HeartSongs Magazine-Winter 2012 Issue by Stephanie Lyas

The Magazine for Inspiration and Life

The Magazine for Inspiration and Life HeartSongs Magazine c/o HeartSongs Publications Unlimited P.O. Box 59763 Birmingham, AL 35259-9763 205-943-2518

This publication is copyrighted. All Rights Reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or transmitted without the expressed written permission of the Editor. Please contact the authors directly for permission to reprint, distribute or re-publish their work. All material is re-printed with permission. Photo Credits: FRS Photography, Master Art Collection and Various Artists All Rights Reserved

FREELANCE WRITERS WELCOME HeartsSongs Magazine is currently accepting submissions of original high quality content for future issues. If you are interested in having your work published with us please contact us at via email at heartsongsmag@gmai.com for submission guidelines and information.

SUBSCRIBE TO HEARTSONGS MAGAZINE To order contact: HeartSongs Publishing Unlimited, P.O. Box 59763/Birmingham, AL 35259-9763 Phone & Fax: 205-943-2518 Email: heartsongsmag@gmail.com $30.00 Annually/Quarterly $49.00 2-year Subscription Discounts available for bulk subscriptions

The Magazine for Inspiration and Life

ON THE COVER 6 15 9

De-Clutter Now! - Helpful Solutions for Organizing Your Space and Your Life Footprints of Faith– by Tessy Fuller Power Tools for Success

Relationships: Love Means Letting Go of Fear

Don’t Stop Believing– by Curtis D. Mincey

IN EVERY ISSUE 13

What's Cookin’ in the Cafe

A Message From the Editor

A Free Gift for You

Love Notes from Heaven

Make Room for God Life is just busy and complicated-especially during the holidays. I’m probably slightly wrong for thinking it, but I was glad when the holidays were over. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a wonderful time of the year– there’s just so much going on that the days just seem fly by. As if work and home life were not enough, add in all the shopping, visiting with friends, mailing Christmas cards, baking cookies, cleaning, packing , laundry, travel, entertaining friends, wrapping gifts, plays, pageants and programs. It’s enough to send the calmest person running for the hills! But wait! Isn’t Christmas supposed to be about Christ? When did He lose His place in all the mayhem? My guess is when we decided to make Christmas more about toys, gadgets, parties an gifts and less about the greatest Gift ever given to men. There ‘s nothing wrong with exchanging gifts and gathering with family and friends, but we should never be so caught up in those things that we lose focus on the real Reason for celebrating. I’m reminded in the midst of the “stuff of life” to settle down, find a quiet place in my heart that is only reserved for God. Each day, my goal is to intentionally carve out time on my schedule to connect with Him in prayer, praise and time in His Word. All of the other stuff, while important in its own way, pales in comparison to that. This season and in every season in life, let us remember that Jesus Christ is the Reason why we have life. Let us remember to be living examples of the love of God to our fellow men every day of the year. Let us be conscious of those times when we tend to edge God out and replace Him with other things. And let us not be like the innkeepers in Bethlehem, who simply could not find a place for the King of Kings to dwell. May we never take for granted the awesome privilege of connecting with Him in a personal way. Let every heart prepare Him room.

Happy New Year! I hope yours has started off great. I believe this year holds the promise of newness all around- new ideas, new goals, new opportunities and new love for those who are seeking it. Now is the perfect time for a “reset” as we embark upon the next 365 days! No matter what happened last year, we can look forward to a fresh start in 2013, “forgetting what is behind us and reaching forward to what is ahead.” (Phil. 3:13). While looking forward is important, we must also remember that the past also serves a purpose. We don’t forget in terms of erasing it entirely from our memories, but we forget in the sense of not allowing the past to determine our future. Stephanie Lyas, Founding Editor HeartSongs Magazine

This is the year to be all God has designed for you to be. You have what it takes. Keep your eyes fixed on the goal, stay prayerful, and learn from your mistakes, because you will make some along the way. Just like the character Chris in one of my favorite movies, “The Pursuit of Happyness” you must persevere through trials and obstacles in order to receive life’s greatest rewards. I believe that the road to happiness lies in three basic principles: 1). find what interests you and what you can do well, 2). put your whole soul into it -every bit of energy and natural ability you have, and 3). yield it to God. You will be amazed at what awesome things you can accomplish!

CONTACT US HeartSongs Magazine c/o HeartSongs Publishing Unlimited Stephanie Lyas, Founder P.O. Box 59763 Birmingham, AL 35259-9763

I pray that this year will be one of abundant blessings, hope, encouragement, and growth for you. I also pray that HeartSongs Magazine will be a small part of that process. Thanks always for your love and continued support. Faithfully yours,

Stephanie

Founding Editor, HeartSongs Magazine

De-Clutter Now!

Helpful Solutions for Organizing Your Space and Your Life

by Stephanie Lyas To be organized is vital to a happy home life. Sure, things get misplaced or tossed aside when we get in a hurry, but when there’s an uncontrolled mess all the time it is difficult to function efficiently. It has been said that a person’s surroundings tell a lot about what may be going on inside them. Whether it is true or not, organization certainly helps a person think and behave in a more productive manner. So how can you reduce clutter? Here’s how: CLOSETS At home, start with your closet. Typically, closets are designed to store items and keep them neat and arranged, but how many times have we simply tossed items in there to get them out of sight? It’s okay to utilize your storage space for that reason, but the point is not to pack as many items in there as possible for the sake of hiding them from view. The goal is to maximize the storage space by only storing items that are actually useful and necessary. I like to use the A-B-C method when it comes to de-cluttering my closets.

shirts and dark colored skirts together. That way, you’ll save time by going directly to what you want instead of scrambling through the mix of shirts, jeans, and jackets. If clothing is out of style, the wrong size, in need of repair or just something you don’t wear anymore, toss it. Make room for what you really want. Buy some clear stackable bins to label and place on the shelves or the floor. Use them for items like purses, tote bags, belts, scarves and other accessories. You can find them at discount stores for a reasonable price-especially after the holidays. Chunk stuff that you haven’t worn in years, or even months-especially if you are constantly buying new items. I like to use what I call the “3 to 1” Rule. For every item I purchase, I donate or share 3 of the same types of items to decrease clutter. That way, my wardrobe stays current, my closets are decluttered and I help others. A note on donating: Only give items that are gently used and in good condition (i.e. clean, free of holes and tears, and in wearable condition). The Golden Rule always applies when it comes to giving.

