September 2013 by Grace & Glory Magazine

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2 September 2013 | Grace&Glory

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SEPTEMBER 2013

™

contents on the cover: Dr. Ronald C. Williams, Pastor

Lady Cyndi Williams Pleasant Grove Baptist Church 214 S. Loudon Avenue Baltimore, MD 21229 410-646-1462 www.pgbcministries.org

Q&A Interview with Dr. Ronald C. Williams

features 15 Mayor’s Journal

Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake

17 Governor’s Page Governor Martin O’Malley 19 Education Digest Dr. Tim Tooten

27 Nutrition & You

Herline A. Knights

Hyperthyroidism and Hypothyroidism

29 To Your Good Health

Carla J. Debnam, MS, LCPC

Press On!

Prayer in School

21 Book Shelf

Brandie Manigault

The Jesus Book (Michael Koulianos) 4 September 2013 | Grace&Glory

31 TEEN CONNECT

Pastors Greg & Tonya Dennis

Finish Strong

Pg. 8-11

the lungs. Especially for resistance training, when you isolate specific muscle groups, it is important to complete a warm-up. Work opposing muscle groups in each workout to prevent creating muscle imbalances. For example, exercise the biceps and triceps of the upper arm and the quads and hamstrings of the legs.

Upper Body Workout

35 Body Basics

livestrong.com

Weight Training Exercises For Women Over 50

Safely work all major muscles groups each week by dividing your resistance training so that one day you exercise the upper body and other days, the lower body. For example, for upper body strength, do eight to 10 reps of bicep curls holding 2- to 5-pound weights in each hand. Follow with the same number of reps for triceps kickbacks. Move to a wall and do wall push-ups by placing your palms on the wall and stepping your feet back 2 to 3 feet. Press your hands into the wall, lower your chest toward it, bending your elbows, push the wall away with your hands for five to 10 reps. Rest.

40 Gospel Industry News

Lower Body Workout

Ericka Johnson

Do standing squats to work the quads (front of thighs), gluteus maximus (back of hips) and hamstrings (back of thighs). Stand holding 2-pound dumbbells in each hand. Keeping the chest tall, bend both knees and lower the hips as if you were about to sit in a chair. Straighten the legs slowly and repeat for eight to 10 reps. Rest.

42 Word of Encouragement

Read more: www.livestrong.com

37 Woman’s Perspective

Cassandra Vaughn-Fox

Why?

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Donna Williams-Ross

For Such A Time As This

In Every Issue 38 FINANCE

Jennifer Maciejewski Bankrate.com

10 Tips for Money Savvy Teens

Contributors................................................................... 6 From the Editor.............................................................. 7 Scripture Page............................................................. 13 Classifieds................................................................... 37

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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/ EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

EDITORIAL

Jackie Epps Dr. Kenneth O. Robinson Harold A. Carter, Jr. Cassandra Vaughn-Fox Herline A. Knights Pastors Gregory and Tonya Dennis Carla J. Debnam Donna Williams-Ross Governor Martin O’Malley Ericka Johnson Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake Rev. Tim Tooten Brandie Manigault

PHOTOGRAPHY GRAPHIC ARTIST

Mark L. Dennis Alan L. Jones Claire Lesesne www.JandCDesigns.com

WEB ADMINISTRATOR

Andre Felipe for Arts Period www.artsperiod.com

PRINTING Roebuck & Son Printing www.hgroebuck.com Grace & Glory Magazine is published monthly by JE Media, LLC, a Baltimore based, independent publisher. Copyright 2013. All rights reserved. Reproduction without expressed permission is prohibited.

Classifieds! Classifieds! PLACE YOUR CLASSIFIED AD IN OUR NEW CLASSIFIED SECTION

GREAT CLASSIFIED RATES!

Advisory Board

Chairman — Dr. A.C. D. Vaughn Sr. Pastor, Sharon Baptist Church, MD Vice-Chairman — Dr. Frank M. Reid III Sr. Pastor, Bethel A.M.E. Church, MD Dr. Jerome A. Barber Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Temple, Hampton , VA 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 Bishop Ralph L. Dennis Sr. Pastor, 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 Bishop Dennis V. Proctor Presiding Prelate of the Western Episcopal Region AME Zion Church Dr. Kenneth O. Robinson Pastor, Restoring Life International Church, MD Bishop Walter Scott Thomas, Sr. Pastor, New Psalmist Baptist Church, MD Dr. Timothy Tooten, Sr. Pastor, Harvest Christian Ministries, MD

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6 September 2013 | Grace&Glory

Pray

from the editor

for our Children

By this time most of our children have all gone back to school. The summer seems to be just a blur, time moves so swiftly now. I remember when summer seemed to last forever and the school year would never end. But this summer will be one not so easily forgotten. The senseless murders of our young people has left a cry of sadness in the land; many studies and statistics show that many of our young people will not make it to twenty-one. What about the children? An alarm needs to sound for our children. Now more than ever the Body of Christ should be united and focused on our children. The plight of our young people seems very grim. Our communities are plagued with gangs, guns and drugs. Teen pregnancies, teen suicide, teen dropouts, drug addictions are at an all-time high. Teens showing a total lack of respect for another human being is startling. It gives me chills that it is so easy for young people to shoot one another and anyone else who might be an innocent bystander. These problems may or may not be happening in your backyard, but what happens to one of us happens to all of us. We are all part of the ‘big picture’. As believers we can no longer look the other way when it comes to our young people. We cannot just throw up our hands and give up on them. Instead we have to throw up our hands and fight for them. We have to learn the weapons of spiritual warfare and stand in the gap for our children. “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Ephesians 6:12 This year as we pray for a successful school year for the children in our individual churches, don’t leave out the children who are outside of the walls of the church. Undergird those children with prayer as well. Pray for their safety, ask God to build a hedge of protection around them. Pray for their minds, ask God to give them a sound mind and a mind to love one another. Pray that God will open our eyes and our hearts to step up to the plate and reach out to our young people. Most of all pray for their salvation; pray that someone will lead them to Jesus. It is not hard to see that we are in a major fight with the enemy for our children. We are well aware that the enemy wants to steal, kill and destroy our young people. But we also know that the fervent effectual prayer of the righteous avails much. The righteous fight with spiritual warfare and this is a fight that has been fixed in our favor. Tasha Cobbs sings a song that goes something like this, “There is power in the name of Jesus, there is power in the name of Jesus, to break every chain, break every chain, break every chain. There’s an army rising up, there’s an army rising up, to break every chain, break every chain, break every chain.” What about the children? We were once children and if it wasn’t for the love of those around us and their prayers, where would we be today?

Peace and Blessings . . .

Jackie Epps Editor-in-Chief

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Q&A

I nterview with

Dr. Ronald C. Williams G&G: Dr. Williams, welcome back to Grace & Glory! We are excited to share with you this monumental occasion. Ten years ago, the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church family celebrated the installation of their newly elected pastor, Dr. Ronald C. Williams. I am sure much has happened in ten years. How exciting is this for you? Dr. Williams: This is tremendously exciting! A great deal of peace and satisfaction comes along with knowing your assignment is God-ordained. I love the church where I serve and I am sure that is partially the reason the time seems to have passed so quickly. This represents a milestone for my family as well as the Pleasant Grove congregation. My wife of thirty-two years, First Lady Cyndi Williams, serves faithfully along with me. Our daughter Jasmyn is an associate minister and pursuing graduate studies. Our son Jayson is a member and a special educator in Anne Arundel County. They were 15 and 19 when I was installed ten years ago. So a lot has happened for us as a family and in the life of our ministry. I am most excited about the possibilities and potential of ministry. Pastoral ministry certainly has its peaks and valleys; but my focus is always on the possibilities of ministry. I think we are living in pivotal times. The world is changing at an accelerating pace. While many churches wrestle with relevance, I see huge opportunities for sharing the gospel because the need is so great. The need is evident when we observe the state of many of our social institutions. Just consider the state of the family, the educational system, the political system, and the economic system for example. We advance ministry in the context of what is happening around us. Whether you consider these institutions to be in states of decline or just in radical transition, I believe much of what can be described as dysfunction in our institutions is reflective of the spiritual condition of people who occupy them. I do not make this observation pessimistically. I make it with anticipatory hope because I believe in the power of the gospel. The past ten years have helped to shape and inform my hope for the ability of the church to make a positive difference in the lives of people and the world. G&G: Dr. Williams, let’s reminisce a little. Though you are celebrating ten years as pastor of the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church this was not the beginning of ministry for you. You shared with me that you spent 19 years at the New Psalmist Baptist Church under Bishop Walter Scott Thomas. Tell us about those years and the decision to leave and become the pastor of the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. Dr. Williams: My wife and I joined New Psalmist in 1984. We were a young couple with a ten month old son. We knew we needed a strong foundation of faith for our family. I am not originally from Baltimore; so I did not know anything about the church community. Believe it or not, I looked in the telephone directory and the church on the corner of Franklin and Cathedral (New Psalmist) caught my attention because it was centrally located and I could find it. I attended one service alone, brought my wife and son the next Sunday, and we joined that day. I guess you could say I was a faithful pew member for about six 8 September 2013 | Grace&Glory 8 September 2013 | Grace&Glory

