Urban Faith Magazine - December/January 2009 Issue (Premiere Issue)

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Winter 2009/2010 Premiere Issue

Encouraging Words from Mrs. O! All eyes are on Michelle Obama as she embraces her role as First Lady. She has already inspired many with her intelligence, strong values, and devotion to her family. Let her inspire you!

On the Cover Faith for 2010: Kick-Start Your New Year with Faith What one thing can you do to achieve your goals instead of writing them off as another year‟s unfulfilled resolutions? Check these ideas for getting 2010—and the rest of your life—off to a FAITHfilled start!

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Volume 1 Number 2

Founder , Publisher, & Editor-in-Chief ALYNETTA L. BECK URBAN FAITH Magazine is published bi-monthly by Urban Faith Media, 5610 Buncombe Road, Suite 606, Shreveport, Louisiana 71129.

For subscription information, go to www.urbanfaithmagazine.com or fill out the form below and mail. © 2009/2010 Urban Faith Media. All rights reserved. Material may not be reproduced in whole or in part in any form without prior written permission. Printed in the U.S.A.

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Contributors

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Publisher‟s Message

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Urban Faith Online

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Men of FAITH

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I Was in Good Hands

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The Spirit of a Giver

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Urban Faith Bookshelf

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Inspiring Words from The First Lady

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Stepping Out on Faith

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Online Exclusive

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Web Directory

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Marketplace

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Urban Faith Magazine invites our writers and bloggers to submit commentary, articles, interviews of faith. To submit, join our community and blog or send your submission to info@urbanfaithmagazine.com.

Shad Small is a writer, a model, and co-founder of New Star Athletics. He is married to Angel Delandro-Small and they have one daughter, Navaeh. He attends GRIP Church, where Roosevelt Wright III is Pastor.

A Shreveport native, Kristi Woodard has been writing practically all of her life. She is the owner of Mahogani Media, a multi-media company specializing in photography, event planning, publicity, promotions, artist management, journalism and more. She may be reached through her flagship website, Around the SBC @ http:// sbc360.blogspot.com

Danyelle Scroggins is an author, pastor, teacher, speaker, wife and mother. Along with her husband, she pastors New Vessels Ministries. She is the author of “Not Until You‟re Ready,” a book meant to prepare women for what God has in store for them. You may reach Danyelle via her website: www.danyellescroggins.com

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“Yes!” Singer, Songwriter, Keyboardist, Producer, Tye Tribbett says, “No!” Watch the videos in our online community and let us know what you think.

Starting a new venture or stepping out on faith always lends itself to feelings of excitement as well as those of anxiety. The hope is that in the choices we make, we choose to move forward boldly and fearlessly. We are doing just that with Urban Faith Magazine!

Urban Faith Magazine is the premiere Christian lifestyle and gospel music magazine for those living with faith. We want to empower, enlighten, and encourage women and men toward a closer relationship with God. Our publication is designed to promote a Christian lifestyle and positive living by sharing articles, interviews, music, poetry, and more. Join our online community to interact and discuss our content or submit pictures and articles of your own.

Talk about stepping out on faith. We have three outstanding contributors who are stepping with us. I merely mentioned to Shad Small that I would be starting a magazine and he was ready to write. Read his “Men of Faith,” and be completely inspired. Kristi Woodard “was In Good Hands” when she took a trip down south to a wedding. Follow her amazing adventure and see how the Lord works. Find out about the greatest gift ever in Danyelle Scroggins‟ “The Spirit of Giver.”

There is no better way to usher in the New Year than to get some encouraging words from Michelle Obama. All eyes are on „Mrs. O‟ as she embraces her role as First Lady. She has inspired many with her intelligence, her devotion to family, and her faith.

Read some encouraging words in an article sure to inspire. Plus, check our bookshelf for what we are reading and our Web Directory to see who‟s online.

Stick with us over the next year as we grow and see the blessings that God has in store for us.

We look forward to networking with you and look forward to hearing your comments.

Happy Reading!

