Winter Issue 2018

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THE TEAM Editor in Chief ............................................ Shenee' Edwards Contributing Editor ....................................Carlton McConnell Content Editor ............................................Anissa Stewart Fashion Editor ............................................Cassia Gold Cover Graphic Designer ............................Lester Skinner Contributing Graphic/Writer .....................Sarah Grace Contributing Writers . ................................Jekalyn Carr Shenee' Edwards ...............................Chef Kenneth Temple ..............................Richard Wessenberg ...............................Takia Ross ...............................Dr. Jia Conway ...............................Margie Santos ...............................Barry Powell ...............................Dr. Colletta Orr ...............................Te're Mack ...............................Ron Walker .......................

HOW TO REACH US

MAIN OFFICE 6314 Windsor Mill Road, Gwynn Oak, MD 21207 Š 2018 by His Favor Magazine, Inc. All Rights Reserved PHONE NUMBER Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is 410-645-0629 prohibited. Magazine Name is a registered trademark of WEBSITE Publisher. Printed in the United States of America. www.hisfavormagazine.com ...................................................................................................................................................................................................

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From The Editor's Pen It's Time For A Change

Just like Saul became Paul, Abram became Abraham, It was laid in my spirit to change the name of 3HP Presents Indimogul Magazine. I wrestled with it for quite some time because the name Indimogul Magazine was already beginning to make its mark.

However, as I looked at the vision, the mission and other things, I realized it was a must.

The name no longer represented the content of the magazine. From just featuring Indie Gospel Artist, Indimogul Magazine began featuring authors, pastors, sharing testimonies and even features known names in the Christian Music Industry. I also began to see the direction that its overhead was going and I knew that what I was feeling was not a mistake. A change HAD to take place.

As Editor In Chief, I also thought of the risks. Having to inform people of the change would take constant work. How would I do that? I was also told that changing the name would hurt the brand. However, none of the things I was being advised was registering in my spirit. I even asked 3 people about the name change. All I kept hearing was "Change the Name" So, after much prayer, I heard, "His Favor" The name felt so right! Truly God has shown so many people favor. Where would ANY of us be if it wasn't for the favor of God! So I did my research, prayed more about it and then it was confirmed through a simple name change on Facebook. I knew what I was hearing was not odd. I kept it to myself, then later told a handful of people. (Remember, you can't reveal everything little idea to everyone). There were many hurdles as I was trying to transition from Indimogul but... GOD! He showed me that he got me! I did not have to worry about ANYTHING!

Now, with a small explanation, I pray that you continue to support the team and check out our contributing writers. There are so many editors and magazines in the world, but we as Christian media need your support! We all strive to present positive content and encourage others in a world of so much turmoil. I am not in this to compete, but to complete!

Complete the race that God has predestined for my life. I am so glad I did not give up a year ago!

HIS FAVOR IS MORE PRECIOUS THAN LIFE! 3

What's Inside

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Tera Carissa

Empowerment champion through her speaking, media appearances, coaching, and mentoring shares the importance of being true to yourself

Todd Dulaney

Former professional baseball player, now Stellar and Grammy Award Nominated Gospel Recording Artist talks about worship and other things he would like to accomplish

Regina Robinson

Award winning International Speaker, Entrepreneur, Amazon Best Selling Author and Inner Confidence Strategist shares about her upcoming conference and more

"Never be afraid to live your purpose according to how God has given to you to live" ~Tera Carissa

44 Charles Butler

Stellar Award nominated choir leader shares his weight loss journey, the aftermath of recently released album "The Blood Experience" and more

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34 Jaci VelĂĄsquez

7 Dove Awards, 2 Latin GrammyÂŽ Award nominations, 3 Grammy Award nominations and has graced more than 50 magazine covers yet ensures that she spends time with her family

32 C West Music Executive, Marquis Boone

presents native of Buffalo, NY with a refreshing look and sound

"I feel that my music ministry can play a huge role in changing the world and its current issues" ~C West

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Wess Morgan

Stellar Award, Dove Award Nominated Recording Artist, Actor and Pastor shares with readers the importance of keeping God first, being in an atmosphere of worship and the joy of spending time with family during the past holiday season

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Favor's Neighborhood

Past & Future Events Sponsored by His Favor Magazine in the Home Base (DC/MD/VA) RallyUp 2017

With the rising number of suicides in African American communities due to mental illness, there is no time to waste with just words. We have to speak out and RallyUp Against the Battlefield of the Mind with action, to let our family members and other loved ones know that they are not alone. We Fight Foundation, and its founder, Nikita Powell, did just that. On Sunday, November 12, 2017, at Busboys and Poets Restaurant in Hyattsville; she, along with a myriad of individuals help spread the word about Mental Health and Suicide in African Americans.

Among those present, were mental health professionals, local talent and others who shared their stories of how they overcame the obstacles associated with mental illness. Their life stories offered hope and encouragement to individuals who were possibly struggling with the illness or may have had suicidal thoughts.

Hosted by our very own His Favor Magazine owner/editor, Minister Shenee’ Edwards, the event not only spread awareness of mental health disorder and suicide awareness and prevention, but it also was served as platform to showcase the talents of local individuals who support the case. Throughout the evening, Minister Edwards, along with talented entertainers, speakers and others who shared their testimonies brought light and knowledge letting people who have been diagnosed know that they are not alone.

A family in attendance, shared that another family member suffered from mental illness and after a breakdown, their actions caused the family to disperse and stop communicating for years; but tonight, at this event, mother and two daughters sat together in unity in support of each other and the cause. It was indeed a beautiful sight.

Another attendee stated that she just came to support her friend not knowing what

This FIGHT is personal to me! My oldest daughter had her 1st attempt at the age of 13. At that time, we tried mental facilities after mental facilities; different psychiatrists and therapists and all kinds of medications.

All of above was patch work and temporary fixes. ~Nikita Powell, Founder

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the event was about, but then shared with me that she has recently had suicidal thoughts and she was grateful to be in attendance because it helps to know that someone cares and that she is not alone. I am a firm believer that God really does order our steps and allows us to be where we need to be, and be present at the appropriate time we need to be there.

One of the speakers, Meagan Whitfield, a mental health therapist, encouraged us not to turn away from our brothers and sisters, because we need each other more than we know. She also stressed that that it is imperative that we to stay connected with each other.

Meagan Whitfield currently works at a substance abuse addiction treatment center in Baltimore, MD. She received her B.S. from Bowie State University and her M.A. from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Washington, D.C. She believes in the complimentary integration of mental health and physiological well-being and frequently incorporates physical exercise into her individual and group sessions. In addition to therapy, Meagan regularly practices and teaches Zumba and yoga; she recently certified as Y12SR space holder. Her ardent devotion to the New England

Patriots and love for dance is eclipsed by her love for Christ.

Also in attendance was Minister Latricia M. Jacobs, known as “Missy”, who stated that we must know our worth. When you think you are worth it, you believe you are worth it and if I may add a sidebar to her statement, your actions will show that you know your worth… she then concluded, that in addition to knowing your worth, remember that when the enemy has you in a dark place, never forget that God always has a plan and He will provide and we must just trust Him.

Minister Latricia M. Jacobs, is an awesome woman of God who with integrity, commitment and tenacity captures the hearts of all who yearn to be delivered. She is a devoted servant of the Lord; gifted with Dreams and Visions to evangelize; reach the lost and win souls for the kingdom of God. Missy was born, raised and educated in the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan area. It is here that the foundation was set; and in 1981, Missy’s parents joined Free Gospel Deliverance Temple, under the leadership of Apostle Ralph E. Green and Pastor Shirley M. Green. At the tender age of 9, Missy gave her life to Christ and immediately she was filled with the Holy Ghost and the language of the Rhema.

