Women of Significance Communique by Regyna Cooper

AUGUST 2011

Women of Significance “You are Valuable Right Where You Are!”

EXTRAordinary Days WOS on the Move . . . Reaching Out and Connecting! In the United States . . . GA, TN, NJ, CA, VA, NC, SC, MD, OK, CA, PA, TX, NH, IN, FL, CO, AZ, WI, NY, HI

. . . AND around the world! PAKISTAN • CHINA • AUSTRALIA • FIJI NEW ZEALAND • JAMAICA • GERMANY • Nigeria Johannesburg • South Africa

Women of Significance / august 2011

EXTRAordinary Days Dr. Cheryl Hill Visionary

Hello Women of Significance, Extraordinary Days is the theme of this month’s Communiqué. Stepping out into the “new” is my prescription for you. This month let us explore ways to be all that we are created to be. I live by God’s Word in all that I do. I listen to His wisdom through the prophetic word, music, words of wisdom/knowledge and in my quiet time and communication through prayer. I am learning who I am through Christ Jesus daily. I came across this song and the lyrics. It sums up how we are to see ourselves. –

Dr. Cheryl

The Anthem

by Jake Hamilton I can hear the footsteps of my King I can hear his heartbeat beckoning In my darkness He has set me free Now I hear the spirit calling me

This is the anthem of our generation Here we are God, shake our nation All we need is your love You captivate me

He’s calling, wake up child, it’s your turn to shine You were born for such a time as this He’s calling, wake up child, it’s your turn to shine You were born for such a time as this Such a time as this

This is the anthem of our generation Here we are God, shake our nation All we need is your love You captivate me

I can hear a holy rumbling I’ve begun to preach another king Loosing chains and breaking down the walls I want to hear the Father when He calls He’s calling, wake up child, it’s your turn to shine You were born for such a time as this He’s calling, wake up child, it’s your turn to shine You were born for such a time as this He’s calling, wake up child, it’s your turn to shine You were born for such a time as this Such a time as this

This is the anthem of our generation Here we are God, shake our nation All we need is your love You captivate me I am royalty, I have destiny I have been set free, I’m gonna shake history I’m gonna change the world

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Women of Significance / august 2011

You Are Extraordinary . . . Fan the Flames! Deborah C. Phillips

Editor-in-Chief

Extraordinary Women of Significance! One of the wonderful advantages of reading Women of Significance communique each month is that I get to read about some Extraordinary Women . . . I am grateful to know that there are imperfect vessels like myself, availing themselves to the only perfect God who is able to mend our broken pieces and cause us to Triumph for His Glory. Some of these women you will read about had tramatic childhoods and were willing to trust God for their healing and allow Him to turn around their lives, and inspire them to move forward and reach out to help heal others. Women who even now have all kinds of illnesses and trials in their bodies yet are persistent in their assignment, knowing that He that has called them is Faithful! That gives the rest of us no room for excuses. We must pick up our cross and move forward. God can do great things with us if we allow Him. These are the times when God is looking for a faithful few. Can He count on you? He can . . . God created you to be GREAT, TO BE EXTRAORDINARY! It is for us to search for that greatness down on the inside and use it for His purposes on the outside. A little fire can develop into a huge forest fire! So fan the flames of Christ, the more you use your talents and gifts, the greater they become! I pray that this issue stirs up the greatness inside . . . soon we will be hearing your story . . .

ANOTHER WINNING JOURNEY OF AN EXTRAORDINARY WOMAN!!

“You don’t have to be great to get started, but you do have to get started to be great!” 2010 – 2011: Celebrating One Year

Women of Significance / august 2011

The Distance between Ordinary & Extraordinary is Shorter than You Think! John C. Maxwell Contributor

What do you think of when I say the word “ordinary?” These are the words that come to my mind: Common. Usual. Normal. Boring. Average. Something you see everyday. What about “extraordinary?” I think of: Amazing. Incredible. Uncommon. Unusual. Special. Above average. New. In the English language, only five little letters separate “ordinary” from “extraordinary:” extra. And while “extra” can be defined as “outside,” in English it also means “just a little bit more.” The word we use is not as important as the idea: the distance between ordinary and extraordinary is shorter than you think. For too long, people have thought there was a huge gap between normal and special. They’ve assumed that “above average” was far above “average.” Unfortunately, once you believe that, it’s easy to conclude that since you’re “average,” you’ll never be anything else; that there’s no way to claw your way up to “above average.” I’m here to tell you that you’ve made the gap too wide. Let me illustrate. If you’re an average reader, you’ve taken 2-3 seconds to read this paragraph so far. Two lines of text = one second. How much more would you be able to read in another second? Another line? Not very much, but really, what difference does a second make? Well, in some areas of life, a second makes all the difference in the world. Have you heard of Usain Bolt? Often referred to as The Fastest Man in the World, Bolt is the current world-record holder for the 100-meter race in track and field. His record for that race is 9.69 seconds. In the Olympics, he won the gold medal racing against seven other men in the finals. What was the time difference between his time and that of the silver medalist, Richard Thompson? Thompson ran the 100 meters that day in 9.89 seconds. The difference between gold and silver was .2 seconds. The “fastest man in the world,” the winner of that race and world-record holder, ran 100 meters in 2/10 of a second less than his nearest competitor. A second – or even a fraction of a second – CAN make a huge difference. In life, just as in sports, an extraordinary performance is often separated from an ordinary one by the slightest of margins. What if your ordinary life could become extraordinary with only the smallest of changes? Would it be worth trying?

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The distance between ordinary & extraordinary is shorter than you think! (continued) Here are some “extras” that can help you close the gap between ordinary and extraordinary: A little extra effort. There is a price to be paid for achievement.

Sometimes it’s a large price. But sometimes just a little extra effort can yield significant results. What price are you willing to pay for success? A little extra time. To give something time, we need something

other than perseverance. We need patience with the process of growth. I believe that many of us overestimate events and underestimate the process. But we’ve got it all wrong. As I wrote in the Law of Process in The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, leaders develop daily, not in a day. A little extra help. I love this saying: “If you see a turtle on top of

a fence post, you know he had help getting there!” Why do I love it? Because I’m a turtle on a fencepost. I know that I didn’t get to where I am in life on my own. I’m just not that smart, gifted, or fast. The truth is that those who reached “extraordinary” had help getting there. And many types of success can only be achieved with help. If you refuse to ask for – or accept – it, you limit yourself and your work to a lower level of achievement. Remember that ordinary and extraordinary are not far apart. If you accomplish just one of the above “extras,” your work will begin to be above average in that area.

If Ordinary People … Gave a Little Extra Effort, Spent a Little Extra Time, Sought a Little Extra Help … They Would Become Extraordinary!

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Extraordinary Woman: Oprah Winfrey . . . We salute you! Not many women get a chance to live out their dream like Oprah Winfrey has. God has used her struggles as a child to shape the lives of women around the world. It is true that whatever you lowest place is that you will rise to the highest place of your struggle with strength and change the way of living for man.

Oprah Winfrey is an American television host, actress, producer, and philanthropist, best known for her self-titled, multi-award winning talk show, which has become the highest-rated program of its kind in history and was nationally syndicated from 1986 to 2011. She has been ranked the richest African American of the 20th century, the greatest black philanthropist in American history, and was for a time the world’s only black billionaire. She is also, according to some assessments, the most influential woman in the world. Winfrey was originally named “Orpah” after the Biblical character in the Book of Ruth, but her family and friends “didn’t know how to pronounce it”, and called her “Oprah” instead.

news part-time. She worked there during her senior year of high school, and again while in her first two years of college.

