We're Chosen Magazine April Issue

APR 2022 $3.00

JEANETTE HARRIS

THE QUEEN OF JAZZ

KEEP GOOD COMPANY A PRAYER FOR HUMANITY PUT WINGS ON YOUR DREAMS

MY ENCOUNTER WITH GOD PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT AND THE BUTTERFLY EFFECT

GROWING YOUR LIFE PURPOSE

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CONTENTS 26

42

54

Jeannete Harris

Growing Your Life Purpose

Put Wings On Your Dreams

The Queen Of Jazz

5 Editor's Note 6 The Community Corner Four ways To Harness Your Light 12 Balanced Wellness Mindfulness

Based

Stressed

Reduction (MBSR Bootcamp) 21 Native Traditions Mexica Style Sweat Lodge Known As Temazcalli 39 My Encounter With God 41 A Prayer For Humanity 44 The Meaning Behind Life Changing Results Academy's Logo

WE'RE CHOSEN MAGAZINE WE'RE CHOSEN MAGAZINE OUR MISSION: Our Mission: Spreading hope and love by Spreading hope and love by providing a voice to theproviding a voice to the otherwise voiceless otherwise voiceless

CONTENTS 48 Putting The Nature Back Into Nature Photography 50 Keep Good Company 53 Coming Back Home A Story Of An Addict 56 Personal Development and The Butterfly Effect 60 Don't Expect Life Abundance Until You Identify Your Life Purpose 63 Money Matters Ten Laws To Befriend The Spirit of Money 68 The Artist Corner Featuring: Aicha Dia 70 Small Business Advertisements

WE'RE CHOSEN MAGAZINE WE'RE CHOSEN MAGAZINE OUR MISSION: Our Mission: Spreading hope and love by Spreading hope and love by providing a voice to theproviding a voice to the otherwise voiceless otherwise voiceless

Against All Odds,

By Ingrid Martin

Still I Rise!

EDITOR'S NOTE "We are going to change the world, one person, one heart, and one mind at a time."

Elijah Ammi

Every single one of us came to this planet with goals that we wanted to accomplish. We were given certain gifts/talents to help us accomplish those things. And yet unfortunately, the great majority of us will not fulfill our purpose. We will pass on from this place having hidden our gifts/talents within us. And as a direct result of that, we will have robbed humanity of the thing that we came here to give humanity. The late great PhD Myles Munroe stated that "The wealthiest place in the world is not any bank. It is the graveyards containing all of the artwork, books, cures, inventions, and businesses that could have been and should have been created."

It is my goal to leave this planet empty. Having given everything that I had within me to give. I don't want to leave any stone unturned and any business adventure unrealized. This magazine is a large part of that adventure as it has a threefold purpose. 1. It is my aim, hope, and prayer that this magazine is used as a voice for the voiceless. 2. May this magazine serve as a vehicle to empower and encourages others to share all of their gifts and talents as well. And finally, may this magazine serve as a beacon of hope, love, encouragement, and inspiration for humanity to be all that we are capable of being.

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THE COMMUNITY CORNER

Four Ways To Harness Your Light

By John Broadway

"When day comes we step out of the shade, aflame and unafraid The new dawn blooms as we free it For there is always light, if only we're brave enough to see it If only we're brave enough to be it."

Amanda Gorman 2021 Inaugural Poet I hope Amanda Gorman's loving call for unity inspired you to be the light amid our nation's deep divisions.

The thing about being inspired, though, it requires action. So how does one bravely answer the call to "be the light?"

Here's a secret, you already have all the tools you need...

Your Voice "To

me,

words

matter.

That's

what

made

this

inauguration that much more sentimental and special.

We've seen over the past few years how the power of words has been violated and misappropriated. What I wanted to do was reclaim poetry as that site in which we can re-purify and re-sanctify. Not just the capitol building which we saw violated, but the power of words, and invest that in the highest office of the land. Amanda Gorman This quote from her interview on CNN is what inspired me to write this article.

When I say voice, I mean words. But please know this, you don't have to be a renowned poet or fancy writer to wield the power of words. You already wield great power with your words, and you should never take that lightly. Through simple utterances, you can fan flames or suffocate them, inflict harm or harmony, to break down or build up. The choice is yours.

Whether through a random text, social media, Zoom, phone conversation, or in-person, be intentional with using your words to illuminate something positive. Use them

to

brighten

someone's

day,

ignite

their

confidence, or highlight admirable qualities.

You have no idea how much difference your uplifting words can make on someone. Harness your light by committing yourself to make someone's day, every day, with something you already use every day: your voice.

Your Ears Listening is often the only thing needed to help someone - Anonymous Another good quote goes something like: "God gave us two ears and one mouth for a reason, we should listen twice as much as we speak."…#Facts We often can't know what words we should tell people unless we listen to them first. And I don't mean just hearing the words people say, but actually listening to what they're saying: their tone, the pitch, rate of delivery, what's been left unsaid. When we listen entirely to all aspects of what people say, we not only understand them, putting us in a better position to be there for them, but we also make them feel better.

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More than just listening to people once they've already spoken, being the light with your ears also means allowing people the opportunity to talk to you. For example, so often, we may come across a salesperson, a homeless person, a political opponent, or maybe even a text from someone who seeks to engage us, and we completely ignore them. Being routinely ignored can easily lead someone to a dark place. Even if you have no plans of spending/giving money, or changing your mind, or developing a relationship with someone, the simple act of lending your ear to them can be such an uplift on someone's spirit.

(PS: I'm saying this as someone with experience as a salesperson, we don't always need the sale, sometimes it's just lovely having our humanity acknowledged by someone taking time to listen to us.)

Your Eyes The sign of a beautiful person is that they always see the beauty in others. - Anonymous Metaphorically speaking, our eyes can serve as light when we use them to find the good in others, especially those with whom we differ from or disagree.

As a screenwriter, one of the biggest lessons I've learned through storytelling is that no person is 100% bad or evil just for the sake of being evil. Even amid conflict and frustration, I've learned - albeit through many struggles not to lose sight of or appreciation for the admirable qualities and good faith that exist in others.

As Barack Obama so eloquently stated once: "we must go forward with a presumption of good faith in our fellow citizens. Because that presumption of good faith is essential to a vibrant and functioning democracy."

Besides benefiting society, training yourself to see the light in others will personally help you. Here's the SparkNotes version of an article I wrote titled 5 Ways Seeing the Good In Others Improved My Life.

Enhanced ability to forgive (essential to spiritual well-being) Enhanced self-forgiveness (also essential) A heightened level of humility (being humble, not being humiliated) Enhanced ability to lead and work with others (more on this later) A heightened level of hope in humankind (we need this badly right now) If we all commit our eyes to find the good in others, this world would be buzzing with kindness and good faith.

Your Feet "Let no (wo)man imagine that (s)he has no influence.

Whoever (s)he may be, and wherever (s)he may be placed, the (wo)man who thinks becomes a light and a power." - Henry George At no other time do we truly harness our light than when we take the first step and lead others. As leaders, we become a lantern that lights the path for others to follow, the slow-burning match that lights every candle in the room, or the sun that supports everything it touches with energy and warmth.

