EnVision Magazine Anniversary Magazine 2021

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MAGAZINE

INTERVIEW WITH GIRLZTALK HOSTS

PASTOR JOY ELLIOTT YORKMAN AND MINISTER ELLEN SIMMONS BENTLEY

PREPARE YOUR KIDS FOR WEALTH JAMES L. MARSHALL JR.

MAKE A JOYFUL NOISE ALITA BYRD

AND MUCH MORE APRIL-JUNE 2021

EDITOR NOTE tell you how many times something came in the mail or showed up on my door literally just in the nick of time!

Thank you for believing in Envision!

Special Thanks to Envision Multimedia Services for letting us do what we do!

I cannot believe that it has been one year!!! It is our one year anniversary with Envision Radio and Envision Magazine I am truly blessed to be in a position to say thank you thank you thank you!

Thank you for all of your support and thank you for not just listening but reading Envision! Envision came from God it is a concept to help engage, educate and evolve brown and black communities through online radio and print. I want to thank foremost God, my family, my daughter, the Royston’s, friends , production team , Audrey & Kendra and the many wonderful hosts, strangers yes I can’t begin to 1

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This is a BIG issue we have some great articles from Envision Radio Hosts and others as well! I hope you enjoy our ANNIVERSARY issue on the cover is our Envision Radio Host Pastor Joy & Minister Ellen of GirlzTalk! They have been with Envision Radio & Magazine since inception! We are grateful to them for all of their support and their wonderful program! Enjoy the article on them and their ministry!

ENJOY!!!

MUAH ❤❤❤ Ann C Editor-in-Chief

5 | Interview with

GirlzTalk Hosts

73 | Credit Education is Power

By Syvoskia Bray Pope

By Ann C

9 | Leaky Gut Is Real

82 | New Territory

By Karla Jarvis, MSN, FNP-C

16 | Anxiety: Let’s Get F.I.T.

By Dr. Julia Royston

82 | Make A Joyful Noise

By Staci Stills MS,BSN, RN, GEX

By Alita Byrd

24 | What Did You Say?

By Reverend Joan Gray

32 | Prepare Your Kids for Wealth

By James L. Marshall

39 | What Will the Future of Tax Preparation and Representation Look Like?

By Jeovonnii Pryor EA

48 | Summertime Tips

By Chef Jima

55 | What Really Happens ‘After Church’?

By Charliese Brown Lewis

64 | What Are You Going to Do?

By Brian Watts Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash

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Catch Spiritual Nourishment with Sheryl every Sunday at 11AM EST! You can listen at www.envision-radio, Simple Radio App, Radio.Garden App, Radio.com, MediaU, myTuner Radio, Tuner, and Get Me Radio

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Interview with GirlzTalk hosts Pastor Joy Elliott Yorkman and Minister Ellen Simmons Bentley 1. You both are leaders in the Church can you tell us what moved you to go into ministry?

Min. Ellen: The Lord Jesus Christ and Serving others.

Pastor J: Totally Surrendering to the WILL of God. 2. This weekend is Fathers Day Weekend and we would like to know what man has made a difference in your lives?

Min. Ellen: My Pastor Bishop Walter Smith Jr. Pastor J: #1 Jesus made all the difference in my life. #2 My father and Pastor James W. Elliott Sr. (His lifestyle and desire to be like Christ.

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3. This is a personal question for Pastor Joy. We know you are currently fighting cancer. God is truly with you we can see that can you give some encouraging words to people that are battling it right now?

Pastor J: Well the fight is over We (Jesus & I) have won the battle. I am NOW cancer free. To God be the Glory.

Min. Ellen: If I had to encourage someone today about the Journey I would let them know to increase their faith and believe the impossible. God is a God of RIGHT NOW. You may not see the manifestation right now, but trust God has NOT forgotten about you.

4. Favorite gospel singers?

Min. Ellen: Shirley Ceaser & Dottie People’s Pastor J: Pastor Terrell Rogers & any of the Clark sisters.

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5. Favorite city to visit? Will you both be traveling this year now that the world is opening back up?

Min. Ellen: Atlanta and yes o love to travel.

Pastor J: Gatlinburg, TN and absolutely I am so glad the CDC has lifted the restrictions.

