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scripture
1 Chronicles 16:8-14 (NIV)
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Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name;
make known among the nations what he has done.
Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts. 10 Glory in his holy name; 9
let the hearts of those who seek the
Lord rejoice.
Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always. 12 Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced, 13 you his servants, the descendants of Israel, his chosen ones, the children of Jacob. 14 He is the Lord our God; his judgments are in all the earth. 11
Giving
Praise
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NOVEMBER 2016
™
contents on the cover:
Dr. Jermaine N. Johnson Pastor Michelle D. Johnson, M.Div. Word Of Life Christian Community Church 2624 Lord Baltimore Drive, Suites D&E Windsor Mill, MD 21244 443-200-5752 www.wolccc.org
Special Features pgs 8-13 - This month our cover feature is Dr. Jermaine N. Johnson and Pastor Michelle D. Johnson, pastors of the Word Of Life Christian Community Church. Dr. Jermaine Johnson is celebrating 5 years as pastor and founder of Word Of Life Christian Community Church. He talks with us about his vision to start this ministry and all that entails building a ministry from the ground up and his hopes for the future of Word Of Life Christian Community Church.
Feature Articles 32 WOMAN’S PERSPECTIVE Tiffany Bethea
34 SINGLE LIFE
No Is A Complete Sentence
38 NUTRITION & YOU
Herline A. Knights, RD, LD
Holiday Eating the Healthy Way
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Tyneice Pack
Learning to be Grateful
40 BOOK SHELF 46 MAN TALK
Lauren Sims
Dr. Charles Barrett
Leadership Theory and Practice (Peter G. Northouse)
Prelude to Thanksgiving
Healthy Body
Entertainment
Healthy Mind 30 TO YOUR GOOD HEALTH
Dr. Carla J. Debnam, (Founder, Renaissance Christian Counseling Center)
Getting Through the Holidays
Healthy Soul
44 GOSPEL INDUSTRY NEWS
Ericka Johnson
In Every Issue Scripture Page........................................ 2
36 WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT
Donna Royalty Ross
In Trust Ministries dwilliamsross@aol.com nistries
Distractions
Contributors............................................ 6 From the Editor....................................... 7
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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 EDITORIAL
Herline A. Knights Dr. Carla J. Debnam Donna Royalty Ross Ericka Johnson Rev. Tim Tooten Brandie Manigault Tiffany Bethea Dr. Charles Barrett Tyniece Pack
GRAPHIC ARTIST Claire Lesesne-Nalley www.JandCDesigns.com WEB ADMINISTRATOR Andre Felipe for Arts Period www.artsperiod.com PRINTING Roebuck & Son Printing www.hgroebuck.com
Grace & Glory Magazine is published monthly by JE Media, LLC, a Baltimore based, independent publisher. Copyright 2016. All rights reserved. Reproduction without expressed permission is prohibited.
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Advisory Board Chairman — Dr. A.C. D. Vaughn Sr. Pastor, Sharon Baptist Church, MD Vice-Chairman — Bishop Frank M. Reid, Jr. AME Church Dr. Michael A. Battle Sr., U.S. Ambassador President, ITC Seminary, Atlanta, GA Dr. Timothy Boddie Friendship Baptist Church, Atlanta, GA Bishop John R. Bryant Presiding Prelate of the 5th Episcopal District Dr. Harold A. Carter, Jr. Pastor, New Shiloh Baptist Church, MD Dr. Suzan Johnson Cook, U.S. Ambassador Dr. WIlliam H. Curtis Mt. Ararat Baptist Church, Pittsburgh, PA Bishop Ralph L. Dennis Sr. Pastor, Kingdom Worship Center, MD Wanda Q. Draper/Media Executive Michele J.K. Epps/Health Sciences Cassandra Vaughn/Media Executive Dr. Donte’ L. Hickman, Sr. Pastor, Southern Baptist Church, MD Pastor Timothy V. Manigault Healing Voices Ministries Dr. Kenneth O. Robinson Pastor, Dream Life Worship Center Bishop Walter Scott Thomas, Sr. Pastor, New Psalmist Baptist Church, MD Dr. Timothy Tooten, Sr. Pastor, Harvest Christian Ministries, MD
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from the editor
It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23 Thank you. Two small words, yet with great meaning behind them. Thank You displays an attitude of gratitude. It is the most used expression of communication. This lesson is learned early on in childhood, we were taught to say “Thank You” as little toddlers, and often scolded if we did not express thanks upon receiving something. This is the time of year when everyone will reflect on ‘Thanks’. All of us will compile lists of things and reasons to be thankful. We will have conversations about it, hear sermons about it, and sing songs about how thankful we are. We will reach out to others by supplying Thanksgiving meals to those who are less fortunate during this holiday season. Many of us across the nation will pause this month and celebrate Thanksgiving Day and exhibit an attitude of gratitude. I believe thanksgiving and gratitude go hand in hand; they are interchangeable. One definition of thanksgiving is “the expression of gratitude, especially to God”. A definition of gratitude is “the quality of being thankful”. I am most thankful to be alive, and if you are reading this, you are alive too. Being alive means there is still purpose for your life, purpose brings meaning to your life. Being alive means there is still hope, in order to have hope, you need to have an attitude of gratitude. Life is full of trials and tribulations and there have been many things that happened and did not happen this year that could have wiped us out. But, we are still here. We are still here because God is in control. God is in control of everything that concerns us and God
cares about everything that concerns us; and for that alone, we should have an attitude of gratitude. God has kept us through heartaches, disappointments, illnesses and lack. God has kept us through the good and the bad. God is our keeper. God has blessed us beyond measure and continues to bless us in spite of ourselves. He has supplied all of our needs. God looks beyond our faults, sees our every need and gives us endless mercy and grace. Great is His faithfulness and loving kindness toward us. All pretty good reasons we should have an attitude of gratitude. Our God is strong and mighty, He fights all of our battles, there is nobody greater. Remember in spite of everything we face in this life keeping an attitude of gratitude surpasses all we will ever go through in life. If by chance you need another reason to have an attitude of gratitude, the Good News is God has also given us the opportunity to have eternal life through His son Jesus Christ. Eternal Life the best reason of all we should keep an attitude of gratitude. Jackie Epps Editor-in-Chief
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Q&A
Interview With
Dr. Jermaine N. Johnson G&G: Pastor Johnson, welcome to Grace & Glory Magazine. It is a pleasure to have the opportunity to talk with you, particularly for the occasion of your 5th Pastoral Anniversary. So let’s start there. How does it feel to have five years under your belt; how would you describe the last five years as a pastor? Dr. Johnson: First let me say Congratulations on the 10 year anniversary of Grace & Glory Magazine and how grateful and honored I am to have the Grace & Glory family celebrate 5 years with us and the Word of Life Christian Community Church family. It feels great to have reached this milestone of 5 years as a pastor in the Lord’s Church. It's a great honor and privilege to be in position to fulfill the purpose that God has established for my life; an experience that is priceless! I’m clear and confident that leading and serving the people of the Word of Life Christian Community Church is my Kingdom assignment for this season of my life.
