Empowering Wives Magazine. Spring Vol. 1

EMPOWERING SPRING ISSUE | VOL 1

WIVES MAGAZINE

TRIED TESTED TRUE

FOR WIVES BY WIVES

BLESSED ARE THE WORK OF YOUR HANDS

CELEBRATE YOUR LITTLE WINS

e r e v e s Per h t r o W s i m a e r Your D rseverance the Pe

contents MARCH 2021 In This Issue 04

Editor in Chief

Have you ever once thought “Why do we face challenges”?

In my life there were so many hardships both as ...

05 Introduction

Perseverance is vital to growing in your faith, and God wants his people to persevere no matter what...

06

Do not be a public Success but Private Failure

10

Tried, tested, & true!

12

Perseverance

14

Springtime is nature at its best.

15

Celebrate your Little Wins “Girl, You Did That”!

08

Feature 08

Persever for the dream,

by Philippa Dean

Anywhere between both the deadlines and the to-do list, as a businesswoman, we might have already...

As believers, we’re going to face challenging and difficult times. It’s a part of life. In fact, as married women...

Perseverance is defined as “persistence in doing something despite difficulty or having delay in achieving success Lailah Gifty Akita : Think Great: Be Great!

Wake up. Pray or meditate. Brush your teeth, wash your face, take shower, get dressed, put on make-up. Make ...

16 Puzzle 17 Be determined to take care of you first!

In a world where wives wear many hats, life can be fastpaced and non-stop. It can become easy to forget ...

18

Pressing On!

19

How To Fix Common But Hard To Deal Skin Problems?

07

One word in Christianity that is not emphasized enough is perseverance. It is not those who at one time in ...

Summer means love for beaches, swimsuits, tank tops, and shorts on the peak. But it also means revealing...

23 Gardening

There is something soothing about working in the yard.

Planting seeds and seeing them poke green out of the ...

24 Bookshelf 24 Puzzle Answer 25 Blessed are the work of your hands

With spring rapidly approaching, you might find yourself exploring new hobbies. What better activity to start ...

29

Social Media for your Business: Do not give up,you can do it!

30

Finish Strong: Perseverance

26

Empowering Wives Kitchen

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2

Icannot tell you how many times I have heard, “I hate Facebook”, “I got an Instagram but I don’t use ...

I Corinthian 9: 26,27 NLV

In the ‘kitchen of your life’, you have a choice as to what ingredients you want to use to build yourself ...

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Letter from the

Editor in Chief Have you ever once thought “Why do we face challenges”? In my life there were so many hardships both as a kid and as an adult! It wasn’t until I was serving the Lord whole heartly and facing hardship that I really pondered on this with tears in my eyes. I think because I knew that the God, I serve has the power to make this all go away, in my heart there was a sense of entitlement that I should not be subject to difficulty. In Romans 5:3-5 it says “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.

And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. Hardship has a purpose in our lives and one purpose is to produce perseverance. Thought every area in our lives we will face difficulty, suffering or hardship. However, it is important that we learn how to persevere no matter what we are facing.

As a Wife, a mother, a prophet and an entrepreneur I face challenges in every area sometimes simultaneously.

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The theme for this issue is persevere which means to persist in a state, enterprise, or undertaking in spite of counterinfluences, opposition, or discouragement. As a Wife, a mother, a prophet and an entrepreneur I face challenges in every area sometimes simultaneously. During these challenges it is not the time to have a breakdown, complain or quit but it is time for me to persevere through whatever I am going through. Having an understanding that I may have the challenge now, I may be suffering now but I will get through it.

Here is what I want you to take away from this issue “PERSEVERE”.

Warmest Regards

Meltoria A. Woodside Editor in Chief Meltoria A. Woodside

INTRODUCTION Perseverance is vital to growing in your faith, and God wants his people to persevere no matter what happens, so we must learn how to overcome obstacles, difficulties, trials, and tribulation to experience victory in Christ. We have two choices when faced with hardship - trust in God and keep our vision on Him or quit and abandon hope.

God has so much more in store for us and it His plan for us that struggles, and hardship become blessings and rewards if we persevere!

1. Here are 5 Bible verses to inspire your faith and motivate you to persevere no matter what you face.

God promise to be our comfort and “ever present help in times of trouble” (Psalm 46:1). God is not done with you yet and He will help you endure!

2. Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, (Hebrews 12:1) 3. Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because

you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (James 1:2-4) 4. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. (Romans 5:3-5) 5. Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you; the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown. (Revelations 2:10) 6. Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. (James 1:12)

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Do not be a public Success but

PRIVATE FAILURE A

nywhere between both the deadlines and the to-do list, as a businesswoman, we might have already wholly overlooked the most crucial ministry that God had appointed to me: my family. God doesn’t call us to be public success and private failure. The conceUsed pt of family was heaven made and God’s prime will as wives is to care your family more than anything else. Nothing should take the time of your family.

It has been nearly several weeks since my husband and I had a date together because of my business working time, and also I knew these things had to be changed very fast.

Rather than just concentrating on work, I wanted to focus on my family and just let them understand that they're just as vital as my job.

We plan to address our business objectives, and yet somehow, in the middle of all of this, we forget that waiting at home is a young child who loves to play catch, a teenage girl who wants to speak to you, or your husband needs your attention and care. Why is this happening? How else can you stop that from happening to you?

We need to understand the fact that we should have to engage in the relationships that God already has put before us as a way of helping to progress His kingdom.

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The people he has given us – like our families – are the very souls who need our strength. Likewise, as wives and mothers, we also need their influence.

Here are some strategies to help you balance your business and your family.

1. B ring your family together and establish a family mission statement. It would be just as crucial to be purposeful as a family as it does in the place of work.

We want our family to be on the same page regarding our life aims and the core values that would regulate the family time together.

2. Dig time to spend with family every week in advance.

Just bring it to your timetable. Stop telling yourself that you have to do yet another thing before you leave home.

Organize your week with specific ending times and hang to them.

3. Start dismantling stuff from your routine that isn't vital to you. Rally to the mission that Jesus called you to be doing, not the mission which others would like you to do for them. Be merciless here!

4. If your job situation demands continual undue hours to get the task done, it is indeed time to assess other strategies to have the work completed. You can't achieve the company's goal on your own, so stop trying!

Pray for the Lord to send employees to your field of harvest and then sit back and watch Him go to work.

Pray for the supernatural outcomes from the time you get into your day, then go home and be a minister in the other mission field that God has given you—your family.

5. B uild an activity with your family on the whole. Maybe it's a hiking, a day at the hotel on Saturday, or a coffee or prayer with your spouse each day. As you're doing it, understand that the teaching moments are almost

We need to understand the fact that we should have to engage in the relationships that God already has put before us as a way of helping to progress His kingdom. like 'intended accidents': they occur, though not always because you planned them. So be sure to schedule a great deal of time with your family throughout the year so they'll have a chance to occur.

