Express Me, Express You, Embrace We Cover Story Married To Ministry 12 with Evangelist Royster
Featured Free Meal Planning 18 Stress with Chef Chantea Journey To Success 21 Powerful with Author Angela Cooper
Voices of LASUMXP & Guests Never Too Late 7 It’s Umeka Martin Negative Nancy 8 Bye Ms. Mo’ 19 Natural Nailz GlamHer and More Shana Sanders Again 24 Dig Crystal Willingham
of the heart 27 Whispers Shartia Divine To share your story or advertise with us, send an email to: mzmoministry@gmail.com
Our general makeup is to be all inclusive. Because we were created in God’s likeness and made to be many members of one body, fitly joined together by what we each supply. Our measure once activated and in operation, draws us to others operating according to their own measure. The scripture doesn’t say that we had to work at connecting. It says that we are joined, fitly by what we supply. The only effort is in the supply. It isn’t forced or demanded, just joined fitly by the supply of our measure, portion, purpose, God’s intent for us individually. Lately, one of the things I have been hearing a lot of people talking about is “support”. The word loyalty has even begun circulation. Recently, I was sharing with a group of women that I don’t particularly care for the concept of support in the sense that it has become used. It is generally offered up when discussing the absence of friends and loved ones. In my little opinion it has become a form of bondage that indebts you to unfair and at times, unrealistic expectations of others, while breeding an overbearing sense of entitlement. Unbeknownst to you assistance becomes a lifetime contract of obligation to accommodate these expectations. The worst part about it is that good friendships have been brought into question as a result of a missed function, declined loan or otherwise breach of contract. I remember watching an episode of a reality show and one woman had another woman to sign a friend contract. You can imagine the chatter that went on surrounding it. Call it petty, childish and whatever your chosen label, but oddly enough she was upfront about what she expected from her friends. The other woman had an upfront view of the road of their friendship, with the ability to choose if she wanted to embark on their journey together. She may have even had the ability to negotiate the terms. The word support means, 1) bear all or part of the weight of; hold up. 2) give assistance to, especially financially; enable to function or act. You have a vision, assignment, discover your purpose and begin moving in it. To look around and see a friendly face or many in the midst of what you have going on, is a huge blessing. It breeds comfort and lifts anxiety. Depending on their personality you know what their presence brings. While their presence is a blessing, it should not be deemed mandatory. Your vision carries a financial price tag. Friendship doesn’t mean they have to fit the bill, even though any seed would be a blessing. But for believers, anything God ordains, He shall maintain and provide all that is needed with wisdom to access it. Seek it out! If you have something to get to others and it costs to do so, set your fees, pricing, etc. accordingly. Don’t try to live off of those in need. On the other hand, if someone has something you need, be willing to invest in the exchange. Don’t be stingy and always looking for freebies. Also, don’t look at it as investing in them. But rather see it as an investment in you. No seed, no harvest. We may share similar thoughts and with time have the ability to complete each other’s
sentences, with invested time. But we don’t share the same brain or heart. Therefore our perspectives, perceptions and choosing may vary. Put support and loyalty in their proper perspective. Don’t hold people hostage to bearing the weight of your vision. It is your vision, support it. Be true to your word and do what you say you’re going to do, unless the unpreventable unexpected happens. Sow good seed into good soil, someone will water it and God will bring your increase. Don’t let a few absences cause you to drop good relationships. Show up where you belong and remember to suit up with a smile. Every “no” isn’t a bad thing or a non-supportive response. Some no’s are a result of obedience and potentially lack. When some people say no or don’t show up, it is the best gift they could have offered you. Be encouraged with all you do in faith. Child support comes from those who co-participated in the conception of a life. Your vision was conceived in love and every friend or family member didn’t participate. Having generous loved ones surrounding you is a treasure, don’t confuse that with it being their responsibility. Love freely, generously and unconditionally. True love sown yields a harvest that can’t be measured. I pray you all are on both the giving and receiving end of such a love. Xoxo Love, hugs and fabulous blessings queens!
Monique Strong
LASUMXP Editor In Chief
mzmoministry@gmail.com www.moniquestrong.org
It’s Never Too Late By Umeka Martin
Dear sisters, Let me tell you that you can accomplish anything you set your mind to! You know how I know that to be true? It’s because I am no different than you. I come from a background where looking on the outside people might assume that I have it all together. Guess what it’s not that I have it all together it’s that I had to sit down with myself and say what do you want out of life. I had to stop blaming others for my failures and shortcomings. I had to realize that I was in a position where I felt like I was stuck watching my life passing me by. So what was I going to do about it? Listen I could’ve easily allowed my environment to suck the life out of me in my early twenties. I did attend college but had to come home because I was failing. A couple of years after that, I became a young mom at the age of twenty-three without a promising future. I did not have a stable job to support us. I felt like life was consuming me. My plans were to finish college and become a teacher while my daughter was still young. College had to wait until later because life happened. What was only supposed to be a short-term assignment, ended up being a twenty-two year assignment. Wow, how did I get here? My life had become full of heartaches, disappointments, and I felt like I was smiling on the outside but screaming on the inside. I am by nature a nurturer. So naturally I take care of everyone else and leaving me out. When was it going to happen for me? I don’t feel like things happen as a coincidence, everything has its time and order. The day had come when I got laid off the job after twenty-two years. Some have viewed this as time to freak out. I didn’t because I knew I had prayed for a way out. This was one of those open windows that God had cracked opened. I felt the breeze in the atmosphere. What a refreshing experience! It was my time to go back to school and do something I was passionate about. Yes! My time to go back to school had come back around. I thought for a short moment I’m too old now but I was reminded that as long as there was breath in my body I could do it. I am now in my mid forties enrolled in school, a wife, mom, and grandmother. It is hard work but it is all worth it. You are worth it! Be encouraged and go for it! It’s never too late.
