Women of Significance Magazine

W

elcome to Women of Significance‌

We See You and we are dedicated to Educating, Information and Sharing Joy from and about Women just like you around the globe. We are leaders, helpmeets, mothers, sisters, and friends with a heart to serve as directed by Our Father through Jesus Christ.

We See You, and YOU Look GREAT!!!

“You are Valuable Right Where You Are!” The Mission of Women of Significance is to engage every woman in the discovery of her personal God given value as a woman.

Our goal is to provide information and entertainment dedicated to specific topics of life to help women to discover their essence, access their greatness, analyze their current position and celebrate their future.

Everyone has strengths and weaknesses.

By honestly addressing issues and sharing our victories and our perceived weaknesses, we become character builders and our strengths are lifelines for others. It was once said, “As the women go, so goes the

FOUNDER Dr. Cheryl Hill EDITOR IN CHIEF Regyna Cooper CONTENT EDITOR Ericka Muempfer GRAPHIC DESIGNER Rachel Orovio PUBLISHER Maxser Publishing

village.” We are Women of Significance who step boldly and look good doing it.

As we stand tall in the elegance of God, we honor God, our family and generations to come.

SUBSCRIBE To subscribe to Women of Significance visit us online at www.wosonline.org. To purchase individual issues, visit www.issuu.com

Women of Significance (WOS) is the first

WE LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU

international Women’s Christian maga-

Please send your comments or letters by email to

zine that focuses on every woman from

info@wosonline.org or mail to

the Homemaker to the CEO who have

WOS at P.O. Box 20147 Towson, MD 21284

the same desire to achieve greatness in their spheres of influence with integrity,

DISCLAIMER

excellence and enthusiasm. WOS leader-

Women of Significance (WOS) magazines are published semi-annually

ship has been building relationships with

Fall/Winter and Spring/Summer. All Rights and Prints are reserved for

grassroots, governmental and business women around the world for over twenty years and focuses on a balanced approach to living an inspired life.

Maxser Publishing. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. A request must be submitted to reproduce material contained in WOS publications. We use reasonable efforts to ensure all information is accurate and correct at all times. WOS and Maxser Publishing does not endorse or assume responsibility or liability for the accuracy of

WOS presents relevant information and

information or advertising. WOS is not liable for any direct, incidental,

education in the realms of Family, Min-

consequential, indirect, or punitive damages, arising out of access or use

istry, Finance, Home, Health & Beauty, Marketplace (It’s Business), Around the World (International Women), Relationships, Faith, Fashion, and Arts & Entertainment. Share in the joy of being a woman of significance in whatever sphere of influence you walk.

of the publication and website. Due to an increase in all costs associated with producing the magazine, subscription and magazine fees are subject to change.

Hello Women of Significance, Welcome to our first publication of the Women of Significance “magazine.” We have birthed a baby that we pray will live a long life to inspire all of you great women around the world. This magazine is a product of love and the desire to change the quality of life and relationships as well as to become a bridge builder and so much more.

My vision is to provide information that will cause you to become aware, educated and to become participants in this great life that God has given us. My true belief is that we as women can do anything “together.” You will get to hear from women around the world experiencing the same challenges and victories that you face. We will learn from each other, cry with each other, but more importantly grow with one another.

This is a magazine that will bring a balanced view ranging from a teenager’s perspective to that of our seniors. We believe that God called “women” with a special anointing to be caretakers while walking in authority. We will always direct you to making sure your home is central to the balance of your life. You cannot be a PUBLIC SUCCESS and a PRIVATE FAILURE. We encourage you to reach out to us to let us know what you are doing. We encourage new and creative ideas. We encourage Godly success and honor. We encourage celebrating family, friends and the marketplace anointing. We encourage the fivefold ministries and the stay at home moms to become all that God has set in place.

We thank you for being a part of some of the greatest women on earth!

We encourage you to Live More, Love More and to Laugh More!

Graciously,

Dr. Cheryl From Editor and Publisher It has been a while in the making, but we are excited and humbled to be able to bring to you Women of Significance magazine. The magazine is an extension of the WOS Communiqué and our online presence on Facebook and now at www.wosonline.org. We hope you will see that women around the world are just like you. Continents may separate us, but our desire to achieve more for our families, keep balance and joy in the midst of everyday life and, above all, a desire to know our Almighty God and our savior Jesus Christ deeper with every day are the same.

None of us can walk out this life alone. Through stories, testimonies and good to know information, we pray that you are inspired to step outside of your box, striving to be all God has established you to be and that you share your joy with everyone you meet.

So take a look and give us your thoughts. We want to hear about things happening in your state or country as well as how you have been blessed and have blessed others.

WOS is where we come to celebrate who we are Women of Significance.

God Bless,

Regyna Cooper

Features & Cover Stories

22

It’s a Beautiful Life

Her Excellency Obioma Liyel-Imoke

Christians in the Spotlight

28 29 30

Conversation with Winsome Sinclair

32

Every Part of the Body Matters

41

Focus on Fiji

Hollywood Prayer Network Modern Day Prodigal Son

Every Issue Fashion

8

Family Time: Creating Holiday Memories

10

Home Décor: Seasons Change

12

WOSonline.org

16

College Advice

17

Tips for Tweens: Bullying

18

Finance Matters

36 40

Positive Point: Fearstorms

Featured Contributors 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 every woman’s unique giftings, values, passions and sense of style, should be reflected in their words, mindset & life choices, their wardrobe and their home & entertaining. Her passion is to teach, inspire and motivate women to discover how they can create their own “Life of Total Beauty” right where they are at! She believes that by discovering, establishing and connecting your Inner Beauty, your Outer Beauty and your Surrounding Beauty you can create the Beautiful Life you dream of and can bloom into the Beautiful Woman you were created to be.

HARRINE FREEMAN

is the CEO and owner of H.E. Freeman Enterprises has provided credit repair services to help clients restore their credit rating and develop good money management skills to pay off debts, save and plan for retirement for the past 12 years. She is an energetic speaker, author, personal finance expert, and freelance writer. She was once in $19,000 in debt, only making $21,000 a year and was successfully able to get herself out of debt without filing for bankruptcy. She has appeared in Market Watch, Wall Street Journal, Black Enterprise, Essence Magazine, Ebony, Pink Magazine, Heart & Soul, Forbes, Bankrate.com, Creditcards.com, Huffington Post, The Michael Baisden radio show, NPR, and on CBS, NBC and ABC. She is also the author of “How to Get out of Debt: Get An “A” Credit Rating for Free”, a self-help book on credit repair that provides consumers with a step by step plan on how to get out of debt, increase their credit rating and maintain their good credit.

B. 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.

COLORS AND NEW INTERPRETATIO

T

he trend on the horizon for this season looks like more of an old thing… and that is not bad from our point of observing at all.

Fashionising.com says just as the

‘50s and ‘60s are back (skinny pants and all), so too are particular elements of the ‘70s. There are two main aesthetics are the ‘70s bohemian, and ‘70s sophisticated glamour (like high-waist pants with elegant blouses for you by day wardrobe). Also with the comeback of all things 1970s it was inevitable that fashion forward people would turn to bell bottoms and flared pants as a style of choice. The overall cut of women’s pants this fall is a lean away from the dominance of the slim cut. And that means not just a flared hem but that wide leg pants and jeans emerge as fashionable.

As for COLOR, socialtikmag.com’s Keisha Ellis discovered that the new color pallet is missing a lot of the grey shades found last season. Not to say they are gone altogether, but it is not as much of a wardrobe staple based on much of the color pallet ordered by designers for this season. So brighten up, get excited and ready to make a color splash.

The color ranges for women were filled with neutrals like maroon camel and caramels; mid-tones colors likes purple, orange and red; and vivid hues like gold teal and turquoise.

It is not about a key color, but more about the combination.

Be encouraged to focus on the color harmonies. Mix colors and textures. Thinking outside the normal color combination will be your best bet.

Try mixing purple and gray, maroon and copper, orange and gold instead of your normal gloomy fall colors. Have fun with the array of colors that fashion has to offer. Spice things up and cool them down, it’s up to you. Whatever you chose this season, be sure it is with the colors that make you pop.

