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2 July 2012 | Grace&Glory
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™
JULY 2012
contents on the cover: Kingdom Association of Covenant Pastors Bishop Walter Scott Thomas,Sr. Presiding Prelate Baltimore, MD www.kacp.org
Q&A Interview 8-9
Q&A Interview with Bishop Walter Scott Thomas, Sr.
Special Feature The Kingdom Association of Covenant Pastors
Clergy of KACP Comments
Pastor Anthony J. Maclin
Reverend June Jeffries
Pg. 10
Pastor Therm James
features 19 TO YOUR GOOD HEALTH
13 FROM THE PULPIT
Bishop Claude Alexander
Carla J. Debnam, MS, LCPC
An Overview of KACP
Renew Your Mind
15 MAYOR’S JOURNAL
Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake
17 GOVERNOR’S PAGE Governor Martin O’Malley 4 July 2012 | Grace&Glory
21 EDUCATION DIGEST Dr. Tim Tooten
Success Starts at Home
23 BOOK SHELF
Brandie Manigault
This Present Darkness (Frank Peretti)
Bishop Claude Alexander
24 FASHION FOCUS
Help Your Kids Find Their Own Personal Style
36 GOSPEL INDUSTRY NEWS
Ericka Johnson
40 LIFESTYLE
Lenora Hammett & Associates
27 NUTRITION & YOU
Herline A. Knights
Eating Out The Healthy Way
Practical Stewardship Tips for Everyday Living
29 WORD ON FINANCES
41 BODY BASICS
livestrong.com
Exercise Tips for the Kids
Dr. Kenneth O. Robinson
Kingdom Commonwealth
43 WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT
31 TEEN CONNECT
Pastors Greg & Tonya Dennis
It’s Up To You
35 A WOMAN’S PERSPECTIVE
Cassandra Vaughn-Fox
Grateful
Donna Williams-Ross
Stand On God’s Promises
In Every Issue Contributors.........................................................................6 From the Editor....................................................................7 Scripture Page...................................................................12 Carter Commentary............................................................44
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For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. Psalm 84:11
Contributors
PUBLISHER
Jackie Epps
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Jackie Epps
EDITORIAL
Dr. Kenneth O. Robinson Dr. 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 Claire Lesesne www.JandCDesigns.com
EB ADMINISTRATOR W
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 2012. All rights reserved. Reproduction without expressed permission is prohibited.
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, Sr. 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/Out Foxed Media LLC. www.Outfoxedmedia.org 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
Grace & Glory Magazine By Mail! For more information about subscriptions contact 443-813-6547; 410-370-2636 or info@gracenglorymagazine.org
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from the editor
Did You
PRAY
What did you pray for today? What and who is on your prayer list? What are you believing God for? No doubt you prayed for your family and loved ones today. Perhaps you may have prayed about your home, your finances and/or your health. I believe you would agree that prayer is single handedly the most powerful tool we possess. Prayer lays the foundation for sweet dreams at night, and prayer jump starts us at the dawn of a new day. Some of us even whisper a little prayer as we go about our daily activities. We know that prayer is one of the best ways to communicate with God and to spend time with God. In fact the bible tells us to, “pray without ceasing.” I Thessalonians 5:17 We all know that prayer changes things. There is plenty of proof in the Word of God to validate prayer and the benefits of prayer. One of God’s promises is that He hears us when we pray. Isn’t good to know that no matter what we are faced with, we can go boldly to the throne and make our
Today?
petitions known to God and He will answer? The Word of God tells us that, “What things soever ye desire, when you pray, believe that ye receive them and ye shall have them.” Mark 11:24 Prayer is not only a tool but it is a powerful weapon that we all possess. It can break strongholds, heal the sick, bind the brokenhearted and send the enemy fleeing away from you. There are times when it may seem that our prayers have not been answered fast enough. But we discover while we wait for an answer that answer is always right on time. “The fervent effectual prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” James 5:16 This year is half gone, much has happened and time waits for no one. Our world, our country, our state, our city, and our neighborhoods are in a
Jackie Epps Editor-in-Chief
state of emergency. There is so much heartache and devastation in the land. The media paints a grim picture every day; from natural disasters and manmade disasters to murders, child-abuse, and the cry of unemployment, to name a few. But I believe all is not lost. Why do I believe that all is not lost? Because I believe prayer still works and prayer still changes things. There are hundreds of thousands of believers in this world, in our country and in our cities. God promises us in His Word, “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” II Chronicles 7:14 Did you remember to pray today? “Man ought always to pray.” Luke 18:1 Peace and Blessings . . .
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Q&A interview
INTERVIEW WITH
Bishop Walter Scott Thomas Presiding Prelate
Kingdom Association of Covenant Pastors Baltimore, MD Bishop Thomas: This is going to be an awesome time. We are excited about hosting this year’s conference as our theme is "The Case for Integrity." The Church has to reflect Jesus Christ, Bishop Walter Scott Thomas
and it was His integrity that caused men and women to believe the message He preached. So much has happened to make persons think the church is a “high-class hustle” and we have
G&G: Bishop Thomas, welcome back to Grace & Glory.Thank you for this opportunity to talk with you about this year’s upcoming Kingdom Association of Covenant Pastors Conference. Would you say this is one of the most exciting events taking place at the Holy City of Zion this year, and what is the theme/focus for this year’s conference? 8 July 2012 | Grace&Glory
to confront and combat that idea. Integrity is at the heart of the ministry.” G&G: Bishop Thomas, would you explain what is the primary mission of the Kingdom Association of Covenant Pastors? How did this organization begin, was there a significant factor that created the need for such an organization? Bishop Thomas: Our organization was founded to be a strengthening haven for pastors and their churches. We all need the fellowship and support of those who are committed to the same ideals, principles, and values. We hold a common faith and in our Fellowship we seek to help
others become strong disciples and empowered. It is an awesome task but it is our calling. Our group started from a relationship. I carry the Senior Pastor status with many of my sons and daughters in ministry and they wanted this relationship to become one where I could regularly speak into their lives and also continue to help them as a group. Our organization takes growth as a core value, so we train and teach so that others can become empowered. We represent a part of the body of Christ and we are trying to do our work better than ever. G&G: Bishop Thomas, what are the functions of the Kingdom
Q&A interview Association of Covenant Pastors? What makes this association (KACP) valuable for a pastor? Bishop Thomas: We train, teach, coach, support, encourage and strengthen the members of the Association. We also align these men and women of God with resources they need to accomplish the task they have undertaken. A pastor who is in need of connection and feels isolated will make friends in our group and feel the camaraderie of others seeking to do a great work. G&G: Bishop Thomas, has the Kingdom Association of Covenant Pastors been embraced by pastors nationwide/ worldwide? Is it open to pastors of all denominations? How does a pastor become a member of KACP? Bishop Thomas: We now have about 100 pastors from across the country. They are not all from the same denomination but each of us accept a body of beliefs that binds us together. I celebrate these pastors - men and women - and know God has assigned us to help them. We are regularly interviewing pastors who want to join and as the years go forward we will do even more. G&G: Bishop Thomas, since the Association is a fellowship of Pastors, how critical is it that the pastors represented in the KACP support each other? Bishop Thomas: This is what makes us a fellowship. We support and encourage. We offer our expertise and excitement and we are there. It is through this kind of supportive fellowship that pastors make lifelong friends that walk with them up the highway of ministry. G&G: Bishop Thomas, how is the KACP beneficial to its congregations, how does the organization serve the members of the individual congregations represented? Bishop Thomas: A strong pastor builds a strong church. A connected pastor exposes the congregation to new ideas and practices. Our churches are strengthened because we make sure the pastor understands the need to train the congregation and to invest in them. At this year’s Conference, members of the churches will hear the same lectures as their pastor, so they will go home as a team ready to go to work. G&G: Bishop Thomas, what would you say is the
Bishop Walter Scott Thomas & Lady Patricia Thomas
congregation’s role in supporting their pastor? Do you believe that the role of the pastor in churches today has shifted or diminished to a lesser degree in the eyes of the members, than back in the day? Bishop Thomas: These are different times and the pastor’s role is viewed differently church by church. I believe it is a pastor’s job to plot a path and prepare a vision that can be followed. The pastor’s job is to present Christ and his church as foremost. The pastor is neither the subject or objective of ministry. Having said that the congregation must appreciate the gift God has given them. They must do all in their power to keep the pastor strong for in doing so they ensure their own blessing and gift from God. The pastor is not a hireling, nor a king or queen. The pastor is a servant. The people are not authorities and bureaucrats – they are the sheep of their pastor and as such they have a need to be led to the green pastures and still waters. Pastors must know how to get people to these “still waters,” and the people must be willing to follow. G&G: Bishop Thomas, lastly as the overseer of the KACP and having multiple sons and daughters in ministry, what is the most important piece of advice you give to these men and women of God as it relates to being effective pastors in today’s society? Bishop Thomas: Never forget we work for Him and one day we will have an exit interview. When that day comes you ought to want to hear him say "Well Done!" www.gracenglorymagazine.org 9
KACP bio
About
The Kingdom Association of Covenant Pastors (KACP) is a Fellowship of pastors who are committed to the call the Lord has placed upon their lives. We are committed to the call to preach, to lead, to care, to build, and to better the body of Christ. It is our desire to lead the people of faith through the most excellent, most impacting, and most effective pastoral ministry possible. In addition, we are pastors who understand that our vocation has its share of personal and professional challenges. The pastorate alone and the work that is demanded of us can create unique pressures and problems to which only another pastor can relate. KACP is a fellowship that endeavors to encourage, assist, edify, and celebrate one another in kingdom work. To this end, we have all entered into a special covenant for the cause of becoming and being the pastors that God has called us to be. We are pastors in covenant for the purpose of kingdom building, kingdom work, and our own kingdom witness; thus, the Kingdom Association of Covenant Pastors.
