The Best Life April/May 2016 Issue #2 by Beverly Goodwin

THE

BEST LIFE ISSUE 2

ON ASSIGNMENT

BEAT PROCRASTINATION A GIFT OF LIFE KAVITA’S

CRAB CAKE RECIPE

Patrick Weaver

A MAN ON THE MOVE

APRIL/MAY 2016

gET UP!

I DID IT JUST FOR YOU

IS VIRTUE OBSOLETE?

Our Writers

Alvin BRYANT

Tammy PADILLA Shirley BRYANT

Alecia LANE

LyAvia GOODWIN

Kavita RITSON

Ann CAFFEE

Christine BRYANT

Johnetta KEEVE

Renee TEEL Patrice SCOTT

APRIL/MAY 2016 | The BEST LIFE

Beverly GOODWIN

Dear Reader,

What’s your assignment or assignments? What’s your purpose while here on this earth? Don’t know what it is? What makes you the most happiest? Why am I asking you all of these questions? Deep down in your heart you know what it is. So let’s get started. Go back to school – finish the degree you started twenty years ago. Start the business that God is pushing you to open. Start living healthy – move that body! Have faith in God. Get up and get to your assignment. Jesus did it and so can you. Jesus’ Father sent him on an assignment to bring all people back to Him for fellowship. The assignment was to walk, live and teach a new way of living. The examples are in the Bible. Then the final assignment came. He was crucified, buried in a borrowed tomb and rose up on the third day! He got UP. Your assignment will not complete itself. You must be at the helm of your own ship and destiny. Get up and get going! Start living and breathing your assignment/s even if it means starting over. Maybe your assignment is to share the word of God with one or many – get to it. Somebody is waiting for your assignment to be fulfilled. We have a few more writers for this issue and I appreciate each one for their commitment to share the Best Life with you. So please take your time and read every article and give us some feedback. We are still celebrating here at the Best Life Magazine for this is our SECOND, 2nd, #2 issue!Thank you Lord for this assignment. Sincerely,

Beverly Goodwin

CEO/Founder Holy Nation of Women The Best Life Magazine Facebook: Holy Nation of Women Twitter: @holynow14 Email: holynow14@gmail.com

Happy Mother’s Day to all of our mothers here on earth and those who have gone on before us.

APRIL/MAY 2016 | The BEST LIFE

Contents

05 08

JESUS SAID “I DID IT JUST FOR YOU” Tammy Padilla

DOOR IS OPEN Shirley Bryant

06 09

A MAN ON THE MOVE Cover Story

TO TAKE OR TO NOT TAKE GETTING THE MOST FROM PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS

07 10

GET UP AND MOVE LyAvia Goodwin

FIT 2 ARE YOU FIT? FIT IN THE TEMPLE V. Renee Teel

Christine Bryant

A MAKE-UP LOVE AFFAIR

20 4

BRAIN POWER Alecia Lane

APRIL/MAY 2016 | The BEST LIFE

A GIFT OF LIFE Patrice Scott

ON THE EDGE IS VIRTUE OBSOLETE? Ann Caffee

Johnetta Keeve

Andrea Reid

WISDOME SPEAKS

FAMILY LIFE GET UP AND GET OUT

KAVITA’S CRAB CAKE RECIPE Chef Kavita

Jesus Said “I

FEATURE For You” W

Did It

hat does this week mean to me? W ell some years ago I saw a movie titled “The Passion of the Christ” directed by Mel Gibson. I remember walking out of the theater barely able to breathe and hurt after seeing that re-enactment of what Christ Jesus experienced just for me. It was horrific, inhumane, and disturbing! As I pondered that thought for a while I realized that he did that for me - for you and me – for millions and for this world. J esus actually volunteered to leave glory to live on earth as a man with family and friends. He experienced betrayal, received a beaten that ripped the flesh from his bones, ridiculed, and crowned with thorns. Can you imagine? Jesus was unrecognizable! I f that was not enough, with his wounded body, He then had to carry a wooden crossbar, weighing about 50 to 75 lbs, through the streets, to a location called the Place of the Skull (also known as Golgothal) for all to see. So visualize this, Jesus lays His cross down and stretches out on that cross with his arms extended outward, a nail is driven into each hand; a third nail was placed in his feet. Look down, see, His knees are slightly bent so that his feet would lay flat, one stepping on the other, against the beam and then one nail is hammered through his feet. THUMP!! The cross was then propped up for all to see him. W hat a sight! Can you see Him there? J esus was openly humiliated and I can envision Him saying “I did it for you”. On that cross He embodied EVERY SIN and experienced being separated from His Father for the first time ever. N ote that is what sin does, it separates us from our Heavenly Father. Jesus experiences that which is foretold in the book of Isaiah. The book of Isaiah says “He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned everyone to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.”- Isaiah 53:3-6 HE DID IT JUST FOR ME. The exciting thing that happened is that in three days He rose - HE GOT UP! He was resurrected for you and me! Shout!!!! Hallelujah!!! Calvary was a place of pain and Joy. It was there where Christ made the ultimate sacrifice, shedding His blood for our sins and gave us the gift of salvation. Salvation is the deliverance from sin and its consequences, and Jesus was the only one that had enough power to cleanse us all from SIN. This week signifies the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. It means that I was loved beyond the pain over 2000 years ago, the pain of abuse, betrayal, hate, and more. I know this is hard to fathom but think about this, God had you on His mind when he accepted His son’s offer to come to earth to be the sacrifice for each of our sins. John 1:29, reads, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” Yes! HE DID JUST FOR YOU! Blessings to you!

