June 2021 Summer Edition
New Podcast Spotlights in 2021
Author Spotlight Dr. Tamecca Rogers
Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Tulsa Technology Center Author
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Thank you to God for the opportunity to be the Founder/CEO of a growing and successful magazine. Thank you to all of Growth Women’s Business Networks Magazine followers and readers for your votes. Thank you to all of my team who contribute to the magazine Danyelle Timmons, Kadenia Javis, Victoria Henry, Chyrel J. Jackson, Rolanda Pyle, and Tafadazwa Mazibuko. We won the “2021 I AM H.E.R INTERNATIONALS AWARDS” for Magazine of the Year.” It is a great honor to receive this prestigious award for the magazine. I am so grateful to have the opportunity to network and support women from around the world to help them grow within their industries. In this next year, we are looking forward to expanding our services to clients with the following: Author/Business directories online, advertising along with marketing client’s books, products, or services on all our social media platforms. New branding packages that offer more advertisement opportunities. Please make sure to like and follow us on social media and subscribe to our website. Facebook: www.facebook.com/GrowthWomensBusinessNetworksMagazine Instagram: www.Instagram.com/GWBNMagazine Twitter: www.Twitter/GWBNMagazine Follow our business networks pages on Facebook and Instagram: @GrowthWomensBusinessNetworks @GrowingBusinessLeadersNetwork Subscribe to get monthly update on our website at www.growthwomensbusinessnetworksmagazine.com
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8-9 Cover Feature– Ms. Sonja Pinckney Rhodes 10 Natural Skincare vs. Esthetics 11 Author Spotlight-Allenia Renee 18 Turn Your Busyness to A Successful Business 20-21 Author Spotlight– Dr. Tamecca Rogers 24-26 Children’s Corner 27 3 Steps to Staying Focused 30 Great Women Fashion Blogs 31 Gentlemen’s Den
Photo Provided by Aleksandra Sapozhniko from Unsplash
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From The Founder... Special Thank You From The Founder:
Thank you to all of Growth Women’s Business Networks Magazine contributors, followers, and all the women/men who have been featured in our magazine. Thank you to all of our readers who support GWBN Magazine’s mission, purpose, and vision in an effort to help us build up our networks. Mission: Growth Women’s Business Networks Magazine mission is to empower and support women towards growth in their businesses within various industries. We believe in supporting one another and networking to assist you in reaching your overall mission of building a larger customer or client base. Purpose: Our primary purpose is to be supportive of women in our local communities, in different states across the United States, and even countries Internationally. Growth Women’s Business Networks Magazine is here to support women authors, business owners, entrepreneurs, educators, health & wellness coaches, ministry leaders, nonprofit organizations, and podcasts/radio/television hosts. Vision: Our vision is to reach people by sharing the gifts and talents from women in various industries who want to advertise and market their books, products, and services. The online digital magazine is available in printed copies and eventually will be sold in stores in the United States and worldwide.
God Bless You Jennifer Diaby Growth Women’s Business Networks Magazine
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Contributors FOUNDER/CEO, Jennifer Diaby PUBLISHER, Danyelle Timmons CONTRIBUTING WRITERS, Tafadazwa Mazibuko Victoria Henry Chyrel J. Jackson Rolanda Pyle Kadenia Javis
Photo Provided by Naomi Irons from Unsplash 6
Interviewed by Jennifer Diaby What inspired you to become a Business Owner and the Founder of JMPinckney Publishing Company, LLC? My inspiration to become a Business Owner and the Founder of JMPinckney Publishing Company, LLC, was inspired by my desire to leave a legacy in my parent’s names and to continue their tradition through my siblings, children and throughout the Pinckney Family. As we read the Bible, there are passages in several books that supports that a good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children as found in Proverbs. The book of Psalm reference that we should prepare to leave a godly legacy for our generations that will follow, as well as in Psalm 78 that urges the people not to hide their spiritual heritage, but to show it to the coming generations, emphasizing the praises of the Lord, His strength, and His wonderful works. It is important to know our history; the struggles and sacrifices that were made that we may appreciate the blessings that are laid up for us and our future generations. What types of services you offer clients? JMPinckney Publishing Company, LLC is a high-quality affordable solution for getting your book professionally published. We offer editorial review, formatting, cover and book design, e-book creation, ISBN, barcodes, copyright and printed book distribution. Your book is not outsourced and you will receive personal contact with the editor to guide you throughout the entire process from a draft to a finished product ready for publication. In addition, free 30-minute consultations and various packages are offered, such as, the bestseller campaign, podcast interviews, and assistance with setting up book signings are available to assist with a personalized package that is suitable for each client. Where can our readers learn more about your services? Readers can learn more about my publishing services by visiting https:// www.jmpinckneypublishing.com/#/ The “Contact Us” page also allows each visitor to connect with me personally by completing the form that will transmit directly to my email account, JMPinckneyPublishing@gmail.com. In addition, a free 30-minute session to answer any questions on becoming an author, self-publishing inquiries and tips on how to get started are provided. You have recently published a few children’s books with JMPinckney Publishing Company, LLC. Give us more information about those books and where they can be purchased? JMP published three children’s books in January 2021. These three projects were pretty special to me because the three young authors are my grandchildren. We were able to bond on a different level through them sharing and visualizing their stories, as I watched them transition their fantasies into reality with the assistance of a Ghostwriter, Kaylona Scott. I am delighted to have them included as part of the legacy of the JMP Publishing Company. Jon Michael Pinckney, Jr.: Author of Dinosaur Explore is a typical 9-year old who loves to play video games. Ari Samiya Pinckney: A seven-year old Author of The Big Dolphin Rescue. She hopes to inspire her friends to write a book of their own. Nia Malika Pinckney: Is a 2 years old, and the youngest Author who loves Baby Shark, which inspired her story of the Friendly Shark. Their books can be purchased on Amazon.com in e-Book or paperback print. What advice would you give to existing Business Owners/Entrepreneurs and those who desire to start a business in the future? It is not the triumph, but truly the struggle that makes it all worthwhile. That statement is valid because, “Nothing in the world is worth having or worth doing unless it means effort, pain, difficulty…(Theodore Roosevelt). The first step is literally to step out in faith and trust that you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you. I believe that any desire we have to become successful, especially those that seem to be farfetched, are placed in our hearts and spirits by God. Frankly, it is not as successful, unless there are some struggles, sacrifices and even some failures. When it is achieved through hard work and diligence, then we appreciate the blessing when we realize that if it was not for God on our side, we would not be able to accomplish the unthinkable, the unreachable, or the untouchable. Faith without works is dead; therefore, you must do your research on the business, move forward with obtaining your license and opening a business account at your banking institution. Once you have accomplished those details, then proceed by making small steps by always being diligent and consistent in and during your process. Remembering always to give thanks to God for the opened doors, and continuously allow Him to guide you in all your ways. What has been your greatest success in starting your business? My greatest success in starting my business is actually seeing my vision become a reality. I did not give a lot of thought into the how, why and when. Once the seed was planted, I began to move. I promptly commenced to ask questions, to research and to establish the LLC that validated and secured the business. My success came through trial and error. I learned along the way and got some things wrong. If there are no failures, there is no victory. Growing and seeing the result of the hard work from start to finish is very rewarding. There are unprecedented work hours; therefore, I am able to be productive whenever I am motivated. Saying congratulations on your new book, becoming a first time author, and/or on becoming a bestseller are all moments of gratification. My success is guaranteed when my clients achieve their goals!
