Jasmine's Place - Issue No. 2

FREE Reaching Outwards, Reaching Upwards

Creative Fiction, Art, Non-Fiction, Music & More To Inspire!

ISSUE NO. 2 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012 www.issuu.com/jasminesplace

inspiration + healthy recipes + reviews + beautiful gifts + more

Merci Beaucoup‌ A big thank you to all the contributors to the maiden issue of Jasmines Place pictured on the left.

There won’t have been an Issue No. 2 without it.

Lots of love and kisses go to: Amy Michelle Wiley: www.sparrowsflight.net Helen Dowd: www.occupytillicome.com Pam Ford Davis: http://teapottestimony.vpweb.com/Home.html Amazing Beauty: amazing.beauty1@hotmail.com Memory Street Productions: oghogho@memorystproductions.com Matthew and Mary Hats: http://www.matthewandmaryhats.com Mary Kay Independent Consultant: www.marykay.co.uk/fedokpayi Momentis Independent Consultant: http://abibada.mymomentis.co.uk

Thank You....

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Welcome!

This second issue of Jasmine’s Place is full of inspirational and uplifting stories and features to enjoy, so hope you are sitting comfortably!

Joanna Faillace, TV Host of Super-Naturally Healthy Kids as seen daily on TBN's Smile of a Child Television Network , also inspires us in this issue to eat supernaturally healthily - turn to page 14 for two tasty recipes!

Parents! Carers! - there are some really great books in the Children’s Book Club. Take a look at them on page 22.

Spread the love this Christmas with children in need - see page 10 for more details. If you are struggling with debt, there might be help for you on page 30.

There is also a beautiful selection of ethical fair trade jewellery on page 32.

Your patronage will support artisans in some of the world’s poorest communities.

We conclude with some extra special love for you on page 39!

Hope you enjoy this issue! Please contact us at jmagazine33@gmail.com if you have any feedback, it would be great to hear from you!

Editing and Design: Puaichie Badejo. Content and Design Advice: Angels in Disguise: Y.O, O.B and C.I Contributors: Sherrie Coronas, Michele Fleming, Lily Rose, Debra Bee, Jacqueline Nwokeji-Ani , Joanna Faillace, Marilyn Schnepp and Puaichie Badejo.

Jasmine’s Place is the trading name of Eagle Seed Ltd is which is a company registered in England and Wales. Registration Number: 06428865

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26

..

6

31 word art He was in the world, and though the world was made through Him, the world did not recognize him.

32 30

Contents NOVEMBER & DECEMBER 2012

Inspirational 6 Stop and Smell the Coffee!

What would you discover if you just stopped???

12 The Christmas Orange At the end of the day, what really matters?

18 Yes… We can celebrate Christmas because she said yes

.

20 An Empowered Widow Revelation brought empowerment...

What’s in your house?

26 No One Stands Alone A cry for help - “…God, look at me…“ 31 Taste and See A round up of some great music for Christmas 36 Don’t Look Back It’s your race … are you ready??

38 Word Art The word in art 39 To The Most Beautiful Woman in the World …Just for you…with love…

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18

22 12 14 31

36

Healthy Eating 14 Supernaturally Healthy Recipes Get healthy with Joanna Faillace !!!

Reviews 22 Children’s Book Club Great books for you and your little ones to enjoy!

Community 10 House of Wells Spread your love with children in need this Christmas!

30 Christians Against Poverty Help for people struggling with debt 32 Helping Hands Support artisans in the world’s poorest communities!

All information in this publication is accurate at the time publication. While we do endeavour to make sure that all published information is correct, we cannot be held liable for mistakes or omissions. The inclusion of articles etc. does not necessarily indicate that the editor is in agreement or sympathy with what is written. Clients submitting content to us for publication are confirming that they have a legal right to do so, and agree to neither knowingly or unknowingly submit content they have no right to publish. The client accepts that he/she is responsible for ensuring they have publication rights of use for all material provided, and agree to indemnify any losses incurred to us , the publisher using content supplied by them. This also applies to where articles etc. have been sourced by us. We acknowledge that any logos, photographs, images and trademarks remain the property of their respective owners.

Disclosure Policy: Our company is not paid to write reviews. We do not receive any products to write reviews. Our reviews are honest and impartial.

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INSPIRATIONAL

Stop And Smell The Coffee!

Michele Fleming Dani sat straight up in bed when she heard the rumbling of the garbage truck as it turned onto her street.