Q&A

years. Then, the struggles of life and the hope I saw in the gospel, made me realize I desperately needed to strengthen my relationship with Christ. I started attending Bishop Thomas’ men’s Bible study, and in 1994 I yielded to God’s call. It was a real struggle for me to accept the call to ministry because I seemed to be headed in such a different direction and I was really uncertain whether my wife was going to be accepting the news. I was in a Ph.D. program at George Washington University, School of Business, working at Johns Hopkins (JHU) School of Medicine during the day, and teaching for what is now the JHU School of Business at night when I preached my initial sermon in 1994. I finished the doctoral program in 1997 and joined the New Psalmist staff in 1999. New Psalmist had just moved from downtown to a new church on Old Frederick Road a few years prior, the church was rapidly growing, and Bishop Thomas invited me to apply principles of management and organization in the context of ministry. Although I had taken a full-time academic post at Coppin State University in what was then the Department of Management Science and Economics in 1996 Bishop Thomas invited me to be on staff and told me not to leave my academic post, but to continue teaching. I knew then that God was doing something unique in the way He would use me in ministry. It was out of that experience that I was able to shape what I call an organizational ecclesiology and assist New Psalmist and other churches through periods of rapid transition and change. Leaving New Psalmist in 2003 was not as much a decision as it was a divine summons. I began feeling in my spirit in 2001 that God was about to bring a change; but I never would have left on my own because I was so happy there. My children had been educated at New Psalmist Christian School, we were spiritually well fed, and I was on staff doing what I loved to do. But one day Bishop Thomas mentioned to me that a church inquired about me and wanted my resume, so I complied. The rest is history as they say. Suffice it to say that there were many undeniable signs that God was reassigning me. Pleasant Grove voted me in on May 21, 2003 and I assumed the pulpit on the first Sunday in June of that year. G&G: Dr. Williams, with 19 years at New Psalmist and ten years at Pleasant Grove, why do you think your ministerial career has lasted so long? I am sure it has not always been easy; is there a secret to longevity in ministry? Dr. Williams: Actually, my ministerial career is a total of 19 years because I was at New Psalmist ten years before preaching my initial sermon and being licensed. But 19 years is still a long time. I attribute the 19 years of membership at New Psalmist to the commitment of my family to the place where God planted us. I was not reared during the age of “church hopping.” My mother has been at the same church for all of her 90 years. She’s been married to my father for 70 years and he joined her church when they married. They are still active members of the same church, St. James Missionary Baptist Church in Welch, West Virginia. I will be at Pleasant Grove my entire ministry career unless the Lord clearly says so. I really believe we have to find a healthy equilibrium between the dynamism of church choice or “retail religion” and the virtue of loyalty and commitment. There is a legitimate time when God reassigns you and there is also a time when self-centered, emotional disabilities cause us to seek comfort rather than embracing the discomfort that usually accompanies growth. There have been more times than I can count over the past ten years when the discomfort and uncertainty of new, and sometimes unwelcomed, experiences have challenged me. But that is not a time to criticize the experience and become angry with God

as my teacher. That is a time to grow. There is no other endeavor in life that can be as rewarding and as difficult as ministry; but commitment and faithfulness are critical ingredients to anything that is going to bring forth healthy fruit. So the long and short of it is that there is no secret to longevity in ministry. It is grace, commitment, and the disciple’s posture of learning readiness. G&G: Dr. Williams you have a reputation for ministry innovation which has been realized in an abundance of new productive models of ministry for the Lord’s people at Pleasant Grove. Tell us about some of the programs you have implemented during your ten years. Dr. Williams: I love innovation. It’s part of my organizational ecclesiology. God is the Creator. We are made in His image. Therefore, His creative DNA is inside of us. We have the capacity to bring forth newness in the world. The church is the body of Lady Cyndi Williams Christ and when God’s creative spirit is infused, the church become more vibrant and alive. In a practical sense, this approach to ministry can occur in an infinite number of ways. It occurs when we develop new approaches to evangelism, worship, Christian education, or any of the functional areas of ministry. For example, one year we wanted to increase the foot traffic in our church, meaning we wanted to have more people come in and out. This would provide us an opportunity to share the gospel with more people. This was not meant to replace the traditional approach of going out to share the gospel. It was meant to augment the going out by bringing people in. So we started our “Blessed Guest” program and gave away a new automobile to the member who invited the most quests. The car was sponsored by several business owners who in turn were able to promote their businesses to our congregation and guests. The person who won the car invited approximately 230 guests over a four month period. Many of the invited souls were won for Christ. Critics may say, “Believers should invite people to church out of an intrinsic desire to expose others to the good news of Jesus Christ, not for the incentive of a car.” I agree. The new car give away just added to the fun. We also just produced our own line dance called the “Grovite Groove Steppin for Jesus,” another way of enhancing fellowship and fun, while encouraging people to take care of their “temple” through exercise. It can be viewed on YouTube. G&G: Dr. Williams, back in the day (as they say) the historic significance of the African American church was being out in front leading the community, showing how to be strong families, urging people to make arrangements to go into business. Now we have declining church attendance and economically depressed communities. What do you believe has happened to that historic African-American church paradigm? www.gracenglorymagazine.org 9 9 www.gracenglorymagazine.org

Q&A

Dr. Williams: The reality is that African Americans attend church more faithfully than any other ethnic group. The African American faith experience is in many ways similar to the faith experience of all believing people, yet in many ways it is dissimilar. The second chapter of Judges describes our reality when it says, “After that whole generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation grew up, who knew neither the LORD nor what he had done for Israel.” (Judges 2:10-11, NIV) The church has provided so much for us and our tendency to forget what the Lord has done has placed us in jeopardy. We are faced with issues such as out of wedlock pregnancies that surpass the numbers experienced during slavery, same sex-marriage, an educational system that is producing literacy rates that rival those seen during a time when learning how to read was illegal, the marginalization of African American men, and much more. The growth of the African American middle class that spurred the emergence of the black mega-church is now losing economic ground. The “jobs engine” represented by companies such as Bethlehem Steel that enabled men without the benefit of education to propel their families to the next rung of the socio-economic ladder, no longer exists. As a result, the African American church is going to have to develop new models of sustainability and relevance. I am tremendously grateful for the African American mega-church. That is the environment in which I grew spiritually and matured as an adult; but I also recognize that they are outliers in the church experience. We must have models of sustainability that are replicable for churches on all levels. I have really embraced this as my charge. I cannot tell you the number of pastors who are afraid because of the trends they see. Their most loyal members are aging and going home to be with the Lord. They are surrounded by fragmented communities. Some try to launch ministries in the more fertile ground of the suburbs, only to find saturation or indifference toward the church. Too many pastors remain silently distressed, because they errantly believe to do otherwise would signify waning faith and cause them to lose credibility with those they perceive to be more successful colleagues. It is in this environment that no innovative models of sustainable ministry for the twenty first century black church are being birth. I am an advocate of the primacy of our evangelistic mission, while also engaging in models that embrace social entrepreneurship. We teach tithing. That will never change. However, creating models for financial sustainability with an emphasis on social good is social gospel at its very best. G&G: Dr. Williams, we talked a little about “A New Paradigm for Urban Ministry.” You have a personal mission for reconnecting faith, education, and commerce coupled with the passion for calling souls to salvation. Would you explain the relationship between faith, education and commerce and its importance to the Body of Christ? Dr. Williams: The African American community of the past is one in which the same leaders we saw in school (i.e. teachers, principals, librarians, etc.) were the same leaders we saw in church on Sunday (i.e. Sunday school teachers, trustees, deacons etc.). They probably lived in the community so we would walk past their homes during the course of our daily lives. The corner store was probably owned or occupied by people we knew and who lived in the community. That community no longer exists. Yet, the inherit value in that kind of community is one element of social advancement that is missing in our lives. While we probably will not be able to recreate that community, we must find ways to recapture the value. That is why we established school partnerships. About five years 10 September September2013 2013| |Grace&Glory Grace&Glory 10

