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Isaiah 9:6 6
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Luke 2:7-14 7
And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
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And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
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And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
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For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
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And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
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And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
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Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
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™
on the cover: Dr. Eric L. Holmes Johns Hopkins University Co-Patient Services Coordinator Baltimore, Maryland Eric Holmes Dr. Eric Holmes dr_e_holmes_ and thepoweroftheseed Dr Eric Holmes
Cover Story Pgs 8-11 This month we welcome Dr. Eric L. Holmes to the Grace & Glory Family. Dr. Eric L. Holmes is
an author and speaker, and a certified life, mental, and behavioral coach. Dr. Holmes also works for Johns Hopkins University in patient services and has a weekly radio broadcast “The Power of Influence with Dr. E” on Power 4.4 Radio. We talked with Dr. Holmes about his latest publication “Embracing My Now While Waiting On My Next”.
Healthy Soul 22 MONTHLY MANNA
20 A WOMAN’S PERSPECTIVE
Min. Carenda Deonne Beamon
Get Ready to Schedule Your Pulse Checks
Pastor Rhoda Turner
When I See Him
26 TRINKETS TO TRIUMPH Elder Tracey George
God’s Gift Guide 4
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Healthy Mind 18 TO YOUR GOOD HEALTH
In Every Issue
Dr. Carla J. Debnam
Find Your Peace
Scripture Page........................................ 2
Healthy Life
Contributors............................................ 6 From the Editor....................................... 7
28 HEALTH MATTERS
Dr. Denyce Watties-Daniels
Coping With Holiday Stress
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Contributors For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. Psalm 84:11
PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Jackie Epps EDITORIAL Dr. Carla J. Debnam Min. Carenda McCray Tracey George
DR. CARLA DEBNAM Dr. Carla J. Debnam is the wife of Bishop Dwayne C. Debnam and an associate minister of Morning Star Baptist Church, Woodlawn, MD. She is a National Certified Counselor (NCC) and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Maryland. She is a member of the American Counseling Association, the American Association of Christian Counselors and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Dr. Debnam has contributed to two books, Those Sisters Can Preach: 22 Pearls of Wisdom, Virtue & Hope, and 7 Ingredients To An Effective Prayer Life Series, Vol.3-5. ELDER TRACEY GEORGE Tracey Nicole George is an ordained elder. She is a native New Yorker residing in Maryland and married to Danny George. Tracey works with her husband managing their inventory and asset control company, George Imaging. She is the creator of Trinkets to Triumph, a Biblically-based blog and ministry, designed to edify and encourage individuals with a “trinket” of encouragement. She is a member of New Destiny Evangelistic Church.
Dr. Denyce Daniels Rhoda Turner Alfred Turner Ericka J. GRAPHIC ARTIST Claire Lesesne www.JandCDesigns.com WEB ADMINISTRATOR Andre Felipe for Arts Period www.artsperiod.com
Copyright 2023. All rights reserved. Reproduction without expressed permission is prohibited.
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MIN. CARENDA DEONNE Min. Carenda is an Author, Speaker, Workshop Facilitator, Certified Life Coach, and TV Personality. Born and raised in Baltimore, MD, she received her BA degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology and her M.A. in Law Degree (Mediation and Dispute Resolution) from Regent University. Min. Carenda helps individuals and professionals rise above their circumstances by detoxing emotionally. Carenda believes Emotional Management Equals Life Management. Her new book, 12 Rounds...How to Detox Emotionally and Win, is scheduled to launch 2024. DR. DENYCE WATTIES-DANIELS Dr. Denyce Watties-Daniels has over 25 years of experience as a clinician and nurse educator. Her areas of expertise include critical care nursing, pathophysiology, pharmacology and the use of technology in the classroom. She currently serves as faculty and the Director of the Simulation and Learning Resource Centers of the College of Health Professions at Coppin State University. PASTOR RHODA TURNER Rhoda possesses a spirit of humility. Her ministry style is graceful, her message is powerful and her presence is comforting. Being the 9th of 10 children, Rhoda has a deep passion for family and the wholistic development of children. She is considered by many as a mentor and mother figure. Rhoda and her husband Pastor Jason Turner, serve as senior pastors of Christian Faith Fellowship Church in Chandler, AZ. ERICKA J. Ericka J. is a Baltimore Native Radio and TV Personality Media Mogul. Ericka J. is a community activist who is very passionate about carrying on the legacy of her mother the late Rev. Sandi Johnson. Ericka J. is also a sought-after hair stylist and fashion icon.