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G&G: Pastor Johnson you are the founder of the Word of Life Christian Community Church. So would you walk us through the journey and vision that led to the creation of this ministry? Dr. Johnson: The call to plant Word of Life Christian Community Church is what St. Augustine calls a “wrestling of wills”; Jesus says in the Garden of Gethsemane, “Nevertheless, not my will, but thy will be done.” This is our testimony when it comes to the planting the Word of Life Christian Community Church. The journey and vision for church planting came to life when my wife and I attended Northern Baptist Theological Seminary in Lombard, Illinois. It was there at Northern we began leading bible studies together, writing blogs on behalf of the Seminary, and mentoring incoming students; we were serving and being faithful to God’s call upon our lives. Upon graduating from Northern, we received the Ian Chapman Leadership Award for outstanding student leadership. In 2010, I enrolled as a doctoral student at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. While in my first year of residency, the voice of God spoke to me while I was in Charlotte, NC and the same voice spoke to Michelle in Baltimore concerning the Word of Life Church. The mission and vision statement for our church today are the exact words that the Lord spoke to me more than 5 years ago. In obedience to God's
Q&A
directions, we began the journey. We taught a weekly Bible Study for 9 months and focused on training and developing leaders. And on Tuesday, November 1, 2011 we launched out into the deep and started Word of Life Christian Community Church.
“Catalysts for Life.” Our mission is to make the lives of people better by being an ambassador of hope, courage, and faith through the power of the gospel and the love of Jesus Christ. We are intentional with loving each person we encounter. Love heals. "By this will men know you are my disciples, if you love one G&G: Pastor Johnson, another." Also, with the guidance what has been the most of the Holy Spirit, we strive to challenging areas in provide a culture that is guided building this ministry by our core values of Kingdom during these last five Values, Kingdom Principles, years? What have been the Kingdom Witnessing, Kingdom most rewarding areas in Building, Kingdom Living, building this ministry? Kingdom Serving, and Kingdom Dr. Jermaine N. Johnson, Pastor Michelle D. Johsnon and Dr. Johnson: The Giving. Moreover, with the influx daughter Zoe Imani biggest challenge in of new churches and ministries, building the ministry we strive to be faithful in our were internal struggles; overcoming persecution assignment as to assist and provide a model for others and being misunderstood along with the stigma that as we grow in grace together. are associated with church planting in the AfricanAmerican context of ministry. However, those G&G: Pastor Johnson, where would you like to challenges translated into rewards. As our dependence see the Word of Life Christian Community Church upon God grew even stronger, I was ministry in the next five years? often reminded, “Do not despise the Dr. Johnson: Over the next day of small beginnings.” The ability to 5 years, I see the Word of overcome provided a sense of focus and Life Christian Community determination, which ultimately lead to Church in the position for the personal and church growth. This was Greater. Greater Impact in our a process of maturity and discipleship surrounding neighborhood that provided courage and strength as we are intentional in our to author my first book “The New Wine Experience: A Model of Church Planting in the African-American Context of Ministry.” G&G: Pastor Johnson, how would you describe the ministry of Word of Life Christian Community Church? With the influx of new churches and ministries in the Greater Baltimore area, what sets this ministry apart? Dr. Johnson: Word of Life is a place of refuge and strength, a process that leads to restoration in Christ. Our vision can be summarized in three words
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Q&A
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ministry service to our local communities. As a result of the church’s work in the community, I presently serve as a board member for the Liberty Road Business Association. Greater influence in the surrounding countries, a remnant of our church just completed their first international missions trip to Jamaica along with two other churches in Orlando, FL. Word of Life has been intentional in our outreach and missions efforts over our first 5 years of ministry by providing food, clothing, school supplies, and meeting whatever needs may arise to the best of our ability. Greater inspiration as our desire to see the disciples of the Word of Life Christian Community Church continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, a process that we believe will yield both spiritual and numerical growth. G&G: Pastor Johnson, for your 5th Pastoral Anniversary are there any special plans or events scheduled to commemorate this milestone? Dr. Johnson: Yes, God has entrusted us with more space yet again as we move into our new location, 2624 Lord Baltimore Drive, Suites D&E, Windsor Mill, MD 21244. We will be celebrating the Favor of God throughout the month of November with special guests to include Bishop Oscar Brown and the First Mt. Olive Church; Pastor Shawn Bell and the Greater Paradise Christian Center; Pastor Keith Green and the Word of God Church and Ministries; and Pastor Gary Johnson and the Faith Christian Worship Center, along with other surprises throughout the month. In addition to our worship services, we look forward to ministry outreach beyond the walls of Word of Life to self-less give to others in the remaining months of this year. ◆◆◆ G&G: Pastor Johnson, shifting a little to a more personal note, how would you describe yourself in three words and what is one thing that most people would be surprised to know about you?
