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scripture page
Proverbs 31:25-31 (NLT)
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She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.
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When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness.
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She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness.
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Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her: 29
“There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!”
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Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.
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Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.
Happy Mother's Day!!
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May 2021
™
on the cover: Pastor Denise L. Folks, Ph.D. Greater Church of the Risen Savior & Ministries Apostolic Center 5621 The Alameda Baltimore, MD 21239
Cover Story
pgs 8-11 This month we celebrate Mothers and we are spotlighting Pastor Denise L. Folks, Ph.D., a strong
and powerful advocate for women. We talk to Dr. Denise L. Folks about her passions for women and the different ministries she has founded to address women’s issues. Dr. Folks has written and published several books, short stories, articles, and conference materials for the empowerment of women and is the CEO at New City of Hope Educational Institute. Dr. Folks is also co-founder with her husband Bishop Victor Folks of the Greater Church of the Risen Savior in Baltimore, MD.
Healthy Soul
20 WOMAN’S PERSPECTIVE
26 TRINKETS TO TRIUMPH
28 MONTHLY MANNA
Pastor Rhoda Turner
Minister Tracey George
Minister Carenda Deonne
God’s Got Us
A Mother On A Mission
Zoom Out
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Healthy Mind 16 TO YOUR GOOD HEALTH
Dr. Carla J. Debnam
Expand Your Vision
In Every Issue Scripture Page........................................ 2
Healthy Body
Contributors............................................ 6 From the Editor....................................... 7
32 HEALTH MATTERS
34 BODY BASICS
Dr. Denyce Watties-Daniels
Colon Cancer- Get a Colonoscopy
Charles & Ursula Harris
Take Another Shot
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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 GRAPHIC ARTIST Claire Lesesne www.JandCDesigns.com WEB ADMINISTRATOR Andre Felipe for Arts Period 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.
ditor EMothers From the
from the the editor editor from
“Mothers love with all their strength, all their being, and all their hearts, and with that love they perform magic when called upon, move mountains when necessary, and give the moon and stars whenever possible.” Mother’s Day is one of the most celebrated holidays in the world. Who is this woman that we go out of our way to celebrate with such grandeur? All over the world, people will be busy shopping for this woman trying to find that one special thing that will express their love for her. Who is this woman that Hallmark goes above and beyond to describe? Who is this woman that songs and books are written about her? Poems will be read in church about her. Little children will proudly show off their ‘Crayola’ creations for this woman. Who is she? We call her Mother!
Jackie Epps Editor-in-Chief
There are countless ways to describe this woman. Her ability to love unconditionally. Her protective nature Jackie Epps to keep her children from all hurt, harm and danger. She is a nurturer; she makes sure her children’s physical and spiritual needs are met. She is also her children’s first teacher, developing their minds to survive in the world. There are many attributes of this woman we call Mother. She is our refuge, our ‘way-maker’, our best friend. She keeps all of our heart’s desires and dreams close to her heart. Perhaps the most important attribute of this woman is her praying spirit. Her prayers cover her children when they are near and far. A mother’s love is the most powerful love we experience in life. When God created this woman, He knew that she would be an extension of Himself. The attributes of our mothers are strikingly similar to the attributes of our Heavenly Father. As we celebrate, honor and remember our mothers, let us Praise God for His wonderful creation! As you enjoy spending time with your mother this Mother’s Day, remember to lift in prayer those whose heads are bowed down because their mothers have now gone to be with the Lord, and we pray for those mothers who may be mourning the loss of a child. Give them a warm and loving hug this Mother’s Day and whisper in their ears that God knows and He cares! “Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal.”
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I N T E RV I E W WITH
Pastor Denise L. Folks, Ph.D. GREATER CHURCH OF THE RISEN SAVIOR & MINISTRIES APOSTOLIC CENTER Baltimore, MD
G&G: Dr. Folks I am very excited for this opportunity to talk with you and we are delighted to feature you for our Mother's Day issue. You are a jewel to the Kingdom of God, and it is an honor to have you share with us. I would like to get started with a few “getting to know you” questions, first what three words would best describe you and why? Dr. Folks: Three words that best describe me are loyal, happy, and poetic. I am loyal to God because of his great mercy towards me every day. I value loyalty because I want God to trust me with Kingdom work which is people. Without loyalty you cannot win people to Christ.
