Jasmine's Place - Issue No. 4

Reaching Outwards, Reaching Upwards

FREE

STYLE 23

INSPIRATONAL Inspiring Stories & Features For Today’s Woman!

Beautiful Accessories!

TRANSFORMING… Love A Child’s Brilliant Work In Haiti

BOOK CLUB Children's Books Reviewed For You!

GREAT PRE-WEDDING ADVICE. SIMPLE BUSINESS TIPS. A DELICIOUS HEALTHY TREAT + MORE! ISSUE NO. 4 MARCH/APPRIL 2013

Created uniquely by God for a special purpose‌

WOMAN

To everyone who has contributed to this magazine – in writing, advising, reading and sharing.

Thank You!

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Welcome!!

Welcome to the fourth issue of Jasmine’s Place. So glad you’re here!

From true life inspiring stories of healing and freedom to beautiful poetry and more, this issue is packed with stories and features to uplift and inspire you.

Wedding's! Weddings! Weddings! If you’re thinking of walking down the aisle soon, there is some great advice for you on page 10.

Give your menu a healthy zest - re-energise and refresh. Turn to page 14 for one delicious Supernaturally Healthy Pina Colada Smoothie!

This issue we feature Love a Child - a charity that is doing a marvellous work touching and transforming lives in Haiti. Read more about their work on page 18.

There is an array of beautiful accessories - unique bags and scarves from Created gifts - on page 26. Your patronage will support artisans in poor communities.

Reach new heights! Take your business to new levels. Find out how to use your expert knowledge to build your business on page 30.

You’ll also find books to enjoy with your little ones in the Children’s book club on page 40 and much more.

Hope you enjoy this issue!

Editing and Design: Puaichie Badejo Contributing Writers: Julie Arduini, DebraBee, Unami Magwenzi, Diane Cunningham, Marijo Phelps, Diane Dean White, Joanna Faillace and Puaichie Badejo

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Contents

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MARCH & APRIL 2013

38 Taste and See A round up of some great music for you

Inspirational

39 I Love You She found she was always part of His Plan

8 Is The Sky Falling? A story of healing from breast cancer

Features

16 Surrendering the Good, the Bad and … maybe one day … the Chocolate - what does it mean?

24 Why was I born? The question of identity, meaning and destiny 34 My Dream A mother’s prayer

10 Before the Wedding Keys to consider before saying “I do” 24 Am I? Have I? Taking stock of those new year resolutions 30 10 Simple Ways to Use Your Expert Knowledge to Build Your Business Tips for entrepreneurs!

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30 Healthy Eating 14 Supernaturally Healthy Recipe One delicious Pina Colada Smoothie!

Community 18 Love A Child A charity doing a great job transforming lives in Haiti

Style 26 Style 23 Beautiful accessories for every occasion!

Reviews 40 Children’s Book Club Great books for your little ones!

14 All information in this publication is accurate at the time publication. While we do endeavour to make sure that all published information is correct, we cannot be held liable for mistakes or omissions. The inclusion of articles etc. does not necessarily indicate that the editor is in agreement or sympathy with what is written. Clients submitting content to us for publication are confirming that they have a legal right to do so, and agree to neither knowingly or unknowingly submit content they have no right to publish. The client accepts that he/she is responsible for ensuring they have publication rights of use for all material provided, and agree to indemnify any losses incurred to us , the publisher using content supplied by them. This also applies to where articles etc. have been sourced by us. We acknowledge that any logos, photographs, images and trademarks remain the property of their respective owners.

Disclosure Policy: We do not receive any products or payments to write reviews. Our reviews are honest and impartial.

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INSPIRATIONAL

Is The Sky Falling?

A great testimony of healing from breast cancer Marijo Phelps

I was going to relax and read today.

But that didn’t happen. I have learned over the years that when there are good things happening in the heavenlies at the hands of our God, the enemy has terrible temper tantrums.

Before I even scooped the kitty litter I noticed that, once again, the entire freezer in the fridge was melting.

They apparently didn't fix the leak.

The replacement coils arrived in a beat up box, but the tech thought it was ok. Now, a week later Marijo knows it was not OK.

week for him to look, put in dye … then another week to come diagnose and order parts, then another week for the fix.

