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scripture page
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July 2021
™
on the cover: Dr. Tamika L. Johnson, Ph.D. Grow Up: Empowerment Life Coaching LLC www.growupempowerment.com
Cover Story pgs 8-11 This month we are featuring Dr. Tamika L. Johnson, a Master Life Coach, who is the founder
of Grow Up: Empowerment Life Coaching LLC. Dr. Johnson talks with us about the stigma that surrounds mental health and religion and how it impacts healing. Dr. Johnson also shares with us how to know your purpose and the tools to “Live Your Purpose”.
Healthy Soul 18 WOMAN’S PERSPECTIVE
20 TRINKETS TO TRIUMPH
Pastor Rhoda Turner
What is Framing You?
Contradict Your Uncomfortable Condition
22 MONTHLY MANNA
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Minister Tracey George
Minister Carenda Deonne
Revival is Coming
Healthy Mind 16 TO YOUR GOOD HEALTH
Dr. Carla J. Debnam
Be Encouraged
In Every Issue Scripture Page........................................ 2
Healthy Body
Contributors............................................ 6 From the Editor....................................... 7
24 HEALTH MATTERS
Dr. Denyce Watties-Daniels
Be Mindful
26 BODY BASICS
Charles & Ursula Harris
Drink! Drink! Drink!
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Meet the Team 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. 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 Tracey George Dr. Denyce Daniels Charles & Ursula Harris Rhoda Turner Archbishop Ralph L. Dennis Bryant Senghor GRAPHIC ARTIST Claire Lesesne www.JandCDesigns.com WEB ADMINISTRATOR Andre Felipe for Arts Period www.artsperiod.com www.artsperiod.com
Copyright 2021. All rights reserved. Reproduction without expressed permission is prohibited.
Grace & Glory Magazine is the ideal publication for Encouragement, Empowerment and Inspiration. For advertising and more information contact
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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.
MIN. TRACEY 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.
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.
PASTOR RHODA TURNER
Rhoda possesses a spirit of humility. Her ministry style is graceful, her message is powerful and her presence is comforting. Being the 9th of 10 children, Rhoda has a deep passion for family and the wholistic development of children. She is considered by many as a mentor and mother figure. Rhoda and her husband Pastor Jason Turner, serve as senior pastors of Christian Faith Fellowship Church in Chandler, AZ.
ARCHBISHOP RALPH L. DENNIS
( rldkfcm02@gmail.com ) is Presiding Prelate of Kingdom Fellowship Covenant Ministries, and Pastor-Emeritus of Kingdom Worship Center in Baltimore, MD. He is also President and Chancellor of Dominion Leadership University (DLU) that he founded in 1984 as Ministers in Training Program. He is a prolific writer and soughtafter preacher and teacher.
from the editor
Jackie Epps The first half of the year has passed and is behind us now. Along with it has also passed some disappointments, heartaches, some ups and some downs. In spite of what has already happened in the first half of this year, we are to forget those things which are behind and keep moving forward. We have to stay strong and keep the faith. As we look back over these last six months, I’m sure we all can say that God never left us alone. And if we stay strong and keep the faith, the Bible tells us that He will never leave us or forsake us. I believe that the key to being strong and keeping the faith is to know God for yourself, in other words, you need to have a personal relationship with God. Usually when you have a personal relationship with someone it starts with a foundation of trust. Trust is the first building block of establishing a relationship. You want to be confident that the person you are in a relationship with is trustworthy. One of the best ways to establish trust with someone is to spend time with that person and to become familiar with their character. So it is with God, we build our trust in Him the same way. When we spend time with God we become familiar with who He is and we become familiar with His character. Knowing God for yourself is an exciting journey and you can start that journey by first spending time in the Word of God. Reading God’s word can stimulate and build your
faith. There was a reading campaign whose slogan was, “The more you read the more you know”. Reading God’s word and knowing God’s word is rewarding and has wonderful benefits. As part of the journey to getting to know God we must also spend time in His presence through praise and worship. God’s word tells us to worship Him in spirit and in truth (John 4:24). When we worship God we tend to develop His traits and character. When we worship and praise God we honor Him for who He is. Another part of our journey to knowing God is spending time in prayer. The word of God tells us that we should always pray and to pray without ceasing. Prayer is how we communicate with God and how He communicates with us. We express our thanks, our faith, our love, and our hopes to God in prayer, and we receive from Him answers, assurance, guidance, peace, strength, power, and revelation of who He is. (Matthew 7:7-8; John 16:13; Philippians 4:6-7; Ephesians 1:17-18). Once you have established a relationship with God, it will be easy to trust Him with your whole life. It will be easy to stay strong and keep the faith no matter what comes your way.
