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scripture page
We live within the shadow of the Almighty, sheltered by the God who is above all gods. 2
This I declare, that He alone is my (our) refuge, my (our) place of safety; He is my (our) God, and
I am trusting him.
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For He rescues you from every trap and protects you from the fatal plague.
will shield you with His wings! They will shelter you. His faithful promises are your armor. you don’t need to be afraid of the dark anymore, nor fear the dangers of the day;
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4
He
Now
nor dread the
plagues of darkness, nor disasters in the morning. 7
Though a thousand fall at my side, though ten thousand are dying around me, the evil will not
touch me.
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I will see how the wicked are punished, but I will not share it.
refuge! I choose the God above all gods to shelter me. plague come near?
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For Jehovah is my
How then can evil overtake me or any
For He orders his angels to protect you wherever you go.
you with their hands to keep you from stumbling against the rocks on the trail.
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They will steady
You can safely
meet a lion or step on poisonous snakes, yes, even trample them beneath your feet! 14
For the Lord says, “Because he loves me, I will rescue him; I will make him great because he
trusts in my name.
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him and honor him.
When he calls on me, I will answer; I will be with him in trouble and rescue
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I will satisfy him with a full life and give him my salvation.”
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™
August 2019
contents on the cover: Harpist JeffMajors Network of Doves.org
Cover Story pgs 8-11 - Harpist JeffMajors is bringing his Healing Concert3 Series to Baltimore, MD. The third of six Healing Concert Series, ‘Healing Concert3’, will take place on Friday, August 16, at the New Shiloh Baptist Church. The Healing Concerts Series is an interactive modality with displays of music expression/therapy offered to churches, hospitals, mental health organizations, academic institutions, as well as corporate and government agencies. JeffMajors and his Network of Doves non-profit organization is partnering with community anchors and practitioners to address communities affected by opioid addicted and opioid dependent populations, by bringing the Healing Concert3 Series to Baltimore.
Healthy Soul 18 MONTHLY MANNA
16 WOMAN’S PERSPECTIVE
Tiffany Bethea
The Fragrant Woman
Rhoda Turner
What’s Your Journey
Minister Carenda Deonne
3 Steps to Enjoy Your Quiet Season
22 KEEP THE FIRE BURNING
20 SHE SPEAKS
Bishop Shirley & Pastor Timothy Stanfill
Leaving A Legacy
26 TRINKETS TO TRIUMPH
4 August 2019 | Grace&Glory
Tracey George
Forever Friend
Healthy Mind 14 TO YOUR GOOD HEALTH
Dr. Carla J. Debnam, (Founder, Renaissance Christian Counseling Center)
Making The Most of Your Time
In Every Issue Scripture Page........................................ 2
Healthy Body
Contributors............................................ 6 From the Editor....................................... 7
24 BODY BASICS
25 HEALTH MATTERS
Charles & Ursula Harris
Dr. Denyce Daniels
5 Secrets to Burning Drink! Drink! Drink!
Childhood Immunizations
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Meet the Contributors For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. Psalm 84:11
PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Jackie Epps EDITORIAL Dr. Carla J. Debnam Min. Carenda McCray Tiffany Bethea Tracey George Dr. Denyce Daniels Charles & Ursula Harris Bishop Shirley and Pastor Tim Stanfill Rhoda Turner Melva Henderson GRAPHIC ARTIST Claire Lesesne www.JandCDesigns.com WEB ADMINISTRATOR Andre Felipe for Arts Period www.artsperiod.com
Copyright 2019. All rights reserved. Reproduction without expressed permission is prohibited.
Grace & Glory Magazine By Mail! For subscriptions go to our website: www.gracenglorymagazine.org
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JACKIE EPPS is co-founder and editor of Grace & Glory Magazine. Jackie's career in communications spans over 40 years in advertising sales, program sales, media planning and television production, working in radio for 11 years and shifting to television broadcasting in 1989. She also produces the Grace & Glory show, a faith-based television program that has been on the air for 18 years. DR. CARLA DEBNAM
Dr. Carla J. Debnam is the wife of Bishop Dwayne C. Debnam and an associate minister of Morning Star Baptist Church, Woodlawn, MD. She is a National Certified Counselor (NCC) and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Maryland. She is a member of the American Counseling Association, the American Association of Christian Counselors and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Dr. Debnam has contributed to two books, Those Sisters Can Preach: 22 Pearls of Wisdom, Virtue & Hope, and 7 Ingredients To An Effective Prayer Life Series, Vol.3-5.
CHARLES HARRIS
Charles Harris is the owner of Chizel It Transformation Fitness. Charles is a highly effective fitness expert with a passion for health and wellness. He is a certified fitness trainer with the America Fitness Association of America with over 20 years of experience, and a certified Yoga Teacher at YogaWorks in Pikesville, Maryland. He is the author of I’m Too Cute to Sweat, What’s Your Excuse For Not Working Out?, and It Takes 21 Days To Get Fit. He currently teaches his mega cardio workout class throughout the state of Maryland.
