure your smaller and larger goals are attainable. If they are not attainable or realistic you set yourself up for failure.
am the CEO and founder of Financial Bondage Broken LLC. and a Prosperity Coach. I coach men and women on how-to live-in peace and prosperity God’s way. In this article I am going to give you two simple steps on how to not only set financial goals, but how to bring them to fruition. By the end of 2020 you will be on your way to living a life of peace and prosperity.
Setting goals is a process that begins with careful consideration of what it is that you want to achieve, and how willing you are to do the often-hard work required to actually accomplish the goals. We can’t just say “I am going to do get out of debt” and do absolutely nothing to make it a reality. You must be aware of the sacrifices necessary to achieve your financial goals. In Luke 14:28 Jesus is speaking to the crowd, telling them that before building a house you must first count the cost...He was actually talking about following Him. But this same context can be used in terms of finances. You must first count the cost of what it’s going to take to be financially free. You accomplish this by first doing personal financial research…finding out how much debt you really have. You may very well be surprised at the results. Setting goals will help motivate you to achieve them. After completing your financial research and determining how much debt you are in, you can now develop a plan to reach your goals. I wouldn’t be a GREAT Prosperity Coach if I didn’t tell you that it’s going to take a lot of discipline and self-sacrifice for you to succeed. It’s going to require that you change your spending habits, study the word of God and know what he says about financial freedom, and take action by making a conscience effort to follow His commands. To help stay focused on your financial freedom goals, the acronym SMART is a helpful tool to use. S- Specific. Develop a plan. Put your goals in writing. Habakkuk 2:2 states “And the Lord answered me,
M- Measurable. Set small goals for yourself. For example, have quarterly and monthly goals. Setting smaller goals will help prevent you from becoming frustrated through the process.
Relevant- The goals that you are setting must be relevant in accomplishing your main goal. Time- Give yourself a deadline. You must be realistic, however, developing a timeline will help you stay on course
Here is a demonstration on how to use the SMART process. 1. Picture yourself in a large house. Next, create a vision board with you and your family in it. 2. Research how much it going to cost to purchase it, maintain it, and keep it. 3. Check your credit score and hire a professional to help you eliminate outdated debt and create a plan to pay off debt. 4. Open a savings account so that you can begin to save for it. Determine how much money you need to save per month. 5. You will be in my dream home on schedule if you stick to the plan! This process can be used for any financial goals you may have, including starting a business, buy a car, saving for kid’s college. Don’t settle for what you see on the surface, God always has greater than what you can see and think. All you must do is trust Him, His plan, and His process. You too can live a life of peace and prosperity.
Proverbs 10:22 “The blessings of the Lord, it maketh rich, and addeth no sorrow with it.” Financial Bondage Broken LLC
I Financialbondagebroken.com I 800-328-1703 15
RESET
By: April Moore
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t can be intimidating and sometimes scary to take the plunge to wholeheartedly follow God. Sometimes we have to leave people and situations so that we can fulfill the mandate of God on our lives. Often what we are leaving isn’t necessarily bad, it just doesn’t help to position us for our God moments and the life He desires to build in us. I can say that I have experienced it both ways. But there was one time that truly changed my whole outlook and trajectory on life. In my mid 20’s I was a young minister and a mother of one child. I was learning and growing so fast it was hard to keep up with my spiritual appetite due to my thirst for understanding. I absolutely had fallen deeply in love with the Lord and I still am today. I knew that I was called into ministry but still had a lot of maturing and growing up to do. At age 29, I got married for the first time. I thought he was Mr. Right, but within the marriage I only found pain, abuse on several levels, and the heartbreak of adultery. This marriage took me down paths of depression, thoughts of suicide, and rejection. I can look back now and see how deceived I was, and with the realization that I never should have married this person. The brokenness in him and his family was great. He was not ready to be a spouse to anyone. But because I know that God can restore anything if the parties are willing, I went to counseling, but he repeatedly refused to join me. One night after roughly 2 ½ years of marriage… he blew up something awful. My mind and heart raced frightfully, and it was hard to calm myself from the fear of what he might do. The next morning, he left the house and the Lord spoke to me and said, “Get your baby (she was 10), get your stuff, and get out”. So, I did just that and drove back to Texas to the safety and loving comfort of my family. When I decided to follow God’s instructions that day, I literally hit the RESET button on my life. Even though I experienced tremendous feelings of failure, pain, anger, and disappointment looming over me at that time, I was confident beyond a doubt that I had done the right thing. I remember feeling that God might have changed
