Grace and Glory February 2015

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February 2015 | Grace&Glory

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FEBRUARY 2015

™

contents on the cover:

Bishop Anthony R. Williams First Abysinnia Baptist Church 2500 Arunah Avenue Baltimore, MD 21213 410-566-0011 www.firstabysinniabaptistchurch.org

Special Feature pgs 8-10 Q&A Interview: Bishop Anthony R. Williams pgs 22-23 50th Anniversary of Selma to Montgomery March

Feature Articles

38 TEEN CONNECT Bishop Gregory Dennis & Pastor Tonya Dennis

No Weapon

20 WOMAN’S PERSPECTIVE Tiffany Bethea

Virtuous Women Principles

24 EDUCATION DIGEST Dr. Tim Tooten

Joy of Laughter

30 NUTRITION & YOU Herline A. Knights, RD, LD

Calendar for Family Health

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28 SINGLE LIFE Dr. Monique Flemings

Loving Me

36 FINANCES

34 BOOK SHELF Brandie Manigault

ABBA (Jenny Kutz)

42 MAN TALK

www.wife.org

Dr. Charles Barrett

Love & Money- Financial tips for couples

Pursuing God

Healthy Body

32 BODY BASICS www.heart.org

American Heart AssociationHeart Health

Healthy Mind 26 TO YOUR GOOD HEALTH Carla J. Debnam, (Founder, Renaissance Christian Counseling Center)

Covered By Love

Entertainment

In Every Issue Contributors........................................... 6 From the Editor ...................................... 7 Scripture Page ..................................... 13

40 GOSPEL INDUSTRY NEWS Ericka Johnson

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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

Contributors PUBLISHER/ EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Jackie Epps Dr. Kenneth O. Robinson Harold A. Carter, Jr. Cassandra Vaughn-Fox Herline A. Knights Pastors Gregory and Tonya Dennis Carla J. Debnam Donna Williams-Ross Governor Martin O’Malley Ericka Johnson Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake Rev. Tim Tooten Brandie Manigault Tiffany Bethea Dr. Monique Flemings

EDITORIAL

PHOTOGRAPHY

Mark L. Dennis Alan L. Jones Claire Lesesne-Nalley www.JandCDesigns.com

GRAPHIC ARTIST WEB ADMINISTRATOR PRINTING

Andre Felipe for Arts Period www.artsperiod.com Roebuck & Son Printing www.hgroebuck.com

Grace & Glory Magazine is published monthly by JE Media, LLC, a Baltimore based, independent publisher.

Copyright 2015. All rights reserved.

Reproduction without expressed permission is prohibited.

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Advisory Board

Chairman — Dr. A.C. D. Vaughn Sr. Pastor, Sharon Baptist Church, MD Vice-Chairman — Dr. Frank M. Reid III Sr. Pastor, Bethel A.M.E. Church, MD Dr. Michael A. Battle Sr., U.S. Ambassador President, ITC Seminary, Atlanta, GA Dr. Timothy Boddie Friendship Baptist Church, Atlanta, GA Bishop John R. Bryant Presiding Prelate of the 5th Episcopal District Dr. Harold A. Carter, Jr. Pastor, New Shiloh Baptist Church, MD Dr. Suzan Johnson Cook, U.S. Ambassador Dr. WIlliam H. Curtis Mt. Ararat Baptist Church, Pittsburgh, PA Bishop Ralph L. Dennis Sr. Pastor, Kingdom Worship Center, MD Wanda Q. Draper/Media Executive Michele J.K. Epps/Health Sciences Cassandra Vaughn/Media Executive Dr. Donte’ L. Hickman, Sr. Pastor, Southern Baptist Church, MD Pastor Timothy V. Manigault Healing Voices Ministries Dr. Kenneth O. Robinson Pastor, Dream Life Worship Center Word on Finances Bishop Walter Scott Thomas, Sr. Pastor, New Psalmist Baptist Church, MD Dr. Timothy Tooten, Sr. Pastor, Harvest Christian Ministries, MD

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from the editor

Always and Forever February is often labeled the ‘love’ month. Many of us will be celebrating Valentine’s Day this month with a special someone; and many of us will not be celebrating with a special someone. Many of us will go out of our way to show that certain someone our undying love with many acts and expressions of love and affection. On the flip side there will be those who will feel left out of this celebration of love; feeling unloved and sad because of the lack of [what they think is] the ultimate love experience.

Instead of wondering who loves you or if anyone will ever love you, there is only one promise of love that you can stand on and that is the love of God. God promises to love us always and forever. This is a good time of year to remind you that God will love us “Always and Forever”.

We should not depend on or wait for another person to make us feel loved, wanted or appreciated. We should not depend on another person to validate us or make us feel whole or complete. There is only one who can do all those things and that is God, the lover of our souls.

Just in case you may have forgotten, I thought I might remind you of how great God’s love is toward us. Do you know that you have God’s everlasting love? Do you know that nothing can separate you from God’s love? There is nothing that you can do or anything that can happen that will destroy God’s love for you.

I have put together a little ‘love’ list to remind you.

This is what God says about love.

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39) Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10) I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently find me.

(Proverbs 8:17) A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.

(John 13:34-35) God’s love is shown through Jesus Christ.

In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his

only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. (I John 4:9-11) For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16) God loves and cares for us.

The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease.

Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.

(Lamentations 3:22-23) But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.

(Psalm 86:15) Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. Give thanks to the God of gods. His faithful love endures forever. Give thanks to the Lord of lords. His faithful love endures forever. (Psalm 136:1-3) So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. (I John 4:16) Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. (I Peter 5:6-7) ♦♦♦♦♦ In closing I wanted to share this quote with you from Rick Warren, “God is love. He didn’t need us.

But He wanted us. And that is the most amazing thing.” You’ll never find, no matter where you search, someone that loves you, the way God loves you, “Always and Forever”!

Peace, Love and Blessings to you,

Jackie Epps

Editor-in-Chief

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Q&A

Q &A Interview

First Abyssinia Baptist Church Future Vision

Bishop Anthony R. Williams G&G: Bishop Williams welcome to Grace & Glory Magazine. It is a pleasure to have the opportunity to talk with you and I understand there are a lot of exciting things going on right now to talk about.

Most pastors have shared with me that ‘preaching the gospel’ was not what they initially had planned to do with their lives.

Was it the same for you, did you have other plans for your life before your call to ministry?

Bishop Williams: I would like to say I had a predetermined purpose, but I was at a crossroad in 1975, and the call to preach came just in time. As opposed to running from it, I embraced this anointing that filled my heart. It was after the call that God started showering me with other plans for my life that would complement my ministry.

G&G: Bishop Williams to get to know you better what three words would you use to describe yourself? What would you say most people would be surprised to know about you?

Bishop Williams: The three words I would use to describe myself are adventurous, artistic, and approachable. Most people would be surprised to know that I am a playwright. My most recent productions performed at my church were "We Met in Paris" and “Anna”. I took a CD of seven French songs and composed scenes around them. The last scene portrays a beautiful

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American girl in Paris at a café. She is there to escape the disappointment of a broken engagement; the place where she was supposed to spend her honeymoon.

While in the café a French gentleman asks to sit at her table, and at her permission he did. As she shared the story of her broken heart, the Frenchmen tells her about a man name Jesus who could heal her pain and show her real love. She bowed her head to pray to receive Christ into her life, and when she looks up he's gone. It was Jesus!

"Anna", a play about a young lady who grows up in love with a young man name Jason. After getting married he is deployed to Afghanistan, where he is captured. Anna maintains her faith through this great trial with the help of family, choir members and her pastor. President Obama assures Anna that he would do everything possible to bring Jason back home.

A year later on Christmas morning, Anna is singing a song with the church choir, the church doors open and Jason comes through in a wheel chair. Anna runs out to embrace him, as the choir lifts up a great symphony of praise.

G&G: Bishop Williams you are the senior pastor of the First Abyssinia Baptist Church, how long have you been pastor there and how would you describe

the ministry of the First Abyssinia Baptist Church?