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I enjoy being happy. I make it a point to get along with everyone. I could never do all that God has allowed me to do without joy. “The joy of the Lord is my strength” (Nehemiah 8:10). Finally, I am poetic. I fell in love with the poetic genius of Paul Lawrence Dunbar in elementary school as I listened to a classmate so eloquently present the poem, ‘Little Brown Baby’. I wrote my first poem when I was seventeen years old entitled, ‘I Try to Understand’. As a teenager, writing poetry helped me to understand who I was and who I was to become. I wrote my first poetry book in 1997 entitled, ‘From Darkness to Light, A Living Testimony of Poetry’. As of today, I have written four books of poetry and several short stories. G&G: Dr. Folks, would you share with us something that most people would not know or be surprised to know about you? Dr. Folks: I was born and raised in Baltimore City in 1960. I am a mother, grandmother and great- grandmother. I have four wonderful daughters, 12 grandchildren and two great- grandchildren. I have been married to Bishop Victor M. Folks for 23 years. As a child, I lived in the Gilmore Homes Projects in Baltimore City in the 60’s and early 70’s. I was blessed to have a mother who prayed for me and my siblings, taught us great values and protected us. I also had great mentors and instructors. Through them I learned to sew, tap dance, twirl a baton, and respect my elders. One of my greatest accomplishments growing up was learning how to swim. Today, I am an excellent swimmer. I swim more than 50 laps at the Y of Central Maryland three days a week. I was once a swimming instructor and a lifeguard for the YMCA and Coppin State College (University). Swimming helps me to stay in touch with who God called me to be. And, many people do not know that my grandfather is the late Rev. Jenrry E. McDonald of Morning Star Baptist Church in Catonsville, Maryland. And, my great-
grandmother Ida Mae Washington personally served and cooked for Dr. Harold A. Carter Sr. of New Shiloh Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland for many years. It was my great-grandmother who spoke the ministry of Jesus Christ into my life. G&G: Dr. Folks, growing up as a young girl what were some of your dreams and aspirations? Dr. Folks: Growing up as a young girl I aspired to work with children. Every summer my mother would send us to different camps. I remember in the 60’s going to Camp Whippoorwill located in Pasadena, Maryland. It was owned and operated by Girls Scouts of Central Maryland. I experienced life outside of the big city, and the counselors made sure that the campers were engaged in innovative and fulfilling activities. The experience was so great that I wanted to be a camp counselor when I grew up. I would always say, “One day I am going to be a camp counselor”. I presently operate a summer enrichment camp for children and youth ages 5-13.
My ministry did not begin in the church. I did not find God in the church. I found God in communities throughout Baltimore City as I planned and implemented Girl Scouting programs for girls who lived in the projects (Lexington Terrace, Murphy Homes, Flag House Courts and Lafayette Courts). I met God through their smiles and their energetic personalities as I introduced them to skiing, ice skating, sailing, canoeing, and yes, swimming. I fell in love with God through them which drew me to the church of Jesus Christ. My ministry began in the classrooms of Baltimore City and Baltimore County as a Special Education Teacher; interacting with children and youth is one of the greatest gifts God has blessed me with. I will be forever young because of them. As a result of God’s love and calling on my life, I founded Positive Youth Expressions, Inc. in 1993. From this non-profit organization, Little Folks Child Care Center and The Greater Youth Christian Academy were established in 2002. Please purchase a copy of my book, “Oh That I Had Wings Like a Dove” – Touching the Life of a Child, 2019, Dorrance Publishing Company
G&G: Dr. Folks, tell us how your journey in ministry began? ◆◆◆ At what point did you know G&G: Dr. Folks, would you say you have what your purpose was for several passions in ministry, let’s start with your life? your passion for women; tell us about your Dr. Folks: My journey in God’s Changing ‘Woman’ Ministry and the ministry began in the summer vision behind it? of 1981. My swimming Dr. Folks: I founded God’s Changing instructor at Coppin State ‘Woman’ Ministry in 1999 while pastoring College (University) Minister The Greater Church of The Risen Savior Wayne Mitchell offered me Ministry with my husband Bishop Victor and other college students a M. Folks. GCWM mission is to comfort the job being camp counselors hearts of all women; to edify and instill for Camp Moss Hollow greatness in the midst of trial, travail, and located in Dumfries, VA. It Pastor Denise L. Folks, Ph.D. and Bishop Victor Folks transformation regardless of age, race, was operated by the Family ethnicity, religion or sexual orientation, and to establish and Child Services of Washington D.C. One evening while in her every good word