DR. DENYCE WATTIES-DANIELS Dr. Denyce Watties-Daniels has over 25 years of experience as a clinician and nurse educator. Her areas of expertise include critical care nursing, pathophysiology, pharmacology and the use of technology in the classroom. She currently serves as faculty and the Director of the Simulation and Learning Resource Centers of the College of Health Professions at Coppin State University.
TIFFANY BETHEA
TRACEY NICOLE GEORGE
Tracey Nicole George is a licensed minister and ordained deacon. She is a native New Yorker residing in Maryland and married to Danny George. Tracey works with her husband managing their inventory and asset control company, George Imaging. She is the creator of Trinkets to Triumph, a Biblically-based blog and ministry, designed to edify and encourage individuals with a “trinket” of encouragement. She is a member of New Destiny Evangelistic Church.
BISHOP SHIRLEY AND PASTOR TIM STANFILL Bishop and Pastor Stanfill are the co-creators of Kingdom Word & Worship Cathedral. They are humble servants who live by God's word in everything they do in life, love, travel and business. When they are not spending time with family they run missionary programs in Africa; share their ministry across the globe; and manage 3 businesses. They have learned how to keep their fire burning and keep God first, no matter what tests life brings them.
MIN. CARENDA DEONNE Min. Carenda was born and raised in Baltimore, MD. She received her BA degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology and is currently pursuing a Master's in Law degree from Regent University. Min. Carenda was licensed to preach in 2007 and has been teaching, preaching, and declaring God's word through the power of love ever since. Min. Carenda is also an author of three books. Her latest book, Perfect Patty Messed Up, is a 40 day devotional that confronts the disorder of perfectionism and opens the door to self forgiveness and restoration.
Tiffany Bethea is a bestselling author, speaker, minister, coach, podcaster and mompreneur. She is called to help believers become the bold, fearless CEOs of their lives as called to in Genesis 1:28. Through her Kingdomboss brand she also helps authors, speakers and entrepreneurs to become profitable, Christ-centered CEOs. She is an associate minister and worship arts director at Set the Captives Free Outreach Center under the direction of her parents Pastor Linwood & Dr. Karen Bethea.
from the editor
Determined There is one word that has taken on a new meaning for me; that word is determined. I am often in awe and amazed at what God is able to do with one single person’s life. God is able to do exceeding abundantly more than you could ever imagine with your life. I believe that one of the keys to living a great life is being determined to live the life God has prepared for you. Sometimes tragedy can take your life in another whole direction than where you were headed. It takes a whole new level of determination to still give God the glory and live your life for Christ in spite of whatever you are going through. Despite whatever has happened or has not happened in your life thus far, you have to be determined to not let it cause you to just lay down and die; in other words give up. You have to be determined NOT to give up or give in. “A difficult time can be more readily endured if we retain the conviction that our existence holds a purpose – a cause to pursue, a person to love, a goal to achieve.” (John Maxwell) There are several synonyms for determinationresolve, single-mindedness, perseverance, and persistence, to name a few. Determination is also defined as a tendency to move in a fixed direction. Thus the scripture, “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14-15). Staying focused is a form of determination, knowing that the outcome will be far greater than what you are experiencing in the moment. The Bible tells us
Jackie Epps
that what we sometimes go through in life are light afflictions, “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all” (2 Corinthians 4:17). You may be saying (and I agree) that what you are going through is far from light; but no matter what it is that you are going through, it pales compared to eternal glory. It takes a lot of strength and courage to be determined and remain determined. Being determined is making a firm decision and being resolved not to change it. Never underestimate determination and what it can do. I believe that God is looking for us as believers to remain steadfast, unmovable and always abounding in the work of the Lord. God promises our determination will not be in vain. Be encouraged. . .
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JeffMajors returned home in the late 1980’s where he was introduced to broadcasting in the field of radio. He later became the Vice President of Gospel Programming for Radio One and subsequently became the host for TV One’s “Gospel of Music with JeffMajors”, which reached 40 million people nationwide.