The Kingdom Association of Covenant Pastors is committed to strengthening Pastors … “The Kingdom Association of Covenant Pastors has strengthened my pastoral journey by engaging me in personal as well as pastoral reflection, challenging me to continuous growth and improvement, and connecting me with other likeminded pastors who seek to serve God with authenticity and integrity.”
“Grace and Peace, I pastor a Church in Apollo, Pennsylvania. I am a young pastor and KACP has helped me glean and observe strength, honor and integrity from the lives of awesome pastors from all over the United States.”
Reverend June Jeffries
Bishop Claude Alexander
New Life Baptist Church Apollo, PA
The Park Church Charlotte, NC "The Kingdom Association Of Covenant Pastors has strengthened my pastoral journey by providing collaboration, covering and connection to some of the greatest ministry minds of this current age." Iron Sharpens Iron...And So One Person Sharpens Another. (Proverbs 27:17)
Pastor Anthony J. Maclin The Sanctuary at Kingdom Square Capitol Heights, MD 20743 10 July 2012 | Grace&Glory
"Bishop Thomas is one of the hardest working and most dedicated person there is in leadership. His intellect, skill, wisdom, knowledge and love for people of God is ever evolving. However his trust that God can do the ridiculous is what has helped me the most. He has for years poured directly into my life and many other pastors and we've been able to bless each other with the wisdom that was shared with us indirectly. KACP affords our congregation to now drink directly from that well of wisdom and knowledge several times a year, particularly the leadership of our churches. The conference is the out grow of personal mentoring shared publicly with all would be disciples of Christ."
Pastor Therm James Bethany Baptist Church Baltimore, MD
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scripture page
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from the pulpit
From the
Pulpit
U
nder the leadership of Presiding Bishop Walter S. Thomas, Sr., the Kingdom Association of Covenant Pastors was formed in January of 2005 out of the recognition that individuals seeking to positively respond to the private and public demands of pastoral ministry need safe places of spiritual accountability, an environment where effective mentoring and positive peer relationships can be developed and nurtured, a venue for critical examination of the changing needs of congregations and how the absolutes of our faith are communicated in relevant ways, and the opportunity to share ideas that are effective in their local context which may be of benefit to others. Utilizing the imagery of head, heart, and hands, KACP seeks to engage pastors through careful theological reflection, worship which opens pastors to receive revelation from God and strengthens them to pursue the path set by God, and action, which enfleshes the revelation that pastors received. On July 18-20, 2012, we will hold our 8th Annual Conference at New Psalmist Baptist Church. Our theme is The Case For Integrity. The basis for this theme rests upon the realization that we no longer
An Overview of KACP
By Bishop Claude Alexander The Park Church Charlotte, NC
operate in a society where innocence and integrity are presumed. Skepticism and cynicism characterize the mind set of the masses concerning those in authority including the ministry. Consider the following statements taken from Ketchum’s 2012 Leadership Communication Monitor study: “The global economic crisis is matched by a crisis of confidence in leaders…a vast gap remains between expectation and delivery.” “The world is still looking to leaders in difficult times, but the public expects to be let down more in 2012 than 2011.” Out of those surveyed, 24% indicated having more confidence in religious leaders in 2012 compared to 2011, while 33% indicated having less confidence in 2012 compared to 2011. (Ketchum Leadership Communication Monitor, New York: Ketchum, March 2012) The crisis of individual and institutional confidence is a severe challenge for those who seek to do ministry. There is a strong call for intentionality when it comes to individual and institutional integrity. This year’s conference seeks to address the challenges to individual and institutional integrity as well as the means by which both are maintained and strengthened.
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mayor’s journal
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governor’s page
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to your good health
We often quote the popular verse in Romans 12:2 “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will.” This is a challenge that we sometimes are not up to undertaking. A lot of work has to take place in order to make the transformation process a reality but the Holy Spirit guides us into the truth that transforms. Our role is to be open to the work that renewal requires of us. We all want some things to change in our lives without taking the time to identify what it will take to make those changes a reality. The manner and time in which the change will take place is flexible depending on the situation. God’s will is identified in our lives after transformation has taken place. It is difficult to know the mind of Christ when we have not fully received the mind of Christ. Making the scripture, your witness and your worship the primary focus of your life will result in the transformed mind that aligns with God’s will. Renewing your mind is accomplished by practicing the spiritual disciplines of reading, meditating and studying the Word of God. Each of these alone can be effectively utilized to make growth and renewal happen but all three of them combined will give you the ability to be more fruitful in your quest to become more like Jesus. The word heals, helps, and gives hope to those who have been hindered by the cares of life. The word encourages us to fight the good fight of faith. The word of God gives you the power to no longer conform to the world because of its impact from the inside out. Our witness also
gives us the evidence to convince others of our transformation. It is not possible to change on the inside and no one notice it by your outward actions. When our walk and our talk become unified we become more like Jesus and people will follow us as we follow Him. Learning and applying our faith is the most effective tool in transforming our mind and keeping it in sync with God’s will. We can also work toward a renewed mind by worshipping God in spirit and in truth. Renewing your mind through worship entails more than attending church on Sunday and during the week for Bible study. Worship is an attitude of gratitude in every aspect of our lives from the bedroom to the boardroom. Worshipping God with a sincere heart will manifest in the natural with a renewed mind. Giving God what He deserves through worship draws us closer to Him and gives us a reverence and awe that we may not have because of our focus on our desires and will. Loving God with all of our heart souls and mind engages our total being in the process of renewal. A renewed mind is possible when we choose to witness, worship and study the Word. When we choose to deny ourselves and follow Christ, we take the first steps to becoming the new creature in Christ we have been encouraged to be. Carla J. Debnam, MS, LCPC Executive Director, Renaissance Christian Counseling Center
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Success Starts at Home
education digest “Home is where the heart is.” There has been much debate over where that quote originated. It has been used in famous speeches, movies, and included in the lyrics of popular songs. When I think of home, I get a mental picture of Live Oak, Florida. It’s the little community where I was born and nurtured, whether it was on the little league baseball diamond or on the benches and choir stand of the Springfield Baptist Church. This is the town where I also learned success. Success has been defined as the accomplishment of an aim or purpose. My pathway to success began behind the doors of our home. It’s where I learned the meaning of success. At home, there was no getting around chores, missing supper, or talking back to parents. In the midst of what my siblings and me believed were the rules of the house, which we defined as strict, there were always opportunities to learn the lessons of success. They often started with learning the rules of respect and the reasons why our parents believed each of us needed to find and keep jobs and there were many.
