MAGAZINE
MAGAZINE
Welcome…
GIVE THANKS Thank God For All He Has Done Thus Far. Thank Him For Being The God That He Is. Thank Him For Food On Our Table. We Know He Is Able. We Just Want To Say… Thank You. Wake Up Each And Every Day And Praise Him! No Complaining, Just Thanking. It Feels So Good! Smiling With Love. 3
Greetings everyone! I pray that all is well with you all. This is the last Sarah. Don’t get sad…we will be back next year. The next time you see Sarah magazine it will be 2018! This year went by so fast, it seemed we were just celebrating summer vacation and now here it is the holiday season already! I am so grateful that God allowed me to see my 62nd birthday in August of this year. I must say that this past birthday was the best one I have had in a long time. You would think this would be the time I should be thinking about retirement and just settling down. NOT! I still have the energy of a 30 year old…well maybe 40 year old. My friends and family thought it was so hilarious when I told them that I wanted to go and play Laser Tag for my birthday. I didn’t get the memo that said a woman of my age cant still do things like that. I’m still waiting to go play, any takers... All jokes aside, this has been a tough year for the people who suffered tragic loss during the hurricane season. My continued prayer goes out to all the families of the hurricanes, fires and shootings. I know the holiday season is going to be a tough time for these families. People remember to keep them in prayer, and if you can send funds to help, please do it. The September edition of Sarah was all about grieving the loss of a loved one. If you haven’t read it, take time to read the featured story. We are covering Thanksgiving and Christmas in this issue. It has been 6 years since the launching of my first magazine. Sooo… I decided to do something a little different in this issue. When going through all my old files of Sarah magazine, it was articles in there that never got the recognition they should have gotten. No one really knew about my magazine and to tell you the truth, I didn’t know what I
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was doing! I looked at some of the articles and realized the fonts were way too small, which made it hard for people to even see when trying to view it online, thank God I’ve learned a lot since then. With all that being said, I decided to repost a few of the articles from some of the first issues of Sarah. Some of these people are still writers for Sarah magazine, some have moved on to bigger and better things. I have also included my testimony sharing how all of this came about, all the old articles are called, Echo’s From The Past. So many people are getting weary in well doing. They are giving up on their dreams and goals because they feel like it’s too late. I am here to tell you that IT’S NEVER TOO LATE! That is why I work so hard to keep the ministry of Sarah magazine going. Believe me, it’s not easy! Like you, it’s times I just want to throw in the towel. But God always sends someone to encourage me to let me know that this ministry is not in vain. I would like to do the same for you by saying don’t give up, Quitting is not an option! I hope these articles from the past will encourage you to keep going. Our featured story is so powerful! When you read this young woman’s story and how she turned her Pain into Purpose by writing books and reaching out to other women, you will be inspired to forgive and persevere no matter what the circumstance. Her daughter is featured on the cover of Y.P.W.P. magazine, make sure you check out her story as well. In closing, I would like to give a big shout out of Happy Birthday to Darlene Thompson (September) who faithfully gives us our Morning Inspiration and to Christine Hamilton (October) who helps me edit some of the articles for Sarah magazine. They both just hit the big 60! HAPPY BIRTHDAY LADIES, sixty looks great on you! I am celebrating the launching of my third book. God Is So Good! Enjoy reading the last Sarah of the year. I am looking forward to getting some feedback from you. From all of us at Sarah magazine; HAPPY THANKSGIVING and MERRY CHRISTMAS! God bless 5
3. MORNING INSPIRATIONDarlene Thompson
4. WELCOME
51. 97.5 KDEE– Radio Station 9. Echo’s-ENCOURAGEMENT? Antwan Beaden-Leach
13. Echo’s- SARAH…
19. FAITH, COURAGE AND THE
IS THERE ANYTHING TOO HARD FOR THE LORD?
WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD Calvinia Williams
Lena Dixon
24. RED AND BLUE
29. Echo’s – THE PERFECT GIFT!
Gerald Smith Jr.
Debra Ramsey
25. QUITTING IS NOT AN OPITION 42. Echo’s – ALWAYS BY YOUR SIDE Sheree Carradine
Shermeka Ellis
43. LETTER FROM HEVEN
46. Echo’s –WONDERFUL’S
Author Unknown
ETIQUETTE TIPS Wonderful Davidson
49. Echo’s –WE FALL DOWN, 11.
BUT WE GET UP!
BOOKS By Teirrah McNair
52.
John Hayden Jr.
NEW BOOK RELEASE
by Sheree Carradine
53 & 54.