She looked at the clock and panic washed over her as her eyes focused at the time – 6:45!

“Oh no, my alarm didn’t go off!”

Jumping out of bed, she made a mad dash for the bathroom hoping to

salvage what was left of her morning.

Sliding to a halt, she turned on the shower and jumped in even before the water had had time to heat up.

She couldn’t be late for this appointment! It was probably the most important appointment since starting her career and she was furious with herself starting the day off like this. Miraculously, she was

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…she was about to shoot off to her car when an elderly woman seated on a bench in front of the café caught her eye.

pieces - she wondered what troubled her.

..

The woman sniffled, cleared her throat and turned to her. “How are you today?”

Dani shifted in her seat. “… fine?”

ready and out the door in thirty minutes flat! Racing to the car, she decided she would have just enough time to run in the coffee shop for a quick jolt of java.

The woman fidgeted with her hankie.

“I’m Martha.”

After buying her coffee, she was about to shoot off to her car when an elderly woman seated on a bench in front of the café caught her eye.

“I couldn’t help but notice that something’s upsetting you.” Dani said even though she knew butting in could make her later than she already was.

Judging by her wrinkled and weathered features, the woman appeared to be in her late seventies.

Her clothing, while dated, gave evidence to a rather comfortable life.

“This is totally unreasonable, I’m in a hurry!” her mind said, but her legs seemed to have a mind of their own and before she knew it, she was sitting beside the woman.

“And I’m Dani.” An awkward silence hung in the air for a moment.

Martha blew her nose. “I was hoping to make it to the county hall. My godson’s a land broker and just closed a major land deal for the family. They’ll all be there for the signing of the agreements…I was invited too… It’s supposed to start in thirty minutes.”

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw the woman wipe away a stray tear with a worn monogrammed handkerchief.

Dani’s heart broke into a million

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Dani nodded. “I know the venue.

Many early morning legal activities take place there. There’s usually a large crowd. So, why aren’t you going?”

…

Martha brushed another tear from her face. “The bus was already pulling away when I rounded the corner. I’m not as young as I used to be . . . couldn’t have caught up if I had tried.”

…she found herself with an overwhelming need to help the older woman.

Dani‘s heart filled with compassion for the older woman. She sat staring across the street, her insides twisting with emotion, wondering what to do.

She desperately needed to make her appointment, but she found herself with an overwhelming need to help the older woman. So she did the only thing she could think of. Closing her eyes, she prayed “Lord, help.”

Even before she finished, she heard a text come in to her cell phone. It read: Need to reschedule meeting!

Please call as soon as you can.

“Wow . . . that was quick!” Dani said aloud, amazed at how fast the prayer was answered.

Need to reschedule meeting! Please call as soon as you can.

“What was quick, dear?”

“Oh, it’s nothing. Er…why don’t I give you a lift?”

“Really?”

“Sure, I would be happy to.”

The ride to the county hall took only a few minutes. Dani helped Martha out of the car, walked her to the door and planned to say goodbye.

“You must come in for a moment.”

Martha insisted.

“Only for a minute.” Dani agreed reluctantly.

As Dani entered the lobby with Martha at her side, she ran smackdab into the most breath-taking man she had ever seen. When their eyes met, fireworks erupted inside her and she was sure every nerve in her

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body felt the singe.

“What if she . . . no, it couldn’t be.”

…

He appeared to be equally smitten and several moments passed before they reluctantly stopped staring at each other.

When she looked around, Martha had disappeared.

“Hello, I’m . . . David.” He stuttered.

“I’m Dani . . . I brought your god mother, Martha.” She managed to say while taking a wobbly step backward.

David gave her a puzzled look. “I don’t have a god mother …”

Dani threw out descriptions.

“Elderly woman, small frame, dresses like she’s of old money . . . sweet smile?”

Suddenly dizzy, she grabbed for a nearby table.

David reached, catching her by the arm in attempt to steady her. “Are you alright?” …

Dani looked into his gorgeous eyes.

“Do you believe in angels?”

David smiled and the fireworks exploded again.

Copyright © Michel Fleming. All rights reserved. www.micheleflemingauthor.weebly.com Article URL: http://articles.faithwriters.com/reprint-articledetails.php?id=21196 Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com

“I really don’t know who that would be.”

Dani stepped into the large hall and began to scan the crowd looking for Martha, but something in the pit of her stomach told her that she wouldn’t find her.

She looked again at David and a crazy thought entered her mind.

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COMMUNITY

It’s party time!!!

