hile Believers knew the day of gross darkness hovering the earth would come, I’m sure many of us, wish it were not so. Social media is not to blame for the state of the world. Yet is has assisted in the provision of a free forum to voice some not so pretty opinions. Cyber bullying has claimed multitudes, young and old, rich and increasing, known and yet to be discovered, alike. While many are guilty of such, some are clueless to their participation. We all are entitled to our opinions, yet that entitlement never granted us the right to force them onto others. Daily, you can view some nasty exchanges between others and if we are honest, we are sometimes included. Whether on the receiving or giving end of it, we’ve all been touched by some unpleasant encounters. As queens, we should never be found being “so nasty or so rude”. We should carry ourselves as ladies of style, class and elegance, lady like. I heard the cutest statement, “Keep It Cute or Keep It Mute”! I love it! It is the same thing as, “If you don’t have/can’t find anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” So ladies, Queens that is going to be our mission moving forward. To always Keep IT Kingdom and to Keep it Cute or Keep it mute! Join the challenge and order your T-shirt today! All shirts are $20 (plus shipping & handling) Email us at: mzmoministry@gmail.com for more information on ordering your T-shirt.
Express Me, Express You, Embrace We Cover Story 13 Mind, Body & Soul with Veronica Houston Featured To Ministry 9 Married with Apostle Thibeaux Cute To Sweat 19 Too A journey to a healthy fit
Voices of LASUMXP & Guests vs Presents 56 Presence Karmen Booth Love Shoes 7 I Natasha Pritchett 17 Natural Nailz GlamHer and More Shana Sanders
18 The Unapproachable Woman Brandi Young 21 Lover’s Lane Markeitha Jordan To share your story or advertise with us, send an email to: mzmoministry@gmail.com
I am honored to be a part of LASUMXP. It is my goal to be less vocal and visible, to allow this platform to be graced by many others. The amount of readers surpassed my hopes for the first issue and I hope we grow as we continue to share with one another. By the middle of February, I will be posting a video on the website (www.lasum.org), to express the vision of LASUMXP (Lift A Sister Up Ministries & Xpresso). While less is still my goal, this month I have a few things to share. I am so grateful to the ladies who started this journey, this time around, with me. With great anticipation, tuned in, I sit like a child waiting for Christmas morning, to witness all God has in store for us. LASUMXP is not my journey, my ministry, my magazine. She belongs to every woman, who charters her life with each breath she takes. I love to hear or read the journeys of women who have defied death sentences, succeeded beyond inabilities, created the unimaginable and upgraded the things she wasn’t qualified for. Since the beginning of time women have been seen, heard, ignored, admired, hated, loved and discussed. She is a part of everyone’s history. Although Adam was first, it wasn’t until Eve was separated from Him, formed in the image and likeness of God that Adam even received the thumbs up from God. Eve was always with Adam and it became good when He was able to share his journey. Her womb able to form, protect and nurture life. Her mind able to conceive what never was. Her heart able to withstand the abuse of the world and still spread love. Her mouth speaks wisdom and when stroked inappropriately can destroy to the core. Life and death are in her tongue and the flames of determination her eyes. Her story reveals her past, it does not dictate her future. Her future was nestled in the heart of her Creator, where she first existed. Dwelling in the earth is only a portion of her reign. In This Issue… When God made man He did so void of devaluing one (male & female) to the other. While woman bares children, man, in God’s ordination carries and plants the seed. Her story is a part of each of us. Regardless of how healthy the relationships may be, we all started with a mother and father, in which you still find “her” in both. In honor of Black History Month, we are celebrating HERstory. Be sure to check the website for stories featuring the contribution of women to this ever evolving world. There will be updates often, so check back at least once a week. Valentine’s day, a day when romantic gestures are anticipated to express love, is also celebrated this month. God knows I love me some love and God is LOVE! So be sure to join in on the conversations on social media about the many things we love. There is even a peep into the love story of a couple shared in this issue. Ooh and be sure to enjoy the small piece in this issue entitled “Momma Used To Say”. It is a collection of sayings that some of your mothers used to say that were shared on Facebook. We were unable to get our feature story, from a family with 3 generations of mother’s still present, sharing the parental heart passed down. Maybe we will share it for mother’s day. Be on the lookout for that delicious recipe for sweet treats entitled “Not Your Momma’s…”, to be posted on the site this month. Our resident fashionista is ripping the shoe runway, with tips on what shoes to wear when and where we can snag a hot pair or six. Natasha keeps us together honey! I don’t know about you guys, but Karmen’s revelatory journey blesses me with each submission! You missed a few? What? No worries, all of our content writers have pieces for