Don’t Stop Believing It’s Christmas. . . a time of good cheer and holiday festivities, a time for singing carols and celebrating with family and friends. Twinkling lights, gaily wrapped presents, laughing children, jingling bells, these are the sights and sounds of Christmas. As the world celebrates the holiday may the true meaning of Christmas never be lost. The birth of Jesus is our reason for the season. The Son of God came to give us hope and peace, to show us his Father’s love and compassion for everyone. “Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel; which being interpreted is, God with us.” Matthew 1:23 The Christmas season comes at a time when you may have mixed emotions about the year coming to an end. This has been a challenging year all around the world, to say the least. But I encourage you, “Don’t Stop Believing.” Believe what you may be asking? I’m admonishing you to believe in the all wise God. Believe that God is an in spite of God. In spite of wars and rumors of wars, the threat of terrorists and all of the unrest in the world today, in spite of what it may look like or how it may feel, believe God is still in control. Believe that He sits on the throne and He is King of all kings and Lord of all. Believe that God has this whole world in His Hands. Believe God
from the editor
loves you unconditionally and is on your side. Believe still that God is who He says He is and there is no other beside Him. In Luke Chapter 1, Mary the mother of Jesus was told by Gabriel that she would conceive a son the Lord Jesus. “And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.” Mary took Gabriel at his word and believed the word of the Lord. “And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.” In spite of the odds and what Mary knew in the natural, Mary believed. Because she believed we have a living Savior. A living Savior whose birth we celebrate every year at Christmas. Purpose in your mind to make this your best Christmas ever! This Christmas look up into the Father’s face and tell Him you have received His Christmas gift. When it’s all said and done the best Christmas ever is knowing that you already have the perfect Christmas gift, our Lord and
e i k c a J
EPPS
Savior Jesus Christ. Eternal life and endless joy are parts of the gift. Christmas is all about seeing Jesus in every tradition, every celebration, and every moment of the holiday season. Christmas began in the heart of God. It is complete only when it reaches the heart of man. This holiday season honor our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who was born to save all mankind and was sent to give us a hope and a future. Jesus Christ came that we might have everlasting life for all those who will believe. Don’t stop believing in him! “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:11 Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Grace&Glory 7
Dr. Eric
L. HOLMES
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Q&A Interview - Dr. Eric L. Holmes G&G: Dr. Holmes welcome to Grace & Glory Magazine. It is a pleasure to have the opportunity to talk with you and introduce you to our readers, so let’s start with you by telling us a little about your story and how your journey began. In other words, growing up as a young boy, what were your dreams and aspirations? Dr. Holmes: I grew up in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, coming from a family of eight, me being number 7 and spoiled. I have two sisters and five brothers. It was family oriented, and my mother loved family. It was so much love I grew up with. Values were instilled, prayer and the love of God. My dreams and aspirations were always high. I wanted at first to be a lawyer, but God has a way with His plans. I finished school, went to college, and worked. G&G: Dr. Holmes, at what point did you realize your passion and purpose for your life? Are you at all surprised at where you are today? Dr. Holmes: Realizing my passion and purpose came later though it was already in me from a child always encouraging, networking, and helping others. The more I matured and grew and then later moved to Baltimore is really when the passion and purpose became more evident, particularly when I joined Beth-el Temple Church. The teaching and training helped
Q&A
