THE BACK TO SCHOOL ISSUE AUG. 2019
Everyday CROWN ROCKER
THE
www.theeverydaycrownrocker.com
INSIDE THIS ISSUE "I JUST DIDN'T CARE ANYMORE"
EATING OUR WAY BACK TO SCHOOL
GRACE FOR YOUR FACE
It is finally here. This magazine is such a beautiful passion project for me. After spending months working at a job that was literally sucking my soul dry, God revived this passion in me and brought back to the forefront something that truly lights me up. As I was thinking about this back to school season for this very first issue, it made me think of new beginnings and how God renews, rejuvenates, refreshes and restarts things in our lives. As the kids go back to school, to learn new things at a new level...I have to ask, are you learning? Are you growing? Are you moving on to a new level? Crown Rocking is about owning the God given crown you rock! That means, it is also about growth in all aspects of your life. God’s vision is to see you whole, just the way He originally made you. You rock your crown, the same crown. as a mom, a wife, a business owner, a woman, in the workplace and as a functioning citizen of the world. It is my honest prayer that this magazine helps you grow in this crown rocking thing! It is my heart's desire that through the articles in this magazine, you start to learn how to live whole, renewed, rejuvenated, refreshed and gain fresh perspective on the crown that adorns your lovely head. I am truly honored that you have chosen to make your growth and wholeness a priority to you. Way to rock your crown! I’m excited for this and future issues coming out. I’m excited to witness your growth. I can’t wait to hear your testimonies. I’m excited to share in your journey. God is up to something ya’ll and I am truly blessed for the opportunity to be in your orbit!.
Jasmine Tosseth-Smith editor-in-chief
Who's Inside? 04
15
08
11
19
Who's Inside?
28
23 36
42
31
This month's feature
39
46
Care I JUST DIDN'T
ANYMORE
-Tracie Ritz -
T H E
E V E R Y D A Y
C R O W N
R O C K E R
M A G A Z I N E
pg 4
&
Fierce
fabulous
BY TRACIE RITZ PHOTO CREDIT: CERASI VOIGHT Hello fellow Crown Rockers… let’s talk fashion!
There is nothing wrong with not following fashion trends
What does Crown Rocking have to do with
or with being secure enough to feel no need to wear
clothes? We honor our Creator in everything we do. Obviously, how we dress, how we feel, and how much we spend all reflect our relationship with God. It’s OK to feel and look pretty. Having a positive self image gives us confidence… When we are confident we are more approachable. We need to be approachable to help others with whatever gifts our Lord blessed us with!
makeup. I wouldn’t say I was confident though. I hardly ate enough to survive and had put on a lot of weight due to a thyroid condition. By the time my doctor got it somewhat under control, I just didn’t care anymore. I didn’t feel that I was “worth it”.
That is definitely NOT rocking your crown. We are all beautiful and “worth it” to our Lord. He even
This issue let’s talk about how what we wear affects
died and was resurrected to prove it to us!
how we feel. I spent many years walking around
I am not really sure when I started to care again, or what
looking like a homeless person. No makeup, wearing
caused the change. I think it was a combination
whatever I happened to grab that day and only shopping at second-hand stores (or the occasional $3 sale item at Walmart). I didn’t know that I had a poor
of things. I really got into researching natural medicine and got my thyroid working by changing my diet and taking nutritional supplements. I started eating something
self image, I just thought that I didn’t care about
healthy about every two hours. I didn’t realize how bad I fashion. Anyone else been there?
had felt until I actually felt good! I had energy, I was
Maybe you are there?
still
getting great sleep, I could sweat (I hadn’t been able to sweat for about 15 years), my acid reflux was gone, and my fat started to “melt”. I went down three pants sizes over the first year! I am still what society would consider “fat” or overweight, but I look and feel FABULOUS!
pg 5
Around the same time... as
my
diet
change,
my
teenage
daughter
started
commenting
on
my
clothes and asking me if I would dress nicer. I know that most teens are embarrassed ashamed
of
about
their
parents
myself.
My
daughter
in
some
deserved
way
or
a
mom
another, who
but
cared
I
felt
about
herself, not someone who hid behind sloppy clothes hoping nobody would notice her! My daughter was definitely worth making the change for. In the process, I learned I was worth it too.
So, if you have been making excuses for dressing like a bum, knock it off! Quit saving your “Good Clothes” for a special occasion… what could possibly be more special than TODAY! Go to your closet and put something on that makes you feel fabulous… then go to the store or take your kids to school
or practice. Maybe even strut a little bit (just a little bit though)! It doesn’t matter if anyone even sees you feeling so fabulous, it’s not for them…
it’s for YOU! Now go… “Rock It”!
"I am NOT a fashion expert, just a woman who loves the Lord and enjoys looking fabulous. Please check out my YouTube channel “Tracie’s Tidbits”. "
pg 6
Crown Rocking 101
Starting September, 2019 go to: www.theeverydaycrownrocker.com
by Theresa Horne
MEAL PLANNING TO EASE THE TRANSITION BACK TO SCHOOL
The second week of August means county fair time in my small town. 4H animals and crafting contests, fair food and Ferris wheel rides signal the end of summer and the beginning of the back to school shuffle. Going back to school can be a big change for the family dynamic. Building routines for meals is a great way to build structure into your days and ease the transition to a new schedule. Meal planning can not only save you time and money it also helps ensure that healthy food is available to us when your loved ones get hungry. Hungry people are more likely to make poor food choices. Having healthy food readily available can limit unhealthy snacking. Meal planning doesn’t have to be dramatic or time consuming. Pick one meal to plan and once you get the hang of it add another meal to your planning.