COMING SOON, TWO NEW
BOOKS by Eleanor Griffin & Dr. Calvinia Williams 6
22. TIFF’S TIPS- Tiffany Nakatani 31. CHRISTMAS POTPOURRI
32. HOLIDAY RECIPE 44. COOKING WITH J.C. 48. HOLIDAY RECIPE
12. THANKSGIVNG POEM 28. CHRISTMAS SYMBOLS 41. & 50. CHRISTMAS POEMS
51. 97.5 KDEE– Radio Station 38.THE COOKING WITH –J.C. 19. SLAPP CARD The Future Of Music Distribution
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Minister Sheree Carradine Creator/Chief Editor
Christine Hamilton Co-Editor
mysarahmagazine@gmail.com www.personalizeitsc.com https://www.facebook.com/MYSARAHMAGAZINE
https://www.facebook.com/sheree.carradine?fref=ts 7
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Echo’s From The Past
December 2011
As the holiday approaches, it should give us all an opportunity to take a moment to reflect on the past year. Each of us can remember various problems or situations that we had during the year and how we handled them. How did we handle them? While studying for this month’s installment of encouragement, I thought of the spirit of Christmas. I understood that the birth of God’s son served more than a purpose of Black Friday and weekday sales. His birth and subsequent death were ordained so that we could have a better life!
there were no comfortable accommodations available to give birth. Instead, he was born in a manger, a lowly and humble place as per Luke 2:7. Christ circumstances of birth, life, and death was never easy or painless. A Son of God was worthy of greater things, a greater life, and definitely a gentler serene death. As the Son of Man, I learned that His purpose was to walk like a man to demonstrate to us how to be the “Likeness” of His Father. That “Likeness” should be demonstrated in us as His children. Specifically, how we handle adversity, difficult situations, and life’s pain. Do others see the “Christ” in us when we walk through those difficult roads?
The days and nights that led to the birth of Christ were not the most optimal. He wasn’t born in a nice, warm hospital room, his mother was not given an epidural for labor pains, nor did his father bring his wife to the hospital in a car with snow tires and chains! Christ’s birth, in our eyes, was not delivered perfectly, however it was perfectly done. The circumstances did not stop his birth from happening. There was nothing in the bible that said that in their uncomfortable state that they were grumpy or nasty. It did show that
This is not to make you feel bad or guilty on how your walk has been during this year; however, it is to help and encourage you to learn from those experiences and make changes 9
Echo’s From The Past
December 2011
to become more like Christ. Romans 15:5-6 states “May The God Who Gives Endurance And Encouragement Give You The Same Attitude Of Mind Toward Each Other That Christ Jesus Had, So That With One Mind And One Voice You May Glorify The God And Father Our Lord Jesus Christ”. (NIV) What does that mean?
could be someone’s deliverance! Just saying… If we want to live a Christ-like life, we should look to the bible and read how Christ lived. In this season of celebration, let us not forget that the birth of the King is a new beginning, a season of change. While we are giving gifts, let us give of ourselves and show the Christ in us. Put your hand out and reach for a soul who is lost or just needs a little help. Pray for someone who is in pain or suffering. Love on someone who needs just a little to get to the next level.
My interpretation is that instead of walking those difficult roads alone, we should be helping each other. God forgives us when we do the wrong thing, but are we that quick to forgive? I know that people are frail in their thinking, but how long do we stay frail? I want desperately to be like Christ. Reach for that goal would consist of looking around for those that could use a good word, a genuine hug, or just a quick laugh. God has blessed me in so many different and difficult circumstances that I can’t just let that experience go without sharing with someone. Each of us has had an experience that God has lead us out of. If you knew a better way to do something or go somewhere, wouldn’t you like to know what it is so it wouldn’t be so hard to get there? Your experience
All of our issues were not optional. In fact, some were quite difficult if not unbearable, but they happened just the same. If you look to your various situations or issues during this year, there was someone or something there that helped or assisted in your deliverance. That, my friend, is the gift this season represents. REMEMBER THE REASON FOR THE SEASON!