Tammy P APRIL/MAY 2016 | The BEST LIFE

A MAN ON the THE MOVE P

atrick Weaver is the founder and visionary of Patrick Weaver Ministries, and senior pastor of Abundant Life Ministries Church Without Walls, Oakland, CA. A progressive thinker, charismatic speaker and innovative leader, Patrick is dedicated to sharing God’s blueprint for success in life. Pastor Patrick’s “Real Talk for Real Relationship for Real Power” style, passionately and holistically ministers to the inner giant through the Gospel message of Jesus Christ. Pastor Patrick’s anointed message of hope, healing and power,

encourages and empowers God’s people to live life on purpose. “Through innovative, relevant and impactful ministry, Patrick Weaver Ministries waters seeds of greatness to unleash our inner giant. Our desire is to make a difference by being the difference in community and around the world.”

“

Patrick Weaver

Real Talk for Real Relationship for Real Power.

Pastor, Teacher, Visionary, Relationship Coach, Innovator, Progressive Thinker, and Entrepreneur

WEB: www.patrickweaverministries.org Follow Us On Twitter Follow Us On Facebook

APRIL/MAY 2016 | The BEST LIFE

GET UP and Move!

id you know that more than half of adults, 117 million people had one or more chronic conditions? Are you aware that over one third of adults, 78 million people, are considered obese? What is one way you can control the risk of developing these serious medical conditions? By GETTING UP!!! Physical activity has been proven to have many health benefits, but yet over half of American adults do not meet the recommended guidelines for physical activity. It’s time for us to care about our bodies like we care about our wardrobes, careers, houses, and other material objects.

strengthen muscles and bones, improve your mental health and mood, increase your life expectancy, and improve the ability of daily activities for older adults. Physical activity does not have to be rigorous and can be accomplished at any age. Of course, any activity should be approved by your doctor, especially if you have certain medical conditions or above the age of 64. Physical activity should be approached slowly and progressively if you are not regularly active.

There are many activities and exercises that can be accomplished right in your home or in your community. Adults need Studies have shown that at least 2 hours and 30 sedentary lifestyles, at minutes or 150 minutes home or on the job, can of moderate intensity contribute to your risk of aerobic exercise per week developing chronic diseases and two or more days of and premature death. If muscle-strengthening your job is desk bound find activities. No worries time to GET UP, whether it these activities do not have is standing during a phone to be completed in one call, or taking a short walk or two sessions; you can around the office every hour. spread it out and still have In a study by the Centers the same effect. Taking a for Disease Control and brisk walk for 30 minutes Prevention, it found that per day can improve your reducing occupational sitting health, manage weight, and decreased neck and back reduce the risk of chronic pain as well as increased diseases. In the comfort of mood. your own home you can do sit-ups, pushups, squats, Physical activity can control and aerobics. Even dancing your weight, reduce the risk is considered a great way to of cardiovascular disease, burn calories and get your diabetes, and cancer, heart pumping. If you prefer

the gym, they provide a myriad of aerobic and weight training machines, as well as physical trainers who can offer special attention. Remember exercising can be fun! Activities such as swimming, team sports (i.e. volleyball, kickball, basketball), hula hooping, Frisbee, belly dancing, and many others will help you reach your physical activity goals.

“

Taking a brisk walk for 30 minutes per day can improve your health, manage weight, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Let’s all challenge ourselves to GET UP, GET OUT, and GET MOVING!!!

LyAvia Goodwin BS, Biology

APRIL/MAY 2016 | The BEST LIFE

THE DOOR IS OPEN

he prayer room door is open for all to enter into Jesus’s throne room. Don’t be afraid, come on in with a humble heart, come with faith, just a small amount of faith, and bow before him in humble submission. Come believing, that He is pleased to know that you trust Him with your prayer request and repenting spirit. You will leave the throne with joy and your faith increased. Special Note: A state trooper saw a woman driving and knitting at the same time. He pulled up beside her, rolled down his window and yelled “Pullover”. “No, Officer” she shouted back, “it’s a scarf!” “No”, the officer replied, “its praying time for you, Pullover!” A parachutist jumped from a plane only to discover that his chute was broken. Plunging to the ground he saw another man on the way. “Hey”, he yelled frantically to the man, “do you know anything about parachutes?” “No”, shouted the man. And the man says do you know anything about prayer? You see prayer and faith works hand in hand!

What is Faith? Faith signifies Action. For example, a child’s parents have brought him a new bike, but the bike is parked in the garage. Fear has gripped the child because he doesn’t know how to ride it. Unless the child puts his faith in action he will never know if he can ride the bike. A small grain of faith produces action, joy, and fear is gone. Some can’t believe how powerful prayer is, and what it is able to effect and accomplish, except those who have learned it by experience. It is of great importance when an extreme need presents itself that you take hold of prayer. I know whenever I have prayed earnestly, that by faith I have been amply heard, and have obtained more than I have prayed for. The answer indeed may seem delayed, but God’s answer was on time. Come on in…it’s praying time.

