Express Me, Express You, Embrace We
Cover Story 12 Married To Ministry with Minister Diretha Jennings Featured 6 Amazing with Patricia Hill
17 CEO Life ~ Hidden Beauty Within with Michelle Brown
20 The Process
with Author Shannon Smallwood
Voices of LASUMXP & Guests 3
Editor’s Heart Beat
Prophet Monique Strong
22
Nailz GlamHer
23
A Woman of Class & Grace
27
Dinning with the One You Love
33
Fashion Tips
40
What About Me
41
The Healing Process
Shana Sanders
Apostle Denise Chase
w/Chef Chantea w/Da’Styles
w/Vatrice Davis
w/M. Charleston
To share your story or advertise with us, send an email to: mzmoministry@gmail.com
Good morning. It is time to hit the floor and take command of my day. Shower, prep, and dress to impress. Maybe not. There are so many moving pieces to the day, I better just dress comfy. Last night, I made the decision of what I would have for breakfast and lunch today. This would eliminate, me opening the refrigerator door and cabinets and starring while wondering for 15 minutes. But shucks, I sat down on the couch and started scrolling through social media and now I am running late. Please, Lord, don’t let there be a lot of traffic. If there is, can You part the traffic for me, like You did the Red Sea for Moses? Oh boy, this is going to be a day for the books. Does any of this sound familiar to any of you? I have found that I wake up with great intentions and well, my morning has other plans for me. I remember hearing so many talking about “Live in your now”. But the way my brain is set up… I’ve gotten back to alerts, calendars, checklists and sticky notes. All are a part of my team that keeps me on track. But they don’t leave a lot of room for living in my “now”. I worked for a company who put a big emphasis on work-life balance. But how do you manage life-life balance? I’m unmarried, not dating and I have no children. So, my lists read differently from that of a mother and/or wife. It doesn’t mean it is shorter or any less relevant. Just different items, responsibilities, and expectations that make up the continuously growing list. Those of us who are creative and deep may even call it something different so that it doesn’t feel like a written prison. But there is so much going on in our lives and it all doesn’t make it back to our team to keep us on task. Plus, how do you plan time to just be you? Listen, it is a lot easier than we think to carve out time for ourselves. It isn’t selfish and you won’t be letting your spouse or children down while doing it. It is self-full time! It is time to take care of you too. #YourLifeMattersToo Got a dream that’s been deferred? Spa day that has been rescheduled so many times, that it has been canceled? Or, if you’re honest with yourself, it never even made it to the books or your team? It has been deemed as a luxury you can’t afford via time, not cash. You wake up rushing to get to work because you want to get a good park, beat traffic or get there before your co-workers so that you can have a moment of peace. You rush to meet the needs and visions of others. Even as a business owner, you work for your clients/customers. You’re providing a service or product for someone or something. Then when the day job wraps up, it is off to take care of your home life, in whatever capacity that looks like. Every area of your life has a moving part with expectations and demands. It is time to re-evaluate and reprioritize the demands and expectations of your life. Here are some questions to ask: What are the demands and expectations of my life? Who placed them there? Do they add value to my life or participate in some form of FAIR and JUST exchange? Have they remained beyond their expiration date? Are they realistic? Am I properly utilizing my gifts, skills, and tools to handle them efficiently? Have I adopted responsibilities that truly were never meant for me? Am I struggling to live a life that really isn’t one that I genuinely desired to live? By this one I mean, have I been influenced by the life of others, leading me to make decisions to live in a manner that was never part of my dream, or makeup to desire or fulfill? I found that I had been struggling to live a complicated life when I really am a simple lady. I’m not flashy, but I love beautiful things. Things that I deem beautiful. Well, I explained this in a previous issue. Go back and check them out ;) How do you carve out time for you? It’s simple! Just do it! Once you review your list for re-evaluating and
reprioritizing, you’ll discover some new time. But most importantly, you’ll see how much you have forgotten about you and move yourself up on your priority list. If you’re more of a morning person, wake up a little earlier and get your house duties out of the way. Prep your meal for the evening. This way, when you get home, the house is clean and all you have to do is pop the food in the oven or pot. Find some new crockpot recipes and put your food on before you leave out and it is ready when you get home. Watch your settings and where you place your crockpot. Don’t burn down the house! If you’re an evening person, handle things before going to bed. If you have children, get them involved in the house maintenance. If they can add to the need to clean, they can lend a hand to help. Train them up… But whatever you do, know that you have time for you. If you don’t, your body may force yourself to see it. I have an event set for February 24th and it is entitled “I Remember Me”. That statement means something different for everyone. It is for those who feel like they have lost or forgotten their own voice. For those who have placed so many others ahead of themselves. You’ve been serving the visions of others and yours has been lying dormant for years. It is for those that are so busy every single day and worn out with little to no perceived appreciation. It is for those who beat up on themselves for the sake of being humble. Don’t think you do that? Maybe you don’t or don’t realize how you do. It is for those who have been corporately driven and forgot about some of the dreams you have. Get your tickets and join us. You may have the answer, smile or warm embrace that someone in the room needs to remember that they matter too. In This Issue… Usually, I give you the rundown of what the ladies have so graciously shared with us in the current issue. But I’m going to shy away from that this year. Read it, reach out and share how it blessed you. I love hearing back from our readers. Email me, connect with me on the social media sites and let me know how you enjoyed the issue. Let me know some of the things you would like us to cover. I will reach out to ladies who have plenty of wisdom to share about those areas and get those nuggets out to you. This is another great time to be alive. Make sure you live your best life in love, laughter, and bright lights! Enjoy and don’t forget to share it with every woman you know. Love you all. Hugs, kisses, favor and Kingdom living be your portion. Smooches Queens! Xoxo Keep IT Kingdom!