From 2008-2010, Mrs. Jacobs began her journey into Discipleship at “Healing the Children’s Bread” under Ministers’ Jonathan and LeCora Taylor, (Victory Christian Church Int’l) in Gaithersburg, MD. She was taught how to mediate on the word of God and understand the manifestation of healing power. In 2012, she successfully completed a 2 year discipleship course, which catapulted her into ministry. Shortly thereafter, she was consecrated as Minister-Elect by Pastor’s Wayne & Michelle Green (Armor of Light Christian Worship Center). Missy felt the tug of Jesus later that year and birthed a beautiful Children’s Ministry (Children of Destined Beginnings) in Clinton Maryland; led by the spirit of God, focusing on core biblical principles: “Fruit of the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22-23). For many are called, but few are chosen (Matthew 22:14). “God’s Chosen Child” was given a license to spread the Gospel as an Ordained Minister in 2013.

Among some of the talent that performed, was dance troop Eesha’s World which was founded and created by Tai Campbell. When his daughter, Eesha was just a baby he noticed her God-given talent and figured there were more children in the area with talent. Through his non-profit organization called TBOC, he will give the children a place to explore, learn and develop there talented gifts.

Eesha's World started out as developing a TV show pilot. After recording several scenes with the children singing, acting, dancing and writing their own original music, he started getting request to have them booked for live performances. With Anti Bully being a #1 high demanded hit, they became extremely busy.

The 7 girls became the core of Eesha's World and been together for 2 years now. They have performed in the DC Tour , Beat The Streets, for 2 summers now, homeless shelters, churches, Downtown Silver Springs, and traveled to New Jersey for 3 shows

Other dancers present, were the Motivational Movements Dance Company featuring Alexis and Cheyenne

Due to the fact the mental health population is extremely large, somewhere during treatments it became robotic with no "natural support." Although, medications and therapy can be a requirement to provide some stability, natural support is just as important. We Fight Foundation goal is to provide just that!...Natural Support!...be their support system! ...providing group sessions for the individual and their family members; sharing personal testimonies and strategies to overcome; informational events and resources. ~Nikita Powell, Founder

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Also in attendance was Eric Grantham, a phenomenal 12 year-old Praise and Worship leader and singer, Eric ministered songs of worship from his CD. He has Autism Spectrum Disorder, with some speech delay, heart disease and asthma. Eric's desire is to become a bishop someday. He loves to sing and listen to gospel music and researching information on his iPad. Eric loves church and he loves to wear the name JESUS cut into his hair, He has a very compassionate side for the things we take for granted. He loves the sun! (he says Jesus is in the sun) he loves Babies, flowers, the elderly, and the homeless. He wants to be a huge star. There are two documentaries on you tube about Eric.-Eric's Faith (Part 1) and Eric's Heart (Part 2) Eric was invited to a private meeting with Bishop TD Jakes. He has met some many celebrities and people of greatness. God is already laying the foundation for Eric’s life.

We experienced the riveting vocals of Kyara Cheeks, as she blessed our ears with her rendition of, Beautiful (Christina Aguilera); Rap Extraordinaire, DRISCO, was also present and to close the event we were blessed by the sensational voice of Rachel Gaskins as she sang, Rise Up (Andra Day)

Speaker, Paul Cottman, encouraged us to love ourselves enough to fight for ourselves and when we can’t fight, ask God for Help!

Speaker Lakesha Williams gave an acrostic poem for VICTORY as an encouraging reminder to all, that we already have the victory: You are Very Loved (John 3:16) You are Important You are more than Conquerors (Romans 8:37) You have a Testimony (Rev 12:11) You’re a Designers Original (Psalm 139:14) Your Reminder: you’ve already WON! Victory is YOURS!

It was a full house, and many who attended, had either experience mental illness disorder or had suicidal thoughts at one time or another. Attendee Janice, states that there is not enough information on mental health awareness and suicide prevention in our communities because there are certain stigma’s that are attached to the condition. Care Co-coordinator, Kanisha Brown, helps individuals cope with the physical and emotional pain attached and/or associated with the disorder helping patients accept the diagnosis. She states that many are afraid to discuss these conditions in the Black community because it is a topic that has always been considered taboo. However, thanks to Ms. Powell, spreading awareness has pulled the covers away from this topic and it is no longer as hidden. It is now being brought to the forefront and individuals can get the help that they need without fear or judgment.

One attendee, Linda, stated that when she was younger she was not able to speak on what she was feeling. She says suppressing the pain only makes the problem worse. She is glad that this event is taking place, as it is needed.

As you can see, this event was full of knowledge and plenty of talent. It was packed with resources that shined the light on Mental Health Disorder and Suicide Awareness.

Here some alarming facts about suicide from The World Health Organization’s (WHO) website: * Close to 800,000 people die due to suicide every year. * For every suicide there are many more people who attempt suicide every year. A prior suicide attempt is the single most important risk factor for suicide in the general population. * Suicide is the second leading cause of death among 15–29-year-olds. * 78% of global suicides occur in low- and middle-income countries. * Ingestion of pesticide, hanging and firearms are among the most common methods of suicide globally

To find out more information about mental illness and suicide go to the World Health Organization’s website at www.who.int

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You can also contact We Fight Foundation for more information on this event and upcoming events at one of the following: 14625 Baltimore Ave #856 Laurel, MD 20707 Ph: (240)34-FIGHT(34448) Email: info@wefightfoundation.org Website: www.wefightfoundation.org

In today’s society, we are so busy in our day to day lives that often times we don’t recognized the needs of others. Sure, if someone is close to us, we “may” see a difference in their behavior; but often we tend to be a little, dare I say selfish, and not notice others. The Bible constantly tells us to love one another (Matthew 19:19, Matthew 5:43, Mark 12:31, Galatians 5:2; James 2:8; etc) and as speaker Meagan Whitfield stated, “…we need each other more than we realize.” I saw a Facebook post that made me think about my actions and how I respond to certain people, and I quote; “The problem with being a strong person is that no one ever asks if you are ok.” It made me think and rethink of how I respond to people who I perceived as strong. I then realized that we all have moments of weakness and even moments when we just need someone to just listen or give a shoulder to cry on. As mentioned by Linda, one of the attendees, suppressing the pain only makes the problem worse. Imagine changing someone’s life just by being there to listen.

Let me be a little transparent here, On August 13, 2017, I was in a terrible car accident in which my car overturned, and I walked away physically unharmed. Yes, I am blessed. Incidentally, the mental anguish of that incident left me emotionally fragile, afraid and suffering with symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSD). I didn’t know what was happening to me, but I knew that I needed to talk to someone, anyone. Many people who I thought would console, comfort or even just listen to me were M.I.A. which left me feeling depressed and wondering if my life really mattered. I began to feel myself slip deeper into depression, but I was reminded of all of the people who did show up for me, all of the people who showed me that my life did have value. There were some who prayed for my continued protection and inner peace. Realizing that I was loved, needed and appreciated changed the trajectory of my thinking. It was those thoughts that made the difference in how I now treat and respond to others. I now better understand the true meaning of, “Love your Neighbor.” My view of God’s love has completely changed and I see more clearly that we as a society are very deficient in the area of Love and caring for our neighbors.

Fortunately, I bounced back, but there are some who never bounce back and don’t have a strong support circle. It is so important that are intentional when it comes to showing our brothers and sister love and kindness. There may be someone sitting right next to you and they are struggling with thoughts of suicide, Let’s take time to care for and care about each other. To say hello, or how are you today may be all someone needs to hear to help them make it through the next day, hour, minute or even second… or maybe just a smile. These acts of kindness are invaluable.

I also encourage you to check on that “STRONG” person in your life, offer kindness to that Brother or Sister; it can literally be a matter of LIFE or DEATH. … and never forget that one day, it may be you who needs assistance or a kind word.

~Article by:Te're Mack

*We Fight Foundation is not just another foundation formed to bring awareness to suicide and depression by talking only; flooding social media; joining the existing foundations & organizations and their walk...we're bigger than that! We FIGHTING mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually for our next generation; our youth & young adults. *We Fight Foundation is a group of parents; their family members and friends...and all others who are a part of our children; youths and young adults "support system." We partnered with our children; instead of fighting against them and labeling them like society already does. We are encouraging them to believe in 11 themselves and their FIGHT because we already know they are destined to be great!

