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itting on the deck with a cup of tea, the crispness of the morning surround me. Who could create such a serene beauty of fragrances, stillness of sounds and quality of excellence? No one but our Lord and Savior. Women of Power, Inc. is preparing for the 2016 Women’s Weekend, the theme “Making the Impossible Possible”. The theme scripture Matthew 19:26 “...With men it is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” The 18th year shall prove to be a catalyst to unleash dreams, visions, and manifestation of God’s greatest desires upon the lives of the attendees. I look forward to your arrival. I am believing your expectation to be heightened! I am trusting your faith to be provoked, and every area of your life shall be a testament to a possible God! Image May you and yours have a Merry Christmas and a blessed holiday season…we call forth your New Year as the year of POSSIBLE!
Dr. BJ Relefourd
4 Winter 2016
As a Woman of Power I shall pray. As a Woman of Power I shall stay. Before the Lord and in His care Shall I find peace and comfort there. As a Woman of Power I shall be Ever humble and close to Thee. As a Woman of Power I must know That through Christ I shall grow. As a Woman of Power I shall be All that Christ wants me to be. WOP®
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SILENT ADDICTIONS
by Evangelist Lesia Beale In our last edition, we discussed “SILENT ADDICTIONS”. I left you with food for thought and hope that you would seek God’s face regarding your personal “SILENT ADDICTION”. In this edition, we will help you identify what some of your “SILENT ADDICTIONS” are. As Christians, we are admonished to care for our bodies, which is the temple of God. 1 Corinthians 6:19 states,“What? Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? After we accept Jesus Christ as our personal savior our body is no longer our own. If we decide we want to walk in the light as He is in the light, there is no choice as to whether we should hold on to our addictions. Let’s discuss the addiction of ALCOHOL! YES, some of us struggle and the STRUGGLES REAL!
Many Christians debate the question, “Should Christians Drink Alcohol?” A thorough study of the word will tell you that there were 2 classes of people who were instructed not to drink - Priest and Kings. Priest and Kings were ordered not to drink during their time in the temple so they could tell the difference between good and bad. In the natural, we know alcohol changes our thought pattern. We know we make bad decisions based on our thought pattern after drinking. The book of Revelation states that those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior are Kings and Priest. Therefore the question is not, “Should Christians Drink Alcohol?” The question should be “What shall I to to mintain a spirit of self-control since I have this desire”?
6 Winter 2016
Jamecia
Johnson 7 Act’ s of Womens of Power Magazine
Jamecia
Jamecia
Johnson We sat downa and talked with Jamecia Johnson about her resent move and being a plus sized As a native Floridian, how eye-opening was the climate change? The climate change was scary at first. I had never lived in an area where snow falls out the sky in what we called winter. It was a huge adjustment to go from sunny most of the time in Florida to snow white winters in the North East. I learned to accept the change I wanted and enjoy what most people take advantage of, the natural acts of God which are the four seasons (winter, spring, summer, and fall.) What prompted you to relocate from your secure environment, into a “whole new world”? For many years, I struggled with the fear of doing things alone. The thought of relocating was a jumpstart to overcoming a personal fear and gaining a sense of being independent. I always wanted to travel and live
in different states to get the experience of the four seasons and vast cultural diversities. Through constant prayer, I decided to go by faith and moved up north. I sold things in my home, packed up what I could fit into my truck along with the largest U-Haul trailer and I begin my quest to the northeast August 24, 2014. The original plan was to relocate to Staten Island, NY but once I got there I didn’t like it, it was an entirely “whole new world” that I couldn’t seem to adjust to. I eventually settled in the New England State, Connecticut. It has been life changing as well as a character building and humbling experience. Since then I’ve gained the personal growth that I needed and more so, I CONQUERED MY FEAR!