me to understand my passion and purpose the more. I remember a prophetic word the late Apostle Robert Evans spoke in my life, so where I am today, I am not surprised and then to have my Bishop Pender continue to help enrich my life. G&G: Dr. Holmes, I understand you have written several books. Tell us about the journey to become an author? What was your path to publication? Dr. Holmes: WOW! I didn’t even ask to be an author it was one Saturday morning in my 5am prayer time I asked God to bless me with a project to bless my ministry and my Bishop and First Lady. After prayer I opened the door to the deck looked at the tree in my yard that had changed colors and God spoke put it in a book THE POWER OF THE SEED. I turned around and drew the tree and the journey began from there. And I began to write and research and then THE POWER OF THE SEED was written and published. G&G: Dr. Holmes, being a man of God and a preacher, how does your faith life influence your writing? What life experiences have shaped your writing most? Dr. Holmes: Being a servant of God and my faith has influenced my writing because I write from the heart and life’s experience but Continued on page 10 Grace&Glory 9
Q&A Continued from page 9
always, I pray and let God lead me. What has shaped my writing the most is I had to endure the process to be able to write it then to release it. Having to go through the process and preparation truly has helped in my writing; and I had people to pour in my life as a writer. G&G: To date, what is your favorite book you have written? What was your most difficult book to write? Dr. Holmes: My favorite book I have written is THE POWER OF THE SEED and because it was my first book God birthed in me; yet the one I released before my Mother transitioned and all I could hear her saying was quitting is not an option, was dedicated in her honor. The Power Of The Seed has been a tool for so many and has blessed so many. The most difficult one I had to write was My Next Season Is Due Season because I was in between the wilderness and the promise. I was enduring a process and had to endure a lot of things in that season yet graced to be able to write it and release it.
respond, and always have information to apply; it causes me to be better. Reviews are good because it will keep you learning and growing. G&G: Dr. Holmes, what advice would you give to aspiring authors? Dr. Holmes: My advice to aspiring authors always is to pray first, do your research and have a coach or mentor to help and guide you. Be integral and be of good character and credibility. G&G: Dr. Holmes, would you share with us your latest book venture. What is inspiring you to write this book? Dr. Holmes: I am excited about this latest book Embracing My Now While Waiting On My Next. The journey behind this book and when God gave this to me was, I truly was on a journey to my next. Coming into who I was and what God has called me to be was the inspiration to write it, but seeing things from another perspective knowing I have been blessed with a gift to write.
G&G: What is the purpose and message of your new book? Who do you recommend should G&G: Dr. Holmes, do you read read it and what do you want your book reviews? How do you people to walk away with after deal with good or bad feedback? having read this book? Dr. Holmes: I love reading Dr. Holmes: The message of the book reviews. I always my new book is to allow the encourage readers to write readers to understand that on reviews so I can read them, your journey to your next you 10
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Q&A will encounter many obstacles along the way. It is important that you understand that each obstacle is just a bridge for you to get over, transporting you to the final destination. I want all audiences to read this because we are all on a journey called life yet in pursuit of our next. The takeaway I want people to leave with is to stay the course and stay focused on embracing who you are now while you are waiting on your next; to see things through the eyes of faith.
would say I am a humble servant, committed and dedicated. G&G: What is one thing most people would be surprised to know about you? Dr. Holmes: Most people would be surprised that though I know a lot of people and I’m social I don’t mind being to myself. G&G: What do you like to do to relax and rewind? Dr. Holmes: I enjoy reading, listening to music, and traveling.
