M'Bracing Beauty Magazine 2011 Edition

Modern Beauty In Christian Living

Christian Magazine

2011 First Issue “Put Your Trust In God...

Not Man”

Trusting God

In Every Area Of My Life Elizabeth Jackson: Publisher

Threshold of Faith

by Pastor Bennett T. Cortez

Women Ministering The Word of God Inform

Educate

Inspire

Editorial | M’Bracing Beauty Magazine

Publisher / Co-Founder

Elizabeth Jackson

Advertising Director

Byron Jackson

Assistant Editor

Sheila Cortez-Lister

Editor

Jennifer Remy-Theus

Managing Editor

Melvin Kirks

Journalist

Kyuata Gajere

Publisher & Co-Founder

MAGAZINE

Director of Entertainment Grace Gajere Journalist

Ronald Dupree

Photographer

Ferrell Phelps

Contributing Writers Earnest Burnett, II Ed.D Bennett T. Cortez, Pastor

Sponsors & Contributors Andre James The Beauty Spot Interactive Hair Studio Setapart Photography Ferrell Phelps Photography LaDae’jo Publication & Designs Covenant Consultant Services For Further Information, Advertisement Services Please Contact Our Office: 713-316-0404 / Fax: 281-982-3390 or Email us @ lizj.mbracingbeauty1@gmail.com Publisher/Co-Founder, Liz Jackson Email: Elizabethh117@yahoo.com For suggestions, life stories, and contributions please send to: M’Bracing Beauty Magazine P.O. Box 90425, Houston, TX 77290-0425 © 2010 M’BRACING BEAUTY MAGAZINE. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. MATERIAL MAY NOT BE REPRODUCED OR COPIED IN WHOLE OR IN PART, IN ANY FORM WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION.

Elizabeth Jackson

Welcome,

M’Bracing Beauty Magazine is an informative Christian-based community outreach tool created to encourage, inform, educate and inspire you, our readers. The inspiration to create this magazine came through God, the Holy Spirit, and was given to Elizabeth Jackson, Visionary. Our emphasis is to present relevant issues as well as promote upcoming events that are pertinent to the church and community. We are committed to touching and shaping lives using the Word of God as our vehicle.

As a Christian-based publication, we will bring inspirational articles, focusing on reaching the hearts and minds of individuals who may be going through tough or trying times.

Our purpose is to demonstrate the love of God to the people of God with the Word of God through Christian publication.

“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.” Galatians 6:10 As we build this network of connection we hope to build roads to entrepreneurship, as well as a network of change and transformation in the hearts and minds of people whom we touch everyday, Join us as we Embrace the Beauty within!

To God Be The Glory!

Elizabeth Jackson, Publisher

M’Bracing Beauty Magazine

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ontents

Recognizing Our Youth

Inside 2011 First Issue

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enter

Spread: Invitation To Christ

4 Trusting God

In Every Area of My Life 11 Hair Tip: 5 Basic Ingredients To Healthy Hair 12 FEATURED ARTICLE:

Dee Franklin, Pastor Mmasechaba International And TLC Ministries

D

epartment

# 26 Keith Tillis

Bleyl Middle School... Go Brahmas!

A young inspiring football player, whose dream is to make it big, and be successful in every area of his life.

C

OVER PHOTO

6 Education: Earnest Burnett, II Ed.D 7 Sermon: “Threshold of Faith”

Bennett T. Cortez, Pastor

13 Community Events and Academic

Programs Houston, TX

14 Developing Self-Control

Elizabeth Jackson: Publisher/Co-Founder Cover Photo by Ferrell Phelps

In Every Area of My Life!

Photo by Ferrell Phelps

By Ronald Dupree

As a wife, mother of six (3 biologically), grand-

mother of 11, and having raised a great nephew from the age of two weeks to nine years of age; one could say I have always had a heart for helping people and this magazine is just an extension of that.

This new endeavor has been quite challenging, but my vision and inspiration in creating M’Bracing Beauty Magazine, has not been extinguished. My vision and inspiration in developing this magazine was first and foremost lead by the Holy Spirit. I have always had a heart for helping people become knowledgeable in the Word of God. I had to overcome negativity, doubt, and the fact that I needed to know how to create, establish, and maintain a magazine. More importantly, I had to be confident that if God put this vision in me… It can and will be done!