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These metaphors represent only three of the bazillion different manifestations of leadership. However, it all comes down to whether you're willing to step up and deliver guidance, support, energy, or some form of value to others. Sometimes that's sticking up for the person getting made fun of for thinking differently, maybe it's pushing everyone you know to get involved in the community, or perhaps it's sticking to integrity and values when no one else wants to.

Whatever it is, we all have the potential to take the lead; we all need to harness our light so we can be an example for others.

My dad made a YouTube video titled "Who Are You." He doesn't say in the video, but he told me its premise was to help viewers understand that every human is love at our core. I wasn't convinced. Then, strangely enough, a hiking buddy of mine echoed that sentiment. I still wasn't sure. But Gorman's poem helped drive it home for me.

As I wrote this article, I began to see that Gormon used light as a synonym for love. And now, more than ever, we need to harness our love.

For there is always love.

If only we are brave enough to see it.

If only we are brave enough to be it.

Let Your Light Shine So Bright Let Your Light Shine So Bright

That The World Has No Choice But To Acknowledge It WE'RE CHOSEN MAGAZINE

Balanced Wellness Mindfulness Based Stressed Reduction (MBSR) Bootcamp

By Shana Merceron

“I was born by the river in a little tent Oh, and just like the river, I've been runnin' Ever since It's been a long A long time comin', but I know A change gon' come Oh, yes it will” Sam Cooke.

The lyrics of this song echo in my mind on days when I feel like giving into temptation and regressing back to old patterns of behavior. At my moment of weakness, I am clam and resolute knowing that the desire for me to be the absolute best version of myself is unwavering. The longing to change and that “hunger and thirst after righteousness,” that will stay even existence to fulfill its purpose. That drive is the very fabric, breadth, and width of the characteristics of the “chosen ones.” It is for this reason that I have dedicated my life to fulfilling my purpose by helping others find theirs. God has made me a “roadmap” of sorts, that guiding light helping others find their way. As I give to others, I must remember myself. One day under a mountain of things on my to do list I had to stop and ask myself what about me? My desire and willingness to help others often comes to the determinate of my soul’s wellbeing. The need to fulfill my karmic debt causes me to forget about Shana giving from an empty cup and a weary vessel. As I sit with the thought on the edge of my mind, I realize it is because I have a blockage, a steadfast belief in others but not so much in myself. A dear friend of mine has commissioned me to stop hiding and I am taking on that challenge with all tenacity.

How many of us do not truly believe in ourselves? How many of us feel that our worth is predicated on the thoughts, values, and beliefs of others? I practice self-love but I am in need of a tune-up. I have forgotten that wise old golden rule, a quote by Francis de Sales, “Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself. Do not lose courage in considering your own imperfections, but instantly set about remedying them—every day begin the task anew.”

In Need of a Tune-Up? I have made all my coaching and personal development resource solutions focused. The parameters of Solution Focused Therapy (SFBT), and Mindfulness and Based Stress Reduction Therapy (MBSR), place emphasis on evidence-based intervention methods geared toward healing and restoration rather than continued examination of the presenting problem.

Balanced Wellness Personal Development Service.

Balanced Wellness Personal Development Service is a coaching, personal improvement, and mental health company that emphasizes the importance of self-efficacy, self-love, and gratitude through awareness, acceptance, forgiveness, and mindfulness. We are healing together, and we are here to offer care through a community of social support and accountability.

MBSR 8-week Online Course Balanced wellness will be conducting a Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Therapy bootcamp.

This 8-week camp will build on concepts of mindfulness, gratitude, acceptance and self-love.

There is a free resource guide found on https://palousemindfulness.com/

for outlines and

structure of an MBSR course. The weeks are outlined as follows.

Week 1: Simple Awareness Week 2: Attention to the Brain Week 3: Dealing with Thoughts Week 4: Stress: Responding vs. Reacting Week 5: Dealing with Difficult Emotions or Physical Pain Week 6: Mindfulness and Communication Week 7: Mindfulness and Compassion Week 8: Conclusion What is Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Therapy?

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Mindfulness-based stress reduction is an eight-week research-supported course that provides, concentrated mindfulness guidance to aid in the healing path of self-acceptance and restoration.

This practice has been proven to assist people with trauma, anxiety, depression and chronic pain.

MBSR employs an amalgam of mediative practices such as mindfulness, body perception, yoga and acceptance. This awareness leads to a discovery of healthy patterns of behavior, reasoning and elevated mood. Mindfulness is the soul’s acceptance of things we cannot change and the wisdom to know the difference. This non-judgmental recognition and analysis of the current moment and allowing your body and mind to remain in the moment improves positive body sensations, enhanced mental states, healthier thought patterns, and improved emotional intelligence. Body scan meditation is the initial practice, and this form of mediation centers the body, and calms the mind.

Body Scan Meditation Body scan meditation can be defined as a form of mindfulness meditation which is used to unify the mind and body. Through the body scan awareness is cultivated, emotional regulation is improved, and rumination (unhealthy disproportionate worry or obsessive rethinking of negative occurrences that no longer pose a threat.) is significantly reduced. Mindfulness meditation has been the focus of organized clinical research, which suggests its potential beneficial effects for mental health, as well as physical health. While MBSR has its roots in Buddhist wisdom teachings, the program itself is secular.

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What Is Solution Focused Therapy?

Everything at Balanced Wellness is solution focused so what exactly is Solution Focused Therapy?

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy can be defined as therapy that identifies problematic behavior or thought patterns and focuses on goals that may lead to solutions. In this kind of psychotherapy, the client becomes the solution finder and outlines intervention methods based on what works best in their lives.

How it All Began.

Solution Focused Brief Therapy began when a research group of therapists in Palo Alto, California began requesting that clients go home and observe the family “presenting problems” and come return with reports for the follow-up session with more details. Scientists discovered that clients returned reporting, not only about the problem, but also about what they were doing to solve it and what was going well that they wanted to increase. And thus, (SFBT) was born. It is not necessary to focus on the problem in order to solve it.

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Philippians 4:8.

Researchers discovered that clients are resourceful and have solutions within to resolve their problems.

“We realized that only solution or goal talk was necessary, that solution construction was independent of problem processes.” de Shazer.

Solution-Focused Ideologies.

With social constructionism and postmodernism at the core, the focus of therapy becomes positive, strengths based and future focused.

Six Key Tenets of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy.

1. If It’s Not Broken, Don’t Fix it. Solution-focused therapists/coaching is founded on the belief that clients are robust and resourceful.

They are able to determine what needs to be addressed in their own lives; this is where “trauma tracing”, a term Mental Pain Healer, Sherri Hill has coined, is often utilized.

2. Do more of What’s Working.

This approach is collaborative, coaches and clients discover what is working well and use that approach for clients desired behavior outcome. There is no judgment, just resources, encouragement, and solutions focused interventions.

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3. Change it up.

Flexibility and fluidity are key factors in SFBT. If a particular intervention method is not producing desired results the therapists will switch it up and alter their approach. For instance, if the client is not responding to MBSR then Cognitive Behavioral Therapy may be utilized.

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Philippians 4:8.

Researchers discovered that clients are resourceful and have solutions within to resolve their problems.

“We realized that only solution or goal talk was necessary, that solution construction was independent of problem processes.” de Shazer.

Solution-Focused Ideologies.