Monique Strong
LASUMXP Editor In Chief
info@LASUM.org
www.moniquestrong.org Social Media Handles: @prophetMonique
Amazing By Pastor Patricia Hill My name is Patricia Ann Donahue and I was born in Maywood, IL, on December 13, 1979, as the youngest child to Pastor Norman and Lady Dianne Donahue. If you give me a little bit of your time I want to share me, who I am, how I came to be, and how I became a new music artist. Growing up a preacher’s daughter, I was raised in the church and at an early age took on the passion for music at the Mt. Hebron Baptist Church, singing in the choir. I continued with that passion as my father, Pastor Norman Donahue Sr. was led by God to organize Three Crosses of Calvary M.B. Church. I have sung, recorded and shared the stage over the years in the gospel industry with New Direction, Gray Boy Productions, JC Ensemble, Bethel Green Family Worship Center Choir, Marlowe Cribbs and Friends, and many others. The sound of music takes me to a place, helps me escape to another world that gives me a chance and opportunity to become free and to be me. God has given me this love as an assignment to encourage the heart of people through song. And even though I love gospel music, my heart for music reaches so many other genres of music. I’m a huge fan of Whitney Houston, Fantasia, Jill Scott, Kem, Anthony Hamilton and Layla Hathaway to name a few. And yes saved people can listen to R&B and remain in right relationship with Jesus. Any flat foot singer that can execute a rich sound to your ears effortlessly is what I like. My very first solo was a Whitney Houston song “The Greatest Love of All”. I remember my mom standing me on a director’s riser so everyone could see me, I was just that young. I begin to belt out those notes like I had been singing for years. That’s where it all began. I’m certainly thankful for the gift, never wanted to abuse it or share it where God hasn’t given me access to. I guess this is why it’s taken me so long to finally record. It was extremely important to me that I moved in God’s timing and not my own. But while I was waiting I never stopped using what God gave me. I have so many family members that share this same gift. Some are recorded artist. One of my favorite cousins, I studied her craft was the Late Mrs. Sandy Donahue-Frazier, she had just recorded with Kirk Franklin and the Dallas Fort Mass Choir, before she passed away. So The Donahues, Scarbroughs, Bostics, Bonds, they all carry that southern harmony that was sent from heaven above. It’s my time, and I’m grateful! My husband, LeAundre Hill always pushes me to go beyond my comfort zone. I was comfortable leading worship at Purposed Church, singing solos before he preaches when we go to visit other ministries. But doing that would never put me in the position to fulfill the destiny that God set out for me to do. This has been a process and a journey. Lord knows there were days that I wanted to say forget it, I don’t want any parts of this life. But anything worth having is worth working for. Right before 2017 comes to an end, God kept His promise to me. I have always desired to record my own music, after singing and serving so many others in the music industry. I have been working endlessly on a new project entitled “Amazing”, which is available on music online outlets. I pray that my music blesses the masses. It is my prayer that God gets the glory out of my efforts and receives my worship.