Deacon Antwan Beaden-Leach
December, 2011 10
Teirrah McNair is a dedicated people builder who has been writing for stage, video and publications for over 40 years. She is the Chief Encouragement Officer (CEO) for the northern California based Soul Shaping Publications with an impressive catalog of literary works including The Way of Salvation and The Way of The Holy Spirit, two children’s books—Lucille Nadine Alexander’s Birthday and The Adventures of Martin Tyrone Sanchez Dupree and a quirky novelette entitled March Madness Revisited Again Currently serving as the Pastor of Fountain of Life Global Christian Ministries in Menlo Park, California, McNair is on a mission to deliver a plain gospel by whatever means God gives her access to. Like the biblical David her song of praise is had it not been for the Lord on my side, where would I be? E-mail revtmcnair@gmail.com Web: www.bencouraged.net Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/teirrahmcnair Facebook: www.facebook.com/soushapingpub
Telephone: 415.908.6711
https://www.instagram.com/pastorteirrahmcnair/?hl=en
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Echo’s From The Past
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braham and Sarah were very old, and Sarah was well past the age for having children. So she laughed and said to herself “Now that I am worn out and my husband is old, will I really know such happiness?” The LORD asked Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh? Does she doubt that she can have a child in her old age? I am the LORD! There is nothing too difficult for me. I promised, and Sarah will already have a son.” Sarah was so frightened that she lied and said, “I didn’t laugh.” Yes, you did! He answered. (Gen. 18:11-15 CEV)
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promise to them was not according to their physical status. We read that they were old and well past the age for having children. But the lord had a plan that included a promise. In chapter 16 of Genesis, Abraham and Sarah tried to bring the Lord’s promise to pass, but of course it did not go according to God’s plan, nor did it go according to theirs. God promised Abraham and Sarah a child but not through the method they used. Flesh always looks to get involved in the promise, then we want the Lord to bless our work. Abraham said to God, “Yes do bless Ishmael (Gen. 17:18 TLB)”. Thirteen years had passed since Abraham and Sarah had tried unsuccessfully to bring the Lord’s
Reading the above scripture, one would agree that Abraham and Sarah are well past the age of producing a child. But the Lord’s
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Echo’s From The Past promise to pass. He pays them a visit and tells Abraham, “I will certainly return unto thee according to the time of life; and lo Sarah thy wife shall have a son”. And Sarah heard in the tent door which was behind him (Gen.18:10 KJV) after hearing the Lord’s conversation with Abraham, Sarah laughed at the thought of having a child. This laughing was an outward expression of an inward thought. She doubted the Lord’s word. Sarah was so focused on herself and Abraham that she didn’t think the Lord had the power to do what He said He would do.
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impossible; but with God all things are possible. Maybe the Lord has made a promise to you, and as of this time, it has not come to pass. If you are thinking that you need to make it happen, think again. Our problem is; waiting on God. We want things to happen as soon as yesterday, and if it takes too long, we try to bring thru promise to pass. This will cause a delay. Sometimes the reason for delay is because we might not be mature enough to handle the promise, maybe our attitude isn’t the way it should be. Or maybe there are some character flaws that still exist. Whatever the reason for the delay, God will always fulfill His word. (Ish. 55:11 NKJV) So shall my word be that goes forth out of my mouth; it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in thin whereto I sent it.
She saw it as a mission impossible. She also failed to see that the Lord wanted to work through both her and Abraham to bring the promise to pass. He wasn’t relying on them to do it. The Lord never told Abraham and Sarah that they were responsible for the promise. When we begin to look at ourselves, we take our eyes off of God, and we actually laugh at the thought that the impossible can be done through us. Jesus said in (Matt.19:26 KJV), But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, with men this is
Abraham and Sarah’s promise was delayed because they thought they needed to take matters into their own hands. We all know what happened after they ran interference, Sarah blamed
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Echo’s From The Past Abraham, she mistreated Hagar and she became a little bitter that didn’t turn out the way she thought they would. This should be a warning to all of us who try to fulfill the Lord’s promise. It is not going to go the way we plan. Our mistakes usually end up having long-term effects, Abraham and Sarah’s mistake has affected a lot of people. Just look at the problems in the Middle East. So don’t think that your decisions won’t affect anyone else. The Lord told Abraham that He would return, and at the pointed time, Sarah would have a child. God has chosen a time for everything that happens. It’s according to His time-table and not ours. When we make a conscious decision to wait on the Lord, then we will see that nothing is too hard for the Lord. He will blow our mind, because He does it exceeding abundantly above all we could ask or think. Waiting on God is an intricate part of our walk of faith.
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deal about it. Maybe you think you’re too old to go back to school, or maybe you think you’re too old to continue working. Maybe you even think you’re too old to get married this late in life. Sarah entertained the thought and it caused her to doubt the Lord. The lord wants to bless us beyond our wildest imagination, but he can’t do it if we won’t let Him. When the thought enters your mind to take matters into your own hands, let another thought prevail; “Is Anything Too Hard For The Lord?” We must accept the fact that the Lord doesn’t need our assistance, then we will understand the following scripture; where were you when I put the earth on its base? Say, if you have knowledge. (Job 38:4 BBE). The lord is saying “I Got This” let me bless you. He never has, nor will ever need our help. Someone is probably laughing right now, because the Lord has promised you something, and you think that you’re well past the age of bearing the promise. It’s Never Too Late for the Lord to bring a promise to
Is anything too hard for the Lord? Many of us would think so. Maybe the Lord has asked you that question. Age is never been a hindrance for the Lord. It becomes a hindrance for us; we make a big 15
Echo’s From The Past pass in your life. I should know, he has brought several promises to pass in mine, when we let God be God of the promise, then we can experience the blessing the way that Sarah did in the end. And Sarah said, God hath made me to laugh, so that all that hear will laugh with me. (Gen. 21:6 KJV) experience the joy of having others laugh with you instead of at you. If you are waiting on a promise from the Lord, remember these scriptures: Wait on the lord: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say on the Lord, (Ps. 27:14)
But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles’ they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint, (Ish.40:31 KJV) Wait, You Will Be Glad You Did.