J
effMajors Graham was born in Columbia Heights in the District of Columbia in 1955 to Pauline and Major Graham. He picked up a basketball at the age of 11 and entered varsity basketball at Paul Jr. High School where he earned a scholarship to Archbishop John Carroll High School in 1970. At 15-years-old, the 6’3” All-StarGuard played varsity basketball for Carroll High School and subsequently had a sudden life-changing dream in which he was surrounded by imps. While he began to strum the harp, an instrument he had never played before, the music from the harp warded off all the imps. He shared that dream with a Polish cabinetmaker, Mr. Joe, who was inspired by his dream and built him a miniature harp. With this handmade harp, he began to pursue the mastery of the instrument. He was inspired to use this dream to fuel his passion for music, which literally changed his life. Due to his piqued interest in the harp, he moved to California at the age of 20 where he studied this instrument under the tutelage of the renowned pianist and harpist, Alice Coltrane the great late wife of the late John Coltrane. He would later team up with legendary jazz harpist Dorothy Ashby. He moved back to the DC area to work with several local jazz groups, such as “Brother Ah and the Sounds of Awareness.” At this juncture, inspirational music became an important part of his being. 8 August August2019 2019||Grace&Glory Grace&Glory 8
Hailed as an inspirational jazz/ gospel producer and renowned harp master, Jeff has touched the hearts of millions through his television program, TV One’s “Gospel of Music with JeffMajors”, along with his faith-affirming, soul-stirring “Sacred Series” and outreach initiatives that are included in his annual nation-wide free concert tours. After being welcomed to perform on her talk show, media mogul Oprah Winfrey stated that the music of JeffMajors, “…energizes my faith and transports my spirit. For me, it is the best way to start my day.” When he was hand-picked by the Martin Luther King, Jr. family to perform at Coretta Scott King’s memorial service, JeffMajors demonstrated that his music could console a nation. Also, he recorded and produced many albums and CD’s over the years and has performed with various major artists. During his years in the Gospel, Jazz and R&B music industries, he has performed with Al Johnson, Dr. Maya Angelou, Albertina Walker,
James Ingram, Dorothy Norwood, Shirley Caesar, Dottie Peoples, Mavis Staples, Yolanda Adams, Gerald Levert, Jean Carne, Chuck Brown, Ali Woodson, Kelly Price, Mandrill and numerous other well-known artists. During the period when the United States was suffering from the Great Recession, he was inspired to create his 501c3 non-profit “The Network of Doves,” after he noticed a man digging in a trash can alongside Howard University Hospital. Compelled to ask the man if he was okay, JeffMajors was startled because he realized that he knew the man. He immediately remembered that the man digging in the trash can was a former Howard University Physics professor that would watch him, and others practice music on Howard’s campus. From this sighting, he felt the need to focus on the homeless population and he started his initiative for the homeless with the “JeffMajors Blankets for the Homeless Tour.” The “Hip-Hop for the Homeless” movement from Baltimore, Maryland joined the “JeffMajors Blankets for the Homeless” tour in support. This tour traveled through many cities across the country for two years. The initiative provided blankets, clothes and food to the homeless people that they encountered. In 2012, he began to perform again nationally, as well as internationally, while recording and producing music. Unexpectedly, he was called home and found his 91-year-old mother in dire straits. He sadly discovered she was addicted to Opioids. He immediately consulted with her primary care physicians and made the necessary changes for her care and well-being. With a new team of physicians, his mother was put on a pain management modification plan to wean her off Opioids. With a change in medications and a strict diet plan within the two-year process, JeffMajors’ mother was then nursed back to health. In mid-July of this year, his lively 98-year-old mother celebrated her birthday in her home which was filled with lots of love and accompanied with several family members, neighbors and friends.
In 2013, he was exercising at a local pool, when a member of Betty Yasmeen Williams’ church informed him that his exwife was sick with stage-5 cancer and that he should contact her immediately. He was grateful for the information and immediately sought Yasmeen out and informed her that he would come to her home for a visit. When he arrived, he was shocked to see his ex-wife in such a fragile state. He began assisting her diet with juicing and eating clean foods. He then asked her if there was one thing she would like to do, what would it be? She replied that she wanted to sing. But of course! That’s what Yasmeen did. She had been a former member of the acapella group, “Sweet Honey and the Rock”. So, he knew he was going to make a concerted effort to help her make that happen. While sitting with her, he heard a melody in his head, because he knew it was his mission to write a song enabling her to sing again. As a result, he went home and actively began to compose this song. The next day he presented the song to her entitled, “Live Life”. This precipitated him to kick-off a benefit concert calling on local and national artists, including “Sweet Honey and the Rock” to lend their voices and crafts to raise money and awareness for cancer in the name of Yasmeen. She witnessed the outpouring of love and, on that day, it became evident that her healing process had started. In a couple of months, her cancer was in remission. At this point he realized that 80% of the healing process takes place outside of the hospital. In 2014, Yasmeen recorded “Live Life” and it is the Atlanta National Cancer Institute’s theme song. She currently runs the “Live Life Foundation” to help aid cancer patients. A dramatic change occurred when Associate Director of Community Services Programs of Court Services & Offender Supervision Agency offered him an opportunity to work for CSOSA. Dr. Ormond was searching for a new approach to substance abuse treatment programs and he had been following
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Continued from page 9 the career of harpist JeffMajors for some time. Dr. Ormond asked him if he would work in a jail setting to provide Music Therapy/Expression as a treatment modality to offenders, and he responded that he would.