8

Fall / Winter Fashion Trends

ONS OF THE PAST

9

Holiday Planning A GIFT TO LAST A LIFETIME: PLAN FOR SOME HOLIDAY TIME WITH YOUR KIDS

T –Regyna

Cooper he holidays come and go so quickly,

thaw out, including the tree. Decorations were done

but the things we usually remember

on Saturday after the thawed branches had fallen

the most are those special traditions

and we could tell which limbs would be able to hold

with family. When we were young,

some of the heavier ornaments. Saturday was also

my Dad would take the whole

the ornament retrieval day. We would climb into

family out on a Friday evening to search for the

“

perfect Christmas tree. No matter how cold it was

pull out boxes of old decorations. Every few years we would buy additional decorations, but there was honor given to those glass bulbs that had survived

Creating a family tradition is easier than you may believe. Finding special time for family is something your children will never forget and will last a lot longer than any gift you can purchase. You’ll make memories for a lifetime.

“

we would reach into the frozen pine trees to find our Christmas tree. Even if the needles stuck us, there were no complaints. If it hurt too much we would just point and say, “Dad, how’s this one” and he would come pick it up for inspection. That evening 10

the attic (or to the basement once we moved) and

we would put the tree in the stand and we would all

year after year because many of their fellow bulbs had long crashed to the ground. Yes styles changed over the years, but I know when my mother says she is decorating the tree the box of ornaments will be out, cookies will be baked and Nat King Cole will be playing.

Now we all seem to be so rushed and hurried. Many of our children will miss out on some of our cool family traditions. The traditions don’t have to be the same ones. You can keep the ones you love, bring in some new ones, but do something the next generation can look back on with warm memories.

So how do you fit it into your busy schedule? God knows the desires of our hearts and seeing the joy of our hearts delights our Heavenly Father as well. God will give you the grace to make it happen.

Some Ideas: •

• • •

12 days of Christmas – What if you planned something with your child for the days leading up to Christmas? Pick a toy or clothing to give to a charity each day. If your child is anything like mine, you have clothes that are in good shape but can no longer fit and toys that have not been touched since last Christmas.

God loves a cheerful giver.

Be thankful for the year. Create a simple memory or photo collogue of things you have done throughout the year. Add cookies and hot chocolate and you have a party.

Let’s cook. If you are cooking, make it a family affair.

Plan one-on-one time with your child(ren).

Before the holidays start, plan a date and spend a few hours doing something special. My aunt use to take all of her nieces and nephews shopping for Christmas. We would shop but would not receive the gift until Christmas day; all wrapped up just for us. We all had the same amount to spend on clothes, but we could spend it in any combination we liked; all shirts or a complete outfit. This made it a great group and individual event.

11

Seasons Change HOME DECORATING WITH EASE –Kathleen Ellis As the days get shorter and cooler we tend to want to “cozy up” our rooms so they “feel” warmer to us. The “light and breezy” style we enjoyed for the warm summer months served its purpose and now it’s time to transition to a “warm and cozy” style for fall and winter.

Seasonal changes need not be complicated or costly! There are a few tricks that will create that warm and cozy feeling in no time without breaking the bank. The main thing to remember is to look for elements that suit your style tastes and budget; and then put a little thought and effort into transforming a few key areas.

You want to always begin with what I call the “first impression” spots, the outside entry and the inside entryway. Then move on to create a few “warm fuzzy focal points”. Pick 3 to 5 highly visible places in your home where you can create little Fall vignettes. Areas to consider for “warm fuzzy focal points”: dining room table, side table, fireplace mantel, coffee table, stairway or landing, kitchen island, the top

“Remember to enjoy the process of creating a warm and welcoming home….your home is after all, your haven, a place to renew, refresh and rejuvenate.”

of cabinets, armoires, or a bathroom vanity. These areas can be quickly and easily updated with each season assuring that your home always feels fresh, warm and welcoming for you and your guests.

Inside: Fill a few bowls, baskets or, 5. one of my favorites, vintage silver

I believe that your home should be put together in such a way that it makes you smile, trays with seasonal elements such as feels like a big warm hug and is a true reflection of your unique sense of style. Keep pinecones, nuts, cinnamon sticks, silk leaves, fall ornaments, gourds, mini those thoughts in mind as you go about “feathering your nest” and you will always pumpkins or seasonal fruits and place feel at home in your home. them on an entryway table, a bathroom Remember to enjoy the process of creating a warm and welcoming home….your vanity or a coffee table home is after all, your haven, a place to renew, refresh and rejuvenate….a safe place that nurtures and nourishes you and your family.

6.

Add a few extra lamps around

your home to fill your home with light as the daylight gets shorter

7.

Up the wattage: put higher

wattage bulbs in several of your lamps for a brighter glow during this chilly season

8.

Toss a cozy throw on your sofa or

chair to snuggle up in on those frosty evenings or early mornings

9.

Add a few accessories in deeper

shades of the colors you already use in your décor

13 Ideas for an Easy & Elegant Seasonal Update Outside:

1.

Place seasonal flowers in urns or pots

along your walkway or in a cluster to the side of the door

2.

Spray paint branches metallic bronze

In the bedroom, dress your bed in

heavier, richer colored bedding and flannel sheets

11.

Change out some of your pillows

with richer fabrics such as chenille, wool, corduroy and tapestry

3.

Place an oversized decorative wreath

or swag on, above or beside your front door

4.

Remember to add a few seasonally

& gold and anchor in an urn with sand and/ scented candles and bowls of potpourri or stones covered with leaves

10.

around to further enhance the senses

12.

Pop an animal print pillow or two

13.

Warm metallics can really add a

onto a sofa or chair

cozy and elegant touch to a room…look for bronze and gold accessories such as candlesticks

That Puppy Ain’t Free

two puppies; our puppy and her much larger brother. She said “you can take both.” I thought there was no way we

Recently, I was looking at a picture of our dog when she

would consider it. My mother thought it would be great

was a puppy. She was the runt of the litter from a Lab-

to have a playmate at her house. Wisdom jumped in re-

rador Retriever and Boxer. We learned about the free

ally quickly. I reminded her that this one puppy would

puppy from a friend. We had been thinking about get-

probably be with her a lot anyway. So back we headed

ting a puppy for our son, but hadn’t made any decisions.

with our one free puppy in an open box with a blanket and

When this opportunity came up we thought it was the

some food for a three-hour ride.

perfect situation; a medium size, free companion for our son. We received a picture of a small, female, chocolate, short-haired puppy. I told my husband, this was a great deal. My husband quickly responded, “There is no such thing as a FREE

Halfway home we stopped at Pet Smart for a potty break.

While there we purchased a collar, leash, a water bowl and some toys. This free puppy was costing already and we had not even made it home yet.

puppy.” But he followed with, “it’s

So I answered God and said “No,

up to you.” With that we agreed to go

she was not free.” He was show-

to Virginia to pick her up.

ing me there is a cost to every-

As we all know, God has a wonderful sense of humor. As I looked at the picture, I could sense the Lord smiling and I heard, “Was your puppy free?” I started to think about the day we went to pick up our puppy. My mother and I had decided to take a day to run and pick her up and head back home. I live in Maryland and agreed to pick up the puppy. I had been told by my friend who lived about 90 minutes from me that the people with the puppy lived about an hour and a half away. I assumed she met from my location and figured 90 minutes was not far to travel. We made trips like that all the time. It was not until we received and map-quested the address, the day

thing. Cost does not have to be monetary, but it is an exchange. It is a principle similar to the law of gravity. With this being the case, why are so many people looking for the free stuff. Why do we get so excited about the word “free”?

As a Christian and a business owner, this is a principle that must be understood. In business there is an exchange of goods, services, or ideas. Someone had to produce or study to provide the information that is exchanged. As a Christian, we hear that salvation is free. However, salvation came at a price. Jesus paid our debt when he allowed His blood to be shed at the cross.

before, that we realized that she was a lot further away

Since we have been given so much, why is it that we don’t

than we expected. It was going to be about a three hour

always try to get the most value out of every day? When

one-way ride to pick up our free puppy. We thought how

we say yes and commit to God’s plan for our lives, we

crazy, but we had already committed and told my 8-year

may find ourselves traveling further than we thought pos-

old son of our plans.

sible, spending more time than we thought we had, and

Now that we were committed, we started out on our journey. When we arrived, the woman came to meet us with

giving away more money than we imagined we could make. So no, the puppy isn’t free, but the love, joy and fun she has brought to our family was worth the cost.

15

w w w. w o s o n l i n e . o r g CONNECT WITH US ONLINE ALL YEAR LONG!

Find Coach Falcon’s great Fitness Tips online.

Okay ladies, here on the east coast it’s time to up the weights.