Meet The Hill’s
With Minister Diretha Jennings hosen For A Purpose……. On November 25, 1980, on a Tuesday at 2:58 pm, I was born to Dwight Jennings Sr. and Diretha Jennings. Awwwwwww…. the first child to live, the 1st one to survive, the 1st to actually make it after my mother had miscarriage after miscarriage. The word was I was her 1st miracle child, even when the doctors thought she would never have children or even felt like she shouldn’t have any children. Because of her illness (seizures) but my mother being fully determined, God-fearing, dedicated and understanding the power of prayer, was able to birth two beautiful children before she died at an early age. I was raised in a God-fearing home, where I was expected to be at Sunday school, Bible class every Wednesday, morning worship, 3:00 pm service and 7:00 pm service. I had no choice! God was first in everyone’s life that lived under the roof at 6749 South Ada. I had to attend every outing, participate in every church play, attend every event, from the Christmas Musical to the Easter Program. I still remember one my infamous speeches (laugh out loud but very serious). Check me out as I say it in my 7-year-old voice: “He rose, He rose, He rose on Easter Day” the good old days. I was introduced to Christ at an early age at the Solid Rock Missionary Baptist Church, where My dad and mother’ families both serve. This was such an honor because we believe a family that prays together stays together. I served even at a young age in so many capacities from the choir director, junior deaconess, junior nurse, junior usher, and junior superintendent for Sunday School and the list goes on and on. But this is what taught me how to be a true servant, church etiquette, and primarily the Word of God. Yeah, this is where I got my foundation, from a Traditional Baptist Church that did not believe in Women Preachers. Yet they trained me to be one the best teachers, servants and leaders in every aspect of my life, so I have no regrets. It was very difficult to listen to so many others say, “You’ve been called to preach”, and then I would look and think to myself wow, most people do not realize women cannot preach but they can be great teachers. Now, Let’s be clear so that no one starts a rumor, my church family then and now supports me to the fullest, I truly appreciate God for such a loving and supportive circle. But of course, as I began to mature in Christ and develop a more intimate relationship with God, when I went off to college in Wilberforce, Ohio, I began to explore other denominations and church settings, from the AME to Pentecostal and Non-Denominations. I really began to tap into my purpose and understand I was called to GREATER….. Philippians 4:13 ~ “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (NKJV) I asked God to make me so uncomfortable in every aspect of my life until I was doing what he had called me to do in that season. While fasting, praying and continuing to do the work of the church, I received my answer but still did not move forward out of fear and Tradition. I did not want to offend those family members and friends who did not believe that women were called to be ministers of the Gospel. Therefore, I graduated from Central State University, went back to Chicago and was employed as a Chicago Public School teacher, as I worked on receiving my Master Degree in Secondary Education, with an endorsement in Special Education. This still was not enough to fill the void or make me complete because I still believed that I was called to more and I had to do more. I went many years seeking, praying, developing, preparing, attending seminary school, until I could not rest, focus, and it felt like I was not living until I said “YES” to the Lords will and way. I finally accepted the call. This was definitely one of the most trying times of my life, but one of the best lessons I could have learned. Simply put, “You cannot run or hide from the Creator”. The New Chapter began in August 2010, where I gave my first sermon entitled “Devastating Breakups that lead to Divine Breakthroughs”. At that moment I was ready to be all of who God called me to be, in spite of what others
said or thought. God had placed me in a position where I had no other choice but to obey the call and do what He said I needed to do and that was to go to spread the good news like all Christians should do. The challenge was to let go of what others thought and trust my own instincts. Yeah, I had to realize that I couldn’t please everyone and live in others shadows. Yes, when I made this decision, I made a decision to be FREE no matter what it cost or took. I wanted to create my own story and live my own life. In the words of Iyanla Vanzant - “When external validation has greater meaning than self-affirmation, self-trust, is forever out of reach”. Therefore, trust God and the individual process but stop expecting and waiting on others for validation of who you are or should be. But when I said Yes….. I started the Non-For Profit Chosen For A Purpose, Inc., which was birthed in 2012. The vision is to empower, enlighten, equip, engage and encourage all people to “Live On PURPOSE”. The mission is to remind us all that we have the potential and power to live and have all that God has destined for us to have; if we put forth the effort, continue to seek God and his will, strive to be better, do better, learn, inquire and make the necessary changes we need in order to have what our heart desires. Therefore, Chosen For A Purpose’ ultimate goal is to give Hope, Motivate and Encourage others to reach their God-given potential through various spiritual, educational, and social venues. Chosen to Serve……. Chosen For A Purpose ministry includes our “Teach One to Reach One”, Tutorial programs, & outreach programs. Our Outreach programs consist of our Annual Toy and Coat Drive, “Walk into your Destiny Book & Gym shoe Drive”, “The Day of Love” and of course our Annual Empowerment Conference. I believe that when we all learn that serving with the right intentions and motives open doors for overflow and blessings, we then will be eager and elated to serve and support others so that they can know the importance of developing a more intimate relationship with Christ. Chosen to Live Like Never Before… Singing In my Soprano Voice…..”I’ve been through too much not to worship Him, Lord I love you, Thank You Jesus”, My worship is for real’ In spite of the downfalls, trials, and tribulations I had to make a decision to go harder than I ever did if I wanted to be all that I was destined to be. As I moved forward in my purpose, the enemy attacked in every area that he could, going after relationships, family and especially finances. The more I tried to sponsor, host, give and serve, the more issues I faced. I then realized, like most of us that God does not make mistakes and He is our provider, therefore, I had to have a spirit of endurance and tenacity, to keep moving and do what I know I’ve been called to do. It is more to me than just standing behind a pulpit. Ministry is more than Sunday worship. Ministry is serving and meeting the needs of the people. So as I faced the adversities and dealt with issue after issue, I realized that anything you get easily may not be worth it. This vision has been worth fighting for. ….. (Yesssssssssss). Married to ministry, in my words, could be defined as being committed to Kingdom building. Married, which could be defined as commitment, dedication, responsible for, connection and unity. Therefore, if we were “Married to Ministry”, we would be devoted to God and his purpose which means we are devoted and dedicated to giving the people of God the truth. Our hearts must be pure and attitudes adjusted in order to serve others. Married to Ministry is us taking the stand to go over and beyond to introduce the unbeliever to Christ and encourage the believer to remain Faithful, Focused and Committed to living righteously. Chosen For This………. Minister Diretha J. Chosenforapurpose@gmail.com www.Chosen-for-a-purpose.org (Under construction)
