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HARVEST Teri Washington Publisher & Editor-in-Chief Executive Editor George Washington Assistant to the Editor-in-Chief Renee Buford Copy Editor Deneise Bradley Advertising Sales Kevin Counts George Washington Feature Contributors Keith Douglas, Debora Hooper, Dominque Robinson, Cheryl Pullins Health + Fitness Editor Pamela Turner
*Cover Design - Destiny Washington
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contributors | Debora Hooper Pastor, Author and Conference Speaker for Leaders, Women & Singles. Her book Evangelist and Minister’s Handbook is a must read for all in ministry. Visit her at www.DeboraHooper.com
Dominique Ayesha Robinson Rev. Dominique A. Robinson (MDiv, ThM), an ordained elder of the AME Zion Church, is on staf at Columbia Theological Seminary (Decatur, GA). She is the author of Unshopke Praise: A Manual on Liturgical Praise Dance and a much sought after proclaimer and instructor of the Gospel. You can reach Dominique at Revdeominiquerobinson@gmail.com
Cheryl Pullins Cheryl Pullins is a business coach for aspiring, new and seasoned women entrepreneurs in the areas of shifting their mindset, understanding their market and monetizing their business for profit using a simple success system that enables them to focus on their brillance. For more information about Cheryl, log onto http://wwwlliveinvictory.org
Carol Sankur “You have to learn the rules of the game and then you have to play better than anyone else.” Carol’s a mentor and coach of The Millionaire Mindset http://carolsankur.com
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EXPECT THE HARVEST | editor’snote TRANSITION INTO YOUR HARVEST Transition, it’s one of the most difficult but necessary things in life. In order to get to experience the new thing, you must make a transition from the old thing. Transition means that you have acknowledged that change needs to take place, and you have done the work to make it happen. If you are transitioning from a job loss, or a relationship, or a new and healthier lifestyle, transition only means that you are lving. It means that you are not stuck in the past, but youare walking towards your future. When I lost my job in 2008 it took me a few years to realize, that was a door that God was transitioning me from in order for me to fulfill my hearts desire and purpose, which is HARVEST. It has not always easy, but it was necessary. It is wonderful living the life that I was placed on this earth to live and because I accepted that change, I was able to interview the phenomenal Fred Hammond. Fred talked to me candidly about his transitions in love and with God. In this issue we try to help you with whatever transition you may be facing in life. I know it can be scary because it is living in the unknown. It is giving up control to God who has all control. Just know that you are not going through it alone. He’s there for you and we will be too. As always, I love hearing from you. Inbox me, tweet me or email me and let me know what transition you are going through now and how your handling it. 1Coringth 14:8
Teri Washington Publisher & Editor-in-Chief HARVEST | MARCH 2012 5
facebook @harvestmagazineonline I really enjoyed reading this issue with Dr,. Cindy Trimm on the cover. How can I support your magazine? Blessings to you and keep it flowing! Wanda Robinson, Waco Texas
twitter @harvestmagazine
email info@harvestmagazine.net
If you are not following @harvestmagazine U need to be! @MotherSistah
As I was browsing the internet, the Lord directed me to your WONDERFUL and INFORMATIVE magazine. I printed a few copies to read on the bus on my way home. But I could not leave my ofice without first sending you these words of encouragement to keep on keeping on for the Kigndom. I’m sure God is well pleased with his faithful servant.
@livemygospel The Gospel Media Daily, get today’s top stories via @harvestmagazine
Min Cheryl Benson, Brooklyn NY
WRITE FOR US! HARVEST through its editorial content, is a vessel to inform Christians about Christian principles for everyday living and enrourages maximizing your full potential. To date, over45K people have read HARVEST. Our mission is to sound a clear call to the body of Christ. If you think you have what it takes to write for HARVEST send a letter of inquiry to info@harvestmagazine.net
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“My woman’s group in Florida just comleted your book Take off the Mask and I must say, what a bessing! We took our time goin through each chapter, discussing each point and applying it to our lives. There is so much truth in your book, and I am so glad you allowed God to use you in this way to reach so many people.”
“Over the past few years I’ve been suffering from depression, but in the most recent months it began to cripple me. Thank God for your book, Take off the Mask. After reading it God has delivered me from depression.”