At the HOUSE OF WELLS This Christmas, the House of Wells Enrichment Centre, a charity working with orphaned, abandoned and vulnerable children in poverty-ravaged communities in Port Elizabeth, South Africa will aim to make 650 of them smile. This is what they say:

One of the reasons the H.O.W was birthed is to raise/restore hope in the lives of the children we minister to. We inspire them to greater heights by teaching them that they are children of The KING of kings and therefore deserve the best in Christ i.e. the best in life.

One of the many ways we do this is by giving them a Christmas banquet that is fit for little princes and princesses of the Most High God!!

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We hire Coaches to take the children from each township where we have Enrichment Centres, to the Amphitheatre in the Centre of Town, which we have been kindly given to use at no cost every Christmas since 2010.

They all have scrumptious meals, drinks, there are party entertainers to make them "laugh out loud"*music* *dance* and…

…we give each child a party pack with gifts, food stuff, groceries, toys etc; to take home, worth £5 per party pack.

In 2008, we hosted 70 kids, in 2009 - 200 kids, 2010 - around 350 kids, 2011 - we had a party for 500 kids. We are determined by God's grace, to bring a smile to every H.O.W. child's face this Christmas and we know God will help us to make it happen!!

To view previous party videos and photos and to support this work, please visit: www.houseofwells.org http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.31 3712768651300.77979.138703119485600&ty pe=1

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.31 3954955293748.78013.138703119485600&ty pe=1

Thank you!

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INSPIRATIONALL

The Christmas Orange Marilyn Schnepp

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It was just an orange...but to the little boy who spotted his name printed in charcoal across the bright, orange-colored peel, it looked like Christmas!

Years later when my Dad was relating the story about that particular Christmas and his beautiful orange, tears began to well up in my eyes. "You mean an orange was all you got for Christmas"?

"Hey, oranges were a real treat back then!" Dad hastened to explain. “And you know, it’s not what you give, but what you wrap it with that matters.”

“We were poor and fruit was hard to come by, but on Christmas we'd usually get a piece of fruit that Mother sliced up in five equal parts for all of us kids, so we'd each get a taste, and a couple of walnuts. “ “But this one particular Christmas was special!

We each got an orange! I got a whole orange just for me! My very own orange!"

…

Well, I guess you know my brother and I NEVER complained again about our friends getting all those toys and games while we were given what our parents called "essentials of life" type presents … pyjamas, slippers or warm mittens.

Nope! We never uttered a peep!

Years went by and commercialism seemed to sap the beauty and spirit out of the holidays.

To get my perspective back, I'd ask Dad to tell us the story about that special Christmas when he got a whole orange just for himself!

No, it wasn't JUST an orange, it was love, warmth and so much more to a little boy!

Copyright © Marilyn Schnepp Published writer, poet and essayist in various magazines and OP/ED Sections of local newspapers, and the ex-Editor of TradeWinds (Senior Citizen Newsletter). I write to hopefully touch, inspire, or entertain readers with my simple wordsmithing. If I can move the reader to chuckles or tears...I've reached my goal.

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HEALTHY EATING

From Joanna Faillace Certified Biblical Health Coach, Author and TV Host of Super-Naturally Healthy Kids with Chef Joanna as seen daily on TBN's Smile of a Child Network.

.. © 2012 Joanna Faillace

Super-Naturally Healthy Fresh and Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup! © 2012 Joanna Faillace

Ingredients: *Use organic ingredients as often as possible

Broccoli is a green super food that acts like a suit of armor shielding our bodies from the attacks of colon and breast cancer. Broccoli contains and releases powerful antioxidants like folic acid, potassium and vitamin C to help bolster our bodies’ defense systems against debilitating diseases such as Alzheimer’s, diabetes and arthritis. Enjoy this hearty and delicious soup made with one of God’s supernaturally healthy foods, broccoli!

2 tablespoons butter ½ cup finely diced celery 2 medium potatoes, any type, peeled and diced 1 medium red onion, chopped 2 tablespoons all purpose, unbleached flour 1 - 14 ½ ounce low sodium chicken broth 1 ½ cups whole milk ½ cup heavy cream 3 cups chopped broccoli florets 2 cups grated Vermont sharp cheddar cheese ½ teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice Celtic Sea salt, to taste Freshly ground black pepper Freshly ground nutmeg, to taste

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Instructions: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the potatoes, celery, and onion and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly until tender.

Next, add the flour and stir for two minutes on medium high heat.

..

