Express Me, Express You, Embrace We Cover Story 15 Nude with Ms. Teeya
Featured Married To Ministry 12 with Pastor K 23 Fitabulous 5 Ways To Get Moving Voices of LASUMXP 6 10
Identity Crisis Trina Davis
Doing You
Natasha Pritchett
Single Life, Embracing Me 20 Embracing Marrette Eiland Nailz GlamHer and More 21 Natural Shana Sanders is no Blessing without a Battle 25 There Karmen Booth To share your story or advertise with us, send an email to: mzmoministry@gmail.com
Wow, how awesome it is to see the manifestation of obedience!
into him/her and still others who have yet to have the pleasure to meet their truest The world is extremely busy, ever evolving and like being. The person you were life there are exits and entries. With every pre-ordained, pre-destined, advancement in technology, we gain access to much pre-authorized and solely created to be. God’s and many. Often times without our request and at original intentions! Free to breathe, more than times to our displeasure. It seems sometimes our comfy in your own skin, void of the need to amplify ability to choose diminishes, bit by bit with some your self-evaluated flaws, faults and past falls. advancement. It is amazing in that it presents us Unashamed of any scars and unafraid of any with the ability to be inspired, by those we may encounters ahead. Unapologetically refusing to be never personally meet. We have instant access to cloned or suffocated by the limited selfish the insight/intellect of others near and far. Words expectations of others. Being bold yet humble, living of wisdom to empower us, to conquer our fears are peaceably amongst others with the open door for right at our fingertips. How awesome is that? With those who reject it to exit and only enter when ready this we are also flooded with the darkness of this to do the same. Pliable, because as earlier stated the world. It can be challenging to remain light with world is ever evolving. Though we are not of it, yet the constant viewing of such darkness. Yet, scripture in it and empowered to cause the shifts that it admonishes us to look upon the lovely, pure things, evolves from. of good report and so on if there be any. Read Philippians 4:8-9. Thank God for Jesus and The So it is my sincerest hope that all who have yet to be Holy Spirit! introduced or re-connected with their truest self have appointments coming up soon. May you grace We must be careful to guard our peace, keep the the world with the treasure of your authenticity, no faith and remain true to who and Whose we are. In longer robbing the world of your truth. May he/she the midst of all we have access to and are presented greet you shortly with a “Hello” (in their Adelle with, it can become challenging to remain true to voice). That song is hot! Have you guys heard it? our natural selves. To be inspired by others is a Listen, I pray you all enjoy this issue of LASUMXP. treat, but be sure you don’t shift and try to live their It was my joy to pull it together and present it to lives as your own. I can hold a note, yet I’m no you. These ladies are sharing their stories and we singer. I know no matter how lost I get in the voice would love to hear your story. Email me to find out of someone who is that it is not my assignment. No how you can share your story in one of the matter how glorious or glamorous it appears that upcoming issues. Talk back to us, email me your my pretty is not for me. feedback. This is just the beginning, as we are definitely growing and that my sister is one to grow I heard a song by an upcoming artist and part of the on. So what that was corny (smile). Later, everyone hook said, “You don’t know me. I just met me.” I and as always, Keep IT Kingdom! thought, wow that is a statement for ya. The world is comprised of those who have long ago had that introduction, lost that person along the way and may or may not have reconnected yet. Some locked LASUMXP Editor In Chief mzmoministry@gmail.com in and never lost sight of it. Some who have just ran
Monique Strong
www.moniquestrong.org
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! Email us at: mzmoministry@gmail.com for more information on ordering your T-shirt.