Arrange items in your closet by type and color. For example, hang all your white

MAGAZINES, NEWSPAPERS, PRINT MEDIA With the internet and modern technology, print magazines and newspapers will probably soon be a thing of the past. Until that time comes, we’ll have to deal with the stacks of magazines that have collected over the years. If you must have that article or recipe simply cut it out and place it in a binder. Then, recycle the magazine or newspaper. Better yet, go green. Scan the article and save it to your computer or removable storage device for future reference.

MAXIMIZING SMALL SPACES If you have a small space, consider using storage solutions that are both stylish and functional. For example a wicker ottoman can double as a storage bin and a trendy piece of furniture. An entertainment center with storage space can hold much more than music and DVDs. Use that space to store toys, board games, power cords, small electronics, accessories and much more! © Stephanie Lyas. All Rights Reserved.

by Melissa Martin

Do you suffer with family stress? Take this quiz to find the answer. 1. a. b. c. d.

Is your home more like: a zoo a hospital a correctional institution a relaxing resort

2. a. b. c. d.

Is family mealtime more like: a festival a hockey game a funeral a relaxing picnic

3. a. b. c. d.

Is the morning bathroom routine more like: a fraternity party American gladiators an army drill a relaxing ritual

4. a. b. c. d.

Are the family weekends more like: a rock concert a riot a platoon inspection a relaxing vacation

Now, add up your score. If you find many of the A-letters in your score, the family is having too much fun and needs more rules. If you find many of the B-letters, your family interaction is too intense and conflict management is needed. If you find many of the C-letters, your family has too many rules and regulations and needs to lighten up. If you picked all D-letters, Congratulations! You have the only perfect family in America and you're suffering with delusions of grandeur! The key to reducing family stress is to cultivate a balance based on mutual respect, forgiveness, and taking turns. Conflict is a part of life, but the key is learning how to solve problems without excessive anger, yelling, calling names, and attacking each other's character flaws. Family communication is based on listening, talking calmly, and having a concrete plan for settling disputes. Putting humor in the family is a positive way to reduce stress! ÂŠ Melissa Martin. All Rights Reserved Melissa writes about the God and human connection and condition.

Find pleasure in simple things. Make the most of your circumstances.

Don’t take yourself too seriously. Know that you can’t please everybody.

Be yourself. Don’t let others set your standards. Do things you enjoy doing.

Don’t worry about the past, present or future. Avoid people who make you unhappy.

Develop many interests. Keep busy at something.

Don’t brood over mistakes.

Find balance between serving others and serving yourself.

Smart Money

by Stephanie Lyas We can all agree that money is often hard to come by and even harder to keep. Wise consumers are constantly searching for ways to stretch their dollar in these tough economic times. Below are some simple ways that you can keep more of your hard-earned money while still enjoying life. Below are some smart money-saving tips on everything from transportation to entertainment. Transportation/Travel 

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Shop online for the best travel deals. There are tons of websites that offer competitive rates on airfare, hotels, restaurants, car rentals and more. Because they each want your business, sometimes you can score a great deal with the click of a mouse. Be prepared to purchase as soon as you see an amazing deal, though. Incredible savings don’t last long and once they’re gone, they’re gone. Be flexible with your travel dates and book at least 30 days in advance to get the best travel rates. If you’re on a tight budget, try to avoid buying a car less than two years old. Most new cars depreciate very quickly and you can easily get a like new car that’s a few years old at a much better price. Do you really need full coverage for that older car? If the vehicle is 10 years or older consider purchasing liability insurance only to save hundreds of dollars per year (unless your car is a classic or antique).

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pons on your cell phone, tablet or other mobile device. 

Eat out earlier in the day instead of the dinner hours, which costs more. Even better, consider eating at home and going out for coffee or desert.

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Find freebies! Go online and check out birthday or e-club specials.

Home Savings 

Prepare your home for the winter and summer seasons to prevent heat loss or gain.

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During the cooler months, wear layers indoors and keep your thermostat as low as you can to remain comfortable.

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Close doors to rooms not being used (including closets) and consider closing the heating/ air conditioner vents in those rooms as well to save energy.

Shopping 

Don't spend lots of money on trendy items that will rapidly go out of style.

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Wait for items to go on sale.

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Shop for quality. It is better to have fewer clothes that you really like and look good in, than a wardrobe full of items you'll soon lose interest in.

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Buy off-season for special bargains and savings.

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Avoid shopping impulsively or for entertainment.

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Be a bargain shopper. Compare prices, check out consignment stores, thrift stores, garage sales and online auctions for just about anything.

Dining and Entertainment 

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Shop around for gas prices. A few cents here or there may add up to big savings in the long run. Save money and time by combining your errands and don't schedule them during busy traffic times. You will save on gas by not having to make multiple trips.

Keep up with the basic maintenance of your car (tune ups, oil changes, etc.) to keep your vehicle running better and longer.