pg 8
EATING OUR WAY
BACK TO SCHOOL One important meal to consider as we move to days away from home either at work or at school, is breakfast. While intermittent fasting works well for some people, many of us, especially those under the age of 18, feel best and respond better after eating breakfast. My favorite combination for breakfast is a meal that consists of a protein, carbohydrate and a healthy fat. Breakfast traditionally has been a carbohydrate heavy meal in the American diet so bonus points for any breakfast that includes non-starchy vegetables. Let me share three of my favorite quick breakfast meals. My first breakfast favorite is egg muffins loaded with diced veggies and a protein. Egg muffins can be eaten alone or with sautéed spinach or kale on hungry mornings. You can find tons of recipe ideas on Pinterest if you search “egg muffins” The next family favorite is Grain free banana bread with nut butter. The bread can be made ahead in batches and frozen for later use; it can also be made into muffins for a single serve option. Another popular option is the smoothie. You can load all kinds of fruit, vegetables and protein for an easy to prepare portable snack. Having a plan for breakfast eliminates the need for last minute rushing, decreases morning time stress and gives everyone a burst of energy in the morning. Here is one smoothie recipe for you to try.
Let me know how you like it!
| 03
pg 9
GREEN GLOW PROTEIN SMOOTHIE
1 small banana 1 cup spinach 1 cup kale 1 tbsp. almond butter • 2/3 cup (150ml) coconut water(or other liquid of your choice) • 1 scoop (25g) vanilla protein powder, optional Place all ingredients into a high-speed blender and blitz until smooth.
Serve immediately. NOTE: The protein powder is optional, but adds a boost of protein.. You can use whey or any plant based protein powder. You can also replace the protein powder with a few tablespoons of Greek yogurt (in that case reduce the amount of liquid.
Theresa Horne is a Certified Personal Trainer -National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), Fitness Nutrition Specialist (NASM) and owner of Sisterhood of Strong where she coaches her clients in creating the habits of total wellness by eliminating barriers to living a healthy lifestyle. Follow https://www.facebook.com/sisterhoodofstrong/ and | 03 https://www.instagram.com/sisterhoodofstrong/ ENDURANCE
GO.
&
GIVE YOURSELF GRACE LOVE YOUR FACE pg 11
PAGE 7
Nailing your EVERYDAY makeup routine BY AIMEE EBERT
{A-hem!} School is starting soon and brings with it early mornings filled with chaos. The arguing, dragging teens out of bed, and trying to be patient as your children get ready at a snail’s pace… I don’t know about you, but I’ll take ANYTHING that will make my morning go a bit smoother! Look, I’m not going to lie, I’m usually that mom in the drop off line or the bus stop looking like she just rolled out of bed, well, because I did {A-hem!}. But there are days when I need to put on a quick face and at least attempt to look like I got more than 4 hours of sleep. Those late night Netflix and Hulu binges always come back to bite me in the morning! {Chomp!} I hear some people actually get up early and take time to get ready everyday. I’m not sure that I can relate much to you people, but I do admire you! Haha. As for me, I’ll rock my dry shampoo and mom bun and that extra cup of coffee, please and thank you!
Here are my top tips for putting your best face forward when you’re running short on time.
pg 12
A good skin care routine at NIGHT
Your makeup is only as good as your skin! Taking care of your skin at night is an easy way to help your makeup look great with minimal makeup having to be used in the morning! I’m a huge fan of the Midnight Oil collection by LimeLife by Alcone. It’s only two steps and it does everything you would ever want a skincare system to do!
Use the right tools! Good brushes will make all the difference in both the speed of your application and your finished look. Invest in professional brushes for things like foundation and concealer. It will make a huge difference and end up saving you tons of precious time!
Stick to the basics If you’re short on time this obviously isn’t the best time to practice a time consuming cut crease. The basics for me are a medium-full coverage foundation (so I can skip the concealer), a brow pencil (consider yourself blessed if you don’t have to fill in your brows!), mascara, blush, and a lipstick. If you’re a fan of color, a bold lipstick is a quick and easy way to get your look popin’ on a timeline.
Invest in high quality makeup If Just like with brushes, using great makeup will shave a lot of time off your routine. You don’t have to work as hard to get it to look good.
Be ok with not looking perfect This is the most important one, so listen up! You can only do so much in five minutes. Give yourself grace and love your face, even if you didn’t get concealer on that blemish, or your eyes are extra puffy this morning. Girl, trust me when I say this,
You Are beautiful!
As a wife and mom to four kids I understand that life can get crazy, but I believing in finding beauty and grace in the chaos.Like so many women, I spent years unhappy with how I looked. The feelings of not being good enough trickled into every aspect of my life, until one day I decided it was enough. I started taking care of the body God gave me and slowly began to realize how amazing it is, flaws and all!We are all fearfully and wonderfully made, sometimes we just need help seeing it. Beauty is in all of us, and I love helping women recognize theirs. I show women how they can use makeup to express who they are while accentuating the beauty they were created with.But above all, my purpose is helping women find their worth and identity in Christ, as daughters of the King Most High, so they can love themselves like Jesus loves them.
pg 13
Crown Rocking 101 Often we are unhappy and we feel trapped by the circumstances of our lives and we feel like nothing excites us. Or we get stuck in guilt and shame and blame and the responsibility for past mistakes and poor decisions that leave us feeling dead, numb or empty inside, like we are not and cannot live our best lives. Our marriages/relationships feel stagnant. Our families are wrought with dysfunction and chaos. Our businesses seem stalled. Our circumstances feel insurmountable. For you that are thirsting for meaning...let us drink from the fountain and be quenched. That deep emptiness and longing within… let’s start doing the heartwork to fill that void You or someone else messed up your life? Find purpose and meaning. Trying to discover who you are and where you are going? Let's get with Daddy in heaven and start creating His roadmap for you!
