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scripture
Luke 2:7-14 (KJV) And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room in the inn. 8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. 7
We pray you have a Blessed and Merry Christmas! Our prayer for the New Year is that above all things you will prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers.
The Grace & Glory Family
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December 2017
™
contents on the cover:
Pastor Timothy & Bishop Shirley Stanfill Kingdom Word Worship Center Clinton, MD
Special Feature pgs 8-12 - To God Be The Glory! Congratulations to Pastor Timothy & Bishop Shirley Stanfill! Pastor Timothy & Bishop Shirley Stanfill were united in holy matrimony in October and they are sharing with us the details of how they met and what the future holds for them along with a glimpse of their wedding celebration.
Feature Articles 20 WOMAN’S PERSPECTIVE Tiffany Bethea
No Is a Complete Sentence
24 NUTRITION & YOU
Herline A. Knights, RD, LD
Holiday Tips To Prevent Weight Gain 4 December 2017 | Grace&Glory
22 SINGLE LIFE
30 MAN TALK
Tyneice Pack
Celebrate the Small Victories to Achieve the Goal
Nevertheless
Healthy Body
Dr. Charles Barrett
26 BOBY BASICS
Charles “Chizelit” Harris, AFAA
Stretch Those Muscles
Healthy Mind 18 TO YOUR GOOD HEALTH
Dr. Carla J. Debnam, (Founder, Renaissance Christian Counseling Center)
It’s Time To Take Care of Yourself
In Every Issue Scripture Page........................................ 2 Contributors............................................ 6
Entertainment
From the Editor....................................... 7
28 GOSPEL INDUSTRY NEWS
Ericka Johnson
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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
Contributors PUBLISHER/ Jackie Epps EDITOR-IN-CHIEF EDITORIAL
Herline A. Knights Dr. Carla J. Debnam Ericka Johnson Rev. Tim Tooten Brandie Manigault Tiffany Bethea Dr. Charles Barrett
Tyniece Pack
GRAPHIC ARTIST Claire Lesesne www.JandCDesigns.com WEB ADMINISTRATOR Andre Felipe for Arts Period www.artsperiod.com
Grace & Glory Magazine is published monthly by JE Media, LLC, a Baltimore based, independent publisher. Copyright 2017. All rights reserved. Reproduction without expressed permission is prohibited.
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Advisory Board Chairman — Dr. A.C. D. Vaughn Sr. Pastor, Sharon Baptist Church, MD Vice-Chairman — Bishop Frank M. Reid, Jr. AME Church Dr. Michael A. Battle Sr., U.S. Ambassador President, ITC Seminary, Atlanta, GA Dr. Timothy Boddie Friendship Baptist Church, Atlanta, GA Bishop John R. Bryant Presiding Prelate of the 5th Episcopal District Dr. Harold A. Carter, Jr. Pastor, New Shiloh Baptist Church, MD Dr. Suzan Johnson Cook, U.S. Ambassador Dr. WIlliam H. Curtis Mt. Ararat Baptist Church, Pittsburgh, PA Archbishop Ralph L. Dennis Kingdom Worship Center, MD Wanda Q. Draper/Media Executive Michele J.K. Epps/Health Sciences Cassandra Vaughn/Media Executive Dr. Donte’ L. Hickman, Sr. Pastor, Southern Baptist Church, MD Pastor Timothy V. Manigault Healing Voices Ministries Dr. Kenneth O. Robinson Pastor, Dream Life Worship Center Bishop Walter Scott Thomas, Sr. Pastor, New Psalmist Baptist Church, MD Dr. Timothy Tooten, Sr. Pastor, Harvest Christian Ministries, MD
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from the editor
C
It's
hristmas
. . . a time of good cheer and holiday festivities, a time for singing carols and celebrating with family and friends. Twinkling lights, gaily wrapped presents, laughing children, jingling bells, fresh-cut pine . . . these are the sights and sounds of Christmas.
As the world celebrates the holiday may the true meaning of Christmas never be lost. As believers the birth of Jesus is our reason for the season. The Son of God came to give us hope and peace to show us his Father’s love and compassion for everyone. “Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel; which being interpreted is, God with us.” Matthew 1:23 Christmas is all about seeing Jesus in every tradition, every celebration, and every moment of the Christmas season. So we will not “spend” Christmas . . . nor “observe” Christmas. We will “keep” Christmas . . . may we keep it in our hearts that we may be kept in its hope. The Christmas season comes at the end of the year and you may have mixed emotions about this year coming to a close. This year has been challenging for many of us, to say the least. But I encourage you to still believe, “Don’t Stop Believing.” Don’t
focus on the year gone by instead purpose in your mind to celebrate the season with your whole heart. Instead of focusing on the challenges, the heartbreaks, the setbacks, purpose in your mind to make this your best Christmas ever! This Christmas look up into the Father’s face and tell Him you have received His Christmas gift . . . our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Eternal life and endless joy are parts of the gift. Christmas began in the heart of God. It is complete only when it reaches the heart of man. The best Christmas ever is not getting the perfect gift; it’s getting the true meaning of the season: the birth of Jesus! As believers we know Jesus is the reason for the season. This Christmas remember and celebrate the coming of our savior Jesus, the one who was chosen by God and sent with a purpose and destiny. This holiday season honor our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who was born to save all mankind and was sent to give us a hope and a future. Jesus Christ came that we might have everlasting life for all those who will believe. “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:11
Jackie Epps Editor-in-Chief