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Dr. Johnson: A man of Faith, Wisdom and Favor. Most people would be surprised that I love and have the skill and ability to play basketball and in my humble opinion I can shoot with the best of them, I don't have the standard basketball player appearance whatever that is, so I get overlooked and counted out, but once given the opportunity my gift makes room for me! G&G: Pastor Johnson, most pastors have shared with me that ‘preaching the gospel’ was not what they initially had planned to do with their lives. Was it the same for you, did you have other plans for your life before your call to ministry? Dr. Johnson: I knew early on that preaching the gospel would be my assignment. I had no idea how that assignment would look for me. If not a preacher, my desire would be a professional baseball player. G&G: Pastor Johnson, when did you realize the call on your life to preach the gospel? Was it a difficult call to accept? Dr. Johnson: As a 17 year old high school student attending Mergenthaler, the gospel began to become real to me as the conviction of the Holy Spirit began to become more apparent in my life. My father had passed away suddenly some years before and I began to sense God pulling me closer to Him. The acceptance of my calling to preach the gospel was a matter of surrendering my will for His will for my life. G&G: Pastor Johnson, what do you remember about your first sermon? What was the title/message? Dr. Johnson: I remember a host of pastors and preachers present; I remember being nervous. The text and title of the message was, “What God has for me, it is for Me.” Philippians 3:12-14 G&G: Pastor Johnson, during these last five years have you ever thought to yourself what have I gotten myself into, have you ever just wanted to throw in the towel?
Q&A
Dr. Johnson: I’ve had my moments, but the wilderness of seasons prior to my pastorate, served as preparation. A process that I embraced and I believe has prepared me for the variables that are associated with ministry and serving the people of God. G&G: Pastor Johnson, in today’s society so many things are done differently in ministry; there is Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, texting, streaming services, etc., what are your thoughts on technology and the church? Dr. Johnson: Technology should be embraced into all the generations of the church and together with great intentionality be incorporated into the life and culture of the church. We engage with all of the mentioned social media tools. Our worship services on Sundays at 9am & 11am and Tuesdays at 7pm are streamed through Periscope. We also engage our congregation in online Christian Education tools, such as Right Now Media, to provide opportunities for personal development in their love walk with God. We’ve just launched our Word of Life Radio Broadcast on Heaven 600 and iHeartRadio Friday Nights at 8pm. G&G: Pastor Johnson, as a young pastor yourself, what do you see in young pastors of today that concerns you or encourages you? Dr. Johnson: I’m encouraged that young pastors are still embracing and accepting the call of God upon their lives to serve; willing to make the sacrifices to obtain higher education, attend preaching and leadership conferences, etc. My hope is that our motives, character and integrity are displayed, both privately and publicly, that will bring glory to the Father. G&G: Do you see yourself as a role model for young aspiring ministers? What advice would you give to
young ministers who want to start a ministry? Dr. Johnson: Yes. The advice that I would give is to be clear that it’s God that is calling you rather than your own ambition and desire to do something great for God. In your time of preparation prepare and be diligent! Bloom where you are planted no matter what, overcome the temptation of comparing yourself to others! Remember Jacob had Laban, David had Saul, and Elisha had Elijah. God knows how to find you when he’s ready for you! G&G: Pastor Johnson, what was the most valuable advice you received from a mentor in regards to ministry? Dr. Johnson: Be yourself, make your own history, be faithful and leave the results up to God! G&G: Pastor Johnson, now that it has been five years since you started the Word of Life Christian Community Church, what would you say you know for sure about yourself and about pastoring a church? Dr. Johnson: I know for sure that God is Faithful that God’s Grace and Favor rest on my life and the people of Word of Life Christian Community Church and that God has blessed and set apart the ministry of Word of Life for a great work! G&G: Pastor Johnson, thank you for sharing with us and we pray that the Lord will continue to bless you and the Word of Life Christian Community Church. Congratulations as you celebrate 5 years as Pastor. Dr. Johnson: Thank you for this opportunity for me to share my story and the story of Word of Life Christian Community Church with the wonderful supporters of Grace & Glory. I’m forever grateful for all those who believed and supported us throughout our faith journey. I’m thankful for my wonderful wife and Co-Pastor Michelle D. Johnson, our beautiful daughter Zoe Imani and supportive mother Vanessa Hardison. “It all begins with the Word, for the Word is Life.”
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bio
Pastor Michelle D. Johnson, M.Div. a native of Baltimore, Maryland, graduated from the public school system with great honors and achievements. She is a graduate of Howard University in Washington, D.C., where she graduated in the year 2000, sum cum laude, with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing. Understanding her gift and passion for teaching, she attended Notre Dame of Maryland University where she graduated with a Master’s of Science in Nursing in Leadership Education in 2014. In February 2004, Pastor Michelle received a license to preach the Gospel and was ordained in November 2007. In June 2007, Michelle earned a Master of Divinity Degree from Northern Baptist Theological Seminary in Lombard, Illinois. During her time as a seminary student, Pastor Michelle received several awards and recognitions; most noteworthy is the Ian Chapman Leadership Award and David H. E. Read Preacher/Scholar Award. Pastor Michelle finds her greatest passion in ministry in discipleship through Christian education. In accordance with the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20, Michelle desires to go and make; baptize and teach disciples so that each one may know and grow in the knowledge of God through Jesus Christ. Pastor Michelle has been married to her partner in life and ministry, Dr. Jermaine N. Johnson, for 16 years. In August 2011, God answered their prayers as He blessed them to give birth to a beautiful baby girl, Zoë Imani. Michelle serves as Co-Pastor with her husband at the Word of Life Christian Community Church in Windsor Mill, Maryland. It is the mission of the Word of Life Church to be ambassadors of hope, courage, and faith through the power of the Gospel and the love of Jesus Christ.