Bishop Williams: The second Sunday in December, I celebrated my 28th Pastoral Anniversary; and what a joy and honor it has been to pastor such a great church with an 86 year history. I would describe the First Abyssinia Baptist Church as being "Blessed and Highly Favored"; a church that is on the cutting edge of innovation and change. We are a church willing to maintain our resilience amidst the changing tide of religion, while we await each new season that God has destined for us, to the extent that we will transform lives and build a new community.

G&G: Bishop Williams, I understand the First Abyssinia Baptist Church is also an art gallery, please explain.

Bishop Williams: In 2002, I was blessed to travel to Kenya, East Africa with twelve other ministers under the great leadership of the late Dr. Harold A. Carter Sr., pastor of the New Shiloh Baptist Church.-While there to conduct crusades in the cities of Nairobi, Mombasa, and Nyeri in support of the ministry of Dr. Samson Mathangani (Director of the

Q&A

Institute For Quality Christian Leaders In Africa-IQCLA), I was able to capture some of the essence of the land through original photography.

Upon my return I had a collection of the pictures digitally hand painted and they were placed on our sanctuary walls as part of our African American Heritage Celebration; and we decided to leave them up for display, which gives our church a gallery appearance. I believe the paintings create a certain culture and feeling for our church. For as our gospel is preached and the songs are lifted, you sense the spirit of the Mother land in the hope and expressions of the scenes that were captured.

I would love for our church to be open to communities around the city to come and visit our gallery as beautiful Kenyan music is played in the background while I tell the story behind each painting. This experience would surely reclaim hopes and dreams and forge a passion that may lead to one's own Kenyan pilgrimage.

G&G: Bishop Williams, as a Bishop are you affiliated with a particular fellowship or church that supports your vision for your church and ministry?

Bishop Williams: Pastor John K. Jenkins, Sr., senior pastor of the First Baptist Church of Glenarden is my covering Pastor.

Through his leadership and spiritual guidance our ministry has benefited greatly. He continues to provide us with opportunities to best equip ourselves for 21st century kingdom building.

I am also affiliated with "Bridge Maryland" as they seek to bridge the gap spiritually, socially, and economically for our church members and people across the state. I am grateful for all the other ministerial fellowships and conferences, for which I share; that give on-going strength to my ministry.

G&G: Bishop Williams, what has been your passion for this ministry and what is your vision and plans for the First Abyssinia Baptist Church and ministry?

Bishop Williams: My passion for this ministry has been to reach as many souls as I can with the gospel of Jesus Christ through all the gifts and talents that He has given me, and to nurture the strengths and anointing of others to fulfill the same purpose.

When I consider the population of the city and state of Maryland in comparison

Bishop Anthony Williams, Dr. Kathie Williams, Taylor (daughter)

to the number of persons who attend our churches, I feel that there is still a great work of evangelism and discipleship to do.

As the marvelous unfolding of God's grace continues to be upon the First Abyssinia Baptist Church that exceeds all our imaginations, I'm trusting God to add to our church as many as would be saved, to help us like Nehemiah to build up the walls of Zion.

We renovated our church in 1994; since then we purchased two homes adjacent to the church that we have completely remodeled inside.

Our vision and plan with the help of the Lord and the call upon those whom He will

make a part of our next dimension, is to create a facade across the front of our houses and the infill which will be a multi-purpose center tying into the church.

This will give us a commanding presence on the corner of Warwick and Arunah Avenues, inspiring our community and city at large, as we provide “Community Based Development Programs” such as Pre-school, Aftercare, and Mentoring for youth, Entrepreneurship development, Family Counseling, and more.

But to enlarge upon our vision for evangelism and out-reach God has given us a mandate for the “Cyberspace Network” Ministries overseen by our ministers and lay persons that focus on various relevant needs which will be produced in our studio and other venues and shared through internet via live streaming, Facebook, and other media.

The church will never lose its power as long as it can transcend with the times. Relevancy is being connected to the matters at hand, and not letting the traditional institution cloud our expectancy of faith. The psalmist said, “I would have fainted unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” (Psalm 27:13) ◆◆◆ G&G: Bishop Williams, let’s talk about your new CD, “Love Songs of the Heart”; what inspired you to pursue a career as a jazz performer?

Bishop Williams: I was inspired by a Christian gentleman I saw performing love songs on the Trinity Broadcast Network (TBN) a few years ago on Valentine’s Day. It was done in such good taste, that I decided this was what I wanted to do as part of my ministry.

With the producing genius Continued on page 10

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Q&A

Continued from page 9 of Richard Mosley of GS Production we were able to put to music romantic poems that I have written for my wife over the years.

G&G: Bishop Williams, with this passion for singing love songs, do you see this as a ministry or how would you classify this desire to sing and record love songs?

Bishop Williams: I trust that there will be couples who will connect with my “Love Songs” and afford me the opportunity to sing and minister in couples retreats around the country.

With professional vocal and Bishop Williams at Music Studio performance training, I would like to be a nationally known recording artist, with after having for I believe it would help me fulfill read your book of poems? the great commission, because the songs Bishop Williams: This book will reward call married couples in particular, back to each reader of all ages with meaning God’s origination for love and romance; and guidance as they travel down the something we lose over the years in our highways of their own lives; realizing if relationships because life’s cares outweigh or when their wings become broken, they the passions that lie deep within. can still fly again. For God has given His angels charge over us in the dayspring G&G: Bishop Williams, in of life and in the night addition to your upcoming CD times. The youngest release you also are planning of Christ followers to release a new book. So tell to those who have us about this project, what seen the sunset of inspired you and what was the many days will find motivation to write this book? encouragement as Bishop Williams: Best put, this literature will “Broken Wings Do Fly serve as a companion Again” is 91 poems sprinkled to reading the Holy with a litany of divine and Writ, which from a human encounters of life’s Christian perspective transitions. They have been we call the Holy born out of my own sojourn Bible. that has afforded me great I believe this will heights of success, but also deep valleys be the greatest legacy of pain. I believe success and pain are that I will leave to my church and the married, neither one can survive or exist Christian community, because it inspires without the other. hope which is the seed that ushers in the manifestations of God. G&G: Bishop Williams, what is the purpose and message of the book and G&G: Bishop Williams, is there anything who do you recommend should read it? else you would like the Grace & Glory What do you want people to walk away 10

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readers to know about you?

Bishop Williams: I would like Grace and Glory readers to know that in addition to having a loving wife, a great ministry, caring family and friends, I am blessed to have two beautiful daughters whom I am very proud of. Taylor is Miss Black Teen Maryland US Ambassador, graduating from Long Reach High School in Howard County this year, and being sought after by major colleges around the country such as LSU, Howard University, Brown’s University and others for her track and field Taylor Williams is Miss Black Teen Maryland US Ambassador success.

She is also a gifted choreographer, having received a scholarship during her 11th grade year at “Grier School”, in Tyrone, Pennsylvania; where she studied dance with young ladies internationally.

Nakia, the wind beneath our wings is pursuing her degree in Business Administration at Catonsville Community College, and is one of the most gifted facilitators in Religious Studies and Conference presentation on just about any theme. Once you see her and sit under her influence to inspire and insight an audience, you will want to hear her again and again.

Her wisdom is beyond her years, and her life experiences have made her relentless. What a jewel. They are both daddy’s girls (smiles).

bio

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scripture

My beloved friends, let us continue to love each other since love comes from God. Everyone who loves is born of God and experiences a relationship with God. The person who refuses to love doesn’t know the first thing about God, because God is love – so you can’t know him if you don’t love. This is how God showed his love for us: God sent his only Son into the world so we might live through him.

This is the kind of love we are talking about – not that we once upon a time loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to clear away our sins and the damage they’ve done to our relationship with God. 11-12 My dear, dear friends, if God loved us like this, we certainly ought to love each other. No one has seen God, ever. But if we love one another, God dwells deeply within us, and his love becomes complete in us – perfect love!

13-16 This is how we know we’re living steadily and deeply in him, and he in us: He’s given us life from his life, from his very own Spirit. Also, we’ve seen for ourselves and continue to state openly that the Father sent his Son as Savior of the world. Everyone who confesses that Jesus is God’s Son participates continuously in an intimate relationship with God. We know it so well, we’ve embraced it heart and soul, this love that comes from God. 7-10

TO LOVE, TO BE LOVED God is love. When we take up permanent residence in a life of love, we live in God and God lives in us. This way, love has the run of the house, becomes at home and mature in us, so that we’re free of worry on Judgment Day – our standing in the world is identical with Christ’s. There is no room in love for fear. Well-formed love banishes fear. Since fear is crippling, a fearful life – fear of death, fear of judgment – is one not yet fully formed in love.