Worship~ It has a whole lot to do with intimacy. To me, it is the most

intimate form of praising God. It is the place where you go beyond the veil.

Just as if you were to go beyond the "veil" to experience your spouse. You enter into a place where it is just you and God. All you want to do is shower the lover of your soul. Then is response, he visits you with endless possibilities. You become pregnant with your purpose. This is the place God will began to tell you secrets and shows you visions. This is why marriage is modeled after being in the presence of God.

Ministry~We offer a message oh hope in a

time where the world is folding. There seems to be no hope, no way out. I feel so honored and privilege to be able to carry the message that indeed brings hope, faith and real! The cares of this world do not necessarily move me. I have the secret to success... His Name is Jesus!

Worship Equals Intimacy

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g "Consumin d e ll a c g n o a s t God had t", captures r a a h e t e H r 's u r s e r o ip w f ! I g "A Worsh oding, I kne c e r e h uch the song t o g t Live recordin r in r o d u e d b t b n u rd o. t mome e never ove f I wanted t w i , n t c e Fire". In tha v a f e f t n o r e e om e. Matt ! The only o ter in that m t g e I b t y a taken over m n h t a e g r n he It rdub or sa ire" Everyw F g in e recording. m h u couldn't ove s t n g o in C r " u g d in d a e to s me effect it h a s People ask m e h t e t a c n't dupli , but God! thing is I ca was not me

Inspirations~ Smokie Norfolk. I got a chance to meet many people due to

singing backup for him. I began to love it. I was willing to leave everything behind to just do music ministry.

Aspirations~I would like to own more

companies. As of now, I am not at liberty to say because I do not want to share the vision before time. However, God is working some things out for myself and my wife. I love music and everything about it. Yet, I also like making money for the kingdom and flipping it. It intrigues me to be able to double or triple whatever you have

News

entitled ~I am releasin g " I am al Your Great Na my new album so ap me" this yea art of the Mc on January 19 D th. r. I am r eally ex onald's Tour l ater cite all over and wo d to just trave l rship!

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Ron Walker

A Few Hundred Feet

I once heard a motivational speaker speak about driving to California in the dark. He said that no matter how dark it was, he had to keep driving. Though he could only see a few hundred feet in front of himself, he kept on moving because he had somewhere to be. That’s how life is sometimes. We can’t see all the steps necessary for us to reach the top and we can’t always see the road ahead clearly, but we must keep on moving because we have somewhere to be.

If we become too focused on what is ahead, it may distract us from our destination. If we worry about the twists and turns that life sometimes throws in our way, we may get discouraged and give up.

If we worry about how many steps there are before we reach the top, we may get weary and never try. But if we only focus on the next few steps or the next hundred feet, we can make it to wherever we are going. No matter how far away the destination may be, we can make it if we only focus on the few hundred feet in front

of us. No matter how high our aspirations may be, we can make it if we only focus on the next step. Many times we trip because we’re focused on the top stair, instead of the next step. We start looking at what we don’t have or what may happen and we stop taking steps. Quite honestly, the only way you can lose is if you stop trying.

The only person that can stop you, is you. If you are relentless and persistent and keep making steps and keep covering ground, eventually you will arrive at your destination. Stop focusing on what may or may not be and focus on what is. What is it that you want? What is it that you must do next? What is it that is hindering you now?

Just focus on making the next step and getting the next few hundred feet and you will make it to your destination just in time.

Life is a series of steps and long winding road. It will have many ups and downs, twists and turns, good days and bad ones, but focus will help you make it through all

of this. The right mindset and attitude can overcome anything that life has to throw at you. All you have to is stay focused on what is in front of you and keep your mind on your ultimate destination. Don’t worry about the 6 th and 7 th step if you’re only on the 1 st or 2 nd step. The goal should be to progress. Make progress and you will reach your destination. One step or a few hundred feet may seem small in comparison to how far you have to go, but over time those steps you make and those few hundred feet add up. Eventually, you’ll look up and you will have arrived at your destination. A few hundred feet is all it takes to get anywhere you want to go.

One step at a time, one day at a time, a few hundred feet at a time.

Keep Moving Forward www.AuthorRonWalker.com

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Ready, Set, Grow

I remember years go, I read the following in a book a friend had loaned me, “If you do what you did, you will get what you got.”

That was over twenty years ago but the quote still sticks with me today and helps me to remember that I can’t do the same thing over and over again and expect different results. I also heard a preacher once say “the price of growth is change, and the price of change is pain, but few are willing to pay that price.” I would have to agree, sometimes change is painful, but it is a prerequisite to growth. No matter how bad you want to see your life grow spiritually, financially, socially, or whatever the case

may be, you have to be willing to do something differently.

In the book of Exodus in the Bible you can read about the Children of Israel going around in circles for years and years because they refused to change their attitudes and grow into the people that God was requiring them to be before He would let them into their “promised land.”

Refusing to change and grow not only caused delay for everyone, it also caused some to be completely denied of the promise. Let’s learn from them and make sure that we don’t find ourselves making “laps in the desert” either.

There isn’t much worse than making movement with no progress.

Scripture References: The Book of Exodus, Habakkuk 2:2

Sarah Grace

Author, Speaker, Destiny Coach www.chasingdestiny.co 16

What is it that you are hoping to see grow in your life in 2018? I encourage you to take out a piece of paper or create a note in your smart-phone with a list of the areas of your life you want to see growth in.

Then when you are done with that, I want to encourage you to start considering the things you need to change in order to see that growth and start reading it that list every day. You will be amazed on what writing those things can and rehearsing them over and over again can do to help you graduate from thought to action. Find at least one to focus on each week and be willing to declare war on your habits and comfort zone giving them no power to hold you back from great things in 2018!

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She’s the first lady of the trumpet and musical force to be reckoned with. Her 20 plus years in mainstream gospel music has placed her on stages alongside Bishop Hezekiah Walker as as the lone trumpeter in his recording choir that delivered countless hits. She has carved out a niche for herself as “The Trumpet Lady” and boasts a rich musical pedigree: raised in Chicago (by way of New Orleans) and completed her post-secondary educa on in New York.

Syreeta Thompson is a Grammy winning and Stellar Gospel Music Awards nominated musician and songwriter. Syreeta has had the dis ti honor to work with and be mentored by two world renowned Trumpet "Masters" Wynton Marsalis and Terence Blanchard.

Though many know her for her work with Walker and the Love Fellowship choir, she has shared her cra t as the current Arts Educa on Director for Dr. Dorinda Clark-Cole’s Singers and Musician Conference (SMAC). As a Master music educator Syreeta is the CEO and President of Mission Music Inc. and she’s Director and Founder of the National Singers and Arts Conference Arts Education Program.

“It has been an honor to work with Syreeta, she is such a talented individual. Syreeta is iconic and is going to change the music culture!” – James L. Walker, Jr. of Walker & Associates Law Firm She has served as featured artist at such events as: Dr. Bobby Jones’ Artists Retreat, The I Hear Music in the Air conference and most recently at the Chicago Gospel Announcer’s Guild. She’s been featured in HYPE Magazine, Us Magazine, The New York Journal, Jazz Times and Twist Magazine. Perhaps not one to toot her own horn beyond a score sheet or lead chart, Thompson is a masterful musician and degreed professional. She received her bachelors of music from Rutgers University. She also has received her Master’s degree in Jazz Composition and Arranging from New York University. Her commitment to share her gi t with the next genera on gi ted the trumpeter the opportunity to compose six curriculums for the East Orange School District. She’s known for her trumpeter prowess, but Thompson is a multi--instrumentalist and self-proclaimed “brass specialist”. In addition to the trumpet, she plays the trombone, euphonium (baritone), piano, drums and upright bass. Her latest project “Evoluon of a Winner” garnered a Stellar Gospel Music Award nomination and landed at #34 and #16 on the Top Gospel Album Sales and Top Jazz Album Sales respectively. You read that right, her album featuring gospel and inspirational music caught the a en on of jazz fans as well! Syreeta’s previous body of work entitled “Winner” debuted on multiple Billboard charts and landed at #7 on the Gospel charts, #1 in Traditional and #1 in Contemporary jazz charts and #1 in overall jazz sales.