Starting September, 2019 go to: www.theeverydaycrownrocker.com
CREATIVE WAYS TO EXPRESS...
Gratitude
by Ashley Sauls pg 15
MY
process of thinking of creative ways to express gratitude did not start with a day free of complaints. It occurred while sitting down for lunch with thoughts of frustration and just being over the day. Coming from vacation to work can feel like a bummer. While everyone was happy to see me come back refreshed, I secretly wished for one more day away. I am sure these are similar sentiments you may be feeling if you are returning to school or your family is preparing to return to the Monday through Friday routine. How can you be grateful about early mornings, packed lunches, after school activities, and another school year? It can be found in a word we are aware of, but often forget how to implement:
Gratitude
pg 16
Gratitude is defined by the MerriamWebster dictionary as “The state of being grateful: thankfulness.” What does thankfulness mean? Being aware and making a decision to express appreciation for someone or something. When someone takes the time to acknowledge we are present, we can demonstrate our thankfulness with a smile or a wave. It makes us feel good on the inside. We can also be thankful when people take time to think of us in the movement of the day. Who doesn’t feel good hearing the comforting voice of a good friend or words of encouragement from someone you admire? What about being grateful for life? This is where my lunchtime sulking turned into an opportunity to encourage you and your family towards gratitude. Listening to the story of Brady Campbell, a 6-year-old boy who recently lost his father to cancer, I would believe he and his family had every right and reason to show contempt. Instead, he made a decision to honor his father’s legacy by opening a lemonade stand that has generated global attention. It really inspired me that he is taking what is perceived as “lemons” in life and creating smiles and hope for others through his young entrepreneurial quest. It hit me watching his story that there is no reason, even when life has its stressful moments, to be bitter. At every moment, I have a decision to focus on the good and be grateful. Difficult days will come and the first day of school joy bells will dissipate, but that doesn’t mean your gratitude needs to disappear. How can you cultivate gratitude creatively as a family throughout the school year?
pg 17
Consider Creating a Gratitude Jar Need to remember things that you are grateful for? Consider creating a gratitude jar that is filled with reasons you can be thankful. I will be creating my own jar, and it will be my goal to at least put one word or thought in the jar. To make it fun or a family project, consider encouraging an individual and/or family gratitude jar. Commit, as a family, to putting a word or thought into the jar and decorating it. There are some excellent ideas available on Pinterest if you need some creative inspiration.
Consider a Gratitude Journal
If writing/artwork is your thing, consider creating a gratitude journal. This can be an individual or family project as well. Commit to taking at least 5 minutes to reflect on reasons you are grateful. The journal can include a combination of writing and or sketches that you and your family can reflect on often.
Consider creating Gratitude care packages This is something I am going to be implementing more often, and I can’t wait to share more with what unfolds. Often ingratitude occurs because we are thinking about what is not happening for us. This can naturally lead to sulking because it is “me� centered. What about thinking about others who might be going through various challenges and giving them an encouraging gift or token as a reminder they are not forgotten. This could be a weekend project that involves the family finding a way to serve. There are no limitations to what can be done. I am going to make creative care packages that include refreshing snacks and a fun activity to hand out. I am setting a budget of $20 and want to serve 12 people. Giving back does not have to be expensive and can still be impactful.
What creative ways do you and your family plan to cultivate gratitude?
Ashley Sauls is a creative leader who loves to use the vehicle of written and spoken word as an author, blogger, and facilitator of Daughters Restored Heart and Soul Retreats.
pg 18
Back to Basics:
The Fundamentals for Great Relationships BY MIKE DAVIS School season is upon us! Kids are heading back to class to learn and relearn the fundamentals: reading writing and arithmetic. Fundamental are important. They are the basis of success for any endeavor of life: sports, finances, health, and especially relationships. In my work as an Emotional Success Coach, corporate trainer, and pastor I am regularly called upon to help individuals, teams and couples resolve their relationship problems. I have learned that these problems are often the results of these groups of people departing from, or not knowing the fundamentals for a thriving, healthy relationship.
After working with people for over two and a half decades I have identified 7 fundamental principles, skills and practices that are the basis of a healthy and successful relationship. These 7 Principles and Practices are what my wife Karen and I use that has enabled us to thrive in our marriage for the past 31 years. They are: The Power of Choice, Vision, Personal Responsibility, Emotional Management, Bringing Your Best Self, Creating Your Experience, and Conflict Resolution..Â
pg 19
We will deal with each Principle and Practice one at a time and in some depth. Today we will begin with: A.
The power of
Choice!
pg 20
19
In Deuteronomy 30:19 Moses speaking on God’s behalf say to Israel “I have set before you life and death blessing and cursing therefore choose life that both thou and thy seed may live” What the nation would experience of either life or death, blessing or curses would be the result of the choice they made. Their life experience would be a reflection of their life choices. The principle of the power of choice simply stated is this: “Your life is a reflection of the decisions you have made, if you want a better life then make better decisions.” When specifically applied to relationships the principle is stated as “Your relationship is reflection of the decisions you have made if you want a better relationship then make better decisions.” Now of course in life many events are outside of our control. But how we live and respond to those events – that we can always choose. And it is our “response-choices” that create our experiences in our relationships.
