JOIN WOMEN JUST LIKE YOU PDWMAG.COM
SHARE YOUR STORY WITH US VISIT PDWMAG.COM
Publisher Kimi Johnson, CEO of PurposePals
Editor-in-Chief Carmelita Mcroy
Cover Designer Brittany Rockwell
Contributors Michele Badie Rhoda Whitfield Mya Barber Nicole Mason Christina Malloy Tikia McGhee Zoey Nyati
Cover Feature
Abi Levine Photographer: Brienne Michelle Nicole Everett Photographer: Michael Cork
Feature
Rebecca Merzius
Share My Story Features Vanessa K. Antrum
Purpose Driven Women Magazine is a publication of PurposePals, LLC. The information in this publication is presented in good faith. The publisher does not guarantee accuracy or assume responsibility for errors or omissions. Copyright 2020 © PurposePals, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction, in part or in whole, without expressed written consent of the Publisher is prohibited.
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For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 NIV Purpose Driven Women Magazine is the woman's guide to connecting to and thriving in their purpose. We are a bi-monthly digital faith based magazine designed to provide inspiration for women on their purpose journey. Our publication is published by PurposePals, LLC on the first Tuesday of every odd month.
OUR MISSION Imagine a world where every woman knew exactly why they were created. Despite their economical background, past failures, trials, or tribulations they believed they were more than enough to thrive as the person God created them to be with ease and flow. Our Vision is to create an international publication that creates unification and connection amongst women from different walks of life, giving them an opportunity to uplift each other by sharing stories, resources, products, and expertise.
OUR VISION Purpose Driven Women Magazine’s Mission is to inspire and encourage women to discover and surrender to the plan God has for their life. We give everyday women a voice and platform by means of testimonials, interviews, training, resources, and informative articles to share stories of how their faith helped them to overcome hardship. EBSITE: pdwag.com
CONTACT INFORMATION PDWMAG.COM EMAIL: HELLO@pdwmag.com
Abi Levine
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CHANGE YOUR THINKING CHANGE YOUR LIFE
Spiritual Inspiration 20
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EXTEND YOURSELF GRACE DON’T LOSE HEART
Love & Relationship 30
LETS TALK ABOUT LOVE
Health and Fitness 36
GUT INSTINCTS
Family 40
DO YOURSELF A FAVOR...PUT A PLAN IN PLACE
Share My Story 48
VANESSA K. ANTRUM
Poetic Purpose 49
ONE
Beauty & Wellness 52
CONFIDENCE GIVES BIRTH TO PURPOSE
Nicole Everett From My Heart to Yours
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GREATER NETWORK TELEVISION
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Rebecca Merzius
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PURPOSE TO PROFIT
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From My Heart to Yours
The difference between a broken community and a thriving one is the presence of women who are valued. -Michelle Obama During the month of March, women are celebrated all around the nation for their many accomplishments and the powerful impact we have in this great nation. The positive energy exchanged is radiating. Seeing women verbally crowned for their kingdom work brings me joy. As the publisher of Purpose Driven Women Magazine, I take pride in highlighting you and your amazing story. I love to see you win and I want you to know you are VALUED. You are APPRECIATED. You are NEEDED. You are LOVED. I celebrate you today, tomorrow, and forevermore! In this issue, we are delighted to feature our covergirl Abi Levine, a successful Divine Money Manifesting Coach who has helped her clients make over $135 million in revenue. WOW! Talk about being purposedriven! We also highlight Nicole Everett, the co-owner of Greater Network, and Rebecca Merzius, a transformational business growth strategist. In addition to our cover features, we also share the compelling story shared by Vanessa K. Antrum and page after page of heartfelt articles from our amazing team of contributing writers. As you read this issue I pray that you are inspired. Until next time, keep rocking out in your purpose. P.S. As a beautiful wise soul once told me, “When your purpose journey gets tough remember to be light-hearted and dance.” Warm regards, Kimi J. kimij@pdwmag.com
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Michele Badie is the host of Career Tipper podcast that features interviews of seasoned professionals in different industries sharing their expertise and professional development resources on iTunes, Spotify, and Stitcher Radio. Her efforts with Career Tipper are rooted in wanting to encourage amazing professionals to evolve to their professional best by keeping their skills recharged. www.careertipper.com
Mya Barber is a freshman at the University of Kentucky, majoring in Vocal Performance. She has a passion for empowering women and young ladies to be the best version of themselves possible, by sharing the Gospel and encouraging them to step out on faith. @Legendary.Mya
Rhoda Whitfield is a columnist for Just Simply Saying where she gives raw and relevant straight forward martial advice to help couples cultivate a successful and loving marriage. She is a co-author of the book A Well-rounded Love Affair “More than Between the Sheets,” with her husband Danny Whitfield. Married for over 39 years, Rhoda has experienced many bumps and bruises but has stayed on the course of her marital journey. She wishes to see every couple be successful in their marriage by sharing martial nuggets to enrich couple’s lives. www.dannyandrhodawhitfield.com
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Nicole S. Mason, Esquire is an attorney, mentor, international best-selling author, speaker, and Success Coach. She is the recipient of the 2018 50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading Award, 2019 Faith Based Speaker of the Year Award and the 2019 ACHI Woman of the Year Award. nicolesmason.com
Tikia McGhee, affectionately known as Lady T, loves the Lord with all her heart, mind and soul. She is the beautiful wife of Pastor Darrick D. McGhee, Sr. and an amazing mother to Darrick D. McGhee, II and Tania McGhee. Tikia is also a daughter, a sister, an aunt, a friend, a mentor, a blogger, an encourager, an intercessor, the First Lady of Bible Based Church Tallahassee and so much more.