and work according to the word of sitting around the campfire, Minister Mitchell began playing God (The Holy Bible). GCWM was birthed out of my own the song “I want to praise you Lord much more than I do” experience with intimate partner violence as a teenager and on his guitar. Now, at that time, my only experience with as a young woman. My experience resulted in low selfchurch was attending St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church esteem, poor body image, and alcohol and drug use. Today as a child, and a having a few Bible studies with Jehovah Witnesses. I never heard of the Holy Ghost or felt the move of as I minister to girls, women in transition, and women at the altar of God, I see, hear, and feel some of the same pains God. The song Minister Mitchell sang resonated through me and struggles that once engulfed me. Through GCWM, I am and I began to cry. He led me in receiving Jesus Christ in my determined to use all resources possible to help bring about life that evening. This was the summer that God revealed my calling to me. He drew my attention to the girls in the cabin in healing and restoration to all women by providing workshops, symposiums, and conferences to help meet her needs. which I was a camp counselor. I saw them in a way I had not Through God’s Changing ‘Woman’ Ministry, I was able to seen them before. As my heart welled up with a feeling I did not understand, I knew that ministering to children and youth Continued on page 10 was my purpose. www.gracenglorymagazine.org www.gracenglorymagazine.org 99
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establish The Dr. Denise L. Folks Women’s Supportive Housing Program in West Baltimore City. I purchased properties and with the help of my husband, renovated them for the purpose of providing a safe place for women to heal and be restored in preparation for family reunification and permanent housing. G&G: In addition, you are also the editor of a monthly newsletter for women, tells us about this publication? Dr. Folks: I started writing ‘The Metamorphosis’ in 2015 for the purpose of encouraging all women to obtain and maintain optimal health spiritually, emotionally, nutritionally, physically, and mentally. I believe that ‘Good Health is Freedom in Body, Soul, and Spirit’. God has much for us to do. We must take care of our temple. We must proclaim, “Tis Not My Time to Die!” Too many women of color are dying before their time. “We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.” (Philippians 4:13) Therefore, we must take on an attitude that says, “I will not let age change me; I will change the way I age.” Since the pandemic, ‘The Metamorphosis’ meets virtually on the first and third Tuesdays of the month. We share, encourage, and instill knowledge. You can get a copy of ‘The Metamorphosis’ and be a part of our virtual sessions by sending your email address to DFolks50@gmail.com. G&G: Dr. Folks, I understand you also are the founder of a woman’s and children’s self-help center, The New City of Hope Center, tell us about the need and purpose for this center? Dr. Folks: The Women’s and Children’s Self-Help Center is located at 2215 N. Fulton Avenue. Its purpose is to provide resources in the form of clothes, toiletries, workshops, and prayer, and to provide information for additional resources and services for all women. I am presently in search of volunteers to help with this project. The New City of Hope is located in West Baltimore City. God sent me and my husband to this community to establish his presence. With the help of Bond Bills and the support of a dedicated board member, Bishop Folks and I were able to purchase dilapidated houses, raze them and build a new educational center at 1001 N. Dukeland Street. The center offers early childhood education, before and after school programs, and provides space for community meetings. We established ‘green space’ at 1000-1002 Ashburton Street for community activities; and, we renovated 1004 Ashburton Street into a Literacy Hub to provide literacy counseling to 5th and 8th graders to help fill in 10 10 May May2021 2021| |Grace&Glory Grace&Glory
reading gaps before they go to middle school and high school. Employment opportunities are available. The New City of Hope also provides affordable housing to families. My husband and I have purchased and renovated six houses for families in West Baltimore City to the Glory of God. G&G: Dr. Folks, throughout your years as a pastor, your passion for women in ministry led you to write the book, ‘Back a Sister Up’, tell us why you felt the need to write this book? Dr. Folks: Women need one another. We must stand in the gap for one another and prophesy greatness. Too often we tear each other’s houses down brick by brick with harsh words and bitter stares. This breaks my heart. The book’s title “Back a Sister Up!” – I am Commanded to Prophesy, 2017, speaks for itself. When we back one another up in the power of the Holy Spirit we blaze paths for girls and women to break glass ceilings in every area of life, especially in the church. My book encourages all women to support and not abort her sister’s mission in life. God called Ezekiel to