2 Women & 2 Decisions

OCTOBER 2012

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Women of Significance / NOVEMBER 2012

Dr. Cheryl Hill Visionary

Welcome Women of Significance, This month’s Communiqué is designed to open your eyes to choices.

You are the answer between a YES and a NO result. The first 30 seconds of choice can change your life when presented with a decision.

Although many times your environment plays a key role in your direction if you are focused on your destiny and you understand your assignment then you are able to walk fully through the doors labeled “yes, I have been expecting you”!

Your decisions are a result of your thought life. Where you are today is a result of what you deem important, who you deem is important and where you sense your purpose will take you.

As women of “significance” let us become more focused, more passionate and worshipful in this season of great expectation. Please understand that you are valuable and that there are many lives that you affect.

I am truly serious that we as Women of Significance will “change” our parts of the world as we walk together not just praying BUT praying and moving into Godly action.

Where Your Focus Goes the POWER Flows!

Dr. Cheryl

Dr. Cheryl Hill is The President, of Integrity International Consulting Group, LLC. She is emerging as an “InfluentialWoman toWatch” in the 21st Century. She is a leader in the marketplace with a Bachelors of Science Degree in Biblical Leadership and Management and an Honorary Doctoral Degree of Divinity. Cheryl’s government appointments have been with the Maryland’s Governor’s Office of Community Initiatives as the Director of Faith Based & Community Outreach. She facilitated/ coordinated meetings with State agencies, faith-based organizations and liaised to theWhite House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives. Her work has reached as high as theWhite House and the depths of grass roots organizations in various African countries. She has been called upon by the wealthy and corporate leaders to help discern their spiritual walk, and lives out her mission daily, which is to “recognize, promote, inspire and commission the divine connection in others.” She is strategically called upon for her wisdom to build infrastructure and to mobilize communities.

As the Founder of “Women of Significance” communiqué and magazine which reaches twenty-one (21) countries and nineteen (19) U.S. states, she teaches biblical wisdom strategies for “real” practical everyday challenges.

She firmly believes that finding, and living out, one’s spiritual calling is the greatest joy to accomplish. She also believes that the “business world” is one of the most exciting arenas where this development can happen. Cheryl’s greatest delight is being an ordained and International Pastor who equips, trains and ministers to marketplace leaders.

Women of Significance / NOVEMBER 2012

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The Next Big Thing

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id you know that we can count on advertisers to keep us enticed with the next “big thing” because that is their job? Whether it is the next 5G phone, the latest and greatest on Facebook or the fastest and more intellectual car you must admit that we all get caught in this flow no matter what your interest may be.

What is it that you feel when you get the newest Iphone Siri.

Could you ever imagine a phone that is voice sensitive to answer your questions? The other day I had fun using my daughter’s cell phone talking to Siri. My son asked Siri to tell a joke and the response from the automated Siri was “I can’t tell a joke because I forget the punch line” and we laughed so hard. It is amazing how such things will bring us excitement and drive us to look for the next big thing.

What happens when God does something in our lives both inwardly and outwardly? For the most part we get excited but for some strange reason our excitement does not last long. We forget the heavenly intervention and move to the next “woo is me” time in our life. Many times we only understand God “Our Father” for our “give me” session or “help I am in trouble” session.

WHAT IF we stayed on the path of wanting to know what the NEXT BIG THING was that God wanted to do with as He designed in John 15:5 (I am the vine you are the branches)? We have so much to accomplish and as an individual we were created to do specific things that no one can do but us.

We do not need Siri to give us answers but indeed we can go to our friend, comforter and teacher –the Holy Spirit for answers and He will lead us into all truths about what Jesus wants us to do.

Let us “download” an app or application to the Word of God and GET EXCITED about the NEXT BIG THING in our life that we get to accomplish through Christ Jesus that can change families, towns, cities and nations!

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Women of Significance / NOVEMBER 2012

2 Women & 2 Decisions

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remember a quote from Dr. Mike Murdock that has stuck with me since reading it which says–“the decision you make today will determine your tomorrow.” In one sentence he places eternal and destiny motivated instructions.