Be sure to check out our online exclusive entitled, “PJ Morton vs. Tye Tribbett: Can Christians Alynetta Sing Love Songs?” Grammy, Dove, StellarAward Winning writer/producer PJ Morton says,

If you have comments for the publisher, send them to ceo@urbanfaithmagazine.com.

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YOU

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When I wake up in the morning, sometimes I just sit back and think – Where have my brothers gone? Are there any of us left?

Or have we given up?

Growing up I knew men of faith. Men who looked out for those who were younger. Men who were examples to the community.

And most importantly, Men who were god-fearing.

Now, leaders in the communities seem to have thrown in the towel. Young brothers growing up today have no more role models. The vision of Malcolm X and Martin Luther King, jr. are truly just history, due to the lack of love, companionship and faith. So the question remains: Where have the men of faith gone?

Instead of cherishing life, appreciation those who helped us along the way, and giving praise to Jesus, we live dangerous lifestyles, degrade our beautiful women, and give love to inanimate objects. Instead of paying tithes, we would rather pay for rims. Before we put food on the table, we buy liquor and go to the club. Before we spend a day in church, we spend our nights in the streets.

We look past true success and hard work, and we short cut by selling drugs to live the lifestyles we see on television.

Why must we kill each other in order to achieve a certain status? Why do we chose to eliminate each other and pull our people down instead of lifting each other up?

The thing that hurts the most is that the men of power have turned their back on the communities that raised them. It seems like the power God gave them to make change has consumed their minds and made them greedy.

Church leaders no longer extend hands to those in need. Instead they turn their backs on the ones that need them most.

What is a person to do when they have nothing and the same place that is supposed to extend open arms tells them they aren’t welcome? It hurts to even think about it.

Even with all the problems going on with the world today, I know that the men of faith will eventually come out of hiding. They will show their faces, band together, and fight the streets, the influence of television, the non-believers and the naysayers. I believe a day will come when new leaders will reach out their hands and guide the younger brothers who are growing up in the streets, and those living in poverty due to the mistakes of those who came before them.

And when they day comes, there will be no more short cuts through life, no more degradation of our beloved women.

Instead there will be a greater love for our families and we will all build our new legacy.

The men of faith will come together and take back what once was ours; and they will not only protect it but make it better. We will lead by example, walk by faith not sight, and most importantly live through and for God, not for the materialistic things that have corrupted us and driven us to deviance.

To all the coaches, principles, spiritual leaders, and people of authority – Listen up. Instead of complaining about our youth, we need to do something about it. It’s time to stop discouraging each other and saying what can’t be done, and start making things happen. Inspire the ones who have been told they couldn’t do it and show them they can do and be whatever they desire.

Be the image that God made you. Make bridges for others to walk on and pathways for people to walk through on their way to success. I can now rest peacefully knowing that soon, the men of faith will stand up and fight this new battle – and they Shad Small is a writer. Check out his blog at http://roshard.wordpress.com.

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and wires and a tune-up.

Those close to me know the drama I've been having with my car lately.

The check-up usually includes a "visual" inspection of what's under the hood My G-ride (named Pearl) was paid off in and the tires and such. He assured me December 2008 (Thank GOD!), but it my car wouldn't cut off on me and all seems ever since then, it's been one was well until I got back. So I left the problem after another.

Port City and headed to the B-R. Nail in the tire ... Covered by Road Hazard Insurance.

Thermostat malfunction causing car to "overheat" ... Fixed by Daddy Another tire nearly blew out ... Again, covered by RHI. Battery died on me (twice) .... Got it replaced.

About 10-15 miles before we got to Alexandria, I hear a strange noise. It sounded like a flat tire or maybe something was caught in the hubcap. I pulled over and my sister & I got out to check the tires. No flat. Nothing.

My car and I survived both and we made it to the wedding, reception and back to our temporary housing with no problem.

Today (Sunday) I ran all over the city ... Back to my stomping grounds at LSU, to the Starbucks on Corporate Blvd., to Coffee Call on College Drive ... and all the way back to my cousin's house ... with no problems.