Now is the time to add more weight to each rep, as the months get colder let’s build

Get answers from contributors on Home,

we’re all wearing more clothes

Finances and Senior Living. College advice

anyway. The more muscle

from Aurielle or get an answer from Andrew

body has. (Simple) So winter is

from a young man’s persceptive (no more

your body has, the less fat you quickly approaching, now is the time to build that muscle. Next time we’ll share how to lean

guessing). And,of course, Dr. Hill will be shar-

out all that muscle you’ve build over the winter months.

ing God given words of wisdom as directed

Thank you for allowing me to share!

by our Lord.

16

more muscle. It’s okay, because

-Coach Falcon

COLLEGE CHAT WITH AURIELLE Tips and Advice to navigating your Christian walk with College Life

Q. How do I know which courses are good to take?

A: Right now you should be saying “Thank God!” for the technological era! Why? Well there is this amazing little website that all college students across the U.S. use when making the final decision to take a class. It, my friends, is called Rate My Professor. If you haven’t heard of it, I suggest using it. I make the final decision on a class based off of how other students rate said professor. After deciding if I should take a class based off of the course description, I go onto RMP (Rate My Professor) and see what the plethora of students at my university say about the professor teaching the class. If most people think that the professor teaches in a way that most kids understand, or they are interesting, then I will most likely pick that professor.

Just make sure the class sounds interesting or intriguing then decided by professor.

Q. I keep telling myself that I’ll stop partying, but every time I try to stop the next big party happens. I hate to miss out, but I know I have to keep my grades up. Each time I tell my friends that I can’t they keep pressuring me to go. What should I do?

A: At some point you have to ask yourself “what’s more

Q. What are some things that I should definitely take advantage of in college?

A: There are so many programs and things to get involved in while in college, that it is impossible to do it all.

However, there is one thing that I would say that everyone should do- study abroad. Surprisingly, there aren’t

important?” Is what your “friends” think of you more

as many Americans that take advantage of this wonder-

important the rest of your life? If these friends are the

ful opportunity. The places that you can go are almost

ones that keep pressuring you to do things that you

endless and there are millions of dollars in scholar-

don’t want to do, then are they really your friends? A

ships that never get used every year. It will take some

real friend would not ask you to forgo your schoolwork

research to be able to find a program that fits you but

for a life of constant partying. Some people don’t real-

the ability to travel while earning credit to your degree

ize that while college is a great place to have fun and

is worth it. Think of places you’ve seen on T.V. like

meet new people, the decisions you make while there

Athens, Rome, Sydney, Tokyo, Melbourne, London,

can affect the rest of your life. Failing college or doing

Brisbane, Firenze, Hamburg, Barcelona, Cadiz, etc. and

worse than you know you could do, could jeopardize

the list goes on. I highly recommend talking to a study

your chances when going to look for jobs. I’m not say-

abroad representative at your college to see what places

ing don’t have fun- because you should- but realize that

are offered.

you have to learn to balance work and play.

continued on page 45

17

SIMPLY ANDREW - TIPS FOR TWEENS Overcoming Bullying at least 10 times but he wouldn’t; so

I don’t know what happened to the

I told the counselors at least 3 times

bully, but he got more than he expect-

as well and they said they would deal

ed. Bullying is bad for the bully and

with it; but they didn’t. So one day

the person being bullied. The bully

after camp was over I told my mom

has to keep up an act and never knows

about the problem. She said I could

when the person will turn the tables

defend myself; so the next day when

on them.

The person being bullied

my group was walking to the campus grounds, the bully took off his backpack and swung it at me hitting me in my jaw. When it hit me it felt like a

People who are being bullied feel like they are trapped, weak, and helpless.

I know these feelings because I was also bullied. My mom told me that bullies are just people that are jealous of you and that they’re the ones that feel trapped, weak, and helpless. The bully physically and mentally hurts you because they want to be cooler than you and become recognized.

18

“When I stopped running and turned

ton of cinderblocks were in his bag.

around, his fist was

Then, he started to chase me and the

about to hit my face;

counselors chased us as well. When I stopped running and turned around

but God pushed me

his fist was about to hit my face; but

out of the way and I

God pushed me out of the way and I

side-kicked him.”

side-kicked him. He fell and the counselors brought us to the office and I explained the whole story and surpris-

ends up hiding or standing up to de-

ingly the bully agreed, so the principle

fend themselves. The best solution is

decided to let me go.

to tell an adult. Sometimes they don’t act as quick as we want, but they

Some advice to avoid bullying is:

are aware and are watching the

always tell an adult, don’t fight the

situation.

bully, use words as your actions,

that God shows the adults the real

and don’t let the bully take over

situation and pray that the bully

you. During my summer camp,

gets the help they need also. If

where I got bullied I knew karate

you see someone getting bul-

and it says don’t use your karate

lied; tell an adult immediately. If

against anyone, except for self-

you just stand around and watch,

defense. I asked the bully to stop

someone could get seriously hurt.

We should also pray

19

Seven Spheres of Influence PLUS Family, Church, Business, Government, Arts& Entertainment, the Media and Education Since the 1930’s we began to see God use the marketplace in a

They are “valuable” to our society and touch every level of

different way than usual to attract the attention of the Church.

what could be great societal change. They are elementary and

Businessmen began to form fellowships to emphasize their

high school teachers. They are CEO’s of companies who have

compassion to serve God or literally make God the CEO of

a passion to serve Christ and may not know how to “transfer”

their business. This movement began to take shape in an unde-

what they have learned in the house of God to the secular world

niable way that has now turned the focus to the importance of

to make an impact.

what is termed the 7 Mountains of Influence. The seven mountains of influence is the family, Church, business, government, arts& entertainment, the media and education. By addressing these world systems and raising Christian leaders to enter these spheres of influence a catalyst for transformation of any society will begin.

We must be “careful” not to leave the impression that Five Fold Ministers are not important. Five Fold leaders are extremely important as are marketplace leaders. We ARE saying that the Church must change its thinking about how to appropriately minister, assist and spiritually cover the marketplace leaders. We must not forget the importance of our

We are not stating that God

Daniels, Esther’s, David’s

just developed this strategy

and Joseph’s.

in the 1930’s but surely He directed a strong focus toward these areas of influence to change the paradigm of how the Church functioned as a whole.

Marketplace

Jesus is the prime example of the Marketplace Leader. You could find Jesus in the marketplace many times giving practical examples of how to live through parables dealing

leaders

are

with their work habits and

those who have a call on their life to walk in righteousness, or-

the tools that they worked with which would provide a Godly

dained to serve God and have a Kingdom message of salvation,

lifestyle. Presidents, farmers, merchants and the like were al-

righteousness, peace and display the heart of the Father through

ways included in the ministry of Jesus.

their “workplace” interactions. They are Governors, clerical as-

For those of you are sensing a “call” to serve God and you are

sistants, janitors or anyone who is working in positions other

still in the marketplace please stay where you are until God

than the five- fold ministry.

truly confirms “if” you are to leave the marketplace. You are continued on page 45

It’s A

Beautiful Life

MRS. OBIOMA LIYEL-IMOKE “This Is Your Life” has been called TV’s first reality

years, would be brought onstage for an often teary-eyed

show. It was certainly one of America’s most beloved

reunion.

institutions. Each week, viewers would tune in to see host Ralph Edwards throw what was, in effect, a big surprise party. The show would typically honor the accomplishments of one distinguished individual and feature a review of the honoree’s life. Family and friends, some of whom the honoree hadn’t seen in

22

The honoree’s listed on This Is Your Life revealed not only a host of famous celebrities but many ordinary people who had managed to make a difference. It was this mix of the well-known and the unsung that gave this television program such an interesting balance. I

believe that whatever our sphere of influence may be,

time you will find me in prayer, worship and studying

the review of our life should speak volumes to people

the Word of God because I am in constant need of

everywhere.

knowing how to discern situations. Over the last few

At birth my parents took pride in naming me “Obioma”. Obioma means good hearted. I have been privileged to live a life in many spheres of influence

years our (His Excellency, Senator Imoke and myself) faith has been tried in many ways and God has caused us to triumph each time!

to affect change for those without a voice to speak for

If the television show This Is Your Life were to air in this

themselves. My influence as a lawyer, entrepreneur and

present day and I were one of the honoree’s, my prayer

now the wife of a Governor would not be as effective

is that the guests who would come to testify would have

if I did not consistently seek balance in my life. The

the same remarks about me which are: “she loves and

scriptures declare in Psalm 75:6-7 that “promotion

serves all people…she uses her influence to empower

comes from God.” With every promotion there is added

others…she is a motivator of righteous causes… and

responsibility and yet it is a distinctive honor to be able

she is a great wife, mother and friend.” I believe God

to help others.

allows us to have spheres of influence to show forth His

I must admit to you right now that the secret to my

loving kindness on a broader scale.

success is God first, honoring my husband and honoring

Currently my spheres of influence are family,

my children all of who make my life complete. No

government, empowering women, and caring for

matter what goes on or where I am as I travel around

children as well as my other assignments and duties

the world, I purposefully set aside time to speak to my

as the wife of the Governor. I have initiated several

husband daily and to make certain he is well cared for in

community outreaches or NGO’s (non governmental

my absence. I spend quality time with my children and I

organizations). Each of the NGO’s was created to

purposefully make time to do school work and to talk to

empower women and children as well as men. I have

them. I realized early in my seasons of promotion that

been blessed to see and do much. My wealth and

God strategically positioned me to be my husband’s

spheres of influence were given to me to change the

best friend and help meet. He strategically positioned

quality of life for those in my “spheres”.

me to nurture my children and create a loving and safe environment for them. All that I have diligently done for my family extended to hundreds of other families and friends because I was faithful with my family.