ago I starting asking parents and guardians in our congregation to sign permission slips that enabled me to go to our partner school, Beechfield Elementary Middle School, and check on the progress of our children who attended there. I did that every Monday morning for three years. We have established a separate nonprofit called Better 2 Best, Inc. which houses our NcouragED program. NcouragED is a virtual network of educators who support each other through encouragement, camaraderie, information and resource sharing. The primary purpose is to assist educators in overcoming the consequences of work-related stress (www.ecouraged2educate.com). We are incubating the business of one of our members; Mirific Media Inc. Mirific Media owns www. YouHaveToListen.com, an internet media concern where my sermons are heard daily along with an R&B, Jazz, Hip Hop, and a live talk format. I am also the Interim Dean of the Coppin State University College of Business. This places me squarely at the intersection of faith, education, and commerce. One of the initiatives that I’m most proud of is the offering of college level business courses on the campus of New Psalmist Baptist Church. Everybody wins. The church is able to offer advanced business education which promotes social advancement and financial independence. They have foot traffic in the church that may not otherwise exist. The fact that New Psalmist is located in a business park is another advantage. Employees of the Red Cross, National NAACP, Advance Bank, Comcast, and other organizations can now come to the church for educational advancement. The Social Security Administration is also moving to that business park in the near future. For Coppin, it helps our enrollment and deepens our roots in the community. That is vital to the sustainability of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. This is my passion and prayerfully it will create a new paradigm for urban ministry. G&G: Dr. Williams, you also mentioned to me your concern of the rise in biblical illiteracy. What do you attribute to this and can it be turned around? Dr. Williams: This is according to research by George Barna, the great researcher of religious life in America. Some of his disturbing findings are that: • Just half of all self-identified Christians firmly believe that the Bible is totally accurate in all of the principles (not the facts, just the

Q&A principles) that it teaches. • Barely one-quarter of adults (27%) are confident that Satan exists. • Less than four out of every ten self-identified Christians firmly accept the teaching that a person can be influenced by spiritual forces, such as angels or demons. (Barna Group, 2009) The culture that values learning is not as strong as it once was. Again, let us think back to just a generation or two. Largely uneducated people of color came from rural, agricultural lives in the south seeking opportunities to educate their children even if it meant that they would never have the benefit of education themselves. This was part of a cultural mission to advance the race. While this became the seedbed of the African American middle class, when the manufacturing and industrial jobs that provided the opportunities disappeared, many were left without options. Many of them now live around our churches. This is not to say that everyone is meant to be a member of the middle class. This is not the aim of the church. Yet, I believe that a social strata within churches that is representative of a healthy socio-economic system outside the church would be a positive reality. We have to re-establish a culture where learning is valued. How can we make disciples if there is not a culture that values learning? Disciples are by definition learners. Culture (beliefs, values, and attitudes) can only be changed by providing new experiences. We cannot provide new experiences unless we are willing to do new things and learn. G&G: Dr. Williams, what is next for the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church? What will this church do in the future to lead the community and continue investing in it? Dr. Williams: The future is very bright for Pleasant Grove because we know who we are in the Body of Christ and are comfortable with the contribution we are called to make. We advocate for the same gospel; but we are called to make a unique contribution. God will send people who identify with our mission. We are progressive; so God sends those who identify with our unique brand of progressive ministry. We are front-line trailblazers and are unapologetic about this. At the same time, we know that nobody can beat us being who God created us to be. With that said, we will continue to build on the models that integrate faith, education, and commerce. Introducing people to the saving grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ is the core of all that we do and advancing the social good is the consequence of our approach. We will know we are on the right track when strong institutional networks are being birthed from churches across the nation. I guess you might say that we see this as the beginning of a new movement. We are not marching for access to social accommodations. It is our belief that the next social justice frontier for the church will involve restoration of the educational system and socio-economic development through faithbased social entrepreneurship.

G&G: Dr. Williams, what is your favorite ‘go to’ gospel song? What kind of music would we find on your iPod? Dr. Williams: I am pretty eclectic when it comes to music. I can listen to everything from funk to gospel, and even blue grass and classical. But if you would surf my iPod, you would find a heavy dose of 70’s funk, R&B, gospel, old school rap, and gospel house for working out. I love working out to gospel house. G&G: Dr. Williams, what is your favorite book in the Bible and why? Dr. Williams: Psalms. I love the poetry and the prose. I often quote Psalms as I work out as a way of praying the promises of God. Psalms 121 and 27 are probably my favorites. If you look on the inside cover of my dissertation, Psalm 121 is referenced. I am not that sure how often scripture is referenced in dissertations written in business schools, especially when the research is totally unrelated to religion. G&G: Dr. Williams, lastly would you share with us what you believe is on the heart of God for this generation of today? Dr. Williams: I truly believe that revival is on the heart of God for this generation and I do believe that revival will come. I referenced Judges 2:10-11earlier, “After that whole generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation grew up, who knew neither the LORD nor what he had done for Israel.” My father is 91 and my mother is 90. They are still as vibrant as one might be at their age and I sometimes upset people when I say that they represent the greatest generation. I say this because their generation propelled us forward and held to their faith while facing overwhelming obstacles. The return to this level of commitment to faith and social consciousness will only be born out of revival. We have indeed been set up for a miracle. Miracles are manifested out of what appears to be impossible conditions. We have just experienced one of the most violent summers on record in Baltimore City. There are a lot of people who have lost hope and turned to enterprises of misguided opportunism and desperation. But even in this, I believe in the remnant of God. The faithful minority who become the spark for spiritual revival in the land. We sense this when we find ourselves in situations that defy human capacity. It is through the coming revival and renaissance that God will be glorified. Pleasant Grove is on the front line of the fight to bring forth new paradigms for urban ministry.

G&G: Dr. Williams, shifting gears a bit; I have a couple of lighthearted questions. First, what do you remember about your first sermon? What was the message title? Dr. Williams: Perspiration! It was July and I was so nervous that I was drenched by the end of the 15 minute sermon. The title was “Questions from the Would Be Wise.” (1 Corinthians 1:26-31) The central idea of the sermon was our unworthiness and God’s grace as it relates to the call to ministry. It was certainly a rough start; but people are kind to you when you are just beginning. I still have the picture of my pastor and I standing in the pulpit as I was officially licensed hanging in my study. I probably still have the cassette tape somewhere; but I would never listen to it. I still have trouble to this day listening to my own sermons. www.gracenglorymagazine.org 11 11 www.gracenglorymagazine.org

bio

Dr. Ronald C. Williams was called to Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in May of 2003.

Since that time, the ministry has flourished with new zeal and commitment to the cause of Christ. Known for innovative approaches to ministry, Dr. Williams has led Pleasant Grove to the forefront of developing new models for urban ministry and outreach. Whether it was his partnership in 2005 with the business community to award a new automobile to the member who brought the most visitors to church over a four month period, the “flash mobbing” for Jesus in the community, or the more traditional approaches to ministry such as their food pantry, homeless outreach, tutoring and mentoring program, Dr. Williams believes in meeting the real life needs of people. His vision of a life-transforming, community-building ministry has also inspired the development of partnerships with local schools and community organizations. In 2012, Pleasant Grove formed a partnership with Mirific Media, Inc., the parent company of www.YouHaveToListen.com and can be heard daily world-wide and live on Sunday mornings through internet and smart phone technology. Other involvements have included his service as the Minister of Church Transformation at the New Psalmist Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland where his primary responsibility was facilitating change and productive ministry practices, Executive Director of the Christian Worklife Alliance Inc., an organization dedicated to assisting people in incorporating Christian values in their careers and daily work lives, and Executive Director of the Center for Church Empowerment, Inc., an organization dedicated to assisting churches achieve excellence in ministry. In 2011, Dr. Williams also established The NcouragED Network under the auspices of Better 2 Best, Inc. NcouragED is a virtual network of educators who support each other through encouragement, camaraderie, information and resource sharing for the purpose of assisting educators in overcoming the consequences of work-related stress. Previous academic assignments include adjunct faculty positions in graduate programs at Johns Hopkins University and Loyola College in Baltimore. He is currently the Interim Dean of the College of Business at Coppin State University School of Business and recently established a new degree program in Entertainment Management and a partnership to offer business courses on the campus of New Psalmist Baptist Church located in the Seton Business Park in Baltimore. A student of ministry management and organization, Dr. Williams is a frequent speaker on the subject church strategy, leadership, and servant resource development. In 1998 he published The Worklife Inspiration Bible, a Bible with 366 scripture references and reflections to help you make through your work experiences. The Alban Institute of Bethesda, Maryland released his second book, Serving God With Style: Unleashing Servant Potential in 2002, which has led to the launching of www.KnowYourFaithStyle.com , a website designed to help ministries and individuals apply faith style concepts. In 2012, he also published Healing the Hearts of Teachers: Reflections that Reduce Stress and Strengthen the Soul of Education. Dr. Williams also has published on the subject of technology implementation and management. Dr. Williams received his Ph.D. in management and organization from George Washington University in Washington, D.C. He holds a master’s degree in human resource development from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, and a bachelor’s degree in psychology, social science, and education from the University of Tampa in Tampa, Florida. Dr. Williams also attended the Reformed Theological Seminary in Charlotte, North Carolina. A native West Virginian, Dr. Williams has enjoyed a wonderful marriage to Cynthia A. Williams since 1981. They are the proud parents of two children, Jayson E. Williams, who holds a master’s degree in Special Education from George Washington University, and Jasmyn N. Williams, an associate minister at Pleasant Grove and a graduate student at The Chicago School of Psychology in Washington DC.