When I got back in the car, I realized there was another problem -- I couldn't Even made it all the way back to steer right.

Shreveport (a 4-hourtrip, including a stop), dropped off my niece in Eden The wheel felt like it was locked. As I Gardens and then went all the way to So needless to say, I'm ALWAYS worgot on the road, I realized it was going the West Side of town to drop off my ried about my car. to be a chore controlling my car with sister in Twilight Meadows. the steering wheel locked up. But I It's my only mode of transportation. My made it to Alexandria .. and with great My car survived all this in a matter of job is pretty far from where I live ... strength -- made it to a gas station days and held up quite nicely. I got to and with the dozens of projects I have where a man coming out of the conmy parents' house and just breathed a going, I need my vehicle to be reliable. venience store informed me that a belt sigh of relief and thanked the Lord for was hanging from my car. bringing me home safely.

When I found out one of my favorite cousins was going to get married in My dad did his own inspection and an- After unloading my car and checking Baton Rouge, I knew I had to be nounced that the belt controlling my my e-mail, I decide to head out to a there ... and I knew my car had to be power steering had snapped. new spot owned by a classmate and checked out. (I never leave town withhang out with my favorite DJ and my out it getting checked out by a profes- He pulled it out of the car like it was friend/client. sional). busted twine. We switched vehicles and made it to Baton Rouge safely, and the I gather my things, get in my car, and The day before my trip, I was so busy next morning, I was back behind my pull out. Before I could get to the botthat by the time I got to the place I get own steering wheel. tom of the driveway, I heard a strange my car checked (which shall remain noise. nameless for fear of a defamation suit The next day I encountered a few more lol), I was told I wouldn't be able to get road hazards: a huge rock on South "Here we go again," I mumbled, and the check-up done by closing.

Choctaw. A even bigger branch on got out to see what's wrong THIS time.

Greenwell Springs .. Both of which I The next morning (Friday), I returned couldn't avoid because there was traffic to get it done, and 2 hours after I arin the other lane ... So I had to just run Continued on page 16 rived, I was told that it needed plugs over it.

Blah Blah ... Etc. Etc. Not to mention the ticket I got (only my 2nd in my entire driving career).

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I am so excited that Christmas is only a few days away. I am so eager to see the faces of my nieces and nephews as they tell all they've received. Of course for my own children, Christmas doesn't mean the same. They've come into the perfected knowledge that it's Jesus' birthday and not theirs. For this, I am ever so grateful. Nevertheless, I still have the distinct opportunity to show them that giving is one of the greatest attributes of life.

It's never about what you give but rather about what spirit you give it in. The bible does say that "God loves a cheerful giver." I understand it to mean anything that you give, especially, concerning your financial seeds towards ministry. Remember that the same way and weight of your giving, will be the determining factor of what you get back.

The greatest gift that has ever been given to me is the gift of Salvation! However, the second gift that I cherish just as dear is the Spirit of a Giver. It's this spirit that makes me feel inadequate when I don't give. If I had more, I'd give more, but such as I have, I never neglect to share. I understand that I was born to give and giving is as much a part of me as the children God gave to me. The Spirit of a Giver is one that ushers you into perfect worship...." because the heart of a worshipper is one that continuously give God praise!"

Find someone who doesn't understand the joy in giving and help them to understand by teaching them of the ultimate gift and the giver. It's that gift that trumps all and no matter how much money you spend...you'll never out do the gift that God gave when He gave His Son. Merry Christmas and I give to each and everyone of you my love. Be Blessed!

Publisher on Danyelle Scrogginsâ€&#x; blog December 23, 2009 at www.danyellescroggins.com.

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The poetry of Alynetta Beck celebrate the experience of everyday African American people; invisible men and women who "..Sing the Blues", are "Tired of Being Po", and who are seeking "That American Dream." She conveys that experience in a voice that blended the spoken with the sung, that turned poetic lines into the phrases of jazz and blues, and that ripped through the curtain separating high from popular culture

“I Ain‟t Gonna Gossip in Church No More” is a highly entertaining and cleverly suspenseful tale that will keep you laughing from beginning to end. Church service won‟t be the same after tongues start wagging. Korey Deon Davis has done an incredible job.