Bye Negative Nancy I made the decision to stop complaining a few years ago. Not just because I had read the scriptures pertaining to it. But rather because I had grown tired of hearing my own conversations. Annoyed with the fact that my life had reached a place where I felt like a negative Nancy, Dr. Gloom of Doom. Every conversation was one of pity, with no joy or excitement. There was nothing good to talk about, unless we talked about God. Even those weren’t that great, because all I was doing was whining. While my conversational partners weren’t doctors of gloom and doom, I dominated the conversations, which took us down the road of no return. I was equipped with a bottomless trunk of not so pleasant responses and opinions even to things that had ABSOLUTELY nothing to do with me. Even though I made the decision to stop complaining, newsflash I truly didn’t. I cutback and caught myself in the midst of a full on unloading, but I didn’t stop. Although I really wanted to, it wasn’t as easy as I thought. Complaining had become a part of me and it was so easy to slip into. Touch a few subjects, topics, people or places and it was on and flowing freely without effort. Yet there was this small part of me that really wanted to change the station. How do you stop complaining when it flows so effortlessly? Originally I typed naturally instead of effortlessly. But there is a difference. Some things start to appear or feel natural because they are habitual and manifest seemingly without effort. Complaining is a state we reach. It wasn’t a part of our original makeup. It is a response developed to deal with life’s situations. Unfortunately it isn’t really successful in dealing with them. Either way, how do you stop? How to Stop Complaining 4.0 1) Recognize that it has a negative effect on your life with an expensive price tag on it. 2) Commit to putting an end to it in your life, before it sabotages every relationship you still have intact. 3) Evaluate what is at the core of your complaining. Not what you’re actually complaining about. But discover what’s really eating away at you. There is a root cause that must be addressed. What’s really going on in your heart of hearts? 4) Determine what it takes to change the things that you aren’t satisfied with. Make a strategic plan to change them. 5) Implement the plan and be free. Be patient with yourself as you develop through these changes. Take it one day at a time and rest in knowing everything doesn’t have to be done in one day. Also, remember to be patient with others who flow heavy in it. Remember, it is something you’re working on or have dealt with too. The process is going to change your communication, as it adjusts your perspective and perception on life. This change is necessary and may change your surroundings. It will usher you into some rooms, through some doors that prior to, you couldn’t enter. I made the decision to stop complaining and I finally committed to it. I am making my plans plain and some I am keeping to myself. I am simplifying every area of my life. No excess stuff that requires maintenance with no usage. What I dislike that I have the authority to change, I AM! What I am unauthorized to change that taints my life, I am changing how I connect to it. Life was meant to be explored and enjoyed, not endured. Whatever needs adjusting, address it! If you can’t address it, release it. Live your life in love, truth, strength, gentleness, humility, integrity and with great joy. You are the only co-author of your life. Exercise your editing rights and design a life pleasing to you and God. Complaining doesn’t compliment your life. It complicates it and clears it out unnecessarily. Be your best you and as always, Keep IT Kingdom!
With Evangelist Kathryn Royster I am excited to be living my passion by empowering, encouraging and developing growth and purpose in women. As a Certified Spiritual Empowerment Coach, Transformation Coach and Motivational Speaker, I help women to become the best possible version of themselves by challenging them to push past their comfort zone and to dream bigger dreams. I break down the barriers that are preventing them from becoming better, and I provide guidance on how to achieve more than they ever imagined possible. I have seen the heights to which people can fly, I am currently enjoying the flight myself, and I endeavor to show others the way too. For the past fifteen years, I have been coaching professionally, developing my skills along the way and picking up a multitude of techniques that I have been able to introduce into my Coaching practice. Many have benefited from our sessions. I use the infallible Word of God to assist with bringing their desired results to pass.
I have seen the heights to which people can fly, I am currently enjoying the flight myself.
