live magazine 2009 by Cheryl Pullins

PUBLISHER SUBER PULLINS PUBLISHING MANAGING PARTNER EXECUTIVE EDITOR EDITOR-IN-CHIEF SENIOR ADMINISTRATOR DESIGN AND LAYOUT COVER DESIGN STAFF WRITERS

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

PUBLIC RELATIONS DIRECTOR WEBSITE

SUBER PULLINS PUBLISHING JAMAR R. SUBER CHERYL A. PULLINS LORRAINE WILLIAMS ZACHARY PULLINS NICHOLAS DeYOUNG SWAK DESIGN BRIDGETTE COLLINS SHELBY HILL ZACHARY PULLINS, SR. MARNIE SWEDBERG LEA M. LUCAS SHANAE DELL RHONDA WHITE LORNEKA JOSEPH MICHELLE BERSELL TIFFANY EASLEY www.liveinvictory.org

EDITORIAL ADDRESS 8923 EARLY APRIL WAY, Suite C COLUMBIA, MD 21046 ISSN: 1945-5178 live magazine is a monthly online publication, supported by our advertisers. For advertising information contact us at marketing@liv-magazine.com. Permissions: live magazine requires written permission for use of any published article. Upon written approval “Used by permission of live magazine” must be used. Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.

december 2009

Contents

Volume 1 â&#x20AC;˘ Issue 16

Victorious Living for Women Launch Celebration:

Forty Women

A New Perspective to Beat Those Winter Blahs

Changing Jobs? What to do with Your 401(k) Plan

Making Your Dining Decor Pop for Less

Tis the Season to be Fabulous

'Tis Your Season : Interview with Cheryl Pullins

Christmas Dream List

Connections via Social Networking

The Road to Living Healthier with Coach Collins

Medical Moments with Lorneka

The Car That Stops Itself

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Let’s go!! Greetings, Tis the Season for God’s Glory to fill the earth!!! To say that I am humbled and honored to be given this opportunity to serve as the new Editor in Chief of live magazine would be the understatement of the year. Words do not adequately express how excited I am to be given this opportunity. This year has been a year of transition and promotion for me and my family. God continues to open doors of opportunities and showers us with so many blessings. I know without a shadow of a doubt this is definitely my season and my God appointed time. I am so grateful to God for His faithfulness and His favor. I also want to publicly say thank you to Cheryl Pullins for granting me this awesome responsibility of caring for her baby. I’ve known Cheryl now for about 8 years and our friendship has blossomed into more than I think either of us expected. Not only is she my sister and my friend but she is also a mentor who pushes me to be all that God would have me to be. I love her dearly, and I promise to make her proud and to nourish and care for live magazine as though it were my own. As the new Editor in Chief of live magazine I promise to continue to provide you with the same excellent type of magazine you have come to know and love, while adding a fresh twist and innovative ideas and concepts that I am sure you will also enjoy. I welcome your feedback and comments so feel free to email me at lwilliams@liv-magazine.com In closing I look forward to serving you and hearing from you. Remember, this is our season women of God! Let’s do this.

Lorraine Williams Editor-in-Chief

live magazine - December 2009

"Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift". 2 Corinthians 9:15

We are so thankful to God for sending His Son that through Him we all may have life. Jesus truly is the reason for the season. From the entire live magazine family, we pray that you all have a blessed and prosperous New Year.

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A New Perspective to Beat Those Winter Blahs by Michelle Bersell

For the last couple weeks, I have had the

messages, we feel even better. Wisconsin is get-

old self would have judged this time saying

People are complaining about it left and right,

opportunity to really slow down my pace. My something to myself like â&#x20AC;&#x153;What is wrong with me? I am feeling so unmotivated.â&#x20AC;? Not this time. Oh no! I am sooooaking it in!

What is so great is that the weather in

Wisconsin is totally working with me. This is

what I love about nature. If we go along with its 6

live magazine - December 2009

ting clobbered with ridiculous amounts of snow. but not me. The weather gives me all the more

reason to rest, relax and unwind. I am just loving

my bed right now, as I treasure waking up around 6 rather than around 4:30 or 5 when I was in a

more motivated state. I just lay in bed thinking

about how good the mattress feels on my body,

my pillow and my warm, cozy blankets. I just

abilities, cherish my largest organ – my skin with

to enjoy this time.

ture my body with healthy foods and apologize

feel so content and nurtured by allowing myself

I feel that I am able to really take this time

in and cherish it for two reasons. One is that I

know this time will pass. There is no need to judge myself as being lazy or worry that I will never be motivated again. It simply won’t hap-

pen. My body’s callings are recognizable to me

now. I know when it needs rest and why. It is

through this resting time that I will be able to swing my crazy long days with greater ease.

The other reason is that there is something

long baths and yummy lotions and look to nurto it when I forget to.

What this innocent love affair with myself

and my slowed down life has given is a greater sweetness. I feel so connected to myself, God

and life that I can’t help myself but share this love with others. For example, my husband is getting phone calls just to tell him how hand-

some I think he is, besides being the best spouse and father.

Is it paradoxical that through loving our-

so sweet about this time. I feel like I am really

selves that we are able to give more love out in the

much accomplished during my motivated states

names such as selfish and lazy, you would think

soaking in life. Sure, it is neat that I can get so but there is also something so wonderful about cherishing the big and small aspects of our days.