G&G: Is there anyone who has had a tremendous impact on your life journey? G&G: Dr. Holmes, I realize you Dr. Holmes: So many people wear many hats, is there anything have made an impact in my else you would like to share with life and on my journey. My us? Your radio broadcast, your mother RIH, my oldest sister career in the healthcare industry, Paula, the late Apostle Robert etc.? Evans, Bishop and Lady Pender Dr. Holmes: My love for radio and many others. But in the being in the studio on Fridays writing field Dr. Cheryl Polote on Power 4.4 Radio with “The -Williamson helped me be a great Power of Influence with Dr. writer. E” is being able to inspire the listening audience to encourage G&G: Lastly, do you see and empower them. I also have yourself as a role model for been working in healthcare young black boys? for the last 26 years at Johns Dr. Holmes: Yes, I see myself Hopkins helping patients and as a role model for young black being a light to them in difficult boys because I have gone to situations. many schools and programs speaking to our youth and being ◆◆◆ an example; showing them things from another perspective G&G: Dr. Holmes, let’s close and giving them my testimony. with a few “lightning rod” This year I hosted The Power questions. How would you of The Pen-The Author’s Expo; describe yourself in three words? I did it from a black males Dr. Holmes: In three words I perspective. Grace&Glory 11
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Being an o rg an , eye and tiss u e d o n o r is . . .
This h o lid ay s e as o n , re memb e r t o g ive s e lfles s ly to o t h e rs , j u s t as C h rist g ave s elfle ss ly t o u s .
R e g i s ter to give the GIFT OF LIFE as an organ, e y e and tissue donor at infinitelegacy.org. Grace&Glory 13
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Dr. Carla DEBNAM
Dr. Carla Debnam, Founder, Renaissance Christian Counseling Center
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Founder, Renaissance Christian Counseling Center
to your good health
Find Your Peace The holidays can bring us joy, comfort, and an opportunity for gathering with friends and family. We can be excited about the various activities or dread them. Even though this year many are resuming family dinners, attending plays, concerts, and church services to celebrate the season; this is a time of generosity, love, and peace. We wish that all those around us to be at peace, have their needs met, or find a community where they are welcomed. Paul encourages us with this declaration, “And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body, you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.” Colossians 3:15 (NLT). This time of year can also be stressful and difficult as people navigate grief, financial challenges, health changes, and continued violence in our community
and the world. We need peace now more than ever. How can we find peace when many things around us are not going well? We can shift to a place of gratitude. Thankfulness for all we have, those special people in our lives and the experiences that we enjoy. Gratitude is a gift that keeps giving. Focusing on the good things that are happening reduces our stress and helps us to cultivate an atmosphere of peace. Peace is a priceless gift that Jesus gives us. In John 14:27 (NLT), Jesus says, “I am leaving you with a gift— peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” Jesus reminds us that we cannot let fear, troubles, doubt, despair, discouragement, or people take our peace. Peace is a gift, but it is also a practice. We must take time to pursue activities that increase our peace. Many
times, we engage in activities or with people who steal or block our peace. Peace is a blessing that we must cherish and guard with all our hearts. Here are a few reminders from the Psalms (NLT): “In peace I will lie down and sleep” (4:8); “He leads me beside peaceful streams.” (23:2); “Search for peace, and work to maintain it.” (34:14); “Great is the Lord, who delights in blessing his servant with peace!” (35:27); and “Those who love your instructions have great peace and do not stumble.” (119:165). These are just a few of the ways we can have the peace that surpasses understanding. Continue surrounding yourself with an atmosphere of prayer, praise, and expectation, then like the angels we can sing:“Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” Luke 2:14 (NLT) Dr. Carla Debnam, Founder, Renaissance Christian Counseling Center
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a woman’s perspective
When I See Him
reaching out; but the day gets busy, and time just slips away. Recently I made a vow when someone falls on my heart or in my thoughts, I say a prayer. Then I make a note to send a message of some kind. You never know what someone may be going through and what your message could do for an individual. The Bible tells us in Galatians 6:2 NKJV, “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” As we grow as Christians and have the strength, we are to help carry each other’s loads and give those loads to Jesus.