6. Create a 'spiritual life development strategy' for each of your children, highlighting their strengths, areas of betterment, and strategies to form their character as they grow up under your care. Our kids are the arrows that are set to release into a world that we'll never fully see. Our task is to mould them into arrows that will fly directly and travel the distance to the kingdom target that God wanted for them.

7. Schedule a date night of at least one hour once a week with each child and your spouse, where you concentrate solely on them. This doesn't have to be costly; time is the main factor here. When you possess tight budget, I've had this time in my backyard with my son and husband.

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Your Dream is Worth the

PERSEVERANCE 5 years of preparation, 3 years of trying, 2 surgeries, and 200 plus needles later, I finally got my heart’s desire.

I

By Phillipa Dean, Speaker, Educator, Author, Therapist

can remember that day like it was yesterday. I remember laying in a delivery room, body completely paralyzed, and thinking, the moment I’ve been waiting for the last 5 years and 9 months is finally here. And I’m praying, ‘Lord please let everything go ok.’ I’m taking deep breathes trying to steady my slightly elevated heart rate, but it was not from nervousness alone, it was also excitement.

As I look around the room, I’m thinking can it be any bluer. The color blue was everywhere, on the walls, my blanket, even the doctors’ scrubs were blue but the most important thing was, I wasn’t feeling blue, no this was a happy moment. I was feeling cold too because of the low temperature in the delivery room but that would soon change. After a few long minutes.

I turned my head to the left, as the

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doctor walked over to me with this pale muffin-faced newborn, wrapped tightly in a maroon hospital blanket. He raised her to my face and rested her there. I closed my eyes. I could feel the warmth of my daughter’s skin against my own and it felt really good. At that moment I felt a love and a connection that I had never felt before.

My husband and I pictured with our newborn baby after years of waiting.

You see, several years prior I actively tried to have a child. Like most women, I desired to become a mother. I had reached the point in my life where I had accomplished much of what I desired, planned, and worked diligently for but my greatest desire was about to become my hardest fight. Never did I imagine that becoming a mother would not happen

naturally or easily for me.

So what did I do as I waited for the dream, the desire to manifest? I upped my game spiritually, mentally, and physically. Boxing gloves on. I was ready for this fight or at least I thought I was.

First-round. My doctor looked into my face and bluntly said, “I am sorry.” The lump in my throat, the tightening of my stomach, and the burning in my chest was as real as my husband’s arm that embraced a devastated me. I had lost this round but still willing to persevere.

Lesson learned as I persevered: I am not the giver of life.

Second round. I was in this fight for some time now. Truth be told, doubt and hope were neck and neck. My

Third round. This is a familiar place. A place that held so much past hurt and disappointments. My nurse hands over the results. I am reading it. This can’t be happening. For a brief moment, comprehension escapes me, and then...

My faith and works manifested in the birth of our healthy baby girl whose name means gift, fighter, and mighty battle.

Our infant daughter pictured with some of the needles used to help conceive her.

Lesson learned as I persevered: My doctor is not the giver of life. doctor walks in. The disbelief on her face, blinding. She shakes her head and gives the knockout blow again.

“I am sorry, I don’t know what to say.”

I had lost another round and at this point I am tired. I don’t see a light at the end of this long dark tunnel but still, I was willing to persevere because the desire, the dream was worth it.

Lesson learned as I persevered: My doctor is not the giver of life.

I watched babies having babies, counseled abused children, and the mothers who struggled to care for

them. I’ve helped family, friends, and strangers raise their kids. Wasn’t I sowing seeds in good soil? They were watered from my well of tears. Still, my cradle was empty. Life wasn’t fighting fairly but I remained in the fight. I persevered.

Have you ever been in a place where you felt that your efforts were in vain? You prayed and fasted, prayed and tithe, prayed and waited but still nothing. Have you ever been in a place where it looked like everyone around you was basking in the blessings except you? Then keep reading.

My toddler daughter and I express our love with a kiss No matter what it is that you are faced with and believing God to bring you through, know that there is nothing too hard for Him if you just believe and persevere.

“Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.”

Psalm 37:4 Life doesn’t fight fairly but we have a God who fights our battles and He always wins. You just keep fighting and believing. Let not fear, disappointment, stigma, shame, or lack of resources make you feel that you are not enough or your dream is not worth it. You are enough. Your dream is worth it.

Persevere.

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TRIED TESTED & TRUE! A

s believers, we’re going to face challenging and difficult times.

It’s a part of life. In fact, as married women we must understand that the Bible tells us in marriage there will be trouble (1 Corinthians 7:28).

Trouble means problems, issues, and inconvenience. If the Bible tells us there will be trouble in marriage, then we must not take it lightly and we must brace ourselves and prepare.

prepare for trouble and the storms of life. It’s up to you and me to make sure we are prepared for what may come. We don’t know what our trouble will look like. Some of us have already seen trouble but that does not mean we will not see more of it. Some of us have already endured and overcome challenging and difficult times, however as long as we are on this earth there will be trials.

What do you do when trouble comes?

Are you like the house that did not fall when the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon it? That house was founded upon a rock (Matthew 7:25). It was secure and firm. It was prepared.

The good news is a trial is a test. It’s an opportunity to exercise our faith muscles and apply what we have prepared for. You will not know how much faith you have until your faith is tried and tested. You will not know if your love is unconditional until conditions come, and you remain in love. Trials comes to strengthen us.

The Bible is clear about how we can

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,

By Tanya DeFreitas

Will you be ready when the next trial, trouble, or challenge arises?

God does not ask much of us. If we simply give what is asked and do what we are advised and encouraged to do, we will be able to overcome whatever comes our way. The winds may blow, the floods may come, but we will be like the house that did not fall.

As wives, we face many things. Some of us work outside the home, some of us own & manage businesses, some of us are in school, some of us are mothers or caretakers, and some of us are volunteers in the community. We have a lot on our plates. With all these things, we are still wives with a duty, responsibility, and commitment to our husbands and to God.

Sometimes we may feel like superwoman. Other times it feels like it is all too much. The wind is going to blow, the waves and floods are going to come, and when they do here are five practical ways to overcome them.

1. Pause and pray – Take a breather.

You do not have to respond to everything, and you do not have to do everything. Pause. Breathe. Listen.

Observe. Tune into your breathing.

Become aware of your surroundings to center yourself. Say a prayer, then respond, or react, or do, if necessary.

2. First things first – When you have multiple things coming at you or several tasks to complete, take a moment to prioritize. You do not have to do it all in one day. Determine what must be done now or today and tackle that. Whatever can wait, save it for another day.