Back Story...I grew up in a violent home, filled with rage, depression, alcoholism and drug abuse. My father relentlessly and unmercifully abused my mother; verbally, financially, emotionally and physically to the point that one day during one of his rages, he broke her jaw. The years that I witnessed the abuse had left me shattered as a child; that spilled over into my adulthood. Thus, setting the stage for disaster for me, because, for as long as I could remember, shame, fear and despair filled my every waking hour. This caused me to make unhealthy choices that only confirmed what I thought about myself. I was on a never ending downward spiral. My thoughts were because I was a pretty girl and had a booming body, I could use it as a weapon to win over men in order for me to get “things”. I figured I can do whatever I wanted to do without restraints. The lineup of men (boyfriends) were at my disposal. I changed boyfriends the way I changed my clothes. After all, that’s the way it’s done; was my mindset. My father hit my mom so hard one day during their many ‘fights’ (which I didn’t consider it a fight at all, it was him beating her), he broke her jaw. By that time, my parents had sent me to live with relatives about an hour away from home to finish up my last two years of high school and it was during my last year that it happened. I visited my mom in the hospital and when I saw her, I was filled with rage and despair yet again. My mother assured me, yet again that she was divorcing him. Yet again, I had hoped that she would. I could not understand how someone could allow themselves to be used and abused year in year out. A couple years before that he knocked her tooth out and she said it was over, but it wasn’t. Misery was my momma, siblings and my bread. My momma had been an alcoholic for as long as I could remember, although she didn’t drink every day, when she did, it lasted days and days. That’s when the majority of fights occurred. I found out later that daddy was a pill popper and used cocaine. Momma vowed to get her life in order, for real this time. My heart broke for
momma. Oh how I hated daddy. O yeah! He made many promises too. As early as age 5, I remember getting in between the fight begging for daddy to stop, running to the neighbor’s house for help, cleaning up momma’s blood and comforting her. One night after a fight, my precious momma was sitting in a chair; I recall she had a pretty green dress on with drips of blood on it. Although momma was a stunningly beautiful woman, as she sat there, mouth bleeding, she looked like a boxer after he had lost the 12 round boxing match. After the brawl daddy would always promise to never do it again. He lied! In my early twenties, I married a man with as many issues as I had. My "marriage" was a mirror image of my childhood. Thoughts of defeat, "I'm not good enough", "I will never be happy" the list went on and on and followed me like a dark shadow. The negative thought processes that were a part of me dictated my life. The man that had vowed to love me, like I am sure daddy had vowed and at one point in time, did love momma, used and abused me. We started having children and as I had witnessed dysfunction years earlier with my parents, my children were a witness to their parent’s dysfunction. He, like daddy, was a drug abuser and me, although I did drink I thank God it never got to the point like mommas had, but, with that it still compounded my issues. Until one day...I CHANGED MY MIND! I had seen the transformation in my mother, over the last ten years or so. She morphed herself into a healthy, strong, sober, woman of godly character and I wanted that. I got a divorce after 7 long years. By this time, God had my attention. My mother was saved and living a prosperous life, she was defiantly “Married to Ministry”. SHE CHANGED HER MIND! I met and married my real husband and it was then that I received a double portion of God’s blessing. My mother in law was “Married to Ministry” as an Evangelist and she is now currently my Pastor. Now I had two powerful, anointed women in my life that guided and led me in the things of God. Before long, I began my own transformational journey, seeking out wisdom, purpose and power in all areas. I started looking into God’s Word to see what HE said about me and what the plan was for my life. I did the work and over a process of time, my mind was renewed. Where I once had used my body for unrighteousness, I began using my body as an instrument of righteousness. I morphed myself into a lady filled with elegance and grace. I CHANGED MY MIND! Until one day…I Although during these almost 19 years of marriage, we have had our struggles, but it never resembled my old days. God has indeed, restored and renewed me. I no longer have those negative thoughts about myself or about life. My life had been transformed from what was to what is. God also has a sense of humor; my husband Marcus L. Royster is my Pastor also. I’m talking about literally being “Married to Ministry”. Lol
CHANGED MY MIND!
My husband and I are a blended family. I married my husband when my youngest two were 5 and 6 years old. My husband loved, nurtured and cared for my children who had become his own, as I endeavored to do his children. We were enjoying God’s blessings over our family, when in 2007 tragedy came knocking on our door. Our beloved son Mario McRoyal, who was 18 at the time, was struck and killed by a drunk driver, shortly after graduating with honors from high school. Our world was rocked!!! BUT nevertheless, I was able to stand on the Rock, that solid foundation which is my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We had trained our children in the way they should go and taught them the way to the Father. I knew Mario’s salvation was sure. God told me so. Our other children were also able to stand on the Word of God for His strength and peace.