Overseer Shirley Bryant Faith Intl Church, Hyattsville MD

APRIL/MAY 2016 | The BEST LIFE

“TO TAKE OR NOT TO TAKE?” Getting the most from prescription medications

edication adherence refers to how closely one follows the directions given by medical providers for prescription medications. In the US today nearly 75 percent of patients do not take medications as prescribed, leading to increased healthcare costs, worsening of disease processes, treatment failure, or death. Non-adherence rates are a common problem specifically in patients over the age of 65, those taking 2 or more medications, and with chronic medical conditions.

taking their medication daily and decide not to take it any longer. However, if a patient were educated on the benefits of controlling high blood pressure with certain medications to prevent stroke or heart attack, one would be more encouraged to taking medications as prescribed. It is also important to know the possible negative side effects of medications and what to look for if one is experiencing them. Pharmacists can help alleviate many of the misconceptions of prescription drugs and their side effects.

The cost of prescription drugs, side effects, forgetfulness, emotional factors, and limited information on the benefits of medications are just a few barriers that lead to non-adherence. If a medication is used properly, it can provide many benefits; everything from preventing allergy and asthma symptoms to controlling high blood pressure, to decreasing the risk of stroke and heart attacks. Talking with a pharmacist about many of these barriers can make a difference by improving the benefits of drug therapy.

Older adults fail to adhere to prescription medications for a variety of reasons, including visual impairment, memory problems, adverse reactions, lack of understanding of their role in managing therapy, inability to selfadminister multiple medications, and limited access to medications (i.e. transportation and income).

The cost of prescription medications is a huge barrier with mediation adherence. Often with many health insurance plans, it is common to see co pays of $20-$35 or more for a one month’s supply of chronic maintenance medications. For some, the cost of two brand name medications taken daily is upwards of $70 a month, in addition to insurance premiums. The cost to some patients without health insurance can be too high to afford. Pharmacists are sometimes able to assist in these situations by talking with providers and suggesting medications with lower co-payments, offering advice on switching to generic alternatives, or helping patients register for programs that provide discounts for prescription drugs.

Pharmacists are in a unique position to promote and provide tools to improve medication adherence due to widespread availability, excellent rapport, and regular contact with patients. Pharmacists are charged with the responsibility for educating patients to get the most out of prescriptions and over the counter medications. While there is not one answer to address the issue of non-adherence, pharmacists can provide a combination of approaches to ensure that you get the most of your prescription medications and improve medication adherence.

Christine Bryant, PharmD

Explanation about the benefits of taking medications properly and potential side effects of medications is essential. For example, a patient with high blood pressure may not “feel” bad or “see” a difference after

APRIL/MAY 2016 | The BEST LIFE

F.I.T 2 Are you FIT? (Fit in the Temple) In the last publication I told you I would share some of my own findings from my FIT appointment. I also encouraged you to schedule an appointment too. I hope you had a good visit! Well, for me, I am so glad that I spent time being introspective and allowing the Spirit of Truth to reveal some “right now” things that had to go. There were things within me that didn’t fit or align to God’s expectations. Some hurts that I should have let go a long time ago. There were some good things too, and I am happy about that! I will definitely be having many follow up appointments to ensure I am making progress and becoming more fit and in line with God’s standards. Speaking of which, “fit” defined by the dictionary meaning is: be suitable/similar; to be appropriate for something. I Corinthians 3:16 says, “What? Don’t you know that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which you have of God; you are not your own?” In other words, the Spirit of God (Spirit of Truth) lives in you. And believe me, God desires “truth” in our inward parts. Meaning our heart and consciences should be clean and clear. Our Father wants us to live in truth, not in deception or hypocrisy. He actually hates that! When we live truthfully, we can deal with things in reality and get the help that we need. We can get better and not bitter. We don’t want to deceive ourselves or others. In relation to the word “fit”, the Lord is here to help us with the areas that we fall short. Just as we go to the doctor for a wellness exam, the physician is 10

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responsible for examining us. He has blood drawn, then it is tested to see if there are any disorders or diseases; after which there is a follow up once the results are in. The blood work and exams will not lie; they are truthful and then we are prescribed the best way to correct the problem(s). It is vital that we are healthy inside and out. Did you know that out of your heart flows all the issues of life? Did you know that we are not just accountable to ourselves, but that we belong to God? What we do and how we live is of the utmost importance to Him. And how wonderful it is that He has provided us the wherewithal to live up to his standards of excellence—to be fit! He has provided us with His Spirit and the Word of God to enable us to change ways that are not like him. Yes, I had a really good wellness exam! He was very relational and informative. While here on earth, Jesus was concerned about what was going on in the temple. In the book of Matthew 21:12-13 we find that Jesus went into the temple of God and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, overthrew the tables of the money changers, and the seats of them that sold doves. He said to them, “It is written, my house shall be called the house of prayer, but you have made it a den of thieves.” Then was not said in a casual manner but with authority and very straight forward! Think about this. Jesus aggressively turned over the tables where money was being exchanged, items sold and put everybody out

that was buying and selling. Why? It didn’t fit in the temple. It appeared ok on the surface. Why even the priest allowed this to go on. However, it was not suitable and didn’t line up with what should have been going on in the temple of God according to the Lord. There should have been prayer going on in the temple. The sick should have been coming and leaving healed. But as we can see, that is not what was happening. I urge you to read this for yourself. Let us be like Christ and aggressively put out those things that contaminate and pollute our temples! If we read further in vs 14 of that same passage of scripture, it says (after Jesus put out the money changers) “the blind and the lame came to him in the temple and he healed them.” Wow! What would happen if we were to clean up the temples? Perhaps we are holding up a sick persons’ healing because our temple is not clean. Maybe we are standing in the way of someone’s salvation. If we could grab hold of this revelation. I challenge you today from the word of God found in 2 Corinthians 7:1…Dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” Our lives and someone else’s healing is depending on this. For we, each one of us, make up the Body of Christ. We are God’s representatives in the earth! We are the temple--- the church of God!