Identity Crisis By Trina Davis
I always feel like somebody's watching me (in my Rockwell voice)! Surprised that I know that song? Well contrary to popular belief, I know more than "Precious Lord". I know more than how to wear big hats and wave my hands. I know more than church, conventions, communion and choirs. BUT, if I do anything, I mean aaaannnnyyyyything, did I say "anything "? Cause’ I meant to say A N Y T H I N G, outside of what's expected, I am frowned upon. Every day (not exaggerating at all), somebody, who I don't know, says "Hey! Ain't you (yes, ain't!) Pastor Davis' wife?" Or, out of the blue, I'll hear "That's Pastor Davis' wife ", to which I respond "My name is Trina, and you are?" And in true religious fashion, they give me their title, and church announcements. As usual, at the end of the conversation, I still don't know who they are. I don't know about you but, sometimes, I just wanna be "Me" not "Mrs.".... "Me" not "Minister"... "Me" not "Mommy"... Have you ever felt "inspected"? Like whatever you do is under surveillance? All eyes are on you? Feelings are mutual. They want to see if your walk matches your talk? Do you possess what you profess? Does your character reflect your calling? Remember, you're a "living epistle"!!! Since people are going to talk, "Let's Give Them Something To Talk About� (in my Bonnie Raitt's voice; yep, I know that too).
Doing You
By Natasha Pritchett
Why is it that every time we prepare to step out for an event or something special, we stress over what look we should do or what to wear? We focus our attention on trying to be the best dressed or out doing the next person. I mean for real…We do it! We focus on having the longest prettiest sew in or the baddest, cleanest, funky hair cut/style. We look for the highest heels to make our legs look nice, lean and long. But after walking from the car to the door of your event…Your “Dogs” are barking, leaving the rest of the steps you take for the evening, to look like that of a one year old just learning how to walk. WHY??? Because you have forsaken what is comfortable and easy for you, in order to be seen. Just recently I had a situation where I had an event to attend that was A Gala/ After Five event. I did not have anything to wear (out of all the things in my closet that I could have chosen from), because in my mind, I had to look a certain way. The styles or images in my mind were that of big full ball gowns or fitted dresses. I decided to hit up the Boutique in my neighborhood to see what they had for me. Girrrrlll let me tell you. I walked in that store and told the sales person to please show me all of your hot after five/ ball gown pieces. After looking at me strange the sales person started to take me to their selections one by one. Listen be careful what you ask for…You may have to sit or stand there all day hot, hungry and ready to give up. This wonderful sales lady pulled out tulle skirts, pointed me to gowns, jump suits and dresses that were fitted. I mean so fitted I would have needed 3 girdles on to wear it over my thighs. I tried on several different looks and people in the store wanted me to go with the fitted dress look, but I forgot I had one more dress to try on. I was over it at this point, but I pressed my way and tried on the last dress. This dress was amazingly beautiful, simple gathered yet roomy with a little peek-a-boo in the upper back area of the dress. It was perfect and the price was unbelievable. It was a no brainer right??? WRONG! The battle had begun in my mind once again. I thought to myself “Will I look alright? Will I look lame, as if I don’t belong? It was then I had to make up in my mind to be honest with myself and DO ME! It wasn’t about what they would say about me or how they would perceive me but it was all about how I felt. I paid for my item went home and the next day put on that simple bountiful gathered, yet roomy dress and I was confident. When I walked into the banquet facility, people looked at me and stared. But it wasn’t in a bad way, because after looking the ladies would say, “Oh you look beautiful, or love your look’. Not only that but people weren’t as fancy as I thought they would be. It was a laid back fun environment. To top off the night and how I was looking and feeling…My husband and I won a six night, five day trip to Waikiki, Hawaii. Can you say WINNING!!!!! Yessssssss Girl… She won! The lesson learned was to be comfortable “Doing Me” I put aside what I thought was going to be acceptable, based off what I thought others would think or how they would be and just did me. I encourage every young girl/woman to do the same. Just DO YOU!!!