Peace and Blessings . . .
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I N T E RV I E W WITH
Dr. Tamika L. Johnson Minister, Life Coach, Author G&G: Dr. Tamika L. Johnson, welcome to the Grace & Glory family! We are delighted to feature you for our July issue. I would like to get started with a few “getting to know you” questions, first tell us a little about yourself, who is Tamika L. Johnson? Dr. T: Tamika Johnson is a born-again believer. I’m a person who’s dedicated to fulfilling my life’s purpose. I’m a firm believer in inspiring others to do the same for themselves. I’ve been married for 14 years; August 13, 2021, will make 15 years. I’m a mother of two children. I have a 12-year-old daughter and a 23-year-old son. I’m also a daughter, sister, and aunt. I’ve been an educator for more than 20 years. I’m a minister, motivational speaker and an author of several published books. I’m a Life Coach and the owner of Grow Up: Empowerment Life Coaching LLC located in Germantown, Wisconsin. G&G: Dr. Johnson, what three words would best describe you and why? Dr. T: Ambitious & Purpose Driven. I describe myself as being ambitious because no matter what I begin in life I am determined to complete it against all odds or whatever comes my way I am determined to succeed. I describe myself as being purpose driven because I believe in living on purpose. No matter what I’m driven to do it’s with purpose. It’s my drive and resilience that keeps me motivated to walk and work in excellence. I’m intentional
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about everything I do. I intentionally set and execute goals. I leave no room for excuses. I walk in the purpose for which God has called me; therefore, I leave no room for excuses. G&G: Dr. Johnson, would you share with us something that most people would not know or be surprised to know about you? Dr. T: Most people that don’t know me would probably be surprised that I am a huge New Edition and Tupac fan ...lol. They may also be surprised to know that I am afraid of dogs and that music is very therapeutic for me. Also, as much as I like to talk, I don’t like to talk on the phone. Even though I’m very outgoing I like being alone most of the time. G&G: Dr. Johnson, growing up as a young girl what was some of your dreams and aspirations? At what point did you know what your purpose was for your life? Dr. T: Growing up as a young girl I dreamt of being a famous entertainer. I loved to sing and dance. I performed at all my school’s talent shows and won. I also used to enter into talent shows in the summertime in my city every year and win. I loved to write my very own songs. It seemed like every time I got close to that dream coming into fruition something would happen to make it not come to pass. However, it wasn’t until I was diagnosed with Chrone’s disease at the age of 15 that I would stop performing because the disease kept me very ill and hospitalized often. It was during my sick days that I began to write more. It was also during those times that I spent even more time with God. I used to listen to John P. Kee’s “Wash Me” CD; The Mississippi Mass Choir’s “It Remains to Be Seen” CD; and the Winans’ every day; and that’s
Q&A when I realized that God had something different for me to do. The Lord would minister to me through those artists’ music. I began to write more personal letters to God and inspirational poems to motivate myself to get me through my sickness. In my early 20s I begin to inspire others with the writings that I used to encourage myself. At the age of 23 I became a teacher at a Christian school, and it was at that point I realized I was anointed to inspire others through speaking and writing. However, I still love music and I still love to dance. However, performing is nothing I desire to do anymore, just on my personal time… lol. Although I am no longer a performer, I still love to attend concerts to watch others sing and perform. It simply warms my heart. ♦♦♦ G&G: Dr. Johnson, would you say you have several passions in life? Let’s start with your passion for mental health, particularly mental health and religion. Tell us about that? Dr. T: Yes, I do have several passions in life. My greatest passion is to see others living the best life they possibly can live. My passion regarding mental health and religion goes hand and hand. I wouldn’t necessarily say I’m a “religious” person, although I am a Christian, but I am more spiritual. I believe religion is a system full of rules and regulations created by man and spirituality is to me having an intimate relationship with the Holy Spirit through the finished works of Christ. My spirituality is life to me. It’s where I live and find purpose. It’s what motivates me to keep striving in life. My passion for mental health is the same. Everyone has mental health and should learn to maintain it at an optimum level. However, there are some who suffer from mental illnesses who are ostracized and aren’t properly
