May/Jun 2012

1

May/Jun 2012 | http://empoweredmagonline.com

2

May/Jun 2012 | http://empoweredmagonline.com

VOL2, NO 9 | MAY/JUN 2012

Content COVER STORY 19 Tough Childhood...No Problem

The story of a young woman who lived a great deal of her childhood years in foster care but managed to triumph on top upon establishing a relationship with Jesus.

Interview By: Tess Rutherford

FEATURES 14

An Uncommon Condition For an Uncommon God A testimony of a toddler whose rare blood vessel malformation was no match for the Omnipotent God By: Errica Jackson

24

Let’s Move A young girl shares her experience on how she is embracing First Lady Obama’s Let’s Move campaign.

By: Calan Elie

11 Family

A poem which gives a breakdown of the personalities within the family unit By: Sidney McWilliams

24

Birth of a Child A poem describing the unconditional love of a mother.

By: Sidney McWilliams

12

Walk With God A poem of faith in the Invisible God. By: Kristina Armstrong

IN EVERY ISSUE: 8 10 9,13 23 6 3

Letter from CEO/Publisher: Tess Rutherford Laughter for the Soul Delightful Recipes: Arshaunaa Candler Book Review: Jada Irving Readers’ Voice

May/Jun 2012 | http://empoweredmagonline.com

CEO/Publisher Tess Rutherford

Editor Tina Mason - http://www.masonandmasonservices.com/

Graphic Artist Assistant Imari Rutherford

Writers

Errica Jackson

erricaj2000@hotmail.com An Uncommon Condition For An Uncommon God, p. 14

Sidney McWilliams

4

Family, p. 11 of a Child, p. 24 May/Jun 2012Birth | http://empoweredmagonline.com

Arshaunaa Candler Recipes pgs. 9 & 13

Kristina Armstrong Walk with God, p. 12

Jada Irving Book Review: Shrink To Fit, p. 23

Calan Elie 5

Let’s Move, p. 24

May/Jun 2012 | http://empoweredmagonline.com

Readers’ VOICE

We Love To Hear From You! Email Submissions Enjoyed these articles!!!! I especially could relate to the article by Tess, regarding Fighting our Injustices! The only way is to allow God for sure. -Pamela Willis, San Diego, CA Thanks for birthing the gift of God in you and blessing the world with it! May God continue to bless your efforts - Minister Bessie Rush, Peoria, IL Thank you for another beautiful and inspiring issue. - Sheri Pannell, Milwaukee, WI

http://www.facebook.com/ p ag es/E mp owere d -Magazine/112198705537353 6

May/Jun 2012 | http://empoweredmagonline.com

Cover Story - page 15

7

May/Jun 2012 | http://empoweredmagonline.com

Letter from CEO/Publisher Tess Rutherford

Have you ever wondered why it is easier to endure the pain of a rebellious child than it is a combative spouse? Why do we find it much simpler to commit to our children than to any other relationship? To some, love seems to be the glue to holding the relationship together. And when the love is gone then so goes the relationship. But when it comes to family, we consider it our duty or obligation. Do you remember the adage, “blood is thicker than water”? This saying connotes the idea that relationships between people, who are blood related, have a stronger obligation or a higher level of importance than any other relationship. In other words, when it comes to family we tend to brush offenses off more and not harbor grudges because unlike friendships, family will be there no matter what. We deal with or strive to be cordial with our cousin, uncle, nephew, aunt, mother, father, child, grandmother, sister, or brother even if they exasperate us to no end.

Acts 17:26 (WEB) reads, “[God] made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the surface of the earth…” What this means is we all came from one blood, the same blood, the ultimate same lineage source.

In essence, we are all blood relatives. With this being said, Hello family! When we begin to think of the world in the light

8

of this revelation, it’ll help us gain better insight on how we should treat our fellow brothers and sisters. It does not matter if they are lower, middle, or upper class, it doesn’t matter if they are red, yellow, black, or white, it doesn’t matter if they are tall, short, skinny, or fat, and it doesn’t matter if they are Buddhist, Hindu, or Muslim. No matter the creed, race, ethnicity, or religion, everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. It breaks my heart to see atrocious acts still occurring against the human race especially in the twenty first century.