November and December, listed on the website (www.lasum.org) on the “Our Sound” page. Catch up already and stay with it. LOL. Yep! Shana, the Natural Nailz GlamHer guru is back with a new DIY to make your hands and feet love you. How many of you have been trying these tips? Have your hands and feet been blessing you in return? Email Shana and tell her all about it. We are missing a couple this month, but they’ll be back and we made up for it. :) Never be shy of sharing your feedback about the magazine. Just don’t be rude and fleshy. I told you earlier about Her mouth when inappropriately stroked (smile). Respect goes a long way and spares a lot. A friend shared her thoughts on something from January’s issue and it was a piece of wisdom needed to ensure we do better. Also share your stories, take out an ad in the magazine, become a content writer or blogger for the site. Oh yeah, I need an editor and to build a team to keep this machine moving. I know you’re reading this, so email me when you’ve finished enjoying the entire February issue ;). Love, hugs and fabulous blessings queens!
Monique Strong
LASUMXP Editor In Chief
mzmoministry@gmail.com
www.moniquestrong.org
Presence vs Presents By Karmen Booth
I believe that when you are held accountable for your actions, you learn from them, and thus begins my story as an adult. I cannot say that I come from an over-religious family. We went to church on Sunday, we knew our bible, and Sundays were Holy. So, I have til this day, remained confused as to why my mother reacted the way in which she did when she found out that I was pregnant at 21. To say the least, she was not pleased. I couldn’t understand if her anger came from my acts as an unmarried woman (to say it nicely) or if she was embarrassed. Well, after all the smoke cleared from the confirmation of my pregnancy, she had informed me, that because of my “Grown Woman” actions, I would have to do the “Grown Woman” thing, which was to move out, and raise my daughter.
no longer around by age 5, and I’d begun to over compensate for the absence of him. Fast Forward. I get pregnant…. years later, and I get married. I interrupt a 12 year love affair with my only child. Understandably, with the addition of another family member, things surely won’t be like they were before. Try explaining this to a child whom is used to getting their way with tangible pacifiers, and whom is dependent upon you emotionally. I often explain that not only me, but a lot of parents in our generation want our children to have things better than we did. That is the goal for our children… to always do better than the generation prior. But I’ve done it in excess. The other day, I bought my daughter a pair of boots, and instead of being thankful for the boots alone… she asked me since I’d gotten them on sale, what else could I get her!!!!!!
I was not only young, but I had not had much real world experience. In respect of time, I’ll tell you that I ended up living with my boyfriend. Fickle as young love is, ours withered, and I found myself single (well sort of), raising a I felt taken advantage of. Used. Pimped. After having a child. moment reflecting on what just happened between her and I was not prepared. There were a lot of things either due to myself, I was checked in my spirit. We sometime focus on generational taboo, or just negligence that my parents, and the tangible things, and we neglect the relationship. other family members failed to teach me. I found myself learning a lot of life lessons on my own, while my child sat How many years had I spent time and energy trying to as my audience (you’d be amazed at how much a child sees produce things and not really working on the relationship between us. Neglecting to address the areas that left me and knows). feeling abandoned as opposed to being helped and pushed to be the independent woman I needed to be, to be a mother I was ever so careful not to follow the same path that my to my child(ren), by my own mom. mother had done while parenting me (so I thought). With this new child, I knew that I would never want her to feel My mother had mastered timing. She knew when it was as abandoned as I did by my own mother as I did while I was pregnant. Not that she was not there, because she was time for me to mature. I would either sink or swim. there for me every step of the way. Doctor’s visits, hospital However, she would be there to save me whether I felt she would or not. stays, wellbeing checks, making sure I ate well. She was everything that a loving mother would be, without I will always be a parent, I am approaching the age with my rewarding my situation. oldest where all I’ve taught her, will start to be applied to her real life situations. All that I missed with her, I pray I So here I am, with a baby. On my own in a sense. My don’t miss with my youngest. I have learned to be open mother and my boyfriend splitting the responsibilities of my household, and I contributing what I could. (Still felt I enough to openly express my feelings and not feel bad about not being able to NOT do all that is requested. should have had more support from my mom.) Feeling secure, that my presence, will always be enough. My daughter was a baby, yet I still wanted her to have the best of everything. I felt if her father had it, so should she. There was no one there telling me, maybe if you are renting a $600 apartment (which your mom and boyfriend are helping you pay), maybe your one year old daughter shouldn’t be wearing gold necklaces and designer jeans. After all, this is not how I was raised. Where did this come from? The older she got the behavior continued. Her father was
Never make room in your heart
for evil.
