F.U.S.E. Magazine CEO and Founder Patrice Rivers
Publisher Issuu and Createspace
Marketing and Promotions Lil’ Woman on a Mission Marketing Services
Editor-N-Chief Patrice Rivers
Senior Writers Donielle Pace and Brian Taylor
Contributing Writers Santee Ezell and Kim Cousins
Editor’s Note
patricerivers86
I Am Patrice Rivers
In the last issue of F.U.S.E. Magazine which was the July Issue featuring dynamic authors, I realized this is what God is calling e to do! Writing has been my absolute passion since I was nine and I a doing just that! Publishing books and working on new issues of the magazine. I look forward to this issue and the cover model who is an author; Teresa Howell. It’s always great to interview different authors to find out how they started out their writing career. Some started writing based on personal issues which is really deep. I like to write about different situations that happen in the world and based on experiences I faced in the past. This is the last issue of the magazine until the January Issue which I am really excited about! The year is almost over and sometimes I fear that my goals won’t be met or my visions won’t come true, but I’m still putting my trust and faith in God that He will continue to bless me and my gifts from Him! Be Blessed!
Health and Awareness
National Diabetes Month
Defeating Diabetes By Santee Ezell National Diabetes Month is observed every November, American Diabetes Month is an important element in the American Diabetes Association's efforts to focus our nation's attention on the disease and the tens of millions of people affected by it. Did you know 29 million Americans have Diabetes? 1 in 11 Americans has Diabetes today. Every 23 seconds, someone on the U.S. is diagnosed with Diabetes. Diabetes causes more deaths than AIDS and breast cancer combined. So why is this important? While I was pregnant with my daughter, Jordan, I was diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes in 2008. I was thinking to myself and asked the question, “How can I have Diabetes?” My doctor told me if I didn’t change my eating and drinking habits, I would develop Type 2 Diabetes later on in life. At that very moment, I knew I had to change but I didn’t. It wasn’t until three years later that I changed my lifestyle. I started working on a Diabetes Project in the MS Delta. I was like how can I educate others about Diabetes when I continue to keep putting myself at risk? SO I started exercising at least twice a week and started slowly letting pops or sodas (country girl) go. As of this month, it has been 6 years since I had a pop. It has not been an easy journey. I grill and bake all of my foods, drink infused water, and limit my sugar intake. Now I do have my moments where I treat myself, but I do it in moderation. You can prevent or delay type 2 diabetes. Stay at a healthy weight, eat well and be active. With these steps, you can stay healthier longer and lower your risk of Diabetes. 1. Drink a large glass of water 10 minutes before your meal so you feel less hungry. 2. Keep meat, chicken, turkey, and fish portions to about 3 ounces. 3. Share one dessert. 4. Use teaspoons, salad forks, or child-size forks, spoons, and knives to take smaller bites. 5. Make less food look like more by serving your meal on a salad or breakfast plate.
6. Eat slowly. It takes 20 minutes for your stomach to send a signal to your brain that you are full. 7. Listen to music while you eat instead of watching TV. 8. Show your kids the dances you used to do when you were their age. 9. Turn up the music and jam while doing household chores. 10. Work out with a video that shows you how to get active. 11. Deliver a message in person to a co-worker instead of sending an e-mail. 12. Take the stairs to your office. Or take the stairs as far as you can, and then take the elevator the rest of the way. 13. Catch up with friends during a walk instead of by phone. 14. March in place while you watch TV. 15. Choose a place to walk that is safe, such as your local mall. 16. Get off of the bus one stop early and walk the rest of the way home or to work if it is safe. 17. Buy a mix of vegetables when you go food shopping. 18. Choose veggie toppings like spinach, broccoli, and peppers for your pizza. 19. Try eating foods from other countries. Many of these dishes have more vegetables, whole grains, and beans.
20. Buy frozen and low-salt (sodium) canned vegetables. They may cost less and keep longer than fresh ones. 21. Serve your favorite vegetable and a salad with low-fat macaroni and cheese. 22. Stir fry, broil, or bake with non-stick spray or low-salt broth. Cook with less oil and butter. 23. Try not to snack while cooking or cleaning the kitchen. 24. Cook with smaller amounts of cured meats (smoked turkey and turkey bacon). They are high in salt. 25. Cook with a mix of spices instead of salt. 26. Try different recipes for baking or broiling meat, chicken, and fish. 27. Choose foods with little or no added sugar to reduce calories. 28. Choose brown rice instead of white rice. 29. Have a big vegetable salad with low-calorie salad dressing when eating out. Share your main dish with a friend or have the other half wrapped to go. 30. Make healthy choices at fast food restaurants. Try grilled chicken (with skin removed) instead of a cheeseburger. 31. Skip the fries and chips and choose a salad. 32. Order a fruit salad instead of ice cream or cake. Find a water bottle you really like (from a church or club event, favorite sports team, etc.) and drink water from it every day.