Your current relationship experience is the result of the choices you and your partner have made -individually and together. Take a moment and reflect on that. What are you currently experiencing right now in your relationship - good or bad? Now ask yourself this question: “What choices have led to this experience? Is it a choice I made, that my spouse made -or that we made together?” All of our relationship experiences arise out of our choices. And here is the good news. If you don’t like your current relationship experience – you can change it! How? By choosing to do something different! And here is another piece of good news: You do not have to wait until your partner changes before YOU decide to make different choices (and thus create a different experience)! You can decide to make different choice now and the choices you make will create a difference in your relationship experience. It cannot not make a difference. Your relationship experience can only remain the same as long as one, or both of you continue to make and maintain the same choices. When one, or both of you decide to choose something different – your relationship experience must change.
pg 21
And here is another piece of good news: You do not have to wait until your partner changes before YOU decide to make different choices (and thus create a different experience)! You can decide to make different choice now and the choices you make will create a difference in your relationship experience. It cannot not make a difference. Your relationship experience can only remain the same as long as one, or both of you continue to make and maintain the same choices. When one, or both of you decide to choose something different – your relationship experience must change. See ya next issue! Mike Mike Davis, also known as “The Emotional Success Coach”, is an author, speaker, corporate trainer andpastor.He has a doctorate degree in First Century Christianity in It’s Jewish Context from the Centre for the Study of Biblical Research, Division of Graduate Studies. He has trained and coached individual clients and teams in Fortune 500 companies in live, face to face training, as well as, through virtual online events, across the United States, and around the world for the past 25 years.
pg 22
Featured Contributor Nakeisa Jackson pg 23
Turning My Pain Into Purpose BY NAKEISA JACKSON PHOTO
CREDIT:
THE
AUTHOR
It was early January right after Christmas, it was the Sunday before I went back to Alabama to return to college. That morning I looked over at my boyfriend and asked, “Would you like to go to church?” he stared at me with this confused look. He started to denounce the whole institution. He
I didn’t know a lot about God or Jesus. I just knew that
started to tell me how church wouldn’t do anything for
they existed. I have always known this. As a child, I felt
me. I had never really been a church goer outside of
like I had actually been to heaven before. I knew that I
the times I went with my grandmother as a young girl
also had dreams that came true. I wanted concrete
or for a funeral. I had heard mixed reviews on church
answers and I knew it wasn’t something to play with
my whole life. Something came over me and pressed on me to go. Although he was upset I told him, “I am
So I went to church that January morning. While sitting
going”, and if he didn’t want to go that was ok. I also
in service something came over me and by the end of
told him, he needed to get out my mom’s house and go
service, I was giving my life over to Christ. I really don’t
home. At this time I was all of 19, and the relationship
remember walking up there but I remember learning
that I was in was stressful. My boyfriend was very
about ministry and the need to attend the New
controlling and much older than I was. He was in my
Member class afterwards. I felt different and I wanted
mother’s house with me because, to be completely
to learn about God and Jesus. It was like immediately, I
honest, he didn’t have any housing of his own. I was so
want to know who created me and what He wanted
completely stressed out by the relationship at this
from me.
point, that if going to church would send him away, I was more than ready to go. Regardless of what the
After being saved, I went back to school. I told my
mixed reviewers had said.
roommate all about it and we started reading the bible and going to a local church. A month later we came
About two months before that Sunday, I was
back and got baptized.
approached by a member of a church around the corner from my mother’s house. He said I should check it out one day and that the church was a good one. I remembered his words and decided I would attend his church. At 19, I had been through so much and I knew that something had to change about my life.
John 3:16(KJV) For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
pg 24
As I began this walk that toxic relationship ended abruptly. I was okay with that because it was toxic and he had violated me in many ways. And quite truthfully, I was relieved and happy that God took him out of my life. One day in March I went to the health department
If they were real, why did God allow this to happen to
because I wanted to get checked out due to some
me? I had given him my life and he should have
personal issues. While there I got a full workup and was
stopped this. I was so hurt, confused and angry that I
sent on my way.
walked out the room to the car. I saw my roommate and burst out in even more tears. I told her what they
A few weeks later, I received a call.
said and my life would never be the same.That day I attempted to live a regular life and go to class it didn’t
“Ms. Brown, has anyone spoken to you about your test
work at all. I ended up staying home crying for a day or
results,” he asked,
two. I then began researching because I thought I was going to die and soon.
“No,” I said nervously.“We need you to come in as soon as possible,” he stated,
I was upset that God had allowed this to happen to me and I wanted answers.
“Ok, I will come in tomorrow,” I stated as my heart sank deep into my soul. I had no idea what the problem could be. My mind started to be filled with anxiety. I tried to talk to my roommate to calm me down. It worked for a little bit. The next morning I went to the health department and was met by a man in a 3 piece suit. I had no idea who he was. He took me to one of the rooms in the back and offered me a chair. It was one of the rooms where you saw a doctor but it was clear he wasn’t going to examine me. He took out a folder and began to share results with me. He told me all these negative test results. I started to breathe and then I started to get annoyed. It was 8am and I had class what in the world did he want.Then I heard the words I never wanted to hear.“Your HIV results are positive,” he said with no emotion.
Tears flooded my face, as my mind began to race
Eventually God made it clear that he would use this diagnosis for my good. He spoke to me about my future career in nursing and future business endeavors. Even though I couldn’t see it then I knew that I should trust him. He had already proven that I was going to live.Over time, I became a nurse and then I began to share my testimony. God had brought me through that devastation and freed me from self stigmatization. I use to hate myself so much because I felt as though this was my fault. I felt that I was being punished. God redeemed me and showed me differently. I learned that I was not tainted and I was not my mistakes. He also started to work with me on the other issues that were deeper than this diagnosis. He started to work with me through the issues of low self esteem and the lack of loving myself properly. I started to learn who I was through Christ. I learned what God’s love was, and applied it to my life.