I brought you in this world and
I'll take you out!
Don't be in such h a hurry to grow gonna wish for your younger years.
up. When you do get grown, you’re
When you have your own kids
You’re going to see it again.
God bless the child that’s got its
own. I pay the cost to be the boss.
I don't want to whoop you. This
is going to hurt me more than you.
True Lover of Shoes By Natasha Pritchett
A guide to help you figure out what to wear and when Girl my feet hurt!!!! I just realized I went a whole weekend of birthday celebrating and running around down town Chicago, in some form of heels. I mean don’t get me wrong...I LOOOVEEEEEE A BAD SHOE...ESPECIALLY A HEEL! But sometimes I think to myself, it’s not all about the heel itself that makes you look good or beautiful, but sometimes it’s about how you feel and what you can accomplish while wearing whatever shoe you wear. So with that said this article is dedicated to those of us who love a good heel, but also love a good pair of flats or a pair of wedge boots; but also prefer a comfy pair of house shoes or flats. A true lover of all shoes for all occasions. The weekend Shoe Depending on your geographic location or the time of the season, a cute pair of booties or if you are like me and live in the windy fidget temps of Chicago, then your best bet is a pair of boots (Flat or high heeled...Fuzzy or leather) will be great footwear for a night out on the town for the weekend. If you’re in the south or west coast you may wear a cute open toe shoe or even a sandal. Such shoes can be found at Nordstrom’s Rack, DSW and Macy’s. At the Office Pumps are always in order! There are also pointy toe shoes that have the look of a pump, but the heel is flat/low. Embellished flats are also great for the work place when paired with the right outfit. Stores like Shoe Carnival, Payless, Target and even your local beauty supply store will have nice finds for a fraction of the cost. At Home Nothing says comfortable like a pair of fuzzy socks or house shoes. A good pair of slip-ons or mule house shoes are great for days of staying indoors being warm...Cooking dinner or lounging on the couch watching Net Flick’s allllll dayyyyyyy long! Target, Bath and Body Works and Macy’s are great places to find these cozy items. On A Date Now this is where the true shoe lover in me really cuts up! I am all for Sexy! Sexy! Sexy! Get ‘em Girl...Show him what you working with looks. So with that said, a sexy sling back heel, pumps or sandals are always in order, ESPECIALLY WHEN PAIRED WITH A L.B.D.!!!! You can also play with a cute ankle bootie, to wear with a cute pencil or leather skirt. Let’s talk colors of shoes... black, red and a nude shoe you can’t go wrong with, or a shoe with a little sparkle or extra shine/ bling is acceptable. Just make sure when wearing sexy sandals (especially strappy toe out ones) that your pedi is fresh and paint job is on point. AMEN CHURCH!!! Lastly...It’s a New Year and a lot of us ladies are trying to get a summer body game on. So let’s talk about at the gym. Of course you’re not going to be on a treadmill in heels or your house shoes...DUH! But make sure you have the proper shoe wear to move about freely without damaging your body. Nike, New Balance, Adidas and even Sketcher’s have shoes that will help you during physical activities. A true lover of shoes will know how to put it all together and make it just as fab with confidence, boldness and authority to get the job done.
