Uniting Women & Teenage Girls to Impact Their World ™ DECEMBER, 2021
How to Plan for STRATEGIC the Holiday Business Planning Without FOR 2022 DORETHIA KELLY
You Will THRIVE
Tips for WELL-BEING in 2022 DR. CHERYL MERCHANT
REVEREND ROBIN HOPSON
Best FOOT Forward & WINTER 2022 This HOPE DOES NOT Disappoint LENITA SUE SWAIN-CLEVELAND
STACEY SALSBERY
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ON THE COVER: ELIZABETH JOHNSON, AUTHOR OF “JUST LIKE MY DAD”
GREETINGS SISTAHS! How do see yourself? Who determines your value? Psalms 139 assures each of us that we are fearfully and wonderfully made. The Basic Bible English version states that we are strangely and delicately formed by God himself. God doesn’t make mistakes; He made you and I the way we are for a particular reason. Every morning when you get out of bed, remind yourself, “you are valuable, you are important! You are handpicked by God, and God’s own special treasure. Every one of us, without a face lift, weight loss, or an extreme makeover, are created in the image of Almighty God!” Every year brings it a desire to recreate ourselves. We make New Year’s Resolution, set new goals, all in an effort to recreate ourselves. Lofty goals and aspirations are admirable. Some maybe profitable and wholesome. Psalms 139 encourages us to accept and appreciate the work of our Creator God, and to celebrate His handiwork. Many people become frustrated with constant feelings of dissatisfaction. They want to be thinner, or heavier, or taller or shorter, lighter or darker. They seem to never be satisfied with who they are. Yet we have been fearfully and wonderfully made, without mistakes or blemishes. We are result of a perfect creator God, capable to pleasing Him, glorifying Him and blessing the world. If I need to be more, God would have made me more. I have everything I need to fulfill my God-given assignment. And so do you. This same spirit of dissatisfaction was the tool Satan used against Eve in the garden. Satan made Eve feel like she wasn’t enough and that she needed something else. Eve lived in a perfect environment, the most beautiful, the wisest, the richest, the most ideal creature ever created, yet Satan, “you are missing out on something.” That is the same message he uses today. If only you had… If only you were…. What you really need is…! Psalms 139 gives a more perfect view for 2022. Go forth SISTAHS, be empowered, be informed and be inspired!
PHOTO BY SHAWN LEE STUDIOS
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A SISTAH’S LIFESTYLE You Will Thrive by Reverend Robin Hopson................................................................................................................. 7 ALL THE SINGLE LADIES This Hope Does Not Disappoint by Stacey Salsbery .................................................................................................. 9 FAITH & FINANCES Strategic Business Planning for 2022 by Dorethia Kelly ........................................................................................ 11 A SISTAH’S CLOSET BY “HONEY” Best Foot Forward & Wnter2022 by Lenita Sue Swain-Cleveland ...................................................................... 13
ON THE COVER: “MAINTAINING YOUR CROWN: GOAL-SETTERS & GOAL-GETTERS” ELIZABETH JOHNSON, Author of Just Like My Dad............................................................................................ 15
MINDING SELF Tips for Well-Being in 2022 by Dr. Cheryl Merchant ............................................................................................. 19 SISTAHS IN BUSINESS AUTHORS SPOTLIGHT EVENTS & RESOURCES
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Women's Conference for all women. Our theme is "Masterpiece". We are dedicated to the empowerment of the whole women. March 17 - 19, 2022 from the comfort of your own home, or even while you're on the go. Where ever you choose to tune in. This is a FREE event, but you must register. Register here: https://forms.gle/HxQx1oLSEtAEJdhAA
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My Mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive – Maya Angelou
To thrive is to prosper or flourish! This year was just a set up for what you are going to accomplish in 2022. Many of us have had failed relationships, lost jobs, failed in business, family issues and that’s okay! This was all a divine set up for the blessings you will experience in this next year 2022. For the last few weeks of the year, take out your note pad and begin to write! The bible says write the vision and make it plain! Go back to those things you threw in the towel on, write out a new plan, go back to school, take some cooking classes, start dating and prepare yourself to receive everything this New Year has in store for you. Remember old things have passed away and all things are made new! It’s time for you to become New in this New year! Change your hair, get you a new style, rearrange some furniture! Let nothing hold you back from Thriving in 2022.