Minister Lena Dixon 1ne Accord
August, 2012 16
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We all are faced with different giants in our lifetime. Do you have the courage to face your giants with just a bag of rocks? If you were to look up the definition of A Slingshot – It is a small handpowered weapon made from a forked branch consists of a Y-shaped frame held in the offhand with two natural rubber strips.
1 Samuel 17:37a (NLT) “The Lord who rescued me from the claws of the lion and the bear, will rescue me from this Philistine.”
In this situation I ask you would you put your total trust in the Lord?
As a child one of my favorite stories in the bible was David and Goliath.
Luke 17:6 NIV, He replies, “If you have
The courage of a young boy, a sling shot and the faith of a mustard seed. The word (e mu nah) in Hebrew is called faith and David having faith in the Lord pleaded with King Saul for a chance to face the giant;
One would say that David stepped into the Lion’s Den and by far he was no match to fight Goliath.
faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, “Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ it will obey you.
The bible tells us that Goliath was over nine feet tall and covered more than 125 pounds of armor.
According to Hebrews 11: 1 in (KJV) “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Goliath trusts in his armor. David trusts in his God.
Most would focus on the size of the Giant; but David focused on the size of his God.
Goliath’s covering is fear (hate). David’s covering is faith (love). Goliath’s covering is carnal (fleshly, visible – of the world).
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David’s covering is spiritual (invisible).
take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand [resist] in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about [to fasten on one's belt /// to bind about] with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
Goliath’s universe is centered (focused) on himself. David’s universe is centered (focused) on God. Goliath’s hedge of protection is his dead armor. David’s hedge of protection is the living Word of God. Goliath’s brass armor manifests that he is proud of his sin. David’s lack of armor manifests his humility. (Prov 16:18) Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.
(Eph. 6:10-20) Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put On The Whole Armor Of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles [(trickery): lie in wait] of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore
I ask you how many of you would have the faith in God to go against all odds in an unfair fight?
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Charles Spurgeon describes it well in his book, All of Grace
Dr.Calvinia Williams, D.D.
What is faith? It is made up of three things – Knowledge, Belief, And Trust.
Lupus of Nevada, Inc
President/Founder
Knowledge comes first /how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? I want to be informed of the fact before I can possible believe it….. He goes on to say the mind goes on to believe that these things are true. The soul believes that God is and that he hears the cries of sincere hearts; that the gospel is rom God; that justification by faith is the grand truth. In which God has revealed in these last days of his Spirit more clearly than before. Then the heart believes that Jesus is verily and in truth our God and Savior, the Redeemer of men, the Prophet, Priest, and the King of his people and this is accepted as sure truth, not to be called in question… The last ingredient needed; Trust the life blood of faith; there is no saving faith without it. In mighty Love of our Jesus Christ May you be blessed
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Tips and Tricks for Terrific Tea There's always time for better tea. Here are some Tips And Tricks to take your tea to the next level.
Don't Make Tea In The Microwave: One of the greatest elements of a perfect cup of tea is brewing it at the right temperature. Microwaves as convenient as they are do not give us control over the temperature of the water. So it's best to use a kettle or hot tap water.
Get The Temperature And Time Right For Steeping Tea: If you let tea steep for too long it starts to release tannins which causes the tea to have a bitter taste.
Buy Better Tea Leaves: The most important element when it comes to a perfect cup of tea is, of course the quality of the tea itself. Research where to go, or ask
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for recommendations from people you know and trust. There might even be places in your own backyard with great tea for you to enjoy. 
Tea Is Also A Great Alternative To Coffee. For all you coffee lovers this might sound like blasphemy, but you can love both coffee and tea. Give tea a chance it offers so many health benefits and also has a uniquely wonderful taste. Teas might not be as strong as coffee, but give it a chance. You just might like it. There are many other useful things you can do with tea besides drink it. You can also use used tea bags or fresh tea to hack your body and your home. Here are a few examples, feed plants with used tea bags, clean windows with tea, sooth sunburns and stop bleeding with tea bags and the list goes on.
Here's to a Bea-U-"Tea"-Ful Life! Yours truly,
Tiffany Nakatani
Got Questions?? Send Them To: mysarahmagazine@gmail.com or anatrice32tiffany32@gmail.com SEE YOU NEXT TIME!
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I know we all have felt that way at one time or another. Let me share my testimony with you and why quitting is not an option.
some speed bumps to slow you down, and a few storms that will make you think that you can’t go on. That is the attack of the enemy to distract you from making that vision a reality. Long story short, that’s what happened to me. I know what God showed me, but why was it so hard!
In the beginning there was just one woman with nothing but a vision. No money, very few friends that believed in her, but yet this woman had big dreams! In spite of, or how long it took, she believed God!
