Volume 2 Issue 2 "Love is in the Air"

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From the Editor’s Desk

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ey Y’all! On behalf of My Beautiful Family Inc. (MBF), it was with great excitement and enthusiasm to host our 3rd Annual Fundraising for Hope Gala, the “Great Gatsby Soiree” April 18, 2015. This year’s gala commemorated 5 years of fundraising that has enabled us to serve the needs of those fighting against breast cancer, assist families in need of financial/ in-kind support, and support small business owners. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the generous supporters of our surrounding community of neighbors and businesses. Our roster of FFH events includes our 2015 Women Empowering Change annual conference “Plug into your Power” and our 5th Annual Total Beauty & Health Expo. We invite you to join us in Fundraising for Hope. Stop by our website bbumagazine.com for all these wonderful events and more!

About MBF Inc. My Beautiful Family Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing support for individuals and families in the Greater Houston Area. Our mission is to build, enrich, and educate those connected to our organization through our Fundraising for Hope Programs; mentoring, community drives, scholarships, volunteer service. My Beautiful Family Inc. serves as the parent company of Beautifully Being U! Magazine™ and Women Empowering Change. MBF also employs the use of its sister company, Total Beauty Ladies Events, to produce quarterly FFH events. BBU! Founders

Wendell & Shunte Davis 3


Photograph by J. Vince Photography

:: Contents :: Volume 2/ Issue 2 April– June 2015

3 EDITOR’S LETTER 5 CONTRIBUTORS 6 BEHIND THE LENS TEAM ON THE COVER: Get to know the team

that made our cover photo shoot simply beautiful! 7 ON THE RADAR 8 EVENTS: 2015 FFH Gala Recap 10 CALENDAR: Events in Houston 12 SPOTLIGHT: WEC Leading Ladies

Brunch & Workshop Leaders; Life Coach Janee Henderson; 2015 FFH Survivors Award Recipients 18 BBU! LIST: Editor's Pick of Gifts for Him VISUAL STORY 20 VISUAL STORY by Photographer

Tomayia Colvin

BBU! STYLE 22 SHOE THERAPY: All about the WEDGE! 23 SPRING STYLE LBD– Little Blue Dress! THE WHOLE U! 29 INSPIRATION: Everlasting Joy 31 THE COUNSELOR’S CORNER: This issue’s topic is hope. Be inspired by Faye Carter’s take on the 3 main principles of hope in her latest article.

:: FEATURE STORY ::

24 Love is in the Air Contest: Winners Meet the

finalists for our BBU! Magazine Cover Search. Be captivated by the beauty in their love. Featured are Mr. & Mrs. Sutton, Mr. & Mrs. Hayes, and Mr. & Mrs. Carroll. Cover Photograph by RL Studios On the Cover Tristen & C.C. Sutton

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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF FOUNDER Shunte Gamble-Davis

Join the BBU! Team Beautifully Being U! Magazine wants to hear from you! We welcome submissions for publication. We provide inspiration and reliable information that helps women balance their lives. Submit to editors@beautifullybeingumagazine.com ●●●●

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CONTRIBUTING WRITER Shareefah Muhammad

Beautifully Being U! Magazine is published four times a year as a digital download or as a printed copy and is purposed to be a great tool for beautifully living. Although BBU! Magazine strives to ensure the accuracy and correctness of the information published, we do not accept any liability or responsibility for any inaccuracies or missions. The views expressed by authors of publications or event presentations, published in BBU! Magazine, do not necessarily represent the views of BBU! Decisions or actions based on the information and publications provided by BBU! are at your own risk. Reproduction in whole or in part without prior written consent is prohibited. Trademarked property of My Beautiful Family Inc. LLC

CONTRIBUTING WRITER Faye Carter

Contact Us:

Beautifully Being U! Magazine P.O. Box 2294 Stafford, Texas 77497 (P) 832-866-4373 ●●●●

EDITOR-AT LARGE FOUNDER Wendell-Davis

●●●●

BBU! Magazine

PUBLISHER MY BEAUTIFUL FAMILY INC LLC


Behind The Lens Team â–‘ BBU! PHOTO SHOOT

Photography by Roderick Lightfoot Tell us about your company. RL Studio incorporates a passion for photography and an understanding of light and composition to create stunning images for every client. What inspires your photography? The beauty, creativity and uniqueness of the universe. In the world of photography, how do you define beauty? That which invokes pleasure as its defined by the absorption and deflection of light. How can our readers contact you? www.rlstud.com

How did you get your start? My introduction came from watching my mother put makeup when I was child. My mom was a Mary Kay rep which allowed me experiment with different colors and texture on myself and friends. I was a makeup artist before I knew what a makeup artistry was. It was pure love at first before I knew it was real a profession. What advice would you give someone starting out in your profession? Learn your craft and be enduringly passionate about your God given gift. Study the human face, skin and how light act to it. "Practice not until you get right but till you can't get it wrong.