prophesy life into the Valley of Dry Bones (Ezekiel 37). As he was commanded to breathe life into a dead situation, I command every woman to do the same for another woman. G&G: Dr. Folks, being a woman pastor have you ever experienced discrimination or situations of not being accepted as a woman in a role that has been for many years dominated by men? Dr. Folks: Oh Yes! But, I have been given the authority by God to go forth in a mighty way. God has given me a church to pastor, and a pulpit to teach, prophesy and preach the non-compromising, infallible, non-negotiable, inerrant, authoritative Gospel of Jesus Christ in and out of season. Many people have come to Christ under my pastorate. I have been treated harshly by both men and women in the church of Jesus Christ because I am a woman pastor. But I cannot stop and deal with their religious illiteracy. I refuse to come down off the wall to deal with Satan’s lies and misrepresentation of God’s Holy word. I was blessed to sit under the late Apostle Eddie Montgomery, Ph.D. founder of Family Bible Ministries and President of Family Bible Institute, College and Seminary. He saw the call of God on my life and ordained me to the pastorate in 1998. I thank God for the honor and privilege to pastor The Greater Church of the Risen Savior with my husband Bishop Victor M. Folks who refuses to interact with ministries that
despise women in their call to pastor. The word of God says in 2 Peter 3:9, “I desire that any should not perish, but all should come to repentance.” We need men and women to spread the Gospel message to keep people out of hell. What difference does it make what roll they are in, “Just Get it Done!” I was not called by men; I was called by God! G&G: Dr. Folks, I know you have a heart for women in ministry, what would you say to an aspiring young woman in ministry, who may be wrestling with a call on her life? Dr. Folks: I would tell her to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding but in all thy ways acknowledge him and he will direct your path.” (Proverbs 3:5-6) I would tell her to get under a good Bible teaching church. This may be a church with a small to medium size congregation where she can grow in God’s word and not become distracted by all the ‘bells and whistles.’ She needs to learn how to be still in the presence of the Lord. I would tell her to ask God to, “Search me, know me and try me to see if there be any wicked way in me and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139) This prayer will restore and continually cleanse her soul from seen and unseen danger in body, soul, and spirit. I would tell her that this walk can be lonely because God will remove people from her life who will block her flow in the anointing (family, friends, significant others). Lastly, I would tell her,”Not to be weary in well doing; for in due season she shall reap if she faints not.” (Galatians 6:9) G&G: Dr. Folks, were there any women who helped shape your life? Is there anyone who has had a tremendous impact upon you? Dr. Folks: My mother Agnes C. Anderson has had a tremendous impact on my life. Growing up I watched her take care of five children by herself. She taught us about Jesus and how to pray. She encouraged us to treat people right and how to stand up for
ourselves. And, she would always say, “Save before you spend and learn how to keep a roof over your head.” My mother stood by my side when I was a teen parent. She stood by my side through the bad relationships. She stood by my side when the hot water heater went up and the light bill was due. She is still standing by my side at age 81. My mother is committed to Jesus Christ. She supports my call in the ministry. She never gave up on me, my sisters, or my brother. She has always been our greatest supporter. I Salute her today and every day. G&G: Dr. Folks, I am sure like most women you have many roles- wife, mother, business owner, etc., and given the added responsibility of a pastor, how do you keep things balanced in your life? What do you do to replenish and restore yourself? Dr. Folks: As I mentioned before, I intentionally take the time to swim. I also walk and I ride a bike. God calms me and speaks to me during this time. And, I always find time to meditate on God’s word. The scripture that brought me into the Kingdom of God and keeps me balanced is, “Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and all of His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33) God is always adding to my life in great ways. The work he allows me to do satisfies and fills my soul. Having a great husband balances me as well. I would never be able to do what I do if it was not for Bishop Folks. He is a true ‘Help Meet’. When I am too serious, he makes me laugh. When I am overwhelmed, he takes me on long rides or to dinner. And, he makes sure that I have the time to swim, walk and ride my bike. G&G: Lastly, Dr. Folks, with all that you have accomplished in ministry, is there more, what is next for you? Dr. Folks: There is always more to do in the Kingdom of God. I am quietly waiting to hear from Him. I know that His next assignment will bring Him the Glory and salvation to His people.