Her musical gi ting doesn’t end at the bell of her horn! She is also a gi ted singer with an equally impressive vocal range! She’s still hitting all the right notes and inspiring listeners everywhere. In a word, her performance is dazzling, but iconic crystals from Swarovski made sure the comparisons end with a metaphor.

Thompson’s trumpet is the first of its kind, fully bedazzled in the sparkling crystals. With “Evolution of a Winner”, Syreeta “The Trumpet Lady” Thompson is evolving into a household name, blowing up the perfect storm of hit songs, albums and experiences! Her album is available at all digital outlets along with music and much more information on her website: www.trumpetlady.com.

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Syreeta Thompson

Happy New Year!! We are so excited to pen the first Glambulous Life article for 2018. The Beauty industry ended 2017 with a ton of excitement with the launch of Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty line. Rihanna took the world by storm when she dropped a 40 item foundation shade range that could be used by the fairest Beauty to our Beauties with the most melanin. We all dropped what we were doing and rushed to Sephora to find our shade and pick up any and all of the products. Many of us, including myself, had to wait for the second, third, or even forth run of the product to try it out. As I waited for my Fenty Beauty foundation to arrive, I began to take a look at other products that were created by people of color both the ones that are in my kit and the ones that I wish were (yes, I still have a wish list of items). So what better way to bring in 2018 than to list my must have go to products created by a Black Beauty Brand, as well as, some of the ones on my wish list. Here we go…

Juvia’s Place - This Beauty brand caught my eye while watching one of my favorite You-tubers! All I can say is the pigment, the colors, the blending ability…OMG! I am fortunate enough to have 3 of their 8 eyeshadow palettes (the Nubian 1, Nubian 2, and Masquerade) and the product does not disappoint in any of them.

Fenty Beauty - What can we say but Rihanna? You did this!

I have not added all of her products to my kit, however, I have added a few of her foundations. For women with oily skin,this foundation will matte her down like nobodies business (and the shade range can’t be beat).

On our Must Have List…

Coloured Raine - I was able to get my hands on a few of their individual eyeshadow and one of my amazing clients had a lipstick that we used when creating her look and when I say I need more of these products…I mean I NEED more of these products. The pigment is to die for!

AJ Crimson - The Make-Up Show in NYC introduced me to the AJ Crimson line of products. I had the amazing opportunity to test out some of his foundations and… speechless! They are ream foundations and come in a wide range of shades, especially for women of color. I made the mistake of not purchasing any during the show…I will not make that mistake again!

Pat McGrath - In 2017 the Glam Fairy herself, Pat McGrath launch her line of Beauty products and of course the makeup world went a little crazy. Her line is a luxe collection of eyeshadow, glitter, metallics, lip products, and eyeliners the boasts high end ingredient, product design and price. God knows I would love to get my hands on anything in this collection.

Danessa Myricks Beauty - I found this Beauty in Instagram over 2 years ago and I have been following her ever since.

We share a very similar story in that makeup artistry is our second career, so in my mind we are good girlfriends. So it is only natural that when she launched her make-up line, I was here for it! I am fortunate enough to have been able to add her Enlighten powders and Metals pigments to my kit and they both get a lot of use. Their glow is just amazing!! I am trying to get my hands on her vision cream foundations. That would seal the deal!

Beauty Bakerie - Jackieaina shared Beauty Bakerie with me during one of her Women Owned Beauty products video and I have been stalking this brand ever since. This line was created by an African American woman as she battled cancer and she has grown this company in to a world renowned brand. With products like Sprinkles Glitter and Lip Whips it’s only right that we add their sweetness to our kit.

Sacha Cosmetics - Most of us have heard of Ben Nye’s Banana Powder, but can we please introduce you to Sacha Cosmetics Buttercup Setting Powder. We don’t have it in our kit…but oh how we want it! This Trinidad and Tobago based business was started in 1979 and has been making waves in the beauty business since then.

What can we say? Our makeup collection is about to get much bigger! How about yours? Feel free to follow us on social media at Accessmatized and share with us some of your essential make-up products and a few products you would love to add to your collection.

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Pre Order Today www.amazon.com

Released: February 20, 2018

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" “Winning” people push others to “win.” ~Jekalyn Carr

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Wess M organ

Putting A Magnifying Glass On The Creator

This has been a busy season. However, I spent time with my kids during the holidays. It was such a good time. Now, I am ready for the new season...A New Year! It's time to get back to work for the kingdom! Although I was working during the holidays, I didn't have much time to sit back and be creative. I cannot wait to put into action the things that God has place in my heart.

During New Year's Eve, I was with an incredible pastor at New Beginnings Church in Charlotte, North Carolina. We had such an incredible appeal to come to the alter. Hundreds of people declaring that they were going to change some things in their lives. Anytime, I come up against some type of adversity in my life, I try to look at myself and say "OK Wess. What do you need to do differently?"

I truly believe that change starts within in. Just like Michael Jackson said in "Man In The Mirror" In order to see change in the world, we need to start with ourselves! I believe my life, ministry and music has played a great roll in change because I am constantly trying to figure out what I need to change about ME. It's a challenge, I will admit. We all develop habits here and there that will set us back sometimes. Overall, change to me is a big word. Especially this time of year, I tend to really look inwardly and evaluate motives along with anything else that I see fit that needs to change. To anyone who is listening to what I have to say, they will know that my life has been about change the moment I came out of my mother's wound! When it comes to even our society and what we do from day to day, I am very vocal and strong about it as well. It is nice to know someone who can really implement the change we need to get our lives in-line. I seem to always encourage people to look inwardly. I strongly believe that if we fix whats inside, we will then expose who we are... outwardly.

Even when it comes to worship, it is just that. Being in a state of mind where you are just GRATEFUL! Even now, as I am doing this interview, I am thinking of how God has kept me! I think that's why your greatest worshipers are people who have been through so much in their lives. They cannot help but be grateful!. I am reminded of a time when I was a kid. I used to watch my grandfather read the newspaper.

He read that whole newspaper with a magnifying glass. He would then show me how it worked. Moving it back and forth over and over, showing me how to illuminate the pages. The words from the newspaper would get bigger and bigger That is how I look at... WORSHIP. Its when you put a magnifying glass on your Creator. You illuminate the one who has preserved and kept you. Sometime worship is not even singing or talking. Sometime worship is just driving down the road and you have a "shaking head" moment just thinking how great God is! He has been so good to us...in spite of us! Worship, overall is a state of mind! There are a lot of people who are very vocal about their "worship" but their state of mind is not in the right place. We can learn how to shout. We can learn how to lift our hands. We can say all of the right things. However, its the tears that are shed when no one is looking when you wake up in the morning just because GOD IS GREAT! 22

INSPIRATION When it comes to me being an artist, my mom and dad played a huge role. My dad was a jazz guitarist. My mother is an organist. She still plays, but not as much when I was younger. She was also a gospel choir director and ministered at a lot of churches. I always would sing as she played the organ. I was so captivated by them because they were so musically inclined. My mother would teach me the "old songs". She would then take me over to the church and have me sing. As I would sing, she would stand in the middle of the aisle and critique me. She would say things like "You gotta open your mouth if you want to sing gospel!" As far as mainstream gospel singers, Marvin Winans, BeBe Winans and of course Daryl Coley. I was fortunate to record live and sing a duet with him actually. It is found on You-tube. To be honest, I just love singers. I always wanted to be a singer, not just an artist. There are a lot of people that make music, but it's a lot of props.

EXCITING NEWS I have been working on a documentary/ music project. I had an opportunity to bring my family together that really witnessed the things that I have been through. I let them talk about it on video, so that people can really get a glimpse of my testimony. I am really excited!