When I am in this more rested and slowed down state, I really am able to take in the beauty, gifts, love and abundance I am surrounded with.

world? In a world that calls our self-care hurtful

that to love ourselves is contradictory to loving others. Of course, nothing could be further from

the truth. Although society will not congratulate

you on your success of loving yourself, you will.

Another interesting aspect of having this

time is that I am having some sort of love affair

with my body. I don’t mean this in any weird way. What I mean is that I feel even more conscious than ever how beautiful, amazing and

powerful by body is. This is not about what it looks like on the outside but more about my

body’s ability to function and do such amazing

things like breathe, walk, run, kneel, heal, swim, create, and love. Simply stated, I am in awe of

me from the inside out and not just me but everyone!. So as strange as it may sound, I have

also been taking this time to enjoy all that my

body can do. I praise my body for all its physical

For more information on Michelle or to take her quiz “Are You Surviving Life or Truly Living?”, please visit www.MichelleBersell.com. www.liveinvictory.org

changing jobs?

what to do with your 401(k) plan Changing jobs may represent an exciting time in your career by providing new challenges and an opportunity to enhance your skills and abilities. On the other hand, if you’re leaving a job due to a lay off, termination or move, it can be a stressful process. And the decision of what to do with your 401(k) plan can add to the stress. With the economic downturn, a startling 45 percent of individuals are cashing out their 401(k) plans when leaving their companies. It’s important to understand all of the choices you have and the impact of the decision you make. • If your vested account balance is $5,000 or more, you can leave your money where it is, and taxes won’t be due until you withdraw money from the plan. If your vested account balance is under $5,000, you may be forced by your employer to take a distribution. One option is to roll your 401(k) account into an Individual Retirement Account. If you request a direct rollover -- meaning you have the money transferred directly into the IRA -- you won’t owe taxes until you withdraw money from the account. You can also receive the money

live magazine - December 2009

first and then roll it to an IRA. This is called an indirect rollover. You will have 60 days to deposit the funds in an IRA. Because the money was not rolled directly to the IRA, 20 percent will automatically be withheld. You will need to make that up when you send the money to the IRA administrator. • If you are going to work for a new company and will have a 401(k) plan there, you can roll your former company’s 401(k) money into your new employer’s plan. As with a rollover to an IRA, if you request a direct rollover, you won’t have to pay taxes until you withdraw money from the account. • You can take a cash distribution for the full amount of your balance, but, of course, you’ll pay income tax on the money you receive. In addition, if you are under age 59 1/2, you may be

subject to a 10 percent federal income tax penalty. And because you are receiving the money, 20 percent of your balance will be automatically withheld. • You can leave some of the money in the plan and take the rest in cash or roll it to an IRA or new plan. Again, remember that any money taken in cash and not rolled over directly will be subject to the 20 percent withholding. While taking some or all of the money in cash may seem appealing, it can result in taxes and penalties. It can also have a long-term effect on your retirement savings. To see how taxes and penalties may impact your personal situation, check out a distribution impact calculator. So which option is best? There’s no one right answer to this question. Leaving the assets in your former company’s plan or rolling the funds to an IRA both enable the money to remain tax-deferred. And if you elect the IRA option, you can access your assets at any time, plus you’ll likely have a wider array of investment choices. Rolling funds to an IRA can enable you to choose funding vehicles that offer downside protection for income purposes and guaranteed lifetime income. For instance, IRA assets may be invested in a variable annuity, which offers optional living benefits that, at an additional cost, provide a guarantee of lifetime retirement income with potential for income increases (but not decreases) based on market performance. If your job change occurs close to when you planned to retire, you may be concerned about maximizing future income. If this is within five years of retirement, you are entering the most critical time of your investment life, a time Prudential calls “The Retirement Red Zone,” which encompasses the five year period before and after retirement. The decisions you make during this 10-year span may have a fundamental impact on how you spend the 20-plus years of life that follow.

Conversions to a Roth IRA are generally fully taxable. Before you convert to a Roth IRA, consider how your tax bracket will affect the overall benefit of the rollover. Conversion income may push you into a higher tax bracket. It is, however, possible to convert only part of your traditional IRA. This could enable you to remain in the same tax bracket you would be in without the conversion. It is generally advisable to pay the taxes on the conversion with funds other than those in your traditional IRA. If you are under age 59 1/2 when you do a conversion, any funds not deposited in the Roth IRA will be subject to the 10 percent federal income tax penalty (unless an exception applies). Please consult your own independent advisor as to any tax, accounting or legal statements made within this article. This article is intended for educational purposes only.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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Begin with three easy steps.

making your dining decor pop for less As the economy took a downturn, dining out has been replaced with invitations to friends and family to dine in. While we’re looking for ways to cut spending and save money, we still want to keep our decor -- in the kitchen and on the dinner table -- fresh, modern and fun for every day and the occasional soiree. There are several ways to wow party goers and stay within your budget. You can repurpose the plates you have or purchase a couple of inexpensive but key pieces like linens and silk flowers to create an entirely different look. Before you do anything, however, take stock. This season’s dining decorating trend may already be in your cupboards.