Many people see the short snippets of the lives of people who are in various positions and consider how they might enjoy that particular lifestyle. The scriptures are indeed true, that to whom much is given, much is required. To be true to God and to the walk of my Christian faith, I delight in testifying that at any given

I want to encourage you ladies around the world today to influence as many as you can with whatever God has placed in your hands. You do not have to be a lawyer, doctor or Secretary of State but I believe you must be an influencer wherever you are. Your home is the testing ground for expanding your influence. Don’t delay…start today.

23

CELEBRATE WITH CROSS RIVER STATE Carnival Calabar is a unique display of African heritage showcased through music, dance, drama and visual creativity which is reflected in the design of floats, costumes and make-up. Despite the fun and relaxed atmosphere around the carnival, a great degree of thought, creativity and discipline goes into the interpretation of the carnival theme under a strict adjudication process. The result is pure magic - an outpouring of colour, sound and spectacle, unmatched by anything else on the continent.

Carnival Calabar takes place on the 26th and 27th December each year, and is the highlight of the 32-day Calabar Festival which runs from 30th November to 1st January. The

“IT IS A NEW DAY FOR YOU TO EMPOWER THOSE IN YOUR SPHERE OF INFLUENCE”

carnival is the largest cultural festival in Africa with 50,000 costumed revellers, 2 million spectators and an audience of over 50 million television viewers on NTA Network, NTA

Mrs. Obioma Liyel-Imoke, attended the Federal Government

International, AIT, CRBC and Continental TV (Africa Magic,

College Enugu and later the University of Nigeria Nsukka

Channel 0 and MTV Base).

(UNN) Enugu campus, where she read Law. She proceeded to pass the Nigerian Bar. She is married to His Excellency, Senator Liyel Imoke, Governor of Cross River State and they have four children. When His Excellency was elected to office of Governor in 2007, her role as the Governor’s Wife afforded her a greater opportunity to reach out to the thousands of women, children, and babies who are suffering from all forms of disadvantages and limitations through her organization POWER.

www.power-women.com

Carnival Calabar features 5 major competing bands and l0 non-competing bands. The major bands are comprised of approximately 10,000 revellers each, including up to five kings and queens wearing large¬ scale costumes that interpret the annual theme and set the tone for the other outfits.

Sections of these costumed revellers create a riot of colour and sparkle, along a 1 2km route accompanied by live music, Djs, well-decorated floats and steel bands The carnival parade terminates at the Uj Esuene stadium which is the final adjudication and end point of the competition for ‘Band of the Year’ in various categories. This competition attracts an additional 15,000 seated spectators and 10,000 others in and around the stadium, as well as 50 million TV viewers.

24

25

Chris Tucker, Actor

Reese Witherspoon, Actress

ENTERTAINER & CHRISTIAN Steve Harvey, Actor, Mentor

Chelsea Noble, Actress

Candice Cameron, Actress

Mary J. Blige, Singer

Nicole C. Mullen, Psalmist

Walking by Faith in the Spotlight Wynonna Judd, Singer

Angela Bassett, Actress

Jonathan Butler, Musician

Meet Winsome Sinclair Conversation with Dr. Hill Discovering the Undiscovered in the Arts & Entertainment World

W

insome Sinclair is one of the most sought after Casting Directors on the East Coast and has collaborated with some of the most influential filmmakers in the world. She has

worked on a myriad of noteworthy films with directors such as Steven Spielberg, Spike Lee, Oliver Stone, John Singleton, Forrest Whitaker, Ernest Dickerson, Christopher Reeve, and Hype Williams. She has also done the casting for many major

the industry ins and outs; bringing along with ing

her

support-

colleagues

in

the banking industry, law and media to give a balanced view of what it takes to be a success in this arena. I remember watching her on YouTube where she engaged the participants and said “I am here; ask any and all the questions that you want”.

videos, TV shows, and films, including Amistad, Malcolm X,

Of course her life is busy, but the balance in her life is the

Waiting to Exhale, Juice, Higher Learning, Belly, The Bestman,

Lord. I am so impressed with the steadfastness of Ms. Sin-

New York Undercover, 2 Fast 2 Furious, Inside Man, Miracle at

clair and her acknowledgment of who has established and

St. Anna, Lee Daniels Film Precious (Oscar Winning), Cadil-

kept her. She gave her life to Christ at age 10 and says with-

lac Records (Executive Produced by Beyonce) and coming this

out a doubt that she boldly declares that God is her rock!

fall 2011 John Singleton’s thriller Abduction starring Taylor

She has been in the arts & entertainment industry for about

Lautner.

22 years and He is still expanding her territory. Her vision has been and continues to be to leave a legacy and to be a

Her humility to reach and teach this generation of leaders is

conduit for the “undiscovered”; just as she once was an un-

something to behold. I had the privilege to interview Winsome

discovered. She avails herself selflessly.

Sinclair and to my surprise she shared with me that she never intended to go into the Arts & Entertainment arena. However, when deciding on colleges, Florida A&M University (FAMU) was the only one to offer her a full scholarship for Theater.

With tuition paid Ms. Sinclair successfully forged ahead, successfully receiving her degree from FAMU. Isn’t it just like God to set someone up on a journey that only He knows the outcome?

In addition to running her own full service casting company for over 20 years in 2009 Winsome joined forces with

The very essence of this woman is her ability to walk out

her peers and formed Legacy Media Group. A full service production company in Brooklyn, New York and has slated television & film projects in production scheduled for release in 2011 & 2012 , Winsome along with her partners at Legacy Media Group have collaborated with Medgar Evers College to launch a PA training certificate program that trains its students to work in entry level positions in the Film & TV industry.

her “calling” in the marketplace and to share her wisdom with those who will listen. I am most impressed with her project called “The Blueprint Series”. It is a seminar for those who have a desire to enter into the acting profession.

28

Her testimony; after graduating college and upon her return to New York, she wrote to Spike Lee, asking him for the opportunity to learn. He responded by offering her an internship on the set of Mo’ Better Blues in the Extras Casting Department. From those humble beginnings, Winsome went on to cast principals and extras on some of the most popular urban dramas of our day.

Winsome avails herself from her busy schedule to explain

K

SPOTLIGHT Karen Covell Living Life Out Loud aren Covell cannot be described as anything

Christians has lasted throughout the years. She believed in the

else but “limitless”. Wrapped in flesh is one

principle of Matthew 7:7 (Ask, seek and find). She believed

of God’s mouthpieces in the sphere of influ-

that if they started asking people to pray, inviting God to come

ence for Arts & Entertainment. Karen is an

in, bring in solid believers and do a miracle in Hollywood that

example of how to “live life out loud”. The

they could see Hollywood be redeemed. They are now part of a

affects of her works can be seen and heard

community of over 5,000 Christians in Hollywood, there are 19

by millions. She is transparent. She not only

active ministries here (www.hollywoodconnect.com), there are

talks the talk of being a witness of passion, compassion and

believers in key positions in studios, TV networks, production

excellence, but she walks the walk. Many of you have heard

companies, etc. and we are indeed seeing God doing miracles

of her or seen her body of work. Now God is catapulting her

here. Prayers are being answered.