19 We, though, are going to love – love and be loved. First we were loved, now we love. He loved us first.

20-21 If anyone boasts, “I love God,” and goes right on hating his brother or sister, thinking nothing of it, he is a liar. If he won’t love the person he can see, how can he love the God he can’t see? The command we have from Christ is blunt: Loving God includes loving people. You’ve got to love both.

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living legacy

Give thanks. Give life.

Amy Sherald

I received a heart transplant on Tuesday, December 18th, 2012. Now this date is also my second birthday, the day I was given a second chance at life by someone who loved life enough to become a donor.

This someone was Kristin. Kristin was a mother, a sister, a daughter and a dental hygienist. And now, she’s the woman who rescued me. My hero. I am her living legacy, and she is my miracle. I carry her giving spirit within me every day.

I can honestly say I never imagined I would be living the rest of my life with another person’s heart beating inside me. I’m a runner. Running is something I love to do. Ten years ago, while I was training for a triathlon, I went for a checkup and found out something was very wrong with my heart. I was only 30-years-old when I was diagnosed with congestive heart failure. I hadn’t had a clue anything was wrong with me. My doctor told me I couldn’t run anymore because my heart function was so low he wasn’t even sure how I had made it to his office.

I was in denial about being sick, but finally at the age of 39, my little engine that could was completely tuckered out. I was admitted into The Johns Hopkins Hospital where I had to stay, until my miracle happened.

At night, I would lay awake thinking about my life. I still had a few things on my bucket list, but I hadn’t done too badly in my 39 years. I had a wonderful family. I’d been healthy for most of my life. I had been to art school and turned out to be a really good painter. Only one thing I didn’t manage was to find the right guy.

As the days ticked by, I began to send out thoughts of good intention to the person whose life I was going to extend, and to their family. I knew I was waiting for someone around my age which made me sad. I knew I would feel the family’s loss as if it were my own.

I walked out of the hospital on New Year’s Eve to begin my second life. I was so exhilarated, I went a little overboard! I bought an $1800 road bike because I was going to be a competitive cyclist and go to the Olympics. I was so excited to be able to put salt on my food! Six months out, I was on Match.com. I was going to find myself a man. I was completely ignoring the fact I was on steroids and acting like a crazy person.

I am now a two years out from my transplant. I’m selling my bike for a cheaper version because, you guessed it: I AM NOT a professional cyclist. I am an artist. I actually did meet a wonderful man on Match and we fell in love. Coincidentally, his birthday is the same day as my Kristin’s: June 12th. Bless his heart for sticking it out with me—through a year full of tremendous emotional ups and downs.

I am running again. In the beginning I cried at the end of almost every run because it just felt so good. I was overwhelmed with joy and gratefulness. I am very much alive, and I have Kristin and her family to thank. I thank Kristin for every brush stroke in my paintings, for every breath I take on a run, and for each morning I wake up with a steady heartbeat, and when it is overwhelmed with love. I know I wouldn’t be here without Kristin.

There are times in life when you realize words just aren’t enough and this is surely one of those moments. How do you tell the family of your donor ‘thank you’, for saving your life when you know they have lost a loved one? Because of your loss, we are living and breathing.

There is really no way to put someone at ease in regards to the loss of a loved one, but the gift myself and other recipients have received is unsurpassable. There is no greater gift than to help somebody live. Nothing can compare to it. Absolutely nothing. Thank you for the bravery, strength, compassion, and selflessness that led you to turn your loss into an act of mercy; a gift of new life for those of us who had no hope for a future. We are forever deeply grateful.

Amy Sherald

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woman’s perspective

Tiffany Bethea Author | Speaker | Mompreneur Founder & CEO/ The L.I.V.E. Circle www.tiffanybethea

Alright ladies, this month we are going to start a series. Proverbs 31:10-31 gives us the biblical model of a woman after God’s own heart; the virtuous woman.

The descriptive of the woman in these verses is an awesome woman who is valuable, influential, wise, considerate, and much more. When we look at the word virtuous, we can break it down and examine the root word virtue. Virtue pertains to quality, high moral standards, courage and strength, and moral excellence.

So just by the definition we see that it speaks of a model to conform to or a standard to strive for. Over the next few months we will take an in depth look at some of her characteristics to discover ways in which we can stretch and grow as Godly women. Are you ready?

Let’s go!

We will start off this month with the Virtuous Principle: Rare Value.

Verse 10 opens up by letting us know that the virtuous woman’s worth is far above rubies. She is rare and very valuable. When we look to determine something’s value, we have to consider its contents. As we go further through the verses we learn about all of the traits and skills that make this woman valuable. But what is important to note is that all of those traits and skills did not magically appear at once. They have been honed and perfected over much time making them of such great value.

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You are of great value! Do you know what you possess that makes you valuable? Each and every single woman reading this (and the brave men who ventured here) is filled to the brim with skills, talents and abilities that are uniquely yours. There is no one else that can walk in your shoes quite like you do. In fact there is no one else that can ever beat you at being you so guess what, you’ve won! The only person necessary to compete with is you. You should daily compete with yourself to get better, strive for more, and become greater. This my sisters is how we continually add to our sense of value and worth.

This time of year especially, as we near to Valentine’s Day, many of us need to be reminded that we have great value regardless of our relationship status. Our value is not determined by our relationship status, career status, material gains, appearance, title, size, shape, or anything else other than the quality of our character and all of the marvelous things God deposited inside of us while we were still in our mother’s wombs.

So my sister, look in the nearest mirror and say to yourself, “I AM RARE! I AM VALUABLE! THERE IS NO ONE LIKE ME! I AM A VIRTUOUS WOMAN!” I hope you believe those words because they are true. The next time you are feeling down on yourself I encourage you to take out a pen and piece of paper and begin to list all of your fabulous qualities and what makes you who you are. As you create this list you will remind yourself that you are fearfully and wonderfully made and you are valuable and rare.

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black history month

50th ANNIVERSARY

OF THE SELMA TO MONTGOMERY MARCH The three Selma to Montgomery marches in 1965 were part of the Selma Voting Rights Movement and led to the passage that year of the Voting Rights Act, a landmark federal achievement of the 1960’s American Civil Rights Movement. Activists publicized the three protest marches to walk the 54-mile highway from Selma to the Alabama state capital of Montgomery as showing the desire of black American citizens to exercise their constitutional right to vote, in defiance of segregationist repression.

A voter’s registration campaign in Selma had been launched in 1963 by local African Americans, who formed the Dallas County Voters League (DCVL). Joined by organizers from the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), they began working that year in a renewed effort to register black voters. Most of the millions of African Americans across the South had effectively been disenfranchised since the turn of the century by a series of discriminatory requirements and practices. Finding resistance by white officials to be intractable, even after passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 ending segregation, the DCVL invited Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and the activists of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference to join them. SCLC brought many prominent civil rights and civic leaders to Selma in January 1965.

Local and regional protests began, with 3,000 persons arrested by the end of February.

On February 26, activist and Deacon Jimmie Lee Jackson died after being mortally shot several days earlier by a state trooper during a peaceful march in Marion, Alabama. The community was sorrowed and outraged. To defuse and refocus the anger, SCLC Director of Direct Action James Bevel, who was directing SCLC's Selma Voting Rights Movement, called for a march of dramatic length, from Selma to the state capital of Montgomery. Bevel had been working on his Alabama Project for voting rights since late 1963.

The first march took place on March 7, 1965. Bevel, Amelia Boynton, and others helped organize it. The march gained the nickname "Bloody Sunday" after its 600 marchers were attacked at the Edmund Pettus Bridge after leaving Selma; state troopers and county posse attacked the unarmed marchers with Billy clubs and tear gas. Boynton was one of those beaten unconscious; a picture of her lying wounded on the bridge was published and televised around the world. The second march took place March 9; troopers, police, and marchers confronted each other, but when the troopers stepped aside to let them pass, King led the marchers back to the church. He was seeking protection by a federal court for the march. That night, a white group beat and murdered civil rights activist James Reeb, a Unitarian

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Universalist minister from Boston, who had come to Selma to march in the second march, which had been joined by many other clergy and sympathizers from across the country.