Urban elegance This year, lemongrass is making the statement. Incidentally, Michelle Obama chose to wear the color

live magazine - December 2009

on her husband’s inaugural day. In an urban-inspired decor, this chartreuse-like shade is the color that gets attention and leaves a lasting impression. “It says ‘optimism, vibrancy and cheerfulness,’” says Ed Wonder, director of design for Fiesta Dinnerware, an iconic American brand. “Throughout history, when our country is in turmoil, we’ve often looked to bright colors to lift our spirits.” Consider adding a few pieces in this contemporary color to each place setting, either a solid napkin or bud vase holding a single fresh orchid. If you already have chocolate- or ivory-colored china, mix in lemongrasscolored serving platters and bowls; the three-way color combo sets the stage for a metropolitan meal. To make guests gasp, go bold with the colors of lemongrass, black, white and several shades of purple.

Patriotic plating What better way to show your patriotism than with dinnerware in the colors of the flag? Chances are, you already have a set of white or ivory everyday dishes (the top colors on bridal registries), so you can easily add splashes of scarlet and cobalt without spending lots of your hard-earned cash. A simple table runner, flatware and a few large vases in all three colors, and you are all set to celebrate the blessings in life and support your country any day of the year.

A unisex tabletop For a serious, sophisticated dinner setting that appeals to both ‘him’ and ‘her,’ turn to colors that mimic menswear. Choose dinnerware in the following color combinations: black, evergreen, marigold and white, or black, chocolate, cobalt blue and ivory. Consider covering the table with a herringbone, houndstooth or plaid tablecloth. This doesn’t have to be a designer label; buy the fabric by the yard at a local arts and crafts store. Place stacked settings -- charger, dinner plate, salad or fruit bowl -- on top of leather placemats. Use solid napkins, but in a bright accent color to soften the look for female guests. Tangerine works well with chocolates, as does a sunflower shade.

color and pattern choices. Mix brights with earth tones, like Fiesta’s peacock and tangerine with chocolate and evergreen dinnerware. And, incorporate decorated glassware, cups and saucers and dessert plates -- in any pattern, even paisley -- with solid pieces. The good news is you can achieve ‘bohemia’ without breaking the bank. Purchase one or two new, but inexpensive, pieces that you can add to your everyday dishes, like a set of square bowls to layer with round designs. Or add chargers in a shade that acts as an accent to the current color scheme. Your best bet is to raid your grandma’s boxed up dishes in the basement or scout out bargains at local antique stores and garage sales. Whatever your design preference is for the season, be it urban, bohemian, patriotic, or more masculine, you can be a trendsetter and achieve these looks on a budget. Just combine a few new pieces, dishes you already have, and a little creativity.

courtesy of ara content

Bohemian but chic The bohemian lifestyle is all about collecting pieces over time, mixing and matching similar with dissimilar items, and creating a feeling of overall freedom. Almost anything goes. So, don’t rely on a standard ‘set’ of dishes to enhance the dining experience. The key is to mix different shapes -- like round dinner plates with square bowls -- as well as sizes, colors and patterns. Fiesta recently introduced square dishes to its nearly 75-year-old signature circular design. The layering effect achieved when the two shapes are combined not only adds dimension, but a bit of playfulness to the setting. Most importantly, be unconventional with your

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Tis the Season Divas, this season is not just for giving, it is also the season to be FABULOUS! Now is a time where we are not only taking our fabulosity to new levels through all aspects of our lives, but we look fierce while doing so! As victorious women, our schedules are always packed to capacity with lunch appointments, PTA meetings, conferences and book launches that when we come up for air it’s the holiday season. And you ladies know as well as I do what comes along with the holidays, right? The incredible holiday parties! The best part of attending these wonderful parties is the fashion! This year’s holiday fashions have stepped onto the scene with a pop and bang! Now, I know that with the holidays just around the corner, time is running out to find that perfect party outfit. Don’t worry, I have got you covered from clothes, to shoes, accessories and beauty. There are many pieces this season that are very versatile and can be worn several different ways, that way you have variety as well as taking it easy on the pocketbook. Let’s take a look at this year's hot holiday fashions!

Sleeveless E lectricity

This dress is electric! The length of the dress shows off the leg and the silver sequined pump adds even length to the legs. For pop, add an unexpected accessory like this red leopard clutch bag! You will be the talk of the party!

live magazine - December 2009

n to be Fabulous shanae dell

The Little Black Dress (Reloaded) Take your LBD to the next level by adding these colorful and bold accessories.

Dressy Overcoat The coat is the versatile piece because it can be either worn alone or act as a cover-up. Also, to add a pop and sass pull on a pair of hot pink gloves to round out your outfit!

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'Tis Your Season, I have known Cheryl Pullins for about 8 years. When I met her she was shy and introverted. She had joined the same church my husband and I belonged to. Cheryl would sit in the same seat week after week and wore dark clothing with a hat pulled down almost covering her eyes. She was very soft spoken a n d

gave off the distinct impression that she did not want to be bothered. Every week she came just in time for service and she left as soon as service was over. There was no chit chatting or small talk. Under all of that facade I realized that this person was hurting and just needed to be free, but at the time so did

I so, for the first probably 3 years of knowing each other, we were just acquaintances. I never knew there was such a powerhouse buried under all those layers of hurt and pain, old ladies’ clothing and dry unwelcoming glances just waiting to be released. Years later my friend, is free and full of life. Vibrant and encouraging and mentoring women all around the country and different parts of the world. What happened? I’ll tell you what happened, she got free!!! She found her purpose and her destiny and stepped into it. There is no doubt that this is her season and her time to shine. I am honored that this would be my first interview as Editor in Chief of live magazine, to be given the opportunity to interview one of my favorite people, my coach, my sister, my close friend for life, Mrs. Cheryl Pullins. CP: First let me say that I am so honored that you call me friend and one of your favorite people! We have seen and done a lot of things together and to see God move in both of our lives is so awesome and such a testament to the power of confession. Lorraine we are just beginning to live those things we confessed over our lives years ago in the heart of South Philadelphia! Whoooaaa!! Ok let me get my composure and give you an interview (laughing).