8 Winter 2016
What have you encountered as a full figure model, which you believe the industry is missing? Lack of acceptance. People are so quick to label and judge full figured women and never get past the negative talk of body appearance. It’s our differences that make us beautiful. I realized that I will always be too much of something for some: too big, too pretty, too tall, too soft, too edgy... etc. Also, the industry doesn’t show what the “average woman” in society really looks like. You are such a role model too many, what would your advice be to those who are aspiring a career in the modeling industry? To excel as a full-figured model keep God first and foremost in your life. You must walk by complete faith to see your life materialize in God’s timing. Remain humble in all you do and never lose sight to who you are. It takes tenacity to create your own vision. Always have self-confidence, be comfortable in your own skin, and with every imperfection and every flaw LOVE YOURSELF. Becoming a model is a hard path it takes dedication and hard
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work; learn to take rejection ahead, dust it off, andmove on to the next opportunity. Always remember being full figured doesn’t mean doors are shut, we must fill the void in the fashion industry and represent the fact that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes. Share with our audience what just so Jazzy is doing presently and preparing to do in the future? I am currently a spokesperson for Ambiance Magazine ATL/L.A. attending and hosting fashion events. I am working with several designers and looking forward to showcasing many of their designs in upcoming shows. I am hosting 1426-Fashionweek November 6-8, 2015 in Houston, TX. In the near future, I intend on continuing to inspire women of all sizes, building my brand and creating a curvy plus clothing line for the curvaceous women of the world.
Simply Peach Cobbler Lady Charlotte Ayers, Rockledge, Florida Ingredients 1 large can cling, sliced peaches (with juices) 1 cup self-rising Flour 1 cup Sugar 1 stick margarine or butter Mix flour, sugar, margarine by hand until crumbly. Sprinkle over peaches in dish Bake at 375 - 400 degrees until golden brown Serve warm Optional: Whipped cream, Vanilla ice cream
 IS MY NEST REALLY EMPTY? Mother Gerald C. Baker
When
our sons both left home for college, we were often reminded by friends that we'd miss the nest being occupied. My husband and I would look at each other and say, "Well! We're really beginning to havesome time to ourselves," and that we could reacquaint ourselves with activities that we like to do. Not so! We did have some time that we could just be alone to laugh, relax, pray together uninterrupted, or even just a casual meal of our choice. However, there was always a telephone call from a friend or an acquaintance with a request for our help in some way or another. Did we say no? Not at all! We would look at each other
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and say, simultaneously at times, "I'll do it." God's word always rang clearly in our minds that we should pass it on by sharing what blessings we had been able to receive. I admit that at times it seemedthat the requests came at inconvenient moments, but then the need always outweighed the timing. Although, our nest was always occupied and we welcomed the opportunity to be able to share it with others. "I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment. That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance, and I will fill their treasures." PROVERBS 8: 20 21
12 Winter 2016
the Woman
by Lady Emelda Ngong, Cameroon West Africa
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Woman the
LAST OF GOD’S CREATION, FINAL SOLUTION TO THIS PRESENT WORLD
Eve, when one examines her responses to the serpent during her conversation with the serpent, one will be tempted to ask if Adam passed on the right information to his wife clearly and correctly. This is because Eve in responding to the questions of the serpent said things that were not exactly the way God said them to Adam. Another temptation would be to ask if Eve did listen to Adam attentively and so if she did how could she get the wrong information? What do you think of this? As for me, I would think that Adam did not give these very serious instructions clearly to Eve, why, you may ask? This is because when in Genesis 3:6 Eve brought the fruit to her husband, he took it and guess what he did with it? He ate it also.
If he took God’s instructions seriously, if he had instructed his wife clearly and with seriousness, he would have rebuked her and refused to eat the fruit when she presented it to him. Eve would have been the only one to die. Eve, remembered, that she was not carrying the seed of humanity in her as was Adam. Adam, the carrier or bearer of the seed of mankind did eat and his eating of the fruit led to the corruption (poisoning) of the entire human race that was put as seed in him the source of humanity, Roman 3:23 “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”. His plan for humanity which originally was meant for man to live forever or eternally with God in unity and fellowship. In order to speed up this plan, God had to switch over to the last of His creation and guess who that is? THE WOMAN!