Have we not learned? A weak nation is a divided one. As we continue to segregate and divide on the trivialities of race and other insignificant issues, we give Lucifer a wider opportunity to usurp his position gaining way for the anti-Christ. I know that I am giving you a lot to take in within these few, short paragraphs, but what I would like for you to ingrain is the act of love.

It’s not enough to only show love to those who show love to you.

Show kindness and love to the unlovable, the bitter, the cantankerous, and the hateful. Why might you ask? Because it is our duty…this is Jesus’ greatest commandment for mankind.

our society, we presume everything revolves around us and our own agendas; when we start operating in real love, it’s not our pursuits that count, rather it is God’s. I want to challenge you to begin your day with a question, “GOD- What would you like for me to do for You today?” Every millisecond, God is working on our behalf. Sadly, we do not hear about all of His exploits firsthand. And although the Lord does not need our help, He wants it. We have been put on the earth for a reason and the common purpose for us all is to build God’s eternal family. I urge you to do everything within your power to act as God’s true sons and daughters and show the world what the most underutilized emotion (love) is all about.

I am so blessed to have the Delta Academy girls of San Diego leading this issue. They worked hard and earnestly to bring this issue together. Hats off to the young ladies of Delta Academy as well as their leader, Errica Jackson! I am confident that you will enjoy the articles and poems.

Our world becomes more selfish by the second. The Lord said that these things will happen in the last days. But in

May/Jun 2012 | http://empoweredmagonline.com

Tess

Apple Bacon Pancakes Serves 3-4

Ingredients • 2 cups whole wheat pastry flour • 2 teaspoons baking powder • 1 teaspoon salt • 2 eggs, beaten • 1 ½ cups milk • 1 tablespoon canola oil • 1 teaspoon cinnamon • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract • 4 slices bacon, fried and crumbled • 1 gala apple, grated

Directions

In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, cinnamon and salt together. Add milk, eggs, vanilla and oil and stir until smooth. Fold in half the bacon and all of the apple shreds.

Heat skillet on medium temperature. Add batter ¼ cup at a time creates about a 3-4 inch pancake). Wait until bubbles form, then flip and cook about another 30-60 seconds.

Garnish with remaining bacon and maple syrup.

9

May/Jun 2012 | http://empoweredmagonline.com

Tony had just been released from serving 15 years in the penitentiary. He had applied to 200 jobs in New York City and had been on one interview. He kept pondering in his heart, “Why isn’t this working?!” Regardless of if he told the truth on his application, nobody seemed to give him a break. So Tony was completely fed up with the system. He decided that since the law would not help him, he would break the law to vindicate himself. He rode the train into Lower Manhattan.

Almost immediately, an elderly, high class woman caught his attention. She was walking alone, wearing exquisite attire and carrying what looked like an expensive Louis Vuitton bag. Tony figured it was just his luck today. Waiting for the coast to clear, he quickly ran past the woman and snatched her bag. Surprisingly enough, the woman did not scream nor did she run after Tony. But one thing she said was, “May God bless you!” Tony ran into an empty alleyway to open up his treasures. He opened the bag and inside was a Bible and a handwritten note. Tony said out loud, “You’ve got to

10

be kidding me!!” He opened the letter and it read, “To the person who steals this purse: I walk the streets of Manhattan everyday to share with people about God. I dress in what appears to be expensive clothes and I carry a knock-off purse with a Bible in it. Though I do not look for trouble, I always pray to God that if someone were to steal this purse that God would show his loving mercy and kindness towards this person. You see it was no accident that you took my purse. God wants to be friends with you. And every need or question that you have is in this Bible. The Lord loves you. Open up his treasure and he will guide you. To say the least, Tony was stunned. His heart was touched and he was a little baffled by what had just happened. He opened the Bible and found a Visa gift card for $100 and His eyes became fixated on the following scripture verse in Matthew 6:33, “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.”

From that moment on, Tony committed his ways to the Lord and he never stole another purse!