Shatara Davis Make-Up Artist

How do you define beauty? Being comfortable in your own skin. It doesn't matter of your skin color, weight or size. Whether it's makeup or clothing, rock it, have confidence, and make it your own. "Keep It FIERCE Honey "

Company: Makeup by SHATARA Facebook: makeupbyshatara Instagram: @fierce_honey

Join the Team! We are always looking for talented photographers, make-up artists, and stylists! Email us at spotlight@BBUMagazine.com to participate in the next issue of BBU! 6 Visit BBUmagazine.com | April-June 2015


On the Radar ░ EVENTS

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Gr eat Gatsby Soir ee 3rd Annual Fundraising for Hope Gala Photography RL Studios

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rystal chandeliers, jeweled candelabras, elegant wall to wall draping highlighted by candlelight transformed the banquet hall into a sophisticated evening from the 1920’s. Guests were enveloped by the smooth tunes played by the Kashmere Reunion Stage Band. During the Great Gatsby Soiree's dinner program, four cancer survivors were awarded the MBF Inc. 2015 Survivors Award. Amongst those awarded were Janice Carter, Sylvia Escontrias, Adriana Lopez, and Grenda Monroe. After a delectable meal catered by Chef Arthur of Dinner for Two Catering, live dessert auction, and a very entertaining costume contest, guests were invited to the evening’s Casino After Party. DJ Party Man Entertainment pumped up the music and the casino tables were lit! Two lucky gala guests each won the gala’s $500 raffle prize.

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Special Thanks Special thank you to the generous supporters of the 2015 FFH Gala “Great Gatsby Soiree”. The funds raised will allow our organization to remain consistent in spreading cancer awareness, providing outreach support, and educating families in the community. For more events, visit us at www.totalbeautyladiesevent.com. Table Captains & Co– Captains The Avery Family The Berry Family The Edwin Family The Gamble Family The Saleem Family Gala Fundraisers Ms. DeNeka Dove Ms. Shatara Davis Ms. Sylvia Escontrias Ms. Lecreshia Pete Mrs. TL James Gala Vendors It Works Chosen Daughter In-Kind Support Sponsors Boutique Sui Numeris DJ Party Man Entertainment Dinner for 2 Catering Edible Arrangements Honey Pot Delectables Kashmere Reunion Stage Band Keisha’s Kreations Lamik Beauty Re Event Solutions Mosset Wine Bar & Grille 9


On the Radar ░ FFH CALENDAR

LEADING LADIES BRUNCH PRESENTED BY WOMEN EMPOWERING CHANGE When: Where: Tickets: About:

May 31st 11am-2pm Boudreaux’s Cajun Café, 5475 West Loop South , Houston, Texas www.Wecbrunch.Eventbrite.com / $10 Non WEC Members; Free for WEC Members Women Empowering Change Founder Shunte Gamble-Davis hosts a the WEC’s quarterly social to discuss the Three M’s of Leadership; mindset, motivation, and moxie. Join the WEC for an empowering session, meaningful networking, and fun. Workshop | Networking| Brunch | Silent Auction with a Twist | Vendors | And MORE! Seating is extremely limited

WOMEN EMPOWERING CHANGE ANNUAL CONFERENCE | PLUG INTO YOUR POWER When: Where: Cost: Tickets: About:

July 31st– August 2nd Hotel Indigo Galleria $150 GA; $200 VIP | Discounted Hotel Rates Available www.WEC-Conference.com/registration Women Empowering Change Annual Conference is one of Houston's newest and fastest growing women's conference. Our 2015 conference is for women ready to reclaim, revel in, and release their power. Who Should Attend? Any woman passionate about her journey. Whether you are a stay at home mom or entrepreneur, if you are dedicated to continued progress and growth this conference is for you. Plug into your power and be transformed, reenergized, and affirmed!