He uses the techniques of audio (sound) and music videos (visual images and sound audio) from multiple genres to identify one’s ability to listen and comprehend the messages in the music, as well as messages in video. This process aids the addicts’ ability to control responses to their life experiences. The purpose of this program is to help bring men and women from addiction to recovery so they may have a chance to become productive citizens, again.
It appears he was predestined for this next calling. For the past 5 years he has worked at the DC Jail teaching Music Expression/Therapy while rendering therapeutic Consequently, these healing classes to men and women series were developed from affected by substance abuse this practice. He expanded this and/or mental health issues. concept of Music Expression/ This treatment impacts the Therapy from a classroom addicted population by setting to a community setting. empowering, engaging and This concept involves connecting educating individuals. This the faith-based communities is an innovative treatment (the church) with private for offenders who are courtpractitioners, hospitals, treatment mandated to successfully centers, universities, veterans, complete this treatment concerned citizens and the program in 28-42 days. If communities at large. they fail to comply, their Probation or Parole will be His “The Network of Doves” nonLorenzo Few IV speaking with Jeff. revoked, and they will serve profit scheduled 6 healing concerts their sentence. in the DC, Maryland and Virginia areas. The first healing concert was held at “Bus Boys & Poets” in downtown DC and was a Music Expression/Therapy is an innovative approach to success. The groundbreaking concept of combining music and managing one’s own behavior with the understanding that information around substance abuse treatment was questioned by the information received from our sensory system, does some people as to how this would be effective and entertaining. impact our minds’ body and spirit. It is the science of audible The people’s reactions were uplifting, electrifying, fulfilling and and visual modalities that impacts an individual’s behavior peaceful. This momentum carried over into the second healing and decision making. JeffMajors chose to use his music for concert at Galbraith A.M.E. Zion Church in the historic DC Shaw the communities affected with social, economic, physical, community. Those who attended thought the performance was emotional, spiritual and environmental hardships…an nothing short of breathtaking and spiritually uplifting. Those that outreach mission through his music. will attend the next concert at New Shiloh Baptist Church can only expect to be prepared to receive the inception of a healing JeffMajors Music/Expressive Therapy focuses on 3 major for the city of Baltimore. concepts. They are: Impact- which empowers, engages and educates individuals. Influence- which addresses resiliency through sustainability for this vulnerable population. Transform- which empowers individuals’ to take ownership of their recovery process.
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The principle applies that 20% of the healing from these addictions and diseases happens inside treatment facilities or hospitals. The additional 80% of the healing, happens in the communities supports systems, such as churches, outreach programs, family homes, social service programs and patient facilities. As a result, Jeff has called upon these relevant professionals to
partake in this event with immediate available assistance to the opioid addicted/dependent Baltimore residents. These healing concerts are supported by practitioners, mental health specialists and financial literacy/employment specialists. With these readily available wrap-around-services present, JeffMajors Healing Concert3 Series will offer the audience not only a view of the treatment modality and an education about opioids and mental health, but the option for the opioid addicted/dependent and/or mental health Baltimore residents’ treatment. The city and county of Baltimore will be provided a chance to move from addiction, to recovery and then to employment. So, he and his village, “The Network of Doves” are making house calls. However, he knows that we must hold our communities and each other accountable to do their part in playing a vital role in this change. We have lost millions to opioids over the last 50 years and we all must galvanize to put a stop to it! The journey starts now. If we will not save ourselves, then who will? JeffMajors continues to tour and create new music for his diverse audience of listeners. His latest releases are, “The Evolution
Catfish Mayfield Testimonial at Galbraith A.M.E. Zion Church in DC
of JeffMajors” and “Cries of Our Times.” For that reason, stay tuned as he is currently in production working on his future release. For those persons who are interested in more information on JeffMajors and his music, they can go to his nonprofit website: “Networkofdoves.org” and/or JeffMajors.com.
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Currently, 44% of Marylanders who are waiting for an organ are African American.
In 2019, less than 35% of Maryland donors were African American.
Thanks to these life-saving gifts... Daronta got to walk his daughter down the aisle. "It was one of my biggest dreams to attend my daughter's wedding." Sonia’s eyesight is fully restored. " Thanks to a generous cornea donor, I can see again."
