Issuu

Does God really love me? - Pastor H. Al Sims, Jr.

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Interview With Melanie Diggs and Cheri Saunders

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Standing on the Word - Patricia Jefferson

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At any cost - Claricia Harley

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Renewing our Minds - Sharon Weeks-Alleyne

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Reaching My Full Potential - Athena Morrison

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How to Provide Therapy for Children who need Early Intervention? - Vanessa Boucher Stevenson

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Keeping up with Sophia Sparkle Youth Group - Doris Anetha Shelto McLennon

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Words of Encouragement from God’s Heart to Yours

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CONTRIBUTORS Vanessa Boucher Stevenson Melissa Brown Claricia Harley Patricia Jefferson Doris Anetha Shelto McLennon Athena Morrison Pastor H. Al Sims, Jr. Sharon Weekes-Alleyne

From the Desk of the Editor-of-Chief

Donna Royalty Ross

Happy Resurrection Day to you and yours! In a couple of days, we will be celebrating Resurrection Day. The day that Jesus rose triumphantly from the grave. Death, hell, or the grave could not hold Him down! His death, burial and resurrection gave us new life. However, we cannot experience that life unless we surrender our old life to Christ. What a glorious resurrection from our old ways of living to a guaranteed eternal life. I was in a church service one Sunday morning a few years ago and the Pastor’s question was “where will you be a thousand years from now? To the natural mind that seemed like quite a joke. In the natural, none of us alive today will be alive a thousand years from now. But Pastor John’s question was not to the natural mind. It was quite a jolting question to anyone who does not know Jesus in the pardon of their sins. Jesus, when leaving the disciples told them — “Listen carefully: I am sending the Promise of My Father [the Holy Spirit] upon you; but you are to remain in the city [of Jerusalem] until you are clothed (fully equipped) with power from on high.” (Matthew 24:49 AMP). In obedience they we to the Upper Room and received the Power and authority of the Holy Spirit. It is that same Holy Spirit who lives big on the inside of every Born-Again Believer. WE ARE called “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a consecrated nation, a [special] people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies [the wonderful deeds and virtues and perfections] of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” (1st Peter 2:9 AMP) WE ARE proclaimed more than conquerors “Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors and gain an overwhelming victory through Him who loved us [so

much that He died for us].” (Romans 8:37 AMP) WE ARE here on planet earth equipped with the power and authority to do the greater works Jesus said we would do. “I assure you and most solemnly say to you, anyone who believes in Me [as Savior] will also do the things that I do; and he will do even greater things than these [in extent and outreach], because I am going to the Father. (John 14:12 AMP). Therefore, let us be about our Father’s business and go into all the highways and byways and command the lost to come into the Kingdom of God. How are we going to do all of this bringing lost souls into the Kingdom of God? So glad that you asked. We are living epistles read of men. God said, “Ask of Me, and I will assuredly give [You] the nations as Your inheritance, and the ends of the earth as Your possession.” (Psalm 2:8 AMP). Let us go and get our inheritance. It is Resurrection Day! Let us go make inheritance of Heathen Day by bringing in the unchurched, unsaved and the unloved.

Enjoy your Resurrection Day!

Donna Royalty Ross Walking in God’s Scandalous Grace 3

From the Pastor’s Desk:

Pastor H. Al Sims, Jr. Senior Pastor of Bethesda Church of God, Sumter, SC

Does God really love me?

oes God really love me? If He does, why? Many people struggle with feelings like no one really loves them, no one really cares. It is hard to fathom that almighty God would have time for us and take time to actually care for us. Think about it, the God of all creation, the entire universe genuinely wants to interact and love a lowly human. The Psalmist David posed that same question in Psalms 8:4 when he asked, “What is man that thou art mindful of him, and the son of man that You visit him”? The Bible makes a bold declaration in I John 4:16 that God is love. So again, I ask does God really love me? The word love in our English language has a broad range of meanings but for this article I would like to offer the definition of the Greek word in I John 4:16. Agape is the Greek word used and it means affection or benevolence, dear. So, if indeed God is love why should one believe He really loves them? I’ve heard this all my life that words are cheap, actions speak louder than words. So, what actions has God taken to prove He loves us? Well to understand God’s love we may have to try to compare to something and so or this article let us compare to human love. Humans express