Romans 8:14 says, “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons/daughters of God.” My brothers and sisters, since we belong to Him, we should be influenced and changed by him. Likewise, as a result, we ought to be influencing others with a godly and excellent lifestyle. We should prayerfully go to our heavenly Father and ask whether or not we are FIT? What does my inner person look like? What does my temple look like on the inside? What attitude, thoughts or trash is there that I have left unchecked or just accept that this is just a part of my character? Christ loved us so much that He sacrificed his life for us; He sanctifies and cleanses us by the washing of water by the word (the Holy Spirit does this)! Let us follow Him. Let us be like Him. Let us take on the mind of Christ! In closing, I declare, we are children and followers of God! We are children of the light and we walk and live as children of the Light. Therefore, let us get and be FIT!

V. Renee Teel, CEO/Founder, Crowned With Beauty

APRIL/MAY 2016 | The BEST LIFE

MAKEUP LOVE AFFAIR I

am a lover of makeup and everything pretty! My love affair with makeup began when I started working as a part-time cosmetics sales associate at Macy’s. I wanted to make some extra cash and decided to see if my former employer, Macy’s, was hiring. As I walked in the store, I immediately ran into my former manager, who was now managing the cosmetics department. I told her that I was looking for a part-time job and wanted to know if she was hiring. Turns out she was! She liked my look, at the time, and I was hired shortly thereafter. It’s there that I discovered my LOVE and passion for makeup. Without any training, I learned the art of makeup. With each customer, I honed in on my craft so much so that I became one of the top makeup artists at the counter. My coworkers encouraged me to keep going with makeup because I was good at it. Always excited and eager to make someone’s face up, I could not wait for someone to sit in my chair! I enjoyed nothing more than making my clients over. I loved showing them how to apply products to bring out their true beauty. It was their reactions after doing a makeover that gave me a high. I absolutely loved transforming my clients. I have not lost my desire to continue to inform women on

APRIL/MAY 2016 | The BEST LIFE

how to beautify themselves. Whether I’m in the mall, at work, in church, or in the grocery store, I continue to advise women on how to improve on their beauty regimen. I love offering beauty tips and showing clients how to achieve a certain look. After working at Macy’s and Sephora, one thing I took away from these experiences was the importance of proper skin care. We must take care of our skins! Of course, we can go to most department stores and select from a variety of product lines such as Estee Lauder, Lancôme, Clinique, Elizabeth Arden, Origins and so many others, but if you are not interested in paying the costs at department stores, places like CVS, Rite Aid, Walgreens have products that work just as well. The idea is to find a product that works best and agrees with your skin. Once you discover what product line works for you, stick with it! I am currently using Philosophy (sold at Sephora and on QVC) for my skincare and I love it! It feels like lotion when I apply it to my skin and it doesn’t dry my skin out either. The moisturizer causes my skin to radiate. It literally “wakes” my skin up is the best way to describe how it works. Since it agrees with my skin, I will continue to use this product because I’m pleased with the results. My skin is clear

and smooth so this definitely works for me. Again, I encourage everyone to find that product that agrees with your skin. It’s nothing like having a nice and smooth skin when applying your makeup. Even if your skin isn’t the healthiest, there are so many products that can help with that issue. Clinique is a product line that has a cleansing system and foundations that cater to acne, dark spots and blemishes. Having a healthy skin makes for a great canvas when applying your makeup. The healthier your skin, the better your makeup will look. For this issue, my makeup tip is to definitely invest in your skin by finding the right skincare product that works best for YOUR skin. Your skin is one of your greatest assets; take care of it!

ANDREA Makeup Lover Extraordinaire

Blessed Touch

APRIL/MAY 2016 | The BEST LIFE

FAMILY LIFE Get Up & Get Out

n today’s technical age a sedentary lifestyle has become common among all men, women and children. Sedentary lifestyle is a lifestyle with irregular or no physical activity. Our body was made to move. If we don’t move our joints become stiff and range of motion decreases. Adding physical activity into our lives doesn’t have to be added in the form of exercise. There are many fun and exciting ways to Get Up!

Visit a Museum:

alking, is the easiest form of physical activity. Visiting museums allows you to increase your physical activity, but will also expand your historical knowledge. Make it even more fun by inviting along a friend or two. If you have children, bring out the kid in you by experiencing the exhibits through their eyes and understanding.

APRIL/MAY 2016 | The BEST LIFE

Trails:

Picnic in the Park:

any cities have bike and hiking trails. Take in a breath of fresh air and nature. The peace and quiet nature presents will allow you to clear your mind and mediate in the midst of Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s natural creations. If you have children, you can bring them along for a jog, hike, or bike ride along the trail. Make it more fun by discussing the types of trees or animals you encounter along the trail.

nvite your friends out for a picnic. Pack a healthy lunch or dinner and enjoy a few outdoor games, such as frisbee, kickball, or even fishing. If you have children, have a bit of backyard fun by spray painting primary color circles in your yard to play yard twister. This creative game will surely create a lasting memory.