Gradually stir in the chicken broth, milk, and heavy cream.

..

Bring to a boil and cook for about 5-10 minutes.

Add the broccoli and cook until fork tender, about 5 minutes longer.

Remove from heat and stir in the cheese.

Add the lemon juice and season with Celtic sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Mix well and serve hot.

Garnish with freshly ground nutmeg and grated Parmeggiano Reggiano cheese.

Enjoy! ♥

*Super-Naturally Healthy Tip! For a special gourmet presentation, serve with my Easy and Cheesy Parmesan Crisps.

Wow, talk about “over the top” flavor!

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* Super-Naturally Healthy Tip!

Cheeses such as Cheddar and Asiago are also good choices for these delectably light and cheesy treats.

© 2012 Joanna Faillace

My Easy and Cheesy Parmesan Crisps make an especially tasty and crunchy “topper off-er” for my Fresh and Creamy Broccoli Soup.

Be sure to pray against becoming a “Cheese-aholic!”

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Instructions: Preheat oven to 400*. Line a cutting board or counter top with waxed paper (preferably natural.)

Ingredients: *Use organic ingredients as often as possible!

1 block Parmeggiano reggiano cheese, finely grated Your choice of spices ~ rosemary, chili powder, garlic powder Metal- style hand grater

Finely grate parmeggiano reggiano cheese. Place in small bowl. Add spices to your taste, if desired. Heap individual tablespoons of cheese onto natural parchment lined, non stick cookie sheet.

Using the back of a tablespoon, make a continuous, circular motion until each cheese mound is flattened neatly and uniformly. Bake for 3-4 minutes until golden watching very carefully as overcooking causes chewiness instead of crispiness.

Store remaining grated cheese in tightly covered container. Makes between 1620 crisps. Enjoy! ♼ Joanna Faillace is also the producer and TV host of the Super-Naturally Healthy Cooking Series and is a Christian Contemporary vocalist, musician, songwriter, speaker and writer for God’s glory.

She is excited to be the Network Chef Host for Parables HD, the first ever 24 hour, Christian-based movie channel, and will host her new cooking show in the near future.

She and her husband, Jim, thank God for their four children and one precious grandchild. They delight in opportunities to preach the Gospel and share the love of Christ. They make their home in beautiful Central Virginia. All her recipes are copyrighted.

Website www.supernaturallyhealthy.net Email: joanna@supernaturallyhealthy.com

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INSPIRATIONAL

Yes I may not know the future But I know my past I know You are faithful And Your mercies unsurpassed I may not understand why But I have no more questions I know You are good And You will definitely supply It’s a whole new world It’s going to be tough But I know that You love me And that’s more than enough And so, Even though he might divorce me Even though they might cut me off Even though I don’t have all the details I say Yes Yes to Your words, Yes to Your will, Yes to Your way.

Copyright © Puaichie Badejo 2012 All rights reserved.

Inspired by insights in the book “Straight to the Heart of Matthew. 60 Bite Sized Insights by Phil Moore.

Imagery: www.freebibleimages.org

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An … Widow Empowered

INSPIRATIONAL

The story served as an encouragement to me because even though I wasn’t initially aware of my own value, I knew that I would know in time to come.

Even though I’ve moved on from there with 2 other books published, I find myself coming back to the story of The Widow’s Jar of Oil, perhaps it could be because I have developed a leadership programme from that story or it could simply be that there are more nuggets to learn from the story and the life of the widow.

By Jacqueline Nwokeji-Ani

When I wrote my first book titled ‘The Widow’s Jar of Oil’, it was at a very challenging period of my life. I was battling with debt and did not know what valuable resources I had in my own house to get me out of my own predicament.

For a woman to take her rightful place in society, I must add as a woman and not as a man, she would need to really grasp this issue of the emotions. It something that has been used to get us down so that we don’t rise up in the roles we have in society.

If you’re a woman who submits to her emotions, the chances are that you would probably be in a reoccurring cycle with no form of progression until you understand that you and you alone have control

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over your emotions and it should not be put in the hands of your mate, children or even close friends.

I looked up the meaning of Widow and apart from the obvious meaning that we know about, another meaning caught my attention.

..

“a woman often left alone because her husband devotes his free time to a hobby or sport” Sometimes we can become so engrossed in our husbands and when they don’t reciprocate, we give into our emotions and begin to spend money we don’t have, eat to the point where we can’t say no, or look for attention in the eyes of another person (man) … the list is endless and doesn’t justify the means.