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Shop around for discounts on television cable packages. Don’t pay extra for channels you'll never watch. If it’s more cost effective, ditch the premium movie channels and rent a movie once in a while. Do free or low-cost outdoor activities like going for a walk or packing a picnic to take to the park. It’s an easy way to still enjoy a nice atmosphere while saving some dough. Limit how often you eat out. Many of your favorites can probably be made at home. Have a pizza night. Make a Mexican buffet with tacos, nachos and all the fixings. Grill out and invite friends over. Use coupons! Check your local newspaper, mail inserts, and even online for some great bargains. You can even get cou-

 

Don’t buy impulsively. Wait 24 hours before making a purchase of something you think you want but not necessarily need. Chances are you may not even want it a day later. Better yet, it might actually be on sale! Here’s to smart money savings!

The Process by St ephanie Lyas

Sometimes transition feels like punishment. You have to wait, go without what you want, wait some more, endure hardships and watch others around you enjoy the things you want. It just doesn’t seem fair. It feels like you’re being made to sit in “Time Out” for something you’re not even sure you did. Don’t mistake punishment for the process, though. There is a big difference between being disciplined for something you have done wrong and being trained so that you will do what is right in the future. Either way, our Heavenly Father is always acts in love. Maybe you have asked, “Why does God allow negative things to happen in life? Why isn’t everything the way I want it to be?” The answer is clear. God never promised a life free of hardships. However, He did promise that His power and presence would reign supreme in every situation. In fact, Jesus said, “in this world you will have trouble, but cheer up, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) That’s good news for those who believe it! In the midst of everything we experience, nothing has the power to override the awesome power of Christ! You may be facing a hardship that seems unbearable– financial difficulty, relationship problems, an affliction or something else. And you may be questioning how anything good can come out of it. God sometimes allows difficulty and pain in order to make us stronger, more resilient, and most of all, more useful to Him. It is all about His glory and our good. And we must remember that we are clay in His hands. The clay has to be pressed and shaped into a particular mold or pattern according to the Potter’s specifications. The end result is always a beautiful new creation formed perfectly by design. The end result is always worth the process. Our main job is to be pliable and trust that the Potter knows what He is doing. We may feel anxious and lonely at times. We might also feel joyful and loved at other times. It’s all a part of the process. Life is full of ups and down, twists and turns. To know that we are in the capable and loving hands of our Father gives us strength to carry on and live. The way we embrace the process determines our level of joy and peace while we go through. When we are thankful in everything– the good, the bad, the things we understand and the things we don’t, we are in the will of God. And we are right in line with the process. © Stephanie Lyas. All Rights Reserved

Prayer Focus Lord, grant me the strength to be content where I am at this moment, the patience to wait on Your timing and the faith to remember that You have everything under control.

Health & Wellness

by Marijo Phelps Do you have problems falling and staying asleep? Are you a clock watcher thinking, “I have to get up in 6 hours and I am still wiggling, tossing and turning?” Maybe there are some little things that you haven't considered that would help you sleep quickly, safely and even for eight hours!

for a restful night so long as you aren't reading an edgeof-the-seat thriller.

2. Sleep aids with few side effects. The old wives tale about a cup of warm milk might not be so far off base. There is calcium and magnesium in milk and those two are nature's natural tranquilizers. You can also take equal amounts of calcium (like 600 mg) and magnesium at bedtime to help. A warm bath or shower before bedtime can also help to settle you down. Avoid exercise too close to bedtime but do exercise during the day if possible. Even walking helps. Reading before sleep can calm you down and make

Editor’s Disclaimer: The advice given in this article should not be substituted for medical diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with your physician if you are experiencing constant sleeplessness and/or before beginning or changing any dietary, exercise or other medicinal regimens.

3. Don't let the sun go down on your anger. Some good advice about emotional and relationships would be to settle arguments and disagreements before trying to doze off. When you are upset your adrenalin (the flight or fight mechanism in our bodies is alive 1. Things you eat may be affecting your sleep patterns. and well) increases. With adrenalin flowing it is very diffiThey have found a new gene which many have that affects the way caffeine is metabolized. No, you are not cult to become restful. There are also many scriptures in the Bible about sleep and rest. Prayer and talking to crazy if you have morning caffeine and then either God can definitely help to get you ready for a peaceful can't sleep or sleep 4 hours and BOING.... eyes open sleep. and wide awake that evening. People with this gene do not metabolize cafMany of us covet getting a good feine "normally" and that means it is in eight hours of sleep a night and it has their system longer and stronger than been way too long since we have other people. It can also contribute to had that luxury. Sleep is a necessity causing heart attacks in these people. and should be available to all if you Decaf coffee is not necessarily totally take a look at things you eat, things decaffeinated either. Taking a multiwhich can help calm you and your vitamin later in the day can cause emotions before your head hits the sleeplessness. Eating and snacking pillow. after dinner can affect your level of rest. If you are wondering about the effect on your body of any of the above try going without (coffee, sodas My blog is: http://myincrediblelord.blogspot.com with caffeine, tea with caffeine) for 1-2 weeks and see if it makes a difference. You might want to wean yourself © Marijo Phelps All rights reserved. off caffeine gradually to avoid headaches and typical caffeine withdrawals.

Be Good To You

“Less is More” Less TV, more reading Less spending, more saving Less, clutter, more space Less consuming, more creating Less junk food, more healthy food Less “busy” ness, more fruitfulness Less noise, more solitude Less sitting, more activity Less worry, more faith

Cooking & Entertainment

Easy Slow Cooker Chuckwagon Stew What You Need 2 lb. stew meat 1/4 cup flour 1 tsp. sugar 10.75 can tomato puree 1 can beef broth 2 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. pepper 2 tsp. chili powder 1/4 tsp. thyme 2-3 potatoes, peeled and cubed 3-4 carrots, peeled and sliced 1 cup green peas (may use frozen)

How to Fix Coat the stew meat in the flour and sugar. Brown in skillet. Transfer meat to crock-pot and add all remaining ingredients except for peas. Cook on low for 7-8 hours. Add peas and cook for 30 minutes longer.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The grand essentials of happiness are: something to do, something to love, and something to hope for.â&#x20AC;? Allan K. Chalmers

Okay, so it’s not a coupon for a free skinny mocha latte! It’s way better! God gave us Jesus Christ, the only One good enough to pay the sin debt for all mankind– past, present and future. It’s not about being religious or following a bunch of man-made rules, but it is about being reconciled to God our Father eternally through Christ. His gift is free to us, but cost Him everything. That’s pretty awesome!