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Dr. Jermaine N. Johnson, a native of Baltimore, MD where he attended various public and private schools before graduating from Mergenthaler Vocational Technical Senior High School. Dr. Johnson went on to matriculate at Eastern University in Saint Davids, Pennsylvania where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in the field of communication. Dr. Johnson earned his Masters of Divinity from the Northern Baptist Theological Seminary located in Lombard, IL. In addition to earning his Master’s degree, he also received the Ian Chapman Leadership Award for outstanding student leadership. Dr. Johnson earned his Doctor of Ministry Degree from the GordonConwell Theological Seminary located in Charlotte, NC. Dr. Johnson is a 2013-14 Lewis Fellow Alum of the Wesley Theological Seminary located in Washington, D.C. In October of 2014, Dr. Johnson released his first book along with a workbook entitled, “The New Wine Experience”- A Leadership Model of Church Planting in the African American Context of Ministry. In December of 2015, Dr. Johnson released his sophomore book entitled, “Back to the Basics: The ABC’s of Leadership”. Dr. Johnson was licensed to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ in July of 1998 at the First Mount Carmel Christian Community Church in Baltimore, Maryland. In August of 2003, Dr. Johnson was ordained. Dr. Johnson submits himself to the pastoral covering of Bishop Alfred A. Owens, Jr. and Co-Pastor Susie C. Owens and the Mount Calvary Holy Churches of America, Incorporated. Before attending seminary, Dr. Johnson served as the Youth Pastor of The Emmanuel Christian Community Church in Baltimore, MD and The Mount Olive A.M.E Church in Annapolis, MD. Over the years of his ministry, Dr. Johnson has been faithful in his service to the Christian community, by serving throughout the United States, as well as the countries of Israel, Egypt, Nicaragua, Jamaica and Thailand, all in an effort to meet the needs of God’s people all over the world. Presently, Dr. Johnson serves as the Senior Pastor of The Word of Life Christian Community Church located in Windsor Mill, MD. He also serves as a board member of the Liberty Road Business Association. Dr. Johnson is happily married to Michelle Darice and they are blessed with one daughter.
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to your good health
The
holiday season is the best of times and sometimes the worst of times. It is great because we focus on family, friends, fellowship, and of course good food. It is a time of enjoyment, connecting with those we care about, and making time for the people and activities that bring us happiness. The next few weeks can be exhilarating and tiring all at the same time. It is often a time filled with hope, great expectations, excitement and many opportunities for merriment. With all of these events happening that normally bring us joy, for some people this time of year is dreaded and stressful. For those who are not looking forward to this joyous season, life can be filled with anxiety, depression, jealousy and loneliness. Even Christians fall prey to these emotions and instead of feeling thankful during Thanksgiving and being filled with anticipation as the Advent season approaches, some may succumb to despair and dread the celebrations of the season. This is often complicated by Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which occurs with the change in daylight hours during the fall and winter seasons. It is a type of depression and has some of the same symptoms such as: losing interest in activities you once enjoyed, feeling hopeless or worthless, and having problems with sleeping. Other symptoms include: irritability, tiredness or low energy, problems getting along with other people and appetite changes. You may feel like this at times but do not selfdiagnose. See a doctor if you have any symptoms of depression. A few ways we can beat the holiday blues is to be intentional in planning our schedules. Many times people overcommit to social 30 November November 2016 2016 || Grace&Glory Grace&Glory 30
events that they feel obligated to attend or activities that they have been invited to participate in. It may be the office Christmas cookie exchange, the ministry fellowship or a family gathering that has caused you stress. Sometimes money problems arise and we can feel obligated to join in the gift exchange, buy everything on the wish list or supply most of the food for the family dinner. The loss of a loved one can also make the holidays less welcome because loneliness and grief overshadow the joy of the season. Whatever may be hindering us from celebrating the season can be overcome and managed when we keep things in perspective and set limits for how much we can handle. We can control our budgets, our participation in activities and our moods. People may not understand your choices but you have to do what is good for you and if you want to explain your decision you can do so without apology. This takes courage but if you want to enjoy the holidays you have to take charge of what matters to you and remember the season is about being thankful to God for our blessings and the gift of Jesus. Getting back to the foundation of your faith can help take the focus off of people, parties and your pain. Psalm 42:5 gives us a response to life’s challenges, “Why are you down in the dumps, dear soul? Why are you crying the blues? Fix my eyes on God - soon I’ll be praising again. He puts a smile on my face. He’s my God.” Reframing our thinking by focusing on the goodness of God is the key to getting through the holidays. The holidays can be joyful when we rejoice in the one who can lift our spirits. Dr. Carla Debnam Founder, Renaissance Christian Counseling Center
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woman’s perspective Can you believe that it is already November my sister? I can’t. 2016 is coming to a close and we are entering holiday season. I don’t know about you but I absolutely love holiday season! I love spending time with family. I love the delicious food. I love the ability to reflect on what I am grateful for and how much love I am surrounded by. However, I must admit that the holidays can also be a stressful time for many with the demands of putting together holiday celebrations and buying gifts. This can be especially true for women who often times shoulder the responsibility of planning and preparing family gatherings. So I thought this an appropriate time for us all to be reminded that No is a complete sentence. In our attempt to be there for our loved ones it is too easy as wives, mothers, daughters, sisters, cousins to forget to be there for ourselves. I can’t tell you how many times I have prepared a meal for my family and then later realized that I didn’t eat. Has this happened to you? In the midst of ripping and running we are often the last ones on our own list of people to be cared for and shown love. But I want to encourage you not to receive overwhelm. As a daughter of the king, peace and joy are your inheritance. “Beloved, I pray that in all things thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” (3 John 1:2 ASV) Don’t live below your means and accept anxiety and stress as your own. What is the easiest way to live in peace even during the holiday season? Being honest with yourself about what you have the capacity to get done is a huge first step. Many times we take on too many responsibilities and are not real with ourselves regarding what we can actually handle. But I want you to practice with me for a moment. I want you to say, “NO”. Did you say it? How did that feel? You’re still alive right? The world didn’t collapse. See you have the ability to say no. Saying no where appropriate is a self-preservation skill that is critical. God has called us to serve and love others but we can only serve from what we have. If we are empty and exhausted what do we have to serve others? We must say no in some instances so that we truly have a YES when it is important. And guess what? No is a complete sentence! Don’t feel the need to owe an explanation when it is time for you to preserve. A simple NO will suffice. Now I recognize that for my people pleasers this will be hard, however I want you to remember that you are just as special as the people you love and care for and you deserve that same care that you give others. The stronger, happier, and healthier you are the more everyone you love benefits. So before you can give an automatic yes I encourage you to first take inventory and make sure your yes Tiffany Bethea won’t cost too much. Otherwise you know She-EO Life Mentor what you need to say right? NO.
