Grace&Glory 1
scripture page
Psalm 84:11 (KJV) 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.
1 Corinthians 2:9 (KJV) But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
2 September 2021
Grace&Glory 3
™
September 2021
on the cover: Jackie Epps Owner/Publisher Grace & Glory Magazine www.gracenglorymagazine.org
Cover Story - Chosen to Be a Door pgs 8-12 We are so excited! This month we are celebrating our Anniversary….15 years in publication! We are shining a spotlight on our contributors this month, who help make this magazine what it is today. Also, we looked in the vault and pulled out from the archives some of our most popular articles from the early years to share with you as we look back!
Healthy Soul 16 MONTHLY MANNA
Min. Carenda Deonne
Congrats on 15 Years
22 TRINKETS TO TRIUMPH
Minister Tracey George
Finding a Foundation- Reflections on Four Years
4 September 2021
29 A WOMAN’S PERSPECTIVE
Pastor Rhoda Turner
The Power of Yes
32 JOY BRINGER
Season Bowers
Don't Eat Yellow Paint!
Healthy Mind
13 TO YOUR GOOD HEALTH
Dr. Carla J. Debnam
Congratulations!
Healthy Life
36 HEALTH MATTERS
Dr. Denyce Watties-Daniels
A Look Back
From the Archives 44 WORD ON FINANCES
Dr. Kenneth O. Robinson
It’s Time For Your Financial Breakthrough
48 A WOMAN'S PERSPECTIVE
Cassandra Vaughn
New Beginnings
46 BOOKSHELF
50 MANTALK
Brandie Manigault
Dr. Charles Barrett
Expect A Miracle (Oral Roberts)
GOD Behind The Scenes
In Every Issue Scripture Page........................................ 2 Contributors............................................ 6 From the Editor....................................... 8 Grace&Glory 5
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. Denyce Daniels Rhoda Turner Season Bowers GRAPHIC ARTIST Claire Lesesne www.JandCDesigns.com WEB ADMINISTRATOR Andre Felipe for Arts Period www.artsperiod.com PHOTOGRAPHY Claire Lesesne – Cover Photos
Copyright 2021. All rights reserved. Reproduction without expressed permission is prohibited.
Grace & Glory Magazine is the ideal publication for Encouragement, Empowerment and Inspiration. For advertising and more information contact
410-370-2636 info@gracenglorymagazine.org Follow us on facebook and twitter at: facebook.com/gracenglorymagazine twitter @gracenglorymag Check out our website at: www.gracenglorymagazine.org
6 September 2021 6 September 2021
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. MIN. TRACEY GEORGE Tracey Nicole George is a licensed minister and ordained deacon. 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. MIN. CARENDA DEONNE Min. Carenda was born and raised in Baltimore, MD. She received her BA degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology and is currently pursuing a Master's in Law degree from Regent University. Min. Carenda was licensed to preach in 2007 and has been teaching, preaching, and declaring God's word through the power of love ever since. Min. Carenda is also an author of three books. Her latest book, Perfect Patty Messed Up, is a 40 day devotional that confronts the disorder of perfectionism and opens the door to self forgiveness and restoration. 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. SEASON BOWERS Season Bowers- is a Pastor, radio host, and Joy bringer! After spending over 20 years as a professional actor on stage, the Lord called her into full-time ministry. Season is passionate about releasing freedom and joy to the Glory of God in every way she can everywhere she goes.