So here’s the deal…. Maybe you’re wondering, “This sounds too good to be true. How do I take advantage of this free gift? ” It is fairly simple, but you must receive it by faith -trusting in God. ACKNOWLEDGE that sin has separated you from God. “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” ( Romans 3:23) Admit that you’ve broken God’s rules but you really want to change. He’s more than willing to forgive you and help you if you are willing and sincere. BELIEVE that God sent His Son Jesus as the only acceptable sacrifice to pay the debt for our sins. Because God is as Holy as He is loving, He could not tolerate the rebellious, wicked state of mankind. So, instead of punishing us , which would have been fair, He showed us mercy and sent His only Son to take our place. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16) CONFESS or say what you believe. “If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9) Again, this must be done by faith. “For with the heart man believes and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation (Romans 10:10).” Be courageous enough to share with others what God has done for you. And finally.. make a DECISION to live your life to glorify Him.. You may think that it’s too hard, but if you ask Him, He will empower you to do just that. Your lifestyle should represent what your new relationship with Christ is all about. CONGRATULATIONS! You’ve made the most important decision of your life and you are now a member of God’s family! Develop your relationship by spending time reading and studying the Bible. It may be helpful to connect with others through a local church or small group fellowship to get you started. Communicate openly with God through prayer and meditation in His Word and finally, surround yourself with others who will help you grow you in your new walk with Christ. Your life will never be the same. You are a new creature in Christ. Old things have passed away and all things are new! (2 Corinthians 5:17) And that beats a latte any day!

by Tessy Fuller I gazed at the clouds drifting by the window and wondered if I could somehow contain the fluffy apparatus into my pocket. I imagined the face of my curious twoyear old daughter as I placed it into her upturned hands. I envisioned that bringing home a cloud in my pocket would somehow make up for the time I would be without her. As my husband and I prepared for our two week mission trip to Ecuador the "What Ifs" continually plagued my mind. I wrestled with guilt, wondering if I was being selfish? What if something happened to us? What would she do without her parents? Fear threatened to grip my heart. I started to question if I had made the wrong decision to go on this trip. My thoughts were riddled with worries that seemed to be blocking the door God had opened for us. After spending a lot of time in prayer it dawned on me that this decision was critical on how I would choose to live my life. What kind of legacy did I want to leave behind? Her beautiful brown eyes watch me constantly. Her little mouth imitates my words. Would I want her to live her

life in fear of the unknown or let God lead her on a marvelous adventure? As a mother, I knew I had a very important role in setting the tone for this decision.

going to help others that have much less than we do. We have been blessed with so much and I feel I need to give back. I hope I am giving you the best example to follow and that is to live life to the fullest Before we left, I wrote the following words by seizing divine moments on the journey to her in a letter that I plan to keep and God lays before you." give to her on her graduation day. "I am about ready to leave for Ecuador on a mis- Tears flowed down my cheeks as I penned sion trip, which is part of the journey God each word. With every tear that fell I has led me on. I am going to miss you so knew I had made the right choice. I would much. I feel compelled to write you this not let fear reign in my heart. I would not letter to let you know how much you let divine moments God intended for me to mean to me. I also want you to underhave slip into oblivion. Footprints of faith stand why this decision to go to Ecuador is would be my legacy to her. The years will so important. I love you with every espass quickly and so will the opportunities sence of who I am. From the very first to teach her. One day she will leave my movement in my tummy I vowed to be the home and set out on her own journey. best mother I could be. In a few months When she gets to this point, I hope I have you will be turning two. You're at the marked a trail with my life that will instage where you imitate everything. This spire her to follow God's direction at every provides times of laughter and moments turn. of self-reflection as I see myself mirrored ÂŠ Tessy Fuller. All Rights Reserved in what you say and do. I know through my every action I am setting an example Tessy is a mother and wife who is married to her for you to follow, even if I am unaware of husband, a youth pastor. She loves being a mom and serving God in her home and church. it at times. We all have a choice on how to live and I am choosing a life that is uncertain at times, but one that God intended us to have. A life of service to Him. I am

THE LIE OF ISOLATION by Dionna Sanchez Have you ever noticed that when you are going through something in your life that is really tough, that you tend to push others away? Do you know why that is? Think about it for a minute. We are social and relational creatures. God created us to rely on each other to get through life. He says in Hebrews 10:24-25 that we are to spur each other on, to meet together and to encourage one another. Yet whenever we feel like we've messed up in life, or are going through a particularly tough time, why is it that we isolate ourselves from the very people we need to lean on? Satan loves isolation. If he can isolate us from friends and family who would be able to help us not feel defeated then he wins! He loves to deceive us into thinking that we would be a burden on others or that they wouldn't understand how we are feeling or what we've been through. But it's a lie. In all reality, not only would those who love us try to understand, they would be able to encourage us, pray for us, and give us the strength we need to overcome our situation. I know that it is really good to be by myself sometimes. It recharges me to have some quiet time to myself. It's good for me to learn how to enjoy my own company and how to schedule my day on MY terms. Yet I think we need to be careful that an occa-

sional recharging session doesn't turn into an escape from reality. We can get to the point that we don't know how to handle others anymore and then start to think that everyone is out to get us or that no one understands us. Satan is so good at doing that to us. We need each other. As much as you may try to deny that fact or ignore it we need each other. Yes, you may have your husband or your child. But they are not enough. We need a variety of Godly people in our lives that can help us on this road of life. People who can lovingly be honest to us and help us overcome challenges or issues. You may think you don't want to hear honesty but you really do, for how else can you grow and become that person you really desire to be? When we remain isolated, several things happen to us:

chance. Pray about it and let God lead you out from your isolated world and into a world of open arms waiting to love you along in life. Isolation is not good for anyone. It is only Satan's way of hindering you, deceiving you, and leaving you unhealthy. It's his way of keeping your thoughts, feelings, issues, and struggles a "secret" when God only wants them out in the open and into the light. Don't reason with yourself about this dangerous stronghold. Make a vow today to run away from your isolated way of living. Even if you are housebound, there is a way to get the friendship and support system you need. Pray about it and God will answer. Seek and you shall find-never to be off on your own again. God said, "It is not good for man to be alone." Do you trust Him? Then make a change today.

1. We are vulnerable to attack by Satan because we don't have a support system to help us. 2. We remain in sin and/or poor behavior patterns. 3. We become "posers"- showing or acting like all is well in our life, when it is not. 4. We lose people who we can really trust to be authentic with or we feel no one will understand. 5.We lose touch with reality.

It's uncomfortable sometimes to start relying on others when you are afraid that they will crush your feelings. But I encourage you to take a

Dionna Sanchez is Founder of EmphasisOnMoms.com and freelance writes. She also blogs at http://beautyinthestorm.blogspot.com

Contact her at madetomom@yahoo.com

by Stephanie Lyas

A few years ago I went by a store that I frequent for what I thought was going to be a quick run in, run out. It temporarily slipped my mind that it was Valentine's "Eve" which meant crowded aisles and long lines of people scrambling to buy gifts for their sweethearts. I couldn’t believe I was in the middle of all that chaos. Me, who prides herself in avoiding what I call shopping madness. What was I thinking? Anyway, I decided to go ahead and deal with it since I was already there. When I got to the check-out, nearly everyone in my line had huge bouquets of balloons, stuffed animals and enough candy to make any dentist cringe. I felt like an oddball since I was probably the only one in line who wasn't loaded down with Valentine stuff. All I had was some paper towels and detergent.

the faces of the patients and staff at the rehab center where I volunteered each week. I even thought about my friends lovable dog, Sammy, who gives the best dog kisses ever! Love was all around me. No, wasn’t the same as having a “significant other" but it's certainly better than nothing. After awhile, I stopped dreading Valentine's Day so much, and have since taken a different approach to the day. It's supposed to be about love, right? Well, love comes in a lot of different forms, so I started sending cards and making homemade gifts for people who I knew needed love the most. Like everything else, Valentine’s Day had become so commercial, that the real meaning was lost. I was determined to change that by showing true, unconditional love to people. I was going to be a channel of love and goodness to others, the way I believe God designed me to be. My wish for this Valentine's Day is not just for flowers and gifts (although I'll accept any reasonable offer), but to also hold on to the love I've had all along. Love for God, love for others and mostly love for myself. Whether I spend it with a significant other or not, I choose to focus on the love that I already have been given and so graciously received. Someone who could use it more than me. After all, that's what real love is all about.

When it was my turn to check out, I greeted Chris, the cashier, who I could always count on to get me in and out in a hurry. Although we really didn’t know each other well (and he rarely had anything to talk about besides work and the weather) I was shocked when he actually started to make small talk. The conversation quickly turned into a heart talk. He went on to tell me how his Valentine's Day was ruined because he didn’t have a significant other. Not even a dog. My heart went out to him because I sensed the disappointment in his voice. I encouraged him that the right person would come along eventually; and that he should focus on the love that's already in his life. He gave me that, "Yeah, right" look and I understood. Still, I felt like I could honestly say that because I have had my share of lonely Valentine's Days. In fact, I wanted to boycott everything red and heart-shaped with the word LOVE on it. It may sound crazy but the way I got through those days was to focus on the love I already had- especially from my family and close friends. I began to think of the smiles on

To everyone who may feel empty like Chris, please do yourself a favor. Don't get too caught up in the "day" but focus on the significance of the day, which is love. If you're fortunate enough to have someone to be with, great. Cherish them . But if not, it's not the end of the world. You may be without many things, but you are never without love. It is all around you. Most of all, the Creator of the Universe loves you more than anything (John 3:16-17). © Stephanie Lyas. All Rights Reserved.

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I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul will make its boast in the LORD; The humble will hear it and rejoice. O magnify the LORD with me, And let us exalt His name together. O taste and see that the LORD is good;

How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him! Psalm 34:1-3, 8 (NASB)

Fun & Games

Find and circle the words in the puzzle below.

Things I Learned from a Snowman!

BLACK ICE BLIZZARD

HAIL HEADBAND

SEASON SKATES

SNOWBOARD SNOWFLAKE

BOOTS

HIBERNATION

SKI DOO

SNOWMAN

CARNIVAL

HOCKEY

SKI PANTS

SNOWSHOES

CHRISTMAS

HOLIDAYS

SKIING

SOLSTICE

COLD

ICE FISHING

SLED

SOUP

EGG NOG

ICICLES

SLEET

STEW

FIREPLACE

KNIT CAP

SLIPPERY

STORM

FIREWOOD

LONG UNDERWEAR

SNOW CASTLE

SWEATSHIRT

FOG

MITTENS

SNOW PLOW

TOGOGGAN

FREEZE

OLYMPICS

SNOW SHOVEL

VACATION

FROST

PARKA

SNOW TIRES

WIND CHILL

GLOVES

SCARF

SNOWBALL

WOOL SOCKS

      

It’s okay to wear white after Labor Day. Getting outside in the winter is good for your health. We’re all made up of mostly water. Accessories don’t have to be too expensive. Too much sun is bad for you. If you’re a little heavy on the bottom, your friends will still love you. You know you’ve hit it big when they write songs about you Adapted from Winter Fun Facts. All Rights Reserved.

by Stephanie Lyas

Develop a Strong Support System

If you made a New Year’s resolution, to be successful is probably somewhere on your list. But success is quite a relative term. After all, you can be successful at achieving your goals or you can be successful at failure. The choice is up to you. Now is the time to power up– whether you’re trying to lose weight, embark on a business venture, further your education, or achieve some other personal goal. This is your year. Go get it!

