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™
September 2018
contents on the cover: Back-To-School!!
Special Feature pgs 8-11 - If you need some encouragement to get you motivated for this new back-to-school year, we have gathered together some articles that we hope will do the trick. Here’s to the best school year ever!
“You’re off to great places, today is your day, your mountain is waiting, so get on your way.” Dr. Seuss “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” Eleanor Roosevelt
Special Feature Articles 8 STRATEGIES PARENTS CAN USE TO MOTIVATE
10 TAKE A COURSE IN DORM SECURITY
9 HOW STUDENTS CAN HANDLE MIDDLE SCHOOL TRANSITION
11 TIPS FOR PROFESSIONALS RETURNING TO SCHOOL
20 WOMAN’S PERSPECTIVE
Tiffany Bethea
Preparing, Positioning, Pouring
Healthy Soul
Healthy Dr. Carla J. Debnam, (Founder, Renaissance Christian Counseling Center) Mind Focus 18 TO YOUR GOOD HEALTH
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Entertainment 22 GOSPEL INDUSTRY NEWS
www.tehillahpr.com
In Every Issue Contributors............................... 5 Scripture................................... 6 From the Editor.......................... 7
For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. Psalm 84:11
Contributors PUBLISHER/ Jackie Epps EDITOR-IN-CHIEF EDITORIAL
Herline A. Knights Dr. Carla J. Debnam Brandie Manigault Tiffany Bethea Ruth Young Tyler
GRAPHIC ARTIST Claire Lesesne www.JandCDesigns.com WEB ADMINISTRATOR Andre Felipe for Arts Period www.artsperiod.com
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Grace & Glory Magazine is published monthly by JE Media, LLC, a Baltimore based, independent publisher. Copyright 2018. All rights reserved. Reproduction without expressed permission is prohibited.
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scripture
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from the editor
What About the Children? By this time most of the 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 before you know it this generation of children will be adults. However, statistics show that many of our young people will not make it to twenty-one. Thus, the question, “What About the Children?” (Sung by Yolanda Adams). What about the children? An alarm needs to sound for our children. Now more than ever the Body of Christ should be focused on our children. The plight of our young people seems very grim. Our communities are plagued with young people dying in the streets daily, at the hands of other young people! The enemy is running havoc on our young peopleteen promiscuity, teen pregnancies, teen suicide, teen gangs, teen dropouts, teen drug addiction, teen sex trafficking, and the list goes on. 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, a mind to love one another. Most of all pray for their salvation, ask God to snatch them from the hands of the enemy and place them on a solid rock to stay. 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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Strategies Parents Can Use to Motivate Students
Students may need some time to adjust at the beginning of a new school year. Summer vacations typically lack the structure of the school year, and it might be unfair to expect kids to seamlessly slip back into their more regimented lives as students. While some early school year sluggishness might be normal, that should wear off pretty quickly. If not, and students appear to be struggling to get motivated for their schoolwork, parents can try various strategies that should help reignite youngsters’ passions for learning. • Make your home more schoolfriendly. Summer is a relaxing time of year when parents have a tendency to relax rules around the house. But come the school year, parents must make sure their homes are as conducive to studying 8 September 2018 | Grace&Glory
as possible. Resist the urge to turn the television on each night so students are not distracted from their studies. Keep the home quiet so students are motivated to focus on their studies. • Encourage participation in extracurricular activities. Various studies have examined the relationship between extracurricular activities and academic performance. A 2002 study published in the journal Sociology of Education found that participation in extracurricular activities is associated with improved grade point average, increased college attendance and reduced absenteeism. The link between participation in extracurricular activities and improved academic performance is still in need of study, but such participation may help children
acclimate to the structure of the school year more quickly than they might if they do not participate in such activities. • Encourage curious youngsters. Kids are curious, and fostering that curiosity can be a great way for parents to get their kids excited about learning. Whether it’s during the school year and part of their curriculum or on summer break, encourage kids to engage in subjects that interest them. As kids learn more about the topics and subjects that interest them, they may develop a passion for learning that they can then take with them to the classroom. • Express an interest in the subjects children are studying. Another way to motivate students at the dawn of a new school year is to express an interest in the subjects they’re studying. Ask questions about their studies and encourage them to share their thoughts and opinions. Engaging students about the subjects they’re studying can motivate them to explore those subjects more deeply than they otherwise might. Motivating kids to be excited about their schoolwork at the dawn of a new school year can sometimes be difficult. But parents can employ various strategies that can help their children readjust to life in the classroom and motivate them to perform to the best of their abilities.
