ADAPTING YOU TO LIFE. ADAPTING YOU TO GOD
Vol. 1 Issue 2. $2.99
March/April 2013
BROKEN UGLY
FAT WEAK
LOSER
SINNER
NOT COOL ENOUGH
TOO YOUNG
NOBODY
FOOLISH
UNFORGIVABLE
UNSUCCESSFUL
DISGRACE
STUPID
FEARFUL
TOO SHORT
TOO TALL UNLOVABLE
UNDESERVING PRIDEFUL
LAZY
MIND GAMES PLUS
FERNANDO CHAVEZ, FOUNDER OF FAITHLAUNCHER D'AYCH, RAPPER, PRODUCER, DISCIPLE COUPON YOUR WAY TO A HEALTHIER LIFE + MORE
AND DO NOT BE CONFORMED TO THIS WORLD, BUT BE TRANSFORMED BY THE RENEWING OF YOUR MIND, THAT YOU MAY PROVE WHAT IS THAT GOOD AND ACCEPTABLE AND PERFECT WILL OF GOD. ROMANS 12:2 NKJV
...MIND GAMES
(CONTENTS) SPIRITUALITY P. 14 | Even Queens Experience Disappointment Monica Solomon talks candidly about her walk with the Lord, college and journey to find beauty beyond the crown.
LIFE P. 17 | When Faith Takes Flight Adapt Magazine interviews Fernando about founding FaithLauncher, Jesus and learning to go with a different plan.
CAREER PREP & MONEY P. 20 | Need to Find a Job? There’s an App for That Land your dream job with these fantastic career apps available on your iOS, Android or Windows smart phone.
MUSIC, JUSTICE & ETC. P. 25 | New Releases Check out fresh music from various Christian artists coming out March and April. P. 29 | UF CURE: Bringing Hope. Bringing a Cure CURE International is an organization made up of doctors and hospitals that partner to provide free surgeries for children around the world. Read how the UF chapter is getting involved.
IN EVERY ISSUE • EDITOR’S LETTER • CONTRIBUTORS
adaptmag.com
March/April 2013
adapt (FEATURES)
SPIRITUALITY
LIFE
CAREER PREP & MONEY
MUSIC, JUSTICE, ETC.
SPIRITUAL AMNESIA Don’t Forget Who You Are Sometimes serving the Lord is hard. Adapt Magazine Editor, Allysen Kerr reminds us to remember who we are in Christ.
COUPON YOUR WAY TO A HEALTHY LIFE The Coupon Savvy College Student Antoinette Charles, aka “The Christian Bargain Hunter” helps students master the art of couponing.
FERNANDO CHAVEZ Founder of FaithLauncher Adapt Magazine interviews Fernando about founding FaithLauncher, Jesus and learning to go with a different plan.
adaptmag.com
MUSIC: MEET D'AYCH Rapper, Producer, Disciple Daniel Harris, aka “D’Aych” talks to Adapt Magazine about his passion for music, the Gospel and his hometown, Milwaukee, WI.
March/April 2013
FIND MORE WAYS TO ADAPT...
MAG.COM
ALLYSEN KERR Editor editor@adaptmag.com PAULA KERR Contributing Editor MONICA SOLOMON Contributing Writer ANTOINETTE CHARLES Contributing Writer AARON KERR Contributing Writer
Adapt Magazine is published six times a year by UnKonventional Media, LLC. All questions regarding subscriptions or this publication should be directed to publisher@unkonventionalmedia.com. Please visit www.unkonventionalmedia.com to learn more about our company.
Photo: Monique Dos Anjos
(LETTER FROM THE EDITOR)
The call to be faithful can at times be a serious a battle. Some days it takes extra strength to just get out of the bed, finish that report on time or go build community with fellow believers. Some days no matter how much we fight, kick, scream the enemy seems to always have the upper hand. In the previous issue, we talked about willing ourselves to fight regardless of our physical or spiritual situations. But how can we fight if do not know who we are? Knowing our identity is so critical to the battle that rages in the spirit. We need to remind ourselves that we are not defined by our sin, past mistakes or failures. We are indeed, defined by the almighty God and in Him we are complete. So as the battle continues, remember 1. We are not alone. 2. We are more than a conqueror and 3. We belong to Christ and because we belong to Christ, our identity is sealed. If you have forgotten who you are, go back to the Father. He never forgets who we truly are.
allysen
(CONTRIBUTORS)
MONICA SOLOMON, BEAUTY QUEEN
Paula Kerr, Career Expert
Monica Solomon was recently awarded the title of Miss Black Tampa USA 2013. She graduated from the University of Florida where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Education Monica is currently pursuing a Master of Science degree in Public Health at the University of South Florida with a specialization in Behavioral Health. During her year of service, Monica plans to promote workforce health promotion in Orlando and Tampa through her platform: Work, Learn, Pray: My health, My Location.