This article is to bring forth wisdom to some of us through practical observations by looking at the life of Princess Diana and The Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson. The two women had the same opportunities but they made different decisions. Each entered into the Royal family not feeling adequate enough to be in that place of authority and public scrutiny. I want to just provide for you all some inner feelings of both women as I clipped a few comments from the internet.

Excerpt: The Duchess of York has revealed she was driven to comfort eating after being unfavourably compared with Princess Diana. Sarah Ferguson said her addiction to food was like the mindset of an alcoholic, adding: ‘Every day I live I am on a diet.’

In a deeply personal interview, she also revealed that she is struggling to find love - because men think that she is still too close to her ex-husband Prince Andrew.

The 49-year-old said that she was devastated by newspapers calling her ‘Frumpy Fergie’ and the ‘Duchess of Pork’ during their marriage. She said: ‘I just believed they were true. I was so unhappy I ate all the time, and then I was pilloried for being overweight, and on the cycle went.

I didn’t know how to break it.’

She claimed her over-eating stemmed from the perception that the Princess of Wales was beautiful and serene, whereas she was fun but naughty. But when she confided to Diana, her sister-in-law appeared wholly unsympathetic. The duchess said: ‘I remember quite clearly Diana saying to me: “Well, it’s easier for you. I’m at the top of the pedestal, and I have only one way to go.You are at the bottom, so you can really only go up”.’

She added: ‘I can’t control certain things about myself. I will spend my whole life worrying about my weight. Every day I live I am on a diet.

‘It’s like being an alcoholic. For ages you say you don’t need help, and then eventually you get some, and then it becomes a way of life.’ (continued on next page)

Women of Significance / NOVEMBER 2012

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2 Women & 2 Decisions (continued) Where Diana was shy as a girl and not forthcoming, Fergie was always a gung-ho clodhopper. Diana would be photographed looking down or away from the camera but Fergie was always open-mouthed, vulgar and attention-seeking.

Diana was a very sensitive young woman, only nineteen when Prince Charles hoodwinked her into a marriage that was entirely disingenuous.

She soon learnt that his adulterous affair with the married Camilla Parker-Bowles was far from over and that her prince was far from faithful.

Fergie, on the other hand, was genuinely loved by her long-suffering husband, Prince Andrew. She wrecked her marriage all on her own by having affairs and parading her lovers in the public eye.

During their marriages, the two women behaved very differently. Fergie quickly gained a reputation for spending money on herself, for partying, and for greed. Diana undertook charity and other philanthropic work and made a point of introducing her sons, princes William and Harry, to people far less fortunate so that they would learn two lessons. One was how (continued on page 7)

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God Will USE “ANYBODY” TO HELP YOU! . . . CYRUS TOO!

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ear the Word of the Lord for those of YOU who have phenomenal visions that only God can bring to pass. For the last few weeks I have been in prayer, supplication and intercession for ALL the things in which the Lord is speaking to me about accomplishing in this season.

It is SO HUGE that all I can do is continue writing out what I see. A couple of days ago the Lord stirred in my spirit the power of the Cyrus anointing and what it represents.

God wants us to “agree” with His plan no matter how huge it is. It has taken me years to understand that I am NOT God and I do not have to have all the answers. Cyrus was “anointed” by God to set captives free, to conquer God’s enemies and to BRING RESOURCES!! In the spirit I searched for those that may be 3-4 people away from me that I have not met yet that are to be divinely connected to me to meet the fulfillment of destiny for this season. Instead of being 3-4 people away I requested that we come face to face to complete the assignments.

I want you to know TODAY that God can use “ANYBODY” He wants and will anoint them to do His desires. Cyrus was RAISED up into righteousness!

TODAY I know for ME and I strongly sense for some of you too that God will NOW introduce you to people you did not expect to assist you in your assignment for this season.

Whether you are in ministry, business, government, Hollywood, agriculture….wherever you are reading this WORD of KNOWLEDGE you will begin to meet those that God has raised up to BRING RESOURCES TO YOU that you could NEVER get without your Cyrus’s. These people were born to assist others.