CEO Life ~ Hidden Beauty Within By Michelle Brown Who Am I? My name is Michelle Brown, I am a devoted wife and a mother of an amazing son. I am a licensed cosmetologist and a freelance makeup artist. Ever since I was a young girl and my sister went to cosmetology school I used to play with her tools thinking one day I will be a hair stylist. After years of doubts and fears, I finally graduated September 2016 from the Aveda Institute. During this time I also found that I had a hidden figure inside and that was makeup. I self-taught myself everything from how to perfect a good brow to selecting the right foundation color. I see so many women and men in this beauty Industry and I think to myself, am I good enough for this or am I ready for the doors to be slammed in my face? Now I can honestly say yes I am ready, I have let the fear of failure consume me for far too long. How will I ever know what true success is if I never try? When I think of beauty, I think of personality, charm, and attitude, makeup should always be that thing that enhances what’s already there. My vision for Beauty By Michelle B (still working on that name lol) is that I want to provide affordable service to my clients that will keep them coming back and referring me to others. For me, as an artist, I love for my clients to look natural but flawless. Shoot ladies we all have those imperfections we like to hide. I want my services to include waxing, makeup applications, lash extensions and eyebrow tinting all at reasonable prices. Women, we should not have to break the bank to enhance what God has already blessed us with. I believe we all are born with a purpose and after 35 interesting and wonderful years, I think I have finally found mine. P.S. Lipstick makes everything better Love Michelle B. MUA
The Process
By Shannon Smallwood
The Process (Transitioning To The Original You) It was the end of 2017 and I had been in a place in my life where I didn't know whether I should run or stand still. My back was against the wall and I had nowhere to go. My husband Gene Mason was trying to understand all of what was happening as well, he had been nothing but supportive and loving through it all. Time seemed to have stopped and I was watching everything in such slow motion. I thought to myself, “what in the world is this?” My mind couldn't wrap around what was unfolding. I would find myself sitting in silence with tears running down my face trying to figure it out. But all I had was my worship, and that was what was and still getting me through. I couldn't figure this out for all of the money in the world, and Oh I was trying. The only thing I could hear God say was "Now finish the book" What? Excuse me, I'm in a trauma moment and you're saying finish the book! Really right now? I thought I'm needing to hear You tell me how to get through this curveball moment and You're telling me to finish the book. No matter what I did, nothing was working and God never changed from what He told me to do. So after a few days of trying to still do it my way, I opened my laptop and started finishing my book that I started 4 years ago. See, I was supposed to have this book done and out 4 years ago, but I kept putting it off. I was so busy making sure everyone else’s life was going good and that their business, dreams and so forth were moving forward and doing good, that I forgot about mine and what God had told me to do pertaining to my book. But all of that never mattered to God, Why? because I wasn't being obedient to what He asked me. I look at it like this, God blessed me with a talent and I was burying it for the sake of others needs...Wow! I wasn't being a good steward over what He entrusted on the inside of me and that was the book, He had need of. It wasn't about me and how I was feeling. It wasn't even about how many people I was helping. It was about what He needed at the time He needed it. So I buckled down even in the midst of trauma and finished my book "The Process". I then proceeded to ask the question like "What about a book signing and proper press release and so forth? The thing authors normally do before releasing their book. All I heard was release the book and I will handle the rest. You know God never gives us all of the details. He just gives us the command. It's in the obedience of the command that He gives that we will find the strategic plans and blessing. I'm sharing this because, no matter what you do in life, if you do not do what God gave you orders to do, everything you feel you have accomplished will be all null and void; Which means this...without value, effect, consequence, or significance. God has need of what He put in you and when He asks for it, give it to Him. It's not about you, has never been and will never be. It's about you yielding to God and allowing Him to flow through you, to help change this dying world. DON'T HIDE YOUR TALENT for the sake of others or for your so called busy schedule. Take time to discover who you are and what your true purpose is on this earth. Don’t get caught up in this world and lose who you are. That is what was happening to me, I was slowly losing my identity and purpose, but I never knew that because I thought I was doing good by helping everyone else. It wasn’t until being in the place I was in that I discovered I had veered away from what I was originally supposed to do 4 years ago. “The Process” is not only a book, but it is also a journal for you to write in as you read. Once you start to answer the questions, then you will start to discover things about you that you never even really knew were there. This process is a life-changing one that will bring you to a place of true freedom. You will see life in such a different view. You will also realize how you have lived your life for others and really never for yourself. The journey is the act of traveling from one place to another. During the journey in which we are all on, the process is initiated. This is a spiritual journey and it is one that will tell a lot about one's character. You will discover the inheritance that has been waiting for you from the beginning of time. The Journey will allow you to see if you can carry the weight of the crown, that the King entrusted you with. I’m Shannon Bryant-Mason, a wife, mother of five and the CEO of Mainline 5 LLC and Evolve Sports. I am the radio host of the “Let's Go There” show on Storm Talk Radio 365 and the Assistant Executive Producer of talk show “The Conversation Room”. Meet me on any of the social media sites to connect or find out more.