You may even need to change your circle, even Jesus had his inner 3 (Peter, James, and John) you may need to do the same! Get away from those who doubt your ability, who are negative, who complain! You can’t Thrive with dead weight holding you down. I truly believe that if you focus on the plan that God has for you, the plan to prosper you and not harm you, the plans to give you hope and a future. God will open up the windows of Heaven and pour you out a Blessing you don’t have room to receive! Now Say this With Me… In 2022 I will not only Survive, I Will Thrive! Love you all, Min. Robin
© 2021 Robin Hopson – All Rights Reserved.
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I hope for all kinds of things. I hope my decorating attempts don’t look weird. I hope my raspberry bushes flourish this year. I hope my son scores a goal in his soccer game. I hope my children will follow Jesus. I hope my husband feels respected. I hope the church will stand with Christ. I hope life looks a little more normal in the months to come.
Failed Hope Leads to Unmet Expectations
And I could go on.
So we hope it doesn’t rain on our outdoor plans. We hope our kids will behave better. We hope our marriage will improve. We hope for a spouse. We hope for a raise. We hope the new diet we’re trying will work.
We all hope for things. Sometimes hope takes the form of wishful thinking. Other times we use hope like an anchor to get us through hard times—hope is a good thing. Those who have no hope feel lost. The problem is that as sinful beings, we tend to set our hope in the wrong place, and then disappointment follows. Instead of anchoring our hope in God, we attach our hope to situations, people, or things and assume they will satisfy us. We see this falsely-anchored hope as the only way, so we beg God for it. We try with all our might to think the perceived hope into existence. And when it doesn’t happen or when it happens yet fails to satisfy us, we get down and out.
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An unmet expectation is the inability of something or someone we put our hope in to satisfy us in the way we expected. That doesn’t necessarily mean that something or someone failed us, but that we placed too much stock in that hope.
God created us to hope, but marriage, family, money, beautiful sunny days, or even skinny bodies will not satisfy us because they’re not meant to satisfy us. If our hope is in anything earthbound, including God’s blessings, then disappointment is inevitable. But if our hope is in God, then our hope is in the One person able to fully satisfy us. Moses prayed in Psalm 90:14, “Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.” God’s love is the only trustworthy source of contentment, and His love does not disappoint.
God-Centered Hope Never Fails According to Scripture, we aren’t supposed to hope in the things we can see, but in the things we can’t see (2 Cor. 4:18). I understand that hoping in the unseen seems easier said than done. But the things we presently see will fail us, while the heavenly things we can’t see never will. “For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal” (2. Cor. 4:18).
enemies. He waited for God to vindicate his reputation. He waited for God to provide answers, and yet, he worshiped during the wait.
The word transient means temporal. The things that we can touch and grab hold of are not permanent. They are fleeting—here today and gone tomorrow. But God is eternal. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Heb. 13:8); nothing about God is fleeting. Therefore, our hope in Christ is secure.
God-Centered Hope Never Disappoints
God’s Word is eternal. God’s reign and kingdom are eternal. God’s abundant love is eternal. Giving credence to the gospel of Jesus Christ as the most solid foundation there is. To place our hope in the assurance of God’s promises is like stepping into wet concrete with both feet and not moving for three days. Only God has the power to make and keep such vast and comprehensive promises, granting Him the welldeserved title, God of hope (Rom. 15:13). We can hope in God because He is faithful to fulfill every promise to us through faith in Jesus Christ (Heb. 10:23). David’s Hope Rested in God
Ultimately, David didn’t put his hope in any of the things he waited for. His hope rested in God. We can hope God will do certain things in specific ways, but our hope can’t reside in outcomes. Our hope must rest in God.
If you feel like you’re constantly swimming through disappointments and drowning in unmet expectations, then may I suggest, dear sister (as a fellow swimmer myself), that you might be anchoring your hope in the wrong place. Hope that does not disappoint is hope that centers on the Blesser, not the blessings. Our hope is set on broken things when we fix our eyes on earthbound things. And broken things never satisfy. Yet the Scriptures were written that we might have hope (Rom. 15:4)—joy-filled, confident, abundant, absolute hope. A hope that is beyond our wildest expectations. It’s perfectly fine to hope for a different kind of world because this one is clearly broken. God’s kingdom, however, is not broken. Even when we can’t see it, Heaven rules, and Christ reigns, so we put our hope in God.
There are times when it’s impossible to see how God will fulfill His promises through our messes. But He will, and He does, and that is the believer’s unwavering hope.
When our hope is in the right place—sealed in the assurance of a loving and faithful God—we will not be disappointed. It’s when we set our hopes on anything less than God that we find ourselves defeated. We can hope for things, but we can’t secure our hope in those things; our only hope is God.