AuthorKorey Deon Davis is the CEO/Owner of Black Top Publishing. He is a member of Silver Dogs Inc., Kappa Kappa Psi Honorary Band Fraternity, and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. He now resides in Dallas, Texas and spends his free time playing golf, listening to music, and traveling.

Korey may be reached via his website: www.blacktoppublishing.com

Nikki Broussard is happily married to William, who works like crazy to give his wife and adorable daughter everything they need. But life-altering events are going to shake their idyllic existence to the core. When William runs for political office, their lives become an open book.

Author Monica Carter Tagore keeps us glued to this beautifully written book.

Learn more at www.monicacarter.com.

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Inspiring Words from

All eyes are on Michelle Obama as she moves into her role as First Lady. She has already inspired many with her intelligence, strong values, and devotion to her family. The down-to-earth Obama, who left a law firm for a career in public service, says her new job as "mom-in-chief" will be to help her daughters have a normal life in the White House. What other causes will she champion? We’ve gathered Michelle Obama’s own words about her husband, her hopes for her own and other people's children, and what inspires her most.

"[W]hen Barack first told me he was thinking about running for President, I had mixed feelings. I worried about my girls and what a campaign might do to their lives. I wanted the best life possible for them, and a presidential campaign wasn’t part of that equation. But then I thought about it. And the world I want for them is a world where they’re paid fairly and equally for their work; where they don’t have to choose between kids and careers; where they can dream without limits without a glass ceiling standing in their way. And I realized that if that’s the world I want for them, then I had to do my part to elect someone like my husband." Source: http://www.blogher.com/one-week-change "My first job in all honesty is going to continue to be mom-in-chief. Making sure that in this transition, which will be even more of a transition for the girls…that they are settled and that they know they will continue to be the center of our universe." Source: Ebony magazine interview

"Women in particular need to keep an eye on their physical and mental health, because if we're scurrying to and from appointments and errands, we don't have a lot of time to take care of ourselves. We need to do a better job of putting ourselves higher on our own 'to do' list.”

Source: RealHealth magazine interview

"Exercise is really important to me--it’s therapeutic. So if I’m ever feeling tense or stressed or like I’m about to have a meltdown, I’ll put on my iPod

and head to the gym or out on a bike ride along Lake Michigan with the girls." Source: Marie Claire magazine interview

"The work-life balance is a harsh reality for so many women, who are forced every day to make impossible choices. Do they take their kids to the doctor…and risk getting fired? Do they work weekends so they can afford to send their kids to better childcare…even though it means even less time with their families? Do they take another shift at work, so they can pay for piano lessons for their kids…even though it means they have to stop volunteering for the PTA? It just shouldn't be this difficult to raise healthy families." Source: http://www.blogher.com/our -many-hats

"I come here today as a Christian, a person of faith who believes we've all been called to serve our fellow men and women and to honor God's creation. We want our girls to know right from wrong, to always tell the truth, to treat people no matter who they are with dignity and respect, no matter how different they may seem...because we want our girls to know we are all God's children and there's so much more that unites than divides us." Source: Message to the General Baptist State Convention

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You are invited to submit your favorite original gospel song(s) for inclusion on URBAN FAITH Magazine’s next music compilation CD entitled

Get national exposure for your music ministry by being featured on this popular compilation CD series. New, unreleased, or previously released songs are accepted upon approval. For more information, or to reserve a slot, call Alynetta Beck at 318.655.2336 or visit www.urbanfaithmagazine.com.

Slots are limited.

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Watch the Video Battle in Urban Faith Magazine’s Online Community @ www.urbanfaithmagazine.com

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Find your favorite gospel, Christian and Faith websites here. To advertise your website, (for just $10 per issue - 2 issue minimum), call 318.655.2336.