May/Jun 2012 | http://empoweredmagonline.com

FAMILY By: Sidney MCWILLIAMS F a t h e r s T he y T o

a r e

t r y

p ie c e O f

r e a l l y u p

T he

Ar e n ’ t

M o r e

t h a n

B ut

a bo u t

T he y ’ r e

O ur

t r y

h e a r t s

t o

a r e

c a r in g ,

y o u ’ d o u r

o n

t h in k .

h e a r t s,

t h e

br in k .

t h e r e ,

U n t il

t h e

e n d .

t h e y

n e v e r

F a m il y M o r e A n d

w it h

o r

y o u

t h e

n e v e r

k n ow .

m e m o r ie s, l e t

c a r e ,

be n d .

im p or t a n t ,

t h a n

che r ish

h a n d l e br e a k

is

f in d

t h e r e .

a r e

T he y ’ l l

11

o u r

S ist e r s

he a r ts ;

S o

k in d ,

t o

t h e y

B r o t h e r s

p u z z l e s

se l f l e ss,

a n d

c om e s

p ie c e s

h a r d ,

h e a r t s.

a r e

H on e st it

t h e

o u r

M o t h e r s W he n

sp e c ia l ,

g o .

May/Jun 2012 | http://empoweredmagonline.com

Walk with GOD I I H is I

can ’t

I

h e ’s

se e

h i m,

He

k n ow s

my

son

J e su s

know But

k n ow

I

know

I’m

b ut

lov e s

h e ’ll

t he r e he

w a t c hin g

k n o w s

s t r ug g l e s ,

some times k n ow

up

m e

a nd

I d o ubt d o e s n ’t

a l l

a l o ne ,

a b o ut

me.

a n d

m y

s t r if e s

g a v e

m e

e t e r nal

him , c a r e

a n d

a l w a y s he a r m e , d a il y p r a y e r s

n ot

m e

a nd

he

I

f e e l

w he n

w a l k s

I

life

l ik e say

w it h

h e my

me

e v e r yd a y I’ ve

l ea rn ed I’v e

th a t l if e g o e s o n , d oe s n ’t g o a w a y

be en

F orgi v e

t o l d

pe o p l e

Some times Bu t

I

k n ow

G o d

I

t o

j us t

w ho d o n ’ t

ho l d s

d id

a n d

m o v e m e

t he

p ain

o n

w r o ng

und e r s t a nd m e

i n

his

ha nd s

-Kristina Armstrong Handle your Emotions God’s Way! explores 52 negative human emotions and provides real life examples and biblical principles to controlling one’s emotions God’s way.

12

The book is available at Berean’s bookstore, Barnes and Noble, Amazon, tessrutherford.com and many other internet sites!

May/Jun 2012 | http://empoweredmagonline.com

Carmel Apple Crisp Ingredients • 6 cups sliced, peeled tart apples • 1 tablespoon lemon juice • 28 caramels • 2 tablespoons water • 6 tablespoons butter or margarine • ¾ cup packed brown sugar • ¾ cup quick-cooking oats • ½ cup all-purpose flour • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions

1. Place apples in a 2-qt. microwave safe dish. Sprinkle with lemon juice; toss to coat and set aside. Place caramels and water in another microwave safe-dish. Cover and microwave on high for 2 to 2 ½ minutes or until heated; stir until blended. Pour over apples.

2. Place butter in a microwave-safe dish; cover and heat on 45-60 seconds or until melted.

Stir in brown sugar, oats, flour and cinnamon until crumbly. Sprinkle over caramel mixture. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 14-15 minutes until apples are tender, turning a half turn once.

3. Top with vanilla ice cream. (optional)

13

May/Jun 2012 | http://empoweredmagonline.com

An Uncommon Condition for an Uncommon GOD

By: Errica Jackson

As we all know, we do not have answers as to why things happen to our loved ones. All we can do is pray and know that God is in control.

Perhaps that is exactly what went through the mind of Marc & Quinn Stuckey as they began this mind-numbing journey. In September 2011, Myla Stuckey, a 4-year old healthy girl, who loves playing with her sister Mariah, was rushed to the hospital for a second time in two weeks complaining of severe headaches. Within hours Myla was in a coma, fighting for her life. The doctors informed Myla’s parents that they had done all that they could do. They even sent the hospital chaplain to pray with the family and told them the only thing they could do was wait.