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His mind about my calling because I had messed up so bad, I even called myself a “spiritual has been”. But God ignored the negative self-talk and began to reset and rebuild me. When God is rebuilding you after a reset…here is what often happens. Sometimes you will lose people and things; you may have to move or change jobs. For me it was all of the above and more but I didn’t get disheartened. I came to understand that God MUST rebuild your life. You see, we often build our own lives and because it is built on our flesh and human understanding, it eventually crumbles and falls apart. So, God will break it down to the foundation and build you up again. We must trust Him because He knows EXACTLY what He is doing! Psalm 127:1 states that “Unless the LORD builds the house, they labor in vain who build it; Unless the LORD guards the city, the watchman keeps awake in vain.” Over three years later, I married Mr. Morris Moore. I sometimes joke that the ex-husband was the Anti-Morris. God rebuilt my foundation during that three-year period, but He put the walls and ceiling together when Morris and I married. One day I was walking around the beautiful home we purchased together, thinking of how I used to live and what my life looked like during the previous marriage. The Lord gave me a vision of a blank canvas. He basically said that He tore down the old and built a new life. So, when I lost everything, He just wiped the slate clean. And now that I have given Him creative license in my life, He is painting a beautiful picture filled with legacy, something that will last. God has been faithful in this marriage, and it has truly proven to be a beautiful journey. We will make 10 years in the Spring of this year. April Moore is co-founder along with her husband Morris, of Kingdom Enlightenment Ministries, an Apostolic Center located in Houston, Texas. April has been teaching the Word of God with anointing, revelation, and enthusiasm for nearly 20 years. She is the Author of “Gifts and Callings: Expanded Edition” and “Gifts and Callings: The Journey”. She dedicates herself to training believers, ministers, and leaders by creating and implementing training strategies while promoting a prophetic culture.
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GUESS YOUR BEST HOLY SIRIT WORD SEARCH B
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Friend Gifts Guide Helper
Pentecost Power River
Water Wisdom
Holy Spirit is the creative force of the God-head. In Genesis 1:2 “the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters”.
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The Professional Girlfriend BY: JOYE DAVIS
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“Home is Our Sanctuary”
ounds crazy right? We assume home is where the heart is and stays, our sacred place. The shock is, that’s not necessarily the case for everyone. Most of us are taught that home should be our “main focus”, even though society often portrays home as a place to lay our head, eat and maybe raise children. But there is something missing. Something very important is missing…the respect and honor we should have for our home and the people in it. Once we establish that, we find peace and harmony in our residing. I know that sounds easy and we may assume that we give our home respect because we pay a mortgage or rent. We beautifully decorate our home, manicure our lawns, and then there’s the occasional dinner at home. But those aren’t the only reasons why you or your spouse won’t leave home! Those things definitely help you feel like your house is a home, but I’m talking about the reason the people who live inside your home won’t leave–especially your spouse. What I have discovered about my home is, there is a spiritual thing inside that is bigger than anything else. There is the presence of God that lives there. Now, I am not saying there aren’t natural things happening in my home, but most importantly, there’s a presence here that is bigger than us. It keeps us humble and aware that we are living in His midst, that we are responsible for each other’s care. When guest enter my home, their first expression is this “feel” they get that embraces them and
makes them feel welcome and never wanting to leave. Of course, this wasn’t entirely our doing, nope, we collaborated with the Almighty! One guest stated: When a man and a woman, filled with the presence of Holy Spirit, unite in the covenant of marriage, their home becomes a sanctuary – filled with the presence of Christ. All who enter that home become intimately aware that they have stepped out of a world of darkness, and into a place of the hope and light of God. Their very presence will make an impact in the neighborhood. Friends and family who come to their home will be greatly touched by the tranquility, love and grace that fills the atmosphere of that home. I hope everyone invites God into their homes; not because it’s a perfect place, but it’s a perfect place for Him to be. I pray that you enjoy every inch of space God has given you and your family. And remember… it has nothing to do with the size of your home or the neighborhood that God wants to be found in…He wants to reside on the inside of all of His children’s hearts & homes.
“Walking into their house was like walking into a sanctuary. There was an atmosphere very different from anything I had known. The light in their house was brighter. It was more than the music or hearing someone laughing; it was a powerful awareness of being in a holy place. There was peace, yet more than peace, there was serenity. I was fully aware that this was a Christian home. While for some it might be uncomfortable at first, it was so good, and I was drawn to their presence more and more.” 19
DEALING WITH STRESS and EMOTIONS
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BY: PATRICIA A. BUNTON
ysterical, out of control, stressed out, frustrated, angry…sound like anyone you know?