In October a good friend of mine’s granddaughter passed away. When we received the call, we were told that she had committed suicide. I was saddened and troubled by that. Then I received news that it was being investigated as a possible homicide. Basically, the family has been left in limbo. In my heart I’m holding on to the idea of her death being a tragic accident or even a homicide. I never want to imagine anyone taking their lives.
God wants us to have community and establish community towards others. As a Christian our purpose is to be a light and to tell a dying world about a living Savior. I have a coworker and I love her so much. We were talking the other day and she said, “I’m bringing Jesus into this building.” I told her that she brings Jesus everyday with her when she comes to work. Because He lives and dwells inside of her, I told her that she can’t allow others to disturb her light. She’s the light and she has to allow her light to shine so that others can see. We may never know who needs to see the light that we are shining. My prayer is that God will help my light brighten someone’s day; because we don’t know who is struggling or what they are struggling with. We don’t know which day could be their last.
From day to day, we live our lives not knowing how others are doing on the inside. I often find myself thinking about certain individuals. However, I find it difficult to put forth the effort to check on those individuals. I always have good intentions towards
Be the light we were created to be. Let it shine bright so others in and out of darkness can see. “You are the light of the world. A city that Pastor Rhoda Turner is set on a hill cannot be hidden.” Christian Faith Matthew 5:14 NKJV Fellowship Church
Rhoda
TURNER
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Chandler, AZ www.cffaz.org
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Min. Carenda
Deonne
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monthly manna
Get Ready to Schedule Your Pulse Checks Many of you can remember the feelings you had starting a new job. Not only is there a learning curve to mastering systems and platforms, but you also meet new people and begin to build new relationships. I remember myself and another co-worker starting a weekly meeting called a “pulse check”. When she came up with the idea, I was excited and said yes without hesitation. Every Friday at 10am we would talk about our challenges, progress, and bounce off creative ideas. She was also new to the company, and it felt great to have a support system. It was refreshing to know neither one of us were alone. There were times we had to talk one another off the edge, but I also knew she was someone I could learn and glean from. Our pulse checks were refreshing, productive and uplifting. As we approach the end of the year, I want to encourage you to also schedule weekly pulse checks, but with God. This is a great time to check in with Him. This is a great time to still yourself and consider how you can use this time to learn, develop and continue to grow in love with Christ. Use this time to communicate, reflect and listen to one another. Are you on edge about something? Is there something you need to talk to God about prior to deciding? Is your heart heavy concerning a relationship? When is the last time you and God checked in with one another? As you are taking time to reflect, I want to challenge you to schedule your 30min weekly pulse checks for the month of December. Therefore, you should have at least four pulse checks scheduled in this month. This is a time for complete honesty and transparency. God wants to know your emotional state. He also desires to raise your emotional intelligence. Remember, from the heart flows the issues of life. God wants to know your mental and spiritual state as well. This is your time to check in with Him in a real and unashamed way. I truly believe God will release His abundant wisdom, peace, and healing over your life.
weeks, these pulse checks will be life changing for each of us. It is going to set a sure foundation as we enter 2024. God does not want us going into the new year burnt out, stressed out, or tapped out. The pulse checks will help to not only recalibrate us but build our level of emotional resilience to bounce back from the vicissitudes of life. Don’t use this time to focus on looking back on what could of, should of, or would of in 2023, but I challenge you to see it as a part of your journey. I also had to learn how to do this. Let me give you an example. Recently, I took a pulse check, and started thinking about my journey as an entrepreneur. When I first sat down to release my feelings, thoughts, and emotions to God, I initially felt a heaviness. I thought about the doors that didn’t open, and the financial debt I incurred. However, what is so powerful about pulse checks, you may start off feeling a certain way, but God truly is the lifter of your head. In that moment it was as if the Lord was saying to me, "Okay, you have looked at the glass half empty, but now I need you to look at the glass half full." Wow, what a revelation. When I did that, I thought about how blessed I was to meet so many people, how I received testimonies on how my business and ministry has brought hope and strength to those who wanted to give up, and the conferences I was able to host and the lives that were saved. Before I knew it, my pulse check became a refreshing experience. Most importantly my pulse check, with God, shifted my perspective.