6. What have you two learned about yourself doing COVID 19?

Min Ellen: That no matter the test or trial or Tribulation God is in charge and that he still performing miracles Pastor J: I learned that God favors me.

When we had a deadly disease for over 1 year and so many caught the virus, God covered me.

Pastor J: Romans 8:38-39 8. What’s the one thing you can cook better than anyone else in your family?

Min. Ellen: Roast Pastor J: Fried Chicken 9. What inspired you to create the program GirlzTalk?

Both: Seeing so many broken women not knowing their worth.

10. What’s the next step for GirkzTalk Radio/Podcast ? What are you planning for 2022?

Both: We are planning to go on TV. Moreover we want to be used by God.

7. Favorite scripture?

Min Ellen: Jeremiah 29:11 and Proverbs 3:5-6

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LEAKY GUT IS REAL When working properly, the gut forms a tight barrier that controls what gets absorbed into the bloodstream. An unhealthy gut lining has large cracks and holes, allowing partially digested food and toxins to penetrate the tissues beneath it. This can trigger inflammation and changes in the gut flora that could lead to problems within the digestive tract.

We all have some degree of leaky gut. Modern life is actually the main driver of gut inflammation. There is evidence that the standard American diet, which is low in fiber and high in sugar and saturated fats, may initiate this process. Heavy alcohol use and stress also seem to cause an imbalance.

We know that leaky gut plays a role in conditions such as celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, and IBS. Also, leaky gut may be associated with autoimmune diseases, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, arthritis, obesity, asthma, acne, and mental illness.

The first step to take is to remove foods from your diet that cause inflammation and promote changes in the gut flora. For example: alcohol, processed foods, dairy, beef, gluten, soy, and any foods that may cause allergies or sensitivities after consuming. In my practice, I often see patients improve significantly when they start eating differently, after we complete a food allergy test to know what foods they should eliminate or avoid.

I hope you see that if your gut is not right, then nothing in the body will be right.

Karla Jarvis, MSN, APRN, FNP-C Host of Karla’s Korner on Envision Radio Jarvis Family Medical Services www.jarvisfamilymedicalservices.com 9

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Anxiety

Let’s Get F.I.T.

(Fabulous, Irresistible & Totally Hot) with Staci Stills, MS, BSN, RN, AFAA GEX Why is Mental Fitness Important?

Mental Fitness may be more important than physical health. You ask why? The reason is life is not what happens to us or what we go through. Life is all about how we put things into perspective and how we handle it .

What does this mean? This means that our perception is our reality. For example, if two people lose their jobs. Person A may see it as a blessing from God to start the business they’ve always wanted to start, an opportunity. On the other hand, Person B may feel extremely overwhelmed, feeling as of this is a curse, worried about retirement and how they will never be able to find a job.

The latter is an example of anxiety.

While anxiety is critical for emergency situations like evading a speeding car.

Our minds and body can not endure the impact of anxiety on a continuous basis. It leads to reduced quality of life and potential illness.

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is the feeling of fear, worry, nervousness, and uneasiness about everyday situations. Oftentimes, anxiety shows up as worry and fear-worrying about something in the past and fear about the future. Many of us will experience anxiety at least once in our lifetimes, but we’re are not made to live anxious lives.

In life you will have anxiety and stress, but you should always see things from a different perspective. By doing that, you are able to see God’s plan.

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Stacy Stills, MS, BSN, RN, AFAA GEX Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 What are Practical Ways to Reduce Anxiety?

There are many different ways to reduce anxiety. However, I will focus of the 4R Method: 1. Recognize: Usually, an anxious thought is not true, hence, a lie, or it is exaggerated. Most importantly, an anxious thought is unhealthy.

Although it maybe unhealthy, you cannot change what you can’t see. So you must first identify the anxious thought. You can do this by writing down your thoughts and by asking God in prayer to help you recognize these toxic thoughts.

2. Release: Let go of the anxious thought by doing a fact vs feeling check. Write do the feelings associated with this thoughts. Write down the facts about this thought.

Most times you will view your anxious thought through your feelings instead of what is factual.

For example, “I will never be able to find a job” is a feeling associated with the situation of losing your job.

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As a result, ask yourself, is this true?

What’s the likelihood I will never ever be able to find a job?

