Spring 2016 by Deliberate Magazine

FOUNDER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Sherisse’ D. Woodley PUBLISHER Deliberate Magazine EDITOR-AT-LARGE Sheralyn Y. Woodley CREATIVE DIRECTOR Sherisse’ D. Woodley COPYEDITOR Tameka Watkins BEAUTY EDITOR Lizandra L. Mercado FASHION EDITOR Sherisse’ D. Woodley FAITH EDITOR Elizabeth Petters MUSIC EDITOR Timothy Johnson CONTRIBUTORS Timothy Johnson, Cheryl Allard, Emily Duell, Dawn-Michelle Lewis, April Oleson ADVERTISING & MARKETING INQUIRIES media@deliberatemagazine.com BUSINESS INQUIRIES Terah “Bishop” Woodley II bishop@deliberatemagazine.com EDITORIAL SUBMISSONS Contributor@deliberatemagazine.com

Letter from Editor We all go through seasons in our life that are filled with pain and doubt. The majority of us cave in and start to doubt ourselves, our decisions, the people in our lives, but most of all, we doubt our Creator. I read this great article on Easter while doing my research and brainstorming for this issue and it really spoke to me. We go through each day of the year living our normal lives, but on certain days like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter we live it a little different. It is on these days we decide to put all of our worries and pains away, and try to enjoy the day with our loved ones. For those who are not regular churchgoers we go to church, and put on our best outfit. However, should we only live differently on Easter? The whole series of events that went on from Friday (Good Friday) to Sunday should not only be recognized on Easter. Like Rick Warran said in the article I read, in Relevant Magazine, “The death, burial and resurrection of Jesus happened over three days: Friday was a day of suffering, pain and agony; Saturday was a day of doubt, confusion and misery; but Easter Sunday was a day of hope, joy and victory.” We all experience these stages in our lives. Some more than others or longer, but we all have experienced a situation in our lives where there was pain followed by doubt, and joy. My question is, why not live everyday like it is Easter? If you are not familiar with the meaning of Easter, we have got that covered in this issue. As you read through this issue, which I am very proud of, remember the real reason why we celebrate Easter and how we can continue to live each day as if it is Easter. No matter what you are going through it will always be followed by joy. God Bless! Sherisse’ Woodley Founder & Editor-in-Chief

CONTENTS 8

What Christians Get Wrong About Easter

11 Good Friday

Miracles, Signs & Wonders

Friends of the Heart

26 Tim Johnson

Choosing Joy: Joanna’s Story

Spring Hair & Makeup

32 Josué Barerra

Easter Sunday Dinner

50 Judah & The Lion

52 Choosing The Right Exercise For You 6

Deliberate Magazine | Faith

WHAT CHRISTIANS GET WRONG ABOUT EASTER

By: Elizabeth Petters Easter has become quite convenient. Like Christmas, we have tailored the Easter holiday to meet our needs. By the end of March, we are all in need of a week off, or at least a few days off, but how many of us spend that time sitting at the feet of Jesus reflecting on His life, His death, and His resurrection? More often than not, we are at Disneyworld or curled up with Netflix for the weekend, mouths stuffed with Cadbury eggs. We need to stop pretending that Easter is all about Christ when we have made it mostly about us. So what now? We are sitting with the truth that we lost sight of the

entire meaning of Easter. Moreover, some of you, like me, have realized that we do not know much about Easter and what we did know we seem to have forgotten. Therefore, I did some research. Consider it our first step into truly understanding, respecting, and celebrating Easter. Often we forget that Easter is actually a season, beginning with Lent 40 days before the resurrection. Most years I lose track of time during the winter months and only realize we have arrived at Lent when I pass dozens of people at the gym with ashes on their forehead. Ash Wednesday is the first day of fasting for Lent,

representing the 40 days Jesus fasted in the desert while enduring temptation from Satan. It is a reminder that from dust, we came and to dust we shall return. We often focus on the fasting portion of Lent, giving up chocolate, french fries, TV, or Facebook. However, the focus of Lent is ultimately on simple living, which includes but is not limited to fasting, serving, and prayer. When we simply give up something we love and stumble through 40 days until we can have it again, we are missing the point. It is not about 40 days of self-discipline; it is about taking steps toward a life with minimal

Deliberate Magazine | Faith distractions, one where we can fully connect to our Savior and ourselves. I didn’t even know Maundy Thursday existed until I was in college. My parents had just started attending an Episcopal church and my mom invited me to come with her to the service. I actually thought she said “Monday Thursday” at first, and assumed that this particular service took place both Monday and Thursday during Holy week. Now I know better. Maundy Thursday commemorates the Last Supper. In this particular service, we engaged in washing of each other’s feet just as Jesus washed the feet of His disciples on that night. I have never been so humbled before in my life, as I was, washing the feet of a stranger in celebration of the life of

my Savior and what He stood for.

greatly for us.

The Friday before Easter, Good Friday, commemorates Jesus’ death on the cross at Calvary. I do not think I have ever been to a service on this day, and I cannot for the life of me figure out why. The day of my Savior’s death has never really held a special place in my planner. That saddens me to the deepest corners of my heart. We remember the resurrection, but we often forget Jesus’s suffering. We forget that He was beaten, spat on, mocked, and forced to carry His own cross. That He was made to wear a crown of thorns, nails were hammered through His flesh and bones, and He hung from that cross struggling to breathe until His death. Jesus was God’s offering on our behalf, and He suffered

Of course, Easter Sunday is the day we all know, the resurrection of our Savior. This is the day that is celebrated far beyond the others, one that is acknowledged as crucial to the gospel. The resurrection is more than just a big miracle. It is the beginning of a greater story; one in which death is conquered and all of creation is renewed. The Easter season is the heart of the gospel, and we are to live it out throughout our entire lives, not just each spring. Easter models for us the daily choice we have to die to ourselves, and be raised with Him to a new life in Christ. He is risen, He is risen indeed! ■

Deliberate Magazine | Faith

GOOD FRIDAY By: April Oleson Good Friday is a holiday that is not normally celebrated by many. However, it should be one we always remember. Good Friday is a time to remember what Christ did for us. Granted, Easter is the time we rejoice in celebrating the resurrection of Jesus, but what is Good Friday all about? I did not truly understand what it was all about until this year. I found a timeline that explained, in detail, an idea about the timeline of Jesusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; death. Obviously, we do not know the exact times for things; however, it helps to put things in perspective for us to truly understand.