34. Peel and eat an orange instead of drinking orange juice. 35. If you drink whole milk, try changing to 2% milk. It has less fat than whole milk. Once you get used to 2% milk, try 1% or fat-free (skim) milk. This will help you reduce the amount of fat and calories you take in each day. 36. Drink water instead of juice and regular soda. 37. Make at least half of your grains whole grains, such as whole grain breads and cereals, brown rice, and quinoa. 38. Use whole grain bread for toast and sandwiches. 39. Keep a healthy snack with you, such as fresh fruit, a handful of nuts, and whole grain crackers. 40. Slow down at snack time. Eating a bag of low-fat popcorn takes longer than eating a candy bar. 41. Share a bowl of fruit with family and friends. 42. Eat a healthy snack or meal before shopping for food. Do not shop on an empty stomach. 43. Shop at your local farmers market for fresh, food
44. Make a list of food you need to buy before you go to the store. 45. Keep a written record of what you eat for a week. It can help you see when you tend to overeat or eat foods high in fat or calories. 46. Compare food labels on packages. 47. Choose foods lower in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol (ko-LESS-tuh-ruhl), calories, salt, and added sugars. 48. Take time to change the way you eat and get active. Try one new food or activity a week. 49. Find ways to relax. Try deep breathing, taking a walk, or listening to your favorite music. 50. Pamper yourself. Read a book, take a long bath, or meditate. 51. Think before you eat. Try not to eat when you are bored, upset, or unhappy.
Could you be at risk for Diabetes? Take the Prediabetes Screening below. http://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/prevention/pdf/prediabetestest.pdf
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Finding Hope and Healing During the Holidays By: Brian Taylor It is not uncommon for many people to view the holidays as one of the most stressful times of the year. The idea of either packing up or traveling across country to visit family or being reminded of a loss loved one can dampen one's mood and desire to celebrate anything. Yet, in spite of those things that can present a dark cloud in our lives, there is the glimmer of hope that is offered to us if we permit it. Holidays offer an opportunity to be thankful and grateful. There can be no doubt that a year can present a host of hardships and trials that we must overcome. The reality that we are alive to tell the story is a testament that we are survivors and capable of enduring. A November 2011 article by the Huffington Post highlighted one scientific study that discovered people who are more grateful are healthier in physicality and psychologically. There was another report in the article that suggested that gratitude had a big impact on couples and better marriages.
Holidays give us the precious moments to reflect on successes and count the blessings upon us. Storms and people come and go, but in getting through the storms, coming to grips with loss, and even living in the absence of those we miss can build character and push us to develop strengths we might not otherwise have known that we were capable of. For many Jewish families, it is times such as Chanukah that brings them together to recount the blessing that was experienced by their people centuries ago during a time of great struggle. The miracle of nightly lit candles to last beyond the limits of the oil they possessed still inspires generations of families and gives hope for a future that is yet unknown. Thanksgiving is a time when many Americans gather and share what they are grateful for. Many reflect on the history of early settlers who were aided by the indigenous people of the North American continent, to not only brave harsh winters but also learn how to live off of the fertile land that had been unfamiliar to them . Other families may relish in the gathering of family and friends who have overcome a tough economy, celebrating graduations, promotions, new additions or other blessings that have impacted the them since the last time they all have seen each other.
Holidays also offer the opportunity to be someone else's hope. Some say that charity begins at home, but it is in times of our own struggle that we become acutely aware that there are others who may be less fortunate than we are or have been. This prompts within us a desire to provide someone with a blessing or gift to express understanding and compassion. It can be a humbling experience to offer charity. It can also be a joy to offer hope to someone else who has lost hope in their fellow man. It is in restoring hope that healing happens. It is the healing of hearts and brokenness in families that restores faith in humanity and God that things do work together for the good of them that love. May your holiday season be one where you not only find hope and healing but also become a catalyst for being someone else's.
Check out more of Brian’s Articles on WordPress!