Shortly after Mario went to heaven, my beloved daddy whom we had rekindled a relationship, came to our home with some devastating news. Early on momma had taught us about forgiveness and love. It was through that grace and love that I forgave daddy and through God’s mercy allowed us to bond like never before. Momma and daddy actually became friends, going to dinner, the movies, etc. I had many family gatherings at my home in which they would both be there enjoying their growing family, filled with their adult children and grandchildren. But, daddy still wasn’t saved. Although he was in many ways a changed man, he still didn’t know Jesus in the pardon of his sins. The day that daddy got the news that he had leukemia, he said that I and my husband were the first ones he came to see about his diagnosis. Right on the spot I shared the salvation plan with him and asked if he wanted to be saved? HE SAID YES! I led him through the sinner’s prayer and my daddy was saved. I must tell you, the tears of joy for so many reasons flowed. Me! God used the little girl who used to stand in between my parents, begging daddy to stop. Me! The little girl that would try to barricade the door to keep daddy from coming in. Me! The young adult who cast her pearls amongst swine. Me! The transformed, renewed, restored lady filed with grace and power who had once felt as though I hated my daddy, was now moved with compassion for daddy and beyond humbled that God used ME, to bring daddy to salvation. Hallelujah!!!! Daddy’s next couple of years was filled with reading his bible and having his children and grandchildren take good care of him. The motto of my story is, any life can be transformed through the power of God and a renewed mind. Momma changed her mind, Daddy changed his mind, my hubby changed his mind, and I CHANGED MY MIND! And when you change your mind, you change your life! I am a wife, mother, sister, mentor, a certified life coach and friend. I am a certified domestic violence counselor, an Ordained Minister, Evangelist, Sunday school teacher, the Founder and CEO of “Be U Tifully Transformed Coaching”, and “Because I'm a Lady Ministries, Inc.” I travel doing workshops and speaking engagements on the power of a changed mind. I am a testimony to the endless possibilities that awaits us, when we change our mind. And that’s why I am Married to Ministry ~ Lady Kathryn Royster Be U Tifully Transformed Coaching “Change your Mind, Change your Life” www.ladykathrynroyster.com Email: transform@ladykathrynroyster.com Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind. Romans 12:2
Chantea’s love for cooking came while she and her brother spent summers in the south with both grandmothers. She would always be in the kitchen watching and helping when they were cooking as long as it wasn’t greens or chitterlings. She often went to work with her Aunt Jojo, who was a cook at the local truck stop. Those were the days.
4) Make one day where the entire family helps prepare the meal. There is nothing greater than an entire family in the kitchen cooking together. Don’t worry about the size of your kitchen. Set up stations even if you have to use the dining room table and living room. The memories you will have from this are priceless.
After graduating college with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration, she decided to go to culinary school at Mississippi University for Women. It was then her love for cooking grew even more along with the joy of baking. Esana’s Delights was created from an assignment in Chef Chantea’s Menu & Recipe class. It is named after her daughter, Kiana, and her oldest niece, Esreal.
7) It’s just food. Don’t let meal planning stress you out. If you plan a day and it doesn’t work out, it’s okay. Order the pizza and chill.
5) Plan and shop for your meals at least two weeks in advance when you can. The less trips you have to make to the grocery store, the less likely you are to eat out. 6) Cook and freeze your main dish. For example, casseroles and soups freeze extremely well.
Until next time, Bon Appetite! You can visit my website at www.esansdelights.com and connect with me on FB, Twitter, Periscope & Instagram @esanasdelights.
You can also contact me at (803) 780-4539 or by She specializes in pastries, desserts and also does email at info@esanasdelights.com catering events too. She enjoys speaking to young people and teaching them about the different aspects of Culinary Arts. Chef Chantea has a teen mom mentoring program where she will be teaching young mothers how to prepare nutritious meals, how to grocery shop on a budget and other life skills. She has recently relocated to South Carolina and is in the process of relaunching her business. How to Take the Stress Out of Meal Planning 1) Plan your meals with a theme. Don’t be afraid to try different world cuisines. For example, Mondays may be Mexican night. 1st Monday: Enchiladas 2nd Monday: Taco bar 3rd Monday: Quesadillas 4th Monday: Chicken Tostadas 2) Have breakfast for dinner. With families that have children this is a perfect solution to a busy day. Your kids will love it. 3) Let your children choose the dinner menu for a day and let them prepare it. Will it be healthy? Probably not. Will the food items go together? Probably not. Will it look pretty? Probably not, but who cares. They are children.