Nailz GlamHer By Shana Sanders
It’s a brand New Year, 2018 we are here!! The GlamHer Nailz tech is definitely in the building or in your car, at work, on your cell phone and wherever else you may decide to read LASUMXP Online Magazine. Are you Ladies ready to talk about foot care over the winter? Not only do you want your feet to be as beautiful as every other part of your body, but you want them to be equally just as soft too, during these dry days. You don’t want one part of your body feeling some type of way about another part of your body, because of the special treatment you aren’t showing it, do you? Your body has a way of showing you how it feels neglected and not loved in some areas and while it may seem far-fetched that one part would really care about the other, trust me your body knows when it’s not being treated equally. Laughing Out Loudly!! So the product that I decided to test out this time is a Woman Owned product, by Onyx Professional. It’s a detoxing foot treatment made with ginger and green tea. It’s designed to cleanse, soften and purify in 4 simple steps. You will need a few things before we get started: a big drying towel, 2 hand towels submerged in hot water and 2 plastic bags. Now let’s embark on a whole new foot spa experience and treat our feet. The first step is to empty the ginger and green tea foot soak packet into your foot tub and allow it to dissolve in the warm water; then place your feet in the water and soak them for 5 minutes. This will soften your feet and if you need to, just soak 5 minutes longer if your feet are extremely rough. The second step is to exfoliate. Using the ginger and green tea foot scrub, apply a generous amount to any dry rough skin on your feet and roll off all of the dead skin that you can; to make your feet soft, and then rinse them in the foot tub of water. The third step is to generously apply the ginger and green tea foot mask to both feet. Wrap both feet in the hot hand towels and place the plastic bags over them. Let this sit for 5 to 10 minutes. Remove the plastic bags and towels, while simultaneously removing or wiping the mask off of your feet. Now, using the rest of the hot water from the hand towels, rinse your feet over the foot tub. Use the big dry towel to dry your feet. The fourth and final step is applying the ginger and green tea foot lotion, to moisturize your feet. This lotion can be used every day, in combination with thick cotton socks to keep feet looking and feeling their softest. To finish the pedicure process you would just push your cuticles back, clip and or you’re your toenails and then clean them with alcohol. Finally apply a base coat, followed by two coats of your desired polish and then a coat of quick-dry top coat to make your toes pretty and shiny!!! Until my pencil and paper meet again. Smoochies XOXO Shana Let’s Discuss some Nail Topics! Email me@: NailzGlamHer@gmail.com
Deborah: A Woman of Class & Grace... By Apostle Denise Chase Deborah is one of my favorite women in the Bible. (I, myself am often likened unto her). I say this with the greatest humility. I have done an extensive study on the life of Deborah and frequently pray and ask God to teach, show and help me be the same type of woman and servant Deborah was/is. The Spirit of Deborah yet lives amongst us. We often hear the story of Deborah preached from the aspect of her just being a support and encouragement to Barak in the battle against Sisera (Ref. Judges 4). However, this was not Deborah’s only, or greatest attribute. Deborah was a Prophetess and Judge in Israel and of the people of Israel (a.k.a. “A mother in Israel”). She was the wife of Lappidoth and was well respected. Deborah’s name means “ORDERLY MOTIONS” which represents HOLY SPIRIT. Now, I know some may question this meaning, as some definitions say her name means “Bee”. I believe both definitions are befitting as it relates to the attributes of Deborah that I am focusing on in this article. It is disrespectful (I think) to just limit Deborah to only what she did in Israel and not explore who she was as a person. In my studies of Deborah, The Holy Spirit opened my eyes to see beyond what only has been printed on the pages. Without going too deep, I will only share what was revealed to me as it relates to our subject. I found it absolutely fascinating to learn how humble, classy and graceful Deborah was in her position, family, and community. As women in ministry today, some have exchanged their femininity to prove themselves worthy to be recognized amongst their male counterparts and to demand respect. Looking at the life of Deborah, she never did any of that. Deborah remained true to God and to herself and allowed God to use the totality of her very being, for His Glory. She did not compromise her character and integrity to prove anything to anyone. Deborah humbled herself under the mighty hand of God (James 4:10) and let HIM exalt her before the people, in order for them to know who she was and respect her in the position of authority that God had placed her in. The problem for a lot of us, as women in ministry, we don’t submit ourselves wholly to God for His will to be done in us. We say it, yes. But we don’t allow God’s process to be complete in us (Philip. 1:6). Through the life of Deborah, we see this process in action. Because she was not trying to control how God used her, nor did she become prideful in being used by God, or made the people feel subservient to her, etc. But rather entreated the people in love and remained humble. Yet she was confident in the power and presence of God within her and she executed as such. She was as classy and she was anointed and as graceful and she was powerful in the things of God. As daughters of Deborah, there are many lessons that we can and should learn from her life. We do not have to prove anything to anybody. God will exalt and debut who we are in Him, as we stay humble and obedient to Him. Our class and grace are weapons of offense against the enemy, to show forth the beauty of God in us. Humility is a position of strength and not weakness.