The deepest problems of modern life derive from the claim of the individual to preserve the autonomy and individuality of his existence in the face of overwhelming social forces, of historical heritage, of external culture, and of the technique of life. - Georg Simmel
With Pastor Katheryn Roberts When asked to write this article I was so excited, but then I became perplexed on exactly what I could share with you on the topic of being married to ministry. So here goes: In my best interpretation of Forest Gump “It’s like the first bite of an apple jolly rancher candy sweet, after a little while it’s gets a little tart yet tangy and eventually you’ll bite into it for the crunch…and then you’ll come to the conclusion that you just can’t get enough!” Let me make this perfectly clear -- my life was not always in “ministry”. Growing up on the west side of Chicago, in a house with loving but strict parents; and siblings that were older; I was brought up to respect my elders, and defend myself on the gang ridden streets of west Garfield Park; which is where I currently live and serve in ministry. Needless to tell you, I was not the Katheryn that I am now. But through the good times and the difficult years of grammar school, high school and college; my roots were vested in being saved and active in the church life with my family. So ministry; one way or another has always been a way of life for me. Though I have treaded off the beaten path of living as a saved person every now and then in my life; Praise God for that still small voice whispering in my ear, and “I’m so glad about it”. Now in the prime of my life; I’m married to an absolutely awesome God fearing and loving man of God who loves me for who I am and we have 4 wonderful children, along with 7 grand boys…and my first grand daughter who shall have transitioned into this world by the time this is published. As a Senior Pastor’s wife of 25 years, an ordained minister, mother and first lady I wear many hats (and I don’t mean church hats, that’s the least that I wear); but the joy of wearing them is what I live daily for. I’m often asked, “How do you keep it all together? Where do you get that energy from; and you always have a smile on your face.” Or, people will say, “We never see you weary, weak or ready to give up.” But I can truly say that my help truly comes from the Lord. I do a lot of journaling, soaking, and praying in between all the busy times. Otherwise I would not be able to do any of it. To my sisters in faith who are ministers, first ladies, ministers’ wives, and pastor’s, we all face similar life designs by God. There’s our family, church, friends and let us not forget YOU. We face questions such as how do you maintain your own identity while fulfilling our role as a minister’s wife, pastor, first lady, etc.? My answer is “Tenacity” (the quality or fact of being very determined). I, like my daughters, are very strong willed and determined (make sense right - I’m from the Westside of Chicago) to accomplish what God has planned for me to (Jer.29:11; Eph 1:4). The calling of God upon our lives encompasses not only what’s good for us; but it’s an actual calling for us to release our own will (hope, dreams, desires); to line up with the desires that he places upon our hearts! When I finally released myself to God’s desire for my life; the ability, power and strength to be Wife, Mother, Grandmother, co-Pastor, First Lady, friend and business owner becomes an effortless walk of faith and trust in God. I say effortless because it’s no longer my life; but its Christ life in me. (Gal. 2:20)
I will always recall what the Lord laid upon my heart shortly after marrying my husband. My husband was already a Pastor and after we married the Lord had us to move to Toledo, Ohio where he was to Pastor a church his grandfather started. This was of course to me a different place from what I was used to, being raised in Chicago all of my life. But, I believe God has a purpose and plan for everyone; and he planted me in that city for the Holy Spirit to teach, train, stretch and condition my heart to be the woman; He continues to make me today. Of course, it was difficult transitioning to a new city, community and church. Away from my family, friends and a different way of life as I knew it. If I could tell the whole story behind this move it included me not only just moving; but leaving people and things that I loved. Especially, my well-paying job with a large technology company which included an expense account, a new company car every year and the opportunity to travel around the country doing the things that I loved: training and technology. Of course, I believe the Lord had fixed it so that there was nowhere near Toledo that I could remain with this company and get transferred to. As a matter of fact the closest that I was able to find (believe me I tried for months to locate it) was 65 miles away in the next state! Of course, being a wife, a young mother and first lady to the new church we had just come to; traveling out of town and around the country was absolutely not going to work. So I had to release the well-paying job, the new car, everything I thought made me, me. I had to let it go! Once, I realized this, God began to mold me into becoming selfless and still be myself. He showed me that this life he gave me is not about how I perceived my life