3. Replace: that anxious thought with the truth, God’s word. Instead of dwelling on the thought of not being able to find a job. Speak life by quoting Phillipians 4:19-And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. In other words, God has my back. He provided everything I need. Allow this truth to replace the lie.

4. Repeat: repetition is the key to reframing and rewiring what your brain thinks and believes. Repeat the replacement thought every time you recognize the toxic or anxious thought. This create a new, healthy thought patterning.

Remember, your thoughts lead to how you feel and your feelings lead to your actions and habits. Before long, daily actions contribute to your life as a whole.

Your wellness is the key to your quality of life!

Contact Stacy Stills at http://www.fitmommoves.com

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By Reverend Joan Gray | Host of In His Word on Envision Radio

What Did You Say? A few years ago, a song artist by the name of Lauren Daigle sings a song called “You Say”! It is really a powerful song; it starts off with “I keep fighting voices in my mind that says I’m not enough every single lie that tells me I’ll never measure up.”

Words are not simply sounds caused by air passing through our larynx. Words have power!

Remember when we would say sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me. How many know that is a lie from the pit of hell, words do hurt. Sometimes they scar us for life if we don’t get a handle on them.

Back to what I was saying. In

Hebrews 11:3 we see that God framed the worlds into existence by the power of His word. And since we are made in His image, our words have power as well.

Our words have power to destroy and the power to build up.

Proverbs 18:21 “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat it’s fruit.”

So, we can build people up or destroy them with our words. We see in the book of Nehemiah, chapter 6, there was a conspiracy against Nehemiah, his enemies didn’t want him to complete the work the Lord had appointed him to do. Nehemiah was concerned for the state that his people were in, so he fasted and prayed. There 24

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is so much meat in this scripture, I encourage you to go back and read it in its entirety. The enemy of Nehemiah told lies, wrote letters and made false accusations.

Nehemiah could have started saying what they were saying about him, but instead he reminded himself what God said.

We as a people begin to say what others are saying, without cause, but because it sounds good, we repeat what they say. I would encourage us to stop saying what they say and say what God says.

Not because they said it, but because you know it is the Word of God and you believe.

When someone comes to tell you something, ask them is that what God is saying? You see our words have power to destroy or build up!

If you get a bad report – say what God’s word says: I am the head and not the tail; I am fearfully and wonderfully

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made by Him; I am my Father’s child and I’m loved by Him; I am healed; I am satisfied; I am who God says I am. Put your own I am in.

The song ends with: In You I find my identity – I believe what You say of me! I think that settles it, don’t you?

What did you say?

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What Will the Future of Tax Preparation and Representation Look Like?

The nation is dependent on taxpayers and tax professionals alike, to submit accurate information for the collection of tax due. For the last 10 years there have been more tax returns filed and even less resources available for the IRS to perform its duties. Lack of experienced senior agents and budget cuts affect audits, collections and the biggest concern for taxpayers is you guessed it; customer service.

So, what’;s the fix? The IRS is attempting to hold tax return preparers responsible for the actions of their clients by way of preparer penalties and ethical charges against tax pros. This is causing preparers to perform basic IRS audit tasks. You got to admit it’s pretty clever of them to go about it this way. Preparer penalties are $540 per violation! It doesn’t cost Uncle Sam an extra penny to have preparers and tax professionals police their own clients, and in some cases collect penalty revenue from preparers. It isn’t unreasonable to

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investigate the accuracy of information submitted by your client either because similarly doctors complete additional tests to protect against malpractice claims. But, with this aggressive use of the due diligence requirements, the IRS is coercing tax pros and tax preparers to perform this audit work against the interests of the client paying the professional fees.

So, what is due diligence? The IRS interprets this to mean that there is a guarantee that the tax preparer and client are signing an accurate tax return. The only way to guarantee an accurate return is by interrogating your client and documenting responses submitted. But after reviewing recent examinations, comments made by revenue agents imply that they are looking to penalize the preparer just as much as the taxpayer when applicable. Comments like “return preparer failed to prove relationship requirement because there were no birth certificates in the records” or “return

preparer failed the residency requirement for failure to maintain documentation the dependent lived with the taxpayer.” I do ask for copies of ssn cards, state ID cards, w2’s and 1099 reporting forms but I have never requested a copy of a taxpayers lease or birth certificate! I think that’s extreme.