The violence of "Bloody Sunday" and of Reeb's death led to a national outcry and some acts of civil disobedience, targeting both the Alabama state and federal governments. The protesters demanded protection for the Selma marchers and a new federal voting rights law to enable African Americans to register and vote without harassment.

President Lyndon Johnson, whose administration had been working on a voting rights law, held a televised joint session of Congress on March

15 to ask for the bill's introduction and passage.

With Governor Wallace refusing to protect the marchers, President Johnson committed to do so. The third march started March 21.

Protected by 2,000 soldiers of the U.S. Army, 1,900 members of the Alabama National Guard under Federal command, and many FBI agents and Federal Marshals, the marchers averaged 10 miles (16 km) a day along U.S. Route 80, known in Alabama as the "Jefferson Davis Highway". The marchers arrived in Montgomery on March 24 and at the Alabama State Capitol on March 25. With thousands having joined the campaign, 25,000 people entered the capital city that day in support of voting rights.

AFTERMATH AND HISTORICAL IMPACT The marches had a powerful effect in Washington. After witnessing TV coverage of "Bloody Sunday," President Lyndon Baines Johnson met with Governor George Wallace in Washington to discuss with him the civil rights situation in his state. He tried to persuade Wallace

black history month

to stop the state harassment of the protesters. Two nights later, on March 15, 1965, Johnson presented a bill to a joint session of Congress. The bill itself would later pass and become the Voting Rights Act. Johnson's speech in front of Congress was considered to be a watershed moment for the civil rights movement. “Even if we pass this bill, the battle will not be over. What happened in Selma is part of a far larger movement which reaches into every section and state of America. It is the effort of American Negroes to secure for themselves the full blessings of American life. Their cause must be our cause, too, because it is not just Negroes but really it is all of us who must overcome the crippling legacy of bigotry and injustice.

And we shall overcome.”

Many in the Civil Rights movement cheered the speech and were emotionally moved that after so long and so hard a struggle, a President was finally willing to defend voting rights for blacks. According to SCLC activist C.T. Vivian, who was with King at Richie Jean Jackson's home when the speech was broadcast, “...I looked over... and Martin was very quietly sitting in the chair, and a tear ran down his cheek. It was a victory like none other. It was an affirmation of the movement.”

Many others in the movement remained skeptical of the White House, believing that Johnson was culpable for having allowed such violence to be visited on the movement in the early months of the campaign and not a reliable supporter. Neither Jimmie Lee Jackson’s murderer, nor Reverend Reeb’s was ever prosecuted by the federal government. J.L. Chestnut, reflecting the view of many Selma activists, feared that the president had “outfoxed” and “co-opted” King and the SCLC, while James Forman quipped that by quoting “We Shall Overcome,” Johnson had simply “spoiled a good song.” Such grassroots activists were more determined than ever to remain independent in their political organizing.

Before the march to Montgomery concluded, SNCC staffers Stokely Carmichael and Cleveland Sellers committed themselves to registering voters in Lowndes County for the next year. This would result in the creation of the Lowndes County Freedom Organization, a proto-typical black power organization.

The bill became law at an August 6 ceremony attended by Amelia Boynton and many other civil rights leaders and activists. This act prohibited most of the unfair practices used to prevent blacks from registering to vote, and provided for federal registrars to go to Alabama and other states with a history of voting-related discrimination to ensure that the law was implemented.

In the early years of the Act, overall progress was slow, with local registrars continuing to use their power to deny African-Americans voting access. In most Alabama counties, for example, registration continued to be limited to two days per month. The United States Civil Rights Commission acknowledged that, "The Attorney General moved slowly in exercising his authority to designate counties for examiners...he acted only in counties where he had ample evidence to support the belief that there would be intentional and flagrant violation of the Act." Dr. King demanded that federal registrars be sent to every county covered by the Act, but Attorney General Katzenbach refused.

In the summer of 1965, a well-funded SCLC decided to join SNCC and CORE in massive on-the-ground voter registration programs. The Civil Rights Commission noted this as a major contributor to expanding black voters in 1965, and the Justice Department itself acknowledged leaning considerably on the work of "local organizations" in the movement to implement the Act. SCLC and SNCC were temporarily able to mend past differences through collaboration in the Summer Community Organization & Political Education project. Ultimately, their coalition foundered on SCLC’s commitment to nonviolence and (at the time) the Democratic Party.

Most activists were convinced that President Johnson still sought to appease Southern whites, and some historians support this view. In November 1966, Katzenbach told Johnson regarding Alabama, that, “I am attempting to do the least I can do safely without upsetting the civil rights groups.” Katzenbach did concentrate examiners and observers in Selma for the "high-visibility" election between Sheriff Jim Clark and Wilson Baker, and with more than 7,000 blacks added to the voting rolls there, Clark was voted out of office in 1966. He later served a prison sentence for drug smuggling. The US Civil Rights Commission also noted that the continuing unpunished assassinations of activists, such as Jonathan Daniels, were a major impediment to registrations.

Overall, the Justice Department assigned registrars to only six of Alabama's 24 Black Belt counties during the 1960s and to less than one-fifth of all the Southern counties covered by the Act Expansion of enforcement grew gradually, and the jurisdiction of the Act itself grew through a series of amendments beginning in 1970.

In 1960, there were just 53,336 black voters in the state of Alabama; three decades later, there were 537,285 a tenfold increase.

In 1996, the 54-mile Selma-to-Montgomery National Historic Trail was established, preserved by the National Park Service. As part of the National Historic Trail, the National Park Service operates two interpretive centers (Selma and Lownes County) and is planning to operate a Montgomery center that will be located on the campus of Alabama State University.

Source: www.history.com photo credits- Getty Images

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education digest

THE JOY OF

Laughter A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

Proverbs 17:22

There’s nothing like the sound of laughter. I do it often. It was one of the behaviors that got me into trouble in school. Well sort of.

No, I was not the class clown; at least I didn't think so. Nowadays, I really enjoy seeing children laugh.

There is just something unique about their laughter. It starts out as giggling, then chuckling and eventually a full laugh. As adults, we tend to emphasize the importance of being serious and academically astute and focused.

And that’s fine, but we also should give our children space and time to laugh. We should teach them to laugh out loud and to laugh long.

A recent study by cardiologists at the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore discovered the value of laughter as it relates to heart disease. The study found that people with heart disease were 40 percent

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February 2015 | Grace&Glory

less likely to laugh in a variety of situations compared to people of the same age without heart disease.

Dr. Michael Miller, director of the Center for Preventive Cardiology, is a believer in the old saying that laughter is the best medicine.

Miller suggested that we should find ways to incorporate laughter into our daily activities, just as we do with other heart-healthy activities, such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator. "We could perhaps read something humorous or watch a funny video and try to find ways to take ourselves less seriously," Miller says. "The recommendation for a healthy heart may one day be exercise, eating right and laughing a few times a day.”1 I agree.

I work in what some may consider a stress-filled environment. It’s a television newsroom. In spite of the pressures often associated with performing and explaining difficult stories. I find that it’s important to take a few moments to laugh during the course of the day. Laughter not only gets our attention, but it has the ability to turn our frowns into smiles.

And before you know it, you find yourself joining in.

I believe educators should consider offering a course on humor. Really. There should be a time and place in our local schools where students and staff can enjoy the moment. I believe it would improve academics. It would also

give students a reason to unwind and to shift out of a more serious mode.

It’s been some time now, but I can still remember hearing the loud laughter of my father and his good friend Mr. Mobley. It seemed like you could hear them laughing blocks away. I never knew the source of their laughter, whether it was a joke or an unforgettable moment. I didn’t need to know. At times, they would laugh until they cried. Just hearing their laughter caused me to smile and to even chuckle a bit. Their laughter would break out unannounced. One thing for certain, it was spontaneous.

Many years later, God sent me a laughing friend. I guess you could call him a laughter associate.