Evergreen (10 miles away) has ICE. I truck down there and load up so I can once again move the fridge contents to ice chests. Yes, the chest freezer is filled to the brim (thank you Lord for groceries).

So I call Sears to set up an appointment. They only have tomorrow - (yep, tomorrow is the day I have the doc's appointment I have awaited for a month to find out carotid exam results and many other loose ends - AND - I have a very much needed massage therapy appointment as I’ve not been sleeping well because of muscles

that are in trouble) - but the fridge comes first or I have to wait another

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On the way back I am praising Him with both hands raised along with KTLF radio (steering wheel? - Ahh, some things just need a two handed praise!) I had a picture of God's touch going straight down to my breasts HEALING. Yes, this is the day I could hear back on the flunked mammogram-extensive biopsy results. (Sorry if this is too much information, but being a former registered nurse, I really AM sparing you the gory details, honest).

Then I begin the process of unloading the fridge into coolers.

There was a phone message (please let it be the biopsy results , I hate waiting ) - no - it was another doctor that got a referral for me about 3 weeks ago and finally decided to call. The trigger finger and cyst can wait, I have more demanding irons in the fire right now.

SO I’m awaiting the fridge tech's call.

I want to nail down something less vague that 9-5 tomorrow and see if I can at least keep one of my appointments before cancelling them both.

What do I know for sure? My Lord Jesus is in control and has me right smack dab in the center of the palm of His hands, there is no place in life I'd rather be.

Deep breath as I think it is way past

time to go and read. His Word first, and then a good novel by a very versatile Christian author. The washing machine is purring as is the dishwasher , a few cats are too, and it is time for a pot of herb tea and Thee.

Conclusion?

My wonderful neighbor babysat the fridge and took care of the repairman - the fridge has been "purring" ever since .

I am now in my last 1/3 of the time for radiation for breast cancer - the surgery and reconstruction of the other side involved 40 inches of incisions. I did MUCH better than I thought I would - Dr. Jesus is the very best!!! They say I am now "cancer free"!!

Come visit my blog! http://myincrediblelord.blogspot.com (C) Marijo Phelps. All Rights Reserved.

Saved by His grace in 1974, from 9 years of professing atheism into His loving arms. RN for 23 years, missionary with YWAM then statistical analyst for Every Home for Christ over 9 years. Living with my husband in the middle of a mountain meadow. GRIN! Wanting to spread the good news.

Article Source: Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com Article URL: http://articles.faithwriters.com/reprint-articledetails.php?id=20842

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FEATURE

Before the Wedding Keys to consider before saying “I do” Unami Magwenzi It’s always very exciting to plan a wedding, but then planning for a marriage requires a lot more effort and commitment than planning a wedding.

There are several keys to consider when you are planning a marriage. I have been married 9 years and I have discovered that marriage is not easy, but it can be beautiful. If I had to do it again, I would not hesitate. Before planning a wedding and a life together, some things need to be in place first.

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Foundation: A marriage needs to be based on the right foundation and that includes sharing a faith, sharing values and wanting common goals in life.

You must start from the same base, otherwise once the excitement of the wedding is over and reality hits, you will have nothing to stand on.

Identity: You must know who you are. Some people get married to feel complete, to tick a box, to hide an insecurity, to please someone else.

Knowing who you are, especially in Christ, sets you up for success.

You may be intending to marry a man whose personality differs from yours.

That can be okay. But please make sure you agree on the fundamental issues of life. You may be able to resolve other differentials, but you may not have the same success with foundational differences.

It allows you the opportunity to figure out at least in some part how your story fits in with that of the person you are about to marry.

Sense of humour: Are you intending to marry a man who can laugh? Do you laugh easily? Being able to laugh at yourself, laugh with your partner and at your situation can lighten personal and marital stress. No need to take yourself too seriously. Life is too short for that.

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Self care: Relationships go through phases. Some days will be wonderful, some will be miserable and frustrating.

Self respect and being honest with yourself and partner about your needs and wants are very important. You must know how to take good care of yourself independently from your partner.