to be; but it’s about what He has created me to become - a servant to others. It was a tough pill to swallow and I fought back for months with my husband, trying my best to work out how I can keep my job and still be a devoted wife, young mother and first lady. Not knowing that deep in my heart, it was all about me and me alone! I had become the epitome of selfcenteredness. I thank God for His mercy because that’s all I had going for me at this point. God made it plain to me that I needed to choose whom I was going to serve. (Joshua 24:15) How can I release my dream job; my successful career; my accomplished position; and let us not forget the great salary; this literally brought me to tears. All that I had done was for nothing? And yet, I hadn’t realized that our merciful, loving Lord and Savior had given me all these amazing opportunities to simply prepare and train me in taking that spirit of “tenacity” to accomplish what He had put in me to use for His Glory. If I had not let go of it all, I would have not been able to receive all of what He has in store for me. He looked beyond my faults, and seen my needs. As I released my superficial and material lifestyle, those shallow and surface things that I believed made me who I was; God began to trust me with more than my husband, children and friends; but now HIS beloved people, those searching for hope and love. He gave me a new heart and his vision for ministry, building, leading and caring for the lost. So I’d like to share with you my secret to being married to ministry in more aspects than one; and have an enjoyable and selfless life. Live it with “tenacity”; being very determined to honor God with all your heart, mind and soul. Most importantly look beyond the faults in others and always see their need. Pastor K
Nude with Ms. Teeya Before I get into my credentials, who I am, and what I have to offer, I’d like to share something with you. I’m just like God! In fact I am God! There is nothing that I can’t do or have. There is no place I can’t go and there is nothing I can’t create. All I must do is summons it to me (work hard and be mentally ready for it). I know this may appear radical to some, but that doesn’t make it any less true. The sign of God in me is my ability to turn, “Nothing into something”. I use to think it was a curse, a burden, and on many days it can feel that way, but it is a gift nonetheless. And this gift is translated into ENTREPRENEURSHIP! I am Teeya skipper a graduate of “THE” Central State University. I am a product of an HBCU (Historically Black college/university) where I received my BA in Music Performance with a concentration in Voice. Attending my Alma mater was one of the best decision’s I didn’t know I was making at the time. Here is where my entrepreneurial instincts began to fully express themselves. I started “the first ever” weekly Open mic, with an outstanding, unexpected turnout every week. I’m from Chicago, so I’m used to hearing poetry and original music written by independent artist. I missed that organic, raw energy when I went away to school so I decided to bring that same spirit of artistry with me to Central State. Again this was one of the best decisions I didn’t know I was making at the time. After this success I decided, with the help of great friends, to start my first official business Q.O.R. (Queen of Random) Jewelry line. This was the most stressful yet creative time in my life, “creating something out of nothing” and one of the best decisions I didn’t know I was making! Q.O.R. (Queen of Random) is an EXPRESSION LINE that is created and tailored to what you like, love and believe. Each piece that I make is a direct reflection of me (or you if you have a custom piece). This is not a “trend” based brand. I simply make what I feel, what inspires me, and what speaks to me. That’s why it’s based off of expression. My belief is that total freedom and having a sense of fulfilling your purpose comes from expressing yourself and being true to your inner voice. That’s why some earrings you see may say, “Vegan” or “Fighter” or even “Natural”. This allows my consumers to express who they are and what they believe in without having to say a word. So if you don’t mind attention, then….this is the line for you! I started this jewelry line because I always wanted something that was tailored to me and for me. I am an artist in many facets so I love to wear things that normal people would only look at. With that being said, Q.O.R. was originally founded as a custom made jewelry line. I know what it’s like to want to make a statement or even more to want to have something that very few people have. For this reason, I only make a certain amount of a designed piece. I want my customers to enjoy artsy pieces that have a vintage feel to them, in the sense that there are only a few made. Anyone can wear Q.O.R. but I’ve found that my major consumers have been: • Daring, artist, artsy, fun, fabulous, style freaks, Divas, Children, Revolutionaries, Rebels and People who want to make a statement! If you feel like you have the confidence and or natural style to rock anything you wear, then this is the line for you. Q.O.R. is a line for expression. Need to express yourself? Then rock Queen of Random! Did you guys like that sales pitch at the end? (Lol) I thought that’d be fun to read. Besides I’m still a business woman.