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from the editor
Jackie
EPPS
8 September 2021
Owner/Publisher Grace & Glory Magazine
Chosen To Be a
DOOR
Being a door may not sound all that exciting, but I am in total awe of what God has done for Grace & Glory Magazine for 15 years and what He will do to fulfill His purpose. 15 years ago, Grace and Glory Magazine walked through a door and in turn became a door. Let me explain what I mean by that. Metaphorically, a door can be an opportunity or a connecting link between people, places, and things. I heard the concept of a ‘door opening to a door’ explained by Bishop T.D. Jakes, who went on to say, “YOU are a door!” Everyone is given the ability to be a door of opportunity that opens to or for someone or something; and that someone or something then becomes a door of opportunity to do the same. You see, we don’t just walk-through open doors ourselves, but we actually become doors for others to gain access to opportunities for their lives. The door that we, as a magazine, walked through in 2006 was the Grace & Glory Gospel Television show. We started out as a print version of the show five years after the show’s inception. The television show also granted me access through its door making me the producer of the show and subsequently the publisher of Grace & Glory Magazine. Publishing this magazine has given me the opportunity through it, to become a type of door for others to express themselves, their ministries, their businesses, their passions, and their professions. Pastors and Ministries; artists and authors; health professionals and educators; and business leaders and entrepreneurs have all graced the pages of the magazine over the years. Throughout my media career I have been content to work in the background, behind the scenes and just be a link or connection for others; so, I always saw myself as just ‘a connector’. That was until I heard the
revelation of being a door that opens to a door. I believe it was no accident this magazine landed in my hands, though quite frankly I have often wondered why I was chosen, there were certainly those who were more qualified, but it is God who qualifies us and makes us fit for His purpose. Even though I had no formal training in journalism or running a magazine, it has been my persistent faith in God that He would always equip me with the tools, knowledge, and grace that I would need to publish this magazine. We have heard many times that God knows the plans He has for our lives, and I must say He is always working His plan. As I reflect on the last 15 years, there have been many ups, downs, and almost level to the ground moments. We have been up on the mountaintop as well as down in the valley. We know what it is like to not know which way to go, particularly last year during the pandemic. As hard as the pandemic was for all industries, the pandemic became an unexpected door for us to walk through that birthed us into the current version of ourselves, which is the online digital publication. No doubt, if we were to look at all that has transpired over the years, one might ask the question, “What is going to happen next?” Regardless of what is going on around us, we will always look to God for the answer to, “What is next?” And we will continue to hold fast to the mission of Grace & Glory Magazine to be a door for our contributors and supporters to encourage, inspire, and educate. We have been blessed to have a steady flow of talented contributors over the years; licensed health professionals, educators,
financial advisors, life coaches, fitness experts and bloggers have shared their gifts with our audience faithfully each month. Many of our contributors have been with the magazine for several years and our longest running contributor is Dr. Carla Debnam, who has been with the magazine for over 10 years and writes our mental health column To Your Good Health. This month we are welcoming a new writer, Season Bowers, to our team of contributors. Season is a pastor, radio host, author, and Joy bringer. Through the years our foundation has been covering Pastor anniversaries and retirements, Clergy elevations, new ministries, conferences, and gospel industry news, to covering health & wellness, education, and social interest stories. It is with persistent faith that we look forward to continuing to cover all these stories, events, and topics as we keep walking through doors to see what God has in store for this magazine. It is He who opened a door for this magazine, and it is He who also made this magazine to be a door for countless others. To God Be The Glory!
♦♦♦ Editor’s note: I would like to personally thank the Pastors, clergy, ministries, community leaders, artists, and educational institutions that have graced our pages throughout these 15 years; and we are grateful to all the advertisers who have supported the magazine. To our audience and followers, we thank you and appreciate your love and support. A special thank you to our graphic designer, Claire Lesesne (J&C Designs), who has been with us for more than 10 years and doesn’t mind wearing a different hat every now and then. Grace&Glory 9
Celebrating its 15th Anniversary! Grace & Glory Magazine - Contributors We would like to thank all of our contributors past and present who have been with us over the last 15 years. We have been blessed to have them as monthly contributors and we thank God for each of them. May God bless each of them for what they have poured out and shared with our readers over the last 15 years!