Paula is a senior writer for Walt Disney Parks & Resorts®. Her background and experience include communications, human resources management, recruiting, benefits administration and communications, as well as training and development. In her current role, Paula develops and writes communication and education resources for Disney Destinations. She obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications/Public Relations from Iona College, New Rochelle, New York. Paula has been a contributing writer for adapt magazine since 2009.
ANTOINETTE CHARLES, Christian Bargain Hunter
Aaron Kerr, Music News
Antoinette is a hard-working young woman. This wife and student is currently pursing a degree in Education. She and her husband recently moved to Tampa where they felt God drawing them to grow the Kingdom. She has two dogs, Cocoa and Lex, who are very much like children. She enjoys serving in her church’s children’s ministry and looks forward to singing, dancing and praying with the kids each week.
Aaron aka “Raj Parker” loves music. A junior studio art major at the University of South Florida, Aaron has been contributing to Adapt for more than two years. He writes music reviews on the latest releases in Christian Hip Hop. When he’s not writing for Adapt, he’s penning bars for his own music. He started a group on campus called “The Collective” that features amateur rappers, singers and creatives who love Jesus and want to reach the lost through awesome music.
adaptmag.com
March/April 2013
CONNECT WITH ADAPT MAGAZINE
ADAPTMAG@GMAIL.COM
TWITTER.COM/ADAPTMAGAZINE FACEBOOK.COM/ADAPTMAGAZINE
YOUTUBE.COM/ADAPTMAG
CROWN OF LIFE
Spirituality Discipleship prayer relationship with God worship
LOVABLE
CHILD OF THE KING SMART
BOLD
WHOLE
BEAUTIFUL
WINNER
WONDERFULLY MADE
STRONG
DISCIPLINED COOL
ADORED
FORGIVEN JUST RIGHT
DESERVING
SAINT
WISE SPIRITUAL AMNESIA: DON'T FORGET WHO YOU ARE By: Allysen Kerr
L
ately I have found it more difficult to remember things. Did I lock the door before I left the house? I think so. Did I feed the dog? I hope so. What did I read tis morning for devotions? I can’t remember. Why can’t I remember? I am honestly not sure. I could blame it on several things. One, I am very busy. Two, I have too much technology to help me remember so I don’t have to try. Three, I just turned 25 so maybe it is old age catching up with me? Four, maybe it is spiritual? I mean, if I could blame the rain on the enemy, I probably would and while I could continue to draw up a list of reasons why I can’t remember, the simple truth is that I forgot... Forgetting things seems to follow me into other areas of my life like my walk with the Lord. How often do I go to sit in my prayer closet and read the Word only to come out 40 minutes later hardly remembering what just happened? Not good. Not good at all. Only once or twice, forgetting what happened during our time with the Lord may seem nominal, but what if it slowly kept happening? Now instead of twice a week, it happens three times, four times, five times; now it happens daily? I will tell you what happens: our spiritual defenses weaken. The Word warns us that it is the “little foxes that tear down the vine” (Song of Solomon 2:15). Not the wolves. It always starts with the little things. A little complaining here, a little anger there, a little inappropriate viewing, a little white lie... Before we know it, our “littles” turn into a lot and leave our minds open to attack. Why are our minds so important? So much goes on in there.
The mind is the place where ideas are cultivated. It is the place that controls our actions. It is the place where our identities rest.
BEFORE WE KNOW IT, OUR LITTLES TURN INTO A LOT AND LEAVE OUR MINDS OPEN TO ATTACK.
When our minds become weak, the first place to get attacked is our identity. Why our identity? Because within our identity lies the key to our destiny. If we don’t know who we are, we can’t know where we are going and that is a dangerous place to be.
Being unaware or forgetting who we are in Christ can lead to a stagnant and unfulfilling walk. It can also hinder or slow us down when trying to pursue our callings and gifitings. The warning signs are clear. We need to remember who we are. So when we start to see the signs of an eminent attack (worry, anger, hunger, lust, complaining, aka nonspiritual fruit), let’s put on our armor.
IF WE DON'T KNOW WHO WE ARE, WE CAN'T KNOW WHERE WE ARE GOING
The Word is our best defense. Romans 12: 2 says that we are to be transformed by the renewing of our mind. Philippians 4:6-7 begs us to think on good things. So think well and don’t forget.
