FREE JUNE / JULY 2013
BISHOP SAMUEL HOGAN
ar One Ye rsary e v i n n A Issue
Bishop of the First Jurisdiction of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Church of God in Christ, Inc.
BLACK MANwith Love TO GIVE THE OBESITY EPIDEMIC PHEN'S FIFTH ANNUAL FATHER'S DAY RALLY AGAINST PROSTATE CANCER www.rhemamagazine.com
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Minister Patricia Markland Cole
THE IMPORTANCE OF Spiritual Fathers
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RHEMA MAGAZINE: JUNE / JULY 2013
INSIDE THIS ISSUE JUNE / JULY 2013
FEATURES
11 The Importance of Spiritual Fathers 14 Black Man With Love To Give
ar
One Ye
sary r e v i n An Issue
Story Bishop Samuel Hogan 20 Cover Bishop of the First Jurisdiction of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Church of God in Christ, Inc.
26 The Misdiagnosis of Black Males with Learning Disabilities 31 Marriage 101
SECTIONS 04 08 16 30 32 33 34
Editor’s Note RHEMA Health RHEMA Spotlight RHEMA Puzzle RHEMA Readers RHEMA Showcase RHEMA Word
Disclaimer Rhema is published every other month. No part of this publication is to be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. The Magazine can not be held liable for any error in any advertisement and any liability is limited to the total cost of the advertisement in error. The publisher however reserves the right to refuse any advertisement deemed offensive or inappropriate. The views and opinions expressed in this magazine are strictly those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of Rhema Magazine. Rhema Magazine takes reasonable care to ensure the accuracy of the information. However we will not assume liability for the opinions or statements nor the accuracy of the authors. We also reserve the right to edit information we deem inappropriate for this magazine.
RHEMA MAGAZINE: JUNE / JULY 2013
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Editor’s
T
his June marks
the first anniversary of Rhema Magazine.
This has been a very rewarding yet humbling journey. We most certainly would not have made it this far without the tireless efforts and determination of the Rhema staff; the pastors and ministers who grace our covers; the insightful, thoughtprovoking, informative and inspirational articles from our writers and contributors; the unwavering support, prayers and encouragement from our readers, and most importantly, the grace of God. Rhema’s mission remains unchanged: to strengthened each other through our ministries, testimonies and through our individual experiences. Our goal to keep our churches connected, while providing invaluable information regarding our different ministries is still foremost on our hearts and minds. This past year has exceeded our expectations. We never for one second doubted that Rhema would have made an impact, however, we are amazed at the support and the outpouring of
Note
ships, Rhema word, and our Black History issue, we are well on our way to bringing our mission to fruition.
To our readers, I say a heartfelt, thank you. To all our advertisers who are the financial backbone of Rhema, thank you. To every church and organization who graciously accepts our magazine to distribute to your congregation and staff, thank you. To every store, barber shop, hair salon who welcome the drop off every other month, thank you. To all who have expressed interest in coming aboard as contributors and columnists, inquiring on how to submit articles, thank you. We owe each of you a debt of gratitude. We continuously crave your support and prayers and look forward to celebrating many more anniversaries, as we continue to increase our readership and grow spiritually. Please feel free to call or email Rhema magazine if you have any suggestions on how we can make the second year even better than the first. We will always remain grateful for the opportunity to serve.
love and well wishes we have received.
To all fathers, from Rhema magazine- Happy
These pages have told many stories and there
be the providers and protectors of your children
is still a lot more to tell. As I stated in the very first Editor’s Note, we at Rhema embrace the holistic approach to ministry. We believe in healthy minds, bodies and spirits. As such, our articles truly reflect that: from our health articles, to our articles on love and relationRHEMA MAGAZINE: JUNE / JULY 2013
Father’s Day. My prayer is that you continue to and your families. We celebrate and honor you, and recognize your significance and influence on society. God bless
Valerie Brown rhemamagazine.com 4
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RHEMA MAGAZINE: CONTRIBUTORS CEO/Founder - Andrew D. Gayle Chairman - Leon Morgan Editor in Chief - Valerie Brown Assistant Editors - Dacie Gayle and Dr. Alicia Anderson Contributing Editor/Columnist - Robby Thomas Columnist - Pastor William E. Dickerson Jr. Columnist - Linda Sharkey Columnist - David Carruthers
Rhema: "A Greek word meaning "what is said". In Christianity it is used in reference to the sayings of Jesus Christ." Matthew 4:4 states"Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every (Rhema) word that proceeds from the mouth of God".
