Today' Purpose Woman Bonus Issue by SV Media (Straker Valdezloqui)

TODAY’S

PURPOSE Woman

INV E ST IN Y OUR P UR P OSE

TIPS TO HELP REDUCE

ARE YOU SPIRITUALL Y FI T?

OVARIAN CANCER PURPOSE PURPOSE

HOW TO SELF- DISCOVER

YOUR PURPOSE

BONUS ISSUE

GLUTTONY’S

SPIRITUAL PURPOSE

HEALTH & FITNESS

EFFECTS ON

INDIVIDUALS & SOCIETIES

VISIT: TODAYSPURPOSEWOMAN.COM

Champion

TODAY’S PURPOSE WOMAN | FALL 2016

Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

DAUGHTER

King Of the

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n o B

I s u

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CONTENTS FALL | 2016

HEALTH

9 TIPS ON REDUCING OVARIAN CANCER September is Ovarian Cancer awareness month. by Dr. Colletta Orr

12 GLUTTONY’S EFFECTS ON INDIVIDUALS & SOCIETIES by Eating As An Act Of Worship Ministries

FASHION | STYLE

16 NEW BREED: SEASONS CHANGE by Tikca Robinson

SPIRITUAL FITNESS

19 ARE YOU SPIRITUALLY FIT by Saviela E. Thorne

SPIRITUAL HEALTH & FITNESS

22 “SHAKE IT OFF” by Gracia Collins Rich

27 HOW TO SELF- DISCOVER YOUR PURPOSE by Venessa D. Abram

TODAY’S PURPOSE WOMAN | FALL 2016

TODAY’S

PURPOSE Woman

EDITOR -IN -CHIEF Sherrell Straker-Valdezloqui

CONTENT EDITOR Shaina Ali Editor- in –Chief Sherrell Valdezloqui Welcomes You!

WRITERS Dr. Colletta Orr Gracia Collins Rich Saviela Edwards Thorne Tikca Robinson Venessa D. Abram Ann Wooten- Taylor

GRAPHIC DESIGN S&V Designs

WEBSITE ADDRESS www.todayspurposewoman.com

TODAY’S PURPOSE WOMAN | FALL 2016

WOMEN’S

HEALTH TODAY’S PURPOSE WOMAN | FALL 2016

Dr. Colletta Orr - Breast & Ovarian Research Scientist

TODAY’S PURPOSE WOMAN | FALL 2016

WOMEN’S HEALTH However, if caught in an early stage (Stage 1-2), the chance of long-term survival is over

90%. But only about 20% of cases are caught in their early stage, which is when the disease is most curable. While African American women have a lower incidence rate of ovarian cancer than White women, their 5-year survival rate is lower because the disease is often found too late. There is no known way to prevent ovarian cancer. But the list below may reduce a woman’s chance of getting ovarian cancer: • The use of birth control pills.*

TIPS ON REDUCING OVARIAN CANCER

September is ovarian cancer awareness month, and knowledge of the signs and symptoms of this disease is especially important because, unlike other cancers, currently, there isn’t a screening test for ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer has been called the “silent killer” because it is often diagnosed at an advanced stage (spreading to other parts of the body). As the fifth leading cause of cancer deaths among women, The American Cancer Society estimates that 21,980 women in the US will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2016 alone, and 14,270 women will die. These are big numbers!

• Having a tubal ligation (getting your tubes tied), both ovaries removed, or a hysterectomy (an operation in which the uterus, and sometimes the cervix, is removed).* • Giving birth.* • Breastfeeding. Some studies suggest that women who breastfeed for a year or more may have a modestly reduce risk of ovarian cancer. *

TODAY’S PURPOSE WOMAN | FALL 2016

TIPS ON REDUCING OVARIAN CANCER

While these things may help reduce the chance of getting ovarian cancer, they are not recommended as ways to prevent ovarian cancer. Risks and benefits are associated with each. Talk to your doctor about ways to reduce your risk.