These are just a few lessons that we can learn from Deborah’s life. We were not created as women to be excluded or categorized into what “man” wanted us to be, but for the Glory of God to be revealed in the earth in the TOTALITY of who HE IS. The way God made us was never to be disrespected, tampered with,
distorted, changed, contaminated, or unappreciated. A lot of us have experienced much hurt and disappointment simply trying to do what God called us to do and be who God called us to be. Let Deborah be your example and “shero” to help you regain your womanhood and let God be glorified. In my study of Deborah, I never found one record of her fighting for position or respect, etc. It was said of her that “she was a woman of great character, strength, and integrity” and that “her ways greatly pleased the Lord”. That’s the testimony we want to have. And we can have it if we submit ourselves wholly to God, be confident in who we are in Him and do not fall prey to the traps of the enemy that would cause us to compromise ourselves by engaging in senseless comparison and competitions with one another. My sisters, it is important for us to realize that we are ALL gifted, talented, and beautiful and that we have something to give to and draw from each other. Let us blaze a new trail for our younger generation that is watching and following in our footsteps. Let them see that Class and Grace are not attributes of the past, but the foundation of which womanhood is built on. Classy and Gracefully submitted, Apostle Denise Chase a.k.a. “THE BREAKER” Empowering, Encouraging and Equipping women to break cycles of negativity and embrace the freedom to become the Designer’s Originals they were created to be. Founder and COO of Denise Chase Ministries & Know Your Worth Empowerment Group, LLC
Dining With The One You Love Tonight is the big night! After working hard all week long and dealing with other people’s issues, I finally get to dine with the one I love. It's been a long time coming. I have neglected my love for far too long and now I get the opportunity to make up. I have to make sure everything is just perfect. The mood has to be right. The décor has to be right. My dress needs to be banging. My makeup needs to be flawless. To be quite honest, I am feeling a little nervous. We’ve never been alone in this type of setting and I’m not sure how I will feel or what will happen but I know that it’s time. No more waiting to exhale! The balcony in my room that overlooks the lake will be perfect. The sunset to the moonlight and the stars in the sky will be the prime backdrop for our dinner. I get my card table out the garage and place my white linen tablecloth over it. I put my favorite black table runner on it and tie it at each end so it doesn’t touch the ground. It has love written all over it and every time I look down I will be reminded of my love. I have a red oblong glass tray that goes in the center of the table, which holds the five cream candles with hearts on them. I love these candles because they are all different heights. I sprinkled red rose petals on the table runner. I step back to look at my canvas and its picture perfect. My chargers are ivory with little red hearts on it. They match exactly the ivory beveled dinner plates. Now goes the bouquet of red roses on the dinner plates. I fold the red linen napkin and place the silverware and wine glass to complete the place setting. I almost forgot to light the candles. Now its truly picture perfect. I quickly snap a picture and post on Instagram with the caption, “Dining with the One I Love.” I slip into my new dress. It’s an eggplant color with lace at the top and a chiffon bottom. It hits me right above the knee so that it shows my beautiful legs. I put on my silver strappy shoes by Steve Madden and do my runway walk in front of the mirror. The up-do style my stylist gave me today brings so much attention to the dress and my face is beat. I take a quick selfie and post it on Instagram with the caption, “I’m ready!” Now it’s time to put the food on the table. I made a strawberry and spinach salad with honey balsamic vinaigrette. The entrée is Apricot Bourbon glazed chicken with sautéed asparagus, carrot soufflé, scalloped potatoes, and a basket of fresh breadsticks. I poured the Chardonnay into the wine glass and placed the bottle in the bucket of ice. As I sit down to enjoy dinner with my love, I exhaled! I should have done this a long time ago. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with treating yourself to a nice dinner. Too many of us women depend on other people to validate us and determine our value. We forget that if we learn how to treat ourselves with the best, we won’t settle for anything less. I’m so glad I learned to love myself because it helps to set the standard for when he finds me. I almost forgot the best part of dinner, dessert! I baked my favorite double chocolate brownie with chopped walnuts, topped with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream and drizzled with caramel. Bon Appetit, Chef Chantea
- And Now For The Recipes -
Strawberry and Spinach Salad with Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette Ingredients 1 bunch fresh spinach 1 cup sliced fresh strawberries 1/2 cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese 1/2 cup raw pecans 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar 2 tablespoons honey 1/2 cup olive oil salt and ground black pepper to taste Directions 1. Combine the spinach, strawberries, Gorgonzola cheese, and pecans in a large bowl. 2. Stir the balsamic vinegar and honey together in a bowl; slowly stream the olive oil into the mixture while whisking continuously. Season with salt and pepper. Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving. Source: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/214901/strawberry-and-spinach-salad-with-honey-balsamic-vinaigrette/
Apricot Bourbon Glazed Chicken Ingredients 1 cup apricot jam 2 tablespoons bourbon 1/4 cup ketchup 1 clove garlic minced salt and pepper to taste 4 chicken breasts