Teaching about and promoting healthy hair is an important part of this magazine. The thought of people shedding their hair and losing hope breaks my heart. My goal is to find a way to help encourage people about healthy hair as well as present the Word of God; hence, M’Bracing Beauty Magazine was created.

One might ask how I contrasted the two (hair and God’s word), and what is the commonality. To answer that question, I would have to say “growth” is the shared aim. When you devote time to read, meditate, and receive the Word of God; it feeds the soul, spirit, and mind, which allows growth to take place. It’s the same with hair, when you devote time to feeding the hair and scalp with proper nutrition, circulation and stimulation to the scalp and hair - it too will promote growth.

The name for the magazine was inspired by the Holy Spirit, and I believe it lingers in my spirit because God wants us to embrace

I thank God daily just for being here. I am the eighth child out of 12. I believe if my mother had listened to outside people concerning the 7 kids she already had, she would have aborted me and I would not have been here today.

Because of the courage of my mother, who decided to give birth to me, I feel like I am the most blessed person in the world. Knowing this has help shaped my life in many ways; it has given me a different perspective towards giving birth. I feel like no matter how many children one has, they should trust God to be the sole provider. Living with many brothers and sisters also taught me how to share and not be selfish; because sometimes all I had while growing up were “hand-me-downs”. My humble beginnings truly taught me how to be grateful and thankful for all of the things I’ve been blessed with; it also taught me how to praise and thank God in a deeper more meaningful way. When I was in the ninth grade, I remember my mother once told me, “Lizabeth you have blessed hands,” of course I didn’t understand what she meant at the time, but I have embraced my calling in caring for hair ever since. I’ve been a licensed cosmetologist for 25 years, 13 years owning my own business and over 30 years of caring for hair all together. I love taking care of hair; “healthy hair first”, is my motto. I also love the fact that hair is spoken of in the Bible as our “crown of glory,” which means a lot to me. I will gladly continue to encourage women to maintain the integrity of their hair.

Someone asked me in an interview once, “Who do you think would be interested in reading M’Bracing Beauty Magazine?” And my response was, “I believe anyone seeking honorable, reliable, spiritual, and practical information will be interested in reading this magazine. Years from now, I can honestly picture M’Bracing Beauty on every household and business table in the world. I perceive it ministering to the hearts of people and changing lives.

I envision the magazine as a vehicle to help add souls to the kingdom of God. Lastly, I see it inspiring, encouraging, and empowering people to walk in greatness and boldness for the LORD and in the LORD.” M’Bracing Beauty Magazine is designed to inform, educate and inspire people all over the world, believers and unbelievers. M’Bracing Beauty Magazine will be a great asset to readers in many ways. Our intention is to shine light on the spiritual, mental, emotional, practical, social, professional, financial and educational aspects of life.

I encourage you to read, be encouraged, and edified by M’Bracing Beauty.

Sincerely, Liz Jackson

abstractartpainting.wordpress.com

Trusting God:

the beauty within us. I also believe if this takes place, we would appreciate life even when our circumstances are not good. We must know and believe that God is in control of everything.

“Give Me My Flowers, While I Yet Can Smell Them”

Honoring 20 Years Plus of Marriage!

Pastor Bennett (deceased) & First Lady Ruth Cortez Married over 50 years

Pastor Byron Sr. & Effie Jackson Married over 45 years

Pastor Bennett T. & First Lady Vickie Cortez Married over 20 years

Hebrews 13:4 (NASB) “Marriage is to be held in honor among all, and the marriage bed is undefiled;...”

M’Bracing Beauty Magazine |Education

The Importance of Obtaining an Education

by Earnest Burnett, II Ed.D

“A lack of an education can cause one to feel a sense of hopelessness and despair.”

In this photo: Dr. Earnest Burnett at Alvin Community College When I was asked to write an article about the importance of education, I started to ponder about my own reasons for pursuing this important endeavor. The only way that I can eloquently tell you in laconic fashion, is to take you through my journey. I want to tell you about how the endeavor began, the trials and tribulations of obtaining my degrees, the vicissitudes, and disappointments along the way, and how the journey ended. After reading my journey I can say with a great degree of confidence that if I can do it you can do it too!