“My professor used your book in my seminary class. I was so blessed by your transparency, I would love for you to speak at my event.” Experience Take off the Mask for yourself. Get your coy today facebook/Takeoffthemask. It’s not just a book it’s a movement! 8 HARVEST | MARCH 2012
fashion
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neon
If a whole neon outfit is to bold for you, grab a colorful clutch, or some bangles Neon-lime patent croc-effect leather by Marc Jacobs $495
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Rip the runway Bold colors are just what the doctor ordered to resuscitate any drab wardrobe. Designers electrified the runway with these neon colors to the left come straight from the New York Fashion Week. Vitamin C anyone? Tangerine is a Hot trend this season. Just think fruity and you’ll be fab!
tangerine Sam Edelman. Women’s sandal with vibrant colour wedge heel and rubber sole. townshoes.com $150 Steve Madden. platform multi colored pumps townshoes.com $120.00
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color palette
beauty
Use your face as a coloful canvas. We found these color hues at Sephora.com Beauty Without Cruelty Attitude Nail Color in Tangerine, Yves Saint Laurent ‘Rouge Volupté Pearl’ Lipstick in Incandescent Orange, and Lancome Blush Subtil in Tangerine Tint, NYX Single Eyeshadow in Hot Orange, and Napoleon Perdis Siren Lip Gloss in Mango. 12 HARVEST | MARCH 2012
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hair
Know your 14 HARVEST | MARCH 2012
Curls
A
ll curls are not created equal, which means there is no universal care regimen that works for every type of curl. It’s a common to desire to want what you don’t have, but the key to healthy, happy curls is to understand your personal Curl Pattern, Hair Texture and Curl Condition and select products and a treatment routine based on your specific needs. We got these facts and tips for your curly locs from curlynikki.com
Facts
The wave or curl forms throughout the hair in the shape of the letter “S” Type 2 hair sticks close to the head; it won’t bounce up, even when layered
There are three Type 2 subtypes: 2a: Fine, thin and very easy to handle; easily straightened or curled 2b: Medium-textured and a little resistant to styling; has a tendency to frizz
Tips
2c: Thick and coarse and more resistant to styling and will frizz easily
Use lighter products such as mousses or gels that enhance curls, but don’t weigh them down Use duckbill clips on the crown of your head to lift top curls •
Let hair air dry or use a diffuser
•
Once your curls are dry, rub a little pomade into the palm of your hands and smooth over your hair gently
•
Do not use a brush or comb on your dry curls
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Facts
There is a definite loopy “S” pattern. Curls are welldefined and springy Type 3 hair has a lot of body; it is easily styled in its natural state or straightened with a blow-dryer It isn’t coarse, like many believe, but soft and very fine—there’s just a lot of it Combinations of Type 3a and 3b curls are common There are two Type 3 subtypes: 3a: Curls are naturally big, loose and usually very shiny. Circumference: sidewalk-chalk size
Tips
3b: Medium amount of curl, from bouncy ringlets to tight corkscrews. Circumference: Sharpie size
3a’s: Use gels and creams that offer light moisture and curl definition 3b’s: Use gels and styling creams with extra moisture and serious frizz control Use a wide tooth comb or fingers to detangle while hair is still wet. Do not use a brush or comb on your dry curls. Once your curls are dry, rub a little pomade into the palm of your hands and smooth over your hair gently Type 3c hair has tight curls in corkscrews Curly girls everywhere rave about Kinky curly hair products. KNOT TODAY TM is a creamy herbal conditioner and detangler designed to smooth the cuticle and remove knots, snarls and tangles from thick curly textured hair. After washing hair, apply KNOT TODAY generously and work through troubled areas with a wide tooth comb. $12 Kinky-curly.com 16 HARVEST | MARCH 2012
Circumference: Pencil or straw The curls can be very tightly curled, with lots and lots of strands densely packed together Use styling creams, butters and oils for type 3c hair. This hair type needs extra moisture and tender-loving care because it can be fragile. Detangle hair with a lot of conditioner in your hair and use detangling brush
Facts
Type 4 is kinky, or very tightly curled, with a clearly visible curl pattern Circumference: Crochet needle or even smaller
The hair is very wiry, very tightly coiled and very, very fragile • can range from fine/thin to wiry/coarse with lots and lots of strands densely packed together • has fewer cuticle layers than any other hair type, which means that it has less natural protection from the damage you inflict by combing, brushing, curling, blow-drying and straightening it • is known to shrink up to 75% of the actual hair length There are two Type 4 subtypes:
Tips
4a: Tightly coiled hair that, when stretched, has an “S” pattern, much like curly hair. It tends to have more moisture than 4b; has a definite curl pattern 4b: Has a “Z” pattern, less of a defined curl pattern. Instead of curling or coiling, the hair bends in sharp angles like the letter “Z”; has a cotton-like feel
Use styling creams, butters and oils for type 4 hair This hair type needs extra moisture and tender-loving care because it can be fragile Detangle hair with a lot of conditioner in your hair and use a comb or denman detangling brush shown here. Sold at most beauty supply stores $3 Let hair air dry or use a hood dryer As with all curl types, reduce tangles by sleeping on a satin pillowcase or wrap hair in a satin cap Cantu® shea butter Leave In Conditioning Repair Cream is made with real shea butter and essential oils to replace vital oil in your hair leaving it stronger and healthier with a natural shine. $5 Walmart stores Get in control of your natural curls with Miss Jessie’s Curly Pudding. This cream prevents curl shrinkage, eliminates frizz and adds superior shine to your hair, so you can enjoy your curls in even the toughest weather. $38 Target HARVEST | MARCH 2012 17
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| inspiration
Get Your Mind Out of the Gutter By Cheryl Pullins
G
et your mind out of the gutter!