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TIMELESS is a spinoff project from the John Turner Jazz Quartet consisting of Jennifer Parde on keyboards and vocals, and John Turner on percussion. They have been playing music together for about 13 years. Fate bought them together after a vocalist canceled a show with John’s jazz group one weekend. Somebody gave John Jen’s number and they have been playing together ever since. When not working with John’s Jazz Quartet or with the Timeless Duo, Jen is lead vocalist with the popular big band out of Baltimore MD, Mood Swings. She also teaches voice and piano. Besides playing with Jen in his jazz quartet, John runs his own jazz trio, a blues rock funk band called Reddog and The Project Band with Shaun McMullen. John has also started his own record company Green Chest Records out of Fallston, Md, with his longtime studio engineer. What is Timeless? Timeless is a duo that can play nice quiet jazz tunes as a back drop for people enjoying a meal at your establishment, only enhancing their meal or they can rock it up for your younger crowds by playing radio hits of today as well as the past. Check out their song list. What makes the Timeless Duo unique is that they approach music with more of a jazzier style. People have walked up to them after shows and have said things like “You Guys Are Amazing.”
The TimeLess Duo is now accepting bookings for your summer events. Weddings, Cookouts, Graduation parties as well as company events. TimeLess plays Jazz, Rock,Soft Rock as well as contemporary music. SOME OF THEIR SCHEDULE BOOKING SO FAR: May 15th – Bruno’s in Edgewood MD – 7-10 pm May 21st – MacGregor’s in Havre de Grace, MD 8-12 am July 9th – Macgregor’s in Havre de Grace, MD 8-12 am July 24th – Havre de Grace Opera House – 8-10 pm August 20th – MacGregor’s in Havre de Grace MD – 8-12 am October 15th MacGregor’s in Havre de Grace, MD – 8-12 am October 24th – Havre de Grace Art Show – 2-4 pm October 29th – MacGregors in Havre de Grace MD – 8-12 am 14 May 2021 | Grace&Glory
TimeLess can also provide a full band if you would like for your event.