3. Ask for help – If you need assistance and/or support, ask. It is okay to ask. If possible, ask your

husband (or your children, if they are of age and can assist with the task). If you cannot ask your husband or he is unable to assist, ask a friend. It is okay to ask for help, in fact the Bible says we have not because we ask not. Ask and you shall receive.

4. Take time for you – Sometimes we simply need a break, and it is okay to take one. In fact, we should take regular breaks. Take daily breaks.

For some of us, we may have to be creative about this. Take an extra long shower, sit in the car, sit on the porch, go for a short walk. Schedule time to sit in and with nothing. Breaks help us recharge or refuel.

5. Don’t give up or give in – Keep going, sis. No matter what. Pause and pray. Ask for help. Take time for you, but don’t give up. You are more than a conqueror and you have everything you need to complete everything assigned for you to do. Stay the course, keep the faith, stand on God’s word – do not give up or give in!

Cultivating a life of consistent prayer, reading the Bible, and putting on the whole armor of God are three ways we can brace ourselves and prepare for what may come. If you do these things your chances of passing the test when it comes are great. I don’t know about you, but I want my faith and my walk with God to be proven tried, tested, and true. The way to reach this mark is to do what we can – pray, read the Bible, put on the whole armor - and after we have done all we can, let’s strive to continue to obey the Word and stand firm on it!

It’s by standing on the Word that we will be able to withstand and overcome the trouble, difficulties, and challenges of life. Purpose in your heart today to be ready for what may come. If what comes begins to rattle you or shake things up, try to implement and apply the five steps above. Be like the house that was founded on a rock; the floods came, the winds blew, and it fell not. It was tried, tested, and true!

The Praying Wife “An introduction to effective prayer”

Many of us start out with the will and the desire to pray for our marriage and family. However, before we can see the manifestation of what we are praying for we feel drained, hopeless and lack confidence to persevere in prayer. At this point it seems as if we are experiencing more issues and intense warfare than we started with.

As we see all the time, many wives are being defeated in the battle for their marriage. This is not because of the lack of power, but because of the lack of knowledge of the power they possess. The key to this knowledge and walking in the power given to us by the Lord Jesus Christ, is accessed through effective and fervent prayer.

Jesus’ disciples ask Him “Lord teach us to pray”? They understood that there was a pattern to effective

prayer, and they needed to learn that pattern.

If you are going to be effective in praying for your marriage and family, or in any area of your life you must have the foundational understanding of prayer.

The foundation is the strongest part of a structure. Once you have a strong foundation everything else will be solid. In this book “praying wife”, is the foundation of effective prayer. The information that I share is what helped me to build a strong prayer life, not only in my marriage but for my entire life.

Available at

www.empoweringwives.com Amazon: www.amazon.com/Praying-Wife-introduction-effective-prayer/dp/B08NRZGDK7/ ref=sr_1_1?crid=3CINQK2A39088&dchild=1&keywords=meltoria+woodside+book&qid=1615310374&sprefix=meltoris%2Caps%2C360&sr=8-1

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B AC KG RO U N D

Perseverance

By Sukaena Callander

D

prayed, and petitioned God for my daughter’s conception. I refused to give up until I had her. Determination is key in persevering.

I am a mother of four boys and one girl. My daughter is my last child. Let me tell you—this pregnancy didn’t come easy. I had to summon all the strength and courage I could find. I decided to execute a bold strategy to be brave enough to declare the fifth pregnancy into being. What was my strategy? Perseverance. I persevered,

How did I persevere with no guarantee of having a daughter? As a woman of God, I had faith. I turned to the Bible and what it says concerning perseverance.

I also studied what the Bible said about different sexes of children. I found scriptures such as Jeremiah 29:6, “Take ye wives, and beget sons and daughters; and take wives for your sons, and give your daughters to husbands, that they may bear sons and daughters; that ye may be increased there, and not diminished (KJV).”

o you want something very badly, but it is taking a while to manifest? Do you have business ideas that keep failing? Well, I have great news to encourage you today.

Delay is not denial. Often, it takes work and patience to receive the desired goal.

We must persevere!

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Perseverance is defined as “persistence in doing something despite difficulty or having delay in achieving success” This scripture gave me an abundance of hope. I believed God; He can’t lie. I had total confidence in my God. He had it under control. I declared Psalm 37:4 loudly: “Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart (NIV).” The Word of God is powerful and effective.

With perseverance, I received my heart’s desire.

God blessed me with my daughter, and I thank Him greatly. I persisted despite the difficulties and delays.

This was one level of faith.

Oh, but my next level of faith and testing wasn’t easy.

My son was diagnosed with stage four cancer five years later. With that dreadful news, my faith and perseverance went to another level. Faith is a major part of perseverance.

We must hope in God even when the situation looks bleak. Hebrews 11 was my life-saving chapter. I studied it dutifully to grow my faith. And it worked. I was empowered to declare life into my son during his treatment.

DARK & GOLD After six months of chemotherapy, the doctors said he would need radiotherapy. This was a delay in his healing! I paused, screamed, and cried to God. I was devastated! But I didn’t give up. I still persevered with declaring life and healing over my son. After 11 rounds of radiotherapy and eight-and-a-half months of treatment, my eldest son was given the all-clear and is now cancer-free.

Did I stop declaring healing and health over his life? No, I continue to persevere in faith. I believe he is and will remain healed. The delay in complete recovery was not denial. Healing didn’t come in the time frame I wanted but when God manifested it.

His timing is always perfect.

Through perseverance and faith, the Lord has blessed my children.

Glory to the Most High.

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SPRINGTIME IS NATURE AT ITS BEST. Lailah Gifty Akita

Think Great: Be Great!

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Celebrate your Little Wins

“GIRL, YOU DID THAT”!

W

By Tiffany “TKO” Overby

ake up. Pray or meditate. Brush your teeth, wash your face, take shower, get dressed, put on make-up. Make the family breakfast, get the children ready for school, off to work (whether virtually or in person).

Work, come home, do a chore or two, prepare dinner, get children bathed, help with homework, or in my case do my own homework, shower, put kids to bed, few moments of me time to read a book, watch some tv, sip some wine, then take care of hubby and sleep. Wake up. Do it all again!

This can become draining, monotonous, boring, unfulfilling after a while. But the world seems to stop on its axis if we do not manage to get this routine completed daily. Even if we are sick or not feeling well, we persevere and perform our wifely and motherly duties. But do we ever give ourselves a pat on the back, a thumbs up, a well done, an “attagirl”, a “girl, you did that”?

Sometimes we get so wrapped up in our daily routines that we do not celebrate the little wins along the way. Well let’s celebrate! What little wins have you accomplished already this week?