Character: Being attracted to someone and wanting to spend the rest of your life with them is not enough to sustain a marriage. There needs to be a willingness to be selfless, humble, honest and teachable. Wisdom is extremely important in any relationship. Wisdom avoids unnecessary arguments, makes healthy life-giving choices and pursues Godly peace in a marriage.

A successful marriage acknowledges and makes room for individual differences. Some people tend to isolate themselves completely from family and friends when they meet their marriage partner. More often than not, friends and family are key to sustaining your relationship as they can give perspective, so it is unhealthy and unwise to isolate yourself from them.

Enjoy your relationship, have fun, make the most of it , love your life and marriage!

Unami Magwenzi is a Botswana-born Clinical Psychologist and the author of “Girls’ Talk ” Words Of Reflection For Teenage Girls.

She lives with her husband and 3 children in Australia.

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Relax…

…it’s time to be pampered…

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Nail Extensions. Hair Removals. Manicures.

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HEALTHY EATING

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Super-Naturally Healthy Paradise Pina Colada Smoothie Š 2009 Joanna Faillace

Use organic ingredients as often as possible!

Ingredients: 3 oz coconut water 6 oz Stonyfield Farm brand whole milk French Vanilla yogurt 8 oz frozen pineapple chunks 1 teaspoon Garden of Life Brand Extra Virgin Coconut Oil 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed 1 tablespoon wheat germ Garnish (optional): Organic whipped cream Fresh mint sprig and pineapple slice 1 teaspoon organic toasted coconut

Instructions: Toast coconut in toaster oven for about four minutes. Watch carefully as the coconut can burn easily. Into a blender, combine the coconut water, yogurt, frozen pineapple chunks, extra virgin coconut oil, flaxseed, and wheat germ. Blast the smoothie or blend button and whirl until well blended.

Top with whipped cream. Garnish with fresh mint sprig, pineapple slice and toasted coconut.

Add a straw, sit back, and sip your way to a supernaturally healthy tropical island experience! ♼ Joanna Faillace is the producer and TV host of the Super-Naturally Healthy Cooking Series . Website www.supernaturallyhealthy.net

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INSPIRATIONAL

Her tagline is profound, yet witty. Julie Arduini explains what it means.

Surrendering The Good, The Bad, And …maybe one day…

The Chocolate I let fear hold me back for 35 years.

I was afraid what people thought of me. What I looked like. What I said, what I did, what I didn’t say or didn’t do.

Believing God, to heal and change me.

Many of those years I had a faith in Christ, and yet I allowed that fear to control me.

I finished that study free of fear, and knew it was time to write for Him, as I knew I had been called to do.

I made a vow that I would write for Him, and only what He wanted me to write.

I believe God used Beth Moore’s online (at the time) study,

With that, I named my first blog The Surrendered Scribe.

.

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To this day, I use my writing and voice to share God’s encouragement and love. My mission is for my audiences to find freedom through surrender.

As I’ve moved forward in writing and my surrender experiences, I knew having a tagline was important to build what they call a a platform in the writing world.

I’ve had to surrender good things like writing for my local Mothers of Preschoolers group. I didn’t understand why God was asking me to let that go, but that good surrender was so He could place me somewhere else.

I’ve had to surrender what might come under a bad category, like fear.

I can fall into gossip without realizing it. Those are things I want to be free of.

The part of the tagline I receive the most comments about is “maybe one day surrendering the chocolate”.

The majority of my audience is made of women, and chocolate is definite a weakness for all of us. There was a time I would eat M&M’s for breakfast by the handfuls and have no shame.

My mission is for my audiences to find freedom through surrender.

Although I’ve surrendered that, I haven’t quite given chocolate up.

But, maybe one day.  Copyright © Julie Arduini 2013 Julie Arduini is a writer and speaker who encourages audiences to find freedom through surrender. She knows it has to start with her, so she’s surrendering the good, the bad, and … maybe one day … the chocolate.

She blogs for Christians Read, the Bella Women Network, and is working on her Adirondack based contemporary romance. Julie lives in Ohio with her husband and children.