Our fragrances are inspired by designer perfumes and colognes that are formulated true to the scent. They are 100% concentrated fragrance oils that prove to be more intense and longer lasting on your body. Our products are always chemical and alcohol free. Great for sensitive skin! Visit us online at www.tru-essenceoils.com 10 Visit BBUmagazine.com | April-June 2015


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Join us for Brunch! Sunday | May 31, 2015 |11am-2pm Boudreaux's Cajun Kitchen Private Event Room Leading Ladies Sunday Brunch will include a brilliant panel of successful female leaders in the Greater Houston area. Take advantage of the opportunity to be inspired, motivated, and filled to the brim with knowledge and power. Bring plenty of business cards to share during our Networking Session!

REGISTER NOW AT WWW.WECBRUNCH.EVENTBRITE.COM What to Expect: -Inspirational Messages on the topics covering the 3 M's to being a leading lady: Mindset, Motivation, and Moxie! -Mixing & Mingling during our Social Networking Session -Fun environment filled with ladies on a mission to empower change!

BRUNCH SPEAKERS WEC Founder Shunte Gamble-Davis

SWV Founder Alissa R. Jones

Talkative Media Director Erica Courtenay-Mann

Shunte Gamble-Davis is the President of Women Empowering Change organization. She operates My Beautiful Family Inc., a non profit organization, that she cofounded with her husband to bring hope to their community. Through her passion of event planning and hosting, she has had remarkable experiences and connections that have allowed her to give back to various communities in need.

Alissa R. Jones is the Founder and Director of S.W.V and S.W.V. Publishing, Author, Motivational Speaker, and Woman of God; but most of all she is a survivor. When asked about the mission and purpose of Survivors With Voices, Alissa says "It is our mission to help women embrace these seen and unseen scars, find a voice, and heal. With hopes of inspiring and motivating one another. We not only provide a platform for those abused to commune, we provide an outlet in which their voices may be heard; through written and spoken communication. There is a life after abuse. We may be used and abused, but never used up."

Erica Courtenay-Mann is known to the world as @EfabulousHB. Comical mom blogger from the blog team @TwoDopeMoms, Erica started her own blog called the #MommyFab Project. In addition to being a Systems Accountant for the City of Houston, Erica is the founder and director of both @TalkativeMedia [Social Media Management firm] and @MouvementSauter [Career and Personal Branding consultation company]. With over 15+ years in the business sector working with corporate, non-for-profit, and government institution, Erica has a unique perspective as a Social Media Manager. She can assess business needs and then create bespoke visual content coupled with effective social media strategy that addresses the need of your business.

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On the Radar â–‘ SPOTLIGHT

Mission Statement Inspired to Live Coaching provides individuals, couples, and families with coaching or counseling for a myriad of personal and professional issues through the use of various self-empowerment, conflict resolution techniques, reflection, and selfexploration. We believe in meeting you where you are to help you actualize your personal goals by providing you with personalized care plans. 14 Visit BBUmagazine.com | April-June 2015


Janee Henderson

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Life Coach

any of us have longed for a change of scenery or have just wanted to spruce things up a bit in our lives at some point. We struggled to figure out where new things should go or what needed to be thrown out. Sometimes our lives can become outdated and lose the vibrancy it once had. At that point we may need assistance bringing those long lost goals and dreams into fruition.

resolve relationship issues, address grief and loss issues and improve self-esteem. She provides conflict resolution and mediation, help navigating life transitions, and empowerment/motivation. She also assists clients who want to improve their dating skills and engage in healthy relationships.

She brings the weight of her skills and a heavy dose of ambition to her life coaching sessions. Janee demonstrates a proven track record of helping clients re-design their lives to reach their maxi“I am simply helping you mum potential and enrecreate or enhance the joy life in abundance unvision you already have for der her coaching.

Life coach Janee V. Henderson knows how to guide people towards those inner changes they have dreamed to making. Re-designing their your life” lives, excelling in “She really helped me Janee Henderson. character, selfget through some diffiknowledge, and pocult times. Honestly, I tential reaching is don’t know what I something that many have achieved would have done without all those converthrough coaching from Janee. sations we had.”, states a client. Janee Henderson is self-described as an “Interior Life Designer”. As a small town girl, she has an earnest desire to make a difference in people’s lives. Now based in Houston, she is a licensed professional counselor intern and certified in Anger Management Resolution. She holds a Bachelor’s of Art in Psychology from Hampton University and a Master’s in Counseling Psychology from Temple University.