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RHEMA
Health
T
here is a cause and affect to everything. Two contributing factors to the obesity epidemic in America today are lack of physical activity and access, or lack thereof, to healthy food choices. One in 3 children born after the year 2000 will be affected with Type II Diabetes. If you were born prior to the 1980s, chances are you are very familiar with unorganized activities that required no coach or referee, no parents to supervise, and no rules and regulations, so you could play to your heart’s content. However, fast forward to the year 2013, and most childhood activities are organized and require a ride to and from the event. The number of children who walk a mile to school or ride a bike has decreased dramatically, and the unlimited hours of neighborhood playtime have become a thing of the past. Add to the mix the hours children spend interacting with some sort of technological device and we are headed for disaster. Some communities have little or no access to healthy farmer’s markets or corner stores that supply foods that contain an abundance of essential vitamins and nutrients. Most fast food restaurants and public establishments provide foods that are high in saturated fat and highly processed white flour and sugar. Beverages are loaded with high fructose corn syrup and artificial sweeteners. It is essential for the body to consume foods RHEMA MAGAZINE: June / July 2013
that are high in fiber and protein to maintain a healthy body fat percentage. Whole grains, vegetables, and fruits contain fiber and nutrients. Low-fat dairy, eggs, lean meats and poultry all contain protein and B vitamins which enhance neurological and cognitive function. The habits of healthy eating, lifestyle choices and 30 minutes of exercise 5 days a week are a winning combination. As parents, it is our responsibility to lead by example and make daily modifications in a child’s environment before we will see any progress or change. A few recommendations would be to incorporate a new vegetable into a family meal each day as a substitute for potato, rice or pasta. Two or three servings of vegetables with a piece of lean meat or poultry are a well-balanced meal. Fruit and low-fat cheese or veggies and hummus are better snack choices than cookies or chips. I would also suggest having your child walk to school and you walk along with them if at all possible. Making healthy, lifestyle choices MOST of the time, and not-so-good choices SOME of the time will begin your journey on the road to success and positive results. Remember, keep moving forward. Linda Sharkey
Certified Health and Nutrition Educator and Lifestyle Coach Medical Marketing Consultant Lsharkey23@aol.com 781-690-2610 rhemamagazine.com 8
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F
The Importance of Spiritual Fathers By Pastor & Overseer William E. Dickerson, Jr. Greater Love Tabernacle
Father’s Day is celebrated yearly on the 3rd Sunday in June; a day set aside to honor fathers. When biological fathers are not in their proper places within the family structure, the children often suffer. The absence of fathers can lead to negative, dysfunctional behaviors and emotional unrest of youth. Within the church community I see a need for spiritual fathers to be in their rightful places to help with the nurturing of our sons & daughters. When I travelled several years ago to Nigeria, Africa to conduct crusades, I observed something unique. The indigenous people of Nigeria showed profound honor towards the spiritual fathers of their land. I had a host of pastors who set up meetings for me to connect with the fathers of Nigeria. They wanted me to meet the men they had such high regards for and they wanted those men to speak a prophetic benediction over our lives. The way they sought out the blessings of the fathers clearly revealed the magnitude of honor and respect they were raised to have. Whenever a man of God spoke something over us, I saw the glow and elation in the eyes of the people. This made me fully cognizant that they had a revelation of the impact spiritual fathers played in their lives. In the bible we see the camaraderie which is shared between spiritual fathers and their sons. Elisha had a magnitude of reverence for Elijah; their relationship eclipsed that of the other young men who were enrolled in Elijah’s school of prophets. Elisha was so determined to get the double portion of Elijah’s anointing that he ignored his peers. He accepted rejection and he pushed pass uncertainties (2 Kings 2).