Do not sell yourself short.

Celebrating, even rewarding, yourself because of mini accomplishments will fuel you and refuel you when you least expect it. In business we know we must set goals. Marketing goals, revenue and profit goals, expansion goals, the list goes on. There are a

lot of steps in between where you are now and accomplishing that big life changing goal you put on your vision board. So instead of waiting until the big goal is achieved, celebrate when you make a little win that gets you one step closer to that big win. Reward yourself along the way, maybe a little splurge on a shopping trip, or a night in to pamper yourself, or indulgence in a decadent dessert that you do not get to enjoy

often. It does not matter how you celebrate as long as you celebrate.

Copyright: ©matiasdelcarmine - stock.adobe.com

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BE DETERMINED TO TAKE CARE OF YOU

FIRST!

By Kim P. Carroll

I

n a world where wives wear many hats, life can be fast-paced and non-stop. It can become easy to forget about the importance of selfcare. In a fast-paced world, trying to maintain selfcare can be difficult. However, that doesn’t mean that it’s not possible if you’re willing to persevere through the obstacles and challenges.

I am a wife, the mother of a child under five years old, a stepmother, minister, business owner, employee, friend, sister and more. Along with these responsibilities, I also, like most of you, must deal with the pressure, fears, and uncertainty of a global pandemic. No matter how organized, Holy Ghost filled or “super woman” you may be, these pressures can, at times, be overwhelming. By the Grace of God, I was able to manage the pressures of the year 2020, at least I thought so.

While trying to make sure that everything was handled, I rarely thought about myself or what I needed. I felt that if I thought too much about myself, other things would go lacking. But little did I know, while I excellently managed and maintained everything, my physical body was spreading, and my health took a downward spiral. The stress of the year was taking a toll on my mind and manifesting throughout my body.

To be honest, while I neglected my mental and physical health, the Holy Spirit dealt with me concerning particular changes that I needed to make. Often times I’d ignore Him or put it off until a more opportune time. The truth of the matter was that I was too stressed not to eat the foods that I craved, too mentally and physically tired to exercise, and too many things troubled my mind and kept me away from intimate moments with God. Self-

neglect persisted, and my healthy steadily declined.

To make a long story short, one night I had to be rushed to an Urgent Care facility because I could barely stand or walk. The next day I went to my doctor, whom I hadn’t seen in over 2years, and was diagnosed with pre-diabetes and hypertension. To be honest, I was more disappointed than shocked. Disappointed in myself for not listening to God, and for ignoring all the warning signs that I had prior to the sickness.

Wives, most of us have a lot of responsibilities. Many people depend on us. Multi-tasking is second nature to us. God has given us the ability and strength to handle a lot. But if we are not intentional and determined to take care of ourselves first, we will not be able to do it for others. Here is a list of important things to remember.

• Take some time every day to pray and meditate on God’s promises for you and your family.

• Drink plenty of water and eat more nutritious foods.

• Exercise a minimum of thirty minutes, five days a week.

Most importantly, remain grateful for all that God has put into your hands, and realize that you cannot do it all without Him. Allow Him to lead and guide you in all things. He will preserve and maintain what you put in His hands.

SCRIPTURE HIGHLIGHT

Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. (Romans 5:3-5)

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Pressing On!

By Tanya Defreitas

O

ne word in Christianity that is not emphasized enough is perseverance. It is not those who at one time in their life prayed a prayer to accept Christ and later fall away who will enter God’s Kingdom. A true child of God will persevere in faith in Christ and it is these people who will enter Heaven.

Scripture makes it clear that God lives inside of believers and He will work in your life until the end.

God will use trials that happen in your life for good. Always remember, what the enemy make for evil God turns it around for our good.

While doing God’s will, He will hold you up. Fix your eyes on Christ, not the world or your problems.

You will not get through your walk of faith without prayer. Jesus gave us parables to teach us that we should not stop knocking on God’s door.

We should not lose hope. We have all been there praying for weeks, months, and even years for something.

Perseverance in prayer shows seriousness. I have seen God answer prayers in a matter of days and for some

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He answered a couple of years down the road. God is doing a good work in us that we do not see. Are you willing to wrestle with God? God answers at the best time and in the best way. We should not only persist in prayers during trials, but also when everything is going well. We should be praying wives who persist and persevere in praying for our families, ways to advance God’s kingdom, guidance, daily strength, help, giving thanks.

Perseverance builds character and a closer relationship with the Lord.

5 Things we need to persevere in.

• Faith in Christ – having faith in God is of the ought most importance in our walk with Him. If we are going to believe in what He has said or what He has done for us we must have faith in Him. • Witnessing to others – We are the salt of the earth and the light of the World.

We are the vessels that God wants to use to spread His gospel through out the earth. We must do our part, and witness to those who are lost.

• Prayer – Prayer is our way of

communicating with the Father. When we pray, we do not only talk to the Lord, but this is one way that He speaks back to us. Building a prayer life can be difficult, but if you persevere you will become the prayer warrior that God want you to be.

• The Christian lifestyle – We must not only be hearers of the word but also doers of the word. The enemy is always attacking and oppressing God’s people with hope to deter them from living a godly life. For us to combat this constant battle for our soul we must persevere.

• Suffering – Against popular belief, being a child of God do not mean that we will not suffer. Physical, emotional, and spiritual pain has been and will be an intrinsic part of the human experience.

The archetypal example of our suffering was Jesus Christ, who was persecuted and crucified by the Roman officials.

Suffering will indeed come, but God can give us grace and power to overcome every trial and to fulfill our purpose and mission in His kingdom. The Bible gives counsel on the meaning of suffering and how we can best endure it. Perseverance is one of the keys to enduring suffering. Although things will get difficult you must press on even in the presence of suffering.

How To Fix Common But Hard To

DEAL SKIN PROBLEMS? Summer means love for beaches, swimsuits, tank tops, and shorts on the peak. But it also means revealing skin that is sunburnt, sun-damaged, discolored, and has visible imperfections. Every skin is unique and has certain flaws that need to be managed with care. According to dermatologists, most common skin flaws are harmless and are purely cosmetic concerns, and can be treated easily. In contrast, some skin problems need proper examination by the trained eye of a dermatologist. Below is the list of 4 common skin concerns that are difficult to overcome, but perseveration can help.

Acne Acne is the most common skincare problem globally, affecting an estimated 85% of teenagers and young adults worldwide. The root cause of acne is when the pores in our skin become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. All the pores in the body have a connection with the oily sebaceous glands that secrete sebum.

The sebum in pores favors the growth of acnecausing bacteria called P. acnes.