Years went by and I was ready to give up. Here I was in my fifties and it still hadn’t come to pass. All of the women in my age group were preparing for their retirement or if not that, they seemed to have it all together. I was so embarrassed about my life, followed by depression and discouragement. While lying on my couch one day, having a pity party about my life, it was then I decided to throw in the towel and just give up on my dreams. I just felt like it was too late for me.
Hello my name is Sheree Carradine, and as you all know by now; I am the Creator and Chief Editor of Sarah magazine. That woman I spoke of with the vision is me. I would like to share with you how all of this came about. All I had was a vision that God gave me. It’s funny how God will show you the end first. What I mean is that He will give you the vision of how things are going to be. Once you see that vision, you’re hyped and ready to go full speed ahead! As we all know there are going to be
God began to remind me of Sarah in the bible. We all know the story of Sarah and Abraham; they birthed a baby in their old age. God promised that they would conceive a child, and by faith they believed it. It took years for this to happen, but Abraham
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believed God. Sarah, like me and many others began to waiver in her faith; she felt it was too late. Even though it took years for it to come to pass, at age at ninety (90) Sarah birthed a child. Can you imagine having a baby at ninety years old!
person on a budget advertise in these magazines?? If you are on a tight budget, you understand what I mean. I began to seek God as to what to do; it was then that He told me and I quote “CREATE WHAT YOU DON’T HAVE”. What? That was my response. I needed to advertise, but couldn’t afford it, God told me to create my own platform and advertise myself. He gave me the vision of my very own magazine. Hmmmm? What would I call it, was my thought. God spoke to me again and said “SARAH, BECAUSE IT’S NEVER TOO LATE”. In 2011 Sarah was birthed.
Now fast forwarding to my life; it took years for the vision to come to pass and like Sarah it was so many times that I felt like it was too late. I was too embarrassed to share my vision with anybody, because like Sarah they would think I am too old to birth a baby. Sarah was pregnant with a physical baby; I was pregnant with a vision/dream. Though it tarried and it seemed hard at times, I held on.
When it first came out, it was a Hot Mess! My son was computer savvy, so I asked him to help me. Neither one of us had skills in putting together a magazine, so we didn’t have a clue as to how it was going to look once we published it online. Needless to say, we did it and as I mentioned earlier, it was a Hot Mess! People laughed at it, But God told me to keep going. He put people in my life that began to show me how to make it more professional. In spite of the criticisms I kept going. I thank God for the people who came on board and saw my vision.
In 2009 I wrote my first book. I was so overjoyed; finally after ten (10) years of struggles, my manuscript was now a published book! I thought that the advertising part of it all would be easy. To my surprise, that was just as hard as writing it. The cost of advertising or even hiring someone to market it for me was way beyond my little budget! Once Again, I was so discouraged! I tried advertising in magazines; the cost for one small ad was $300. Or more. Whew! How in the world can a
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do something different. I pray that each time this magazine comes to you, that there is something in there to encourage and inspire you to pursue your dreams and goals. I am now in my sixties and excuse my improper grammar but … IT AINT NO QUITTING IN ME! As long as God tells me and gives me the strength to keep going, that’s what I’m going to do.
When starting something new, it’s like a new born baby coming into the world. It doesn’t have all its features nor has the baby developed a personality. In everything that we do, it takes time for it to develop into something great! I knew that my baby (Sarah Magazine) would grow up to be great because God showed me the end result of what it was going to be. Sarah magazine is a ministry to encourage you to pursue your dreams no matter what! We are also a platform to help those who don’t have a lot of money, but you need to advertise your business and share your story. My Christian based magazine is here to help you. We all have a story to tell and we all need to be encouraged every now and then. Every story that is featured in my magazine is a story of triumph in the midst of tragedy.
Understand that nothing comes easy, nor is it perfect in the beginning stages. Let people laugh, criticize and do what they do, my words to you is, KEEP GOING! When God gives you a vision, hold on to it, believe that it will come to pass, and know if He gave it to you, He will never leave you nor forsake you. WORK IT! No matter how many years or how old you are, always remember that It’s Never Too Late, Sarah did it, Sheree (me) did it and so can you! Thou it tarries wait for it and it will come to pass. DON’T QUIT…BECAUSE QUITTING IS NOT AN OPTION! Minister Sheree Carradine
Here it is 6 years later and Sarah is still going and growing! No, it’s not great like Essence, or Ebony magazine. I love both of those magazines; God gave me a vision to 27
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Echo’s From The Past
December 2011
When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshipped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and myrrh. Matthew 2:10-11
gratitude. The above scripture refers to the magi (wise men) giving gifts to Jesus. Please don’t spend time focusing on your gift being small, large or expensive. Will it compare to the gift of a friend or relative. Instead ask yourself a question, is my focus on the gift or on the gift giver? For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be upon his shoulders and his name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince Of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6 Revised Standard)
CHRISTmas is a special day to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Family and friends form near and far come together. This holiday brings joy like no other. People are smiling, shopping, singing and full of joy. The bible tells us that God gave us a great gift and his name is Jesus Christ. As you shop for the perfect gift for a friend, love one or a gift to give to that person in need, please remember there would be no CHRISTmas day if Christ wasn’t born. Giving gifts to other is a great way to show love and
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Echo’s From The Past
December 2011
Thank God for giving you Life, Peace and Joy. God loved you so much He gave you a Perfect Gift and his name is JESUS. Jesus, which is a Greek form of Joshua, which means the Lord saves. One of the greatest gifts you can ever receive is salvation.