He had to be making a mistake. There was no way my As I grew he impressed upon me that it was time to HIV test was positive. I just had a test and the results begin to share more than just my diagnosis. were fine. I just couldn’t believe him and what he was saying.
pg 25
It was time for me to create a safe haven for other women who dealt with stigmatization. As I grew he impressed upon me that it was time to begin to share more than just my diagnosis.
He wanted me to teach other women how to love themselves beyond their diagnosis. As I shared my story through social media, blogging, and my debut memoir I began to grow more. I soon realized that I was reaching more than just women living with HIV. I began to reach women dealing with all types of issues from low self esteem, daddy issues, abuse, and mental health diagnosis. I began to open up about all these things and began to lay the foundation for my nonprofit Aniyahs Space.
Aniyahs Space was created as a safe space for women living with chronic conditions and women who are going through life’s tragedies to received the holistic services that they need. These services include education, spiritual counseling, and a safe space to share. It is also a community awareness organization that host community events. This October 4-6,2019 we are launching in Atlanta, GA. for a launch event.
This event will be a three day weekend to create a
Book: www.nakeisajackson.com/shop The book is also on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited https://www.amazon.com/Life-After-HIV-Removing-Mask/
sisterhood among women. It will start Friday night with a meet and greet dinner and fireside chat. Saturday is our premier program and workshop, Sister Story Circle Empowerment Workshop. The workshop will include speakers, panelist and a workshop to give attendees the opportunity to share their stories uniquely. There will also be food, fun, raffles and more. Then on Sunday we brunch and paint. We understand that its not often that we get the opportunity to be with our sisters and just take a break from life. This is like a retreat without the lodging.
My goal with this nonprofit is that we will stop stigma one woman at a time and we will all learn how to advocate for ourselves. Although, I never wanted HIV to be my portion it has been the vessel to bring out my purpose to walk with God.
pg 26
Event Link: bit.ly/sisterstorycircles Tickets: bit.ly/givememyticket Sponsors: bit.ly/sponsorshipssc
pg 27
Free to
Rock
Your Crown
BY: CAROL GRIFFITHS Sister, as you prepare for a new school year, I want you to know that you are Free to Rock Your Crown in your unique way. That means the way you rock your crown does not have to mimic how your mom, sister, bestie, or neighbor rocks her crown. In every season of your life, you have the privilege of rocking your crown in your own special way.
Real success involves owning the truth that you are free to rock your crown. You have your own crown that fits you just right. It’s based on the dimensions of your life – your strengths, growth areas, purpose, values, and needs. To rock your crown well, you not only need to know who you are and why you were created, you also need to know what is important to you in this season.
For many of us, it’s ‘Back to School’ season. What does ‘Back to School’ mean for you? Maybe you are a mother (grandmother, aunt, godmother) of school aged children, have a ministry or secular position that allows you to work with school aged children, or you’re in school yourself, upgrading your qualifications. In whichever capacity you find yourself, there is likely to be a mixture of excitement and exhaustion in this season. It’s time for you to say good-bye to the fun of summer with its more relaxed schedule, fun trips, shopping, visiting loved ones, and splashing around at the pool or beach. Yes, you’re preparing to say hello to the more structured, often nonstop pace of school life. The end of summer is your time to plan for the upcoming school year and make sure you have everything you need for success. But, how do you determine what you really need for success? Success requires more than buying uniforms and supplies.
pg 28
Crown
Freely Rock Your
Below are some questions to help you freely rock your crown in this upcoming school year. The only “right” answer is whatever works for you. The beauty of being Free to Rock Your Crown is that you’re free to choose the answers that are right for you right now. Likewise, you are free to adjust your answers throughout the school year as conditions change.
What’s important to you as a person, wife, mother, leader, influencer? What areas of your family life need more attention? e.g. spirituality, financial stability, relationship healing, community What do you or your children need to focus on this school year? e.g. improving academically, creating/maintaining friendships, extracurricular involvementDo you need additional resources (time, tutors, babysitter, finances)? Are there adjustments you need to make to your (family’s) activities to make room for activities of higher priority?
Carol Griffiths is a Freedom Guide who uses her gifts of teaching, writing, faith, discernment, administration, and knowledge to guide people to experience healing, wholeness, and freedom in their lives. She is passionate about self-discovery, self-awareness, and living a purposeful life.
Answering these questions can help you develop a plan for success that fits you and your family’s needs for the upcoming school year. If you know that relationship healing is most important for your family, you may decide to reduce everyone’s individual extracurricular activities so you can go to family counseling and/or spend more quality time together as a family. Alternatively, even though your schedule is tight, you may know that this is a crucial year for developing your child’s athletic skills. Therefore, you may decide to carpool with some of the parents on the team to help with transportation for practices. Sister, know that you don’t need to be perfect. But you should be intentional. Have a plan for success. Yet, be open to God-adjustments. You’re not alone. Heavenly Father is your Source for greatest Crown Rocking. So, freely rock your crown in your way.
pg 29
Back to School,
Back to basics.
by: Kelly Ramsey
pg 31
The beginning of the school year is a time when parents are either excited or seized with anxiety. Let’s be honest for some of us it represents, routines, rules, and strict adherence to schedules. For others of us, who spend the Summer months trying to keep our children engaged, learning, and having fun it feels like the replacements have come to take our place on the team. No matter what camp you’re in you have the right to admit exactly where you are. You are a parent managing multiple schedules, appointments, your career, your own life experiences and the children you are responsible for bringing up to be amazing world changers. Now that we have admitted where we are let’s look at what Back to School means and how to navigate the season that is fast-approaching. Let’s do a word association, when I say back to school you say… What words come to mind? What images popped into your head?