Visit her at: http://juliearduini.com/

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COMMUNITY

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Love A Child Touching and transforming lives in Haiti…

Even by his 6th birthday, Bobby Burnette knew that God had given him a “different” heart - a heart for caring about others. The “least of these . . .”

That special heart gave Bobby the focus to become a full-time missionary living in Haiti, helping the hurting and needy people. Together with his missionary wife, Sherry, (both above) they founded Love A Child in 1985, a Christian humanitarian relief and development agency working in the poorest “regions beyond” in Haiti.

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From their beginnings as Evangelists, preaching the countryside about the Love of Jesus, they quickly changed focus to actually demonstrating the Love of Christ when a lady in their gospel tent challenged them with “. . . if this God you are preaching about is so good, why is my baby starving?”

They soon began their relief efforts by feeding, clothing, healing the poor.

Shortly, a dying lady told them they had to take her 4 children and raise them. That began their orphanage, which today is the number 1 rated orphanage in Haiti, now home to more than 70 children who were rescued from a life of misery and near death.

Moses, now 6 is one example of the salvation that Love A Child offers. Unwanted at birth, Moses’ mother delivered him into the harshest, lowest place on earth … the pit of a Haitian outhouse.

Left there to die, his feeble cries were heard by a passing man who knew he had to rescue the baby and get him to Madame Sherry and Pastor Bobby at Love A Child.

Moses on arrival at Love A Child.

Today Moses is an active healthy leader among his brothers and sisters at the orphanage in Fond Parisien, Haiti, and even believes he could one day be the President of Haiti.

Moses today - the next president of Haiti? - Yes!

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The orphanage grew into a system of 14 schools in remote villages, feeding programs to bolster nutrition, a medical outreach centered around the Jesus Healing Center and other remote clinics, with vaccination, vitamin and deworming programs. Love A Child provides many fresh water wells for villages, and promotes family gardening and there are even training facilities for Tilapia fish farming and carpentry.

Medical Outreaches

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After the devastating earthquake, Bobby and Sherry knew God intended for them to help the nation of victims recover. Partners of Love A Child provided more than 500 new, permanent homes for the displaced victims of the earthquake, in what is now known as Miracle Village. The new beginning for these more than 2000 people is truly a miracle as many of the new residents now have more than they ever had before the earthquake.

Now they have hope and a home, their own school, a medical clinic, wells, playground, a church and more.

Bobby and Sherry quickly realized that now God was thrusting Love A Child into the ultimate stage of helping people - development for sustainability. God’s plan was being visualized by them as centering around a grand new regional marketplace where the residents of Miracle Village would have places for businesses, where they could support themselves and realize their longed-for potential of self-sufficiency.

Miracle Village As the plans for the market place evolved, it became clear that Love A Child will need to provide more resources, like training and equipment for new skills for new successful businesses … a place to train and demonstrate the “best practices” for sustainable agriculture, appropriate to their region of Haiti. This new agricultural outreach would not only increase each families own food security but also afford any excess to be taken to market to help a new economy flourish and provide available food nutrition for the surrounding community.

These programs would also offer realistic ways to improve the countryside, by reforestation with edible and nutritious plants that would control soil erosion, improve the soil and provide refuge from ravages of storms, as well as introduce appropriate technologies for improving daily life at the grassroots level. God has shown His faithful favor upon the people of Haiti through the selfless work of Bobby and Sherry Burnette and Love A Child, who have made a lifestyle out of showing that “Love is not something you just talk about, but Love is something that you do … ” Find out more about this great work at http://www.loveachild.com/

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The one God watches over night and day‌

WOMAN

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FEATURE

Taking stock of some of those new year resolutions…

In the new year, I resolved to…

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drink right

get enough sleep!

eat well…

take a break… now and then…

exercise

have a big clean out

make that call…

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STYLE

Style 23 Beautiful Bags and Scarves for every occasion from Created Gifts.

Vibrant Stripes Scarf: Silver metallic threads run down the shocking-pink stripes of this knotted-fringe wide scarf. Viscose. L184cm, W55cm.

Kalamkari Patch Bag: Remnants of traditional kalamkari fabric deftly combined to create a lined everyday bag with magnetic-stud closure.