We always make time to laugh.

We laugh in person and over the telephone. And lately, we have learned to laugh by way of our text messages. Today, find a reason to laugh. LOL. Dr. Tim Tooten, Sr. is an EmmyAward winning Television Reporter for WBAL-TV (NBC) in Baltimore.

He’s also the pastor and founder of Harvest Christian Ministries in Baltimore County, Maryland and founder of Harvest Christian Ministries in Baltimore County, Dr. Tim Maryland.

Tooten, Sr.

http://umm.edu/news-and-events/news-releases/2009/laughter-is-the-best-medicine-for-your-heart

SEEN GLORY UNTOLD STORY

Purchase at:

Seen Glory Untold Story is the story of the unseen glory of God, as told by Bishop Dr. Shirley Holloway. It is the compelling and moving account of her struggles and triumphs to help people become whole through God’s Holy Word.

The story begins with the Bishop realizing her call from God to not only preach and teach the gospel, but also to reach out to countless drug addicted and disturbed souls, most of them with nowhere to go and no glimmer of hope. But the call from God is fraught with many test and trials, and is not an easy path to follow.

As the humbling process unfolds, Seen Glory Untold Story chronicles Bishop Dr. Shirley Holloway as she hears and heeds the calling of God. It tells of the fears she had to overcome during her journey in spite of all the fiery trials. It tells of her strength as she endured the waiting period to arrive at her bountiful harvest, the harvests of God. As you read Seen Glory Untold Story, you will find it hard to put it down, riveting, as you follow each step of the process and feel the pull of the Bishop to do what the Lord has called her to do. It becomes evident during the course of her amazing story that she’s a divinely inspired woman whose determination won’t let any obstacles interfere with her God-given vision.

Bishop Dr. Shirley Holloway

Hollowayministries.org

Coming September 2015 The Movie

GTAKING RACEVIEW IT BACK!

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to your good health

Love is the foundation of our faith. It motivated God to send his son Jesus and motivated Jesus to sacrifice his life on our behalf. We too have made decisions based on our love for our family, church, community or even our country. Love has been a motivator for many of the differing ways in which we serve God and others. It is good when persons know that the source of our care and concern for them comes from love. Unfortunately often in our families, our communities and our world, people are driven by selfishness, greed and anger. This is seen when children are abused, domestic violence erupts, human trafficking thrives and mass killings of innocent people are taking place in the name of religion. These incidents are not representative of the love of God nor is it how God created us to be. It would be great if we treated one another the way we are called to and that is to love our neighbor as we love ourselves.

It’s time for believers to step up and represent to the world how loving and kind God is by being loving and kind. We have become victims of bad press for too long as a result of mainstream media’s depiction of us as intolerant and judgmental. God is love and wants us to share that love with all. Loving others 26 26

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does not mean you have to love their behavior, moods or otherwise accept them. It means showing them the grace given to you by God. Love covers a multitude of sins not just our sins but the sins of those we have been called to share God’s love with. Proverbs 10:12 remind us that, “Hatred stirs up quarrels, but love makes up for all offenses.” We are also reminded in Hebrews to, “Keep on loving each other as brothers and sisters.

Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it!” We have to do whatever we can to share God’s love. We have seen what hatred can do. Now is the time to show love. Many people get caught up in negative behavior in order to gain the attention and love of anyone who will take notice. It would be nice if we can eradicate the need for people to get involved in gangs, bullying and violence by showing love in our actions not just in words.

Cover your world with Carla J. Debnam, MS, LCPC love and see what a Founder, difference it will make.

Renaissance Christian Counseling Center

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single life

One of my personal struggles in my single life was “self-esteem”. My journey had left me full of wounds, fear, trust issues and a self-esteem that was shattered. A Christian, yet deeply wounded, secretly hemorrhaging in my ability to “love” myself. A believer, a lover of the word of God, declaring the promises of God’s word, standing in faith for a deep emotional healing and yet broken. It is possible to have a relationship with Jesus Christ and not be whole.

Yet, I struggle in my Christianity that sometimes provides an expectation that I must be whole in all aspects of my life. The insensitive expectations of family, co-workers, church members and even strangers often add to the wounds that are yet unhealed. Nobody knows the inner pain, the inner turmoil, the struggle of fighting to be free, whole and yet acknowledging the humanity of the pain within the inner soul.

So, my faces were created without me actually trying to create them. They suddenly appeared and I see these sometimes with other singles. Allow me to share….

Independent Face – This face displays a confident, resilient person that may be slow to ask for assistance. This may be the face of a person that has been hurt in the past and may not feel capable of trusting new people in their lives. Beware of the transparent walls that are erected to surround their heart, no one can get in and the Independent Face can’t get out.

Busy Face- This face has taken obligations from work, church, family, community and whatever to keep occupied. Busy is too busy for relationships, people or anything that is relational. The pain of failed relationships may drive the Busy Face.

Stuck Face- This face has been so devastated in their previous relationships that they are just stuck, not moving forward or backwards. They express that they are moving on with their lives however their actions speak of being in “limbo”. This person talks about the past events and talks about future events.

The Stuck Face has difficulty embracing the NOW of life.

These are just a few of those faces and there are so many more. Sometimes the “faces” limit who we portray to others and limits our ability to express our real self. The healing that is needed is a necessity, and it is possible, so you can move through this journey. The solutions for unmasking the faces seem very 28 28

February February 2015 2015 || Grace&Glory Grace&Glory

simple, however when you have been hurt, these steps feel like the furthest from your mind. When you have allowed your guards to come down only to have your emotions trampled upon, the “faces” may appear without you recognizing that they are present.

Loving me requires that I ask for help, slow down, and allow God to heal those secrete areas. When you ask for help, it allows you to be vulnerable and place others in the “driver’s seat”.

Asking for help acknowledges that you don’t know everything and it allows for others to share their abilities with you.

Slow down and enjoy the journey of being single. Don’t be so busy that you do not experience the beauty of being single; it is a beautiful ride, if you slow your pace to enjoy the pleasures of the single life.

Loving me is a challenge. I must love me ….all of me, no matter what happens, who comes in or out of my life…I still must love me! Here’s a prayer that will encourage you as you navigate through loving yourself and building your self-esteem.

Father, I believe that you created me in your image and that I am fearfully and wonderfully made. You created me beautiful inside and out. Help me slow down and enjoy every step that you have given in my life. My steps, even my steps as a single are ordered by you…thank you for ordering my steps. I acknowledge that I push others away, help me open my heart again to trust others that have my best interest and to trust you. Help me discern the people that enter my life and help me to forgive myself when things do not turn out the way I thought. I know that all things are working for my good and I don’t understand everything as I face relationship challenges. I decree that I will live each day full of life, loving me, appreciating me, satisfied with me and content in who I am and who you have created me to be! Thank you FATHER that I am WHOLE, Dr. Monique Flemings I am HEALED and I am LOVING Monique Flemings Ministries, ME!!

Chicago, Illinois

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nutrician & you

FEBRUARY

CALENDAR FOR FAMILY HEALTH

By Herline A. Knights, RD, LD

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Cut sweet 2 potatoes into Choose cereals that thin slices, brush with olive oil, and contain 8 grams season with a or less of sugar/ sprinkling of salt, serving. garlic powder, and rosemary. Bake for 15 minutes on each side at 450° F. Sit down and enjoy 8 Know that all milk 9 meals together. Studies is tested for show that when families antibiotics, and eat dinner together, if any are found, children do better in the product is school, have better immediately vocabulary, and seem discarded. Do not to display more conpay more for milk fidence than children who do not eat together labeled “antibiotic as a family. free.”

1

Use sports drinks 15 only if you need them.

Sports drinks are most beneficial for people performing continuous physical activity for longer than 60 minutes. People who are exercising lightly or for less than 1 hour do not need them.

22 Replace one-third of the all-purpose flour you use with wholewheat flour in all of your recipes.

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16

Watch how much cheese you eat. A serving of cheese (1 ounce) is the size of an adult thumb.

Cheese is high in calcium, but often is also very high in fat.

As Americans, we tend to eat too much cheese.