The WBCs of our body attack P. acnes, thus causing acne-related inflammation. Common symptoms that are associated with acne are blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples. Factors that influence acne development may be stress, genetics, diet, hormonal changes, etc.

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These age spots need to be examined by a dermatologist as they may later transform into a skin cancer “lentigo maligna.” If you have a few age spots that are getting darker and darker over time, it’s time to rush to your dermatologist for proper assessment and safety.

Persevere against AcneConventional treatments VS Home remedies!

Again a healthy diet and efforts to eradicate the leading cause can help overcome this problem. Conventional treatments like niacinamide and salicylic acid etc., provide an effective solution for acne, but they may accompany side effects like redness, dryness, irritation, etc. Maybe that’s the main reason behind the great success of home remedies for acne treatment.

For instance, • You might love to try a honey and cinnamon mask at home as both the ingredients have proven effects against P. acnes. Mix two tablespoons of pure honey and a tablespoon of fine cinnamon powder, mix them well in a paste and apply on the skin. Leave it for 10-15 minutes and let dry. Wash and pat dry and continue this treatment till the problem persists.

• Apple Cider Vinegar kills P. acnes, reduces inflammation, and improves acne-prone skin. For this, dilute the vinegar three times with an equal quantity of water and gently cleanse the face with a cotton bud dipped in the solution.

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EMPOWERING WIVES • March 2021

Age Spots Solar lentigines or small dark brown patches that typically appear with age are called age spots. Mostly, they appear on arms, face, cheeks, shoulders, and other areas of the body with maximum exposure to the Sun. Age spots seem closely related but are different from freckles as they are more irregular in shape.

In the ’20s, most people begin to complain about age spots, the probability of which increases with time. More importantly, white skin is more prone to age spots compared to dark skin. It is evident that up till age 50, more than 60% of Caucasians have one or more age spots.

An increase in melanocytes’ activity after prolonged exposure to the Sun causes the discoloration in the skin associated with age spots. These age spots need to be examined by a dermatologist as they may later transform into a skin cancer “lentigo maligna.” If you have a few age spots that are getting darker and darker over time, it’s time to rush to your dermatologist for proper assessment and safety.

How to overcome difficult age spots by persevering?

Wearing sunscreen helps prevent the formation of age spots and also improves the already prevailing condition. Besides, applying creams with alpha-hydroxy acids or retinoids may help lighten these spots. Moreover, there are plenty of other options with quick results, such as using light therapy or laser technique or freezing temperatures (cryotherapy) that ceases the activity of melanin-producing cells.

These methods are highly effective but discolor the exposed area to an extent. So, persevering for this problem by clinical treatment may be a great idea.

In the ’20s, most people begin to complain about age spots, the probability of which increases with time

Cellulite Pockets of fat bulge out in fibrous bands that pull the skin leaving it lumpy or dimpled, are Cellulitis.

These pull the skin’s connective tissues, and lighter lines appear on the skin. It’s a widespread skin problem, especially in women, with 80% of the total women suffering from this disorder. The leading cause of Cellulite may be genetic as well as hormonal.

Cellulite is more notable in women, the main reason being comparative thin skin in females compared to males.

Cellulite is more prominent in the upper thighs, hips, and backside of the body. In dermatology, Cellulite is an innate characteristic of women and is hard to treat. Weight loss may be a

great help in reducing the bumpiness and fine lines that associate with Cellulite.

How to fix Cellulite is a skin-friendly manner?

There are certain topical creams available in the market that claim to treat Cellulite. But dermatologists don’t always favor these creams as they may temporarily hydrate the skin, making the Cellulite less visible. But these are only temporary solutions to Cellulite as permanent solutions may include destroying these fibrous bands. It may employ lasers, radio-frequency devices, or minimally invasive procedures like Cellfina. An expert uses tiny needles that release the attachment points of these bands

Cellulite is more prominent in the upper thighs, hips, and backside of the body. In dermatology, Cellulite is an innate characteristic of women and is hard to treat. Weight loss may be a great help in reducing the bumpiness and fine lines that associate with Cellulite or cellulitis.

The treatments for cellulitis may be somewhat painful, and you have to

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be consistent with that. You have to repeat these cellulite-treating procedures for smoother-looking healthier skin with frequent intervals as your dermatologist recommends.

Freckles Freckles are the tan or brown spots around the cheeks, nose, shoulders, and arms; they are more oval and round than the age spots. Redheads and blondes can get more freckles as compared to people with dark skin.

Besides, freckles can also get darker in summer than winter.

Freckles can occur due to the maximum sun exposure due to the increase in the amount of melanin.

Besides, genetics has its unique role in the count of freckles. Generally, people get freckles in their early lives that is probably before the age of 10.

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Treatment for Freckles You don’t have to worry about your freckles’ treatments because they don’t turn into skin cancer. But suppose you want to protect your skin from getting more freckles. In that case, it is always a good idea to avoid maximum sun exposure or otherwise taking proper protection like using sunscreen every time going outdoors.

Key Takeaway Every skin type is unique and beautiful; hence it needs to be treated individually with great care. No matter whatever the problem with your skin is, do remember that problems don’t vanish instantly. Instead, you have to put effort and wait hopefully. Be consistent in your ways and accept all your flaws as they are more humane and make you more beautiful.

You don’t have to worry about your freckles’ treatments because they don’t turn into skin cancer.

But suppose you want to protect your skin from getting more freckles.

GARDENING

There is something soothing about working in the yard. Planting seeds and seeing them poke green out of the dirt. And it gets you out of the house without going too far.

Michael Lee West Crazy Ladies

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Bookshelf

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Blessed are THE WORK of your

HANDS

W

ith spring rapidly approaching, you might find yourself exploring new hobbies. What better activity to start in the new season than gardening? Whether you want to try growing your own food, or spruce up the decor around your home, gardening will be one of the most useful skills you’ll ever learn. You will never get tired of the satisfaction that comes from turning a handful of seeds into a fully grown plant. There’s no better time to start gardening than the springtime, so don’t hesitate to find a new passion!

Before we get to the fun part, there is a little science we need to take care of first. Not all seeds can be sewn at the same time. Finding which hardiness zone you fall into is a crucial part of starting your spring garden. A hardiness zone (or gardening zone) is a numerical system that defines which varieties of plants can survive in your particular geographic location during the year. After all, a plant that thrives in the blistering heat of South Florida won’t do as well in the cool climates of Canada.

Hardiness Zones range from numbers 1 to 13. The number is determined

by the lowest average temperature in your location. 1 represents the coldest areas of the world, whereas 13 represents the hottest areas of the world.

You can identify which hardiness zone you live in by looking up the lowest average temperature in your area and then referencing the chart below: Okay, now that we got the science stuff out of the way, we can get down to business: garden planning. The two primary steps of mapping out your

garden is setting realistic expectations about the size of your garden, and researching which seed varieties work best for your hardiness zone.