cared for, and the Lord has given me a great passion for those people. As a minister I oftentimes had an internal debate about mental health and religion. My internal debate was, “Could a person love the Lord and still receive treatment from a mental health specialist?” I often questioned if a person’s mental illness was a result of some demonic influence. I believed all one had to do was pray their mental illness away or have a spiritual leader perform some sort of exorcist. However, through the leading of the Holy Spirit I learned some of my personal beliefs in regard to mental illness were erroneous. I now understand that the brain is an organ and just like any other organ in our body it could potentially become diseased. As a result, the person may need some sort of treatment. Whether the treatment is medication or some form of therapy, it’s needed. I believe that I have a responsibility to inform those in the church and in my community that treatment for mental illness is available and sometimes necessary. God has no problem with one being treated for a mental disease or distress. God has gifted specialists to help people who suffer from such a thing. Mental health treatment and religion/ spirituality can coexist. There must be a balance in what we do. We must be led by the Holy Spirit in all things including when it comes to taking care of our mental health. Everything we do first begins in our mind, our mental. I believe that our mind is the steering wheel of our life and wherever we direct it to go we will go. If we have the mental capacity to maintain our mental health, we should do so in the same manner we take care of our physical and spiritual health. If our loved ones or someone we know doesn’t have the mental capacity to seek treatment for themselves, we should advocate on their behalf, but it’s imperative that we’re properly educated and informed. The church and the black community can no longer be afraid to have the conversation on this topic. It’s also just as important for us to move Continued on page 10
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Q&A Continued from page 9
from simply having the conversation to getting properly treated. No one ostracizes or encourages one to not seek treatment if they’re diagnosed with cancer or some other physical disease, so we shouldn’t do it for mental disease either. We must end the stigma, so people are comfortable and willing to seek treatment for themselves and for the sake of our society. 3 John 2 states, “I pray that you will prosper and be in good health even as your soul prospers.” Our mental health is a part of our health and wellness just as much as our physical health, if not greater. G&G: Dr. Johnson, why do you think there is such a stigma around mental health and religion? Dr. T: I believe that there is such a stigma around mental health and religion because we are uneducated and have been misinformed about mental health. We were taught in the church that mental illness was a result of some demonic influence and those who suffer from such must be “crazy”, “retarded” etc. The language that one uses to identify those who suffer from mental illnesses also creates a barrier. People are embarrassed, so they don’t receive treatment. Families are misinformed so they also don’t believe it to be a real issue, which it is. People also are uneducated when it comes to mental health and mental illnesses. Not all mental illnesses mean a person needs medication. Some may need therapy to talk out their mental conflict. G&G: I understand you are the founder of Grow Up: Empowerment Life Coaching LLC, would you tell us about the vision behind this organization, and the need and purpose for it?