Deliberate Magazine | Faith 8:00 am- Pilate condemns Jesus to death. Many people like to fast during this period in order to show respect. Fasting can be giving up anything in your life. Maybe you fast when it comes to food or electronics; whatever you decide to fast, use it to show respect. Early in the morning, all the chief priests and the elders of the people made their plans how to have Jesus executed. Therefore, they bound him, led him away, and handed him over to Pilate the governor. Matthew 27:1-2 NIV 9:00 am- Jesus was crucified. It was nine in the morning when they crucified him. Another tradition that is common during this time is to wear black. Since black is the color for mourning, you are mourning the death of Jesus Christ. Mark 15:25 NIV 12:00 pm- From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over all the land. Matthew 27:45 NIV 3:00 pm- Jesus dies. The time between noon and three p.m. are known as the three hours of agony; due to this being the time Jesus was on the cross. During this time, you can hold a moment of silence if you want in order to show respect. You can turn off all the electronics in your home or at your job if possible.

You can use this time to pray and reflect on your life. 6:00 pm- As evening approached, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who had himself become a disciple of Jesus. Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus’ body, and Pilate ordered that it be given to him. Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock. He rolled a big stone in front of the entrance to the tomb and went away. Matthew 27:57-60 NIV Some other traditions you can consider when it comes to Good Friday would be to read the whole crucifixion story with your family. Maybe each year you could read a different version. For example, one year read the version in the book of Matthew and another year read the version in Mark. All of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John tell the story of Jesus’ death; but, each one has a different point of view each was written by a disciple of Jesus. Imagine four different people witnessing one very important event; each person is going to have a different perspective. Don’t dismiss the idea of doing this just because you will be reading the same story repeatedly. Reading different versions allows your family to discuss how each person viewed Jesus’ death. While doing so, ask each other these

questions. What main points did each one bring into light more than others? What emotions were stressed differently in each one and why do they do that? What can we take from each version of the crucifixion story? Asking some of these questions and others can allow you and your family to dive deeper into the story of Jesus’ death and reflect deeper while doing so. If you have young children, think of creative ways to tell the story of Jesus’ death. When I was a kid, we had plastic eggs that had little trinkets in them. When we would open up one we would read a section of the story that pertains to that trinket. Some of the trinkets that were in there were dice (showing how they gambled over Jesus), nails (pertaining to the portion where Jesus’ hands and feet were nailed to the cross), and cotton (going along with the part where Jesus was taken off the cross and wrapped up in order to be laid in the tomb). No matter what you decide to do for Good Friday, take some time to show your respect for what Jesus has done for us. Jesus laid His life down for us so that we can be free and spend eternity with Him. This Good Friday, take a moment and thank God for what He did for us. ■

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MIRACLES, SIGNS & WONDERS By: Sheralyn Y. Woodley

“Jesus gave them this illustration but they did not grasp the point of what he was saying to them. So Jesus said to them once more, “I do assure you that I myself am the door for the sheep. All who have gone before me are like thieves and rogues, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the door. If a man goes in through me, he will be safe and sound; he can come in and out and find his food. The thief comes with the sole intention of stealing and killing and destroying, but I came to bring them life, and far more life than before. I am the good shepherd. 16

The good shepherd will give his life for the sake of his sheep. But the hired man, who is not the shepherd, and does not own the sheep, will see the wolf coming, desert the sheep and run away. And the wolf will attack the flock and send them flying. The hired man runs away because he is only a hired man and has no interest in the sheep. I am the good shepherd, and I know those that are mine and my sheep know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And I am giving my life for the sake of the sheep.” John 10:10 PHILLIPS

Deliberate Magazine | Faith We have all been at that point, where we think I need a sign, I need a miracle, I need a Word from the Lord, I just need to know something. Then we have to come to our senses and go to our Bibles and read “I have told you,” replied Jesus, “and you do not believe it. What I have done in my Father’s name is sufficient to prove my claim, but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. My sheep recognize my voice and I know who they are. They follow me and I give them eternal life. They will never die and no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all. And no one can tear anything out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are One.” John 10:28 PHILLIPS We always ask the questions: why me? What about me? We all go through things. Some of us would say better or worse than others. I remember when I was young girl and we were walking home from a baseball game. I know it hard for some to believe that as a young girl I played baseball. A good friend of mine told me that I didn’t really know God or have to really believe in Him because my parents had money; we had a trucking business, we had cars, we had pick-ups, a house, and we weren’t poor. Why did I need God? I did not need to pray. God did not need to give me anything because I already had everything! What was I going to pray for? I was a young child at the time and I did wonder about what was said to me. Things we’re great for us. We know now that my mom and dad did take very good care of my siblings and I. Most of our needs and wants were met. If they were