I know many people can feel discouraged if they live in an apartment, but fear not! A balcony, (or even a windowsill), can still be a fully functional garden space. The key to small-space gardening is choosing the right variety and containers. You might not be able to sustain a 2 meter bean trellis on your balcony, but a petite bush variety of pole beans would do

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ZONE

CELSIUS

FAHRENHEIT

1

-46 or lower

-50 or lower

2

-46 to -40

-50 to -40

3

-40 to -34

-40 to -30

4

-34 to -29

-30 to -20

5

-29 to -23

-20 to -10

6

-23 to -18

-10 to 0

7

-18 to -12

0 to 10

8

-12 to -7

10 to 20

9

-7 to -1

20 to 30

10

-1 to 4

30 to 40

11

4 to 10

40 to 50

12

10 to 16

50 to 60

13

16 or higher

60 or higher

the trick! For those out there who have a backyard that can be used for in-ground planting, you have the advantage of planting much larger varieties that wouldn’t be sustainable in a container garden. Regardless of size, with careful planning we can all have a garden that will be the envy of the neighborhood.

Spring is one of the best times to start planting as a beginner because of the wide variety that is available at this time of year. The temperatures are still moderate enough for some lastminute cool crops such as tasty kale and lettuce, which are rapid growers.

Spring is also an ideal time to begin planting fruits and vegetables that can take a long time to fully mature. For example, most melon varieties can take as long as three months to bear

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EMPOWERING WIVES • March 2021

Spring is one of the best times to start planting as a beginner because of the wide variety that is available at this time of year. fruit. Therefore, planting in the spring would give the plant ample time to mature and grow as the temperature rises through the spring into the early summer.

Spring is also an excellent season to grow a rainbow of flowers. For budding horticulturists who live in an area where your spring is still a little chilly, might I suggest growing beautiful pansies? Don’t let these delicate flowers fool you, they’re strong enough to survive the lastminute frosts of early spring. And to the audience in warmer climates, spring is an excellent time to grow the

your needs. For example, if you’re a container gardener, do not choose a soil that is meant for in-ground use.

In-ground soil is heavier and more compact, and can suffocate your seeds before they even have a chance to root. The bag should clearly tell you directly on the front if the soil mix is ideal for container gardening.

Now you’ve made it home and unpacked your car, it’s time to prepare our garden. For filling containers, please allow about 6 cm of space between the edge of the pot and the soil. If you’re preparing for in-ground planting, then make sure you’ve spread an even layer of soil in the area you will be utilizing. Make sure you have some residual soil left over to cover the seeds.

famous sunflower. Sunflowers come in many sizes, so they’ll be the perfect addition to any garden, big or small.

Growing your own flowers from seed have negligible differences compared to growing fruit, so don’t fret if you feel like you have to choose one over the other. As a matter of fact, some flower varieties can mature into fruit with enough time. Regardless, if you’re growing fruits, vegetables, or flowers, all plants start from seeds and will require the same care to ensure a successful harvest or bloom.

Once you’ve pinpointed the hardiness zone you live in, you’ve mapped out your garden-to-be, and you’ve decided what you want to grow, it’s time to hop in the car and take a shopping trip to our local home improvement store.

First things first, let’s grab our seeds.

Most of the information you’ll need for successful gardening can be conveniently found on the packet your seeds come in. The back of your seed packet should contain information on:

• Whether the plant is containerfriendly • How deep the seeds should be sewn, and how far they should be spaced • The time to reach maturity • The ideal month to plant according to your zone Next, we’re onto the containers. If you’ve selected some containerfriendly varieties, make sure to check the back of your seed packet to see the recommended minimum container size. Choosing a container that is too small can result in a stunted plant and makes reaching maturity very difficult.

Finally, let’s swing around over to the soil. The soil you choose makes a world of difference for your garden.

Most soil mixes that you can find at your store is pre-mixed with fertilizer and compost, so it’s ready to feed your seedlings as soon as you plant them, further details about the contents of the mix will be displayed right on the bag. It’s essential to read each package and make sure it fits

And now, the moment we’ve all been waiting for: planting the seeds.

Again, we’ll be referencing our seed packet to find the appropriate depth your seeds should be planted. Open your seed packet and evenly spread one layer of seeds on top of the soil, and then top off those seeds with a layer of soil mix.

The soil you choose makes a world of difference for your garden. Most soil mixes that you can find at your store is pre-mixed with fertilizer and compost, so it’s ready to feed your seedlings as soon as you plant them, After planting, water your seeds as gently as possible. Personally, I like to use a water bottle for the first month or so of growing. Making

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sure I get close to the soil, I’ll pour a steady stream of water. Yes, yes, it does sound like I’m babying these seeds, but gentle watering prevents seed migration and damage. So to the naysayers: better to be safe than sorry! As the plants mature over time, you can graduate to a proper watering can, though I’m a simple woman and like to stick with my water bottle.

Flash forward to about a week or two since you’ve sewn your seeds and voila! Take a moment to pat yourself on the back because you have some beautiful sprouts growing. However, we’re not out of the woods just yet.

Proper upkeep is vital in these early stages of growing, and one of those methods of upkeep is thinning your seedlings.

Thinning is a crucial step to avoid crowding your seedlings. When you allow your seedlings to crowd, you deny them an equal distribution of vital nutrients and sunlight. In addition, thinning allows more air circulation between the seedlings, which decreases

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the chance of your plant babies falling prey to any fungal diseases. Once your sprouts reach about 9 cm in length and have developed at least two pairs of leaves, it is important to start thinning out your sprouts. Use your best judgement in deciding which sprouts to pluck; any runts of the litter will unfortunately have to go. Ensure you’re being careful when plucking as not to disturb any of the other sprouts’ growth.

Moderately dampening your soil before thinning will allow you to remove the seedlings with ease.

The older your plant gets, the less doting you’ll have to do, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t ignore your plant. Proper watering and trimming are a must throughout the entirety of your plant’s life. Following a consistent schedule of caring for your plants will be the ultimate path to success in raising strong, healthy plants.

Sometimes gardening can look and feel exhausting, and waiting for your plants to grow might seem like forever.

But even the greatest horticulturists in the world had to start somewhere.

At the core of it all, patience and commitment is everything when it comes to a successful garden. With the sun shining and springtime around the corner, I can’t think of a better time to grow something beautiful.

Sources Cited: 1. Leeth, Frederick. “Plant Hardiness Zone Map.” Backyard Gardener, www.backyardgardener.com/ garden-forum-education/ hardiness-zones/plant-hardinesszone-map/. Accessed 26 February 2021 2. The Editors. “Growing Pansies: How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Pansies.” The Old Farmer’s Almanac, www.almanac.com/plant/pansies.