We have clients complete a client data sheet, self-employment worksheet, and we ask enough questions for a complete picture of their situation. But that it seems, is no longer enough?

With the growing assessment of return preparer penalties being doled out by the IRS, there is no longer this weak at best, standard of “don’t ask don’t tell”. If a position taken on a return is questionable preparers will need to thoughtfully consider disengagement of the item or maybe with the client overall. Due diligence is a concept created from the dual responsibility of a tax professional to their clients and to the system of tax administration. Whose interests are you representing? Your client’s or yours to avoid preparer penalties...

Jeovonnii Pryor EA Host of Life in the Tax Lane Envision Radio Syndicate Tax Planning www.

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Summertime Tips!

By: Chef Jima | Host of Haute Conversations & Cuisine

Everyone needs water to survive.

When we sweat, urinate or excrete other fluids from our bodies, we are losing fluids which in turn will make you thirsty. Being thirsty is a tell tale sign that you might be dehydrated.

When you are dehydrated, your body loses not just water but some of the main things that keep your body moving so that you can continue to dance to the beat of your own drum.... salt, potassium and electrolytes.

Extreme dehydration can lead to your body going into shock and other serious medical conditions. If and when you feel even the mildest of symptoms, this is your body telling you that it is time to drink some water or another refreshing beverage that contains electrolytes.

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Here are some signs that you are dehydrated: 1. Bad breath due to your body not producing enough saliva.

2. Extremely dry skin 3. Muscle cramps, fever and even chills are a possible sign of heat illness 4. Craving sweets can be a sign that you are thirsty 5. Headaches Try to keep water with you at all times, especially during the summer. The rays from the sun and the humidity can reality drain your body of much needed water and electrolytes.

When snacking, try to leave the dry snacks alone. Instead opt for refreshing things like frozen fruits, smoothies, and veggies like celery, asparagus, lettuce and watermelon which all have a high water content.

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If you are not a fan of water, try adding fresh squeezed citrus to your water.

Here is a supercharged hydrating summer salad to help boost your water intake: 1⁄2 small seedless watermelon chopped (about 6 cups) 1 pint strawberries, quartered 1⁄2 pint blueberries 1 seedless cucumber, sliced 1 lime, juiced 1 tablespoon honey or agave 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint DIRECTIONS 1. Combine the fruit in a large bowl 2. In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, honey, and fresh mint. Pour over the fruit and toss to combine.

3. Refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour to allow for all the flavors to unite!

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What Really Happens ‘After Church’?

Sometimes finding your purpose can feel like a monumental task or perhaps a burden. The question often lingers, “What is my calling?”

For a little over a year, we tried to figure out what ministry we could do together as a married couple. Robert was already doing a Men’s Basketball Fellowship Ministry. I was serving as the coordinator for the Women’s Fellowship Ministry at our church and as the long-time church Minister of Music. We also led the Youth and Young Adult ministry called “Second Sunday” as part of the ministerial staff of our church. At the time, we were both working on a college campus, so our days were fairly exhausting by the time we finished our daily commute and tended to our daughter. Even still, we knew there was more ministry work to be done, not just in the church, but in the community and beyond. As we both reflected on our professional careers and the thin line we had to maintain between our professional positions and our witness for Christ, we wanted to be mindful of how we represented and conveyed the 55

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messages about the God we serve.

One morning while sitting at my desk at work, the Lord clearly said that it was necessary to reach beyond the four walls of the church building, especially if we wanted to reach our students who often seemed misguided, broken, confused, hurt, and unsupported. I shared the idea with my husband; he was hesitant at first.

Writing is my thing - not his. He agreed that this was where we would begin and The ‘After Church’ Experience blog and Facebook page were born on September 19, 2013. We were able to create a platform that discussed our own life experiences in the context of our faith journey. Little did we know that this occasional publication of online articles and inspirational messages would expand into what would become part of our “greater works” for the Lord.

What is The ‘After Church’ Experience?