love by kind words, giving gifts, caring for the needs of someone, caressing and many other expressions that could be listed. God gave these beautiful words in Isaiah 54:10 “Though the mountains be shaken, and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken,” and in Romans 5:8 “God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were yet sinners Christ died for us. God is the ultimate gift giver. In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth and gave it to man to have dominion over it all. Amazing flowers and trees, animals and insects of all sorts, mountains and valleys, rivers and oceans, sun moon and stars, a smorgasbord of foods to please even the pickiest of eaters, and the list could go on and on. All of that sounds awesome but then God gave the ultimate gift by giving His only begotten son Jesus to be the sacrifice for our sins. His perfect unblemished son for sinful humans. Because of that gift we can pass from the corruption of sin to eternal life, from brokenness to wholeness and hopelessness to hopefulness. Then God shows His love by caring

for us. The Bible says in I Peter 5:7 “Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you. You see he takes note of even a sparrow falling from the air and His word says we are of much greater value than a sparrow. The Bible says that God knows how many hairs we have on our head and he takes note of our standing up and sitting down. When someone is that mindful of another, I would have to say that is love! Lastly, God expresses his love to us by caressing us. His word declares that He holds us in His hand; that His arm is not short that He cannot reach us in our time of need. He speaks words of comfort and peace and keeps His eye on us. He even has angels around us to keep us from stumping our toes. I would like to emphatically state that yes indeed God does love you! Since he loves us in such marvelous fashion, we have nothing to fear. He is able to keep that which is committed unto him according to 2 Timothy 1:12

interview

Interview with

Melanie Diggs and Cheri Saunders

Visionaries and Pioneers of Spiritual Care for a Woman’s Soul:

elcome to Transformational4Real Magazine. It is my pleasure to be able to interview both of you simultaneously; I feel like I am getting two for the price of one! Lol! Correct me if I’m wrong, but you are both the pioneers for Spiritual Care for a Woman’s Soul, right? Did both of you come up with the name for the Facebook group? MD: I came up with the name of the FB Group. The thought behind the name is that we are on a spiritual journey with Christ as our Leader and the care of our soul matters. The soul is the seat of our emotions and it is our very essence—and for women—we have a ton of emotions to turn over to Jesus. The soul is the part of us that lives on into eternity. We must make sure our soul is in love with Jesus and allow the Holy Spirit to guide us through this spiritual journey—from earth to Glory. CS: Yes, Melanie came up with the name and idea to do a Facebook Page to encourage women, as well as ourselves as we journey through our walk with Christ. I agreed it would be an awesome thing to do. It has been a wonderful journey to walk out our spiritual life with so many women. I noticed that you are averaging over 1,000 women in SCFAWC. Tell us a little about your group and how it works? MD: The group was birthed on September 7, 2015 after Cheri and I discussed creating a private FB Group that would allow us to connect with women in our hometown Baltimore, MD, as well as with women all over the world. Women are invited to join by other members or request to join when they find our group. Members are welcomed into the group and are requested to submit posts that encourage and uplift a Sister’s soul. We consider our members as “Sisters”. Cheri and I believed that the Lord gave us a mandate for prayer so, we began a hosting conference calls every Monday @ 11:00 a.m. EST so that we could connect with women who became members of the group in a weekly hour of prayer. Cheri and I are prayer partners and we have experienced the power of prayer, as God answered many of our prayer requests and the requests of others as we have prayed for. PrePandemic times, we also held face-to-face bible studies and book discussions for women that enabled intergenerational

conversations. The FB Group is just one way of connecting with women who are interested in building their relationship with Christ and living their lives for Him. CS: Yep, that’s how Melanie and I got started. To add to what Melanie said, there were times when we were the only active participants, posting on the page and praying on the conference calls. But God.…. We held on and kept believing that this is what God called us to do. Today, we have a 1,000+ Sisters on the page who encourage one another faithfully every day. You also now have online apparel. Was it a joint idea or did one of you come up with the idea? MD: Yes, for several years, we sold apparel on FB through our Page, Spiritual Care for A Woman’s Soul Products. Due to economic reasons, we have created a blog website where our products can be directly purchased and shipped. The idea came out of the production of our logo. The Lord gave me a vision of the logo and we used a graphic designer, Antonio Schroeder, Sr. of IBC Graphics Atelier Studios, to create our first logo. In order to reproduce the logo on other colors of fabric, we worked with another graphic designer, Khol Toonz. Both designers can be found on Facebook. CS: Melanie is the brains behind it all. Lol! God drops the ideas in her spirit and she shares it with me. I agree and follow her lead. Well tell us what kind of apparel and where it can be bought? MD: We have sweatshirts, tees, bags, mugs, and face masks. You can find most of our items on the blog website: https:// mtdiggs8.wixsite.com/scfaws. CS: What are your visions for your group as God continues to expand it? MD: We would like to get back to face-to-face bible studies/book discussion groups. It would also be nice to host a Woman’s Conference that focuses on caring for the mind, body, and soul. I love programming and coming up with events. Virtual is a wonderful platform, but I hope we can get back to physically connecting on some scale. CS:

Like I mentioned before, Melanie is the brains behind it all. I follow her lead.

I can’t remember how we connected on Facebook, but I know that I was excited to be a part of your Monday morning calls. There is so much richness on that call. Please tell us how it started and where you are right now in what your vision is for your Monday morning calls. MD: As I stated earlier, Cheri and I believed that the Lord gave us a mandate for prayer so we began a conference call on Mondays @ 11 AM EST so that we could connect with women who became members of the group in a weekly hour of prayer. Cheri and I are prayer partners and we have experienced the power of prayer, as God answered many of our prayer requests and the requests of others as we prayed. Our signature scripture is Philippians 4:6-7 (CSB) which states: “Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” We thought it would be great to meet for prayer on Mondays—the day that many consider as the beginning of the work week. Currently, we are utilizing the Messenger Room in our FB Group for prayer at the same time as when we started 6 years ago this coming September—11 AM EST. We have had many Sisters join us in the FB Messenger Room, especially International callers who had a difficult time reaching us on the Conference Call. South Africa, Nigeria, and just recently, from Saudi Arabia—to name a few origins from which our Sisters who have joined the Prayer Room. We thank God for these various technological platforms to conduct our Monday Morning Prayer and Praise. We plan on continuing this prayer connection—in some way, shape, or form, as the Lord guides. We have to continue to pray—even if no one joins us! I finally met you both when I came to Maryland from my husband’s family reunion. I was so excited as I waited at the hotel that I called to make sure that you both were still coming to meet me for us to connect peer-to-peer. Do you remember that? MD: Yes, we remember meeting you, Donna. I remember we talked for over an hour in the hotel lobby. You were just as lively—or more so in person—as you are over the phone. So down to earth with a sense of humor—telling the truth in love and standing your ground. You tell it like it is—no sugar coating with you! What you see, is what you get. Over the

phone, you would always say, “You keep it real!” And you sure did when we met you!

How long have you known each other? MD: Wow, I met Cheri before I had my eldest daughter; so, it has been over 25 years. My daughter will be 26 in August, so it’s been almost more than 26 years. CS:

It’s funny how God arranged our friendship/sisterhood 25 years ago. It has been a blessed journey I must say.