RHEMA MAGAZINE: JUNE /JULY 2013
What I extracted from the text concerning their relationship is that Elisha valued the gift and anointing of his spiritual father more than fame or popularity. Spiritual fathers need sons and daughters who seek the father’s heart more than his hand. Anyone can receive a hand out, but its true sons and daughters who are thirsty for the spiritual mantle and impartation more than material things. I truly believe that it’s imperative that spiritual fathers help to support their sons and daughters in ministry, and continue to guide them at critical points along the way. However, we should not lose sight of the scripture which states in Gal 6:6 “Nevertheless the
one who receive instructions in the word should share all good things with their instructor” (NIV). We need to highly esteem our spiritual fathers. However our spiritual fathers although they are invaluable, should pour into and support the development of their sons and daughters. Communication is a key to fathers receiving proper honor and son/daughters embracing true apostolic covering. As the body of Christ advances, we need to earnestly pray for the success of our spiritual fathers and for stronger relationships to come forth.
rhemamagazine.com 11
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Black Man With A poem written by Robby Thomas
Love To Give
I
’m a black man with love to give; So don’t give up on me. Recognize me! I survived beatings, burnings and lynchings. I survived the piercing eyes of those who reviled me; Those who sold me on blocks that bore the names of Jack-son, Wil-son and John-son. I watched as my woman and family disintegrated; Made objects of pleasure and profit, Silencing my prophetic voice, squelching it with whips and might that made right; Through laws which declared me…a MAN!!!...less than human; Less than they who drew conclusions about my manhood, my sacred humanity, my identity. I’m a black man with love to give; Felt the weight of my peeps upon my shoulders; Draped across my back, like the scars from beatings; My attempts to birth my own freedom. But the burdensome troubles of my existence, as a social aberration – a social pariah, in a land that despised me and my dark complexion; Which pales in comparison to grievances bound and shackled in my heart, released through my fingertips. From sorrows of fathers emasculated, mothers, ravaged and manipulated, RHEMA MAGAZINE: JUNE /JULY 2013
children disturbed and distributed; Cast aside and dispersed like seedlings to new soil, only to find pain, anguish and toil. I’m a black man with love to give, But my shame envelops me; My despondency depletes me and deepens as I watch the vestiges of an institution, perpetuated by institutionalization, playing out in media images and federal penitentiaries; As injustices and laws bent on punishing victims rather than criminals of this great democracy – in this land of opportunity. A land flowing with milk and honey, and jobs for black men…unless they got a CORI. And it’s so easy for kids to stay on rhemamagazine.com 14
track, except for the violence in our schools and communities – black on black. I’m a black man with love to give. Acutely aware of my history, my challenges and my future. My eyes are not just weeping, they are focused. Not only focused but wide open. They see, the continual destruction of a civilization; Sons and would be fathers caught in the thickets of violent rage, self-hatred, lack of guidance and a father’s love. Young women caught up in superficial expectations; Misunderstanding their own self worth, their own capacity to reproduce and provide sustenance to a new born child. I’m a black man with much love to give. Often misunderstood ‘cause I live in the hood, Or because others think I lack emotional intelligence, or resources to be uptown sophisticated, Ivy league matriculated. I make my home in the Urban Ghettoes of America. I may not have a college degree, I may not drive a fifty thousand dollar car, And I don’t necessarily make decisions in the prodigious board rooms of corporate America. Because of this, I tend to get pulled over in my three thousand dollar car. Promotions on the job…often looked over, then overlooked but who’s looking. Other times, I succumb to think that it just might be over. But I’m a black man with plenty of love to give. And so I keep the details and the demons at bay. RHEMA MAGAZINE: JUNE /JULY 2013
I make a modest but honest living; Hand it over to the landlord and the bankers when I get paid. I try to uplift my community, handle my responsibility; And take time to pray; Wait for an answer, before I go astray. And because I’m a black man with love to give, I love the black woman. Through all our difficult days and trifling ways. Her heart has kept me centered when life seemed a haze. I may not build her a mansion, but I’ll build her self-esteem; Put her on a pedestal like Sheba’s queen; Take her on the grandest journey that she’s ever seen; To Europe, Asia and to the motherland; Cause I’m a black man with love to give; And I’ll keep giving it strong…as long as I live. Robby A.Thomas is a published poet, author, columnist and contributing editor to Rhema Magazine. The featured poem, “Black man with love to give” is from his book titled,” Afro-Caribbean Son and other Poems,” available locally at Frugal Book Store in Roxbury. For readings please contact Robby via email at Beanwoodproductns@gmail.com .