Before I explain why I believe that “anyone” can do it, let me define the word education. Education can be defined according to “the free dictionary” as, the activities of educating or instructing; activities that impart knowledge or skill; In addition, Devito, (2009) defined an education from a cultural context as society’s ability to pass down beliefs, values, customs, traditions, religion, artifacts, and language through, communication (p. 30).

It was important to make this distinction (as you will read later) because when we hear the word “education” we have a tendency to focus on education from a more formal perspective. So, for the sake of this article I will focus on the importance of obtaining a formal education and parallel my journey within a cultural context.

When we are born into a society, we first learn about our culture from our parents and then from society which consist of the organized communities, i.e. (school, church, etc,.) My desire to obtain a formal education was not the result of my parents suggesting that I go to college. In fact, the education I received from my parents was informal. This type of education was not something I held against my parents because no University could have taught me what I learned from them. Most parents (during that time) were somewhat satisfied if their child finished high school. I had no problem with this because I knew what I wanted to do long before I graduated from high school. My goal was to become a radio Disc Jockey, but God had other plans.

My journey began by receiving an athletic scholarship but I knew that this athletic journey at some point would end. (and it did) So, my goal was to focus on school and obtain

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my Bachelor’s degree. I decided to work full-time and go to school and this was when I faced my first obstacle. This was so tough for me and I was forced to make a decision. The decision was should I quit school or work? I decided to have a long talk with God (one of many) and as fate would have it, I was laid off from the job. I was able to focus more on school and in fact for the first time, I made the dean’s list twice.

Once I graduated with my degree in Speech Communication, I had no answer to this question, “what do I do with a degree in Speech Communication?” I had no plan, so it was time to talk to God, again. Well, a recruiter from a cable company was looking for recent graduates and so my new job consisted of selling cable to new subscribers! A degree in Speech Communication really helped me performed the job and this was where my formal and informal education benefitted me. My parents instilled in me that whatever profession you decide upon be the BEST at it. I learned to master that skill so well that I was chosen to be on a team that would be responsible for transitioning subscribers from the old cable boxes to the newer cable boxes.

However, I wanted another challenge so again, it was time to talk to God. God lead me to another job but this time, it was something totally different. I was hired by Budweiser as a route driver. No I did not deliver adult beverages, I delivered peanuts and chips! But remember, my parents instilled in me that whatever you do, be the best at it.

I needed another challenge so it was time to talk to God, again. I was at a crossroad about the direction to go in but I knew that I was never alone. God’s footprints were always in the sand, I just did not see them. A good friend of mine saw me at a grocery store delivering the products and shelving them and ask me what on earth would possess me to do this kind of work? My response was the desire to be good at whatever it was I was going to do and that God lead me here. My friend told me that I was not utilizing my intellect (formal education) and I should go back to school. I was faced with another decision and that was to quit this line of work, or go back to school or do both? I chose to do both but I resigned from the job because my belief was that management felt intimidated by my pursuing a Master’s degree. The decision to resign was truly a blessing in disguise because I was able to completely focus on school. I graduated with a 3.9 g.p.a. and was the recipient of the Graduate Achievement Award in the School of Communication continue on page 15.

Sermon| M’BRACING BEAUTY MAGAZINE

THRESHOLD OF FAITH (Reference: Mark 9:14-29)

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rayer demonstrates our reliance on God as we humbly invite him in with faith and power. Growing in faith is a constant process of daily renewal and our trust in God. We, as children of God, must rely on the sufficient power of the Holy Spirit to perform the necessary duties to reach a dying world. There is no substitute for prayer, especially in circumstances that seem impossible.

The question is: “How can we maximize our abilities in God when there are distractions and crowds of conflict; such as sickness, pain, family problems, financial troubles, loneliness, etc. The Holy Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) is at our disposal in difficult seasons.

Reach above distractions and chaotic confusion. They are there only to stop you from reaching your destiny.

Seek the counsel of God versus the counsel of men.