With social constructionism and post-modernism at the core, the focus of therapy becomes positive, strengths based and future focused.

Six Key Tenets of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy.

1. If It’s Not Broken, Don’t Fix it. Solution-focused therapists/coaching is founded on the belief that clients are robust and resourceful.

They are able to determine what needs to be addressed in their own lives this is where “trauma tracing” a term Mental Pain Healer, Sherri Hill has coined is often utilized.

2. Do more of What’s Working.

This approach is collaborative, coaches and clients discover what is working well and use that approach for clients desired behavior outcome. There is no judgment, just resources, encouragement, and solutions focused interventions.

3. Change it up.

Flexibility and fluidity are key factors in SFBT. If a particular intervention method is not producing desired results the therapists will switch it up and alter their approach. For instance, if the client is not responding to MBSR then Cognitive Behavioral Therapy may be utilized.

4. Even a Small Change MattersReduction in symptoms of the problem behavior is supported and encouraged. Small decisive mini goals such as substituting a negative thought for a positive is supported and encouraged so that more of the same behavior is correlated with positive stimuli.

5. The Solution Does Not Need to Fit the ProblemThis is an interesting approach in that it makes allowances for further examination of alternative intervention methods. An example of the solution not having to be directly related to the problem is a person who drinks heavily instead of addressing that issue directly they instead join a gym, find a new friend group, and heal from childhood trauma which were all reasons that the individual may have formed addictive behavior. Redirecting behavior is often proven to aid in long term growth and recovery.

Solution vs Problem Language. This is my very favorite approach. The power of the subconscious mind and all of its infinite wisdom will only think and dwell on what you impress upon it. Begin to pray with scientific prayer that the infinite riches of your subconscious mind will allow you to think on things that are pure, honest, just, and true. Meditate on positivity and hold peace at the forefront of your mind.

Scientists have proven through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy that thoughts directly influence actions, perceptions, behaviors, and mood and the ability to reprogram negative thought patterns can greatly enhance your mental health and wellbeing.

Email: Balancedwellnesshealth@gmail.com YouTube: Instagram @wellnessbalnced

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"Gratitude is a choice and state of being."

Elijah Ammi

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"If you think it and believe it, then you can create and achieve it."

Elijah Ammi

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NATIVE TRADITIONS Mexica Style Sweat Lodge Known as Temazcalli

By Xico Garza

The origins of Mexica Temazcal dates back more than 1000 years in various parts of Mexico that was originally used as a place to bathe.

The word Temazcal is the word used much like the word sweat.

In ancient Mesoamerica it was used as part of a curative ceremony thought to purify the body after exertion such as after a battle or a ceremonial ball game.[citation needed] It was also used for healing the sick, improving health, and for women to give birth.[citation needed] It continues to be used today in Indigenous cultures of Mexico and Central America that were part of the ancient Mesoamerican region for spiritual healing and health enrichment reasons.[citation needed] The structure itself is called Temazcalli Temaz=vapor Calli=house Much similar to the structure of the sweat lodge.

In Mexico the Temazcalli are mostly permanent structures due to cultural advanced and hygiene society that was much part of spiritual preparedness with men that where trained in a warrior society. On some of the structures that I have personally visited in Xochicalco tend to be square house like structures with low ceiling to retain the heat.

Most of the contemporary Temazcalli in Mexico tend be igloo like structures that accommodate 2-4 and more than 20 people in some cases. Some of the current Temazcal ceremonies in Mexico have highly been influenced by northern tradition with songs, protocols in some cases the structures are the same depiction as a turtle shell that use willow and tarps similar to the American sweat lodge.

In some high-end Mexican spas and resorts Temazcalli structures can be found as a place of sauna therapy and not focused on spirituality Some of the Temazcalli structure in some cases use animal skins, palm leaf mats known as petates that are built much like Native American igloo type.

In Mexico the woman leads the ceremony, and some are highly trained with medicinal plants that infused with heated water apoctli , steam that emanates from the water used over the lava hot rocks known as abuelitas/grandmothers.

Our Temazcalli ceremony is based on rebirth and reverence to Mother Earth.

There are four rounds based on Mexica teachings along with special selected medicinal plants to bring about internal cleansing in a spiritual setting.

The 4 doors/rounds last about 20-30 minutes each and are based on Mexica philosophy and mythology.

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All rounds are sharing of songs, chants and native instruments. Woman are revered and respected.

The water that is poured is infused mixture of fragrant medicinal plants.

We focus on individual prayers and equilibrium of hot steam and lower cooler temperatures at each round.

Our patron guardian known as Tlazolteotl la fuerza divina de la basura She was the goddess of filth, impurities, and confession who used medicine from waste and sexual diseases to gift us fertility, healing and unconditional love. Ruling life and death and opposing energies , Tlazolteotl embodies the divine principles that of Ometeotl. She is our reminder that there’s no light without shade and no shade without light.

The plant medicine found on the Yokut tule river land is extensive. I thought i would present the ones we have been using in Temazcal ceremony.

California Pepper Tree (Schinus molle) is known as Pirúl in Mexico.

In traditional medicine, California Pepper Tree’s parts (leaf, root, fruits, bark, resin): * Used in treating a variety of ailments such as amenorrhea, bronchitis, gingivitis, gonorrhea, gout, tuberculosis, tumor, ulcer, urethritis, wart, wounds, and urogenital and venereal diseases. *Used for wounds and infections due to its antibacterial and antiseptic properties.

* Used as an antidepressant, a diuretic, and for toothache, rheumatism and menstrual disorders. * Leaf juice has been used to treat ophthalmic and rheumatism. * Bark extract infusion has been used for diarrhea. * Resin from the bark known as ‘American Mastic’ or ‘Molle resin’ is a potent purgative and has been used to treat digestive disorders. * Other known medicinal uses of the plant include as an astringent, a balsamic, diuretic, expectorant, masticatory, stomachic, tonic and vulnerary. * Resinous gum obtained from the bark has been used in folk medicine to treat digestive disorders. * An essential oil distilled from the fruit is used as a spice in baked goods and candy.

I hope that this mini article gives the reader the window to the wonderful medicine that our ancestors have left us.

Water pourer or Temazcalero, Xico Garza

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"Wisdom and Love are found deep within the jungles of our mind. Most are not courageous enough to enter therein and just glance at them from afar."

Elijah Ammi

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Jeanette Harris The Queen of Jazz

Jeanette Harris was born and raised in California's post-Gold Rush town of Fresno in the center of the San Joaquin Valley. Reared by her mother, Annette, and her church organist father, Floyd Harris - both of deep spiritual faith and intense believers in the art of music - Jeanette and her older brother, Michael, received their love of God and family genetically.

"When I was 5, my father put a guitar in my hands," Jeanette begins. "A year later, he switched me to piano with a private teacher. I didn't like it. Reading treble and bass clefs was so overwhelming that I would cry, but it gave me a great jumpstart. One day while driving me to 4th grade, Mom was playing a cassette by Grover Washington, Jr. I remember looking at the picture of his alto sax. It was beautiful and Grover made it look so hip. I felt it would be the perfect instrument for me."

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The Queen of Jazz

Jeanette played saxophone and piano from grade school to high school where band teacher Steve Alcala also had her play in the Fresno City College jazz band even before she graduated high school.