(New International Version) “I will raise up Cyrus in my righteousness: I will make all his ways straight. He will rebuild my city and set my exiles free, but not for a price or reward, says the LORD Almighty.”

“Who says of Cyrus, He is my shepherd ruler and he shall perform all my pleasure and fulfill all my purpose-even saying of Jerusalem, she shall again be built, and of the temple, your foundation shall again be laid. Isaiah 44:28 (Amplified).

God raised Cyrus to do His pleasure and order the rebuilding of Jerusalem. King Cyrus provided all the resources needed for the building of Jerusalem.

Are you in captivity (stuck because of finances, illness or lack of direction) like the children of Israel?

For every captivity or predicament you find yourself in, there is a Cyrus! Before you were born, God has already gone ahead of you and made provision for your deliverance from captivity.

Your Cyrus will not show up empty-handed. Your Cyrus will come loaded with resources needed to build you up and complete your assignment given to you. It is your prayer that releases your Cyrus into the place of obedience. The awesome thing about the God we serve is He doesn’t wait for you to get into challenges before He makes a way for you. He had already made a way for you before you came into any challenge.

In whatever country you find yourself in, there is a Cyrus God has already raised up before you got there. Be on the LOOK OUT, because this Cyrus will use his/her power, influence, resources, position and ability to help you in this very hour.

Dr. Cheryl

Women of Significance / NOVEMBER 2012

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2 Women & 2 Decisions (continued) fortunate they were themselves. The other was to have compassion for people who were ill, disabled or had other intractable problems.

While Diana was a loving and sensitive mother to her boys, Fergie foolishly issued statements to the press saying that she saw her two daughters as pals and liked going out “on the pull” with them at night.

While Diana became increasingly stylish and beauiful, Fergie appeared increasingly vulgar.

Once the two women were divorced, Diana handled her single status with dignity in public. She had relationships, yes, but in the main they were kept low-profile. It was only when she started to date Dodi Fayed years after her divorce that she was seen to be openly dating.

Fergie, on the other hand, went rapidly afer the rails after her divorce. Critically, she became a hanger-on to the rich and famous, sought publicity where she could find it and ran up massive debts.

Where Diana was genuinely wounded by her husband’s infidelity and by her divorce, Fergie charged around as usual, focusing on holidays, parties, shopping sprees and publicity.

In this practical and real scenario both women faced the same challenges and each of their lives reaped different results.

They are women just as we are and they faced challenges just as we will continue to face challenges. What matters is the decision that each woman made.

The question for you as you read this article is what makes us “different” from both of these ladies? While we have the gifts of God and Wisdom do we use what we have? Remember, “the decision that you make today will determine your tomorrow”!

Women to Watch Every month we will feature on our on-line website “Women to Watch”. This is important to us to showcase women around the world who are impacting their sphere of influence. These women do not necessarily have to be famous but they must have qualities that are integral, reaching women and setting godly examples.

They can be housewives doing great things, CEO, farmers, etc. Please let WOS know if you know of any women in your sphere of influence or women you have heard of that should be showcased. They may be local or international. WOS would also love to showcase “emerging” leaders.

Send your nomination to cheryl20081@hotmail.com

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Women of Significance / NOVEMBER 2012

Godly Leadership in the 21st Century

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odly leadership of the 21st Century is a look at where we are leaders should champion change, challenge the unintegral and take our marketplace commitment to another level. A new emerging kind of leadership shows us how we as Christians can use our God given authority in every area of influence.

The inspiration and wisdom stems from the timing of the leadership of Jesus for this generation. This generation of leaders has seen what disunity, self-indulgence and greed is all about and they understand that to advance a true vision from God that it will take a more focused, self-control and righteous leadership. No longer will a good leader be one with “the branding of their name” but ones who understand the assignment of God, the timing of God and the favor of God as well as being able to implement the spiritual and practical purposes of God both in the House of God as well as in the marketplace.