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Tim “kick the backboard” Stanfill is a visionary whose innovative ideas have led him to Entrepreneurship. He has been an entrepreneur and inspirational figure since 1989. His leadership qualities and passion for helping to make the weak strong led him to much more. He combined his love for basketball, with special emphasis on dunking the basketball, with motivating and inspiring others including focusing on children and youth development. Using his strong passion as a vehicle to educate, motivate and spiritually uplift others has given him the opportunities to live his dreams through creating them. Being the founder/owner of NDAA (National Dunking Association of America) and Dunkfit Kids has been the strong base that has given birth to many of his visions. Tim Stanfill’s success is greatly contributed to lessons learned in his life. Born in Springfield, Massachusetts, (birthplace of The Basketball Hall of Fame), he often referred to himself once upon a time as being a 95-pound weakling who was bullied and teased because he could not touch the rim. He stretched himself physically increasing his strength and flexibility to be able to not only touch the rim with ease but also kick the backboard. Tim became and is today world known for “kicking the backboard”. This is where his Legacy became world known; if you search his name today, the clip of him “kicking the Backboard” will show. Petersburg High School also produced greats like Moses Malone, Ricky Huntley, Blair Underwood and Mark West, to name a few. Moses Malone became Tim’s mentor. Tim Stanfill attended college at University of District of Columbia (UDC) where he majored in political science/business. UDC is also where he furthered his education as well as his basketball career. After college, Tim played professional ball overseas in Israel. He had an amazing experience. He grew to appreciate the path that his life took. Tim Stanfill’s life includes a variety of experiences including the entertainment segment which included professional modeling and acting. He was also in the MVP Malcolm X sneaker commercial for the Spike Lee directed Malcolm X movie. The commercial was aired on BET. Tim Stanfill is a trailblazer, continuing on to become a published author of “Dunktionary” slam dunking your way to literacy. Tim published “Dunctionary” in audio form for those who have dyslexia or any other condition that prevents them from being able to read. The writing of “Dunktionary” was inspired by one of his mentors, Darryl Dawkins. He also wrote and published “The Dunk Stat Score book”, which is a book for you to take stats of your dunks and slam dunk contests. Tim, having had mentors such as Moses Malone, Darryl Dawkins, Coach Will Jones, Coach Doc Robinson, also had other great relationships with distinguished people. He formed a tight partnership with Isaac Hayes; Isaac Hayes supported Tim by using his “Slam Dunk Platform” to promote his Hot Butter Soul Bar B Que sauce. The relationship between the two led Tim to create “Dunking for the Cure” to assist Isaac Hayes with his efforts to bring Aids awareness to people in Ghana, Africa where he has a technology center. He also was honored to spend quality time with Earl “The Goat” Manigault’s family. Tim also did a partnership with Magic Johnson’s “Hoops for the Homeless” by doing a dunking clinic to bring awareness and exposure to homelessness in the DMV (D.C., Maryland and Virginia) area. This event gathered 5000 children at the Verizon center. Tim was personally invited to Evander Holyfield’s home and did a Slam Dunk Contest for an annual Community Day. As a result of overcoming and moving beyond adversities it left him with the core belief that, “your circumstance should never dictate how you act and how you treat others”. Through living out his visions, Tim Stanfill, a true Entrepreneur and Trailblazer, became the founder and owner of several successful businesses. Tim “kick the backboard” Stanfill went from being bullied as a 95-pound weakling that couldn’t touch the rim to being a six foot 7inch man, world known for dunking the ball and kicking the backboard. He has been chosen to preserve the Legacy of the Slam Dunk. Never wavering despite adversities, Tim Stanfill kept things moving.
Tim was reccently married to Bishop Shirley Holloway on October 6, 2017. 8 December 2017 | Grace&Glory
Bishop Shirley Stanfill serves as the Senior Pastor of Kingdom Word and Worship Centers and is the Presiding Prelate of Mount Olive International Fellowship of Churches. She is also a member of the College of Bishops and The Kingdom Fellowship Churches under the Direction of Bishop Ralph L. Dennis. As a young child, she spent years in Church being taught the Word of God and invited Christ into her life at the age of nine. It was at this point that Bishop Stanfill was saved and filled with the Spirit of God; the foundation for the courageous and life-altering work she began in one of the most crime-ridden areas of Washington, D.C. From unpretentious beginnings since founding her non-profit organization, House of Help City of Hope, Bishop Stanfill is now a developer, landlord, and executor of real estate acquisitions. In this capacity, she has revitalized a conglomerate of properties in the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan area. House of Help City of Hope has been the driving force behind the inspiration and motivation of over 60,000 individuals – helping them to restore, establish, and strengthen themselves back to stable and respectable lives. House of Help City of Hope operates 7 days a week 24 hours a day offering target oriented programs. House of Help - addiction program (HOH); City of Hope - relapse prevention program (COH); Homeless Program (HOL); Homeless No More (HLNM) graduates of the HOL program; Survivors Program; and accepts the children of all program residents - Generation Curser Breakers (HOH - HOL - COH - HL- HLNM). Bishop Stanfill formed the “From Homeless to Home Ownership Program” (“FHTHO”) for any individual who maintains 5-plus years of abstaining from substance abuse, and who is responsible, accountable and can progress to the point of purchasing – and owning – their own home. In addition to her non-profit, Bishop Stanfill is involved in other enterprises. She is heavily involved with Family Productions Inc. where the “Family” promotes various concerts and productions, and she and her daughter Deliliah are co-owners of Salon Anew in Temple Hills in addition to being CEO of Sexy Size Designs. Bishop Stanfill’s work through House of Help City of Hope has been featured in The Washington Post, The Washington Times, The New York Post, and AfroAmerican News. She was honored by the White House Office of Faith Based and Community Initiatives under the George Bush administration for her selfless efforts in welfare reform; and has also been a recipient of the Washington Post Humanitarian Award. Bishop Stanfill was recently appointed Ambassador-at-Large by the United Nations for her international work in Africa. The Caribbean African Faith Based Leadership Conference honored her with the International Humanitarian of the Year Award in 