www.Tiffanybethea.com
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single life
Wow! Where did the time go? It is hard to believe that November has arrived and the holiday season is upon us. November is the month where more people focus on being thankful than any other time of the year. While the holidays are generally a time of love, laughter and making great memories that is not always the case for everyone. For some people the holidays are another reminder that they are still single. You receive invites for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations. You want to go but are reluctant to attend the celebration because you don’t want to show up alone to another celebration. There are a lot of people who struggle through the holiday season. It is not uncommon for many singles to feel depressed during Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Eve. This holiday season, I encourage you to focus on being grateful for what you do have, not concentrating on what you don’t have. Gratitude will help to shift your focus from what you think your life lacks to realizing the abundance that you have received. What you focus on expands, so be sure to focus on being grateful! It is so easy to get caught up in the fast pace of life and complain about your current situation. Having a grateful heart has more to do with your choice than your circumstance.
Gratitude is: • Being thankful and acknowledging all that you received. • Counting your blessings and noticing the simple pleasures. • Being aware of how much you have received. Melody Beattie says that, "Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow." Giving thanks has the ability to make people happier and
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more resilient, it strengthens relationships, it improves health, and it reduces stress. It does not matter if you are single or in a relationship we all can welcome being happier, more resilient, healthier and less stressed.
Ways to improve your gratitude: 1. Write a letter of thanks to someone who has impacted your life and share it with them. 2. Avoid complaining or being negative. 3. Think about the things that we take for granted; the ability to walk, to taste, to see, to have a home, to cry and the list can go on. 4. Create a gratitude journal. a. What touched me today? b. Who or what inspired me today? c. Who or what made me smile today? d. What wonderful things happened today? Gaining an attitude of gratitude is a process. You will have to release the ANTS (Automatic Negative Thoughts) that try to live in your head. For some it may happen quickly and for others it may take some time but don’t give up on the process. Being grateful and thankful truly does put us in a place to receive more from God. Also, we attract who we are! So if you have a mindset of gratefulness or ungratefulness that is what you will attract. Don’t make this holiday season about being single or not having the things that you desire, make it about being grateful. We have been blessed to be a blessing. Being a blessing is not always monetary. There are a lot of things that you can do with and for people that are very inexpensive or don’t cost anything other than your time. Remember the golden rule, “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets” Matthew 7:12 (NIV). I pray that this holiday season will be one of your greatest as you give thanks for your blessings as opposed to focusing on the things you don’t have. Tyniece Pack
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word of encouragement
When word came to Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem the Arab and the rest of our enemies that I had rebuilt the wall and not a gap was left in it—though up to that time I had not set the doors in the gates—Sanballat and Geshem sent me this message: “Come, let us meet together in one of the villages on the plain of Ono.)” But they were scheming to harm me; so I sent messengers to them with this reply: “I am carrying on a great project and cannot go down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and go down to you?” Four times they sent me the same message, and each time I gave them the same answer. [Nehemiah 6:1-2] "I looked for someone among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found no one. [Ezekiel 22:30] For those of us who watched North Carolina boil over into the streets, some of us were in utter shock and disbelief that this was happening once again in these United States of America. Some of us were glued to our Live Video on Facebook or the Television in awe of this young man standing up to the North Carolina police without one ounce of fear in his eyes. Still some of us were mesmerized by his cool performance. However, with all of that said, some of us as “intercessors” came off the wall to watch this earthly attack and did not realize that in the heavens the war was taking place all. In other words, intercessors that should have been on the wall coming against the spirits that were operating in North Carolina were distracted. What is distracting us and taking away our focus off of the things of the Kingdom of God? Is it our favorite TV show? Is it our favorite game on the internet? Is it a person, place or thing? What is that one thing to give attention to that would cause us to cut short our time with God? Distractions come in various forms; like the distractions that have us glued to our TV or Facebook, iPad, iPhone, Android, or Samsung. Thoughts are also distractions that send us in the “what if” mode. Distractions come in our finances – when they are not aligned with what we are supposed to do or pay. Distractions also come in how beautiful we want our yards to look compared to our neighbors. Our clothes, our hair, etc. can all be storms sent to distract us from trusting and looking to God for all understanding. The disciples in the boat with Jesus were distracted by the storms which caused them to lose their trust in Jesus’ ability to take care of them even in 36 November 2016 | Grace&Glory