I began my first job around eight years of age. I was not old enough to “legally” take on a job, but the crews hired to harvest tobacco allowed me to help out. I was excited just to work and receive the dollar or two they gave
me at the end of the day. Since then, I’ve lost track of the number of jobs which extended beyond those tobacco fields and eventually guided me toward college and now a more than 35 year career in broadcasting. Here’s my point, home should be the place where dreams are formed, where encouragement is readily available, where a kind word is spoken often and where adults take on the lead role of modeling success. I want to be clear about what I mean when I say home. It’s the not necessarily the physical structure, it may not even be what we have long regarded as a once traditional two-parent household. In fact, The Annie E. Casey Foundation is set to release new data this month with its latest results on children. It’s called, Kids Count. The organization’s 2010 report reveals a growing number of single-parent family households. The research shows that Black or African-American families have the highest number of homes headed by just one adult, both In Maryland and the United States.
Children in single-parent families by race (Percent) – 2010 Maryland Non-Hispanic White Black or African American American Indian Asian and Pacific Islander Hispanic or Latino Total
21% 60% S 10% 38% 36%
United States Non-Hispanic White Black or African American American Indian Asian and Pacific Islander Hispanic or Latino Total
24% 66% 52% 16% 41% 34%
Source: The Annie E. Casey Foundation, 2010
I believe this is all the more reason for each of us to seek out opportunities to encourage our youth, whether in school, the street corner of their neighborhoods, in church, but especially at home. So often, our children look to street gangs, celebrities and athletes as role models. In fact, some years ago, Charles Barkley, the somewhat opinionated NBA player, was publicly criticized by fans and the media when he barked, “I am not a role model. Parents should be role models.” I tend to agree with Barkley. I want to take it a bit further, why not uncles, aunts, cousins, siblings, parishioners and clergy step into the role of helping to steer more of our children toward lives of success. You’ll be amazed just how far a kind word, a pep talk or even a pat on the back will go in helping to lay a child’s foundation for a life of success.
Dr. Tim Tooten, Sr. is an Emmy award winning journalist and Senior Education Reporter for WBAL-TV (NBC). He’s also the Pastor and Founder of Harvest Christian Ministries in Baltimore County, Maryland
Dr. Tim Tooten, Sr.
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bookshelf
Book Shelf
by Brandie Manigault
Dear Grace and Glory Readers, As promised Siobhan Saulsbury is back with her reading recommendation for us. Her pick for this month is This Present Darkness. Read her review, buy the book, read the book, then email us and let us know what you think! You can also follow Siobhan on twitter at @sio413. See you next month! - Brandie M.
This Present Darkness By Frank Peretti
This Present Darkness is a must-read for every believer. Although it is a fictitious story, the subject matter is real. Written by Frank Peretti in 1986, this book tackles the touchy subject of spiritual warfare. This Present Darkness has had its share of controversy over the years over many topics, such as the book being taken as truth and used as a teaching guide or being too sensational with its talk of angels and demons. Here’s why I recommend it: spiritual warfare, angels and demons are all real and need to seriously be considered by everyone who considers themselves followers of Christ. The title of the book comes from a Bible verse, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12 ESV. The setting is a small town called Ashton. And in Ashton there is a little church with a new pastor no one wants around, there are people/families/businesses just up and leaving town without cause, there is a secret society no one wants to talk about and much more. Reading on you become deeply involved in the stories of Hank (the pastor), Marshall (the newspaper owner) and Bernice (a reporter). You really want to find out what’s happening in this crazy little town and how is it all going to end?! As you read and get deeper into the story, the author reveals things that are going on in the spiritual realm that’s causing all these
other things to happen in the natural or physical realm. Some people may find this sort of thing a little scary or offputting but God has not given us a spirit of fear! One main reason I believe this book was so good- is it opens your eyes spiritually. No, you don’t have to take every word as fact or believe the angels or demons in real life look and behave as they do in the book, but it just makes you more aware of the unseen realm. In today’s increasingly “tolerant” and “openminded” society, it’s vital for believers to recognize what’s going on beneath the surface. And if the book does scare you, the benefit of that is- you’ll pray more! Reading this book will really change your perspective. You will learn to appreciate the way God works things out
on your behalf. No more coincidences, you’ll experience a feeling like, “I know this wasn’t just happenstance. This was meant to be.” And when you’re faced with difficult people and impossible situations, instead of getting upset and bent out of shape because of the person (the flesh and blood) you’ll know that your fight is not against them but the unseen forces they are (unwittingly) allowing to use them. This Present Darkness has been around for decades, the spiritual warfare it highlights has been around since before the dawn of our time. Reading this book will open your mind to seeing things and situations around you in a new way. And if nothing else, it will lead to a step up in your prayer life. An ultimate goal for every reader would be that our spirits would be more sensitive to what’s happening in the spirit realm so we can
be ready to respond however God leads.
About The Author
Frank Peretti
With more than 15 million novels in print, Frank Peretti is nothing short of a publishing phenomenon and has been called “America’s hottest Christian novelist.” The Oath (Word Publishing 1995), sold more than half a million copies within the first six months of release. The Visitation (Word Publishing 1999), was #1 on the CBA Fiction Bestseller list for four months. Born in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada in 1951, Frank is a natural storyteller who, as a youngster in Seattle, regularly gathered the neighborhood children for animated storytelling sessions. For kids, Frank wrote The Cooper Kids Adventure Series (Crossway and Tommy Nelson), which remains a best-selling series for children with sales exceeding 1 million copies. In August 2000, Peretti released the hilarious children’s audiocassette series titled ‘Wild and Wacky Totally True Bible Stories’. In 2000, Frank released his first ever non-fiction book, The Wounded Spirit, in which he deals with the problem of bullying. In all, including his current work, Illusion, Frank has written nineteen books for various ages. www.gracenglorymagazine.org 23
fashion focus
Kids begin to develop personal style in early childhood. As soon as children start showing other signs of individuality, they’ll demonstrate preferences for particular colors, patterns and motifs. Give kids some room to engage with those natural affinities, and their style will further evolve. Don’t worry if your kids are already past the point of self-sufficiency when you first set out to help them develop a sense of style; just start where they are.
Give Kids Confidence in Their Abilities Kids allowed to dress themselves will develop a sense of accomplishment that will encourage them to keep at it. Before long they’ll have mastered the basics. The physical process of getting dressed will also build motor skills. Set the stage for success with easy pull-ons for everyday, and give plenty of time to practice when there’s less pressure to get out the door. Encourage dress-up play, and stay hands-off when it comes to all those wardrobe changes. Your kids will develop creative methods of securing sashes and capes early on, and the bridge to tying shoelaces won’t be so shaky.