21st century leadership is not dependent on a position. This new type of leadership now means reaching in different ways. For the Godly 21st Christian leader you must first KNOW where your wisdom comes from and know your assignment. It also combines being a champion of change, challenging what is not working or benefiting people as a whole and constantly looking on how to improve your ministries, businesses and organizations. When we look at leadership as Christians you must look at leading in the way that Jesus has lead and still continues to lead. In the model of Jesus’ training you will find success. What Jesus did with the disciples is still anointed and relevant for today. He called out the gifts of God in a person, provided on the job training, listened to develop a unified relationship and commissioned them to work in their gifting or assignment.

Secular leadership is often about position, power, status and personal benefit. The leadership that we are to follow is about serving, meeting the assignment, being inclusive to hear the ideas of those that are set around you, to take time away with the Lord and then to implement the wisdom of God.

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Women of Significance / NOVEMBER 2012

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The Gabby Douglas Story Gabby has made history and has made God proud. At a young age despite the challenges and hard work we can now see a young woman of God stand on an international platform testifying of God’s greatness.

Gabby won the most prized possession in women’s gymnastics, the Olympic all around gold medal!

Gabby was the favorite going into the competition and after firing off a near perfect Amanar in her first event, she took the lead and never looked back.

At the age of 14 years old, Gabby Douglas pleaded with her mother to let her move cross country to work with a new coach who could help her get to the Olympics.

Not two years after setting out on her own, Douglas beat Russia’s Viktoria Komova for the all-around title becoming the third straight U.S. athlete to win gymnastics’ biggest prize and the first African-American to do so. It was her second gold medal of the London Games, coming two nights after she and her teammates gave the United States its first Olympic title since 1996.

“It feels amazing to be the Olympic champion,” Douglas said.

In the stands, her mother, Natalie Hawkins, embraced her children and then shared a long hug with Missy Parton, whose family took Douglas in after she moved to West Des Moines, Iowa, and now counts her as one of their own.

“She inspires me,” Hawkins said, referring to her champion. “To keep it together in that moment when it meant so much says a lot about her.”

When Douglas first told her mother she wanted to move to train with Coach Chow, who coached Shawn Johnson, Gabby’s mom was against it. Ms. Hawkins was a single mother who could not uproot her family and did not want her youngest child going away to a foreign place.

Gabby’s two older sisters gave their mother a list of reasons why Gabby should be allowed to move. The only reason to stay: They would miss her.

The move was hard on Douglas, too. Though we have heard that the Partons treat her like their fifth daughter and are now so close to Ms. Hawkins they may as well be related, Gabby missed her family and her dogs. As recently as January, she second-guessed her decision. But she also knew Chow and his wife, Li Zhuang, could get her where she wanted to go. (continued on next page)

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Women of Significance / NOVEMBER 2012

The Gabby Douglas Story (continued) Another Gold medal for Douglas is a huge personal achievement, but her faith in God will earn her bigger honor; a place in heaven. As Christians the comment from Douglas gives all of us renewed hope that the word of God is alive and well in our children.

Gabby will receive many accolades for her crowning successes on the gym floor, but her greatest reward will come from the lives she will touch by displaying her faith in God on the world stage. Douglass will is and will be a positive role model for those kids wishing to follow her gymnastic talent.

However, her biggest impact will be in helping to lead those same kids to a place in the arms of Christ. Douglas, along with athletes like Tim Tebow and Jeremy Lin are making the public display of Christianity popular among our youth. With the help of Christian athletes like Douglas the teachings of Christ will not die.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/721250

Women of Significance / NOVEMBER 2012

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Wrong Seat Becky Dewitt Christian Author

Have you ever had a ticket to an event, misread where you were assigned to sit and ended up in the wrong seat? Many functions have reserved seating, which is an indication that our position in attendance has been pre-arranged. Some of us in the body of Christ are thanking and praising God for the victory in many battles that we did not even have to be involved.You have to know when it is your fight and when it is His. There is an identity crisis among the Believers today. We have forgotten who we are and the price that was paid for our redemption. Our state of being has unique characteristics that are found in and through the blood of Jesus Christ. The one time shedding of His blood as our high priest has positioned us far above the world system of the enemy. Even though we were born into the system of sin, initiated by the fall of Adam, but the blood purchase destroyed the bond of the enemy to position us and release us into heavenly places. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:” (Ephesians 1:3 KJV).