Janee has the ability to start wherever the client is and lead them in careful steps toward obtaining the life they desire. She helps many embark upon changes that they believed they needed but were uncertain how to make. Clients routinely come away with a realizations that each problem and situation presented is possible to handle and overcome. Her compassion, honesty, motivation, and listening ear are readily available to help put you on a path to self-discovery and a personal utopia.

She helps clients attack excessive worrying and plaguing anxiety, infidelity, improve effective communication skills,

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~2015~ Survivor Award Recipients The following 5 honorees were nominated and selected to receive the 2015 FFH Survivors Award in the name of My Beautiful Family Inc.

Janice Carter

Year of Diagnosis 2009

Adriana Lopez

Grenda Monroe Year of Diagnosis 2012

Reneda Saulsberry

Year of Diagnosis 2011 & 2013

Year of Diagnosis 2010

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Sylvia Escontrias Year of Diagnosis 2014


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Helping you take the guess work out of gift giving for him.

Solid Brass IPhone Case

BBU! LIST Wren Sound V5 Wireless Speaker System wrensound.com

Zepp Golf Swing Analyzer

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When Love Tells the Story Ogechi and Nwabueze's courtship started with an international family introduction and went straight to the world of technology. Every two months, one of them flew to visit each other, splitting their time between each other's homes. Planning an international wedding isn't easy, and to help, the couple hired wedding planner Darryl Wilson, Jr. of D'Concierge Events in Houston, Texas. After hearing Ogechi say, "Our love has taken us around the world and across the many seas." he immediately thought of the perfect location: The beautiful art-deco event space at the 1940 Air Terminal Museum, where the happy couple arrived to greet their guests on a vintage 1940 Cessna! The bride and groom decided on a theme of All-White Opulence for their reception, with their family in traditional Nigerian formalwear, bridesmaids in elegant white tea-length dresses, and groomsmen in navy and red. After years of travel, long distance planning, and time apart, Nwabueze and Ogechi danced, posed with their Cessna, and enjoyed being together, surrounded by friends and family—finally home as husband and wife.

Photography: Tomayia Colvin Photography, LLC. Planner: D'Concierge Events Cake: Rick Ballard of For Heaven's Cake Wedding Dress Salon: Weddings by Debbie Hair: Bridgette Nwaogu Makeup: Joanne Nwaogu of J'Spice Beauty and Fashion Ceremony location: A.D. Bruce Chapel (University of Houston) Reception location: 1940 Air Terminal Museum-Hobby Airport (Houston, TX) Floral: 19Eleven by Dextor Rogers Pipe & Drape and Chandelier: DĂŠcor 2 Remember Chairs/Tables: Another Memorable Events Linens and napkins: What's the Occasion Linens

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BBU! Style â–‘ Spring Style to Love

Shoe Therapy All about the Wedge!

Ollie Suede and Leather Wedges

Ashley Stewart Colorblock Wide Width Wedge Sandal

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Spring Style [LBD] Little Blue Dress TFNC Strapless Floral Print Prom Style Dress Japanese Floral on Blue Hepburn Dress

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BBU!

░ FEATURE STORY

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Love is in the Air BBU! Magazine’s Love is in the Air contest searched for couples who wanted to share their love story with our readers. On Valentine’s day, 5 couple’s stories were published on our website and voting began. Over one thousand voters helped us pick Mr. & Mrs. Sutton. Their love story captured the hearts of 696 voters.

The Sutton’s

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But then one day, everything came to an abrupt halt after he made a comment that I took offense to. In retrospect, it was so trivial, but I let my pride get the best of me. I began ignoring his calls, instant messages and any acts of interest. I said to myself, “He doesn’t know me! I’ll show him!” It took two years for me to finally give him another chance. A few days after we graduated, Tristen invited me to dinner. I couldn’t believe how wrong I had been about him. As I sat there listening and laughing with him, I heard a small voice say, “I think he’s the one…”

[Tristen & C.C. Sutton]

.C.- Tristen reminds me every so often, “You almost missed your blessing!” He’s right—I almost missed out on spending the rest of my life with my best friend. Our story began the summer of 2003 at our INROADS internship workshop. He was a sophomore studying Marketing at Texas A&M, and I was a sophomore studying Corporate Communications at University of Houston. Amazingly, we shared many commonalities—we were both very active on campus, we had jobs working in the campus library, we were only children raised by single mothers, our birthdays fell on the 15th only one month apart, we attended high schools in the same district, and we both had committed ourselves to celibacy until marriage. With all of those commonalities, it’s amazing we didn’t jump the broom that same day!