She won numerous awards and accolades, which led to a scholarship to attend Berklee in Boston where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Performance.

Back in Fresno, Jeanette recorded her first self-released CD, Here and There, grabbing brother Michael to play drums with Patrick Olvera on bass, and began building a following by regularly packing Mike's Pub & Pizzeria. She recorded her official debut album Reflections followed by Smooth Holiday Greetings on her family's J&M Records (Jeanette & Michael's initials, Mom and Dad's funds).

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The Queen of Jazz

Jeanette Harris is the scintillating saxtress of soul jazz from Fresno, CA. This lady understands that energetic and captivating performances matched with uplifting and inspiring vibrations in the music are the solid platinum recipes for success.

Classically trained in both sax and piano, a graduate of Boston's famed Berklee College of Music, and the saxophonist for the late, great Teena Marie's final year of touring, Jeanette has weathered the fiercest challenges to bring the world her own brand of soulful healing vibes. Her CD "Summer Rain" made it all the way to #5 on the Smooth Jazz Billboard Chart and # 1 on the Smooth Jazz Indie Chart! Jeanette's CD Chocolate Vibez showcases not only her amazing sax skills but also her song writing and producing skills. She is currently working on her 6th CD with J&M Records and will be featured on Tom Browne's new single "Radio Vibes".

The Queen of Jazz

Jeanette had the pleasure of recording with the amazing guitarist Norman Brown, who is featured on her 2011 release "Saxified", she also wrote for Gerald Albright and has performed with and/or opened for numerous artists including Howard Hewett, Deniece Williams, Kirk Whalum, Brian Culbertson, Gerald Albright, Najee, the Rippingtons, Babyface, Phil Perry and KEM to name a few.

Jeanette also teamed up with flutist Althea Rene to form the "Queens Of Soul Jazz". She has performed at a lot of popular festivals including The Catalina Jazz Festival, Capital Jazz Cruise, The Long Beach Jazz Festival, The Lake Arbor Jazz Festival, The Newport Beach Jazz Festival, The Hartford Jazz Festival, The Columbia Winter Jazz Festival and many more.

Jeanette Harris is unquestionably the next "Starchild of the Saxophone" touching hearts with every Soulful note she plays.

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The Queen of Jazz

Citing her influences, Jeanette continues, "(Saxophonist) Richard Elliot brought some serious R&B groove at a time when smooth jazz really needed more of that funk vibe, especially his song 'Corner Pocket.' I just loved his production! As a composer, Stevie Wonder's music touches the hearts of people with lyrics that have strong meanings, and beautiful chords and melodies.

And (guitarist) Norman Brown is the one that inspired me to want to be a performer when my parents took me to see him for my very first concert at The Bastille in Hanford, CA. He gave me chills!" After crossing paths with Brown on the road, Jeanette co-wrote a song with him that became the title track of her fourth CD, Saxified. Brown recorded the song on his Grammy nominated CD, 24/7, with a different title, "The Best is Yet to Come" featuring Gerald Albright.

"To have Gerald playing a melody that I wrote is so amazing," Jeanette shares.

Jeanette has played major events from The Coombs River Bend Ranch Festival to festivals in Japan and London. She has performed as a side musician with Howard Hewett and Deniece Williams and has opened shows for greats ranging from smooth jazz stars Kirk Whalum, Najee and The Rippingtons to R&B stars Babyface, Phil Perry and KEM. "I got a standing ovation opening for KEM," Jeanette beams. "He came out to meet me and get my CD. His people said he never does that! That let me know my music does crossover."

The Queen of Jazz

The most special person to come along in the course of Ms. Harris' career thus far was singer/songwriter Marie, who hired her unheard/unseen in a destiny-streaked leap of faith totally befitting Jeanette's life and beliefs. "Her trumpet player saw me at the 2010 NAMM Show and asked for my business card. It had already been an unbelievable day where I got endorsements for both Unison saxophones and BARI Reeds. As I was driving home, the guy called me and asked if I wanted to play with Teena for a concert.in London! I couldn't believe it. I got 4 hours sleep that night studying her music then drove to L.A. for the audition. I had to pull off the freeway when Teena called me personally to get my passport information. The band tested my improvising skills on a funk song and a ballad - then I was in! Teena finally arrived, gave me a big hug and away we went. She featured me in her last concerts playing sax on 'I'm a Sucker for Your Love' and 'Portuguese Love,' and flute on 'Déjà vu.' She was truly a blessing in my life. Teena taught me how to be a strong female leader. I will miss her always."

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The Queen of Jazz

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The Queen of Jazz Booking and Tour Information

Upcoming shows: April 16 - Sheldon Theater - St. Louis, MO April 23 - Jazz Fest - Columbia, SC May 20 -22 - Brothers - Norfolk, VA June 4 - The Place - Palmdale, CA June 12 - Jazz Legacy Foundation - Hampton, VA June 19 - Festival Sundiata - Seattle, WA July 7 & 8 - South Restaurant - Philadelphia, PA July 23 - TBA - Augusta, GA September 3 - Gulf Coast Summer Fest - Pensacola, FL September 10 - Oxnard Festival - Oxnard, CA September 22 - Private Party - Los Angeles, CA September 24 - The Tin Pan - Richmond, VA October 6 - St. James Live - Atlanta, GA October 20 - Yoshi’s - Oakland, CA Booking info - 866.625.2395 Email - info@jeanetteharrisband.com

"Manifestations are based upon The Power of Intent. Your intentions are like an arrow being shot at a target. The problem for the great majority of us is that our arrows/thoughts are twisted, and we have not defined what our target/goal really is."

Elijah Ammi

My Encounter With God

By Elijah Ammi

On 22 May 2019, I had a couple of dreams that I believe are tied into each other. In the 1st dream, I was standing alone in a wilderness in front of God (I couldn’t see his face or image and yet every fiber of my being knew I was excited and humbled to be in His presence) and He said, “Everything and everyone is always in my presence.” I knew that but I wasn’t conscious of it at the same time and to hear God in an audible voice say it to me was profound and I woke up. I asked Him to remind me of that dream later when I get up because I didn’t want to grab my phone and write it down at the time. In the 2nd dream, I was again standing in front of God and He said, “Everyone is always doing my will.” I couldn’t fathom that statement because it flipped my beliefs upside down. I was shocked, devastated, and said, “Hold up a minute, my mom was brutally murdered and I was molested as a six year old kid twice and you’re telling me that was Your will? I was told and believed that when bad things happen, it’s not Your will but because we have freedom of will and that you will use it bring about a good thing. Just when I thought this was about to go bad because I felt some things rising up in me, I felt a sweet, comforting, and calming embrace.

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Then I heard God say, “You humans use word games and play mind tricks on yourselves to rationalize when something devastates you and you don’t understand the why. And these things you label as bad.” I heard Him and that resonated deeply within me. He said, “Your freedom of will is simply the fact that you can choose what you want. But regardless of what you choose, you are still doing my will. Because you can’t see the big picture and end results, you don’t see it that way.” And then came the knock-out punch. He said, “Wasn’t it my will that Jesus be mercilessly whipped, rejected, mocked, a crown of thorns pushed down on his head, and he was forced to carry his own cross? Wasn’t it my will that his hands and feet were nailed to that cross as he was hanged on it?