There are so many people that need help and hope. It has been challenging to get everything finished, but we are 75% finished. I haven't even came up with the name yet.

However, we wrote a song called "Get Me Through" that will be the theme for the documentary. As of now, it is doing very well on radio.

I remember one time during a service in Dallas, I was on stage singing "You Paid It All" In that moment, such conviction came over me. I began to think of the reason I was still alive. The reason I was singing.

The reason I was not incarcerated due to my craziness. I ended up stopping the song because I just could not even sing. The glory of God just fell over me. I became so emotional! To think of how God rescued me and saved me... it is POWERFUL! To serve a God that still keeps us and preserves us...

I am GRATEFUL!

www.wessmorgan.com

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Te're Mack

Now there was a time when I negated these facts; Not loving myself and wearing a mask.

A mask that reflected what I thought was the norm; My actions, in God's heart I placed a deep thorn.

At Him I shouted and screamed with disdain; "I hate this", I said, “Why did you make me this way?”

Now, I look in the mirror and embrace whom I see; I love this person I’m created to be.

A Designers original, though imperfect and flawed; I’m created with a purpose, by an All Perfect God His creative beauty, on the inside and out; I’m representing Him and what self love is all about.

Then Lovingly he said..

I've created you with a purpose; to promote love, your own; When you see your own beauty, your heart will overflow.

Now look over your life, yes, that was all part of my plan; I knew you could handle it, and would not disband.

These things were not meant to hurt you, but to make you strong; Daughter, this place of disappointment is not where you belong, So Rise up my child, stand tall and assured; You're not what you've been through, You've conquered and endured.

To love myself, my flaws and all; shows my love for Him, then it spreads abroad.

This is your new beginning, your task begins now; Don't worry or doubt, I AM with you, and I'll show you how

Fearfully and wonderfully; He made me, it's true; With confidence, with strength and with dignity too.

There are others who desire this freedom you've found; So Live your life with purpose and let My Grace abound.

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Regina Robinson “His Favor” Magazine had the pleasure of interviewing Regina. There are so many layers to her talents and skills shared with us. Holding many titles; “Author, Speaker, Coach” just to name a few, Regina indicated that each one of her title holds “great accolades, however they weren’t earned without sacrifice, tears and hard work”. Regina developed her craft as a public speaker while working in the educational arena as one of the top college admissions expert trainers in the country, sharing college bound strategies.

She realized the impact of sharing her story and that there were so many women “hiding in the body of a little girl looking to get their story out”. After working with women to unmute and ignite their voices, they are able to share the impact of their story with the world. Regina travels nationally and internationally, motivating women to unlock their inner confidence to take immediate action in their lives, businesses, and careers to become unstoppable.

As an author, she realizes that “the power and impact of the stage is lost if the audience has nothing they can take with them”. Her book “Fearlessly Strutting in Your Confidence” encourages the reader to become the best version of you through self-work, self-assessment, and commitment. The book will ignite your fire to fall in love with yourself from the core of who you are, and value yourself in spite of your faults, failures and disappointments. Here are a few highlights from the book: “Self-Love – Dig deep today and ask yourself the question, “Do I really love myself or am I just tolerating me?”

“Confidence – No matter how much I tried to convince everyone else that I was confident when I looked in the mirror I was reminded of my imperfections, disappointments and what I believed to be my failures.”

As a coach and strategist, she builds platforms to provide education, strategies, and accountability for women who are ready to discover and magnify their internal confidence. Regina “walks women through the process of clarifying, articulating and mastering their uniqueness”.

When asked what inspired her to go into this line of work? She responded by saying, “What inspired me was being able to help other women know that they can go from a space of being broken to unbreakable. I was in that same space. I have the bruises to show for it. However, I turned my bruises into my power and now I am determined to help other women do the same. Three years ago, I went on a journey to discover the authentic Regina. I can remember for a long period of time in my life, I would wake up going from day to day with my eyes open, but the darkness of my failures, fears, doubts and lack of confidence haunted my every move. I was depressed, unhappy, and broken. However, like most women 26

I had learned to mask my pain so well, you would have never known. It wasn’t until I woke up one day and realized that if I did not snap out of the deep dark hole I had built for myself, not only would I continue to suffer, but so would my daughter. I got down on my knees to have an intimate talk and cry with God. I was determined that when I arose up from my prayer, I would no longer judge myself based on my past. I needed a plan and God had one for my life that would allow me to stop living from a place of brokenness to living an unbreakable life.

My plan included digging deeper within to unveil what was keeping me from being the woman God has destined for me. We often try and figure it all out on our own, when in fact we don’t have all the answers.

God revealed the person that He assigned to my life to help me go from hiding behind the dark curtains, to living life in the light. God has chosen me to show up and be the light for so many other women who want to go from a place of being broken, to unbreakable. Today, I know longer live in my story, instead I stand on my story as I travel the world!

God has called me to inspire women to become unstoppable as they position themselves to confidently show-up bolder and more assured as they move from start to finish in their lives as entrepreneurs, leaders, and career professionals. My willingness to openly share my testimony has allowed women to embrace that their journey won’t be perfect and will require sacrifices as they break the mold, raise the bar, and create their own rules. Through my life testimony, I want women to proudly turn on their high beams, exemplifying power, poise and purpose knowing they are UNBREAKABLE, UNAPOLOGETIC and UNSTOPPABLE.

Three tips Regina Robinson would like to leave with our readers for building their confidence for success: Tip 1: Don’t allow the fear of failure to paralyze you.

Tip 2: Stop comparing the confidence of your success to others circumstances. Instead measure your steps according to God’s order for your life.

Tip 3: Jim Rohn said it best, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” As you prepare for success remember the people you allow in your intimate space must propel you forward spiritually, mentally, physically, and emotionally.

In 2018, she will sponsor the “The Unstoppable Woman Retreat”. The purpose of her retreat is to bring together like-minded women who are ready to gain the clarity needed to make important decisions, the courage to chase their dreams, the confidence to believe in themselves, and the ability to be unstoppable; always ready to make moves. ~Interviewed by Anissa Stewart

www.reginarobinsonspeaks.com

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Photograph Used with Permission (Kenneth Temple)

www.chefkennethtemple.com 28

Savory Creole

Winter Vegetable Soup Most of America is bringing in 2018 with an arctic blast. I cannot tell you the last time it was this cold in New Orleans but I’m just happy to actually have a true winter.

It was 25 degrees in New Orleans when I returned home after the holidays but it felt like 13 degrees. I had a different dish in mind to prepare for Hunger Trap this week but as soon as I got back all I could think about was SOUP. With the cold weather that’s sweeping the nation, I can guess that a lot of you feel the same way I do right now. You probably do not feel like going anywhere. You do not feel like cooking. And If you do cook, it better be something hot and fast that will warm you up. Am I right?

So instead of my original plan I went to the store and got the basics for a great vegetable soup: onions, celery and carrots. I also remembered that turnips and kale are in season so I grab a couple of each. Now, I know a lot of people don’t eat turnips at all let alone in their soup but enjoy potatoes year round. What you don’t know is, turnips actually have a potato texture and sweeter flavor without all the starch. They are great in soups or as a side dish and can be be simply cooked with a little butter and herbs.

As I pulled together the ingredients I thought, “this vegetable soup needed one more thing to make it filling since I was not using potatoes”. Pasta! That’s right pasta in soup; it is filling and absorbs all the wonderful flavors of the broth like a sponge. I recommend you use a small pasta like orzo, small shells, macaroni or my new find radaitore (they look like a car radiator).

Smaller pasta can fit with the other ingredients on your spoon. That’ll allow you to enjoy everything in one bite.