Winfrey’s career choice in media would not have surprised her grandmother, who once said that ever since Winfrey could talk, she was on stage. As a child she played games interviewing her corncob doll and the crows on the fence of her family’s property. Winfrey Winfrey was born in Kosciusko, Mississippi to an unlater acknowledged her grandmother’s influence, saying married teenage mother. She later said that her concep- it was Hattie Mae who had encouraged her to speak in tion was due to a single sexual encounter and the couple public and “gave me a positive sense of myself ”. Working broke up not long after. Her mother, Vernita Lee in local media, she was both the youngest news anchor (born c. 1935) was a housemaid. Oprah had believed and the first black female news anchor at Nashville’s that her biological father was Vernon Winfrey (born WLAC-TV. She moved to Baltimore’s WJZ-TV in 1976 1933), a coal miner turned barber turned city councilto co-anchor the six o’clock news. She was then recruitman who had been in the Armed Forces when she was ed to join Richard Sher as co-host of WJZ’s local talk born. Decades later, Mississippi farmer and World War II show People Are Talking, which premiered on August veteran Noah Robinson Sr. (born c. 1925) claimed to be 14, 1978. She also hosted the local version of Dialing her biological father. for Dollars there as well. At age 17, Winfrey won the Miss Black Tennessee beauty In 1983, Winfrey relocated to Chicago to host pageant. She also attracted the attention of the local (continued on next page) black radio station, WVOL, which hired her to do the

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Extraordinary Woman: Oprah Winfrey . . . WE salute you! (continued) WLS-TV’s low-rated half-hour morning talk show, AM Chicago. The first episode aired on January 2, 1984. Within months after Winfrey took over, the show went from last place in the ratings to overtaking Donahue as the highest rated talk show in Chicago. The movie critic Roger Ebert persuaded her to sign a syndication deal with King World. Ebert predicted that she would generate 40 times as much revenue as his television show, At the Movies. It was renamed The Oprah Winfrey Show, expanded to a full hour, and broadcast nationally beginning September 8, 1986.

In addition to her talk show, Oprah also produced and co-starred in the 1989 drama miniseries The Women of Brewster Place, as well as a short-lived spin-off, Brewster Place. As well as hosting and appearing on television shows, she co-founded the women’s cable television network In 1993, Oprah hosted a rare prime-time interview Oxygen. She is also the with Michael Jackson, which became the fourth most president of Harpo Prowatched event in American television history as well as ductions (Oprah spelled the most watched interview ever, with an audience of backwards). On January 15, 2008, Winfrey and Discov36.5 million. On December 1, 2005, she appeared on ery Communications announced plans to change DisThe Late Show with David Letterman to promote the covery Health Channel into a new channel called OWN: new Broadway musical The Color Purple, of which she Oprah Winfrey Network. It was scheduled to launch in was a producer, joining the host for the first time in 16 2009, but was delayed, and actually launched on January years. The episode was hailed by some as the “television 1, 2011. event of the decade” and helped Letterman attract his largest audience in more than 11 years: 13.45 million The series finale of “The Oprah Winfrey Show” aired viewers. on May 25, 2011. Oprah’s grandmother provided her foundation in Jesus Christ for the first six years of her life. Oprah has said she remembers always the scripture that has taken her where she is today…. Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”.

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Extraordinary Woman . . . Wynonna Judd We salute Wynonna Ellen Judd born Christina Claire Ciminella as an “Extraordinary” woman. It is very true that, as in the biblical story of Joseph—what the devil meant for harm God will turn it around for the good, has happened in the life of Wyonna Judd. Wyonna born May 30, 1964 is an American country music singer. She was given the last name Ciminella after Michael Ciminella, the man her mother quickly married after being abandoned by her boyfriend and Judd’s biological father, Charles Jordan. Her solo albums and singles are all credited to the singular name Wynonna. Wynonna first rose to fame in the 1980s alongside her mother, Naomi, in the country music duo The Judds. The duo released seven albums on Curb Records, in addition to charting 26 singles, of which 14 were number one hits. The Judds sold more than 20 million records worldwide and had won over 60 industry awards including five Grammy Awards, nine Country Music Association awards (seven of them consecutive) and eight Billboard Music Awards. At the time, they were the biggest-selling duo in country music, and would remain so until they were eclipsed by Brooks & Dunn in the 1990s. Although Wynonna sang lead vocals on all of the duo’s songs, Naomi ran the duo. The mother/daughter relationship has always been tumultuous, with Wynonna always late and forgetful and Naomi being critical of her daughter.

In 1994, she also made an appearance on the Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute album Skynyrd Frynds, on which she covered their song “Free Bird”. She also sang duet vocals on pop/Christian singer Michael English’s debut single “Healing”, which peaked at #120 on the pop charts. After “Girls with Guitars” fell from the charts, Wynonna became the subject of negative publicity as she had a child out of wedlock. She was absent from the country charts for all of 1995, and in response to feedback from conservative fans, she married Arch Kelly, the father of her son, in 1996.

In November 2003, just two weeks before her DUI arrest, Wynonna taped an appearance of an episode of The Oprah Winfrey Show discussing what she described as a “severe” dependency on food.[16] The episode aired in February 2004. Judd had been working with the After The Judds disbanded in 1991, Wynonna began a show in an effort to lose a significant amount of weight solo career, also on Curb. In her solo career, she has re- and get to the root of her dependency. In September leased eight studio albums, a live album and a compila2005, Wynonna made a second appearance on the show, tion album, in addition to charting more than 20 singles discussing how she had lost some weight, had patched of her own. Wynonna is most recognized for her musical up relationships with her mother and with the man she work, although starting in the 2000s, has also pursued considered “her dad”, Michael Ciminella, from whom other interests, including acting and philanthropy. she had been estranged for almost a decade. A chronic bout of hepatitis C forced Naomi into retirement following a 1991 farewell tour. After the duo broke up, Wynonna signed to MCA Records in association with Curb Records as a solo artist.

Wynonna and Naomi, also known as the Judds, reunited in 2010, which included a new album release and tour.The tours name is “The Last Encore,” which included 18 shows.

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Extraordinary Woman . . . Wynonna Judd (continued) On September 14, 2010, The Judds appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show where Wynonna discussed “her recent weight loss, her year of living dangerously and what it’s like going back on stage as part of the iconic duo, The Judds.” The Judds also performed their new single “I Will Stand By You”, released Oct 4, 2010. “I Will Stand By You” was released as the title track to the Judd’s 2011 Greatest Hits collection. A new single, “Love it Out Loud” was the lead song off Wynonna’s first solo album since 2003, and was released in 2011, as a companion CD with new Judds material. Wynonna makes no excuse about Jesus being the center of her life and her joy. She has gone through the fire and has come out as pure gold. She is a committed

woman of God and she is LIVING life out LOUD. We salute the works of Ms. Wynonna Judd.