For Bookings, Call
410-340-6298
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to your good health
There are so many things that can be limiting in our lives. It can be our health, our finances, our perspective, our families, our careers, or ourselves. These limits can become overwhelming and constant but not enough to keep you stagnant. We often hear people say, “Trials come to make us strong”, “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger” or “God won’t put more on you than you can bear”. While all of these cliché’s has some truth to them, they can also become barriers to the fruit of our faith. Faith is a muscle to be exercised and yes, stretched when the going gets tough. Sometimes in order to strengthen our faith, we must be faced with resistance and struggles. Look at the life of Joseph whose vision and dream caused him to experience rejection, isolation, imprisonment, jealousy, false accusations, enslavement and finally freedom and victory. All of these events were a path to fulfilling Joseph’s vision. Your story may be similar to Joseph’s or the opposite with only positive encounters on your journey. What matters in life’s journey, is whether your faith is strong enough to withstand the weight of the vision God has given you. You may be facing new and difficult challenges, yet this is all a result of your expanding vision. Vision requires you to 16 May 2021 | Grace&Glory
pull up your stakes and move into unchartered territory. Vision requires you to leave some things, people, and places behind. Vision calls you from deep to deep. And you will have to be stretched in order to expand in the direction your faith is taking you. Now is the time to move out on faith in the direction God is leading you in as a pastor, church leader, spouse, parent or friend. God has planted seeds of possibilities in each of us and will continue the good work he began until the day of Christ Jesus. We all have what it takes to expand our vision. We have our seasoned faith, the testimonies of those who have gone before us and we have God on our side. Expansion can be scary but maintain your courage. If God is pushing you to expand your vision and increase your capacity, then God will give you the resources necessary to bring the Dr. Carla Debnam, Founder, Renaissance Christian vision to reality. Counseling Center
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woman’s perspective
God's
GOT US
Last night I had a dream. In this dream I was lost and confused. I was in a house full of people celebrating, but I felt so alone. In the dream it felt like time was standing still, but everyone around me was moving and enjoying this joyous or sadden occasion. I was unsure which type of event it was. There were some people in one corner laughing while others were crying. It almost reminded me of what some cultures do after the repast of a funeral when they gather at the family’s house of the lost loved ones and they continue to talk and celebrate over drinks and food. From the feeling and the people in the dream I don't believe it was a repast though. I knew one of the people holding a conversation, and they were talking about people having a good time with each other. When I awoke I was utterly confused. Still, I’m not totally sure what the dream was even about. I sat up in my bed quietly at 4:30 in the morning trying to make sense of what I had just dreamt. My mother used to always tell me when I was younger that when a dream stays with you it’s worth talking to God about. I was reminded of that wisdom as I sat there. So I asked God, "What was that? “ He said, "That’s how people live their lives daily; personally saddened while the world around them appears happy. It’s not that they are happy either, yet they appear to be happy all while hurting and in pain." That's what this year has been to many; confusing, happy, and yet sad too. While some are having a joyous time, others are disheartened by the feeling of loneliness. Many feel as though they have to do things on their own or that what they are experiencing, no one else is experiencing. People are afraid to move forward and are stuck, too paralyzed to move. The feeling of being afraid is isolating, and forces people to silently struggle alone. You see the last 12 months have been brutal for us all. This horrible experience has wreaked havoc on us, not just because some have lost their jobs or even lost hope. It is because they have lost contact with other people. Isolation is what the enemy wants. When we were advised to socially distant ourselves from others, it was palatable because we were convinced that it would only be for a short time. However, that short time has been going on for a year and counting. The enemy has a plan for you and I, and in his plan he comes to kill, steal and destroy. Where does he start? He starts with your mind. The enemy wants us to be so isolated so that he can fill our minds with confusion and loneliness, because he knows that if he has our minds and 20 May May2021 2021| |Grace&Glory Grace&Glory 20