Recently I was going through one of the enemy orchestrated situations and read a scripture that I know and quote, Psalm 91:7-8. But in the Amplified version it reads, “A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand, but it shall not come near you. Only a spectator shall you be, yourself inaccessible in the secret place of the Most High, as you witness the reward of the wicked.” When I read that I was a spectator who was inaccessible, I immediately thought about the skyboxes of the wealthy at sport events. They are watching the event, but the people on the lower level and the field of play cannot see or approach them. I received the revelation that I was in the wrong seat at this event. A spectator is one who is present but views and looks on as an observer. In other words you are a part of the audience to witness the battle and the victorious outcome. Glory to God! If I am inaccessible, that means that the enemy cannot approach, reach or even have any influence where I am through his activities. The secret place is an awesome place to be in God!!!

We are a part of a royal and holy race, picked out and accepted in the beloved by God himself. “Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God.” (Ephesians 2:19 KJV). Planning in love for us, He set us apart for himself. He takes pleasure in fighting for us. “For He foreordained us, destined us, planned in love for us, to be adopted, revealed as His own children through Jesus Christ, in accordance with the purpose of His will, because it pleased Him and was His kind intent.” (continued on next page)

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Women of Significance / NOVEMBER 2012

Wrong Seat (continued) (Ephesians 1:5 AMP). Whenever I read any scripture that says “In Whom”, it reminds me that I am hidden in Him and that “In Him, we live, and move, and have our being.” (Acts 17:28 KJV).

Forgetting my identity allowed the enemy to maneuver to deceive and manipulate to create a wrong position in which I was too low as well as having the wrong image of myself. In any royal activity, the kings and priests are always in the reserved pre-arranged seating. “And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.” (Revelation 1:6 KJV).

There are some battles in which we must ask the Lord, “Is this one yours or mine?” It is important that we stand and withstand against the enemy, but we must take the right position. Truthfully, the enemy is after our faith and he makes every attempt to use the element of time against us, all the while spewing his evil chatter through thoughts.

That is why we must discern our thoughts and cast down the ones that are contrary to the Word of God. Sometimes the Father may just want to showoff or flex His mighty omnipotence. See, as the Creator of everything, He can do any thing He wants, anytime He pleases. When we call upon Abba Father, we are calling on our Daddy, our Papa for help. Sit back and watch what happens to the one who messes with His children.

“Every God-begotten person conquers the world’s ways.The conquering power that brings the world to its knees is our faith.The person who wins out over the world’s ways is simply the one who believes Jesus is the Son of God.” ( 1 John 5:4 The Message).

As a Christian author, Becky’s writings reveal trials and tribulations as well as edification to the soul. Her books express the need to talk about Jesus Christ from the ordinary everyday perspective with titles that are uncommon and cover art that is expressive.

In 2008 she published her first children’s short story,“Destiny’s Closet,” which developed into a book by 2009.“Destiny’s Closet”teaches children the importance of developing a personal relationship with God. The success and well-reception of “Destiny’s Closet” inspired Becky to follow-up with a sequel, titled,“Destiny’s Closet -Circle of Friends,” which was published in November 2010. “Destiny’s Closet - Circle of Friends” continues the adventures of Destiny, Becca, and Mauri and their growing relationship with Jesus. The inspiration continues for the third book in the “Destiny’s Closet” series,“Destiny’s Closet - TheWonder School.”The “Destiny’s Closet” series and her latest book,“The Fruit ofYour Lips” are available at www.authorhouse.com.

In addition, Becky writes articles for theWrittenVoices website (http://writtenvoicesblog.com), the Authors Den website (www.authorsden.com/beckydewitt), and the ChristianVoice Magazine, (www.thechristianvoice.net), where she is featured as a contributing writer.

On theWrittenVoices website, her articles can be found in the Journey column.The ChristianVoice Magazineis published and distributed throughout the Carolinas. Becky has just joined Coleslaw Talk Magazine. She also works with The ColumbiaWriter’s Alliance Group, www.colawriters.com.