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Women of Significance / august 2011

College Advice from a Young Christian Woman Aurielle Bryan Contributor

Picture this:You’ve just waved goodbye to your parents– your sense of normality–and you watch as that golden colored van eventually disappears into the horizon. They’ve just dropped you off at college and you think your life is finally getting better.You are your own person.You’re finally free, right? Well, maybe not. It’s at that moment that it hits you–you’re alone. Everyone you’ve ever grown up with is gone.You’re previous lifestyle is abruptly swept from under you. At this realization, you begin to unpack your belongings in a toosmall space that you’re expected to share with a complete stranger (growing up you were taught to not speak to strangers, let alone live with them) for 10 months. This stranger has the ability to make your life miserable or become the world’s best friend. Even if your personalities are at opposite ends of the spectrum, you’re still expected to live with them–and survive. If you get into an argument with your new roommate, there is no place to go and shut the door–you both share the room and therefore have equal rights to it. To make things even harder, this stranger may live a completely different lifestyle than you do. Their moral values, goals, and worldview may prove a challenge to your own. How do you, as a college student with new found freedoms, deal with a situation like this? How do you, as a young Christian woman, still stand up for what you believe? As a current college student myself, I know what it’s like to be faced with the differ-

ing opinions and views from others. I know what it’s like to feel like you’re the only one trying to actively believe in the God of Salvation- even when others will tell you that they are Christians. During my first year at school, I felt like I was drowning. Most of the young adults lived by the “everything is permissible; live in the moment; party hard” mentality. These kids were partying anywhere from 3-5 times a week and trashed the other days. They didn’t care about what excessive alcohol consumption and smoking (when I say smoke, I mean any and everything) can do to your body in the long run or even what else is beyond the here and the now. They would let their grades slip, they would hook up like it was nothing, and hope that they wouldn’t wake up the next morning with any unexpected surprises. They were more worried about one pregnancy than STD’s (which in my opinion are far worse). One girl, that I met my first year in college, was such a nice girl–and she was smart. However, throughout the year I watched her get sucked into this mentality. She started to go out more frequently and eventually her grades fell. Unfortunately, she fell into a cycle of dating this guy on and off, messing with another guy from home, and drinking and partying. One day, after a bunch of heartbreaks and strained relationships with her mom, she started to come out of her predicament. She was, sadly, a victim of the college mentality. If these stories frighten you a little, don’t let them. College isn’t all bad. There are numerous clubs, sports, and social activities that the colleges themselves have to

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College Advice from a Young Christian Woman (continued) offer to students. There are plenty of things that can take up any spare time that you may have. However, that’s the thing. In college, it’s YOUR choice, no one can make decisions for you. Whether or not you live up to your potential, or waste away your time just partying and “living in the moment” is up to you. Sure, you should enjoy the time you spend in college–because there is nothing like it–but you should also know that time waits for no one. What you accomplish (or don’t accomplish) right now, while in school will impact you for the rest of your life.

The decisions you make while in school can make or break you–but the choice is all yours. So when you’re on campus this fall, remember that your choices have consequences that could positively or negatively have an impact on your life. Aurielle is a full time university student studying Electronic Media and Film, who aspires to be a screenwriter, director, and writer. She is part of the university’s television station,WMJFTV, as a reporter. As a member of such a creative community, she has been exposed to many opportunities such as, writing for both creative and research purposes for various start-up newsletters, and being able to meet with like minded young people. When she is not writing for a newsletter or magazine, she is enjoying time with her family, playing video games, hanging with friends, reading, or writing a screenplay or novel idea.

Women of Significance / august 2011

Breaking All The Rules Excerpt,“From Crackers . . . to Caviar: A Guide to Personal Development,” published by Maxser Publishing

James R. Cooper Contributor

People once thought it was impossible to escape the gravitational pull of the earth. Now, after countless rocket launches, we have a different understanding. The four minute mile was impossible until Sir Roger Bannister proved everyone wrong. Immediately after Bannister’s historic run, with the barrier now broken, men started consistently running sub four minute miles. Be contrary in your thinking. Remember, thoughts become things and in order to achieve what you have never thought possible, you need to challenge your thinking. Keep in mind that what’s considered to be the norm today was once cutting edge. Cars once had carburetors, bias-ply tires, drum brakes and AM radios. Now they have fuel injection, radial tires, disc brakes and premium sound navigation centers. Remember the old, standard rotary phone? Now many people have cordless home phones and a cell phone. At one time, even owning a phone was a luxury. Fifty years ago, owning a television was a luxury. Now multiple Hi-Def televisions in the home are common.

as you’re a smoker, you’re part of the clique – you against all the non-smokers. Many smokers who stop smoking come to view the habit as disgusting and can’t believe they smoked at all. That’s because they now know a deeper truth. Ex-smokers have told me they can taste food better, breathe better, and even smell better. Many former smokers become anti-smoking zealots in an effort to try and stop the whole world from smoking because of their own life changing experience when they discovered a deeper truth. Discover the deeper truth about you and the success you were designed for. Break free of your self imposed rules.

If you want to change your success – change what you believe is possible. Upgrade your belief system, trade your old system in for a newer model. Change what you believe reality and truth are – your personal reality and your personal truth – then start breaking down the old rules!

Write down three things you want to change to achieve your new beliefs. They may be related to business, family, money, or relationships. Challenge each belief you list, and write down why you believe in them and why you support that belief. This takes a certain level of emotional maturity. Remember, these beliefs were passed down to us by our mentors, our parents, and from people who were influential in our lives, or by habit. By challenging these actions or beliefs, you’re not saying they are wrong, you are recognizing there is a

Keep in mind that for each rule you challenge, people will look at you in a different light, because you now see things from a different perspective. Take cigarette smoking. Smokers are an interesting bunch of folks. As long

Call to Action: Breaking Down Old Beliefs

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Breaking All The Rules (continued) deeper level of truth that you must discover about yourself in order to grow. On one side of a sheet of paper, write down your current beliefs. On the other side, write your challenge to that belief. It should look something like the example below:

My Belief: iPODs are the only type of portable music player you can buy. I believe this because it’s the only handheld device I see on TV commercials.

My Challenge to that Belief: In reality, I can buy an iPOD, MS Zune, Scandisk, Sony or other types of MP3 players. Once you have accepted the new level of truth, pick the next three to address. I do this exercise each time I know change is about to occur in my life. Don’t become discouraged if you find yourself slipping back to your old beliefs.You are addressing a lifetime of programming. It will take your subconscious time to accept the new rules. But, once you have, you will see immediate progress!

James Cooper, along with his wife Regyna Cooper, own and manage Maxser Consulting, a consulting firm working with small to medium size businesses and nonprofit organizations in the start up and growth stages of development and to help them achieve their full potential and continued success.The Coopers pastor at Restoration International Christian Ministries in Baltimore, MD.They reside in Maryland with son, Andrew. www.maxserconsulting.com; www.restorationicm.com; www.fromcrackerstocaviar.com

Rule Breaker: Bill Gates What could we accomplish if we thought on a larger scale? If we could just break the rules in our minds…. remember Bill Gates? His goal was unprecedented at the time because no one understood the value of the personal computer. When they first came out, they cost $3000,yet Bill Gates believed computers would be a staple in every home and business world. 2010 – 2011: Celebrating One Year

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Create a Beautiful Quiet Place Kathleen Ellis Contributor