STAY ALERT! WATCH OUT FOR YOUR GREAT ENEMY, THE DEVIL. HE PROWLS AROUND LIKE A ROARING LION, LOOKING FOR SOMEONE TO DEVOUR. 1 PETER 5:8 NLT
adaptmag.com
March/April 2013
Confessions of a Beauty Queen EVEN QUEENS FACE DISAPPOINTMENT By: Monica Solomon Photo: Antoinette & Sharmi Charles
"THEREFORE, HAVING BEEN JUSTIFIED BY FAITH, WE HAVE PEACE WITH GOD THROUGH OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, THROUGH WHOM ALSO WE HAVE ACCESS BY FAITH INTO THIS GRACE IN WHICH WE STAND, AND REJOICE IN HOPE OF THE GLORY OF GOD. AND NOT ONLY THAT, BUT WE ALSO GLORY IN TRIBULATIONS, KNOWING THAT TRIBULATION PRODUCES PERSEVERANCE; AND PERSEVERANCE, CHARACTER; AND CHARACTER, HOPE. NOW HOPE DOES NOT DISAPPOINT, BECAUSE THE LOVE OF GOD HAS BEEN POURED OUT IN OUR HEARTS BY THE HOLY SPIRIT WHO WAS GIVEN TO US. " - ROMANS 5:1-5
s a college student, I can completely empathize with the A day to day disappointments and frustrations that we often face. We can all relate to the undesirable test grades, unfavorable job prospects, unexpected flat tire, running out of dining bucks, or missing the last bus before the 8:30 a.m. mandatory anatomy lab. However, sometimes our disappointments arrive in more overt forms like an unexpected family illnesses, the end of a romantic relationship or friendship, or the passing away of a loved one. Unfortunately, as college students our disappointments, whether small or large, are sometimes minimized by others, who may not fully understand the difficulty of balancing disappointments and the stresses that accompany trying to graduate. Thus I have taken it upon myself to be the voice or text message that you may not often hear: “CoLleGe StuDeNtz gotz problemz 2.” I wanted to address this topic to highlight the stress, worry, loneliness, frustration, or sadness that college students across the nation face on a daily basis and say that “This is not a trivial issue.” More importantly, I want to remind you that the everyday experiences, disappointments, trials, and tribulations we face as college students are extremely significant to God and He is very concerned about our wellbeing. Yes, our Father is very interested in our future careers, but He is equally interested in our day-to-day emotional wellbeing as well. So be encouraged and know that whatever
adaptmag.com
March/April 2013
ice cream. P.S. Just take my advice the ice OUR DISAPPOINTMENTS, WHETHER cream isn’t worth it, try 10-15 squats (repeat SMALL OR LARGE, ARE SOMETIMES two to three times). MINIMIZED BY OTHERS, WHO MAY NOT FULLY UNDERSTAND THE DIFFICULTY OF HOST A GOAL-WRITING SESSION WITH A FRIEND BALANCING DISAPPOINTMENTS AND THE If your disappointment is career or school-reSTRESSES THAT ACCOMPANY TRYING TO lated, try re-writing your goals and post them situation you are currently battling, God will produce a harvest of perseverance, character, and hope. God is so loving and Sovereign that even our trials have purpose and will turn out for our good.
TIPS FOR DEALING WITH DISAPPOINTMENT DATE NIGHT WITH GOD
on your wall. This is a great way to gain clarity regarding your priorities. Writing down your goals reminds you to persevere so that you can achieve your future aspirations.
SOLO DANCE PARTY IN THE MIRROR I will admit that this tip is a little cheesy; however, after doing the Funky Chicken, Electric Slide, or Infamous Wobble in your bedroom, you will completely forget about your horrible Chem-Lab test grade. Well, on second thought you may not forget, but at least you will be extremely prepared for your college friend’s wedding reception next year.
Yep, I said it. Grab your favorite dress or slacks, spray on some perfume or cologne, grab a journal, pack your highlighter, and most importantly bring your Bible and head to your favorite restaurant. I would recommend bringing headphones so that you can listen to your favorite worship music during dinner. Dedi- Remember that after the storm, the rainbow cate the evening to spending some quality must show. God promised it. Be blessed! time with the Creator of the Universe. SurprisMuch Peace & Love ingly, restaurant date nights with God create unexpected witnessing opportunities and fill your belly with deliciousness.
CALL A CHRISTIAN FRIEND ...Emphasis on Christian friend. You want someone who will gently remind you of God’s promises and His love. I have been extremely blessed to have friends that are quick to send me a text that encourages me to pray and spend time with God, they want to point me to our Father in times of need.
EXERCISE After a particularly stressful day, I have found that exercise really helps me relax and refocus. Exercising is a good habit to develop because it promotes healthy behaviors ... instead of bad behaviors like eating a bucket of adaptmag.com
Check out Monica’s personal blog: missblacktampausa.blogspot.com
March/April 2013
L
I
F E
College Life Relationships Health & Fitness Dating Beauty Family FEATURE Story
H T I A F N E H W
T H G I L F S E K TA
What is Faith Launcher? “FaithLauncher is a social-crowdfunding platform for Christian-inspired projects. We serve Christian artists, filmmakers, musicians, entertainers, authors, designers, ministries and many more,” said Fernando Chavez, Founder and CEO of the California-based company. A little more than two years ago, Fernando felt a call to do more with the gifts the Lord had placed in him. “He gave me a vision to use technology to help his Kingdom,” Fernando said. “For the past 10 years, I had worked in corporate America, yes, experiencing rapid success moving up the ladder, but knowing that I could do more.” Fernando desired to not only do more but to also do something that would really have an impact. “With a background in Systems and Finance I knew the power of the Internet and realized that I needed to come up with a new method to meet needs more efficiently.” The method: crowdfunding. “Crowdfunding is an exciting way of monetizing new ideas or projects by collecting funding support from a large number of people.” Fernando believes that crowdfunding is an effective way to raise funds because it also enables people to engage “supporters and build a community.” “Unlike traditional fundraising, crowdfunding allows supporters to participate in the start-up and often the creative process,” he said. So, how does it work? “Project Creators (whom we call Faith-Doers) can launch their project for free on FaithLauncher.com,” said Fernando. “Every project concept that gets submitted is vetted by
FAITHLAUNCHER IS A SOCIAL-CROWDFUNDING PLATFORM FOR CHRISTIANINSPIRED PROJECTS. WE SERVE CHRISTIAN ARTISTS, FILMMAKERS, MUSICIANS, ENTERTAINERS, AUTHORS, DESIGNERS, MINISTRIES AND MANY MORE...