Certain foods can actually help decrease your risk of developing cancer. These cancerfighting foods are not only nutritious, they are usually inexpensive and a natural way to take action and manage your health. Here’s what to look for when you head to the grocery store: Foods that provide Vitamin D, like fatty fish, fortified milk, beans, eggs, and nuts. Low-fat foods—research shows a modest decrease in invasive breast cancer in women with a low–fat diet. Vitamin A reduces the risk for those who have a family history of the disease. Look for carrots, sweet potatoes, dried herbs, and leafy greens.

Vitamin E has been clinically proven to slow the growth of cancer cells in the ovaries, by reducing the production of telomerase, a ribonucleoprotein that can increase the risk of developing ovarian cancer. Fill up on leafy greens such as swiss chard, spinach, and kale, as well as nuts, wheat, and tropical fruits. When you know the risk of ovarian cancer, you’re empowered to make choices to reduce that risk. It’s not about scaring people; it’s about giving them the chance to be realistic about their ovarian health. By: Dr. Colletta Orr - Breast & Ovarian Research Scientist

TODAY’S PURPOSE WOMAN | FALL 2016

So, whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31

TODAY’S PURPOSE WOMAN | FALL 2016

SPIRITUAL HEALTH

GLUTTONY’S EFFECTS ON INDIVIDUALS & SOCIETIES – by Ann Wooten- Taylor

Gluttony is traditionally thought of in terms of excessive eating, and that is one way the bible defines gluttony (Proverbs 23:20 NKJV). However, God's word also teaches us that gluttony includes a pattern of selfgratification, or rather, gratifying the lust of your flesh. If you're honest with yourself, the truth is you have developed a habit or pattern of excessively eating unhealthy foods and beverages because you have become entangled with the sin of gluttony.

TODAY’S PURPOSE WOMAN | FALL 2016

SPIRITUAL HEALTH

GLUTTONY’S EFFECTS ON INDIVIDUALS & SOCIETIES

In Deuteronomy 21:18-21, the bible teaches us that the stubborn and rebellious glutton was stoned to death "so that all Israel would hear and fear," thereby stopping sin in its tracks before it could spread to the rest of the Jewish society. In other words, the path to permanent, sustained weight loss begins with repentance. Refusing to repent results in the same fate that the stubborn and rebellious glutton suffered, an early and unnecessary death. Not withstanding, obesity is not just an epidemic that affects individuals. Moreover, the United States is not the only nation the epidemic has impacted. On the contrary, most of the affluent countries in the world are experiencing the same problem. However, it’s not a new issue. The bible clearly states that gluttony has taken hold of entire societies in the past. “As one of their own prophets has said, ‘Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons (Titus 1:12 Berean Study Bible).’" Titus 1:12 teaches us that gluttony is a symptom of a society's moral decay.

Like the Cretan society described in Titus, we have failed to follow the example of Deuteronomy 21 by “putting away the evildoers.” Instead, we have embraced their stubborn and rebellious ways. Accordingly, as an individual gets fatter due to his or her gluttonous lifestyle, societies as a whole also get fatter as a result of collectively gratifying the flesh instead of live. To put it another way, the more we, as a society, rebel against God and disobey His commandments, the more saturated in sin our country, and increasingly, the rest of the world becomes. Consequently, like a person’s body swells with fat, so does a nation swell with sin, and gluttony is a physical manifestation of what takes place spiritually in the sinful society. Now that God has shined the light of His word on your sin, you should confess it and repent. Then the Holy Spirit will empower you to do what you have been unable to do for yourself: succeed where so many others have failed! Eating As An Act Of Worship Ministries. Visit our website at www.eatingasanactofworship ministries.org.

TODAY’S PURPOSE WOMAN | FALL 2016

FALL | STYLE

TODAY’S PURPOSE WOMAN | FALL 2016

Fall

Welcome

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: Ecclesiastes 3:1 TODAY’S PURPOSE WOMAN | FALL 2016

FALL | STYLE

SEASONS CHANGE Before we know it, temperatures will return to being pleasant (hopefully) and crisp mornings will greet us. This will be the time in which we have to decide to change into Fall attire. The idea of creating or switching to Fall clothing can be daunting, however, this tasks is not as hard as it seems. When these basic steps are implemented, you will be able to make a smooth transition into fall. Here are some basics to assist you into your transition:

1 Identify which piece or pieces of summer clothing can transition into fall. By doing this, you have given yourself options in the event the beginning of fall still seems like summer. For example, if you love tank tops, this item can easily be placed over a long sleeved or quarter length shirt. This provides you with the option of remaining cool, yet provides warmth.