Every woman needs a Beautiful Quiet Place, a place where she can begin and end each day, a place she can retreat to during the day…for a 5 minute respite, a 15 minute nap or a lengthier encounter for planning, daydreaming, reading or resting. As women we give, give, give all the time. We are wives, mothers, daughters, sisters, friends, employees and employers. We are caregivers, home-keepers, organizers, hostesses, volunteers and many other things to many different people. The truth is, however, if we don’t take time to nurture, refresh and renew ourselves….there is nothing for us to give. We cannot pour from an empty vessel! This is why it is so important for us to have a space (or spaces) that is ever ready for us to go to for the purpose of refreshing and renewing on a daily basis. Creating a Beautiful Quiet Place should be a priority. It is easy and fun and oh so rewarding! The goal is to make it a space that you truly enjoy going to and equipping it in such a way that you have everything there that you’ll need to leave feeling refreshed, renewed and refilled. It does not need to be anything more than a corner of a room. When my now grown children were small, my Beautiful Quiet Place was my bathroom! Yes…that’s right, my bathroom! It was one of the few places I could go to have a few moments to myself! It had a door and a built in seat! It was decorated nicely and I kept a basket with inspirational reading tucked away in the cabinet. It also had a bathtub…and I love to take bubblebaths! Bubblebaths are extremely relaxing and rejuvenating for me! Where you set up your Beautiful Quiet Place is not as important as how you prepare it and honor it. 7 Essential Ingredients for Creating Your Beautiful Quiet Place

z Select a spot that is away from the hustle & bustle activity in your home z Make sure there is a comfortable place to sit z There should be a table of some type to set your coffee or tea cup on, hold a lamp and maybe a few photos as well as a piece of artwork with an inspiring message and a vase with some fresh flowers

z Select a candle with a fragrance you love and place that on the table as well

z Add a small decorative pillow and a cozy throw to your chair for chilly days or those rare moments when you can catch a 15 minute nap (continued on next page)

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Romancing Your Bedroom (continued)

z Have a CD player nearby in case you feel like listening to some uplifting or relaxing music or an inspiring message

z Prepare a pretty basket to hold your Beautiful Quiet Place “tools”: Bible, inspiring books, note pad or journal, pens, tissues, favorite photos, a few encouraging notes from friends, pretty note cards (in case you’re inspired to send a note to a friend), sticky notes to write little love notes on as you read and are inspired…these may be to yourself or to a child or spouse Remain flexible….you can move your Beautiful Quiet Place to another location if you desire. For instance, on a gorgeous day you may want to take your respite out in the backyard or on the patio or deck, or at the end of a busy day you may want to rejuvenate in a bubble bath. As long as you have your “tool” basket stocked, you can bring it along and enjoy the special ingredients you’ve stocked it with. Be sure to honor your Beautiful Quiet Place by keeping it ready at all times to escape to, even if it’s only for a few minutes, you will find this ritual of intentionally slipping away during the day and beginning and ending your day in a beautiful, peaceful place will leave you feeling more relaxed and balanced, filled and fulfilled, ready to face your busiest of days! Take care of YOU….YOU deserve it! Kathleen Ellis, Lifestyle Designer, decorator, speaker, writer and TV personality, specializes in teaching you how to create a life of TOTAL BEAUTY which includes Inner Beauty, Outer Beauty and Surrounding Beauty. Kathleen believes your unique sense of style should be reflected in your life choices & mindset, your wardrobe and your home. She is an expert at motivating and inspiring you to create the Beautiful Life you dream of and to bloom into the Beautiful Woman you were created to be.

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Extraordinary Woman of Significance

Girls Supported by Others Priscilla Walker

Founder and Visionary GSO Girls Mentoring Group Greensboro, NC WOS: Priscilla, thank you for allowing Women of

Significance this time out of your busy schedule.Your assignment is very extraordinary that WOS would like to share your dream and vision with others.

PW: I am blessed and truly grateful to accept this op-

portunity to share this journey, hopefully to encourage others.

WOS: How did your vision come about? PW: I have lived here in Greensboro for 5 years,

relocating here from New York City. I left my job of 30 years with the NYC Health and Hospitals Corporation, my family and friends to come here, looking for a better life for me and my three children. I am the first one in my family to purchase and own a home, being the oldest of 7 girls. My mother never owned a home and I know she would be proud of me as it is something she always dreamed of. The first year I spent getting to know my new environment and it was wonderful. This included searching for a church home. In 2008, a neighbor introduced me to Love and Faith Christian Fellowship. I joined the church on my second visit,I just knew that was where I was supposed to be fellowshipping. Before coming to Greensboro I was not saved. God used me being in a new environment to give me a new beginning! My journey began when I joined Love and Faith, subsequently resulting in me being saved. Here I found deliverance and healing for hurts in my past. Moving my family from New York to Greensboro was not an easy transition. In a recent conversation with a

family counselor, I shared with her that I was a member of a garden club, a cake club and I also shared my DIY project tips. She mentioned being involved in so much and having so much to share, I would be a great mentor. Me a mentor! She continued, â&#x20AC;&#x153;You have so many ideas, a wealth of information, a beautiful home, why not become a mentor. I did not think I had much, and I did not think it was a big deal. So I prayed and asked God to show me the way if this is what I should do. That is how the vision came about.

WOS: Why girls mentoring? PW: I had a difficult and traumatic childhood, I am the

oldest of 7 girls, and it was tough for Mom to work and care for us. I was molested by a man who was supported to provide and care for me as a child. Growing up I never felt worthy of love and could not trust, so when I began to pray about mentoring, the Holy Spirit revealed to me that my trials and tribulations would be a testimony for other girls who may be going through similar circumstances. Through mentoring I can now help others overcome adversity. Growing up, I did not know I was fabulous or worthy but since becoming saved . . . With the help of God, I now know I am fabulous and worthy! I have heard many people say they found God. I used to say that myself but now I know that God was never lost. He found me, I was the one lost! And now I have been experiencing the best times of my life.

WOS: How did you begin walking out your vision?

2010 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2011: Celebrating One Year

(continued on next page)

Women of Significance / august 2011

Girls Supported by Others (continued) geographical area of North Carolina as a short cut for Greensboro. This is where we would like to begin. But GSO has come to mean Girls Supported by Others! God has sent me so many wonderful and devoted women and is constantly showing me more women who have this same heart.

GSO GIRLS MENTORING

PW: After my private conversations in my secret

place, God revealed to me that so many young ladies here, right where I am, would benefit from my skills; baking, cooking, decorating, and gardening. I wrote the vision down on paper, all of the thoughts came together, including holding classes for the girls. Then as I talked to others about the vision, God allowed me to reach out to other phenomenal women who have agreed to volunteer and help. We discussed about talking with the young ladies about their education career options, selfempowering thoughts and actions and other topics. I am so grateful to now know who I am because I can now be of help to others. Since coming to North Carolina, I have been diligently looking for steady employment and except for a few part time positions God has not fulfilled that need. Now I know now why.

As a young child, I did not feel I had any help or support, never knowing of a network to help me understand what I was going through. My goal is to provide a network for young ladies to receive help and advice. They will access to people who will listen, understand and provide guidance and support. If I had help, who knows how different my life could have been. BUT GOD had me go through things in my life, so that I could be used today, for such a time as this. The time is right! The time is now!

WOS: Priscilla, I am excited about your vision, GSO

Girls Mentoring Group that you are about to share with the Greensboro area and even the world! We will have to come back at a later time and see how God is using you to affect the Triad area. Thank you so much for sharing the beginning of your story with Women of Significance. Thank you for being valuable right where you are!

If I can make a difference and impact only one young lady to make right decisions, I have done what I know I am called to do.

WOS: For someone else who has a dream or a vision,

can you explain the steps to action?