Dr. Carla Debnam Renaissance Christian Center To Your Good Health
Carenda Deonne Monthly Manna
Pastor Rhoda Turner Christian Faith Fellowship Church A Woman's Perspective
Tracey Nicole George Trinkets to Triumph
Dr. Denyce Watties Daniels Coppin State University Health Matters
Dr. Kenneth O. Robinson DreamLife Worship Center The Word on Finances
10 September 2021
Dr. Tim Tooten Harvest Christian Ministries Education Digest
Rev. Angela Burden Nurse Nurse’s Corner
Bishop Frank M. Reid III 3rd Episcopal District of the AME Church Relationships
Herline L. Knights, RD,LD Nutrition & You
Jamison ‘Jae’ Boykin His to Him
Dr. Harold A. Carter, Jr New Shiloh Baptist Church Carter’s Commentary
Cassandra Vaughn A Woman’s Perspective
Donna Williams Ross Word of Encouragement
Tiffany Bethea A Woman’s Perspective Grace&Glory 11
Ericka Johnson Gospel Industry News
Ruth Young Tyler Single Life
Bishop Greg & Pastor Tonya Dennis Kingdom Worship Center Teen Connect
Dr. Charles Barrett Psychologist Man Talk
Tyniece Pack Single Life
Pastor Timothy & Bishop Shirley Stanfill Kingdom Word & Worship Cathedral Keep The Fire Burning
Dr. Monique Flemings Single Life
Brandie Manigault Bookshelf
Charles ‘Chizelit’ Harris Fitness Expert
12 September 2021
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14 September 2021
Dr. Carla
to your good health
DEBNAM
CONGRATUL ATIONS We are called to rejoice with those who rejoice. And this is a season of rejoicing. It has been a privilege being able to encourage and expose people to mental health topics over these past several years. One of my first articles that Grace and Glory published was “Why Are Our Children So Angry?”. From then on, I have been able to share and touch the lives of people I may never meet. That is what I enjoy the most about being a part of the Grace and Glory family. Being a valued part of this publication has helped me grow personally and spiritually. Grace and Glory has been a platform where I could develop as a writer and reach many people that would not come to my office or to the church building. This is not only about the magazine, but this is about the visionary, Jacqueline Epps, who took what God placed in her and shared it with others. Her interest in communicating to people from all walks of life with differing interests was often highlighted throughout the years. Many ministries, churches and businesses benefitted from patronizing and supporting Grace and Glory. They have kept up with the times and been Carlain Debnam, a beacon of light for many to follow. Keep opening doors and sharing the gifts and talents ofDr.those the Founder, Renaissance Christian Grace and Glory community. Counseling Center Founder, Renaissance Christian Counseling Center Grace&Glory 15
C
monthly manna
Min. Carenda Deonne
16 September September 2021 16 2021
C
s t a r ong
My heart is overjoyed to celebrate 15 years with Grace and Glory Magazine. I remember when I first saw the publication. I said to myself, “WOW!” I would read the issue from front to back. I said to myself, “One day I am going to write for this magazine.” Well look at God! Today, I am not only a contributing writer, but I also have a beautiful connection with my dear sister, Jackie Epps. The thought of it leaves me speechless.
15 On
alignment with your purpose. When you do that, you don’t look at things as being a burden or chore, but rather heartfelt and endearing.
I can with confidence say that my life and sisterhood has never been the same since connecting with Jackie Epps and Grace and Glory Magazine. I remember when I had the opportunity to come on the show and discuss my latest book, Perfect Patty Messed Up. I am so grateful that I became a The energy was so warm and part of a vision that aligns with inviting, and everything was done my purpose and destiny. Its been with the spirit of excellence. at least three years now, and the journey has been amazing. I not That’s one thing I love about only write creatively, but I write being a part of Grace and Glory focused and committed to share Magazine. The vision is not what God puts on my heart. I delivered half-baked, or under can do that freely with Grace and cooked. No, every publication Glory Magazine, and it’s such a and broadcast are done with poise, blessing. professionalism, and excellence. There is no way you can sustain I tell my women’s group, P.H.S. fifteen years operating in kayos (Prospering Healthy Souls) or confusion and still thrive! I you never want to connect your don’t just enjoy writing for the name to something just because? magazine, but I also love reading No, make sure you have clarity the other articles from anointed and make sure that whatever men and women of God! As a you connect your name to is in matter of fact, many have become
Years
a focal point for my vision board. I personally can say that I have grown spiritually being connected to this amazing visionary and vision. When I was going though my own health challenges, divorce and financial hardship, Grace and Glory has helped me to stay encouraged and not lose faith in Christ. I have set my own personal health and wellness goals and discovered what it means to build an intimate relationship with Christ by being a writer and a reader! I can only imagine what the next fifteen years will bring! I am so glad that Jackie did not quit but said YES to God. I know that lives have been transformed and souls have been saved through this awesome publication and will continue to do so. I also know there is a higher level of acquisition and attainment yet to come, and all we must do is OBEY and BELIEVE! Congrats on 15 years! Challenging Women to Embrace Change Your #1 Change Agent www.carendadeonne.com
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18 September 2021
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20 September 2021
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trinkets to triumph
Tracey
GEORGE 22 September September2021 2021 22
FINDING A FOUNDATION
R
Congratulations and cheers for 15 years! Grace and Glory Magazine has been providing inspiration, encouragement, and has been a blessing to the Baltimore Metropolitan Area as a faith-based lifestyle magazine for 15 years. The good news is the best is yet to come! Anyone who has had an opportunity to read even just one article is guaranteed to be refreshed, revived, and ready to run to receive all that the Lord has in store for their life.