23 Add extra vegetables to convenience food, such as broccoli in macaroni and cheese or extra stir-fry vegetables in packaged meals, etc.

February 2015 | Grace&Glory

Wednesday 4

Make double 3 portions of healthy Make an entrée recipes that salad for dinner everyone in your tonight. household likes.

Freeze half of what you make to use on days when you are busy.

Serve veggie 10 burgers with whole- Have a special treat today! grain buns and low-fat cheese for dinner tonight. Top the burgers with lettuce, tomatoes, and onion!

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Practice pausing between bites of food. Savor your food instead of rushing.

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Friday 5

Take time to plan a few meals using fresh herbs. Include herbs in your menu this week.

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18

Plan for snacks like you plan for meals—before hunger strikes.

Do jumping jacks or stomach Have a special treat today! crunches, or run up and down the stairs during commercial breaks today.

Thursday

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12

Find a recipe that includes tuna or salmon, and get the ingredients you need to make it this week.

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Saturday 6

Switch to lean or extra-lean cuts of beef.

13

Compare “diet” or “lite” foods to the regular versions.

You might find less of a difference than you would expect.

20

Remember that 7 the average garbage disposal contains about 1000 times more germs than the average toilet.

At least once a week, clean the rubber stopper with a diluted bleach solution.

14

Make peanut butter and banana sandwiches on whole-wheat bread.

They are a good and tasty choice for lunch or as a snack.

21

Switch your vegetable oil out for canola or olive oils.

Work on eliminating the words “good” or “bad” in relation to food within your home.

Leave a bowl of fruit on the table or counter. You are much more likely to grab a piece if it is easily accessible.

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Keep food records this week.

Remember, every bite counts!

Check your calcium intake.

Is everyone consuming three servings of calcium-rich foods each day?

Turn the lights 28 out early! Not getting enough sleep can adversely affect body weight.

Look at your progress. How are those goals coming along after 2 months?

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body basics No time to exercise? Learn how to take 10!

You found your keys. You found the motivation to clean out your closet. Now you’ve got to find 30 minutes in your day to get physically active — and there are plenty of easy, no-cost ways to do it.

Think you don’t have time? You don’t have to do all 30 minutes at once.

American Heart Association Recommendations for Physical Activity in Adults www.heart.org Being physically active is important to prevent heart disease and stroke, the nation’s No. 1 and No. 5 killers. To improve overall cardiovascular health, we suggest at least 150 minutes per week of moderate exercise or 75 minutes per week of vigorous exercise (or a combination of moderate and vigorous activity). Thirty minutes a day, five times a week is an easy goal to remember. You will also experience benefits even if you divide your time into two or three segments of 10 to 15 minutes per day.

For people who would benefit from lowering their blood pressure or cholesterol, we recommend 40 minutes of aerobic exercise of moderate to vigorous intensity three to four times a week to lower the risk for heart attack and stroke.

You can even get heart-healthy benefits if you divide your time into two or three 10- to 15-minute segments a day.

“Building physical activity back into our daily lives is one of the great public health challenges of this century,” said Russell Pate, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Exercise at the University of South Carolina. “Our bodies were designed to be physically active, and they don’t do well with long-term exposure to sedentary living. Lack of physical activity is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease.”

Here are some of Dr. Pate’s tips for getting active:

1. Get out the leash and walk your dog. It’s a great activity for both man and man’s best friend. Your heart — and your pooch — will thank you!

2. Take your child for a brisk walk. It’s an excellent way to get some one-on-one time (or one-on-three, depending on the size of your brood.) Spice up your routine by exploring new neighborhoods or turning your walk into a scavenger hunt.

3. Mall walk. Are you sweating (or shivering) at the idea of walking outside? Take a brisk stroll around your local mall instead. Window shop, people watch and give your heart a workout in a climatecontrolled environment.

4. Join a team. Pick an activity you love and round AHA Recommendation Physical activity is anything that up some friends. Team makes you move your body and For Overall Cardiovascular Health: sports can be fun — and burn calories.

• At least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity at least 5 keep you motivated and accountable. days per week for a total of 150 This includes things like climbing 5. Walk and talk. Even OR stairs or playing sports. Aerobic if you’re glued to your • At least 25 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity at least 3 days per exercises benefit your heart, and phone for work calls, you include walking, jogging, swimming week for a total of 75 minutes; or a combination of moderate- and don’t have to be glued to vigorous-intensity aerobic activity or biking. Strength and stretching your seat. Make it a habit exercises are best for overall stamina AND to talk and walk. Some and flexibility.

• Moderate- to high-intensity muscle-strengthening activity at least workplaces have walking The simplest, positive change you 2 days per week for additional health benefits. paths to make it even can make to effectively improve your easier to burn while you For Lowering Blood Pressure and Cholesterol heart health is to start walking. It's earn. enjoyable, free, easy, social and great • An average 40 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity aerobic 6. Tune into fitness exercise. A walking program is flexible activity 3 or 4 times per week during TV time. Reject and boasts high success rates because your inner couch potato. people can stick with it. It's easy for Walk, jog in place or use the treadmill at the gym while you watch your walking to become a regular and satisfying part of life. favorite 30-minute show.

7. Park and walk. How many times have you circled the parking lot What if I can’t make it to the time goal? to find “the” spot? Spare yourself the stress and gain more energy by parking far away (or even in a remote lot) and walking farther to your Something is always better than nothing! destination.

8. Take the stairs. The elevator may go up — but it doesn’t make your And everyone has to start somewhere. Even if you've been sedentary heart rate climb. Take the stairs instead. You may huff and puff at first, for years, today is the day you can begin to make healthy changes in but over time, your body will thank you. your life. If you don't think you'll make it for 30 or 40 minutes, set a 9. Dance! Do it in a ballroom, at a club or even in your living room. reachable goal for today. You can work up toward your overall goal You’ll burn calories and gain a new hobby. by increasing your time as you get stronger. Don't let all-or-nothing 10. Skip the cake, say goodbye to pie and take a walk after dinner. thinking rob you of doing what you can every day.

You’ll get a reward that’s sweeter than dessert: more family time.

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February 2015 | Grace&Glory

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33

bookshelf

Book Shelf ABBA

By Jenny Kutz I have said it before and I will say it again, you can learn from anything if you are open to it. I was recently introduced to Jenny Kutz, author of ABBA: finding comfort in the Father after your parents' divorce.

Immediately I was intrigued by her life's journey, and was excited (to put it mildly) to read anything that she had written. When I got my copy of her book ABBA, I didn't care that its target audience was those who had lived through the life changing events of their parents' divorce.

I wanted to see how I could benefit from knowing more about the Father's love in my life, and if the example used is divorce then that's what it will be.

What I love about ABBA is that Jenny Kutz has taken a deep, heart aching topic, and made it easier to digest, and easier to follow.

It's almost as if she walks with you hand in hand from a place of hurt and anger to a place of healing and moving forward. She has created moments within each chapter that challenge the reader to think, to process, and to work through each phase they may be experiencing. She encourages the reader to never lose sight of the future while dealing with their current situation. Jenny Kutz made ABBA very interactive and conversational.

She asks questions and then provides a place for the reader to write their answers.

ABBA is not just a book about Jenny Kutz's personal journey of dealing with her parents’ divorce. It is a book designed to encourage, challenge, motivate, and inspire. It is a book full of the Father's Word regarding the reader. One of my favorite lines in regards to inner healing says, "It's amazing that the thoughts God thinks towards us out number all the grains of sand on earth. This means that even if we live our entire lifetime thinking a new thought every second, we would never think that many thoughts."

ABBA also has prayers built into the pages to help move the reader from place to place 34

February 2015 | Grace&Glory

by Brandie Manigault

in their journey.

The steps and principles that Jenny Kutz has laid out are applicable to all people in all walks of life.

They are complicated and drawn out. She has made them practical and easy to implement.

I have to say that I saw myself between the pages of ABBA, and had to take several pauses while reading to think, pray, and make necessary adjustments to the condition of both my heart and mind.

I absolutely recommend ABBA: finding comfort in the Father after your parents' divorce. I truly believe this book has the potential to walk people through multiple life altering situations (not just divorce).