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scripture

Philippians 4:4-9 (NIV)

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me – put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. 9

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14 September 2013 | Grace&Glory

mayor’s journal

Mayor Rawlings-Blake Thanks Maryland National Guard for Fire Station Renovation Project I was pleased to join forces with Peter C. Hinz, Assistant Adjutant General of Maryland for the U.S. Army, Maryland National Guard, to celebrate a kitchen renovation project at the Baltimore City Fire Department’s stationhouse for Engine 45. The project, led by members of the Maryland National Guard’s 244th Engineer Company, is the first in a newly developed partnership between the City of Baltimore and the Maryland National guard to renovate firehouses throughout the city. In August 2012, the 244th Engineer Company reached out to our office for assistance in identifying opportunities for the company to conduct innovative readiness training projects in the city. The office identified fire departments with old kitchens in need of remodeling. In some cases, firefighters had stopped cooking in their kitchens due to the poor condition of the stoves and sinks. These projects will allow firefighters eat home-cooked meals and fully utilize the kitchens in their stations. This has truly been a blessing to our faithful City servants and we are grateful to the Maryland National Guard for working with us to find training opportunities for soldiers and to improve the conditions in our aging firehouses. This was a natural partnership for us, because our first responders often train with Guard members to prepare for natural and manmade disasters. Engine 45 is located in Northwest Baltimore on Glenn Avenue and was built in 1951. It is one of the last firehouses in the region to host an annual holiday train garden. The 244th Engineer Company

gutted the kitchen, cleaned it, painted the ceiling, and installed cabinets, countertops and fixtures. Mayor Stephanie New fixtures include a Rawlings-Blake sink, garbage disposal, stove, range hood, and seven electrical outlets. The materials were provided by the city, and all labor was provided by the National Guard. The 244th Engineer Company was activated in 2006 during a nation-wide reorganization, replacing the 253rd Utilities Detachment. The birth of the 244th coincided with the standingdown of the 121st Engineer Battalion, Maryland’s combat engineer force for over half a century. Since 2006, the unit has responded to a variety of natural disasters, including Hurricane Irene in 2011 and Super Storm Sandy in 2012. The unit also supported schoolhouse missions in the Dominican Republic and El Salvador as part of their 2010 and 2011 annual training. The unit received the Army Superior Unit Award for its support of the 2009 presidential inauguration. The 244th Engineer Company is scheduled to provide construction support in Afghanistan, starting in November 2013. Currently, the company expects to be building infrastructure for the Afghan National Army. The company departs later this year for five weeks of training at Camp Shelby, Missouri. The deployment departure ceremony is scheduled for September 28, 2013. Let’s keep these great men and women in prayer as they continue to serve abroad. www.gracenglorymagazine.org 15

16 September 2013 | Grace&Glory

governor’s page

Better Choices, Better Results by Governor Martin O’Malley

In schools across Maryland, students are beginning a new year. For our State, this is an opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of our students and educators, and to remind ourselves that there is work to be done to move forward. For an unprecedented five years in a row, Maryland schools have been ranked the best in the country by Education Week. Our teachers and administrators are doing more to close the achievement gap for lowincome students than in any other state in the country. For the seventh year in a row, our students are performing better on AP tests than in any other state. Our students are graduating at the highest rate in our State’s history. None of this is the product of chance. We accomplished these better results together because we made better choices. We invested record amounts in public education. We were the first state in the nation to set specific Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) standards to focus on what students need to learn and support STEM teachers. We’re investing in our children by making sure more have access to classroom breakfasts, so that they’re ready for a full day of learning.

Governor O’Malley speaks with students on the first day of classes at Oxon Hill High School.

We’re expanding access to pre-kindergarten, so that more students begin school fully-ready for the classroom. Since 2007, we’ve increased funding for prekindergarten programs by 28 percent. As a result, 82 percent of Maryland kindergarteners came to school fully-ready last year, up from 60 percent in 2005. But we still have work to do. We’re building new technology into the learning experience. We’re improving teacher and principal preparation and evaluation. And we’re continuing to target low-performing schools with more support, thanks in part

to a $250 million federal Race to the Top grant. This fall, our public schools are moving forward with new, more rigorous standards, known as Common Core State Standards. For three years, schools have been gradually making changes, and this year marks the first year of full implementation. The Maryland State Department of Education will hold forums throughout the fall to address questions about the Common Core State Standards. To find a forum near you, or to learn more about the new standards, visit www.MarylandPublicSchools.org

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Pastor

Hollis C. Neal

came to the knowledge of Jesus Christ as his personal savior at the age of 18 in his native country of Trinidad and Tobago. Although he credits his pastor for the appetite he quickly developed for the word of God, he attributes his conversion to the relentless prayer of his mother, Sister Margaret Hepburn. Moreover, not long after his turn from the world to Christ, Brother Neal, as he was called in those early days, began to feel a stirring in his spirit to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. Consequently, at the hinting of one of the lay leaders of his church, Brother Neal organized a group of young people that became known as the Prayer Band that met for prayer five days and for outdoor services the remaining two days each week. Due to his witness through the preached word God was pleased to bring many souls to the Kingdom, some of whom are in fulltime ministry today. In addition, in answer to the call of God, Pastor Neal enrolled in bible school to formally prepare for fulltime ministry. This beginning of his post-secondary education continued for many years, on a winding road through academia, resulting in several advanced degrees. Pastor Neal’s preaching and teaching give evidence to his academic achievements from such institutions as Central Bible College, Evangel University, Loyola College, St. Mary’s Seminary and University, and Johns Hopkins University. However, he would quickly admit that, while education is important, it is God, by his spirit, who has orchestrated the multiplicity of experiences that have brought him to this moment of divine destiny. Moreover, Pastor Neal believes that his cumulative years of ministry experiences have prepared him for this critical moment in Charity’s history in which the best is yet to come. These experiences include three years as an international evangelist after which he was called to his first pastoral assignment at West Pembroke Pentecostal Assembly – Pembroke, Bermuda, where his tenure lasted for over seven years. He also served as senior pastor of Victory Christian Center – Alliance, OH for five years, before answering the call and accepting the charge to serve as senior pastor of First Charity Baptist Church in 1993. Once at Charity, he followed in the footsteps of his predecessors by placing great emphasis on the preached Word, spiritual worship, and a strong witness to the name and power of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Consequently, Charity has not only grown numerically under his leadership but has developed a strong outreach program through its various ministries that include a substance abuse recovery program, a weekly ministry to the homeless, and a food pantry to name a few. In addition, coupled with his ministry at Charity, Pastor Neal has served our community as an educator in Baltimore City Public Schools for many years where he worked tirelessly to ensure our city’s youth are well

18 September 2013 | Grace&Glory

equipped to succeed at their post-secondary pursuits. He presently occupies the office of assistant principal at Mergenthaler Vocational Technical High School, Baltimore’s largest public school, where he leads his staff and students by the example of his life rather than the power of a title or position. It is, therefore, not uncommon for members of his staff and even current and former students to visit First Charity from time to time and some have even become members. Finally, notwithstanding the aforementioned services he renders outside the church and the undaunted pursuit of his vision in the church, Pastor Neal is a dedicated husband and father who love his family dearly. He is married to Radenna Neal of Baltimore and, together, they have four children: Sheldon, Sean, Simone, and Derrick.