With Apostle Angela Thibeaux I am a mother of 4 amazing children. Brianna is a 22-year old student, laboring to do social work and help children. She absolutely loves and is amazing with children and wants to dedicate her life to serving God by serving them. Brittney is a 20-year old record breaking, award winning, student athlete, striving to be in business, perhaps she will combine her love of basketball with her desire to own her own business. Brandi is 16 years old and has a natural ability to teach herself just about anything. After many possible activities she choose basketball. She is a varsity team member, who started getting high school looks in the 5th - 6th grade and is now getting college looks. Braylon, my one and only 13-year old son, is an amazing student who thrives in reading and writing. He will produce great works in books (he’s already started writing his first fiction book), movies, and screen plays. Can you tell I love my children? Lol! They are truly the blessings that the Lord has granted me. Beside being a mom, I am an educated, experienced, successful, African American female Pastor, Author, Businesswoman, Overseer, Mentor, Broadcast Host and Speaker. Whew!!! I know you say that is a lot and I absolutely agree. How did I get here? This is the question I often revisit when I talk to my Divine Creator and Heavenly Father. My story is not unlike many. I grew up unlikely to succeed. I mean all the elements were there, fatherless, single mom home, abusive home, poor community, drug addict/prostituting friends, school with chains on the doors, academically failing student. Like I said, unlikely to succeed. However there was one element that was present my entire life, FAITH! I had no idea in my early years that this one element would override the effect of every other element that could mold me for bad. I was around 9 or 10 when I first experienced the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Playing church in my grandmother’s foyer became oh so real when I felt the overshadowing of His presence. From that day forward, I was His! Frequent spiritual encounters and conversations in my bedroom; identity molding and calling, relationship building through revealing His Person and a seared purpose in my heart and mind. I WAS HIS but I was still unlearned. However, life was getting ready to take me to School, that is the School of Life and it was sure to make me ready or should I say BREAK me ready for the reason I was born. LIFE is the most aggressive, inflexible, sometimes downright meanest teacher you will ever have. At the hands of life and many poor decisions my journey led me depressed, suicidal and broken to the feet of Jesus. After many twist and turns in my adulthood; active duty in the military, away from any family, living with my boyfriend at 20, married at 22, mother at 24, death of loved ones through murder, scorned through infidelity and much, much, more! All of this led to a night, much like the Apostle Paul’s road of Damascus encounter, in my living room at 2am in Yokosuka, Japan. There I was completely hopeless, depressed, empty, lost and confused; my soul cried out louder than I’ve ever heard it before, although my mouth never said a word. He entered the room and called me out and called me higher. He commanded me to read the first chapter of Deuteronomy and said to me that I had been in this place long enough; it was time to turn and take my journey toward promise and purpose. It was time to take my journey toward Him. The entire chapter changed my life and revealed my salvation, calling, anointing, purpose and promise. It is my life passage and I frequently revisit it to be sure I am still on course. After some years of molding and submission I was called to preach and a while later, called to Pastor. When I said yes to the call to preach and then to Pastor He began to speak to me about a word I had never even heard before, “Apostle”. I grew up traditionally Baptist and had never been exposed to anyone or any church that had ever spoken of this word, let alone taught on the 5 fold ministry gifts. I first heard him mention it in an open vision he gave me during a church service. I started experiencing these open visions and he would ask me what I saw. These things were strange to me again because I had never experienced nor was taught anything like this. On one occasion he showed me a glow around my Pastor at that time and then he began to show me a particular work that my Pastor would do. Then I heard the word “Apostle”. Not knowing what that was I begin to study