Talk About the Art of Fashion As your son grows more aware of how colors play off each other, begin pointing out complimentary colors and values. Recognize his successes, and be specific with your praise. For lessons that last, integrate fashion advice with other learning. If your daughter is studying symmetry in art, talk about balance and proportion in dressing. Note how a full skirt looks great with a fitted top, but less pleasing with a bulky sweater. This early education could prevent her from falling into the teen trap of pairing tight with tighter.
Enhance Features and Boost Self Esteem Teaching kids to accentuate assets when they’re young will help set the stage for later discussions. Also point out differences, like colors that complement your daughter’s complexion but wash out your own. These conversations will make it easier to one day discuss how best to dress for body proportions, and consider any shape as a feature to be flattered instead of a flaw to work around.
Establish Boundaries
Source: About.com
24 July 2012 | Grace&Glory
Make it clear that there are times when you will be the deciding factor on what is worn outside the house. Consider giving kids free rein most of the time, as long as the clothing is age and weather appropriate. You may cringe to see them walk out the door looking short of your style ideal, but those are often the outfits they’re most proud of. For occasions when you have something in mind for your daughter to wear, try presenting a few acceptable options. She makes the final call, but you would be happy with any of them.
P
fashion focus
ersonal
Help Your Kids Find Their Own
Take Note of Fashion Trends Get a feel for current styles the kids in your area are wearing. Sampling trends is a fun way to explore the boundaries of personal style. If your daughter doesn’t have a strong sense of style yet, being aware of what's in fashion may help her feel more comfortable in her social environment, whether she chooses to blend in or stand out.
Seek Style Inspiration Pick a few magazine pages, catalogs or websites with clothes you approve of and share them with your kids. Sit down one-on-one, so there’s no swaying of opinions. See what they’re drawn to. You may discover that your four-year-old has a penchant for ‘80s punk, or that your tween’s fashion muse is Grace Kelly.
Make Kids Happy with Hand-MeDowns Kids grow fast, play hard and change their style on a whim, so hand-me-downs can be a blessing to parents. Unfortunately, kids often see them as a curse. Here's how to make everyone happy:
Only Offer the Best Don't subject your child to pilled tees and stained shorts, but don't throw them out just yet, either. You may be able to salvage worn clothing, and have fun in the process.
Get Crafty If you're feeling creative, upcycle less than stellar items into fresh looks custom designed to please your child. • Embellishments - Novelty is always popular with kids, and an afternoon of crafting can produce a fun new wardrobe. Materials to try include ribbon, fabric markers, embroidery floss, and lace. • Appliqué - Kids also like to cut fabric swatches into letters, numbers and symbols for applique’. Apply elements strategically
STYLE to cover stains and other imperfections, or just to add some flair to plain clothing. Use fabric glue or simple stitching (hand or machine) to attach adornments to clothes; just be sure to slide a sheet of cardboard between fabric layers if gluing.
Keep It Current Vintage is one thing, outdated is another. Keep timeless charm and graphics in the family, but don't let your child step out of the door as if it were a time machine. Take note of what's in style now, and move qualifying items to the front of the closet.
Mix and Match Pair separates with something new for a fresh look with character. Kids get a creativity boost attempting to work hand-me-downs into an existing wardrobe and planning select purchases to pull everything together. Their ultimate look will be unique and more interesting than pulling a complete outfit straight from a catalog, but they can still showcase their awareness of trends.
Teach Lessons in Respect Here's to well-balanced kids! In addition to turning out presentable kids with good fashion sense, hand-me-downs can also serve as the catalyst for teaching valuable lessons in respect. Here are a few: • Respect for the Past - Encourage your kids to honor family, tradition and craftsmanship by presenting hand-me-downs as heirlooms. Kids are especially open to clothes that once belonged to a "cool" friend or family member. Play up the fact that cousin Sarah or neighbor Sam loved the clothes. • Respect for the Earth - Congratulate the kids on protecting the environment by reusing valuable goods and reducing natural resources consumed in production. • Respect for a Dollar - Give the kids a little lesson in economics by asking what else they might be able to do with the money saved on clothes this season. If your kid is brand sensitive, explain the concept of high-low fashion. Saving on generic basics may enable them to splurge on distinctive pieces. Alternatively, a great handme-down may be the key piece, allowing your denim addict to bring home the faded flares and the dark wash jeggings. www.gracenglorymagazine.org 25
26 July 2012 | Grace&Glory
eating out the healthy way
nutrition & you • Look for lunch or early bird specials, so you can eat at establishments with healthier options for less.
Choosing menu items
• Scan the menu for a “lighter,” “low-calorie,” or “healthy option” section, but do not let the name fool you; read the menu descriptions: • Look for good words such as baked, roasted, grilled, broiled, steamed, cooked in its own juices, marinara/tomato sauce, choice/ select cuts of meat, and broth- or tomato-based soups. • Order items less frequently that use words such as fried, sautéed, batter dipped, breaded, au gratin, scampi, Alfredo, cooked with butter or cream, gravy, prime cuts of meat, and cream-based soups. • Consider ordering a salad if you are searching for a healthy alternative, which is usually better than most entrees: mericans are eating away from home • Ask for dressing on the side. more than ever before. According to the • Request reduced amounts of high-calorie options, such as cheese. National Restaurant Association, nearly half • Eat the entire portion without guilt, unless it is loaded with highof our food dollars (49%) go to the restaurant industry, up calorie toppings. from only 25% in 1955. In 2010, it is forecasted that we will • Look at the appetizer menu, which sometimes contains the spend $580.1 billion eating away from home, up 53% from only 10 only healthy options at a restaurant, and see if you can mix and years ago. While people are trying to become more health conscious match an appetizer with a side salad, soup, or another healthy when eating out, many restaurant meals are higher in calories than homeappetizer. cooked versions. • Ask someone to split a higher-calorie entrée or dessert For example, imagine preparing a grilled chicken salad at home. You have with you, if you want to order one, so you can enjoy the some lettuce, mixed vegetables, grilled chicken, a little reduced-fat shredded food while having half the calories. cheese, and some dressing. Assuming a standard 3-ounce (oz) chicken breast,
A
1 oz of cheese, and 2 tablespoons of dressing, the salad would amount to about Ordering 400-450 calories. • Ask the waiter how items are prepared or served. A grilled chicken BBQ salad from Chili’s has 1050 calories, more than twice the • Are the vegetables buttered? If so, can I get them calories of your homemade salad and more than half of an average person’s daily steamed with no butter? requirement for calories. Many people think they are eating healthy when having this • Request toast and baked potatoes dry, or with spreads salad! However, Chili’s does have two excellent, moderate-calorie salads available, and toppings on the side. the Guiltless Grill Caribbean and Asian salads. Many restaurants advertise a number • Substitute vinegar, lemon, salsa, plain yogurt, or lowof reasonable, healthy options, such as Chili’s Guiltless Grill selections. calorie salad dressings for higher-calorie dressings and The difference in calories for these salads is most likely because of the restaurant’s toppings. large portion size and higher-calorie additions, such as croutons and excess amounts • Tell your waiter to “hold the mayo” and put sauces, salad of cheese and dressing. To make the salad lower in calories, ask for less cheese, dressings, and other high-fat extras on the side, and use them dressing on the side, and take half of the salad home for tomorrow’s lunch. sparingly. Most of us are not planning on eating out less, and we do not want to spend much time • Choose a side green salad, steamed vegetable, baked sorting through nutrition facts. These tips can help you make quick, healthy decisions potato, or fruit cup in place of the coleslaw, potato salad, when eating out, which will allow you to enjoy your food without excess calories! or French fries that normally come with a meal. • Order smaller portions, such as half the rice or a small order Choosing the restaurant of French fries, instead of the standard medium portion that • Choose restaurants that offer healthy options, such as grilled and broiled accompanies most value meals. meats, and healthy side items, such as fruits and vegetables. • Opt for the more basically prepared dishes, such as baked • Avoid buffets, if possible, where or broiled chicken, instead of ordering something that you are people tend to overeat and not sure about the ingredients, such as a casserole, stew, or other you cannot take mixed dish. home food Dining for future • Avoid overeating by drinking a tall glass of meals. water before you start eating, and drink several glasses during your meal. By • Request a to-go container immediately Herline A. when your food arrives if you receive a Knights, large portion, and put half away before you start eating—two meals for the price of one. RD, LD • Share a large meal or dessert with someone. www.gracenglorymagazine.org www.gracenglorymagazine.org 27 27