I listened to you both on the prayer call and you seem to be able to finish each other’s sentences, Is that just me or do you both find yourself doing so? MD: Yes, The Holy Spirit has a way of connecting us, especially when we are on one accord in Prayer and when there is a sisterly connection and long-time friendship, as well. Lanie, I know that when I first started coming on the call you were the Manager at the main Baltimore library and Cherie, you were working with someone else in a hair salon. Where are you both now in your careers? MD: Actually, I was the Branch Manager of the Pennsylvania Avenue Branch of the Enoch Pratt Free Library. I was the Manager there during the time of the Baltimore Uprising 2015, which occurred in April. SCFAWS started in September 2015. I am now the South Area Manager of the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System. CS: Right now, my sister and I have a suite in Owings Mills, MD together. My sister (Chasity) and I have been doing hair for over 20+ years. We are in Sola Salon in Suite 7. Our suite is called Anointed For This Hair Salon. Where are you both now in your ministerial walk? MD: I am still in Marketplace Ministry. I am affiliated with 2 International Ministry Groups. I am on the Administration Team of the International Ministry and Nonprofit organization called Nation’s Healing Ministry, Inc. I am the Strategic Planner/Organizer for the Group. I also share the Gospel via a Weekly Broadcast on Friday nights @ 8 pm called, “The Sanctified Life,” with another sister-member of the Administration Team, Prophetess Loretta Joyce Greene. The Pastor/Leader of Nation’s Healing, Pastor Abbey Israel of Uganda, acknowledged my Pastoral gift and I am known as, “Pastor Lanie TD” in the Group. We also have monthly Online Conferences where we invite other Ministers of the Gospel to share the platform with us as we discuss a Monthly Topic/Scripture Reference I am also affiliated with Kingdom Leadership, another international group that focuses on leadership within Ministry, under the auspices of Bishop John Oscar of Tanzania. I am often asked to minister on the FB Live Broadcasts with other Ministers from all over the world. CS: Donna it’s funny that you asked that question. For years I felt like because I was not ordained officially with a title, I did not have an official ministry. I finally realized that every day when I go into my salon, I minister to so many women behind my salon chair. We have a personal one on one fellowship. You think you’re only coming in the salon to get your hair done but you leave out with so much more than that. The ladies leave out refreshed and renewed. What are your passions towards your ministries? MD: I love to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ via teaching and the preached Word. I have a heart for women and children. I also want to see souls saved and to equip the Body of Christ for living in this world but not being of this world. I live to follow the Lord’s will— to serve Him and be obedient to His call on my life in whatever capacity He directs. I am grateful for being able to do the Lord’s work outside of the four walls—what I consider as Marketplace Ministry. CS: I love making people smile and feeling comfortable enough to relax and release their day to day woes in the salon. It’s a very relaxing atmosphere in the salon and that’s the way we want it. We share some very intimate moments together. We pray together, listen to sermons, we cry and laugh together, sometimes clients minister to each other as they are being serviced. You just never know how God is going to use you when you walk through the door of Anointed For This Hair Salon. It’s a beautiful thing!!!

What do you both individually and collectively see yourselves doing for 2021? MD:

I see myself continuing to spread the Gospel and to be used however the Lord sees fit.

CS: Everyday, I’m learning how to trust God more and more. Through my ups and downs, giving God more control over my life. Letting go and letting God have His way. Lanie, I know that you heard from the Lord and stepped away from the church where you were attending. How were you able to make the decision and transition into all that God is requiring of you? MD: Wow, Sis. That was a decision that I had to hear from the Lord about. It was only after He released me that I left ministry within the four walls. I look back at that release and see that God was preparing me for now. I did not understand it back then, but He was moving me out because He knew that Church as we knew it was changing and we needed to embrace the change and be open to experiencing another level of Ministry that would bring us into global exploits. Years ago, the Lord revealed to me that He had called me to go before the Nations. I believe He is fulfilling that call over my life. What would you tell others to do and how to deal with those issues that may be in the same situation that you were in? MD: Sis, I would tell everyone that you must have that personal conversation with the Lord. Listen to Him and follow where the Spirit leads. I do not recommend jumping outside of His will but remaining in His will is what is best. Sometimes, you must stand still until His will is clear to you—even if others do not understand or get upset and bothered by your decision that you have made based on what you have heard from God. Cherie: Would you say that you were able to understand her situation and walk her through that period in her life? CS: Absolutely Donna. Melanie and I have so many stories that we can share about our journey together. It’s amazing how I have had a front seat ride to her life experiences in her spiritual relationship with Abba. I am blessed to have walked, talked, cried and laughed through it all with her. Cherie, I know that you are now in your own salon working as a sole hairstylist. Was there any specific reason why you went solo? CS: I’m actually not solo. My sister and I are partners now in a double suite in Sola Salons. My sister and I always dreamed of owning our own salon. Lanie: Would you say that you were able to walk Cherie through with the help of God into going solo? MD: Yes, when Cheri decided to open her own salon suite, I encouraged her to experience all that God had for her. It was a dream that God brought to reality. Her steps were being ordered by God and He was directing her path. It was as if He was making a way for her and unfolding things right before her eyes so there was no doubt that God was in her decision making process. CS: Melanie has been a very important part of my life journey Spiritual and Personal. I thank God for her all the time. I love Melanie to life. I must ask this question in conclusion. As soon as COVID-19 is under control, is there a conference on the horizon? MD: Yeah! That would be nice—as I stated before. God has so many great things in store— including travel to Africa and other nations, as He opens doors and gates! CS:

Wherever God takes us I am a willing vessel.

It was my pleasure to interview you both and look forward to great things from SCFAWS. I love you both.