2015. She earned her Chaplaincy and PhD in Philosophy from Canadian International Chaplaincy University (CICA); Bishop Stanfill served on the Kingdom Fellowship Covenant Ministries College of Bishops, presiding Prelate: Bishop R. Dennis. She received the Martin Luther King, Jr. “Living the Dream” Award and has been the recipient of multiple outstanding service recognition resolutions from former Mayors of Washington, D.C. as she also served as a member of the Mayor’s Interfaith Council. Bishop Stanfill has been featured extensively on CNN, CBN, Fox News, The 700 Club, The New York Times, C Span, Opportunity Lives with Deion Sanders, The Daily Drum, and The Steve Harvey Radio Segment: Take it To The Streets and hosts her own local weekly broadcasts, Legendary Teachings, and the Bishop Holloway Show. Bishop Stanfill is a native of the state of New York and a fourth generation Pastor. The mother of Delilah and Sherman, and the adopted mother of Jimmie and Jemecia. The Washington D.C. Metropolitan area has been blessed and fortunate to find a rare jewel in Bishop Shirley Stanfill, whose tireless outreach efforts have re-directed the lives of an entire generation of men, women, and children. She was reccently married to Pastor Timothy Stanfill on October 6, 2017. www.gracenglorymagazine.org 99 www.gracenglorymagazine.org
Q APastor Timothy &
I N T E RV I E W WITH
N E W LY W E D S
and
Bishop Shirley Stanfill
G&G: Bishop Stanfill, since last we talked you have gotten married. Please share with us the details, the wedding, who did you marry, where did you meet, has life changed for you, etc. Bishop Stanfill: Blessing to the Grace & Glory family and readers it's been a while. Glad to be back and yes the blessings of the Lord have been rich and abundant. Yes, I'm now Mrs. Shirley Stanfill. My husband and I, we met at a concert we were both invited to by a mutual friend and the rest is history. My husband Tim is an amazing former Basketball player and entrepreneur; his passion is working with our youth showing them how to dunk and read (Dunkfitkids.com). His second passion is testimony TV. I encourage the readers to visit the site (TestimonyTV.com), over half a million view testimony TV; it is filled with testimonies, experiences and great stories. My husband Tim is sensitive loving and kind and loves the Lord. G&G: Bishop Stanfill, please tell us about your upcoming trip to Nigeria. Bishop Stanfill: Yes I'm headed to Lagos, Nigeria. We are humbled to be honored for the Conferment of Chieftaincy Titles on Saturday, December 16, with thousands of couples. The wonderful people of Warrai are celebrating Tim and I
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with a traditional AFRICAN wedding on Sunday, December 17. I am humbled and honored and extremely excited. G&G: Bishop Stanfill, will you and your husband be doing ministry together? Bishop Stanfill: Absolutely, Pastor Tim is an awesome addition to our ministry. He is the Director of the One Run, the Media ministry, and Youth Dunking for Christ. Every country we minister in they truly love his ability to build confidence and encourage. G&G: Bishop Stanfill, with all that is going on in the world today, what difference do you see in where we are spiritually as a nation and where other nations are spiritually? Bishop Stanfill: The Kingdom of darkness has struck the entire world with a lull and uncaring spirit and hearts that have waxed cold. The church is over whelming with arrogance, they have become lovers of themselves, their titles, buildings, planes, etc. People are no longer souls; they are tithes and bragging points, because we do not discern the body right. (1 Corinthians 11:30) That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep.
Q&A
G&G: What do you believe the church body should be saying and doing at this critical moment in time? Bishop Stanfill: We as the Kingdom should be shining brighter than ever with Joy releasing love to an uncaring and dark world. We should be bringing the souls to the love of Christ and not unto ourselves. We are living in the greatest time in the history of the earth, Sept 22 ushered us into 5778, year of the ridiculous. God is pouring out His favor and blessing, let's honor Him with an above & beyond commitment, dedication, sacrifice and praise.
women and children, but I'm doing my counseling and more teaching on deliverance and how to get a breakthrough and keep a breakthrough. I'm doing another development for many women of God who have a call, a gift and an anointing, and teaching them how to develop according to the word of God and the ethics and character needed for the kingdom assignment. G&G: Bishop Stanfill, what do we have to look forward to with Bishop Shirley & Pastor Tim, what is on the horizon? Bishop Stanfill: Tim & Shirley is our newest project. It is interviews and biblical principles and concepts. Just One is our passion helping couples to do it the kingdom way to receive kingdom results. We are preparing and planning to move to Kingdom Cathedral, it will be our newest expansion location ministry, more information to come later! Blessings Jackie and thanks for having us.
G&G: Bishop Stanfill, we know you are an advocate for the downtrodden and you have served as a catalyst for individuals to rise above addiction, homelessness, poverty, etc., are you still working in this area? Bishop Stanfill: Absolutely, it's not a work it's a calling. I will do it until I transition; I'm still housing domestic violence
G&G: Pastor Tim, how do you feel since getting married? Pastor Tim: Marriage has changed my life, and we are really blessed. Not only has she completed me physically but also spiritually. G&G: Pastor Tim, we hear you and your bride had a ravishing wedding, tell us more? Pastor Tim: The wedding was an immaculate experience in every way. It was beautiful and so powerful because it had kingdom principles straight from the Bible. God gave us the vision for this wedding and it was everything that we expected. G&G: Pastor Tim, would you describe your wife Bishop Shirley Stanfill. Pastor Tim: Wow!! That’s all I can say when I think of my Queen. She is an entrepreneur, a mother, friend, teacher, wife, motivator and a creator, and my confidante to help me get closer and closer to God. It’s amazing to find a woman who knows business and a pleasure to have her on my side. If there is ever any challenge that I may face, I wouldn’t want to go into battle with anyone else besides her.