Finished designs will vary. W29cm, H25cm, D9cm. Handles L60cm.

Dream Life Scarf : A swirling blend of dip-dyed colours on a soft silk scarf with a beaded fringe. Designs will vary. L150cm, W35cm.

Chequer Tote Bag: Bold square panels of faux-leather form a roomy bag with recessed zip closure. Large inner pocket plus smaller zipped and open pouches for mobiles or keys. H30cm, W26cm, base D10cm.

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Red Evening Bag: Lustrous satin decorated with beads and fine embroidery. Zip closure.

W23cm, H17cm.

Large Patchwork Bag: Turquoise Muted tones of beaded fabrics overlaid on a rich turquoise-coloured satin bag. Magnetic closure. Designs will vary. Sq32cm.

Alternative colours and smaller version available online (2080731 and 2080507).

Ballroom Purse: Glamorous bead and sequin detailing adorns this poly-satin zipped purse. W13cm, H8cm.

Boteh Scarf: Rich magenta with black thread creating a subtle floral design on this fringedend scarf. Polyester. L18cm, W55cm.

Stripy Tote Bag: Plaited handles and fancy-edge detailing are the design highlights for this practical cotton bag with button-loop closure and zipped inner pocket. W38cm, H28cm, Handles L55cm.

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Zebra Bag: Make a bold statement with this zebra-print cotton bag. Magnetic closure on inner pocket Rainbow Bag: A rainbow-mix of woven threads over and two outer pockets one zipped and one an inner lining creates a good-capacity shoulder bag open. W46cm, H34cm, D11cm. with leather handles and a protective leather base.

Zip closure, with one zipped and one mobile phone inner pocket. Adorned with a detachable felt flower that you could also use as a brooch or scarf-clasp.

W38cm, H25cm.

Pink-flower Bag: A bright appliquĂŠ pink flower adorns this practical cotton turquoise bag with chunky zip closure and adjustable shoulder strap. W29cm, H24cm. Strap L118cm.

Ralla Reversible Bag and Purse Set: Small heavyweight cotton tote bag in a bright chequered fabric, reversible to plain dark green for when the mood takes you.

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Luxus Scarf: Finest quality natural silk from a new fair trade producer group who harvest the silk, make the yarn, custom-dye it and weave it into these fabulous and luxurious scarves. A magnificent gift. L156cm plus knotted fringe, W41cm

Kalamkari Purse: Hand-drawn kalamkari design on silk creates a stylish coin purse. Convenient fingerloop and zip closure. W15cm.

For more information, visit: http://www.createdgifts.org/

Teal Silk Scarf: Add a splash of rich accent colour with this fine soft silk scarf with fringed ends.

L160cm, W34cm.

Woollen Stripes Bag: This roomy woven-wool bag is fabric-lined and has a zip closure and zipped inner pocket. H30cm, W35cm, D9cm.

Handles L62cm.

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FEATURE

Diane Cunningham shares some great advice for entrepreneurs

10 Simple Ways To Use Your Expert Knowledge To Build Your Business You are an expert and you need to recognize that. We get caught up in looking at the areas that we need to improve and don’t see what is right in front of us.

This is the “grass is always greener” concept and for us as entrepreneurs, it is also the “shiny object” syndrome”. I mistakenly think I need what you HAVE or what you KNOW in order to succeed. Well that is GARBAGE!! You have knowledge, training, skills, education, and life experiences. Stop talking and start doing. Use what God has given you.

What is an expert? According to the FreeDictionary.com an expert is a person with a high degree of skill in or knowledge of a certain subject. Here are 10 simple ways to use your expert knowledge to build your business:

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1

. Speak It

This could be on a stage of 50, 500 or at a networking event where you have 30 seconds to introduce yourself. Or this could be in a group of 5 women, which is one of the ways I got started. When I moved to Wichita Falls, TX in 2006, I found the networking scene needed a little help, so I connected with 2 other women and we started our own Women’s Networking Lunch. I had only been here for 3 months and it worked, one person invited another and so on. We have been going for 6 years now. Be willing to step out and do something new.