Her desire is for Christians to pray for the people in Hollywood to change “the church’s” heart and perspective of this mission field. Karen stated that “I want to have Christians around the world think about the media they are watching, listening to and downloading, and think about the people involved as children of God who need to experience His unconditional love in their lives. I want the Lord to melt the hearts of the angry Christians and empower them to pray for the lost in Hollywood, instead of hating them or refusing to have any part of the media in their lives. Prayer melts hearts and as people pray for Hollywood, their hearts start to transform and they can’t hate us anymore! And we have many, many examples of that working as well.

into more “enlarged places”. If by chance you are not sure who Karen Covell is, let us just take a little peek into the life of this limitless woman.

Karen is a television producer, Founding Director of the Hollywood Prayer Network (HPN) and co-founder and producer for JC Productions, an independent television and music production company and had the honor to serve as interim Theatre Manager for the Mark Taper Forum for six months.

The Hollywood Prayer Network started in July of 2001. I began it out of Hollywood Presbyterian Church in Hollywood and it has been growing every since. It now has over 5,000 members, representing over 10,000 praying units across the world. Ms. Covell’s passion to bring about a paradigm shift for

I often plead with Christians not to hate the people in Hollywood for Jesus commanded us to love EVERYONE. “God so loved the world that He sent His one and only Son, not to condemn Hollywood, but that Hollywood might be saved through Him.” Ms. Covell has had extensive experience producing TV specials, documentaries and children’s programming; such as coordinating producer for the PAX special Changed Lives: Miracles of the Passion, as associate producer for Headliners & Legends with Matt Lauer, and as co-producer for the television special America’s Throwaway Children , starring Dennis Franz and Danny Glover.

She also produced a documentary DVD for continued on page 45

29

Jonah33: A Modern Day Prodigal Son -By Jennifer E. Jones CBNmusic Producer

V

ince Linchlyter grew up as a simple kid in Seattle who loved Johnny Cash. Today, he fronts the Christian rock band Jonah33 and tours all over the country. Yet in between

drug habit. He eventually went to court and got emancipated from his mother and father. “I burned all my bridges,” he says.

those bookends of his life is the story of a

By the time he was 18, Vince was a full-blown drug addict.

teenage runaway strung out on drugs.

He says, “I was completely lost. I had no real grip on what life

So what made this seemingly happy kid leave home? “I was busted by my dad when I was 13 for smoking pot. He told me, ‘[It’s] gotta work like this. It’s my way or the highway...’ I tend to say [I left home because] I wanted drugs more than I wanted

was.” His rock bottom moment came in a small house where he lived with a crank dealer named Bobby. Vince was 19 years old, and he and Bobby had built up a successful drug-dealing business. But then one day...

parents,” Vince tells CBNmusic. “An element of that is true

“His drug dealer called up and blamed us for losing a lot of

but I’m not really sure what brought that desire about. I wasn’t

money. She said she was going to send somebody over to kill

addicted to them at the time. Maybe I was addicted to having

him and anybody who lived in his house. That would have been

fun…”

me.” Bobby left Vince with a shotgun and some dope. Vince

At 13, Vince ran away from home for the first time. He stayed

used the dope to stay high for two weeks straight.

with friends nearby. He tried to come back, but the fighting be-

“You stay up for two weeks, your mind starts to play tricks on

tween him and his mother pushed him back out the door. The

you,” Vince says. “I became really suicidal. I turned the gun to

second time he left, he was gone for good.

my head three different times in those two weeks. At this point,

“I had defiance for all authority,” Vince recalls. “Especially

I was completely alone, totally isolated.”

when I started getting into drugs, I despised authority. I think

Vince found out his parents moved to Arkansas and found their

that got me into a lot of problems.”

number. The next thing he remembers is calling home and tell-

Drugs became Vince’s way of life, and what started as drinking and smoking pot turned into dropping acid and doing crank.

Vince found a home with different drug dealers, and their products kept him high for what seemed like years on end.

30

self then as a “punk” who stole from his parents to support his

ing his father everything except for his attempts at suicide. His father was hesitant at first. Vince says, “I remember telling my Dad that I need to come home, and I was in a bad spot. He told me he would have to think about it and talk to his wife. I said, ‘What are you talking about. Your wife? Don’t you mean

“Every crowd just got worse and worse,” he says. “As you grow

Mom?’ He stops for a second and says, ‘The fact is, Vince,

up, your circle of friends change, and it’s supposed to get better.

you’ve abandoned our trust so many times. You’ve used us and

Mine got worse. I started hanging out with some really trashy

walked on us. You’re supposed to be a man and be out on your

people.” Vince dropped in and out of his parents’ house a few

own. We just don’t know if we can open up our home to some-

times over the course of his six years away. He describes him-

body who’s just going to abuse our trust again.’ He said he’d

ready to find Jesus, and he saw his first glimpse of Christ in his parents.

“When I woke up, I took a shower. I walked out into the living room, and my Dad was sitting in a chair reading the paper.

He dipped the top of the paper down and said, ‘Morning. Your Mom’s in the kitchen making breakfast.’

“I’m full on expecting at any minute for them to just ream me – call me back and let me know.

to totally get on me for the lifestyle that I lived. “I walk into the kitchen, and Mom says, ‘Hey, you want some breakfast?’ I say,

“I thought, if he calls back and says no, I’m going to blow my head off. Then I thought, Man, I’ve really screwed up here. For me to call my parents and tell them everything -- except for my

“Yeah, that would be great.’ So we just chit-chatted. Dad joined in. There was absolutely no yelling, no fighting, no screaming.

There never was ever. It never came back up.”

life is in danger – and for them to say, ‘We have to think about it because of the way you’ve treated us in the past…’ That was

What Vince didn’t know at the time was that his parents had

the first time I’d had remorse for any of the decisions I’d made.”

become Christians since moving to Arkansas. They wanted to show forgiveness to their prodigal son.

Vince’s parents called back and said yes. They bought him a round-trip ticket to fly back home for Christmas. After weeks of

“That was the first time I met Jesus, and I didn’t know it but I

being awake and high on crank, Vince’s return mostly involved

recognized it,” Vince says. “You know that difference that Jesus

getting one thing he desperately needed – sleep. “When my Dad

makes in people’s life? It was so bold that I was freaked out.”

and I got to my parents house, I saw my Mom for the first time

One day the daughter of his parents’ pastor invited Vince to a

in two years. I hugged her neck, put my stuff down, went into

church function. That’s where he met youth pastor Rob. Rob

the guest bedroom and crashed for two or three days.”

grew up in a Christian home but his wife, Rhonda, had a different story that touched Vince’s heart.

It was peace at last, but Vince’s sleeping was more than just rest. During his first few days home, God performed a miracle

“His wife grew up in the club scene in the ‘80s. She was on co-

in Vince’s body.

caine one night, and she saw demons come out of the speakers and morph into people’s bodies. She ran home and had her mom

“A lot of people pay big, big money to go into rehab and detox.

call the preacher. That’s how she got saved,” Vince recalls.

They have muscle spasms, and it’s real painful when they have migraines. When I crashed for those two or three days, God

After hearing Rhonda’s testimony, Vince went over Rob’s

totally let me detox in my sleep,” Vince says. “When I woke

house. That night he had a determination to figure out if this

up, my sheets were stained yellow. I had sweat all the toxins out

Christianity thing was for real. “I told him, ‘All right, dude.

of my body while I was asleep. From that point on, I never had

You better throw some coffee on. We’re about to get down to

another desire to do crank or acid again.”

God delivered Vince from not only drugs but the painful side effects of detoxing. After the restoration of his body, Vince was

continued on page 45

31

Every Part of God’s Body Has an Important Role -B. Mae Allen

In I Corinthians, Chapter 12, Paul talks about the gifts that God

the hands feed it, and the legs kept walking them to the food.

gives to everyone. There are diversities of gifts, but the same

After 3 days, the head started getting dizzy, the mouth could not

Spirit. There are differences of administrations, but the same

eat, the hands were too tired to feed the head, and the leg grew

Lord. There are diversities of operations, but it is the same God

weak. They pleaded with the ass to open up, but the ass said no.

which works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is giv-

You thought I wasn’t important. After 5 days of letting them

en to every man to profit all. To one, wisdom, to another knowl-

suffer, the ass opened up, and let the food out. After that they

edge, to another faith, to another healing, to another miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning spirits, to another interpretation of tongues. We are all members of one body. The foot cannot say because I am not the hand, I’m not part of the body. The members of the

learned that every part of the body is important.