G&G: Pastor Tim, what should we expect from you and your wife Shirley as a couple? What will this ‘power couple’ be doing in 2018? Pastor Tim: The readers should expect a lot of fun, a lot of inspiration and motivation, and we will provide people with real solutions to real problems. Our united visions are so powerful. We will help individuals implement strategies to overcome any struggles they have in their everyday lives.
G&G: Pastor Tim, we hear one of your companies played a major role in the African American Museum, please share with us in what way? Pastor Tim: Elite Integration Media Group (EIMG) played a special part for the African American Museum. It’s a life time experience knowing that when people come in the museum they see the displays and visuals in the Pastor Tim, Bishop Shirley and Cece Winans museum that we helped with. at the opening of the Museum of the Bible
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Wedding Highlights
Kingdom Power Couple "The Stanfills are the very definition of a Kingdom Power Couple. In a society where folks including couples, tear each other down for self gain, it is refreshing to know that two who are actually ONE not only lift each other up but also lift up the Banner of the Lord. Pastor Timothy and Bishop Shirley are powerhouses individually but together are a beautiful team that lifts up others. With all that they've accomplished, it's beautiful and inspiring to see them continue to build strategically in business, ministry, community and worldwide for the benefit of those God has entrusted them with ... and with such style! For their Power Couple In Love photo-shoot, I wanted to capture not only their personal style but also how well the Stanfills compliment each other. What I appreciated about them both was the fact that each wanted the other's true self to shine. That's what branding is all about, expressing one's true best. As a branding strategist, my job is to help clients to do just that. With the Stanfills, we rocked and rolled and magic happened!" The Stanfill Wedding "The name of Jesus was lifted and the people of God were infused with jubilee in this wedding celebration of the year! One of the things that Bishop and I discussed was the idea of showcasing her natural beauty with elegance. From the ornate lace of her gown to the modern beauty of the venue which served the backdrop to the media Video piece I created, we wanted to express love, family and unity. Family is very important to the Stanfills. It was very important to feature the adult children and of course the grandbabies in the video. The Stanfills and I love the final media piece!" – Sade Dennis CEO of Sade Dennis & Associates
"The Wedding of Shirley and Timothy was a beacon in the night for Love , inspiration, and the beginnings of a life of service, inspiration and romance. The Opulent, yet romantically comfortable grounds of the Newton White Mansion was the perfect canvas for the mature and established couple to paint the strokes of their love and service for all to bear witness to and participate. Spiritual Dignitaries from Africa, Europe, and the United States assisted and were in attendance, as well as immediate Family and friends. Praise dancers in cream and gold along with a drum procession created an artistic and festive mood for the couple. The reception included a sumptuous meal and a Toast from the Grooms Brother Retired Military Sgt. Anthony Stanfill, and lots of cake, kisses, prayers and dancing. Mature love, respect and admiration, coupled with the synergy of service in an offering to God on a moonlit night on October 6, 2017. Two souls vowed to love and serve God and each other."
Michelle Weld MSW MSW, Photography
“It was an honor to be a part of one of the most elegant weddings in the kingdom. The regal & majestic nuptials of Tim & Shirley Stanfill demonstrated a deep & passionate love for each other & Jesus Christ. This was a Kingdom wedding for the ages!” Bishop Marvin Denson, II Senior Pastor Restoration International Worship Center Presiding Bishop Covenant Churches of America, Inc.
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to your good health
It’s Time To Take Care of
YOURSELF
One of the most frequently quoted verses is 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” These two verses are usually quoted in reference to clean living especially as it relates to sexuality. I would like to enlarge the focus beyond sexuality to obtaining and maintaining a healthy lifestyle by caring for ourselves through proper diet, weight management, exercise and by getting regular medical screenings. As believers, we focus on what persons should not do while ignoring what they can do in order to live healthy and victorious lives. A few of the practices that can help bring our bodies into a healthy place is to take advantage of the resources God has already provided. We can choose a variety of ways to exercise by walking or running, chair yoga or weight lifting, Pilates or spin cycling and aerobics or Zumba. Each of us can find a way to get up and move our bodies even if it is for five minutes. Exercise improves overall mental, physical and emotional health. We have been created to live, move and have our being in Christ, which includes proper stewardship of our bodies. There is no substitution for having an awareness of your family medical history or being screened for common illnesses. We must also learn about the health issues that may be environmentally or culturally passed on to us so we can be proactive in fighting disease before it overtakes our lives. Many persons do not know that we are fighting the same sicknesses our parents or grandparents had and while some of those health concerns cannot be prevented some can be delayed or treated with more options than were available before. The effects of depression, diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, certain cancers and others illnesses can be decreased or eliminated by changing our diet, losing weight, or receiving treatment earlier in the progression of the disease. Many persons are making radical decisions to take responsibility of their health and the health of their family members. It can be challenging to encourage our family and friends to quit smoking, drink water, eat more fruits and vegetables, cut the carbs or take a walk around the neighborhood but it is worth it. We have to be our brother and sister’s keeper so all of us can live the abundant life Jesus promised us. We want to be in good health so we can fulfill our kingdom assignment. Let’s promote healthy habits, healthy living and healthy minds. Together we can conquer our lifestyle challenges by taking advantage of the resources God has given us to be more than conquerors in life and especially in our health. 18 December 2017 | Grace&Glory
Dr. Carla Debnam, Founder, Renaissance Christian Counseling Center
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woman’s perspective
. . . is a Complete Sentence Can you believe that it is already December my sister? I can’t. 2017 is coming to a close and we are fully immersed in the holiday season. I don’t know about you but I absolutely love the holiday season! I love spending time with family. I love the delicious food. I love the ability to reflect on what I am grateful for and how much love I am surrounded by. However, I must admit that the holidays can also be a stressful time for many with the demands of putting together holiday celebrations and buying gifts. This can be especially true for women who often shoulder the responsibility of planning and preparing family gatherings. So, I thought this an appropriate time for us all to be reminded that ‘No’ is a complete sentence.