In March 2021, you were honored and received the House Resolution Award, which is the 2 nd Highest Civilian Award for Lifetime Achievement. Congratulations, please tell us what this experience was like to celebrated with a House Resolution Award? Wow! Receiving the initial call from State Representative Wendell G. Gilliard of the 111th District that I was nominated then a second call that I was approved for the House Resolution Award; the second highest award given to a South Carolinian for their lifetime achievements, is such an honorable recognition. It was a feeling that is truly inexplicable. I was completely in disbelief and taken back in the first instance. Then the emotions of gratitude that God kept me for such a time as this to be a light, and an example of overcoming obstacles, such as sexual abuse, domestic violence, the struggles of being a single mother, working for the state for almost 30 years and not ever receive merit compensation for all of my hard work and dedication; felt in that moment that God was saying, all that I have been through, all of my hard work, and all of my silent tears did not go unnoticed. The Lord declares, He knows the plans He has for us; plans to prosper and not harm us, plans to give us hope and a future. Here, is where our gifts will make room for us and all these blessings shall come upon us and overtake us. I felt overtaken by the power of God’s love to have had the privilege to be honored by the South Carolina House of Representatives.
www.jmpinckneypublishing.com
What inspired you to write books and become an Author? Also, tell the readers about your books? My gift of writing was divinely inspired by God based on the trauma that I had experienced in my life as a child and young adult. There were offenses and violations that had occurred and I was sworn to secrecy. Those things became the foundation for how I managed my life that resulted in failed relationships, a low self-esteem and a low self-image. An old adage says, “What’s done in the dark will come to light”. God began to awaken me with repeated powerful prayers each night and I was led to write them. That experience guided me to seek a closer walk and a deeper relationship with God, which motivated me to write and as a result I heard His strong, yet subtle voice. My admiration of writing grew more intense and the hidden secrets emerged into a book. What I once was ashamed of is now a tool to empower and uplift women that have experienced the same type of violations and insults. My first book, From Pain to Purpose: A Bridge Over Troubled Waters is a #1 Best Seller Nationally and Internationally. It speaks of my journey of how God kept me from falling and gave me hope to continue trusting, leaning and growing in Him until my purpose exceeded the pain. My second book, Greater Works: A Compilation of Prayers for Everyday Life, is an anthology with five other women of God, Sherri Pinckney Kinloch, Shanell R. Burwell, Rev. Patricia W. Crawford, Karen A. Middleton, and Dana Price Richardson. It is an awesome testimony of six valiant Women of God from different backgrounds, experiences and walks of life who accepted “the call” to share how God has transformed our lives. Through these prayers, volumes of our journey and experience of how God held, carried, covered, sustained, renewed and restored us becomes the spoken truth, witness and the testimonies that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. Where can your books be purchased? From Pain to Purpose and Greater Works can both be purchased on my website: JMPinckneyPublishing.com, Amazon.com, Agape Christian Bookstore, and Turning Pages Bookshop both in Goose Creek, South Carolina. From Pain to Purpose can also be purchased from Books-A-Million, Barnes & Noble, Walmart.com, The Good Read and by simply searching Google for the title of the book and my full name. You are a Journalist at “The Charleston Chronicle.” What topics do you write about with “The Charleston Chronicle?” The Charleston Chronicle articles are expressions of current events with a spiritual aspect. I have the awesome opportunity to share my knowledge and understanding of occurrences from the past and connect them with the happenings in the world today. Ecclesiastes 3:9 speaks of the thing that has been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun. I take delight in the pleasure of sharing my insight with the community of believers and maybe some unbelievers that God is in control and we have a voice to impart His marvelous works through penned declarations. In your career as a Realtor at Carolina Elite Realty, what is your greatest accomplishment? Also, how many years have you been a Realtor? I have been a Realtor for a little over four years in the state of South Carolina. Each experience is different because each person and their vision are different from the other. Ultimately, they want to buy a house and I work diligently to get them to closing. It is a sense of fulfillment and of enthusiasm to help someone, a family, or a newlywed buy their first home, move into their dream house or establish their new residency to retire with their loved one. I am completely satisfied when a client accomplishes all that is required of them, especially when the odds are stacked, to be ratified and gain the key to their new home. That is a proud moment. Where can people find out more about your services if they need assistance buying or selling a home? All potential real estate clients can reach me at rhodessp1@gmail.com for any real estate needs, assistance with purchasing a home, connecting to a lender for mortgage loan approval or an agent to assist with leasing needs. Ms. Sonja Pinckney Rhodes, you have been an advocate against domestic violence for women as part of your ministry work. Explain to the readers about your ministry work in the community. I am a survivor of domestic violence twice. Through the publication and awareness of my book, From Pain to Purpose, doors have opened for me to “tell my story”. Therefore, I speak to and for women who are in domestically violent relationships, families of victims who have died at the hands of an abuser and for women conferences to encourage, uplift and inspire women to “Speak Up” against this terrible demon. I was afraid, ashamed and embarrassed to tell my story because I feared the judgment from others. I have come to realize that there are so many with hidden stories that suffer with keeping it inside. It is liberating to learn that we are more than conquerors through Christ Jesus, we are the head and not the tail and we are destined for greatness to live the life that God has called us to live; which is out of darkness and into His marvelous light. “There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.” Maya Angelou. What words of encouragement you would give to our readers who have experienced challenges during the Covid-19 pandemic? Covid-19 is a deadly disease and we all should do our best to adhere to wearing a mask and getting vaccinated to help eradicate the spread of the virus. The pandemic can be an agent that brings on depression and fear. In addition, many have lost their jobs or their work hours have been decreased making it difficult to produce or afford the basic and essential things that are necessary to survive on a daily basis. The greatest tragedy is experiencing the loss of loved ones who have transitioned due to complications from this virus. It is important to talk to people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling. Staying informed of the current news is imperative, with the understanding that it is not good for the mind or body to be on high alert all the time. Therefore, taking breaks from watching, reading or listening to news stories and social media reports could reduce the stress. Developing time to unwind, take deep breaths, stretch, meditate and exercise can be a good distraction from the virus. The news about the virus and its impact on our day-to-day lives have been unrelenting. Everyone should do their best to maintain a daily routine, avoid self-medicating, and stick to trustworthy sources such as the CDC. There are some things we cannot control but focus on the things that can be controlled during this time. Do you have any upcoming conferences, events, or workshops? I have a couple of scheduled events on the horizon that will be updated on my website soon: Podcast Interview with Melvin Capers: cbvservices.com/podcast CONNECT - July 2021 MIT Initial Sermon this August 2021 Leave our readers with some inspirational words to encourage them. Everyone has gifts and talents from God. It does not matter what your past looks like or even your current situation, you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you. However, we cannot control our own destiny because all power belongs to God. Whatever the desire you have in your heart that is speaking to you, know that God specializes in the impossible. There is nothing too hard for Him and He has great plans for your life. The path may not be smooth but if you press your way, you will find treasures on the other side. Every obstacle is an opportunity to overcome, every valley is an opportunity to rise again, just like every rain drop that falls is the reason for the sun to rise and shine. Each day, set aside time with God as a vital part of your life. God is waiting for us to draw near to Him, and to call out to Him each day. Scripture says to call out to God and He will show9you great and mighty things. Know that when you help others, you are sowing seeds for happiness in your future.