Christina Malloy is from Fayetteville, North Carolina. Writing letters and poetry helps her release the stress in her life. A lot of her poems are love letters to God and prayers to help her make it through. christinamalloy@yahoo.com
www.tikiadmcghee.com
Zoey Nyati, born and raised in South Africa, Zoey is an extrovert who relishes culturally diverse environments. Forever fervent in her pursuits of holistic health endeavors and immersive travel experiences. With a minor in Psychology, she has always been passionate about improving the quality of life and well-being of others and enjoys serving through community involvement. www.msoulset.weebly.com
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12 PDWMAG.COM October 2020
Letter from Editor
Hello Purpose Driven Women,
As we come to another month in 2021 still in a pandemic, some states and cities have experienced some of the worst winters they have experienced in years. People are tired, discouraged, and overwhelmed. But those who know Jesus knew these times were coming and we know he is still in control. Romans 8:28, says all things work for the good of them that love the Lord; so, remember your future still looks bright. I want to encourage each of you to stay strong, trust in God, and have faith that everything will work outright. Some of the things we will experience will be hurtful, depressing, sad, and it will try to take you out; but I encourage you to stay in prayer and believe what the word of God says, He will never leave you nor forsake you. We have a God that sits high and looks low, and he watches out for His children do not let the enemy get you discouraged. Stay prayed up my sisters, stomp on the devil's head, and stand flat-footed in position so that nothing can move you. This too shall pass! Remember to Expect It, Believe It, Receive It!
Carmelita Mcroy hello@pdwmag.com
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Abi Levine By Carmelita Mcroy
CLICK HERE TO WATCH INTERVIEW
Coming from a background of foster care, abuse, poverty and homelessness, Abi had every reason in the world NOT to succeed. But when she found herself a homeless single mom she knew something had to change. She started her healing journey, which included learning hypnotherapy, Neuro-Linguistic Programming, Reiki, Angel Communication, Channeling and much more to fully heal first her own wounds, and then the wounds of those around her. Voted Best of Los Angeles (and Best of Santa Clarita, her hometown) in her industry every year from 2014 to present day, she is committed to helping people heal and find their journey.
In November 2018, her angel team FINALLY convinced her to take on her purpose of helping other hidden leaders and healers to align with wealth, so that everyone can be free from money worries, and be focused on making the world a better place. In 2019, she helped her clients make over $135 million in revenue, most of them starting below $5,000 a month in income.
Photo credit: Brienne Michelle
I had the awesome pleasure of doing an interview with the Divine Money Manifesting Coach Abi Levine. I can tell you that it was a treat, and I learned some things that I want to share them with you. So, get prepared to go on this divine money journey with me. From being homeless four times, divorced, single mom, who would have thought that this would be her calling after years of having financial problems. One day she got up and said enough is enough. Carmelita Mcroy: What is a Divine Money Manifesting Coach? Abi Levine: A divine money manifesting coach is someone who gives steps to manifesting money, that will help you reach your goals to having the amount of money you desire. I use digital products, free groups, and programs, to help clients obtain wealth.
CM: What made you decide to be a Divine Money Manifesting Coach? AL: I am an angel communicator and after trying to do other things the angels encouraged me to help people manage money. I asked why me, and they told me this is my calling. They gave me a step-bystep plan to use. I was in shock because I was not the money managing girl. CM: You have a Facebook Group called Divine Money Manifesting Group. What goes on there? AL: This group brings topics on money awareness and consciousness of how to stop thinking small and understand how money works. Clients and potential clients get to ask questions and communicate with me, my team, and others in the
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group about manifesting money. This is where you can also connect with me at any time. CM: I saw you have what is called a Divine Manifesting Strategy session, explain that to me. AL: This session goes over your goals and it is used to see what is getting in your way of not having enough money. It could be your thinking, you not knowing what money is, or just not appreciating money. It could be that your subconscious mind will not let you manifest the money you want. CM: Now tell me how much money you have helped clients gain. AL: I helped my clients make over $125 million dollars, within six months. Yes, I did by them following the steps I gave them to manifest the money they wanted to make. I was amazed as I kept getting these testimonials. I have lost count of how much I have helped clients get at this time. CM: You said that some people like to struggle, and some are addicted to it. Explain. AL: Some people like to struggle because they keep doing the same thing. And that same thing can be several things, but one example is saying “I do not have enough money to buy (whatever)” or not acknowledging when God blesses you with money. There is plenty of wealth in the universe, we just have to tap into the frequency. Stop using negative language about money. You are a licensed hypnotherapist. Do you use that with your coaching? AL: Yes, I do because you can not get anywhere in life until you control your subconscious mind. I
show my clients how to train their subconscious mind to think how they want it to think. Yes, you may say I am going to be a millionaire; that is your conscious mind, but your subconscious mind is saying you can never be a millionaire all your family is poor, and you will be poor. CM: How can using hypnotherapy help your manifest money? AL: Change how your brain (mind) thinks and you can change your life. Our subconscious mind controls most of our thinking. You cannot get anywhere in life until you control your subconscious mind. Learn to listen to your intuition and use discernment with money. CM: How does fear keep us from getting money? AL: Fear keeps you from getting money because people who live in fear can be controlled to believe there is never enough money or resources. The world says there is a pandemic and people will lose jobs and out of fear everyone believes it, so people start losing jobs. The people who did not listen to this fear or belief did not suffer during the pandemic. I have a client who made $80,000 during the pandemic.