the team to ensure it meets our guidelines.” Once the project is reviewed and approved the Project Owner can begin creating his or her project by adding content, video, and images before launching, he said.
Those worried about not being able to keep the funding raised can put their fears aside. FaithLauncher is not an ‘all or nothing’ platform, Fernando said. “Rather, we adopt a keep-what-you-raise funding model. We believe that what you raise (whether you reach your goal or not) should be passed on to you so you can reinvest it back into your idea. After all, it might just be the second go-around of your idea that gives you the winning ticket – we know!” Fernando believes FaithLauncher will eventually become the largest most supportive online community of faithbased projects. “Our mission is to empower Christians everywhere to take action: build the Kingdom by making a difference and positively influencing our culture.” FaithLauncher sees themselves as the team “standing in the gap” to provide a solution to one of the most common
adaptmag.com
March/April 2013
stumbling blocks facing those with entrepreneurial endeavors: lack of funding. “We believe that if we can help remove this barrier, we can make a difference in this world by empowering others to create change.” The concept for FaithLauncher was developed out of an evolutionary two-year process. The company ran a beta version of FaithLauncher earlier this year under its previous brand, Ujimma. “We liked the term Ujimma as it embodied our passion: the sense of building community,” the founder said. “Initially when we introduced our concept to the market, we were exclusively targeting non-profits.” While working with organizations like the Salvation Army, Fernando and his team realized that the faith-based market was being severally under-served. “At the time, there wasn’t a viable solution for Christians besides using secular sites to raise funds.” Thus the seed for FaithLauncher was planted. After much prayer and careful thought, Ujiimma decided to re-brand and officially re-launched as FaithLauncher, in September 2012.
“I remember my first real venture was an online pet boutique. We catered to dog and cat owners who needed specialty products to care for their pets. Things were going well. We were growing and even expanding our product line when all of a sudden things started to change. We entered the recession, our sales started to plummet and we were forced to close shop,” Fernando said. “It was discouraging, but I had to adapt and embrace God’s plans as he was closing that door.” Looking back, Fernando says that the setbacks he faced all make sense as he realized that he being groomed for something much bigger: FaithLauncher. This new journey has not been without its challenges. “Starting FaithLauncher has surely stretched my faith but it has also brought me closer to the Lord,” he said. “The prayer I lift up is for me to always pursue this journey for Him and with Him. I trust and feel confident in His leadership and know that under his guidance I will be successful.”
Since then, the company has been able to help a number of businesses, filmmakers, non-profits find funding for their projects.
Those interested in learning more about FaithLauncher can visit them at http://faithlauncher.com. They can also be found on Twitter and Facebook.
If one were to ask Fernando if this was where he thought his life and education would lead him, he would say, no.
Fernando Chavez
“When I first felt the calling to explore the concept of using the Internet to meet needs, I had no idea it was going to lead down this path,” he said. “The scripture that reigns true for me is in Proverbs 16:9 -- ‘We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.’” Fernando always desired to launch his own business, but never had clear direction. But things started changing when he stopped thinking about it, and decided to take a leap of faith.