Accessed 26 February 2021.

3. Tilley, Nikki. “Thinning Seedlings: Tips For How To Thin Plants.”

Gardening Know How, www.gardeningknowhow.com/ garden-how-to/propagation/seeds/ thinning-seedlings.htm. Accessed 26 February 2021.

SOCIAL MEDIA FOR YOUR BUSINESS

Do not give up

YOU CAN DO IT! Tiffany “TKO” Overby

I

cannot tell you how many times I have heard, “I hate Facebook”, “I got an Instagram but I don’t use it”, “I hate social media but I know I need it”, from business owners and entrepreneurs. Don’t get me wrong, I know it is tedious, overwhelming, and scary to some people. But it is a necessity for your business or brand.

Think of it like this, if your business did not have a name, could you still sell your services and products? Yes, you could. You could sell to your friends and family and maybe your local neighborhood cashier, but you are not going to get rich or even be taken seriously. It is not until you name your business and incorporate it, that your state recognizes you as a legit business. And it is not until your business has a social media presence will people, strangers, investors,

partners, brand ambassadors, and clients take you seriously.

3

The key to an effective social media presence is not random followers, likes and friends that you pay for just to say that you have 14k followers. The key is being consistent, persistent and building a following that is actually engaging with you. Have you ever noticed that social media account that has a kajillion followers but when they post they get 20 likes or loves? I’ll take my organic following of 1000 people any day, knowing that they are truly engaged.

4

5 Simple Steps to Building an Organic Following

1

Post consistently and with purpose – post at least once a day. It’s ok to reuse post on different platforms. I will post one post one Monday on Facebook, that same post on IG on Wednesday, and use the same post on LinkedIn on Friday. Each platform has different viewers so posting on separate days on separate platforms spreads your message consistently.

2

Stay Relevant - Incorporate holidays, trends and challenges that pertain to your business. Use hash tags to help with your weekly planning. #MotivationalMonda ys #TipTuesday #WisdomWednesday #ThrowbackThursday #FunFactFriday

Engaging Content – Incorporate a good balance of videos, Lives, graphics, and pictures to keep your audience engaged. Ask engaging questions that pertains to your business, industry or market and gets your following talking. Always respond to their comments.

The more activity you have one a post the more Facebook will preview your posts on your friend’s newsfeeds.

Position yourself as the expert – Even If you are not an expert yet, you portray yourself on social media as the expert of your business and in your field. Post stats, facts, pictures, testimonials, customer reviews, and pictures of you working your business.

5

Persevere – do not give up! It takes time to build a business, it takes time to build a loyal customer base, and it takes time to build a following.

If all else fails or you simply do not have the time to devote to your social media management, hire a professional. Someone who can provide the care and attention your social media will need to grow and maintain a consistent presence. https://sociograph.files.wordpress. com/2013/09/women_social_media.jpg https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/ news/1024/cpsprodpb/5CDC/ production/_112427732_ gettyimages-1180215881.jpg

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Finish Strong Perseverance I Corinthian 9: 26,27 NLV

As wives we must learn how to maintain work, life, and balance. We are the thermostats in the home and our level of commitment will determine the outcome of the family.

By Melinda Walker So I run with purpose in every step. I am not shadowboxing.

27I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.

26

As wives we must learn how to maintain work, life, and balance.

We are the thermostats in the home and our level of commitment will determine the outcome of the family. We have been hand picked to be the glue to hold it all together. Is it an easy task? It is not. So, you ask, what ingredient will be the determining factor that will assure we finish strong and maintain the work, life, balance?

It is perseverance. The ability to

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EMPOWERING WIVES • March 2021

stick to it, a no quit attitude. It is persistence despite difficulties.

It is having the ability to wait on the lord despite delay in achieving success.

I got married at the tender age of 19. I was immediately thrown into the school of learning. I was met with challenges. I had to learn how to keep house while also contribute financially. I never knew the words I mumbled when getting married would be the path of life for me. To have and to hold, in sickness and health, and till death do us part.

I felt like giving up often, but I loved my family. God started building my character. In my 20’s

I had to stand in Jordan while my family pass over to the other side. I put my entire life on hold to ensure my entire family makes it to the other side. In my 30’s I had to access the damages that took place in my 20’s while wading through my brokenness. I was at a crossroad. God spoke to me and said he is the repairer of the breach. It was time to heal.

In my 40’s God is restoring me, my marriage and my family.

I am recovering and God is rebuilding. I am like the person in Luke 6:48 NKJ. I am like a man (wife) building her house, who dug deep and laid a foundation on the rock; and

when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against my house, and could not shake it, for it was founded on the rock.

28 years later, we have raised our children and they are functioning adults. We are the proud grandparents of two beautiful granddaughters. I persevered through infidelity that led to an outside child. I persevered through a bankruptcy that almost took me out. Now at the age of 47, it is my time. God used my misery for ministry. I am a 3-time Author, I am a purpose life/happiness Coach. I am a health and Wellness Coach. I am the founder of FinallY There, LLC. I have been called into the ministry as an Ambassador for Christ. Wives, God will not forget you. He will not leave you how he found you. Do not give up on your marriage or your dreams. God

will teach you work, life, balance.

You may be delayed but you are not denied. Patiently wait on the lord and persevere through every obstacle and he will strengthen your hearts. It is not how you start but it is in a strong finish.

As wives we must learn how to maintain work, life, and balance. We are the thermostats in the home and our level of commitment will determine the outcome of the family.

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Empowering Wives

KITCHEN

In the ‘kitchen of your life’, you have a choice as to what ingredients you want to use to build yourself up. Selorm Betepe Alfred 32

EMPOWERING WIVES • March 2021

INTERNATIONAL DISHES WELCOME TO EMPOWERING WIVES KITCHEN, HERE WE WANT TO SHARE WITH YOU RECEIPTS FROM AROUND THE WORLD. SPREAD YOUR TASTE BUD EXPERIENCE, HAVE SOME FUN AND TRY THESE INTERNATIONAL DISHES. IN THIS ISSUE WE WANT TO HIGHLIGHT POTATOES.

Potatoes might be one of the world's most versatile foods. They're inexpensive, flavorful, nutritious, and you can cook them in hundreds of ways.

Here are 3 simple ways you can cookpotatoes.

1.

2.

3.

Roasting them in the oven with salt.

Boil them in salted water until they're tender.