Let’s take a moment to clearly define what a pulse check is, and the why behind it. A pulse check is like taking the temperature of a situation or group to gauge its current state or mood. It’s a way to assess how things are going or how people are feeling at a particular moment. In addition, it’s a quick and often informal way to gather insights and ensure connectivity and sentiments for all parties involved. Can you imagine how healthy it will be for your mind, body, and soul to take a pulse check? Don’t delay, this is a God appointed time in this last month of December for a much-needed release.
If I can leave you with anything, please remember this. When you show up for your pulse checks with God, show up with expectancy. Show up with speaking life. Show up by shifting your mindset from lack to plenty. Show up with faith no matter what it may feel or look like. Show up with the certainty that God has been waiting on you and is willing and able to do the impossible. Your pulse check is not a time to focus on failure. It’s an intimate moment to spend time with God and truly delight yourself in the journey that He has entrusted you with. It is a time to value your purpose, pain, and process. Remember, if you stay fixated on your wounds, you will never learn how to wear your scars well. I look forward to us, by God's great grace, crossing over into 2024, but don't miss your opportunity this year to allow your pulse checks with God to cultivate a season of health, wealth, and harvest. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Live life on the promise of IMPACT!
I believe the pulse checks we schedule in this month will be healing for our very soul. I trust God that in these next four
Min Carenda Deonne www.carendadeonne.com Grace&Glory 23
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PERKINS SQUARE BAPTIST CHURCH INVITES THE COMMUNITY FOR
Featuring
Christmas Music sang by the
Dr. Cleveland Mason II Senior Pastor
A Special Christmas Message by
Dr. Cleveland Mason II 2 5 0 0 E d m o n d s o n Av e n u e | B a lt i m o r e , M D 2 1 2 2 3 Telephone: 410-945-0445
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Tracey GEORGE
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trinkets to triumph
God’s Gift Guide Get ready to grasp God’s gift guide! It’s the most wonderful time of year. It is the time that you set aside to celebrate your Savior’s birth. During this time, all the department stores and all the social media influencers are bombarding you with gift guides that have suggested gifts for yourself, your family, and your friends. These stores and influencers make it convenient for you to choose gifts for your loved ones during the holiday season. While you are celebrating this joyous season by sharing gifts, remember that God gave you a ministry gift and a guide on how to use your ministry gift to be a blessing to others. He gave you at least one of the fivefold ministry gifts of either an apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, or teacher that you operate in (Ephesians 4:11). While you may not walk in the office or have the title of one of the fivefold ministry gifts, you indeed possess the characteristics of one or more of these gifts that God gave you to share with others and to win souls for Christ. God provided a guide on how to use the gifts He gave you: for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, and for edifying the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:12). God’s gift guide is a guaranteed way to live a good, gracious, and God-filled life by using the gifts He blessed you with. God’s gift guide can help you perfect the saints by encouraging your brothers and sisters in Christ to life their best, blessed life. God’s gift guide makes you walk in your purpose. You can
let your light shine and be an example of what it means to be a part of a chosen generation, royal priesthood, and holy nation (1 Peter 2:9). You can share your testament that you are fearfully and wonderfully made by God (Psalm 139:14). God’s gift in you sets you apart and makes you unique and one of a kind. God’s gift guide encourages you to work your gifts so others can glean God’s gifts. Utilizing your gifts helps you to share the good news of the Gospel with ease because you are operating within your sphere of influence. It gives you the opportunity to be God’s ambassador and representative on Earth to manifest His goodness to others. Giving your gifts to others guarantees that God will be pleased, and He will get the glory. God’s gift guide edifies not only you but others. When you were converted, you were charged to strengthen your brethren (Luke 22:32). Your gifts are no good if you don’t give them away by using them for the upbuilding of God’s Kingdom. The wise men brought their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to baby Jesus when they went to worship Him and celebrate His birth (Matthew 2:11). You, too, can be wise and share your gifts. Sharing the gifts God gave you gives Him the glory and blesses others. Use God’s gift guide and go and do great things! Elder Tracey Nicole George www.traceystrinketstotriumph.com
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health matters
Coping With Holiday Stress It's the most wonderful time of the year. Tis' the season to be jolly! Spending time with family and friends can be fun. But, the preparation, planning, and dealing with relationships during the holidays can be stressful. Being confronted with financial obligations, questions of what gifts to give friends and loved ones, coping with social obligations and holiday parties, dealing with crowded stores, rehearsals, concerts, and children's programs, and navigating out-of-town travel can be overwhelming. Our expectations of the "perfect" holiday celebration can be elevated and unrealistic due to images we see in advertisements and television. Research reveals that almost everyone experiences stress during the holiday season.