There are three basic principles to tap into the Threshold of Faith. They are: 1. Preparation. Jesus has accomplished what we could not. He is the author and finisher of our faith.

Our abilities are linked to our failures. The problem lies with faithless people lacking sufficient faith. They pre

Pastor Bennett T. Cortez vent the miracle from occurring. Therefore, bring it to Jesus!

2. Confession. Jesus is waiting on a consistent relationship with you. He’s ready and willing to verbally communicate with you, just as you would trust a best friend or a confidant with your problems. Jesus is saying, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 (NIV) 3. Confirmation. You must believe that all things are possible. If you continue to say you can’t, you never will. Affirm what you’ve requested by believing it’s already done through the power of Jesus Christ. Then, leave the results to God. (Read: Luke 17:11-19)

Pastoral Installation Program Pastor Bennett T. Cortez final remarks. Installed by Pastor Paul D. Landrew @ Greater Faith Baptist Church.

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The Prayer of Salvation Romans 10:9,10 You Can Receive Jesus Christ Right Now by Faith - Through Prayer: “Lord Jesus, I need You. Thank You for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life and receive You as my Savior and Lord.

Thank You for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Make me the kind of person You want me to be.” In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Now That You Have Received Christ!

The moment that you received Christ by faith, as an act of will, many things happened, including the following:

1. Christ came into your life. Rev. 3:20 and Colossians 1:27 2. Your sins were forgiven. Colossians 1:14 3. You become a child of God. John 1:12 4. You received eternal life. John 5:24 5. You begin the great adventure for which God created you.

John 10:10; II Corinthians 5:17; I Thessalonians 5:18

Can you think of anything more wonderful that could happen to you than receiving Christ?

As soon as you can find a Bible believing and Bible teaching church so that you can begin to hear and study the Word of God. Remember, Faith comes by hearing the Word of God. (PDL)

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AFTER YOU PRAYED THE PRAYER OF SALVATION BELOW ARE SOME SUGGESTED CHURCHES YOU MAY CONSIDER GOING TO FOR MORE BIBLE BASED TEACHING AND GUIDANCE IN THE WORD OF GOD.

Pastor Paul D. Landrew St. Stephen Baptist Church 170 Rittenhouse Houston, TX 77076

Pastor Bennett T. Cortez Greater Faith Baptist Church 9235 West Montgomery rd.

Houston, TX 77088

Pastor Roland Booker God’s True Church 1401 West Tidwell Houston , TX 77091

Pastor Melvin H. Kirks Jr. Bridge Crossroad Church “The Church with ‘Visible Changez’ 12515 Fondren Ste. F Houston, TX. 77035

Pastor John Aldoph Antioch Missionary Baptist Church 3920 West Cardinal Drive Beaumont, TX 77705

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Keeping God In Your Relationships

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n every relationship that we have with other people our relationship with God must continue to be our most important priority. Jesus says in (Matthew 10:37) "He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. When we keep our relationship with God as the most important relationship in our life then we will have supernatural wisdom on how to express true love to other people because the Spirit of love, the Holy Spirit, will guide us.

In every situation that we come together with another person, or a group of people we are to do so in Jesus name. (Matthew 18:20) "For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them." Every relationship should have the purpose of glorifying God, Jesus should always be in the middle of every relationship. In every relationship a good question to ask yourself is; does this relationship bring me closer to Jesus? Does this relationship bring the other person closer to Jesus?

The glory of God is the manifestation and revelation of His love. Jesus prayed to the Father for you to have unity in your relationships. (John 17:22-23) "And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: {23} "I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me. In a good relationship, with Jesus in the middle, each person is coming closer to Jesus becoming one with Him and thus one with each other. Many relationships go bad because people leave Jesus out of the relationship and give their heart to another person instead of God. This will always lead to disaster. Whoever you give your heart to, is your God. People do this out of ignorant selfishness, seeking to get their needs met through another person, which is impossible. Only God can give us the love, joy, and peace that we all are seeking.

When you keep Jesus in the middle of the relationship, you will maintain your inner source of love, joy and peace, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

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Even if the relationship with the other person does not work out, you will have inner stability, because God is your source, not the other person.