How Students Can Handle the Transition to Middle School A child’s school-aged years are filled with many different lessons and experiences. While in school, kids have the opportunity to broaden their horizons and meet new people. Many students will attend various schools before moving on to college, and therefore they must learn how to adjust to new schools. While many students attend elementary school together for years, students may not know their classmates once they make it to middle school, which tends to boast larger student bodies than elementary schools. That’s because many middle schools’ student bodies are a combination of several elementary schools. Making the transition from elementary school to middle school or junior high can spark anxiety in students, but that does not have to be. The National Education Association says a common element of a successful middle school experience is a smooth and positive transition from elementary school. The following are a few ways students can handle their transition to middle school. • Participate in a school-based transition program. Middle schools frequently host open houses for elementary school students, who can take tours of the campus. Parents can take part in these events with their children. If your schedule does not allow you to attend, then schedule a private tour with the middle school principal or a faculty member. Middle school guidance counselors or guest speakers also may make the rounds, visiting elementary schools directly. Be sure your student attends such information sessions so he or she can get an idea of what to expect during middle school. • Dispel any myths your youngster might have heard about middle school. Youngsters hear lots of things about middle schools, and much of what kids hear might be untrue. Ask kids what they have heard about the schools they will be moving on to, and then do your best to dispel any myths. • Find a middle school buddy. Ask an older sibling or invite someone who is currently enrolled in the school to speak with your child and answer any questions he or she may have. Hearing directly from a fellow student may make your child feel more comfortable about what to expect. • Talk about any other fears. Engage in an open dialogue with your son or daughter about any additional fears he or she may have. If students are worried about academics, spend some time over the summer going over the curriculum. If the potential for peer pressure is a cause for concern, reinforce advice on how to react to peer pressure. Parents and their children can take several steps to make students’ transitions to middle school as smooth as possible.
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Dorm room and campus safety should be a top priority for students.
Take a Course in Dorm Safety
College students have a few different living options at their disposal, but many opt for dormitory living, as it is one of the more convenient and popular boarding options, particularly for out-of-town students. Thousands of post-secondary students pack up their belongings and move away from home in the pursuit of an education, and parents want to do what they can to ensure their college-aged kids are safe. For many students, college represents the first time they will live anywhere other than the homes they grew up in. Dorm life can be an exciting adventure, but it can also be one that may open new college students up to inherently risky situations. While students should look forward to fun and excitement at school, it’s also important for them to be prepared for what lies ahead at college and in dorm life — and to take the proper safety precautions. • Fall in with a trustworthy group of dorm friends. Friends can be informed of your schedule for both classes and work, so they are aware of where you
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are supposed to be at certain times of the day. If something is amiss, these friends can alert authorities or investigate your whereabouts further. • Lock your dorm room door. Always keep the dorm room door locked, and make sure your roommate is on the same page. Locking the door can deter people from entering without your permission and prevent theft. • Keep belongings out of sight. When preparing to move into a dorm, leave heirlooms or expensive jewelry at home. Once you move in, store your more valuable belongings out of sight or in a locked box or safe. Consider getting insurance for dorm belongings, which will protect you in the event of theft. • Travel in groups. When attending parties or other functions, always arrive and leave in a group. This offers extra protection, as assaults and other crimes are less likely to occur when criminals are outnumbered. • Know the evacuation routes. Learn your dorm’s evacuation policies. Know where all exits are and how to get out of the building if exits may be blocked. Find out if fire drills or other safety procedures are practiced, and participate in them. • Use the elevator. If there’s an elevator, use it. Stairwells are secluded and dark and often provide the perfect opportunity for would-be criminals to take advantage of unsuspecting students. Use common sense and trust your instincts with regard to dorm safety. Make college memories good ones by emphasizing caution.
When a new school semester starts, children and young adults may not be the only ones who are returning to the classroom. Many adults resolve to expand their professional horizons by returning to school even after they have established themselves in their professions. Some may aspire to develop skills specific to a particular job, while others may want to make it easier to transition to a new career. The number of adult undergraduates continues to grow. The National Center for Education Statistics says 33 percent of the 18 million undergraduate students in the United States are over the age of 25. Students over the age of 30 make up 22 percent of the student body in colleges and universities. The NCES also projects a continued rise of older students through 2020. Going back to school can be an exciting time, but one that also comes with a bit of trepidation. Many adults may not have been in a classroom in more than a decade. Many things have changed with regard to academia in recent decades, and adults may need some extra time and help to make their transition back to student go smoothly. • Schedule a campus visit. Choosing a school is an important decision, and even though you might not be spending as much time on campus as you did when you were younger, don’t overlook the importance of a campus visit. A member of the admissions faculty or even a current student may be able to offer a guided tour, explaining the layout of the campus, amenities and resources. He or she also may point out parking areas, study locations and the best way to navigate the campus. This will help alleviate a fish-out-of-water feeling the first day of class. • Secure financial aid if necessary. School is expensive, but keep in mind that scholarships and other forms of financial aid are not exclusive to younger learners. Speak with a financial aid counselor about programs that might be available to you. In addition, check with your employer to see if they offer incentives for returning to school. • Brush up on school skills. Start reading more to
Tips For Professionals Returning to School
Adult learners now comprise a significant portion of college and university student bodies.