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P
atricia Markland Cole is a “BBB”, a Boston Baby Born and raised all her days. She is a member of the Church of God of Prophecy in Milton, Massachusetts where her parents Sidney Markland Sr. and Bernice P. Markland preside. Early on in this soft spoken, yet dynamic woman of God’s life, it was evident that she was called of God. She accepted the Lord as her savior at the age of five and has never looked back. Her mother was her earliest teacher and mentor, grooming and developing her talents as a child. She recounts “My mother would have me read over and over again, and sing over and over again. At times I didn’t want anything to do with it, and I would even break down and cry, but she believed in me so she kept pushing until she got the best out of me.” From there her ministry started to develop and her first sermon was at age 12 “Kids are people too.” Her childhood and adolescence were her training ground as she participated and won many speech competitions. Through various opportunities to speak and minister, she continued to develop as a mighty orator, empowering and inspiring both young people and adults, that it is possible to serve the Lord all the days of their lives. Patricia heavily involved herself in music ministry: singing on the local, regional and international levels in the Church of God of Prophecy. She has been blessing congregations RHEMA MAGAZINE: JUNE /JULY 2013
as a vocalist, which has opened up opportunities for her to travel all over the country singing for the glory of God. However, it would not be until her mid twenties that she would recognize her call to preach when an invitation to preach at a District Convention changed her life: the power of God fell on her like she never experienced before. She says, “It felt like my very heart was on fire but preaching wasn’t something I was ready to embrace.” I went home, plopped on my bed and said “Oh great you have called me to preach”. I thought it would be too much pressure, too overwhelming but God knows what He is doing. Since that momentous experience in her life, she has continued to answer the call of God both musically and verbally. She has functioned in numerous capacities on the local and district level as choir director and youth leader and has been a workshop and conference speaker. Her messages have been insightful, provoking and gripping. She works hand in hand with her parents and currently serves as Church Administrator, Youth Pastor and Music Ministries Director. “I have prayed and continue to pray that God would bless me with a ministry that helps people to live, not just survive the day to day strugglesbut truly live, thrive and grow and fulfill God’s purposes for their lives. I can see how He is bringing it to pass little by little, day by day.” trishcole75@outlook.com rhemamagazine.com 16
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Prostate Cancer Rally to Reach One Million Persons
Thomas A. Farrington
By: Thomas A. Farrington, PHEN President and Founder Knowledge is the best defense against prostate cancer. This knowledge should also include the importance of faith in beating the disease. On Father’s Day PHEN is hosting its "Fifth Annual Father's Day Rally Against Prostate Cancer" in partnership with hundreds of churches nationwide with a goal of reaching one million persons. This will be the largest and most visible prostate cancer education and awareness effort ever undertaken with a focus on Black America. We launched the Rally in 2009 with just a hand full of churches in Massachusetts who understood and supported PHEN’s vision. Twelfth Baptist Church in Roxbury was among those churches, and this historical institution has continued its strong support. This year we are piloting seven educational symposiums in different cities on Saturday, June 15th, the day before Father’s Day. Twelfth Baptist is hosting the symposium in Boston that will be open to the public throughout the city and beyond. Twelfth Baptist’s pastor, Reverend Dr. Arthur Gerald, Jr. is a prostate cancer survivor. He knows firsthand the importance of faith in beating prostate cancer, and spoke on this subject at one of PHEN’s monthly webcasts. We share the vision of having churches actively involved in prostate cancer educational outreach to entire families, and making certain that the importance of faith is a key part of the agenda. We invite and encourage the public to attend the symposium at Twelfth Baptist. Men and their family members need to be educated about prostate cancer. Through these efforts we can beat prostate cancer and drive this epidemic from our communities. RHEMA MAGAZINE: JUNE /JULY 2013