It was determined that Myla had a rare condition called AVM – Arteriovenous Malformation.

Myla was diagnosed with, are of special concern because of the damage it causes when they bleed.

The condition is very rare and occurs in less than 1% of the general population. BUT GOD!

On October 8, 2011, Myla had brain surgery to remove the AVM. The doctors informed the family that the surgery went better than expected, but they could not predict when Myla would open her eyes and come out of the coma.

BUT GOD! Myla began breathing above the ventilator, squeezing her parent’s hands, wiggling her toes, and lifting up her right leg!!

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. ~ Proverbs 3:5-6

Seeing your child go through such a tough time is not easy for a parent. Throughout this entire process, Myla’s parents showed great strength. They relied on their faith in God, continued to read His Word, and constantly prayed to get through each day.

Myla’s mother provided updates on her status and also included scripture verses that would speak to that particular post.

Reading each post provided a whole community of family and AVM is a tangle of abnormal and poorly formed friends all over the country with encouragement, blood vessels (arteries and veins). AVMs can and pushed us to continue to pray for Myla’s full occur anywhere in the body. Brain AVMs, which recovery.

14 May/Jun 2012 | http://empoweredmagonline.com

The Bible says in Matthew 18:20, for where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them. to give him the peace sign…she had no problem doing so.

October 28, 2011, Myla’s parents praised God as she was removed from the ventilator and Quinn said, “we celebrated and praised God as they rolled the ventilator out of her room!”

The next step was to hear Myla speak, but the doctors informed Marc and Quinn that it may take a couple of days before she speaks because of the soreness from the ventilator tube being in her throat for an entire month. But she would be able to move from ICU within a couple of days.

Is anything too hard for the LORD? ~

Two days after her surgery, Myla opened her eyes. Even at 4-years old, Myla was beginning to show her family just how much of a fighter she really is and how much faith she has in God. Myla continued to show signs of improvement as she raised her right hand and waved at her mother.

When the doctor entered the room and saw Myla waving he could not believe his eyes.

Three weeks after the doctor’s told Myla’s family there was nothing they could do, she was able to breathe on her own for up to two hours and used her right arm to reach for the ventilator tube in her mouth. Myla had not had much movement on the left side, but she lifted her entire left leg.

Myla also had an electroencephalogram (EEG) which came back fine and did not show any indication of seizures or other problems.

On October 24, 2011, Myla’s mother reported that she was able to breathe on her own for 7 straight hours. Myla also was able to move her entire left arm and hand. Myla was even moving her right leg and hanging it out on the side of the bed. Her parents were keeping a close eye on her just in case she got any ideas of making a run for it. The doctors would be able to evaluate Myla and determine what type of treatment she would need once removed from the ventilator.

Those who know Myla, know that giving the peace sign is one of her favorite poses for pictures.

So it was extra special when the doctor asked Myla

15

Genesis 18:14

The month of November was busy for Myla and her family. She was removed from ICU and moved to the general pediatric floor. During this time Myla was not able to swallow well enough to eat food so the doctor’s planned to insert a temporary feeding tube into her stomach to provide nutrition. While conducting the test to ensure that Myla would be able to tolerate the temporary feeding tube, it was discovered that Myla had Intestinal Malrotation. Apparently Myla was born with Intestinal Malrotation which means her intestines were not positioned properly. Because of the life-threatening complications of Volvulus (bowel twisting on itself and cutting off the blood flow) the doctors recommended surgery to fix the problem.

To see that Myla had progressed so well after brain surgery, the last thing her parents wanted to hear was that she would need another surgery on her intestines. But they were reminded that God is in control and He is always present.

The doctors successfully inserted the temporary feeding tube into Myla’s stomach on November 8, 2011. During the surgery it was determined that Myla’s intestines were not malrotated as previously diagnosed. As a result, the corrective procedure was not required.

May/Jun 2012 | http://empoweredmagonline.com

Give Thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.