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Dr. T: As the owner of Grow Up: Empowerment Life Coaching LLC I empower my clients to live on purpose. I help my clients identify their life’s purpose and coach them on how to be intentional about living out their life’s purpose at all costs. I’m a life coach, tutor, and consultant. I am certified in the life coaching areas of life, purpose, professional, spiritual, and happiness. I coach my clients on compartmentalizing their lives and help them to effectively set and execute goals. I teach coaching strategies on maintaining one’s mental health by shifting any negative thought patterns to more optimistic ones. Before I coach my clients on their personal goals, I coach them on how to remove the mental clutter. I focus on the importance of loving oneself and being happy internally. Also, as a licensed educator I provide tutoring as well and consultation in the areas of academics and conflict resolution. The sole purpose for my company is to empower others to be the best version of themselves mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. My ultimate goal is to become a global company working with individuals, religious, corporate, and educational institutions throughout the world. I want to create more well-rounded people in our society by teaching them to love themselves so they will love others. G&G: Dr. Johnson, I see you also have a passion for entrepreneurship and wealth, tell us about this passion? Dr. T: I believe God created us to build and expand His Kingdom. For me to build His Kingdom I must be financial and mentally capable. I believe my purpose is my wealth. I believe that as I’m living out my life’s purpose as an entrepreneur, my gift will make room for me. I believe that God expects me to be wealthy. I believe that I am to leave generational wealth and not debt for my children and their children as well. I believe being wealthy is also a mindset. The Holy Spirit taught me that I was not created to be poor, pay bills, and die, but I was created for more. He created me to have life and to have it abundantly. The Holy Spirit birthed in me a new passion for generational wealth and taught me to pass this knowledge on to my children, my students, and all whom I encounter, in which I do. The Holy Spirit led me to abandon the “worker” mentality and shifted me to an entrepreneurship mentality. It’s in that way of thinking that I will become wealthy not only financially, but mentally and physically as well. As a result of my wealth, I will expand God’s Kingdom on earth as it is in Heaven.
Q&A G&G: Dr. Johnson, what would you say to aspiring young women, who may be wrestling with their purpose for their life? Dr. T: To an aspiring young woman who may be wrestling with her purpose for her life I will encourage her to first consult the Holy Spirit. Spend some time in His presence. It’s important to know the Person who gifted us with our purpose. I will also ask the young woman to identify who she is. After she’s able to identify who she is I would then ask her what is it that she loves to do. If she’s hesitant in identifying what she loves to do, I suggest she explore that more. I would encourage those who do know their purpose yet are reluctant to live out their purpose to identify what’s stopping them. I would ask her to identify her source of fear and encourage her to love herself enough to live out her purpose. Most of the time we’re afraid of what others may say or think so we allow ourselves to become stagnate. Oftentimes we are afraid to walk in our purpose because sometimes it may lead us to a lonely road; but it’s okay because when you are comfortable with who you are and what you were created to do, nothing in the world will be able to stop you. It’s a decision that only you can make, no one can make it for you. I would let her know that she is only one decision away from walking in her purpose; it’s all up to her. G&G: Dr. Johnson, were there any women who helped shape your life? Is there anyone who has had a tremendous impact upon you? Dr. T: There were many women who helped shaped my life such as my mother, aunts, and grandmothers. However, one stands out in particular and that is my 3rd and 4th grade teacher Mrs. Ruby Sanders. I was in her 3rd grade class. The following year she taught 4th grade and she requested I remain in her class... lol. She saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself. She would ask me to speak at every school program. I would boldly go forth with my loudmouth to recite poems and give the welcome remarks to our school’s staff, students, and parents. In the year of 2020, I made contact with Mrs. Sanders, and I had the opportunity to ask
her if she remembered me and the first poem she had me recite. Before I could complete my sentence, she said this is Tamika Simmons, “You Got What It Takes” by George Washington Carver. She and I agreed that we both found out the poem was actually entitled “Equipment” and was written by Edgar Guest, but it was recorded as being one of George Washington Carver’s favorite poems. I also had the opportunity to tell her about the everlasting impact that she made in my life. I also asked her why she always chose me to speak at our school programs. She said I didn’t really know but all I knew was you were little and cute, and your voice projected. She said I knew it was something special about you. I told her it was because of her confidence and faith in me at an early age, that I now stand boldly speaking and motivating others. She is someone that I’ll never forget and even before I knew my purpose, God used her to have me begin in it. It was because of her that I boldly speak before large crowds with confidence. G&G: Lastly, Dr. Johnson, with all that you have accomplished thus far in your life, is there more, what is next for you? Dr. T: With all that I’ve accomplished thus far in my life, yes there is more. I strive to make a global impact with my life coaching and motivational speaking. However, because I am a writer, I am looking forward to writing more books and Lord willing eventually go back to writing plays. I used to write plays for my school programs, but I’m thinking about writing plays possibly on a larger scale in the near future. My plays will also be written to inspire and motivate others to become the best version of themselves. However, this month and the month of August, I will release book collaboration with 9 other authors entitled, It Is Me…. The Breaking of the Generational Curse as well as release three of my children’s books. The last book and journal I published in 2020 is entitled, Grow Up On Purpose. The book and journal are extensions of my company Grow Up: Empowerment Life Coaching LLC and all my books can be purchased on Amazon.