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RHEMA
Cover Story
Dr. Samuel Byron Hogan, Sr. Bishop of the First Jurisdiction of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Church of God in Christ, Inc. Pastor of the Good Shepherd Church of God in Christ in Roxbury, Massachusetts
B
ishop Samuel Byron Hogan, Sr., has been a pastor, counselor and professor for over 46 years. He began his life humbly on June 5, 1947 in River Rouge, Michigan. Born to Rosalie Spurlin-Hogan and Eugene Hogan, he was the ninth in a family of fifteen children; ten boys and five girls. He is a son of the Church of God In Christ, his father being a pastor and leader in the church for close to 40 years. His parents governed by strict moral and ethical household rules. They believed in the Bible way, “training up a child in the way he should go…with reproof and rod.” The family had to get up at six o’clock every morning to have prayer before his father went to work, or before the children went to school. “We went to Sunday School, Sunday Morning Worship service, and evening Y.P.W.W.” Dr. Hogan’s parents also had strong beliefs about education. His father Eugene instilled in each of his children, “you will get good grades, you will graduate from high school, and you will go on to higher education; trade, technical school or university.” Because of his parents’ teachings and their dedication to God and family, nine of their sons RHEMA MAGAZINE: JUNE /JULY 2013
are pastors, two are Superintendents, one is a Bishop, while two of their daughters are Jurisdictional Supervisors and another served as a member of the National Trustee Board of the Church of God in Christ. Following the instructions of his father, Dr. Hogan graduated from the Electronic Computer Programming Institute of Detroit and continued his education at Macomb County Community College. He is a graduate of the University of Detroit, with a Bachelors degree in Economics and Secondary Education, Harvard Graduate school of Education, with a Masters degree in Education and Harvard Divinity School, where he received a Masters of Theological Studies. He has also studied for a Doctorate in Theology from Boston University School of Theology, with a concentration in Preaching and Ethics. Reverend Hogan hopes that his story is one of spiritual and academic inspiration not only to his four children and five grandchildren, but to all who are serious about their relationship with Christ and the importance of a good education. It was Jesus
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RHEMA
Cover Story
who said in Matthew 10:16 “…be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.” To Bishop Hogan that seems to say, “Have a tough mind and a tender heart.” Reverend Hogan gave his life to Christ when he was eighteen years old and believes that God always had His hand upon his life. When he was eight years old, the Sunshine Band youth ministry would give gifts to the children on Christmas and birthdays. Reverend Hogan would always receive a white shirt, cuff links and a bow tie instead of toys. When he asked why, he was told “because you are going to be a preacher.” He was called and anointed to the ministry at the age of twenty, at a small church in Ecorse, Michigan. By the time he was twenty-two years old, he was licensed to the ministry by the late Bishop John Seth Bailey, Bishop of the Southwest Michigan Jurisdiction. He was ordained in 1972 by the late Bishop L.C. Young in Boston, Massachusetts. After spending five years under the ministry of Bishop Young at Regent Street, Church of God in Christ, Reverend Hogan went to the streets of Cambridge, Massachusetts and started a Bible study on the campus of Harvard University in his studio apartment, with two adults and two children. Soon after, he found space in the Emmanuel Gospel Center on Friday nights and later chartered his church in the home of the late Reverend Thaddeus Wheeler, and now, Pastor Michelle Wheeler. Reverend Hogan founded the Good Shepherd Church of God in Christ in Boston, Massachusetts, where he has labored in the vineyard for 38 years, preaching the Word of God, teaching ministers and training pastors, seeding ministries across the nation. With the help of the Wheeler family, and the Boston Redevelopment Authority, the church acquired their present place of worship at 18 Whittier Street in Roxbury, Massachusetts. RHEMA MAGAZINE: JUNE /JULY 2013