Face it. Everybody’s not going to be on your bandwagon. In fact, it might seem at times as though you are all alone in your journey. That’s when you seek to build relationships with those who will push you forward, and in turn, those who you can push forward. Surround yourself with encouraging people who are interested in your progress. Avoid frequent interactions with people with a negative mindset and stuck in mediocrity.

Aim High

“The dictionary is the only place where success comes before work.” Vince Lombardi

Set a goal that is not easy to achieve. If it’s too easy, then you’re probably not aiming high enough. Challenge yourself to do something that seems almost impossible. Accomplishment is often its own reward.

Be Open to Learning New Things Being a “know-it-all” Is the worst mistake you can make when it comes to success. There is always much more to discover and experience along the way. Strive to be a perpetual learner. If you have a degree, take continuing education courses to stay current and relevant on trends in your field. You can even take a class, just for the fun of it. No money? No problem. Go online or check out books for free from your local library on the area in which you are trying to be successful. Never quench your thirst for knowledge.

Stay Optimistic It’s easy to get discouraged when you don’t see immediate results. It happens to everyone at some point. The key to success is to keep a positive attitude. Having the faith that everything will work out is critical to success.

Keep Your Eye On the Goal

Learn the Lessons from Defeat

Distractions will happen. Things will come your way to make you lose sight of the things you want the most. No matter what, stay focused on the end result. Don’t allow anything to distract you to the point of giving up. Whatever it takes, stay the course.

Don’t take it personally. A failure at a goal does not mean that you’re a failure. Pick yourself up, modify your strategy and keep it moving. Don’t allow discouragement and defeat to set in. Immediately devise a new strategy for success.

Relationships

Means Letting Go of Fear by Stephanie Lyas “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear.” I John 4:18 They say when you have something good, it’s best to hold on to it. That goes for everything– our dreams, goals, ideals, possessions-even people. Relationships with meaningful people provide the foundation on which we build our lives. Loving relationships make it all worthwhile. And people who compliment us, validate our worth, and show appreciation and affection are our most valuable asset. Often, our greatest fear is losing them. There are times, however, when we are in relationships that are contentious, violent and harmful to us. Ironically, those are the ones we also fear losing. For example, some women (and men) tolerate physically, verbally, and mentally abusive people in their lives because of a four-letter word: FEAR. They fear being alone, fear being vulnerable to new people (and potentially new pain); they even fear retaliation from the abuser. Fear causes people to feel trapped in relationships that do not serve them well at all. We who trust and believe the Word of God know that “God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of love, power and a sound mind. “ (II Timothy 1:7) Notice that one of the main blessings we receive from God is love. True love– the kind that comes from God Himself is an awesome gift! Another passage demonstrates that love and fear are enemies to one another. “There is no fear in love, for perfect love casts out fear.” (I John 4:18) If you are abused or disrespected in any relationship but remain in it because of “love”, ask yourself if the relationship is really based upon love or based upon fear. The truth may surprise you. What you think is love may actually be an unhealthy attachment to an ideal of love. Furthermore, your real fear may be being alone. Sadly, for many, being in a toxic, unhealthy relationship is better than being single. Once you confront your true fears you will have the courage to release every unwholesome attachment. Remember, fear creates barriers and drives us to accept less than God’s absolute best. Perfect love releases us. Purpose in your heart to let go of the fear and love yourself a little more. © Stephanie Lyas. All Rights Reserved.

by Stephanie Lyas

One thing is certain about life- it is uncertain. Sometimes we experience periods of great joy and peace and other times we are in utter misery. It is difficult to make sense of the gamut of emotions that we go through. Especially during the hard times. It is easy to feel overwhelmed by the mountains in our lives. Trials have a way of making us feel weak and insignificant, but God’s strength is perfect in our weakness (II Corinthians 12:9). What does your mountain look like? Debt? Fear? Loneliness? Insecurity? Or a combination of all of the above? No matter how great your mountain is- the mountain is absolutely moveable! Jesus Himself said it. In fact, He gave His disciples the formula for doing just that. Along their journey, they encountered a boy with an evil spirit and were puzzled when they could not cast the spirit out of him. After all, they were close followers of Jesus- chosen by Him. It should have been easy, but it was not. Imagine how they must have felt. They asked Jesus why they could not perform the miracle. His response was interesting. First, He rebuked them for their unbelief, then gave them their answer- “Because you have so little faith.” How many times do we ask God, “Why can’t I do so and so?” or “God, can’t You do something about this problem I’m facing?” No matter how often we go to Him, the response is still the same, “if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." (Matthew 17:20) Nothing. What a blessing to know that we can speak our mountains and with just a tiny amount of faith they will move- sometimes not as quickly as we would like, or in the way that we prefer, they will move. We all go through tough times. And sometimes we encounter great mountains. God knows how hard it is for us to have great faith during those times. But we must have some, even if it is just a tiny amount, for “without faith it is impossible to please God….” (Hebrews 11:6) Faith, even in small measure is the key to success and victory in God. It unlocks His favor and blessing, and the power to move the greatest mountain in our lives. © Stephanie Lyas. All Rights Reserved.