That is the way a family should be. All family members are important, if not, God would not have put them with you. Some family members are loud, some soft, some tall, some short, some have personal problems that they keep to themselves, some tell everyone their problems, some like to be in the lime light, other work in the back ground. Try to give each member thanks for what they contribute to the family. Some have much to give, others have little. Those that have much, God require much of them. Those that have little, God requires less, but He always requires your best.

body that we think less important, much importance will be given them.

This also should reflect on your church family. God has set some as pastors, deacons, teachers, healers, helpers, government, and diversities of tongue. Are all apostles? Are all proph-

I heard a story that a friend was telling about the parts of the body.

ets? Are all healers? No. You should use the gift that God has given you and use it in a more excellent way.

The head decided that he was most important because he had eyes, ears, and a mouth. The legs

Get to know your birth family and church family. People are

thought they were important because the body could not get

deeper then you see from the outside. They have pain and joy,

along without them. The hands thought they were important

good days and bad days, just like you. The very person you

because they could feed the body. The ass spoke up and said

may feel can’t do anything for you, may be the very person that

“I’m important too”, they all laughed at him. So the ass said

is always praying for you. Forgive as Jesus forgave, live as

he was going to show them. The next day the ass shut down.

Jesus lived, and always keep God first in your life.

Nothing could come out. The head kept seeing and eating what

TO YOUR HEALTH TREATING ARTHRITIS: USE APPLE CIDER VINEGAR One arthritis apple cider vinegar remedy uses a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar mixed to a glass of water. Honey or even some spice may be added to this mixture to improve the taste; honey is even thought to enhance the strength of the solution.

This mixture is then taken in the morning and before going to bed at nighttime, to provide relief from arthritis symptoms.

An additional way to use apple cider vinegar is to apply it as a liniment, using it straight to afflicted joints. It is almost always warmed, then applied through the use of a clean washcloth. It can then either be massaged in or simply applied to provide immediate respite from the pain.

Many people believe in the effectiveness of apple cider vinegar for arthritis. Nevertheless, whenever employing an alternative form of treatment, it’s always best to check with your medical doctor to avoid any possible complications.

Apple cider vinegar is available in supermarkets, and even on the web. In purchasing this vinegar you need to also look at Arthritis is amongst the most prevalent ailments today, affecting literally millions around the globe. There are actually over a hundred kinds of arthritis, with the common signs and

the quality so it will be more effective for the management of diseases. Organic vinegars are believed more potent, especially those with the mother-of-vinegar still included.

symptoms of joint pain and inflammation. This causes great

Apple cider vinegar is one of the techniques that arthritis has

discomfort, and often those with arthritis experience it to a

been treated through the years, and it has been considered

degree that it can take over their lives. For this reason, people

effective and safe - important points for those with arthritis.

with arthritis often try to find remedies that will provide

If you need to find out about apple cider vinegar and exactly

effective, long-term relief, in order to enjoy life as normally

how it can help your arthritis, have a look at http://www.

as possible.

Ar thritisNaturalRemedies.com/Ar thritis-Apple-Cider-

Arthritis apple cider vinegar treatments are one of many methods people consider. It’s been in use for many centuries, and has been proven to relieve the inflammation and pain caused by arthritis. It has actually been utilized for other conditions as well. Being full of minerals and vitamins, it allows the body to fight illnesses effectively.

Vinegar.

About The Author Meredith Walker of ArthritisNaturalRemedies.com is an authority on arthritis and related joint diseases, and the natural methods to treat them.

33

MARKETPLACE TESTIMONY IN THE NEWS CLERK FOILS ROBBERY BY WITNESSING JESUS TO WOULD-BE ROBBER It is one thing to say you have faith in God, but to publi-

In a true display of Christian-like character, Goncalves con-

cally call on that faith in the middle of a robbery, well…

tinued to witness Jesus to the man when he admitted that

that’s another story. That is exactly what Pompano Beach

he was also a Christian, and that he really didn’t want to

store clerk Navara Goncalves did when she became the tar-

rob her but he was desperate because he was going through

get of a robbery.

hard times. The man also apologized to Goncalves and said this was the first time he had done anything like this.

On Friday, July 30, 2010, while working alone in a South Florida Metro PCS store in the 1500 block of S. Cypress

In the Book of Hebrews, Chapter 11 of the Bible faith is

Creek Road, 20-year-old Navara Goncalves turned the ta-

defined as, “…the evidence of things not seen.” Without

bles on a would-be robber with nothing but her faith in

a doubt Navara Goncalves exhibited perfect faith in God

Jesus.

as she fearlessly witnessed to the would-be robber. Most Christians would call the young woman a faith hero be-

The unidentified robber, wearing a rain coat and cap walked

cause of the way she responded to what could have turned

into the Metro PCS store around 10 a.m. and told the clerk

out to be a life threatening situation.

he needed to look at a new phone because of the storms from tropical storm Bonnie that was sweeping inland.

People often expect Christians to be perfect, but the average Christian would tell you that they are not perfect.

Surveillance video from the store’s camera shows that when

Christianity teaches that no one is perfect but God, and that

Goncalves walked over to the display case to show the man

God forgives sin or imperfection when one repents, that is,

a phone, he said, “I really hate to do this,” and then he

to completely turn away from the sin that was committed.

pulled a gun and demanded money from the cash register.

If the would-be robber was in fact a Christian, then it In a surprising and fearless display of faith Navara Gon-

should be a subtle reminder that Christians, like non Chris-

calves told the man that she was a Christian and she im-

tians can have weak moments causing them to momentarily

mediately began witnessing Jesus to the robber. Remaining

lose sight of their faith due to the circumstances of life, but

remarkably calm throughout the entire ordeal she told the

in the end, faith will win.

robber that she was not judging him, but she felt the need to tell him that Jesus had something better for him.

About The Author Calmly she said, “I would like to talk to you about the Jesus

Eric Dunbar is the owner and editor of Golden Entrepre-

I’ve got before you leave.” A surprised gun-wielding rob-

neur, where you will find outstanding resources to help the

ber asked, “The what?” The young woman kept her cool

online entrepreneur excel in business. Eric Dunbar is also

and softly answered, “The Jesus I’ve got.”

the author of THE FACE OF A DEMON, referred to by many as “The Recovering Addict’s Handbook”, and editor

What began as a robbery attempt had now turned into an

of X-JOURNAL Blog .

open-ended conversation about Jesus. Astonishingly the would-be robber says to the clerk, “God bless you for that.”

35

WHY CHRISTIANS SHOULD GET OUT OF DEBT

Y

ou can’t focus on the things of God when

5.

you are stressed out about your finances

interest rate, get fees waived or change terms.

and are in debt. If you owe debt you should pay it off. Being in debt is not the will of God. Getting out of debt will maintain your relationship with your creditors, stop

harassing creditor calls, increase your credit score and reduce stress. It will help you to align yourself with God. To pay back debt and stay out of debt you have to change the way you think about money.

The recession had a long-lasting effect on Christians and many still have not changed their spending habits. Many Christians are allowing fear to cause them to make hasty decisions. Don’t let fear cause you to make a decision you will regret in the future. You can’t have faith and be fearful. If you follow God’s word you will no longer be in debt.

1.

Tithe. Once you align yourself financially with God

by tithing, you will find it easier to get out of debt and plan for retirement as referenced in Malachi 3:8.

2.

Pay in full. Pay credit card balances in full each month

prior to the due date or as soon as you receive the bill which helps to avoid paying finance charges.

3.

Pay more than once. Send payments multiple times a

month. You can pay half of the bill balance with 1st paycheck of the month then pay the remaining balance with 2nd paycheck of the month. Pay weekly instead of monthly. Pay the minimum monthly payment the first week after you get the bill, and then each week pay as much as you can toward the monthly balance and repeat every month. Pay as much as you can when you get the bill, and then pay more towards the bill when you get extra money.

4.

Avoid late fees. Pay your bills on time. If you are un-

able to make a payment, contact the creditor right away to setup a payment plan or make other arrangements. Contact your local post office to find out how long it takes your payment to arrive

36

by mail.

6.

Negotiate. Contact the company to negotiate a lower

Buy less. Spend less than you earn. Control your

spending, don’t buy in excess or more than you need, keep debt excluding mortgage or rent at 15% or less of your total monthly income after taxes. Reduce expenses by bringing your lunch to work, taking public transportation, shopping at wholesale stores and downsizing. Delay buying the things you want until you have the money to purchase them.

7.

Pay with cash. Use credit cards for emergencies only.

Use cash to pay for purchases.