2

. Write It

Get your message out, share your journey, tell your story, give your perspective and then get that written word out to all people you come in contact with. You could do that in your weekly blog, ebook, your newsletter, or your book.

3

. Teach It

Teach one other person sitting across from you at Starbucks or masses on a live webcast.

Your lesson could be “how to train a dog”, “ways to increase your confidence”, or “how to create a hand-stamped necklace”. Teach your followers how you “do what you do”.

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4

. Duplicate It

You could create a manual on success tips that can be taught to 10 people on a group tele-course instead of meeting with one person.

Figure out ways to reach more people by increasing the number of people that you can share your information with virtually.

Allow them to listen when they can or to go at their own pace. This is exactly what we do at the National Association of Christian Women Entrepreneurs with all of our calls and webinars recorded and archived for the past 2.5 years.

5

. Broadcast It

This might be on the free online radio show that you create. I found out about BlogTalkRadio in 2008 and got started right away featuring other coaches and clients.

Find your voice and share online with a live broadcast.

Go check out all of my archived and current interviews at www.inspiredwomenradio.com

6

. Record It

You could have your very own TV network on Youtube or Vimeo. I now have over 100 videos and adding more each week.

Don’t worry, it gets easier the more practice you have. (If you don’t believe me, go and see some of my earlier recordings.) I ask someone to come and help me record my videos and I often record 6 in a 60 minute period now of short tutorials and inspirational messages.

Check it out at www.inspiredwomentv.com

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7

. Share It

This could be you being interviewed for a local newspaper or by a colleague on their radio show. Say “Yes” to any and all features and interviews that can get you in front of a new group or crowd. Share your message.

8

. Post It

We’ve got a fabulous free friend social media. Post your expert info, tweet your knowledge tips, link your words of wisdom and pin your visual images that help us to understand it all! Link your expert info back to your blog and/or website so you can get me to come over and visit you there.

9

. Sell It

Take any of these ways that I have just listed and make it into a product. Record the interview and sell it. Write the ebook and bundle that for sale along with a video tutorial. Teach the class as an online workshop.

10

. Be It

Remember that you are YOU and God has given you a unique set of gifts, experiences and knowledge that no one else has. Trust Him and allow his plan to unfold. Bewilling to be vulnerable. You will end up being an expert in things that you did not ever anticipate as a part of your life journey. Be YOU! The bottom line is……DO IT. Look at this list of 10 and figure out ways to do it (share your expert information) that works for you, and you go from there. It won’t be perfect. Get it out there anyway.

Build your business, one action at a time!

Diane Cunningham is the Founder and President of the National Association of Christian Women Entrepreneurs. She is a “business therapist”, plane crash survivor, author, consultant, speaker, marathon runner, and fun friend. Find out more about NACWE and why 165 women joined in the first year at www.nacwe.org. Connect with Diane atwww.facebook.com/DianeCunningham for fun updates, silly videos, and lively conversation.

Come get your FREE 7 Day Video Training series at www.nacwe.org/freetraining and join us on our FREE monthly Inspired Business Café call the first Wednesday of each month by registering at www.inspiredbusinesscafe.com

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INSPIRATIONAL

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My Dream Diane Dean White

If I could have a dream come true, just one long joyous day, I'd ask God for time with my children, just to hear them laugh and play.

They would be young once more, and we'd have so much to do, We'd do some things we always did, and try some new things too.

There would be cookies, hugs and kisses, and laughter all day long, Skip rope, dances and building things, and singing a favorite song.

But I'd have to pick a time, a date; a special year to actually replay, And choose between building snowmen and gathering lilacs in May.

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.

With only one day, how could I replay, all those years that have gone so fast?

I couldn't, as it isn't life's way, and the present, can't return to the past.

But the things in our hearts we seek God for, He reveals in a certain way, After reading His Word, and thinking of my children, I continued on to pray.

Lord, allow me a dream, some night to come, a memory of years ago, A dream of what my children were like, and how I loved them so.

Let me feel their soft skin, their sweet kisses and voices so very near, A dream that will let me see the faces that I've loved throughout the years.

Day after day, so busy with our little ones, how could we begin to know?