When initially informed that Myla had intestinal malrotation, Marc & Quinn wanted to avoid surgery if possible. The doctors were adamant that the surgery was required. They even solicited a second opinion from the Children’s Memorial Hospital in Chicago. The second opinion confirmed that Myla had intestinal malrotation. Initially, Marc & Quinn were very upset when the surgeon informed them that Myla’s intestines were not malrotated as previously diagnosed. Although the surgery was laparoscopic, Myla’s parents were very unhappy that she had to go through unnecessary test and procedures. They wanted an explanation. The only thing the doctors could say was that sometimes when they start surgery…things do not always appear as they did in the x-ray.

After going back and reviewing the x-ray and upper GI test and both results definitely showing malrotation, the doctors said they would not have changed their initial plans. They would have still planned for the surgery.

Quinn Stuckey says, “We are witnesses that God still performs miracles. We believe that Myla did have intestinal malrotation when the doctors took the x-ray and conducted the GI test. But when the surgeon went to fix the malrotation…God had already fixed it!”

~ Psalm 107:1 those who love him. ~ 1 Corinthians 2:9 On November 16, Myla was released from the Children’s Hospital in Peoria and transported to the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (RIC). When Myla arrived to RIC she could not walk, talk or eat on her own.

Three weeks after arriving at the rehabilitation center, Myla was making so much progress. She started communicating by pointing when she had to go to the bathroom. Myla also went from making noises and mumbling to actually speaking words. The doctors who had not seen Myla since the weekend were in complete shock and some even almost in tears when they heard Myla speaking. The speech pathologist indicated that she would now have to change her goals for the week.

Again, Myla shows her parents and the doctors just how motivated she is during therapy sessions. But just like anyone else she became frustrated at times. She began to show emotions by making facial expressions and crying, which she had not done in almost three months.

Once again God reminds us that there are so many things in life we take for granted.

continued to work hard on her walking. She was able to move both legs very well during therapy and able to stand on her own with little support.

On January 5, 2012, Myla’s mother reported that even after all that Myla has been through she still has her complete memory. She was able to recognize everyone that came to visit her at the rehabilitation center and could recite bible memory verses that she had previously learned. When asked, she would also say the name of her school, her teacher’s name, and her birthday. Myla was also tested on the Preschool Language Scales (PLS-5). The PLS-5 is an interactive assessment of developmental language skills.

Myla tested within the normal range of the average 4-5 year old. She is hopeful that she will start kindergarten in the fall.

After two months of being at the rehabilitation center, Myla was able to have the feeding tube removed and not be on any medication. She was released from the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (RIC) on January 23, 2012 and continues outpatient therapy at Easter Seals. Although Myla had brain surgery, she still had some residual of the AVM. The doctors planned to perform a Gamma Knife procedure to remove the remaining AVM. The Gamma Knife procedure is a one-time radiation treatment that will target and remove the remaining AVM that is in her brain.

On December 19, 2011, Myla celebrated her 5th birthday. Myla continued to show remarkable signs of improvement.

What no eye has She was able to eat regular food seen, nor ear heard, nor and when she was unable to rethe heart of man imagined, ceive the required calories per what God has prepared for meal she was given Pediasure Prior to the Gamma Knife through her feeding tube. Myla 16 May/Jun 2012 | http://empoweredmagonline.com

Prior to the Gamma Knife procedure on March 26, Myla required a MRI and angiogram which showed the blood vessels in Myla’s brain that need to be treated. While waiting in the surgical wait room, the neurosurgeon walked in to tell Marc & Quinn that they had completed the angiogram and it did not show any residual of the Arterio-Venous Malformation (AVM) that was previously seen in Myla’s brain 5 months ago.

After enduring months of tests and trials, Myla’s family has become a testimony of God’s faithfulness. The Stuckey’s put their trust

in God and He was faithful to do what He says He will do. They are currently serving as the 2012 Easter Seals Family Ambassadors showing God’s amazing love to the community they serve.

Myla continues to encourage her church family by being the Myla we all know and love.