Henderson Dentistry, LLC http://www.hendersondentistry.net

Black Top Publishing http://www.blacktoppublishing.com

Shad Small http://roshard.wordpress.com

Monica Carter Tagore http://www.monicacarter.com

Around the SBC http://sbc360.blogspot.com

Real Talk Ministries http://realtalkministries.synthasite.com James “Eskuire� Haggard http://www.youtube.com/Eskuire1

Danyelle Scroggins http://www.danyellescroggins.com

Urban Faith Magazine http://www.urbanfaithmagazine.com Jerry Davenport, The Artist http://www.jerrydavenporttheartist.com

Good Hands continued

God's hands.

I go to the front of the driver's side and the tire is COMPLETELY FLAT. But instead of getting angry or upset ... all I could say was "Thank you God."

I didn't trust that man who said my car was okay.

I accepted his words, but I didn't trust them. So I asked for reassurance from God, and I got it.

I was dreading a flat tire the whole way down there and the whole way back. But I kept it off my mind and just prayed that it would be okay. I even asked you all to say an extra prayer for me, that I make it there and back safe.

On our way back, my phone died and my car charger doesn't work (electrical problem with the car), so all I could think about was that if something happens, I have no way to call for help. But I unknowingly called for help anyway.

I prayed. And he answered my call.

My creator made sure no harm came to me or my family. He made sure that when my car decided to act up, it was under the "best" of circumstances and easily mended.

Forget Allstate ... I was in VERY good hands ...

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I believed he would watch over me and keep me safe ... and he did.

He and my angels (my grandparents and my brothers) covered from one end of the state to another. He kept me safe when I was in the car alone, when I drove in the dark, when I was tired and when I was worried ... He covered me.

Accept this as my testimony -- Faith is better than any insurance policy in the world.

Kristi Woodard is the Owner / Principle Photographer of Mahogani Media. Visit her website at www.mahoganimedia.com or http:// sbc360.blogspot.com.

Accepting ages 6 weeks up to 12 years. Preschool program, before and after school program, and summer program.

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Check out Around the SBC for events and happenings around Shreveport. If you missed it, check back! You just might find yourself on the web!

AT STORES: 1-800-807-66561 ($8.99 PER BOTTLE) SALLY BEAUTY: 1-800-275-7255 ($8.99 PER BOTTLE) FREE U.S. HOME DELIVERY: SEND $20.98 CHECK OR MONEY ORDER FOR 2 BOTTLES (1 OF EACH PRODUCT) LASTING 2-4+ MONTHS (RESULTS IN 1-2 MONTHS WILD GROWTH CO., P.O. BOX 2949 EB, SAINT JOHNS, AZ 85936 ORDER BY PHONE 1-888-945-3476 ORDER ONLINE www.wildgrowth.com

The poetry of Alynetta Beck celebrate the experience of everyday African American people; invisible men and women who "..Sing the Blues", are "Tired of Being Po", and who are seeking "That American Dream." She conveys that experience ...

9136 Newcastle Drive Shreveport, Louisiana 318.687.0009 Accepting ages 6 weeks to 12 years. Preschool program, before and after school program, and summer program available.

To read more and to get your copy, visit www.alynettabeck.com

March 25 - 27, 2010 Go to www.blacktoppublishing.com to purchase your copy today!

May 6 - 8, 2010

Order your copy online at www.urbanfaithmagazine.com Visit our website for more information: www.mahoganyensembletheatre.org

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LISTEN TO THE NEW...

Radio Program A syndicated, weekly, hour-long radio broadcast introducing new music from independent as well as major artist locally and from around the nation. Hosted by veteran radio announcer and Urban Faith Magazine publisher Alynetta Beck.

For stations, air times and to listen on demand, visit www.urbanfaithmagazine.com. Radio programmers may call 318.655.2336 to carry this program.

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www.urbanfaithmagazine.com

Just a Little CafĂŠ 420 Marshall Street Downtown Shreveport

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