Relationships go bad because one or both people loose their focus on Jesus in the relationship. When this happens selfishness takes over, instead of caring about the benefit of God and the other person. (James 4:13 NIV) What causes fights and quarrels among you?

Don't they come from your desires that battle within you? {2} You want something but don't get it. Romans 12:9-18 NIV) Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. {10} Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.

The greatest relationships are when two people come together in the name of Jesus. In such a relationship both people have an inner source for love, joy, and peace so that they are both free to be givers to each other, because God is their source of happiness and not the other person. Jesus says in (John 15:7-14) “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. {8} “By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples. {9} “As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. {10} “If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. {11} “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. {12} “This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. {13} “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. {14} “You are My friends if you do whatever I command you.

Courtesy of www.seekgod.org

5 Basic Ingredients To Healthy Hair I have discovered five important ingredients to healthy hair, and they are: 1. Water: Because it is an element essential to life. Water is an important ingredient to anything that is created to grow. Without water things can and will die. Shampooing your hair once a week can contribute to strong and healthy hair.

2. Food: Everything in life needs food, and without food it dies. This is even the same for hair; it needs food that will produce healthy and strong hair.

But Until You Grow It, Sew It! The Healthy Way

3. Love: The ultimate love was demonstrated when God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross for our sins, and rose again to give us eternal life. When we experience this type of love we grow, spiritually, mentally, and physically in tremendous ways. Show love to your hair and watch it grow!

4. Patience: “Patience usually denotes calm, abiding endurance, sometimes associated with *wisdom (Prov 19:11) or *humility. You must be patience. Being patient usually saves a lot of headaches, heartaches, time and money.

5. Faithfulness: Faithfulness is adhering firmly and devotedly, as to a person, cause, or idea; loyal.”(www.thefreedictory.com). One must be faithful in whatever you pursue, in order to achieve the ultimate results that can come from being faithful. If you want healthy hair you must pursue faithfulness. Whatever your hair care provider instructs you to do, do it. If they truly promotes “healthy hair” you can trust them, but make note of other testimonies, also. Whatever you do, be steadfast and “Faithful”!

I encourage you to be faithful in all that you do and watch God increase! Faithfullness can be applied in every area of your life and increase will manifest.

“Specializing In All Types of Hair... Healthy Hair First”

Model above: Demetria is sporting a full sewn-in extension, layred-cut and barreled-curled.

All Extension are designed Without Glue

Model below: Raychelle is sporting a full sewn-in extension. Layered cut and frame to the face.

Interactive Hair Studio

Model above: Marsha is sporting her own natural hair. Relaxed, conditioned, and feathered-cut into a shoulder length bob.

6616 Antoine Dr. Suite 301 Houston, TX 77091 Hairstylist: Liz Jackson Contact: 832.722.2767 www.interactivehairstudio.com

For more information and styles visit the website above

M’BRACING BEAUTY MAGAZINE | DEE

FRANKLIN, PASTOR

“I cried out and He heard me!

The Lord Hears The Cries of His People!

Dee Franklin, Pastor

Dee was living a life contrary to the Word of God, a destructive lifestyle, a life involved with controlled substances. On October 31, 1983, Dee prayed and invited Jesus Christ into her heart and said, Lord Save Me,” according to Romans 10:9 & 10. In October of 1985, she received the call to preach and later announced her call to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. Dee has a Bachelor of Theology from Calvary Theological Seminary and is currently working on a double Master of Divinity from Houston Graduate School of Theology and a Master in Christian Counseling From Calvary Theology Seminary. She has also had an in-depth study on Satanology and trained in Spiritual Warfare. She was taught how to walk by faith by Dr. Rickie and Dr. Debra White of Oasis Christian Center. Who in turn licensed and Ordained her as a proclamation Preacher. She is no stranger to preaching and teaching the Word of God, street evangelism, street preaching, feeding the hungry, missions, church administration and leadership. During a season of transition, God brought her and her family to St. Stephen Baptist Church where she heard and re-

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eirdre’ J. Franklin (Dee) is the Pastor of Mmasechaba (Ma-seecha-ba) International Ministries, under the covering of overseer, Dr. Paul D. Landrew who is the Senior Pastor of St. Stephen Baptist Church where she is a faithful member for 10 years.

ceived a word of hope given by the anointed Dr. Paul D. Landrew.