Wasn’t it my will for him to be pierced in his side with a spear? So, if you can freely accept all that as my will, then what makes you believe that anything that you deem as bad that happens to you or your loved ones is not my will? Y’all are quick to say that Jesus pain and suffering was for the salvation of the world while refusing to accept that your pain and suffering is for growth and development.” 🙏🏾🦋

Bodhisattva Prayer For Humanity Written by Shantideva, who was a Buddhist monk in 700AD.

May I be a guard for those who need protection A guide for those on the path A boat, a raft, a bridge for those who wish to cross the flood May I be a lamp in the darkness A resting place for the weary A healing medicine for all who are sick A vase of plenty, a tree of miracles And for the boundless multitudes of living beings may I bring sustenance and awakening enduring like the earth and sky until all beings are freed from sorrow and all are awakened.

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Growing Your Life Purpose

By Melody Larson

“What's my purpose in life?" It's a common enough question, yet it's nearly impossible to answer unless we allow for a broader definition of what life purpose really means. Our life purpose is evolving, just as we are. This article explores the 3 stages of purpose and helps you discover where you are in the growth of your own life purpose.

“What's my purpose in life?"

It's a common enough question, one that is burning in our hearts with greater and greater intensity as humanity evolves collectively. Yet this question is nearly impossible to answer unless we allow for a broader definition of what life purpose really means. Our life purpose is evolving, just as we are. This evolution flows through 3 clear stages: Outer Purpose = Doing.

Inner Purpose = Becoming.

Ultimate Purpose = Being.

Which stage of purpose are you in currently?

Outer Purpose Humanity as a whole has long been in the first stage of outer purpose—doing. When you think of life purpose, is “career” what usually comes to mind? This stage is about activities that relate to surviving and thriving. You work to discover what you're good at and what will bring you happiness and security.

The belief associated with stage one of doing is that the purpose of life is about achievement.

You worry that if you don't achieve success in some way, you won't be fulfilled. Whatever you achieve, it’s never enough. To move to the next stage, you must search for your joy from within rather than trying to find it from without through work, roles, possessions, or relationships.

Inner Purpose The birth of the Human Potential Movement started our collective move towards stage two—becoming. This stage is about discovering who you are beyond the surface level of your personality, and why you're really here. When you think of life purpose, do words like “significance” and “service” come to mind? In stage two, you're very concerned with overcoming limiting beliefs and habits in your life. You also want to find your unique gifts and give back to the world in a meaningful way.

The belief associated with stage two of becoming is that the purpose of life is about discovering who you are and what you can offer others. You sense that despite all the success you've achieved so far, something is still missing.

Now is the time to master your inner lessons and claim your inner gifts in order to contribute to humanity.

Ultimate Purpose Though the new millennium is just getting started, we have already begun to see signs of stage three—being. Many are turning to Mindfulness-based approaches to living. Seeing a book like Eckhart Tolle’s A New Earth reach the New York Times bestseller list is a sure sign that stage three of being is emerging. When you think of life purpose, does the word “spiritual” come to mind? This stage is about experiencing yourself spiritually. In other words: awakening. You're probably very concerned with learning about the spiritual journey, meditation and/or prayer, and enlightenment. You sense that the whole world is ready to awaken, and you know you can help it do so by shifting your own consciousness.

The belief in stage three of being is that the purpose of life is about awakening. You begin this stage by understanding that you are not separate from God/Source/Love/The Universe (however you define Spirit). To master this stage, however, you must experience this truth beyond the conceptual level. Learn to live in the present moment and to practice acceptance, detachment, and compassion. There is nothing to become. You are already enough. So, by the way, is everyone else.

Why is it important to shift and expand our concept of what life purpose is all about? The healing of our planet depends on each of us to do so. We’re on a journey together to evolve from a state of isolation, competition, separation and destruction to a state of unity, collaboration, acceptance, and compassion. I invite you to allow the meaning of your life purpose to grow. As your life purpose evolvesScience Articles, so does the collective purpose of humanity.

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The meaning behind Life Changing Results (LCR) Academy's logo

The ancient Chinese Taoist believed that black and white were the original colors. Black symbolized glory, righteousness, heaven's color, and the king of all colors. as it was honored more consistently than any other color. White symbolized brightness, purity, fulfillment, death, and mourning. And from these two colors came yellow, red, and green to give us the 5 basic colors.

They also taught that all other colors stemmed from these 5. Red i5 basic colors; s associated with good fortune and joy. Green is associated with life, health, growth, prosperity, and harmony. Yellow was believed to be the most beautiful and prestigious color. It was the emperor's color and also represented freedom from worldly cares.

These 5 colors are representative of the 5 Chinese Elements: Wood=Green; Fire=Red; Earth=Yellow; Metal=White; Water=Black The number 5 throughout the ages has been considered a sacred number which means complete. It is represented in our 5 senses; 5 elements; 5 basic colors; 5 Chinese Regulatings; 5 Chinese Stages of Human Development; and the 5 aspects of the HAPPY Method that I created for the Life Changing Results Academy curriculum which stands for Horticulture, Animal husbandry, Philosophy, Physical exercise, and You. LCR Academy's logo is a triune symbol (Trinity) made up of 3 parts: 1. The heart is the universal symbol for love. Love is also called God, Energy, The Force, Prana, and Chi. 2. The Phoenix is an ancient Egyptian symbol of the growth and development of mankind.

3. The Yin Yang is an ancient Chinese symbol for balance and harmony.

The symbolic meaning of the logo is, "From Love and in Love through growth and development, mankind seeks perpetual balance and harmony which is the core foundation and principle of Love." Simplified, this means that, "Man seeks to return to where he originally came."

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It's not that your life isn't beautiful, it's the fact that your perspective of your life is messed up.

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Putting The Nature Back Into Nature Photography

By Andrew Goodall

Great nature photography should make us think about nature, not about technology. It takes a photographer, not a computer, to take a good nature photograph.

When it comes to nature photography, digital cameras have opened up new avenues of creativity. But has nature been forgotten in our obsession with technology?

In my collection, which you can find on my website, I have a photo of a kangaroo on a beach. I am not the only nature photographer in Australia to have captured such a subject, so it is not a unique occurrence; but it is unusual. As such, many people have never seen such a thing with their own eyes.

Ten years ago, when film was standard, people would often ask "Where were you lucky enough to find a kangaroo on a beach?" Fair question.

Today, someone asked me "Did you superimpose that kangaroo on your computer?" Some people don't ask; they just assume the photo is a fake.

Some even want to argue with me even after I have told them where, when and how the photo was taken. People like to transfer their own limitations onto others. So, if they could not have taken that picture, they assume that nobody could. Therefore (they like to believe) it must be fake.

For nature photographers, being told your photo has been manufactured on a computer is like being accused of fraud.

The kangaroo on the beach is the most commented-on image in my collection, but it is by no means the only photo that invites doubt. These days it seems that any nature photo, if unique and perfectly captured (and isn't that what we are all striving for?) is automatically an object of suspicion.

We have entered an era when technology has become so advanced, people have begun to doubt their own eyes when it comes to photography. It is true, some amazing things can be done with software, and many photographers find 'photoshopping' an image more interesting than taking the photo in the first place. This is a perfectly legitimate pursuit and one that is simply a fact of life in the modern world.