Standing on the Word Patricia Jefferson “My Bridegroom” My Bridegroom -- Many years ago, I met my bridegroom and he struck me as the most unique individual I had ever encountered. My betrothed informed me, he was aware of my entire family, husband, children, mother, brothers and sister; and was willing to take them all in as his family. At the time I thought. what kind of individual would accept me just as I was, as well as bring all my baggage to a marriage? The Proposal! Yes, let me tell you, how he proposed and my acceptance. The proposal was so loving and kind. All he wanted me to do was to accept him with all my heart, say I believed in him and confess he was the one. Needless, to say I shouted “YES!”. Somehow, I knew and felt safe, and that he would love me and my entire family; all I had to do was confess my love for him. (Romans 10:9-10). Wedding Plans went into motion and right away he conveyed to me that I didn’t have to worry or be anxious about the wedding plans or reception venue because His father had many mansions (John 14:2); nor what to wear; or what to eat or drink. I didn’t even need a dowry, he promised tomorrow would take care of itself. (Matt. 6:28-34) The Engagement Party was announced to the entire

world, seeming like the day of Pentecost all over again. (Act 1:1-13). In fact, it was such a glorious celebration and a superb merriment of those attending, that on-lookers thought we were a crazy bunch, full of wine, as different languages were emerged with the lightness of the Spirit of comfort rested on those who attended the gala and attested by all. The Wedding Invitations were beautifully designed on a soft off-white satin paper, with pure gold lettering engraved on the outside. Embossed on the inside with images of heavenly cherubim and seraphim holding golden hearts as they ascended up and down a rainbow of promises; promises of eternal love. The Wedding Vows were taken and the turnout of attendees was countless. I imagine because the invitations were addressed “To Whosoever” (Mark 8:35; Romans 10:13; Romans10:11; Matt.20:26; I John4:14; Acts 2:21; Luke 9:48; 1 John 3:4 and to just name a few of the Whosoever attended. Three Wedding Gifts were sent to me from my bridegroom with promises of more to come. As I opened the first gift, wrapped in blood red wrapping and a pure white bow as I opened the box, I saw it was filled with Salvation (Titus 2:11). 9

The second box was purple and gold topped with a white bow, turning back the gold tissue and there it was Grace (Gods Riches At Christ’s Expense) I thought this was more than I deserve or was worthy of such precious gifts. But, the third box was the top of the line, wrapped in glossy white paper, adorned with a silk white bow. As I turned back the white tissues, I saw the greatest gift of all Eternal Life. My bridegroom leaned over and kissed me on the forehead, as I opened the last gift and he whispered to me, with this gift you must decide how and where you will spend it. ETERNAL LIFE IS FOR ALL, BUT YOU MUST DECIDE WHERE YOU WILL SPEND IT.

At Any Cost

Claricia Harley

When you begin your family, you start to realize that you no longer come first. You put yourself, needs, and wants on the back burner, most times. Just like God put his life on the back burner for us. He paid the ultimate sacrifice. What we fail to realize is that although God has allowed us to create these families, we were never supposed to put ourselves on the back burner. Why?

because He did not have it in His will for

Because our very lives and how we live

our lives. Sometimes when the plan of

them out before our families and loved

x, y, z that we meticulously planned out

ones, and those we encounter every day

and worked so extremely hard on did not

is a testimony of who God is. When we

work out is because God had something

retreat to our dark places or we get so

so much greater in store.

bombarded with life and we push aside the very One who moves mountains for

Father in your word it was written that

us, we push aside another potential soul

in Psalms 32:10 many are the woes of

for His kingdom. So, I ask you this, at

the wicked, but the Lord’s unfailing love

what cost will you live out your life for

surrounds the one who trusts in him. We

His glory? If the answer is at any cost, you ask you Lord that we are able to release our trust to you Lord. That the very trust need to do just that. we have given to allows us to live out our

Live your life out. There will be many

lives and bring glory to your kingdom. In

bumps in the road along the way. Some

Jesus name Amen.

visions and dreams we have for ourselves may not manifest because we failed, but

Renewing our Minds Sharon Weeks-Alleyne

last month’s edition we discussed transforming our hearts. Today we will discuss our mind which is transformed by being renewed. When we accept Christ in our hearts (repentance which means changing direction) we make changes from the outside in. The bad things we did which took us down the road of destruction, we stopped doing those things and we turned in the other direction. We do the good things that would lead us on the road to everlasting life, and while we are on that road, we start working on the inside out and that’s where and when transformation takes place (transformation means a thorough or dramatic change in appearance, a metamorphosis, a total change in appearance).