12 August 2019 | Grace&Glory
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to your good health
Making the Most of Your Time Enjoying life these days seems to be a challenge. We have so many activities on our calendars that making time for relationships, good times and exploring our creative options has become a problem. We have to make an effort to include non-work related activities to our schedules. We have even pushed out time for attending worship services and other forms of spiritual enrichment. Work, school, sporting and extracurricular activities are now ninety percent of our schedules leaving little time to nurture our minds, bodies and spirits. We are stressed and stretched to the limits and it seems like the pace of life will not slow down. With the increasing demands on our time, we have to make a conscientious effort to curtail our activities and cutback on events that do not fit in with our goals or values. Deciding what to continue participating in and what to decrease is not as simple as it seems. We have to determine what is most important for us to take part in and then prioritize them accordingly. Each of us 14   August 2019 | Grace&Glory
has to do this in order to improve the quality of our lives. Time spent with loved ones, in worship and in self-care will have the most long-term benefits. Hanging around the house, attending family events and fellowshipping with other believers are ways we can begin making the most of our time. Time is the most valuable resource you and I have. Making the most of it is critical to our appreciating life and becoming more involved in the things that make life meaningful and bring joy and peace. Choosing to be intentional in how you spend your time is important and helps to focus attention in those areas. Remember you only have one life to live so make the most of the time you have been given. God wants us to be good stewards of one the most valuable resources we have Dr. Carla Debnam, Founder, Renaissance Christian and that is time. Counseling Center
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woman’s perspective
The Fragrant Woman
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I don’t know about you my sister but I absolutely love being a woman. Femininity is something to be celebrated! When a woman comes into the room, you notice her appearance and if you happen to be close to her you notice her fragrance. There are so many ways to enhance your scent. There are scented lotions, sprays, scrubs, perfume, etc. Many of us have a combination of these and wear our favorites consistently. Whatever your favorites may be, isn’t it wonderful being complimented for the scent you chose? This made me think about the spiritual parallel. When we approach God, are our spirits fragrant in His nostrils? Does He enjoy our scent? “Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.” Ephesians 5:1-2 NKJV. From this passage we are able to see illustrated what pleases our God and brings a sweet smell to His nostrils. He desires for us to imitate Him and display His character in our daily lives. As we display His love to others, we draw them to our savior. By this people will know that we are His. We have a God who looks on the intent of our hearts and is pleased when our desires, actions, and behaviors bring Him glory. We can ensure that we send up a pleasant aroma when we possess: Fragrant Attitudes - Everything starts on our insides. Everything we do and are begins with our attitude, which is our mental position. The Bible tells us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, which fully illustrates just how important our minds are. We live out of our minds and our attitude is a mirror reflection of what is in our minds. As godly women we are called to please God in our attitudes. We must submit our emotions and thoughts to the Lord so that our hearts’ reflections and attitudes are pleasing. Fragrant Relationships - Birds of a feather flock together. I’m sure you’ve heard the saying before. It is incredibly true. The interesting thing is even if they don’t start out birds of a feather, if they stay around each other long enough they will become. The relationships you have can draw you closer to God. Are your relationships pleasing to God? Is He happy with the relationships that you currently have? It is something to consider as you allow people into your life. We must ask ourselves will I still be pleasing God in this relationship. Fragrant Habits - Our character defines us as godly women. Our habits create our character. What types of habits govern your daily lives? Is God pleased with the things that consume your lifestyle? Are you habitually pleasant? Are you consistently diligent, faithful, and trustworthy? Does your reputation bring glory and honor to God? I talked earlier this year about being Proverbs 31 women. As virtuous women, we create a godly life through godly habits. We must remember that in our every action we either validate or discredit God. Let's continue to be fragrant women, both naturally and spiritually. The fragrant woman leaves the essence of her scent wherever she goes. Her aroma is left on the hearts of those she encounters. Especially in her interaction with God; He is pleased with the aroma that her life Tiffany Bethea sends up in His nose. She-EO Life Mentor www.Tiffanybethea.com
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3
monthly manna
Actionable Steps to Enjoy Your Quiet Season! #1: Take inventory!
The first thing I’m discovering in my quiet season is to take a self-inventory. Inventories are important in life. For example, in business, conducting inventories lets us know what’s missing or what we need to order to replenish our supply. This goes the same for conducting self-inventories of our lives, and what better time to perform a self-inventory than when things are quiet. Why, now you have time to analyze and determine what you need to replenish and what you don’t need to “order” anymore. Why didn’t the last relationship work? Why did we make the decision to rush into that marriage or that relationship? Did pride or selfishness play a part? Do we need to take that vacation and re-energize ourselves? I know it’s easy to play the blame game, but real maturity comes with self-inventory. Remember, self-neglect is dangerous!
#2: Be aware of unhealthy cycles! The second thing I’m discovering in my quiet season is my awareness of unhealthy cycles. Taking self-inventory will lead you to this realization. We often hear about, and see, generational cycles of just bad or unhealthy decisions. Recognizing those unhealthy cycles can go a long way in making sure they are not repeated. Recognizing that you seem to be attracting the same “type” of person or recognizing the fact that you seem to select the same “type” of job that makes you miserable. These are only a few, but this is something that we cannot ignore, or merely “sweep under the rug”!