Www.apreachaskid.wordpress.co m
Who is Jessica Lee Ann?
“God’s Favor And Blessings Consume Me” ~Author Unknown
Jessica LeeAnn is an author, speaker and independent publisher from the Bay Area. She is passionate about edifying, encouraging, empowering, and entertaining people through her writing. With four faith-based books and one co-authored memoir under her belt, Jessica is currently preparing herself to assist other women in pursuing their purpose. Jessica’s books are available online through Amazon and Kindle. To learn more about Edify, Encourage & Empower visit www.jessicaleeann.com. Website: www.jessicaleeann.com
Upcoming Events: Recently participated in the Urban Black Authors & Writers of America book convention in Woodland Hills, CA Has a few book signings coming up and two women’s empowerment event, Activate Your Vision & Create Your Purpose Plan .
Getting to Know Britt Dior!
In her time on earth Britt Dior has earned a number of degrees and accomplished tasks that others only dream about. Although her accolades can easily precede her they are not who she is. She is simply a daughter of God with a passion to spread His truth through her experiences. On the outside she appears well put together but getting to know her will shatter any image that the world has created of her. If she isn’t anything else she is a transparent believer who acts unapologetic as she follows God’s plan for her life. Britt is a native of South Florida, but a lover of traveling. On a good day you can find her spending time with her family or friends, working on her writings, playing with her adorable dog, finding some good food, or traveling. She has written two books. Pieces of My Heart (Fiction Novel) and 30 Days to Embracing Singleness (A Devotional) Both books can be purchased from www.BrittDior.com
Meet Kim Cousins! My name is Kim Cousins and I was born May 6, 1974 in Suffolk, VA. I was raised in Portsmouth, VA and graduated from I.C. Norcom High school in 1992. I got married in 1995 and had my first child Jasmine in 1997 and my 2nd child in 2000. I was divorced in 2002 and raised to wonderful children on my own. I went back to Norfolk State University in 2003 and graduated in 2007 and earned my Bachelor of Liberal Arts and I received my Masters of Arts in Public Administration from Strayer University in 2011. My work history extends from patient accounting to my latest job as a Project Manager for a government contracting company. As of March 2016, I started up my own business as a Wedding and Event Planner. The name of my business is called KC Elite Wedding & Event Planning.
'I've planned weddings and birthday parties and ready to plan many more events from Bachelorette parties, to Christmas Parties and so much more. I'm currently in the process of trying to build a website and Facebook page. I can be reached through my email address 2planaevent@gmail.com
Give Thanks This is the season where we all should be giving thanks but shouldn’t we give thanks all the time? There are 20 Bible verses on being thankful but the one that comes to my mind all the time is, I Thessalonians 5:18(KJV), “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you”. In the beginning of my Christian walk, I struggled with the fact that how can such a loving God allow certain things to happen in my life and yet I am suppose to praise him in the mist of my pain, my tears and my fears? What God would allow me to endure such agony? I know that we all go through difficult moments in life that makes you question, why would a loving God allow certain things to happen? As I begin to mature in Christ by, reading, studying, praying, fasting and just having that personal relationship with him, he revealed that in spite of all that it is and appears to be that he Christ alone is in control. See many people don’t want to be transparent due to the judgement of others but I found in my transparency there is liberation not just for those that hear my testimony but for me as well.
In June 2011, I received my Masters in Arts with a concentration in Public Administration and was so happy with my accomplishments that I felt that the world was my oyster and yet it was less than a month later that I was fired from a job that I loved. How could I be thankful that I made such a big dream come true then turn around and lose my job? I was unemployed for not 1 month, not two months but nine whole months without a job. Every single day was a struggle to give God thanks for what he had already done for me and to be quite honest, I failed miserably. I cried, I was so angry at God for what it seemed like at the time a horrible joke. You bless me then snatch away my livelihood? It took me nine whole months to realize that my job wasn’t my source but it was HIM, Christ that supplied my every need. The degrees didn’t qualify me any more than before but it was God that sustained me and brought me to a place of humility because I felt as though I had obtain not giving God the praise for allowing me to accomplish such an achievement as that.