The 'After Church' Experience initially began as an online platform designed to minister to people outside of the four

walls of the church building. We recognize that life's biggest challenges happen "outside" of the formal church experience. We continue to ensure that our busy lifestyles make room for God. We challenge ourselves and others to show we are unashamed, undeniable, and uncompromised in our love for Jesus Christ! We center our ministry on the scripture, "By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another" (John 13:35).

Out of the birth of this small ministry came the idea to begin a week night Men’s Prayer Call. It was Robert’s desire to see the men of the church grow and strengthen their prayer lives to cover their families and to become greater leaders in the church. As for me, something else developed that was really a personal call for obedience – the bi-weekly Bible Study Buddy Conference Call for non-clergy. I had often heard people talk about the difficulties of studying and interpreting the scripture as well as the time constraints they have during the week. This new venture was

perfect timing. We studied the Minor Prophets, rotating between Thursday evenings and early Saturday mornings. It was taxing, but well worth it. Participants in our ministries hailed from Kentucky and as far as Texas, Alabama, Illinois and Maryland. We thought this was it; this was the call. And people all over the world were reading the blog, so we were doing our part.

Then, over the years, God stretched us more and we became a full company Robert and Charliese Lewis Ministries Inc. with three different branches: ministry, outreach, and publications.

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The ministry piece includes girls' and women's conferences and retreats, weekly prayer calls, and social media devotionals and affirmations. It might even include video clips of Robert singing with me playing or small video productions.

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Outreach/Education includes a bi-weekly virtual women's Bible Study group, a summer study, and community service projects including the Keep Warm and Keep Comfy initiatives, which donate to local organizations like the Salvation Army, the Catholic Action Center, and the Hope Center. We also participate in street evangelism and have the Encouragement Ministry that specifically provides encouragement through cards and prayer support for our group members and various people in the community. We also give Bibles and faith-based resources and study materials to those in need.

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The publications branch started with the blog, but has expanded into our first book, From the Test to the Testimony: An Anthology of Women's Faith Stories. We also assist other writers in self-publishing their work. I am an author, editor, and publicist. I help others to become “authorpreneurs” to produce polished work and create businesses beyond the books.

Robert is a video and audio producer who brings ideas to creative video. We combine all of our elements together to assist others in conveying their messages to the world.

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And yet, God is still stretching us. In May 2021 we began The ‘After Church’ Experience Radio Program, which airs every Sunday on Envision Radio. This was a great way to bring our blog to life through sharing scripture, playing gospel music, and applying the Word of God to our everyday lives outside of the normal weekly worship experience.

Eight years ago, when it all began, we adopted the tagline: It’s what happens ‘after church’! After all, that is what true discipleship is all about – going out and making disciples by any means necessary. We are grateful for the vision God has given and continues to give us as we work within His will and His way beyond the four walls. We remain postured for service.

Charliese Brown Lewis, President Robert and Charliese Lewis Ministries Inc.

Robert and Charliese Lewis have been married for 17 years. Robert is a media producer for educational television.

Charliese is a College and Career Coach and serves as the newly appointed Executive Director of Louisville Literary Arts. They reside in Lexington, Ky. with their daughter.

Visit - www.randclewisministries.com and follow on social media @theafterchurchexperience and @charlieseblewis.

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Brian J. T. Watts is an educational consultant, motivator, author, and host who helps teachers and parents better prepare students for life. His offerings (including seminars for parents, professional development for teachers, motivation and math tutoring for students and his book; “How To Help Your Children Help Themselves”) may be found on his site: www.theBrianWatts.com Envision Magazine Issue 1April | Oct.- June 20202021 Magazine 63 Envision

The Educational Corner With Brian Watts

WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO? This has been one of the craziest years for educational professionals. This school year began and ended in the covid 19 pandemic.

Teachers have students they have never seen and may never see. The connection that is usually created in the traditional teacher/student relationship has been severely altered by online instruction that had few rules and regulations compared to what usually exists in classrooms.

Many are excited about the upcoming year where students will be back in “normal” settings but for many teachers there is an element of anxiety over what they will be facing.

At the beginning of every school year, teachers know a few things will be standard practice: 1) students will forget rules and procedures, 2) students will seem to have forgotten all of the information they learned last year and 3) students will still be in summer mode. These issues are correctly dealt with by teachers who advise, promote and model a strict adherence to their classroom rules, but have an attitude of calm and understanding. They also provide a short period of assessing

prior knowledge that serves to “wake up” the sleeping minds that may have laid dormant throughout the summer months. This worked well for many teachers who had “relationships” with their students. There was an expectation that accompanied each of these teachers. This new school year of 2021/2022 will be much different.