611 N. Aisquith Street • Baltimore, MD

education digest

Prayer in School

It’s been a little more than 50 years since the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that government-endorsed prayer in public schools as unconstitutional. The decision forever changed the way in which educators were allowed to handle faith and religion in the classroom. If prayer was no longer permitted in public schools, someone forgot to share the ruling with my primary grade teachers. They continued to pray for us in the name of Jesus. I engage in conversations from time to time with people about the state of our educational system. They’ll tell me the reason they believe our schools are failing is because the government took prayer out of schools. A lot of things have been taken out of schools, some good and some bad, but I don’t believe prayer is one of them. Here’s why. I remember walking my children to their bus stop during their early years of public education. I didn’t pray verbally at the bus stop, but I whispered a prayer as they climbed onto their buses and as I watched those buses pull away. My wife had the afternoon duty of seeing them exit their buses as they completed another day at school. It’s no coincidence then or now that they’ve been blessed because they took prayer into their classrooms. Prayer should start in our homes, around our kitchen tables, at our children’s bedside and well beyond their early educational years. The scriptures remind us to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17). I believe that starts in our homes. Most of

us would find it rather difficult to spend our entire day in a heads-bowed, eyes-closed posture. I believe the biblical writer Paul is not referring to non-stop talking, but rather an attitude of God-consciousness and God-surrender that we carry with us all the time. Bedtime prayers are personal for each child. Don’t assume that a teenager is too big for you to kneel beside his or her bed and pray. There is nothing more precious than hearing the prayer concerns of a child. On one occasion, I recall my son thanking God for the things he deemed most important. On his prayer he gave thanks for things like his video games and tennis shoes. As I think back on those moments, I am also reminded of the biblical account of parents who brought their little children to Jesus so he could touch them and bless them, but the disciples told them not to bother him. Here was his response according to scripture. “Then Jesus called for the children and said to the disciples, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I assure you, anyone who doesn’t have their kind of faith will never get into the Kingdom of God” (Luke 18:16-17). This year, I believe it is crucial that we continue to make prayer a priority, not only for our children, but the children in our neighborhood, state, country and the world. It’s our prayer that God will guide and protect them another day at school. Dr. Tim Tooten, Sr. is an Emmy-Awarding winning television journalist and is the Senior Education Reporter for WBAL-TV (NBC) in Baltimore, Maryland. He’s the Pastor and Founder of Harvest Christian Ministries in Baltimore, County Maryland.

Dr. Tim Tooten, Sr.

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20 September 2013 | Grace&Glory

bookshelf

Book Shelf The Jesus Book Michael Koulianos I have come across a lot of books that talk about Jesus, but none have painted the picture of who Jesus really was and is like The Jesus Book by Michael Koulianos, founder of Jesus Image out of Orlando, FL. The Jesus Book is a night stand book. It’s one of those books that you keep by your bed and before you go to sleep you’ll read a little and uncover another truth about whom Jesus is. It is well written and easy to read; the type of book that you will read once, twice, and go back for more after that. It is definitely a book you will want to give to everyone you know. I highly recommend it. In the book, Michael Koulianos, attempts to expose sides of Jesus that the world may have over looked and push us to a place where nothing matters but Him. And in my opinion, He did an incredible job at it. He says, “Jesus does not just help us find our destination, He is the destination.” If you’ve never met Him or have known Him all your life, this book will introduce you to a side of Him that you have never seen before. The Jesus Book puts into perspective the multiple hats that Jesus wears daily. Like the rest of us, He doesn’t just take one role at a time and that’s it. Me… I’m not just a wife, but I’m a mother. I’m a sister. I’m a student. I’m a friend. Michael Koulianos points out that Jesus is a Lover. He’s a Seeker. He’s God, a King, the Lord, a Healer, a Friend, and

by Brandie Manigault

an Outcast (just to name a few). And at the end of each chapter he concludes with a prayer that will push you further into a relationship with that side of Jesus. Michael Koulianos begins this amazing book with a chapter entitled “Lover”. It is an incredible depiction of a love story and Jesus’ hearts cry to love us and to be loved by us. He writes, “He is incredibly passionate about each and every one of us… He can hardly wait for you to experience Him as your One True Love” (pg 12). How much simpler can it be put. The Jesus Book will take you on a journey of discover y and, if you let it, will ultimately change your perspective on the person of Christ. Simply put, The Jesus Book is a book all about Jesus.

About the author Michael Koulianos Evangelist, Author and co-host of Jesus Image’s TV program “Living for Jesus”, was born in Tarpon Springs, Florida. He gave his heart to Jesus Christ at the age of 12. That same year he preached his first message.

At the age of 16, in a school founded by his parents, Theo and Evelyn Koulianos, Michael started a meeting with 6 students. Within a few weeks, these services grew to capacity crowds as the Holy Spirit began to draw young people from all denominations and backgrounds to Jesus Christ. Hundreds of lives were changed during these amazing gatherings. Michael married his wife Jessica in 2004. Shortly thereafter, he was ordained into the ministry. He has assisted in some of the largest evangelistic meetings in history, with millions in attendance. In 2005, he was given the privilege of being the lead Pastor of World Healing Center Church in Orange County, California. After a series of supernatural events, in October of 2007, Michael’s life was forever changed in a church in Westport, CT. It was here that the power of God overwhelmed him like it did when he was a twelve year old. Now Michael has one desire to love Jesus and introduce Him to as many people as possible. His life’s call is to be used of God to reveal His Son to the world by the Power of the Holy Spirit. This would eventually lead to the founding of Jesus Image, the evangelistic ministry of the Koulianos family. Jesus Image is focused on winning cities, nations and the world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He is also the author of the life-changing book – The Jesus Book www.jesusimage.tv www.thejesusbookonline.com

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26 September 2013 | Grace&Glory

Hyperthyroidism and Hypothyroidism: The Basics By: Herline A. Knights, RD,LD

The thyroid is a small, bow-tie shaped gland that lies just below the Adam’s apple in the lower neck anterior to the trachea. Normally you can not see it, and it is difficult to feel. The thyroid secretes hormones, which regulate the speed of metabolism. Thyroid hormones affect: • Heart rate • Respiratory rate • Skin maintenance • Growth • Heat production • Calcium regulation • Fertility • Digestion • Rate at which calories are burned Hyperthyroidism Hyperthyroidism is overactivity of the thyroid, leading to speeding up of body functions. Hyperthyroidism effects 1% of the population, and usually effects women during menopause and after childbirth. Hyperthyroidism is eight times more common in females than males. Causes of hyperthyroidism The causes of hyperthyroidism include: • Graves’ disease (an autoimmune disorder) • Genetic predisposition • Neoplasms • Excessive intake of thyroid medications • Thyroiditis (inflammation of the thyroid gland) • Toxic substance exposure • Radiation exposure • Toxic thyroid nodules (overgrowth of tissue of the thyroid gland) • Overactive pituitary gland Thyroid storm is a life-threatening condition, wherein a rapid increase in thyroid hormone causes a rapid increase in metabolic rate, and will result in death if not immediately treated. Thyroid storm presents with hyperthermia, tachycardia, agitation, fast respiration, and seizures. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism The following are symptoms of hyperthyroidism • Enlarged thyroid gland (goiter) • Increased heart rate • Increased blood pressure • Abnormal heart rhythms • Excessive perspiration • Eye and hand tremors • Amenorrhea • Decreased libido and impotence • Nervousness and anxiety • Dyspnea • Muscle wasting • Insomnia • Weight loss, despite increased appetite • Increased activity, despite fatigue and weakness • Frequent bowel movements, sometimes with diarrhea • The elderly may become weak, sleepy, confused, withdrawn, and depressed • Problems with the eyes; individuals may look like they are staring • People with Graves’ disease may have puffiness around the eyes, and increased tear formation, irritation, and sensitivity to light; bulging eyes and double vision also may occur Treatment of hyperthyroidism The following are used to treat hyperthyroidism: • Beta-blockers • Propranolol to treat dysrhythmias • Propylthiouracil or methimazole to decrease the production of thyroid hormones • Glucocorticoids to interfere with conversion of thyroid hormones • Iodine, given orally, short term until surgery or for those needing rapid treatment • Radioactive iodine to destroy part of the thyroid gland • Surgical removal of the thyroid gland • Graves’ disease—additional treatment for skin and eye symptoms Hypothyroidism Hypothyroidism is underactivity of the thyroid gland, which leads to

inadequate production of thyroid hormones and a slowing of bodily functions.