ABBA is a book that you keep multiple copies of on your shelf; one for you, and a few to give away. When you read it, there is no doubt in my mind that you will think of someone that could also benefit from reading it. ◆◆◆ After reading ABBA I reached out to Jenny Kutz and asked her a few questions about her book. Here is that conversation.

1. What was your thought process like in choosing to share your journey through your parents' divorce with the world?

JK: I've heard it said once that writing a book is not just an opportunity but a responsibility.

I had this sense of responsibility to share the victory that rose out of the struggle. It was like a fire started in my heart when God gave me this vision, and I knew it had to be done.

2. What would be one of your biggest hopes that this book would accomplish?

JK: My biggest hope would be that when someone reads this they encounter and know the love of the Father God through Jesus Christ; that they recognize how God really sees them: not as a disappointment but as a child He longs to protect and provide for. Also, that the reader knows there is a future filled with hope and joy no matter what has happened in their past.

3. You have ABBA and a mini ABBA book on the Father's love. Do you have any other projects in the works that we can look out for?

JK: I'm currently writing a book on servanthood titled, "I asked for a Mic and God gave me a broom: lessons on leadership and why servanthood is greater than fame." I feel like God is daily teaching me on what love really looks like, and I've seen more than anything that love is a giver and love is a servant. Don't have a release date yet, but it's in the works.

About the Author

Jenny Kutz

Jenny Kutz is a minister and author. She started preaching in children’s church at the age of 12 years old and has continued to minister ever since. She attended Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, OK and studied Worship Leadership and Pastoral Ministry.

She has had hands on training in ministry through various mission outreaches, serving in the local church and assisting her grandparents, Kenneth and Gloria Copeland, as they ministered.

Jenny has faith to see this generation rise up and live out the great commission. Her heart is to see the gospel of Jesus Christ spread to the nations. Out of that desire, Jenny began Love to the Nations and also founded Global Girls Bible Study, an online Bible study for women from all around the world.

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finance

www.wife.org The way we earn, spend, and save money is a practical expression of our most fundamental beliefs. When our priorities are out of sync, money can become the great divide in an otherwise harmonious relationship.

By working together toward financial freedom, money can cease being a source of conflict and become a way to express our highest values, while providing comfort and security to those we love most.

Here are ways that you, as a couple, can improve your relationship with money.

While Dating • Learn to have fun without a lot of money. A bike ride, walk in the park, home-cooked meal, free concert, or ice cream cone are just a few of the opportunities available to enjoy time without spending a lot of money.

• Pay attention to your partner’s financial habits. Before you commit yourself, learn how your partner handles the big issues of real life, including financial matters.

• Discuss your dreams and goals with your partner. Almost everything you will do during your lives together will cost money. Make sure your partner’s goals are compatible with yours.

For Newlyweds • Time your marriage to minimize taxes. If both you and your beloved are employed, the “marriage penalty” may force you to pay more taxes as a married couple than you would if you were single, so marry the following January rather than December. However, if one spouse earns most of the money, you’ll enjoy a “marriage bonus,” paying less tax as a married couple than you would as two single people, so a December wedding might be wise.

• If you are paying for your own wedding, pay cash instead of going into debt. Have the courage to care more for the reality of your joint finances than the symbolic ritual of a lavish party. Consider having a small gettogether to memorialize your love, and then throw a larger party when you can afford it.

• If you receive monetary gifts on your wedding day, don’t spend them all. Set aside as much as you can to invest for shared dreams, such as a house, business, or children.

• Review your investments. Determine if you need to change your investment allocations to meet your joint goals. Your partner’s assets can provide you with some investment flexibility that you could not achieve while single.

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Joining Your Financial Lives • Create a workable structure for your financial lives. Who will be responsible for paying bills, filing invoices, balancing the checkbook, and researching large purchases? Establish a division of labor that suits your talents and needs.

• Celebrate your differences. If one of you is a saver and the other a spender, create a budget that allows for both. If your partner is a bargain-hunter, put him in charge of the spending part of the budget, while you invest the savings.

• Confide in your partner. Keeping financial problems to yourself is destructive to the openness and stability of your relationship.

• Rank your financial priorities. Where your individual goals coincide, make a list of the steps it will take to accomplish those goals. Where they collide, figure out which you can live without and how to combine the rest with your partner’s plans.

Starting a Family • If one partner will stay at home while the other works full-time, discuss the model you will use for your finances. Will you pay the homemaker a salary for her services? Have a spending limit for purchases, like a corporate buyer? Create an arrangement that shows respect for the most important job on Earth: raising a wonderful human being.

• If you haven’t already, now is the perfect time to prepare your will. You don’t want guardianship issues to be settled in court if anything happens to you. Ask a friend or relative if he would be willing to be the legal and/ or financial guardian for your children after you’re gone. Then, follow through by updating and signing your will.

• If you stay home, keep up your career skills. Work part-time to maintain your skills and contacts, or go to school part-time to improve your financial prospects. Maintain your skills so you can ease your transition to the workplace.

• Contribute to your child’s Roth IRA. Children, like many other taxpayers, can contribute up to $2,000 of their earnings to an IRA. If your children have part-time jobs, encourage them to save the money in a Roth IRA, perhaps by “matching” the funds they contribute. Roth IRA contributions can be withdrawn tax- and penalty-free and used for college expenses. Earnings can be withdrawn as well after the IRA has been open for five years, but they are subject to tax.

• Organize regular “money meetings” to discuss your financial situation, dreams, and goals. Use this time to brainstorm creative solutions to problems and generate ideas to improve your future.

Excerpted from: Love & Money: 150 Financial Tips for Couples by Kathleen

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teen connect

It’s Black History Month—and in most classrooms, at Tuskegee University in Alabama. He is remembered you should be learning about famous African Americans for developing 118 derivative products from sweet and their contributions to our culture. But there is one potatoes and 300 from peanuts. Thanks to his efforts, thing we have not been learning about many of these by 1940, peanuts were the second largest cash crop famous men and women: that is, their Christian faith in the South. “Google” his name and you will find and how it motivated their lives and their work. reference to the most important aspect of his life: how For example, Sojourner Truth is often identified as a his faith in God inspired his creativity. “I didn’t make women’s rights advocate and abolitionist. Overlooked these discoveries,” Carver once said, “God has only is the source of Sojourner’s fiery devotion to human worked through me to reveal to His children some of rights: That was her commitment to Jesus Christ. “The His wonderful providence.”

Lord gave me the name Sojourner,” she declared, Lastly, what about our President of the United “because I was to travel up and down the land, showing States, Barack Obama? He too is a believer and his people their sins, and being a sign unto them.” At age commitment to his faith led us to have an African 88, her dying words were, “Follow the Lord Jesus.”

American President! Stories like these are a reminder And then there is Rosa Parks. Many people know the of what a central role the Christian faith has played in story of the seamstress who helped ignite the modern the lives of many great Americans. During this month civil rights movement. But far fewer people know that do a little research on those making history and find Parks was a devout Christian and that it was her faith out if they hold the same abiding faith that you hold in that gave her the strength to do what she did that day Jesus Christ! in 1955. “Since I have always been a strong believer obedience or increasing Pastors Gregory & in God,” she says, “I knew that He was with me, and your prayer life. Dennis Write Tonya only He could get me through that next step”—that is, you want to refusing to give up her seat on a bus to a white down man. the goal KINGDOM WORSHIP andCENTER indicate Most people know that George Washington accomplish Carver 6419 York Road, date by when goal was a chemist and agronomist. Born a slave inthe 1860, Towson,the MD 21212 410-377-3500 Carver rose to become director of agricultural research is to be achieved.

You may

The opportunity to reinvent yourself 38 38

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want to take the entire year or take a month. Jot down

Bishop Gregory & Pastor Tonya Dennis Senior Pastors

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gospel industry news Follow me on twitter, www.twitter.com @MissEricka J, facebook www.facebook.com/ErickaJohnson, or via email missericka75@yahoo.com

ANDRAE CROUCH Last month we lost a pioneer and legend in music, Andrae Crouch. He was hospitalized on January 3 at the Northbridge Medical in Los Angeles. He was 72 years old when he transitioned from labor to reward.