Through the Word of God she found hope and is no longer suffering from depression. The Lord healed her heart, and restore her hope with overflowing joy and she walks in confidence and victory on purpose. God, through Dr. Paul D. Landrew was the connection she needed to move forward in her God-given destiny and purpose.

Dee was released, in her Godgiven purpose as a mother and midwife to help Women around the globe to “Birth Greatness, by her Pastor, Paul D. Landrew. Divine connections is so important in life and ministry. She believes that was the connection she needed to do the Will and purpose of God, and to achieve her destiny. Dr. Landrew has released the potential that God placed in Dee. He as her spiritual father has helped to develop the undeveloped material to create the vessel God desires to use. The compassion that God bestowed upon the heart of Dee has given her the strength to help the hurting, depressed, fearful, abused, accused, and misused.

God minister through her with the awesome gift of the Holy Spirit.

Her winsome sense of humor,

charisma and keen insight into God’s Word makes her a delightful gift to the body of Christ.

Mmasechaba is a Soto word meaning Mother of Nations. Mmasechaba was birthed in June 2006 in Witbank, South Africa, during a Salt and Light International Fellowship Leadership Conference. Dee declares to women, “You are designed to Birth Greatness.” The only way to Birth Greatness is you must possess Greatness, for the Bible says, “He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” I John 4:4 Jesus must be living in your heart, Jesus is the greatness. When you possess greatness it is necessary that you become intimate with greatness in order to produce greatness. Ps.145:3 says, Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; and His greatness is unsearchable. If Jesus resides in you and you become intimate with God through Prayer, you will conceive from (HIM) His seed of greatness to produce purpose and then you will birth greatness.

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Community Services and Events in Houston, TX

Women & Family Emergency Shelter entails a medical clinic, a licensed day care, preschool area, teen activity room, and a computer learning center. Volunteer tutors come daily after school to tutor the children and help with homework and enrichment activities. Education is strongly encouraged with all residents.

*Crisis Pregnancy Center Provides a safe haven through counseling and bible study classes for girls and women dealing with the guilt of having an abortion, who are considering having an abortion, sexually active pre-teens and teens and those who are need assistance whether pregnant or not pregnant. Crisis Pregnancy Center provide free and confidential support services for those involved in unplanned pregnancies. Volunteers share the gospel with each client and offer the eternal lifeline of salvation. Each client is given information about the reality of abortion and a lifeline choice for their unborn children.

Our clients are informed about the facts of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and are taught abstinence before marriage as God’s plan and lifeline for protection.

Beltway 8 South Crisis Pregnancy Center is open Monday through Friday, 10:15 am to 3 pm with extended client hours available on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Client classes are Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 7 pm. 281.484.0005

Star of Hope facilities goal is to help clients achieve success in the areas of substance abuse recovery, literacy, education, life management skills, career development, and ultimately, a responsible, independent life-style.

Star of Hope's Men's Development Center houses men nightly and provides emergency and residential programs. Chapel services are offered three times a day, as are meals. Showers and a clean change of clothing are also provided.

Women & Family Emergency Shelter entails a medical clinic, a licensed day care, pre-school area, teen activity room, and a computer learning center. Volunteer tutors come daily after school to tutor the children and help with homework and enrichment activities. Education is strongly encouraged with all resi13 dents.

Developing (Proverbs 25:28) He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.

In our series, we’ve been looking at building our life on values that last; choosing a standard, accepting responsibility, developing trust, and this week developing self control. This is not exactly a quality that a lot of people want to talk about today. We’re not really into discipline. We’re into whatever feels good, do. Self control is an area that all of us have to deal with in one way or the other. It’s not just for those who blow up. It’s also for those who clam up.

Most people are one of two in life. They’re either a skunk or a turtle When a skunk gets in trouble, he stinks the place up. He lets it rip and everybody knows when the skunk’s upset! On the other hand, the turtle folds himself into his shell. He hides, he cowers down. They don’t blow up; they clam up.