From that one experience, I learned a very valuable lesson that has even helped in our marriage: Don’t be so quick to dismiss someone because of imperfection. Today, women seem to be looking for a unicorn—he has to drive this, make that much, live there, can’t have kids, has to go to church every Sunday, can’t smoke, can’t drink, can’t curse, can’t be too soft, can’t be too hard, has to dress like this, has to buy me this, has to give me foot massages…a UNICORN. Honey, get the foundation right, and you can apply the cosmetics later!

I had just pledged Delta Sigma Theta that year, so I was definitely enjoying the “perks” of being a sorority girl. One of those perks included getting approached by guys, but apparently Tristen was taking too long to approach me because before I knew it, I was standing in his face introducing myself first! As far as I can recall, I had never done anything like that before, but there was something different about Tristen. He seemed to have an inviting presence that made you feel comfortable enough to approach him. My hunch was right; he met my introduction with a warm smile and from there, we began to forge a great friendship.

Today, after 8 fun-filled years of marriage, I’m grateful that I didn’t miss my blessing. I’ve been blessed to have someone who sees past my imperfections and continuously allows me space to grow as a woman and as his wife.

“There’s no such thing as a perfect marriage. You just have to be perfect at embracing each other’s imperfections.”—Tristen E. Sutton Photography by RL Studios

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Mr. & Mrs. Hayes

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ennifer- I will never forget the day I

met Mr. Michael Hayes. We were matched up through a mutual friend. After several failed attempts to get us together, we finally met on Sept 4, 2003. I remember being attracted to those deep dimples and his Jersey accent right away. This wasn’t the first rodeo for either of us, so we were both very guarded. I think for the first time in both our lives everything fell into place. He insisted that marriage and children were not in the cards but God had his own agenda. One date turned into 3 months and 6 months later he was down on one knee asking me to spend the rest of our lives together.

We married in Negril, Jamaica 6 months later and that is where our amazing journey began. The first 4 years of marriage we traveled and just enjoyed life until January 14, 2009. Our life did a complete 360 when our baby boy Mikey was born. Our life and love was taken to even greater heights. Having Mikey was just further confirmation that we were truly meant to be together and life needed to happen from our union.

Michael- Seeing Jen as a mom gave me an even bigger appreciation for the woman I already thought was perfect. I will admit being parents has tested us. In the past six years we had to learn to work together even more so as a unit. Although our life is different in all aspects, I think Jen would agree that it’s so much better. Our life is so busy and Jen makes sure of that. However, she also makes sure that we make the time for us and it is always a priority. She taught me that happy children come from happy parents. So we do what it takes to make each other happy. Sometimes that means family time, us time, or separate time.

[Michael and Jennifer] -Everything we goofed up prior to us getting married prepared us for each other. We know, undoubtedly, that we finally got it right. Are there days when it is hard? Absolutely! No matter how difficult our day is, our lips always meet at night. We built our relationship on a strong foundation, so whenever it gets cracked or bumpy we go back to that foundation. We continue to work hard at it and I think it shows in the success of our marriage. Life gave us a second chance at love and we refuse to take it for granted so next month we will be renewing our commitment and love to each other in Costa Rica with our son, saying I do again after 10 years. Love isn’t planned for most of us it is accidental but when it flashes you better be ready. We were ready! “A great marriage takes hard work. There are no short cuts to a successful marriage. When you give better you get better.” -Mrs. Hayes Photograph by Me o’ My Photography

Mr. & Mrs. Carroll The card reads, “Whatever special challenges you face along life’s way, May you trust that you will always find the best in every day”.

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aya- We met in 9th grade at Madison High school in 1992. We became the best of friends. I didn’t see him as my boyfriend then because I knew his girlfriend and he knew my boyfriend at the time. My mom would always tell me “That boy likes you!”. I would tell her we were just friends. One day my then boyfriend and I broke up. I called Richard crying and told him what happened. He came to my house with flowers and the sweetest card that I still have today.