Questions:

lm: You have had an awesome year!!! So much has been accomplished in such a short period of time. What would you say today is your most precious achievement? CP: As challenging a question as that may seem, the answer is pretty easy. With everything that has been accomplished in such a short period of time my most precious achievement is a very personal one. Over ten years ago I went through a very difficult divorce at the end of which had my children staying with their father. This was the hardest decision I have ever had to make but what most people never understood is that I made the decision to protect them. But that is a story for my book. What is most precious to me is that in spite of everything the relationship I have with my daughters, Valerye and Julianna, is tremendous. They have seen their mother deal with and experience some incredible odds. But just recently after the Victorious Living for Women launch event my oldest daughter Valerye and I spent some time together and

she told me that she was proud of me, there was nothing that could match that moment. It still brings tears to my eyes when I think about her saying those words to me. My youngest daughter Juli is 17 and Valerye is 22 years old and to have her tell me that she is proud of me because of what I have accomplished thus far nothing compares. lm: Since you have answered your call of Destiny, you have been on a fast track. Between the publishing company (Suber Pullins Publishing), the magazine, work and the Victorious Living for Women’s movement, not to mention you are still a newlywed, how are you balancing and keeping everything in its proper position? CP: It is so funny that you ask me that question. A few weeks ago my husband said to me “I don’t know how you do it with the magazine, book, publishing, mommy stuff and wife stuff.” I thought this was pretty funny coming from him and that was a direct quote from a note he wrote me. So I am going to answer you the same way I answered him. I don’t do it. God has graced me with many things and in many ways. I use his Word and wisdom to guide me. I certainly don’t do everything right but my heart’s desire is to always be who He has destined me to be as a mother, a wife and a woman of purpose. My relationship with my husband keeps me balanced because we enjoy one another and like doing fun things together. Each Friday is date night so that always gives me something to look forward to at the end of the week. Typically during the week I am working two to three projects at one time in addition to working a full-time job so I am always looking forward to date night. Recently I have learned to leave my cell phone at home when we go out for date night. It is my time to give my husband my total and undivided attention. That really does help to keep me balanced because for me it is a way for me to “check” myself to see whether I am truly taking the time to give time to what is really important in life and that is family. lm: With so many transitions going on and so many opportunities presenting themselves, how are you able to stay focused on what is your assignment and weed out those things which are not? CP: Whew! There is so much going on with transitions

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and opportunities that I now have to write everything down just to make sure I am not losing track. I have a new fantastic Executive Assistant Kimberly Jackson of Visionary Administrators located in Dallas, TX. Kimberly keeps track of all information regarding transitions and opportunities. We pray about them and talk about them and we move from there. Having someone to bounce thoughts, ideas and opportunities off of who has a full view of your vision is very helpful and it certainly helps to keep me on assignment. As a visionary I am learning that every “good idea” is not a “God idea” and I am learning to be real sensitive to that. I am really learning what is purpose and what is distraction because if the enemy can distract me from my purpose and keep me out of position then he will have made a successful attempt at keeping others out of their purpose. I have learned that proper positioning is not just about you but it is about the others that are connected to you and whose purpose is tied to yours. That is a whole other conversation for another day.

we want to continue to create the demand. Having selected a new Editor-in-Chief will bring new passion and vision to the magazine which will also help to push live even further. I want to publically thank you Lorraine for taking the helm and building your production team for live. This is going to be an incredible journey and in the words of Jamar Suber, our publisher, “let’s make history”!

lm: You are more than welcome!!! It is indeed my pleasure! You just finished and released your first publishing project. What was that like? What challenges did you run up against and how did you overcome them? CP Victorious Living for Women has been an incredible journey. There are no words to adequately explain how I feel about making that accomplishment. Working with 40 women from 18 states was phenomenal. Those ladies did everything we asked them to do

lm: Can you share with our readers how you came up with the concept of live magazine and your expectations for the year to come? CP live magazine was conceived 5 years ago on a piece of paper. I had gone through a very emotionally traumatic time in my life for about six years and God was completing the healing process within me. At the time I was working full-time at a ministry and while sitting in the office I took a piece of paper and sketched out an organizational chart. I had “victorious living” at the top of the paper and one of the things included in the chart was a magazine. I didn’t have the name of the magazine until the fall of 2006. I am not sure if our readers know that “live” is actually an acronym for “live in victory everyday”. I am expecting that live magazine will reach further, wider and deeper not only geographically but into the hearts of women around the world. That it will become a voice to women around the world that no matter where you are in life you can create and live a life of victory in every area. Women just have to know that and embrace it before it becomes manifested in their lives. You will never get there if you don’t know how and live magazine has positioned itself to show women how. We do have plans to become a print magazine, but it is all about timing. We don’t want to rush into that because it is very expensive. Right now

live magazine - December 2009

without murmur or complaint. They answered the call every step of the way. Our greatest challenge was in the editing area. Keeping track of the chapters going in and coming out became a challenge, but for the next project we have already put something in place