She has an unwavering commitment to attend AWANA and is an inspiration to the many children and staff who join her weekly. God continues to show his healing power even through the lives of children like Myla. PRAISE GOD!

Got a compelling story? Empowered Magazine wants to hear from you. We are constantly looking for inspiring material. Send your story to editorial@empoweredmagonline.com.

17

May/Jun 2012 | http://empoweredmagonline.com

http://www.ozaraode.com 18

May/Jun 2012 | http://empoweredmagonline.com

Tough Childhood...

No Problem 19

Interview By: Tess Rutherford

May/Jun 2012 | http://empoweredmagonline.com

T

oday Estreanda Fulford stands as a confident woman leading the Homeless Ministry at The Rock Church in San Diego. In her eyes, her childhood was completely normal, but after watching a video of her heroic story via The Rock TV, her view of her childhood changed because it became more clear.

At the age of three, Estreanda recalls standing on her balcony in New Orleans, Louisiana and being approached by her grandmother. Her grandmother had come to get both Estreanda and her oldest brother to move with her to California. Both of Estreanda’s parents were addicted to drugs and were unable to care for Estreanda and her brother; therefore, the State revoked the parents’ rights and the kids were now in the foster care system under the care of their grandmother and aunt.

taken away and as a result she shut down as a means to grieve the separation from her brother.

Estreanda had periodic visits with her parents and she always wondered what it would be like to live with her mother once more. Estreanda’s mother had moved to California and had done really well in getting her life together -- thanks to rehabilitation programs. Estreanda had graduated 6th grade and instead of celebrating this occasion with her grandmother and aunt, she decided to spend the time with her mother. Estreanda’s grandmother and aunt were not pleased with this, and immediately following that visit, Estreanda was told to pack her bags to go and live with her mom.

the 6th grade, she was running her own business through braiding hair and she would also do odd jobs like babysitting on the side. She was managing her own work schedule while at the same time fulfilling her assignments for school.

Soon it was time to graduate from high school and Estreanda received a scholarship to attend San Diego State University. She recalls being challenged constantly by her mentor and coach to think differently and to seek a purpose. Estreanda soaked in all of the life lessons.

She would always attend church, but she hadn’t made a commitment. During her college years, she began to embrace, admire, and respect her mother just for who she was. Estreanda remembers doing a homework assignment in school which required her to survey her strengths. She quickly called her mother to gather feedback for this assignment. Her mother talked about her leadership skills, how much Estreanda inspires others, and her mother ended with “you inspire me!” Estreanda was pleasantly surprised and humbled by her mom’s kind and honest words.

Because everything seemed to be taken away from Estreanda all at once, she clung to what was left, and that was her brother. She talks about how her brother would wake her up every morning and make her breakfast. But Estreanda remembers waking up one morning and the breakfast was not there, nor was her brother. Her brother had

After graduating college, moved out. Estreanda’s grand- After Estreanda had Estreanda could not help but feel mother and aunt were devout moved in with her mom, it gave this overwhelming feeling to be Jehovah’s Witnesses and be- her an opportunity to really ex- the rock for her family. She felt cause of this Estreanda and her amine and focus on the negative like she had a huge responsibilibrother had to adhere to a strict side of things. These retrospec- ty to succeed and help her family set of rules and guidelines. Al- tive glances revealed her moth- as well. Estreanda said, “It felt though Estreanda’s grandmoth- er’s absence throughout her like the world got really big and er and aunt were very loving, childhood. Estreanda’s mother I felt so small.” This looming reher brother could no longer en- worked a lot of hours leaving Es- sponsibility sent Estreanda rundure the agony of the rigid rules; treanda responsible for her daily ning to the wrong outlet, and she therefore, he left. It was at this routines. At a young age, she began to smoke marijuana and moment when Estreanda felt had to become independent. In drink alcohol. like her whole world had been 20 May/Jun 2012 | http://empoweredmagonline.com

One day, Estreanda experienced a defining moment.