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In our attempt to be there for our loved ones it is too easy as wives, mothers, daughters, sisters, cousins, etc., to forget to be there for ourselves. I can’t tell you how many times I have prepared a meal for my family and then later realized that I didn’t eat. Has this happened to you? In the midst of ripping and running we are often the last ones on our own list of people to be cared for and shown love. But I want to encourage you not to be overwhelmed. As a daughter of the king, peace and joy are your inheritance. “Beloved, I pray that in all things thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” 3 John 1:2 ASV. Don’t live below your means and accept anxiety and stress as your own. What is the easiest way to live in peace even during the holiday season? Being honest with yourself about what you have the capacity to get done is a huge first step. Many times, we take on too many responsibilities and are not real with ourselves regarding what we can actually handle. But I want you to practice with me for a moment. I want you to say, “NO”. Did you say it? How did that feel? You’re still alive, right? The world didn’t collapse. See you have the ability to say no. Saying no where appropriate is a self-preservation skill that is critical. God has called us to serve and love others but we can only serve from what we have. If we are empty and exhausted, what do we have to serve others? We must say no in some instances so that we truly have a YES when it is important. And guess what? No is a complete sentence! Don’t feel the need to owe an explanation when it is time for you to preserve. A simple NO will suffice. Now I recognize that for my people pleasers this will be hard however I want you to remember that you are just as special as the people you love and care for and you deserve that same care that you give others. The stronger, happier, and healthier you are the more everyone you love benefits. So, before you can give an automatic yes, I encourage you to first take inventory and make sure your yes won’t cost too much. Otherwise you know what you Tiffany Bethea need to say right? NO.
She-EO Life Mentor www.Tiffanybethea.com
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single life
Are you looking forward to the New Year or are you stressing out about what the New Year will bring? In January of 2017 we set goals to achieve within a year. Some of the goals were small, some were large, some we could accomplish alone, and others we had to accomplish with others. Some we have accomplished and some we have not. Not accomplishing the goal that you set can have a way of causing you to feel like a failure. Achieving a goal is a process that must be broken down into smaller tasks. Remember that each task you complete is a small victory to completing the whole goal. As you prepare to set your goals for 2018 here are a few biblical keys that you can use. Motivation – Colossians 3:23 Ask yourself the hard questions. What is the goal we want to achieve and why? Do we have selfish motives or are we operating with a healthy heart? Alignment with God’s Word and Will – Proverb 16:3 Are we within the parameters of God’s Word and His character? Diligence – Galatians 6:9 Goals often require hard work. We need to be diligent in our effort. Perseverance – James 1:12 We will face setbacks and disappointments, but need to persevere through rough times. Don’t give up! Faith – Proverb 3:5-6 We serve a big God who can accomplish the impossible. There is nothing He can’t do. We can believe that He journeys with us and always has our best in mind. He is 22 December December2017 2017||Grace&Glory Grace&Glory 22
trustworthy and faithful. As you work toward reaching your goals in the coming year remember to celebrate the small victories. When you celebrate the small victories it will do the following: 1. You learn to embrace the process: When you embrace the process you are able to experience another level of growth. Don’t check out in the process reaching your goal. Embrace the journey and live in the moment. 2. Your confidence level increases: Every time you have a small victory it will continuously build your confidence. You will become stronger in the ability that God has placed in you. It will because you speak life and not death to goals that you have set. It is when you walk in confidence that you can believe that you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you. 3. You affirm your ability accomplish the goal: Whatever your limiting beliefs may be, go ahead, do what you do while afraid, then celebrate that you made it past your fears. That is a victory. May the coming year be the year that you break out of your box. Take the limits off of God and yourself. Go for it and write down the dream that has been in your head and heart to turn it into a goal. Habakkuk 2:2 tells us to write the vision and to make it plain. Renew your mind from the ANTs (Automatic Negative Thoughts) and remember that you can do all things through Christ.
Tyniece Pack
UNITY:
Are You Ready To Answer the Call? We live in a society where the strength of the church is diminished or weakened by individual personal gain. It’s a Me, myself and I mentality. The church is at HER best when the people of God come together as one body in Christ for the sole purpose of the Kingdom Agenda. Our society today eliminates the need to have long lasting relationships. Although, in God’s Kingdom His citizenship differs because the Bible tells us that one citizen has dominion over a thousand but two together gives authority over 10k! God multiplies our talents when we come together on one accord; and that places FEAR in the enemy’s camp. Satan’s political move in God’s physical house is to DIVIDE and to Conquer. 1. Satan doesn’t want the people of God to operate in oneness. 2. Satan doesn’t want the Body of Christ to agree. 3. Satan doesn’t want togetherness in the same place. Let’s Start Being REAL WITH GOD and ourselves! Beloved you will find that today will BEGIN to be the BEST DAYS of your LIFE WHEN YOU SAY YES TO GOD!