and seek out understanding. I began to study it so I would know how to serve with my Pastor, not knowing he was preparing me for his purpose. I would study for many years and after multiple conformational experiences, prophetic words and clear biblically identifying studies, I accepted God’s plan for my life and was confirmed an Apostle in 2009 by Apostolic and Prophetic authorities and my church. I know most would think this would be the beginning or birthing place of purpose but this was only another stage of my process. Which brings me to the place called “The wilderness. My place of transformation.” In Matthew 4, after Jesus was baptized, the Spirit of God descended like a dove and the Father Himself revealed His identity, the bible says: “Then was Jesus led of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.” One of the things I’ve learned after all my years is that no matter who you are, you must go the way Jesus went, it’s called the PROCESS! The call never forfeits the process but rather demands it. The wilderness is part of the process for everyone; it usually comes right after identity is revealed. There’s a lot that goes on in the wilderness. As He did with the children of Israel, the wilderness was used to prove the heart and prepare them for the promise. My experience was no different. Everything in me was tested and my life was shaken, once again. Would I complete the test and overcome the temptations of the flesh? Would I turn away from Him when I had a need or when my own appetite seemed stronger? Would I be like Jesus and deny my own hunger? Would I mistrust Him if He didn’t show up during my suffering? Would my lack of tolerance and endurance for pain be the breaking point? Would I grow angry when I know He can rescue me but He doesn’t? Would I embrace suffering like a good soldier like Jesus or would I curse Him like Job’s wife suggested? Would I forfeit my journey toward humility and brokenness or would I skip it all for ambition, riches and fame? Would I sell my soul, bow my knee to darkness just so I could obtain wealth and riches of this world? Did I want to be famous or did I want to be His? These are the temptations of the flesh and the testing of the heart. I admit that this would be the hardest season of my life. I lost so much and many times I was broken and there was the revealing of the things that were in my heart. Many times I cried out in repentance, many times I prayed for deliverance of my soul. The loss was staggering. In the wilderness many things die and fall away. Many things couldn’t survive the dry, dark, sometimes confusing, sometimes frightening, weakening place called the wilderness. My already broken marriage ended after 22 years. This by far was the most devastating. I prayed, fasted, fought for, begged, pleaded for my marriage to be saved. I sought counsel; I talked until I had no more words. I gave of myself; I sacrificed my own desires, my own emotions and my own pride to make it work. I tried everything, I believed and it failed. How could this be? Where are you God? How could you let this happen? The first thing I asked God for when I said yes to the work of ministry was please don’t let me lose my marriage or my children while I serve. I had heard and read of so many transformations of other women whose husbands were changed because of the light they chose. I wanted it to be my testimony so I grew quiet; I sought wisdom from God and others on how to be a better wife and mother. No matter my efforts, no matter how much light I tried to exude the darker it grew and the darker it grew the more I loss sight of myself. Everything around me, including me was dying. I found myself confused and angry in relation to God. Surely this would make me walk away. I struggled, I cried, I screamed, I blamed, I was afraid and I was broken. Let me say that this was not a struggle about being a preacher and leading a church. That has never been a struggle for me. I’m sure many people assumed the end of my marriage to have happened because of me being a leader in the church. It did not! For 3+ years I pulled away and was transitioned out of a senior role and sat in another mans ministry, I believe this was all the work of the Lord to save and preserve me. Even that didn’t save my marriage. It was over and I was broken, but somehow I survived and didn’t curse my God. That’s what the enemy of my soul wanted and that’s what my flesh wanted. To walk away from a God who couldn’t or just didn’t save my marriage and let my family suffer. Despite all of my troubles He never left me, but rather drew me closer and ministered to my soul until I recovered. I lost people I thought were friends through betrayals. I lost material things and wealth. I lost dreams and hope. I lost clarity and vision. I lost the honor and reputation of my name. I was just lost, but He knew the way I would take and when He had tried me He would bring me out as pure gold. Being called is simple; becoming the called is another story. My journey was about me becoming His Apostle. The 12 Apostles were identified as
Apostles long before they were really commissioned as such. We of modern age believe when we hear the call it is the commissioning, no, it is actually the beginning of the process of becoming. Being a leader is difficult but being a commissioned leader for the Kingdom is life threatening. Being a woman in leadership in the church is one of the hardest things to be. If you are not called to it and graced for it is not something to run to. However, if you are both called and graced, then I am convinced that there is nothing you will not triumph in with Him. Embrace your process, pass your test, and overcome your temptations and walk in victory. After several years of healing, deliverance, counseling, introspection, restoration, and revival, I AM STILL HERE! My children are well; I am stronger, wiser and better. I am currently serving as the senior Pastor of His Glory International Covenant Ministries. I am the founder of a community revitalization organization called Kingdom Covenant Ministries, where we build