She was sitting on her balcony smoking pot and heard an audible voice say, “Be still and know that I am God.” Not really knowing what it meant, Estreanda quickly went into her apartment and posted the words on her office desk. Shortly after this, she had a devout Christian come to get her hair braided and the lady saw the words on the sticky note and then told Estreanda that was her favorite scripture. Estreanda did not have a clue that the words on the sticky note were in the Bible. At this point, Estreanda is astonished and pondering it all in her heart. The whole experience motivated Estreanda to seek after God ever more in the hopes of hearing God’s voice again.

Estreanda started watching preachers on Christian television and all of a sudden she looked at church differently. She said, “I went from hearing and believing to experiencing and knowing and that’s where ministry came for me.” Estreanda got plugged in and committed to

21

The Rock Church of San Diego by volunteering with the Homeless Ministry. The first time she went out to serve, she flashed back to her childhood years of handing her mother and father a plate of food while they were out there on the streets. She had never thought back on this memory until that day, and Estreanda inherently knew that this was one of the many assignments she was called to do. When she sees homeless people, she sees someone’s mother, brother, father, son, or daughter. She sees them as real people who have real experiences and real needs.

No longer did Estreanda feel burdened by the cares of life.

As her relationship with Christ grew, “God became Big and the world became small.” She later received an opportunity to lead the Homeless Ministry and she has had the awesome privilege of seeing many of her family members get involved: mom, dad, uncle, and brother. She says her mother is a Christian now faithfully serving at a church.

Although her father still considers himself a Jehovah’s Witness,

he carries a Bible and attends church every now and again.

The Lord is wooing her father by the day. Her brother is married with children and he also lends a helping hand with the Homeless Ministry. And she has an uncle, who actively seeks out resources, to assist in serving the homeless alongside of Estreanda.

One of the greatest lessons that Estreanda has learned is the importance of obedience.

When God says something, quickly obey. And if you are having difficulties distinguishing God’s voice, Estreanda says that God’s words can always be confirmed through the Bible. Estreanda says that it wasn’t that she did anything special to influence and impact her family. She was just living out God’s purpose for her life and the fruit followed.

Her next project is to acquire living quarters for the homeless to help them get on their feet.

If you would like additional information about this mission, feel free to contact rchm.operations@gmail.com.

May/Jun 2012 | http://empoweredmagonline.com

Advertise With Empowered! http://empoweredmagonline.com/advertise.htm

online & in-print

22

50% Discount Available

May/Jun 2012 | http://empoweredmagonline.com

BOOK Review By: Jada Irving

The Kimani TRU Series is a fantastic book for teens and young adults to read. I read my first book in the series, *Shrink to Fit* by Dona Sarkar when I was in 7th grade. I enjoyed it so much I read other books in the series and recommended them to friends; I think one of my friends still has one of my books. Recently, I was reminded about the series and had to get another copy.

Leah is a junior in high school, the star on the basketball team and dreams of going to UCLA. Veronica, Leah’s mother, is a model. Leah does not have a model body—this was even more obvious to her when she was given the opportunity to do a photo shoot with her mother along with other girls. Leah is tall and muscular and doesn’t want to model; instead she likes to play basketball. As Leah begins to think about losing weight for the shoot, she starts to realize other benefits to losing weight - help with basketball and help her chances with Jay. Jay is Leah’s next door neighbor.

She has had a crush on him for awhile, and they have been best friends for years.

Reading about Leah, the main character in the book, reminded me of why I enjoyed the book the first time. The funny thing is it has been two years and I still watch girls going through the same issues -- trying to lose weight so they could get some boy, or trying to fit in with a group or at least think they are fitting in.

Back then I listened to girls with weight issues and low self-esteem. As I read the book, I immediately connected with the character Leah; peer pressure, desire to please her mother, hope for a connection with that cute boy in class. All these things I have gone through or some of my associates have at school.

This book gave me insight into the world of eating disorders. I have seen girls lose weight drastically and never thought about the health issues they could have had or could have in the future. It is extremely dangerous and I don’t understand how some girls are so oblivious to it. I liked how the book showed how many girls want to look like something else to fit in. Whether it was diet pills or extreme dieting, the girls were trying to change themselves to be something or someone that they were not. It was no longer a matter of “being thin” the book addressed other transformations that occur in girls. It is hard to explain how it feels to be the person or friend watching girls try too hard to be popular and fit in with the crowd. I strongly suggest you pick up Shrink to Fit and give it a read. It is guaranteed to open your eyes to some things you may not notice and help you with things that you may not know how to deal with.