adaptmag.com
March/April 2013
Careers & Money
$ INTERNSHIPS JOB PREP FINANCES SAVING LOANS
FEATURE Story
THERE'S AN APP FOR THAT: APPS TO HELP YOU LAND YOUR DREAM JOB S
earching for a job in an ever-challenging job market is no longer about simply applying for jobs and hoping for an interview. It is a whole lot more than that - and it takes work. In fact, searching for a job has become a 24/7 process for some job seekers. Fortunately the Internet provides numerous resources that job seekers can access both at home and on the go. Social and professional networks like LinkedIn and Career Builder provide up-to-date job postings and powerful tools that can help them connect quickly with new contacts and potential career stakeholders. We have all heard the saying, “There’s an App for that” by now. In fact, there’s an app for virtually everything we do these days -- millions of apps that you can access on your mobile device no matter where you are during the day. And, thanks to these countless apps, you can download what you need to do just about anything you want. Websites such as Career Rocketeer provide a list of 25 free apps that any job seeker should leverage in their job search efforts. These apps can be downloaded for free on iPhone, iPad, iPod, or Android devices. They provide help for topics such as job search, networking, resume writing and interviewing. Some popular job search apps you will find at Careerrocketeer.com include:
JOB SEARCH Jobs by CareerBuilder.com: This free app brings the power of CareerBuilder.com straight to your mobile device, giving you instant access to search and apply to
nearly two million job postings on CareerBuilder.com, the largest job site in the US. Free
NETWORKING LinkedIn: Get on-the-go access to your professional network with LinkedIn for the Apple iPhone, iPads and Android phones. Find and connect with more than 120M members worldwide, read the latest industry news, keep up-to-date with your groups, and share content with your network from anywhere. Free
RESUME WRITING Pocket Resume: Pocket Resume is the best-selling app that uses class-leading PDF rendering technology allowing you to create, maintain, and email your resume straight from your iPhone. Paid
INTERVIEW Monster.com Interviews: The Monster.com Interviews app is the ultimate tool to help you through the entire job interview process. This step-by-step guide provides advice and coaching through every stage of a job interview and followup process. FREE I have listed two additional free favorites below for the iPhone, iPad/iPod Touch devices. These apps come with the option to purchase a full version, if needed. Get a Job: These videos produced by Docstoc provides chapter references for networking and resume writing with templates and additional resources, preparing for an interview, acing the interview, sealing the deal, etc.
adaptmag.com
March/April 2013
Job Interview by Appsonite, is a virtual interview training app featuring video tips that help with interview prep, features a virtual [mock] interview, interview flip cards, interview checklist, and a quiz -- all designed to polish your interviewing skills. Whether you are in between jobs or simply changing careers, you must have a game plan. And keep in mind that the industry is ever changing. Therefore, the decisions you make and the actions you take will help put you on the right path that can lead to a lifetime of career satisfaction. Want to land that dream job? Learn to develop good job search and interviewing skills essential to your success. The job search apps are powerful tools that will help you build those skills. Use them at your own pace, in your private space, to set you up for success. One last thing, it is important to know that planning your career involves spending time researching the job market and talking with professionals in the field (or industry) in which you have an interest. Make this your game plan. Before you embark on a new career planning strategy, make sure you know all about your chosen profession. This can save you a lot of time and energy and will help you focus on what you actually need to do to find work in your field. The more you know about your field of interest, the easier it will be to formulate a reasonable career preparation strategy.
Screenshoot: Pocket Resume for iPad
adaptmag.com
March/April 2013
THE COUPON
SAVVY STUDENT
COUPON YOUR WAY TO A HEALTHIER LIFE "IF YOU FAIL TO PLAN, YOU ARE PLANNING TO FAIL. " -BENJAMIN FRANKLIN This quote has always stood out to me. It easily relates to each area of our life and is especially important with couponing. You truly have to plan to save money or you will find yourself spending hundreds of dollars on groceries, personal care items and other things you can save money on by using coupons. I wanted to take the time to discuss how to coupon when you have special dietary needs or are looking to lose a little before summer. If this sounds like you, I encourage you to read on. When couponing comes up, many people are quick to reference TLC’s “Extreme Couponing” during conversations around saving money. While the show may be cool, inspiring or even if it disgusts you, I want you to know it is not a very realistic picture of couponing. The objective to couponing is buying the type of products you actually enjoy in large quantities while they are at their lowest prices. A three-month supply of an item is plenty.
TRY NOT TO GET TOO MUCH OF A PRODUCT YOU HAVE NEVER TRIED BEFORE JUST IN CASE YOU DON'T LIKE IT.
If you don’t think you can get through 14 bottles of salad dressing in that time frame, then go with less. If you stock up on too many of an item it is very likely that the shelf life
By: Antoinette Charles, Contributing Writer
will expire before you are able to consume it. Therefore you can easily lose money while trying to save money. If you are on a special diet and learning to coupon, Publix is a great place to start. They are very conscious of specific dietary needs (see http://www.publix.com/wellness/food/nutrition-center/ The-Right-Foods-for-You.do) and include guides for: • Gluten Free Diets (celiac disease, allergy, intolerance) • Low Sodium Diets (high blood pressure and heart disease) • Low Fat Diets (for weight loss) • 100 Calories or Less Diets (high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, weight loss) • Four Grams of Sugar or Less Diets (weight loss, disease management) • Kosher Diets • Milk Free/Casein Free Diets (milk allergy) These guides introduce you to Publix brands that you can trust for your dietary needs. While there are no manufacturer coupons available for these products, you can still take advantage of any dollar-off total purchase coupons you come across. These include those popular “$5 off $30 total purchase” Winn-Dixie coupons, “$10 off $40 total purchase” Sweetbay coupons and all others. These Publix brand products are typically shoulder-to-shoulder with a more expensive brand name product. These are the items you want to keep an eye out for. Become familiar
adaptmag.com
March/April 2013
with the brands and watch for those particular coupons in the newspaper, magazines and on the internet. When the brand-name item goes on sale AND there is a coupon available, it is time to stock up! Remember, three months’ worth is typically plenty as another sale is bound to happen again. Try not to get too much of a product you have never tried before just in case you don’t like it. If you decide you don’t, consider donating any remaining items to a local shelter or food bank. When it comes to weight loss, try to avoid proprietary items that you can only get through one company. Long term, it can be very costly with minimal return. A well balanced meal can be obtained by couponing when you incorporate fresh produce and healthy choice alternatives. Produce can be costly so stock up on frozen goods when they are on sale. Start your own vegetable garden if you can (indoors or outdoors) for another way to save and ensure your product is truly organic. So how do you get started? Become a planner, follow the steps below and you will be on your way to being a saving success!