to answer that challenge which will streamline the process and keep us on track. Due to the editing challenge that really pushed our printing deadline which put me into a “tizzy”. The morning of the event I had no books! At 6:00 AM I was sitting at my computer holding my head and my husband asked me what was up. I told him. He said all the right words to reassure me one way or the other. But me being a self proclaimed “perfectionist” there was no way I was accepting that we were having a book event with no books! How did I overcome that one? It was all God. That morning the authors had a TV taping and following the taping we went into some serious prayer with Pastor Trena Stephenson, host of Daughters of Distinction. When we came out of prayer my husband had sent me a text that they books had arrived. One of the biggest challenges we were up against throughout this entire project was the enemy himself. He tried with everything he had to shut this book down. Between technical difficulty during our conference calls to where ever he thought he could cause havoc, he tried. But the ladies on this project shut him down at every turn. When everything was all over I wrote my publishing partner and said, “he did not win!”

lm: Victorious Living for Women has transformed from a book into a worldwide movement? Talk to us a little about that and share with our readers your thoughts for the future of Victorious Living for Women. CP While working with the ladies on the book project each week we came together it was more and more evident that this “coming together” was about much more than a book. It was about positioning the women on this project to be a voice to carry the message of victory to the nations. Each time I talked to someone they would remark about how “big” this was. So with that I started asking God “ok God, just how big is this?” From there He started putting things in place. We will be launching Victorious Living for Women: The Organization in 2010. This will include a kickoff event then there will be virtual and live seminars, webinars, teleseminars, etc. We will be using technology to deliver many of our sessions. We want to reach women around the world and want to make Victorious Living for Women an accessible and effective organization. We are not just another women’s organization, but we are an organization of purpose designed to teach women to learn, embrace and ap-

ply principles to live victorious and purposeful lives. Oprah cannot be the only person telling women how to live their best lives. Don’t get me wrong, Oprah is great! She is effective and gets results, but there has to be women in the Kingdom who have a greater level of effectiveness and influence on the lives of women around the world for Kingdom living. The gerbera daisy has become our symbol of victory and with that we will be introducing the gerbera daisy pin for women who become members of Victorious Living for Women, but that is something that will be down the road.

lm: I’ve known you for years and the one thing I have always admired about you was that you are well read. What are you reading now and why? CP: Interestingly enough I am not reading any one particular book at this time. I am jumping around just a little because I am doing some “purposeful reading”. The books I am moving between right now are Simon T. Bailey’s Release Your Brilliance. It is an incredible book about transforming and positioning your life so that your genius (your brilliance) is released to the world. I am reading this book because I believe that we should always remain teachable. The principles which I apply to my life are biblical in foundation and practical in application. They work! And some of the books I read are by people who have tried and proven principles of success. One of the other books is 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John C. Maxell. This book is helping me to understand my role as a leader. With the transition about to take place in my life I must be a skilled and balanced leader and this book is just one of the many tools that is assisting me as I make this transition. lm: You have a knack for encouraging people and making them smile? What makes Cheryl smile? CP: Not to sound all deep and stuff (laughing) but the things that make me smile are all about relationships. There are some wonderful relationships that I have been blessed with in my life. The primary ones are the relationships I have with my husband, my children and my mother. There is a unique nature about each of the relationships that make me smile. Because each of them came with work. Even the relationships I have with my siblings have been work and through that work I have grown to love them even the more.

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Now if you want to know the not so deep stuff that makes me smile.comedian Jeff Dunham and Peanut!! Hilarious! I love comedy so that adds to the exercising of my smile muscles. lm: I also know you love to shop. Please tell me for the record - who is your favorite designer? Where is your favorite place to shop? What is your must have accessory? CP If I had to say I have a favorite designer that would be tough because there are a number of designers that I like and some of them are by category. You know shoe designer, clothing designer that type of thing. For shoes I really love Christian Louboutin. Mariah Carey wears them a lot and I haven’t seen a pair of Mariah Carey shoes that I don’t like. But for a practical shoe Stuart Weitzman’s are great. They have style, well made and are reasonably priced for a designer shoe. Anyone who really knows me know that I love St. John clothing. It is comfortable and has a classic style that never goes out and it travels well. You can put it in a suitcase, take it out, shake it out and wear it out the door! I honestly would love to see live magazine do an interview with Marie Gray, co-founder of St. John. This line was started with a dress that was hand knitted by Marie Gray. Anyway.I am off the track. I have a few favorite places to shop. Nordstroms, Chicos, Talbots and Ann Taylor are some of my favorite stores, but I will do ebay in a minute! Cheryl Pullins is the founder and Executive Editor of live magazine. Please feel free to visit Cheryl’s website wwww.cherlypullins.com

live magazine - December 2009

Forty Women By Maria Roberts

When

two people touch and agree on anything, it is an accomplishment in and of itself. In Christianity, when two believers touch and agree, it marks the beginning of innumerable blessings and enlightenment that only the Most High can bestow. That said, what could possibly happen when 40 women, of different ages, from different states and various backgrounds, converge on a common place with a common cause, to touch and agree? Simple. They write about it. Imagine 40 Christian women celebrating trials, tribulations, and triumphs in a small but stylish venue all in the vein of living victoriously. Even the holiest sister would have her reservations in the natural. We all know that in the natural, two women in the same room, Christian or otherwise, can be at times

problematic. So one could easily assume that even with 40 holy, Christ-claiming, tongue talking, exhorting, ministering, life givers, an occasional size up, sidebar, or side eye would occur. But when God orchestrates the

coming together of His daughters with a common call to expose, inform, teach, encourage, and minister to their sisters who are lost, in transition, or simply in need of another way, an instance such as this would have to be the result of Divine Order.