PW: First I wholeheartedly feel you should consult

the Lord. Then write down the vision, thoughts and the plans. God has placed so many ‘helpers’ in my path since the onset, it encourages me to knowing that this is what He has ordained for me. My own venture, GSO Girls Mentoring Group began this way. The letters, GSO, are normally used in this

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Women of Significance / august 2011

God Uses Ordinary People to Do Extraordinary Things Robert Moment Contributor

There is no such thing as the wrong side of the tracks with God. I think it was Jim Collins who wrote the book “Good to Great,” which said, “It is a sin to be good when you can be great.” The power of God is unlimited. God is not limited in any way by your education, economic status, race or social standing. Those are artificial limitations that only matter to the world, not to the Lord. If you say, “God, I am available to You and I submit and surrender to Your will for my life,” something amazing will start to happen in your life because God will use you to do His will and purpose. God will take the ordinary and turn it into the extraordinary! Develop a habit of being what God knows you can be and surrender fully to His will. Remember that His view is the long view of the world and His goals are not focused on the little picture. God can do extraordinary things using ordinary people in seemingly small ways.

There was a young girl at the turn of the century outside of Philadelphia who was crying near a small church when the pastor walked by. When he asked her what was wrong, she sobbed that there hadn’t been enough room in the Sunday School class for her. Seeing her filthy clothes, the pastor guessed that she may have been turned away for other reasons. He marched her back in and found a place for her in the class. She listened and loved the Bible stories she heard each Sunday after that. Two years later, the little girl died. When the pastor came to make final arrangements, he discovered a coin purse with her belongings. Inside the coin purse was 57 cents and a slip of paper that said,“To make the church bigger so more kids can go to the Sunday School.” The pastor told the girl’s story that Sunday in church, and challenged his deacons to raise enough money to build a bigger church. The newspapers picked up the story. And a realtor offered a parcel of land worth thousands of dollars to build the church on. When told that the church couldn’t afford the asking price, he offered to sell it to them for 57 cents. It would seem impossible to build a church with 57 cents, but that didn’t stop one little girl from trying to create a miracle. Today you can go to Temple Baptist church of Philadelphia and Temple University. Go visit the Sunday School building next to Good Samaritan Hospital, where there is more than enough room for everyone. In one room you (continued on next page)

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God Uses Ordinary People to Do Extraordinary Things (continued) will see the picture of a young girl who started it all with 57 cents. Alongside it is the picture of the Reverend Dr. Russell Conwell, who multiplied that 57 cents through countless others.

God always sees what is inside of us. We all have gifts, talents and opportunities that He can shape into miraculous moments. We must stop looking at what we don’t have and start looking at what God can do in our lives.

God had taken the very ordinary donation of a poor child, less than a dollar, and turned it into something extraordinary! It became the driving force that turned the heart of a landowner, motivated the revival of a church and eventually founded a University! All because an ordinary young minister made sure an ordinary young girl went to Sunday School one ordinary morning.

Robert Moment is a Christian business coach, speaker and author of newly published book, God Will Always Be There for You. Robert is passionate about empowering individuals on how to experience God’s love, power, joy, peace, and prosperity.Visit http://www.ChristianInspirational.org and sign-up for the FREE Christian Living e-course. Follow him on Twitter http://www.twitter.com/christiansfaith.

“I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” - Philippians 4:13

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2010 – 2011: Celebrating One Year

Women of Significance / august 2011

A WOS Interview with Regyna Cooper

WOS: Hello Regyna, it is wonderful to have the opportunity to catch

up with you and hear your wisdom and your experiences with WOS. Your background is in accounting, management, budgeting and strategic planning. That tells me that you are a person of detail. Am I correct?

RC: In many areas that is correct, but I really have been given a gift of

seeing patterns and trends. This allows me to see unique properties that some may overlook.

WOS: Your life is what some people would love to live. Please let us

know how you balance what you do.

RC: First, I have to say I am truly blessed. He has also

put people in my life to push me when needed and love me unconditionally. God has blessed me with patience, humility, determination, and joy. When it comes to balance, the understanding that helped me the most is knowing that balance does not have to be equal, to be effective. The best way to walk in balance is to walk in God’s truth of who you are. The more we try to do things in our own strength, the more out of balance we can become. The other thing is knowing that balance is not necessarily an equal distribution. Think about this, can we ever do enough works to equal what Jesus did for us when He went to the cross for us. The scales will never tip to equal, no matter how much good work we do. The balance in the relationship comes when we actively participate by honoring God’s Will to believe in His son Jesus and worshiping Him. In our day-to-day lives, there are areas that require more of our attention and there are also seasons to get things done. Asking God daily what He would have me do eliminates a lot of busy work on my part.

WOS: How did you come to the place of becoming an

entrepreneur after being in the corporate world so long?

RC: That is a funny story. Looking back, I would say

it was God’s way of getting my attention. I was not someone who always wanted to be an entrepreneur. I had my plan to advance in corporate America and have the office, great pay, vacation days and stock options. That was my plan, no matter how much it got on my nerves at times. So when God started putting it on my heart to leave my position, I wasn’t trying to participate. (This is when my life was out of balance, holding onto my plan more than God’s direction). Now, when I said “yes”, I did not realize I was about to walk into my personal cave experience, like David. After a few months of having melt downs, I figured God would let me go back to that comfortable place. Then I sounded like the children of Israel. The cave and the wilderness are not the most exciting time of my life, but it cause me seek the truly listen to the Lord. The Lord showed me I was holding on to what was familiar. When I let go, He introduced me to myself and started revealing to me my purpose. It is funny how God takes us from our comfortable places, whether corporate, ministry, government or home, to discover who we are and find out what we are made of. We can do all things (continued on next page)

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Women of Significance / august 2011

A WOS Interview with Regyna Cooper (continued) through Christ who strengthens us, when we believe it is true. Many times those familiar spirits are the ones that keep us in bondage. When my chains were loosed, I understood that part of my purpose is to help people transition and walk into their destiny. We have been blessed to assist individuals, governments, and businesses grow to improve the lives of their staff, country, customers and clients.

WOS: Oftentimes there can be conflicts in the

marriage when both the husband and wife are working as you and your husband work. How do you make your personal relationship work and your working relationship work with your husband?

RC: We love and honor God first and what He has

given us. And we love and respect each other. Yes, there are disagreements in every relationship. The goal is to resolve the situation as quickly as possible, so that it does not linger and cause division. Giving each other space and support to grow is also important.

WOS: You are the Publisher of the Maryland

Performance Magazine.You have told us that you are revamping your strategy for this magazine. Can you briefly tell us why you chose to do this type of magazine?

RC: Maryland Performance is a part of a suite of

Performance Magazines available throughout the country. The corporate body restructured and allowed us to take ownership of the Maryland Performance license. With that we are recreating the infrastructure in a manner that will allow us to bring quality business development content to our loyal customers in a cost efficient manner. We will also spotlight successful Christians in the marketplace.

WOS: You are a wife, mother and ALSO a “Pastor”…

wow…what is that like?

RC: It is back to balance and knowing what you

are called to do. If I tried to do everything in my own strength, I would be pulling my hair out. Time

management and organization are key and I pray for grace and mercy in these areas continually.

WOS: The ministry you and your husband have begun is starting as a home Church. Why a home Church and not a rented facility? RC: God directed us to start Restoration International

Ministries in our home to create an intimate setting for restoring people back to the places of leadership God has called them to oversee; whether it is home, church or marketplace. We assist ministries internationally and offer marketplace leadership training locally and nationally. Restoration is a place where the Holy Spirit ministers to those he directs to attend.