not it was not something that detrimental or can even remember absolutely needing, so it must not have been that important. My parents were able to send us all to college and make sure that we all got a good start in our careers and life, and at that were always taught to have faith and trust God. From my childhood and adolescent perspective, I was developing my faith and trust. No, there were no real hurdles and obstacles to overcome, but I gained knowledge and observed faith even though I didn’t always know what I was seeing. As I got older, I began to understand what I had been seeing. My parents had a trucking business. A trucking business has its seasons. You have to constantly deal with trucks breaking down, managing drivers time, life, and schedules; diesel fuel is expensive. Making sure cargo is available to and from destinations, and taking care of paperwork from employee payroll, DOT, taxes, etc., and time away from the family due to long hauls. Just a small recap of some expenses - fuel, equipment, driver pay, repair and maintenance, insurance premiums, permits and special licenses, tolls, wages and benefits etc. The expenses went on and on. As a child, we did not know this. We thought it just magically happened and we just magically got what we wanted and need. There was not magic in the Crockett household; it was all miracles, signs, and wonders. Often times we are only looking for tangible signs for it to be a miracle, sign, or wonder. We have to get to a place in our lives where every single blessing that God gives you is counted as

a miracle, sign, or wonder. We have to get in the habit of being thankful for the smallest of blessings. We cannot only say “thank you” for big blessings. What is a big blessing anyway? God wants us to be grateful for everything. I was looking up the words to the hymn “Count Your Blessing” and the meaning of it came up, which I had never paid any attention to “to be grateful for the good things in your life, often to stop yourself becoming too unhappy about the bad things”. If we trust and have a lifestyle of faith, we will recognize all of the blessings (miracles, signs, and wonders) that God has bestowed upon each of us daily. My challenge to each of you today is to take time to “Count Your Blessings” because that is where you will see your miracles, signs, and wonders. ■ Sheralyn Woodley is an educator who has a passion for serving people. She works and serves at The Rock Faith Center as the Public Relations Director. She is a God-fearing woman, who is happily married to Terah Woodley, and has 2 successful children.

COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS 1 When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed, When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost, Count your many blessings, name them one by one, And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done. Refrain: Count your blessings, name them one by one; Count your blessings, see what God hath done; Count your blessings, name them one by one; Count your many blessings, see what God hath done. 2 Are you ever burdened with a load of care? Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear? Count your many blessings, ev’ry doubt will fly, And you will be singing as the days go by. [Refrain] 3 When you look at others with their lands and gold, Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold; Count your many blessings, money cannot buy Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high. [Refrain] 4 So, amid the conflict, whether great or small, Do not be discouraged, God is over all; Count your many blessings, angels will attend, Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end. [Refrain] Baptist Hymnal, 1991

He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’ ” Luke 24: 6-7 NIV

Deliberate Magazine | Life

FRIENDS OF THE HEART

We are mothers, parents and only a few of the thousands who have experienced the hardest and cruelest pain there is. We did not meet under normal circumstances; we were not attracted to each other because of our looks, our personality, or our status in society. We met and immediately knew that we had one great thing in common, our hearts. Our hearts that spoke to one another, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I know your heart, because you know my heart.â&#x20AC;? A friendship of the heart is a friendship that only those who have gone through a tragedy such as ours will understand. We lost a child, a child, no matter what age, is still a child to a parent. The circumstance of our loss has the same meaning; the grief is the same.

Deliberate Magazine | Life Our sons also had so much in common, although they never crossed paths on this earth. Our children were a part of the United States Armed Forces, our nation’s most powerful force. A force of brave and courageous people, those volunteer to defend and protect the “freedom” for all. Our children stood tall and proud, ready to fight for their country.

embedded in his mind and heart forever. A few months after coming home, a tragic motorcycle accident took his life.

A young man, who joined the Army and volunteered to serve his country during hard times, went to Afghanistan and Iraq. Two years of his life, two different countries at war with people of their own nations. Two different A young man, , had just graduworlds, two separate wars, with ated from high school and imme- the same tragedies, terrors, and diately decided to join the Army. destruction of human beings. This He was strong, willing, and deter- young man stood tall and brave, mined that he could withstand the and accomplished the task that challenge, of serving his country. was given to him. He came home, Right after his training, he was but his heart, and mind were sent to Ft. Lewis to prepare for the destroyed with the horrors of a hardest task he would ever face, war. He came back home with an the war in Iraq. However, his life illness of the heart and mind. He was taken too soon; due to medicould not recapture the normal cal circumstances, his superiors life he once had and enjoyed. The and his doctors could have predesperation within him destroyed vented that. To this day, the expla- his willingness to get help and nation of what happened is vague live again. He took his life, leavand incomprehensible. A mother ing a mother and family torn to and father, heartbroken, destroyed, pieces. left with no understanding of this tragedy. A young man, who had a dream of following in his father’s footA young man, a Marine, who steps. He loved the Army, what his knew that the task would be father stood for in the Army, and hard; but, volunteered to stand up decided his future at a very young and defend his country anyway. age. By the time he was 13 years He had a passion for the game old, he was running and marchof football, enjoyed his life with ing along with his father, and the friends and family, and rode his soldiers of his platoon. He went bike with a free spirit. He went to college, but to him this was to Iraq, not once but twice, and not enough. His heart was set on saw the terrors of a country at joining the United States Army war. After his last tour, he came and fighting for his country. He home and wanted to get back to went to Iraq, not once but twice. his normal life, his family, friends, On his first tour, he would call and the things he enjoyed the his father and ask him for advice most. However, it was imposbefore a mission. He proudly acsible to have a normal life again. cepted the words of wisdom his The happenings of a cruel war, father gave him. On his second the atrocities that he saw were tour, he stood tall and proud at

the airport in Hawaii, waiting for the takeoff, destiny Iraq. There were more than 300 soldiers there, as he was kneeling on the floor with his two little boys in his arms, a reporter approached him. The reporter asked him how he felt about going to fight in Iraq, and this young man replied, “This is my second tour and I am proud to go along with this younger group of soldiers. I will help them and we will fight in a country that needs our help. We stand for freedom; we will do the job and come home soon” This brave young man did not come home. A closed casket was brought back. What came back in this box? Is this soldier lost in a faraway country? His father, mother, and families’, hearts destroyed forever. He left a letter to his parents, and in it he wrote, “Dad, I will be proud to come back and salute you when I get off the plane.” This is why we are “friends of the heart”. We have the same hurt in our hearts and soul. We understand each other and never get tired of talking about our sons or shedding tears that strongly flow from our eyes. We will never completely surpass the immense hurt we feel, and each day we are learning to live one day at a time without our children. ■ Carmen, Alicia, Cheryl, and Nancy