Natural Nailz GlamHer and More By Shana Sanders
OK, OK already, the cat is out of the bag! Nooooo, I was not in any way, a big fan of Nail Art, but a recent project has made me a fan of nail transfers and nail tattoos, some fancy new names for nail art. It is all a form of art either way I look at it whether I like it or not. The element of the designs poses as a focal point, which allows my clients to express themselves with their hands. This is great for me too, because I don’t have to free hand any designs ha, ha, ha!!! The brand of nail transfers I demoed is called, “Nail Graffiti the Sweet and Sassy collection”. It came with over 30 different patterns, base coat, transfer solution and top coat. After giving a full manicure and making sure nails are clean and shaped, have the client pick the designs that they desire. They can do their full hand, or just a couple of fingers here and there to enhance the look of their manicure. Cut the transfer to an appropriate size to fit the nail beds. Apply the basecoat and make sure it is all the way dry, before applying the transfer. Apply a nice amount of transfer solution on the pattern side. Then place it on the nail print side facing down. Next apply more transfer solution to the back of the pattern and hold it for 15 to 20 seconds and the images will transfer to the nails. Use transfer solutions to remove any film residue left behind and when the nails are completely dry, apply a heavy top coat so that the patterns won’t smudge. The brand of Nail tattoos I demoed are manufactured for and distributed by “Tri-Coastal Design”. These are totally easy to use and apply. Cut out the tattoo of your client’s choice, we all know it could be one or many. Remove the sheet that protects the tattoo from being damaged goods. Press the tattoos design face down on clean manicured nails. This can be done after the nail polish has dried, or just put it on plain natural nails. Wet the tattoo with a sponge or cloth and peel the paper off after 30 seconds. Let the nails dry and you can apply a top coat if you would like for the tattoos to stay a little longer; or leave it where the tattoos can be easily removed with soap and water or a drop of baby oil. Once again it’s your Natural Nailz Glam Tech, providing you with inexpensive ways to “Up Your Pretty” on your natural nails so “Maximize the Moment”. Transfers and tattoos are non-toxic and safe for all to wear so please go out and try ‘em and let me know what you think at GlamHerNailz@gmail.com XOXOXO- Smooches Shana
The Power To Go From Rags To Riches ~ My Journey To Success By Angela Cooper
This is the story of my life. My story of how I lost it all; from business, marriage, to my home, to my complete restoration. My story of how the word of God became alive in my life. When most hear the phrase “from rags to riches” thoughts of struggle, hardship and triumph comes to mind. Many are intrigued to find out what happened, why did it happen and how did I come back from it all. Wiktionary describes the phrase from rags to riches as “from poverty to exceptional wealth.” I believe both poverty and wealth are a state of mind. Proverbs 23:7 says, as a man thinketh in his heart so is he. I am the sum total of what I think of myself. Where I am, in life is because of thoughts. What my neighbor thinks of me holds no relevance to my future success. God does not give any other living creature the power to think and it be established for them. God only gives this kind of power to His sons. In case you’re wondering if I struggled, as a matter of fact I lost everything. From the man I loved with all my heart, to my home catching fire. I was emotionally broken and homeless. God has completely restored all expect for a husband. I am patiently waiting on the day for someone I can do life, ministry and business with. Maybe not necessarily in that order. I do believe as a believer in Christ, life should be balanced. I also believe a balanced life is one aspect to a healthy life. God promises to satisfy me with long life. I was born in the small town of Leroy, Alabama, with a population so big that if you blink, while driving through, you will miss it. Miss it; yes at times I miss it in all of its country charm and beauty. From the country atmosphere, ambiance to the southern hospitality, hands down, the Northerners can’t touch it. Who wouldn’t want to live in a warm climate, indulging in the rich soul food my grandmother cooked; food that tells the great history of my ancestors. The south holds for me many fond memories of playing with my cousins, making mud pies with brown dirt, cooking greens with tree leaves, my grandmother instructing us “to sweep the front yard” which was dirt, to the memory of traumatic childhood experiences.
Divorce Though devastated after my divorce, I began to strategize on my next move. I knew soon the whining
would be over and it would be time to grind. After all I had two children that totally depended upon me, for everything. For several days, I fast and prayed, seeking wisdom from God. Thus birthing another dimension in me and awakening my understanding of my human nature and who I am in Christ. I tell people all the time, it was my ‘EX’ who taught me how to pray. Don’t get bitter, learn the lesson. God is always using experiences to educate us. He does not want us ignorant. My relationship with God grew exponentially; it was during this time hearing His voice became easy. A prophet recently told me, you are where you are not because you asked for it, but God pushed you there. I am officially there! For years I’ve seen so many people run from conference to conference seeking for a man and or women of God to heal them as if they have some magic formula outside of what we as sons of God possess. We have the power to heal, to lay hands on the sick and they shall recover. God has given me the opportunity to travel and witness through the demonstration of the power of God, miraculous healings, from such diseases as Crohn’s disease, cancer and many other infirmities. Walking in the healing power of God should be common to those who are sons of God. Which is one of the reason which my latest book, scheduled to be released September 2016 was written. The Power to Heal, my second book, is the first book from my “Power Series”. This book is packed with strategic power pact prayers, revelation and answers that will help you the reader to navigate successfully in life situations. You will acquire the necessary tools to strengthen your faith, shift your beliefs and pray from the correct dimension to achieve victory. The Power to Heal book will teach you how to administrate healing from the Government of Heaven. You will learn as a child of God; you don’t have to stand and pull down healing from Heaven. This book will awaken you to the truth. The truth that healing is an administration process that God has given to His sons that will reveal the kingdom of God through our lives. The Kingdom is not what you do. It is who you are. As a son of God it is your covenantal birthright to be healed and to be the vessel to administrate healing with the government of heaven.