But anyway back to undergrad. I was running my own business, held leadership positions as well as obtaining the highest level of leadership on campus (Miss CSU), a Dean’s list student, lost 75lbs and had one of the hardest majors on campus while taking a full load of credit hours. Told you I was GOD! Looking back at my undergrad experience I can see now what I didn’t see then. I was demolishing stereotypes and what people would call “unrealistic goals”. I was taking risks without having evidence (proof) that my ideas would work. When I didn’t have the “money” I raised it; When I didn’t know how to operate a business, I took entrepreneurship classes and did my research. Lastly, when I didn’t know If I could do it, I did it anyway and before I knew it I was an “official” business owner at the age of 21. These experiences were filled with ups and downs but nevertheless it made me the person I am currently. I am now the owner of 4 businesses: Skippers Voice Studio, Q.O.R Jewelry, Fulltime Artist and Speaker/ Author. When I think back at how I’ve struggled my entire life, mostly mentally, I see now that I had to have had the strength of God in order to triumph. Life has crucified me many times and yet I never stay down long (sound like someone you know). I am very successful today, but what most wouldn’t guess is that my life didn’t really start until I was 19-20. Before this age I didn’t know who I was and I thought that God hated me. I felt invisible, disposable and was severely depressed. At that point in my life I had never accomplished anything worth reading about. Well maybe a couple of things, but those moments would’ve been easily forgotten. Nothing major like being the first person from my family to graduate from a 4 year university, in which became true for me May 2013. I know all of this may seem extremely arrogant or pompous of me to write, but wouldn’t you like to know the truth? That the moment you decide what you want, you can have it? That you are God too? Well you are. What I understand, even scientifically, is that all energy comes from 1 source (I felt that in my spirit). Let me say that again, ALL ENERGY IS DERIVED FROM 1 MAJOR SOURCE. With that being said, there is no way I could have accomplished all I have and all that is to come without GOD. He is the energy that allows me to move and think. He is my generator and my creative mind. Because he is the source, and there is only 1 source, I am not separate from him. He is me! Now keep in mind I didn’t say, “I am Him”. That would insinuate that I have a “my own” source of energy or individuality. I don’t! I simply look cool and do cool things because he’s cool. I have so many messy stories I could tell you about and how God brought me out of them, but I have a feeling that this message is the one you need to hear. YOU AND GOD ARE NOT SEPARATE. “You only feel less of Him when you’re acting less like Him!” (Whew that was good) God will always be a do-er. If you want to become your idea of success then you need to practice “doing what you say”! Today I am 26 years old and I am glad to say that I know why I am here. I am a Healer! I have the ability to interpret the affections of the soul and to bring clarity to that “mental chaos” that most extremely-gifted people deal with. Checkout this show I created, via YouTube, in 2013 called, “#TeeyaTuesdays”. #TeeyaTuesdays is a world (show) created for people who have struggled with their “difference”. Some of us are viewed as awkward, quirky and outcasts, rather than genius’s, innovators and simply “PEOPLE”. So that is why I created #TeeyaTuesdays. I wanted to create a place, almost like professor X of XMEN, for people
who were different and unaccepted by others. I wanted to speak and teach on matters such as but not limited to, how our insecurities are actually our strengths, how the devil plays tricks on us so that we’ll doubt our inner voice, and how even though at times we may feel isolated nevertheless we are not alone. #TeeyaTuesdays has 3 main elements to it. 1. Short Film 2. Music 3. Message The short film is always used to give you a visual of the topic for that week. The music allows you to be able to connect to the topic emotionally and affectionately and the Message explains the visual, the music and the meaning. It’s truly a full coarse meal if I do say so myself, lol. I could go on for days on what #TeeyaTuesdays stands for, but honestly you’ll have to experience it for yourself and I guarantee you’ll feel right at home. Oh and don’t forget to subscribe. For all things Teeya Skipper checkout my website www.teeyaskipper.com. It’s all inclusive my good friends! Be on the lookout for my new book entitled, “The Problem with Free”. If you are interested in entrepreneurship and starting your own business then this is a must have! In this book I’m telling you what no one told me and honestly what others won’t. See I’ve never done well with injustice and you’d be a fool to think that you don’t live in a world where people don’t take advantage of what “you don’t know”. They will also take advantage of your eagerness to “start” your business, and/or your want/need for “exposure”. Long story short, this is going to be a good read with honest and sometimes vulgar commentary. “Sometimes the truth ain’t pretty”. I hope this small glimpse of my life inspires you guys (Gods). Be Great. Be GOD!