SUBSCRIBE TO YOUR LOCAL NEWSPAPER This is the most inexpensive way to locally obtain coupons. Purchase a minimum of two newspapers weekly and purchase in even quantities. If you can, consider purchasing two newspapers for every household member you shop for. (One person: two papers / Two people: four papers / three people: six papers, etc...)
FOLLOW COUPON WEBSITES Websites like www.SouthernSavers.com and www.KrazyCouponLady.com have up-to-date information on what to buy at rock-bottom prices with the coupons you collect from your newspapers, magazines, the Internet and anywhere else. They will specify where the coupon can be obtained and how to use it.
WEBSITE FEATURE: KRAZYCOUPONLADY.COM The Krazy Coupon ladies, Heather and Joanie, are a dynamic duo who deliver deals via blog, twitter, facebook and youtube. They offer beginner through extreme couponing levels as well as some nifty tools to track your progress. By signing up for a free membership you can create a shopping list to print or send to your smart phone, track your savings, talk with other couponers and more. The site is easy to navigate and very user-friendly.
STORE FEATURE: TARGET Target is a nice place to shop because you can get great deals on both your personal care items, groceries and other necessities. Target also offers a price-match guarantee, store coupons, and also accepts manufacturer coupons. Customers are able to save an additional 5 percent off their total purchase when they use their Target REDcard. After making the decision to dump debt, I can say that I love the “Debit” Target REDcard because when you make a purchase it gets withdrawn from your bank account as if you wrote a check. Target is famous for offering a gift card with the purchase of certain items and will take your manufacturer coupons and store coupons in the same transaction. Matthew 14:19-20, (NKJV) And they said to Him, “We have here only five loaves and two fish.” He said, “Bring them here to Me.” Then He commanded the multitudes to sit down on the grass. And He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed and broke and gave the loaves to the disciples; and the disciples gave to the multitudes. So they all ate and were filled, and they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments that remained.
SHOP WEEKLY AND PLAN MEALS Ensure you divide your funds between deals and the items you still need now. Once your stockpile has a good amount of the things, you can shop less and save even more.
JOIN ADAPT’S 60-DAY COUPONING CHALLENGE Not sure you are ready to commit? Meet fellow couponers as you get week-by-week advice on what to buy based on the coupons you can access. Go to www.adaptmag.com for more information and to sign up. - The Christian Bargain Hunter
adaptmag.com
March/April 2013
Artist painting during Authentik’s Groan Before Glory concert in Orlando back in December. See more pictures at http://facecbook.com/adaptmagazine.
M
J
E
MUSIC
JUSTICE
ETC.
New artists New releases Music reviews
nonprofit spotlight justice issues missions
Op-Ed Column
MUSIC: NEW RELEASES
CHRISTIAN HIP HOP:
TAKING THE WORLD BY STORM FOR THE KINGDOM “Let them know that you, whose name is the LORD-- that you alone are the Most High over all the earth.” Psalm 83:18
Another notable release of the year includes Sho Baraka’s “Talented Xth.” It is his first independent release since leaving Reach Records. The album, which is nothing short of genius and 100 percent original, has received heavy criticism from the Christian community, due to its mature and slightly controversial content.
I
However, it seems that Sho has simply produced what he originally felt called to do, which was to reach non-believers by entering their world and making a case for the existence of God. The track that caused the most uproar is ‘Chapter 9: Jim Crow’ in which Sho speaks about the struggles of the black identity in modern-day America. There is some language that Sho uses in the song, which most CHH fans have found appalling, however there is another group of fans who understand the message Sho is trying to get across. He paints a picture of the realities of our culture by bringing it directly to our ears, even if it means amplifying some of the evils we tend to ignore on a daily basis. Other good listens ‘Chapter 10: Peter Pan and ‘Chapter 4: Mahalia.’ “Talented Xth” is a mental journey, with Jesus at the center of it. Sho has not departed from the Gospel in any way, contrary to what some may think or say at first listen.