Natural Skincare Vs. Esthetics In a world where everything has become so superficial, nothing is left unaffected including our skin. Beyond the use of make-up, for years people have gone to estheticians in order to “rejuvenate” their skin or to try to “maintain their youth”, and not realizing the damage and trauma they are actually causing to their skin. These services should be done monthly and only with the proper skincare to follow. As a natural skin & haircare formulator I get a lot of clients who have gone out to have procedures done and have no idea of how to repair or take care of the damage that has been done. Let me ask, did you know that there are natural ways of achieving those same results but in an all-natural way? Well there is! Natural botanicals, extracts, emollients, occlusives, humectants, and surfactants, if formulated properly can give you amazing results that is also long lasting without the trauma and temporary results. The forced removal of skin cells tells the brain that the skin is damaged in that area, in which the brain tells the body to produce new skin cells. Sounds good right? Well again this is 1. Only temporary 2. It has caused unnecessary trauma 3. Has a greater chance of causing damage to the skin’s barrier and its normal function. A cell is not dead until it has fallen off. If one takes proper care of their skin by using products that support the natural function of the skin, hydrate, nourish and moisturize, the skin will heal and repair itself over time giving one long lasting if not permanent results. Here is an Example: A client uses a mechanical exfoliator such as a facial scrub, to exfoliate once a week while using a hydrating mask and a moisturizer with SPF properties will have healthier, youthful skin vs. the client that goes and gets a chemical peel thinking that that is all they need. After such procedure the skin starts to dry out which causes itchy flaky skin to shell off. These forms of procedures also increase TEWL (Trans Epidermal Water Loss). TEWL is the leading cause of saggy, dry, aged looking skin. Sun exposure already starts this process and procedures like this without proper care and knowledge will increase the affects at a much higher rate. In my professional opinion, we all want to stay looking good as long as we can, but we must be able to do it in a healthy noninvasive way in order not to cause serious damage to ourselves. So, the next time you think about going to have an esthetics procedure done, ask your esthetician what products should be used on your skin daily for YOUR skin type. But you can always find a much healthier solution by choosing healthier, safe, natural ways of achieving beautiful, youthful, and healthy skin.
Tamara Brown Master Natural Hair & Skincare Formulator Founder of Jak’s Essential
www.jaksessentials.com www.jaksprivatelabel.com
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Author’s Spotlight ALLENIA RENEE Please introduce and tell the readers a little about yourself. I am a Christian wife, mother & bonus mother of three young adult children. Along the way I happen to become an author, speaker, life coach, and podcast host. I have truly found my passion and purpose over the last 3 years that focuses on impacting women to shift their thinking to transform areas in their life that mean most to them. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work & Psychology, a Master’s in Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resource Management, and I am a Certified Master Life Coach in the areas of life purpose, happiness, personal and professional goal setting; and mindset transformation. Oh, and lastly, I enjoy roller skating, Almond Snickers, the color red, sunflowers, and breakfast for dinner just so that people know that I am human. What inspired you to start writing and become an Author? After 17 years as a Human Resources Professional working for fortune 500 companies coaching employees in different stages of their career. I started feeling STUCK and needed a place to get unSTUCK, so I started Allenia Renee.com as a Part-Time Women’s Empowerment Blog. This blog kept me sane while I was healing during my hysterectomy. There were always funny insightful stories that I would share with my sister-girls over chocolate chip cookies and wine, but when you’re going through something personally and need to just work through it, writing became my outlet. See, my sister-girl who I call Middle Sister had always told me to just write for years. Actually, after each daily conversation we would have she would say, “ Have you started writing yet.” Of, course my response would be No. Until, I was forced to slow down, or you could just say stopped and left completely with my thoughts and feelings. So you could say my first book was inspired by my colorful candid conversations, appreciation for my sister-girls who listened, laughed, and cried with me. I dare not forget my husband who provides a peaceful calm to my level ten personality, and God for slowing me down (there were so many wins that came from having a hysterectomy. Tell the readers about your book, “A Conversation With Your Big Sister: The Slow No Strategy”? This book isn’t just a self-help book but is also a personal development resource. A resource to change patterns of behavior. We all have that thing that we struggle with, yet saying no seems to be a universal struggle for women. Our consistency to set realistic boundaries in our lives impact so many things. It seems that without these boundaries being unbalanced, frustrated, angry, disorganized, procrastinating more often, experiencing low productivity, and having no peace, joy or happiness will have a front row seat to our hurt. Yet, we still continue to allow what others think and feel to overshadow our own personal feelings. A Conversation with Your Big Sister: The SLOW No Strategy is a funny reminder that acknowledging that you may uncomfortable about saying which may bring on feelings of guilty is important to know. And using a simple frame work will have you gain confidence quickly. The SLOW No Strategy will help to align you to do the best for you instead of others consistently. Where can our readers purchase your book? A Conversation with Your Big Sister: The SLOW No Strategy can be purchased from my website at https://bit.ly/3cs6y72 You are the Founder & CEO at Allenia Renee, tell us about your company and what services you offer clients? The Joy Nook NetWORK, LLC was created to be a hub of resources for women who are looking to discover how to get unstuck personally and professionally. We currently employ 4 employees and have 4 divisions which are Allenia Renee.com, SHIfT to Better Learning System, JNN Productions, and the Joy Nook Book Club Podcast. We are passionate about supporting women in developing sustainable habits that inspire mindful transform so they can diminish the feeling of frustration, defeat, and overwhelm in their life to achieve their personal or professional goals. We have created virtual resources for women to stay aligned with their core values through our private Facebook Group The Joy Nook CLUB, YouTube channel Allenia Renee, private coaching programs, group coaching sessions and courses in our signature SHIfT to Better Learning System, The Joy Nook Book Club Podcast, and through books like A Conversation with Your Big Sister: The SLOW NO Strategy. As a Master Life Coach who assist in getting clients Unstuck professionally and personally. How would you help someone who is experiencing a difficult time advancing in their business, career, or life in general? My motto is that when people are stuck, they need to align or re-align themselves with their WHY. This WHY is asking and knowing the vision you have for your life or career. “What is the vision you have for your life?” see this important question helps an individual see four deeper questions: 1. Is this vision yours or what others have told you should be the vision for your life? 2. Are realistic and honest expectations driving you? 3. Do you have the knowledge, skills, experience, time, behaviors to keep you moving forward and if you don’t how can you get them? 4. Who are you connected with that can hold you accountable, give you honest feedback, cheer you on when you get discouraged, or inform you as to what is needed to get you where you want to go? This simple question of what is the vision you have for your life requires you to doing more than just write a list, but it forces you to stop and acknowledge something is going on, listen to your thoughts, observe how you’re feeling when you have those thoughts, and then wait intentionally to know when to respond or just start doing. If someone is interested in learning more about your services, where can they view information about your company? They can go directly to https://alleniarenee.com to schedule a conversation with me. Give us some words to educate, inspire, and encourage women and all of our readers of Growth Women’s Business Networks Magazine. Ladies understanding and knowing what you want to be known for will help you stay aligned to your core values because you will speak and behave in a manner that meets that expectation. So if you want to be impactful say and do impactful things. If you want to be known as an innovator, say and do innovative things. If you want to be known as a resource, say and provide resources. I think you get my point. When you don’t you will keep getting stuck in the emotional and circumstantial obligations of others even when you know that isn’t beneficial for your life or business. It’s okay to say no to others to ensure you stay aligned and set boundaries so that you can consistently be the CEO of your life or business and profit from your joy.