Cheryl A Allard – PFC Glenn A. Saunders April 25, 1993 – Nov 28, 2011 ARMY

Alicia Sierra – PVT First Class Jonathan Sierra Jan 03, 1986 MARINES

Nancy – SGT Bryan C. Camaduran Oct 24, 1987 – Oct 31, 2013 ARMY

Carmen Locklear – SGT Velton Locklear III – Sept 6, 2006 ARMY

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CHOOSING JOY: JOANNA’S STORY By: Elizabeth Petters We like to think we are in control. At least of the small things in our lives; what we eat, what kind of shoes to buy, where we will go, and what we will do today. While those things may give us the illusion that we’re in control, as most choices do, it is by grace alone that we even have breath in our lungs. We all take this for granted. We go about our days, running errands, checking off to do lists, but rarely stop to thank God for these rushed, and chaotic moments. Two years ago, my good friend Joanna was right there too. With four little kiddoes and a busy schedule, she was plowing through life like a pro, to do list in one hand and coffee in the other. I had the privilege of living with Joanna, her husband Kevin, and their babies the summer before my husband and I got married. I watched her love her kids, run her household, and run half marathons. She opened up her home to me without hesitation, and wished me a good day as I rushed to work every morning. She is the wife, the mother, and the woman I want to be now more than ever before. 24

It was a hot day in August, as most of them are. For the life of me, I cannot even remember where I was when I found out, but Joanna remembers when she did. They had just gotten a new van, ready and waiting for family adventures to be had, when the call came: she had Stage 3b Metastatic melanoma. Cancer is a word that cannot help but bring up bile when it is spoken; it spreads fear quicker than any word I know. Step 1 was surgery, to remove as much as they could from her leg. It was scheduled for the day before my wedding. She wouldn’t be there, and it was the first of many things that cancer would try to steal from Joanna. I remember sitting on the floor of my room when we both realized it. The truth is this disease had the power to steal time, energy, and experiences. It has been that same disease, that same journey, which has taught Joanna and those around her the beauty of the things that cannot be stolen from us: the hope, joy, and peace of a loving God. Joanna was at my wedding. The first of many triumphs. She climbed out of their family van with a smile on her face. We cried into each other’s hair and praised

Jesus for His strength. She saw me walk down the aisle into the arms of the man I love. She watched her baby’s walk down before me in their polka dotted dresses, and her baby boy in his suspenders. There was hope. God is good. Only a month later Joanna underwent another surgery, a big lymph dissection that left her bedridden with a draining bag attached to her leg. So many people gathered around her, loved her, and her family fiercely took care of all the little details. However, the truth remained, Joanna and her family would have to learn to live this new normal. Nine months of treatment followed her second surgery. Months of pain, sickness, and unknowns loomed overhead. Joanna reacted to her diagnosis like anyone would with anger, sadness and fear; however, those things never defined her. When I think of Joanna, during those months, all I see is bravery like I have never seen before. That kind of faith is astounding! Joanna was learning to lean on Jesus in a way she never had before. She could not pretend that anything about her life was under control. Every moment was a gift that could be taken away,

and in this way, Joanna gained an eternal perspective. She told me one day, “without cancer, I would have never experienced Jesus like this.” There is something so bittersweet about suffering. It tears us down and takes us to a place we can’t bear. But, it is in that place that Jesus takes what is left of us and He adds Himself to that. He gives us His hope where there is none of our own, and His strength when ours has faded. He gives us joy for the moments where we feel lost, and when we realize we can no longer rely on ourselves, we find Him in all of His glory, and life is never the same. Joanna started to blog, vulnerably, and steadily. Her story has given hope and healing to so many, and her faith inspires everyone she meets. God has faithfully walked this journey with her and she is

passionate about showing others His love. Joanna’s life will never be the same. She lives with this disease every day, but it’s not about physical healing, and it’s not about whether or not God comes through for us the way we think He should. It simply isn’t about what we want; it’s about the goodness of our Father regardless of our circumstances. We can trust that He is good no matter what we are going through. Joanna has allowed God to use her suffering and this journey to further His kingdom. She started a non-profit called Radiant Hope, which brings joy in the form of yellow baskets filled with yellow goodies to women facing cancer. People have rallied around this organization, donating money and time to bring hope to so many. Our greatest weakness is our greatest strength, if we allow God

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to use us. Like all of us do when we face suffering, Joanna had a choice. She chose joy in the midst of pain. She pressed into Jesus, and she brought her burdens to His feet. In return, He has transformed her mess into beauty. “So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 ■ You can follow Joanna’s story at www.dennstaedtfamily.blogspot. com or www.hisradianthope.org

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TIM JOHNSON

By: Sheralyn Woodley Tell me about yourself. Where are you from? I’m originally from New Britain, Connecticut .

passion for music? Very early in life. I started singing publicly at the age of 3 and playing at the age of 7.

Where are you living now? I currently reside in San Antonio,TX.

What would you say your greatest accomplishments are? Being able to make a living with the gift of music. It’s something I enjoy but it has the potential of making a lucrative income at times.