Sports League:

here are adult sports leagues by season in every city. Sports leagues vary from basketball, dodgeball, kickball, softball, and many more. Joining a sports league will allow you to increase your physical activity and socialize with those who have similar interests. If you have children, lead by example by joining a league, but also encourage your child to participate in sports. Teamwork is a very important life skill only learned by being on a team. The earlier they learn, the stronger their ability to be both a leader and team player will be.

As spring awakens take this time to Get Up and Get Out, enjoying a bit of increased activity. Remove exercise from your mind and just move. Think outside of the box by considering not only your level of activity, but your friends and family. Invite them along your journey of fun and adventure as you get moving.

Min. Johnetta Keeve Way of Life Ministries, Waldorf, MD APRIL/MAY 2016 | The BEST LIFE

Dear Mother, Mommy, Mom,

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Ma, Auntie, Grandma and Nanna

APRIL/MAY 2016 | The BEST LIFE

ON THE EDGE

Is virtue obsolete?

CONFESSION! I used to be scared of this Proverbs 31 Woman! I was invited out to speak at a friend’s church. Most people came expecting to hear the traditionalMother’s Day message of this amazing zenith of a Christlike WOMAN and there I stood preaching “It’s Not Always The Proverbs 31 Woman!” Can’t say whether they were more shocked or disappointed! Sometimes your role model is more like the John 4 Woman at the Well!Yall know her; repute, “Loose Lucy”, out looking for love in all the wrong places and ended up with a baby!”Until she had a personal encounter with the 7th MAN, JESUS! I believe it kinda messed some folk up, huh? So, let’s take another look at this paragon woman who most 18

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brothers secretly desire or wish they could change the one they got into her. Perhaps this woman has gotten a bad rep - particularly from other women! We’re our own worst critics! Jus’ look at her, did you see that dress? I can’t believe she came out the house wearing black stockings with those red shoes! There she is again, stepping up in here all wrapped around that brother at church! Can you believe she’s pregnant again, how many does that make? How she get that job, promotion, that man, house, car, that Michael Kors bag...um huh, I guess we know what she’s been up to, huh? Could we be secretly intimidated by her reputation and success and rather than applauding her. We tear one another down to make ourselves feel better where we are or justify our lack of discipline, diligence or drive. Let me assure you, despite the rumors, God never looks at us as second hand beings. He created us in HIS image. Just as He created Adam, you are uniquely designed to fulfill HIS PURPOSE in ways that a man can never accomplish. God put a womb in you to birth legacy, produce ideals, to labor and deliver GOD PROJECTS that will be a light of influence to this lost and dark world!

As we interrogate the text of this infamous woman, hopefully we begin to see ourselves walking out our God Ordained assignment, every day, becoming everything your Heavenly Father intended when he knitted you together in your Mother’s Womb! Proverbs 31 opens with a private conversation between a Mother and her son, Lemuel-- “devoted to God”. Hence, she’d prayed to God for a son, and God rewarded her faith. Vowing to dedicate him back to God, she raised him up in the fear and admonition of The Lord! Apparently, she didn’t wait until he was half grown to teach him how to walk in the ways of God. From an early age, she instilled Godly leadership principles into his young mind. She taught him trust, righteousness, justice, respect, to show compassion and the value of honesty and integrity. Didjaheardat? Mothers, you can’t wait for the schools to teach and disciple your children, particularly given the new normal of this all inclusive pop culture, that’s contaminated right and wrong, making immorality acceptable in every institution of society, including the secular and the sacred! Righteousness must begin in the HOME!

Proverbs 31 encompasses a wealth of wisdom that would be of great benefit to anyone who’s willing to apply it to their lifestyle. Notice, she begins class with a stern warning, ‘Son, don’t spend your time, strength or substance on fortune-hunting promiscuous females, who will ship wreck your future.” That’s real talk! She warns him of the danger of alcoholics, heroine, cocaine, crack heads, gambling and pornography addicts and all those other things that we use to cope with the pain, rejection, disappointment, deception, and depression that’s prevalent in our society. She encourages him. Don’t be like folk who sit on the side lines lackadaisical, desensitized and feeling like what’s the point. This woman of integrity persuades her son to speak up for those who have no voice! If you say something to somebody long enough, eventually it’ll be heard by the right person, especially if that One is God! This wise woman points out a litmus of things to consider before you say “I DO”! Perhaps #1 could be, be selective! Everybody’s not qualified to go where God is taking you and ghetto is not merely a location, it’s a state of mind! Look for a woman who knows her self-value and is comfortable and satisfied in her own skin. She knows that the ONLY ONE QUALIFIED TO DETERMINE HER WORTH IS THE ONE WHO CREATED HER! So, if someone doesn’t appreciate her, she doesn’t tap out! She’s confident,

dignified, intelligent, zealous possessing the skills to go get the bacon, fry it up in the pan and takes care of herself and her children! This virtuous woman is not selfcentered and doesn’t look down on those who are outcast! She’s kind and generous; knowing that but for the Grace of God—it could’ve, would’ve, and should’ve been me! Finally, she instructs him to make sure she has a personal reverence and relationship with the One True and Living GOD! Charm is deceptive, beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the lord will be praised, honored, respected and appreciated by everyone else she touches with the Light and Love of Christ! Chances of your meeting this ideal woman maybe few and far in between - yet God always has a remnant. I challenge you, instead of resenting her, embrace her and aspire to be her to somebody else who’s still struggling and suffering from identity theft!