When I ask my 9-year-old, he says, fun, pencils, schoolwork, that’s all. When asking my 12-year-old he says, work harder, a new year, new chances, a new chapter of your life, the next beginning, sports life, education, scholarships, that’s all I got. What a difference in our experience of what it means to go back to school. For the youngest, it’s about basic things fun, pencils and schoolwork. You must love a child who is bent toward routine and structure. That’s all he really needs!
Here are the words that come to mind for me as an
For the oldest, he’s had some experiences the past
educator, mom, and college professor. New pencils,
two years and is in transition to teenage years.
school supplies, folders, planners, books, new
He’s setting goals to experience a better year and
shoes, backpacks, learning styles, nervousness,
even looking to high school and scholarships that
anxiety, excitement, courage, bravery, new
will take him to the college of his choice. All of that
beginnings, memories, childhood, Mrs. Battle, file
speaks to the importance of parenting and guiding
folders, magazine boxes, sports schedules, erasers,
our children on their road. As advocates for our
home life, routines, and uniforms.
children, we set the tone of how they go from stage to stage.
pg 32
As a mom, my list is about my own experience as a student, that’s why Mrs. Battle is on the list. She was my kindergarten teacher, many years ago. The impact she made was long lasting and gave me great feelings about being a teacher, creating learning spaces for children, and changing the world I live in. The list also includes my duties as a parent to have my children prepared, the routines that need to be reestablished since we relaxed in the Summertime and preparing for a school year that is successful for everyone. Back to School is about getting back to the basics. It is for the children and for the adults. It provides a chance to take inventory of where we are and how we want to move forward with our goals and aspirations. As adults, we may be the student reentering the school setting and embarking on a new career. We all need some basic things to establish routine and have a successful experience. Here are a few basic things to get us started that establish a great start. As you read through the list, try one thing rather than trying to evaluate if you are off to a great start. This is not about perfection, but about creating a system that you can live in.
pg 33
PLAN AHEAD.
PLAN FOR MEALS & FAMILY DINNERS. Meal shopping one day a week, with a menu in mind. Include breakfast options for kids, lunch items, and easy meals to prepare at the end of the day. As families sit together for meals it is a time for reconnection. Sharing about the day. Tuning into what’s not being shared. Slowing down to create memories. Your mealtime is created for your family. You can create it to be easy going eating together, preparing meals together, or special moments to connect. You decide.
CREATE A SCHEDULE. What time will you wake up? What time will you need to leave the house, to arrive on time to school? What items should be added to the schedule, due dates, sports practices, sports games, appointments, parent conferences, and your schedule.
By preparing things the night before it prepares you for a smoother morning. How many things can be done ahead of time? Ironing clothes for the week. Packing lunches and placing them in the fridge, ready to grab. Packing backpacks with all the things for the day. Setting out clothes with everything needed, so it’s easy to get dressed and we’re not sorting through baskets to find a shirt, or socks.
PLAN FOR ME TIME. Yes, I said it. PLAN for ME Time. You will need time to sit, reflect and breathe. In all of your planning and preparing don’t’ forget to plan for you. That may be a 30minute timer that everyone can visually see, that says, when the timer is finished, I can answer questions, do homework, prepare dinner, but first I need to breathe and relax.
TOO MUCH? If this list is overwhelming, just pick three things and focus on that. I will pack lunches, put kids to bed early, and wake up first. You decide what your three things are. The great thing is they can change to meet whatever you need. Keep it simple!
pg 34
CREATE A SPACE FOR EACH MEMBER TO GROW!
Back to basics is all about reestablishing the family rhythm and creating a space that each member has a space to grow and learn and establish a foundation. The family is the first institution created by God. It’s where we learn how to get along with each other, we develop our character, we make mistakes and are forgiven. It’s the place that creates every other institution in the world. It’s the most important work and takes time to develop. Be kind to yourself and remember:
breathe and be gentle with yourself.
Kelly Ramsey the owner of Developing People, Inc. is a experienced presenter and workshop leader in the areas of early childhood education, parenting, relationship development and adult education. As the owner of Developing People, Inc. Kelly creates learning opportunities for adults that evoke passion and creates new paths for learning. She enjoys sharing in the discovery with the learner, facilitating the exchange of ideas, and providing resources to enhance the learning experience.
pg 35
Subscribe to the magazine to get EVERY issue first and a whole host of other exclusives like: - Behind the scenes Contributor Interviews - Access to the RESOURCE library - Subscriber only OFFERS & GIVEAWAYS
Go to:
https://www.patreon.com/theeverydaycrownrocker
HOW TO STAYÂ
"Connected"
THIS SCHOOL YEAR WITHOUT SOCIAL MEDIA.
BY: TASHA GLOVER
pg 36
Step ONE
Once you open the Google Photos App you want to tap the share button in the bottom right of the device. Next tap “Start a new share”. Here is where you can create an album, add a title and add photos. One of the things that I love about google photo sharing is that you can create an auto-updating album by selecting faces of people in your phone. This can be done by selecting people and pets. (see image below)
With kids going back to school we don’t want to miss out on all the wonderful pics and updates. Social media is a wonderful tool but it can command a lot of time and commitment. I’m sure I don’t have to tell you that! If you are not careful you can spend more time than necessary trying to keep up with family and loved ones. No worries, there is another way and you have access on your mobile device whether you are on an IPhone or Android.Here’s what you need to stay connected this school year without social media: A mobile device The Google Photos App Photos or Videos in your phone to share Name, Photo or email of the person you want to share with
Once you turn this feature on, Google will automatically upload any pictures of that person or pet that you take with your phone to the album you selected. It will be automatically shared with the people that you select once you hit the share button. If you do not want to have your photos auto shared you can select just a few photos and go back and add more later. The people who you share your album with will get an email letting them know that you have invited them to view your album. You can go back into the album and choose to disable comments or turn collaboration off. (see image below)
Step TWO pg 37
Now you’re all set to share, like and comment on photos and videos without social media.
pg 38
by: Christina Kimball
Have A Business Meeting with God Now is the perfect time!