I look at the Red Stripes and think about how I am covered in the Blood of JESUS. This is the season to be filled we unspeakable joy. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the father of heavenly lights.
Every time I see a Candy Cane I look at the White Stripes as it reminds me of all my sins being washed away.
(James 1:17 NIV).
I pray that you are blessed during this CHRISTmas season.
God bless,
Evangelist Debra Ramsey December 2011
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Sharisa T. Robertson
has been writing since she was 10. She had over 100 episodes of her own TV show series written all on paper making her room a fire hazard. After constantly hearing about the starving artist, she made up her mind that it would be impossible to pursue a career in writing and gave up on wanting to become a writer. Fast forward over 20 years later, Sharisa made her debut as an author in the book collaboration, Cheers to Your Success: Women on the Rise and Owning their Destiny (2012) compiled by Carol Sankar, who heard her story about having a strained relationship with her mother and invited her to write about it. Shortly after, seeing the power of her story combined with the power of writing and how it changed her life, she was inspired to not only to start her own book collaboration but also her publishing company, Lilies Of The Field Media, LLC. Currently, Sharisa has authored 3 books and has worked with 30 women and 7 girls to create 3 book collaborations: 34
My entrepreneurial journey was by happenstance. I started to do some personal reflection over my life while I was in the midst of a lot of chaos. I was always a dreamer and knew I wanted to do something more or something else but didn’t know what exactly. After receiving some coaching, I started a teleconference call called Lilies of the Field. It was a weekly call for women, sharing stories based on whatever the topic was for the week, most were things that I was struggling with or noticed, or was the topic of my weekly guest speaker. I decided to share my story about having issues with my mother, something I rarely talked about especially in such an open space. Upon sharing my story, going deep into details. I was invited to do a book collaboration, Cheers to Your Success: Women on the Rise and Owning their Destiny, by someone I looked up to who was listening in that week. I was asked to write about my story in a book collaboration for women. I was shocked
because I never would have thought something I struggled with was book worthy. But then I thought back to my youth and I remembered I always wanted to be a writer and I created my own TV show at 10 and had over 100 episodes written by hand on paper. Even though it was a forgotten dream, even a dream I didn’t think could happen, it was a dream come true. I was nervous because I knew the risk I was taking, discussing some pretty heavy stuff from my childhood to my adulthood. I even almost changed my mind, right before publishing, but went through it and became an author.
I later realized and others too, that it was like a release in me. I actually healed and felt a lot lighter getting over 15+ years of stuff off of my chest and finally having a vice. It was then that I decided that maybe this would work with other women. From my own calls, to listening into other conference calls, blogtalk radio shows, and just having 35
conversations, that other woman had serious issues with their mothers. I thought I was alone but I wasn’t. I figured if writing helped me it could definitely help others. So I started my own book project but with a little twist. I wanted women who had strained relationships with their mother who joined my book collaboration to write a letter to their mother. I figured this would be more effective in the healing because instead of writing about what happened, they can write to their mothers and share, confront, question, or speak out on things that they were never given chance to. They would be able to talk to their mothers even if it was indirectly and they may be there only chance to ever say these things. I know what it felt like to be shamed, silenced, and manipulated by a parent, my mother, and others. The project took a lot of work but was worth it. 12 women, myself included, wrote letters to our mothers. The book placed multiple times on the Top 100 Amazon List for paperback and kindle. I was so inspired by how many of the women found some kind of healing and release. Some rekindled their relationships with their
mothers, some didn’t. It made my relationship with my mother worse but I knew what my purpose was with the particular project. And it helped one author begin to heal and even forgive her mother who was deceased.
I started my own publishing company and have since published more books, almost yearly since my first debut as an author.
A Letter To My Bully: Sticks and Stones and Words Do Hurt was inspired by my own daughters who were 8 and 12 at the time who were being severely bullied. They needed a release and a voice and I was reminded by how my first book project did just that and figured maybe it can work for my girls’ as well. And it did! I turned the idea to a book collaboration, 7 girls, ages 8-15 over various states joined and wrote letters to their bullies including a resource section for 5 women experts ( principal, parent of a bullied child, a victim of
bullying, anti-bullying expert, and a psychologist) giving tips to parents.