David is an excellent example of someone who repeatedly put his hope in God even in heavy trials. David sang in Psalm 39:7, “And now, O Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in you.”
“Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.” (Psalm 42:11)
David waited for all kinds of things. He waited for God to make him king. He waited for God to give him a home. He waited for God to bring justice to his
©2021Stacey Salsbery – All Rights Reserved. https://www.reviveourhearts.com/blog/thishope-doesnt-disappoint
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STRATEGIC BUSINESS PLANNING FOR 2022
Got big plans for your business in 2022? It’s best to organize all your goals and intentions for your business with a solid strategic plan. Hire the Right Team Members Don’t make the mistake of trying to run your business all by yourself. It can easily lead to burnout and you probably won’t be nearly as productive when you have so much on your plate. Instead, strategically hire people who are experts in their field and will help your business grow while lightening your workload. Get organized and create systems for efficiency. Focus on Producing Over Simply Checking Off Tasks A business owner’s job is never really complete. There’s always something to do on a never-ending todo list. Instead of doing busy work and checking tasks off your list, focus on producing specific results instead. For example, instead of saying you want to block out 3 hours to write content and work on your social media platform, get specific about the actual results you expect to achieve from these tasks. Don’t get so caught up in daily busy work that you forget your ultimate goal. Narrow Down Tools and Resources There are so many tools and resources you can consider to help your business. It can be overwhelming at times to settle on the best ones. Instead of trying to use everything, focus on narrowing down a few of the best tools and resources. Determine how they will help your business specifically and whether they will provide a positive ROI. You don’t want to end up with more useless expenses that you have to audit later. Another thing you can do with online paid services is see if they have a free trial. Some digital tools and resources for business will give you a free trial up to
30 days so you can see how you like it before you commit. I’ve gotten free trials for photo editing services, landing page creation sites, social media schedulers and more. It’s a cost-effective way to make sure you’re investing wisely in your business. Keep Up With Trends Do any of your current business strategies seem outdated? You can find out by observing what some of your competitors are doing. For example, it’s challenging to keep up with social media trends because algorithms are always changing. Keep up with the trends in your industry and try implementing new business strategies as they become popular. For business owners who are influencers, story-telling and micro influencing are big trends right now. In the past, brands only wanted to work with bigname influencers or celebrities who have cult-like followings that would buy whatever they recommended. That fad is slowly dying as brands are realizing sometimes it’s better to work with smaller influencers who have a really engaged audience. People want to hear from real people and they like to engage with true stories they can relate to. This is good news for bloggers who have a growing but loyal audience and are simply being themselves. Get Your Business Strategies In Order For the New Year Determining your business strategies for 2022 is something every entrepreneur should do. You want to start theyear out with a clear focus, systems, and proven ways to bring your annual goals to fruition. Carve out some time to strategize over the next few weeks and be sure to utilize these tips when brainstorming ideas. ©2018 Dorethia Kelly – All Rights Reserved. https://www.themoneychat.com/strategic-businessstrategies | 11
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BEST FOOT FORWARD & WINTER 2022
This holiday season think bout putting your best foot forward. Find a good looking shoe or boot that allows your feet, knees, back feel great for an extended period of time. Make you priority the ease of your movement and comfort because that will exude beauty. Shoes that hurt don't allow you ease of movement. You look uncomfortable and there is no hiding it. Don't plan to swap uncomfortable foot ware for slippers or flats knowing your shoes will hurt. Build your outfit around what feels good on your feet first! Christian Louboutin is all the rage right now however walking gracefully in his 120 mm heels is beyond difficult. Did you know however that many of his shoes are also available is 100mm which much easier to walk in? Find footware that allows you to keep your polished, well-groomed look if possible. Before winter takes itself into a deep dive it's time to gather up some protective fashion. Your choice polishes your look and adds warmth against harsh weather. A popular pick for winter 2022 will be the blanket wrap. As cozy, soft, warm and comforting as the bed blanket is, there's no wonder why scarves and wraps made from the same fabrics feel so good outside. Cover your head, cover your shoulders or cover both. Play around with colors, patterns, textures and knotting techniques The size of your warm plush wrap it entirely up to you but in this case bigger just may be better! Walk into the season with a confidence that allows you to put a glide into your stride as you Make Everyday Your Runway! -Honey ©2021 Lenita Swain-Cleveland – All Rights Reserved.