Yes I said it and I am not taking it back! I spend a great deal of time coaching women and there is a recurring theme. Many of the women I coach end up with a similar conclusion. Their minds are stuck in past negative experiences which are showing up in their lives. How are they showing up? Worry. Unbelief. Low self-esteem. Lack of confidence. Doubt. Fear. Those negative experiences have projected themselves from years past into the present and if continued they will significantly impact their future life. Many are operating with a faulty mindset and because of this mindset they use phrases like: “I can’t.” “I won’t.” “I don’t.” “I will never…” A mindset of can’t, never will. An attitude of won’t, don’t. It’s just that simple. Can’t is a deception of your ability and won’t is an attitude. You have deceived yourself when you begin to think that you can’t be who God has called you to be. You are acting as if you are incapable of being confident, secure and empowered. Those negative scripts you continuously play in your mind have set you up to actively defeat, discourage and sabotage every plan designed for your life. Where the mind goes the rest is sure to follow. What you think about is vitally important. What you think about impacts how you think about your life, your attitude and your circumstances. There is scientific evidence and biblical confirmation that says, what you think about, dwell on, meditate on and focus on will manifest itself in your life; whether good or bad. Stop allowing your mind to be used as a garbage can. Stop hoarding junk and clutter in your head. Clean it out. Think of your mind as a receptacle – container of past, present and future information. Now imagine a garbage can, a receptacle for trash, old food and unwanted items. Whatever you don’t want throw it in the trash Why? Because after a while it smells, gets moldy and it has no further use. Think about the things you are holding onto in your mind that is causing you to have stinking think-
ing. Those negative thoughts and experiences which have become smelly and have no use. Your mind “smells” to the point where all that garbage is spilling out into your life, your business and your relationships. You are full of worry, fear, doubt and unbelief. You have the responsibility to make the change. You have the capacity to trash the mind trash, get your mind out of the gutter and have all that mental garbage hauled off out of your mind and removed from your life. Here are three ways to get your mind out of the gutter and live the life you dream about.
Set the intention about how you think about your life, your business and your relationships. Intentionally change your attitude. Replace those negative sabotaging scripts with positive and empowering thoughts and words. Decide that you will no longer live out of those past negative experiences. Make a choice to respond differently to situations and circumstances.
Pay attention to what you are thinking about. Find the root of
your thinking. Why do you think the way you think? How did you get here? Why are you operating from a place a defeat, worry and negativity? What is compelling you to give up? How are those past experiences showing up in your present circumstances and how will they impact your future self? Create a journal to answer those questions and then monitor your thoughts. Renew your mind, daily. Mind renewal is not a one-time event, but it is a daily and consistent plan of action. Life happens and situations come. It is imperative to constantly and regularly renew your mind to rid it of those toxic thoughts and negative situations. You cannot afford to let any negativity creep in and stink up your mind. Meditate on what’s good, perfect and lovely that is planned for your life. (Philippians 4:8) You are responsible for your mind. You are the gatekeeper. Your thoughts are creative and powerful. You have the power to create the life you dream about. Your thoughts create words. Those words become actions. Those actions become results – outcomes. Those outcomes create the experiences in which you live on a daily basis.