refresh your vocabulary and other language skills. College involves critical thinking and reasoning, so explore free online courses or games that cover critical thinking skills. Refresh your memory on basic writing rules if essays and reports will be part of your curriculum. Honing your academic skills in advance of returning to school can help you start off on the right foot. • Create a support system. Going back to school will require you to rearrange schedules and make certain sacrifices. Such adjustments may require the assistance of friends and family. Stop by your school’s student services department and ask if they have help in place for nontraditional students. They may have guidance on balancing work, life and school. Such departments may also assist you with scheduling classes at the times of day that fit best with your work schedule. Many adults return to school for personal reasons or to advance their careers. Having a plan in place can make the transition go smoothly. www.gracenglorymagazine.org 11
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Assisting older adults and their families
Pastors &
Church Leadership
Are your members in need of help? Hosea 4:6 NKJV – My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.
We may be able to help older adult members and their families: • save $109 a month on Medicare B • obtain assistance in covering the legal and service costs of retitling the deed to the home where you reside • locate funds to help pay for prescription drugs • receive needed rest for caregivers (St. Ann Adult Day Services) • receive information and education about Alzheimer's • receive education and assistance for caregivers
• complete HUD applications for senior housing • be screened for renters' and/or homeowners' tax credit • receive nutritious meals through Meals on Wheels or volunteer (for home-bound individuals) • learn about hearing device assistance or new Medicaid funding for one hearing aid • receive home modification assistance
CALL Catholic Charities to arrange a date and time for your church to host an event at
667-600-2100 or afa@cc-md.org
100 houses of worship will be asked to host this FREE outreach at their sites. This pilot concentrates on West Baltimore and Cherry Hill. Refreshments will be served.
Inspired by the Gospel mandates to love, serve and teach, Catholic Charities provides care and services to improve the lives of Marylanders in need.
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UNITY:
Are You Ready To Answer the Call? We live in a society where the strength of the church is diminished or weakened by individual personal gain. It’s a Me, myself and I mentality. The church is at HER best when the people of God come together as one body in Christ for the sole purpose of the Kingdom Agenda. Our society today eliminates the need to have long lasting relationships. Although, in God’s Kingdom His citizenship differs because the Bible tells us that one citizen has dominion over a thousand but two together gives authority over 10k! God multiplies our talents when we come together on one accord; and that places FEAR in the enemy’s camp. Satan’s political move in God’s physical house is to DIVIDE and to Conquer. 1. Satan doesn’t want the people of God to operate in oneness. 2. Satan doesn’t want the Body of Christ to agree. 3. Satan doesn’t want togetherness in the same place. Let’s Start Being REAL WITH GOD and ourselves! Beloved you will find that today will BEGIN to be the BEST DAYS of your LIFE WHEN YOU SAY YES TO GOD!
Evangelist LaRondi Nicole Flowers 1ST NEW LIFE BAPTIST CHURCH 3215 W. Belvedere Ave. • Baltimore, MD 21215 410.419.8841 Rev. Washington M. Flowers, Pastor & Founder UMUSTBREAL@GMAIL.COM “A Small Family Environment Where We Say Yes To God!” (Worship begins at 11:00 am in the lower level of Brown’s Memorial Baptist Church-Denmore Avenue Entrance) 16 September September2018 2018| |Grace&Glory Grace&Glory 16
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to your good health
As the summer swiftly comes to a close, we are all faced with new opportunities to enjoy and embrace with excitement. Everyone has decisions to make, goals to accomplish and projects to complete. School is back in session and the hectic day-to-day pace that decreased during the summer months is already in the past. We must gather our senses and get back on track with the assignments that come with a new season. In essence, we must shift our focus to what is ahead of us. Seasons change not just in the natural but also in the spiritual. Not only do we adjust our bodies and minds but our soul and spirit has to shift as well.
not what has been. The Apostle Paul says it like this, “But I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead.” (Philippians 3:13) Focusing on what lies ahead takes discipline and perseverance. You cannot give up on the dream and vision you have for your life but must learn to restructure your environment for the ups and downs that will take place.