think Psalm 83:18 is a fitting banner for what has recently been happening in Christian Hip Hop. Reach Records’ Lecrae Moore secured a Grammy for his latest release ‘Gravity,’ Andy Mineo was featured in his hometown Washington Heights “Young, Brash, Gifted” artist collective cypher. And the rest of the Reach camp, Reflection Music, and Humble Beast family was featured at SXSW music festival this year. It seems like the Kingdom has hit the ground running in 2013. First, let’s dive into some new releases. Collision Records’ entire roster, consisting of Swoope, Alex Faith, Christon Gray, and Dre Murray came together to form a rap super-group called “WLAK” or We Live as Kings. The group dropped its first self-titled album on March 5. The album sounds amazing. Swoope’s versatile production talents, mixed with the vocal artistry of Christon Gray, and the poetic, narrative flows of Dre Murray and Alex Faith combine to make a professional-grade effort to enter the hiphop charts with a bang. The results? More than successful. Notable tracks to listen to include, “Imagine,” “Yhwh” with samples from Eshon Burgundy’s “I Don’t Want You,” and the expertly crafted “Arena,” which includes touches of “With Everything” by Hillsong United. adaptmag.com
This year we also have plenty of new releases to look forward to, like Andy Mineo’s first official debut release: “Heroes for Sale.” Fans of Andy Mineo’s catalogue should know that this young rapper from New York always makes a point to have the cleanest, and most professional sound. “Saturday Morning Car-Tunez” was a great display of Andy’s musical affinity, so we know exactly what to expect from “Heroes.” The first single from the album “Ayo!” is already flying around the airwaves. With its upbeat and playful feel, the song is an anthem for Christians worldwide to continue
March/April 2013
to live unashamed. However, if we know Andy that’s not all we can expect from him. The second single, “Bitter” is a slower, more insightful track battling envy, un-forgiveness and bitterness toward those who have wronged us in the past. Andy paints God’s way out, saying, “Bitterness is a choice” over a smooth guitar riff and pounding 808s in a slow and steady tempo, creating a musical atmosphere that really helps the words pop. Only two tracks into this album and I am already prepared to give “Heroes” five stars. Andy plans on releasing it on April 16, so mark your calendars and get your iPods ready! While waiting for that to release, feel free to check out some up-and-coming artists, like New Orleans native Dee1. Dee’s been pretty busy, making moves and marking his identity as a ‘positive rapper.’ He does this by not only penning non-explicit lyrics, but also creating uplifting and positive content. Despite his more “conservative” position, he’s been recognized by some of hip-hop’s top names, like producer Mannie Fresh (the man behind many of rap superstar
Lil’ Wayne’s earlier hits), and has performed alongside and opened for many mainstream artists like Lupe Fiasco, Trey Songz, The Roots, and Musiq Soulchild, to name a few. XXL Magazine and MTV have also given Dee-1 exposure, and he’s currently on the “Higher Learning” tour with Lecrae and Humble Beast frontrunner Propaganda, performing at historic black colleges and universities across the nation. His musical content is more than positive, it is Godinfluenced. If an example of a “rapper who’s Christian,” exists, Dee-1 fits the bill. Rapzilla has featured his latest release, “Psalms of David” on their site, and the mixtape is a compilation of most of his recent work, with a few new tracks. Notable songs to listen to are “The Garden of Eden,” “I’m Not Perfect (I’m a Christian)” and the banger he puts out with Lecrae entitled, “Work.” This year is ramping up to be a big one for Christian HipHop, and I’m excited to see how far the Lord is willing to take it.
ANTICIPATED ARTIST RELEASES: MARCH-APRIL 2013*
BENJAH
SOCIAL CLUB
March 19, 2013
April 2, 2013
SHAI LINNE
STILL TRILL CHRISTIANS
April 9, 2013
April 30, 2013
*Release dates subject to change. Album artwork belongs to respective artists.
adaptmag.com
March/April 2013
RAPPER. PRODUCER. DISCIPLE.
M
MUSIC
WHO IS D’AYCH?
HOW DID YOU COME TO KNOW THE LORD?
I am a man of God first and foremost. I am a believer and disciple of Jesus Christ. I am very passionate and driven to accomplish my goals. I am a musician, a producer, a song writer, a music arranger, and a Christian rap artist. I am very loyal, and when I love someone, I love hard. That is just me.
I came to know the Lord during a four-year prison sentence. When I became old enough to make my own decisions I began to neglect the Christian principles that I was born into. At the age of 16 I was placed on Milwaukee’s Most Wanted List, and I stayed on the run for about two years. At the age of 18, I was arrested and sent to await my sentence in Franklin for armed robbery. I received time in solitary confinement in 2003, and that is where I rededicated my life to Jesus Christ.
WHERE DID THE NAME COME FROM? D’Aych is just a creative way to spell the initials to my name (Daniel Harris-D.H.). The name came from wanting a name that describes me as a person as well as an artist.
DID YOU ALWAYS PLANNING TO BE AN ARTIST? Absolutely. I always knew, even as a child that I would be a musician. Always. Majority of the childhood pictures that I have are of me either singing on a toy microphone, or holding a guitar. I always knew that I would be doing this. Creating music that glorifies Jesus Christ and touches the lives of people around the world is the icing on the cake.
HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED WITH MUSIC? Initially, I began doing secular rap music as a teenager. I was part of various local groups and recording company rosters when I first began. I also did a lot of rap battling at parties in the projects Rapping on street corners with my friends that I ran the streets on the north side of Milwaukee were some of the best times ever I’ve had. However, I didn’t come to understand the business aspect of the music industry until I began doing Christian music.
adaptmag.com
WHAT’S IN THE HEARTS OF PEOPLE IN MILWAUKEE? First and foremost let me say that I love my hometown Milwaukee, WI. In my city, as well as many inner cities in America, my people are in need of hope. What I am seeing now is more babies having babies, the crime rate has escalated tremendously, and the unemployment rate has risen out of the roof. Police brutality is completely out of hand, and drug addiction is more noticeable now then it ever has been. All of these issues are reasons why I work as hard as I do. I want to be able to show people that no matter where you come from, or what you’re facing in life, if you believe in God and believe in yourself, you can watch your dreams become your reality.
WHAT ARE YOU HOPING THE PEOPLE IN YOUR COMMUNITY WILL GET OUT OF THE MUSIC? My prayer is that as people see me fulfilling my purpose, it will encourage them to fulfill their purpose. I am overly conscience about how I carry myself. For me it is not about bragging and boasting, unless I am speaking on how far God has brought me from. I want the people to hear the music, hear the pain of the past, hear the pain of the issues
29
March/April 2013
I face, and also hear the victory in my voice. I want people to see me as an example that you can go from rock bottom to experiencing the journey of a lifetime at the top when Jesus Christ is your Lord and Savior.
WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY WORKING ON? I am currently working on a new single that will be released on April 17. I recently released a project titled, “Supply & Demand V2” which has helped me to reach the No. 3 spot on the independent music charts www.reverbnation.com/ daych. We just reached about 6,000 national/international views/plays. I am also working on releasing a string of new singles and music videos for the duration of 2013. I am also working on my second full-length album entitled, “Living Proof.” I will also be releasing new D’Aych merchandise and so much more. Follow me on Twitter (@D_Aych) for more updates.
this time around, it is an honor to be considered one of the best so early in my career.
WHAT HAS BEEN ONE OF THE HARDEST THINGS TO ADAPT TO? Hate from other people. It is harder to adapt to it because I am genuinely a loving person. I am not trying to be something that I am not through my music, so people show hatred because they don’t think I “deserve” the buzz I have been receiving as an independent artist. However, I have learned to divorce myself from the perspective of men. One day they will love you and the next they will hate you. It is different for me because I am loving person, but it is what it is. I am learning to love those people in spite of their ignorance and grind even harder. Their hate becomes fuel to the fire that burns within my soul to make a difference through music.
I am in the running for a 2013-2014 “Rhythm of Gospel” Award for “Best Independent Christian Rap Artist” for the single ,’You Can’t Hide, You Can’t Run.’ Keep me in your prayers about that. Even if I’m not the winner for that award
R adaptmag.com
March/April 2013
AT THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA BRINGING HOPE. BRINGING A CURE.
Cursed. That is what children in many foreign countries grow up hearing. Why? SImply because they were born with a cleft pallet, club feet, untreated burns, bowed legs or a number of other extremely curable disabilities. They say it takes a village to raise a child but in these cases the village does nothing but breaks the child. One organization is working tirelessly to stop the brokeness and bring healing to these children and families worldwide. CURE International is a network of doctors and hospitals that work together to provide free surgeries for children worldwide. The faith-based organization recently began launching campus chapters around the Unites States. The University of Florida chapter was the third school to join the CURE family. The campus club, which launched in 2012, held its first benefit concert. The purpose of the concert was to raise funds for Mathews, a two-year-old boy in Zambia. The goal was to raise $1,000 and the organization more than met their goal, according to club co-founder and UF students, Hope Kim Doit and Syra Rosario-Cardona. The night included performances from another student-led nonprofit, Heartbeat for the Arts, as well as Gator Christian Life’s L.E.G.I.T. dance team and North Florida artists Ryan Galloway and Samuel Sanders. adaptmag.com
March/April 2013
Captions (Clockwise, Left to Right): UF CURE President, Kim Hope Doit, CURE International Student Advisor, Katie Spell, and VP Syra Rosario-Cardona. Ryan Galloway shares his heart before performing one of his original tunes. Charley De Jesus Sings “Hero� by Mariah Carey. Jacksonville artist Samuel Sanders holds the audience captive with his amazing guitar and lyrical skills. The UF CURE team poses for a team photo at the end of the night. adaptmag.com
March/April 2013
GET ON MISSION With First Assembly of God, Gainesville
VISIT HTTP://First-assembly.org/missions FOR DETAILS ON MISSION TRIP OPPORTUNITIES IN 2013