Many teachers have been teaching on zoom to black squares containing student names. There has been little attempt to “personalize” the relationship between teacher and student. Assignments in most cases are turned in online and quizzes and/or tests are submitted the same way. In many instances students are allowed to turni in late assignments and/or take quizzes and tests over to improve their grades. Because students are at home, they can lay in bed, go to the bathroom and eat whenever they want, and stay on their phones during their classes. The pressure to adhere to rules and regulations as set forth by many classroom teachers has been totally obliterated. So, instead of just being coached back into a classroom 64

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setting, students in the upcoming school year will need to be totally retrained to be “classroom students” again. For many teachers (especially new teachers) this may invoke fear and/or panic.

My first suggestion (as a teacher and consultant) is that teachers, administrators and counselors begin training on how they want their schools to operate. There are many classroom management and student engagement strategies that can be taught during the summer to get the whole school and even the entire district on one page about how the culture should be formed.

When there is agreement and buy-in from the administration, faculty and staff, the students will fall in line. I am not saying this will be easy or that thing will return to the way they were. What I am saying is having a plan and a course of action will greatly reduce the problems that can occur from not being proactive about this issue.

My second suggestion is to present seminars for parents at your school. Allow them to be educated on what is going to happen, what changes may occur, what has and has not worked and how changes will occur.

Knowledgeable parents can be the greatest allies of a school. In my years of consulting I have seen that parent

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involvement can school culture.

positively

influence

If you are a teacher, get ready for 2021/2022 by taking advantage of summer courses and comparing notes with colleagues. If you are a parent, get ready by reading district plans, school plans, etc and inserting your positivity when possible. Also be ready to secure tutoring for your child if the past school year did not adequately prepare him/her for their classes due to the pandemic. If you are a student, prepare by practicing study skills and opening your mind to the great lessons you will learn. We can do this! 2021/2022 can be a great year if we make it one!

Brian J. T. Watts Consultant, Educator, Motivator, Author www.theBrianWatts.com

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By: Syvoskia Bray Pope - Host of Credit Conversations

Credit Education is Power

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world” quoted by Nelson Mandela

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In a review of my recent book, I share that Education is power! Power to live in peace. Power to build and expand.

Power to influence and transform society. When you know better, you will always do better. So, education is definitely Power.

Credit education is even more powerful, both individually and collectively. When you know genuine facts about credit, your develop a lifestyle of leveraging your wealth and increasing your purchasing power. Credit education is not only powerful, it is pivotal to your financial peace and prosperity.

Ask yourself these questions: 1. Can I define an explanation of what my credit score is.

2. Do I know the impact of credit in my personal and professional life.

3. Can I debunk credit myths and uncover truths about credit agencies 4. Do I have a negative credit mindset that has often messed up my financial 5. wellness.

6. Will I be open to learning and unlearning information about credit.

When you feel as though this path is too difficult, recall these statistics: ● An estimated 30% of Americans have poor or bad credit scores ● Over 43 million have less than a 600 credit score ● 41% of Americans do not understand that a credit score measures your risk of not paying a loan When you stay educated in the matters of credit, interest rates can be lowered, you gain your buying power back.

Finally, dedication to your new credit education power is essential to leveraging your wealth and increasing your purchasing power.

Remember, education is power.

However, credit education is powerful and persuasive weapon that destroys generational cycles of poverty, negative financial mindsets, and unproductive spending habits.

For more information: Contact: Syvoskia Bray Pope, Host of Credit Conversations, www.syvoskia.com Email: syvoskia27@gmail.com or Text: 502 416-7389 Follow me on Facebook/Credit Coach Strategist Author of Credit Champion “ a Practical Guide to Leveraging your Wealth and Increasing Your Purchasing Power 74

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Dr. Julia Royston Author, Educator, Motivational Speaker Host of Live Your Best Life Envision Radio

NEW TERRITORY Expansion. Growth. Enlarged. New Audience. New Territory. These are all terms that we pronounce over ourselves, businesses and lives so that we can actually live the abundant life that God desired to give us. But at what cost?