Directions 1. Preheat the grill. 2. In a small pan, add all sauce ingredients and bring to a boil. 3. Remove chicken from the package and place on a plate. 4. Brush sauce on both sides of the chicken. 5. Allow sitting for 10 minutes. 6. Put the chicken on the grill and baste again with the sauce. 7. In five minutes, turn the chicken over. 8. Spread sauce on the side facing up. 9. Repeat the process of basting and turning the chicken until the chicken is at 165 degrees inside. Source: https://www.fearlessdining.com/apricot-bourbon-bbq-grilled-chicken-breasts/
Sautéed Asparagus Ingredients 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 2 to 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped 2 pounds medium asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces at an angle Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper 3 tablespoons pitted kalamata olives, slivered 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil Directions Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the asparagus, 1/4 teaspoon salt and some pepper and cook, stirring until the asparagus is bright green and crisp-tender, 5 to 7 minutes. Add the olives, basil, and 1/4 teaspoon salt and toss well. Serve. Source: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/sauteed-asparagus-with-olivesand-basil-recipe-2112170
Carrot Soufflé
Ingredients 3 1/2 pounds peeled carrots 1 1/2 cups sugar 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 6 eggs 1/2 pound margarine, softened (butter works too) 1/4 cup flour Directions 1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. 2. In a large pot filled to just below the steamer with water, add the carrots. 3. Steam the carrots for 12-14 minutes or until very tender. 4. Into your blender add the carrots, sugar, baking powder, vanilla extract, eggs and margarine. 5. Mix until everything is creamy with no chunks of carrots. 6. Add the flour and pulse a couple of times until just combined. 7. Pour into a 13×9 casserole dish and bake for 1 hour until golden brown on top. If not using a blender you can use a hand/stand mixer too: In a large bowl (with a hand mixer) or stand mixer add the carrots, sugar, baking powder and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is creamy with no chunks of carrots. Add the eggs and margarine and combine fully. Add the flour and beat until just combined. Source: https://dinnerthendessert.com/piccadilly-carrot-souffle/
Scalloped Potatoes Ingredients 3 pounds potatoes, thinly sliced 1/2 onion, thinly sliced 9 tablespoons all-purpose flour, divided 6 tablespoons butter, diced and divided salt and ground black pepper to taste 3 cups whole milk, or as needed Directions 1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. 2. Spread about 1/3 of the potato slices into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top with about 1/3 of the onion slices. Sprinkle 3 tablespoons flour over the potato and onion. Arrange 2 tablespoons butter atop the flour. Season the entire layer with salt and pepper. Repeat layering twice more. 3. Heat milk in a saucepan until warm. Pour enough warm milk over the mixture in the baking dish so the top of the liquid is level with the final layer of potatoes. 4. Bake in preheated oven until potatoes are tender, 45 to 60 minutes. Source: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/240290/moms-scalloped-potatoes/print/? recipeType=Recipe&servings=6&isMetric=false
Double Chocolate Brownie
Ingredients 1 cup butter 4 (1 ounce) squares unsweetened chocolate 2 cups white sugar 3 eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 1/2 cups chopped walnuts 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips Directions 1. Melt butter and 4 squares unsweetened chocolate in a medium-size saucepan over moderate heat. Remove from heat. 2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). 3. Beat in sugar gradually with a wooden spoon until thoroughly combined. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition; stir in vanilla. Stir in flour until thoroughly combined. Stir 1 cup of the walnuts. 4. Spread into greased 13 x 9 x 2-inch pan. Combine remaining 1/2 cup walnuts with chocolate chips; sprinkle over top of brownie mixture, pressing down lightly. Bake in a preheated oven for 35 minutes or until top springs back when lightly pressed with fingertip. Cool completely in pan on wire rack. Cut into bars or squares. Source: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/11000/double-chocolate-walnut-brownies/
Fitabulously Me By Chastity
Hey Hey Hey! How are you feeling today? No matter what, this is the day that the Lord has made let us rejoice and be glad in it! With that being said a lot of us are just getting up every morning going thru the motions dreading the day ahead only because we haven’t made up in our minds to change what we can and accept what we can’t. You have a choice. Especially when it comes to your health. You have to take care of your body - it is the only place you have to live! (Jim Rohm) To become healthy you don’t have to make all of these large drastic changes (unless your health is already declining and your medical team has advised you to do so). Remember, small steps make large results! Each morning wake up, set a goal and smash it! For example, increase your water - add an extra bottle of water, if you don’t drink water have a bottle of water today. Listen to your body, and if you are truly hungry eat, if not have a glass of water. If you are full listen to your body and stop eating. The more you force yourself to keep eating you are expanding your stomach larger than it should be, which makes losing weight a little tougher. My name is Chastity, and I am a mother of 3 wonderful kids! I am a Wellness Coach and an Independent Herbalife Distributor. I started my lifestyle change at 299 lbs and started with small steps and the first one was and sometimes still is a struggle, in which is getting my mind focused. That is the KEY! I have currently been maintaining 192 lbs for the last 2 years. I recently decided, “Ok you’ve been here long enough and you need to go ahead and reach a healthier weight.” So over the next 90 days, I’m doing a total transformation of mind, body, and soul; to go into 2018 a Beautiful Beast!! We can do this KEEP PUSHING FORWARD.