28 July 2012 | Grace&Glory
word on finance
In Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr. and Jesse Jackson Jr.’s book "It's About The Money!" he states that the last stage of the freedom movement in our quest for equal opportunity and shared economic security will be financial empowerment and financial independence through wealth accumulation. The first movement would be the emancipation of the slaves; the second movement would be another one-hundred-year struggle to end legal segregation; the third movement would be the enfranchisement of all Americans, 18 and older, through passage of the Voting Rights Act. The church's role will be vital in the 4th Movement of the Freedom Symphony, which is expanding economic freedom for God's people. "He who will not economize will have to agonize." Confucius God is tearing down economic apartheid and the economic partitions and building bridges to wealth and growth. MasterCard is no longer your master. Visa is no longer you victor. Discover is no longer your lover. Our coming to Christ is also an entrance into a new realm of living called the kingdom of God. We transferred from one way of living (worldBabylon system) to another called the kingdom of God (God’s way of doing things). In this kingdom, the primary aim of the wealth building or economic development is called Commonwealth. This implies that as kingdom citizens, all of our wealth is common to all. So our wealth creation, accumulation and preservation is to promote good, feed the poor, clothe the naked, house the homeless, employ the unemployed, insure the uninsured and educate our children. God said to Abraham, "I will bless you... make you a blessing." I proposed to you that wealth accumulation is also a mandate on the church. The church has focused on the restoration of family and ministry, but in this last hour there will also be a restoration of industry. "Industry is the parent of success." (Spanish proverb) In the early church, they were anointed for industry; economic development and distribution was just as much a part of the church as preaching, praying, worshipping and fellowshipping. "And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.” (Acts 2:44, 45 KJV) "And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made
unto every man according as he had need.”(Acts 4:32-35 KJV) In the Book of Isaiah Chapter 61, the theme of the chapter is God's message to liberate the poor. God speaks historically to Israel but prophetically to us concerning His Anointed doing industry ... “And they shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations. And strangers shall stand and feed your flocks, and the sons of the alien shall be your plowmen and your vinedressers. But ye shall be named the Priests of the Lord: men shall call you the Ministers of our God: ye shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, and in their glory shall ye boast yourselves.” (Isaiah 61:4-6 KJV) Thank God today, that in Christ, we are no longer strangers to the Commonwealth of Israel. In the Book of Kings, we see a single mother who is heavily in debt, whose house is facing foreclosure and children are facing a death sentence and God uses the prophet Elisha to minister to her financial deliverance and restoration. "And Elisha said unto her, what shall I do for thee? Tell me, what hast thou in the house? And she said, Thine handmaid hath not any thing in the house, save a pot of oil. Then he said, Go, borrow thee vessels abroad of all thy neighbours, even empty vessels; borrow not a few. Then she came and told the man of God. And he said, Go, sell the oil, and pay thy debt, and live thou and thy children of the rest.” (2 Kings 4:2, 3, 7 KJV) This single mother experienced a financial turnaround through the anointing of Industry. Get ready! Industry is coming back to the church and we are going to be builders and producers of goods and services and no longer consumers.
Steps to Personal Economic Development 1. Get out of debt. 2. Establish a habit of saving. 3. Sit down with a financial advisor and establish a Retirement Plan (set financial goals). 4. Surround yourself with financially successful people. 5. Be faithful on the job until you find you life's work. 6. Discover, Develop and Distribute your gift to serve the world. 7. Ask for the entrepreneur anointing. 8. Establish your kingdom values for wealth creation (tithing, sharing). 9. Leave an economy inheritance and legacy for your children. Dr. Kenneth O. Robinson, II
Pastor & Certified Estate Planner To book Dr. Kenneth Robinson for a financial seminar in your area or at your ministry, please call 410.415.6400
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30 July 2012 | Grace&Glory
teen connect
• Volunteer in your local Library. (Meet new people and read books, yes we said read books.) • Find a senior to help. (Help a senior citizen from your neighborhood or church. Never get tired of doing little things for people, because those little things occupy the biggest part in their hearts.) • Organize a block clean-up. (Mom will be amazed considering your room, but with your friends show some pride in your neighborhood.) • Visit grandparents. (Ask questions about your family history you might be amazed by what you learn.) • Start a business. (If you see a need or just want some extra cash . . .fill the need and get paid for it.) • Have some fun (jump in pool or run through sprinkler with clothes on.) • Learn how to play a new sport or an instrument (keep active and stimulate your brain.) • Make your kitchen a restaurant and serve your family dinner (have a cooking contest.) • Camp out in your backyard or in your living room (crazy fun) These are just a few things that can make your summer full. Do not sit on the sideline waiting for something to happen. There is nothing wrong with being Pastors Gregory productive. It’s better than being lazy. Do your best work, do it as quickly as is reasonable, & Tonya Dennis KINGDOM and do not forget your friends and family. Connecting with others is very important. Be WORSHIP CENTER productive and have fun while you are doing it. Your productivity now will set your course 6419 York Road for life. It’s all up to you! Towson, MD 21212 410-377-3500
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About Ames United Methodist Church Ames United Methodist Church is a historical fixture in the Greater Harford County community, striving to maintain the spirit of a loving family of faith, empowering people to be reconciled to God, transformed and free in Christ through Bible-based study, ministry and service to others. As the oldest African American church in Bel Air, MD, Ames unites people from all walks of life to worship and serve together in more than 40 different ministries. “The people of Ames are a caring community of followers of Christ whose hearts are to reach out in ministry and service to their community,” says Rev. Jay Blake, a native Baltimorean who pastors Ames United Methodist Church. On August 18, Ames United Methodist Church will team with Aberdeen Proving Ground’s Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Program to host a gospel concert, “An Afternoon of Musical Praise”, featuring Grammy and Dove Award winning artist Yolanda Adams. The concert is a tribute to wounded warriors in
Maryland. The event will be held at the Post Theater, located at 3245 Frankford Street (Bldg. 3245). “As a former serviceman myself, I have a deep and abiding appreciation for the commitment our military members make when they are sworn in and serve this nation in peace and conflict. Ames is committed to partnering with organizations that recognize and celebrate our troops, particularly in Maryland,” says Rev. Blake, who served in the U.S. Navy. “An Afternoon of Musical Praise” will also showcase local talent, including musical performances from the group Apostle from Oak Grove Baptist Church, Baltimore City College Choir and others. WBAL’s Dr. Tim Tooten, Baltimore’s only full-time education reporter and founding pastor of Harvest Christian Ministries in Baltimore, has agreed to serve as master of ceremonies. Ames United Methodist Church is located at 112 Baltimore Pike in Bel Air, MD.