WEBSITE: www.alleniarenee.com | EMAIL: info@alleniarenee.com | YOUTUBE: Allenia Renee FB Group: The Joy Nook Club | INSTAGRAM: @allenia_renee Book Purchase: https://bit.ly/3cs6y72
The “All Things” Basket
“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love the Lord, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” ~ Romans 8:28 (NKJV)
Rolanda T Pyle Contributing Writer
This scripture has significant value to me because I learned through my life that even when we can’t see it, even when we can’t feel it, God is working it out. I’ve learned to put things I can’t understand into my “all things” basket. When I was a little girl, I was raised by my father and his mother. My paternal grandmother stepped in to help my father with his three children. She was the nurturer while my father was the provider and disciplinarian. I remember crying many days, wondering why I couldn’t have a mother in the home like all of my friends. I remember many times being embarrassed when my grandmother walked me to public school and my classmates asked, “Where is your mother? Why does your grandmother bring you to school?” It wasn’t until years after my grandmother passed that I really appreciated her sacrifice. I am grateful to her and to my father for all they did for me as a child. Growing up, I somehow thought being cared for by my grandmother was one of the worst things that could have happened. It was not natural. It was not the way it was supposed to be. Little did I know that many years down the road, what I thought was the worst thing in my life would turn out to be the best thing in my life. After graduating from high school, I went on to college, knowing that the profession I wanted was to help people. My career took me down many paths from working in foster care to preventive services where I would help families at risk of losing their children to the system. I assumed the responsibility of recruiting and training seniors to become role models for at-risk families. I loved this job because I got to work with both seniors and children. Years later, one of my friends who knew of my work with seniors, offered me a job at his place of employment -- an agency that had just received funds to start a program for grandparents raising their grandchildren. The program grew, and eventually I was asked by the city to come and head their Grandparent Resource Center at the Department for the Aging. So I helped grandparent caregivers across the city. This program has grown to become a national model. I have won many awards and been asked to speak across the country at conferences. In 1994, the New York Daily News named me, “One of the Hundred Women’ who make NYC work.” Years later, I went to work for the Brookdale Foundation’s RAPP (Relatives as Parents Program), where we offered grants, guidance and technical assistance to programs across the country to assist relative caregivers. I went full circle from helping grandparent and other caregivers locally to the city level to the national level. How did I know about grandparents raising their grandchildren? Where did I get this passion to help and assist these families? How do I know what they feel and what they need? Why has this become my mission in life? I lived it. Years ago, when I thought it was the worst thing in my life, I did not know that the Lord was working it “all things” out for my good. I had no clue that there was a plan being worked out for my life. I never dreamed that I would stand before Commissioners, Mayors and prominent folks to let them know the needs and services of grandparents. I never thought that I would be interviewed on radio or television, or have newspaper articles written about me. It was not a desire of my heart nor was it anything I imagined. What I thought was the worst thing, turned out to be a good thing because, “all things work together for good to those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose.” And that my friends, is a blessing. And that is why I have learned to put everything in the “all things” basket. ~ Rolanda Pyle © Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rorosrainbow/
Twitter: @RolandaPyle
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rolanda-pyle-b91ba314 Website: http://www.rorosrainbowcommunications.com/ 12
Dr. Christie Black-Murrell
Dr. Christie Black-Murrell was born and raised in Columbus, GA just 100 miles south of the big city of Atlanta, GA. All her life she has used writing as an avenue to express her feelings and creative imagination. She has several publications beginning in 2009 with Random Thoughts of Perplexed, Relaxed Soul (a collection of poetry). “Soul Cries”(audio book of poetry), 2014 “Show Me Love” (collection of Poetry), and then in (2020) her very first interactive Children's book, “Do You Know...powerful praise from parents to child” was birthed. This publication led to her pairing it with a “Coloring Book of Positivity” and “35-day journal of positivity”. Following all the craziness of 2020 and being such an avid believer in journaling Dr Murrell released a journal entitled, “2020 the year that blew up my life”. Most recently, Dr. Murrell released a Children’s short story focused on a poignant issue in our country, diversity and inclusion titled, “True Friendship is Sweet.” Dr. Christie Black-Murrell is a devoted wife and enthusiastic mom of two adventurous little girls. Dr. Murrell has worked as a counselor in a variety of settings for the last 18 years but most recently as a School Counselor. She is a big kid who loves to read stories aloud and make characters come to life with puppets and animated voices. She desires daily to show children that there is still good in the world and that they can be the “good” in the world. Christie loves the written and spoken word which she uses as an avenue to "Speak Life and Promote Love" to all that she engages. This is shown in her writing, her speaking engagements, spoken word, and her counseling. She believes that writing and speaking life is a part of her purpose and gives her all in everything that she writes. Lastly, you can most often find Dr. Murrell spending time with her family, worshipping God, writing, or reading a good book.