When we submit to our emotions, we can’t see the solutions already in front of us.

The widow wasn’t crying because her husband was dead, although it was very tragic. She was crying because she was being intimidated by creditors. It was Elisha who showed her that she had what she needed to get out of her predicament. That revelation turned her from a victim to an empowered widow. (2 Kings 4)

Her story applies to all women who have a destiny, a purpose to be birthed, but are allowing themselves to be pulled down by negative emotions - whether those emotions result from a husband who is never there, a yearning for a husband, or problems they were not called to solve.

As women in the 21st Century, we have so much to get on with, but it starts with You and how you are developing so that you’re equipped and prepared for the role you were created to do.

Wipe your eyes and take a look … what do you have in your house?

Jacqueline Nwokeji-Ani is a Leadership/Career and Personal Development Consultant, Career Coach, Lecturer, Inspirational Speaker and Author/Writer of the best-selling book The Widow’s Jar of Oil. She is also a fellow member of the School of Social Entrepreneurs.

Her mission is to empower others to fulfil their life’s purpose and she has a passion to see people excel against the odds.

With over 14 year’s experience, Jacqueline has worked as a Recruitment Consultant for some of the most renowned Consultancies in the City of London, recruiting and selecting personnel for triple A rated investment banks/companies.

Her company Empowered Woman Ltd offers mentoring and training for women who are in leadership but need to move into purpose.

She is married with 2 beautiful girls. Find out more about how she can serve you at: www.empoweredwoman.org.uk

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REVIEWS

Children’s Book Club Board books are so beautiful these days. The designs of the books, the details included in the illustrations all point to the fact that the people behind these books really do put a lot of effort into ensuring that the books provide a rich stimulating experience for young children.

As a general guide, when you’re reading, stay for some time on each illustration, name objects, name colours, animate words – if children are skipping, stop and skip too. If an animal or object in an illustration reminds your child of a nursery rhyme, then stop and sing the nursery rhyme. You’ll find that that little book soon becomes a fun, interactive experience.

And the books work together, line upon line, precept upon precept, you can use concepts learnt from one book to reinforce the concepts learnt in another.

Great for building vocabulary, two-way communication and let’s not forget, extra special warmth as you read together! Enjoy!

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Colours (Early Learning Fun) Roger Priddy

…

Great book for teaching little ones about colours. 10 colours are featured - yellow, green, blue, pink, orange, purple, brown, red, black and white.

Baby Peekaboo!

Publisher: DK This book will help to teach your little one the concept of 'peek-aboo!‘ Teddy, Ducky, Builder, Owl, Mouse and Octopus are the stars in the book and your little one will find them hiding behind a pretty present, a bath tub, a colourful ball, a yellow digger, a sailing boat and a holey yellow cheese.

Each colour is illustrated by between 3 to 4 real world objects and animals, which help to drive home the concept of the colour. So, little ones see the colour 'yellow' for instance illustrated by a yellow banana, yellow duckling, yellow truck and yellow sonflower.

It’s an effective book on many different levels.

Be warned though, the strawberries in the book look so real, you may need to buy some before you read the book with your toddler!

Your little one will learn new words and strengthen his existing vocabulary as the book progresses.

With easy to lift sturdy flaps and bright focused illustrations, it is perfect for young children.

Peek - a - boo!!

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Elmer's First Counting Book David McKee Help your child learn how to count with this delightful book.

Be advised though, if you would like to do the actions necessary to really enjoy this book, you'll need to do a little exercise!

We say this because the book features tigers dancing, monkeys swinging, frogs jumping and rabbits running!

However, all that exercise is tempered with periods when you can just laugh with the crocodiles, smile with Elmer and even dream with the lions! So, the author has certainly thought it all through!

Lovely book!

Go Wild With Noises Neil Layton Mooo...oooo, Miaow...www, Buz...zzz, Roaaarr....rrrr – The author says we should go wild with noises and that's exactly what we're doing!

Filled with bright comical illustrations, this book is sure to give you and your little ones a laugh or two.

Of course, it's also great for stimulating two-way communication with your child.

And if your neighbours give you some funny looks the day after you've read this to your little ones, just tell them you were only doing what Mr Layton said you should do!

Oink! Oink! Mooo...ooooOOO!!!

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Little Monkey (Touch and Explore) Katie Saunders This is a well designed bright colourful book with lots to look at, talk about and touch too. As Cheeky Monkey goes on a walk through the forest, your little one will enjoy feeling the different textures - soft flowers, smooth green leaves…and oh dear, oh dear - the green scales of a grumpy crocodile!