Jamar Suber and Cheryl Pullins of Suber Pullins Publishing, along with 40 female authors from around the country, came together to commemorate the pre-launch celebration for Victorious Living for Women: Living a Life of

Victory (SuberPullins, 2009). Their mere presence was simply victory defined. Why? The answer lied in those 40 women who made a pilgrimage to Baltimore to consummate the completion of a divine assignment. This diverse group of writers, businesswomen, and ministers encompasses the everyday Christian woman: constantly seeking God, continuous praise in her mouth, testimony at her lips, and ever ready to enlighten and help along fellow women in their own victorious journey. The book provides a â&#x20AC;&#x153;taste of testimonyâ&#x20AC;? by what these women, have encountered, endured, emancipated www.liveinvictory.org

from: low self-esteem, abuse, loneliness, lack of direction, and simple loss of faith. Each author represented every shape, size, and style, making the event even brighter with their smiles and exuberance. Marked in unison of all black attire and fashionably pinned flowers to symbolize family, sisterhood, and commitment, these women were genuinely happy to see each other. Compliments and praise flowed like living waters. One would think that they were witnessing old friends reuniting, not realizing that many, if not all of them were meeting face-to-face for the very first time. The evening started with live Magazine’s Editorin-Chief and Victorious Living contributing author, Lorraine Williams, leading the group in prayer and positive affirmations, again confirming the daily mantras that have led each of these women to this moment. “I am a Victorious Woman!” “With Jesus, I am afraid of no one and nothing!” “I am not moved by what I see!”

Suber and Pullins addressed the authors with a welcome speech and congratulatory praise for a job well done. Highlights included the event receiving an official certificate of recognition from Mayor Sheila Dixon and the City of Baltimore, and Victorious Living contributing authors reading compelling excerpts to a room full of family, friends, and well wishes. All in all fellowship was the key component as supporters were able to meet their new favorite authors up close

and personal. An incredible evening to honor an incredible book. The book is slated for official release on November 24, 2009 This writer would be remiss if she didn’t thank those 40 women. One by one. Name by name. Not one size up, sidebar, or side eye. You proved His Power in simple celebration. Just fellowship and fun in faith. In each of you lies my woman at the well: Althea Marscene Williams, Angela L. Brown, Brenda Dennis, Caroll Pollard, Cherri Watson, Cheryl Lacey Donovan,

live magazine - December 2009

Christine Pembleton, Deana Murphy, Debbie Magee, Deborah Billingsley, Donna M. Saunders, Eleanor Pat Miller, Gail Dudley, Jacquie LewisKemp, Jewell R. Powell, Joan Gosier, Joann Smith, Denise Stewart, Joy Turner, Joyce Ellis McNeal, Kathleen Moon, Katrina Norfleet, Kimberly Jackson, L. Denise Simpson, LaWanna Harrod, Lea M. Lucas, Letitia Liggins, Lorraine Williams, Lucretia Daniel, Martha E. Lake, Melissa Hoffman, Michele Mills, Paulette Harper, Rhonda White, Tiesha M. Johnson, Tiffany Easley, Tina Jones Gwynn, Tresmaine Grimes, Ph.D., and Valarie Denise.

For more information about Victorious Living for Women, log on to www.suberpullinspublishing.com

www.liveinvictory.org

Christmas music "The Clark Sisters' Family Christmas" (holiday) The Clark Sisters The Clark Sisters have a new Christmas CD just released in October

"Still" BeBe & CeCe Winans

Ultimate Christmas Collection" (holiday) (Includes "The Little Tree" a rare Michael Jackson Christmas song) Jackson 5 Christmas (2009)

"Glory In The Highest" (worship) Chris Tomlin

jewelry "My Christmas" (classical) Andrea Bocelli

Tiffany Keys

Price Range: $125 - $12,000 Silver, gold and platinum

gadgets

Sony Vaio X

Starting at $1,299

Motorola Droid

Available exclusively through Verizon as a part of the Verizon Droid Phone Series.

Dream List Burj Al Arab, Dubai, United Arab Emirates Considered the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only 7-star property A Jumeirah Hotel Property Holiday rates begin at $8,200 per night

With its interior veiled in majestic splendor, the Burj Al Arab hotel is considered the world's only 7-star resort which has attracted international attention as one of the most photographed structures in the world. The hotel's impressive structure, designed by Tom Wright to resemble a billowing sail, has become an iconic symbol of Dubai with its dominating presence in the Dubai skyline. The hotel is illuminated at night by uniquely choreographed lighting representing water and fire. Burj Al Arab is an all suite hotel boasting eight restaurants, including the Al Mahara where you will dine while in view of one of the most beautiful aquariums in Dubai, the world's tallest atrium, abundant in warm, natural light and flanked by golden columns, with a beautiful central fountain where arches of water dance and suddenly burst into the air. Burj Al Arab boasts one of the world's largest fleets of Rolls Royce's (including Park Wards, Silver Seraphs and Phantoms) all of which are available for guest transfers to the airport or around Dubai. Exclusive helicopter transfers to and from Dubai International Airport can be arranged, as well as scenic tours of the city and man-made islands. The "Marhaba Welcome" is the epitome of true Arabian hospitality: guests arriving at Burj Al Arab are welcomed with rose water, refreshing cold towels, dates, Bakhoor and authentic Arabic coffee. With your chauffer driven Rolls Royce, your choice from a selection of 202 suites, private reception desk on every floor and a brigade of highly trained butlers, you can be assured of the ultimate in personal service throughout your stay.