CM: You said blessings are all around us, but people do not realize it. AL: When blessings come, we must acknowledge them. There can be abundance all around us but because of our beliefs, we do not see it. People believe they do not have enough because others have told them they do not make enough money or they do not have the right house, and when you listen to and believe others especially your parents you limit yourself to what is enough.
CM: Toxic people? AL: Set boundaries with individuals because some people can keep you from getting money. Their negative attitude about money can affect you. Toxic people are a distraction to what you are trying to accomplish so they can affect you manifesting money. CM: Talk about how our past experiences affect how we view money. AL: Our mind tells us we do not have enough money, but the universe has plenty. We get these beliefs from a child, from our parents. They say we do not have enough to pay the bills; we cannot buy that right now we do not have any money, they complain about bills, etc. and this thinking gets into our sub-conscious mind as a child and goes into adulthood until we make a conscious decision to change it. CM: Explain what you mean by we get blessings from God that align with us. AL: God loves us and will give us anything we ask for as long as it aligns with what we should be doing, and who we are. If we are doing something that we are not destined to do God can not bless us in it because it does not align with who we are. We let our family, friends, and society tell us who we are and who we should be. They say go to school get a job and settle, but that may not be for you, so you never manifest the money you want.
For more about Money manifesting with Abi Levine join her Facebook group “Divine Money Manifesting Group.”
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Spiritual
Extended Yourself Grace By Michele Badie
Gratefully, we survived 2020. We are still here with the opportunity to thrive. Regardless of age, evolving our understanding of navigating life during a pandemic has been a work in progress. Life has become nostalgic lately. The normalcy of living out our day rooted in the foundation of made choices has transformed into something different that has led us all to wrap our heads around an unsolicited new way of living. Cherishing family a bit more and choosing to focus on the good is getting like-minded goal-getters to get through the day to help minimize the mental exhaustion. The pandemic has made crystal clear to me the importance to honor and practice self-care coupled with talking to God more. Self-care foundationally
represents honesty. It is an honest portrayal of how we value ourselves and an authentic demonstration of our self-worth that only we have a front-row seat to observe, process, and alter as we deem necessary. The past few months, self-care for me meant focusing more on my mental health by going to therapy, assessing my boundaries, and my intentions for manifesting my "why" for my purpose and goals, personally and professionally. Depletion of my spirit was evident. Embracing stillness and rest became mandatory for me. I found myself demonstrating courage at a higher level to stepping back and reassessing life as I know it today and how I would like it to be as I progress through this life journey that I am
Here are a few self-care tips to consider as you move forward while being patient with yourself and keeping the promises you have made to yourself and for your legacy. Find a type of therapy that resonates with the self-care regimen that you will consistently commit to practicing.
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Say, "I forgive." again and again until it becomes the story you believe about yourself if need be.
Laugh out loud daily.
fortunate to have. Beyond thankful for God's grace. "God is not in a rush. You are. Heal yourself first. Spend as much time pouring into yourself before giving to others. What is the rush? Perfection is fleeting and external validation is fickle. So take your time. The world can wait." ~ Jasmin Forts, Career Self-care Coach
transform into unprecedented inner peace and the purest example of God's mercy. A manifestation of all things that healthily feed your soul will surround you. Sis, treat yourself like the priority that you are and take your self-care to the next level. Remember that everything is working together for your good.
In 2021, I encourage you to extend grace to yourself more than you ever have before. Avoid the temptation to make familiar choices that no longer serve you. You may not recognize yourself during the process. It may get ugly, address the perceptions and truths that reveal themselves, and get to the root cause and the why. Stay committed to giving yourself more unapologetically. The journey will
Rest often. Life is a marathon, not a sprint.
Have a mini dance party daily, solo, or with others.
Exercise. Move at least 30 minutes a day.
Take five minutes to decompress daily.