Dr. Samuel Byron Hogan, Sr. Bishop of the First Jurisdiction of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Church of God in Christ, Inc. Pastor of the Good Shepherd Church of God in Christ in Roxbury, Massachusetts
Concurrent with his ministry as a pastor, Dr. Hogan also taught preaching and Pastoral Ministry at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary for more than 25 years as a tenured professor. In September 2005, Dr. Hogan founded the Boston Christian Academy, School of Practical Ministry for beginning and experienced ministers to receive guidance in the formation of their ministry. The Boston Christian Academy has recently formed a partnership with Gordon-Conwell Seminary-Center for Urban Ministerial Education where he teaches in the Department of Pastoral Ministry. Dr. Hogan is also an instructor of Pentecostal Polity and counselor to Pentecostal students at Harvard Divinity School. He is the author of several books on preaching; Is There a Word from Heaven, Preaching Principles and Practice, on leadership; Leadership: In Authority, Under Authority, on spiritual reflections; Spiritual Reflections and adjutancy; Church of God in Christ: National Adjutants Manuel. Dr. Hogan is the former Dean of the National Adjutancy of the Church of God in Christ. In 2010, Reverend Samuel Byron Hogan, Sr. was recommended and endorsed by the pastors of the First Jurisdiction of Massachusetts and in November of 2011, he was appointed and consecrated by the Presiding Bishop of the Church of God in Christ, Charles Edward Blake, to the office of Bishop of the First Jurisdiction of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. His Jurisdiction is in constant growth through his spiritual leadership, dedication and the consecrated lifestyle implanted in him as a child. “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it” Proverbs 22:6
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The Misdiagnosis of Black Males with Learning Disabilities By Dr. Alicia Anderson
Education plays a crucial role in determining one’s future especially the future of Black males. What happens when education is not equal for all and there are barriers to educational opportunities that prevent Black males from reaching their full potential? The result is that we have a whole population of Black males that are falling by the wayside. Equal access to educational opportunities can make the difference between whether a Black male becomes a doctor or a prisoner1. Throughout the years, a lot of attention has been focused on the disproportionate placement of Black boys in special education programs and misdiagnosis of Black boys with learning disabilities2 3. Since the beginning of special education programs, Black males have been disproportionately represented with greater misplacement in districts where the students came from lower socioeconomic levels4. ADHD is a very common diagnosis within Black males and there is a marked disparity in the diagnoses of White males and Black males with ADHD5. Boredom is one possible explanation why Black males are quickly diagnosed with ADHD. Sometimes classroom instructions and tasks are mundane: students are not actively engaged or challenged. One solution is to develop better curriculums, where teachers incorporate more hands on activities to build upon what a child already knows. Children learn a lot by interacting with adults within the context of everyday cultural activities6. Another possible explanation for the faulty diagnosis could be teacher biases and perceptions. Some teachers may have false perceptions and stereotypes of Black adolescent males5, which leads to low expectations. Educators and counselors must be aware of the negative perceptions they may have about Black males and try not to make that cloud their judgment. One way to address this issue is to properly train teachers on how to deal with diversity in the classroom. RHEMA MAGAZINE: JUNE /JULY 2013