www.cblackexpressions.com www.facebook.com/christieblackmurrell christie_blackmurrell_author authorchristie
Financial Literacy Get More Accuracy in Your Tax Forecasts With ever-changing tax laws, forecasting your tax obligation is now extremely difficult to do. To make matters worse, this uncertainty can create the need to write a large payment to the IRS and pay penalties to boot! Here are some suggestions to help you manage this for you and your family. The basics of forecasting: The objectives of an accurate tax forecast are to avoid IRS penalties and eliminate surprises. No penalties, please! To avoid IRS underpayment penalties, your estimated tax payments must be large enough to satisfy these thresholds: 1.) 90% of your current year tax liability, or 2.) 100% of your prior year tax liability (110% if your adjusted gross income is more than $150,000). So if you want to avoid any penalties you must calculate and pay estimated taxes throughout the year to satisfy the IRS. Avoiding a tax surprise. Most taxpayers want as much clarity as possible about next year’s potential tax bill way before April 15th arrives. Very few of us have a pile of cash sitting around to pay to Uncle Sam on tax day. So a tax surprise can quickly turn into a nightmare if you do not have the funds available to pay the tax. The only way to avoid the surprise is to know about it as early in the year as possible. Better tax forecasting Here are some suggestions for making your tax forecasts as accurate as possible. Make tax planning a year-round endeavor. Your initial tax forecast will naturally flow from your recently-filed tax return. But the best forecasting method reviews your situation at least once per quarter, about two weeks before quarterly estimated tax payments are due. So mark your calendar for April, June, September and January following the end of the year. If you make tax planning a year-round endeavor, you can continuously recalculate your tax liability to account for the increases and decreases in estimated income and expenses. Use a rolling average for pass through entities. If you’re a limited partner in a partnership or a shareholder of an S corporation, consider using a 3- or 5-year rolling average of previous dollar amounts reported on past Form K-1 tax forms. This approach won’t always yield an accurate number, but using a rolling average can help eliminate some of the year-to-year volatility. Keep great books. Don’t wait until December to balance your books. This holds true for both individuals and small businesses. Create periodic income statements and project what the full year will look like. Then look at your projected cash balance. Remember, you will need to accumulate enough cash to make required estimated tax payments or face the consequences of late payment penalties. Get help! Preparing an accurate tax forecast can sometimes be very time consuming and complex. Please call if you have questions about preparing your own accurate tax forecast.
Our Drive Thru is Now Open 803-419-1001 Address: 7171 Two Notch Road Columbia, SC 29223 Phone: (803) 419-1001 www.javistax.com | 1040@javstax.com
GOOD READS Before I became a published author I was a reader. A real-life breathing, take my time and fully enjoy the book that I was investing time in reader. I spent my free time in bookstores. I would spend hours in the African-American Literature section of any well visited bookstore. Borders Books was my favorite place to take such excursions. You could find me sitting in a big, cozy, faux leather chair reading in plain sight for hours upon hours. When you love the smell and feel of a new book purchased in your hands, Photo provided by Abdulmajid Sanusi you’re a serious reader. Nothing makes me happier than a brand-new book. One of the blessings of quarantine was all the time I could spend getting lost in books. I did that. I read Classic African-American Literature, Memoirs, Self-Help, Fantasy, Poetry, Mystery and many other genres. I don’t buy into the seasonal reader jargon. No, I’m a reader, reader. I don’t require a season to motivate me to do what my soul craves. Summer or Winter are not my preferred months of reading. Every single waking day lived in between those months I’m reading. We’re coming out of quarantine restrictions are being lifted, and states are opening up businesses. Summer is on the horizon and we will all be able to get back to doing the things that are so very familiar to us. I must introduce you to my all-time favorite Quarantine Reads before we return to rushing through life. These reads should all be added to your personal libraries. These books more than left their impact on your heart, they spoke to your soul. 1. C. Miller: Phantasmagoria Poetic Translations, It’s Worth Work, The Husband, The Wife & Their God, 2. Juntu Ahjee: Ebonology I, Ebonology II, Papa’s Boys, The Legend of Sister Hattie Harris 3. Sharika K. Forde: I Dream in Color 4. LaMia Michelle Pierce: She Writes from The Heart 5. Melanie Johnson: Womanly Wisdom 6. Lisa Tomey: Heart Beats Anthology of Poetry 7. Vee Nelly Visions of Prosetry 8. Winnifred TaTaw: The God’s Scion Book 3 from the Lone Star Child Fantasy Series. We’re coming out of the bondage of Quarantine for some. Admittedly I take a sigh with the return of normal living. With normalcy we don’t make time to watch our favorite movies, read our favorite books. We don’t listen to our favorite music. When we’re released from Quarantine don’t return to the hustle and bustle of forgetting to actually deeply inhale the fragrance of the roses. The blessing of Quarantine was we actually had time to slow down and just breathe. We savored the fragrance of the roses.
Contributing Writer-Chyrel J. Jackson Amazon: https://amzn.to/2VMCLNU https://meanmysister.blogspot.com
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Dr. Kimberly Sierra Reverend Dr. Kimberly Sierra was born in Englewood, New Jersey and she was raised in St. Thomas, United States Virgin Islands. Dr. Sierra’s life experiences as an educator and a minister have birthed in her a spiritual commitment to the call and plan of God on her life. She is committed to helping those who seek answers that will help them find meaning and hope in their daily life’s challenges. Reverend Dr. Kimberly Sierra received her Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Florida A & M University in 1990. She returned to the Virgin Islands where she became an Elementary teacher. It is her belief that every child is capable of learning. It is the responsibility of every teacher to meet every child’s needs through different avenues of learning. In 2008, Rev. Dr. Kimberly Sierra was nominated as the United States Virgin Islands State Teacher of the Year. She represented the Virgin Islands throughout the United States. She even traveled to the White House where she met former President George W. Bush. During her travels, she was able to share her passion and love for teaching with other educators. In this same year, she became ordained and served Word of Faith International Christian Center St. Thomas. In December 2019, Rev. Dr. Kimberly Sierra received her Doctorate in Education. This achievement was a life -time goal for her because growing up she struggled in school. It was two educators, the late Mrs. Louise Brady and late Mr. Jose Corrillo, who believed in her and taught her how to believe and motivate herself. Rev. Dr. Sierra considers her faith and family to be most important to her. If she isn’t spending time with her family and students, you can almost always find her volunteering in her community. “The Still Small Voice That Follows Me” is Rev. Dr. Kimberly Sierra’s first Christian children’s book of many to come. “The Still Small Voice That Follows Me” is a Christian children book about a little boy by the name of Justin. Justin faces many challenges at school, often times feeling bullied and singled out. Justin is only able to overcome these issues with the help of the still, small voice he thinks he is imagining. He soon learns that the calm; reassuring voice is Jesus, letting him know that everything will be just fine. This book reinforces spiritual validation, addresses adolescent social issues, fosters parental relationships, it is relevant for all ages, and it stimulates pertinent conversations. Website: www.newlife-beginnings.com Facebook: Kimberly Sierra Instagram: www.instagram.com/authorkimberlysierra This book can be found on Amazon and Barnes & Nobles. It can also be found in local bookstores in Florida. ●Bartow Christian Books & Gifts ●Kathryn’s Christian Books – Gifts Coffee Ice Cream and More ●FIT Books
Broken Vessels Podcast is an intimate and transparent space for men and women of God to share their testimonies of hope, redemption, and restoration. We provide a platform for men and women of God to share their writing abilities and testimonies of faith that exalt, edify, and motivate other believers of the faith. Broken Vessels was released on July 23, 2020, there have been countless testimonies from readers. Many have expressed how each poem changed their perspective and brought hope in the midst of dead situations. Latoya was encouraged by the feedback from each reader and was led to create Broken Vessels blog and video podcast. She hopes to provide a platform for other believers to share their testimony of hope, redemption and restoration !