Auto 2010 Range Rover

Price Range: $79,275 - $94,275

travel

ifts that make a differenc

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Thanks and Giving Campaign www.stjude.org

World Vision International www.wvin.org

Charity Choice Give the gift of charity You are the donor and the recipient chooses the charity www.charitygiftcertificates.org

Holiday Mail for Heroes American Red Cross www.redcross.org

The Evolution of Social Networking

Marnie Swedberg

Connections via Social Networking Social Networking (SN) is the easiest, fastest and most fun way to connect with family and friends across the miles. The term “Social Networking” refers to the process of socializing via any of the online communities including some you’ve probably heard of including Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. These are all Social Networking (SN) sites. If used with discretion, SN is great! However, it can be extremely addicting. A TechCrunch report revealed that the average Facebook user spends over three hours on the site per visit. Problems arise when online time replaces face-to-face interaction with family and friends.

Social Networking Benefits There are too many great things about Social Networking to include in this article, but one of my favorites is reconnecting with people I thought I would never see or hear from again until heaven. I have literally cried as former Sunday School teachers and school friends have shown up on my page!

www.liveinvictory.org

SN makes it easy to stay in touch with a large group of friends and family members in a matter of a few minutes per communiqué. It is such a delight to get in on some of the daily “tidbits” and to see recent photos from long-distance loved ones. SN is ideal for this. Most of the SN sites include a microblogging feature which allows users 140 characters to answer the question: “What are you doing right now?” This option enables you to communicate across the miles in a moment: You can send your love, request prayer support and feel connected to dozens or even hundreds of people with just a few keystrokes.

The next time I viewed my profile, I was amused to see that everyone who had replied to my post had incorrectly jumped to the conclusion that I had spend the entire day lounging in my pjs. It was hilarious to contemplate the huge difference between their glamorous rendition of my taxing reality. Things are not always as they appear!

SN Shortcuts If you would like to experiment with SN, but just don’t have time, here is how I get lots of mileage out of minimal time input:

Social Networking Cautions Spending too much time online is the most obvious SN trap, but from my perspective, the biggest caution is that SN erodes our valuation of face-to-face relationships. For example, if someone bugs you while social networking, you can simply “block” the person. If you experience the same frustration at work or at home, you have to deal with it in the old-fashioned way. SN makes in person relationships seem way too hard. Another concern relates to miscommunication. While SN allows you to be unbelievably honest, it also sets you up to be deceived -- not only because you can ignore by deleing anything unpleasant, but also because written words are not as clear as words with visual cues. For example, several weeks ago I awoke to an extremely busy day with a mid-afternoon writing deadline. I was so pressed for time that I began working the moment I got out of bed in the morning and I never took a break to shower, put on make-up, get on my regular clothes or even eat. Upon meeting the deadline, I breathed a sigh of relief, posted a note on my SN sites about finally getting to take a shower and get out of my pj’s for the first time all day, and logged off for the day.

live magazine - December 2009

1. Limit your memberships. There are over 60 sites out there: Register only with those from whom you are receiving invitations via email. 2. Set tight parameters. Determine what you will and will not do. For example, a lot of people enjoy doing all of the following things which I simply never do: I never join groups, lists or causes, take quizzes, play games or open the countless cute gifts I receive everyday. I do interact, reply to emails, and visit other people’s pages, but I don’t do everything. 3. Decide who you will befriend. I approve only those a) who have posted a profile photo; b) with whom you have at least one friend or connection in common; and c) who have wholesome content on their visible profile page. 4. Create a free account with and use ping.fm. This will allow you to type your message once and have it post to all of your SN membership sites simultaneously. 5. Use a URL shortening service. You only get 140 characters and some website addresses are nearly that long. I use cli.gs. 6. Limit your log-ons. I visit Facebook nearly every day, Twitter and LinkedIn every few days and the rest of my SN sites a few times a month.

Marnie’s Personal Guidelines

for success using

As a public figure with thousands of SN

connections at numerous sites, I could spend my entire life on SN, but I don’t. - I post one to four messages most days from ping.fm, without ever logging into each individual SN site. - Once a day I log onto my Facebook account. Every few days I check in at Twitter and LinkedIn. A few times a month I manage my other memberships. I spend no more than 15 minutes total on any given day, unless I’m “playing”. - A few times a month I enjoy a longer stretch of time on my favorite SN sites. I think of these times as “entertainment” and enjoy myself online instead of watching a movie or reading a book.

Social Networking is here to stay

and it is, most likely, only a matter of time until you get involved. By using the guidelines and shortcuts above, you will be able to pump your own long-distance relationships for all they are worth -- all in a matter of a few minutes per day. Marnie Swedberg is the Online Mentor to over 16,000 women, women's ministry leaders and speakers from all six continents.