partnerships to transform communities. I am also a new Author, releasing the first of many books and manuals this year of 2016. I am a woman of business. Launching, Angela L. Thibeaux Enterprises, which hosts a conglomerate of resources for educating and empowering people for life and ministry. I am the host of the Apostle’s Heartbeat Broadcast, where I teach, discuss and interview guest concerning the life and ministry of the believer and the church. I am excited about my future and humbled to be chosen of Him to continue my service in the Kingdom. I encourage every woman who knows that you are called and chosen of God, to focus on yielding to the process of becoming, rather than focus or battle with the traditions of men. Let God prove you and when He does, you will come forth as proof that yes, the Kingdom does employ and commission women in its army! Prioritize and love on your family. Take care of the wellbeing of yourself physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually; you need all. Nurture and be grateful for the relationships that withstand time, distance, and troubles. Learn how to thrive in seasons because they change and it is always His plan that no matter our season, we will grow and come through better and wiser. Maximize in every season. This is the true nature of a balanced life, not perfection in juggling everything but rather, maximizing your changing seasons. Balance is never about perfection, it is understanding the seasons and knowing what you ought to do in them. I’ve learned how to thrive in my seasons, so I’m not perfect but I am thriving, whether I am abased or if I abound, I’M GOOD! Peace and Blessings Apostle Thibeaux
Mind Body & Soul with Ms. Houston Gospel Singer and Mentor Mind As a young lady, I remember going to my mother to ask her for a recipe. I wanted her to tell me how many cups of this and how many cups of that. She responded, “No, you will figure it out once you have made it more than a few times.” I could not embrace those words then, because I felt that my mother should be the one to answer my questions and give me what I wanted. With that one response, I understand now that she was giving me the recipe for life; those were words that I would apply to my life for years to come. When I encountered educational decisions, career changes and ending associations, I had to make healthy choices and do what would benefit me. Sometimes struggling with, “What will they think?” or “How am I going to survive?” or “What am I going to do now?” But I am grateful that with the help of God and my family, I know the importance of self. Body I remember, like it was yesterday, all of the changes I experienced in my body after graduating from college. The texture of my hair and skin began to change; I faced unexplained weight loss, rapid heartbeat, tremors, my eyes bulging out of their normal position and the loss of my voice. I became fearful and worried because I knew that my voice was meant to bring healing to others. I had never imagined a change in dynamics in the very thing that I loved to do, but a decision had to be made. So, after multiple visits to the doctor and not receiving an actual diagnosis, family members suggested that I have my thyroid levels tested. I listened and I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. For over 10 years, I struggled as I volleyed in and out of remission. The entire experience was challenging, but I am grateful that I lived to talk about it. Having seen both family and friends endure different sicknesses, diseases and the toll that it takes on the body, I can honestly say that I still believe in miracles. I made a conscious effort to stay stress free, watch what I eat and to always be ready to forgive. Soul My late grandmother would always emphasize that I would use my gift to give glory to God. As a child, I was always the shy one who never liked singing in front people. Thank God this was only a phase in my life that did not last long. With vocal stylings that include Gospel, Jazz and Neo-Soul I have stood before captive audiences across the country. I love giving back what was instilled in me and I have decided to share my gift with the world. After involving myself in different genres of music, I was determined to continue my studies, not only in just music but in Business Data Processing and Communications. The reward for my hard work was a Bachelor of Science degree from Northeastern Illinois University. I have recorded lead vocals on "He delivered me," with my church family the New Miracle Temple Anointed Voices, a duet with Elder Ted Williams of Tulsa, OK on "Intercession," "He won't forget" with Donald Buster Woods and His people, "You can make it" with New Direction, “History” with G3, with Valencia Lacy & Unquenchable Worshippers on "Now and 4evermore" and my two new singles “I found it in you” and “Forgiveness.” I have recorded background vocals for Joe Simon, Albertina Walker, Jeral Gray & New Direction, Valencia Lacy & Unquenchable Worshippers, Ramsey Lewis, Percy Gray & Praise II Choir, Smokie Norful, Shirley Caesar, Percy Bady, Lou Rawls, Patti Labelle, Gladys Knight, Kirk Franklin, Dorinda Clark-Cole, Errol, Donald Woods & His People, Ron Barrett, Syreeta Thompson, The Williams family, LaJaunese "Neicy" Robertson, New Beginnings Church of Chicago and K-Fox.