However, problems arise when people start to forget that good photography, and in particular good nature photography, existed long before the digital age. The skills of nature photography are as they have always been. An ability to read the light, to recognize and capture a spectacular sky, to simply know the time of day and the perfect weather to shoot your subject: these are the stock in trade of the nature photographer.

Next comes knowledge of the camera and photography theory, along with a practiced sense of balance and composition.

If you get these right (and there are still plenty of photographers out there who can), you simply don't need to rely on your computer to create a good image.

In fact for most nature photographers, the whole point of the pursuit is the joy of capturing a perfect moment using only patience, skill and timing.

Technology is amazing. Using software, you can take the sky from one photo, put it behind the foreground from another photo, and add a few birds flying past for good measure. In the case of my photo, perhaps you could add a kangaroo into your beach photo. The point is, why would you, when there is so much satisfaction in finding that beach, and being there to capture the moment for real.

The truly wonderful thing about nature photography is that it can remind us of all the things we love about nature. It helps us to appreciate what is at stake as environmental issues come to the fore, and often (like my kangaroo on the beach) it allows us to see the natural world from a point of view that we never knew existed. Old school nature photographers like me don't want you to look at a photo and see only the technology that produced it. They want you to remember what it is we love about nature, and perhaps pause to appreciate the skill and artistry of the photographer.

So the next time you see a great nature photo, show some respect for the patience and skills that went in to capturing that image. And if you aspire to one day do the sameComputer Technology Articles, try thinking a little less about your computer and a little more about nature. It can only make you a better photographer.

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Keep Good Company

By Graham and Julie

Do you have the courage to reach your goals? Do you have the courage to succeed? Do you have the courage to mix with the people who can change your life? Do you have the courage to walk away from those?

Do you have the courage to reach your goals? Do you have the courage to succeed? Do you have the courage to mix with the people who can change your life? Do you have the courage to walk away from those who keep you in your place? If you really want to change your lifestyle and become successful one of the major keys is simply: keep good company.

The people around you affect the way you live your life and the way you see the world. Mix with negative, judgmental, angry, criticizing people and gradually that’s the way you are. In no time you are the same. You find yourself bitching about the way the world is, being angry at others for little or no reason, criticizing others for not thinking the way you do. In a nutshell, you spend your time seeing what is impossible rather than what is possible in your life. Even if you are aware of the power of positive thoughts and a positive lifestyle, in this environment you have an uphill battle to success.

In other words make it easy on yourself; find like minded souls. Find people who behave and act the way you want to behave and act. It’s like being an alcoholic. If you want to change there is no point in keeping the company of alcoholics that drink. Either find company who don’t drink or make friends with alcoholics who are currently sober. It’s the best medicine of all; keep good company.

How many times have you attended self development courses and seminars and come out with lists of actions, fuelled by enthusiasm and good intentions only to find a few days later the enthusiasm has gone, the list is filed and you have returned to your previous way of life. Why? Because you tried to go it alone. You didn’t keep in contact with other course members or the moderator you just had your list. You returned to your cynical, judgemental, criticising selves. And everyone you spoke to agreed, it was an impossible plan for you to follow, people like you don’t do that. When would you get the time? Etc. etc. etc. YOU did not keep good company.

We bring most of our problems on ourselves. Just like any addition there comes a time when we begin to realise what we are doing to ourselves. We need to move away from the fear based culture we have been living in. We need to change. It is difficult to give up drinking when everyone around you is drinking, it is difficult to give up smoking when everyone around you is smoking. Therefore it is difficult to stop thinking negatively and build a creative, positive outlook if everyone around you is bitching, criticizing and blaming others all the time.

Just spend a few minutes and ask yourself: Who do I spend my time with?

What kind of company am I keeping?

How many hours a day do I spend with the TV? Am I mixing with people who see themselves as victims?

Are these people going to make me into the sort of person I want to be?

Are the people with whom you spend your time, cynical, judgmental, blaming?

The way forward. The way to get on the correct path. Is to keep good company. Keep the company of good people who make good choices. Someone who has conquered the negativity, the bitching, the cynicism. Or at least someone who acknowledges that there is a different way and is making effort to change. Find someone who can: Listen without blaming, Hear you without criticism, Keep you focused when your focus slips, Remind you of your strengths when the going gets tough Remind you why you are on this journey.

Be just there for you.

The secret of getting ahead and staying there is to keep good company. If you want to be a better salesperson, mix with good salespeople, if you want to be a good copywriter, mix with good copywriters. People judge us by the company we keep. They infer that we are a certain way because of the company we keep. Even though we may be different we are automatically ‘guilty’ by association. So, if you want to achieve Article Submission, if you want to change. If you want to succeed. Keep good company.

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"The perceived power that you think that others have over you is nothing compared to the real power that you possess within you."

Elijah Ammi

COMING BACK HOME (THE STORY OF AN ADDICT) I’m lost in the world in an experimental bubble My scientific experiment led me towards a path of trouble My surroundings infested with people who are mentally infected, By drama and trauma of violence abuse some abandoned some molested My environment a reason no it’s not an excuse But mines with mental disturbances that were never corrected I search for peace in my life. I thought twice then injected I thought it was love in the needle that entered my veins, Because in the midst of my illusion there was no confusion that the thoughts of love was what centered my brain I kept trying to repeat the same rituals Even with the same individuals From the first time I got high It was never the same Unknowingly transforming to someone ugly My personality changed Self centered and selfish but I did not worry I thought it was heaven because I no longer felt pain Sobriety was misery so the bag kept me well A lie I was living completely swept in my hell So much lies I was given no truth I could tell I deteriorated my body my entire youth left my shell Every moment of weakness or signs of distress keeps me coming back to my bag that relieves all of my stress I fly on the mountain for hours with wings Roaming the streets with conviction while the sky’s shower I sing Denying my addiction without even blinking take from my family without even thinking The sickness I feel when it’s out of my system It’s terror my motto I have to survive by any means necessary I shall stay alive Time goes by then I start to realize wondering like why WHY? So many people have left out of my life Years go by now I’m all alone I’m addicted please help me please, can I come home So many years gone by now I feel so alone I’m addicted to my prescription babe can I come home So many people try to help me, please answer the phone I was conflicted I’m addicted Mom can I come home There was no one to talk to the bag helped me home I got a way but I got away ran the distance and left it alone I’m convicted with an addiction Dad can I come home But I’m consistent in my persistence.

I need you dear Father please can I come home Dedicated to Rachel S. Inspired by K.G. Written by Master Poet November 11, 2019

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Put Wings On Your Dreams

By Ginny Dye

We Need Dreams Dreams are important. Not the dreams you have when sleeping. I’m talking about the dreams you have for your future – the dreams that keep you going – the dreams that make each day worth living.

Dreams Aren’t Enough As important as dreams are, they aren’t enough.

Why? Dreams don’t take you where you want to go. A dream needs wings – to become a tangible vision – a passion that will take you where you REALLY want to be. Bethany Hamilton lives in Hawaii – her passion is surfing – her dream is to become a professional surfer. She spends every available minute in the water, even home-schooling so she can have more time to pursue her vision. At 8 years of age she entered her first major competition taking the division championships that year. Bethany’s dream had become her passion – a tangible vision.

