FROM ME TO YOU Ayanna Foster-Kelson
UPCOMING EVENTS Growing up I can remember the joy of getting the Sunday morning newspaper. It was not because of the latest news that graced the front cover or the astronomical amount of coupons stuffed between the local and international news thread. But for a 10-year-old and her three siblings it was all about the comics. We each had our favorites, ranging from Peanuts (Charlie Brown-for you younger folk), Garfield, Blondie, and of course the wellknown Can You Spot the Difference game. Televised cartoons and outdoor play would meet its match each weekend when we all settled down on the living room floor to go at it.
Our love for one another should exhibit an impeccable contrast to the world. It was an amazing, yet simple collection of brightly-colored illustrations to searchand-find the differences between two pictures. Each image kept us intrigued for hours. as we diligently looked and looked and looked for any alterations, variances, or inconsistencies in one image or the other. Whenever one of us would spot a difference the room would fill with a thunderous shout of I see one, and the game would continue until we found them all. Yes, at times we took a peek at the bottom of the page to get a hint (displayed upside-down) or a suggestion. Nevertheless, thinking about all of these special moments in my early childhood made me begin to wonder if we, as children of our heavenly Father, truly live a life that does not resemble the world and if it is a life where others can easily spot the difference. In this season we are now living in, it is very easy to take on the mindset of the world. We all have our struggles, our issues and we’re all dealing with the economical turndown, rise in unemployment, and problems that demand a change. Yet, in the midst of going through does your attitude still reflect Christ? Does your response to any negativity challenge or defend the Gospel? Does who you profess to be on the Sabbath call into question your display of Christianity, or can others really spot the difference?
August 17, 2013 - 4 pm Harvest Kingdom Jubilee Ministries Women’s Conference Evangelist Ayanna Foster-Kelson Guest Speaker - 1711 S. Slappey Blvd, Albany, GA August 23-25, 2013 - Praise & Worship Workshop and Anniversary. Contact Pastor Connie for additional information - info@conniebivens.com September 27-28, 2013 Encouraging the Heart, Woman to Woman Ministries Annual Women’s Conference. For additional information visit www. conniebivens.com Daily Prayer Call - 6 am M-F Dial in 605.477.3000 Participant Code - 1023623# (15 minute prayer) Voice of Empowerment Radio Broadcast - 12 pm EST Every Friday - Join us at www.thepraisehouse.com
During a play I attended a few years ago, the cast members were acting out a scene in which one of the actresses was pretending to drive a vehicle down a traffic-heavy road while being closely followed by a police officer. After a few moments of seeing and hearing the driver shout censored remarks at other motorists, the officer suddenly noticed several bumper stickers with adorations for Christ on the back of the vehicle. He then turned on his LED lights and alerted the driver to pull over. He gradually approached the vehicle and the driver asked, “Officer what seems to be the problem?” The officer asked for her license, registration, and remained quiet as he turned back to his car to research the
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GUEST SPEAKERS & SESSION LEADERS
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Empowerment Session “ entoring y ister or reatness” “Bid
the older women similarly to be reverent and devout in their deportment... So that the may wisely train the young women…” (Titus 2:3-4)
Saturday Morning, August 17, 2013 @ 9:00 A.M.