www.brokenvesselspodcast.com www.rhemacreationz.com
Follow us on Social Media Facebook: facebook.com/RhemaCreationz-110249627361562/ Instagram: @RhemaCreationz
Twitter: @RhemaCrerationz YouTube Channels: RhemaHealing Broken Vessels Podcast
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By Contributing Writer, Tafadzwa Mazibuko
“Thank God It’s Friday!’ This statement should be followed with a WOW. Those who celebrate the productive week say WOW but those who will be busy but not generating business ask WHY? when it’s Friday. As an entrepreneur sometimes there is pressure to be everything to everyone and sometimes for a genuine reason. Busyness without results leads to depression and frustration. Some say “I work so hard but am still broke.” I work so hard but feel like I have been going around the Mount Everest all my life.” When you feel overwhelmed check some of the following:
Is your cellphone a source of busyness or business? I read two statements that got me thinking: " Life was much easier when apple and black berry were just fruits." and " I now understand why they are called cell phones because they have turned many into prisoners." A mobile phone can be a source of busyness but not producing business. The same gadgets that have turned others into prisoners: others have built multi million global businesses because of effective use of them. Is your cellphone helping you to be more productive in your business? Are your selling activities a source of busyness or business? Selling without a strategy can lead to busyness without generating business. Learn and relearn from the successful until your selling brings results. Record and review sales figures. Figures don’t lie. Are the webinars you are attending a source of busyness or business? Now with free webinars available to everyone anytime on any topic it is easy to be busy following all the webinars in town but without adding value to your business. You can attend zoom, Microsoft teams or face book live webinars to mention a few. I am all for personal development but are you producing results? Are your networking connections a source of busyness or business? Women empowerment is the global top priority in this generation. Invites to networking events are a buffet but how many of the people you have met at that event brought business? How many have led to quality relationships? You can argue with opinions or reasons but not results. Successful businesswomen are results oriented. Right people in the right environment at the right time with the right resources and the right thoughts lead to great results. Friday is supposed to bring joy because you can rest after being productive. To turn your busyness into successful business, review your remaining tasks and to do tasks. Ask yourself: Which tasks do I need to do? Which tasks can be delayed? Which tasks can be dumped? Which tasks can be delegated? Andrew Carnegie states” No person will make a great business who wants to do it all by himself or get all the credit.” Covid 2019 can be blamed for lack of results but we have to be intentional to change our busyness to a successful business. Website: www.tafadzwamazibukospeaks.co.za Facebook:facebook.com/The-dream-that-was-worth-fighting-for-218787128459623/ Amazon: www.amazon.com/author/tafadzwamazibuko
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Makunda Ewing is a Life Coach who specializes in how to help others successfully bounce back after a breakup or divorce. She will inspire, empower, educate, and encourage you to get your SWAG back when you feel like all is lost.
www.faraboverubiesacademy.com Anchor link: anchor.fm/makunda-ewing4
Social Media: Facebook: www.facebook.com/makunda.ewing My podcast information can be found on Spotify. The link is: https://open.spotify.com/show/1741PdweJWpmLjFFye7pzu? si=s_g6vC7vSzKvZeYm4dxISQ
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Author’s Spotlight Dr. Tamecca Rogers Interviewed by Jennifer Diaby
Please introduce and tell the readers a little about yourself. Hello. I am Dr. Tamecca Rogers and I hold a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, a Master's in Business Administration, and a Doctoral degree in Educational Leadership. I love education. I have served five years as a Hospital Corpsman in the United States Navy and a combined six years as a High School instructor and College Enrollment Counselor. I have also held Adjunct Professor positions at multiple postsecondary institutions. I have worked at Tulsa Technology Center since 2010 and I am currently, the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. I am most proud of being a mom to Ian, Chazen, and Keith, and we live in Tulsa, Oklahoma. They keep me on my toes. We enjoy road trips, beach vacations, and camping in a RV. We tried the tent thing before, but we prefer RVs and cabins. Dr. Tamecca Rogers, you have written several educational children’s books. What inspired you to become an Author and write books that will impact children in a positive way? As a child, I would always write in diaries and journals. It just made me feel good. As, I became an adult, I stopped writing for fun. I became busy with work, school, and taking care of my children. As the world was turned upside down with the pandemic, my everyday life changed. I started journaling again as a stress reliever mechanism. I worked from home and my youngest son had to go to school from home. So, we were literally together 24/7. I had to realize, my son was going through his emotional struggles, as well. He is a social person. He loves his friends and his teachers. I encouraged him to write or draw about his feelings and we discussed it whenever he was ready to talk about it. While at home, I felt as if we went through so much trauma. As a Black mom of three sons, I have already had “the talk” with my boys. However, with my youngest son, I just touched the surface of the hurtful topic. As mothers, we try to protect their innocence for as long as we can, but unfortunately, with the world we live in, we are forced to have that talk, sooner, rather than later. During our time at home together, I had to talk to him about Ahmaud Arbery getting gunned down while jogging unarmed in a neighborhood and not less than a week later, I had to talk to him about George Floyd, while we watch as he was murdered, laying on the ground, begging police for his life, struggling to breathe, handcuffed, with a knee on his neck, blocking his carotid artery. George used his last breaths to call out for his momma. These situations that continues to happen is exhausting to say the least. And as a parent, I was struggling with having these conversations with my 9-year-old.To make a long story short, I felt if I was struggling with these sorts of conversations and topics, other parents and caregivers could be struggling with the same thing. Therefore, environmental situations, raw feelings, and parenting inspired me to write books, articles, and blogs that would help both children and adults. The books are thought provoking, uplifting, and encourage conversations about racism. Please tell us about your book titled, “A Promise Deferred: The Massacre of Black Wall Street written by you and your co-author Keith Ross?” A Promise Deferred: The Massacre of Black Wall Street, is about a boy (Keith) and his grandma having story time together. During this story time, grandma realizes that her grandson has never heard the story of Black Wall Street. She realized that he never heard of the vibrant Black business district ran and owned by Black entrepreneurs that once existed in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He’s never heard that it sustained over 600 businesses, churches, schools, libraries, theaters, clothing stores, restaurants, and a hospital. It had ice cream and candy stores too. He has also never heard that the first bombs that ever fell on American soil were on Black Wall Street. And he has never heard of the terrible events of May 1921 that razed it all to the ground. Keith’s grandma explains to him about what happened to the thriving Black community that once was in his own home town. The book also has curriculum that consist of a word search, matching vocabulary exercise, reading comprehension, critical thinking exercise, economic development activity, how to be an entrepreneur worksheet, a coloring exercise, and a glossary of terms.