Evangelist LaRondi Nicole Flowers 1ST NEW LIFE BAPTIST CHURCH 3215 W. Belvedere Ave. Baltimore, MD 21215 Rev. Washington M. Flowers, Pastor & Founder UMUSTBREAL@GMAIL.COM “A Small Family Environment Where We Say Yes To God!” (Worship begins at 11:00 am in the lower level of Brown’s Memorial Baptist Church-Denmore Avenue Entrance) www.gracenglorymagazine.org www.gracenglorymagazine.org 23 23
nutrition & you
Holiday Tips to Prevent Weight Gain
Great ideas are not always easy to execute, but great ideas work, as long as you put in the effort to make them work. That is why it is so important to know the reason why you are putting in the effort. Here are some ideas to get you started and some holiday tips to help prevent weight gain. GET A BUDDY Studies have shown that people who partner up to lose (or maintain) weight tend to do better than those flying solo. Kind of makes sense, right? Imagine you have had a stressful morning and really want two slices of pepperoni pizza at lunch. Your coworker who you buddied up with is there to “talk you down from the ledge”, helping you go for soup and salad instead. Or what about when your alarm goes off at 6 AM for your morning run, but you cannot imagine anything better than staying under those warm covers. Your buddy starts knocking at your door and yelling at you to get up and get moving! Having someone in your corner can motivate you to make changes you never dreamed possible, and you can return the favor and do the same for your buddy. Still not convinced? Here are a few more reasons to have a buddy: • Helpful friend: A buddy is someone you always can call during a crisis, knowing you will get good advice/ feedback. • A helping hand: A buddy can help you plan and prepare healthy meals or snacks the night before • A workout buddy: A buddy can go to the gym with you or play sports with you (basketball, tennis, etc.).
• An open ear: A buddy is there to hear about your successes and struggles. • Accountability: A buddy is someone to talk to if you start to relapse or if you need a kick in the butt to get restarted. • Motivation: A buddy can keep you on target and help you make the small, steady steps that you need to take every day to achieve your goals. • A guiding hand: A buddy can teach you tips and tricks to mix it up and stay on track. Stay active A 30-minute jog can burn about 300 calories. Doing 30 minutes of interval training can burn a ton more. While many consider nutrition as about 60–70% of the equation when it comes to weight loss (or weight gain prevention), do not disregard the 30–40% contributed by physical activity! If you are currently active, stay that way! We often are knocked out of our routines during the holidays because of travel, additional evening commitments, and the shorter days of winter (at least for those of us in the northern hemisphere). Take a look at what your current physical activity level is (number of days per week, how long, and how intense), and make it a point to continue that level of activity through the rest of the year. Or kick it up a notch if you feel confident that you could do more. You do not need to do much more, maybe just an additional 10 minutes added to your usual workouts. Consider it a pre-New Year’s resolution. If you would like to become more active prior to the holidays, get started
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1 day at a time. Even though the are just like any other day during the American College of Sports Medicine year, and you can do the same things recommends 30 minutes of moderate that kept you successful during those physical activity 5 days/week for days of the year in November and health benefits, increase your activity December too! gradually. If you exercised once this KEEP A JOURNAL week, aim for twice next week, and Finally, if you really are worried about try to maintain twice/week for a few how you will react or feel when faced weeks. Once you are sticking to twice/ with the holidays and its associated week, try adding a little more time foods, keep track! Write in a daily to those 2 days. Then add a third day journal, and at the end of the day, a few weeks later. The key is to feel rate yourself on how you ate that day comfortable with your current routine from a score of 1 (poor) to a score of before making any additional changes. 5 (awesome). In addition, write down You can add to your current routine why you gave yourself that rating. in these ways: Also write down one improvement • Longer duration: Increasing you made that day in your eating workout time from 30 to 45 minutes habits, because there is always a • Increased intensity: Working harder silver lining. If you normally eat eight during the same amount of time (see cookies when you are stressed out but interval training) stopped yourself at four today, that is • Increased frequency: Increasing progress—positive progress. exercise sessions from two to three Note one eating choice that you times/week could have improved on. It is not just By New Year’s Day, you will have already a matter of good vs bad foods. Even accomplished the amount of exercise that some people who eat great 85% of the everyone else is resolving to do! time make non-ideal choices because STAY CONSISTENT of many circumstances (travel, lack of Rather than going out of your way to planning, socializing, etc). Reviewing make inconsistent changes, why not your day’s eating habits the day they focus on the consistent things you happen allows you to see where you were doing to maintain your weight can make improvements tomorrow. (or to lose weight) for the previous Record and celebrate your successes, 9–10 months of the year? Just like with because they are real and they are what any job or responsibility, it is much keep you going. When you are having easier to maintain our current habits a lousy day a month from now and you than to start a whole new set of them. feel that you have made no progress, Take a moment to think about you can look back at your journal all of the successful things you have and read about all of your successes. done in the past 3 months to keep You also need to record areas for your weight steady. Write them down improvement, because if you think on a piece of paper. This is now your everything is perfect, odds are things action plan to maintain your weight are actually not perfect. Having an area during the holiday season. Just keep of improvement gives you a specific doing these things—no restrictions or target and action for tomorrow. substitutions required! If you slip up It is easy to say, “I am going to eat one day, do not worry. All you need better tomorrow” and then do nothing. to do is to reread what you are doing If you intend to eat better tomorrow, that is successful and get back to it at you need to know how you ate today the next meal or the next day. One and what you are going to do tomorrow unplanned dessert or meal does not to improve from today. That is why result in weight gain. It is the activities writing in a journal is useful. Writing in we do and the foods that we eat every a journal for 3 minutes a day can make day, day after day, that lead to weight a world of difference. Is preventing gain or weight loss. weight gain Another thing to consider is the this holiday many temptations that you will season worth face during the holiday season— 3 minutes a Thanksgiving, Christmas/Hanukkah/ day? Kwanzaa, New Year’s, and By Herline A. maybe a work party or two. That is about 5 days out of Knights, RD, LD 60. The other 83% of the days
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STRETCH THOSE MUSCLES!
nutrition & you
Warm Up First
Muscle stretching shouldn’t be your starting warmup. Warm up first with a few minutes of walking, cycling, etc., then stretch. You can also do stretching exercises at the end of your cardio workout. Stretching cold muscles can cause injuries. There is also some research indicating that a lot of stretching can cause a short-term dip in muscle strength, so for weight training, save your serious stretching for after the workout.