……..…….................................................................... OPENING PRAYER............................................................ Rachel Swan …………………............................................................................................................................................................... Welcome
……………………………………………………………….CELEBRATION OF PRAISE.................................Psalmist Desiree’ Bonner ……………………......................................................... STORY OF TRIUMPH……………….…………………..Janie Folks Edwards …………………………………………………………..MOMENT OF EMPOWERMENT..............................................Sarah Branch …………………………………………………………….REFLECTION OF THE WORD….……..……………………………………………………. Session #1— PROSPERING GOD’S WAY — Jewell Barrow ………………………..…....................................................................................................................................................Talk Balk ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..Break …………………..…………………………..……………………………………………………………………………….…….……………Fun & Games Mini Session — 10 Beatitudes of Social Media — Zakiya Kyles ………………………..…....................................................................................................................................................Talk Back …………………………….………………………………………………………………………………………………………Business Presentations …………………………….……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…...Giveaway ……………………...……………………………………………………………….…….Announcement/Call to Salvation/Closing Prayer
Renewed Magazine, Attn: POW | PO Box 266, Hampton, GA 30228 | 1-877-944--0454 f: 502-470-0067 www.PearlsOfWisdomMinistries.org Page 5| Pearls of Wisdom Ministries
NU Artist | Desiree’ Bonner
The Psalmist... Volume One $15.00 (download available MANY ARTISTS CONSIDER THEIR SONGS TO BE A REFLECTION OF WHO THEY ARE? HAS THIS BEEN YOUR EXPERIENCE?
It is not something that we turn on at eleven o’clock on Sunday morning and turn off as soon as we leave out of the Church parking lot. Worship is a lifestyle.
BONNER: This is absolutely my experience. Much like King David in the Book of Psalms, the songs that I write are directly from my personal experience. They are are my prayers set to music like a psalm.
WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION BEHIND YOUR PROJECT “THE PSALMIST?”
WHAT IS YOUR PERSONAL TESTIMONY? BONNER: I grew up going to Sunday school. My family and I prayed, and there was always a Bible in the house. However, I didn’t have an ongoing personal relationship with the God of my Sunday school classes. To me, He was more like Santa Claus who knew when I was naughty or nice. Yet, we didn’t necessarily have a lot to talk about. Later in my mid-twenties, I Worship is embedded was at my lowest. I was jobless and in everything that we only a few days from being evicted say and the essence of from my small, roach-infested aparteverything that we do. ment that I lived in with three small children. One day, I simply got down on my knees with only the light from the television and I asked Jesus to help me. Instantly, I sensed a calm washing over me, and I knew it was God, Himself, who had touched me and that everything would be okay. Yes. It took time for things to work out for the good, but my life was changed that very moment, and I have been growing in Him since that day. : SINCE YOU’VE BEEN SINGING PRAISE & WORSHIP FOR MANY YEARS, WHAT IS YOUR DEFINITION OF WORSHIP? BONNER: Worship involves our reverence and love for our Creator. It may or may not be seen; it may or may not be heard. Worship is more than the songs we sing, or whether we lift our hands, shout, or fall out in the Spirit. Worship is embedded in everything that we say and the essence of everything that we do. Page 6| August 2013 | www.pearlsofwisdomministries.org
BONNER: The inspiration behind “The Psalmist” is the fact that congregants would come up to me and ask me did I have a CD, or who sang that song? People would ask me, “Where can I find that song?” Since these were my songs and not recorded, I had no way to get it to them. So, it became an issue of my heart to get them recorded. As I begin to pray, the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart that I would need 3 volumes, and this has been my mission to date. It was also a desire of my heart to formalize all of the notes that I’ve collected leading music teams and workshops over the years and to put them into one book. This desire has fully manifested and is called, “The Heart of the Psalmist”. WHAT DO YOU WANT THE LISTENERS TO TAKE AWAY FROM THE TOTAL PROJECT? BONNER: It is my desire that the listener or reader becomes immersed in the very presence of God and that they sense His touch in the very same way I did more than 20 years ago. I hope people will go beyond an outer court relationship with God, enter into an inner court relationship, and spend time beyond the veil as often as they can. My prayer is that “The Heart of the Psalmist” and “The Psalmist” can assist the reader or listener to create an environment that aids them in actually making the journey.
THE PSALMIST... VOLUME ONE $15.00 (download available for $9.99)
Visit her at www.dhbonner.com
My Testimony | Janine Folks Edwards
AJ’S MIRACLE I can’t believe it’s been ten years! That’s when I noticed that my two year old son, AJ, began to change.