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Don’t Lose Heart By: Tikia McGhee
What has consumed your heart? Are you anxious? Are you fearful and doubtful? Do you still believe that God is working on your behalf? Have you lost heart about your life and the world we live in? Do you want to give up? Does it seem to be more sorrow than joy? When will things get better? My sister, I came to encourage your heart today. I know that the load may seem heavy. I know you are wondering what will happen next. I know that when you take care of a situation, then another situation occurs. I know what wanting to give up looks like. I know what wanting to throw in the towel looks like. I know what a broken heart feels like. I know what trying to keep it all together looks like. My friend is encouraged and does not lose heart. You must believe that it will get better. You must believe that God knows. You must believe that God will wipe away every tear from your eyes. You must believe that God will be your provider. You must believe that HE is your defender, your shield, and your Savior. You must believe that you are not too far where He cannot reach you. You must believe at your weakest moment God can do it HIS best work. You must believe that HE can mend your broken heart. You must believe that HE is too wise to make a mistake. You must believe that HE has heard your cries and seen your tears. You must believe that HE is walking with you. You must believe that HE is looking out for you. You must believe that HE is protecting you from dangers seen and unseen.
Even though our outward man is perishing; we must remember that our inward man is being renewed daily. According to Lamentations 3:22-23 "Through the Lord's mercies, we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness." When we turn to God and not our situation, we will realize our mercies are new every morning. However, the most important part is that God is faithful to do what HE said he would. According to Romans 8:28, "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." Since we know that it is working for our good because we love God, we must encourage ourselves to keep pressing and praying. Trust and believe that God sees and knows your heart. HE has brought you this far and HE will never leave nor forsake. No matter what is happening in the world and your life, HE wants you to keep pressing towards the mark. My friend, God has brought you through too much to give up now. You are on the cusp of your breakthrough! Hold on! Do not lose heart and remember that God loves you! Have an amazing day and always remember that you are loved. Lady T
Therefore, we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. II Corinthians 4:16 NKJV March 2021 PDWMAG.COM
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NICOLE EVERETT Co-owner of Greater Network By Kimi Johnson
Kimi Johnson: Tell us about Greater Works Network. Nicole Everett: Greater Works Network (GWN) is a streaming television network designed to tell the stories of extraordinary people doing extraordinary work in the earth. Viewers with Roku smart TVs and Roku players may access GWN, at no additional cost. KJ: What type of content can viewers look forward to viewing on the network this year? Consumers of GWN content will find the tenets of love, peace and truth woven into our work and that of our collaborators. Our hope is that through our work people are inspired to pursue their greater work in the earth and share their journey in ways that perpetuate the pursuit in others. KJ: What are some of your favorite shows airing on Greater Works Networks right now? Some of my favorite shows on GWN currently are Conversations With Nicole, Front & Center with Chuck Hobbs, The Michael Finkley Show and Come Back Stronger by Fasig & Brooks.
“
I’d like to see increased implementation of mental health services for African Americans regardless of income and location provided by African American mental health practitioners or culturally competent therapists. -Nicole Everett
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KJ: How do producers know if their content is a good fit for Greater Works Networks? GWN is working towards being known for producing, distributing and analyzing the impact of authentic, creative, innovative storytelling. Producers know whether or not the content is a good fit for the network by its ability to illuminate the beauty of the human experience. KJ: How did your show, Conversations With Nicole, come about? Conversations With Nicole came about as a result of my personal attempts to promote and keep lunch service at Nefetari’s restaurant in Tallahassee in May 2015 via weekly Facebook posts highlighting lunch visits there with friends and acquaintances as well as our royal dining experience. In early 2016, a girlfriend suggested I create a video blog show. I prayed about and then asked my friend turned business partner, Gerald Tookes to assist me with producing a video show on my phone. He refused saying “no, if we’re gonna do it, we’re gonna do it right”, meaning as a professional videographer with his own production company, he would record the show for me with his lights, cameras and microphones. On March 2, 2016 we posted our first episode on Facebook and YouTube and the rest is history. KJ: When is the show aired and what platforms can viewers watch it on? Continued on next page
Nicole Everett, a native of Miami, Florida, is an alumnus of the Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University with undergraduate degrees in both Business Administration and Business Economics. She has served in the affordable housing arena for almost 20 years and volunteers with several community organizations and initiatives located in the Big Bend area. Nicole believes in the support of local businesses and artists. She is working towards becoming a major philanthropist with the hopes of funding art, housing and children initiatives.
Photo credit: Michael Cork
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Conversations With Nicole Season 10 is currently on Greater Works Network on RokuTV Tuesday’s at 7pmET. Season 10 episodes are may also be viewed “on demand” on GWN on RokuTV. All CWN episodes may be found on the Conversations With Nicole YouTube channel. KJ: What have been some of your most favorite topics discussed on your show? I can’t say I have favorite topics, however some of the shows I am most intrigued by are those of guests who were the first African Americans to hold positions within organizations and the accounts of their experiences. Additionally the 2 part Father Hunger/Fatherlessness shows from season 3 made a lasting impact impression on me.