“

She’s kind and generous; knowing that but for the Grace of God— it could’ve, would’ve, and should’ve been me!

Co-Pastor Ann Caffee New Nations Worship Ministries Brandywine, MD

APRIL/MAY 2016 | The BEST LIFE

WISDOM SPEAKS

Brain Power

â&#x20AC;&#x153; Y

The brain controls lower, unconscious physiological activities such as breathing, pulse, and digestion; and higher, conscious activities such as thinking, concentration (focus), reasoning, and feeling.ulpa nobis ratecae.

our mind is the greatest gift God has given you! When God gives you an assignment, the enemy will use any tool available to interrupt our focus (stress, work, cellphones, family, traffic, voices, sensations, even our own thoughts). Knowing this, we must dedicate and commit ourselves to the task of following Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plan. The more we seek and meditate on Him, the clearer His vision will come into focus for us. Have you ever wondered how our brain helps us to focus? The human brain is made of three main parts: the forebrain, midbrain, and hindbrain. The cerebrum is the largest part of the brain, and is associated with higher brain functioning such as thought and action. This area is divided into four sections called lobes: The frontal Lobe, Parietal Lobe, Occipital Lobe, and Temporal Lobe. The human brain facilitates vital and complicated physiological and psychological functions such as consciousness, mobility, emotion, and personality. The brain controls lower, unconscious physiological activities such as breathing, pulse, and digestion; and higher, conscious activities such as thinking, concentration (focus), reasoning, and feeling. The brain is unique because it contains over 100 billion neurons, which together form a network of Internet-like complexity. The brain is indeed the most complex system in the human body know (and in some aspects unknown) to man.

APRIL/MAY 2016 | The BEST LIFE

During the process of focusing, the brain first receives information from various sources (sensory, external, internal, verbal, non-verbal, environment, etc.). Next, the frontal lobe along with other lobes of the brain work together to help process, interprets and relay the information, which will ultimately tell us what to focus on â&#x201D;&#x20AC; a process that actually mimics the way in which our eyes/vision come into focus when looking at a painting or a photograph. Usually, upon first glance at a painting or photograph, the brain does not automatically recognize what the image may be. The brain must first hone (focus) in on an aspect of the painting, once this process occurs, our perception changes; thus, allowing us to identify the image. However, the process of focusing becomes increasingly difficult when we are distracted. The average person is bombarded with a seemingly infinite amount of stimuli in the course of a day. In order to function, and be productive one must be able to block out such useless stimuli. ~God, where do you want me to go, and what do you want me to do. I am your servant, I offer myself unto you without restrictions, distractions, or limitations. Let me stay grounded in your wordâ&#x20AC;Ś Grant me the courage and will to accomplish all that you have called me to do~

~God has given you an assignment so, get up, and stay focused because there is work to do~

A. Lane

APRIL/MAY 2016 | The BEST LIFE

A Gift of LIFE I am approaching 2 years since I donated my left kidney on behalf of my husband, DeWayne. It was the best decision I could have ever made. In 2012, my husband was diagnosed with end stage renal failure at the age of 43. For several months, three days a week, I would take him to the clinic to receive hemodialysis treatments. After dialysis it would take him hours to recover and to regain his strength. To see my husband not able to live a normal everyday life, unable to climb stairs, and suffer with painful muscle cramps was heartbreaking. We learned to adjust with dialysis, remain positive, and never give up. The following year, the nurse coordinator told us about peritoneal dialysis. With this form of dialysis, she explained that he is able to give himself treatments at home for 8 hours every night, continue working, and have the freedom to travel as we love to do. We decided he would transition from hemodialysis to peritoneal dialysis. The thought of being a kidney donor never crossed my mind. It wasn’t until I attended a doctor’s appointment with DeWayne that I learned of the paired kidney exchange program at University of Maryland Medical Center. This program is an excellent opportunity for a healthy living donor to donate a kidney even though they are not compatible with the recipient. During the orientation, I leaned over to my husband and said without hesitation, “I am going to be your donor”. I prayed about the decision that I had made so hastily. God answered my prayers and told me that everything will be alright. I was determined from that day forward, I was going to give DeWayne a Gift of Life. Even though I knew nothing about being a living kidney donor, I was all in and ready for DeWayne

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to be healthy again. Many questions were asked by family members and friends. Are you sure this is what you want to do? Can you live with only one kidney? How will this affect your everyday life after the donation? Why did I make such an abrupt decision? The main reason: I love my husband and care about his health and wellbeing. This was not something I had to mull over or think about. We celebrated 25 years of marriage this past February. We have known each other since high school. Being on dialysis was mentally and physically draining, not only for him but for me as well. We lost countless hours of sleep every night. During this time he had suffered many other health challenges. He was in and out of the hospital throughout the year. About 8 months prior to the kidney donation, I went through numerous medical test and counseling sessions. The living donor kidney team was amazing. I was assigned a nurse coordinator who coordinated all testing and evaluations, communicated results, and provided education and support throughout the entire process. The doctors provided a thorough explanation of the medical risk of the laparoscopic procedure. The single incision laparoscopic technique has made kidney donation even less invasive than standard laparoscopic techniques. I would have a one inch incision through my belly button and be back to work within weeks. At the end of 2013, we received a couple of phone calls from the hospital of possible matches for my husband. Each time they did not turn out to be a good match for different reasons. We celebrated the holidays believing and trusting in God that we would receive a donor that would be a perfect match.