Embracing Single Life, Embracing Me By Marrette Eiland
Happy 2016, to all of you fabulous Queens!
learned a long time ago that life is what you make it and trust me, it has been a blast. Being in a I am so excited that you all have chosen to flourish out relationship did not make me happy. It cannot make of those cocoons and fly like the beautiful butterflies you happy. Happiness comes from within and when that you are. I can just feel it. I pray this year brings you go into a relationship, he can only add to what’s you much prosperity and continued freedom through- already there. Never again will I put that burden on out this year and the years to come. someone else. The journey has gotten rough sometimes, but I had to embrace the path that was Ladies, I have been encouraged even more as I have chosen just for me. The best part about it is, it has encouraged. Since the last read, I have revisited the built so much Character and Integrity within me and contents of my brown bag that contains every business along with that came Maturity. Yes, maturity because plan/goals I set at the beginning of my journey. In now I get to share my story with you “FREE OF reviewing the personal goals that were written down FEAR”. over the years, I found that I was forgotten somewhere along the way. I should be a billionaire by So with that said, I believe that all of now, according to the bag! So, guess my gifts and talents will be birthed out what? I am well on my way and I am glad in this season. And one thing I’m sure about it. of and know to be true is when you work hard you will soon see the harvest Now, I have a question for you. How that God has promised. Yes, frustration many of you have forgotten about your will come. Yes, you will get tired hopes and dreams that were placed in your sometimes. But who said it would be brown bag? They are lying around just easy? I must tell you, it feels good to waiting on you to pick them up again. know that I am gifted in so many areas See, I figure if we revisit some of our of my life. Not to mention the dreams that we put on the shelf, we still wonderful gifts God has already have time to breathe life into them. One blessed me with. I am blessed to be a thing I have come to realize is that as long mother, grandmother a great friend and as we’re breathing we can still make our a worshipper and it feels good. dreams come true. So just imagine if you took the time to There are three words that I would like to find out what you are gifted to do, other than what you share with you: REVISIT, REVISE, and RESTORE. have already been successful at doing. You might find REVISIT the things that you were excited about at out some things you didn’t even know were there. one time. REVISE those things to make them better than Ok, it’s time for me to go. So until next time I will before. leave you with this: I have decided to stay positively RESTORE, bring those things back to life, new busy until I am totally empty of all the gifts that are and improved. within me because that is where I found my happiness along with my joy. I have made a vow to myself to Just think, that one idea you had years ago, can be the Love me just as much as I Love others and not wait one thing that brings you into a life of never having to for someone else to do for me what I need to do for work for anyone else again. If you can imagine it, it myself. YOU DESERVE YOUR LOVE! can come to life. SO GET TO LOOKING AND GET BUSY!! Until next time, be encouraged! Be free! Embrace Your Single Life…..I AM! On my journey of Embracing My Single Life, I have also decided to Embrace Me! Love Me! Enjoy Me! And if that means all by myself, then let’s go. I
Natural Nailz GlamHer and More By Shana Sanders
Hey, Hey, Hey! It’s your Nailz GlamHer Technician, Shana here. So ladies let’s get ready to get down to the Nitty Gritty of Exfoliation and how you can create a scrub all your own! It’s as simple as 1, 2, 3. I’m going to tell you how to create your very own, 3 Ingredient Scrub. Be sure to check the website: www.lasum.org for a video tutorial of how to make it. It should be posted by the 15th. So stay tuned. There are many different ingredients you can mix together that can effectively shed dead skin, moisturize and leave a nice fresh scent at the same time. First, you want to choose which exfoliate you like best: Salt, Sugar or Oatmeal. You could even use coffee. This will be your main ingredient in your 3 ingredient Scrub. Next you will need a moisturizer it can be coconut oil, almond oil or even baby oil. Lastly, add in your fragrance, any kind you like: fresh lemon/lemon juice, which would not only create a zesty lemon smell, but also help lighten your skin. Grapefruit, which is my fav and/or an essential oil, can also be used for your fragrance factor. Focus on how you want to present your scrub, maybe in a glass or plastic container. It’s really all up to you! When making your selections, keep in Mind some of