KJ: On your show, Conversations With Nicole, you engage in conversations across gender, economic, and cultural lines in order to create better communities. With everything that is happening in the world what type of conversations are you looking forward to having this year? I am looking forward to meaningful conversations about my guest’s gifts and talents but also authentic and honest talks about their stories and how their life experiences have shaped who they’ve come to be. The ultimate for me is when a viewer relates to what the guest says in a way that moves them to action, either by supporting the speaker’s cause or by implementing a new way of thinking and being. KJ: What changes in our communities would you like to see happen in 2021? More conversations and collaborations around mental health services, especially for African Americans. Additionally I’d like to see increased implementation of mental health services for African Americans regardless of income and location provided by African American mental health practitioners or culturally competent therapists. KJ: What are 3 ways women of faith can help build better communities and relationships through their conversations?
Listen with your heart to understand rather than to respond. Don’t feel obligated to have a solution but do feel the need to offer a listening ear.
Have the tough conversations about illness, death, money, etc in a truthful but loving way. Do not be judgmental when having the tough talks and don’t be afraid to refer them to a professional.
Become familiar with their love language, quality time, words of affirmation, gifts, acts of service & physical touch. It would be great if they’d take the love language assessment test. When the test is not an option, observe their actions and words and it will typically be revealed. Speaking someone’s love language is a very effective way to communicate with them.
For more about Nicole Everett and the Greater Network visit greaterworks.network
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Just Simply Saying
Lets Talk About Love By: Rhoda Whitfield
E
What is love, and how do you know you are experiencing a lasting love with your spouse? If you had to gauge where your passion is at this point, where would it fall? Still in puppy love, or true love. The characteristics of them will serve as an eye-opener for you. Do you remember when you were a teenager, and you were falling in and out of love by the weeks? Your infatuation made you feel you had an undying love with each person. Infatuations or immature love do not just occur in teenagers. But it's a romantic love we feel even as adults. It's a part of a relationship that doesn't experience longterm commitments. Often, we will find ourselves unable to work through issues due to our level of commitment. The feelings that are commonly felt are very intense feelings of desire, passion, and excitement. But these feelings can turn off just as quickly as they turned
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on. They don't have a sense of remorse. They don't care if they break your heart. In 1978, Rose Royce had a song entitled "Love Don't Live Here Anymore." It spoke of an infatuated immature love. It said, "you abandoned me, love don't live here anymore. Just emptiness and memories of what we had before. You went away, found another place to stay, another home, and love don't live here anymore". A true anthem of a love fantasy. This kind of love will have you thinking about this person 24/7. You find yourself getting a rush and exciting feeling when you see them. You ignore anything bad people say about the person, especially your family. However, as you continue in your relationship, if
No one wants to spend time with someone who does not listen and consider the feelings or thoughts of others. Insensitivity is a classic symptom of selfishness.
you remain in the immature love stage, you will find yourself abandoning the mentioned characteristics and begin to exhibit new ones. You start to focus on yourself by becoming self-centered. It is all about what you receive and what the person can do for you. It's only necessary for your needs to be met. You are insensitive to your spouse's needs, desires, and wants. Insensitivity can kill a marriage. It is a difficult task to live with, work with or even associate with an insensitive person. No one wants to spend time with someone who does not listen and consider the feelings or thoughts of others. Insensitivity is a classic symptom of selfishness. Do you find yourself being stubborn contrary around every corner with your spouse? They say up, and you say down. They say go; you say stop. You never see eye to eye with your spouse because it's not your way. It is things like this that make your love immature. In Ephesians 5:15-16(NIV) it tells us to, be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. When you are experiencing true love, it's something that can happen without your intention or consent, and it's not something you can walk away from. Your identity merges with someone else's. Being in love with someone means you want to spend the rest of your life with this person, and you can't see yourself with anyone else but that person. True love is not a feeling because feelings change. True mature love is a conscious, thoughtful decision, and commitment. It means that you decide to love someone, and you stick by it. Real love takes time to develop and grow. It does not happen overnight. Love is that condition in which the happiness of another person is essential to your own. You should both forgive one another, and not allow a controlling spirit to take root within your
relationship. Be an encourager and supporter of each other. My husband and I call that being each other's number #1 cheerleader. We come to love not by finding a perfect person but by learning to see an imperfect person perfectly. In this relationship, you should have priorities and expectations of each other and yourself. True mature love allows you to get on the same page. I will leave you with this, 1 Corinthians 13:4-7(NIV) says that love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. In dealing with marital love, marriage should be a friendship that catches on fire, and the flames should never go out. I'm Just Simply Saying. March 2021 PDWMAG.COM
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Health and Fitness
Gut Instincts By: Zoey Nyati There is more to the expression "I'm sick to my stomach" than we realize. When it comes to health-related conditions, many researchers agree that our genetics loads the gun, but our environment and way of life are what pulls the trigger. Consider the Pareto principle or 80:20 rule: 80 percent of our health effects stem from 20 percent of our actions. Therefore, what we consume, our mood and emotions, and immunity play a significant role in our gut health. The human gastrointestinal system alters as you get older and, while gastric issues can arise at any age, the older you get the more vulnerable you may be to conditions like persistent flatulence; heartburn; irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or constipation, to name but a few.