The problem is, we repent (change direction); we may stop drinking, partying, we may dress differently etc., and we stop there!!! However, the journey continues, and the hard work begins from that point on. TRANSFORMATION!!!! It is work for the caterpillar to morph into a beautiful butterfly. It takes millions of years for carbon to form a diamond, and intense heat to shape gold into a beautiful wedding band. So, it is a process, it is constant work to transform. We need a change in our minds and souls, and we must work at it every second, every minute, every hour of our entire lifespan. Thanks to Our Heavenly Father and Elder Brother, we were given a Helper, The Holy Spirit. We also have The Word of God, prayer and writings of The Saints; and holding ourselves accountable or have someone else hold us accountable on the journey. 12

On this journey, we need to take stock of: WHAT WE WATCH: - It’s the gateway to our souls. (Matthew 6:22-24). It prints an

image in our minds that’s not easy to erase, so if we watch garbage, that’s what our minds will be full of. If we watch good uplifting things our minds will be filled with the same.

WHAT WE HEAR: - If all we hear is filth, we will speak it and live it. What was said to us

molds the adults we become.

WHAT WE DESIRE: - Based on what we see, hear, and feel; we desire, whether it’s good

or bad. (John 1-2:16).

So, we need to do as Colossians 3:2 says, set our minds on heavenly things. We must train our brains to concentrate on the things of God as one preacher said. We need to live in the Word of God. Ephesians 5 gives us a clear picture; we must allow the Word to wash and cleanse us. Prayer and more prayer, especially in The Spirit. Prayer gives us strength on this journey. (ROMANS 8-26:27) We need to think good thoughts (Philippians 4:8) Then resist the devil. (James 4-7:8) We have to use Jesus as our example. He was doing and saying what was right and He resisted the devil with The Word. Jesus was tempted (Matthew 4) before He was transfigured (transformed) (Matthew 17) and we do well to do likewise. In Matthew 14:43 Jesus said we will shine like the sun (the way He did) in Our Father’s Kingdom.

WHAT A DAY THAT WILL BE!!! BUT we must do THE WORK!!! We must renew our

minds, we have to walk in the Spirit, we have to think on what is pure, just and of good report etc., and we need the fruit of the Spirit. With all this working together, we will be in the frame of mind to resist the thoughts of the adversary.

Reaching My Full Potential - Athena Morrison On a recent unusually warm Friday, I had the opportunity to test my continued spiritual growth. I was challenged with a financial situation I was absolutely sure was not my liability. I Failed! As I struggled to come to terms with the unprofessional way in which I handled the situation, I realized my spiritual growth was not where it should be. You see, we must rise to the challenges that life throws our way and that comes with spiritual growth which will then allow us to reach our full potential. I had given in to the fleshly, human flaw of allowing a previous conversation to control and guide my emotions. I thank God daily for being the most Amazing and forgiving Father He is. There are times when I forget the path to reaching my full potential, as He wants for all of his children, is to stay in constant communication with Him. We all need to be inspired to reach our full potential of what God has called us to be. Inspiration comes by spending time in the word. The bible has the perfect scriptures to inspire and motivate. In 1 Timothy 4:14 it says:” Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.” KJV What gifts do we have that we are not using to our full potential? Are we aware of our gifts? James 1:17 states “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” KJV We are being tested daily and adding the inability to go about our daily routine due to the pandemic makes these times much more challenging. This is the perfect opportunity to spend time in the word and communicating with God. We will never be able to reach our full potential without His help. God has created us with certain talents and gifts that we have to use in order to reach our full potential and if we don’t remain in communion with Him we will always fall short of those gifts We can reach our full potential by accepting and using the gifts given to us by God, our Father but getting there means we have to access the Holy Spirit within us and allowing it to grow by spending time in the word. Our Father knows the limits of our potential, we can never understand the wonderful things that He has in store for us and believe He will not test us beyond our knowledge. Trusting His plan and timing will prepare us for all the wonderful things He offers when we accept the gifts and talents. Knowing I failed at showing my spiritual growth is the perfect opportunity to learn from this and know by spending time in the word, is a lesson well learned. Still Walking in His Abundant Grace with the Newness of Spring.