nutrition and you

Causes of hypothyroidism The most common cause is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Other causes include radioactive iodine treatment and thyroidectomy surgery used to treat hyperthyroidism or thyroid cancer. In developing countries, iodine deficiency is a common cause of hypothyroidism. Lithium use can lead to iodine deficiency. Inherited disorders and failure of the hypothalamus or pituitary glands to secrete enough thyroid-stimulating hormone are rarer causes. Immunological disorders, peripheral resistance to thyroid hormones, and congenital defects are also causes. Symptoms of hypothyroidism The following are symptoms of hypothyroidism: • Dull facial expressions • Enlarged thyroid gland (goiter) • Hoarse voice and slow speech • Drooping eyelids • Puffy face and eyes • Weight gain • Constipation • Muscle stiffness and weakness • Fatigue • Hand and food paresthesias • Sparse, coarse, and dry hair • Coarse, dry, scaly, and thick skin • Thinning eyebrows • Low tolerance for cold • Carpal tunnel syndrome • Slowed pulse • Hypotension • Bradycardia • Dysrhythmias • Enlarged heart • Menorrhagia • Infertility in females • Decreased libido in males • Slightly orange palms and soles • Confusion, forgetfulness, and dementia • Anemia • If left untreated—coma with seizures, lactic acidosis, hypoglycemia, hyponatremia, hypotension, bradycardia, heart failure, hypothermia, and hypoventiliation with decreased blood flow to the brain (myxedema coma) may result Treatment of hypothyroidism These treatments and recommendations are used to treat hypothyroidism: • Avoid excessive intake of these foods, which can inhibit thyroid utilization: • Cruciferous vegetables—broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, kohlrabi, mustard, rutabaga, and turnips • Asparagus • Millet • Peaches • Peanuts • Spinach • Peas • Radishes • Soybeans • Soy products • Strawberries • Note: Some research shows that walnuts may decrease the absorption of Synthroid® • Aim for a consistent intake of fiber; a high-fiber diet affects digestion speed and can reduce the ability to absorb thyroid replacement medication • Take oral medications, as prescribed, to replace thyroid hormones • Do not take thyroid replacements at the same time as a calcium supplement or an iron-containing vitamin • Allow a minimum of 2 hours separation between taking your thyroid medication and any supplements that contain iron or calcium • Take thyroid medication on an empty stomach for optimal utilization • Take thyroid replacements in the morning, 1 to 2 hours before or 2 hours after meals for optimal absorption References

Braverman LE. Thyroid gland disorders. In: Beers MH, ed. Merck Manual of Medical Information. 2nd ed. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck Research Laboratories; 2003:948-953. George Mateljan Foundation. What are goitrogens and in which foods are they found? Accessed at: http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=george&dbid=47. Accessed September 28, 2009.

Hogan MA, Hill K. Pathophysiology: Reviews and Rationales. Upper Saddle River, NJ:

Pearson Education; 2004:281-291. Mathur R. Thyroid Q&A by Dr. Mathur. Available at: http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=77802. Accessed September 28, 2009. Shomon M. 15 Reasons why your TSH may be fluctuating: things to consider when your TSH is not stabilized. Available at: http://www.thyroid-info.com/articles/tsh-fluctuating.htm. Accessed September 28, 2009.

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28 September 2013 | Grace&Glory

to your good health

“

And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” – Philippians 1:6

We live in challenging times. We can all agree with that statement. The question becomes, what will we do when the pressures of life start to overwhelm us? I have noticed that people have different responses to those pressures. Some get depressed and withdraw from activities and other people. Others get anxious and begin to take on more responsibilities adding to their pressure filled lives. Many of us vacillate between the two extremes. Whatever your coping mechanism may be, you need to remember to not give up when life heats up. There are several areas of our lives that are impacted when we face challenges, adversity, and change. These are not necessarily negative life events, but they each have to be addressed no matter what the source of the circumstances may be. It is during these times of change and transition that we must learn to press on. We are assured that the work God has begun in us will be completed. We do not have to worry, be depressed, stressed out or lose hop. We have to be confident in the process that began when we accepted Jesus Christ into our hearts. We have the Holy Spirit as our guide and God is sovereign in our lives. We can and must press on so that we can fulfill our potential, our assignment and reach our

goal. We all want to hear God say ‘well done’ therefore; we must continue to press on. The victory is in the press and not in submitting to the distress. As believers we must not only speak faith but must act upon our profession of faith. James reminds us that faith without works is dead. Pressing instead of stressing gives your vision what it needs to manifest. Too many saints give up on their dreams and destiny because of the pitfalls and pressures of life. It is time for us to be firm in our commitment to God’s will and to press on past the pain and problems and take hold of our potential. We can do all things through Christ is a passage that is often quoted to encourage those who are working toward a goal. We must have this same attitude if we are to press on and take hold of our promise. We must be strong and courageous like God told Joshua when he took over leadership from Moses. God is with us so we must not give up. We must press on. Carla J. Debnam, MS, LCPC Executive Director, Renaissance Christian Counseling Center

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teen connect

Something About You! Pastors Gregory & Tonya Dennis

Kingdom Worship Center 6419 York Road, Towson, MD 21212

410-377-3500

Here we are at the cusp of a new academic year. Teachers are preparing their classrooms, parents are spending money and the television commercials are reminding us that, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year!” We realize that all are not jumping for joy. In fact, many times the start of a new school year brings about anxiety. You wonder if you are going to do well in your subjects, if your clothes are stylish, if you have the latest technology and do you have an answer for “everything” about pop culture? You are often pressured by what’s considered most popular. But remember there is something uniquely special about you! That “something” about you, is that you are God’s handiwork. People are drawn to light and as such drawn to you. Others may not always know

how to express how magnetic you are. Sometimes they will tease, joke, play or even bully but rest assured all of your attention is because you are God’s chosen. You have been fearfully and wonderfully made by God. (Ps. 139.14) I Peter 2:9 states, “You are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that you should show forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” So it is important in life to know who you are. When you are “light” there is no way you can fit in with “darkness”. There is something about you! This academic year, do not look to fit in. Be YOU! Look forward to being the brightest light you can. www.gracenglorymagazine.org 31

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body basics

omen over 50 do not have to worry about becoming bulky the way male bodybuilders do: They lack the testosterone levels men have to build huge muscle mass. Weightbearing exercises help prevent osteoporosis by building bone mass; women 50 and older can use light weights. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends doing two sessions of resistance training a week. Combine that with at least three sessions of 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise and light stretching to round out your exercise regimen. Resistance Training Basics

Always do at least 10 to 15 minutes of cardio to warm up the large muscles of the body and to bring blood to the heart and oxygen through the lungs. Especially for resistance training, when you isolate specific muscle groups, it is important to complete a warm-up. Work opposing muscle groups in each workout to prevent creating muscle imbalances. For example, exercise the biceps and triceps of the upper arm and the quads and hamstrings of the legs.

Upper Body Workout

Lower Body Workout

In women over 50, falling and injuring the hip joint is a common risk. Work the legs so you have a strong gait and reduce your risk for falling. Do lunges without any weight to start. Standing with feet hips-width apart, step the right foot forward so the knee is above the ankle. Step back and repeat with the left foot. Once you can do this easily for 15 reps, add 2-pound dumbbells in each hand. Do standing squats to work the quads (front of thighs), gluteus maximus (back of hips) and hamstrings (back of thighs). Stand holding 2-pound dumbbells in each hand. Keeping the chest tall, bend both knees and lower the hips as if you were about to sit in a chair. Straighten the legs slowly and repeat for eight to 10 reps. Rest. Read more: www.livestrong.com

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36 September 2013 | Grace&Glory

woman’s perspective

Why?