Change is always happening so it is up to you and I to maximize our concentration and not become distracted by the challenges of life. Money may be funny, friends may be few, family may be more like strangers and your job may be shaky but you must stay committed to your Making the shift from grace to grace, glory to future with faith and trust in God’s ability to glory, from one grade to another, from becoming a work in and through you to college student to embracing a career, from being get you to your expected end. single to now being in a relationship, from being Remember it is He who has without children to now being a parent can be begun a good work in you and exciting and challenging. It is during these times it will come to pass. You only we may need to change our focus to the blessing need to pay attention to what is that is before us and to move into our new season ahead and drown out the with intentional steps toward fulfilling the task noise of your past. All of Dr. Carla Debnam, Founder, in front of us. You and I may need to modify this is possible when you Renaissance Christian Counseling Center our mindset and focus on what is coming and learn to focus. 18 September September 2018 2018 || Grace&Glory Grace&Glory 18
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woman’s perspective
Preparing . . . Positioning . . . Pouring!
If we turn on the television and watch just one hour of programming, by the end of it as women we will have been bombarded with tons of messages. Most of them will be subtle yet powerful. They will tell us how we need to dress and behave to be beautiful, accepted, appreciated and wanted at every age. Regardless of our age there will be some message that tells us we aren’t good enough and need to alter ourselves. If we are not careful as women of God, we buy into those messages and conform to the secular standard of worth. However, we must recognize as Godly women our value and worth are innately connected to our father and His likeness in us. No matter our age, we are beautiful, accepted, appreciated and wanted because of the grace of God. Though our focus, desires, skills, abilities and goals may change over the years; regardless of our age we shine like the crowns we are because of the Spirit of God on the inside of us. There are three phases that we will pass through and at each phase we are to be a reflection of Him. 1. PREPARING- Ecclesiastes 2:1 tells us, “Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth, before the difficult days come…” There is an absolute beauty and grace to serving God while you are still young. Most of us if we are honest can look back at decisions made in our youth and see their major impact on our adulthood. What a blessing it is to discover a relationship with God while you are young and allowing God to shape your youth. This passage says to serve him “before the difficult days come.” This is hard to comprehend as a youth but as an adult it is easy to grasp. There are many of us who would love to trade places even just for a day with our younger selves and return to days where bills, relationships, children, careers, et cetera were not on our minds. For all my little sisters out there, I urge you to take heed to this passage. Remembering God in your youth will preserve you for the rest of your life. It will keep you! And you can have fun in God, it will not be boring. However, it will be the kind of fun that you can have and still be able to look in the mirror without shame. It pays to serve God while you are young! 2. POSITIONING- As you come of age and continue to walk with God He brings you to a place of positioning. After you have been reared and been impacted by the legacies before you, comes the time when you must begin to create your own. Proverbs 31:16-17 in The Living Bible says, “She goes out to inspect a field and buys it; with her own hands she plants a vineyard. 17 She is energetic, a hard worker…” It is God’s desire that we allow Him to lead every area of our lives and reflect Him and His glory. As godly women we don’t have to focus solely on our exterior. If we fully surrender and allow God to position us in the center of His purpose, the glory that will shine in us will attract all that we need in our lives and more. We must be diligent about seeking God’s purpose for us and allow Him to establish us spiritually, mentally, emotionally, financially, and socially. This will give us the greatest sense of worth, validation, and significance. 3. POURING- Proverbs 31 describes to us the ideal woman as God describes her. Verse 25 says something very powerful. The Living Bible tells us, “…she has no fear of old age.” One of the messages most targeted to women is that youth is beautiful and older age isn’t as beautiful. We go through great lengths to appear forever young instead of embracing the beauty and season of older age. Titus 2:3-4 gives us the perfect illustration of the grace that we need from older women. There is nothing more beautiful and graceful than experience. Younger women today are especially in need of valuable lessons from the seniors among us. As women we can’t be afraid of aging for fear that we aren’t as attractive and needed. The longer we live perhaps the more we are truly stunning from the inside out. Ladies we must reflect God’s glory and virtue at every age. We redefine the secular standard of beauty, value and significance and let the glory of God inside of us to us to truly stand out from youth to maturing. 20 September September 2018 2018 || Grace&Glory Grace&Glory 20
must Tiffany Bethea cause She-EO Life Mentor www.Tiffanybethea.com
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