A Daughter’s Success, A Daughter’s Struggle: How to Honor Yourself while in a Strained Relationship with Your Mother, where I delve deeper into some solutions for adult women. This book is like a continuation to A Letter To My Mother. ALTMM, brought attention to the issues between mothers and daughters and A Daughter’s Success, A Daughters Success tackled more into what the daughter can do to heal and provide some solutions and insight. This book is special because although it was not my first published book, it was the first book I wrote all by myself without co-authors and laid it all out. I plan to do a 2nd edition in the future because I have grown a lot since publishing this and
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want to share that with my readers.
Hard Truths and Healing Truths: 120 Perspectives to Make Shift Happen in Your Life which is a book full of my quotes. I am a collector of quotes and I create my own. I would always share my thoughts on social media and decided that I come up with some good stuff and complied it into a book of my thoughts in hopes of as the subtitle states, make shift happen.
A Letter To My Abuser (my latest) book featuring 7 women who write letters to their abusers, addressing physical, emotional, sexual, mental, familial, verbal abuse and dysfunction. One of my most challenging projects that I have spearheaded to date, ALTMA is also the rawest of all my books. All of my books are authentic and transparent but the
rawness of the authors in A Letter To Abuser was unique.
The Realest Shift Ever Felt: Changing the Way You Feel about Your Feelings is a book that I am working on now and will be released next year. It is in the proofreading process after being edited. This book is an independent piece bringing truth to the purpose of our emotion, dealing mainly with anger, fear, shame, and sadness but not in a way many are used to, I approach these emotions from a positive standpoint to help the reader appreciate, understand, connect, and delve into and use these emotion for their greater good and see they have purpose, it is the way that we handle or mishandle our emotions that is the problem, not the emotions itself. It is definitely an eye opener and something I am proud of. I have since, started my parent business, Emotional Activism Worldwide, which provides a platform for women to heal by any means
necessary and using their emotions, especially those deemed “negative” as their secret weapon. Our emotions are data and are pain, though hurtful is filled with insight, if we learn how to change our emotional perspective about ourselves and our situation. Fierce Daughters Feel, a community has been birthed under this umbrella, which allows me to directly focus on. Of course the strained mother daughter relationship, teaching daughters how to honor themselves, their well-being. I have been on a hiatus, since last year when I released A Letter To My Abuser, so my goal is to begin to focus and develop Fierce Daughters Feel and go forth, deeper into the work I call Emotional Activism, lifting up the rug and breaking all brooms concerning abuse, specifically in the areas of maternal/familial abuse and dysfunction. And although my mother and I are doing pretty good (at the moment…things can easily change between us), it is a topic that is dear to my heart and will be something that I speak out against and advocate for. It is needed and I am ready to continue to fulfill this purpose I have been given. I have few more ideas, ventures under my
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sleeve from getting more intimate with offline events, retreats, live storytelling platforms, greeting cards, more books, documentary, etc. I love writing and it is integral to my life. Even more so I love using writing as a tool for others dealing with those taboo topics that are ignored and creating conversations to address them. And it has developed into creating a safe haven for women to feel, heal and find out who they are beyond the unfortunate things that has happened to them. I have been fortunate enough to work or collaborate with women who have stories. Stories that have to heard and that doesn’t necessarily mean it has to be a book, I am believer that stories are not supposed to be published but they all need to be released in some way, that is therapeutic, healthy, and resonates with the storyteller. The people I work with, or I prefer to say partner with are women, in their 30s-50s, There is something about this age group when you realize that you can identify with your past but don’t have to make your past your identity and it is the question of who I am in spite of everything that happened, why do I feel like this, what are my
emotions telling me and so many other questions that demands to be answered. And so the journey begins. My rally to intrinsic freedom began when I was about 31. Yes, I had to hold my mother accountable for the pain she caused me from my childhood to adulthood but because I am an adult, I had to hold myself accountable for my healing, for the things I wanted, the life I wanted, who I yearned to be. And because of me being willing to get to the root of somethings, it sparked a chain reaction of blessings and life changing events that I never would have imagined. I am grateful and most times blown away and it keeps me inspired to keep growing, rebranding, and staying focus. It isn’t an easy position to hear stories of daughters being abused by the one who birthed them, or hearing other stories of abuse, nor is it easy dissecting emotions and as much as I love to write, it can be scary to see, feel, read what it unearths but rewarding to reap the benefits of doing so. I stay inspired by so many, like the courageous and perseverance of Harriet Tubman, the decorum and emotional wisdom of Judge
Lynn Toler (from Divorce Court, she is my Oprah. I love her), the expressiveness and range of Jill Scott, and the intellect and raw confidence of Sista Souljah. I know that is an odd combo of ladies but they all have this strength that I not only admire but what I admire in them, I know they are mirroring back at me the same strength and uniqueness that I embody. Of course, Facebook has connected me to plethora of women I admire from a far. I am just thankful to God for this journey and I am even more thankful for what is to come. Once someone told me the earth will know my name. I am clear on what that means and I know it to be true. What I do is for me and for other women, but also for my family. As women, we carry the pain of those before us in us, as I heal, I indirectly heal those before me and I create a new beginning for those after me. It is that pathway to purpose that is ever evolving that brings personal fulfillment, but most importantly generational excellence that supersedes any abuse, dysfunction, mistakes, or struggle.