Cheryl Pullins is a business coach for aspiring, new and seasoned women entrepreneurs in the areas of shifting their mindset, understanding their market and monetizing their business for profit using a simple success system that enables them to focus on their brillance. For more information about Cheryl, log onto http://wwwlliveinvictory.org
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relationship | single
SPRING INTO
DATING
By Dr. Debora C. Hooper
A
re you one of those people who like winter? Walking in frigid temperatures and having your hands and feet ice cold. Skiing with friends on the slopes of the Rocky Mountains or building snow castles with the kids. Well, if you do, kudos to you, because I can’t stand winter! Honestly speaking, I hate it, because I’m one of those people who just don’t like to be cold! So whenever winter passes and spring rolls around, I welcome it with a smile and open arms. Because for sure, spring is a sign that we can finally put away snow shovels and hot chocolate, and get outdoors to enjoy some long, warm days with a glass of sweet iced tea. Speaking of getting outdoors, spring is especially a great time for singles. The reason being, is when the weather breaks, singles know it’s time to date! That’s right! Singles want to date and whether we are willing to admit it or not, dating is a major preoccupation we have among us. And for some odd reason, rising temperatures in the spring, fuels that desire even more. Yet a paramount question to ask singles is, “Are you ready to date?” Most of us are willing, but willing does not mean you are ready. Consider a few pointers to determine your readiness to date: have you gotten rid of your emotional baggage from the past? Did you shed those pounds like you promised you would? Are you clear on exactly what you’re looking for in a date so you don’t waste precious time? If not, you still have some time to get yourself together before the warm season comes into full bloom. And while you’re at it, remember it’s spring, so why not consider a new look. Take the leap and get a new haircut or spruce up that wardrobe with more stylish clothing. Certainly, you’ll be glad you did, as well as the other person staring across the room! Happy spring! Happy dating! Debora Hooper is a Pastor, Author and Conference Speaker for Leaders, Women & Singles. Her book Evangelist and Minister’s Handbook is a must read for all in ministry. Visit her at www.DeboraHooper.com
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relationship | marriage
How to handle transition in your marriage Every married individual must adjust to qualities in a spouse that weren’t noticed or were ignored, during the dreamy days of dating. How many people have encountered a painful frustration in marriage and asked have themselves, “Did I marry the wrong person?”
If that question arises, you need to confront it immediately. If you don’t resolve whatever doubts you have promptly, they’ll hang indefinitely like a distant storm cloud on the horizon of your relationship. Anyone struggling with this question should go back to biblical admonition in Genesis 2:24-25, where spouses are commanded to leave, cleave, become one flesh, and be completely transparent with each other. If you’re bothered by such doubts, face them by getting away alone for a weekend to seek out the Lord and pray for His peace on this matter. Let me assure you that you’re married to the right person. How do I know this? It’s because God hates divorce and wants your marriage to last. You may have gone against some biblical admonitions in getting to where you are in your marriage, but the Scripture is clear: You’re not to undo a “mistake” and, in the process, make a 2nd mistake. The solution to handling issues of adjustment lies in regarding your relationship is more important than your individual values and desires. If you hold on tightly to what you want, you’ll never get to the point where you understand that the well being of the overall relationship is what ultimately matters. 22 HARVEST | MARCH 2012
“I know you think your mate is perfect, but you wil find it necessary to make some adjustments as you go forward.”
3. Ask God for wisdom on how to live with this person who’s different from you. Instead of trying to change your spouse and correct all of the bad habits, how can you accept the situation or adjust yourself? Barbara realized this early in our marriage. She recalls, “I had to realize that God had to change Dennis. I couldn’t.” Marriage may be an institution, but it isn’t a reformatory.
Here are some points to remember as you make adjustments in your relationship:
4. Be more concerned about your own rough spots than those of your spouse. Jesus said we should take the log out of our own eye before trying to take the speck out of someone else’s eye. That’s’ truly advice made in heaven for marriage. If I’m not willing to make changes, how can I expect Barbara to change?
1. Recognize that adjustments are inevitable. Every married couple has to deal with the grains of sand in their shoes. It’s 100% normal. If you realize up front that you’ll have to make changes in your behavior and learn to tolerate frustrating traits in your spouse, your attitude will be more in line with what James wrote: “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials” (James 1:2). He said to consider it all joy when you encounter trials—not if you encounter them.
5. Make a commitment to work through inevitable adjustments. The apostle Paul provided guidelines for handling adjustment rhubarbs when they come your way: “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself” (Philippians 2:3). That’s a description of a gracebased marriage—giving your partner room to be different and flexing on his or her behalf.
2. Understand that adjustments have a divine purpose. God uses these issues to combine two unique people into something new called “us.” I also believe that God uses adjustments to teach us how to love another dramatically different, imperfect human being. At prime moments, God will use your marriage to show you how to love the unlovely.
The above article was adapted from the book: Starting Your Marriage Right: What You Need to Know in the Early Years to Make It Last a Lifetime, written by Dennis and Barbara Rainey, published by Thomas Nelson Publishers. It offers what you need to know and do in the early years to make your marriage last a lifetime. It discusses concrete ways to put important principles such as communicating more effectively, forgiving each other, discovering how to meet each others needs, keeping God at the center of your relationship, handling in-laws, sex, money, and time pressures into practice so you can build a foundation for your marriage on which it can grow.