The Road to Living Healthier with Coach Collins

Today’s Workplace: How Your Health May Affect Your Job

oday’s employers are doing everything they can to help their employees make healthier lifestyle choices through various disease management and wellness programs. On the one hand, they are taking heed to what research continues to reveal. That is, by helping employees adopt a healthier lifestyle, organizations benefit big in areas related to productivity, profits, and health costs. On the other hand, though, companies are implementing or revising policies to address employees who suffer serious medical conditions and who are unable to return to work after a defined period of time. Coach Collins, a renowned fitness consultant, offers her observations and insights surrounding an employer’s point of view. An excerpt of a dialogue between Coach Collins and a group of coworkers will help you relate to and understand your responsibility to implement and maintain healthier lifestyle habits. “Coach, I’m trying to get my co-workers motivated about implementing healthier lifestyle habits,” Olivia stressed. An accountant for a local governmental agency, Olivia wanted her co-workers to explore their options for and focus their attention on eating healthier and exercising. After sharing how small lifestyle changes had improved her blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels she took a moment to introduce her co-work-

live magazine - December 2009

ers to Coach Collins: Valerie, the purchasing specialist; Maya, a program manager; Carol, a courts manager; and Monica, an attorney. “You did such an outstanding job sharing some insightful facts about living healthier at my sorority meeting last month that I wanted you to come and do the same for my co-workers.” “Thank you. I’m happy to be here today,” Coach Collins acknowledged. “Linda, one of our co-workers in the IT department was terminated last week. All throughout her tenure with the company she was praised for her outstanding work and was considered one of the organization’s most valuable employees,” Olivia stated. Interrupting abruptly, Carol said, “Linda has had multiple bouts with cancer over the past three years: breast, lung and brain cancer.” Carol was noticeably having a difficult time containing her emotions. “During her initial illness (breast cancer) in 2006 and her lung cancer in 2007, our organization provided the federally mandated twelve weeks of family and medical leave. Based on our leave policy, she was also provided an additional ninety days of medical leave beyond the family and medical leave. In 2008, she was diagnosed with brain cancer. After Linda was unable to return to work after she exhausted all of her family and medical leave, she was terminated. Now, she’s on CO-

BRA having to pay over $600 a month for her medical insurance. She will not be able to continue the COBRA payments much longer and she’s still undergoing treatments.” “Linda’s story is a sad and an unfortunate situation. But, it could happen to any one of us,” Monica said, visibly worried. “I know it sounds like a belated honesty, but I know my lack of physical activity and my devotion to my mocha madness ice cream, two-piece fried chicken dinners, fried calamari, cheese raviloli, and blueberry muffins are all going to cause me to experience some health concerns sooner rather than later. A single parent of two, and age forty-four, I can’t afford to end up like Linda.” “The impact of poor health on the workplace has become a major concern in organizations. That’s why we’re seeing more and more company sponsored wellness programs,” Coach Collins stated. “Employees who are not practicing healthy lifestyle habits and who fail to meet the company half way by taking advantage of its programs may be risking their jobs. And I don’t mean to imply that Linda’s situation was the result of unhealthy lifestyle habits. We’re all predisposed for disease and illness. In some cases, even when we’re doing the right things, we end up facing a major illness.” “At our company, employees who are routinely sick, absent from work, or are unable to perform their jobs at full capacity while at work are finding themselves in some precarious situations. Over the past year, I’ve noticed how our human resources department has revised policies that provide them with termination options once the family and medical leave obligation has been fulfilled,” Olivia commented. “Linda was employed with our company for over fifteen years. She was a key factor in implementing our IT department; took the agency to the next level in technology systems,” Valerie stated. “Employees are considered the backbone of the company. When an employee is unable to work, the company’s ability to deliver quality programs, services and/or products to its customers is impacted. As a consequence, the company’s grant funding or profits can be at stake,” Coach Collins stressed. “Your jobs require you to be at work everyday and to operate at peak levels of mental

capacity. Medical conditions like diabetes, arthritis, hypertension, cancer, asthma, insomnia, obesity can affect your ability to be at work everyday or severely reduce your effectiveness while at work depending how well you manage your condition.” “That’s why I’m ready to make some changes,” Monica announced. “I know there’s an increased chance I’ll be in a similar situation like Linda if I don’t make some changes.” “I’ve recently been diagnosed with Lupus,” Maya acknowledged. “I’ve learned that eating healthier will be paramount to the management of my condition.” “Absolutely,” Coach Collins stated. “My cousin had a stroke several months ago,” Monica interjected. “Because she was unable to return to work after her family and medical ended she was terminated. Unfortunately her company didn’t have shortterm disability and now she’s waiting for her long-term disability to start. Meanwhile, the bill collectors are calling. The medical bills are piling up…” “It’s time people start to seriously consider how jobs are impacted by unhealthy habits. I must mention that it may not even be the employee with the medical condition, but a spouse, child, or parent instead. The point is that unhealthy habits, regardless of whether they are yours or others you’re obligated to can affect your ability to be at work everyday or severely reduce your effectiveness while at work. Today, I’m going to focus our attention on some things that will help you see exercise and food differently. Then, it’s my desire that you’ll focus your thoughts on some areas that may need attention.”

• Fitness coach Bridgette Collins is the author of Destined to Live Healthier and Imagine Living Healthier . For general health and fitness questions, please feel free to visit www.BridgetteCollins.com or email Coach Collins at Bridgette@bridgettecollins.com.