the key properties and benefits of the natural products you will be using, to create your scrubs. What do they do? How will they improve the way your hands and feet look and feel? Here are the measurements, which makes a 4oz travel size bottle of your scrub: 8 tablespoons of sugar/salt; 6 tablespoons if using oatmeal 2 tablespoons of oil/moisturizer 2 teaspoons of your choice of fragrance You can always double or triple the measurements to make a larger container of scrub. If you are going to be making the coffee scrub, which can be done with old grinds (the coffee you made this morning ) or new, you will need: 4 tablespoons of coffee grinds 2 tablespoons of olive oil 2 tablespoons of Sugar can be added if you like but not necessary. This scrub is more of a dry oily scrub so add 2 tablespoons of water if it's too dry for you. It will make a little over 4 oz. but its messy when packing in bottle or jar so that extra may end up all over the place. But you will still have 4oz when you are finished. Coffee scrub has its own fragrance so no additional fragrance is needed. These scrubs can be stored in the fridge for 8 to 12 months. The ingredients will settle and they will need to be shaken up or stirred before using. Create your own scrub and give me your feedback on how it worked out for you at: NailzGlamHer@gmail.com
Fitabulous ~ 5 Ways To Get Moving By Gwendalyne Barnes
I hated working out. If I could have maintained a perfect size 6 without doing one ounce of cardio, honey I would have. French fries were my weakness, water was disgusting, and I could eat a whole box a Cheeze-Its in one sitting. But after 3 kids and 26 years of horrible eating, my metabolism went on strike. It was the little engine that couldn’t, and I found myself unhappy and unhealthy. Oh I didn’t really understand the unhealthy part, but I was seriously unhappy. I couldn’t give my kids baths without lower back pain, I couldn’t even paint my toes without pain. I was always out of breath, and energy was nonexistent. But if I’m going to be honest, and I think honesty is always needed, I mainly wanted to look good. Because there are just so many closet temper tantrums you can throw. It wasn’t until later that I truly begin to understand that in my quest to look and feel good, I was also doing the best thing I could have ever done for my body. As a trainer my job is to inspire you to live healthy. I have to inspire you to get off the couch and do something. So if you have always wanted to get fit, but never really knew how to get motivated then let me help you. Because I’ve been exactly where you are and I know the struggle, the tears, the woes, and the joys of getting your mind and body into shape. Here’s the secret that most won’t tell you and that’s if you look and feel good, girl nothing can stop you. If there’s a dream or a vision that God has put inside of you, you’ll need the strength and the energy to accomplish it. Whether it’s to be the best wife and mother (because men and children require a lot of energy) or if you want to move to the top of your company, you can’t do that feeling less than your best. We all know that God says for us to take care of our temple, but in taking care of your temple, the temple also will take care of you. Say goodbye to all the
illnesses and sicknesses that are associated to an unhealthy lifestyle. So I’m going to give you the top 5 reasons to start being healthy right now. 1. Get healthy because you want to feel good about yourself. There’s no magic dress size that will bring happiness, but working out and eating healthy will have you feeling fitabulous. Trying on clothes won’t be a nightmare, you will love going shopping. 2. Because you were designed with a purpose and a plan. God has plans for you, so your body needs to be running in tip top shape. How can you conquer your world if you’re too tired to do it? 3. Because age ain’t nothing but a number. Just because we are getting older doesn’t mean we have to feel old. You can be the 80 year old who’s up moving and grooving. 4. Because living a healthy lifestyle will transcend to your family. Your children will grow up putting the right food in their bodies. They will see you as a healthy example to follow. 5. Because you deserve to live a full, long, and healthy life. You deserve to invest in yourself completely. Now the next step is to make up in your mind to do something. It’s ok to start small. Maybe 30 minutes dancing in your living room, start walking, or roller skating. The key point here is to just get started. Rome wasn’t built over night and you won’t kick all your bad habits overnight either. This isn’t a race, it’s a marathon. Everyday your goal can be to make better choices. You can replace a couple of sodas a day with water. Cut back on fast food by bringing your own lunch from home. These small changes add up big time. Find a workout partner, and get moving. Why? Because if you don’t take care of yourself who will?