Becky is a member of Tree of Life Ministries, under the leadership of Pastor ElaineW. Green. Becky lives and works in Myrtle Beach, SC. She firmly believes that finding, and living out, one’s spiritual calling is the greatest joy to accomplish. She also believes that the “business world” is one of the most exciting arenas where this development can happen. Cheryl’s greatest delight is being an ordained and International Pastor who equips, trains and ministers to marketplace leaders. © April 2012

Women of Significance / NOVEMBER 2012

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Your Assignment Will Take You To Places You Have Never Been

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oday I would like you to look at where you are in your life so that when you begin to see God move you so drastically into your purpose that you will remember “today”.

I love reading the wisdom that Dr. Mike Murdock writes through the Holy Spirit. It is always concise, to the point and a direct hit to where you are.Your “assignment” is your purpose. When we are experiencing change it often brings a discomfort to our lives because we are doing something out of our norm. When God gives you an assignment your season of discomfort is usually a sign and a bridge to your divine connection.

Just remember, you are not alone in this walk and you are not the first one to experience discomfort on your way to greatness! When you are moving in your assignment it will take you places that you have never been. Many times those that are around you are unqualified to celebrate your uniqueness. God then takes you to another place where your VALUE will be embraced.

I love the account of Joseph in the bible. Joseph went places that he had never been to find out that the place of his assignment and authority by route of “discomfort” was his ordained purpose. Joseph was sold into bondage by his brothers. Egypt was a new country and a new location to Joseph and it is also where he BECAME the second in command of the country by way of discomfort into his ordained assignment.

Ruth experienced a change of direction as well. She marries and then her husband dies. She left Moab to be with her mother-in-law Naomi. It was a strange land and strange lifestyle to her but her divine connection to her destiny was to meet Boaz.

You may have experienced some places, people and things that you feel were or are very uncomfortable.You will truly have to submit to God by saying “I don’t understand your plan for me right now but I will trust you”. What seemed like a long season will become a sense of the past very shortly because you have been tried and now qualified by faith and submission to enter into your destined appointment that only God could have set for you.

Just remember you are born to live out your assigned purpose. The route you take may not always be package and mapped out the way you desire but when you arrive to that appointed place you will know that it is God’s ordained assignment and the place you have arrived at you have never been there before.

w w w. w o s o n l i n e . o r g CONNECT WITH US ONLINE ALL YEAR LONG! Get answers from contributors on Home, Finances and Senior Living. College advice from Aurielle or get an answer from Andrew from a young man’s perspective (no more guessing). And, of course, Dr. Hill will be sharing God given words of wisdom as directed by our Lord.

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Women of Significance / NOVEMBER 2012

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IN THE BEGINNING: The New Christian

B. Mae Allen

Contributor

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et’s start at my beginning. All my life, someone has been telling me to give my life to God so I could go to heaven, but they never explained how to do it. How do I give my life to God? You do it one step at a time.

Before you decide to give your life to God, what thoughts were you having: I have to give up all my pleasures? You will find pleasure in God. My friends will think I’m acting funny? You will be, because you will be joyous in other ways. Where do I start? Start where you are, God will met you right there. I have to read the Bible from beginning to end reading is one thing, understanding is another. Read to understand and practice what you learn every day. Reading the Bible and understanding it was a big problem for me. Oh, I could read a verse smooth and with grace that the saints would shout, but had no idea what I read. So I decided to start at the beginning with a children’s Bible. No, I didn’t take it to church with me (sometimes I was glad when my grandson went to church with me, he could carry the children’s Bible for me), but I did use it to understand God’s love for me. I would read the story in the Children’s Bible, then, I would look it up in the adult Bible. After the Children’s Bible, I went to the Youth Bible. That had a few more big words I could understand, and then back to the Adult Bible. They say you have to crawl before you can walk. I was crawling right along getting sore knees in the process.