I thought it was just the rebellion of a two year old, or maybe the scary movie he watched that I should have forbidden. I could not figure out the confusion, the ‘fits’, and the fretfulness my once normal toddler was experiencing. New at forming complete sentences, AJ could not articulate what was happening to him.
What I hoped would be a phase, turned out to be brain lesions impeding my toddlers thought processes and motor skills. He was admitted into Children’s Hospital around June 4, 2003. I expected things to get better once the team of medical professionals were involved. Instead, AJ’s condition worsened.
He lost his ability to speak, eat and walk. Even though my son’s condition deteriorated right before my eyes, I had a sense of peace from God that could not be understood. Early on, it’s as if God warned me. It’s the warning you hope you’re wrong about. “Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he reveals his secret to his servants the prophets” (Amos 3:7).
I was told by doctors that ‘if he lives, he will be limited.’ I remained prayerful in faith. I had shaky moments, but God would always send encouragement through someone. It went on for three months. When AJ was discharged at the end of August, he still had a lot of recovering to do. He had to learn to walk and talk again. He caught up with his milestones as a full functioning child.
Today, he is a normal 12 year old. Sometimes the ordeal seems like it happened yesterday, sometimes surreal. But it happened and I’m so glad I captured highlight in a memoir, AJ’s Miracle. In addition to AJ's Miracle, I've written and published two books of inspirational poetry and most recently a third book of poetry entitled Let Me Shine and a book of inspirational writing called It Is Written. For information, the website is www.gogirlpreach.com.
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her license, registration, and remained quiet as he turned back to his car to research the driver. Upon returning back to the driver’s car again she asked, “Officer what seems to be the problem?” With a puzzled look he replied, “Ma’am I am sorry to have troubled your day, but when I saw the bumper stickers on your car and how you were screaming and cursing at other motorists, I assumed this vehicle must have been stolen.” What a wonderful lesson we can learn from this. We all want to be a great influence to those who have yet to receive Christ as their Lord and Savior. We want to be role models for our younger generations, and we want the world to see that the true and living God is our Heavenly Father. We want people to know about God’s love that was displayed through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Nevertheless, the greatest showcase
And now abide faith, hope, love, these three of who we say we are, Christians, is not in the identity of toting a Bible, or the cross pendant that we wear, or even in how often we go to church. But our true identify and the difference we display from the world is in our love for God and our love for one another. Our love for one another should exhibit an impeccable contrast to the world. When we are faced with fear, anxiety, stress, trials, or tribulations, the love of God should exude our problems. Now this is not to say we do not feel pain or the effects of what we are going through, but we should take comfort in knowing “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all” (Psa. 34:19). When we have conflicts with others, our love for one another should radiate in word, action, and deed. It should be seen in the way we forgive, the way we answer, and the way we care. As we move forward from day to day, let us not forget what true love is. Let us remember the love God has shown through the salvation in His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. Let our hope rest in this, and let us be mindful and committed to showing His love to all others. This is what love is… “Love suffers long and is kind. Love does not envy and love is not puffed up. Love does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, and thinks no evil. Love does not rejoice in iniquity, but [love] rejoices in the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, [and] endures all things. Love never fails. And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest is love” (1 Cor. 13: 4-13).
Ayanna Foster-Kelson Founder/Pearls of Wisdom Ministries Page 8| Pearls of Wisdom Ministries
Moment of Empowerment | Pastor Sarah Branch
Life Empowerment Ministries Int'l has been established to help you live with POWER!
Why live an ordinary life when you can live a life filled with power?