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to your good health
BE
Encouraged By now many people are ready to get back to life as normal. Even though many of the restrictions have been lifted, some people are not ready to fully engage with others or return to business as usual. No matter where you fall on the spectrum of comfort in gathering or returning to work, it is happening every day. The push to return to life before covid-19 is in full swing. The government, businesses and churches are all opening in various ways – fully open, hybrid or virtually. Adjusting to the world around you may be something you never thought you would have to face. Many of us were saying we could not wait to get out but now have some anxiety and fear about how that will look going forward. Be encouraged in this season of transition. We are living through interesting times. It can become overwhelming when you are presented with conflicting facts and must make decisions that are essential to dealing with the changes. Solutions to feeling trapped, overworked or exhausted can be difficult to find when the threat of the virus, 16 July 2021 | Grace&Glory
unemployment and relationship difficulties come into play whenever a viable option is discussed. Now is the time to be patient, give yourself some grace and use your faith. We are facing a time when resilience and intentional decision making will be crucial for getting over the hurdles that may pop up at any time during the recovery, rebuilding and resetting process. It may not be smooth sailing but there are others on this journey with you. Be encouraged knowing that this past year has prepared you for the unexpected. You faced it and you survived it. You now have strength for the next challenge that comes your way. Life may be filled with surprises but facing them head on is the Dr. Carla Debnam, Founder, only option. Renaissance Christian Counseling Center
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woman’s perspective we would pray and ask God to help us. After thoroughly going through the Biblical process as laid out by my mother, then we would get a spanking. As a child I truly didn’t understand why we had to go through all of that just to get a spanking, and as an adult, I have to admit that it took me a while to fully grasp it. However, I can appreciate what she was doing. Recently, I was in service, and while my husband was preaching a message it clicked. It finally made sense why my mother did what she did all those years ago.
What is Framing You? When I was a little girl I remember my mother always choosing her words intentionally when she was talking with her children. I can’t recall ever hearing her yell at us even when she was chastising us. I don’t even recall her calling us out of our names either. Considering there were 10 of us, I'm sure she must have mixed our names up. Whenever one of her children needed a spanking, my mother would first talk to us and explain exactly why we were getting the spanking. Then, we would have to go to the Word of God, and we would look for a Scripture that best represented the action we committed. For example, if one of us was caught lying we would have to go to the Bible and find a scripture regarding what God had to say about lying. Before we got the spanking we would have to read the scripture and reflect on what the Word said. Then 18 July July 2021 2021 || Grace&Glory Grace&Glory 18
In Hebrews 11:3 it says, “By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.” My mother was framing us with the Word of God. She didn’t allow us to dwell on the infraction, but she showed us how to repent so that whenever there was a time where we needed to come back to Christ we were equipped with the necessary tools to come back. Also, she allowed the Word to shape us. What people sometimes forget, or maybe some were never taught, is that your words hurt. What comes out of your mouth can change the trajectory of someone else’s life, including your own. So what are you framing? In Genesis the world was framed by God and then Adam. When God created the world He used His voice and spoke those things into existence. When the animals were created God gave Adam the authority to name them, and with those words the world continued to be framed through Adam. We have the same power and authority because we are heirs of the Father. Our words have the same ability to create and frame our lives resulting in a better outcome. Watch what you say. Watch the words you speak. Be intentional with your word choice, because what you say is framing your outcome. If you don’t know what to say, look into the Word of God and find a Scripture that you can reference so that what you are framing will be formed correctly. Be encouraged that if you find yourself in a situation where you have framed your world improperly, all is not lost. You can go to His Word, repent, tearing down Pastor Rhoda Turner that old frame work and begin to Christian Faith Fellowship Church Chandler, AZ rebuild with fresh words. www.cffaz.org