“You can never go forward unless you bring to the front door your experience.” – Bishop Walter Scott Thomas There are times in your life when you wonder WHY!! I mean you can’t seem to figure out Why You! And as you look around you wonder why not them. Well I’m here to tell you that God doesn’t give us more then we can handle. CaSandra Recently I went through some experiences in my life and I Vaughn wondered Why! People always look at me and say you have it Media Executive all. Well it’s not that I have anything but Jesus and as long as you have him in your life you will never look like what you have been through. God is a God that if you have faith the size of a mustard seed you can get through everything. You have to reconcile your thoughts and give it to God in prayer and let him handle it. When you are faced with burdens and don’t know where to go...turn to God in prayer and let your Test be your Testimony. Until Next Time, Give it to God and let Him figure it out. Cassandra Vaughn

classifieds

ENTERTAINMENT

Music Producer/Songwriter Vernon Hill presents his debut studio CD entitled Songs from His Presence, an inspiring, powerful intimate worship experience available on all digital sites September 17, 2013. Songs from His Presence - is a Christian Contemporary compilation of songs sketched from innermost moments amidst God and Vernon Hill. Those moments and life changing experiences produced an intimate relationship that allowed Vernon Hill to entreat God for His divine direction on behalf of this project. Additionally, Vernon gained inspiration through a handful of believers in a chapel where he heard personal testimonies of God’s miraculous power. Also, through uplifting rehearsals where the atmosphere conducive of God’s presence flooded the environment provoking Vernon to create an angelic sound that crystallized the atmosphere and captivates the listeners and caused them to meditate in God’s presence, praying, uplifting the name of Jesus and offering thanksgiving to our Lord and Savior. Producer Vernon Hill is accompanied by the anointed and powerful master Psalmist Mr. Byron Ransom whose credits span from Praise and Worship Leader, to Musical & Vocal Consultant, Ms. Jemila Richardson, Singer/Songwriter, Mr. Keon Jones, Singer/Songwriter, and assistant co-writer for Songs from His Presence, Mr. Lavarn Gordon, a skillful Worship Leader who ministers throughout the entire CD capturing the essences of these original songs that blends into a seamless flow of worship. Vernon Hill is a Maryland native and graduate of the Shenandoah

University Music Conservatory with a B.A. in Music Production and Engineering. Producer, musician, and songwriter Vernon Hill have scored music for independent short film “Dress to Impress” featured at the Chicago International Music Film Festival. At the early age of fifteen Vernon Hill began his career in music ministering as keyboardist with Mount Pleasant Church and Ministries, Baltimore, MD. Later, Vernon became the Assistant Music Director at Genesis Bible Fellowship then moved on and currently is the Music Coordinator at First Christian Community Church of Annapolis, MD. Vernon Hill vast professional talents soon landed him the position with Rhema Vision Studios as studio engineer in Owings Mills, MD. Producer, studio engineer, musician, and songwriter Vernon Hill continues to develop and produce upcoming artists locally and abroad composing his own indentation in the music industry. Vernon Hill is available for phone interview. Please call (443)-722-1394, to set up a time that is convenient. Please visit our facebook: https://www. facebook.com/nonrevmusic and twitter @nonrevmusic for more information. CD Single “Jesus is Calling” is available for purchase on iTunes Now.

HEALTH & NUTRIENTS Nutrients is the key to good health. Give your body what it need daily, thats the 90 essential nutrients. To get more information, call Milton Whaley at 443-500-2326 or go to my90forlife. com/100885508.

Milton Whaley

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finance

10 TIPS

TO RAISING MONEY SAVVY TEENS

By Jennifer Maciejewski • Bankrate.com

When it comes to financial literacy, today’s graduates fail to make the grade. Why do so many miss the mark? It starts in the home. Whether they lack confidence in their own money management skills or assume that their children’s schools will cover it, many parents don’t talk about money with their kids, and those who do often miss the fundamentals. Before they leave the nest, boost your brood’s financial literacy with these 10 money management lessons.

1. Balance a checkbook Of the high school seniors surveyed, only 45 percent have a checking account, and one out of four have no bank accounts at all. Once they leave home and set up an account on their own, those without parental training often make costly mistakes. Some 30 percent of college students admitted to bouncing a check. As soon as teenagers start earning income from a job, it’s time to open a checking account, even if it’s a joint account with a parent, says consumer adviser Clark Howard, author of “Clark Smart Parents, Clark Smart Kids.” Teach them how to write checks, use a register and reconcile their account with their bank statement.

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2. Budget money Over a third of the college students surveyed had paid a credit card bill late, and while some just forgot to pay it, others put off writing a check because they ran out of money. Start teaching your kids how to budget their money as soon as they bring home their first paycheck. With no value judgments, sit down with your children and ask them what they plan to do with their money. Once you know their goals, whether it’s buying a car or an iPod, you can talk about what they need to do to get there. Before they go away to school, have them set up a budget for expenses. It will increase their awareness about money flows, ingoing and outgoing. After graduation, show your children how

finance to make a household budget. 3. Finance college Don’t forget to factor student loan payments into the monthly budget. Of the college students surveyed, two-thirds carry some student loan debt, with 70 percent of those students shouldering $10,000 or more. To keep your teens from getting in too deep, work the numbers together. Tell them how much you will kick in toward their college expenses and help them figure out a plan for covering the rest. If their answer is “student loans,” Bankrate’s calculator shows the true cost of a loan, which may help your children understand this is not easy money. FinAid offers a more extensive set of calculators for student loans with varying terms. 4. Establish credit College loans make up only part of the debt load that students carry after graduation. Because two-thirds of college students surveyed have one or more credit cards and 83 percent got their first one by the end of their freshman year, it’s easy to graduate owing thousands more. “They hand them out like candy on college campuses,” Howard says. “I look at it as part of the freshman year survival kit: Don’t flunk out, don’t get arrested and don’t take on debt.” Although Howard advises against freshmen or sophomores having credit cards, he does encourage college students to apply for two during their junior or senior years. “It’s the only time in your life that someone will give you credit with no proof of income and no credit history,” Howard says. 5. Identify wants vs. needs Because some teenagers think of credit cards as free money, remind them that when they charge something, they’re taking out a loan that must be repaid. As such, they should only use credit cards to meet their needs, not their wants. 6. Deal with debt Whether they racked up debt buying pizza and beer or charging car repairs, a third of college students surveyed have an outstanding balance of $1,000 or more on their credit cards, and half carry a balance some or all of the time. While paying the minimum looks like the easy way out, plug the numbers to find out the true cost of debt. Assuming they charge nothing else, it’ll take nearly 22 years and over $4,100 in interest to pay off a $3,000 credit card balance with an 18 percent interest rate if they only pay the minimum. 7. Pay taxes Starting with the first paycheck, sit down with teens and explain what’s on the stub, showing them where their money goes. To estimate withholding on a higher salary, use the 25 percent rule: 10

percent for federal taxes, 10 percent for Social Security and Medicare, and 5 percent for state taxes. When it’s time to file a tax return, don’t do it for them. Teach them the ins and outs of the system by making them an active part of the process, from tracking down receipts and W-2s to doing the calculations. 8. Consider all costs For many teens, buying a car is their first major investment. But few understand the true cost of ownership, and they often leave expenses such as maintenance, repairs, gas and insurance out of their savings plan. Even if you’re planning to cover most of the costs so that they can focus on school, not work, break down all of the expenses, from how much the family’s insurance premium increases when they’re added as a driver to the cost of new tires. And make them responsible for paying a portion of the expenses, especially gas. 9. Save for the future While teens see the value in saving for a car, few have the ability to see 30 years down the road. Although 80 percent of college students surveyed have savings accounts, most admit that they lack adequate savings, with 60 percent saying they have slightly less or much less set aside than they should at this phase in life and a mere 7 percent having any form of retirement account. To motivate them to save for the future, use a compound interest calculator to show them the “miracle of compounding,” says Neale Godfrey, author of “Money Doesn’t Grow on Trees”. Once they start working, have your teens open Roth IRA accounts. To add even more diversity to the portfolio, Godfrey advises young adults to buy and hold stock in the companies that make the products they use every day. 10. Stretch a dollar Even young children can learn the value of a dollar. “Don’t make money the biggest secret in the household,” Godfrey says. “Get them engaged in the process.” Give young kids an allowance and make them responsible for some of their expenses so that they learn how to set priorities and manage their money. Teens with part-time jobs should pitch in, too, saving money for college or their senior year expenses, such as their prom outfit and their class ring. When it’s time for back-to-school shopping, set a realistic budget and involve them in the buying process. Teach them how to shop the sales and find deals on trendy clothes at consignment shops. Kids will spend unlimited amounts of money as long as it is yours; but when their money is on the line, it is a whole new ballgame.