I have had the privilege to contribute to Grace and Glory Magazine since March 2017. I can vividly remember my first encounter with Grace and Glory Magazine many years ago. I recall seeing Dr. Jamal Bryant on the cover announcing that he found his “good thing” when he married Gizelle Bryant. Fast forward a few years later, I remember inquiring about the article submission process with the magazine’s graphic artist, Claire Lesesne. At the time, the magazine had no openings for other writers. A few years later, I received an email from Claire stating that Jackie, the publisher, and editor-in-chief of the magazine, was looking for new writers and asked if I knew anyone that would like to join the editorial staff. I told Claire to let Jackie know that I would be interested in
s n o i fe lect our Years on F
contributing to Grace and Glory Magazine and the rest is history. Four years later, I have consistently contributed to each issue.
One word comes to mind when I think of my experience with Grace and Glory Magazine, foundation. Grace and Glory Magazine has given me the opportunity to lay a foundation for my writing ministry, Trinkets to Triumph, which is a Biblically based blog designed to edify and encourage individuals with a “trinket” of encouragement to triumph over their angst, motivate individuals to recognize who they are in Christ, and to edify individuals to achieve living their best life. Contributing to the magazine has taught me four foundations that I will use to continue to build my ministry on: 1. Dream – Dare to D.R.E.A.M.! The acronym I created, “Dreams Really Eventually Appear Manifested,” was proved with this opportunity. It assured me that my gift would make room for me (Proverbs 18:16). It assured me that my dream may be delayed but God will not deny an opportunity to give me the desires of my heart (Psalm 37:4). Claire trusted my integrity to refer me to Jackie and Jackie believed in and supported my dream.
2. Discipline – Contributing to each issue has propelled me to research and write on a regular basis and to increase my search through the scriptures to come up with fresh ideas for articles and social media posts. 3. Dedication – Contributing to each issue has given me the opportunity to show my dedication, faithfulness, and commitment to my craft, and to win souls for Christ. 4. Deadlines – Contributing to each issue has taught me the importance of deadlines. I have adopted the “no excuses” mentality and made every effort to complete every assignment, no matter what is going on, on time. If I may conclude my reflections with a fifth foundation, decree. I decree and declare, in Jesus’s name, bountiful blessings for Grace and Glory Magazine. The best days are ahead. It is my prayer that God expands our reach and gives Jackie and the entire staff of Grace and Glory Magazine fresh insight. My foundation is solid, and I am ready to build and continue to branch out. I am forever grateful to Jackie, Claire, and especially my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for this opportunity to share Trinkets to Triumph. Blessings and cheers for many more years! Grace&Glory 23 23 Grace&Glory
24 September 2021
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26 September 2021
CORPORATE SPONSORSHIP ACCEPTED
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28 September 2021
The Power of Yes
a woman’s perspective
Pastor Rhoda Turner
After the article was released, I was asked to be a guest author for one of the upcoming months. I submitted an article, and what started out as me just being a guest writer turned into a more consistent writing role. It went from a one-off article to me having a monthly column entitled “A Woman’s Perspective”. ...It has been an amazing journey thus far. This magazine has caused me to open up and become vocal. It was an answered prayer. What Ms. Jackie didn’t know was that I was in a conversation with God in a repented …… would be Yes! The next call that I received was from Grace and Glory about being a guest writer. For one moment I paused and almost tricked myself out of giving the “Yes” that I had just committed to giving.
Grace and Glory has been a blessing to my life as well as my ministry. This is my story… This is how I was inducted into the Grace and Glory Magazine family. A little over two years ago I was approached by one of the contributing write Grace and Glory has been a blessing to my life as well as my ministry. This is my story… This is how I was inducted into the Grace and Glory Magazine family. A little over two years ago I was approached by one of the contributing writers at the time, Brandie Manigault, who asked me if my husband and I would like to be featured in a magazine. The offer consisted of us doing an interview about our church and why we decided to go into Pastoring. We were elated and said Yes!