Unfortunately, this is the emotional condition of too many people in today’s society. The daily stresses of life, job, family, marriage and children all contribute substantially to our daily stress levels. Innately, we learn to ignore the warning signs of “emotional overload” and continue to press onward. We dismiss the subtle hints of mental exhaustion as mere distractions in our well laid plans for life. Eventually, we develop the “superperson” complex, and convince ourselves that we are totally indestructible and in complete control of our own destiny and well-being. Unknowingly, we are merely setting ourselves up for the inevitable-emotional overdraft. Emotions are fragile at best, and completely unreliable. They can become debilitating and render us totally incapable of sound or rational reasoning and responses. When we continue to exhaust our supply of emotional stability through extreme stressfulness, we run the risk of experiencing “emotional overdraft”. By the time we reach this stage, we are definitely in need of help. In order to remedy this condition, we must release the tormenting turmoil of stress, and replenish our supply of 20
healthy rationale emotions. What most of us probably don’t realize is that years of suppressed emotions, unfulfilled desires, disappointments and stress, can ultimately lead to a life destitute of true mental freedom and transparency. Consequently, our every thought and action is unfortunately colored by this state of mental and emotional fatigue. There are times in life, when your space becomes so consumed and crowded with the mundane cycle of absolute nonsense, that there remains no space for rationality. There is a constant jockeying for your undivided attention, and you simply need to escape the rhythmic drone of senselessness that pervades your every waking hour. You search tirelessly for a sense of inner sanctum and peacefulness, to shroud you in its cocoon of security, from the relentless madness of this thing we refer to as life. This seemingly never-ending cycle of frustration takes its toll on the mental psyche, and you can actually lose your mental footing and slip into an abyss of isolation and mental instability. Trust me; you cannot imagine the overwhelming feeling of joy and liberation that will result overcoming this type of
torment. Suddenly, your thinking becomes clearer and all of the muddled imaginations and confused and unclear thoughts take on a new dimension of comprehension. Your sense of creativity returns, and your mental equilibrium finds balance, and once again… sanity and soundness reigns! When you are capable and willing to visualize the primary source(s) of your stress/ torment…you will have taken the very first step towards your ultimate freedom. Earlier, I mentioned some of the signs and symptoms that indicate the presence of stress induced emotional overload. Each individual responds or reacts to this condition quite differently. Personally speaking, my tolerance for stress is quite high, so it is easy for me to over-do it until I eventually implode. In this step of the process, you must be willing to give yourself permission to be free and accept the fact that you deserve a life liberated from the anguish of stress and mental bondage. Letting go of long held ideals and ways of coping may appear to be almost impossible at first, however, after admitting that none of these things have given you mental release in the past, you will more readily embrace this new place of shifting and change. In order to fully comprehend the concept of releasing yourself from this prison of mental torment, you must be willing to confront the “dictator” in your mind. This bully who determines the course of your emotions at will. Whether you realize it or not, you are completely under his sway. Giving yourself permission to be free is paramount. As you acknowledge the fact that freedom is possible, you will begin to release yourself from his grip by accepting the truth that you deserve to live your life free from the dictates of carnal, ungodly, mental strongholds and out-of-control emotions.
Let’s take a more in-depth look at emotions. What are emotions? Why do we have them? How do we control them? Why are they even important? What is the difference between emotions and feelings? I will attempt to address these questions and shed some light on the mystery of why we respond to emotions the way we do. The reality is…God gave us emotions when He created us. His desire was to create a being just like Himself. He has emotions too, just not quite the same as we do. Our emotions are the energy within us that make us “oh so human”. Take animals for instance; they don’t have emotions, but they do have feelings. Therefore, they simply react to stimuli like pain, which is a feeling but not an emotion. Emotions are extremely misunderstood and neglected. Most people are totally oblivious to the power that they possess, and their profound ability to move us to deep currents of response when released. Even though feelings and emotions are often utilized interchangeably, there is a distinct difference between the two. They are certainly highly interconnected and knowing the difference can assist you in changing unhealthy behaviors. Emotions simplified, are lower level responses occurring in the brain. These responses create biochemical reactions in the body that alter your physical state. Emotional reactions are coded in our genes. They proceed feelings and are physical and instinctual. Emotions can produce feelings and are to some degree latent and can only be felt thru emotional experiences that they produce. They are not all necessarily conscious/repressed/ deception. Emotions are the meaning of your feelings and are short- lived and subjective. We are motivated or not by our emotions…anger (mad), fear (afraid), happiness, (joy), sad (sadness), shame (guilt) (bad), angry.