Following these tips will help you pay down debt, increase your credit score, help you on the path to a debt free life and ensure you have a stronger

37

Green Careers Hold the Key to American Economic Growth

G

-By Ezra Drissman reen careers are going to play a pivotal role

green industries that

in the recovery of the U.S. Going green will

have already been

help revive the economy towards creating

formed in the early

job growth and counter the effects of net

stages of a green

job loss. Three areas aiding the recovery

economy. The broad

will be: the broad definition of green, economic growth and

definition also helps

foreign policy. Regardless of your political persuasion, going

shape huge politi-

green is a plus.

cal support on both

There is a lot of potential in the green market. The concept of green is still in its infancy and the technological advances

the new big thing, therefore they end up egging the industry on.

that have yet to be made are enormous. I would venture that it

The final reason for the really positive economic growth of the

holds more potential for real economic growth than any other

green industry is foreign policy. As T. Boone Pickens and many

industry. The solar panel and wind turbine industry alone are

other politicians have pointed out, creating our own energy is

experiencing enormous economic growth. The American Wind

important. Clean energy is a concept that falls into a national

Energy Association (AWEA) is seeing huge growth in wind

security zone, which helps political viability. Clean energy goes

farms. To really grasp how the solar industry is growing, you

way beyond what most people think; sustainable energy also

must realize the extreme growth of these programs that are be-

covers the Smart Grid. Creation of the smart grid has extreme

ing started in community colleges across the United States. The

nation importance. One key note on clean energy is that the raw

AWEA.org is reporting double digit growth in wind farm instal-

materials must be created and manufactured in the U.S. to truly

lation. Billionaires have been a big proponent of wind power

spur real economic growth. While foreign trade is very good,

for the past few years, and will continue to gain interest. Ac-

switching Middle East Oil, for Chinese Wind turbines is not

cording to coolerplanet.com, the solar energy industry will see

such a good switch. By creating the center of green manufactur-

tremendous growth in the coming years. The bottom line is that

ing in the U.S., it will help alleviate major foreign policy issues.

green careers in just these two sectors alone will be a boost to the economy.

Green careers can play a role in nearly every aspect of the American recovery. By discovering and working toward a real

Green jobs are going to be vital because of the truly broad

green industry now, the U.S. can be in the driver’s seat of an

definition of green collar jobs. While some might say that the

economic phase that should encompass the next twenty years

broadness of the definition may negatively impact the view

of world economic growth.

of the concept, I say the opposite. Because there is not a clear definition, the broadness helps people from all economic and

38

sides of the political isle. No politician wants to be seen as anti

political backgrounds find a niche. There have been many

GreenCareersGuide.com is the #1 green careers website on Google. http://www.GreenCareersGuide.com

The Gucci Bag Lady -By: Phaedra Anderson As

I

watched

the

and no matter what tag or label you put on

about baggage. So after that day, I went

“GUCCI bag lady” dig in

it, whether FENDI, BURBERRY, MARC

home and cleaned out my pocketbooks,

her bag to get her keys,

JACOB, LOUIS VUITTON, CHANEL

because I didn’t want to be the “GUCCI

I noticed that it took her

etc there’s nothing pretty or attractive

BAG LADY” anymore.

every bit of five minutes just to find them. Thank God, she wasn’t being chased, because she would have gotten caught. I thought wow, she must have a lot of junk in her bag. I mean she must have to dig through her eyeglass case, wallet, make-up compact, receipts, mail envelopes, church bulletins, tissues, flyers, invitations and several other unnecessary items just to finally get to the one thing that she needed, her keys.

As I watched her put her keys in the door I couldn’t help, but to wonder is her pocketbook subliminal to her life? Does she carry around a bunch of unwanted, unnecessary stuff that makes it difficult for her to get to the things that she really needs? Does she arrive late to places, because she has so much excessive baggage slowing her down? I even started to wonder if everything in her bag actually belonged to her? She probably doesn’t even notice that the weight on her shoulders would be so much lighter if she would just stop carrying around other people’s baggage.

After that day I was never able to look at the “GUCCI bag lady” the same, because even though from the outside she looked sophisticated, luxurious and well put together, in the inside she was unorganized, cluttered and weighed down

39

POSITIVE POINTS: FEARSTORMS

It says in the Bible, King David killed 10 thousand men with his own hands. He’s a fierce warrior, yet he says his heart’s in anguish. Terror and death are all around him and it constantly attacks him. The horror is overwhelming yet he pressed on. Lat-

Excerpt reading from James R. Cooper’s book From Crackers

er, we learn he realized his strength comes from the Lord who

to Caviar…Guide to Personal Development.

is within him, so he taps into his source, and remembers the

www.fromcrackerstocaviar.com

things he’s done well in his past. He is saying, “You know what, I can overcome this, and I will.” We all have the ability to do

Fearstorms are grounded in the past and they are fuelled by

the same. We can all experience overwhelming fear in life, es-

the uncertainty of the future. You’re afraid of what may happen

pecially when we’re trying to do something new. We must deal

based on negative past experiences. So how do you conquer a

with these fears, just as King David did, by recognizing that we

fearstorm? First, you have to accept that you have fears, and

have fears. If we don’t address these fears – fears of success,

if your fears are not addressed, they will take over. One of the

fears of failure, fears of embarrassment, fears of ridicule, fears

most powerful kings in the Bible, and certainly one of God’s

that we aren’t good enough to achieve – then we will stay an

fiercest warriors, King David, recognized his own fears and

unwilling captive all our lives.

wrote openly about them.

In Psalms 55:4-8, he says: 4 My heart is in anguish within me; the terrors of death assail me.

5 Fear and trembling have beset me; horror has overwhelmed me.

6 I said, “Oh, that I had the wings of a dove! I would fly away and be at rest – 7 I would flee far away and stay in the desert; Selah 8 I would hurry to my place of shelter, far from the tempest and storm.”

40

Call to Action: Best and Worse Case Scenario Write out your best and worse case scenario for whatever it is that’s holding you back. Best case scenario: Ask yourself, what’s the best thing that could happen if I do this?

CAN ONE WOMAN CHANGE THINGS: FOCUS FIJI Ms. Atelaite Namatasere is

demeanor and resilience, Fijian women seek to ensure that their

one woman from Fiji who

children continue to attend school and that women find other

seeks to empower Fijians in

means to earn extra income to assist with the daily running of

ministry and the marketplace.

their households.

The Bible says “if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you can speak to the mountain to be removed and it shall take place and nothing shall be impossible to you�

Matthew 17:20 (paraphrased version).

Atelaite is doing just that, speaking to the challenges of Fijians and seeking every way to empower them whether through trainings, in-kind resources or connecting them to the right people. Being a resident in California with her husband and family, she has not lost her connection with Fiji. Facing the challenges of adjusting to the U.S. standards of living while working, Ms. Namatasere still assist The World Harvest Institute and other communities in Fiji with resources as she is able. Over 1200 Fijians in the U.S. are working like Ms. Namatasere to empower themselves to become successful in the U.S. so that they can raise up other Fijian leaders to change the economic and social forecast of Fiji.

As protectors and anchors of families, family security is

Resilient dependency on their faith is the mainstay of the majority of women of different faiths in Fiji. Atelaite knows well that faith in God has been her anchor. Walking out the word of God has allowed her to meet many women across the U.S. They have helped her in her destiny walk to develop her business to assist Fijians coming to the U.S. Her vision is to develop a business strategy to employ Fijians much like an employment agency and to include job readiness skills.

She is becoming an answer to many challenges that Fijians face when coming to the United States. We salute Ms. Namatasere for her perseverance, vision and faith in God to be used in this hour.

We

salute

all

the

people in Fiji and their awesome resilience to become a progressive country.

uppermost in the mind of the women of Fiji. With their quiet

41

THE WOMEN OF SIGNIFICANCE GROUP SEEKS NOMINATIONS FOR 2012 “WOS SERVICE” AWARDS Baltimore, MD (September 30, 2011) – Women of Significance (WOS) is now accepting nominations for the 2012 “Service Awards. These awards recognize the significant contributions of women globally to the life and empowerment of the people in their sphere of influence.

“Women are many times the backbone of families and communities and are unrecognized for their unique ways of serving,” said Dr. Cheryl Hill. “These global unsung heroes help to strengthen their communities in need and we look forward to recognizing them for their service.”

Nominations for the 2012 WOS Service Awards should represent outstanding community and industry service occurring in 2011. Service must be performed outside of the context of the nominee’s paid employment. Applications will be accepted in the areas of Individuals: youth, adult, older adult, lifetime achievement, national and global achievement.