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wealth building |
HARVEST Sowing
Seeds
By Keith Douglas
T
he Bible says that ever since the beginning of time, there was seed, time and harvest. A farmer plants his crop and tills the soi luntil the seventh month of the year. After that time, he sits back, relaxes and enjoy’s the fruit of his labor; the harvest. Notice, after the seventh month he receives harvest and lives on the harvest until the end of the year.
Many of us today have planted so many seeds in the past. We have given tithe, given money to others and wondered why we are not receiving ourHarvest. Could it be that you are in a planting season and not a harvest season. It is no different than when you plant a seed in the ground, water iand cultivate it, you expect it to sprout. God’s timing is not like ours. We must begin to develop the same type of faith to believe that the seeds we have sown will bring forth a harvest. Don’t forget the seed that you put into the ground, does not look like what grows out of the ground. You’ve sown money and are looking for money to return, but your harvest comes in many different ways. Don’t forget to count your blessings. You are wealthy because you have health and safety.
Keith Douglas is the author of The Power to Get Wealth: No Money Required to purchase a copy or get booking information visit www.KeithDouglas.org 24 HARVEST | MARCH 2012
career + business
The Transition: Is Your Job Fulfil ing Your Dreams? Change is Closer than you Think By Carol Sankar Everyday in this county, there are visionaries feel trapped in a 9-5 that they believe is not fulfilling their true purpose. Just waking up each morning becomes a strain. The irritability of working for a company that is not fulfilling your potential and limiting your growth can feel quite staggering, believe me, I know. My question to you is what are you doing to change the circumstance if you believe your true calling is to start your own business? Do you quit? Do you wait? How do you make a realistic transition to fulfill your passion while upholding your financial responsibilities? I know the thought of leaving the security of your current job can be freighting considering the consistency of the economic conditions that keeps forecasting in the news. But the truth is, there is an abundance of entrepreneurs embarking on true success each day despite what you believe. The truth is that starting your business is all about the timing. Timing is everything. The current economic climate has presented very unique opportunities for those who are seeking to operate a successful business. The transition from your job is one, which requires a strategic plan.
路 Start your business after work. When I startbusiness as your personal fund. You are builded my first business in 2004, I had a 5 to 9 ing your business, so this new income should that started after my 9 to 5. I was operating be set up in an operational account. my business right after I left work. It can be done. 路 Set a realistic timeline: Goals are essential 路 Marketing, marketing, marketing! You have during this phase. Create a realistic timeline to bring the clients/customers in to realize to bring in the new clients/customers, realize a return on the investment. Make sure you a profit so you can begin to write your letter advertise on social media, free classified ads, of resignation from your job. your website, blogs, etc. Generate a huge buzz for your product/service, which will Remember, if you want to move forward with your increase your pockets! dreams of operating your own business, but are 路 Write down your expenses: It is important stuck in the reality of working at your current job, that you do not put the cart before the horse. you do have options: but the plan is the first part of Put all of your household expenses in writing. the transition. Move your plans forward so you can You need to make sure that your transition get closer to your destiny. includes a sustainability plan to cover your Carol Sankur is a mentor and coach of The Millionaire expenses during your transition phase. Do Mindset | carolsankur.com not utilize the new income from your new HARVEST | MARCH 2012 25
Coping with Job Loss by CredAbility Coping with job loss is one of the most stressful things a person can face, particularly in these increasingly challenging economic times. At CredAbility, counselors working with consumers who have lost a job find that taking quick action can mean the difference between a temporary setback and a financial disaster. “While you might not be able to anticipate being unemployed, you can minimize the financial impact that comes with the loss of a job,” said Christina Harrison, a certified credit counselor with CredAbility. If you find yourself suddenly unemployed, CredAbility recommends taking these first steps: Look into unemployment benefits. If you are unemployed through no fault of your own, you may qualify for unemployment benefits. The U.S. Department of Labor website (www.dol.gov) has helpful information about qualifying and requesting unemployment benefits. Look for potential sources of additional income. If you have more than one wage earner in your household, look for opportunities to earn additional money through overtime. To help sustain your finances while you look for your next job, consider taking on parttime or seasonal employment—it can provide both extra money and flexibility to go on job interviews. Review your budget. Take a realistic look at your monthly expenses and identify areas that can be reduced or eliminated. Entertainment costs are easiest to eliminate—skip lunches and dinners out and rent movies instead of going to the theater. Review your cable and cell phone plans to see if the cost can be reduced. Consider foregoing them altogether—there may be a fee to cancel a contract, but it will likely be much less expensive than having monthly fees, late fees, and interest building up over time. 26 HARVEST | MARCH 2012