thoughts then he can gain control of the other areas of our lives; which can subsequently lead to our hearts. In God’s Word, Isaiah says in Chapter 26 verses 3-4 (NIV) that, “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal.” If you lose trust in the Lord, which starts in your mind, you will engage in a downward spiral and it will ultimately affect your heart. Hold fast. Don’t give up. Protect your mind. YOUR MIND MATTERS. Know that God is with you even though you’ve felt alone and isolated. The reality is that you have never truly been alone. God has been with you the entire time. “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 (NIV) This scripture is a beautiful reminder to us that we shouldn’t lack anything, because God's got us. This is one of my favorite scriptures. When I find myself at points of loneliness, this verse reminds me that He has me. The Bible is full of reminders of His faithfulness to provide for us at every level. Here is one more. I pray that they bless you, keep you and remind you that He's with you, for you, and that He's got you! “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my Pastor Rhoda Turner head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely Christian Faith Fellowship Church your goodness and love will follow me all Chandler, AZ the days of my life, and I will dwell in the www.cffaz.org house of the Lord forever.” Psalms 23:1-6
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trinkets to triumph
A Mother on a
MISSION! A mother on a mission is a mother that is there for her children in every memorable moment, mess up, and milestone. A mother on a mission has a “by any means necessary” mentality when it comes to rearing her children. A mother on a mission is confident in the fact that, as long as she follows her Father and finds favor in His sight, she is able to lead, love, and lavish her children with every good thing. As you celebrate Mother’s Day this month, take a moment to think about all of the mothers on a mission that you know and thank God for all of them. A mother on a mission has hope like Hannah. Hannah hoped for a child and was on a mission to become a mother. She wanted nothing more than to have a child. She persistently prayed for a child. God heard her prayer and she possessed the child. As promised, she passed him along to the priest to be reared as a righteous man in the house of the Lord (1 Samuel 1:1-28). Her mission was met by the Master and she birthed a mighty man of God in the person of Samuel the prophet (1 Samuel 1:20). A mother on a mission has a mindset and a mouth that says, “It is well,” like the Shunammite woman (2 Kings 4:26). The prophet Elisha prophesied that she would have a son and his prophecy was manifested (2 Kings 4:17). Her son fell ill and died but she knew he was a promise from the prophet and she was not going to settle for it (2 Kings 4:8-37). She kept the “it is well” mantra in her mouth and set out on her mission to let Elisha know what happened. She refused to settle for what she saw and knew that her “it is well” with her mouth would match her mission to see her son alive again when she went to Elisha (2 Kings 4:8-37). A mother on a mission is soon satisfied like Sarah. Sarah was 90 years old when she had her son Isaac (Genesis 21:1-7). She was blessed with the child she desired for many years. Although several years passed, Sarah was satisfied with the birth of her son. A mother on a mission knows that though the promise may tarry; wait for it (Habakkuk 2:3). Sarah finally received the satisfaction of a son and the mother of many by the seed of Abraham (Genesis 17:5). A mother on a mission leans on her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and is confident in the fact that she can cast all of her cares on Him because He cares for her (1 Peter 5:7). A mother on a mission knows that He will perfect all those things that concern her (Psalm 138:8). A mother on a mission knows she can do all things through Christ (Philippians 4:13). With the Master on her side, there is no match for a mother on a mission! Tracey Nicole George
www.traceystrinketstotriumph.com
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monthly manna
I was listening to a sermon recently from Pastor Steven Furtick, of Elevation Church, and he was talking about invisible prisons. He talked about at times we can make invisible prisons when we feel that God has not met our expectations. In his sermon, he referenced John the Baptist in Matthew 11:2-3. John the Baptist had become discouraged. He was in prison, actual prison, but wanted to get a message to Jesus to ask him, "Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else." At that moment John the Baptist created an invisible prison. Why, because sometimes we can make invisible prisons when we think God should move in the way we expect or like. Listen, there are things, major things and changes happening in my life right now that some of you wouldn't believe. If I told you, you would say, "Oh this sounds like a movie you would see on lifetime." There are still many moments when I don't understand what God is doing and why, and I am saying, "God where are you?" I know it’s not kosher for a Minister of the gospel who should be FULL of FAITH to say that, but guess what, I did. I not only said it, but I screamed it! I want to share with you something Pastor Steven said. When he said it, it blessed my soul and totally shifted my mindset. He said that at times we are so focused on our own expectation that the Lord really needs us to ZOOM OUT. Once we Zoom out we will see that He has been there all along. I want to place that in your spirit as well! Maybe you are reading this article and like me you screamed, "God where are you?" Beloved, it’s time to ZOOM OUT! Step back and take FULL inventory. Yes, we may have gone through the unthinkable and unimaginable, but He 28 May 2021 | Grace&Glory