Fry the potatoes in a skillet so they become brown and crispy

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AU GRATIN POTATOES (AUSTRALIA) INGREDIENTS • • • • • • •

3 tablespoons butter 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1-1/2 teaspoons salt 1/8 teaspoon pepper 2 cups 2% milk 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese 5 cups thinly sliced peeled potatoes (about 6 medium) • 1/2 cup chopped onion • Additional pepper, optional

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350°. In a large saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Stir in flour, salt and pepper until smooth. Gradually add milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir 2 minutes or until thickened. Remove from heat; stir in cheese until melted. Add potatoes and onion.

2. Transfer to a greased 2-qt. baking dish.

Cover and bake 1 hour. Uncover; bake 30-40 minutes or until the potatoes are tender. If desired, top with additional pepper.

Total Time: Prep: 20 min. Bake: 1-1/2 hours

Potatoes Au Gratin Tips Why did my potato au gratin curdle?

Curdling can occur when high heat affects the fat in dairy. In this recipe, we thicken the milk with flour to prevent curdling. Starch will also help, so make sure to use a high starch potato like a russet. If you've got leftover russet potatoes, use them up in any of these russet potato recipes!

How do you keep potatoes au gratin from becoming watery?

If your au gratin is watery, replace the milk with heavy cream, which has a higher fat content, next time you prepare the recipe. Also, russet potatoes have less water and more starch, making them ideal for au gratin recipes.

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EMPOWERING WIVES • March 2021

JERK POTATOES (JAMAICA)

Prep Time: 16-20 minutes | Cook Time: 11-15 minutes

INGREDIENTS • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Baby potatoes parboiled and peeled 20-24 Onion powder 1 teaspoon Garlic powder 1 teaspoon Nutmeg powder 1 teaspoon Cinnamon powder 1 teaspoon All-purpose seasoning 1 teaspoon Dried oregano 1 teaspoon Dried rosemary 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika 1 tablespoon.

Red chili powder 1 tablespoon Black peppercorns crushed to taste.

Castor sugar 1 teaspoon Salt to taste Red chili flakes 2 teaspoons Oil 1 tablespoon Fresh parsley chopped 2 teaspoons.

Fresh parsley sprig for garnish

DIRECTIONS

Mix together onion powder, garlic powder, nutmeg powder, cinnamon powder, all-purpose seasoning, oregano, rosemary, paprika, chili powder, crushed peppercorns, castor sugar, salt and chili flakes in a bowl.

Heat oil in a non-stick pan. Add potatoes and toss.

Add spice mix, toss and cook till potatoes are fully done.

Add chopped parsley and mix well.

Garnish with parsley sprig and serve hot.

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OVEN FRIED POTATOES (AMERICA)

INGREDIENTS • • • • • • • • • • • •

5 big potatoes (Irish) 200g bacon, diced (optional) 1 red bell pepper (optional) 1 green pepper 2 tbsps. vegetable oil 1 small onion 1 tsp paprika powder (optional) 3 cloves garlic, minced.

1 tsp minced ginger 1 tsp dried thyme 2 Knorr chicken cubes Salt to taste

DIRECTIONS

1. Wash, peel and chop your potatoes into small cubes, then place the cubed potatoes into a microwave and cook on full power for five minutes.

2. Set a skillet or non-stick frying pan on medium heat, transfer your chopped bacon into the cold pan, turn the heat to medium. Fry the bacon till fully cooked. When it’s cooked, transfer the bacon into a plate, leaving the oil in the pan.

3. Add the vegetable oil into the pan, then, transfer the potatoes into the oil. Make sure your pan is large enough to accommodate the potatoes without them overlapping. Leave the potatoes to fry without moving them around for three to four minutes or until they are brown at the bottom. Toss them around for even cooking.

4. When the potatoes begin to soften, add the Knorr cubes, paprika, thyme and salt to taste.

5. Stir and combine and continue to cook till almost soft.

6. Now, add the onions, garlic and ginger. Then, add chopped peppers and cook for a minute.

7. Add bacon back into the pan and fry till the potatoes are well cooked.

8. Serve immediately.

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EMPOWERING WIVES • March 2021

OVEN FRIED POTATOES (AMERICA)

Cook Time: 35 mins

INGREDIENTS • 2 Russet or baking potatoes, unpeeled and scrubbed.

• 1 egg white • 1 teaspoon chili-style seasoning (such as Cajun seasoning) * • Coarse salt and freshly-ground black pepper to taste • Herbs of your choice, optional

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Spray a baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray. I used a baking sheet with a cooling rack and sprayed the rack well.

2. Wash potatoes and cut lengthwise into 8 wedges: dry well on paper towels.

3. In a large bowl, combine egg white, seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Add potato wedges and toss well to coat.

4. Spread potatoes, in a single layer and leaving a little space between them, on prepared baking sheet, shaking off excess egg white. Spray tops of potatoes, lightly and evenly, with the non-stick cooking spray.

5. Place potatoes in hot oven and bake approximately 25 to 30 minutes (depending on the size of your potatoes). During cooking time, turn potatoes once or twice with tongs or a spatula. The fries should be golden brown and crisp on the outside and tender on the inside.

6. Remove from oven, sprinkle with additional herbs or seasoning (if desired) and serve hot.

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Coffee Kisses Coffee Kisses Business is your natural skincare soap and body line. These products will be essential for your day, sense of relief, and healing for the skin. These products were birthed from dealing with sensitive skin in my household. Nothing worked so I had to create something that would use. I am Quaniesha, the colaborer with Christ as the CEO ! He has guided me through this whole journey as I continue to produce products for you! May you receive healing from the skin to the in(side) as you use the products handcrafted by the CEO. Here are a few of my highly requested soaps that are great for sensitive/problematic skin.

of exfoliating, producing blood flow, nurturing, and hydrating skin as well as leaving skin feeling AWESOME! Golden Glory Kisses Scrub helps provide a healthy glow and shine to your skin. It works to help keep skintight.

It has the ability to improve the appearance of fine lines and brown spots. It helps control acne flare ups and skin redness. Perfect for Every face wash and shower for awesome skin!

Oaty Kisses - Oatmeal and Honey Soap oatmeal/honey is a full body, the oats are an exfoliant for dead skin.

Healing properties for eczema and sensitive skin Brown Suga coffee is a face bar/body spot bar, for dark spots and cellulite. Helps remove both and lightens spot Whipped Shea Body Butter is a great way of hydrating skin and softening it. The healing properties help with inflammation and can be used all over the body.

Golden Glory Kisses Scrub helps provide a healthy glow and shine to your skin which exfoliates it. It works to help keep skintight. It has the ability to improve the appearance of fine lines and brown spots. It helps control acne flare ups and skin redness. Perfect for Every face wash and shower for awesome skin!

Brown Suga Coffee Kisses Scrub has the same properties as the soap WITH ADDITIONAL values

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