#3: Don’t ignore your inner voice! Shhhhh! Can you hear that? Many of us are so used to noise. We are on our phones streaming You Tube, or FB Live. Some of us unfortunately even hear the conversations of others while riding the bus or the train. From the moment our eyes are opened, we are surrounded by noise, noise from our alarm clock or our neighbors blasting their music too loud. I don’t know about you, but I can use a break! Right now as we speak, I am in a very quiet season of my life. It has been most enjoyable. There was a time that I perceived quietness as BORING! Not anymore! Right now I am bathing in it, and it feels so good! If you are currently in a quiet season in your life, I want you to be encouraged. Here are three actionable tips I would like to share with you while in your quiet season.
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The third lesson I’m learning in my quiet season is stop ignoring my inner voice. All of us have a measure of instinct and discernment. STOP ignoring it. If you hear your inner voice telling you to be cautious or more patient or to RUN! You better listen! I had to learn the hard way that ignoring your inner voice can be devastating. Stop running from tough conversations. When your inner voice is speaking to you that means it’s time to go beyond your feelings and emotions and ask questions. Furthermore, it means to giggle less and TALK more! Our inner voice levels itself as protection and our safety net all in one! Now here is where you can play a part! Please don’t limit yourself only to my discoveries!! What vital lessons have you learned in your “quiet season”? For those of you who share, I will add you to my project entitled, Top 10 Self-Discoveries That You Learn in Your Quiet Season. This project will be sent out to the hundreds on my email list. Carenda Deonne Think about how you can make an IMPACT in www.carendadeonne.com someone else’s life. I hope you were able to admin@carendadeonne.com glean some wisdom and insight from this month’s 888-473-2221 message and remember, we are on Twitter @cdpgem Facebook @carendadeonne this journey together! I hope to hear Instagram @carendadeonne from you.
Blog @ www.carendadeonne.wordpress.com #livelifeonthepromiseofimpact
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she speaks
What’s Your Journey? Summer is here and with that comes summer travels. Families of all sizes put their heads together and decide if they are going somewhere and if so, when, where, and for how long. Some stay local and indulge in stay-cation activities while others venture on road trips or flights to faraway places. I have a friend that I’ve meet since being in Arizona that picks her family vacation by searching the internet for cheapest airfare that she can find, and that’s where she and her family journey to. She says that it doesn’t matter where they go as long as they journey together. This method of vacationing has worked for them, and it has taken them on many great adventures, experiencing new places and things making new and exciting memories along the way. There are many travel paths that can be chosen, and she has chosen this one for her family. Hearing her talk about their vacation method, I found the simplicity of her statement sweet and refreshing. It’s the company not the destination. My family is currently on a journey; not a travel journey but a life journey; a journey of faith and obedience. We stepped out in faith, left a very lucrative job back in Wisconsin, to follow what we believed the heartbeat of God is for our lives. We understood, to a certain point, what God was doing. He showed us glimpses of our assignment in Arizona. He showed us our family thriving. He showed us the community we would become a part of. What He didn’t show us fully was the path that would get us there. We simply trusted Him and made moves in obedience. Proverbs 3:6 says “in all your ways acknowledge Him and he shall direct your path.” It wasn’t until recently that we began to understand the path that goes with the trust. We have faced challenges since the move. Financial setbacks caused us both my husband and I to get on our faces and seek the Lord even more. Even though there have been times that seem to try us, as I look back I can see the Lord’s hand at work. Being in the desert not only improved our faith but it also brought my family closer. We were forced to make some changes that ultimately strengthened our marriage. We thought in taking this journey that it was just for lost souls that were crying out for salvation. We assumed the relocation was for the people that God would send in our direction and not for us. But there is nothing like finding life in the middle of a desert. The journey is worth it. We may not currently be where we would like to be, where we know the Lord is taking us, but we are in a better place than we were when we left Wisconsin because of this journey. It’s one thing to be on a journey without God directing you somewhere, but it’s so much sweeter to be on the same path with God. Someone recently thanked me for following my husband to Arizona. My response was, “I didn’t have a choice.” That young man reminded that I did have a choice, and in my choice, I chose him. I realized at that moment that “Yes! Yes, I did have a choice”, but I made that choice long before I ever had to walk it out. The day I married my husband, I chose him. I chose the path that it would take us on. I chose to journey through life with him through the many turns that would come. I just didn’t know that AZ would be one of those turns. I always told my husband that I would journey anywhere with him as long as we are taking the journey together. Like my friend, I have learned that it’s not about the destination. It’s about the people you are going with and the trust that you put in the Lord to direct your steps. He promised to direct your path when you trust in Him and acknowledge Him. 20 August August 2019 2019 || Grace&Glory Grace&Glory 20