This soup is vegan-friendly not by design but because I wanted a true vegetable soup without any meat in it. However, if you insist on adding meat I recommend adding mini meatballs, chicken or sausage to the soup. It’s your soup so remix it how you like it. I hope as the winter months continue you make this your go-to soup.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons grapeseed oil • 1 onion chopped • 1 shallot chopped • 3 stalks celery chopped • 3 carrots peeled, halved, chopped

• 1 bunch kale washed, stemmed, chopped

• 3 cloves garlic chopped • ½ teaspoon dry thyme • ½ teaspoon dry oregano • 2 bay leaves • 1 tablespoon tomato paste • ¼ cup red wine • 3 quarts vegetable stock • 1 teaspoon salt • ½ teaspoon black pepper • ¼ teaspoon white pepper • ½ pound pasta orzo, macaroni, small shells

• ½ bunch parsley chopped • saltine crackers optional • crusty bread optional Instructions

1. In a pot over medium heat,

add oil, onions, shallots, celery, carrots and kale cook for 3 minutes.

2. Add garlic, thyme, oregano,

bay leaves cook for 30 seconds.

Stir in tomato paste, wine, stock salt, and peppers. Bring to a boil and let cook for 10 minutes, covered.

3. Add pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes. Adjust seasonings, divide into bowls and garnish with parsley, serve crackers or crusty bread on the side.

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Every new year brings resolutions of high hopes on our to do lists, the completion of projects started, endeavors ungirded, and the addition of the new that we expect to achieve in the midst of the novelty of another year. Nothing is wrong with setting goals and planning out our year ahead with great expectations and optimism. It would be a pretty boring life if we had nothing to look forward to, right? Our existential fulfillment comes because of our innate need to have more, do more and be more. Maslow described them best, as our hierarchy of needs, old things build us up, but it is the freshness of new things that keep our hope and faith fresh. We aim high and reach far in anticipation of what we want to do and gain within our lives to be better, and achieve the greater than we ever able to do before. Yet, dare I say these cyclic behaviors consume all of us every year, leading us back to some of the same starting points and reflections of what we did not do, and what we need to do differently to see a different outcome. The hollow places of un-fulfillment rush over us like a fall wind, and if we are not careful will engulf us in this midst of what we did not achieve from our New Year resolutions. This becomes tiring!

So, I want to ask you, “Can God do a new thing in you?” God’s plans for our success and prosperity are not based on our new year resolutions or to-do list, but from the mere fact that God loves us and always has plans for us to prosper daily. Lamentations 3 tells us that Gods mercies are made new every day! That means that every day we have the opportunity to participate in the will of God for our lives, every day we get to be a part of our very own success in God. Fulfillment rests in our existence in God and acceptance of His plan for our lives. A purpose defined separate from God can leave us with empty cups, incomplete portions and voided success. When we accept AND live out the will of God for our lives, not only is this the opportunity for God to be glorified and exemplified in our lives, but it is an opportunity for God to do a new thing in us! Is it not a wonderful privilege to be used by God and to partner with God? When we set our resolutions to coincide with that of God’s, this means that our focus is shifted from ourselves towards a greater place of being centered on God where He then shows us His best and reveals His purpose for our lives.

When we allow God to do a new thing in us, the stipulations of our timing, deadlines and pressure points are relieved.

God’s timing is always perfect and the perfecting of His will and desires for our lives are without hindrance or reserve.

When we allow God to do the new within in us we become witness to his faithfulness and love towards us. Our newness in God illuminates the greater that dwells on the inside of each of us that is not dependent on our strength, but the Lords.

When we are operating from a place of newness, we seize the opportunity to give God our whole heart, mind, soul and YES! The pursuit of God leads us to a new place of being fulfilled, complete and satisfied without skepticism. Can God do a new thing in you? Can God transform you from the inside out that your life may be a reflection of who He says you are, and the works that He has called you to? Can God transform your heart towards a place of contentment with what you have from that of feeling as if you are limited by what you have and where you are? Can God show you His goodness, greatness and eternal gifts that are without repentance and regret…..and you be positioned to receive?

Newness in God is the renewal of self, igniting of a latent energy that has been waiting for the release, and restoration of a soul that is striving to rise to the mark of great abilities and talents. God’s portion of newness never fades, expires or retires because God is always doing a new thing in each of us. It is imperative that we trust and know that He who has began a new thing in each of us, will see it through until completion. There is nothing that we will ever resolve to do in God that He will not strengthen and empower us to fulfill. So, let God do a new thing in you and reveal to you the promises of your purpose and your destiny. Let God do a new thing in you and bring forth your full potential. Let God do a new thing in you until you come to accept the plans God has for your life and fulfillment of your destiny. Own it, move from novice to mastery of your life in the perfect developed will of God! Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me, for in you I take refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed. I cry out to God Most High, to God, who vindicates me. He sends from heaven and saves me, rebuking those who hotly pursue me-God sends forth his love and his faithfulness. {Psalm 57:1-3}

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C We s t

Artist To Look Out For Are there any other "ventures" outside of your ministry that you would like to achieve?

Besides music, I would absolutely love to get into modeling and acting!

Who inspired or influenced you to become an artist?

Some of my musical inspirations are Michael Jackson, Prince, Tori Kelly, Miguel and Mali Music.

What message would you like those that listen to your album " Hide and Seek" to get out of it?

When people listen to my album I want them to feel loved. I want them to know that God is always thinking about them and there is absolutely nothing that could ever change his love for them. And lastly, don't hide

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Marriage, Mothe

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ife is great and super busy at the moment! :) We are on tour for my new records, Trust and Confío (Spanish for “I Trust”). (Confío just received Dove Award and Latin Grammy Award nominations!) My movie, “A Question of Faith,” is in theaters right now and I start a new film at the end of the tour.

Tell us about your ministry(ies). What makes it "unique"?

I'm very blessed that I have the opportunity to make music in both English and Spanish!

Both of those audiences have been present on tour. That's always fun to be able to minister to people in a language they are comfortable singing.

Why do you feel it is important to share your testimony with others?

I'm a very happy wife and mother of two incredible little boys! They are 9 and 8 years old. Needless to say, I'm always running when it comes to being their mom. My oldest son, who is an extremely cool little boy, is on the Autism spectrum. What I've noticed in this adventure of being mom to a special needs child is that there is no ‘CliffsNotes’ book on HOW to, WHAT to, WHEN to, etc.

Fun Insecure Introvert Driven Laid-back that God only gives special kids to special parents.

What advice would you give a young woman who is afraid to step out of her comfort zone due to fear of failure?

Such a good question! All success is based upon inconvenience. How do you measure success? If you never try to do something that you have been dreaming of, you will never know if it could have been. God puts the desire in our hearts but it's up to us to get going and do the leg work!

Every child and every challenge is different.

So, being able to share our story has been eye opening as to how many moms and families are walking down this road but feel alone.

There have been so many moments of moms coming up to me with these “Ahah” eyes… the “You too?” look. I’m blessed and honored to be able to encourage them and remind them

erhood, Ministry

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2018 T h e Ye a r O f C o m p l e t i o n

Do you start projects and have a hard time completing them?

Do you have ideas, visions and goals and have not taken a step toward them? Well great news, this is the year to get it all started… and completed. Many times, we can get so distracted from life, everything and anything will pull us away from what we really need to do, it happens to all of us. We get tied up with our day jobs, our kids, husband, family you name it and we don’t get to do what we really want to do. We don’t pursue our callings as much as we should, but this is the year to bring it to life, to bring those visions into fruition. Yes family and everything I mentioned are very important but what about us? What about our deep calling, something we were called to do is waiting for us. A gift, a talent buried inside waiting to present itself to the world, waiting to bless someone, waiting to bring light to the world. Many people I talk to express how they don’t know what they are supposed to do. Bishop TD Jakes says, “If you can’t figure out your purpose, figure out your passion, for your passion will lead to your purpose.” Everyone has something they are passionate about, something that calls their attention a lot and they love doing it. Let me tell you how I walked into mines. For many years I loved doing resumes for my friends, and my friend always referred me, so I always had resumes to do and it made me happy to help the community, this volunteer work went on for 15 years. I never once thought about it as work because I loved doing it, it was my passion. Then I finally decided to register this and make it a business thanks to my Pastors push, I never once thought about my helping becoming a business. It was scary at first because I didn’t have any college education but I decided to move on with the Lords help. As I tried to network my new business and get the word out, I found it hard to find faith networking in my area, since my business is faith based. Then I started to find people who also had faith based businesses and needing exposure. That’s when I knew I had to help and I started a networking business called Synergy Networking Worldwide where we would help create a platform to provide networking and exposure for the faith community. In the back of my head I was saying to myself what are you doing, you have no experience, but I believed in myself and most important I had the Lord by my side. I was more than confident that if I started something to promote His people, He would surely be with me through it all. My faith was huge and the vision became bigger as time went on.