- Vinna
There is no Blessing without a Battle By Karmen Booth
The time had come. I was tired, and ready to go. I think I repeated this to myself on a daily basis for about three years.
We moved in our new home, and life started. I didn't take any time off work. I moved in Saturday, and I told myself we would be settled in by Monday morning. Boy was I wrong. I thought that I would be living in Happy Ever After bliss in my new home. It was all that I wanted....right??? In my haste, there were so many things that I had failed to plan for. Before then, I had raised a daughter on my own for Childcare, separating my dogs, the care of my 12 years. The struggles of single mother parenting husband's mother, the affect the move would have on were very much present. In the midst of almost my children (especially the youngest whom was used finding somewhat of a balance in life, I found myself to seeing her grandmother every day). My husband pregnant....again. Being propelled into womanhood would come home to see subsequent to my first pregnancy, I knew I wanted to me in my make-shift weigh my options carefully, and not experience the office looking frazzled, same agony and pain of raising a child on my own on a daily basis. I thought again. that I was going to break. My boyfriend (now husband) owned a home in Chicago, and I rented a townhouse in Mundelein. The commute was a lot, especially after working 8-12 hours. We thought it would be a good idea to move in together and live as a family. I went through all the things we normally do when we are making a decision in our flesh. I weighed the pros and cons. Taking out my pen and paper I began jotting items down. I thought it would be better financially, I would have help with both my girls, I was moving back to the city where my friends and family were, and I was moving in with my best friend. I don't know if I even had any cons. It just seemed like an overall freaking awesome idea.
I kept asking myself, "Was this really from God?" Everything had fallen into place. I prayed. I thought this was God's answer. I couldn't understand why the transition was so rough. Then, one day, I heard a message from T.D. Jakes. In his message, he explained that there is no blessing without a battle. I struggled when we moved. I questioned God. I didn't understand the process. I think it may have taken me months to at least feel like my feet were on solid grown. I dealt with the reality of making the decision to move and everything that came with it as a unit.
Emotionally, physically, and financially I went through a process. I had a praying partner that would I don't know if you recall, I previously talked to you hold me accountable for seeking God's face on a daily guys about when the baby child meets the only child. basis when I was feeling discouraged. I had to make Know that there were some adjustments that had to some life changing adjustments to accommodate the be made. We made it work, grew some, got married, new life I had acquired with the move. and it was time to embark on our own journey. It took me months to adjust to what I consider to have After praying and looking, and looking and praying been the next level. I know how to search for God we finally found a place. We were all excited (I when all hell is breaking out around me. I am hoping hope... If not, I was excited enough for all of us). You that the next time I am being elevated, would think after years of confessing "I'm about to The transitioning season is easier, move" to friends and loved ones, they too would be and not as long. just as excited for you once your prophetic confessions come to pass. Well, let's just say I found a few of my haters around this time....but that's another story for another day.