WOS: What is one life lesson you would like to share

with us?

RC: Be true to who you are and never allow fear to

dictate or guide your decision making.

WOS: Where do you see the role of the woman at this

time? Has it changed? If so, how?

RC: The role of woman has not changed, how we

execute that role has changed greatly. Women have always been the nurturers of the community. There is a saying “As the women go, so goes the society.” Whether society accept the fact or not, it is true. I would not say that every woman must hold the same position or act according to a set of a specific set of guidelines. There are more opportunities today for women than 10 or 20 years ago in almost every community across the globe. Now we can reach out and share our stories, struggles and accomplishments with each other around the world. We can teach our children to respect and honor our beliefs in our local and global communities. So it still takes a village, but now the village is global.

WOS: You do works with African countries what are

some of the things you do?

RC: Maxser Consulting provides strategies for

planning, growth and access to resources. We help (continued on next page)

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Women of Significance / august 2011

A WOS Interview with Regyna Cooper (continued) facilitate opportunities with governments and NGO to create sustainable partnerships with US business, nonprofit and government leaders to serve the people in every community involved.

WOS: What can we expect from you in the next three

(3) years?

RC: What I have learned and know for sure is that

God’s plan is more extraordinary than I can think or WOS: Is there a few words of wisdom you can give to image, so I will not limit God. I choose to jump in fully the single or divorced women? committed to His plan without reservation, knowing He will give me the strength to execute with excellence. RC: Use this time to discover who you are, deepen your relationship with God and family. When we are WOS: Regyna or should I call you Pastor Regyna, confident and comfortable in who we are, we can RC: Regyna’s fine… share a happy and whole person with the man God has prepared. Relationships take work. The most WOS: we have enjoyed the time that you have spent promising relationships began with people who are with us. We look forward to all the great and powerful secure in who they are and who God has called them to things that God will allow you to do in this season. be as individual and how they complement each other as Thank you! a couple.

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Regyna Cooper, CEO PO Box 20147 • Towson, Maryland 21284 Phone: 704-517-3365 • Email: RCooper@maxserconsulting.com

www.maxserconsulting.com 2010 – 2011: Celebrating One Year

Women of Significance / august 2011

A WOS Interview with Dawn Butler WOS: Hello Dawn, it is a great honor to interview

today. WOS is excited about the wisdom and sharing that you will give us today. Explain to us why you named your magazine “Kontagious Magazine.”

DB: Before the name came the mission statement.

After I wrote the mission statement, I looked through Webster’s Dictionary to find words that would match the mission statement. There were several words that were close, but just before I closed the dictionary for that evening, I looked through the c’s and there at the end of the page was the word “contagious,” (to spread) which was part of our mission statement; to spread the word. I changed the “c” to “k” because the k represented legs and the hope is to walk into the lives of our readers and ultimately transform their lives through the living word, and from authentic stories from ordinary people who believe in an extraordinary God.

WOS: Dawn, I love your magazine and we thank God

for your commitment to excellence! Can you tell us why you chose to communicate through the medium of a magazine?

DB: I didn’t choose the magazine, the magazine chose

me and I’m glad that it did. It was not my quest to do a magazine. At the time, I hadn’t published anything in my life, and I certainly didn’t know a thing about publishing a magazine. It was completely foreign to me. However, the vision was so clear that it had to come from God, and while the road has been bumpy, He has not failed us. I believe God prepared me all along for this journey and at times it can be a lonely walk. My hope is that anyone who has a passion to read and write uplifting stories would come to us. We know that reading is one of the keys to life and I have not met anyone who doesn’t enjoy a good story.

somewhere. Can you share with us where your strength and leadership abilities came from?

DB: It comes from failures. I’ve failed people, jobs,

tests, relationships, but thank God for His grace and the wisdom to learn from those failures. If I’m any better at anything, it’s only because I’ve learned the lesson and I’m still learning. One of the greatest gifts that God gave is the gift to choose. I choose to worship, I choose to persevere in spite of how horrible I did at something, or how bad the situation is. I chose to workout. Everything is a choice…this is why we should make every effort to choose wisely with ALL things.

WOS: What would you say to women who have to

multi-task with their family, business, ministry and being a wife/mother? How do you balance your many tasks?

DB: This is a common statement, but I live by it. “If

you put God first, He will put your matters first.” I’m nothing without Him, that’s a given considering my WOS: I have had the privilege of meeting and speaking life, but I am also certainly nothing without my family. with you and find that you are such a passionate yet Prioritizing works best for me. I can’t sleep if there is a decisive leader. I am sure that you get this from clutter. I must have order and I am a better person to be (continued on next page)

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Women of Significance / august 2011

A WOS Interview with Dawn Butler (continued) around when there is order. I don’t have children, but for women who juggle the children, husband, ministry and maybe a full time job outside of those things…. God bless you. Really. God bless you, especially if you’re doing it well. I tell women to perform their jobs with integrity regardless of the role that they are in (mother, wife, ministry etc.) Above all, God is first. Make time for Him and He will make the many tasks that you have seem effortless.

WOS: What do you see as your assignment in the area of empowering women? DB: I believe that God places all of us in situations

where we must teach and be taught. Lately, I’ve been given the tasks to give others a greater sense of confidence in the area of NOT compromising values, morals or Godly assignments in order to gain friends, attention or to please others regardless of who they are or the role they have in your life. Godly assignments are not negotiable, which is why women must be careful who they share conversation and time with. Everyone will not understand your assignment, nor are they there to support and encourage. I have to empower myself daily, and that too, is a choice.

WOS: How do you see the change in the roles of

women compared to women living in the 1980’s?

DB: What has been will be again, what has been done

will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun. [Ecclesiastes 1:9 NIV] Politically, women are much more vocal. There are more women in leadership roles who are earning more money, and who are raising our boys to be men as best they can. We are increasingly outnumbering men in college. Disappointingly to me, schools have gotten away from home economics. I grew up in a home where my parents taught us how to cook and clean, and my mother indirectly taught her daughters how to care for a husband (if we were to marry one day). I meet so many young, independent, stern and aggressive young women who are ready for the world, and that’s wonderful, but on the flipside,

many don’t have a clue as to how to cook rice, do laundry, or clean a house. The quick answer is, “I’ll have someone do those things for me,” and that too may be great, but it’s important to know for yourself. Women are the caretakers of the world…we evolve, we thrive and we are survivors. We are change makers. If anything, we get better with time in every area of our lives.

WOS: You always look “together”. I have several of

what I call the “Saturday look” days meaning I want to walk around in my pajamas all day with my hair all over my head. How do you do it?

DB: (Laughing)….Thank you! Make up, make

up…I’m from New Orleans and I know how to cook and I know how to EAT and I know how to hide my fat when needed. Seriously, I do make time to at least workout 4 times a week. I am a walker. If I can get a 45 minute walk daily, I’m very happy. I like to think that I have a healthy balance with eating and working out. I know what it would take to drop ten pounds and I’m disciplined enough to do it, but I’m also stubborn enough to not do it and would rather have a stuffed pepper or red beans and rice and a poboy (sandwich) instead. I workout to maintain, but I don’t deprive myself. If I have to quickly prepare for an event, I don’t want my weight so high that what I put on makes me sick. I like to put on my clothes and just be ready to go. I really hate shopping and I don’t like to dress up. I do it because there are times I just have to, but like you, I would rather stay in pajamas all day.