Find ways to relax. Play music during car rides and when working at home. Include worship and soft music on your playlist. Use the music to shift the stressful atmosphere. Curl up in your most comfortable clothing and read a book. Do not neglect your daily routine of scripture reading and meditation. God's Word always builds a firm foundation to support us during stressful times. Engage in self-care practices. Take a walk. Take a nap. Allow yourself not to be perfect. You are only one person, and you can only do so much. Be realistic about how much you can handle this season. Forget about perfection, and relax and enjoy the company surrounding you. Laugh out loud.
Our traditions are overwhelming. We place "sub-holidays" within our customary end-of-year holiday season. We acknowledge "Friendsgiving", “Black Friday”, "Cyber Monday”, “Giving Tuesday”, and Kwanzaa. Each activity can compound our stress.
Deal with your emotions. The holidays can produce increased feelings of grief and loss. It can be challenging for those missing a loved one, especially for those spending a holiday season without a loved one for the first time. Talk to a trusted friend or seek professional counseling to help yourself heal.
Holiday stress often makes the holidays less joyful. Stress can heighten tensions in relationships. Holiday stress can lead to physical illness, insomnia, depression, excessive fatigue, avoidance, anxiety, and substance abuse and misuse.
Give grace to those you may not have the best relationship with. Respect the differences of opinion. Try to forgive those who have hurt you. Quietly decline invitations to be with them if the interaction could lead to arguments and disruption. Pray for them and your relationship.
Developing a skill set and strategies to effectively manage the holiday stress is essential for our health and well-being. The holiday season often requires us to keep track of and pay attention to more responsibilities than usual. Time management is an important skill to relieve stress. Keep a calendar of your holiday activities. Space the activities to allow time to rest, regroup, and plan for the next event. Do not hesitate to say "NO" to invitations if your calendar is crowded. Turning down an engagement doesn't mean you don't appreciate the invitation. Consider offering to meet after the holiday season.
Yes, it's beginning to look a lot like the holidays everywhere we go. We are in the holiday season. Holidays are meant to be a fun, enjoyable time with friends and family. Breathe and relax. Acknowledge that holiday planning, obligations, and excitement can be stressful. Use these tips to help ensure you truly enjoy your holidays when stress starts to set in. Take time to reflect on the goodness of God and remember Jesus Dr. Denyce Watties-Daniels is the reason for the season. Assistant Professor at Blessings and goodwill to Coppin State University you and your family during DWatties-Daniels@coppin.edu this holiday season. healthytips025@gmail.com
Curb your spending. Overspending during the holidays can have lasting effects. Develop a budget and stick to it. Write down what you plan to give each person on your gift-giving list and use it as a guide to shop. Try to avoid buying items on impulse. Limit watching shopping networks on television and scanning sites on the internet. 28
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