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gospel industry news

Tye Tribbett

Tye Tribbett Well! He’s back!!! Back with a vengeance!!! Tye Tribbett’s new project “Greater Than” is absolutely great!!! It’s been about three years since his last release “Fresh” which to me wasn’t the Tye I know, and it didn’t do as well, but this album right here is phenomenal!! While this isn’t his first project, it’s Tye’s debut release with his new label Motown Gospel. His single “Same God” has done exceptionally well in the few months it’s been in rotation. I have quite a few favs on this album, “Beauty for Ashes” is an amazing song that really displays his transparency lyrically and you can tell it came from a personal place for him, we ALL can relate to a “Beauty for Ashes” situation. “He Turned It” is your ‘praise track’ and is Tye’s signature rhythm like in “I Still Have Joy”, you may have to pull over and get ya praise on this one. “Greater Than” the title song features Zacardi Cortez, track and lyrics a beauty! Tye has started a “Greater Than” movement and has people all over throwing up “Greater Than” signs!! If you don’t have the album go out and grab it, I promise you won’t be disappointed, you will have quite a few songs on repeat as I do! Congrats Tye!! Welcome Back!!!

Anaysha Figueroa If you have not had the privilege of hearing Anaysha’s tribute to Tramaine Hawkins at the BMI Luncheon, you are absolutely living beneath your privilege! Everyone was on their feet while she delivered the Hawkins hit “Holy One” with such vocal excellence and anointing. It was nothing short of amazing. The song made such an impact it’s been packaged and now sold on iTunes and coming soon to Amazon and your other digital media outlets. Stay tuned and in the meantime if you can’t get it make it your business to watch it on YouTube it will bless your life!

Anita Wilson I’m super excited about Anita Wilson coming to Baltimore!!! I absolutely fell in love with her debut solo project! Her single “Jesus Will” has been blazing the airways! If you do not know her she is one of Donald Lawrence singers, and we ALL know he only has the best of the best backing him, and he co- signs her solo album! She will be here, September 27, 7pm, at The Synergy Center (Kingdom Worship Center 6419 York Rd) also featuring Randy “Fruity” Roberts & Kingdom, Danton Whitley & Mosaic, and Darren Farmer and hosted by Ira Bell, for tickets contact The Way Christian Bookstore 410-464-9550. Don’t miss ‘An Intimate Evening with Anita Wilson’! 40 May September | Grace&Glory 40 2011 | 2013 Grace&Glory

Top 5 Gospel Songs

“Every Praise” - Hezekiah Walker “Break Every Chain” - Tasha Cobbs “Same God”- Tye Tribbett “Clean This House” - Isaac Caree “God Will Make A Way” - Shirley Caesar

gospel industry news

Full Nelson Summit Stellar Award winning recording artist, Jonathan Nelson, who recently topped Billboard’s Top Gospel Albums chart with his latest CD “Strong Finish,” and his twin brother, Bishop Jason Nelson (currently rising on the charts with “Nothing Without You”), are partnering once again with their siblings to present the second annual Full Nelson Worship and Word Summit taking place September 19-21, 2013 at the CFSMM Worship Center in the Baltimore, Maryland area. Obtain registration information by calling (443) 468-7167 or emailing: info@fullnelsonsummit.com. Website: www.fullnelsonsummit.com.

Flip Wilson Supa Dupa Congrats to Joe Wilson on his new position as Vice President of A&R for the Gospel Music division for eOne Music. His musical roots are in Gospel music, he was the genius behind Natalie Wilson (his ex-wife) & the SOP Chorale. The amazing producing and music directing has blessed him to work with many of today’s A List artists including Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, Nicki Minaj, The Cheetah Girls, Bishop Hezekiah Walker, and Mary Mary. More recently he has hit the ground running with the production and instrumentation of Anaysha Figueroa-Cooper’s tribute to Tramaine Hawkins at the BMI Luncheon. Joe’s heart and soul is gospel and I’m glad he’s back!! I’m excited to see the boost and genius he’s about to bring in this next phase of his musical career!!! WELCOME BACK!!!

George Duke Last month we lost a legend in Jazz music, George Duke passed away in Los Angeles at age 67; he had been battling chronic lymphocytic leukemia, according to his label Concord Music Group, which confirmed his death. “The outpouring of love and support that we have received from my father’s friends, fans and the entire music community has been overwhelming,” said his son, Rashid Duke, in a statement, “Thank you all for your concern, prayers and support.” George Duke was born in San Rafael, CA, and aspired to a music career from an early age, after his mother took him to a Duke Ellington concert. “I remember seeing this guy in a white suit, playing this big thing, which I later found out was a piano,” Duke told USA TODAY in 1997. “He had all these guys around him, and he was waving his hands conducting, and he spoke very intelligently and seemed to be having a good time. And his name was Duke, and my last name was Duke. I told my mom, I want to be him. That moment in time set the stage for me.” The Grammy Award-winning keyboardist put out more than 40 albums and collaborated with other great artists such as Frank Zappa, Miles Davis, Jill Scott and Michael Jackson. Duke’s final album, DreamWeaver, was released July 16 and made its debut at No. 1 on Billboard’s contemporary jazz chart.

By Ericka J. Til next month! Let’s continue to pray and cover our children as they embark on a new school year, we know the devil is after our kids, but he is defeated! We claim them academically successful, we bind bullying, peer pressure, low selfesteem, drug selling and abuse, gang violence, sexual promiscuity, and any other foul thing the enemy has planned for them! A very Happy Birthday to my Cousin Ira Bell the man with the golden voice on radio, and Dwayne Simpson, Sr. a big brother and awesome musician! Enjoy your day you both deserve it!!! Remember “You can’t always wait for the storm to pass; you gotta learn to dance in the rain!” www.twitter.com/MissErickaJ www.facebook.com/ ErickaJohnson , like my fan page Industry News with Miss Ericka J on Facebook, www,instagram.com/Misserickaj traffikshow@gmail.com

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word of encouragement “If you stay silent during this time, deliverance for the Jews will come from somewhere, but you, my child, and all of your father’s family will die. And who knows? Perhaps you have been made queen for such a time as this.” [Esther 4:14 -- The Voice] “If you persist in staying silent at a time like this, help and deliverance will arrive for the Jews from someplace else; but you and your family will be wiped out. Who knows? Maybe you were made queen for just such a time as this.” [Esther 4:14 -- The Message Bible] Here was Esther, a relative nobody, chosen by King Xerxes to be the new queen. She was chosen because Queen Vashiti for some reason or another chose not to parade herself in front of the king, the people and nobles when summoned to do so. For such a time as this – she refused and Esther becomes queen. This was a divine appointment by God Himself. God knew before the foundation of the world that Haman was going to try and have all the Jews annihilated. Quiet as it may be kept, God knows all about what the devil is going to do and has fixed the fight and the devil still remains the loser. Wow, the devil really never learns. So, here is Mordecai who adopts Esther after the death of her parents. He probably isn’t the closest relative to Esther, but adopts her anyway. Neither he nor Esther knew what danger was coming down the pipe concerning the Jews, but they are connected – ordained by God – for such a time as this. Mordecai lets Esther know that she could stay silent if she so desired but that help and deliverance was going to take place for the Jews. What confidence Mordecai must have had in our Father, the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. What a bold statement. I love Mordecai’s message to her – “maybe you were made queen for such a time as this.” What about you? Did God allow you to be in this situation for such a time as this? For such a time as this – you are dealing with a terminal illness because God knows that He can trust you to minister to others with empathy after you have suffered for a while. For such a time as this – you are dealing with a rebellious son or daughter, because God knows that when this is over, you will be passionate about not allowing it to happen to other parents dealing with a rebellious child. 42 42 September September2013 2013| |Grace&Glory Grace&Glory

For such a time as this – you are dealing with a husband, who is verbally abusive, wants nothing to do with you and does not even want to see your face. Could it be because God will use your experience to walk other women through the challenge after your marriage has changed and your husband is now attending church and is even getting there earlier than you are? For such a time as this – you are dealing with a parent with dementia or Alzheimer’s and you are feeling like you are at your wits end. But God knows for a fact, that compassion will kick in when you see others going through the same thing with their parent or loved one. He knows you will be there to lend a helping hand, pray with them and give words of encouragement. For such a time as this you were sent to planet earth when you were so that you could make a difference – you can change the lives of others because your life has been changed and you know that you can’t just sit around and do nothing. I encourage you today that if you know for a fact that you are living your life for such a time as this, to stay in what seems like a fiery furnace knowing that God is in there with you. I encourage you to stand and after having done all you can do, continue to stand. Prayer: Father, in the name of Your Precious Son Jesus, I thank You that You have chosen me for such a time as this. I thank You for the confidence that You have placed in me that I can go through it. I thank You that even at my worst I can trust You to be there for me, amen. Donna Williams-Ross In Trust Ministries dwilliamsross@aol.com

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