A Gut Understanding The gut contains trillions of different species of bacteria. There are about 85 percent that is good and 15 percent that are not so good. These bacteria are collectively known as the microbiome. Poor food choices increase bad gut bacteria and, as a result, increase the risk of disease. On the other hand, good food choices increase good gut bacteria and protect us from the possible disease. So, what we eat matters. Maintain a balanced diet that includes wholefoods, diverse nutrients, fiber, healthy fats, and enough water, to support optimal gut functioning. Useful Tip: Avoid refined and processed foods – the body does not recognize and experiences difficulty digesting it, often causing inflammation in the gut.
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The 'Second Brain' Have you ever wondered why you are unable to eat when you are stressed or anxious, for example? That is because the gut is sensitive to emotion and is also known as the 'second brain'. The vagus nerve (where the central nervous system and the enteric nervous system connect) links communication between the gut and the brain. When you feel stressed this communication is impacted, causing the release of cortisol (stress hormones) by the brain. Increased levels of cortisol can cause gastrointestinal disruptions, by suppressing the good bacteria and influencing how the brain and intestines function. Through feelings of stress or anxiety, contraction and expansion of the gastrointestinal tract are affected.
Useful Tip: Using intentional deep breathing techniques may be a great tool in managing your mind and beneficial to your gut. It can also dispel increased cortisol levels.
Immunity Lives Here More than 70 percent of the human immune system is located in the gut. The gut microbiome affects how food is broken down and utilized by the body. If the good
bacteria cannot properly breakdown food, absorption by the body will be hindered. Another factor to consider is possible ruptures in the gut lining. Toxins and infections are then able to pass through these ruptures and into the bloodstream, causing issues such as malabsorption and inflammation. Research studies suggest that high levels of inflammation in the gut have been linked to numerous chronic illness. Regularly consuming probiotics (live micro-organisms that improve gut health) and prebiotics (stimulate the growth and activity of beneficial bacteria) enable the gut to function more effectively. Thereby, encouraging better nutrient absorption and boosting immunity. A few examples of prebiotic-rich foods include oats; leeks; garlic and barley. Naturally occurring probiotics can be found in fermented foods, like yogurt; kefir; sauerkraut; miso, and pickles. Prebiotics and probiotics are also available in the form of pharmaceutical supplements. Useful Tip: Oral health can affect gut health. Bad bacteria from a mouth infection, like periodontitis, can move through the body by way of saliva. Therefore, make sure you brush your teeth twice a day, floss, and visit your dentists for check-ups.
The best way to remain active on the inside is to remain active on the outside. 30 minutes of exercise, at least five times a week, can stimulate bowel movement, as well as reduce levels of stress and anxiety. Living proactive when it relates to health has proven to be a much better antidote than living reactive. In the words of Maya Angelou, “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.”
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Family
Do Yourself a Favor. By Nicole S. Mason, Esquire
Death is not a subject that most people like to discuss. But death is one aspect of life that will impact us all. This is a sure fact of life. Certainly, the seemingly unstoppable COVID-19 virus has brought this front and center in ways unprecedented and frankly, unfathomable. I write this article with you and your family in mind. Please take the time at the beginning of this year to not only have the discussion about death, but to put the appropriate Estate Plan in place to help your family. Having an Estate Plan can help ease the burden of the grieving process for your family. It provides detailed instructions to your family, during one of the most difficult times in their lives. I speak from experience. My mother and my grandmother died in the same month in 2005. Knowing what to do and not having to figure things out, when the emotion of grief landed on me like a ton of bricks, helped me to navigate the process of planning the services and how to distribute property and wrap up their affairs.
We all have heard about celebrities dying, leaving huge sums of money, without having an Estate Plan in place. An Estate Plan includes a Will. The Will dictates who will receive the items the deceased person leaves behind. However, if there isn’t a Will, the State in which the deceased person lives will make that decision. Please read
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that again! If you do not plan in advance, the State will distribute the assets that you’ve worked hard to accumulate and leave your family scrambling. Worse than that, the great portion of your estate will go towards a hefty tax bill! I encourage you to take the time to think about what you want to happen in the event you become incapacitated (i.e., unable to make healthcare decisions for yourself) or you die. Do you want to be kept alive by artificial nutrition, for example? Do you want to live in a vegetative state? Do you want to be cremated or buried? I know these are hard questions. But think about the state of your family if they have to make those decisions for you. Seek legal counsel to have your Estate Plan completed. The Estate Plan includes a Will, Power of Attorney for Healthcare, Advanced Health Directive (i.e., Living Will) and a Power of Attorney for Finances. The Plan can also include a Trust. An Estate Planning Attorney can discuss the various types of Trusts that are available. Do your family a favor and put your plan in place as soon as possible.