“

Many people say that I was brave to donate a kidney to my husband. I say, it was LOVE. At 45 years old, I live an active healthy life and most times forgetting I only have one kidney. I feel no different than I felt before my kidney donation.

In March 2014, I received a call from the hospital stating I was a match for a four year old girl in New York. I felt honored, giving a gift of life to this little girl who I didn’t know anything about, not even her name or her background. I could imagine the excitement of her parents knowing that their daughter will be receiving a kidney. A few days later, we received the call that we had been waiting for. A perfect match was found for DeWayne, a 40 year old male from New York. The day of our surgeries had finally come, April 23, 2014. We were both scheduled on the same day; I was scheduled for 5 am and DeWayne at 10 am. So much was going through my mind; there was a feeling of excitement and nervousness. Our family was there for support and to pray with us. After the surgery, I remember waking up wondering how everything was going with DeWayne. Hours later, I received the report from the nurses that DeWayne was well and his transplant was a success! I won’t lie, the recovery was tough, but worth every second. After a few weeks of recuperation

I was back at work, and life was completely back to normal for me within a month or two. Many people say that I was brave to donate a kidney to my husband. I say, it was LOVE. At 45 years old, I live an active healthy life and most times forgetting I only have one kidney. I feel no different than I felt before my kidney donation. I am full of energy, with no regrets because I would do it all over again, without hesitation. My husband being dialysis free brings me great joy. God is so good, without Him this would not have happened! Please consider getting tested and becoming a donor, you could literally save one person’s life.

An Honored Kidney Donor

Patrice S.

APRIL/MAY 2016 | The BEST LIFE

LIFE IN EDUCATION How to be on assignment and beat procrastination

id you know that approximately 75% of college students consider themselves procrastinators? Why does this occur? I’m glad you asked me! The Merriam-Webster dictionary tells us that to procrastinate is “to be slow or late about doing something that should be done”. This has often been called an irrational delay in behavior. Being irrational involves choosing a course of action despite expecting that it will not maximize your goals of both a material and psychological nature, such as money and happiness. Parents tend to call this just being lazy, especially when they see their

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child being unproductive or waiting until they hear the garbage man pull in front of the house before taking out the trash instead of the night before. How do you reduce this disconnect between the body and the brain? Procrastination is driven, in part, by the gap between effort (which is required now) and reward (which you obtain only in the future, if ever). So narrowing that gap, by any means necessary, helps. The first step to bridging this gap is to break assignments down. How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time, of course! For most people, open-ended tasks with

distant deadlines are much easier to forget than focused, short-term tasks. When you break down projects into smaller, more defined parts it makes impossible tasks seem possible. Second, utilize a daily to-do list. This is a simple and easy way to organize tasks and show you what needs to be done. Taking a moment before bed or during lunch to think about how your time could be best used each day can reduce your stress levels and give you a roadmap for success. Third, avoid replacement activities and stop prioritizing productive replacements.

Replacement activities typically occurs when one is procrastinating or not doing something they are supposed to be doing - for example, watching TV instead of studying or spending hours reading Facebook posts instead of preparing for a presentation. Productive replacements are more destructive than replacement activities because they lured you into a false sense of accomplishment. For example, a sample to-do list for a student would consist of doing laundry, call mom back, write English paper (due tomorrow), clean my room, review biology notes (test next week), and go to movies. The productive replacement activity for this scenario would be putting too much emphasis on laundry and cleaning their room, instead of focusing on finishing the English paper. Going to the movies should be the reward for finishing all

necessary tasks. My last suggestion is to use your smartphone as a productivity tool and not just as a status symbol. We keep this device with us 24 hours a day and many would go nuts if it were lost or broken. Smartphones are powerful tools that many students and adults rarely use to its fullest potential. Average users mainly use it for checking social media and texting. Every Android or iPhone powered device comes equipped with a feature called a Google Play or App Store. These stores offer thousands of free programs for playing games, shopping, and news. There are also productivity apps that will keep you, your family, and your business on track and organized. I personally use the Google calendar app, which allows me to access my personal and work schedules, anywhere and anytime. It also sends

me alerts that remind me of upcoming activities/events. I believe we all fall victim to various levels of procrastination which can affect our lives in a negative way if not dealt with properly. I believe from my own life experiences, one must develop a reliable time management system that will help control pressure situations, decision making skills, ability to meet deadlines, and improve overall quality of life.

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Smartphones are powerful tools that many students and adults rarely use to its fullest potential By Alvin R. Bryant, M.A.Ed.

APRIL/MAY 2016 | The BEST LIFE

DEAR JESUS

oday has been a wonderful day. I really enjoyed how you answered my prayers. I thought I was lonely but you provided me comfort. I thought I was lost but you found me. I thought I was sick but you healed me. I thought I was confused but you infused me wisdom. I thought I was unteachable but you are the Master Teacher that I can depend on. Jesus, what better friend could I ask for?