Teachers must be aware of their students’ backgrounds in order to completely understand their behaviors. Schools also need to support a curriculum that promotes multicultural awareness and sensitivity5. Specifically educators must be trained to successfully teach Black male students1. Another solution is to have more Blacks on staff in teaching positions5. We need to raise the number of Black male teachers by creating programs, opportunities, and incentives to encourage them to teach1. Black male teachers will be able to relate to the Black male students, while serving as positive role models. Black males have definitely made educational gains throughout the years but there are still issues that need to be addressed. The issue of the misdiagnosis of Black males with learning disabilities is definitely important. It is not about blaming, but rather addressing the problem and coming up with possible solutions. As educators, parents, and community members we need to be proactive and not reactive when it comes to educating our Black males. References 1. Jones, L. & Menchetti, B. M. (2001). Identification of variables contributing to definitions of mild and moderate mental retardation in Florida. Journal of Black Studies, 31, 619-634. 2. Lo, y. & Cartledge, G. (2006). FBA and BIP: Increasing the behavior adjustment of African American boys in schools. Behavioral Disorders, 31, 147-161. 3. Patterson, K. B. (2005). Increasing positive outcomes for African American males in special education with the use of guided notes. The Journal of Negro Education, 74, 311-320. 4. Harry, B. & Anderson, M. G. (1994). The disproportionate placement of African American males in special education programs: A critique of the process. The Journal of Negro Education, 63, 602-619. 5. Spencer, L. E. & Oatts, T. (1999). Conduct Disorder vs. Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Diagnostic adolescent males. Education, 119, 514-518. 6. Ormrod, J. E. (2006). Educational Psychology: Developing Learners. New Jersey: Pearson Education, Inc
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F N X N E X R T J C L D L M Q R R M N N N N Y O K E R T O O O T
G D V X D B P I G T O R R E G T M Z O M A R C H D B R B T P L V
D S E S S A L G N U S N Z I R S D S C S U N T A N E T C G N X O
S u rfin g S w im m in g Pool Ice C re a m Pops icle Flip flops T a n k tops H olida y s Heat B a rbe cu e S u n ta n S u n bu rn W a te r B ik e ridin g
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M G Y T Z K P L B G V R D R C G L T W N M A J Y T R L Y S V D T
G T Y R E O R W T D C Q M I J E I S T I E U D N Y P R I R N T G
D N M Y O N E A N J T L X B T N C E E H M Z L T L D M J N B U M
Q L V L J D N R P R B A E R J I D R S S B S Y P E P L Q D G D S
X N R X D S N I Z E V L N A Y Q O X E Y S X U H K T D Z B W B Z
T T B I S T W S S Q M Y T K N X X N P A N E Y I T Q X J M Y X J
X P N A D S M P T R T E T R T I R W E Y M D R R T V J Y R J Q J
G G R J W U J R B R M Z H D N O N L W R R G S D R S K X Y K S B
S G B T K N N X V L A K B T T S P G K A S R R E N N N Q V N G K
S u n gla s s e s S u n s cre e n C on ve rtible s Air C on dition e rs Fa n s Mos qu itoe s S h orts T e e s h irts S u n dre s s e s W e ddin gs B a s e ba ll S oftba ll T e n n is W a te r polo
Z D J V M S Y R D M L W B W Y W Y S T Q E P W Z R U L G A D M Q
N Y R D Z H G Z R H M A B A J Z G I S L D O S L E T S F R L L P
P K X Q D I Y P E Z S Y D E S Z O H K P M P O M T B T Y D Y R Q
N Q L L X N N A X E X I K U R N O N L N G S F N A Z L V V T N J
T L D N W E T K B N L N N D Q R I N W T E Z T D W U Z X P D X B
P R B R L W M A T O D B T M T R I A V M N Z B K J R L R T T Y N
Y Q R L A T L Q H N U D T S P K L E A Q M R A R N Y Y Z B L G J
P M O V V L D L L R W J X S T M D G S L G W L X D T V X M N K T
P P E M P Z Y T N M T L T R P W R V B Q Y P L B J M R J T P Z R
T h e m e pa rk s D e h y dra tion H e a tw a ve G ra s s L a w n m ow e r S prin k le rs P olle n Alle rgie s R e m ode lin g S prin g C le a n in g Gam es W a te rm e lon S tra w be rrie s P lu m s P e a ch e s
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1 0 1 e g a i r r a
M
r bes t, e yo u b o t yo u rages known t. -Un enco u s r u o o w y r or at yo u eant f o is m accepts yo u h w e n The o es and ill lo v but s t