After a year in business we developed 12 departments to further help, not only small businesses but all faith talents.

Now we are two years in business going strong and celebrating with a Gala at the end of January. To this day I can’t believe we have grown so much and it seems like a dream but I am trusting God to keep leading Synergy. So, you see how one thing led to another right into my purpose, just by doing the things I’m passionate about. Discover the things you love to do, and keep doing them and walk right into your purpose in 2018, the year of completion. The year you discover what you were put on this earth to do, let’s see visions come to life and purpose be fulfilled this year!

Margie Santos is a Serial Entrepreneur and Business Builder, as the President of Synergy Consulting Worldwide LLC for over 16 years, she is a seasoned professional in the Resume/Writing industry and uses her talent to help the community by offering affordable fees. Her passion for helping people extended in January 2016 when she launched the start of her second business Synergy Network Worldwide LLC, which provides exposure, support and 36 Networking to small faith based businesses, organization, and talents worldwide. www.synergynetworkworldwide.com

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AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

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H i g h e r A i m Understanding Grace

Hebrews 10:12, 14 reads … “ But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God, For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.…

Pastors who preach and have preached about the Grace of Christ often have many accusations that has been aimed at them. It is my heart’s desire through having this opportunity to share. That they: encourage an environment to sin, shun any form of confession, and believe God is never angry. They are accused that they fail to take sin seriously enough. Now I’m not minimizing sin, I am simply magnifying Jesus Christ.

People who want you to focus on your sin, they minimize sin, they are saying that sin is so weak that you can defeat it by your religious self-discipline. The message is not that God doesn’t think that sin is a big deal, in fact, it’s that He found sin such a big deal that He sent his Son to destroy it, and remove it from our lives forever.

It is those who are opposed to “grace” who fail to take sin seriously. They believe sin is a small enough debt that after Jesus makes that initial payment for our sin, that we can assume the payments.

A key to this Scripture is to recall the audience. Hebrews was written to the Hebrews. It was for those who had grown up with the “grade school teachings” of the Old Covenant. In other words, the author writes for an informed audience. They know all about the law, sacrifices, and high priests. But they don’t understand is that the law was only a shadow of good things to come. The law points to the true high priest Jesus and His eternally perfect sacrifice.

“Perfected forever” is the strongest linguistic form of expressing the completeness of what Jesus accomplished on the Cross.

Perfected is the Greek word “finished”, Jesus said it is finished! It means perfectly perfect, never needs to be done again. Some may say that you’re far from perfect. That’s true as far as your flesh, your “outward man”, yet your “inward man/your spirit” has been perfected when you were born again.

Hebrews 12:23 “…to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the Judge of all, to the spirits of the righteous made perfect…”

We were made perfect by a perfect sacrifice. God sees you with no flaws, spots or imperfections, so honor His Word and the finished work of Jesus by saying, “Amen!” Never doubt your perfection in Christ. If you see yourself as being far from perfect is not humble, but a failure to understand the perfect sacrifice that Jesus Christ has made for you.

My brothers and sisters our sins have been purged perfectly. Today, Jesus is seated at His Father’s right hand not because He is the Son of God ( although this is true), but because His work of purging your sins is completely finished and perfect! Live out of this revelation.

So instead of being conscious of your sins, which is to have an evil conscience (Hebrews 10:22), you can have a perfect conscience, a conscience that is free from the guilt and condemnation of sins.

When you find yourself conscious of your sins, just say, “Thank You, Lord Jesus, for Your wonderful work at the cross. It is a perfect work that has removed all my personal sins completely. “Behold The Lamb of God who took away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29) Stop beholding your sin and start beholding Him (Jesus) and sin will have no power over you.

Bishop Barry Powell, M.Div.; D.D; Ph.D. is the Senior Pastor of Grace4Life International Church, Inc. in Daytona Beach, and Deltona, Florida. He resides in the Central Florida area with his wife Pastor Chiko Powell and their children.

bishopbarrypowell@gmail.com 38

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I just started a business called LDH Consulting Services. I’m known as the Success & Empowerment Expert.

GED to PhD student Homeless to Political Candidate 12x Published Author

Author my first book was my life story No Longer

LaTarsha Holden

Lost. My books are an extension of me sharing hope, love and compassion to the world.

(I would love to see my youth series turn into animation. I wrote a four part youth series that deals with Sex Tra ďŹ cking, Bullying, Teen Dating Violence and Love & Forgiveness. The age group is 12-15 years old)

Speaker I use my voice to advocate for others and to motivate others. God did not bring me this far only for myself.

Coach my purpose is to walk the journey with my clients. To become that one voice of encouragement and to help catapult them into their destiny.

(My life story has inspired people around the world and has given people hope that there is light at the end of the tunnel. So part of my business is to facilitate workshops and trainings, motivational speaking and coaching).

My purpose is to stir up, inspire, motivate and encourage people to live their best lives and to give the world all the have.

Being a woman who worked her way from the bottom who was homeless with six children, I had to get an image of who I wanted to become. I chose three women because they represented grace, elegance, intelligence and beauty. My role models are Phylicia Rashad, Michelle Obama and Coretta Scott King.

~Interviewed by Anissa Stewart

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...favor girls work

I’m the President of P.E.R.K. Consulting, and the Founder of the Minority Christian Women Entrepreneurs Network (MCWEN). P.E.R.K. is a consulting firm that works with entrepreneurs, and small business owners. We provide entity formation support, business development, and technical writing services like grant writing, business plan development and strategic planning. I started P.E.R.K. in 2013, and we’ve been blessed to see a lot of growth, including being present in two locations right now— Beltsville, Maryland and Baltimore, Maryland.

MCWEN is a much younger company, but I’ve had the vision for many years. It’s a network designed to support minority Christian women who are really committing their lives to walking in purpose. Sometimes that looks like a side project that brings them fulfillment. Other times, it looks like quitting a job to start a business that God laid on their heart. MCWEN is designed to provide a community for the journey through local meet-ups, scholarship, features, down-loadable resources, and more.

Andrena Sawyer

Right now, I’m extremely grateful to God for everything that’s happening with P.E.R.K. and MCWEN. I’m taking my time to see what He wants me to do next. You know, the seek Him first part. As God graces me, I’d like to write another book for entrepreneurs, open another P.E.R.K. office outside of the DC area, and/or see MCWEN spread with local chapters in all 50 US states It seems the world gets more and more scary every day, but I always take comfort in how many times the Bible encourages us not to fear. MCWEN and P.E.R.K. are strategically placed as change agents because we get to influence many different people and organizations that are on the ground. While we may not have the capacity to fight for every change that we think is necessary in the world, by working with 3-4 people in education, or violence prevention, or evangelism, or hunger reduction, we get to be a tangible player in the fight for change.

Business savyness is extremely important. We live in the age of millennials. Corporate achievement is not as gratifying as it used to me, and there’s a mad rush into entrepreneur-ism. However, a good idea, and even great skills don’t guarantee success as an entrepreneur. Any business report will confirm that because most businesses fail within the first 3-5 years. I believe what sets those that are successful apart is their ability to be strategic. That’s where the savyness comes in—being able to see big picture while working on the details, or being able to make decisions that will make a positive long-term impact, rather than just because of immediate factors. What I’ve learned is that business savyness takes time, and those who are committed to their growth spend time learning how to develop this skill, rather than just hustling for their business I don’t share this a lot, but I secretly want to dabble in arts and fashion retail. I am definitely a left-brain thinker—I analyze and process with logic before anything else.