When Your Vision Is Attacked Bethany’s vision was viciously attacked on Halloween morning, 2003, when she was 13 years old. Bethany was lying on her board -- left arm dangling in the cool water. She remembers a flash of gray, pressure, and a couple fast tugs. She also remembers watching the jaws of a 15-foot tiger shark cover the top of her board and her left arm. The shark was gone as fast as it appeared. So was her arm.

What It Takes To Keep Your Vision Alive Fast thinking friends and surgery saved Bethany’s life. Everyone – including Bethany – believed her surfing days were over. But within a week her vision returned -- she rejected thoughts of defeat. Less than 30 days after the attack Bethany was back in the water. Her family and friends were there to cheer her on.

Her first attempts were failures. She struggled to push herself up with one arm and keep her balance. She was afraid her dream would die in the water that day – the shark victorious after all. Bethany pushed down her fears, gritted her teeth, and kept trying. And then it happened. Tears rolled down her face -- the crowd cheered – she caught her first wave and rode it in.

The Dream Takes Wing Only months after the vicious attack, Bethany astonished thousands by achieving the unimaginable -- taking 5th at the 2004 National Scholastic Surfing Association Nationals Championships. In September she struck again, winning the Open Women's Division of the NSSA's Hawaiian conference season opener. Having placed in the finals of the National Surfing Championships Bethany has secured a spot on USA's National Surfing Team.

Five Ways To Put Wings On Your Dreams Bethany’s story shows how to put wings on your dreams: 1) Your dream must become your passion – a tangible vision. 2) Everything you do needs to fuel your vision. 3) When your dream is attacked, face the adversity squarely and choose to overcome it with whatever it takes – face your fears and do it anyway! 4) Make necessary adjustments – regain your balance -- and keep your eyes on your goal. 5) Accept help when it comes – with grace and gratitude – let it fuel your vision.

From Dream to Vision to Reality Bethany’s vision overcomes her fear of sharks and her continued nightmares. Her story teaches how to create dreams with wings that push you toward your life-goals. Follow her example and your dreams will become realityFree Web Content, too.

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Personal Development And The Butterfly Effect

By Michael McGrath

Have you ever heard of The Butterfly Effect? Do you know that the basic science behind it can be used to dramatically change your life with very little effort? Let me show you how.

A film called "The Butterfly Effect" was released in 2004 which can show the personal development student the power of making small changes. The film is an excellent Sci-Fi about a man who has the ability to travel back in time for short periods and make changes to his past. He discovers he has this time-travelling ability when he begins to read his diary entries from when he was a child.

During his first journey back in time he makes extremely small changes to his behavior. He does things differently than he had done originally but he only makes small changes. To his astonishment he sees that everything has changed when he returns to the present. Small changes made in the past have a huge impact on events, people and outcomes in his present. He decides that he can change things for the better and continues to make these trips back in time so that he can make different decisions and perform different actions. As he makes these changes to his past, he finds that the present he returns to has changed radically for him and everyone else who is connected with him, and the other people involved!

Now this fantastic film is not just entertaining it is, in fact, enlightening. This launched me into deep thought as to how this phenomenon could be used to successfully change my life and the lives of others. But before we go into these let's take a closer look at the buttery fly effect to see what it is.

The butterfly effect was discovered in the early 1960's by Edward Lorenz, an American mathematician and meteorologist. Its official and technical name is "sensitive dependence on initial conditions". His theory states that even the smallest variations in conditions of any dynamic system will produce large variations in the long term behaviour of that system over time. It is simpler to explain this theory if we look at the popular name given to it now – the butterfly effect – its name sums up the entire theory. That is, if a butterfly flaps its wings in London it can have such a profound knock-on affect on wind conditions that it can result in a tornado in New York!

Let's look again at Lorenz's description of his theory. He says, "Small variations in the initial conditions of a dynamic system produce large variations in the long term behaviour of that system over time". So what does that mean to you?

Well your life, body, mind and relationships are all dynamic systems! Even how each relates to the other is a dynamic system. Therefore, a small variation in any of these dynamics systems made now can result in large variations over time.

By making even the smallest changes in one area of your life today you will change that area dramatically in the long term and over time these new variations will have a knock-on affect in other areas. In time they will change your entire life. As your add variations to your behaviour they will change your life and then these changes will also have an impact on many other people's lives as well. The changes in their lives will affect others and so on. Making changes in your own life can literally change the world through the butterfly effect!

Here is an example of the butterfly effect in action: You decide to set a personal development goal that you are going to stop smoking today. Now the benefits of doing this are obvious. You will probably live much longer, you will definitely feel healthier and you will be able to enjoy more physical activities.

However, what effect do you think stopping smoking may have on your children? We all know that children tend to follow the same patterns as their parents. Have you a tendency to light-up while in the presence of others? Think of how many lives you may touch during those extra years you will live on this planet. How many new goals will you reach due to your new energy?

What do you think will happen when you reach this personal development goal? Might it spur you on to set others? Will you gain confidence in yourself and your ability to set and reach other more challenging goals? What way would your life be affected by setting and reaching such a goal?

We have all heard stories about people being the right place at the right time. They turn a corner and meet someone who they eventually marry, or who helps them become a multimillionaire. The famous Sheffield band, from England, Def Leopard, hitched a ride on a road and found that the driver was a record producer. In their position they held a tape with their recently recorded material and, as the saying goes, the rest is history. This is the butterfly effect in action! This seeming coincidence and chance occurrence actually had a profound effect on the individual members of the band over time and also had an effect on the world by bring their music to prominence!

You can create a butterfly effect in your own life deliberately and consciously. You have no idea and could never objectively determine how far the effects of the smallest action reverberate. Start in your own personal development and self improvement by taking small easy to manage steps in the direction of your dreams – no matter how small they may seem. Can you see how setting goals could cause huge change in your life over time? Changes that may hard to even imagine right now. Create a solid plan which encorporates small actions that can be taken daily or weekly. Include smaller goals that will lead to your main objective. You will find that even if you don't reach your ultimate goal, in the time-frame you set for yourself, you will make tremendous changes in your life and, due to the butterfly effect, in the long term your whole world will be transformed just by making small changes.

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Stop waiting on life to happen and start living your life.

"If you want acceptance, happiness, peace, and love externally, you must first find these things internally."

Elijah Ammi

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Don't Expect Life Abundance Until You Identify Your Life Purpose

By Matthew M. DeSilva

When seeking abundance in life, are we not really searching for a feeling of purpose, bountifulness and

Don'tneeds?

Expect Life how Abundance Identify Yourand Lifea Purpose prosperity rather than for material Learn to achieveUntil inner You peace, abundance, sense of purpose in your life.

Are you interested in putting abundance to work in your life?

According to the dictionary, it's described as "a great or plentiful amount". I imagine that's a good beginning point. I feel you must start to ask yourself, "What is it that I want prosperity in?".

A lot of folks affiliate this idea of being prosperous to financial concerns. While this is an important area, all arenas of your life can give you a feeling of having "a great or plentiful amount". Which leads me to a thought.