a place of seemingly adversity. Distractions come in the form of our friends calling us and asking us to go somewhere with them, when we really should be sitting in the presence of the Lord. Distractions come from a parent who makes you feel guilty or demands all of your time, just when God is about to give you some revelation. If you are not mindful of distraction and how it operates, we can quickly become sidetracked from hearing from God. Then there are time stealers in our lives – people who are assigned to slow us down; sent expressly without realizing it to slow us down or waste our time. Sickness is a distraction – it takes our eyes off of Jesus and we become centered on the sickness – to the point that we begin to become more sicknesscentered or sickness-conscious than Christ-conscious or Christ-centered; to be Christ-centered is when you put that sickness in its proper perspective. For example here is the sickness [little box], and here is Jesus outside of any [BOX]; in other words, the sickness is small compared to the bigness of our God. Could the problem be that we look at our small situations and forget that our BIG GOD is bigger than any situation or circumstance plaguing us? We must recognize how big our God is. God is bigger than any situation we are dealing with in our lives. For those of us who are intercessors we have to recognize those times of fellowship with God and not to allow distractions to move us from our position of always being alert and praying without ceasing. Intercessors especially have to be so focused on their time with God that they are not moved by what the enemy is saying or doing. I encourage you to stay on the wall; God has a purpose for you being on the wall. You are standing in the gap for those on the frontline. I encourage you to recognize when someone is trying to steal your time. I encourage you to stay focused, understanding that others have seen you on the frontline and are expecting you to be there. Pray with me: Father, in the name of Jesus, help me to stay focused. Help me to recognize that while I have taken my eyes off of the battlefield, others are taking the hits. Help me to understand the trust that You have placed in me to be an intercessor. Help me to stay focused on You and Your word, amen. Donna Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours. May Royalty Ross you be blessed beyond measure. In Trust Ministries dwilliamsross@aol.com
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nutrition & you
Holiday Eating
the Healthy Way These tips can help you celebrate holidays the healthy way! Weight management Focus on weight management rather than weight loss. Exercise Plan time for exercise. Exercise helps relieve holiday stress and prevent weight gain. Meals Do not skip meals. Skipping breakfast or lunch before a big holiday dinner actually may cause you to overeat. 38 November 2016 | Grace&Glory
Family and friends Talk more, eat less. Make the holiday season about enjoying company, rather than all about the food. The rainbow Fill your plate with a rainbow of colors. Choose different varieties of fruits and vegetables often. Healthy choices If you know that you will not find any healthy choices, offer to bring something along, such as a salad, vegetable dish, chicken, or fish. Appetite control Pace yourself and become more aware of what you are eating and drinking. Eat until you are satisfied, not stuffed.
No thank you Learn to say “no” politely. You can say: “No thank you. I have had enough. Everything was delicious.” This works even with someone who will not take “no” for an answer.
Compliments Social events do not mean that you have to totally abandon proper eating habits Portion control and your prescribed diet Select small portions. This or wreak havoc on your will allow you to enjoy all the waistline. Even if you are different foods offered, while not completely successful still controlling your calorie at eating right, compliment intake. yourself for trying and then try harder the next time! Alcohol If you drink, select lite wines and beers, rather than mixed drinks. Alcohol is high in calories. Nibble temptation Stand away from buffet tables and food trays to avoid the urge to nibble constantly.
By Herline A. Knights, RD, LD
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bookshelf
Book Shelf Leadership Theory and Practice By Peter G. Northouse Whether we are on the giving or receiving end we have all experienced some style of leadership in our lifetime. From parents, to coaches, to teachers, to Pastors and Servant leaders in non-profit organizations, leadership is something that is universal, transcending time and culture and because of that it is something I believe that we should have a basic working knowledge of. We all have a measure of influence and following and Peter G. Northouse’s book entitled Leadership Theory and Practice is a practical guide to studying various leadership styles, determining which style best fits you, and giving insight on the key character traits of each style so that you are able to learn how to work with other styles of leadership and ultimately achieve the goals set before you with those around you. While it may not be the most exciting read the insight given is what sets apart leaders and followers and it’s what makes the difference between innovative advance and stagnation. 40 November 2016 | Grace&Glory
by Lauren Sims
There are several different leadership styles highlighted in this book. Two that I found note worthy and most common were Authentic Leadership and Leader-Member exchange theory. Both contain two key elements that I have seen change lives and move people from sitting on the sidelines to creating change in the world around them
and its genuine relationships between leaders and followers, that aren’t based on service and healthy communication. All of the chapters end with a useful assessment tool for you to score yourself and see how compatible you are with the style of leadership and provide feed back for ways to improve under the expression you identify most with. It’s not so much a leisure read as it is something you pick up when you’ve hit a wall, desire growth, or just want to prepare yourself for a season ahead. It’s an easy read and one that I recommend to be kept close by. About the Author
Peter G. Northouse, PhD Peter G. Northouse, PhD, is Professor Emeritus of Communication in the School of Communication at Western Michigan University. In addition to publications in professional journals, he is the author of Leadership: Theory and Practice (now in its seventh edition) and Introduction to Leadership: Concepts and Practice (now in its third edition) and coauthor of Health Communication: Strategies for Health Professionals (now in its third edition). His scholarly and curricular interests include models of leadership, leadership assessment, ethical leadership, and leadership and group dynamics. For more than 30 years, he has taught courses in leadership, interpersonal communication, and organizational communication to both undergraduate and graduate students. Currently, he is a consultant and lecturer on trends in leadership research, leadership development, and leadership education. He holds a doctorate in speech communication from the University of Denver, and master’s and bachelor’s degrees in communication education from Michigan State University.