Pastor Rhoda Turner Christian Faith Fellowship Church Chandler, AZ www.cffaz.org
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keep the fire burning
Leaving a Legacy by Bishop Shirley and Pastor Tim Stanfill
The Reverend Billy Graham says – The legacy we leave is not just in our possessions, but in the quality of our lives. ...The greatest waste in all of our earth, which cannot be recycled or reclaimed, is our waste of the time that God has given us each day.‟ In the words of an anonymous sage – “This is the beginning of a new day. You have been given this day to use as you will. You can waste it or use it for good. What you do today is important because you are exchanging a day of your life for it. When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever; in its place is something that you have left behind... Let it be something good." From launching three businesses, to traveling, to recently purchasing a beautiful home (which we will share more about in our next article), many people are surprised with what Pastor Tim and I have accomplished in just over two years together. We all have to go through it to get to it and like so many others we have made tremendous sacrifices and worked very hard to get to where we are. We wake up every morning, pray together, and go out and do whatever we need to do to serve God first. With our full commitment to live and love by His word, we have been able to accomplish so much even with little resources but a lot of faith. You have always been concerned about getting value for your money when you go shopping. But are you getting value for the time in your life? Are 22 August 2019 | Grace&Glory
you passing away the days pointlessly and without purpose? Or doing work or a job that does not bring you joy? Can you remember what you did three days ago? If you cannot remember, then you are throwing away the most precious resource of your life. Time is the most important building block of your legacy. Someday you may have a lot of money and people working for you, but you will have run out of time. You can't borrow time. No one will lend it to you. So the moment to start working on your legacy is NOW. Get off that couch and do one small thing that will stand for you – reach out to a friend or neighbor in need, send a letter to your local paper about an issue that troubles you, teach local kids a useful skill, organize a community cleanup or do something that helps fulfill others and it will also fulfill you. You are the boss. For every day of your life, demand that you get your fair share of life and its rewards. Give notice that henceforth you have taken charge of your time!
Watch The Tim and Shirley Show on Facebook, Tuesdays at 8 PM www.facebook.com/TimShirleyshow Please email your questions on Marriage & Relationships to Tim & Shirley at TimShirleyShow@gmail.com
We are a Christian based company, spirit led publishing house, established in Little Rock, Arkansas. We strive to provide our readers and customers a wide range of book topics that reflect the teachings of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to educate and empower those of the Christian Faith. Our Pillars: 1. Encouragement 2. Education 3. Eloquent 3. Empowerment
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body basics
DRINK! DRINK! DRINK! John 19:28
“I am thirsty.” Water is so vital to your life, especially with the proper function of your body. To feel healthy and fit, you have to stay hydrated at all times. Water acts as a catalyst for renewing and rejuvenating the whole body. It’s like when you water your plants, and they start to grow. Water lifts you up, makes you feel refreshed, and is essential for daily activities. There’s a lots of advice about the proper amount of water an adult should drink every dayusually 8 to 12, 8-ounce glasses or at least half your body weight in ounces. You must listen to your body. Every time you drink a glass of water, remember you’re hydrating and rejuvenating your internal organs. About 60% of your body is water; and the only element more important to properly functioning systems is oxygen. Every part of your body from your skin to your brain relies on ample hydration to function, especially if you live a very active lifestyle. Water creates perspiration, which dissipates excess heat to cool your body. You may need water when you are overheated and not sweating. When you are properly hydrated, your body receives the nutrients from your foods more efficiently when taking in the proper amount of water. Few people realize that our muscles are composed primarily of water. Water not only helps to keep you strong, it removes waste from and transports nutrients to the muscle cells and decreases recovery time after working out. Our organs also need water to function at their best. Water keeps the blood from thickening and in return, helps the heart function at its best. So the next time you pass on that cold bottle of water, remember the impact that not having enough water will have on your body.