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Growth Women’s Business Networks Magazine is all for empowering and being an inspirations to girls at a young age. I absolutely love that you wrote the book, “Girls Can Be Anything” about Vice President Kamala Harris. Tell us what is the main reason you wrote this book. For countless women and girls around the world, Vice President Kamala Harris’ achievement of becoming Vice President of the United States represents hope, validation and the shattering of a proverbial glass ceiling that has excluded women and especially women of color. My eight-year-old cousin and I wrote the book to inspire women of all nationalities that sometimes what we think is impossible, is very much possible. It is wonderful how you write books to bring awareness to what is happening right now in our society. Dr. Tamecca Rogers, you and your co-author Keith Ross wrote the book, “Does My Life Matter.” Tell the readers about this book and the purpose for writing it. In the Does My Life Matter? book, Keith is a kind and friendly kid who has a big heart for his friends and family. One day, his best friend (Max) invites him to his birthday party. However, he soon learns his best friend has different views about the “Black Lives Matter” movement versus “All Lives Matter.” This situation has the potential to break up their friendship or make their friendship stronger. Keith searches for the best way to explain to his best friend “Black Lives Matter” does not mean other lives do not. The purpose of this book is to explain in the easiest way possible why “Black Lives Matter” does not mean that other lives does not matters any less. Somehow, there seemed to be a confusion in what “Black Lives Matters” truly means. This helps children, parents, caregivers, and educators have a better understanding of the movement. What advice would you give to those who are thinking about becoming an Author and writing a book? I would say, just write. Write about what you are passionate about, gather your ideas and write….and always be authentically, you. As an Author and Education Professional, how do you think a great education impacts our children’s future? Education is one of the most important investments we can pass on to our children. A great education can lead towards a path of good health, empowerment, and economic wealth. It just doesn’t affect our children’s future, but it also impacts society as a whole. Great education for EVERYONE, leads to thriving, prosperous, healthy communities. As adults, we cannot solely rely on schools for all of our children’s education. Education starts at home. Our children learn more from what we do, than what we say. Feed them positive affirmations and plant constructive seeds for growth that allows room for critical thinking. We must pour into our children and encourage them to ask questions and research answers. Teach them about balancing their bank accounts, taxes, owning a business, purchasing property, and being accountable for their own actions. Many times, these skills are not taught in our everyday K-12 school system but it impacts our children’s future, even more so, than what’s in the traditional text books. What is one of your greatest accomplishments in life? My sons are the greatest accomplishments in my life. They are my encouragers and motivators. Everything I do is because of them. I gave birth to them but they gave life to me. Do you have any upcoming conferences, events, or workshops? I have our first Black Children’s Book fair coming up on May 23rd. Give us some words to educate, inspire, and encourage women and all of our readers of Growth Women’s Business Networks Magazine. Always be authentically, unapologetically you. So many times, we make ourselves, smaller just so others can feel comfortable. Be the girl that walks into the room and inspires others to be themselves. Be the girl that encourages and supports other women. The things we can accomplish together as a team, is limitless, we just need to genuinely love and support one another.
My name is Clara Hairston-Elliott and I’m a part of the original Hairston Family – one of the largest families in America. I was born the 16th child of sharecropper parents Mr. Desmond Hairston, Sr. of Saxton, Virginia and Mother Mollie Jo Hairston of Danville, Virginia. They migrated to Pennsylvania in 1956. Two years later, I was born in Harrisburg; raised in the small town of Steelton, Pennsylvania which was called the Westside back then. Growing up, I attended Steelton, Harrisburg, and York Schools systems. I have accomplished many things in my life and the greatest was when I received my BA (Born Again) Degree at the young age of eleven. Trust me, acceptance did not come easily with this degree. As I grew in the Lord, my gifts, ministry and elevation, I was attacked in every possible way because I was a young, gifted Black woman. I am attacked even to this very day for those same reasons. When I was younger, older preachers would not give any credit to the wisdom of a young female minister and they threw roadblock after roadblock. This only gave me stronger determination and dedication to go on in the Lord. I’m proud to say I have been going on for 51 years now. I thank God for my upbringing and education. I became a television technician while attending York College and simultaneously, I attended the York Little Theatre. I went to college at Stratford University in New Jersey and Wilmington University in Delaware. I studied Law, Private Investigations and Funeral Services. I received my degree for Spiritual counseling in 1999 and my Theology Degree in 2015 from Wilmington University. I have quite a few notable honors including being a Poet Laureate and a Distinguished Member of the International Poet Society where I was named Best Poet of 2005. For seven years, I assisted in Pinnacle Health Hospice and became the Founder of the Inner Circle Churches of Faith and Love, Inc., founded in 1987 in Highspire, Pennsylvania. On August 26, 1990, I became a Bishop. Not only was I the Founder and owner of The House of Food restaurant located in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, God blessed me to be a broadcaster of five radio stations and one television station. Presently, I am an Internet Pastor, pastoring all who will accept the word of God, a Motivational Speaker, Outreach Counselor for crack-addicted and troubled teens, a Teacher of nutrition and life skills through Penn State University, a Mother and Great Grandmother. To this list of accomplishments and proud moments, I can now add published Author to my name. My first published book through The Crown And Cross Publishing Company, LLC is titled “Tokens.” From a personal point of view, I consider myself a trailblazer for Women Preachers and Teachers in the Word of God. No matter what may come, I say that “I am steadfast and unmovable and always abounding in the work of God. Paving a way for women with callings on their lives.” To purchase a copy of the author's future award winning book, please CashApp $15 to $clara61elliott and contact her directly via phone at 1-717-621-9953.
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Prophetess Shanie Salmon-Godfrey
Fa c e T h e L i o n I am prepared to start over − No more Smoke & Mirror Face The Lion is a faith-building, mindset-shifting, purpose-birthing book written by Prophetess Shanie Salmon-Godfrey. This book is written for the visionaries, the purpose carriers, generation curse breakers, the milestone achievers, the black sheep of the family, and the dreamers that refuse to take no for an answer. Every visionary needs a visionary to help them to elevate to the next stage in their lives. You will learn how to birth your purpose, heal from emotional and spiritual trauma, bring forth deliverance, victory in your daily living, and stir up your spiritual gifts. After years of teaching and pastoring, I have encountered obstacles, endurance, spiritual warfare, and rejection. This book will equip you to identify your endurance, increase your faith and stand on the word of God You will learn how to eradicate poverty and annihilate fear. Through personal testimonies and life experiences, you will be armed with the word of God, a renewed mindset, with a written strategy to elevate your thinking and improve your life. Elevation is waiting for you. Are you ready to elevate?