You have to remember that you will not be doing it alone. When you truly give your life to God, He sends His Holy Spirit, first, and other people into your life to assist you. He also leads you at your own pace. You do not have to run to keep up with God. I’m sure you have seen people who have given their life to God (as they say), and then become arrogant, self righteous and belittle everyone else for not being like them. You must learn that it is all about God, not you. Most of us learn how to commit to God totally over a lifetime of hurt, disappointments and pain. When things are going well, giving God praise may become a second thought. OH,YES, I had some setbacks, maybe more than a few times, but I had to understand that God forgives me if I truly ask Him. There are many books that can help you understand the Bible. There are also many new types of interpretations of the Bible.You will find out that the Bible is really written in English, even with the thee and thy! Remember to discuss any confusing areas of the Bible with a wise Christian. You may be uncomfortable asking questions in a group! But you will learn that those people who snicker at you in a group, are the very ones who don’t know that answer to your question. (continued on next page)

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Women of Significance / NOVEMBER 2012

IN THE BEGINNING: The New Christian (continued) Don’t ever feel that you are too old to give your heart to God. When I was young, I always went to church with my family. You sat there and listen to the minister, every Sunday, telling you that if you were bad you would go to hell.

They never told us that you can ask God to forgive you for your sins. I watched the people jump up, shout and praise the Lord. I thought that if you didn’t do that, you were not a Christian. My parents were quit Christians.

They would raise their hands and cry. I wondered why they were crying. Had I been bad in church or maybe they were feeling guilty for punishing me for not cleaning my room?

I was 22 years old before I had my first encounter with the Holy Spirit. I was at a church anniversary. That night, the choirs were singing and the Holy Spirit was in the house. I remember standing up clapping. I decided to go out to get some air (it was getting hot in that place). I got out of the seat, halfway down the aisle. That is all I remember until I got up off the floor. Embarrassment was all over my face. I got up quickly and went out the door. Of course, some of my choir members saw me. They teased me because they had never seen me overtaken by the Holy Spirit. I would try to hold back the Holy Spirit after that, until I realized that I wouldn’t fall on the floor every time I felt His Spirit. I could clap my hands and keep standing! The Holy Spirit just wants to fill you with joy.

When I go to church now, I pray before service starts for God to keep my attention on the word, because I know that Sis. Jane was going to show up late to be seen, Deacon Charlie would shout when a particular word is said and Little Timmy, would start crying as soon as the preacher gets up. Lord please keep my attention on your word.

Now that I am older, I can feel the Holy Spirit at anytime and anywhere. Now I know why people were crying. Yes, I cry with joy and thanksgiving that God loves me so much, that He gave His Son for me. I can rejoice when I see the sun, moon, rain, and snow. Just look what Gods has given for me to see today.

So, don’t beat yourself up about God. Keep seeking and believing, and all things will come to you. Yes, you will lose some friends, but you will get the right ones for this season. You may have to change your way of life, and God will give you a new life. Pray and God will help you choose wisely.

Choose this day who you will serve, God or man. . . .

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.

Women of Significance

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.

Nicole Michelle

Fulori Rainibogi

Nicole is a Professional Makeup Artist currently living in Atlanta, Georgia.

She is a woman hungry after the presence of God. She is a teacher to many who will sit with her and a role model for the 21st Century woman.

Fulori is from Fiji and is diligent concerning the things of God. She works for the Fiji Police Force and is a wonderful wife and mother.

Atelaite Lavaki

Ally Fuimaono

Atelaite is a Woman of Significance.

She lives in Hohne Niedersachsen Germany. She is fun loving and a great connector.

Ally Fuimaono lives in Sidney, Australia. She is fun loving and an emerging leader. No doubt she is a Woman of Significance for the 21st Century.

Ericka D. Jackson

Zenna Bangura

Ericka is a powerful speaker, motivator and more importantly a Woman of Significance. She is ordained for this season to make history. She changes the atmosphere in North Carolina and wherever she is. She is a Woman to Watch.

Zenna Bangura is an emerging leader from Sierra Leone.

She currently lives in Texas and is always very fashionable. She indeed is a Woman of Significance.

Women of Significance / NOVEMBER 2012

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Women of Significance / NOVEMBER 2012

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Women of Significance / NOVEMBER 2012

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