At the bottom of the card he taped a penny and wrote, “Don’t spend all the money in one place Ha Ha Ha!” He has always been a jokester. That’s the day he told me he liked me. From that moment on he would come to my house daily after school, have dinner with us, and all family functions. In 1996 we went to prom together as well as graduated from High School together. On Christmas Eve 1999 Richard proposed to me in front of all his friends while I prepared Christmas dinner. His friends knew the entire time he was going to propose. I remember it like it was yesterday

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He told me how much he loved me. While crying holding my hand and asked me to marry him. Of course I said yes! God has blessed us abundantly with four children Richard Carroll II, Ronald Carroll, Alaya Carroll, and our adopted son Dave Davis. We have two amazing businesses, RM Carroll Enterprise LLC, and Carroll’s Events & Catering, and one remarkable nonprofit organization Phoenix Women’s Outreach, Inc. I can honestly say on September 9, 2000 I married my best friend. We still have fun, play jokes on one another, go on dates and have our debates or not so good days, but with the grace of God and the love we have for one another we are going on 15 years of marriage this year and 21 years in a relationship. [Mya and Richard]


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The Whole U!

░ INSPIRATION

Everlasting Joy By Shareefah Muhammad

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he definition of joy is a very happy feeling; great pleasure, delight. Many of us may be able to recall occasions where we experienced what is expressed above. However, we must ask ourselves, “What is the root cause that produces this joy that we may experience it on a continual basis?” Recently a matriarch in our organization made her transition and words were delivered by the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan regarding her life. Now I know you may be thinking, “What does this have to do with joy?” His words resonated with me. He asked, “Did you discover what makes you personally unique?” He went on to say, “There never was one like you before and there never will be one like you again. So we are unique in our time period. And we will never be again…That one Life Giver gives us all a bit of Himself. You could not be created after His image and His Likeness and not have Him in you.” Since our Creator has given us the Greatest Gift, life itself, and He has given us a portion of Himself to go throughout this life, we are called to express the best part of ourselves based off of the gifts and talents we possess. This is called serving in one’s purpose.

Once you accept righteousness and strive to live a good life, in that action, you will discover your purpose and unleash the gift that you have been given that makes you unique.” Science has noted that it takes 500 seconds (8 minutes and 20 seconds) for the blood in our bodies to travel from our brain down to our feet and back to our brain for one complete trip. This means that it takes a little over eight minutes for us to have a complete change of thought. We must focus on what we are feeding ourselves mentally, spiritually, and even physically. What we feed ourselves in these ways affects the way we think about ourselves. They can either propel or retard us from serving in our purpose. We are the sum total of our thoughts. Let’s take the time to do a reassessment of what we are placing on our daily menus called life and see what needs to be adjusted to get us closer to the goal of experiencing that everlasting joy!

With 7 billion people on the planet there is no one with the same fingerprint. This merely demonstrates that even if someone does the same thing that you do, no one can do it like you do! We each have the force and power to execute our purpose in a way that leads to the ultimate manifestation of joy that feels like Heaven on earth. In a book called The Teachings 2.0, the following question was asked to Min. Farrakhan: What are the keys to finding your purpose in life? His reply was, “ The Honorable Elijah Muhammad taught us that we are all born in the nature of God. He gave us six words, “Accept Your Own and Be Yourself.”

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The Whole U!

░ COUNSELOR’S CORNER

Hope By Faye Carter

F

aye Carter coming back at you from the Counselor’s Corner with a refreshing article to get you back in the race to hope again. Hope is like a reflection in a mirror; it’s always there. It’s that dream you’re dreaming to come true, that plan you’re planning to manifest, and that goal you’re striving to achieve. However, hope doesn’t stand alone. It stands on patience, timing, and faith.

First things first, the things you are hoping for must line-up with the gifts and talents that are deposited within you.

Hope Stands On Patience There is no need to be anxious about anything. Anxiousness is a form of eagerness; it can lead us into making hasty decisions that we may later regret. Consider praying about your desire, dream, and plan. When we wait, patience brings peace and rest. While we’re waiting patiently we are to use our gifts and talents to help others (1 Peter 4:10-11).

Hope Stands On Timing There is a time for everything under the sun. There’s a time to laugh, a time to cry, a time to birth, and a time to die. At the proper time you will see your dream, plan, and goal flourish. When you least expect it, you’ll get that break and the door will open for you to step into your destiny. I recently called my daughter and told her that this is my time to step into my dream. She said, “Mom, enjoy the journey!” So from me to you, enjoy the journey!

Hope Stands On Faith We must learn to put our faith in our creator. If our hope rest in our jobs, our abilities, or other people, we set ourselves up for heartache and disappointment. Has it been years and seems like nothing is happening? You may not see anything happening yet, but it doesn’t mean things aren’t working out for your good. Don’t give up on hope. Don’t shrink back. Keep your focus on the one who answers prayers and cares. Hope in him open doors for faith to move. In him your hope will be refreshed. 31


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