Romans 1:21(KJV) “Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened”. He often reminded me of the book of Job but because I was so hurt, I couldn’t see that he was guiding me all along. It was Christ alone that kept me, it was Christ that made a way out of no way for me and my children, and it was Christ that gave me full revelation of who and what he is. Once I put my pride aside and began to worship him, praise him and thanking him for all the great things he had done, I began to get a break through and truly understood what Paul said in Romans 8:28(KJV) And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. My loss of employment to me at the time was detrimental in the human eye but God had a greater purpose for me in that moment. The lesson in that season was to be thankful in whatever state that I’m in. Jesus Christ had me then and he has me now so I’m giving him thanks every chance I get.
Kim Cousins
Kim Cousins
Who is Teresa B Howell? Turn the page and find out more about this DYNAMIC Author!
In less than 30 days, her book has soared in several states and is now being sold in 3 major book stores. It is also being cataloged in a local community college. Teresa B. Howell the Author has proven herself to be a creative, unique writer of fiction Christian romance and suspense.
Teresa B. Howell is an Educator residing in Durham, NC. Originally from Boston, Mass. She decided to make her literary appearance in 2015, after years of writing personal journals and songs that she kept solely to herself. In July of 2015 she stepped out boldly on faith to make use of her pen for everyone to read. That Church Life was born and completed in March of 2016. Teresa contemplated to publish but made it happen once again on May 26th, 2016. Teresa will continue to formulate creative and intriguing novels to provide page turners and eye openers for her readers.
That Church Life Momentum Teresa B Howell Talks about her First Book, That Church Life Interview by Patrice Rivers How did you get started in the writing field?
Where your creativity does comes from? TH: I have to be completely in my own world when writing. It comes from within.
TH: I would always write poems and songs as a child. As an adult college pressed me to write more creatively when dealing with What are your writing techniques like? large projects. Were there any challenges growing up in TH: I write the store first then input fillers along the way. It helps me to the church? transition better and really give deTH: Of Course! Most churches in the Afriscriptive information about what is can American community have rules and going on in a particular scene. regulations that are not biblically based. I Tell me a little bit more about had a hard time following rules that I Walking in Victory International couldn’t find in the Bible TH: I self-published under this How did you come up with the storyline name and decided to help others for That Church Life? with their story. My authors are inTH: I started therapeutic writing from my spired by my growth and even help grandmother’s death. I begin to think to push me to greater heights. It about my experiences in the church while has truly been a team effort and writing and a novel was born. we are creating new strategies to assist in the publishing world.
What type of authors are you looking for within your independent publishing company? TH: I’m looking for authors who are very creative and can write without a lot of foul language. I want stories to have meaningful and remunerable plots. How many books have you written so far and when can we expect your next book to be published? TH: I have only one but I am also trying to finish 2 more before the end of the year. As a Christian writer, do you face any challenges in your writings? TH: Of course! I don’t really like to use the word “Christian writer” because it throws my work into a box. I am a writer that loves to write mystery and suspense concerning real life situations. How important do you think authors supporting other authors is? TH: Very important. Unfortunately it’s not always the case with most authors. I wish people would realize that we can do it better together.
Who is your favorite author (s) and why? TH: Kimberla Lawson Roby-Love the transition from character to character Octavia Butler-Best African American sci-fi writer ever. She really draws you in at the first chapter. Have you won any awards during your journey of being an author? TH: Since I am so new, I haven’t received awards yet. What advice would you give to aspiring authors wanting to write a book? TH: Research until you cant research anymore. It is key to your success What do you enjoy doing on your spare time when you aren’t writing? TH: Listening to music, singing, traveling Tell us how your readers can connect with you TH: TeresaWIV-Twitter Teresabhowell1-Instagram Teresa Howell-Facebook
Fading from Summer and Falling into Colors Written by: PacePoetry The temperatures have dropped a tad bit, and the leaves are changing into those beautiful orange and brown colors. This can only mean one thing: fall has arrived. With the new season, comes beautiful, dark colors. When it comes to fall, dark, bold colors like brown, orange, maroon, deep red, purple, and even black are your must-haves, especially when it comes to lip color. Ladies, we all know that the lips have to be popping. Therefore, I suggest lipsticks like MAC Ariana Grande Viva Glam Deep, Dark Plum or MAC Power Driven.
Not only do you need a bold, popping lip, but those eyes must be fierce! When it comes to the eyes, you can take either way: neutral or colorful. There are so many different colors to choose from this fall. MAC has many palettes to give you whatever look you’re going for.
As you pull out those thigh-high boots, long coats and sweaters, make sure you pop your look with a few of these bold makeup colors. After all, the goal is to keep them falling.
Pacepoetry
My Black is
Beautiful