23

May/Jun 2012 | http://empoweredmagonline.com

Birth of a Child I didn’t know happiness until I had you two, to have something so perfect so small, so delicate and true.

The pleasure you bring into my life I cannot express enough The cuddles, kisses, the looks you give,

By: Calan Elie

First Lady Michelle Obama has put together a campaign called “Let’s Move!” The objective of this campaign is to decrease childhood obesity rates in America. First Lady Michelle Obama has traveled around the world alerting people of this issue. “The physical and emotional health of an entire generation and the economic health and security of our nation is at stake”, says Mrs. Obama.

Hearing this message from the First Lady struck something inside of me and my family. As a result, my family and I have taken the initiative to start fresh and create a healthier lifestyle. At first I was hesitant; but now I see how much fun it can be!

There are plenty of ways healthy living can be fun. For example, my family and I go swimming, go to the beach, and walk along the boardwalk. We go to the gym together, and we even work out at home by doing sit ups and pushups in the family room.

Taking the time to make better choices as it relates to food and exercise is a decision worth making. So I challenge everyone, young and old, to “Let’s Move” and change the physical and emotional health of the next generation. If I can do it, then so can YOU!

24

are filled with utmost love.

Your personalities are so different yet at times you are the same, your innocence and laughter

S i d n e y

enforces that my aim.. is to give your lives full of meaning to live for every day, and to know I’m so proud of both of you in each and every way.

I know you both resent me, for the life we left behind, but mum was very unhappy, and herself she had to find.

We’ve had our trials and tribulations our problems that come our way, but remember mum is here for you every second, come what may.

They say love is unconditional between children and their mother experiencing parenthood is such a gift, this love is like no other This poem is for my children whom I love with all my soul, my existence belongs to you two, and through you, my life is whole.

May/Jun 2012 | http://empoweredmagonline.com

M c W i l l i a m s

TAPIT New Works Ensemble presents T AKE

CA RE

by

Daniel l e

D re s d e n

D i r e c t e d b y Tammy Mo s ch ae F e a t u r i n g S h e r i W i l l i a m s P a n n e l l a s D e l l a

Ce n t er

f o r

C i v i c

U W- Ma r a t h on

T hur s d a y ,

O v er tu re

T hur sd a y ,

F r i day ,

S a tur d a y ,

S un da y ,

L a st

C ou n t y

Ap r il

26 ,

Center Ma y

Ma y

4 ,

Ma y

Ma y

6 ,

Fr o n ti er

3, 5 ,

25

T hur sd a y ,

J u n e

- W a u sa u ,

20 12,

-

10 :30

AM

AM

2:0 0

2:0 0

7 :0 0

WI PM

M adi so n,

10 :30

&

P M

P M

Thea ter

Va l d e z ,

E ng a g em ent

Ma t i n ee 7 :30

&

WI

7 :30

PM PM

Ma t in ee

C o nf ere n ce

Al a sk a

14,

20 12

May/Jun 2012 | http://empoweredmagonline.com

a t

7 :30

PM

Empowered Magazine is published bi-monthly: Jan/Feb, Mar/Apr, May/Jun, Jul/Aug, Sep/Oct, Nov/Dec online and in print. Tess Rutherford, President/CEO. Online subscriptions: Free. Printed subscriptions: $5. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.

It is the mission of Empowered to provide a quality publication to enlighten, educate, and empower our readers to reach beyond themselves and soar by riding on the strength of God’s power.

For submissions and orders contact us: Empowered Magazine Address P.O. Box 882416, San Diego, CA 92168 Email editorial@empoweredmagonline.com Website http://empoweredmagonline.com

26

May/Jun 2012 | http://empoweredmagonline.com

27

May/Jun 2012 | http://empoweredmagonline.com

empoweredmagonline.com 28

May/Jun 2012 | http://empoweredmagonline.com