“I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” Matthew 17:20

by Marguerite Ellison

“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.” – Psalm 118:1 (NIV)

It was time for the monthly Poetry Hour at the nursing home. I found November a difficult month. I had given the matter a lot of thought. Did I dare ask nursing home residents why they were thankful? I had often said I never walked in the nursing home without being grateful that I was able to walk back out. Many of the residents had intelligent, inquiring minds trapped in frail bodies; other s were stronger physically but suffered dementia. Some were simply existing, obviously to their surroundings. One lady chose to enter the nursing home; she had a pacemaker and didn’t feel secure living alone. Boldly I asked the question. Wheelchair-bound Lilly volunteered quickly. “I’m thankful for all my friends!” she stated. “You have to be a friend to have one,” someone commented. “I’m thankful for the good care they give us here!” Why I’m just thankful!” Lilly continued, lifting her arms joyously. Tears tugged at my eyelids. Lilly, with her broad smile and myriad blessings, had no legs. “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.” – Psalm 118:1 (NIV) Copyright © 2012 by Marguerite Ellison All Rights Reserved

Faith & Family Connection

by Stephanie Lyas With the influx of modern technology, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Ipads, I-phones, tablets, games, television, internet, gadgets and gizmos galore vie for our time and attention. Kids are certainly no exception. There used to be a time when families shared modern conveniences like radio and television in the same space and used it as a way of spending quality time together. Now, with a TV in every room, and families have a harder time connecting. It seems like the simple way of life back in the Brady Bunch days are long gone. Technology is a good thing. After all, we are living in the information age. Kids can certainly benefit from all the things that we didn’t have to make life a little easier. But often, parents make the mistake of overindulging their children with so many material things, that the things often take the place of what is most important . No amount of material gifts can ever compensate for the gifts that money can’t buy. While your child might beg and plead for the latest gadget, what they really want are things that are far more lasting and significant. They are the things that shape a child’s character, build confidence and follow them throughout their lives. A wise parent will understand that material things come and go, but the intangible gifts will last forever. They may not seem like much for now, but when kids reach adulthood they will still be holding on to them and even passing them along to their children. So while they are young, it is important that adults , especially parents, indulge kids with the right kinds of things. They will thank you for it in the long run. Acceptance/Belonging– To be loved and accepted unconditionally is a great gift. There is a sense of pride for each of us in knowing that we belong to someone and they value our presence. Belonging gives us a sense of responsibility to care for those who care for us. Several years ago, a study was conducted on the attractiveness of gangs to young men and women. The results were shocking. One of the main reasons that some of them gave for joining a gang was a sense of acceptance, family and belonging. Despite the risk of violence, incarceration or even death, those youth felt more secure with the gangs than with their

own families. What a powerful revelation on the importance of making kids feel loved and wanted at an early age! Praise– Complimenting kids for who they are and not just what they do goes a long way in reinforcing their self-confidence. A child who is surrounded with positive reinforcement is more likely to continue positive behavior. Parents should be generous in their praise of children. Words have the power to build or destroy. Adventure/Fun– Life is not always about awards and achievements. Kids need a healthy balance of recreation and just plain wholesome fun. The great outdoors is the perfect playground.

Discipline– This may come as a shock, but children really do want to know what the boundaries are. Discipline ultimately says to a child, “I care enough about you to not allow you to continue repeating the same behaviors that are harmful to the person you are becoming.” Discipline molds character early on in life. Affection— A hug, a kiss, or a pat on the back goes a long way. It teaches a child to be open to both giving and receiving love. Security– There is nothing that can replace feeling not only safe, but secure in the fact that one is being well protected and cared for. This is especially true of kids during their critical stages of development.

by Minister Curtis Mincey

Saints of God, I came to tell you on this day- DON'T STOP BELIEVING. I came to tell you that now is the time to change our attitude. Now is the time to be like Simon Peter, who when asked by the Lord Jesus, "Do you want to leave me too?" replied with boldness and conviction; "Lord to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. And we believe that you are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Saints of God now is NOT the time to stop believing in Jesus. This is the time to keep pressing our way into the presence of the Lord. We can't let our family stop us. We can't let our friends stop us. We can't let our enemies stop us. We just have to keep on believing. We can't let our jobs stop us. We can't let the crowds stop us. We can't let the government stop us. We just have to keep on believing. We can't let our finances stop us. We can't let our health stop us. We can't let our circumstances stop us. We just have to keep on believing. What do we believe? We believe that Jesus is the Bread of Life. That Jesus is the True Vine. That Jesus is the Way the Truth and the Life. That Jesus is the Good Shepherd. That Jesus is the Light of the World. That Jesus is the Rock of our Salvation. We believe that if it wasn't for Jesus we would not be here today. But thank God for His grace and thank God for His mercy. That He loved this world so much, that He would send His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not die but have everlasting life.

“...now is NOT the time to stop believing in Jesus. This is the time to keep pressing our way into the presence of the Lord.”

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The Tree Remains by Stephanie Lyas

Its leaves once green and vibrant Now withered, frail and torn and fall to earth and trampled The tree abides alone The ground below yields scattered fruit Like waves upon the sea Though winter’s wrath disfigures some The tree is still a tree Should stars fall down from heaven As lightening pierces rain As long as roots run deep below The blessed tree remains Through springtime, autumn, summer And all life’s joys and pain When all of nature comes to naught The blessed tree remains © Stephanie Lyas. Dwelling Places. All Rights Reserved.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not selfseeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. II Corinthians 13: 1-8 (NIV)

by Minister Curtis D. Mincey

If you want to do something different this year, demonstrate to the world your love for God and your renewed desire to follow Jesus as Lord. How can you do this? It's easy, but it requires discipline. 1. Don't just make a resolution, but make a commitment. 2. Don't just have a goal, but have a purpose. 3. Don't just have a religion, but have a relationship. 4. Don't just have friends, but have fellowship. 5. Don't just live for yourself, but live to give God glory. 6 Don't just go into the New Year with a lot of questions, but go into the New Year with a lot of faith.