Thankfully, Cheeky Monkey realises VERY quickly that the grumpy crocodile is not your average monkey-friendly animal and he gives us all a chance to touch and feel all those animals again as dashes back home to his nice safe bananas!

Phew! Now, after that quick dash, we're hungry too! Little Monkey, can you spare us a banana? Please?

Pretty please...?

Sleepy Baby Fiona Watt & Catherine Mackinnon This is such a cute book!

Lovely soft and gentle pastel illustrations will help your little one follow Sleepy Baby as he gets ready for bed.

In addition, right from the cover, there's something soft to touch on every page that young children will relate to - there's a soft cuddly comfort cloth, soft socks, soft towel, soft nappy, soft toy rabbit's ears and then back to the soft comfort cloth.

Sleepy Baby gets undressed, has his bath (splish! splosh!), brushes his teeth, reads his book and then the grand finale - he sleeps.

A beautiful book and educational on many different levels.

Night Night Sleepy Baby! Sleep tight!

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INSPIRATIONAL

Lily Rose Photo: Bejewelled by AussieGall http://www.flickr.com/photos/aussiegall/2194686340/

Norma looked at her reflection in the mirror. It had been another long night. Her face was puffy and blotched from crying herself to sleep again.

Reaching for her makeup, she began to apply the white cream with experience. She knew how to cover the pain.

A loud knock on her dressing room door announced the timekeeper, “Hurry up, the audience is getting restless.“ She finished painting on the big red smile on her lips and cheeks.

Taking strides toward the stage, she knew it was time to perform.

With a deep breath, she spoke a silent prayer, “Why did I, God? Why did I? Please help me…”

Alone on the stage among people she did not know, she danced. They shouted. She swirled. They clapped.

She hopped. They hooted. She preened. They whistled.

She could still see her mom’s distraught face on that final day.

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When her act was over, she slunk away to lick her wounds like a wounded cat.

Stepping into her dressing room, she fell on the little chalice lounge chair, placed her head on the old and dusty dressing table and let the memories wash over her.

She could still see her mom’s distraught face on that final day. She could still see her sister running after her … could still see her warm bed and it was all she could do to stop herself from screaming.

Norma looked at her reflection again and the woman who stared back at her bore no resemblance to that young fresh faced woman twenty years ago.

“O God, look at me…”

She started crying so hard, she didn’t notice it at first, but when she did, it had filled the room. An exotic fragrance, a sweet fragrance, an unusual fragrance.

It didn’t smell like the cheap perfume she’d been buying off dodgy sellers at dirty street corners.

This was deep, smooth and beautiful.

Wanting to know where it was coming from, she stepped out of the door and almost immediately bumped into the janitor. Keys and cleaning implements flew across the corridor.

“Whoa! Watch where you’re going!”

“I can smell perfume……it’s …”

Norma blushed and hurriedly bent to help him pick up the things.

“Sorry, didn’t see you there.”

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“What’s the rush?”

“Nothing… Giving all the items back to him, she asked “…are you wearing perfume?”

He laughed. “Me? Do pigs fly? Do dogs swim?”

“I can smell perfume……it’s …”

“I can’t smell anything, or should I say I don’t want to smell anything…”

He looked at her closely.

“Have you done your bit today?”

She nodded.

“Then, it’s time you went home!”

Norma sighed. “I guess you’re right.”

Thirty minutes later, make up less, wig less, false eye lashes less, Norma stepped out of the rear exit “Hello to another empty night.” She breathed.

Norma’s hands started to shake. A warm flush spread all over her. “….Yes… who are you…?”

The woman smiled. “My name’s Kate and this is my husband Peter.. We live a couple of blocks away.”

“And so, how did you know my name…?”

“My husband and I … we’re Christians…you will find this hard to believe, I know… but my husband had a dream last night …?”

“Yes,” her husband continued, “ … I saw someone called Norma working here needs help. We asked at the front for you. The receptionist said you’d be out soon. So we waited.”

Norma’s hands started to shake. A warm flush spread all over her.

“Hello … Norma?”

Kate placed a hand on her shoulder.

Surprised, Norma looked to see where the greeting had come from.

It was an elderly couple. The woman extended her hand. “Norma…?”

“And so, do you need any help?

What can we do for you?”

“How did they know her name?”

Norma’s eyes welled with tears. She could barely speak. “Where do I start?”