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GOSPEL INDUSTRY Hezekiah Walker Hezekiah has landed a major exclusive syndication and sales partnership deal for his radio show with Rejoice MSF (Music Soul Food) Radio Network. It launches first week in November, and will be the kick off to your morning with inspiration from Bishop Hezekiah Walker. I'm so excited for him and all that's happening; in addition, his song "Better" has been long running in the #1 spot! Fred Hammond Fred has released his new album titled "Worship Journal Live" his first LIVE recording in 17 years; great move for him releasing it right on the helm of his "Festival Of Praise Tour" which launched last month as well. The Tour features artists Hezekiah Walker, Israel Houghton, Karen Clark-Sheard, Regina Belle, Casey J, and Comedian Earthquake. It will be in the DMV this month, November 3, in Salisbury MD, at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center; November 4, at the Lyric Performing Arts Center; and on November 11, in Washington DC at Constitution Hall. I've heard nothing but great things about the tour, can’t wait to check it out, and needless to say Fred always delivers great music so you definitely wanna go grab his latest project. Earnest Pugh Earnest is releasing a new single titled "Thank You"; it was written by Shawn Bigby and produced by Michael Bereal. They have claimed it to be this year’s Thanksgiving tune to be sung by churches and choirs! Ted Winn Ted has a new single and new project! The single is titled "Grateful" it pays homage and honor to gospel legend Walter Hawkins. I love the Hawkins music they gave us timeless music, and I absolutely love it when artist celebrate those who have paved the way. You definitely wanna check it out! Get yourself a copy! 44 November 2016 | Grace&Glory
Tye Tribbett Tye is making all kinds of noise right now, as if he ever actually stopped. He was co-host last month at the 47th Annual Dove Awards, as well as the host of the new BET show Joyful Noise which also launched last month. As we know, the long running legendary Bobby Jones show has retired, Joyful Noise is the new flagship show for Sunday morning gospel music and inspiration on BET. In addition, at the Dove Awards, Tye released and performed his new single titled "Work It Out". The awards aired on TBN last month if you didn't get a chance to check it then you wanna catch it On Demand. The single is available right NOW at all digital media outlets! CeCe Winans CeCe IS BACK! After nine years, she’s back with a brand new single titled “Never Have to Be Alone”. She has also landed a new distribution deal with Thirty Tigers for her label Pure Springs. The single was released late October and is gaining momentum; her full LP is slated to be released February 2017. Zebullon Ellis Sunday’s Best finalist Zebullon Ellis has officially signed a management deal with Uncle G and Uncle G Management & Productions. New music, new management, and one of the greatest voices, I absolutely love Zeb, and I can’t wait to hear and see what's to come. I'm a true fan! Check out his latest project "Lift"! The Rance Allen Group They released their 25th album to date, "The Live Experience II", however, it's only their third LIVE recording, which they did in San Francisco Bay. It was released the end of last month October 28th to be exact. These guys are legendary and their music is timeless. The Mighty Clouds Of Joy One of the world’s favorite and longest running quartet groups The Mighty Clouds of Joy is BACK! They released their latest project and two singles in rotation "Who Touched Me" which gives you that good ole quartet hand clappin, foot stompin bump, and "Lord Help Us" which is more contemporary quartet, all are available right now. Check it out!
NEWS
gospel industry news gospel industry news
Thomas "TC” Clay I had the awesome opportunity to work with this incredible artist. I have never experienced a gift of this magnitude! I literally had the opportunity to watch this guy at the beginning of his career before he rocked out with a full band, go into venues, and single handedly shift atmosphere with such a pure and genuine delivery of adoration, worship, and praise. On October 16, God called TC home suddenly, at the young age of 34. This guy had some amazing music and I'm so sorry the world didn't get a chance to experience the awesomeness of his gift. He frequented the Baltimore and DMV area and many became fans of such songs as "Hey Lucy" a song about Lucifer and his plots and plans; "Night Air" one of my favs which speaks of an encounter with God, another is a worship medley, he knew how
to engage an audience and provoke them into worship and praise. "Chang Me" another amazing song and "Not My End" a song that I listened to on Monday and the tears wouldn't stop falling; his lyrics were so penetrating, transparent, thought provoking, and life changing not to mention the instrumentation that was so next level. The outpouring of love for him on social media was tremendous and#1 he Charles will truly be missed. I know we haveJenkins to accept what God allows, and God knows best but this one is hard, and I would have to definitely say on this one "Gone Too Soon". Please keep his son, family, friends, and fans in prayer. REST IN HEAVEN, "Prince of Rock Worship"! Please check out his You Tube Clips and videos.
From Labor to Reward Lecresia Campbell
The Golden Classical Soprano, Lecresia Campbell transitioned from labor to reward, September 29 from a pulmonary embolism. Lecresia loved Baltimore and Baltimore loved Lecresia. Her voice was so unique and strong, her classically trained vocals gave beautiful operatics to Gospel music, her range catapulted your spirit into another dimension, but it didn't stop there. Lecresia performed in many stage plays, and even some television appearances, her personality and sense of humor accompanied with her vocals allowed her gifts to get attention beyond the church. Her voice will live forever and her music will not be forgotten. If you don't know her by name you absolutely know her music as the lead on "Oh Lord How Excellent", "Stand Still', and "Magnify" just to name a few. Please keep her family, friends, fans, and loved ones in prayer.
Top 5 Gospel Songs #1. Made A Way - Travis Greene #2. You're Bigger - Jekalyn Carr #3. Put A Praise On It - Tasha Cobbs feat. Kierra Sheard #4. God Provides - Tamela Mann #5. Better - Hezekiah Walker
Top 5 Gospel Albums #1. One Way - Tamela Mann #2. Worship Journal Live - Fred Hammond #3. Joe Pace Presents HB Charles Jr. & The Shiloh Church Choir #4. The Journey Live #5. True Story - Hart Ramsey
I'm thankful for all that God has done and shall do. I'm grateful and thankful for all his blessings and favor, for family, friends, and supporters. I'm thankful for life, health, strength God I'm thankful. I'm thankful for all of you that each month read my column, and for the founder, editor, and visionary of this publication Ms. Jackie Epps as well as each contributor. In this season of Thanksgiving, don't neglect to reflect on God's blessings and never forget to thank and praise him for all he's done. Til next month, don't forget to tune in every weekend Friday-Sunday at 5:30 pm, on iheart radio, Heaven 600, 102.7 for my segment "In With Miss Ericka J" where I keep you "IN Tune, IN the mix, and IN The Know".