20 Things to Always Remember Your presence is a present to the world. You are unique and one of a kind. Your life can be what you want it to be. Live life just one day at a time. Count your blessings, not your troubles. You will make it through whatever comes along. Within you are so many possibilities. Have courage and be strong. Do not put limits on yourself. So many of your dreams are waiting to be realized. Decisions are too important to leave to chance. Nothing wastes more energy than worrying. The longer you carry a problem, the heavier it gets. Do not take life too seriously. Live a life of serenity, not a life of regrets. Remember that a little love goes a long way. Friendship is a wise investment. Do ordinary things in an extraordinary way. You have inside of you a Divine potential for success. You are important, special and loved. Author Unknown

Is Coaching for You? by Stephanie Lyas

“The first step in moving forward is deciding that where you are isn't good enough.” Stephanie Lyas

Think about your life. Really think about it. Are you living life to its greatest potential? Are your relationships flourishing? Do you love your work? Are you generally satisfied with the way things are going? If the answer to any of these questions is “no,” keep reading. When I was first approached by a friend with the concept of Life Coaching, I was skeptical. I was certainly not interested in another new-age, “self-help” gimmick. All I wanted was some help clarifying the direction of my life. I wanted peace and balance. The idea of sharing my deepest dreams, goals and feelings with a complete stranger was not something that appealed to me. That is, until the day the bottom fell out. I remember being home alone one evening after a rough day at work. The next thing I knew I was on the floor, weeping and praying for peace and contentment in my life. I was frustrated with certain relationships, unfulfilled with my job, and lacked focus. Nothing seemed clear to me. I knew that I wanted things to change, but getting there was a different story. In a nutshell, I was stuck and miserable. I just needed help getting out of my rut. Stephanie as the Keynote Speaker of the Annual One to One Women’s Coaching Desperate for some consolation, I called my friend, who not-so-gently Retreat nudged me to contact a woman who, along with her team of excellent coaches, had helped many others like me. In fact, her exact words were, “Tomorrow, you will get in touch with this coach.” (Thank God for bossy friends). And the rest is history. After the first conversation with my coach, I immediately felt stronger and more empowered. I knew that I was on my way to regaining control of my life. She was very sensitive, positive, encouraging and in tune with my spiritual needs. She knew all the right questions to ask to get me to thinking about my life. Most of all, she was a good listener-and sounding board when I needed it. She didn’t give lots of advice, but instead, guided me toward the solutions that were already inside of me.

Throughout our year-long journey together we laughed, cried, and shared together. It was always so meaningful to end each of our sessions with a scripture and a prayer. I sum up the experience by saying that undergoing Life Coaching definitely changed my life for the better. Because of my extraordinary coaching experience, I went on to self-publish my first book (a dream I had for years). I also currently host my own radio talk show, publish a magazine, own two businesses, volunteer in my community, speak at various events, and coach others toward success. My life is far from perfect, but I am more confident than ever that all things are possible to those who believe. I am now focused on living the life that God has designed for me. I am creating new opportunities each day, and am on the path toward living life to the fullest! If you’re wondering if coaching is right for you, give it a try. The first step in moving forward is deciding that where you are isn't good enough. Be determined and commit to the process of change. Finding a good coach who is committed to your success is a crucial first step toward progress. Your optimal life

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The Magazine for Inspiration and Life HeartSongs Magazine is currently accepting Submissions of the Following: Articles/Blog Posts Poetry Inspirational Fiction (short stories, light-hearted humor) Wisdom Words/Quotes (Please double-check the author when citing quotes) Recipes (include a photo, if possible) Frugal Living Tips Devotionals Life Stories At this time HeartSongs Magazine seek one-time reprint rights for submissions of original material. Please ensure that you own the copyright to materials you send for publication. We reserve the right to reject any submission without explanation. Please do not send hard copies of your work, as they cannot be returned. Only digital/electronic versions will be accepted via email. For complete submission guidelines, send a request to heartsongsmag@gmail.com Once your material has been submitted for review, kindly allow 2-4 weeks for a response.

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Love Notes From Heaven

by Stephanie Lyas Sometimes we are faced with tough decisions. I wonder which is worse-making the wrong decision and risking failure or not making a decision at all because of fear. When I get to those crossroads, I tend to go back to what I've heard over the years- listen to God and follow my heart, trusting that He will guide my path. Even if it doesn’t make a lot of sense to me or to others. Sometimes we place too much emphasis on what is logical. Don't get me wrong, common sense certainly has its place. But it is equally important to pay attention to what is in the heart. But wait.. Doesn’t the bible say that the heart is deceitful above all things? ( Jeremiah 17:9) Absolutely it does. However, a heart that is renewed daily by the Holy Spirit is one that can be trusted– at least to a degree. Some may call it intuition. I call it being led by the Spirit which indwells the children of God, convicts us of wrong, and guides us into the paths of righteousness. Scripture teaches that “as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” (Romans 8:14) When we are led by His Spirit, and not just by what we think is right, we are truly His beloved children. And as a kind and loving Father, He always guides us toward what is good and right for us. While we must make decisions based on information and knowledge, we must also be guided by the Holy Spirit, which gives us wisdom and dwells in our hearts. That is why it is so important for us to diligently guard our heart, for out of it flow the issues of life. (Proverbs 4:23) If you are a Child of God, whose heart is in tune with the Holy Spirit through relationship with Christ, you can make life’s decisions-great and small with the utmost confidence. But don’t just make decisions based upon mere head knowledge. Your heart matters too. © Stephanie Lyas. The HeartSong Café. All Rights Reserved.

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Publishing Unlimited â&#x201E;˘ Providing a Variety of Inspirational Electronic and Print Media Products HeartSongs Publishing Unlimited P.O. Box 59763 Birmingham, AL 35259-9763