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Book Collaborations: A Letter To My Mother: A Daughters Perspective (2013) (Amazon’s Best Seller-Kindle and Paperback). A Letter To My Bully: Sticks, Stones, And Word Do Hurt (2014). A Letter To My Abuser: Once A Victim, Forever Victorious (2017) Amazon Best Seller and on 2 Hot New Release ListsKindle.
Independent Books:
A Daughter’s Struggle, A Daughter’s Success: How to Honor Yourself While in a Strained Relationship with Your Mother (2015) (Amazon Bestseller and Hot New release list both for kindle).
Hard truths, healing truths: 120 perspectives to make shift happen in your life (2016)
The Realest Shift Ever Felt: Changing the Way You Feel About Your Feelings (2018)
Through her books, Sharisa is able to create healing spaces through writing and literature for her readers and authors. She believes in Turning Pain Into Purpose and makes it her mission to provide a platform that brings awareness to taboo and touchy topics while honoring the release and voice of those who have been silenced, abused, mistreated, or emotionally overwhelmed. Stay tuned for more upcoming projects that will continue to break all brooms and lift all rugs so that issues can no longer be swept under the rug and ignored but felt, acknowledged, released and healed.
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Thank you for allowing me to share my story with you! #GetInYo'Feelings #healbyanymeansnecessary
May I feel all that I need to feel in order to heal. May I heal all that I need to heal in order to feel. - Margurite Rigoglioso
www.loftmedia.com Authors Page: https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00C2U3Z26 Emotional Activist, Writer, Publisher www.emotionalactivism.com www.lotfmedia.cominfo@emotionalactivism.com
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Echo’s From The Past
December, 2011
Is This The End? No way my friend the Lord still reigns on high? He will see you thru because His word is true and He will never leave your side. Just keep the faith and you will see His grace, your race is far from done. This is just the beginning, your life is far from ending, there is a battle yet to be won. You must take it from here with your mind crisp and clear; your voice God wants to hear. He will keep you sane even thru the pain, it’s your trust He wants to gain. God’s love is free, 100% guaranteed, because He died for you and me. So don’t stop now, No Way, No How, His love will set you free! By Shermeka Ellis
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For Those Missing Someone In Heaven.
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We Usually Share Some Of J.C’s Recipes With You. For The Holiday Season, We Decided To Let J.C. Share With You What She Will Be Cooking. Everybody Has Their Own Traditions, Recipes And The Way The Cook Their Holiday Dinners. This Is J.C’s Mouthwatering List Of What She Will Be Preparing For The Holidays. What Are You Cooking?
J.C’s Holiday Dinner
Fried Turkey Ham Corn Bread Dressing
Chitterlings Collard Greens Potato Salad Macaroni & Cheese
Green Beans Cranberry Sauce Rolls Sweet Potato Pie
Sock It To Me Cake
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Banana Pudding Peach Tea Don’t forget the Candied Yams, Apple Pie And Cherry Pie....
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Echo’s From The Past
December 2014
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Echo’s From The Past
December 2014
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Echo’s From The Past
2013
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http://www.kdeefm.org/kdee 51
She Has Done It Again!
Author of the Joy And Pain Of The
Single Christian Woman and How To Publish In Four Easy Steps is back with her new book series‌ MESSAGES FROM MY HEART! This is the first of the series Messages From My Heart (Mini Bites To For Your soul). This book is filled with mini messages straight from the heart of Sheree Carradine.
Website www.personalizeitsc.com also available on Amazon.com https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search52 alias%3Daps&field-keywords=books+by+sheree+carradine
by Eleanor Diane Sims Griffin This is a book of my thoughts and feelings. I did these writings when I was at my lowest point in life. The pages in this book are for all addicts, past and present. My struggle and pain are real! God Is Real! Without God I am nobody going nowhere, with God I am somebody going where He sends me. I pray my words help you through your recovery.
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This is a story about two little children with Lupus and the challenges they face. Dr. Williams’s book educates people both young and old about the disease called Lupus. Her book is a must read for you and your children! This book will be coming out soon. Be on the lookout, it will be advertised in Sarah Magazine! By Dr. Chaplain Calvinia Williams, D.D. President/Founder Lupus of Nevada, Inc.
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