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Peter smiled. “At the beginning. But first, you must be hungry.”

He pointed across the road. “There’s a small café over there that Kate and I have been to loads of times. They do very good food. Let’s eat first and then take it from there. Sounds good?”

.

Norma nodded and a tiny smile flitted across her face. “It sounds very good.”

Copyright © 2012 Lily Rose. All rights reserved.

References: Acts 16: 6-10, Matthew 1:20, Matthew 2:12-13, Matthew 2:19.

Starting inspiration for this story came from two stories by Debra Bee (The Great Pretender and No One Stands Alone).

Debra loves to encourage the heart of people to be who they are meant to be in Christ, individually made and uniquely designed.

Website: www.debrabee.org Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com Article URL: http://articles.faithwriters.com/reprintarticle-details.php?id=21774 Article URL: http://articles.faithwriters.com/reprintarticle-details.php?id=18929

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COMMUNITY

Christians Against

Poverty Christians Against Poverty is an award-winning debt counselling charity.

The Bradford-based headquarters supports a growing network of more than 200 UK centres to offer people with debt problems a professional, friendly and local

service.

CAP has helped more than 45,000 people facing problems to find a way out of debt, completely free of charge.

The charity can help anyone who lives near a centre, regardless of belief, background, race or any other factor.

Every client receives a home visit and face-to-face support until they are debt free.

94% of clients say our service was either life transforming or a great help.

For debt relief, please visit www.capdebthelp.org

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INSPIRATIONAL

Taste and See …

A round up of some great music for Christmas • • • • • • • • • •

Cece Winans: Do You Hear What I Hear?

Jars of Clay: Drummer Boy New Creation Church: I Sing Hosanna The Hoppers: Yahweh Oby M: Just Praise Him Kirk Franklin: He Reigns Gaithers HomeComing: Jesus, The Light Of The World The Kingdom Choir: Praise Belongs to Our God Darwin Hobbs: Everyday Tayme Tee: Just As I Am

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COMMUNITYAL

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A selection of beautiful fairtrade gifts.

Visit www.createdgifts.org for further details. Your patronage will support artisans in some of the world’s poorest communities.

Above: Flower Hoop Earrings Rings of solid silver decorated with enamelled flowers.

Below: Magenta Shades Bracelet: Coloured pearls and glass beads interspersed with silver-coloured beads.

White-metal T-bar style fastening. L19cm Above: Flower Brooches Spectacular folding and stitching creates these beautiful fabric flower-heads. Fitted with safety pins Above: Moonstone Cluster Earrings: A cluster of smooth polished moonstones suspended from fine silver links. Drop2cm

Below: Lush Pastures Bracelet Faceted glass beads in deep grassgreen with silvercoloured T-bar clasp.

Above: Nightfire Bobble Earrings

Above: Red Spondylus Ring: Silver petals surround a round spondylus cabochon. Adjustable split-shank.

Flower Dia1.6cm Above: Nightfire Bobble Necklace: Fiery red faux-pearls set alongside bobbles made of tiny golden, bronze and red coloured seedbeads on a suede-like cord

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.. ..

Above: Discs Ring Silver ring set with discs of lapis and mother-of-pearl around a central red spondylus.

Above: Bronze Strand Necklace A single long strand of glistening bronzecoloured beads

Right: Knotwork Ear Rings Celtic-influence design of interwoven silver to match Pendant.

Above: Wiry Bangles (set of five Spiral coloured wire accentuated with toning beads.

Above: Gems Bracelet Polished pillows of gemstones including tiger's eye, amethyst, aventurine, smokey quartz and carnelian on elasticated bands

Right: Turquoise Cuff Flexible beaded cuff-style bracelet adds some sparkle to your day.

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Above: Garnet Flower Earstuds.

Two faceted garnets shaped to create a tiny flower in a solidsilver wirework setting.

…

• …

Above: Garnet Classical Necklace The facets on these beautiful silver-set garnets will draw the light through their rich colour.

Above: Lunar Earstuds: Cleancut ring of silver holds a slice of iridescent mother-of-pearl. Stud fitting.

Below: Sunflower Pendant A really eye-catching piece of artisan craftsmanship. A large disc of solid silver with intricate petal-forms highlighted in shaded enamels.

Supplied with a faux-suede cord.

Below: Rainbow Necklace A spectrum of colours lights up your day. Threaded discs with a screwclasp. Wear them all together, or choose one length to match the desired neckline for the day.