who has begun a good work in you is faithful to perform. (Philippians 1:6) Zoom out and see how He has protected you. Zoom out and see how He has provided for you. Zoom out and see how He has positioned you. I read a daily devotional and the author stated how in this year we are going from story to glory. Zoom out and stop focusing on the story but rather the glory of the Lord upholding you at a higher standard to make a greater impact. Zoom out! Maybe it’s time for you to let go of your expectation to trust that the God you serve and love, has a greater one. I am not saying not to have expectations, but what I am saying is if God doesn't move in the way you expected, will you believe that there is a greater purpose and a greater plan? I like what Pastor Steven said, "We have to resist the urge to control God!" I never thought about it that way, but I do believe that if I stay in that invisible prison, I will miss God's ultimate plan. MIN. CARENDA DEONNE Beloved, hear the voice www.carendadeonne.com of the Lord, "Blessed 888-473-2221 is he who allows and admin@carendadeonne.com welcomes me to be God Facebook: @carendadeonne outside of what they think Twitter: @cdpgem I should do or act." May Instagram: @carendadeonne the Lord take us from Linkedin: @carendadeonnellc story to glory! ZOOM YOUTUBE: @CARENDADEONNELLC OUT! In Jesus Name. ANCHOR: WWW.ANCHOR.FM/TAKEAIM
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health matters
COLON CANCER What do you think about when you hear the words “Colon cancer”? These words can be frightening. It is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, and the third for men. The American Cancer Society estimates that about 1 in 21 men and 1 in 23 women in the United States will develop colorectal cancer during their lifetime. As concerning as these statistics are, colon cancer is also one of the most preventable types of cancer because of diagnostic procedures that facilitate early detection of cancer cells in the colon. AfricanAmericans have a greater risk of colon cancer than do people of other races. You're more likely to develop colon cancer if you have a blood relative who has had the disease. If more than one family member has colon cancer, your risk is even greater. Smoking, obesity, and sustained alcohol use are also risk factors in the development of colon cancer. Colon cancer is sometimes called colorectal cancer, which is a term that identifies the specific location of cancer in the lower end of the digestive tract. Colon cancer usually begins as small, noncancerous clumps of tissue called polyps. These small growths within the colon may not produce any symptoms until they grow larger and evolve into cancerous cells. Doctors recommend individuals over 50 years old, with an average risk of developing colon cancer get a colonoscopy. Individuals with an increased risk, such as those with a family history of colon cancer, should consider screening sooner. A colonoscopy is a painless procedure performed under general anesthesia. During the procedure, a long, flexible tube (colonoscope) is inserted into the rectum. A tiny video camera at the tip of the tube allows the doctor to view the inside of the entire colon. If necessary, polyps or can be removed during the procedure, and biopsies can be taken to identify if cancerous cells are present. Let me share my journey. As a nurse, I was aware of the benefits of getting screened for colon cancer. As an educator, I’ve taught the pathophysiology related to the disease and explained the required nursing care of patients undergoing the procedure. I knew that getting a colonoscopy was essential. I’ve taken family 32 May 2021 | Grace&Glory
Get a Colonoscopy
members and friends to get their procedures. But, I hesitated getting tested. Many people say it’s difficult to provide medical treatment to healthcare workers in any situation because “They know too much.” True, I was aware of the preparation, the intimacies of the procedure, and the recovery after colonoscopy. I didn’t like the thought of being uncomfortable. I didn’t want to take the 12-24 hour bowel prep. I even obtained the non-invasive Cologarde screening kit and did not open it. God moves and works in mysterious ways! For several months I kept meeting people who recently had a colonoscopy. Commercials encouraging colon screening frequently were broadcasted on television and the radio. Then I developed gastric distress. I had frequent heartburn and dull pain in my left side. I was seen by a gastroenterologist. As I suspected, he recommended I undergo a colonoscopy. The prep wasn’t as bad as I imagined. My digestive system was cleaned within 12 hours. The staff at the outpatient facility was professional, knowledgeable, and comforting. I resumed my normal activities the next day. My gastric distress was related to small areas of inflammation. They found 3 small, non-cancerous polyps and removed them. Imagine what could have happened if polyps grew into cancerous cells because I was afraid to have the test. I shared my experience with my students. I have a deeper understanding of my patients. Dr. Denyce Watties-Daniels Fear can be costly. If you are 50 years old Assistant Professor at or older, see your physician and discuss Coppin State University getting a colonoscopy. It could save you DWatties-Daniels@coppin.edu from developing colon cancer. healthytips025@gmail.com
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body basics
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