However, I said Yes to Ms. Jackie and Grace and Glory Magazine over 2 or 3 years ago and it’s giving me such great confidence. Saying “Yes” to this opportunity has placed me on platforms in different forms. It’s given me the courage to have my own Women’s Conference. Saying “Yes” to Grace and Glory Magazine helped me find my voice; the voice that I lost a long time ago. I’m grateful for her taking a chance on me and believing in me when I didn’t believe in myself. ...Ms. Jackie, I appreciate you and I’m thankful for your belief in me and my ability. What a blessing to have a magazine that’s been in business for 15 years. Biblically, the number 15 means rest. Ms. Jackie … … in knowing that you are doing the work of the Lord. Rest in knowing that you are not finished, and that God has so much more in store for you. Rest in knowing that God has a great reward for your obedience. THANK YOU for saying Yes! Christian Faith Fellowship Church Chandler, AZ | www.cffaz.org
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Charlene Sparks, RN BSN Founder of Women With Vision , Inc. NC
Caregiver Destiny Helpers is a movement of Caregivers around the world impacting lives spiritually, mentally and physically. It's all about Embracing, Empowering, and Elevating each other. As a member of Women with Vision Inc. NC, you have selected to connect with women who are rich in spirit. You will have the opportunity to bless others while pursuing your personal journey and gain opportunities for professional growth and development.
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joy bringer
Season
BOWERS 32 32 September September2021 2021
Don’t Eat YELLOW PAINT
Vincent van Gogh is one of the most famous and important artists in history. In just over a decade he created over 2100 pieces of art! His life was marked by difficulty and pain. He struggled with depression and anxiety, even psychotic episodes, one that led him to cut off his own ear. He tried many things to help himself feel better; including spending time as a missionary, but painting was his passion. Towards the end of his short life his style became more bold and colorful. As a part of his love and devotion to the Lord he filled his paintings with the color yellow. He believed it represented the glory of God and that yellow was the color of joy. Rumor has it that while in a mental institution he began to eat yellow paint. It is said that he thought it would help his insides become more joyful, colored in joy like his paintings. Don’t eat yellow paint! I realize that may sound silly, but the truth is we consume all manner of things in the search for joy. We spend a lot of time, effort, even money, trying to get our fix of joy, and you know what we end up with? Fleeting moments of happiness that leave us unsatisfied. But it isn’t necessary. There is an abundant and never ending source of joy available to us through a relationship with Jesus. Joy is your inheritance. It’s free with your “yes” and carries the strength to accomplish more than you know. The Word of God presents thousands of promises, Proverbs 16:20 is one of them, “Those who trust in the Lord will be joyful” (emphasis added). When you received Jesus and were born again, you came into an inheritance that includes an abundance of joy. 1 Peter 2:8-9 says, “You believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” Peter makes an awfully presumptuous statement! You believe, therefore you are filled with inexpressible and glorious joy. Can you agree with that? Is your joy inexpressible and glorious? Odds are it may fall short of that description.
So why was he so bold in saying so? Peter lived with Jesus. He knew first-hand what it felt like to walk with Jesus. In fact, he was even re-named by Jesus. Talk about being born again! He understood that new life in Jesus and joy goes hand in hand. His personal experience was so powerful that he was able to confidently make such a bold statement. For Peter, it wasn’t a crazy assumption or fantasy, he knew without a doubt that life with Jesus led to inexpressible and glorious joy. In his letter Peter goes on to say that joy comes from receiving the end result of your faith right now; not eventually when things work out, or when you get enough of (fill in the blank), but now. And you don’t have to wait to get to heaven, when things are perfect to get the good stuff! Joy in abundance is your re-birth right. If you are born again you get it now. Freedom from the bondage of sin and the power and presence of the living God inside of you brings inexpressible joy. The enemy doesn’t want you to collect your inheritance. He wants you to believe that because of your past, your personality, or your pain, joy isn't for you. Joy is for you because Jesus is for you. Don't eat yellow paint; instead let Jesus color your world with joy. Joyfully, Season Bowers Pastor, Author, Radio Host, Joy bringer 619-807-8509 Follow the joy at seasonbowers.com Instragram, Facebook
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34 September 2021
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health matters
Dr. Denyce Watties-Daniels Assistant Professor at Coppin State University I enjoy writing for Grace and Glory magazine. It's my pleasure to bring quality and pertinent health and wellness information to readers in Baltimore and the surrounding area. I try to present information that meets our readers' interests and aligns with our community's health concerns. Writing is inherent to my job as an associate professor at Coppin State University. I've authored several articles in professional journals. I enjoy writing for Grace and Glory the most because I know I am reaching a vital community.
Greetings and congratulations to Jackie Epps and the entire Grace and Glory team for producing an outstanding magazine for 15 years! This is a remarkable feat that is worthy of celebrating. I began writing for Grace and Glory magazine approximately two years ago. I volunteered to write a health and wellness column for the magazine to help and support my friend Jackie. I am a nurse with over 30 years of experience as a critical care (ICU) and medical-surgical clinical specialist. Since beginning in 2019, I've written over twenty articles on topics from screening breast cancer and hypertension to wearing a mask during the Covid-19 pandemic. I consult professional journals and websites for each article to report the most accurate and current information possible.