Connect with Shanie online! Website: www.shaniesalmon.com Facebook: facebook.com/ShanieSalmonG/ Instagram: shaniesalmon Twitter:@SalmonShanie YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFg5fUnLEpE
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Author Nia Malika Pinckney www.jmpinckneypublishing.com/books
Book Summary: For years a school of Great White sharks travel through the Coral Reef, ruling over the sea creatures that inhabit it. With each visit, the sea creatures of Coral Reef become more afraid of the school of Great Whites. Nia, a shark pup, changes the relationship between the Great Whites and the Coral Reef creatures with one thing... kindness.
Hello, my name is Nia Malika Pinckney, I am two years old, and I already have a book. I like it when my parents, Jon Sr. and Markita Pinckney, read book stories at bedtime. I have an older brother, Jon M. Pinckney, Jr., who has a book called Dino Explore, and my older sister, Ari S. Pinckney, has a book called The Big Dolphin Rescue. I guess we all like to read. It’s fundamental, you know… and it’s fun being the baby in the family! One of my favorite shows is Baby Shark, so I want to tell a story about a Friendly Shark. Of course, her name is Nia. I hope you like my story and REMEMBER; we should all get along. Thank you for reading my book! 7
Book Summary When Jon doesn't seem like he wants a bedtime story, Dad knows it's time for a trip to Miguel's Book Shop. Jon and his friend, Max, are in for an adventure when they Author Jon Michael Pinckney open an old book and put on the attached 3D glasses. Jon learns that reading a book is really an exploration. www.jmpinckneypublishing.com/books Master Jon Michael Pinckney, Jr. is a nine-year-old third grader who loves to play video games with his father for entertainment. He is very competitive and takes pride in achieving his goals, and often takes great satisfaction in success.
Jon Jr. is the oldest of three siblings to Jon Sr. and Markita Pinckney. He loves protecting his younger sisters, Ari S. Pinckney, Author of The Big Dolphin Rescue, and Nia M. Pinckney, an author of a book entitled, The Friendly Shark. He gets kicks and giggles as he flexes his big brother's authority to remind them that he is the oldest. Jon, affectionately called PJ, looks forward to sharing his books with his friends, family, and schoolmates to impress the idea to them that they can do incredible things as a youth, as well.
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Book Summary A birthday wish granted turns into a mission to save the life of a dolphin. Ari wishes to see dolphins in real life every birthday, and her wish finally comes true. Follow along as Ari experiences more than she could ever desire. Ari teaches us that we can have a huge impact on the world around us, even at a young age.
Author Ari Samiya Pinckney www.jmpinckneypublishing.com/books
Miss Ari Samiya Pinckney is a bright and vibrant 6 year old who is excited about her first book, The Dolphin Rescue. She is the second child of Jon Sr. and Markita Pinckney. Ari loves spending time with her older brother, Jon M. Pinckney, Jr. , author of Dinosaur Explore and her younger sister, Nia M. Pinckney, who is also an author of The Friendly Shark. She hopes that her interest in dolphins and how she wants to help them and others inspires them to see the need in others and that they experience the freedom of loving life to the fullest. 25
Maintain Daily Balance: 3 Steps to Staying Focused How many times a week do you lament “Man, I’m just busy.” The hustle and bustle of our lives demands intentional time when you will rest. Work and taking care of a household demands much of your attention but what about you? How are you going to take care of your deeper desires and the need for inspiration? Can you slow down to make time to rest? It is not easy to find the balance of the daily grind and time for relaxation or adventure. However, with intentional effort and a deeper understanding of how to relax and recharge, you can arrive at happy over and over. More importantly, you can find a deeper place of contentment and peace. 1.Relax into moments where you feel distressed and acknowledge those uncomfortable feelings instead of ignoring them. Write it out. Talk it out. No matter what, you need to get it out! Processing emotions is just that: Identifying and feeling all of your feelings and finding ways to acknowledge your own growth and healing. You can learn from your emotions what you value the most which can guide you towards what you find purposeful. 2. Set aside 15 min daily to check in with yourself physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Eat good foods, move your body, and spend time in prayer, meditation, and/or deep breathing to find a place of rest. Create space in your life to give yourself what you need. Practices like yoga or a mindful walk in the park could be a great start. 3. Celebrate your wins and give yourself credit for everything! Count daily tangible goals as a “win.” These are simple things like making sure you turned on the coffee machine or that you made that therapy appointment you have been meaning to make. Set yourself up to experience a “win” every day. And at the end of the day, give yourself time to soak in the moments of feeling accomplished.
Mindset is everything! Balance in your life begins with the practice of having self-compassion and positive self-reflection. With the right mindset you will be balanced and poised for purpose!
www.livelightcounsel.com Facebook: @livelightcounseling Instagram: @livelightcounseling Twitter: @livelightcounseling
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Victoria Henry, Contributing Writer
GREAT Women FASHION BLOG’s 1, The Daileigh (thedaileighshop.com) Ashleigh Hutchinson 2. Style Me Grasie (grasiemercedes.com) Grasie Mercedes 3. Beauti Curve (beauticurve.com) Rochelle Johnson 4. Refinery29 (refinery29.com) Justin Stefano, Philippe von Borries, Piera Gelardi, and Christene Barberich 5. The Curvy Fashionista (thecurvyfashionista.coom) Marie Denee
Photo provided by Ayo Ogunseinde from Unsplash
Presley
TAKEYLA
God's Purposeful Daughter's Daily Devotions. This book of devotions will help encourage, uplift and rebuild your character. You will remember who God created you to be after reading this book. If you've been broken, bitter, discouraged or just need more Insight on life, this is the book for you. If you've experienced hurt "like most of us" from past relationships, or have dealt with overlooking the obvious signs of manipulation in those relationships. This is the book for you. If you have been counted out, overlooked, or pushed to the side, this is the book for you. God said it's time for His daughters to Rise up and own your positions. Book Can Be Purchased on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/
GENTLEMEN’S DEN BRUCE D. JOHNSON Single fathers remain a rare occurrence and therefore have more difficulties in accessing social support. According to the U.S. Bureau of Statistics, about two million single fathers live in the United States. This accounts for about 17% of all the single parents in the United States. The goal of this study was to explore and more fully understand the lived experience and perceptions of the support provided by the church for fathers raising daughters after the death of a spouse in the Protestant Episcopal Church in the Diocese of South Carolina. The population of this study consisted of six single male parents who responded to an invitation to be interviewed about the support systems that are available in their church. The data analysis yielded four themes: a) the church did not provide official support programs, b) more church support was desired, c) greater spiritual connection with God was sought, and d) participants received support from women in their church, family, and community. Although the participants reported no official church-affiliated support programs, the widowed men raising daughters sought help and support following the death of a spouse in their faith, prayer, and assistance of women in the church, family, and community. Recommendations for future study included expanded study of church support for single parents of both genders in a broader denominational, social, economic, and geographic context. Further, a goal of extended research could be to develop and implement faith-based programs offering guidance and comfort to family during period of grief and assistance to single parents for meeting the needs of their children.
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