Prioritize expenses. After adjusting your budget, if you still can’t cover your monthly bills, pay the most important bills first. Your mortgage or rent payment should be the top priority, followed by car payments, insurance premiums and food. Notify your creditors right away if you are unable to make the minimum payments due on credit cards or other revolving credit. You may be able to get your interest rate reduced or your payment plan modified. Even if you can’t make a full payment, Harrison suggests paying something toward the debt. “Deferring or skipping payments increases the debt, extends the life of the debt, and will likely result in quickly mounting fees.” Things to Avoid. Avoid incurring any new debt. Resist the temptation to take cash advances on credit cards or to do business with small loan retailers, many who charge astronomical interest rates on the money they lend. While a home equity loan may help create a temporary cash flow, it has long-term implications and is not recommended. If possible, avoid tapping into retirement accounts or your 401K, as the significant penalties and tax implications may far outweigh the
temporary financial benefit. Seek help. Utilize community resources to help bridge the gap. Emergency assistance for your utility bill may be available, and local food banks can help provide basic necessities. Contact your local United Way (www.unitedway.org) or visit www.211.org) for information on emergency services available in your community. Plan for the unexpected. Even if you haven’t lost a job, it is a good idea to create a savings plan now that will help financially prepare you for any potential life-altering event. Make saving part of your budget, and set aside a portion of your income in a savings account until you have at least 3-6 months living expenses. Work now to reduce and eliminate your debt and strive to maintain a budget that doesn’t involve spending more than you make. While it may not take away the pain that comes from losing a job, it can certainly provide peace of mind during a very stressful time. For help getting your finances in order, CredAbility offers free, confidential counseling via telephone at 1-888-771-HOPE (4673) and online at the CredAbility web site.
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10 things you can do right now to lose 10 pounds Most of us know a million easy ways to put on weight but how many do we know for losing weight? Most weight-loss plans involve some form of a complex diet, counting, cooking and measuring, and it’s these complications that make weight loss so very tedious to achieve. Well here are ten easy fool proof ways to loose weight without the fuss.
1
Cut sugar out: When you start reading
labels, you see it appearing in the most unexpected places like pasta sauce, frozen meals, and almost all your packaged foods. Refined sugar is linked to many diseases apart from weight gain.
3
Meatless A Day: We have recommended meatless Mondays before for numerous health benefits. Going meat-free is a great way to shed a few pounds but eat plenty of protein-rich foods like lentils, chickpeas and tofu.
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2
Fresh foods: Eat fresh as much as possible instead of packaged food to avoid hidden calories and fats. Eat simple meals made from scratch and raw fruits and vegetables as much as possible.
4
Cleanse your system: Doing a cleanse is the best way to ensure that all your body functions including your metabolism stay in top gear. Find juicing and dieting too hard? Get an easy pre-mixed cleanse like the Lichi 6-Day Cleanse to boost your weight-loss.
5
6
Drink right: Some of the emptiest calories we add it through soda Drink less soda and more water to make the needle move on the scales. People who drink 8 or more glasses of water a day, lose weight more easily.
Get enough sleep: People who don’t get sleep tend to eat bad foods and get their digestive system out of balance. Get adequate sleep to balance your body.
7 8
Get moving: Stop being a couch potato and learn to love doing physical activities for fun. How about a Zumba class once a week or a vacaction that requires you to walk to see the sites? Be a part of a group that meets occasionally to exercise and do fun physical activities.
10
Don’t eat after 9pm: Eatiing heavy meals right before going to bed will increase weight gain. Your body metabolism slows down when you sleep so if you don’t plan to run 5 miles in the morning, try to eat dinner by 8pm
9
Don’t skip meals: It is the worst thing you can do for weight-loss. Replace your meal with a meal replacement shake or drink instead to take off calories.
Change Your Values: Again weight management is rooted in having the right diet and lifestyle values. Get conscious and aware about what foods and nutrients do for your body and what that means for your life. If you think right, reaching out for those pretzels will stop comforting you as much.
Find these health tips and more at http://www.lichisuperfruit.com HARVEST | MARCH 2012 29
FRED
HAMMOND has been a trailblazer throughout his 30-year career. He founded the legendary band Commissioned that brought freshly funky air to the traditional gospel world in the 1980s. Then, in the `90s, he ushered in the urban praise and worship music movement with his Radical For Christ ensemble – paving the way for artists such as Israel Houghton and Tye Tribbett. With his 12th solo album, God, Love & Romance (Verity Gospel Music Group), Hammond continues to break new ground for the gospel genre.