*This information is for educational purposes only and should not be considered as legal advice.* Nicole S. Mason is the owner of Mason Legal Group, LLC. She focuses her practice on Estate Planning and Estate Administration. www.masonlegalgroup.com
...Put a Plan in Place
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Purposeto
Profit
Rebecca Merzius By Carmelita Mcroy www.rebeccamerzius.com Instagram: @rebeccamerzius
Rebecca Merzius is a transformational business growth strategist and is known as the Purpose Accelerator®. She is the founder of Purpose To Profit, a company that seeks to equip women with the tools they need to live more impactful, purpose-driven lives by helping them turn their ideas into highly profitable businesses. As a serial entrepreneur, TV personality, and creator of Purpose To Profit Academy, Rebecca provides practical and strategic business tactics that have helped women launch, accelerate, and scale their business growth. As the author of Chosen: Discover Your Purpose In God, Rebecca each year electrifies thousands as a sought after speaker at colleges, churches, and conferences nationally.
Carmelita Mcroy: Tell us a little about yourself and the services you offer. Rebecca Merzius: I am a Business Growth Consultant to new and seasoned Female Christian Coaches and Educators. I help women of faith turn their expertise into a premium, scalable coaching or consulting service so they can grow their impact and income. Many women have the calling to influence others, but they don’t necessarily know how to walk in their purpose while also allowing their gifts to make room for them. The Bible says that “A person’s gifts open doors for him and brings him before great men” (Proverbs 18:16). As a business growth consultant, I help women of faith leverage their skills and talents to create a life of freedom while doing what they love. CM: How long have you had your business?
RM: Although I have been an entrepreneur since a very young age, I have been a business strategist, helping individuals strategically launch and grow their businesses for over a decade. Purpose To Profit officially launched in 2016 and has grown globally. CM: What made you decide to be a coach since you are already a successful accountant? RM: Aside from being a coach, I am the CEO of RBS Accounting Solutions, a full-service accounting firm that is one of the fastest growing accounting firms in New England. Being a coach, however, is not just a profession but really is my passion and purpose. I can confidently say that I am on this earth to not only help others walk boldly in their purpose but to also help people turn their amazing ideas into a profitable business. I believe we are all gifted to have an impact and to
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influence others in one way or another. It is my purpose to help individuals figure out what that looks like and to help them build their premium services based on that conviction. Having sat in the board rooms of Fortune 500 companies and being an accountant to countless small businesses and individuals, I have seen it all. This not only adds to my ability to strategically provide guidance to small businesses, but it also allows me to see and help businesses through a different lens. CM: Explain “A business that is in alignment with your life’s purpose”? A business that is in alignment with your life’s purpose will allow you to dominate in both life and business. I have seen it countless times when individuals allow their business to consume their freedom and peace of mind. Your business is supposed to create space for more stability and freedom.
RM: When you have the freedom to live the life God has called for you to live, that trickles down to every decision you make which impacts not only yourself but the world. Having a business that’s aligned with your life’s purpose will allow for continuous growth and freedom to really do the things you love. CM: What is your passion behind your business? RM: I love to see others WIN! I am passionate about being a business growth coach because each day I get to help women see their visions come to pass. There is no greater joy than seeing someone walk boldly in their calling and in their gifts. Being a business coach has given me the front row seat to seeing others evolve and build highly profitable businesses. This has fueled my passion over the years which has helped me to pivot my coaching to helping women, specifically Christian women who are thought leaders in their own space of influence.
CM: What does your business offer? RM: We offer TRANSFORMATION. There is no better time to win in life and in business than now. Purpose To Profit offers group and private coaching to help new and seasoned thought leaders build their premium coaching and consulting businesses. We offer three signature programs: Six-Figure Coach Mastermind: Through our Six-Figure Coach Mastermind, we help women launch their highly profitable coaching businesses within 90 days. This is for Christian Women who are ready to build create their first $10,000+ in just 90 days.
Course Launch Accelerator Program is a 6-week course that guides all entrepreneurs on the steps to take to launch a profitable course. If you are wanting to add an extra recurring $5K+ to their monthly revenue the Course Launch Accelerator Program is a must. CM: What made you want to center on helping women of faith? RM: I am passionate about helping women of faith because God has given me such urgency to help them birth out their visions during such a time as this. CM: How can our readers get in touch with you? Social media, etc
Course Launch Accelerator Program: Our Course Launch Accelerator Program is a 6-week course that guides all entrepreneurs on the steps to take to launch a profitable course.
RM: To learn more about how you can work with Rebecca by visit www.rebeccamerzius.com or find her on Instagram: rebeccamerzius
Business Launch Program: Our Business Launch Program is for new entrepreneurs that are looking to correctly launch, market, and build their businesses. This is an 8-week self-paced course going over everything from choosing the correct business entity to effective marketing.
If you are a Christian Female Coach, Consultant, or Educator, join the exciting Facebook group community: Purpose To Profit: For Christian Coaches, Consultants and Educators.