Who are your favorite sports teams? The San Antonio Spurs of course and the New England Patriots. What are your favorite things to do? Write music, study the word and watch Netflix series with my wife. When did you first notice your

What do you think is the biggest lesson you’ve learned in life and how do you integrate it in the things you do now? I would say learning how to manage relationships better and being more discerning when working

with certain people. That has really been an eye opener lately. What projects have you worked on? Three of the biggest projects I’ve had the pleasure of working on are Azusa Praise “Jubilee” on which I wrote the title track, “New Season” the first project by Israel and New Breed on which I wrote a song called “There’s A Lifting Of The Hands” and lastly a project for Promise Keepers on which a song called “Awesome God” was co-written by myself and a great producer from San Antonio by the name of Paul Garcia. 29

Deliberate Magazine | Cover What project(s) are you currently working on? I’m currently working on several custom projects as well as my next offering which is untitled currently. What advice would you give to people who want to follow their dreams? Always put God first and faith it. Faith without works is dead.

val Regional Competition and a few others. What would you say is your life mantra? Music is a language read, played and sung worldwide, let’s communicate clearly and carefully.

What helped you during the times you wanted to quit? Most times my wife Lynn has the words to encourage me to keep going when I feel like throwing in the towel and the word of God always gives me that extra push.

Are you part of any charities or active in any foundations or causes? I’ve just began connecting with a group that creates awareness for HIV/AIDS, as well as domestic violence. My church is affiliated with a new group that’s doing after school care, food banks and many other services for the community and the less fortunate.

What keeps you motivated and who inspires your life? I pretty much answered that one in the last question however, adversity fuels me to push through to success and that’s the real truth. I never give up.

Did you always want to be a minister or did you have another career in mind? Actually, I didn’t think I’d be a pastor of a church. I was fine with music ministry however, I had to be obedient to God.

You have received several Awards in your life. Please tell us about them. I’ve been nominated for a couple Dove Awards and received a Black Achievement Award in 2001 as well as won the Yamaha Electone Festi-

You have founded your ministry Rapha Reformation, tell me more about it. Yes on January 10, 2016 we had our first service and every Sunday at 12:30 pm we are meeting at 102 Hub Ave.San Antonio, TX 78220.

What is the vision of Rapha Reformation? Our vision is to change the way the world views the Church by introducing them to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. What else would you like the readers to know about Pastor Tim Johnson? We are on a mission to be witnesses in the community and to take the message to the world in creative and unique ways. We utilize spoken word, hip hop, jazz, and many other genres of music to attract the unchurched. We create environments that are neutral, then in subtle ways, we present the gospel and slowly raise the heat like you do when boiling frog legs. They don’t realize the heat is turning up until it’s too late. Keep Lynn, me, and our Rapha family in prayer that the things we’re praying for will rapidly come to pass.

■

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You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this. Acts 3:15 NIV 32

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JOSUÉ BARERRA

By: Sheralyn Woodley Tell me about yourself. Where are you from? I’m the youngest of five, born to Manuel and Janie Barrera – once migrant farm-workers who found stability for a time – in Flint, Mi during the auto industry’s heyday. While my older siblings can say they were raised in Flint, I only say this is where my life started. Family considerations – primarily an ailing grand34

mother, led us to Texas. We didn’t understand at the time, but this move kept us from experiencing the decline of the mid-west. My developmental years were spent in Driscoll, Texas, a tiny farm community about 30 miles south of Corpus Christi, TX. I spent my formative years “on the border, by the sea” in a place called Brownsville, TX. This is the place I call home.

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What was your childhood and family life like? We were a tight-knit bunch raised in the church. All we knew was a life of service. It was never a burden to give of ourselves, of our time, our talents, it was a blessing. My siblings say our parents were strict, but I never faced the wrath they remember. I simply say I was smart enough to avoid what got them into trouble. Therefore, in a sense – I should thank them for scaring me straight! What were your life ambitions when you were growing up? I have a curiosity for many things and had many interests growing up. I was sufficiently dedicated to make good grades in school, but I was not drawn to any particular subject. The constants, from the beginning, were God and music. I wasn’t sure exactly what I wanted to do, but I wanted to combine these two elements of my life. Where are you living now? My wife and I just moved to a farm about 20 miles south of Washington, D.C. Did you always want the career you have now or did you have another career in mind? I came out of undergrad thinking I would end up in the news or entertainment industry. My experiences just out of school led me to a graduate school, which is where I reconnected with a desire to be involved in public service. I did not plan for any of this, and I think that is what has made this ride that much more rewarding. What would you say your greatest accomplishments are? I don’t think I have any particu-

larly great accomplishment. I’ve made the most of my limited talents.

What do you think is the biggest lesson you’ve learned in life and how do you integrate it in the things you do now? Maya Angelou is credited with saying “…people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” It’s kind of like another way of articulating the golden rule. Many people are afraid to step out and move from their familiar surrounding to follow their dreams, what advice would you give them? I feel like many inhibitions are excuses to keep us from growing up and growing up means facing consequences and accepting responsibility. Reward only follows the risk. The risk could mean leaving your comfort zone. Therefore, it may take a while, but when people find meaning and purpose in whatever it is they decide to pursue, the work – itself – is the reward. What helped you during the times you wanted to go back home? What did family and friends do for you that really helped you get through the tough days? I came to DC with a student organization (HACU) that helped me establish a local community within the first 4 months I was here. The community I developed has continued to be a bedrock for me. Sure, I would love to see my family and friends more, but I have never been one to feel homesick. I

always find something to explore and stay entertained. I think this is where my curiosity for the world is particularly helpful. All of my siblings believed in me and supported me, but I am particularly grateful for my oldest sister, Amy, and who allowed me to live with her family for a time when I was in college. What motivates you? It motivates me when I see that I have played a part in making good things happen for other people. I have had the opportunity to meet many people in the various professional capacities since I’ve been here. Many were at crossroads in their respective lives. While I cannot offer jobs, I try to be encouraging counsel in a negative world and help them find their purpose. You have received several Awards in your life. Please tell us about them and how you felt to be honored with the rewards? Once again, I do not think I’ve done anything so special to deserve recognition. We are taught to not be selfish or try to impress others but to be humble and think of others before myself. In this vein, I simple try to treat people with the dignity and respect they deserve and hope that it pays off for them. When I have been rewarded for this, I humbly accept, and move right along. What would you say is your life mantra? “Find a need and meet it.” By doing so, not only are you in a posture of service, but also make yourself indispensable.