To me, seeking prosperity in my life is a pursuit for a feeling. Isn't there a sensation you get when you feel prosperous? When you become aware of a new realization in your spiritual life, you feel fulfilled inside. You have a sense of fulfillment. You experience inner peace. When you maintain your financial matters properly and everything is taken care of, you feel that inner peace.

Isn't that how you feel in these happenings? It is for me. This is accurate when I take care of my health and I exercise. Or when I invest time to shut off the TV and read in order to realize something new. I'm bettering my mind and I feel that abundance. I feel the stillness and peace within myself.

So, to me, although the definition of abundance seems to speak of acquiring or obtaining something, it's not those material things that I want, it's that "feeling".

Can you relate to this? Are you fed up with feeling a little empty, a bit lost, a little out of touch with yourself and what makes you, you? If so, I think it's time you slow things down a little and start to go more within yourself to dig up the solutions.

It wasn't until I began to do this that I saw what was truly significant to me. When you search for life abundance and that feeling of inner peace, it helps you to cancel out everything the media, television, or family have influenced you with since you began this journey called "life".

You realize how to filter all this information out and get to the bottom of what makes you fulfilled. You begin to see who your true being is and what you need.

Will all your issues be solved in one day? Heck, no!

But inner peace moments come more often. More moments where you realize, "You know, my life is abundant in so many ways." And as time goes on, you learn to piece more moments like these together and those moments last longer.

Ultimately, I think that's what we're all here to do. We are here to find out how to understand ourselves to the point where we live a fulfilled life of tranquility. An existence where we know deep within ourselves that we simply "fit" whatever life destiny we've built for ourselves.

If the key to you achieving a life of abundance is sensing yourself more, are you ready to start digging? Are you willing to encounter the concerns within that obstruct you from spiritual, emotional, physical, or financial abundance?

I think it takes a bit of time, a little work (on yourself) to realize the "whole", abundant life you're seeking. We live in a "give it to me now" or "fix me now" society. But you're extraordinary. What may be easy for you is hard for others and vice versa.

It's true that some challenges can be mended right away by just determining to change. But I recommend you be understanding of yourself. Grant yourself the time to let change come to you naturally.

Many of your issues can be traced to the "friction" between the conscious and subconscious aspects of yourself. You need to instruct your conscious mind to settle down so you can become acquainted with the deeper "you". This deeper "you" will let you know your life purpose and enable prosperity to flow into your life in all the important areas.

Take the time to investigate within, find your purpose in lifeBusiness Management Articles, and grasp how much your mind's thoughts either stop you from achieving a life of abundance or help you find real inner peace.

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"The uninformed demonize the darkness based upon their fears. The wise recognize and embrace the light because of the darkness."

Elijah Ammi

Money Matters

Ten Laws To Befriend The Spirit Of Money

By Mahalene Louis

Money is energy. Money is an exchange. Money makes the world go round. Money, Money, Money, Money! Money is possibly the most powerful metaphor of our planet. How do you feel like when you are free? Receive the keys to wealth, and discover the soulful laws where money becomes an auspicious bird that cannot wait to perch on your shoulder to bless you, again, and again!

1. Know Yourself What do "poor" and "wealthy" mean to you? What programs were you raised on? How did your parents handle money? Do you think that you are a good person if you are rich or if you are poor? Do you give your power away to wealthy people? Do you envy or resent them?

How do you treat wealthy people? How do you expect to be treated by them? How do you speak of them? How do you speak of poor people?

2. Beware of Projections and other Personifications The love of the Money is the root of all evil… Money is hard to come by... Money keeps on eluding me… Money does not come easy to me… Money does not like me… Money does not grow on trees… Ask yourself: what is money? What is it not? Money is only what I think it is. Similarly for time. Time is only what I think it is.

In that sense, time is money!

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3. Learn To Speak Its Divine Language Have you noticed how spiritual is the vocabulary that describes money? In God, we trust! Change. Save. Profit. Worth. Value. Asset.

Cash Flow. Liquid. Appreciation. Angel Investor. Equity… Notice the balance (sheet). Like breathing in: Income. Breathing out: Expenses.

In: Assets. Out: Liabilities.

4. Create Space for Something to Change Gratefulness is the key to open the Gates of Heaven (Having). When you are grateful, your attention is on what you have, not on what you lack. When you are grateful, you love it all. And then loving what you do brings forth doing what you love.

5. Discern “Expensive” and “Expansive” About not purchasing that lovely condo, or not working with a coach, it is never about not having the money, it is about not having the truth to do something (i.e. not really wanting it, or feeling deserving of it) If you really wanted to go to Europe, you would find a way. Become honest enough, big enough, expansive enough in your consciousness to contain the condo, or the coaching program, or the trip to Europe…

6. Dare to Be a Visionary And claim your financial goals: I read somewhere that out of the Yale class of 1953, 3% had written down their financial goals for after college. When they convened 20 years later, that 3% controlled more combined net worth than the other 97% combined.

7. Love Unconditionally If you wish to partner with money, give, tithe, let it go, and set it free. Did I say “FREE?” Because all you have is truly all you need.

You have to have the courage to give what you want to get. If it is yours, it will come back. If it does not, you never really had it in the first place. Furthermore, since we are all one, giving to another is really giving to yourself.

8. Have Fun & Play ”Life is a game…”

When millionaires lose all their money, they do not worry, as they know they can and will enjoy making it again.

Relax; money is only a game.

9. Sell What Benefits Others Ponder this: would you be happy purchasing something that is revealed to be worthless? Ethical business practices are simply to receive money for a service or a product only if the buyer deems it valuable. Ex. Price of art. Price of a house. Price of a candy bar. And should someone be unhappy with your product or service, promptly give a refund.

10. Adopt a Pilgrim’s Mind The magic of not knowing is what makes the dream possible. Believe in something greater than yourself! That attitude will pave the road with golden opportunities. Your only work is to recognize each of them, greet them as your friend, and then act on them: that is rich!

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Whatever It Is,

Let It Go! WE'RE CHOSEN MAGAZINE

The Artists Corner This month we are going to feature one artist out of Ohio by the name of Aicha Dia. All poems and artwork in this area have been completed by her.

The Creative Mind

Tap, tap, tap, On the glass.

The rain is lonely, and feeling cold.

It wants me to open my door, Invite it in for some warmth.

It only wants to share its' love.

So misunderstood it is.

The rain is lonely.

The rain gives life freely, and without question.

But many do not understand.

I love the rain, the rain is me, and I am it.

Source of Life

Sebrina

Discovering New Pathways

I’m waiting, Sitting patiently.

For some time Behind this door You’re holding shut.

For years I’ve watched As you pushed and pushed With all your strength Trying your best To protect yourself It took so long before you wondered: Who’s back there?

And popped your head down to look under the door.

A whole world of your creation!

I’ve been waiting so patiently.

My arms are opened wide.

Ready to accept all of your love, And give you all of mine!

So twist that knob, and let some light in.

My inner child, me you, I.

The Artists Corner

Welcome to My World WE'RE CHOSEN MAGAZINE

We Support Small Businesses

We Support Small Businesses

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We Support Small Businesses

Don't just go through it,

Grow though it!

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EN

"Life is such a beautiful journey; after you learn how to humble yourself, become grateful for your experiences, and begin walking your path."

Elijah Ammi

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Happy Healing

I Love You