It’s easy to grab hold of a vision at the beginning of the year and move forward full steam ahead until... summer happens. Beautiful weather begs you to come outside and enjoy the sunshine! Your favorite travel site is sending you deal after deal promising great adventures and discounts galore! Family, friends, and children want to explore new places and have FUN! It’s summer after all! Summer begins and your nice efficient routine goes into hiding. I
I get it!
pg 39
Back to school time almost feels like the end of summer except that the cool fall breezes haven’t kicked in and there are still about four months left in the year. This is
THE
a great time to sit down with our Father and ask Him about what’s on His heart concerning those you serve and lead. Whether it is within your family, sphere of influence or the clients you serve in business, God cares
FANTASTIC
about every single person. He has something on His heart for each of them... and it is GRAND! In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus told the disciples,
BLESSING:
“Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder.” (Matthew 26:36 KJV) Back to school time is a great time to “go and pray yonder” and really soak in the presence of Holy Spirit. It is during this time that you can praise God,
YOU GET TO
worship Him through song and in gratitude, maybe even do a little praise dancing. This is a time to completely surrender and rest in Him meditating on nothing else but His love and grace. It is during these times that I will often write down the questions I have for God. Then
BE PART OF
I will open up the Word and read a little while I have worship music playing. The reason I write down my questions first is that it clears my mind to focus solely on Him. Once I have spent time in complete surrender
IT!!
and adoration, I will bring my requests before Him concerning those I serve. I ask for direction very specifically - which is why I write down my questions.
pg 40
Too often our questions can be general and generic in nature instead of being very specific. I find that when I am specific, I receive specific answers, and can take efficient action. For example, I am a licensed mortgage loan originator. At the beginning of this year, I felt that I should let that part of my business go, however, I wasn’t certain of the timing. During a business meeting with God I could have requested that He “give me wisdom concerning the decision” (which is a very common request among believers), however, instead I asked Him, “Should I leave the mortgage industry? Is now the right time?” and I felt He answered “Yes” to every single question. Is that clarity or what?! Being very specific and asking God about His heart for my clients is very important. It keeps me from getting distracted on things that are not from Him and it is one of the best ways to partner with God in business and life! Another example is when I launched the Kingdom Come Community. I asked God, “What do you have for your people in this community?” and with my colored pencils I drew a vibrant picture containing mostly words I felt He was relaying to me. This drawing is now foundational to everything I bring to the community. It is God’s heart and enables me to release heaven through the work that I do. It is amazing to partner with God in this way. I am extending an invitation to you to plan some time to get away with Abba. Worship Him. Adore Him. Seek His heart for the people He has entrusted and will entrust to you in the future. It will bring you much peace and great joy as you partner with Him in a fresh new way. He loves you. You are special to Him.
HE WOULD LOVE TO SHARE SOME SPECIAL TIME WITH I am passionate about providing the platform and support for kingdom driven leaders, business owners, and entrepreneurs, and those who desire to be, to impact lives, advance the kingdom of heaven on earth and release heaven through the work that they do.Whether it is providing coaching, consulting or digital media publishing services or speaking and equipping through live and virtual events, the goal is the same - support others in being Holy Spirit-led and partnering with God to do something absolutely AMAZING for humanity!
YOU TODAY.
pg 41
Tending to Matters of the Soul for a School Year
Sane
B Y
L A T A R A
V E N I S E
pg 42
The start of a new school year... is often overwhelming. To try and ease the feeling of being out of control, parents often over plan and create so much structure that life is even more overwhelming for all involved. As a homeschool mom, I get it and have tried to plan and structure my family too far outside of our norm. Over the years I have learned how to create an even safer space for conducive learning by working from the core of who we are. We are emotional beings; what we feel, we think and what we think we act out.
As planned and structured as we can be, we often miss doing those things that will truly help to keep us together through the year. Instead of focusing on our emotional and mental space, we push our kids to do things that may cause emotional overload and mental breakdown. What we don’t often do is pay attention to these moments and deal with them before things start to go crazy.
In an age where children are taking their lives at alarming rates, one of the things we as mothers need to pay attention to are the matters of the soul.Â
As a Soul Care Provider and a mother of a teen who has overcome extreme trauma issues and being highly sensitive, I have learned three valuable things to help our family stay sane in an insane world; especially during the school year.
pg 43
1 2 3
Create SANE Spaces:
It’s important that your home have spaces where emotional and mental rest can be received. In this space you can include things like scented candles, a nice bean bag or chair, calming music, fun reading material, creative activities, and maybe some games. Anything that will help your family members process without pain and have a relaxing time. Give your children an open invitation to visit at least once per day.
Build Boundaries:
Teach your kids how to build and maintain boundaries. Even with you, the parent. This helps them to be more responsible, to respect themselves and others, and it’s a great confidence builder. Your kids need to know that they have a right to tend their soul by not allowing people to cross certain lines. Of course, as mom, make sure the boundaries are safe and healthy.