WOS: What do you see that we as women can do to

make a difference in the “generation next”?

DB: We’ve got to be visible and accessible to other

women. If we’re giving advice, we need to give Godly advice. I can learn from anyone, but I don’t take advice from everyone. My spiritual covers are women like you who sincerely pray for me, with me, over me, and we need more women in those roles for our younger women. Sometimes, we don’t choose to be role models, but that door is open and people are looking, listening and taking notes. We have to be better servants….if (continued on next page)

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Women of Significance / august 2011

A WOS Interview with Dawn Butler (continued) Jesus who needed no one or nothing can say, “I came to serve not be served,” that should make us all run to help others in any way we can.

WOS: If you were to leave word of wisdom for women ages 21-30 what would it be? DB: When you can’t trace God….trust Him. Pray

EVERYDAY as if it was your last. Be thankful for everything, even the troubles and problems, thank God for the trials. He will bring you through. God hears His people and when you think He doesn’t care, He is working it out; your worship is your way out. Never compromise what God has given you or said to you. Even when you lose, and you will lose some things, you are still a winner. Failures are simply lessons. Learn them well. Every woman needs a spiritual mentor to keep her encouraged, grounded and to help her to understand the ways of God.

WOS: What can we expect from you next? DB: Really! That’s a question only God can answer.

I just show up when He opens the door. I can’t plan Kontagious articles. When I do, something ALWAYS changes. I really try to get involved and be in alignment to hear and receive God’s blessings. I do have a schedule, I do have plan, but He always seem to tweak His way. I have a blessed life and everyday that I’m graced to awake, it really is a blessing. And so the question for the day is, “What can I do for you today God?” Bishop Paul Morton sings it best and it wraps up how I feel about what’s next for me… “Lord whatever you’re doing in this season please don’t do without me….include me, if you’re blessing, if you’re healing…don’t do it without me.Whatever you’re doing Lord…don’t do it without me.”

WOS: We are so happy that you took time to share with us today. We look forward to reading more of the excellent “Kontagious Magazine”. Thank you.

2010 – 2011: Celebrating One Year

Women of Significance / august 2011

2010 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2011: Celebrating One Year

Women of Significance / august 2011

Senior Talk B. Mae Allen Contributor

We are about to enter the Senior Zone. Sometimes you wonder where you took this turn. When did you realize that you were a senior? Was it when you received your AARP notice arrived? Well don’t worry, the word senior has changed it meaning over the past 10 year. In beauty and health 60 is the new 50, but somehow AARPs distribution list is continuing to target a younger demographic. But don’t get too upset with the invitation. There are many benefits you can take advantage of with age and preparation you can make now that will benefit you when you can no longer do it all yourself. Let’s think about this. You use to have to be 65 years old to be considered a senior. Now some places think of you as a senior at age 50. But whatever it is, let’s talk about a five ways to take advantage of the wisdom of age and handle your business.

many life insurance policies. You can purchase long term care plans that include life, extended hospital care and will pay for someone to come to your home and take care of you (in-home care). This is an assurance that if our spouse or busy children, can’t take off the time to stay at home, you won’t have to go to a nursing home. 3. WILLS: That use to be a bad word or something

only people who think they are dying would prepare. No matter what age you are, you need to have a Last Will and Testament (Will). The government keeps 1. DISCOUNT BENEFITS: A little savings here an eye out for people who die without Wills. When and there can go a long way. You are now entering a finances and resources are not claimed or owed to anynew world of discounting. Retailers have learned that one, eventually it is absorbed back into the local, state the baby boomers are here and are spending money. You or national government. The pieces of jewelry, pension, draw that group in, and your business will thrive. Any- bank accounts, they all can add up. There are two ways where you go, ask for a discount; many times they won’t to prepare a Will. You can pay a lawyer, or go on line tell you until you ask. So ask away farmers markets, and print a generic one. You don’t have to be all fancy, travel agents, entertainment venues, clothing stores, the just write down what you want everyone to receive possibilities are endless. after expenses. Give the list to the lawyer or record it yourself. If you do it yourself and use the generic forThe next 4 fall into the “I’m handling my business now” mat, be sure to have your Will notarized for validation. category. No matter who prepares the Will, some people will love you and some will not, but you won’t have to worry Take control of your life decisions. about it. God will deal with them. 2. LONG TERM CARE INSURANCE: This insurance is great. This is a relatively new offering from 4. ADVANCE DIRECTIVE: Take control of your life decisions. Every time you go to the doctor or a the insurance industry. Twenty years ago, many of us hospital for a procedure, they are supposed to ask you would have never heard of this insurance. It was basiif you have an advance directive. This form let’s your cally for the wealthy. It is on the expensive side, but it love ones know your end of life request. Do you want I well worth the cost. You can get this insurance from most insurance agencies and it can be combined with (continued on next page)

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Women of Significance / august 2011

Senior Talk (continued) to be kept on life support machines or if you have a terminal disease, do you want advances treatments. Leaving those decisions to your love ones will cause undue pressure during an already stressed situation. No one ever really wants to make that decision for anyone they love.

It is not all fun, but when you are making the decisions for your well being, it is easier on everyone. To get further information on any of these topics, free of charge, check on-line for your local Department of Aging website or visit any senior center near you. You don’t have to be over 50 to get information for your community Senior Center. They have experienced people there to answer any questions that you may have for you or someone you care about. Welcome to Seniorhood.

5. POWER OF ATTORNEY: You never know

when you may be incapacitated. At any age, you should assign someone you trust to be your power of attorney. You give this person the legal authority to represent you in any matter when you are unable to do so for yourself. There are 2 types of power of attorney, medical and financial. You can have one person do both or you can divide the power between two or more people. I advise if you have more than 1 close love one (that are trustworthy) divide the responsibilities. Below is a description of the 2 types of power of attorney:

MEDICAL POWER OF ATTORNEY: This person

Mae Allen recently retired from two careers to start on her newest journey. She retired from 47 years in hospital services (position from OB/GYN nurses aid, to Admitting Manager to the administrator of the Outpatient Psychiatric department) and as the owner of her catering service Mae’s Specialties. As she continues to teach Sunday school and manages the nursery, she finds time to volunteers at a local hospital, senior center and provides administrative assistance in her daughter’s consulting firms. God has continued to show her more. She recently finished writing the first in a series of children’s books and is currently working on the illustrations. In retirement her plate is as full as ever, but it is filled with God’s portion for her soul’s purpose. As mother of four, grandmother of one and too many adopted children and young adults to count, she has a new walk and stronger strut than ever. Now she knows more than ever, that this walk is divinely planned by God.

only has authority to make decisions for medical reasons/purpose. This person is not responsible for any bill payments. They can take you to the doctors or hospital and sign your registration papers if you are unable or decide or courses of treatment for illness, etc.

FINANCIAL POWER OF ATTORNEY: This per-

son has authority of all your finances. They are responsible to make sure all you bill are paid. They handle your bank account, mortgage, and all day to day finances.

2010 – 2011: Celebrating One Year

Women of Significance

Women of Significance / august 2011

Spotlight Each month we will highlight our Women of Significance so that each of you can get to know one another. Please let us keep each other in prayer and pray that we all fulfill our destiny.