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trinkets to triumph
Contradict Your Uncomfortable Condition
You have the liberty to lose it! You can let go of any situation or circumstance that contradicts or that does not line up with your purpose or your present desire. You do not have to settle for a situation that does not satisfy you. You can see yourself out and exercise your right to deny and detach from anything that is not working for your good. You are not obligated to agree with any uncomfortable condition. God gave you the power to call those things that are not as though they are (Romans 4:17). You can begin to contradict your crisis and condition with your words. You can say what you want to see and God can make you see what you said. This month, as some celebrate Independence Day, remind yourself of that fact that you have the right to be free, and free indeed (John 8:36), from anything that you feel is not fulfilling you. Four lepers decided to contradict their current crisis and change their condition when they decided to go into the enemy’s camp (2 Kings 7:3-10). The four lepers were in a state of starvation and decided to take 20 July 2021 | Grace&Glory
a chance at changing their current state of starvation by going into the enemy’s camp for food (2 Kings 7:3-5). The four lepers knew if they remained in place and accepted their current circumstance, they knew they would die. The four lepers felt it was worth contradicting their current condition and risk it all. The four lepers not only went tent to tent eating until they were full, but they also left the enemy’s camp with gold, silver and clothing (2 Kings 7:8). God cleared the camp by making their enemy abandon and flee their camp by making them hear chariots and the galloping of horses as though they were being invaded (2 Kings 7:5-7). God always exceeds your expectation. When you make up your mind not to settle in your situation, He is always waiting to help you achieve your goal and bless you even further than you expect. The four lepers were only expecting to eat but instead they were fed and left even fuller with treasures. King Hezekiah contradicted his current condition. When the prophet, Isaiah, told King Hezekiah to set his affairs in order because he was about to die, King Hezekiah didn’t settle for his situation (2 Kings 20:1-6). He contradicted his condition. King Hezekiah decided to turn his face to the wall and cry out unto the Lord (2 Kings 20:2-4). The Lord heard Hezekiah, seen his tears, and told the prophet to go back to King Hezekiah and let him know that He would add 15 years to his life (2 Kings 20:5-7). God being the awesome God that He is, not only added 15 years to King Hezekiah’s life but he also promised to rescue him from the king of Assyria (2 Kings 20:6). If he had settled for his situation, he would not have had the opportunity to live longer. Since he contradicted his current uncomfortable condition, he not only had the opportunity to live longer but he received healing, years added to his life, and victory over his adversary (2 Kings 20:1-7). Take the liberty and leap for it. You can rebut, refute and reverse your situation to work out for your good. You have the power of prayer and can seek your Heavenly Father and ask him to turn your situation around to work for your good and the way you desire. Commit to using your keys to the Kingdom (Matthew 16:19) and the authority Jesus gave to you to contradict an uncomfortable condition. Like the four lepers and King Hezekiah, God is ready to move when you move Tracey Nicole George and give you the victory. Go for it. www.traceystrinketstotriumph.com
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monthly manna
Happy Summer! As you read this message of HOPE, I pray that you are ready for Revival to take place in your life. Just take a moment and lay hands on yourself and say, “Lord, I’m ready to be revived.” The Lord knows where you are weak. He knows what you are worried about. He knows what you are stressed about, but I believe that your story is changing, and revival is coming to you and your household.