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What could I do for you? How could I show others the love and peace that you have shown me? What assignment could I have to show my love for you? Yes Jesus, I will be faithful. Yes Jesus, I will forgive and forget. Yes, I will pray for others and treat them as if it were me. Yes Jesus, I will show mercy as you have shown me mercy beyond understanding.

Jesus, when I have a hard time forgiving please give me the strength to do exactly what your word tells me. Dear Jesus, I want to be free and not tangled up with bitterness and strife. Let me be a peacemaker. I want to improve my life and so I will believe and take your words into my heart, mind and soul. I want to be an ambassador, representing your life that you gave for us all. Dear Jesus, thank you for the assignment.

NEW BOOK

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God has already done everything He’s going to do. The ball is now in your court. If you want success, if you want wisdom, if you want to be prosperous and healthy, you’re going to have to do more than meditate and believe; you must boldly declare words of faith and victory over yourself and your family. Joel Osteen I hated every minute of training, but I said, ‘Don’t quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.’ Muhammad Ali A good plan violently executed now is better than a perfect plan executed next week. George S. Patton Go for it now. The future is promised to no one. Wayne Dyer We may have all come on different ships, but we’re in the same boat now. Martin Luther King, Jr. Your big opportunity may be right where you are now. Napoleon Hill Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning. Winston Churchill There is no quick easy way to the body you want... commit yourself now to your workout and get started. Tracy Anderson If we cannot now end our differences, at least we can help make the world safe for diversity. John F. Kennedy I still play hockey every now and then, and I still golf. But my biggest exercise is walking my big dog in the park every day. Michael J. Fox Health is the thing that makes you feel that now is the best time of the year. Franklin Pierce Adams And now we welcome the new year. Full of things that have never been. Rainer Maria Rilke You don’t get to choose how you’re going to die, or when. You can only decide how you’re going to live Now. Joan Baez Now faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence is not seen. St Paul

APRIL/MAY 2016 | The BEST LIFE

RECIPES FROM KAVITA

INGREDIENTS

Crab Cake Recipe

1 lb crab meat, shredded  1 egg, beaten  3 tbsp mayo  1 tsp Worcestershire sauce  2 tsp old bay  1 tbsp parsley, chopped  1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs  1 tsp lemon juice  2 tbsp butter

INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Pick crab meat to remove any remaining pieces of shell.  2. In a large bowl, combine crab meat, egg, mayo, Worcestershire sauce, old bay, parsley, panko, and lemon juice. Mix ingredients by hand or fork but avoid over mixing. You want to keep lumps of crab meat as much as possible.  3. Form into patties. This should make 6-8 good size patties.  4. Heat butter in a skillet, then fry cakes for about 4 minutes on each side or until brown crust forms on the cakes.    Served with grits and asparagus. Enjoy!

Chef Kavita APRIL/MAY 2016 | The BEST LIFE

APRIL/MAY 2016 | The BEST LIFE

Rise to the President’s Challenge... Make physical activity part of your life

he month of May has been designated National Physical Fitness and Sports Month to raise awareness of the importance of active living. Many organizations, communities, and schools have joined with the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition (PCFSN) to challenge Americans to get active, get fit, and eat well throughout the month of May – and, of course, for the rest of their lives. May is the month to begin to set those great health habits for the new you.

Get Moving

hysical activity is an essential part of a being health. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans (PAG) recommends that adults get at least 2½ hours of moderately to vigorously intense physical activity each week. You can spread this activity out over easy 30-minute increments, five days a week. Or you can choose from many activities and can accumulate activities in bouts of 10 minutes. The HHS also advises doing muscle-strengthening exercises two or more days a week. The health benefits of regular physical activity can be remarkable. Regular physical activity can: • Help you maintain a healthy weight • Lower your cholesterol • Lower your blood pressure • Strengthen muscles and bones • Reduce your risk for heart disease, diabetes, some cancers, and obesity • Regular physical activity can also help your mental health. Often, when you’re low, regular physical activity can pick you up; or, if you’re anxious, physical activity can calm you down as you recover from your fitness return. • There are even intangible benefits of participating in fitness activities, including: • Providing an opportunity to connect with others • Lifting your spirits • Giving you a new outlook on a problem or project

Adding Activity

ealth benefits can be gained through simple everyday tasks, such as raking leaves, cleaning the house, or walking the dog. Even 30 minutes a day, broken up into shorter increments of 10 or 15 minutes, can greatly improve your health. For more ideas of easy ways to add activity in your day and to calculate if it’s enough to meet the PAG, visit our Physical Activity page.

Making Room for Sports

ports can give a big boost to the amount of physical activity in your life. You can choose individual activities like: biking, running, swimming, or hiking. Or, you may want to celebrate your social—and perhaps more competitive—side by joining a team or a club. Research your local community to find adult teams to join such as: soccer, baseball, basketball, hockey, football, tennis, or even Ultimate Frisbee. So, whatever activity or sports that you choose, remember to check with your physician first, and take care to slowly warm up your muscles and joints before you start any strenuous activity. Also, give yourself time to cool down and gently stretch when you’re finished. And, most of all, pick something you truly enjoy and do it regularly. Rise to the challenge! Reprinted from FOH.HHS.GOV

“So, whatever activity or sports that you choose, remember to check with your physician first, and take care to slowly warm up your muscles and joints before you start any strenuous activity” APRIL/MAY 2016 | The BEST LIFE