BY TERI WASHINGTON 30 HARVEST | MARCH 2012
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“Christians are complex individuals. We are in love whole-heartedly with God, but also have affection for those closest to us in our lives – our spouses, children, close friends, extended family, and more. We devote our time and skills to our churches and communities and strive daily to be more like Christ. Still sometimes, our natural needs aren’t addressed in our Sunday morning sermons or praise and worship music. Unfortunately, Christians can burn out doing things for Christ and neglect those they love unintentionally.“
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Fred Hammond, a gospel music veteran, lover of Christ, father, mentor and friend, feels compelled to communicate to Christians the importance of having healthy relationships across the board. As a singer/songwriter extraordinaire, he has mastered the art of storytelling and conveys his message with compassion, sincerity, and openness through song. His songs resonate with and compel his listeners to strive to be better in their daily interactions with the ones they love. Though known primarily for his work as a praise and worship artist, Hammond sings about his love for God in a way that penetrates the hearts and minds of all who hear it, proving how deeply he cares for the one he is singing about.
have bible class. You would think our relationship [in the church] should be the strongest, but 50% of all first time marriages in the church end in divorce and I believe the thread is that we don’t talk about what’s real.” Inspiration
Hammond drew inspiration from life and by simply observing the world around him. “It’s been on my heart for about four years and I was encouraged by my good friends Pastor Mike & DeeDee Freeman (Spirit of Faith Christian Center, Temple Hills, MD) to finally do it,” Hammond says of his decision to record a collection of love songs. “A lot of times as men with Christian beliefs, we don’t talk about the things that are really important to us in love relationships. I believe His new cd release God, Love, and RoGod uses not only my triumphs but mance, gives Hammond the freedom He uses my tribulations, turmoil, and flexibility to sing about some and trials to help other people of the matters that are nearest and go through what they are going dearest to his heart. The double through.” disc, 19-track compilation of songs is inspired by Hammond’s life and Trailblazer directly addresses the needs of the Fred is not ashamed to admit that Christian in both romantic love 8 years ago his marriage ended in and in love with God. The project divorce. “It was a bad time, very conveys the complexity of the Christian and gives a much needed bad, but just because you’re marriage didn’t work, it doesn’t mean voice to the diverse ways in which you don’t know how to be in love. Christians express love. In talking about this album and why he chose I don’t always have to gravitate to to devote so much time to relation- the bad part of my marriage for ships, he responded, “I sing worship everybody to be okay with it; that’s and I sing the gospel but there was lower thinking. I remember what it was like to come home to my wife something just pulling at me to and be very glad and very happy. sing about romantic love. I felt in my heart that God was leading me Everything was going just the way we planned it. So when I write a to just sing from an honest pure song like “When I come home to you”, I place about love between a man know what I’m talking about. “My and a woman. Often as Christians we don’t adequately address issues Lady and Myself” is kind of where the between couples. We pray, we give marriage ended up, just me praying in the offering, tithe we fast, and we Lord we’re falling apart what do we
do here? So people say, how can he sing about love songs? That’s like saying, how can a doctor who’s got a cold practice medicine? It doesn’t make any sense. Simple, the reality is you messed up, and now you know how to do it right. That’s the whole point of second chances. I didn’t say I was an expert on how to keep your relationship together, but I can tell you what you shouldn’t do. We’ve been through a fiery furnace. I’ve already been through a 911. I can tell you what it’s like. Fred continues, “A lot of the feedback that has come is because of our religious dogma. People relate pure love songs to sex songs. There are so many religious people who even in their marriages take that same religious dogma and run people away and we don’t understand why we’re not in relationships. You can’t please everybody. The bible says you can’t put new wine in old skins. The people that can’t take it, they’re old skins and I can’t worry about that because they’ve stretched as far as they ever can think. You have to do what you know God said to do and then you have to leave it alone. It doesn’t feel good sometimes (when people criticize you) but I just decided its okay. When you’re a trailblazer you can expect some of these things, but years from now when a lot of gospel artists are singing about love and what they feel about love, man it’ll be just one of them things. I say, there’s a generation of people now that have come out that box and say, you know what I love it, I needed it. I have tons of these stories inside of me. My plan is not to go to my grave full, but to go empty. Everything that I was supposed to do, I want to leave it here.” HARVEST | MARCH 2012 33
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OUR NEWS What we’re talking um praying about I believe the whole world has been talking about Whitney Houston, who died suddenly on Feb 11, 2012. As of this date the cause of death is still unknown. I think we are all grieving because we were all praying for Whitney along with her mother Cissy Houston. We know what it’s like to have a son, daughter, cousin, auntie, or a friend who is in a struggle for their life. We know what it’s like to fight the devil for someone we love. So we prayed, we hoped and we believed. My family gathered together and watch her home going service on the television like we did MLK and JFK. We lost a great one. We lost a family member. For 3 1/2 hours we were captivated. The whole world went to church that day and CNN picked up the tab. Only God can work all things, even tragedy, out for His good. While we were watching my neice asked , “Is Whitney in Heaven?” I think many are asking the same question. When Shirley Ceasar was asked this same question during an interview, she told a story of how Whitney attended a service at Kim Burrells church just a few weeks prior. She said Whitney was praising God, she ran around the church and fell out under the anointing speaking in tongues. Shirley Ceasar said she “believes to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. Even though we struggle on earth in our flesh, we believe that there is rest and peace in the presence of the Lord.” Did Whitney have struggles? Yes. Do you and I have struggles? Yes. But just like Shirley Caesar, I have to believe despite my struggle, God knows my heart and He’s waiting for me with His arms wide open. I try not to judge, instead I choose to believe that after we have suffered on earth we will be safe in His arms in heaven. Continue to pray for Cissy Houston, Bobbi Kristina and the family.