Have a Weekly Emotional Release Session:
During the week, kids can go through a great deal of emotional stress. Homework, tests, peer pressure, and an often-hectic schedule, can cause emotions to run amuck and be ignored. Don’t allow your children to push emotions into a subconscious level. That may cause a shift in their actions and behaviors that will not be favorable. Instead have a weekly opportunity where your family comes together and you talk about the week, what went well, what was not so well, and how you will move forward into the next week. Give your children an opportunity to express themselves and please, Mom, don’t dismiss their feelings because they are valid. Also, be the example by sharing you story as well.
By putting these simple yet powerful actions into place, you will find that your home is full of well colored souls! pg 44
LaTara V. Bussey is a certified master life coach, author, entrepreneurial mentor, storyteller, and vision keeper. She has been there; done that, and now writes books, helps people have healthy emotional conversations and speaks nationwide about a life not lived and the dangers it causes.
Crown Rocking 101 The Crown Rocking 101 course is here to reconnect you with the truth that you are loved, cherished and adored. The truth that you DO measure up. The truth that you ARE enough. The truth that you ARE worthy of your crown. The truth gets distorted and awe is turned into fear...but all of that can change. There is incredible hope, help and healing in adjusting your vision and getting a fresh revelation of the truth. You my dear are amazing and so incredibly loved. I’m so glad that you are allowing yourself the opportunity to know this for yourself.
Save yourself a spot. Starting September, 2019 go to: www.theeverydaycrownrocker.com
ONLY 40% OF PEOPLE COULD PAY FOR A $1000 EMERGENCY OUT OF POCKET pg 46
5
STEPS TO
MANAGING YOUR FINANCES BY: BRANDON GALICI
Before beginning your journey to financial success, you need to know your destination. Why do you want to gain control of your finances? Would you like to travel? Be more generous? Spend additional time with family? Write your vision down somewhere easily accessible for motivation.
Develop a Spending Plan (Budget)
I like to use the phrase “spending plan” when referring to a budget because it is a tool for deciding where your money will go ahead of time. You may feel like a budget will limit your enjoyment of the money you work so hard for. However, developing a spending plan actually gives you freedom because now you are telling your money where to go instead of wondering where it went. It allows you to decide how you will balance progression towards your financial goals with discretionary spending. Some things to keep in mind when starting or improving upon your spending plan: (1) Begin with your monthly take home income (the amount deposited into your account after taxes and all other deductions are subtracted out) (2) List all of your fixed expenses, such as mortgage/rent, car payments, etc. (3) Estimate your “lifestyle” expenses, like food, entertainment, and travel. (4) Track and record every transaction you make throughout the month. (5) Compare your spending in each category to your estimates and update your plan accordingly. It may take a few months to get into a rhythm, but before long you will be a budgeting pro!
pg 47
Before you can attack your debt, it’s important to know what debts you have and how much you owe towards each. This includes credit cards, student loans, car loans, personal loans, mortgage, etc. Because if you don’t know where you stand today, how can you progress towards where you want to be?
TAKE INVENTORY OF YOUR DEBT AND
I recommend using the “Debt Snowball” method.
ATTACK! Here's how it works:
(1) List your debts (besides mortgage) from smallest balance to largest outstanding balance. (2) Factor the minimum payment of each debt into your spending plan and pay each according to schedule. (3) Choose the debt with the smallest balance and repeatedly pay down as much as you can. (4) Once the smallest debt is eliminated, begin applying the payment you were making toward the next smallest debt. Since you will eliminate your smaller debts quickly, this method allows for you to experience motivating “wins” early on in the process. By the time you begin attacking your bigger debts, you will be paying them down with larger sums consisting of what was previously budgeted for your smaller debts. Hence the snowball effect. This will give you the motivation to continue your debt free quest!
pg 48
PLAN FOR RETIREMENT Retirement planning doesn’t have to be complex. Here are a few great things to ask your employer’s Human Resource department to get you started: - Does my employer offer a match in my retirement account (401k, 403b, etc)? - Who selects appropriate investments for me? - Is there a Roth option for my retirement account (401k, 403b, etc)? We will address your retirement planning options in depth (including options for those who are self employed) in a future article. PREPARE FOR THE UNEXPECTED
According to a Bankrate survey , only 40% of people could pay out of pocket for a $1,000 emergency. Most resort to using a credit card which puts them even further from their financial goals. So, what can you do today to be prepared for the unexpected? (1) Start by saving a small emergency fund of $1,000-$1,500 in a separate bank account. (2) Only tap into that account for emergencies! (3) When money from the emergency account is used, make sure to refill it. (4) Once you have paid off all debts besides your mortgage, save 3-6 months worth of living expenses into the account. (5) If anyone depends on you financially, purchase term life insurance that has a benefit of 10-12 times your salary. This will protect your family from a financial hardship if you were to pass away prematurely. Emergencies can happen at any time, so it is always wise to be prepared. Brandon is a Christian financial advisor whose focus is to help others take control of their finances and steward their resources to the best of their ability. Upon completion of his finance degree, Brandon spent six months in a training program designed to enhance his skills to better serve those he works with. He has since been building a practice where faith is an important part of nearly every client conversation.
pg 49
Subscribe to the magazine to get EVERY issue first and a whole host of other exclusives like: - Behind the scenes Contributor Interviews - Access to the RESOURCE library - Subscriber only OFFERS & GIVEAWAYS
Go to:
https://www.patreon.com/theeverydaycrownrocker
CONNECT WITH A CONTRIBUTOR
LaTara Venise
Mike Davis Theresa Horne
Tasha Glover
READ THEIR FULL BIOSÂ & FIND ALL THEIR CONTACT INFO AT: www.TheEverydayCrownRocker.com
pg 50