I have also sang background for Marvin Sapp, Donald Lawrence, Walter Hawkins, Yolanda Adams, Celine Dion, Enrique Iglesias, Nick Carter, Darius Brooks , John P. Kee & VIP Chicago Chapter, Dan Willis, Kim McFarland, DeAndre Patterson, Byron Cage, Walt Whitman & the Soul Children of Chicago and Kevin Vasser. My life has been filled with amazing opportunities on my musical journey. From singing on Stellar award winning projects to Grammy award winning projects. I have worked with world renowned producers, musicians and singers on timeless music heard all over the world. I would describe my experience as remarkable and humbling. I am thankful for every platform I have been given to share my heart in music. Words to live by: “Opportunities come when you should have been ready.” Singles are available on: ITunes, Amazon, Spotify, Google play and over 150+ Digital Stores Facebook: Ve’Houston Music Instagram: JustVeronicaH Email: vhoustonmusic@gmail.com Booking: 929-266-5854
Natural Nailz GlamHer and More By Shana Sanders
Heyyyyy, I'm so excited that you are back to check out another article from Me to You and see what I have to share with you this month. Now, some of you may think I go way too far with the hands and feet but they do need as much up-keep as your face and hair and that is the raw truth!!! You use your hands and feet to do everything, on a daily basis. So why not keep the most important parts of your body Happy and Healthy. So far, we have moisturized and exfoliated now let's try masking! The mask we're going to create is called an Avocado Mask. We may have all already heard or know 1st hand (ha ha ok corny but a lil funny) about the benefits of the avocado, or as some may call it, an Alligator Pear. It is a fruit because of the single seed in the middle, which is rich with good fats, vitamins, antioxidants and phytonutrients. It's great to eat and has so many health benefits, but if you don't like eating them at least you can try them topically and still reap some of the benefits this fruit has to offer; that will have your hands and feet looking and feeling joyous. Avocado Mask Recipe: 1/2 of a ripe avocado 2 teaspoons of plain yogurt 1 tablespoon of olive oil or avocado oil 2 tablespoons of honey Plastic bags or plastic wrap Mittens and/or footies First, blend or mash the avocado and the other ingredients really well (If you add one of the previous exfoliates it can also be a scrub wink wink). Next, spread the mask on your hands and/or feet, then wrap them in plastic bags or plastic wrap. Now, slide your feet in the footies/hands in the mittens (or you can use towels to wrap your hands and feet). Let them sit for 15 to 20 minutes to get the full effect of the mask. Do this about 3 times a week and you will notice the difference after a couple of times. Some people actually notice the difference right away. I only make just enough of this mask for hands and feet in one setting. So check out the recipe above and DIY when you have some relaxing time and let me know what you think at: NailzGlamHer@gmail.com
The Unapproachable Woman By Brandi Young
Ladies have you ever been told that you are unapproachable? Have you ever been told that you look like you’re in a relationship even when you aren’t and dates are few and far between? Have you ever tried to figure out exactly what people mean when they say these things to you? I too have been told that I look “unapproachable”. Yes, I’ve heard this on numerous occasions and I could never figure it out; it has finally been revealed to me, so get ready to learn what it means to be unapproachable. After searching long and hard and doing a lot of introspection I now know what those people mean when they label some women as being unapproachable and come to find out, I don't mind being seen as “unapproachable”. You see an unapproachable woman is a Godly woman. She has her self together. She walks like she is on a mission, head held high with purpose on her face. She doesn't lolly-gag around because she has things to do (Purpose). When she walks she doesn't keep looking from side to side, she is self-assured so she doesn't look for reassurance from those who might pass her way. An “unapproachable” woman takes pride in her looks. She's not arrogant and never conceited, but she keeps her hair, hands and nails well done and she knows how to throw an outfit together and make it work (Purpose). She knows what she wants and knows that she doesn't have to settle for anything less than God has promised her. Worldly men are afraid of these women; in fact they are intimidated by these women. Why? Because they know they are not worthy to have this jewel who is finer than rubies. They second guess their “game” or lack of because they know that these “unapproachable” women can see right through them. These men don't have the power to praise this woman and call her blessed, they can't be found worthy because most of them are trying to steal this woman's “virtue” before they even get her to the alter. So they call us “unapproachable”, trying to hurt and belittle us. But don't you know what Satan means for evil, God uses for our good. So you see I don't mind being labeled “unapproachable”. I know that my Boaz will see things differently, my Boaz got game yall. He will not be afraid to step to me and call me by my name (Virtuous); he will lift me up to my rightful place beside him, not behind him. So if your name ain't Boaz, I'm not hearing you anyway! So Step!! So ladies the next time someone tells you that you are "unapproachable" kindly thank them, smile and keep on doing your thang.