Keep inventory of your statement neckpieces. In this case, a statement neck piece does not mean jewelry. You can begin to incorporate rich, luxurious scarves into your daily fall outfit. This added element will provide you with options that add character to your outfit. Do not forget, the scarf can continue to be worn when you remove your coat. If you have mastered the idea of wearing scarves, up the ante by twisting/tying two or more scarves together to create a festive look. Try to mix scarves that have detailed ends, i.e, ruffles, fringes, or even frayed strings. Feel free to start off with your summer scarves and later add thicker scarves as the weather becomes cooler.

TODAY’S PURPOSE WOMAN | FALL 2016

FALL | STYLE

In the area of shoes, now is the time to select your fall/winter boots. If you have not, you can begin to wear peep-toe shoes. Keep in mind to select rich, bold, solid color shoes. For example, incorporate the darker green colors and deeper red colors. This will provide you with the look of raspberry, olive and coco and burnt orange. If you already have shoes this color, it’s ok to continue to wear them in the Fall. Some boot style suggestions are tall boots that come close to the knee, below the knee and booties. Whatever your style is, enjoy the fall colors that are offered. Just because its fall, you do not have to stick with dark blah colors. For shock value, I dare you to wear a pink, purple or mustard color shoe. Either way, you will be fabulous.

4 Here are some suggestions of where you can find these staples: try your local thrift stores. Shopping at thrift stores provides you with pocket friendly options. Contrary to popular belief, you can find quality clothing for upgrading your Fall look. In these stores, you can find shoes, boots, jackets, handbags and scarves. You will be able to find all sizes and styles in one spot. This suggestion will make shopping easier for you. Based on these suggestions, your transition from summer to fall should be smooth. Keep these in mind and build from what you already have. Remember, you do not have to embrace a new look all at once. Take your time and then slowly add. If you check your closet, you have items that will take you into the beginning of the season. Be a good steward over what you already possess! Once the season hits full swing, you will be ready to add!

Until next time, love, peace and fashion! For further fashion suggestions, follow Tikca Robinson’s blog at: www.ktfashion2016.wordpress.com.

TODAY’S PURPOSE WOMAN | FALL 2016

Spiritual Health & Fitness

TODAY’S PURPOSE WOMAN | FALL 2016

SPIRITUAL FITNESS

ARE YOU SPIRITUALLY FIT? By Saviela E. Thorne We just witnessed an amazing Olympic Season! We had so many first time gold medal recipients and several world records broken. I noticed how all the athletes were in impeccable shape. You can tell they work out religiously, so they can maintain their physique. I'm sure each one of them has a daily routine that includes eating the right foods, avoiding anything harmful for their bodies, and preparing their minds to be the best they can be. Spiritually, we should be the same way. Our goal and focus is to make it into Heaven. While exercise is great for the body, what about your soul? We are reminded in 1st Timothy 4:8, “For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.” How can you prepare your body to be spiritually fit? Here are a few suggestions on how to train your soul daily: Exercise your Faith: We put our faith in things daily. For instance, when you sit in your chair, you have faith that your chair will hold you up and keep you from hitting the floor. Faith simply believes God for the things we desire, even if we do not see it. Hebrews 11:1 states, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Faith in God makes the impossible, possible!

We are not relying on ourselves but on the power of God. Hebrews 11:6 also informs us that “…without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Trusting and having faith in God is a vital part of developing a spiritually fit life. Maintain a prayer life: The scriptures instruct us to "Pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Prayer is not complicated. It is simply having a conversation with God. The more time you spend seeking God, the easier it will become to pray. The “Lord’s Prayer” mentioned in St. Matthew 6:9-13 is a great model of prayer. There are also 4 elements that are helpful to remember in prayer: Adoration (praise to God), Confession (repenting for our sins), Thanksgiving (giving thanks for all the Lord has done), and Supplication (making your request known to God).