14 Winter 2016
TRIALS by Sher Harris
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Perhaps
you recall the story of the blacksmith who gave his heart to God. Though conscientious in his living, still he was not prospering materially. In fact, it seems that from the time of his conversion more trouble, affliction, and loss were sustained than ever before. Everything seemed to be going wrong. One day a friend who was not a Christian stopped at the little gorge to talk to him. Sympathizing with him in some of his trials, the friend said, "It seems strange to me that so much affliction should pass over you just at the time when you have become an earnest Christian". Of course, I don't want to weaken your faith in God or anything like that. But, here you are with God's help and guidance, yet things seem to be getting steadily worse. I can't help to wonder why it is." The blacksmith did not answer immediately and it was evident that he had thought the same question before. But, finally he said, "You see here the raw iron which I have to make into horse's shoes. You know what I do with it? I take a piece and heat it in the fire until it is red, almost white with the heat. Then, I hammer it unmercifully to shape it as I know it should be shaped. Then, I plunge it into a pail of cold water to temper it. Then, I heat it again and hammer it some more until it is finished." But, sometimes I find a piece of iron that won't stand up under this treatment. The heat and the hammering and the cold water are too much for it. I don't know why it fails in the process, but I know it will never make a good horse's shoe. He pointed to a heap of scrap iron that was
near the door of his shop. When I get a piece that cannot take the shape and temper, I throw it out on the scrap heap. It will never be good for anything. He went on, I know that God has been holding me in the fires of affliction and I have felt His hammer upon me. But, I don’t mind because only He can bring me to what I should be and in all these hard things my prayer is simply this: Try me in any way you wish, Lord, only don’t throw me on the scrap heap. “Thank you for everything, I have no complaints whatsoever.” You must learn to love you and who you are right now while letting God be your barometer. Mirror Him! Look in the mirror in the morning and see how much God you see. He’s the only standard even when you come up short, he will not leave you or forsake you. Phil 4:11-13 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, [therewith] to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: everywhere and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.
18 Winter 2016
“Where we make your memories memorable”
•Photo Shoots •Family Reunions •Parties •Weddings •Events
Melissa Horne
Owner/Chief Photographer 678-680-3560 mello20girl@gmail.com
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The Perfet Fit THE BRIDGE BUILDER Min. Elaine Montford, Lakeland, Florida
If you’ve ever put a puzzle together, you know that depending on the number and size of the pieces, it can be a tedious and meticulous undertaking. However, if you have the patience to complete the process, the final product can be breathtakingly beautiful! Many times, there are pieces that may initially appear to be identical, but upon a closer inspection it will reveal some unique, often subtle differences that set them apart from any other. God has created each of us to fit into the beautiful tapestry of His Kingdom, like puzzle pieces. We each have gifts and personalities that make us unique within the Body of Christ. It can be a time-con-
suming, and sometimes frustrating process to discover where we fit in the scheme of it all. Because we cannot see the full picture, we may feel insignificant or out of place. Many times we do not understand the universal or Kingdom necessity of our uniqueness. We will maim and disfigure ourselves trying to fit into a place that we were not designed for, or we allow others to contort us so that we conform to a vacant slot to be filled. God himself is the ultimate expert who knows where we all fit perfectly. First, because he created it all through his All-knowing Wisdom; and secondly because he sees the full, finished picture. Will you allow him to direct you to your ordained place to be perfectly fitted for his Purpose?
20 Winter 2016
Q&A
&
QA
with Tiffani Brianna
Recently TAOWOP met a young woman of power, we were so impressed, we wanted to share her story with you.
Tiffani Brianna Baker is twelve-years-old. She is an avid
dancer, budding violinist, novice actor, and entrepreneur at heart. Over the last few years, she has made bracelets and crochet items for sale. Within the last year, she started a nail design business catered to tweens, teens, and adults. In addition, to using her creative abilities, she wants to become a Naturopathic Doctor.