CHARLES & URSULA HARRIS,
Fitness Experts Chizel It Transformation Fitness Center 9006 Liberty Rd • Randallstown Md 21133 443-253-0090 • www.chizelit.com
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Childhood Immunizations
health matters
It’s August. We are coming down to the final lazy days of summer. Television ads and department stores are directing us to think about children returning to school. Yes, its time to gear up for fall. As we focus on preparing children for the upcoming school year, let's discuss the need for childhood immunizations. Evidence of receiving childhood immunizations or specific vaccinations are required for children entering preschool and all levels of education including college. Immunizations protect children from serious illness and complications of vaccinepreventable diseases which can include paralysis, limb loss, hearing loss, convulsions, brain damage, and death. Parents are responsible and accountable for their child's health and well-being, including protecting them from preventable diseases. Vaccine-preventable diseases, such as measles, mumps, polio, and pertussis (whooping cough), Most of these diseases are now at their lowest levels in history, thanks to years of immunization. However, incidences of these diseases .are a rising threat due to international travel, immigration from developing countries and failure to vaccinate children by parents. Parents must consider the dangers of exposing their children to preventable diseases. There is brewing controversy over the administration of vaccinations to children. Controversies regarding vaccine components and side effects have led parents to believe that vaccines might be harmful. These concerns are widely believed to be based on based on inaccurate data from the Internet, and isolated incidences where other factors may have played a part in the development of serious side effects from a vaccine. Despite much controversy on the topic, researchers haven't found a connection between autism and childhood vaccines. In fact, the original study that ignited the debate years ago has been retracted. The belief that vaccines are harmful has led to parental fear and decreased immunization rates. This is despite the presence of sound scientific evidence supporting the safety of vaccines and their lack of
association with autism, developmental disabilities or other medical disorders. It is not a coincidence that recent outbreaks of measles and pertussis (whooping cough) in New York, California and Washington State, have occurred in areas where the administration of vaccination has declined. Consider the consequences of unvaccinated children in a community. Unvaccinated children can be unsuspecting carriers of these diseases. Imagine the devastating effects if the child comes in contact with pregnant women, or immunosuppressed and susceptible individuals due to chemotherapy, HIV or medications use. However, vaccines can cause side effects. Usually, these side effects are minor — a low-grade fever, fussiness and soreness at the injection site. Some vaccines cause a temporary headache, fatigue or loss of appetite. Rarely, a child might experience a severe allergic reaction or a neurological side effect, such as a seizure. Although these rare side effects are a concern, the risk of a vaccine causing serious harm or death is extremely small. The benefits of getting a vaccine are much greater than the possible side effects for almost all children. Talk to your pediatrician or primary care provider if you are concerned about the safety of immunizations. Review information on the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention website http://cdc.gov Consider the following immunization schedule for school-age children. Work to keep your child healthy and happy and protect your community from Dr. Denyce Watties-Daniels preventable Assistant Professor illnesses. College of Health Professions Coppin State University DWatties-Daniels@coppin.edu healthytips 025@gmail.com www.gracenglorymagazine.org  25
trinkets to triumph
Forever Friend After one conversation, you clicked and became the best of friends. Some people are blessed to be able to find friendships full of lots of love and loyalty that last a lifetime after only a few encounters. Love, loyalty, and leadership are some key characteristics you should be able to identify in a real relationship. A forever friend, someone who demonstrates their love towards you unconditionally and unlimitedly, holds you near and dear to their heart and dares not do anything to damage the relationship. Forever friends love you unconditionally, are trustworthy and devoted to the relationship, and are willing to lead by example when the time comes for you to need encouragement and help sorting out the cares of life. Whether you have one or 100 friends, one forever friend that is guaranteed for eternity is Jesus. Jesus said in John 15:13-15, “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are My friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not understand what his master is doing. But I have called you friends, because everything I have learned from My Father I have made known to you.” In this passage, Jesus assures you that you are His friend for life. His only requirement is that you are willing to do what He commands you to do, and that is to be willing to be loving and loyal to Him and to others. A Biblical example of a forever friendship is the relationship of Jonathan and David. They met and bonded immediately (1 Samuel 18:1). Jonathan and David made a pact to always be forever friends and not let anyone or anything come between them. Not even family members would be able to break this bond. When Jonathan’s father, Saul, became jealous of David and tried to kill him, Jonathan not only warned David but also defended him (1 Samuel 19:1-4). Jonathan reminded Saul of all of the good deeds David accomplished not only for their family but for the entire nation of Israel (1 Samuel 19:4). Status nor position swayed Jonathan’s feelings for David. Not even the fact that David would be king instead of him. Jonathan and David didn’t let any test or trial taint their relationship. In an effort to spare David’s life another time, Jonathan set up a plot to meet David in the field to let him know what Saul had planned for him. When he realized that Saul wanted David dead, Jonathan told David to leave town because Saul was on a mission to kill him again. Jonathan and David cried, declared their forever friendship again in the name of the Lord, and promised to be kind to each other’s descendants forever (1 Samuel 20:1-42). Although Jonathan and David were separated, they remained forever friends and David was able to keep his covenant to look out for Jonathan’s family when he was able to show kindness to his son Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 9:1-13). There is an old adage that says, “Treat your friends like family and your family like friends.” Doing so ensures that the establishment of the relationship stays solid and lasts a lifetime. There are "friends" who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24 NLT). Thank God for Jesus who is a friend that sticks closer than a brother, for the family you can call your friends, and for the friends that you can treat like family. At times, it can be a struggle because of a failed friendship that left you betrayed, bruised, or broken. Nevertheless, you can remain and still be the forever friend that loves at all times (Proverbs 17:17). Joseph Scriven’s hymn, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus,” reminds you of the love and loyalty you have in your Lord and Savior Jesus Christ when he penned the words, “What a friend we have in Jesus. All our sins and grieves to bear. What a privilege it is to carry everything to God in prayer.” Jesus is your forever friend. He is the one you can share your most intricate feelings with and not be betrayed, bruised, or broken. Jesus is and wants to be your forever friend beyond eternity and be better to you Tracey Nicole George www.traceystrinketstotriumph.com than any best friend, BFF, or bestie. Thank God for Jesus who is your forever friend!
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