SPONSORS
34 July 2012 | Grace&Glory
Grateful
womans perspective
Sometimes in life we never realize how much we have and how ungrateful we are. For me it took my dad having a heart attack last year to realize how ungrateful I was. God had to almost take from me the one thing that I love so dear to make me wake up and be grateful. How much will God have to take from you to make you grateful? Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever! Psalm 107:1 We take so much for granted love, family, life and sanity. But when is the last time you stopped and thanked God just for being alive! Be Grateful and Thankful. Until next time stay strong and stay in love with the Lord! Cassandra Vaughn-Fox Out Foxed Media, www.outfoxedmedia.org www.gracenglorymagazine.org  www.gracenglorymagazine.org  35 35
gospel industry news Bishop T.D. Jakes
Bishop T.D. Jakes celebrates 35 years in ministry . . . The who’s who from all over showed up to celebrate this milestone in the life of Bishop T.D. Jakes. The gala was held in downtown Dallas at the AT& T Winspere Theater in the Arts District. The host and producer of the evening’s events was Tyler Perry. Also, on hand as co-host was CNN Anchor, Soledad O’Brien. Surprisingly, this mega event was a surprise for the Bishop, and was full of surprises. One major highlight was Oprah Winfrey who said in her remarks, “Thanks for being a man of conviction and a beacon of light.” There were musical performances and tributes from R & B artists Chaka Khan, Jordin Sparks, Ledisi, KEM, and Kelly Price. Gospel artists tributes/performances were from BeBe Winans, Pastor Shirley Ceasar, Fred Hammond, Israel Hougton, Karen Clark-Sheard, and Mary Mary performing their hit “Yesterday”. Pianist Keiko Matsui flew in from Japan to perform with KEM, Kelly Price, and Kirk Whalum. Chaka Khan did a medley of her hits as her tribute. Film stars Loretta Devine, Mike Epps, Derrick Luke, Kimberly Elise, Meagan Goode, Charles S. Dutton and Angela Bassett were also in attendance. Other notable mentions include Tracey Edmonds, Deion Sanders, and Pat & Emmett Smith. The Dallas Black Dance Theater performed as well. There was an array of dignitaries there to give well wishes to Bishop Jakes such as, Dr. Phil, The Mandela Family, and former U.S. President Bill Clinton. Clergy represented were Dr. Bernice King, Pastor Paula White, to name a few. The cast members of his upcoming film, “Sparkle” paid tribute with a video presentation. Bishop Jakes’ wife, Lady Serita Jakes said, “My husband has committed his life to empowering others that they might have joy, love and hope in their lives. The event was to salute him for the millions of lives he’s touched, the hearts he’s changed, and the lives he’s saved through his strong messages. It was a blessing to honor him for 35 years of service.”
The Soul Man A new sitcom debuted last month on June 20, called "The Soul Man". The storyline revolves around Rev. Boyce "The Voice" Valentine, played by Cedric "The Entertainer", he portrays the role of an R & B Superstar, turned preacher, running his dad’s church. Neicy Nash, stars as his wife, Lolli. The show will air every Wednesday on TV Land check your local listings for times. Check It Out!!!
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Kingdom for Kenya Concert You don’t want to miss this night!! Enjoy your barbeques and then head to the Hunt Valley Marriot for a great concert featuring Thomas TC Clay, Fondrea Lynn Lewis, Randy "Fruity" Roberts, Jonathan Nelson & Purpose, and JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise. The emcees for the concert are Pastor Jason Nelson & Pastor L Spencer Smith. The concert is July 4th, there is no admission fee to attend the concert, just a free will offering, and the proceeds will go to support relief efforts in Kenya. I will be there and hope to see you in the 36 36 July 20122012 | Grace&Glory July | Grace&Glory
gospel industry news
Local Artist Highlight Sean Wilkins & Remnant If you have not had the opportunity to experience the ministry of this group of young people you are missing out! I have heard them minister not only here in the city, but I have featured them on a few of my events and they did not disappoint! They give you a diverse sound and their repertoire has something for everyone! Their single is absolutely amazing, it was written by Michelle Fuller, titled "No Not One", she took that good ole hymn we love, and gave it a sound all its own! I LOVE IT!!! Call the stations request it, it’s available on iTunes. For booking info email them at godsremant1@ live.com.
Pastor Cheryl Smith Congrats are in order for My Big Sister in Christ, Pastor Cheryl Smith on the release of her book, "Pain with a Purpose", the book takes a look at what pain is, what it does, and how it affects our lives. The book brings a sense of reality to pain in order to find its meaning. When I asked Cheryl to give me a brief synopsis of her book, she said, "This book is written specifically for anyone who has ever experienced pain and didn’t understand why, or how to move forward.” I personally took interest not just because I know Cheryl, and some of what her life experiences were, but because I too have found myself going through pain in various areas in my life. I admonish you all to get this book and support Pastor Cheryl Smith, I'm extremely proud of her and I'm excited about all the blessings she has coming. The book can be purchased at amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, and The Way Christian Bookstore in Baltimore. Last month was Black Music Month, hope you had an opportunity to support a Black Music Event. Shout Out to Kevin Lei, for a job well done at his Black Music Month Event at Edens Lounge. Lil Mo, one of Baltimore’s Own was honored for her musical contributions, the event also featured various artists including Y'Anna Crawley, Brittney Wright, Jessica Greene, James Murphy, Thomas TC Clay & others, they did musical tributes to their favorite black artists, as well as sang their own, it was a great night. Live With It, Live Because of It, Live inspite of It, Whatever Your "IT" is JUST LIVE!!!! You SURVIVED IT!!!
with Miss Ericka
Follow me on twitter Miss Ericka J, www.facebook.com/ MissErickaJ , like my facebook fan page Industry News With Miss Ericka J, www.twitter.com/MissErickaJ
Top Gospel Albums The Best of Both Worlds - Pastor Charles Jenkins & Fellowship Chicago Go Get It- Mary Mary I Win- Marvin Sapp The Journey- Andre Crouch Arise: The Live Worship- William McDowell
Top Singles Awesome- Pastor Charles Jenkins & Fellowship Chicago Let the Church Say Amen- Andre Crouch feat. Marvin Winans My Testimony- Marvin Sapp Shifting the Atmosphere- Jason Nelson Go Get It- Mary Mary
New Release
Professor James Hall Worship & Praise have released "God Is in Control 2" and oooohhhh boy!! It's just what Professor Hall and the choir always deliver-- great music!! That's another song to add to your iTunes playlist, your downloads, and by all means request it on your local stations. www.gracenglorymagazine.org 37 www.gracenglorymagazine.org 37
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lifestyle
Practical Stewardship Tips
for Everyday Living
In these difficult economic times, we must examine practical ways to be able to sustain our lifestyles. It has become more and more challenging to maintain the basic needs for survival. Let’s consider returning back to the basics. God has given us resources to meet our needs. As stewards, God has given us dominion over the earth. It is our responsibility to mature as faithful stewards. God has entrusted us with an abundance of resources. We are to give an account of how we have managed these resources. God has enabled us to become selfsufficient and has provided the tools for us to sustain our basic needs. (Luke 16) Being self-sufficient means being personally sustainable of life’s basic needs: food, shelter, and clothing. Self-sufficient individuals are not dependent on outside resources for basic needs, and are capable of meeting their basic needs. By regaining some measure of self-sufficiency, individuals can take better control of how they use their resources and how they impact the environment. There are many reasons to become self-sufficient: • Emergency Preparedness: Individuals can grow their own food, and attend to minor repairs to their home and autos. • Skill Development: Becoming self-sufficient requires the development of many useful skills and sharpens mental capacities. This is also a great way to teach children to be independent and to offer them practical skills they can use throughout their lives. • Economic Advantages: A self-sufficient home can produce the most of its energy, food supplies, and other necessities far less expensively than purchasing materials and resources while paying for the labor of others. • Personal Satisfaction: Developing a simplistic lifestyle can bring about a deep sense of personal accomplishment and satisfaction, creating a positive, healthy attitude. Consider some of these tips to enhance your stewardship: • Growing a Community Garden and eating more produce you have personally harvested. • Building a compost bin to recycle household waste to use as mulch and fertilizer for the garden, flowerbeds, and lawn. • Recycling leaves and grass clippings as mulch or part of compost. • Building a rain barrel to collect rainwater for lawn and garden irrigation.