What sacrifice is required? Are you and I ever really ready for what comes along with expansion and growth? I was excited, pleased, nervous and scared all at the same time when I found out that another radio station wanted to air Live Your Best Life’s Shows. What I wasn’t prepared for was that it was on another continent, different time zone, culture and people. Am I ready now? I don’t know but ready or not, we have jumped in. First, I would like to thank each of you for your support, shoutouts and of course, the awesome opportunity that Envision-Radio.com has afforded me.

Secondly, this has given me an opportunity to pause, reflect, take note and remind myself of some things and hopefully, in turn, help others on their life’s journey.

Begin Again. – When expanded or moving into new territory, start all over again and act as if you know nothing.

Starting from scratch, a new beginning will sometimes feel like you’re a new

born baby. Now you won’t lose your prior knowledge but that prior knowledge may not work in this new place. You may be forced to try new things and may fall down but definitely get back up and begin again.

Do your homework – What are the norms in the new place? How do they dress, eat, behave and do business in the new place? Find out as much as you can by doing your homework but keep your heart and mind open because Google won’t tell you everything.

Pace Yourself – Life is a marathon and not a sprint. You won’t know, do or succeed at everything over night. It will take time, trial and error to do well in the new place but pace yourself, it will happen.

Be Humble and Gracious. Mistakes will be made. Apologies may have to be rendered but remain humble and be gracious to yourself and others as you expand and grow.

Be You. What attracted the new to you is actually you. Don’t lose that. Maintain those attractive qualities. Adjust and adapt but still remain you.

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Written by: Alita Byrd Published: December 31, 2018

Make A Joyful Noise: The Adventist Musician Network Stirs up the Status Quo Sarah Sulton tells all about the group working to promote better diversity in the world of Adventist church music.

Question: You are CEO of the Adventist Musician Network. When did the group start and why?

Answer: The Adventist Musician Network is a networking group where Adventist musicians, singers, and music ministry participants can network, share information, and/or dialogue about music or the management of music departments within their local churches. This group discusses how to improve the quality of music within Seventh-day Adventist churches and professionally.

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AMN was originally created in 2015 by Sean Wilson, a keyboardist from Florida, with the intent to provide resources, support, and networking among Seventh-day Adventist musicians worldwide.

We include the local pastor as a part of our membership to build relationships and to give voice to concerns from the musician’s perspective.

AMN defines “musician” inclusively to include vocalists, choir members, choir directors, praise and worship team members and leaders, professional recording artists, instrumentalists, and performance musicians.

Our membership is international and primarily

Envision Magazine April - June 2021

comprises contemporary Christian music and gospel categories, but also incorporates diverse musical styles that are based on Philippians 4:8.

In December 2017, I was asked by Sean to assume leadership of the AMN group and take it to the next level. After careful prayer and seeking the Lord’s wisdom and direction, I became the CEO and voice for the Adventist Musician Network.

I have been very blessed to have an executive team to help implement the vision that God has given me for this next phase in AMN’s journey. The AMN executive team members currently (2021) are A.

Kirk Blackwood (USA), Joel Goodwin (USA), Karen Cannonier-Harris (USA), Pastor Ndubuisi Nwade (USA), Florace Alleyne (USA), Paul Lee (United Kingdom), Thomas McPhee (USA), Karen Shofield-Nel (South Africa), Nerva Altino (USA), Akil Henry (United Kingdom), and Sarah Sulton (USA).

The Adventist Musician Network Facebook page has over *3,500 members (as of 2021). Where are the members located? Is the Facebook page the primary place where the networking happens? Do you have meet-ups?

The AMN membership is unique in that we are a worldwide representation of almost two-and-a-half thousand individuals who are raised or practicing

Seventh-day Adventists, with a few non-Adventists that consistently minister for Seventh-day Adventist congregations.

for more organic and informal meet-ups at concerts or special events over the past 18 months, with plans to include a major event.

Most of our interactions over the past three years have been through the Facebook (closed) group.

We have expanded to plan

**You can read the rest of the original article in Spectrum Magazine at: https://spectrummagazine.org/intervi ews/2018/make-joyful-noise-adventis t-musician-network-stirs-status-quo.

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