This musical legend has many, many, musical accomplishments including but not limited to seven Grammy Awards, six GMA Dove Awards, and an Academy Award nomination for 'The Color Purple", inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, and a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame. His songs have been recorded by everyone from Elvis Presley to Paul Simon, and he has worked as a producer and arranger with many of music's top artists, including Michael Jackson, Madonna, Quincy Jones, Diana Ross, Elton John, and many others. Andrae Crouch can also be heard on Michael Jackson's hit single, "Man in the Mirror", "Keep 40

February 2015 | Grace&Glory

The Faith", "Will You Be There", and "Earth Song". Several musical tributes and celebrations were planned to celebrate such an honorable hard-working man of God. His musical contributions will live on; let's continue to keep his family and church family in our prayers.

RICKY DILLARD Congrats to Ricky Dillard & New G on landing a whopping 10 Stellar Award nominations. Ricky Dillard is off to a great start in 2015's first quarter, as one of the most nominated artist for this year’s Stellar Awards. He landed the top 5 categories, Artist of the Year, Song of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, CD of the Year, and Choir of the Year.

"I am grateful to God to continue to make music that is recognized by my peers in the gospel music industry as best in its class", says Dillard about his nominations. "During one of my most challenging personal seasons God poured out blessing upon blessing and grace beyond measure to revitalize my spirit, and this spiritual revitalization is represented in "AMAZING". The support for this album, for these songs, has been nothing short of astounding to me.

I am thankful for every nomination that I have received and I am looking very forward to this year’s Stellar Awards."

gospel industry news ERICA CAMPBELL Erica Campbell's solo début album has received 10 Stellar Award nominations this year. She's the leading female artist, Artist of the Year, CD of the Year, Female Vocalist of the Year, and Contemporary Female Vocalist. "I am grateful to the Stellar Awards for this great honor and for the consideration. I am overwhelmed by the faithfulness of God, as I never anticipated this. Initially I thought I was going to release a single as a solo artist and that be the extent of it. But to see how far God has bought us is truly amazing. I'm so humbled and happy that people are being blessed by music," says Campbell.

JONATHAN NELSON Baltimore's Own Jonathan Nelson is starting off 2015 "Fearless". He's signed to a new label, the winning record label eOne Music (entertainment One Music). The award winning singer, songwriter, and worship leader will be releasing his new album in fall 2015 at his church the Faith Center, Sunrise, FL. The recording is LIVE and free to the public.

"I'm more than excited about my new journey, new label, new direction, and new season that lies ahead with eOne Music, I'm ready for this "FEARLESS" journey! LET’S GO!"

JASON NELSON Congrats to Jason Nelson on the release of his new project "Jesus Revealed", undoubtedly his voice has made its authentic imprint on gospel music. His single "I Am" has charted as the #2 most played in

America. He's currently out on his promo tour for the album; catch him somewhere live if you've never experienced it, make it your business to see him, it will bless your life, much like his twin brother Jonathan. #Keepeppin4BMore

JJ HAIRSTON Welcome JJ Hairston & his family to the DMV!!!!! JJ Hairston has been appointed as Director of Music at City of Praise Family Ministries, located in Mitchellville, MD where Bishop Joel & Ylawnda Peeples are the pastors.

"The word taught by Bishop Peeples is awesome,” says Hairston. "I look forward to bringing more excitement and refinement to the worship experience so that it can prepare the hearts of everyone to receive the word. The loving spirit at City of Praise is amazing. My wife Trina and I are excited about partnering with them in ministry."

Top 5 Gospel Albums #1. I Will Trust – Fred Hammond #2. Worth Fighting For – Brian Courtney Williams #3 Grace – Tasha Cobb #4 WOW 2014 #5 Grown Folks Music – J Moss

Top 5 Gospel Songs #1 For Your Glory – Tasha Dobbs #2 Amazing – Ricky Dillard & New G #3 Let The Church Say Amen – Andrae Crouch feat. Marvin Winans #4 Every Praise – Hezekiah Walker Azusa: Next Generation #5 Fill Me Up – Casey J

Happy Valentine’s Day! Love Somebody! Even if you don't have a significant other make sure you find a way to show love to somebody!!! www.gracenglorymagazine.org 4141 www.gracenglorymagazine.org

man talk

Just like a deer that craves streams of water, my whole being craves you, God. – Psalm 42: 1 He’s Just Not That Into You was a 2009 big screen adaptation of Greg Behrendt’s and Liz Tuccillo’s best-selling book He’s Just Not That Into You: The No-Excuses Truth to Understanding Guys.

Depicting the dating misadventures of young adults, the film’s message is conveyed through a character that is desperately trying to understand the mixed signals she continually receives from the men she meets. As both the book and film seek to warn their audiences of the signs that seemingly tell whether or not an individual is interested in a committed relationship with you, spiritually, this can be likened unto Isaiah 29: 13: These people say they are loyal to me; they say wonderful things about me, but they are not really loyal to me... In other words, they tell me what they think I want to hear but don’t have any intention of being committed to me! And, though written from the perspective of women, the reverse is certainly applicable to men.

Fellas, if she’s not calling you; if she’s not dating you; if she doesn’t want to marry you; if she’s married; or if she’s selfish, she’s just not that into you! Let’s look closer…

THE LESSON FROM PSALM 63: 1 You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water. As thirst is often a poignant metaphorical illustration of longing for and desiring God, the spiritual significance of seeking Him early shows that before we attempt anything else, or the day becomes crowded with activities that are less important, we make a conscious decision to spend time with Him because He is more important than anyone or anything. Brothers, is starting your day by talking to God important? Have you made spending quality time with God each day a priority?

THE LESSON FROM JOSHUA 24: 14 & 15 and MATTHEW 6:24 So fear the LORD and serve him wholeheartedly. Put away forever the idols your ancestors worshiped... Serve the LORD alone. But if you refuse to serve the LORD, then choose today whom you will serve.

Matthew 6: 24: No one can serve two masters... You cannot serve both God and money.

Through these passages, we learn that man has been created with free will—the capacity to make his own decisions. And although Joshua, as the spiritual leader in his family, declared that they would serve The Lord, each Israelite had to make his own decision. Brothers, today, will you serve other gods—money, popularity—or the One, True, and Living God? At the heart of the matter is this: If we aren’t 42

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committed to God, we are committed to someone or something else.

What is taking the place of being totally committed to God? Is it the pursuit of wealth or some other artificial indicator of success? Perhaps it’s a woman or relationship that has taken the place that is reserved for God in your life? To whom or what are you committed that prevents you from being completely available to God? THE LESSON FROM MATTHEW 16: 24 …If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me. Undeniably, true love is the most expensive gift that we will ever give to another. Further, it has much less to do about the person doing the loving than the one who is the object of the affection.

Genuine love for God is no exception and will ultimately cost us our lives.

Although Jesus paid it all, we owe him everything. Brothers, are you willing to deny yourself—your pleasures and comforts—to follow God? In Proverbs 3:12 we learn that whom the Lord loves, He also corrects.

But although He chastens us, we must always remember that whom the Lord loves, He also chases. Yes, God’s love caused Him to send His one and only son to die for our sins (John 3: 16), but such love was also demonstrated. Recorded in Matthew 18:11-14, The Parable of the Lost Sheep shows how deeply committed God is to His children. Although a man might have 100 sheep, if he loses one, his love for this lone sheep causes him to leave the 99 in pursuit of the one! And so it is with God: Because He loves us, he actively pursues us. Brothers, although you say that you love God, are you pursuing Him? And, just in case you are worried about serving an elusive and evasive “catch me if you can” God, rest assured that when you desire Him, He has promised to fill you with His spirit (Matthew 5: 6).

In each of these lessons, we are faced with making a choice. If we don’t hunger and thirst for God, it is because we have chosen not to do so. If we don’t want to spend time with Him, likewise, we have chosen this path.

As arguably the most passionate emotion, is your love for God such that it drives all that you do?

Does your love for God cause you to always run towards Him? Brothers, are you into God? Regardless of your response, know this: God is into you.

Dr. Charles Barrett is a school psychologist with Loudoun County Public Schools. He also serves as Ministry Leader for Worship Ministries at Heritage Fellowship Church in Reston, VA.

Charles Barrett

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