TODAY’S PURPOSE WOMAN | FALL 2016

SPIRITUAL FITNESS ARE YOU SPIRITUALLY FIT?

As we can see, prayer to God is an essential part of being spiritually fit. Nourish your spiritual body daily: There is no way we can live without eating for a long period of time. Food nourishes our natural bodies and prevents us from becoming sick. The types of foods we eat determine the health of our bodies. The scriptures state in St. Matthew 4:4 “But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” In order for us to live a healthy and spiritually fit life, we must read the Word of God daily. There are several other ways to become spiritually fit, besides the ways listed above. Just like the athletes in the Olympics varied in shape and sizes, your spiritual fitness is determined by the amount of time and how much value you place on your salvation. Our Coaches (our Pastors) can only take us so far; it's up to us to continue the race and to finish strong. It may not be easy at times, but God gives us the strength and the endurance to continue on no matter how hard the test. We will not win every battle, but the key is to never give up. By: Saviela E. Thorne

TODAY’S PURPOSE WOMAN | FALL 2016

SPIRITUAL FITNESS

“SHAKE IT OFF” But he shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm. -Acts 28:5 (NKJV)

Have you ever felt like the world was stealing your joy? You begin your day with a positive outlook. The sun is shining, the birds are singing, and then before you can get from your house to your destination, be it work, school, or around the corner to pick up groceries, something happens to bring all your positive thoughts to a halt. It could be someone honking his/her horn for you to get over, or that co-worker who never has anything good to say, or even that cashier that greeted you with a frown. It happens to the best of us. It’s happened to me on more occasions than I can count.

TODAY’S PURPOSE WOMAN | FALL 2016

These types of situations bring to mind Acts 28:1-5. Here we have Paul shipwrecked on the island of Malta. Although Paul and his fellow companions are prisoners, the natives still treat them kindly and build a fire for them. Paul gathers a pile of sticks for the fire and when he adds it to the flame, a viper comes out and attaches itself to his hand. Now at this point, the natives decide among themselves that the viper is Paul’s judgment. They assume that he is going to die. Paul just shakes the viper off and continues his tasks. (v. 5)

“SHAKE IT OFF” By: Gracia Collins Rich

I find that these small, negative incidents tend to attach themselves to our state of mind, much like the viper did with Paul’s hand, and rob us of our joy. And instead of shaking them off the way he did, we continue to carry them and allow them to wreak havoc on our spirit. By doing this, we attach their negativity to our lives and let it turn a beautiful day into one of conflict and turmoil. We need to do as Paul did and shake it off. We need to shake off all negative thoughts; those that enter our hearts through other people and the ones that we harbor within ourselves. It’s essential, if we want to live each day to the fullest. God wants us to live happy, abundant lives and this is nearly impossible if we cannot move pass, or shake off the things that are designed to rob us of our peace. There will be many times in life when things happen that are beyond our control, but what we can do is control our reactions to them.

We have the ability to either draw people closer or farther away from Christ by what they see in us. Allow them to see the positivity He has bestowed on your life. It is easy to allow these types of things to get us down, but we must focus on the much bigger picture. We all have a purpose and it is crucial that we fulfill it, but we can’t if we allow these mere moments to take control of us. The world is filled with negativity, but we don’t have to follow suit. We can be positive and promote what is good. We can’t allow the small things to overshadow our overall goals. Shake it off and enjoy the beautiful day the Lord has made.

Also, please keep in mind that people are watching. Whether they are like the natives waiting for our demise or someone who admires the way we carry ourselves, there is always someone watching. If we are not careful about allowing our emotions to rule our reactions, we stand a chance of ruining our witness.