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ON THE COVER: ELIZABETH JOHNSON, AUTHOR OF “JUST LIKE MY DAD”
Elizabeth’s resume boasts an Associate of Science in Early Childhood Education, an Associate of Arts in General Education, and she is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management. Currently residing in Palm Bay, Florida with her husband and son, Elizabeth spends her spare time baking, watching football, traveling, honing her skills as a photographer, and volunteering in the church and her local community. Elizabeth had this to share with SISTAH Talk: SISTAH TALK: How did you evolve as an Author? The journey of an author is not for a person who can't accept constructive criticism. You have to be accepting of the criticism. This is a major part of the growth process of an author. This evolution and being able to learn from life and talking to others helps to reveal what needs to be added to my thought process and growth as an author. Also, keeping an open mind about learning and applying new ideas to my thoughts allows me to perfect my growth as an author.
SISTAH TALK: What is your vision for the children who read your books? Ultimately, I would hope that the children could learn that as they develop, they will not have the knowledge to make the most informed decision. I hope that they learn that when faced with this dilemma to reach out to a parent or responsible adult to get the best guidance possible. Also, I would like the youth to be able to build relationships with positive adults to make their life better. SISTAH TALK: What would you share with others about your journey in becoming an Author? Becoming an author is a driven and tedious feat. First you must be organized. My recommendation would be to create an outline from beginning to end. Stay dedicated to your task and only change course when it further promotes the the premise of your project. Limit insignificant dialog within your project. Organization will help you remain on task and meet all deadlines ahead. In becoming an author, deadlines are very important to meet. A publisher gives you a timeline for a reason. This helps the company to promote an idea, and give time for rewrites and corrections. SISTAH TALK: What was the most challenging part about becoming an Author and how did you overcome the challenge? The most challenging thing was the time restraints that writing places on you. The
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ELIZABETH JOHNSON
Brooklyn, New York native, Elizabeth Johnson is a break-out author with a very promising writing career ahead of her. Signed with PlaTy Multimedia & Publishing, Elizabeth is introducing her first work to the world of children’s books on May 16, 2021. Her debut title, Just Like my Dad, is coauthored with the already well-established author, Tyrell Plair. Elizabeth is currently the Director of Marketing with PlaTy Multimedia and Publishing.
method I used to get over this was making a workable schedule and firmly sticking to it. Write the schedule down and implement it. SISTAH TALK: What encouraging words would you share with someone who aspires to be an Author? To an aspiring author, I would say that everyone has a voice and a story. If your story is important to you, write it and submit it. Even a rejection can provide jewels to build on. A rejection now may be an acceptance after changes are made. SISTAH TALK: What is the most rewarding experience you can share about writing books for children? Being able to guide and affect the growth of such impressionable minds is a positive. Knowing that my work helps to create a better future for me to live in is a driving force to keep writing. The youth are so accepting and their unbridled honesty helps to create better products for them. SISTAH TALK: Please share contact information with our readers and how they can purchase your books for their children. PlaTy Multimedia & Publishing E=mail address: www.platymm.com ©2021 SISTAH Talk eMagazine – All Rights Reserved.
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PAMPERRYPR.COM
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FOLLOW DR. CHERYL’S MASTERCLASS
https://www.facebook.com/15MinutesofMasterclasswithDrChery
Previously Aired… Listen online!
Tips for WELL-BEING IN 2022 ©2021 Dr. Cheryl Merchant – All Rights Reserved.
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For any inquiries, prayer, motivation or mentoring and for bulk books orders of over 10 or more copies please contact us via email or fill out the form on the website. Email: laticia@laticianicole.com Tel: (919) 407-8528 www.laticianicole.com
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Relentless Execution by Yolanda Spearman
Today more than two thirds of the working population feel disengaged at work. While a study in an issue of the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin indicates that about 90% of the adult population lives with regrets. No person is born with regrets, many die with them. The day we allow ourselves to stop dreaming is the day we begin to live with our very first regret. Relentless Execution is about accomplishing your dreams. This book gives you a foundation to help you understand how you can set up internal systems that will allow you to finish more of what you start. This is a light-hearted fun read. It is relatable and will bring a smile to your face and a pen to your hand. Yolanda poses thought provoking questions throughout the book to keep you engaged and to encourage you to act. Many self-help books offer traditional plans to successful living. Relentless Execution uses testimonials to peel back the emotional layers that may be holding you back from achieving optimal results. Relentless Execution pushes you to: •
Do what makes you happy
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Find your focus
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Follow through on your goals and aspirations
The Author makes it easy and fun to connect the dots and find your personal path to success however that may look for you.
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