WARMING UP FIRST
Hamstring Stretch
For a good hamstring stretch, lie on your back on the floor. Leave one leg extended on the floor and raise the other, knee straight, until you feel the stretch in your hamstring. Loop a towel around your leg and hold the ends in your hands to make it easier. Again, remember to always warm up well before stretching!
HAMSTRING STRETCH
Quad Stretch
For lean sexy legs, do the standing quadriceps stretch. Pull your foot up, with the knee bent and the thigh straight up and down, next to the supporting leg. During this muscle stretching, don´t pull the leg back and to the side, which stresses the knee, and don´t lean forward, which reduces range of motion and decreases stretching effectiveness.
QUAD STRETCH
Calf Stretch
Give those calves the muscle stretching of their life! You should stretch your calves two ways with two different stretching exercises. First is the usual way where you lean against a wall, step back with the leg to be stretched, knee straight, then keep your heel down and push your hips forward until you feel the stretching in your calf. Second, keep the same position but bend your knee, which will give a better stretch to the soleus muscle and the achilles´ tendon.
Stretch Out a Cramp
Got a cramp? Loosen up and relax. Try stretching out a muscle cramp. For instance, for the calf cramp, or “charley horse,” pull your toes up toward your shin in an opposing stretch. The calf muscle pulls the foot down, so you want to do muscle stretching exercises in the opposite direction to offset a cramp.
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CALF STRETCH
STRETCH OUT A CRAMP
www.LifeTips.com
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gospel industry news
Deitrick Haddon
Maranda Curtis
Sam Roberts
Sean Tillery
Gospel Industry News
Deitrick Haddon This guy is simply amazing! If you missed him last month at the East Coast Gospel Music Summit/iHeart Heaven 600 Anniversary Concert at Empowerment Temple, shame on you! This guy just “gets it” and he’s “got it”! I’m absolutely loving this project; I was introduced to this project with his single, “Billions”, Love, Love, Love the song. Well he’s not done, the new single “Glory”, lovin’ it as well, laced with the acknowledgement of Gods Glory, accompanied with a “feel good” melody. Ride in your car vibin’ and basking on all God has done, giving him all the glory while singing “You Get The Glory”; the music video is so awesome! Check out all the videos, the singles, the album, thank me later! It’s available EVERYWHERE both digital and in store. Maranda Curtis Congrats are certainly in order for the incomparable vocalist, songstress, worship leader herself, Maranda Curtis. She is not just the worship leader at The Potters House, Texas, but she travels the country, allowing God to use her through the “Maranda Experience“. If you’ve ever had the opportunity to experience her ministry you’ll ditto my sentiments “she’s incomparable”; with that being a known fact, it was just a matter of time before she would ink a deal. It’s official, she signed with Red Alliance Media and Fair Trade Services, she will be doing a live recording under her new home on December 8, in Delaware. Follow her social media for details; it will be quite an “experience”. The Walls Group Congrats to the sibling group The Walls Group on their new 28 December December 2017 2017 || Grace&Glory Grace&Glory 28
Annette March GrierRoberta’s House
Every year this CNN Hero gives back to the grieving families of Roberta’s House, as well as March Funeral Homes, making the holiday season one of hope, celebration, and commemoration. This year’s celebration will be held December 8th, at Turner Auditorium on the campus of Johns Hopkins Hospital featuring the Roberta’s House volunteer Choir lead by Vonita White, Vocalist Cierra Farrar, Violinist Kendall Isadore, and an amazing theatrical presentation by McGill Production. A pre-show will kick off the night at 6:30pm featuring the Singing Sensations and it is FREE to the public. Also Saturday December 9th for the PG/DC area the celebration will be held at First Baptist of Highland Park. Lastly, Richmond, VA, it’s headed your way Sunday December 10 at the March Funeral Home Chapel on Laburnum Ave. All the events are FREE! For more info www.robertashouse.org. project “The Other Side” landing at #1 on Billboard’s Top Gospel in its first week. This is The Walls Group second #1 Billboard placement. In addition, their streaming numbers ranging over 883,000 streams. Their music video and the single for “My Life” are at #15! Marc Britt You’ve heard this anointed voice on lead vocals featured on many artists projects, including but not limited to Jonathan Nelson & Purpose and JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise, he was even an original member of Tye Tribett & GA. He’s now launching into an additional inevitable solo
gospel industry news
Nadja Scott & Divine Anointing
endeavor. Marc Britt has a sincere passion for music ministry and it’s demonstrated each time he grabs a mike. He serves as Worship Pastor at Cornerstone Church in West Hampton, NJ. With this new release he is not just releasing music, but his new book also titled “Cornerstone”.
Korey Mickey, Shavonna Whitehead, and her brother Andrew Fouch. The amazing, super producer Phil Bryant is producing this project, Nadja Scott and Divine Anointing is signed to his label Writerz Blok Music Group, can’t wait to hear this sound released, stay tuned!
Nadja Scott & Divine Anointing This group is doing It! Their vocal ability is very indicative of what Choir Music should be. The Choir leader Nadja Scott beat the odds being told as a Music student, “You can’t ever mix gospel music with classical music.” Her Choir Sound has not just conquered that, but they deliver a vast array of gospel music to cater to appetite, lyrically delivering “this good news called gospel”. She even takes you to that “good ole time hand clapping, foot stomping music”. Nadja even plays the alto WASHBOARD! Last month they recorded their first project titled “The Promise”; this great choir also featured Brittney Wright, Juanita Contee, Bishop Bryant Martin,
Sam Roberts Straight out of the DMV, Sam Roberts & Levites Assembly are making some noise for this region. Their album came in at the #5 Spot on Billboard Gospel Charts and #2 on iTunes. Their lead single titled “Reap Now” has made a life of its own introducing a declaration for your ”NOW” situations, go grab it, download It, the lyrics alone will bless your life, all available digitally everywhere.