That time would slip away from us, and how fast the years would go.

Perhaps in a dream, or in a special way, God will allow me to hear, Those little voices of my grown children that will always be so dear. Š Diane Dean White 2004 Diane is the author of Beach Walks and Carolina in the Morning, a former newspaper reporter, and weekly magazine columnist whose stories have appeared in a number of books, magazines and other publications and anthologies. She is a member of ACFW, and resides in Florida with her husband of forty years. They have three grown children and three grandchildren. You can read more of Diane's writing on her website: www.DianeDeanWhite.com

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INSPIRATIONAL

Why Was I Born?

The question of identify, meaning and destiny DebraBee

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It's a question I hear now and again. Matter of fact, I've heard myself ask it in years past. The years when I lacked identity, lacked hope, lacked truth. All I could see was the dismal existence I dwelt within.

The story of Esther rings in my heart. She was a Jewish orphan living in a foreign land with an uncle who cared for her. When the king of the land began to look for a new queen, she came to his attention and was chosen to be queen. Her heritage did not seem to be of question at the time.

Soon however, her people fell out of favour, and they were all to be put to death. The uncle who had raised her went to speak to her.

Through a messenger, he asked her to intercede with the king, so that lives would be spared. She knew her life would be in danger to go without summoning before the king and sent that message back to her uncle.

Her uncle reminded her, that although her life may be spared in the short term, in the long run she and her family would still be killed if she did not speak up. He sealed his words of wisdom into her heart

with Esther 4:14 "For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance shall arise for the Jews from elsewhere, but you and your father's house will perish. And who knows but that you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this and for this very occasion?"

I don't question anymore why I was born. I know.

I know the timing of my existence has importance and I play a significant role to others around me. Where it may cost me my comfort and even my life, I must lay down my agenda to exist for my own purposes and choose the higher calling.

I was born for such a time as this.

Copyright Š DebraBee I love to encourage the heart of people to be who they are meant to be in Christ, individually made and uniquely designed. www.debrabee.org Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com <a href="http://www.faithwriters.com">CHRISTIAN WRITER</a> - <a href="http://www.ez2buildsites.com" target="_new">MAKE YOUR OWN WEBSITE</a> Article URL: http://articles.faithwriters.com/reprintarticle-details.php?id=12772

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INSPIRATIONAL

Taste & See A round up of some great music

• • • • • • • • • •

Living For You: Tim Hughes Jesus in Disguise: Brandon Heath Everlasting God: Lincoln Brewster Only a Mountain: Jason Castro Who You Are: Unspoken Eledumare: Kenny K’ore 10,000 Reasons : Matt Redman I Need A Miracle: Third Day Firm Foundation: Karlene Bartolo This is That: Shirley Murdock Sources include www.ucb.co.uk and http://www.20thecountdownmagazine.com/top-20-songs/

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INSPIRATIONAL

I Love I LoveYou You When I look back at that day When I look back at that day What You did just amazes me What You did just amazes me Yes, the King’s wisdom brought him Yes, the King’s wisdom brought him much honour much honour Nobles came from all over the world to Nobles came from all over the world to listen to him listen to him He understood many mysteries and He knew many mysteries and more more But, the wisdom You gave him was also But, the wisdom You gave him was also for me for me I was part of Your plan I was part of Your plan Despite my life-style Despite my life-style And my mistakes And my mistakes You give me a second chance You give me a second chance You came through for me You came through for me I look at my son today and I know I look at my son today and I know You are closer than a heartbeat You are closer than a heartbeat All I ever need to do is reach out to You All I ever need to do is reach out to You The Psalmist’s words are true The Psalmist’s words are true You are good You are good And Your love endures forever And Your love endures forever Thank You Lord Thank You Lord I love You I love You Copyright © Puaichie Badejo 2013 AdaptedCopyright from 2 Chronicles 1, 1Badejo Kings 2013 3-4 & Psalm 136 © Puaichie Adapted from 2 Chronicles 1, 1 Kings 3-4 & Psalm 136

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REVIEWS

Children’s Book Club The time you spend with your children is priceless in terms of the rewards it brings. The poem “My Dream” by Diane Dean White confirms this. One of the ways you can spend time with your children is by sharing books with them. Not only will they learn, but sharing a book will draw you closer and open pathways into other conversations – related or not related to the book you are reading. So be prepared!