Da’Styles Fashion Tips:
Dress for impression Dress who you are Dress so that they’ll come for you
Just know you are popular because of your clothes. It’s the trend that’s keeping you a trending topic. When you’re walking into a room, jaws should drop and mouths should begin to speak. The art of fashion is determined by how much of an impression you want to leave your audience with. For me, I realized that I enjoy dressing myself, but I love dressing others and collaborating different patterns of styles, and colors. You can be short, tall, thin, chubby and your request can be accommodated. There are simply no rules when it comes to fashion. I love that you can be free and express the real you. So I’ll leave you with this, fashion is a feeling. How you feel will determine how you look. Contact Information: Email: fabricmeccabrand@gmail.com Facebook: Da’Styles
As the CEO “ Da’Sty les” of Fabric Consu Mecca lting B Image rand.
What About Me? By Vatrice Davis I AM EVERYTHING TO EVERYBODY, BUT WHO AM I TO MYSELF?? I was a mother at age 17 and became a wife 19. Not knowing who I was as an individual caused me to be everything to everybody, but no one to myself. I had been identified as Mrs. Davis, yet not Vatrice. I was known as the teenage mother, but not as Vatrice. Society would say, under one breath, life is going to be hard because you are a teenage mother, and then under the same breath, would say; thank God she’s finally married, now she can do something with her life. How can bitter and sweet flow from the same mouth, some would wonder? But even in all of that, I knew there was a piece of me that was worth discovering. I had to look within myself and pull me out. I was my biggest enemy, I allowed society to shape and mold me to be a person. Society brought forth an identity crisis phase, within me. I allowed others expectations, comments, and opinions of what I should be, to push me into a place of identity loss. I knew more was locked in me, and I was the only person that had the power to unlock me with God’s grace and favor. I had to learn to address me and learn me. I had to spend many days, discovering me; what was my favorite color, what was my favorite food; what things do I like doing? I knew my husband and kids favorites but was mine? It took dedication and a made up mind, to get to know me. And the funny thing about all of this, my husband nor family, never held me back from spending time with myself. Society placed this standard on me, handle everything, and everybody, and if pray you’ll have enough energy to address yourself, your wants and needs. Yes, we have obligations and so forth, but even in our obligations, we can’t afford to lose ourselves. Your identity is your trademark. I had to learn my name. What do I mean by that? Evangelist is my service unto God. Vatrice is who I am, and Davis is my legacy. I can’t serve God, without knowing my purpose. I can’t be Vatrice if I don’t who Vatrice is, and how dare I leave a legacy built on society standards. Your identity is your footprint on the earth, it was founded before the foundation of the earth. So you are worth getting to know, you owe yourself that much. No one can pull something out of you, that you don’t even know is within you. I had to learn me, better yet I need to learn me, to find my purpose. It took some time, but it was time well spent and I am a much better person for it. Once I discovered me, things began to fall into place. So, what am I saying? If you are constantly seeking out others opinion, dealing with hurt, depression and a feeling of loss. I charge you to ask yourself, do you know who you are? Have you discovered your identity or are you living someone’s identity concerning your life? Once I learned me, doors began to open within and around me; and are yet opening. My identity is what I have chosen it to be. An amazing wife and mother, an author, life coach, preacher of the gospel, sister to many, a force to be reckoned with. I AM VATRICE, now who are you?
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The Healing Process By M. Charleston I am making an attempt at vulnerability. At letting myself feel. At letting tears slide down my face with pride. Rejoicing after the drought of numbness and isolation. After the tumbling down of the walls of Jericho built around my heart. I am walking into freedom. Into relief. Into letting my heart bleed, purging the old wounds left to fester. Scabbing is essential to the healing process. When you have been cut the blood and puss must dry and crust so new tissue can form. I am removing the dead tissue and exposing my wounds to the elements. Wounds should only be covered for a short period of time. If the bandages are not removed during the beginning stages of the process: the wound becomes too moist, bacteria grows, and infection sets in. My wounds were infected. My pain left hidden from the world. Breeding deadly bacteria, spreading infection throughout my body. Building walls of decay around my rotting flesh. Not allowing them to breathe. Not allowing them to scab and heal. I am uncovering my lesions. Letting them lay bare. Unsheltered. Allowing them to dry out, scab and heal. I am entering into a new phase. A phase of growth. Where I no longer play hide and seek with my torment. Where I let my misery sit in the sun cursing it at the root. Preventing it from growing. From taking control. From becoming a crutch I lay weight on. I am no longer the lesion, the wound or the pain, but they were apart of who I used to be. The old self-deprecating me. The me full of decay. The me whose pain was my designated driver. Swerving into potholes and over bridges. Weighing me down causing me to sink into a sea of past mistakes. I am trusting the process. Embracing my pain. Airing out old wounds and healing in the sunlight.