• Installing solar panels with batteries to provide abundant household energy. • Adding skylights and energy efficient windows to take advantage of natural light. • Choosing a solar water heater or solar oven to replace inefficient appliances. • Learning basic appliance, car, and home repairs and maintenance to save time and money to keep items in good repair for a longer time period. • Using a clothesline instead of a gas or electric dryer. • Recycling paper products for reuse at home as scrap paper, homemade paper, packaging materials, etc. • Choosing reusable grocery bags instead of disposable ones, and reusing store bags as trash bags. • Growing indoor herbs for seasoning. • Choosing reusable baby cloth diapers. • Learning to repair and sew new clothing and linens. • Learning basic culinary preservation skills such as canning or making fruit preserves. • Choosing to walk or bike to work or on errands instead of using a motorized vehicle. • Choosing a low flow toilet or composting toilet to conserve water. • Choose energy efficient light bulbs and appliances to minimize the need for electricity. Using a manual push
lawn mower instead of electric or gas powered models. • Buying products locally to minimize the resources necessary to bring them to market. • Starting your own business to become economically self-sufficient instead of relying on an employer. • Developing natural beauty without depending on cosmetics, hair dye, and other products. • Choosing recreation such as camping, hiking, or other low cost activities that do not require extensive travel or a major assistance to enjoy. Lenora Hammett, MBA About Lenora Hammett and Associates ·Located in Bel Air, Maryland, Lenora Hammett & Associates provides financial literacy education workshops and advocacy. For more information on Lenora Hammett & Associates or to request Ms. Hammett as a guest speaker, facilitator, or contributing writer, call 443-604-2257 or email at info@lenorahammett. org or visit my website at http://lenorahammett.org/.
40 40 July July 2012 2012 || Grace&Glory Grace&Glory
EXERCISE TIPS FOR THE KIDS Kids often become sedentary with the temptation of television, video games and junk food. As a parent, it is your responsibility to help your kids get the 60 minutes of daily physical activity as recommended by the President's Council on Physical Fitness. While you don't need to sign your kids up for a gym membership, you can find easy ways to sneak exercise into your kids' lives, and make sure they stay active and healthy. DAILY SCHEDULE The American Heart Association points out that it's a good idea to schedule time for physical activity every day. Instead of having your children come home directly from school to work on homework, take a break from the structure and monotony by giving them an hour to play outside. They'll burn off some energy; stay fit and come inside ready to focus on dinner and then homework.
TEAM SPORTS Your child's school likely offers team sports and physical education as part of the curriculum. Take advantage of the opportunity this gives your children by urging them to try out for football, basketball, gymnastics or other sports their school offers. You can also see what sports your community has to offer; you may be able to find kids' leagues for your kids to join as a way to be more active. ACTIVE TOYS The next time your child's birthday rolls around, avoid giving them things that will cause them to be sedentary in order to play with. Dolls and books all have their place, but if you're serious about exercises, try giving fitnessrelated gifts like hula hoops, a trampoline or jump ropes.
of the house and feeling active. ACTIVITIES Talking to your kids about physical activity should not exempt you from participating yourself. Family activities are an ideal way to enjoy exercise all together. Hikes through a nearby conservation area, a night at the community pool or a family game of tag outside are all easy ways to sneak in exercise into your daily routines. Choose one night a week as family activity night, and choose something that gets you out
body basics
VIDEO GAMES Video games are traditionally considered to be the enemy of all physical activity. But your gaming kids can use their systems to exercise every day, according to KidsWorld.com. Games like "Dance Dance Revolution" and "Wii Fit" encourage them to get off of the couch and use their bodies, while still providing the same stimulation that an exciting and challenging video game would.
MAKE EXERCISE A HABIT Whatever type of activity you and your child choose, do your best to make it become a daily habit. Learning habitual behaviors starts with the parents. If you make exercise a priority in your life and share those experiences with your children, they will learn to accept exercise as a normal part of everyday life. Take your children with you to the gym or group exercise classes. When working out at home, ask your children to join you. Make exercise a priority for yourself, and chances are daily exercise will become a habit for your children, too. Also, making exercise a priority will automatically deprioritize other sedentary activities like watching television and playing video games. DON’T PUNISH WITH EXERCISE Using exercise such as running laps and doing push-ups as punishment for your child’s bad behavior teaches him that exercise is something unpleasant and should be avoided. Exercise needs to be associated with positive emotions and experiences. Source: www.livelong.com
MAKE EXERCISE FUN If your child is motivated by competition, encourage him to participate in competitive sports like soccer, football, baseball or swimming. Make exercise a family competition by challenging the entire family to obstacle course races around a playground or push-up and sit-up contests. If your child is artistic, encourage exercise through artistic expression such as dance, cheer-leading or gymnastics. For gamer kids, there are many video games on the market that provide aerobic, balance and yoga-style workouts right there in your living room. Many children are motivated by family relationships, so take a walk after family meals or play games together outdoors instead of watching television. No matter what your children’s inherent interests are, tailor exercise activities to their personal interests ... and make it fun. www.gracenglorymagazine.org 41
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word of encouragement
Will You Stand on God’s Promises or Live by Your Perception?