TODAY’S PURPOSE WOMAN | FALL 2016

A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Proverbs 31:10

DID YOU WAIT PATIENTLY ON GOD FOR YOUR HUSBAND? IF SO, SHARE YOUR STORY WITH TODAY’S PURPOSE WOMAN! www.todayspurposewoman.com TODAY’S PURPOSE WOMAN | FALL 2016

BECOME A

WRITER Are you a woman of purpose, who enjoys empowering and encouraging your fellow sisters spiritually? If so, become a contributing writer for Today’s Purpose Woman. LEARN MORE AT TODAYSPURPOSEWOMAN.COM

TODAY’S PURPOSE WOMAN | FALL 2016

PURPOSE

As I embraced life’s journey, and indulged in conversations more, interacted more, as well as executed my influence, that’s when I discovered my purpose. Understanding your purpose, consists of understanding who you are, what you are made of, what your desires and goals are, what your morals and values are, as well as what you believe in. Our purpose is only for us individually. People who judge and criticize your purpose do so because they can’t understand your purpose; simply because it is NOT their purpose. Please do not let the naysayers deter you from what you were destined to become. The only thing that matters is how we execute our purpose. Some of us are destined to become authors of books, CEOs and run our own company, preachers, teachers, mentors, speakers, mothers, fathers, as well as sisters and brothers.

HOW TO SELF- DISCOVER

YOUR PURPOSE by Venessa Abram

I want to talk about “Purpose” today. Do you know your “Purpose”? Based on Google, purpose means the reason for which something is done, or created, or for which something exists. I have found myself in many conversations with people about their purpose. The conversations went something like this, “I am not sure what my purpose is,” or “I do not know what I am supposed to be doing in my life.” I would respond by asking what their passion is; for where your passion lies, is where your purpose shall be found.

You see, that fire and desire in your heart is the very thing you should spend your time, talents, and treasures on. In my personal experience, I, too, have wondered what my purpose is. I learned that the very thing I feared was connecting to my purpose. For many years, I feared speaking publically and did not care to talk at all. So for those reasons, I was and still am introverted to some degree.

Here are a few key points on how to Self-Discover your purpose:

Growth:

Gaining perspective of your purpose will require consistent growth, which results in becoming emotionally, mentally, and spiritually mature enough to realize who you are, who you are not, and who you are becoming.

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2 3

Learning: Gaining knowledge by seeking the necessary tools that will allow enhancement of your respective gifts, which will result in learning your strengths and weaknesses.

Wisdom:

Wisdom about your purpose will take place as you begin to discover who you are. For example, as you become familiar with your skills, knowledge, abilities, gifts, and the level of your influence, you will begin to encounter experiences that require you to exercise your gifts. Like today, I gave a speech in a room full of people, whereby I am very uncomfortable and uneasy. However, because my purpose is to effectively communicate, inspire, mentor, coach, and develop others, I put my uneasiness to the side and chose to use my talents to bring about great change in the individuals I invested in.

Positioning:

Entails one being in position and alignment holistically; mind, body, and spirit, so the entire being will be balanced and open to receive instruction, clarity of vision, and the provision needed to move forward.

Understanding:

Encompasses the ability to understand, comprehend, mastery, appreciation, beliefs, perception, compassion, opinion, and conviction. Once you comprehend and understand the actions of your investment (your time), you should be able to uncover what your purpose is in life.

Prosperity:

When we effectively operate in our time, talents and gifts, our work will speak for itself; meaning our gifts will make room for themselves. When we work at something, we do not have to boast about it because when we operate in our purpose, our talents and gifts will elevate us.

Fear Not: When faced with the fear of a challenge, press through in confidence, knowing that you are properly equipped to complete the task at hand. Fear is the opposite of Faith. Fear will steal, kill, and destroy your dreams and desires, if you allow it to paralyze you. Peace – Will arrive when you have found your respective niche, passion, purpose, and position in life. There is a freedom and order that surfaces when living on purpose and investing our time, talents, and treasures. What are your fears? How will you persist and press toward your purpose? What is your vision?

TODAY’S PURPOSE WOMAN | FALL 2016

LIVE A HIGHER PURPOSE- GOD’S PURPOSE! TODAY’S PURPOSE WOMAN | FALL 2016

TODAY’S PURPOSE WOMAN | FALL 2016

SHE BELIEVED GOD COULD…

TODAY’S PURPOSE WOMAN | FALL 2016