Revival is not coming for you to have a temporary commitment. Revival is coming to restore you so that your character will keep you in your days to come. Revival is coming so that you will not give up when challenged. Revival is coming so that you will not lose HOPE. Revival is coming so that you can embrace your new platform with grace and not force. When Revival comes, and it is coming, take the time to remember the Lord with thanksgiving! When true revival comes, it’s really a time of recommitment and redevelopment. Remember, revival will have no power You may not feel the shift immediately, but trust the Holy Spirit that dwells within you, for surely the seed if you put old wine into new wine skins. (Mark 2:22) has been planted. Can you think about your passion 22 being renewed towards God, your God? Despite And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. the challenges and circumstances, the Lord has not Otherwise, the wine will burst the forgotten about you. Many of us are experiencing skins, and both the wine and the grief and heaviness. Even your children are weeping wineskins will be ruined. No, they for the grief and pain that some of us have endured pour new wine into new wineskins.” but take strength, our savior draws nigh! Revival is coming! One thing we cannot afford is unbalanced elevation. We have Regardless of what you have experienced this year come too far! My Pastor always thus far, I truly believe that God will breathe afresh says, “God wastes nothing!” So in your life, your heart and your destiny. The Lord please keep your eyes on MIN. CARENDA DEONNE www.carendadeonne.com has personally revived me through His love. I am the Lord. His presence 888-473-2221 beginning to see the love of Christ in all things, even His power and His great admin@carendadeonne.com those things I at times take for granted. Psalm 33:22 grace will sustain you. Facebook: @carendadeonne says, “May your faithful love rest on us Lord, for we Take Cheer…Revival is Twitter: @cdpgem put our hope in you.” When revival comes be sure to coming! Instagram: @carendadeonne Linkedin: @carendadeonnellc put your hope in the Lord, for He will settle you and Live life on the promise YOUTUBE: @CARENDADEONNELLC your matters. of IMPACT! ANCHOR: WWW.ANCHOR.FM/TAKEAIM
22 July 2021 | Grace&Glory
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health matters
Be
Mindful Mindfulness is a popular concept in our culture today. Authors and social scientists have encouraged us to be more “mindful.” What is mindfulness? Is this something I can embrace as a Christian? Mindfulness is defined as “the quality or state of being conscious or aware of something; a mental state achieved by focusing one’s awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one’s feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations, used as a therapeutic technique.” To be mindful is to think about your place and activity in the world and surrounding situations. Mindfulness means to consider who you are, where you are, and what you are doing. Mindfulness challenges us to look deeper into ourselves and to evaluate the meaning of our actions and thoughts. Three characteristics of mindfulness behaviors are: • Intentionally developing an awareness of the things and situations that surround your life. • Paying attention to what is occurring in the present moment (simply observing thoughts, feelings, sensations as they arise).
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• Developing an attitude that is non-judgmental, curious, and kind. Some Christians may conflict with these ideas. Matthew 6:25, 27 urges us to take no thought about simple matters and admonishes that we cannot add to our stature by thinking on earthly things. However, Paul’s letter to the church of Philippi is aligned with the concept of mindfulness. Philippians 4:8 tells us to meditate on things that are noble, just, pure, lovely, and of good report, virtuous and praiseworthy. And, by doing this, we shall find peace. The Apostle Paul tells us to pay attention to the ideas and situations that surround our lives. In essence, we should be curious and pay attention to what is happening in the current moment by observing our Dr. Denyce Watties-Daniels Assistant Professor at thoughts and feelings. The Coppin State University Apostle Paul is telling us to DWatties-Daniels@coppin.edu be mindful. healthytips025@gmail.com
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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 day-usually 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. 26 July 2021 | Grace&Glory
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 "CHIZELIT" HARRIS Fitness Expert Chizel It Transformation Fitness Center 9006 Liberty Rd • Randallstown Md 21133 443-253-0090 • www.chizelit.com
Woman & Black owned, Service-Disabled Veteran, licensed and insured business in the State of Maryland; proud janitorial service provider for
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Luke 11:25 (ESV) and when it comes, it finds the house swept and put in order.
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