Because of that, I have a deep admiration for people who are abstract and creative thinkers. One way I hope to tap into this interest is to audition for a movie. It doesn’t matter if it’s Hollywood, Hollywood, or someone’s school film project, but it has always been something on my bucket list. Also, in the near future, I’d like to partner with a fashion entrepreneur. I don’t necessarily know the details of how that will unfold, but I’ve been thinking about it for some time. ~Interviewed by Anissa Stewart

...favor girls work

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Charles Butler Jr.

Healthy Whole & Running The Race

44 1st Album Cover in the same jacket pictured

I recognized that I was o ficially "main stream when people would sing my music in concerts out of my hometown. People in various cities would send me messages on Social Media telling me how my music has blessed them. It is nothing like being in an atmosphere where an entire room is singing your song. That is when I realized that things have definitely shi ted. It was an overwhelming feeling.

Just about every time we go out (not to sound arrogant), whenever we minister before the preached word, it is hard for the preacher to get through the message. I will never forget one time in Atlanta, a gentleman waited for us a ter we finished singing at this particular church. You have to understand... he was a "non-churched guy" He stated to us that he had never experienced the presence of God like that in his entire life. In that moment, he began to share with us how he had just gone through a divorce and asked us to pray for him. A terwards, he broke down and gave his life to Christ right at the CD table. We even as a group sowed into him financially. These are the moments that make me keep going. It's not even about what happens on the stage for me, but what God can do when the songs are over.

When it comes to looking for someone to be apart of my ministry IE singers, it is literally as if I am doing a full background investigation. One of the reasons is because we do a lot of high profile events. We even had the privilege to sing at the white house a few times (which required security clearance). I am very careful when it comes to our circle and who I let in. I will even check social media pages. Thank God, that most of the people I have now have come recommended by someone else that I already know. It is easier that way. It is very rare that a person sends me a message and they automatically become apart of the group.

Even though we are a younger group of singer, I feel the older generation relate to my music because I think I have been able to intertwine a traditional sound with a urban feel. For this reason, I believe it has gained us both older fans and the millenniums alike. I am truly grateful for it! It doesn't put a stop on where we can go. We can do a youth conference then turn right around and go to a service with a more mature audience. As an artist, your goal should be able to minister anywhere. I also think a large part of that as well is that we have done a lot of background work. We did Bobby Jones Gospel for about 7 years, so we were expose to many types of music and artists. We even did background singing for Beverly Crawford and Michelle Williams (2 di ferent styles of singing).

Outside of my music ministry that I am currently working on is that I am going through a weight loss process. It is a journey that I am proud of. I am actually a brand ambassador for Weight Loss. As of now, I am already 106lbs down. My goal is to lose even more weight! This has sparked a desire to not just promote music, but health. I don't think we talk about it enough in the body of Christ, but I applaud the churches that are! I look forward to talk more about this in your upcoming issue! ~Charles Butler

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~Cassia Gold

On The Bookshelf (Recommended Christian Books)

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Being The Authentic Me Author~I have been writing since I can remember. I still have diaries and journals from

when I was 8 and 9 years old. The older I got, the more I developed. By the time I was a teenager, I was writing for my high school newspaper. Then once I became a college student, my undergraduate was media and I began to write for the campus paper as well.

Being a writer, in all honesty, is just second nature to me.

Coach~ For over 5 years now, God has blessed me to coach close to 1,000 people throughout 25 countries. I am very excited that I can now say I do celebrity coaching, 1 on 1 personal coaching, business coaching (to name a few). I love that I can include faith-based principles to empower people and minister to them.

Ministry~ Every ministry has to re lect the times. It should make sure that it is addressing

the issues of that season. It is important to be aware of what is going on... be socially conscious. Even now, we see what is going on around the world and in our own government. We have to be willing to speak to the people and encourage them. We have to not be just a voice of change, but a vessel of change. That means be the action whenever necessary. That to me is what makes a ministry... real ministry!

In luences~ I must say, I like Dr. Phil. He is a common sense Christian. A lot of people do

not realize that he is a Christian, but I love how he just has a down-home approach to practical living. Of course, I absolutely adore Oprah. These are all people who walk in their faith boldly on a national level. In doing so, it has encouraged me to be authentic in my approach, not just in church but also in the marketplace.

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Most Memorable Time In God's Presence~ I enjoyed going to Monaco. If you do not know, it is one of the wealthiest cities on the face of this planet. While I was there, this past summer, I was overlooking the water. ( I just love the ocean). I remember sitting on a bench overlooking the water and feeling God's presence. I was reminded of how blessed I was and I was so GRATEFUL. No, I wasn't in a church, but I was in God! I was so overwhelmed!

Just to feel his spirit, his favor, his blessing; I realized how far God has brought me in my ministry and in my growth in my business. I am talking every area of my life. It was such a surreal moment. Now I look forward to going to Monaco as o ten as I am led to go.

Advice~ I encourage everyone reading to

live their best life! Somewhere along the way, I believe that a wrong memo was sent to some Christians stating that holiness and salvation meant boredom.

That is not true! You can still be Holy and live a life that will make an impact!

"I would love to put out there that I am in the media but behind the scenes. I have cast people on television and even worked with network television shows. I also have my own media company working with various organizations to build and advertise their campaign. I mean there is so much that I do! I always tell people that it's not always wise to let "ministry" be your bread and butter. That's what helps to ensure your voice remains authentic. Do not be afraid of people not liking what you have to say.. I can say what God is leading me to say and my bills are still paid...

My Lifestyle Will Not Change! "

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The Future is so Bright, I Gotta Wear Shades!

by Richard Wessenberg

As 2017 passes and 2018 begins, re lections of the past while projecting the future becomes common place. For some this brings anxiety, trepidation, and even anger regarding the events of the past year. For others, the future looks bright, so bright the popular 1980’s song might come to mind, “The Future is so Bright, I Gotta Wear Shades!” Yet the remaining may not feel so optimistic or concerned. Is there a right, is there a wrong dwelling on the past and being hopeful of the future? Is George Santayana correct when he said, “Those who do not learn history are doomed to repeat it?”

The past and the future tugged at many a believing heart found in The Bible: Eve, believing her first born was the “man from the Lord”(meaning the Christ), only to become Cain; the first generation of the children of Israel that le t Egypt doubted God, desiring to return to Egypt, faulted and died in the wilderness never entering the promised land; Judas Iscariot desired Jesus

to restore the nation of Israel by forcing his hand, only to cut short his own life in guilt realizing what he had done. However, Hebrews Chapter 11, provides a list of those who finished their lives in believing, having fought a good fight, keeping the joy of the hope of God’s promises to the end. This summary of strong believing hearts found in Hebrews Chapter 11 all had one thing in common that kept them from being doomed by their past. That one thing is found in verse 6.

Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Believing God is the Bibles solution to learning from the past and hope for the future. If we really believe that God is a rewarder to them that diligently seek Him then our future will become His rewards for diligently seeking Him, which in turn and over time, becomes our past. Below is how Jesus summed of this great truth of life.

Luke 12:22-31 And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on.

The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment.

Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?

And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit?

If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest?

Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and tomorrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith?

And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind.

For all these things do the nations of the world seek a ter: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.

But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Seeking God on a daily basis to reward us is the truth to our future which becomes the past. We can only believe one day at time, we can only live one day at a time. God knows what our need is today and in the future, and He will supply. Jesus said, “Life is more than Meat’’ meaning don’t get so caught up in life that you forget that God is your su ficiency. Your abilities, your job, your whatever is not the source of meeting your need, God is. This is where Eve, the children of Isreal, and Judas blew it! Doubtful minds and little believing hearts are doomed to repeat past failures. Keep God in front of you, not your rear view mirror, He’s always the big picture!

Live life, He’s got you covered, He’s got your back. God desires our lives to become a documented record of inheriting His promises, just like those found in Hebrews Chapter 11. Today, the past, the future, it’s always spiritual and God is the solution to a future so bright you gotta wear shades!

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