Top 5 Gospel Songs
1. Change Me - Tamela Mann 2. You Waited - Travis Greene 3. Trust In You - Anthony Brown & Group Therapy 4. You Deserve It - JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise 5. I Got Angels - Emcee N. I. C.
Sean Tillery Some of you know him the awesome tenor front and center Professor James Hall Worship & Praise, however “Mr. Tillery” is the founder and director of his own musical
Marc Britt
aggregation Sean Tillery & Change. Sean is right here in the DMV, making his own noise as well with the release of his new single “Mighty God” it’s currently available on iTunes, Amazon Music, and Google Play. Happy Holidays to you and yours! ‘Tis the season to celebrate and reflect on God’s blessings towards us, in spite of anything or anyone we’ve loss there has to be a miracle in what’s left. Please Ericka J. continue to pray for me, losing my mom Pastor Sandy Johnson, has been such a tragic experience, my birthday is December 9, never imagined a birthday EVER without her. I still have to believe God and I trust his plan and decisions, and I’m admonishing anyone that feels this to never lose hope. Til next month, you can catch my new radio segment airing, Friday nights 8:30pm-9pm and Sunday mornings 10am, as well as my mini segment that airs every weekend at 5:30pm, listen on iHeart Radio, Heaven 600, www. heaven600.com, and 102.7 hd2.
Top 5 Gospel Albums 1. The Other Side - The Walls Group 2. Praise - Emcee N. I. C. E 3. The Call - Isabell Davis 4. Heart, Passion, Pursuit - Tasha Cobbs 5. Close - Marvin Sapp
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man talk
NEVERTHELESS
Recorded in Matthew (4:18-22), Mark (1:16-20), and Luke (5:1-11), Jesus calls a few fishermen to be his first followers. Notably, Luke’s perspective includes details not captured in the other accounts, especially the following: we worked hard all last night and didn’t catch a thing. Moreover, the subsequent clause contains one of the most pivotal words in the King James Version of the Bible: nevertheless. Especially at the end of the year, what is the significance of nevertheless? THEIR FRUSTRATION When Simon Peter said that he and his fellow fishermen worked hard all last night, this could have been a literal retelling of their efforts. But more importantly, the statement conveys that they had toiled tirelessly without success. It is synonymous with consistently and diligently pursuing our goals since January, yet having less than what we had hoped for in December. Perhaps most frustrating to the fishermen was the fact that they were professionals. They knew how to fish. But despite their expertise, on this particular day, they were unsuccessful. Further, they were likely discouraged because what felt like failure happened in an area of competence. How could I not be successful when I have earned degrees in this field? How could I not be successful when I’ve been doing this for so many years? Although these emotions and questions are reasonable, be encouraged. When we find ourselves in these situations, remember that God’s timing is not our timing (2 Peter 3:8) and his ways are not our ways (Isaiah 55:8). In fact, the fishermen’s seemingly futile night was less about catching fish than developing their patience and Christian character (Galatians 5:22-23). As we approach the close of another year, let’s not allow what feels like failure to frustrate and discourage us. Although uncomfortable, these experiences are necessary to propel us toward what God has for us. Like Simon Peter, Andrew, James, and John, we are competent in what we have been trying to accomplish. However, something is missing and preventing us from experiencing the success that we desire.
THEIR FAITH Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish. Not only are yesterday’s blueprints and past successes insufficient for tomorrow’s opportunities, they can also be crippling if we become complacent and stagnant. Because these men’s lives were on the brink of change, how they did things, including fishing, also had to be different.
Importantly, although Jesus directed the men to fish in deeper water, what they were doing did not change. In other words, where they were working was different. Reflecting on the areas in which we were less successful than we had hoped to be, like the fishermen, perhaps we were looking for success in a place that was no longer fruitful for us. No doubt, they had previously caught fish in shallow water; but it was time for them to use their abilities in deeper water. Simon Peter’s confidence in Christ led him to follow his instructions despite being a less experienced fisherman. And this, friends, is the embodiment of faith: trusting [someone] enough to do what may challenge our intellectual understanding (2 Corinthians 5:7). For the fishermen, faith was the missing element to their success. When Simon Peter trusted Jesus by doing what he had likely never done before, he also experienced something for the first time: …the nets were so full of fish they began to tear! Is The Lord leading us to use our gifts in different places? Is he showing us other ways to accomplish our goals? As we embark upon a new year, let’s not only develop our ability to discern what The Lord is saying to us, but also the courage to be obedient to his instructions. THEIR FRIENDS Simon Peter’s affirmative and faith-filled response was not only life changing for him personally, but also his friends. Verses 7 and 10: A shout for help brought their partners in the other boat, and soon both boats were filled with fish and on the verge of sinking… His partners, James and John, the sons of Zebedee, were also amazed. Nevertheless led these men to a place in which they could not contain the overwhelming abundance that was awaiting them. Like Simon Peter, obedience will not only positively affect our own lives, but those close to us as well. THEIR FUTURE The Lord interrupts our lives to ultimately change the world. Because of nevertheless, an ordinary day, which followed a difficult and disappointing night, four men were intimately involved in altering the course of history. Simply defined as in spite of, nevertheless is a transitional term that announces what is going to happen regardless of what has already happened. As we stand on the precipice of a year that is filled with new opportunities and possibilities, I pray that we would grow to nevertheless: a place of total surrender to the will and plan of God for Dr. Charles Barrett our lives. Despite our fears and frustrations, let Dr. Charles Barrett is a school nevertheless, an unwavering trust in Christ be psychologist with Loudoun County our only resolution. Peace and Blessings.
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Public Schools and Associate Professor of Psychology at Northern Virginia Community College.
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