Tiffany Lymon Tiffany Lymon is a Life and Leader Mastery Coach and Coach Trainer at Mind Over Matter, LLC. She lives in Joppa Maryland. She is a phenomenal teacher, strategic master mind for finances and a great builder of new businesses. www.pearlsofpursuit.com

Donna Carlson Donna Carlson is a great communicator. She works for Compassion International in IT & Communications. She studied journalism at the University of Texas. She currently lives in Colorado.

Edith Jones Edith Jones is a recent graduate of Bowie University in Maryland. She is the co-founder of ‘Creative Change’. She has worked extensively with the government to the level of the White House. She is an influential connector and savvy in facilitating meetings for international partnerships.

Jodie Pittman Jodie Pittman lives in Auburn Hills Michigan. Works for Unique Printing & Catering. She is a woman of ambition and great vision.

Felicia Jones Felicia Jones is a Pharmacist and a graduate from Hampton University. She is very outgoing and is a great role model and leader.

2010 – 2011: Celebrating One Year

Samantha Shaw Jaramillo Samantha Shaw Jaramillo is a Nutritional Coach living in Las Vegas, Nevada. She graduated from Pepperdine University and delights in helping women reach their potential through healthy living.

Women of Significance / august 2011

After Having Done All —When Your Child is Living in Rebellion Teri Worten Contributor

There’s no pain quite like that of a parent whose child is engaged in activities that may hinder their future success. Behaviors such as drugs, gang activity, criminal conduct and the like are common traps that ensnare many of today’s young people. Nevertheless, once a child reaches a certain age, we, as mothers, must turn them over to their own devices. The time comes when we can no longer make choices for them, it is then that we must trust that our seeds of faith and moral integrity have taken root. Some fruits do not produce immediate harvests, but if a child was taught and trained, the seed will indeed yield. When a young person ventures into risky activities, try to trust, encourage, and support them – not to criticize, judge or detest. If you, or a loved one, is in the dilemma of living with the rebellion of a young person, understand that there are no quick cures for this type of situation. In spite of this, there are attitudes and actions that a parent can employ to alleviate the pain and dissention caused during these times.

Recognize that children are going to choose their own way. This doesn’t imply that the parent

shouldn’t try to persuade or advise them to choose another path. Still, making (and learning from) mistakes is a normal part of the growth process. Each of us has made our share of blunders and most of us are better for it. [As long as it’s not life threatening], allow your children to stumble a few times. It’s the best way to learn! The greatest Parent of all. Of course, this great

parent is our heavenly Father. Think of how He handles us when we rebel. His mercy is graciously infinite. When we apologize, He quickly forgives, dusts us off and provides a fresh start. We must learn to be so merciful with our kids. Don’t beat yourself up. Don’t kill yourself with

shoulda coulda wouldas – shoulda done that, coulda done this... doing so is utter foolishness. When you do this, you begin to take too much responsibility for the ordeal. If they are of a reasonable age, you can’t be held solely responsible for the choices your children make. Think back for a moment, when the doctor handed you that precious little baby, did you say “I’m gonna teach you to make very bad decisions”? Of course not, you did the absolute best you could to train them well. They made alternative choices. Keep on keepin’ on. Don’t let your child’s rebel-

lion reek havoc on your life or on the lives of your other children. Continue to live as normally as possible. Remember the story of the prodigal son? When he came to his senses and returned home, he didn’t find the house in disarray, or his father suffering from a nervous break(continued on next page)

2010 – 2011: Celebrating One Year

Women of Significance / august 2011

After Having Done All—When Your Child is Living in Rebellion (continued) Okay, Girlfriend. Let’s get real here. There are going to be times when bitterness might get the best of you.You may ask yourself, “exactly who does this little nutmo think he/she is, causing all this trouble?” Try not to hold animosity in your heart for the child. The rebellious child needs to see you in a consistent state of calm and control.You may need to seek professional help with this. Finally, do not give up. Concentrate on all of the

other obstacles you’ve overcome as a parent. Remember that it’s not over until its over. There’s always hope. TeriWorten is a freelance writer, passionate about guiding down. He found life as usual. I’m sure that made return- women toward reaching their fullest potential in Christ. ing home even sweeter. Visit her at sistershelpingsisters.org. Do not forget the other kids. One child’s rebel-

lion should not directly affect other siblings’ lives. If you focus only on the rebelling child you’re sending the message that the best way to receive mommy’s attention is to do something to anger or frustrate her.

2010 – 2011: Celebrating One Year

Women of Significance / august 2011

Simple Ways to Cut 500 Calories

These calorie-blasting strategies will help you lose weight and burn more fat all day long

Holly C. Corbett Contributor

At Breakfast Make a trade. Swap your bagel for an English

muffin to slash 220 calories, a glass of whole milk for skim to save 70 calories, and a three-egg omelet for one egg and two egg whites, or pork sausage for turkey sausage to cut about 125 calories each.

Measure portions. “It’s so easy to eat a whole

cup of cereal rather than a half-cup serving,” says Susan Kleiner, RD, PhD, co-author of The Good Mood Diet and The Power Food Nutrition Plan. “Simply measuring out one serving can save you up to 200 calories.” Keep in mind that a cup of granola can have up to 600 calories, while a cup of high-fiber cereal has only about 120.

At Lunch Move on your lunch hour. “A brisk

15-minute walk burns about 100 calories, and it gives you less time to eat,” says Marjorie Nolan, RD, CND, CPT and national spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association. Walk during your lunch for five days and burn 500 extra calories. Or try wearing a pedometer to measure out 10,000 steps a day, or about 5 miles—you’ll automatically burn 500 calories without even hitting the gym. Order wisely. Use hummus or mustard instead of

mayo, and a roll for sliced bread on your sandwich, and cut about 200 calories. Opt for a salad instead of fries to save another 300 calories for a total of 500 saved.

Chew your food. An easy way to slash calories

is to slow down when you eat. Women who chewed at least 20 times before swallowing ate up to 70 calories less at mealtime, according to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Since it takes 20 to 30 minutes for your body to register that you are full, researchers believe eating more slowly allows you to get to the point

where you feel satiated on fewer calories than if you’re shoveling it in.

At Dinner Downsize your plates. Rather than depriv-

ing yourself of food to drop pounds, simply use smaller plates. “People eat as much as is on their dish rather than the amount that their body actually needs,” says Jacob Teitelbaum, MD, author of Beat Sugar Addiction Now! “If you shrink the size of your dishes by a quarter, such as going from a 12-inch plate to a 9-inch plate, you’ll cut 500 calories without feeling deprived.” The research backs it up: People serving themselves ice cream in larger bowls ate 31 percent more than their counterparts eating from smaller bowls—and both groups reported feeling full, according to the American Journal of Preventative Medicine.

Wait to have seconds. Once you’ve down-

sized to smaller plates, Dr. Teitelbaum recommends giving yourself permission to eat as much as you want, but waiting 20 to 30 minutes to have a second helping. “You almost never go back because you’ve given your body time to register that you’re feeling full, so you easily save hundreds of calories.” Even if you do opt for seconds, you’re likely to get a smaller helping because hunger hormones won’t be driving your appetite.

Slim your sides. Instead of dipping chips in fatpacked sour cream, try serving baked tortilla chips or whole wheat pita wedges with low-fat refried beans and chunky salsa. It’s a tasty way to sneak in an extra serving of veggies and cut 109 calories. Or trade a side of traditional potato salad for sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions tossed with fat-free Italian dressing to cut 258 calories.

2010 – 2011: Celebrating One Year

Women of Significance / august 2011

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