GOD spoke to Moses: “Send men to scout out the country of Canaan that I am giving to the People of Israel. Send one man from each ancestral tribe, each one a tried-and-true leader in the tribe.” So Moses sent them off from the Wilderness of Paran at the command of GOD. All of them were leaders in Israel, one from each tribe. We went to the land to which you sent us and, oh! It does flow with milk and honey! Just look at this fruit! The only thing is that the people who live there are fierce, their cities are huge and well fortified. Worse yet, we saw descendants of the giant Anak. Amalekites are spread out in the Negev; Hittites, Jebusites, and Amorites hold the hill country; and the Canaanites are established on the Mediterranean Sea and along the Jordan.” Caleb interrupted, called for silence before Moses and said, “Let's go up and take the land—now. We can do it.” But the others said, “We can't attack those people; they're way stronger than we are.” They spread scary rumors among the People of Israel. They said, “We scouted out the land from one end to the other—it's a land that swallows people whole. Everybody we saw was huge. Why, we even saw the Nephilim giants (the Anak giants come from the Nephilim). Alongside them we felt like grasshoppers. And they looked down on us as if we were grasshoppers.” [Read Numbers 13: 1-33 The Message Bible] In Numbers Chapter 13, God told Moses to send out a leader from each of the twelve tribes of Israel to spy out the land that He had promised their forefathers. They went and spied out the land and saw that it was indeed as God said it was -- “We went to the land to which you sent us and, oh! It does flow with milk and honey! Just look at this fruit!” However ten of the spies came back with a bad report -- “the only thing.” The only thing being there were giants in the land. It was not only that the descendants of Anak or the Amalekites were giants; it was also the fact that the Israelites had a wrong perception of themselves and of God. There are several meanings of perception, one of which is “a mental image” and another “consciousness” [the quality or state of being aware especially of something within oneself]. They perceived the giants as threats and felt within themselves that they were like grasshoppers and that the giants perceived them as grasshoppers. After the death of Moses, Joshua is being prepared by God to take the Israelites into the promise land. Joshua secretly sends out two spies to once again spy out the land. They went to the home of Rahab, the harlot, who hid them in the roof of her house. In Joshua 2:8-11, Rehab spoke to the spies before they went to sleep that night. Her words to them were. “I know that GOD has given you the land. We’re all afraid. Everyone in the country feels hopeless. We heard how GOD dried up the waters of the Red Sea before you when you left Egypt and what he did to the two Amorite kings east of the Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom you put under a holy curse and destroyed. We heard it and our hearts sank. We all had the wind knocked out of us. And all because of you, you and GOD, your God, God of the heavens above and God of the earth below.” So here it is, while, the ten spies perceived themselves as grasshoppers, the people living in the promise land were even more afraid of the children of Israel. In other words, their perception of themselves stopped them from entering in the promise land. What has God promised to you that you are allowing your perception to interfere with the promise? God may have told you that you are going to start your own ministry, and/or business. He may have told you that your marriage will be restored; your relationship with your children is reconcilable. God may have even told you that you will smile again, sing, dance, run and even laugh again. Don’t allow what has happened in the past to cause you to miss out on what God is trying to do in your life right now. God wants to use you mightily to show forth His glory and love for all mankind in the earth. While your adversary, the devil is showing you mental pictures of failure and defeat, knows that you will receive all that God has promised to you. You will have that ministry, business, relationships, etc. Yes, you will smile again, you will love again, you are all healed -- if you would only believe and stand on God’s promises. I encourage you today to not allow your perception to cause you to shy away from the promises God has © Donna WilliamsRoss - In Trust made to you. He has already blessed you in the spiritual realm so that you can be a blessing and make an impact Ministries dwilliamsross@ for Him in the natural realm. Prayer: Father, in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, I take hold of the promises that You have given aol.com to me and choose this day to stand until I see the manifestations of them, amen. www.gracenglorymagazine.org 43
carter’s commentary Dr. Harold A. Carter, Jr., Pastor New Shiloh Baptist Church Baltimore, MD
Enough With the Dumbing Down! I am certainly aware that I am not merely the first to write about the decay and, in some instances, the demise of many of the beliefs, values, morals, rules/laws, and standards that have been a part of our culture. So much of what has held us together as a community of achievers and excellers in education, the rules of law, has become, or is becoming, passé. Recent generations that preceded these days of post-modernity arguably possessed a spirit that drove, motivated, and inspired. The Cold War and World Wars were fought successfully. The infrastructures of our cities were built. The space war was won, landing Apollo 11 on the moon. Tremendous advancements were achieved in medicines, science, and technology. Self-respect and the value of life were heralded, among other aspects, such as our nation’s support of a strong middle class and the appreciation of the importance of the traditional family were ideals. Granted, I am not naïve enough to think that the 20th century was without major issues of concern. However, there generally existed an inherent theme for the citizenry to achieve the “American Dream,” or in the language that most of us are familiar with to “be somebody.” As these early years of the 21st century continue to evolve, when considered in combination with the last 20, or so, years of the 20th century, there’s been a seemingly systematic move afoot to undermine the high 44 44 July July2012 2012| |Grace&Glory Grace&Glory
hopes, competitive spirit, and ambitions that produced significant advancements, on/in so many levels, in exchange for something less; all seemingly for the sake of inclusivity, “fairness,” and political correctness. I recall during the mid 1990s hearing a report about a particular city’s board of education in California that passed a vote eliminating the usage of red ink used by teachers to grade tests, essays, papers, etc. It was deemed that red ink was too traumatic, especially for struggling and, otherwise, failing students. Of course, that spawned further debate regarding letter and numerical grades, across the country. So, many educational systems implemented, with greater regularity and “sensitivity” the pass/fail system. Subsequently, school sports and community little leagues began to feel the pressure and decided that winning and losing was just too much for our little ones to bear, so the keeping of scores was eliminated. “It’s all about having fun and the team-concept, not about winning and losing,” became the mantra. Essentially, all of this meant that healthy competition was gradually being demeaned, so that everyone could “feel good about themselves,” putting everyone on the same level and avoiding feeling being hurt. No wonder America is often referred to, of late, as a “mamby pamby state,” for we are seen as a bunch of wusses (an actually accepted word in our country’s lexicon. See any Merriman-Webster dictionary post 1976). Such notions are, also, the result of the rise of the feminist movement, which gained so much traction in the 1960’s. Granted, any sensible and sane person supports the right of women: employment, pay, etc. However, most of us couldn’t help but have a “duh” response when Time Magazine raised the question on its cover, “Why Are Men and Women Different?” (Jan., 1992). It was jaw-dropping, as if the country had really brought into the argument that the sexes were the same. Unfortunately, and ironically, to a great extent, it had. And, therein lies much of the problems found, today. If nothing else, the down-side of the feminist movement has neutered, if not emasculated, men (a thought, I’d love to unpack, relative to the family, society, and even sports, etc., however space for this commentary will not allow me to do so). Tolerance, acceptance, and patience are tremendous and necessary virtues. The likelihood is that all us are the recipients of some aspect of all of these, and then some. I’m not suggesting that none of us should ever get “a pass,” or that the government’s Affirmative Action program has no place of importance. God knows, it has. I am, however, concerned that there seems to exist an across the board “dumbing down” of many societal standards (linchpins, if you will) that are being pulled out from the framework that has been built to make our nation great. When CEO’s and bank execs who’ve openly defrauded the public aren’t held accountable, when the English language of our country is slowly being given second class citizenship, when practically everyone feels a sense of entitlement by a government that too often promotes dependency, when athletes are our only role models, when the biblical definition of marriage is being redefined, when our military has had to enlist recruits “on a curve,” when inspectors are “on the take” and approve sub-standard construction, manufacturing, etc. a country (if not a world) that is already difficult to manage in becomes far too dangerous to want to live in. Again, ours has been a nation that has risen. Innately, we knew there was/is a God. Innately, we knew slavery was wrong. Innately, we knew that the democratic (representational) experiment was better than other forms of government. Innately, we knew and believed in the “American Dream.” Innately, we knew there was a right and there was a wrong, while maintaining a spirit of compassion. All of this, in my opinion, can be traced to our “dumbing down of God.” The Pew Research Center reported (June, this year) that for the past 25 years 86% of voting baby boomers said that they never questioned the existence of God. However, millennials—defined as Americans born after 1981—are bending the curve. This year, only 68% if millennials surveyed said they never questioned God’s existence; the lowest number in 25 years. That’s down from 76% only five years ago. The numbers suggest, concludes The Pew Research Center, that millennialists are going to be a generation of skeptics. No other generation has seen such a dramatic crisis of faith in such a short time. Those of us who are religious leaders, teachers, politicians, parents, and all who are in positions of influence must seek to renew, or establish, our commitment to those whom God has positioned to be in our care, holding them accountable to self-determination and excellence, in the providential plan of God. God never even expected that we would intentionally seek the bottom rungs on life’s ladder, anyway. God’s expectation, having been fearfully and wonderfully made by Him, is that we wouldn’t get weary in well-doing. In too many instances, we have become weary in not even doing well and satisfied with making and keeping it that way. To the contrary God wants us to rise higher and even once we’ve achieved, we should keep on achieving, striving, and (as the Apostle Paul put it) pressing.
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