All applications must be submitted via email wosawards@wosonline.org by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, January 6, 2012.

Selection Criteria: Honorees will be chosen based on one or more of the following guidelines: •The extent to which the nominee meets the need of their surrounding community or sphere of influence •The extent to which the nominee develops the leadership, personal and social skills of those that they are involved with •Reference letters received *Please Note – If you are submitting a nominee you must write a short summary of their accomplishments, leave a contact number and send picture of the nominee to qualify.

All honorees will be notified no later than February 5, 2012. Each honoree will receive a plaque, letter of good standing and a personal gift from Dr. Cheryl Hill, President of Women of Significance. All nominees will receive a letter of thanks for their service.

For more information, please contact us at wosawards@wosonline.org.

Learn more about “Women of Significance” at www.wosonline.org 42

PROMOTION

Inspired Giving

ENGAGE AFRICA

EMPOWERMENT

Engage Africa

INITIATIVE

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO SUPPORT? NG (Next Generation) Scholarship Fund Education is a key component in bringing real and lasting change in Africa. The school dropout rate

One person can make a difference in EAI is partnering with key leadership in The Republic of Benin, Nigeria and Guinea, meeting the needs of women and children.

Join us by being one of the 100 pledging $100 to improve the lives of people across the globe.

the lives of the women and children in The Republic of Benin, Nigeria. EAI is partnering with Her Excellency, Mrs. Obioma Imoke to bring added value and productivity to the lives of these women and children. Join us by giving $100 to this campaign.

due to poverty and related challenges mean that many youths in Africa are unable to have access to continuous educational opportunities.

EAI’s goal is to create opportunities for promising African youth

Who Should Participate?

$100 Provides Support for:

• • • • •

• • • • •

Individuals Faith/Business Leaders Families College Students Corporate Management

Women Farmers Women Artisans Disadvantaged Youth School/Medical Supplies for Youth Training Programs

Log on to: Engage Africa International at www.eai.community.officelive.com

in distressed countries through the provision of scholarships.

The “NG” Scholarship Program was established to provide assistance and expand educational opportunities for children and youth who lack the economic power to afford tuition fees and costs.

Micro Finance Scholarships We target talented youths and women in the city and rural areas of distressed countries. We employ a community driven and managed micro finance model where we play the role of facilitator, for instance providing capacity building services to the groups and

building relationships with finan-

support, in order to help improve

cial institutions.

the health of the children.

Build a School

Sponsor a Well

Our aim is to build schools in

You can make an enormous

rural areas in distressed countries

impact on hundreds of lives by

through our partner donations. In

sponsoring a clean water well.

addition to clean, hygienic and well-constructed classrooms, we aim to ensure clean drinking water and sanitation facilities are available at each of the schools we 43

SALVATION IS FREE Women of Significance is a Christian based periodical. As such, it is our honor to share with you the good news of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In every issue we are dedicated to providing you with information that impact all areas of a woman’s life. So we extend to you a hand of fellowship and an invitation to build an intimate relationship with our Father. We believe what Jesus stated in John 14:6 to be true. Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. Here is your knock on the door and personal invitation. Say the prayer below; which is based on Romans 10:9-10. We believe that when you say this prayer and mean it with all your heart, that you are saved and born again.

Dear God in heaven, I come to you in the name of Jesus. I acknowledge to You that I am a sinner, and I am sorry for my sins and the life that I have lived; I need your forgiveness.

I believe that your only begotten Son Jesus Christ, shed His precious blood on the cross at Calvary and died for my sins, and I am now willing to turn from my sin.

You said in Your Holy Word, Romans 10:9 that if we confess the Lord our God and believe in our hearts that God raised Jesus from the dead, we shall be saved.

Right now I confess Jesus as the Lord of my soul. With my heart, I believe that God raised Jesus from the dead. This very moment I accept Jesus Christ as my own personal Savior and according to His Word, right now I am saved.

Thank you Jesus for your unlimited grace which has saved me from my sins. I thank you Jesus that your grace never leads to license, but rather it always leads to repentance. Therefore Lord Jesus, transform my life so that I may bring glory and honor to you alone and not to myself.

Thank you Jesus for dying for me and giving me eternal life.

Amen.

Congratulations! We rejoice with the angels in heaven!

You may ask, “Now that I am saved, what’s next?” First of all you need to get into a bible-based church, and study God’s Word. Once you have found a church home, you will want to become water-baptized. By accepting Christ you are baptized in the spirit, but it is through water-baptism that you show your obedience to the Lord.

Water baptism is a symbol of your salvation from the dead. You were dead but now you live, for the Lord Jesus Christ has redeemed you for a price! The price was His death on the cross. May God Bless You! Email us at Salvation@wosonline.org and share your testimony of receiving God’s love, grace, access and eternal life.

Romans 10:9-10. “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; 44

and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”

continuation of: COLLEGE CHAT WITH AURIELLE

continuation of: SPOTLIGHT Karen Covell: Living Life Out Loud

continuation of: Jonah33: A Modern Day Prodigal Son

Q.

HPN entitled The Hollywood Tribe and

some business. I got some questions.’ I

Is it hard to be a Christian (who’s

trying to follow the Word) in college?

she has most recently written episodes of the new TV Series The Incurables. She

A: Simply put- it can be. There are so

created and produced the rock gospel

many distractions and people that demand

music show pilot Good News Rock , and

your focus in college that it can be hard to

was associate producer with Shari Lew-

remember where your focus is supposed

is Home Video including One Minute

to lie. Is it impossible- no. Of course no one is perfect and we all slip up, but if you put forth the time and effort to strengthen your relationship with God then college will be much better.

Send questions to Chat with Aurielle at wosonline.org/contact-us/

Bedtime Stories and One Minute Bible

went over to his house that night and from 6:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. I asked him every question in the book.”

Deep inside, Vince wanted to believe in Jesus Christ because of the change he’d

Ms. Covell was the post-pro-

seen in his parents. However, he kept up

duction producer for the animation com-

his guard with the youth pastor. “I just

pany TMS Entertainment, Inc. As Head

wanted to see if it was true. I told myself

of Development at Penthouse Presenta-

that I was going over there to prove this

Stories .

tions, a TV production company (not affiliated with the magazine), Ms. Covell created and developed both television movies and series concepts. She was the assistant to the Executive Producer for a CBS-TV movie The Two Lives of Carol Letner, and was co-writer and assistant ed-

guy to be a liar. Obviously I was terribly mistaken.”

In the early morning hours, Vince gave in.

Rob and Rhonda answered every one of his questions, and Vince heard the Holy

continuation of: Seven Spheres of Influence PLUS

itor for Players or Pawns, a sports docu-

Spirit through them.“Next thing I know,

mentary and winner of best documentary

I’m on my knees,” Vince says. “The cool

someone’s answer. Someone is looking

at the San Francisco Film Festival. Ms.

thing was that Rob made me pray… I sur-

at you today and your lifestyle. Some-

Covell was also the producing director of the 8th Annual Women in Film Festival

rendered everything over. Ever since then

one sees Jesus through how you handle your challenges. Someone sees wisdom,

in Los Angeles.

excellence, and outstanding work ethics

She is a graduate of USC with a BA in

through you.

Producing, married to her best pal Jim,

erance and amazing grace to young people

a composer. They are the proud parents

all across the globe with his band Jonah33.

of their two Wonder Boys –Christopher

God also blessed him with a beautiful wife

and Cameron.

and four-year-old son. No matter how far

I have worked in the government sphere of influence for over 15 years and I have seen many Christians struggle with the myth that Christians should not be in these

Vince takes his testimony of divine deliv-

The Women of Significance worldwide community applauds Ms. Karen Covell

spheres of influence. My question is “if

for the works and passion to see God in

we are not there how are standards to be

Hollywood! You can find more informa-

measured”?

tion by logging onto www.hollywood-

-By Dr. Cheryl Hill

it’s been a completely different story.”

prayernetwork.org.

45

46

Be a Part of Women of Significance.

Read, Share, Enjoy and keep checking wosonline.org for wonderful tips and tools all year long.

2012 is already upon us. Get ready for a year of accomplishment and breakthrough! We declare it today. You are a woman of significance, so live everyday with passion and on purpose.

Women of Significance publications are free to you to share and enjoy. If you want to help bring this wonderful work to women around the globe we welcome your support. WOS is NOT a 501C3 entity, therefore contributions are not tax-free. Your gift will help us continue to inspire and delight women with God’s wisdom.

47

48