But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. Acts 1:8 Page 10| August 2013 | www.pearlsofwisdomministries.org
2013 Pearls of Wisdom Empowerment Session Speaker: ________________________________ Verses:__________________________________ Subject:__________________________________
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Bid the older women similarly to be reverent and devout in their deportment... so that they will wisely train the young women…” Titus 2:3-4 (Amp. )
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Session 1 | Lady Jewell Barrow
2013 Pearls of Wisdom Empowerment Session Speaker: ________________________________ Verses:__________________________________ Subject:__________________________________
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Bid the older women similarly to be reverent and devout in their deportment... so that they will wisely train the young women…” Titus 2:3-4 (Amp. )
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SISTER TO SISTER Characteristics of a Queen
Janine Folks Edwards
Some characteristics of a queen are obvious, like royalty, beauty, wealth and privilege. It’s safe to presume this about the unnamed queen in the Bible referred to as the Queen of Sheba (OT) or Queen of the South (NT). Biblical accounts of her encounter with King Solomon (I Kings 10 and 2 Chronicles 9) show us that she is also mission minded, sharp and focused. Matthew (12:42) and Luke (11:31) acknowledge her as a judge who will rise up. Some of the characteristics she displays should help us embrace our own inner Sheba as we too take on these characteristics:
The BOOM!
Listener King Solomon was all the rave: his wisdom, riches, kingdom. She was in tuned to the talk of the town and what was brought to her attention. We must listen and be aware of what is going on in society to be relevant and effective. Verifier Refusing to succumb to rumors, she studied to learn for herself. She was compelled to verify what she heard. Like the Bereans (Acts 17:11), she was not just going to take anyone’s word for it. She discovered the truth for herself. Lover of Wisdom She tested Solomon’s wisdom through interrogation. When he exceeded her expectation, it took her breath away. The validation of his wisdom brought her great joy. Above anything else, she loved that Solomon was wise and that’s all she really wanted to confirm about him. Discerner She knew what types of questions to ask in order to make an accurate assessment. The Bible says she asked ‘hard’ questions. It takes godly wisdom and insight to recognize authenticity. Giver She did not go empty handed. Prepared to give, not knowing the outcome, she generously loaded her camels with large quantities of spices, gold and precious stones. Her gift was unprecedented and is unmatched. Receiver Giving without mention of expectation, she received more than she gave. God responded to her giving and she graciously received. Honor God and His People She is mindful of the happiness of Solomon’s people who have the privilege of hearing his wisdom. She recognizes and appreciates Solomon's love for God. She praises God and acknowledges His sovereignty in placing Solomon on the throne to maintain righteousness and justice.
Min. Janine Folks Edwards is an ordained minister, speaker, writer and authors of several books. www.gogirlpreach.com.
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Embrace your Inner Sheba! Emanate the characteristics of a queen.
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Mini-Session | Zakiya Kyles
10 Beatitudes of Social Media
Presented by: Royall Marketing Solutions Educate, Engage, Empower and Grow 1. Be Authentic Use your voice, message, anointing, and testimony to share your message to the masses. Be You!
2. Be Consistent Post regularly to your pages. Inactive, dormant pages die! Let people know you care beyond your newest, latest and greatest.
3. Be Visual Use royalty-free photos to share your message. Share your clear images that engage your audience.
4. Be Grammatical Correct Using correct grammar is critical to creating a solid brand. Build a solid brand and people will take heed. Do all things in excellence!
5. Be Peacemaker Don’t take sides; keep postings positive bringing truth and light. Remember 2 Colossians 3:12-17
6. Be Social The key word in Social Media is “social”. Social Media is a great way to connect with people from around the world. Get out there!
7. Be Knowledgeable Be sure to site sources and give credit where due. Be sure to check major media outlets to verify events.
8. Be Relevant Relevance rocks! Although we are not of this world we should know what’s going on in the world. Keep it current.
9. Be Balanced Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us to everything there is season and time for everything under heaven. If you are the brand share life events with your audience. People want to know you beyond the anointing.
10. Be Engaging
East post should have people talking. Cut down the silent spectators. Share information that people will talk about.
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2013 Pearls of Wisdom Empowerment Session Speaker: ________________________________ Verses:__________________________________ Subject:__________________________________
Notes: _______________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ “
Bid the older women similarly to be reverent and devout in their deportment... so that they will wisely train the young women…” Titus 2:3-4 (Amp. )
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