Both of those are inappropriate forms of anger. In our society it’s very obvious we don’t know how to handle anger. Violence is on the increase. Crime is on the increase. Profanity is on the increase.

Half of all murders actually occur between family members. People are getting angry about little things. It seems like, as the frustration level rises, so does the anger. As the anger increases, so does the violence. As in every other area, God has given us His Word to instruct us in how to develop self control. Anger is not evil in itself. Anger is not a sin. God gets angry, so obviously it’s not a sin. The Bible says that Jesus got angry. Anger is a Godgiven emotion, the problem is in how we express our anger. In the book of Proverbs, God gives us seven specific suggestions or steps, keys, secrets.

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Controlling Anger 1. (Resolve) to control it.

• “I can’t help it, that’s just the way I am.” We need to quit saying we can’t control it and start realizing we can. The Bible says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Instead of making excuses we need to start accepting responsibility for our reactions.

• (Proverbs 29:11) A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.

• Notice a wise man ‘keepeth’ that is an act of the will; it’s something we choose to do. Anger is a choice, just like every other emotion Resolve simply means to decide in advance. This is the first key: We decide in advance that we’re going to control our anger with God’s help.

2. (Realize) the cost.

• The Bible is very specific about the cost of uncontrolled anger.

• (Proverbs 29:22) An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.

• (Proverbs 15:18) A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.

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Self-Control

“Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.” (Proverbs 21:23 KJV)

Article: Courtesy of www.brandonweb.com/sermons/sermonpages/proverbs18.htm

Photo by impactlab.net

• We would all agree that hot tempers cause arguments. Anger causes mistakes; people with hot tempers do foolish things. Ex. Hole in the wall All of us have seen somebody really mad do something absolutely stupid and make a fool of themselves. There are all kinds of costs involved. On the job, a person who blows up will put their career in jeopardy.

• (Proverbs 14:29) He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly. (Proverbs 14:17) He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated.

• When we lose our temper, we always lose. We may lose our reputation, our children, the love of our spouse, or our job. When anger goes uncontrolled in our life we always lose. There’s a price tag, and it’s not worth it. The Bible says we can even lose your own family and finally have nothing worthwhile left.

• (Proverbs 11:29) He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind: and the fool shall be servant to the wise of heart.

Stay tuned for the next Issue with more on the seven steps to Developing Self-Control. Be Blessed!

The Importance of Obtaining an Education Cont’d

While I was working on my Master’s thesis, I went to my mentor and asked him what could I do with a Master’s degree in Speech Communication?

His reply was, “you can teach college courses.” I was totally shocked! Me, a teacher! I was instructed to call the Speech and Drama department at Alvin Community College and ask if they were hiring part-time instructors. The reply to my question was a “yes,” and was asked to come by for an informal interview.

There was a class available and much to my surprise, they offered it to me and the class was located at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Again, it is time to talk to God and I asked Him what should I do? God told me that this is an opportunity, but it won’t be revealed to you at this time. So, like my parents instilled in me, “Do your best in whatever you do.” I decided to teach the class. I must say that it was one of the “best” experiences of my life!

I taught part-time at ACC for one year and then I received a phone call from the Chair of the Speech Department at ACC and was asked to apply “full-time” for an instructor’s position. Again, it was time to talk to God and I said to God, “if this is where I belong, show me a sign.” Needless to say, I got the job and am going on my 18th year. My last and final journey was to pursue a doctoral degree. This by far, was my greatest educational challenge. After persevering over and over again and God putting people in my life who were part of the program that cared for me not only as a student, but as a human being, I achieved something that I could have only imagined in the past. An uneducated society is much easier to control and we must understand that achieving an education allows us to make informed decisions about what goes on in our lives. A lack of an education can cause one to feel a sense of hopelessness and despair.

So, my goal in this article was to explain to you that obtaining an education is one of the most challenging journeys you will face. It takes perseverance, perseverance, and yes perseverance. Life is a journey into the unknown and only the strong survive, but when you have God’s hands on your shoulder and people to walk with you literally and in spirit, you can achieve just about anything you desire but you must subordinate yourself to God, believe that God will be there with you and for you every step of the way.

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