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tatistics show that the number one reason for divorce in America is money; but if that were true, then why can’t the celebrities make it. One of the reasons is character, which cannot be purchased: It is earned only through application from trials and pain. Trials are God’s way of building your character thus allowing you to experience some amazing rewards. Marriage is one of the best character developers but can be very challenging. Many fall short because it is difficult to see and accept oneself in an unattractive light. Sex-Many couples make the assumption that sex will be incredible based on physical attributes and not intimacy. This is a horrendous mistake. It is vital to understand that the best sex is emotional and comes from commitment; seeing each other at their worst and still be able to stay in love. Sex does not guarantee that a marriage will last. Couples need to be careful to not use it as a reason for not addressing the real issues that will take their intimacy to the next level. If the intent is to abuse, one or both parties will be left empty. When two people truly love each other, they can communicate whatever is on their hearts without fear of judgment. There is safety in knowing that your partner is devoted and will love you through whatever obstacles you have to
RHEMA MAGAZINE: June /July 2013
face. When you get to that level, then the physical expression has a deeper meaning thus giving a greater satisfaction. Intimacy-Bishop Jakes said “How can we have intimacy without you being into me?” This is a great question because some of today’s relationships are material focus. A come up in things but a decrease in character. Intimacy is defined as “a personal relationship, close, familiar association with detailed knowledge or deep understanding”. This requires honesty, no pretenses, real communication and the constant determination to live without fear. Intimacy says that if I fall emotionally my spouse will catch me. Intimacy has to grow and will be tested. Mistrust and unforgiveness can decrease the intimacy level in a marriage which can make separation/divorce inevitable. Jesus said, “I have come that you might have life and have it to the full”. We can easily have all these things, great sex, financial stability and intimacy in our marriages. However, it is essential that we remove the giants that are hindering us from obtaining that. Because we have Christ, our marriages should set exemplary standards that unbelievers can aspire to.
By David Carruthers, Author, TV Host, Speaker
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Showcase
Rhema Magazine celebrates with Pastor A.J Beech and Lady Christine Beech of the Greater Anointing Harvest Church on 18 years of Ministry
Pastor A.J. Beech and Lady Christine Beech
Gospel Recording Artist ML and husband Charles Latour Andrew G and Pastor Raymond Hall
Damion Napier, Wayne Atkinson, Pastor Beech, Andrew G, Pastor Raymond Hall, Charles Latour
Superintendent Sir Ivan Cutts and Lady Cutts
Proverbs 2 verses 1-22 The Value of Wisdom 1 My son, if you receive my words, And treasure my commands within you, 2 So that you incline your ear to wisdom, And apply your heart to understanding; 3 Yes, if you cry out for discernment, And lift up your voice for understanding, 4 If you seek her as silver, And search for her as for hidden treasures;
12 To deliver you from the way of evil, From the man who speaks perverse things, 13 From those who leave the paths of uprightness To walk in the ways of darkness; 14 Who rejoice in doing evil, And delight in the perversity of the wicked; 15 Whose ways are crooked, And who are devious in their paths;
5 Then you will understand the fear of the Lord, And find the knowledge of God.
16 To deliver you from the immoral woman, From the seductress who flatters with her words,
6 For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding;
17 Who forsakes the companion of her youth, And forgets the covenant of her God.
7 He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk uprightly;
18 For her house leads down to death, And her paths to the dead;
8 He guards the paths of justice, And preserves the way of His saints.
19 None who go to her return, Nor do they regain the paths of life—
9 Then you will understand righteousness and justice, Equity and every good path.
20 So you may walk in the way of goodness, And keep to the paths of righteousness.
10 When wisdom enters your heart, And knowledge is pleasant to your soul,
21 For the upright will dwell in the land, And the blameless will remain in it;
11 Discretion will preserve you; Understanding will keep you,
22 But the wicked will be cut off from the earth, And the unfaithful will be uprooted from it.
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