Deliberate Magazine | Profile Are you part of any charities or active in any foundations or causes? I just finished my term as VP of the Hispanic Employee Council of Foreign Affairs Agencies. HECFAA’s mission is to enhance awareness of the contributions of Hispanic employees to U.S. foreign affairs agencies. Before this, I was on the board of the HACU Alumni Association (HAA), which represents over 10,000 students who have participated in the HACU National Internship Program. HAA serves as a network for HACU alumni, provides mentoring to current HNIP interns, promotes HACU student programs, and fosters leadership and service for the greater Hispanic community. I also participated in the International Career Advancement Program (ICAP), which aims to bring greater quality and diversity to the staffing of senior management and policy-making positions in international affairs, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and the private sector.

What keeps you motivated and positive in life? Good food and good company. Tell us about your current job and your responsibilities? I work in diversity outreach for the Department of State. The position has evolved since I started just over two years ago - but essentially my goal is to help foster cultural change that moves the Department toward becoming an organization that represents the composition of the nation in every aspect – not just politically. I’m currently working on an initiative that promotes the adoption of inclusive habits into our daily work life, exposes our human instincts and biases, and challenges leaders on traditional concepts of promotion and hiring. You are married to a beautiful a young lady. Please tell us about her and how you met? My wife and I met at a going away part of a mutual friend. At the time, I was working in media outreach for the Department of State and she was a young journalist who I figured was a good reference for the future stories. I wanted to share a story idea with

her so I followed up. We continued to chat and became good friends. That good friendship turned into a bond beyond any I could have ever imagined. Now life is about to change for the two of you, fatherhood. I know family is big to you. So, what are you looking forward to and what changes do you anticipate, if any? I think the biggest challenge we will face is finding balance. It’s very easy to let your life be dominated by the power and politics that surround this region. Part of moving away from the city was so that we would be able to give more attention to our future children. I have plenty of space to train my future golf champion! What else would you like the readers to know about Josué Barrera? I’m reaping benefits of a family on a firm foundation of faith. But, I didn’t always make the sensible decision. In fact, I had many detours and do-overs, that if I shared them all – this would be more than a short magazine article. ■

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SPRING HAIR & MAKE-UP By: Lizandra Mercado

The clothes parading down the runway this spring season took the center stage during fashion week. However, being the beauty guru that I am, I could not help but fall for the new wave of gorgeous hair and makeup looks that are Feeling Blue: This blue makeup trend is all about accentuating your eyes, and adding a cool pop of color without thinking too hard. Try this look by making an imperfect line with a turquoise or any blue pigmented liner or powder from the center top lash line out to the corner of the eye, and add just a short stripe below the tear duct on bottom lash line. Models and Celebrities all over the world are rocking this bold eye and I am excited to give this trendy makeup look a GO!

just as equally important for the seasons ahead. Here are a few of the best Spring/Summer beauty trends from the recent runways, from effortlessly sleek hair to eye-catching lips and lids. and cupids bow. When done right, this leaves your face glowing, not greasy. I don’t know about you, but I am all about having that sun-kissed glow year round.

Loud Mouths: Bright and dark lips were all over the runway. Let your lips do all the talking in vibrant shades of red, orange, pink, and purple or bolder shades of plum, wine, and vamp. Who’s to say you can’t wear those dark dramatic lip colors all year long? While you plan on wearing all these different lipsticks this spring be sure that your lips are Bronze, Highlight & Glow: No matter what season, I think everyone can agree that staying nice and fresh by using a lip scrub bronzer and highlighters are a MUST! These and lip balm. two products truly make everyone look betRope Braids & Twists: Slick braids, twisted ter. Too many think that bronzer is used to make you look darker and it’s not, it’s about hair, and high ponytails have been blowing up our social media pages lately and they the GLOW. Find one that is in your range are definitely this spring’s “HAIR GOALS!” of skin shade and embrace it! As for highThese hairstyles are polished and very modlighting, its just about enhancing your best ern looking. This trend is a great way to features. Apply the illuminator everywhere the sunlight will hit your face: Cheek bones, make sure your hair stays out of your face during the spring and hot summer days to Brow bone, down the center of your nose come. 40

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Deliberate Magazine | Glam Glitter Everything: This spring we can wear glitter on our faces and not have to worry about looking insane, because every “It Girl” is doing it! Glitter lips, eyelids, brows, roots and even beards for the dudes… You name it, it’s going to be covered in glitter this season! My must try look this spring is GLITTER EYEBROWS. I absolutely love how cool this looks!

blue or brown. When it comes to skin tone, the darker your skin the stronger you can go with your orange shade. A quick tip when trying this warm hue, is mixing red and orange lipstick all over the eyelid and crease area with your fingers first and then go over it with eye shadow. This will help intensify the color and insure that your eye makeup lasts all day.

Here’s a quick how to: 1. Pick a loose glitter in any color and make sure you have a waterproofing gel and angled brow brush. 2. Dip your brush in the gel and then in the loose glitter and begin tapping it all over your eyebrows. 3. Repeat step #2 until you get the amount of glitter you want for each brow.

Head bands and pieces: I thought the models looked stunning with all the head pieces on the runway. This is such an ethereal and romantic hair look; in my opinion, it is perfect for spring fashion. Total GODDESS status!