How to Provide Therapy for Children who need Early Intervention?

Vanessa Boucher Stevenson 1. How does providing therapy for children make me feel? My passion is to help children foster mentally, socially, and physically. It brings joy to my life with great fulfillment, when the child has modified his or her behavior. It is also rewarding to bring a smile on a child’s face and their parents faces that gives them a sign of hope. Although, there are parents who have an issue with others commenting about their child, along with the notion of shame. My desire is to give hope to all the parents and families that I serve and to build a strong support team for the child being helped. When I work with a child who is non-verbal, lacks language or suffers a speech impediment/delay, it gives me great joy to witness the growth and development of language and seeing the child work well in a structured setting that they begin to spell words and starts speaking in sentences. In fact, watching the parents put the work in at home and carry over the strategies which was modeled for them whether its ABA, (Applied Behavior Analysis), or different methodologies that ultimately will create change for the betterment of the child, is extremely rewarding. Therefore, as a practitioner, it is important to take pride in what I do, and I enjoy and embrace each second and moment of it.

2.How do you provide parents with strategies to care for the challenged child? It is important to engage the parents and establish a trusting relationship with each individual child. Making all the parents comfortable via communicating goals and outcomes for their child and how we as a team will be able to reach each goal. Parental involvement is key and necessary for the developmental growth of the child. Indeed, it is my duty to provide support for all of my parents by explaining and modeling the methodologies that can be used to change behaviors and that will bring about positive results. My parents must be able to understand each goal that is set forth for their child and be able to ask questions if there is still a need for clarity because we must all be on the same page for the child’s sake. I enjoy explaining and modeling the strategies for the parents and allowing the parents to imitate the strategies that I have modeled, just to ensure they completely understand. I take my work seriously and I want the best possible outcome for my families that I serve on a daily basis. I want to see a non-verbal child become verbal, and 15

be able to sit down and attend in a structured environment, as well as demonstrate excellent eye contact. Overall, ultimately following directions, which would lead to the increase of language because of all of the prerequisites noted above.

3. When does it become challenging to deal with the parents? It can be extremely challenging when I am providing strategies for parents to use in the most difficult times to help with modifying the children’s behaviors. An example of this, would be if the child is a chronic attention seeker for the parents. The child would cry to obtain the parents’ attention; cry to gain access to things, instead of using words, (to communicate), or gestures (to point or sign). The child just engages in negative behavior only to get the parents to respond with hugs, kisses, or other forms of attention from the parent to the child. It’s difficult to explain to any parents why it’s necessary not to do certain actions with the child, when the child is engaged with negative behaviors. Parents usually have difficult times seeing their children cry or behave in a tantrum manner; this would often make a parent uncomfortable in the presence of a therapist. It is vital to teach parents how to redirect the child by using different strategies. Especially children who are engaged with behavioral issues. I am always honest with the parents and transparent through conversations without judging the parent’s parenting style. I am endeavored to encourage and enlighten all of my parents with the facts and strategies to help them cope with all behaviors. Behaviors such as crying, tantrums, spitting, hitting, busy bodies, running, throwing toys, rolling on the floor, kicking, screaming to the top of their voices. Even to the extent of the child causing self-injurious behavior such as the child punching the head. It is fascinating to explain to parents on how to eliminate the behaviors while the child is demonstrating the said behavior in the presence of the parents and the therapist. Examples of strategies are: giving the child a choice, redirecting the child, modeling positive behaviors, ignoring the child, but always making sure the child is safe. Providing the child with a new toy or activities that may spark the child’s interest. Providing sensory activities such as rice, beans, orbeez, sand, lights that can captivate the child’s attention, music and massages. However, refrain from restraining the child and always call for assistance to ensure the child is safe. It gives me great pleasure to see parents engaged and participate with the developmental growth of their children’s lives. When the parent is on board with implementing the strategies and they are consistent with the therapy, we will see positive results. The child will be able to cope with working in a structured environment. As he or she learns how to attend, demonstrate eye contact, point to request, and use sign language such as, “give me please”, and learn how to follow functional commands. Please remember it is necessary to be consistent with all therapy. Explain all the processes and strategies clearly so that all the parents will understand. It’s important to support the parent and to continually reinforce the importance of parents carrying over the strategies, molded by the practitioner. Great results will be seen on both sides.