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Feelings are senses that identify what you feel through. The difference between “feeling and feelings is; feelings are mental associations and reactions to emotions and are influenced by personal experiences, beliefs, and memories. They are the mental portrayal of what is going on in your body when you have an emotion, and the by-product of your brain receiving and assigning meaning to the emotion. They are the next thing that happens after an emotion. Emotions are characters in the body…feelings are characters in the mind! Feelings are sparked by emotions colored by thoughts, memories and images subconsciously associated with that emotion. Individual emotions are temporary; the feelings they evoke may persist and grow over a lifetime. Because emotions cause subconscious feelings which in turn initiate emotions and so on, your life can become a never-ending cycle of painful and confusing emotions, which can cause more negative emotions without you ever really knowing why. Feelings are shaped by a person’s individual temperament and experiences. They are the driving force behind many behaviors, and they last longer than emotions. Emotions are chemicals released in the brain and through our bodies in response to our interpretation of a specific trigger. They invoke feelings and last about six seconds. Conscious thought, followed by deliberate action, helps to navigate beyond the negative behaviors that dictate the course of our lives. You can consciously and deliberately choose your behaviors and feelings based on who you want to be… reacting vs. responding. You must learn to master this skill in dealing with your emotions, feeling and acting. Practice managing your feelings with conscious thinking so that they don’t hijack your brain. What we respond to in our mind…our body reacts to in physical manifestations. Moods are comprised of a collection of inputs and are heavily influenced by our physiology surroundings/environment. They are based on our current emotion and can last minutes, hours or even days.
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Power by definition is “the capacity or ability to direct or influence the behavior of others or the course of events”. Let’s begin to exercise our power to control our emotions and lessen the control of stress in our lives! Acquiring Mental Peace and Freedom Peace is an intangible that has driven nations, leaders, kings and paupers alike, to endless pursuit with fervent passion… it elusive force. Acquiring peace-of-mind is invaluable. It is totally impossible to place a price on being capable of exercising complete authority over your own mind, will and emotions. The ability to take captive every thought, imagination, attack and emotional onslaught that is contrary to your mental well-being… priceless! The steps below are requirements for reaching that place of mental peace and freedom. Willingness to actually acknowledge your lack of mental control, is paramount to acquiring freedom from the dictator in your mind and is essentially the first step to your liberation. Oftentimes, when the mind becomes so overwhelmed with emotional turmoil and distress, we subconsciously tend to mentally retreat. Our mental capacity to confront and address the emotional instability that is evident in our lives, is subdued by our unwillingness to acknowledge that the issue even exists. In so doing, and quite unaware… we unwittingly play into the hands and plans of the enemy. Our willingness to be free from this oppression and bondage will inevitably be the driving force that empowers us to dismantle the enemy’s fortress in our minds. Intentionality regarding anything that you pursue is a certain route to successfully achieving your goal. Making a determination that a certain thing will be accomplished in your life, is like having insider trading information…you can’t lose! Intentional says that you are purposeful, targeted and decided…not accidental and with no plan or direction.
If you are really serious about your goal of mental liberty, this step will most likely be the most rewarding for you. The mere fact that victory looms in the horizon and is totally within your grasp, will be the motivating factor that empowers you to intentionally stay the course. It is not impossible to regain your mental peace, however; it does require consistently practicing peace of mind on a regular basis while incorporating the previous steps. Freedom is the ultimate goal of this process! As long as we inhabit this world‌it is totally unrealistic to entertain the concept that we will not encounter some level of stress. But it is imperative that we incorporate some form of de-stressing into our regular health maintenance regime. Just as we are mindful to attend to our physical health, we must make certain that we do the same for our mental and emotional health. The mind, body and spirit should all function together
in harmonious tandem to produce the peace that surpasses all understanding. Practicing this process regularly will assure that we stay on an even emotional keel. We must rise up and declare war on the tormentors that seek to capture our mental and emotional liberty. We can sever the chains that bind our minds and declare that we are free and victorious in all things‌ including maintaining our mental pea ce! The process that produces peace encompasses the mental, physical and spiritual aspects of your life. You must engage all three of these dimensions of life in order to attain the success you desire. Once you have embraced the mental and spiritual portions of the process, you can then exercise the physical release. You simply open your mouth and let go of the torment and bondage, as you literally scream as loud and for as long as you feel necessary.
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“A Ministry of Faith and Prayer”
APOSTLE PATRICIA A. BUNTON – FOUNDER Our goal is to raise up an army of “FAITH WALKERS” who know and love their God and are strong and do great exploits in the Kingdom of their God
Visit us @ www.faithwalkersministries.org EMAIL: faithwalkerministry@gmail.com 156 SHEFFIELD DRIVE • DOVER, DELAWARE 19901 Phone: 302-465-3892 or 302-455-7557
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