I’m Too Cute To Sweat By Kathy Adams
I started my weight loss journey off and on since I was in my 20’s. I’ve tried every diet you could think of, started and stopped. Sometimes I gained more weight after the diets. In 2010 the doctors told me that I was border line diabetic and had high blood pressure. It was then that I made a decision that I must live and not die. I joined my church’s running club, which included 9 months of training. They taught me how to eat, dress and run. I didn’t run at first, I just did speed walking and completed the Bank of America half Marathon in 2010. I said I would never gain that weight again because I dropped from 16/18 to 12/14. Then I meet this guy and thought I was in love. You know love equals food and weight gain. I relocated from Chicago to Dallas and gained all of my weight and somebody else’s back. I was having headaches often and I went to the doctor and they said I was type 2 diabetic and my blood pressure was extremely high. So I had to make a decision on what I had to do to get this under control, because I refused to take all of this medicine and be overweight. I joined the running club in Dallas and met with them on Saturdays and participated in at least five to six 5K runs a year. I said I’ll never go to a gym because it was inside and I would sweat. I used to say “I’m too cute to sweat and be in pain lifting weights”. In 2015 my job had a wellness program that paid a percentage of what you spend on health equipment and membership. A friend of mine convinced me to join with her. I didn’t just join the gym I got a personal trainer and started attending the Zumba class. Now you know I’m really sweating! What do you know? My friend stop going! But I kept pushing myself even when I didn’t want to. I’ve been committed on this journey since May 2015 and have dropped three dress sizes. Now, I can comfortably wear a size 12. My weekly regiment is three days of Zumba, two days with my Personal Trainer and a 5K once a month or every other month. I used to not be able to walk a block without being tired. Now I’m speed walking 3.1 miles, unless I’m participating in the March of Dimes, in which is 5 miles. I would not join anybody’s gym and now I’m going at least four days a week. I hated sweating and knew I was too cute now I’m sweating so much everything is wet! God has only given us one body and it’s up to us, to take care of it. So I had to make a choice to not have all of the illnesses from my family and break the generational curse, by doing something with this body. I don’t eat the best, but every day I’m trying to be a better me. I encourage you, if you have a family history of illnesses and want to lose weight, but don’t know what to do, take one day at a time. You can start with a walk or partner with a friend or workout club in your neighborhood. If I can do it anyone can do it. You can do it and live out the healthy lifestyle you think about often.
To be in love is like jumping off a cliff with no intent of looking down at the bottom. You don’t care if it’s going to hurt like hell when you hit the bottom. All you care about is that for just that short period of time, you felt like you could fly. - Author Unknown
Lover’s Lane By Markeitha Jordan
After being in a long relationship that I thought would never end, I stumbled upon this really handsome and charismatic man. He was well dressed, he smelled delicious and oh my, he was tall, very tall. Needless to say I was very impressed, we both were. After a few conversations we both realized that we had the same relationship goals we just didn't want to jump into anything too serious at the moment. We dated for a spell, it was nice. We had so much fun!! We decided to take it to the next level. I introduced him to my daughter; with her being the older of my two children, I wanted her opinion. She gave me a thumbs up, so I introduced him to my son (he's a momma's boy). He was happy to have another guy around so he gave a thumbs up as well. We introduced each other to our family and friends. We were officially a couple. Every day isn't always sunny, we've had some cloudy days, heck we've had some downright thunderstorms!! We are an interracial couple, who make no apologies for it. We have so much love and respect for each other and our children. So it's important to us that we stand firm in our beliefs. We've gained some friends and we've lost some in the process. There are people who frown upon interracial relationships and marriages that make it very obvious (lbvs). We are a force so they can do as they wish, because it has no effect on us. On July 5, 2014, we became Mr. & Mrs. Jordan!! Our family became One!! Yes God!! Through faith, strength and a lot of praying we are doing great!!