Keeping up with Sophia Sparkle Youth Group and Doris Anetha Shelto McLennon We all lead busy lives and it moves at a crazy speed, not giving one enough time to stop and reflect. In this age of technology, it is more important than ever to take a step back and create space for soul deep breaths. Sometimes we need to coil into ourselves and just be quiet, to hear our own internal dialogue, because the murmurs of our soul are easily drowned out in noise and crowd. I believe when we pause and experience silence, we discover answers that activity does not have time to reveal. Getting away for a while, being quiet and alone is no special grace on its own; we can do this by intentionally creating moments of quiet. It does not have to be long and drawn out; you can start with small moments and then take it from there, putting away all media devices. The mere act of being alone with oneself is not a bad thing. It can improve your 18

creativity and confidence and help you regulate your emotions so that you can better deal with adverse situations. All in all, the goal is to create a context for enhancing our hearing from GOD in HIS word and responding back to HIM in prayer. GOD is speaking to us, but HIS voice has been ignored or drowned out from the confusion and chaos in this journey of life. In this time of uncertainty and fear, it is important that we get into a meditative state, take time to express our gratitude for the time, the place; for the people in our lives and the experiences we have had up to this time and will have in times to come. In the shape of a human body, we are visiting earth. I know that GOD has sent us out as warriors. I’m just passing through this world; it is not my own. Somewhere at the back of our minds we know that it is true. Here is not our permanent home. GOD has made us for HIMSELF, not to be forever grounded and attached to this earth; for that reason we must not be addicted to personality. We must appreciate each moment, and to be aware that we were made for Heaven. Knowing this, we should walk worthy of the vocation wherewith we have been called. We have always needed GOD from the beginning, but today we need HIM more than ever. We are living in serious times. I do not believe that there is any hope for this world except in GOD the CREATOR of the UNIVERSE. Life is the most precious gift that GOD has blessed man with, yet sometimes we take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude. Let us bless the LORD at all times. Let HIS praises continually be in our mouths. (Psalm 34:1)

For God so loved the world that he gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16) I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. (Luke 10:19). As the world celebrates Resurrection Day this month, I encourage you to meditate on a greater love of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection — the love of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. His love transcended anything we have done in the past, doing presently or will do in the future. It was His love that caused Him, when Jesus was leaving to go back to His Father, to give the Apostles specific instructions. Those same instructions are available to us today. Jesus gave us the authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and the authority to overcome all the power of the enemy. Jesus gave us the right to be His power of attorney. Power of attorney means a legal instrument authorizing one to act as the attorney or the agent of the grantor. We can act as God’s agent in the natural and the supernatural world. We have been given the power to effect change in this earth realm. Below is a description of your rights as Power of Attorney.

POWER OF ATTORNEY OF BELIEVERS ARTICLE I Jesus appoints His believers to be His true and lawful attorney-in-fact with full 22

power to carry out those acts specified herein in accordance with any limitations imposed herein. This power of attorney took effect upon the execution of His death, burial and resurrection and His ascension in heaven and shall remain in effect until His return. If Satan and his cohorts attempt to bring an action against any member of the Body of Christ, such action should be dismissed by Believers, because no weapon formed against any Believer shall not prosper. Jesus nominated Believers as attorney-infact to serve as guardians of His Word and to speak it in season and out of season.

ARTICLE II Your attorney-in-fact is in effect with full compensation.

ARTICLE III All power is granted to His Attorney-In-Fact/Believers to be used for His glory, His benefit and on His behalf in accordance with the directions specified in His Word. All power is granted to His Attorney-In-Fact/Believers to lay hands on the sick and watch them recover. All power is granted to His Attorney-In-Fact/Believers to tread on serpents and scorpions, and nothing shall in anywise harm them. His attorney-in-fact is authorized to take legal action against any person or institution that refuses to honor this power of attorney.

I HEREBY sign my name to this Power of Attorney over 2000 years ago. Jesus. I encourage you to recognize how powerful the love of God is. Because of that love you are entitled to operate as power of attorney and you are no longer a victim, but you are victorious. I encourage you to remember that you are more than a conqueror in and through Christ Jesus. You are an overcomer. You are the head and not the tail, above only and not beneath. Prayer: Father cause me to recognize my power of attorney status came because of Your love for me. Teach me to walk in the fullness of the power that you have given me in Jesus’ Name I pray, amen.