Sharing books with children stimulates their imagination and expands their knowledge and understanding of the world.

On the following few pages, you will find reviews of some great early learning books. They are all sturdy board books made with hard paper card and are perfect for little ones. Enjoy!

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Flaptastic Let’s Go! Dorling Kindersley

This book cleverly transforms and takes on new shapes as you progress through it.

Throughout the book, you’ll also find easy to lift sturdy flaps, bright clear illustrations and bold colours.

Baby’s Very First Black And White Book - Stella Baggott Just when you think you know all there is to know when it comes to baby's books, The Baby's Very First Black and White Book (Animals) comes along and proves you wrong!

This little book may keep up late at night as you research for sounds to accompany it when reading it to your little ones!

It includes a cat, duck, hen and cow and everyone knows the sounds those animals make, but this little book stretches you further as it also includes the polar bear, penguin, zebra, fish, rabbit and mouse!

It features some very able and multitalented teddies driving things that move that your little one will learn about - a fire engine, a sailing boat (splash!), a racing car (zoom!), a train (choo! choo!) and wow!! - a space rocket (whoosh!).

Your little one can also learn about colours . The train driver waves bye at the end, and your little one can wave back - so the book comes to a very satisfying end.

Educational and enjoyable on many levels.

Filled with high contrasting illustrations, the size of this book is perfect for little hands and is a great introduction to the world of animals.

Great book!

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Timmy Needs a Bath (Timmy Time) Egmont Books Ltd

Oh Timmy! Timmy! Timmy! He got mud all over himself at playtime and then he made the nursery dirty too!

Harriet, his teacher pointed to the bathroom, but did Timmy meekly comply? Oh no! But you know, when you're dealing with Harriet, you can run, but you can't hide! So in the end, she prevailed. (Sorry Timmy!)

Talk With Me Stella Blackstone and Caroline Mockford

A pleasant and gentle introduction to children and animals from around the world. With lift flaps, it focuses on the crocodile, duck, panda, wolf and parrot, but there are lots of other birds and animals within the illustrations that you can point out to your child.

Did Timmy kick and scream?

Surprisingly, he didn't. He found out that having a bath was not so bad after all! Nice, funny and very colourful book! We dare say it will help to reassure any child who doesn't like bathing that it's not that bad!

(Well done Timmy! You smell nice now! Keep it up!)

Each animal is set in context - so the crocodile is by the river, the duck is in a farm etc. The children in the book ask a set of questions that will motivate your child to find the answers by lifting the flaps.

At the end, the focus points back to the children, who round up with a song - so you may need some musical instruments for the final pages of this book, or you may need to improvise! It's quite an interactive book. Happy reading and singing!

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Wibbly Pig Likes Dancing!

Mick Inkpen

My Very First Book of Numbers Eric Carle

This is a very cleverly designed book which will help your child learn about the numbers 1 to 10. It is divided into what one may call two pages per page - so where you would normally have one page, this book has two pages, one at the top and the other directly below it.

Your child picks a number on the top page and then tries to match it to the same number of fruit in a picture on the bottom page. The numbers on the top pages are bolstered by corresponding numbers of black squares - so, if the number itself does not give your little one a clue regarding what number of fruit he should be looking for, he or she can count the squares and then take his/her cue from there. Really great book!

Wibbly Pig is so versatile! He can dance! He can bounce! He can sing!

He can hide! He can splash and he can even dress himself up in this really cute book. After Wibbly Pig has done all these feats, the book asks your little one the million dollar questions - can you dance, bounce, sing, hide, splash and dress up too!

This is a really nice interactive book that will put a smile on your face and engage your little one - who might not even wait for the questions to begin dancing, bouncing (on your sofa!) and doing all the other fun things that this cute lil' pig can do!

Of course, as is usual with children's books, the illustrations provide many avenues for communication and learning. Great book!

p.s. - you might need to fill your fruit bowl before reading this book with your little one!

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