©Imaxtree

I hope you all enjoyed these latest beauty trends. They’re playful, super feminine, kind of retro and kind of modern all in one. Here’s to being all of that and more in this year! ■

Sunset Shadows: Blazing pinks, reds and oranges look just as beautiful on the eyelids as they do in the sky during the sunset hours. I know what you’re thinking, “Orange eye shadow on me?” Yes! ORANGE is actually very flattering on the eyelids and it is complimentary whether your eyes are green,

Lash Out: It’s all about WIDE EYES this spring. The key to this look is to have the eyelashes fan out. Although clumpy mascara is not ideal, clumpy eyelashes are! Go for the longer, bolder, and twiggy lash look. Try some fun exaggerated falsies this season!

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EASTER SUNDAY DINNER

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ROASTED CHICKEN Ingredients: 3-4 lb Chicken 1 Bunch Rosemary 1 Bunch Thyme 1 Medium Lemon (cut in 4) 1 Medium Garlic (cut bottom off) 1 t Baking soda Salt Pepper Garlic Herb Seasoning 1 Stick of Butter Carrots Potatoes Onion

Directions: 1. Brine the chicken with salt, pepper, and baking soda for either a day or a few hours before cooking 2. Rinse off brine and pat dry chicken completely 3. Stuff chicken with rosemary, thyme, lemon, and garlic 4. Cut up carrots, potatoes, and onions and place them around the chicken (season with salt and pepper) 5. Melt butter and add in garlic seasoning 6. Brush on butter seasoning mixture on chicken, and vegetables in the pot. 7. Reduce oven from 425 to 400 and cook for one hour and a half.

ÂŠ Martha Stewart

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SMASHED RED POTATOES WITH CRÈME FRAÎCHE Ingredients: 3¾ lb. Red potatoes Peel of 1 lemon 1½ t Kosher salt 4 t Butter 1 cup Crème fraîche ¼ cup Chopped chives Freshly ground pepper

Directions: 1. In a large pot, place potatoes and enough cold water to cover by 2 inches. Add lemon peel and salt and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and gently boil until potatoes are tender, 25 minutes. 2. Drain and transfer potatoes to a large bowl; discard lemon peel. Add 3 tablespoons butter. Using a wooden spoon, lightly mash potatoes, allowing some chunks to remain. Gently stir in crème fraîche and chives. Season with additional salt, if desired. Top with remaining butter, season with pepper, and garnish with chives.

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GARLIC ROASTED CARROTS Ingredients: 24 Baby carrots, tops trimmed to 2 inches 2 T Olive oil 2 T Balsamic vinegar 5 Cloves garlic, minced 1 t Dried thyme Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste 2 T Chopped parsley leaves

Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly oil a baking sheet or coat with nonstick spray. 2. Place carrots in a single layer onto the prepared baking sheet. Add olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic and thyme; season with salt and pepper, to taste. Gently toss to combine. 3. Place into oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until tender. Serve immediately, garnished with parsley, if desired.

ÂŠ DamnDelicious

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COUNTRY PEACH PIE Ingredients: 4 1/4 - 5 cups All purpose flour 1 1/2 cups Whole milk 3/4 cup Unsalted butter, divided 2/3 cup Honey, divided 1 Packet dry active yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons) 2 Large eggs 1 1/2 t Sea salt

Directions: 1. Prepare piecrust: In medium bowl, combine flour and salt. With pastry blender or 2 knives used scissor-fashion, cut in butter with shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir 4 to 6 tablespoons ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, into flour mixture, mixing after each addition until dough is just moist enough to hold together. With hands, shape dough into a disk. Wrap disk in plastic wrap and refrigerate 30 minutes or until firm enough to roll.

2. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Prepare custard filling: In medium bowl, with wire whisk or fork, mix sour cream, eggs, sugar, flour, and vanilla until blended; set aside. 3. On lightly floured surface, with floured rolling pin, roll dough into a round about 1 1/2 inches larger in diameter than inverted 9-inch pie plate. Ease dough into pie plate; trim edge, leaving 1-inch overhang. Fold overhang under; bring up over pie-plate rim and pinch to form high decorative edge. 4. Place peaches in crust. Pour custard over peaches. Bake pie 35 to 40 minutes or until edge of custard is golden brown and knife inserted in center of pie comes out clean. Cool pie on wire rack 1 hour to serve warm, or cool completely to serve later.

ÂŠ DamnDelicious

Deliberate Magazine | Entertainment

JUDAH & THE LION FOLK HOP N’ ROLL By: Emily Duell A mix of twang, rock, and hop-hop. That’s exactly what Judah & the Lion bring to the table with their new album, “Folk Hop N’ Roll.” In fact, the band has a history of breaking down genre barriers and bringing their banjo and mandolin vibes into the mainstream. They simply do not fit inside any predetermined musical boxes. Instead, they step outside the lines to create music that brings joy to the soul and speaks to the everyday truths and struggles of our lives. It is music that does not take itself too seriously, in a world that is constantly consumed with deep controversy, hate and confusion, their honest and lighthearted sound is a breath of fresh air. Judah & the Lion consist of frontrunner Judah Akers, drummer Spencer Cross, mandolin player Brian Macdonald and banjo player Nate Zuercher. The group formed where most aspiring folk artists go to roam--Nashville. Since 2011, the band has been busy touring across the world and building a loyal fan base. Over the last year specifically, the band has been promoting their previous album, “Kids These Days.” Their shows are energetic, exciting, and transportive. They’re fun, carefree, and youthful, and we live our lives that way, too. -Judah Akers Where some bands are better heard live and vice versa, Judah & the Lion demonstrates the same level of adrenaline-boosting, make-you-want-to-dance, folk pop tunes across the board. But, it’s not all catchy riffs and playful rhythms. “Folk Hop N’ Roll” gives us powerful lyrics without all the confusing poetry. While the opening track, 52