Watch the Shfirley Ceasar interview at harvestmagazine.net HARVEST | MARCH 2012 35
By Dominique Ayesha Robinson
Better from the Inside Out: Flip Your ‘Tude
It is that time of the year…the time we start to do Spring cleaning, store winter clothes, discover the new fashion, fall in love with new designers and find something new and fresh to do. It is that time of the year when there is an itching deep down within us to transform and transition with the seasons… it’s Spring time and time for a change! Well, allow me to suggest a change from within instead of a new wardrobe. Sometimes we get so involved with creating a new persona or image that we disregard the inner dwelling of who we are. Do you know what people really think about you? Do you know your blind spots? Of course, many of us would respond by saying that we do not really care how people feel about us but the truth of the matter is that others’ opinions of us are significant. When was the last time you took a self-evaluation of your best characteristics and your worst ones? I thought I knew myself pretty well – my strengths, weaknesses, vulnerabilities, and limitations – until I took two tests or shall I say viewed myself from different window perspectives: Johari and Nohari windows. The Johari window is a technique created by Joseph Luft and Harry Ingham in 1955, in the United States, used to help people gain an in-depth understanding of their personality and mental stability. It is used primarily in self-help groups and large public settings as a self-discovery exercise. When performing the exercise, individuals are given a list of fifty-six (56) adjectives. They are to choose five or six adjectives that they feel describes their own personality. The individual’s peers are then given the same list of adjectives and asked to choose five or six that describe the individual. These adjectives are then mapped onto a grid that has four quadrants: Open, 36 HARVEST | MARCH 2012
Hidden, Blind Spot, and Unknown. The quadrants cover what is known and unknown to you and what is known and unknown to others. The Nohari window is similar to the Johari window yet drastically different in what is asks for. It is a challenging inversion of the Johari window using antonyms of the adjectives giving in the Johari window exercise. An individual would do the same as in the Johari window exercise except instead of choosing adjectives that best describe you, you would choose some of your weaknesses and vulnerabilities, failings if you may. Your peers would then do the same. These exercises are something I would suggest you do with very close loved ones that would be lovingly honest with you. The results will amaze you! You will discover that you have blind spots of your personality ranging from shyness to imperceptiveness. No matter what your range of strengths or weaknesses is you will most certainly learn something new about yourself. Then you will be in a better position to spruce up your life, your wardrobe, and YOU! It’s that time of the year again… to start doing some you cleaning. Check out the Johari and Nohari exercises at http://kevan.org/johari and http://kevan.org/nohari. Rev. Dominique A. Robinson (MDiv, ThM), an ordained elder of the AME Zion Church, is on staf at Columbia Theological Seminary (Decatur, GA). She is the author of Unshopke Praise: A Manual on Liturgical Praise Dance and a much sought after proclaimer and instructor of the Gospel. You can reach Dominique at Revdeominiquerobinson@ gmail.com
Sound Check
The highly anticipated “Shifting the Atmosphere” project, soon to be released, gives insight to its audience with the application of Praise & Worship, which causes the environment to change and become conducive for a move of God. Jason believes Praise and Worship is a mechanism to invite God into whatever you are going through. Everything “Shifts” when the Presence of God is manifested.
Fred does again and this time he does it in a bigger way. His dual cd God, Love & Romance will draw you in from the first song. Each song on the first cd is sprinkled with conversations that tell the story of an actually love relationship. The second cd sets the atmosphere for divine worship. You don’t have to listen to Luther and Teddy anymore, Fred has got you covered.
It seems like JJ Hairston was in my head when he wrote the song “After Thsi”. With every song on this cd a proclimation is givien. You will be pumping your fist and stomping your feet as you declare to the devil, “There will be Glory After this!”
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