TAOWOP- Tiffani, at 12 years old, what has given you the discipline to maintain a nail business?
TBB-My passion is to help people by providing a service that can motivate them to feel good about themselves; this is what keeps me going.
TAOWOP-What made you become interested in the art of nails? TBB-Since I was about six years old making and selling things was interesting to me. I started by selling bracelets and other items in my neighborhood. About a year ago I wanted to find another way to make some extra money. I thought about what I could do and realized I enjoyed
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crocheting and doing my nails, so I started my business. TAOWOP-How would you encourage other young ladies to focus on a goal and remain dedicated to the goal? TBB-I would encourage other girls by saying, “You can do anything that you put your mind to do.” I would tell them to put their goal up on a wall so that every time they wanted to quit or give up; they would be reminded to keep working hard no matter what.
Financial
the
Financial pharmicist Pastor Dawnya Lindsey
“Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds.�
- Prov. 27:23
As
we begin a new year and you review your financial situation, there is one thing that we should all do regardless of our financial situation. We should review our credit reports. In the US, we get a free copy every 12 months. This review will help you ensure that your information is correct and updated. It will also help you to detect signs of identity theft. This is the official Federal site to receive your FREE credit reports. www.annualcreditreport.comThere are three (3) reporting companies that you should get a report for Experian, Equifax, and Transunion. Be sure to get all three.
22 Winter 2016
deep within
a woman by Sherata Berry I talk to so many women from around the world, from the single and married women, and young teen girls. So many stories and tears that were shared and we all either hugged each other, or hung up the phone with tears in our eyes put a smile on our face understanding that things are going to get better. We may come from a different background and have a different faith, but the one thing that a lot of us have in commons is that we have all been through some type of pain or hurt in our lives coming from a little girl that remained with us as an adult. Most of us fight each day with our inner woman because she is trapped in a cage yelling to let herself free. That is the little girl in you that has already received her healing, overcame, and her wounds are mended. And she is trying to stand her ground by saying she has been set free, but because you are still trying to hold on to your past, instead of looking at who you are today, how far God has brought you, and the many times he saved you and took care of you. I am so sad to let you know because of all these material and fleshy things and possessions, you are still bound and not set free on the
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inside because you refuse to let the real you out the cage. I say to you my dear sister, it is time to get free indeed so that you can walk in your freedom never looking back, but always looking and moving forward. No, I did not say that it was going to be easy because Jesus did not say he had it easy. Although, if you put your complete trust in the Lord, hold your head up high, and give God the praise as you are coming out of darkness and walking toward your light where you will find your help. Yes, ladies your help comes from God. I want to let you know that it’s a process, but I have faith in you and I am so excited that
you have what it takes to get through this. As long as you have God on your side and Jesus at the right hand of the father and the Angels fighting on your behalf, everything will be alright. My sister stand up shake the dust off and get ready to run your race to see what the end is going to be. I am waiting for you at the finish line, you can do this. Why because if I made it through my trials and tribulations,
I know you are going to make it too. RUN YOUR RACE SO YOU CAN GET FREE INSIDE AND OUT....SMILES Copyright (c) 2015 Shareta A. Berry http://psbministries.wix.com/ sbministriesShareta Berry Ministries Richmond, VA 919.438.1473 sharetaberryministries@minister.com