www.facebook.com/ErickaJohnson, like my fan page on Facebook “Miss Ericka J” www.instagram.con/MissErickaJ, www.twitter.com@MissErickaJ
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man talk
Prelude To Thanksgiving: It Took All Of That To Get To This
Although each of us can likely think of several reasons for why we are thankful, disappointing news about our health and less than ideal financial situations are typically not in the forefront of our minds. But whether we are expecting God to do great things or we find ourselves enjoying what He has already done, consider these words: it took all of that to get to this. Brothers, as we look closer this month, why are you thankful? POINT 1: I AM THANKFUL FOR THE CONFOUNDS OF GRACE AND MERCY As people, it is comforting to say that A causes B. While students want to know that their hours spent studying will indefinitely lead to a stellar grade on their next exam, school psychologists seek to make causal linkages between their creatively crafted interventions and subsequent successful outcomes. But despite how appealing these direct connections might be, they are far less frequent than we are willing to admit. In other words, life is filled with complex, sometimes messy, interactions rather than direct relationships. Even related to spiritual matters, human nature predisposes us to think in overly simplistic terms of cause and effect. For example, if The Lord blessed me, it must have been the result of what I did. And if something unfortunate happened to me, similarly, I must have done something to upset God. Brothers, not only is such thinking unhealthy and contrary to the nature of an ever-loving God, nothing could be farther from the truth! As it is in life, much of the Christian experience cannot be traced to, or predicted by, what we have or have not done. Because of grace, which is beyond our control, we have access to things that we don’t deserve. In the same manner, because of mercy, we don’t always bear the negative consequences of our actions (Lamentations 3:22). To borrow a term from research methodology, grace and mercy are confounding variables that muddy the direct path between what we do and what we receive in return. Psalm 103: 10-12: He does not punish us for all our sins; he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve. For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. POINT 2: I AM THANKFUL BECAUSE IT WAS GOOD FOR ME While it is safe to assume that no one seeks to be stressed, such thinking has influenced our expectation of the Christian life: it should be filled with perpetual comfort and happiness. Pain and suffering, however, are not only inevitable, but they are also necessary. As one who did not always appreciate the value of my challenges while in the midst of them, I eventually learned, like the Psalmist, that these things were good for me (Psalm 119:71). In many ways, life, especially the Christian life, is about growing—being better today than we were yesterday. And although we can learn from the mistakes of others, sometimes experience is the best teacher. Brothers, tough times serve a two-fold purpose: they teach us about God and they teach us about ourselves. Because God desires intimate fellowship with each of us, He is committed to doing whatever is necessary in pursuit of such a relationship, including allowing us to endure hardship. In fact, many of us can attest to our most consistent conversations with God occurring in the midst of adversity. So if it took all of that to strengthen our relationship with God, not only was it good for us, it was worth it!
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As I’ve written in previous editions of this column, difficulty perfects our Christian character. Although we assume the likeness of Christ—love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23)—as a function of our relationship with Him, these qualities do not develop automatically. Instead, The Lord uses situations that we encounter in our day-to-day lives to mature these attributes that are central to our Christian character. In other words, when love is lacking, He places us in uncomfortable situations in which we must become more loving. If we are lacking patience, He gives us opportunities to exercise and strengthen our existing, albeit weaker, patience. To grow in kindness, gentleness, and self-control, God intentionally inconveniences us so that we can demonstrate these virtues to our friends, families, and even our enemies. POINT 3: I AM THANKFUL BECAUSE ALL THINGS ARE WORKING TOGETHER Although the Word of God is far from a fairy tale, our myriad once upon a time beginnings ultimately lead to happily ever after endings. Joseph, for example, once upon a time was rejected by his brothers, thrown into a pit, lied on by Potiphar’s wife, and imprisoned for unjust, unfair, and indefensible reasons (Genesis 37, 39, & 40). But if it weren’t for these seemingly unfortunate events, he would have never reached the place that God had predestined for him (Genesis 41). Like you and I today, it took all of that for Joseph to arrive at his prepared place of promise. A few weeks ago, a friend, Pastor Anthony Ferguson, posted the following on his Facebook page: God does not waste pain. He uses it to accomplish his purpose. These simple sentences contain the realization that nothing is casual or by happenstance. Personally speaking, more than 10 years ago I relocated to Northern Virginia, a place in which I never thought that I would be living. And although I am no longer engaged in what led me to this area, (serving as a musician for a local church), it took all of that to get to my current situation. As much as I would like to draw causal connections between my decisions and the place in which I find myself, ministering wholeness to those whom I have the privilege of serving each day, it was a series of divinely orchestrated steps (Psalm 37:2) that brought me through all of that to get to this. Even the steps that were taken through the valley of the shadow of death (Psalm 23:4); these were not designed to kill me but to make me better. So rather than becoming discouraged, despondent, upset and unsettled by all that we go through, celebrate because God does not waste anything. He takes our pain and transforms it into power. He takes our hurt and allows it to be instrumental in others’ healing. Brothers, more than what you are thankful for, why are you thankful? Today, I’m thankful for the grace and mercy of God that confounds everything about my life and overwhelms me over, and over, and over again. I’m thankful that everything I’ve experienced was good for me. But most of all, although I don’t always understand what He’s doing, I’m thankful that God does all things well. Because it takes all of that to get to this, don’t shortcut the process. Trust the process. Dr. Charles Barrett Dr. Charles Barrett is a school psychologist with Loudoun County Public Schools and Associate Professor of Psychology at Northern Virginia Community College.
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