In addition to our action-packed group coaching programs, we offer 3 months, 6 months, and 12 month long transformation packages to help entrepreneurs maximize their journeys and business growth. CM: What do you help your clients with? RM: We help our clients transform their ideas into a highly profitable business. Aside from helping Christian women build their highly successful coaching and consulting businesses from scratch, we also help service providers and entrepreneurs launch profitable courses. Our
CM: What are some of the benefits of seeking out a Christian Coach? RM: Now is the time to walk in your purpose and launch the vision God has instilled in you. If not you then who? If not now then when? There are high paying clients that are waiting on you to show up in your gift so they can get their transformation. Do not withhold your gift from the world. Now is your time to step out in faith! I am here to help you confidently launch and grow your coaching business. Let’s do this together.
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Share My Story
Vanessa K. Antrum: My One in a Million
When I was 22 years old, I met a man that went to my church. I had seen him from afar but never talked to him. One day he asked me out. OMG - he was not for me! You know we always wanted the bad boys, and he was far from it. I tried my best to avoid him, but he was consistent. I was not interested! I remember going to church and the church was full. The usher would put up the sign indicating she had one seat. Why did you sit me next to him? Traveling by subway (which neither of us did at the time) riding down the escalator - who did I run into. Is this dude stalking me? Then he decided to put the word on it - God keeps bringing us together. My thought rolling in my head was - whatever! Another consideration for me was he was 8 years older than me, had been married before, and was a widower with two young children. I did not know if that was what I wanted since I was so young. I had never experienced such a nice young man in my life. It seemed like it was too good to be true. After church, he walked me to my car. He wanted to start dating officially. Woohoo! I tried to come up with any excuse I could, but this man would not accept no for an answer. Finally, I had the perfect excuse - "I'm finishing my master’s degree and I don't have time for a relationship. He responded with two words - "I'll wait!" How do you come back from that? I could not and thank God I did not.
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This has been the best relationship I have ever experienced. We started dating in January, proposal in May, and married on 9/10/1983. A nine-month whirlwind filled with spontaneous acts of love. Even a surprise honeymoon. All I knew was to pack for hot weather. So romantic! 37 years later, we are still in love. I love this man so much. He has been true to his vows and has worked hard over the years to provide for me and our children. I have learned to wait on God. Thomas tells me often when a man finds a wife, he finds a good thing and I am his good thing. I thank God for you Thomas Antrum. You are truly the wind beneath my wings. I know you say you pursued me because you knew what you wanted. I say you stalked me. You said I sure did not run away! I am so glad I did not. I cannot imagine being on this life journey with anyone else. I now see your determination to always get the best and go after your dreams. Thanks for choosing me to be that dream and soulmate. Thank you for loving me the way you do! I look forward to spending our later years together because you are the sunshine of my life!
Poetic Purpose New Section
One By Christina Malloy
One God One universe One earth all created by God. One Son of God God in the flesh To save a nation. A nation of different races Created by God. So when you look at me Don't look at my race Just look at what God Has created and see That we are One.
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Beauty and Wellness
Confidence Gives Birth To Purpose by Mya Barber
Hey love, how are you? No, really how are you? Take a moment to breathe and acknowledge your thoughts and feelings. Great! Now that your mind is a little settled, can I take a moment to pour into you? You exert so much of yourself, pouring into others, being everything to everyone, and I want to pour back into you.
Thank you for being the woman that you are. You are a QUEEN and I honor you. I know it gets hard, and I want you to know your living, work and sacrifices aren't in vain. You're a daughter of a king, so operate in that authority. I know you feel inadequate sometimes but if God has given you his stamp of approval then nothing else matters. Whatever your heart is desiring, but requires you to step out on faith-- do it. I know it's scary but
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you serve a God who specializes in the impossible! He said, all you have to do is ask and it shall be given. He said, delight yourself in Him and He'll give you the desires of your heart. Honey pray that bold prayer! Stop allowing the enemy to steal victorious moments from you because of fear. God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and peace of mind. Walk-in that power, walk in that love, and that peace of mind. Queen, God has given us the power to speak life and death into anything. Use the power in your tongue to send the enemy and every attack against your mind, dreams, and family back to the pits of Hell! You have a purpose. God hasn't given you these gifts and desires for no reason. Don't doubt God's plan for
your life because it "seems too good to be true" God wants to bless you with these things that seem impossible; but will you trust Him?
speak to you when God wants to give you a land that's overflowing with milk and honey. Allow your confidence in the Lord to birth your purpose.
You can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens you. If God is with you, before you, behind you, and besides you then the circumstance doesn't even matter.
Tomorrow isn't promised. So take advantage of each day, asking the Lord to help you be all that He has created you to be. Let God use you as a miracle. You have a story, I know it hasn't been easy and baby.. you don't look like what you've been through.
Queen, walk in your purpose today and begin to speak the word over your life. You're fearfully and wonderfully made and anyone who thinks otherwise obviously missed the memo. Because my God said that we're MORE than conquerors through Him.. so you can conquer anything that comes your way because you know whose child you are.
Queen.. you are royalty. Now walk in that confidence, purpose, and authority.
Stop self-sabotaging and allowing the enemy to
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