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Below: Triple Discs Necklace Three dramatic sweeps of overlapping discs drawn together on a beaded strand.

..

Below: Spondylus Flowers Earrings Four deep-blue sodalite petals surround a central red bead of spondylus, all in a solid-silver setting with stud fitting

Below: Vintage Hearts Bracelet Copper- and golden-coloured glass hearts interspersed with earthy beads on a bronze-effect chain for a classically vintage look.

T-bar fastening. Matches necklace

Above: Starfish Earrings Each of these coloured glass star beads is handmade and unique.

Below: Berry Tones Button And Bubble Bracelet A masterpiece in intricate beadwork. Tube sections made of tiny interwoven beads, bobble and cluster beads centring on a large felt pebble-bead.

Above: Petals Jewellery Box: A velvetlined leather box for storing smaller jewellery items.

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INSPIRATIONAL

Don’t Look Back!

Sherrie Coronas

I take my place in the assigned lane and force the metal starting blocks to grip the track precisely where I need it, as my heart begins demanding more and more of itself.

400 meters. One time around the track. The formula is simple - breath, relax, pump my legs, lift my knees, stay in my lane and don't look back.

Just keep it together. Do not blow this.

I've trained so hard. I want it more.

I'll stick to the plan and endure the pain. Do it right or lose.

Shaking my anxiety-filled arms and legs fails to produce the relaxed, ragdoll limbs I desperately desire. Coach paces ferociously on the far side of the track. He wants it, too.

Let the others go out hard. I'll wait for the second turn in the track. I'll pass them on the back stretch, a signature move refined over many years of practice.

His words cut through the crowd in my head: Steady, it's your race...you’ve got this thing.

But then comes the final turn, the home stretch and the dreaded wall.

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Determined, this time, I'll stay in my lane and never look back. ‌

I've hit it hard before. Muscles succumb to fatigue and speed drops faster than a Mustang with a flat tire.

The others close in.

The prize is slipping away.

Temptation is right there, right over my shoulder. Unable to resist, I look back and step out of my lane.

But NOT this time.

The scream of the whistle pierces the air, yanking tight the knot in my stomach that had been twisting into formation all day.

The others crouch down with knuckles aligned as close to the thin, yellow line as humanly possible.

I give my body one final wake-up call and twist hard at the waist in both directions.

My knees touch down on the rough track. The others, set and ready to go, wait as I find my find perfect balance, pressing firmly against the

metal blocks. I lower my head and bear the race official's final review.

A deep breath relieves the immense pressure building up inside my head, threatening to erase my plan. But, I'm on automatic pilot from here. It's time to trust the program developed and debugged and, I pray, perfected for this moment in time.

A second whistle and I rise at the waist. I wait for the shot of the gun.

Soon, I'll propel forward, towards the goal, one long and measured stride at a time. Determined, this time, I'll stay in my lane and never look back.

Steady, it's my race...I've got this thing.

References: 2 Timothy 4:7 (NKJV). Hebrews 12:1-3 Copyright Š Sherrie Coronas. All rights reserved. Sherrie is a believer in Jesus Christ, a freelance writer, a wife and a mother. She resides with her family on the island of Oahu in Hawaii, where she was born and raised.

Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com. Article URL: http://articles.faithwriters.com/reprint-articledetails.php?id=22963.

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INSPIRATIONAL

word art He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him.

He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet, to all who received him, to those that believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God – children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision, or a husband’s will, but born of God. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.

We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

John 1: 10-14 (NIV) Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION (R). Copyright (c) 197, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.

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INSPIRATIONAL

To The Most Beautiful Woman In The World…you!!

You are wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14) You are a royal diadem in God’s hand (Isaiah 62:3) Your name is sought-out, a city not forsaken (Isaiah 62:12) You are a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9) God loves you so much...

(John 3:16) You are the apple of God’s eye (Psalm 17:8) You are precious and honored in God’s sight (Isaiah 43:4) God delights in you and will claim you as His bride (Isaiah 62:4-6) You are God’s signet ring (Haggai 2:23) You are a crown of glory in God’s hand (Isaiah 62: 3)

Merry Christmas!

Compiled by: Pam Ford Davis http://www.teapottestimony.vpweb.com Puaichie Badejo www.issuu.com/jasminesplace

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Jasmine’s Place Email: jmagazine33@gmail.com Web: http://issuu.com/jasminesplace Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/thereadypen

Thanks for reading.

The next issue will be available at the end of December.

See you soon!

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