What is the difference between submission and manipulation? If I question anything I am made to feel bad. The lines are blurred in our ministry leadership. ~Misunderstood in Utah Submission is the act of voluntary yielding our will to another person, be it spiritual leadership, a spouse, or other authority. On the other hand, manipulation is when someone uses deceptive or abusive tactics to unduly influence our will with the goal being to bend it to theirs. Our Father, GOD, never over-rides our will; indeed, He allows every single one of us Free Will, which is the ability to operate voluntarily and have discretion over our own actions… good or bad. Another word for it is ‘Choice’ and our very relationship with Him is based on this ability to choose for ourselves: “And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve…” ~Joshua 24:15 “I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before your life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life that you and your offspring may live…” ~Deut. 30:19a
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“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” ~2Cor. 9:7 Loving, godly leadership will honor your submission, if they have a heart after God and not themselves. If the lines are blurred, the easiest way to obtain clarity for yourself is to be a person of prayer and a person of the Word. Somehow, being in right relationship with The Holy Spirit has an amazing way of making things very (very!) clear. And, an awesome side-effect is that you will sense love, joy, and peace… not feel badly. So, follow others, only as far as they are following Christ. Should they change focus, you will never get lost as long as you continue to follow Him… the Author and the Finisher of your faith! Shalom… Elder D. H. Bonner
26 Winter 2016
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28 Winter 2016
A Message From
Pastor Val Girl, just look at you with
your pretty self. You are so beautiful! Not only are you beautiful, but you have the nerve to be talented and gifted by God. Hold your head up girl and know that you are loved and appreciated. Don’t give the enemy any place to cause you to have low self-esteem or doubt. You are indeed fearfully and wonderfully made. This is your year to decree it and speak it! This is the year of new beginnings. So, get your step on girl! God is faithful to perform all that He has promised to you! Be confident in Him and His word. The words you speak from your mouth determine your outcome. Why not speak good and positive things over your life girl? You are not defeated, but rather you are more than a conqueror. You have been through a lot in your
life and look at you now, just as pretty and as strong as ever! Oh, how blessed you are. Look what God has done and look where He has brought you from. Begin to bless God and praise Him for all that He has done, and for making you so beautiful! He had you in His precious hands all the time. Your life is orchestrated by Him. He knows you and what is best for you. Believe that He has thanking greater God for the problems that loom even things in store before you. Those problems are the way to for you and yours. Girl, get his promise. Praise Him! over the silly stuff and grab This is the to approachSeek victories. God Don’t hold ofwayfaith. as sit around thinking of how you will praise never before. Sure, times God when the victory comes, but praising are hard, is good. him along the waybut for whatGod is achieved. That’s like to looking in the mirror and He has Learn love who practicing a how to say thanks Psalmist-Elder Desiree’ H. Bonner with a dance. made There no one Women of Power We have to you. keep in Artist-Liaison mind that theseislittle victories a long the way are bringing like you. Know thatus I love Anointed, Expressive, and Spirit-filled! Saved by God’s closer to the greaterGracevictory. 1990 and then Sanctified by His Holy Spirit, you - Pray Desireé forinendeavors you! to sing and write songs of worship and praise focused on God and Him glorified.
Look for the amazing ofof Give Desireéconclusion operates in the Body Christ as a Psalmist; a Levitical andKnight Evangelistic call withLogan Pastor Valari Him Praise PT 2 in the Winter Issue… Prophetic and Apostolic mantles. And, through the ministry of Music and the Word, she is anointed to provoke an atmosphere of worship, where God's presence can
be felt and realized; hearts opened to His Holy Spirit, and lives drawn to Power Plus with Pastor Val features a column with a Him. potpourri of subjects designed to engage the subscriber in balance and gleanings from the heart of She has released two Sacred Music CD’s; "The Psalmist... Volume One" & Pastor Val "The Psalmist... Volume Two" and is currently working on the Third Rev. Valari Knight Logan, M.Div Volume! Her first Book entitled "The Heart of the Psalmist" was published in KingdomNovember Fellowship Centerreleased –Charlotte, of 2012Christian and she has recently her secondNC Book, “To the pastorvalari@gmail.com Facebook:Valari Wounded Warrior", while contributing to the Knight Anthology: “Organized Logan Obstacles” with her story entitled “Unfinished: The Diary of a Psalmist”. For Booking: 404.500.8225 www.DHBONNER.com
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POWER
PUZZLE
30 Winter 2016