“Graffiti Dreams,” may sound distorted and a little grungy, the message is clear, relatable, and profoundly simple. I want to breath life in dead lungs. I want to fly high and touch the sun. I want to dance where there is only sadness, and bring some peace in the midst of madness. It’s you and me and these graffiti dreams, still asleep. Juxtaposition can be found within our dreams and reality, between what we want and what we have. This song captures the dichotomy of the state of our world as it is and how it was always meant to be. A kind of living hope exists in the lyrics--we’re all still asleep, but we want to see the redeemed reality. The center point of the album, “Take It All Back,” serves as a kind of answer to this. The band playfully lists their aspirations: to have a big house, a nice car, a “wife with a big ol’ diamond ring.” But, behind these somewhat trivial pursuits is a much bigger picture. I take it all back just to have you. I’m waking up. Outside of the everyday things in life we all crave and hope for, there is an even greater truth worth sacrificing everything for. In this truth, we have clarity, we have assurance. We wake up. No longer do we have to simply dream for better days to come. We can see with opened eyes the redeeming work of God in all things. Sure, we are not back to a perfect reality. But, we are able to see hope that shines in the darkness.

Deliberate Magazine | Entertainment “Insane” and “Better Man” continue in this theme, that we are all a little weird and a little off from the mark we strive to hit. These songs speak to the universal truth that none of us are perfect, and we all have demons to battle, regardless of faith, culture, or background. But I think that we’re all going insane hiding behind some smiling face. I don’t know if you can relate, but I fight the devil most of my days. The truth is, we all can relate. We all try to hide behind a whitewashed fence, but on the inside we are facing decay. We all just want to be a little better than we were before. The simple words of “Better Man” paints a piercing truth that deep down, we are all looking for the answer to our brokenness. Oh my hands to serve and love, my eyes to see and not to judge, my spirit now to rise within and reign over my carnal skin.

The song has an almost Psalm-like quality. We all speak the words to ourselves at times. Almost as if we need self-coaching, we command our minds to think sharper, our hearts to love deeper and our limbs to work harder. Amidst a sea of songs that are all about empowerment and shaking off the struggles of life, Judah & the Lion bring us songs that really speak to the truth of human nature. We all experience pain, loss and regret. Although it is important to move past moments of defeat, we all need someone else to bring us out of the pit. It is simply not enough to shove down the negativity. We must wake up. ■ Emily is a recent graduate of the College of Charleston with a degree in English and Theatre. She is a Ravenclaw who loves Jesus, copious amounts of coffee, manatees, classic movies, and thrift shopping.

©Twitter

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CHOOSING THE RIGHT EXERCISE FOR YOU

By: Dawn-Michelle Lewis When it comes to working out, there are a lot of factors that have to be considered. Fitness goals, pre-existing conditions, time, stress, and experience level are all things that should be considered when choosing exercises. For example, I was morbidly obese at one point in my life. Just because I was a runner in high school did not mean I should have attempted running as my first exercise of choice. I put a tremendous amount of stress on my knees, I was in a lot of pain, and I was quick to give up. Here, I can help you in choosing the right type of 54

exercise for you.

should be separate.

Step 1: Write Down Your Fitness Goals It’s hard to reach a destination if you don’t know where you are going. Make a list of what you want to achieve. Keep in mind, weight loss is not a fitness goal. A fitness goal could be something as simple as being active 30 minutes a day, or complex like running a marathon. In my case, I started by walking and worked my way up to running. Weight loss can be a product of fitness goals, but weight loss goals

Step 2: Know What Level To Start If it has been over a year since the last time you worked out, you should put yourself on a beginner’s level and work up from there. Same goes for pre-existing conditions, or previous injuries. If you are already an avid exerciser, then you should step it up and challenge yourself. It is always better to start light and build, than to go hard and have to spend a week recovering. Below are some activities to get you started!

Deliberate Magazine | Faith Beginner (low-impact): Walking – Exercise in its simplest form. For goals, you can choose a set distance or designated time. For a real challenge, try to walk a specific distance in a set length of time. Zumba – This dance-like workout is fun and low-impact. This is especially great if you want to be social and have accountability with your workouts. Interval training – This method can be applied to walking, running, elliptical machines, treadmills, and anything else with a range in intensity. An example of interval training would be walking for 3 minutes, and running for one. Intermediate (medium-impact): Kick Boxing – The full body workout that can be taken to an advanced level. It’s also great for working out stress and frustrations. Pilates – Similar to yoga, but with a focus on your core.

Advanced (high-impact): Running – Self-explanatory. For added fun, run on a hiking path or a high school track with hurdles. HIIT – Otherwise known as High-Intensity Interval Training this is great for short workouts. This, like regular Interval Training, also applies to multiple workout types. The idea is to give your all in intense bursts of exercise followed by brief periods of rest. CrossFit – Training based on a variation of high intensity functional movements. The workouts reflect activities such as gymnastics, weightlifting, running, and rowing.

most efficient

All Level (low to high-impact): Strength Conditioning – Includes the classics like weight lifting, push ups, sit-ups, crunches, burpees, pull ups, etc. Step Aerobics – There are classes with routines for all fitness levels in step aerobics. It involves stepping on and off a portable block. Jump Rope – Your favorite childhood activity is also one of the

When choosing the right type of exercise, keep to your goals and know your limits. It does not hurt to push the envelope from time to time. Just do not do anything that could lead to injury or create issues. Ultimately, a fitness plan should be well-rounded and fit your lifestyle. The right type of exercise for you will be one that helps you achieve your goals and motivates you to keep going. ■

Step 3: Evaluate How Much Time You Have To Devote To Exercise & Your Stress Level Your workout should not add to your stress. If you already work in a stressful environment, you should look into stress relieving exercises, such as yoga or Zumba. If you have 30 minutes to workout, plan a routine a head. Don’t have a lot of time? There is an app called “SWORKIT” with 5 minute workouts (Strength, Cardio, Yoga, and Stretching). You can get 6 mini workouts to fill your 30 minute goal.