I am a proud alumna of the Coppin State University, Helene Fuld School of Nursing. I also hold a master's degree and a doctoral degree from the University of Maryland School of Nursing. I am thrilled to teach at my alma mater. I enjoy teaching beginning nursing students pathophysiology and pharmacology-what a fantastic way to give back to my school and my community. I have a widening interest in the health of our community. I serve on a state-level subcommittee to develop strategies to reduce the impact of the social determinants of health of people of color. I look forward to sharing these ideas with the readers of Grace and Glory. Congratulations Jackie! You are an awesome producer. I look forward to working with you in the years ahead. DWatties-Daniels@coppin.edu healthytips025@gmail.com
36 September 2021
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38 September 2021
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graphic designer
Hello, my name is Claire Lesesne, I have been the graphic designer for Grace & Glory Magazine since 2009. At that time, I was working with Powerhouse 3 Enterprises, Inc, a faith-based Christian Promotional Company, that brought gospel recording artist CeCe Winans to Harford County. I was in charge of all media advertising for the concert and produced CeCe Winan's program book. I was later contacted by St. James AME Church to design another gospel artist, Yolanda Adam's program book when she performed at Aberdeen Proving Ground's Wounded Warrior Event. These were my first experiences designing any Christian-type publications. Someone showed Jackie Epps the CeCe Winan's program book, because at that time she was looking for a graphic designer, so she contacted me and told me about Grace & Glory Magazine and her need for a designer. She offered me the position; I was honored, and I accepted. Jackie and I work great together as a team. She takes great pride in her magazine and is just as much a perfectionist as I am. She challenges me at times for my own good. She is my 2nd pair of eyes and helps me to improve myself and my designs.
Claire LESESNE 40 40 September September2021 2021
Sometimes when I am laying out the magazine, I get so caught up in reading the articles as I go along. They can be a distraction because they are so good, it's easy to forget what my purpose is. The contributors in Grace & Glory have great ability to affirm and recommend God to the readers who may be struggling in certain areas of their life, including myself. This is a form of praise and worship for the writer. The articles in this publication are always encouraging when you need to hear a "Word" that God would want you to hear. Lastly, Mark 16:15 says, "And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation." This is what Grace & Glory Magazine does and I am humbled to be a part of the team who professes God's Word and fulfilling its purpose. I know that Grace & Glory will survive for many more years to come, because this magazine is doing just what God wanted Jackie to do.
♦♦♦ Claire Lesesne is owner and graphic designer for J&C Designs. She has over 40 years of experience and knowledge in the design and print industry. Claire has been noted for her eye-catching graphic artwork for such projects as The Women's Journals, Powerhouse3 Christian Entertainment, the U.S. Navy's Public Affairs Newspaper and many more. She received a design award from the NAACP for designing their yearly conference publications. Her first experience with newspaper layout was at the National Newspaper Association in Washington DC, laying out Publisher's Auxiliary, known as the "Bible of the Newspaper Industry." Since then, she has worked on over 10 different newspapers in the US and abroad as well as other media print, brochures, posters, and many of the church flyers you see in Grace & Glory Magazine. Owner/Graphic Designer, J&C Designs info@jandcdesigns.com / 443-600-9722
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From the Archives - Word on Finances - May 2010
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From the Archives - Bookshelf - February 2012
Book Shelf Expect a Miracle Oral Roberts Do you want to read a story about a faith journey; not a faith walk but a faith journey? Do you want to know what it’s like to go from one level of the call of God to the next level? Do you want to read a triumphant story of a man who overcame adversities and challenges that should have kept him down but who ended up being one of the greatest Giants in the Faith? Expect a Miracle by Oral Roberts is the book that will address all of that as well as take your faith to the next level. Expect a Miracle is an autobiography about the life and ministry of Oral Roberts. It’s a story about a stuttering little preacher’s kid born to carry out his parents’ faith, expectancy and belief in miracles. Oral Roberts attributes his success in life to his ability to hear God when He speaks and to obey. His commitment and dedication to obeying the voice of God put strains on his relationships both personal and professional. Expect a Miracle shows how friendships and relationships can be tested and tried, but the ones that are meant to survive will do just that; survive. One of the most memorable chapters in the book is “Make No Little Plans Here”. Oral Roberts discusses how he navigated successfully from being the groundbreaking, monumental healing evangelist, laying hands and praying for over 1.5 million sick people, to becoming the founder and president of the leading charismatic University of the 20th Century. He shares how during this process he had never felt more alone as he had to face to face with the reality of his board of directors threatening to leave. You have to read the rest of the chapter to find out what exactly happens. Let’s just say everyone knew where everyone stood with each other when this fateful meeting was over. In 1963 Oral Roberts opened the doors to Oral Roberts University. The Lord spoke to Oral the words that every student commits 46 September 2021