Dig Again By Apostle Crystal Willingham How many times have you looked at your past and thought, “What in the world was I thinking?” The things you can think of to tell your former self. I’ve spent a few hours that I can’t get back thinking on these very things. I wondered what I would do next. I was ready to forsake the dreams and goals I had, to pursue a life of quiet and perhaps settle down and count the rest of my years watching my children grow up and have me some grandchildren. Dramatic huh? I’ll say! As I sat and pondered the efforts I made, to pursue a dream and accomplish life goals, I just didn’t see the fruit the way I thought I would and I was ready to hang it up. As I mulled this over and over in my heart, I asked the Lord to help me navigate through this so that I could somehow recover the time and years I may have lost, squandered, or failed. I opened my word and heard a voice inside of me say, “REHOBOTH, DIG AGAIN”. In Genesis chapter 26, Isaac was instructed by God to take residence in Gerar of all places, the land of the Philistines. Isaac obtained favor with God in that land as God had promised his father. They welcomed him and a decree was issued that no harm would come to him or his wife Rebekah. He prospered greatly there, so much so, they threw him out. Does that sound like that’s happened to you before? Invited you in, not knowing you’ve mastered what you do or good at what you do, prosper, and then they shut you out? Through the scriptures we read about King Abimelech, the captain of his army, and a country/business man went to visit Isaac in the valley of the land of Gerar. Abimelech made covenant with Isaac that he would not do to them what they had done to him. They had dinner and the covenant was made. Interesting how Isaac chose to have dinner and make a covenant of forgiveness with the very men who threw him out of the place where he prospered, as we say in the church world, “That will preach!” Now that we have the story, let’s bring this baby home. I started out by sharing with you the fact that I was in a dry place in my life. At the time my first marriage was over, my efforts to pursue my dreams were not fruitful, so I thought, and the rest of my life seem very, very bleak to say the least. Although I kept a smile on my face, I was lost on the inside. I was at the point where I was going to give it a rest and just let my life be. As I settled that in my mind, my husband walked into my life. My voice in the earth began to influence people, and life began to look promising again. As soon as I went up, I came down, and once again discouragement set in. JUST as I was about to hang it up I heard the Lord say, “REHOBOTH, DIG AGAIN!” I ran to grab my bible and nearly LOST IT after reading what I read. What am I saying to you? YOU that feel as though it’s over, you’ve done this before and it looked like you made it, only for that blessing to be snatched right out from your grasp. YOU MUST DIG AGAIN! Your well will spring up with abundance if you DIG AGAIN, FORGIVE, and BLESS YOUR ENEMIES!!!! DIG again and pursue that business. Dig again and open the doors of that ministry again. DIG again and design clothes, open the restaurant, start your online business, try for another baby, reapply for that job, or go back and get that house again. Forgive those that rejected you, blessed you and then snatched the blessing out of your reach. LET THEM GO and make a covenant with yourself, God, and them. When the opportunity presents itself, you won’t throw any shade, you’ll just bless them and send them on their way and WATCH GOD bless your EFFORTS! HE WILL crown them with success more than you ever dreamed or said. I believe the blessing that Isaac received wasn’t just of the well he dug, but also of the wells of his father. Some of you have gifts and talents your parents and grandparents possess and you feel the success they reached was just for them and their time. BUT GOD is saying, as you pick up those gifts and dig again, he will bless you just as he promised the blessings over your parents and their parents. God told Isaac, he was going to honor the
promises of his father Abraham to him too. DIG AGAIN! There are promises that have been held up because God was waiting for you to dig. YOU are about to walk in the promises of your forefathers; those that have dug before you and prospered. YOU TOO will PROSPER and EXPERIENCE the PROMISES of GOD in your life. I CHARGE YOU, DIG AGAIN! Life isn’t over for you, it’s just begun!
Apostle Crystal P. Willingham CEO of G.L.A.M. Int’l Host of G.L.A.M. Network Radio for Women www.blogtalkradio.com/glamnetworkradio Co-Founder of Destiny World Vision & House of Glory Ministries Intl
Whispers of the Heart By Shartia Divine
Matthew 6:21 ~For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also Welcome to my world; I call this section “Whispers of the Heart” because one of the definitions of the word ‘heart’ is that it is the centralized and the innermost part of anything. As long as there is a heart beat there is life. If you are here on this earth and there is a rhythmic beat pulsating through the left side of your chest, you have a purpose. God does not make mistakes. So, I ask you… what are you choosing to do with your time here on earth? Where will your heart’s whispers take you? 3 John 1:2 Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul. Greetings Beautiful LASUM-XP Sisters, I hope and pray that my first contribution was a gentle whisper to your heart. I know the information is not always easy to receive, but I wanted my heart to speak to yours and in the most humble manner. Were you able to relate? Were you able to recognize a thing or two about yourself that needed some adjusting? Did it cause you to think? I hope that you were able to partake in loving affirmations and begin an internal healing process. If you are a new reader, I welcome you. This article will help us begin our external (or physical) work. As we work on our inner being, it is perfectly okay to work simultaneously on our physical body. However, it is detrimental that you realize that the inner work is the most important work. In addition to being a certified Life Coach, I am also a fitness/dance instructor. I have not always been in the best shape of my life; as a matter of fact I have battled with weight for most of my life. As both a fitness instructor and a life coach, I am knowledgeable about the importance of ‘working out’; internally and externally. How many of you can say that you are happy with your physical health? How many of you have struggled with weight and/or insecurities? How many of you struggle to keep weight off, or go up and down with your weight? Well, what if I told you that it is important to start your external efforts with internal work? What if I asked you to pray on what it is that you will seek physically? It is perfectly okay for you to ask God to be with you every step of the way. See, some of us do not realize that losing weight is so much more than a physical feat. It is an emotional, mental and spiritual project as well. Many of us decide within a moment’s notice that I am going to change ‘Just like that’… However, we must be honest and authentic with ourselves. We must understand that it did not take a moment to develop the habits we’ve developed, it did not take a moment to put on the weight we put on and it did not take a moment to think the thoughts we have concerning ourselves and our bodies. Therefore, this task is one that must be tackled differently. Our mind is so powerful, both our subconscious and conscious experiences. Therefore, I suggest that you begin to think positive thoughts and recite positive affirmations to yourself now. Time waits for no one and you should not have to wait to speak life into yourself. Do you know why? Well, because once you lose the weight and have the ‘body of your dreams’ you will still feel insecure on the inside. You will still be the bigger girl, despite what you see in the mirror because your mind has been trained to think this way. I have been here a couple of times. I have been broken and unhappy internally. I have been down to the lowest weight of my life and thought I still had to lose weight, when in fact I was looking quite ill. I was so scared and nervous about ‘looking fat’ on the day I got married that my dress was literally falling off of me. My Beautiful Sister, it is important to love yourself now. Engage in the process that you are going to embark upon, because this is a lifestyle change. So, where should you start? Start with asking God to help you along your journey. Then, begin to write down your goals. The word says, ‘Write it down and make it plain.’ Now, my suggestion is that you create realistic goals for yourself. If you are struggling with how to develop these
goals feel free to visit, call or connect with a gym or fitness program… (*I am a part of an amazing team in the south suburbs if you are interested, we would love to assist you). If not, please be sure to visit a fitness professional for guidance if needed. Some of us say I want to lose 50 pounds. Well, in actuality you may need to lose 25 and tone-up (meaning increase your muscular endurance). It is also important for you to take into consideration the types of exercises that are great for you. Everything does not appeal to everyone. Do you like Kickboxing, Step Aerobics, Circuit Training, Running, Walking, Swimming, Dance Cardio, Zumba, Jump Rope etc.? Be sure to find a place that offers you a variety so you do not get bored with the same old routine. Your way of eating is also very important. You do not have to jump into the “perfect” eating lifestyle right away for results. You can simply begin by making better choices. Begin small if you need to. Do what works for you. Too often we look at the next person, their results, process and put that same pressure on ourselves… Then when we do not get the same results we are disappointed and often times give up. Have you done this before? Well, be easy on yourself and let’s consider some key factors. Your body is different, requires different strategies, different caloric intake, cardiovascular workouts, muscle endurance workouts, etc. So, pray that you get in tune with your body and what it needs. Your body’s needs are different than the next person. So, please do yourself a favor and stop comparing? Deal…? Okay deal… (smile). Some of us are at the point where we need motivation in order to work out or change our eating habits. Some of us are at a standstill with our health. We don’t have the energy to see where we could be and often times do not know where to begin. Is this you? Well, if it is… guess what, I have been there too. However, what I learned was that I was depressed and I had given up on thoughts to look better or feel better. I felt hopeless and unloved. I didn’t feel beautiful within, therefore my unhealthy and ugly attitude seeped through to the outside. Decisions I made, the way I treated others and (most importantly) myself were unacceptable. (You’ll, be surprised as to how your life will change when your esteem is increased and your heart and soul are on a path of mending). You will feel whole, you won’t allow others to abuse you or cause you to feel less than the Queen you are. You will not settle for fear that you will not be loved because of how you look (or feel on the inside). You will begin to stand for yourself and demand to be loved for your heart and soul… The beauty of someone’s heart fully surpasses outer beauty. Sure, our world does not usually acknowledge this. However, I always think of this quote that I love… it says, “People