by Brandie Manigault
to memory and heart: “Raise up your students to hear My voice, to go where My light is dim, where My voice is heard small, and My healing power is not known, even to the uttermost bounds of the earth. Their work will exceed yours, and in this I am well pleased.” Expect a Miracle will, if you allow it, cause you to explore every area of your life. You will examine your relationship with your friends. Can they go to the next level with you as you change or are they just for this season? You will look at your relationship with God; will you obey when it’s not comfortable? If you have children, are you praying for them, are you leaving a legacy for them to carry on? This book will encourage every parent who has a child who seemingly is not living the life you raised them to live. The seeds planted
in their lives, the messages they have heard, the prayers that they have had prayed over them will ring in their ears until they have no choice but to look to Jesus. Mothers who are praying for their children will find comfort in knowing that their prayers don’t go unheard by God. This is noted as Oral Roberts talks about his spunky mother, Mrs. Priscilla Roberts, who never stopped praying for him. As a graduate of Oral Roberts University, I was amazed as I read this book to see the story behind the man who was once my Chancellor. To read the journey he went on in order to impact my life as a student, and to know that my “works will exceed his” because of his obedience made me realize in a greater way that someone’s destiny is directly linked to my obedience to the voice of God today. I HIGHLY recommend Expect a Miracle to everyone. It’s not a book for one particular audience. It goes beyond denominations, race, age, sex, and any cultural barrier to speak to everyone on every level. Go get it.
About The Author
Oral Roberts U.S. Evangelist (1918-2009) – The son of a Pentecostal
preacher, he underwent a conversion experience in 1935. He spent 12 years as a pastor in several towns in the South and built up his own organization, the Pentecostal Holiness Church. He studied at Oklahoma Baptist College (1943 – 45), emerging as a Methodist. Claiming direct communications from God, he began an itinerant ministry of faith healing in the late 1940s. The Oral Roberts Evangelistic Association, based in Tulsa, Okla., became the parent organization for other endeavors, including a publishing firm. Roberts became known for his luxurious way of life. From the 1950s he reached wide audiences through radio and television. In 1963 he founded Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, and in the early 21st century he continued his association with the university, holding the office of chancellor. www.gracenglorymagazine.org 19
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From the Archives - A Woman's Perspective - May 2009
New Beginnings
a woman’s perspective
Every year we go through a summer filled of vacations, cookouts and other gatherings. The summer winds down and in September we prepare our lives for New Beginnings, new school years, new atmosphere at work and a new attitude for us. In all of the new beginnings that we make do we ever bother to consult God for direction on our New Beginning? With God, in our lives each moment we have a chance for a new beginning. With God as the head of our lives, the foundation is layed for us to have a new beginning, that is the blessing that God gives his children. I challenge you as you decide on the direction that you want your life to take that this time you ask God for his guidance and allow him to be the captain of your ship. It is important that we make God and His Word a priority in our lives. God provides everything that we need on our journey to travel the road to our full potential in life. You see God provides us with the road map of life it is up to us to stay on the path. Sometimes we make unnecessary detours in pursuit of hope and happiness that we perceive as correct that just lead us to dead end situations. However God provides the light we need on our road. The best way to travel a positive route is to allow God to give us direction, guidance, and encouragement along the way.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path.” Ps 119:105
I encourage you as you make your decision to start your day with prayer. Ask God for that New beginning and clear vision to travel daily. Our deeds from the day before through Christ and His love are forgiven each time we start the day in prayer. In a sense we are asking God to allow us a fresh start , and He does. That Easy button that we are always looking for to redo our lives , I got one better it is called the love of Jesus Christ . When all else fails and everyone else judges, there is one that will not . . . God gives you that extra chance or new beginning.
Until next time. .. Stay Focused, Stay Strong, Experience Life at its fullest but most of all, Stay In Love with God. 48 September 2021
Cassandra Vaughn-Fox Out Foxed Media www.outfoxedmedia.org www.gracenglorymagazine.org
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From the Archives - Man Talk - September 2014
Knowing that God desires to have a personal and intimate relationship with us is fundamental to the Christian experience. Central to this relationship is communication: God is always speaking. But not only is He continually speaking to us, His children, God is committed to speaking to us in ways that we can understand. In fact, it is for this reason that Christ often spoke to His disciples and those whom He encountered using parables—short stories that conveyed significant spiritual truths very clearly and succinctly. The same remains true today: God is committed to using anything to reveal important spiritual truths for our lives. Personally speaking, in working for a public school system, The Lord spoke to me through the simple experience of summer vacation. Each year, children across the breadth of the United States anticipate, with great expectation, the closing of the school year. For some, the days of May and June are merely unnecessary annoyances to blissful summer days and endless summer nights. But while well-deserved summer vacations are certainly necessary for rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation, I invite you to consider the spiritual significance of what is happening during recess from books, bells, assignments, and exams. From the moment one school year ends until the opening of another, there is constant and consistent preparation. Physically, classrooms are being cleaned and old and dilapidated furniture is being removed only to be replaced by new desks, new chairs, and freshly shampooed rugs. Walls receive fresh coats of paint and floors are waxed to perfection. While some staff members receive the unfortunate news that they will no longer enjoy the benefits of employment, others are reassigned to make better use of their talent and engage in professional development activities to learn about effective strategies and other cutting edge advancements in their respective areas of interest. Perhaps ironically, all of these things happen unbeknownst to the boys and girls who are the primary recipients that will reap the benefits of all of this preparation from the moment they grace the thresholds of school buildings in the fall. Even when they excitedly arrive on the first day to spotless buildings, curriculum adjustments, new initiatives, programs and even people who will work with them, they have no idea that an entire system—a well-oiled machine—has been working—feverishly and tirelessly—behind the scenes all for their benefit. Spiritually speaking, the encouragement for the Body of Christ is simple, yet worth mentioning. God, in spite of our present circumstances, is always working behind the scenes. Although we may not see Him or recognize that He is moving people and shifting situations, we take courage in knowing that He is working all things together for our benefit (Romans 8:28). But knowing this, what are we to do when we find ourselves in these frustrating situations in which we are waiting on The Lord? I trust that the two ideas shared below will be a source of encouragement and strength. 50 September 2021
In Galatians 5:22-23, the fruit (significantly singular) of the spirit is described, which is our Christian character. Having been born again, every believer has a measure of each aspect of the fruit (i.e., love, joy, peace, patience, etc.). The Christian life, however, is a process as we continually grow and mature in our relationship with God. For this reason, as He is working behind the scenes, God is developing and refining our Christian character. How does He do this? Well, to develop patience in our lives, He gives us situations in which we must exercise the patience that we already have, which in turn strengthens it over time. To increase our faith, He places us in situations in which we must trust Him and practice the faith that we have already been given so that it ultimately grows. As we wait, know that the work that God is doing behind the scenes has purpose and we will be better having endured the process. Further still, The Lord is preparing us for things that we cannot see. It is certainly understandable to become somewhat impatient with God as we are waiting for His plan prophesied to become His plan actualized in our lives. Having read and received His promises of what He desires to accomplish in our lives, it is natural to ask, but when, Lord? How long am I supposed to trust you and wait for your promises to become reality in my life? In these moments of human frustration know that your ways are not God’s ways, especially as it relates to time (Isaiah 55:8-9; II Peter 3:8). Let’s consider, for example, God’s plan for Joseph to be second in command in Egypt and David’s eventual position as king over Israel. These things did not happen immediately but instead took many, many years to be fulfilled. Similarly, we must learn a series of important lessons that will better prepare us to effectively negotiate the demands of our predestined position in The Kingdom. God, in his infinite wisdom and love for us, will not allow us to prematurely enter into His prepared place for our lives. Rest assured, there are circumstances, that we presently cannot see, in which we will be grateful for the extra time God spent working behind the scenes on our behalf! I encourage you to take comfort knowing that the God who sees all things and knows all things is always working on your behalf. Because we live by faith rather than what we see with our natural eyes or understand with our finite minds (II Corinthians 5:7), even when we might not discern that God is there, we know that He is an ever present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1)—one who is working behind the scenes for you and for me.
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, Virginia.
Dr. Charles Barrett
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