will forget what you did, what you said, etc. But, they will NEVER forget how you made them FEEL.” Dr. Maya Angelou wrote this lovely quote. I believe in this wholeheartedly, so when you offer the true you; the authentic you, it will be felt and remembered. You must begin to dig deep for this beautiful being that you are, in order to win. You must fight through the tough skin that you have built around your heart and soul (for protection); you must be willing to be authentic to yourself at all times… it is then that you will experience progress. As mentioned in my first article, the first stage is admitting it to yourself. Quit blaming others for where you are in life, or for how they treat you, or for the mistakes that you made; cease blaming others for the relationships you are in (or have endured) or for the position you are in, etc. You are in charge of your own life and you can make the decision to change anytime you want. You can decide to do things differently when you desire. If you do not like how your life is developing... Guess what Sugar? YOU can make the choice to change your previous ways of choosing. If there are people in your life that are unhealthy, being negative or are just taking up space and never adding anything to you or your life, you know what you need to do. Life is too short to fill your energy, space and time with those who are not adding value. Surround yourself with those who belong and uplift. Spend time with those who understand and support your goals, dreams and desires of life. Engage with those who lack envy and jealously in their hearts. If you have trouble with this, simply pray and ask God to reveal those who should remain in your life. Ask Him to remove those who don’t belong and to give you the strength to never look back. It is okay if it feels uncomfortable. Often times the
people, things and situations that need to be removed may hurt, but it is for our own good. Sometimes we need to let go of what we think we may want in order to get what we truly need. God will not remove anything from your life without already knowing that He is going to replace it with something of greater value. Sometimes it is a break from a person or situation (in order for maturity to take place); and other times He will cause a break so that He can give you someone or something back (renewed). Just ask him to bring those people to your life that belong and He will. Pray fervently and without ceasing. This is when you must surround yourself with those who truly love and care for you, the negative energy and influences will only keep you in this place of sadness; and sometimes cause emotional eating. The true reason you are here may be because you are afraid to take the first step, perhaps you don’t want to fail. Does this sound familiar? Have you waited to start losing weight and eating better because you are afraid of failure? Go for it sweetie, break the cycle. Take it one day and one step at a time. You can do anything you put your mind to. Start training your mind today. Begin to visualize yourself working out (even if you start with one day per week). Something is so much better than nothing. Once you have the one day per week down, press for two… then three… You get the picture! Visualize yourself making better food choices. You do not have to give up what you love to eat; you may have to give up the process in which it is prepared. For example: Let’s say you like to eat chicken. No problem, broil it… or bake it; there are awesome seasonings out here now that are high on taste and low on sodium. Utilize that crock pot you have! Search the internet for wonderful recipes and try them out. Meal prepping and having tangible healthier snacks will help you tremendously. This brings me to my next point shop with the intention and determination that you are making a lifestyle change. Purchase fruit, vegetables, healthy snack bars, oatmeal, etc. Shop like you are trying to make healthier decisions so when you decide to snack, those will be your options. Then, be sure to ‘meal prep’, this means to prepare your meals. Most of us choose fattier foods when we are on the go because we lead such busy lives. If you take the time to prepare your meals and put them into containers for the next 3-5 days you will thank yourself later! You will see that it is much easier to consume these items simply because they are readily available. Meal prepping is key. Lastly, take it one moment… and one day at a time. Sometimes you have to introduce a new healthy habit to yourself one week at a time. Example: Let’s say you are a carbohydrate lover (this is me), I will give up chips one week. The next week I will say no to bread. The third week I’d delete another unhealthy choice from my cabinet and refrigerator. You can do this until you have created a lifestyle change that works for you. Here are a few other healthy tips. -Drink plenty of water throughout the day, and having a glass of water first thing in the morning is a great idea. -Attempt to get in 30 minutes of physical activities at least 3X per week. -If you must have bread, only have one slice with your sandwich option. -Try to stay away from white foods (starches); choose brown whenever possible -Watch your sugar intake, there is so much sugar in just one can of soda and one glass of juice. -Try to have your biggest meal in the morning. Your lunch should be a fair size and your dinner should be the lightest. -If you are a ‘snacker’, give yourself one day of the week that you have what you want. Be mindful of your portions, but if you need to handle a craving do this but only once per week. -Research your concerns and alternative options for those high calorie and unhealthy foods. -When you go to a restaurant be sure to ask for the lighter menu or for the lighter menu options. Now, you do not have to attempt all of this at once by any means. However, I am aware that each of us is
different. There will be things that work for one that will not work for another. I simply want to encourage you to feel good from the inside out. Your body is a temple and it is worth it. I hope this article encourages you to also work on getting active. I pray it encourages you to become more active even if you are simply taking a walk around the block or sitting in your chair, doing some leg lifts for 10 minutes. I pray that you choose whichever tip or route that will work for you. Remember, it is not how you start, it is how you finish. Your past does not define you, but your future will. God created us in the image of Him and God’s works of his heart proves that we serve a beautiful and amazing God. God also created our hearts so He’s the one who can help us when we have issues within. Remember, we must be transparent and honest with ourselves if we want to mature. God loves us no matter what and you should love you too. It is never too late to make your tomorrow what yesterday has prepared you for; and for what today is calling you to be. Mind, heart, body and soul. A healthier lifestyle will also provide a better home for your precious heart. Proverbs 4:23 ~ Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Shartia Divine