A Woman, A Wife, A Mother Ministries
The E.L.C. Newsletter
Spring 2018
THE E.L.C. “The Elect Lady & Her Children” 1 John 1:1-6 INSIDE: MENTORSHIP PROGRAM JOY IN MOTHERING PUSH INSECURITY HEALTH & WELLNESS MATERNAL MH
2-3 4-5 6 7 8-9 10-11
RECIPE
12
BE STILL
13
SINGLENESS
14
BE MINDFUL
15
KNOW YOUR WORTH
16-17
SOCIAL MEDIA
18
DOULA TESTIMONY
19-20
MOM PROM
21-23
CONTACT US
24
A Woman, A Wife, A Mother Ministries
A Woman, A Wife, A Mother Ministries (WWM Ministries) is a organization that is geared towards providing holistic instruction for women. Our programs offer life skill educational training, early childhood development training, health and wellness workshops, grocery store tours, Bible studies, conferences, counseling, and mentorship programs that will promote and encourage women in the community to live an abundant life. Wherever you may be on your spiritual path, at A Woman, A Wife, A Mother Ministries you will find a supportive community with a wealth of opportunities for personal growth. We aspire to strengthen each woman's confidence and joy as they seek the Kingdom of Heaven.
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A Woman, A Wife, A Mother Ministries
Spring 2018
Mentorship
Mentorship Program: Winter 2018
Anecia Lee, Mentorship Program Director, CEO, Haven of Rest Counseling, PLLC, LPCS, LCASA, NCC,
Since its humble beginnings in the living room of Alaine Strozier, Founder and CEO of A Woman, A Wife A Mother, Mentorship continues to transform lives of women who fully give themselves to the 3 month process (previously 6 month process). The eight (8) ladies who started the Winter 2018 Mentorship Program are seeing their lives transform right before their very eyes just as all those women before them did.
Winter 2018 Mentee Graduates
WWM hosted an FB Live Mentorship informational on 5 Apr if you would like to learn more about Mentorship please check out A Woman, A Wife, A Mother Ministries FB page.
Our next Mentorship Interviews are Apr 22. E-mail me at lee4always64@gmail.com for a packet. We bid you COME!!!!!!!
As the Mentorship Director, it is my honor and privilege to partner and walk alongside Pastor Alaine and each woman who enters Mentorship. To be able to goad, support, exhort and encourage each woman to Press In closer to Father is such a blessing. www.havenofrestcounseling.org havenofrestcounseling@gmail.com
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A Woman, A Wife, A Mother Ministries
WWM Mentee Testimony
Spring 2018
WWM Mentee Testimony “Mentorship was like a weight lifting class for my spirit, soul, and body. It was rigorous and worked on muscles that I didn’t even know existed. ” -Veronica Broadie Smith
When I was approached about attending the mentorship class I immediately thought, “Oh this will be an easy Women’s Bible Study, which will let me know the areas that I can pat myself on the back about and some of the areas that I needed to kind of improve. No big deal.” Boy was I wrong! Mentorship was like a weight lifting class for my spirit, soul, and body. It was rigorous and worked on muscles that I didn’t even know existed. LOL!!!
Mentorship was not a regular Women’s Bible Study in which I read some stuff and got some powerful revelations about people in the bible. Oh no, I found out some powerful revelations about myself. Good and Bad. We had homework every night. The homework wasn’t short essay questions that I could look up in the bible or pull from my repertoire of knowledge. It was thought provoking and purposely caused me to look in the mirror at myself. I couldn’t just respond to the homework with some answers that satisfied the fact that I completed the assignment. My Facebook notification would light up with Pastor Alaine asking questions about the answers to make me dig deeper. But why did I need to dig deeper? To uncover the mess that was deep inside of me. Hence, the purpose of the mentorship program. At our first meeting, the group of us were asked to write down who we were. We wrote down things like our job titles, our roles in the community, church, home and etc. Pastor Alaine asked us this thought provoking question, “What would happen if God forbid you lost your job, your children, your spouse, your positions in the church then who would you be?” Then she said, “You are not these things you are more than these things.
” I learned a deeper revelation of who I am. I am purpose… on purpose. In the multitude of counsellors there is safety. Mentorship is a safe place. I liked that we were encouraged to be open and honest about what we had been through and/or are going through. Our past has a direct influence on our present and future. Revisiting some situations was painful but so worthwhile to understanding what is going on in the now. Pastor Alaine along with Anecia Lee were always there to let us know that nobody was judging us and that we all had mess but deliverance and restoration belongs to the children of God. I appreciate them for being gentle yet direct. By the time my mentorship class was over, I was more aware of my emotions. I am no longer hesitant to question my emotions or thoughts. If I feel certain emotion, I check myself. I deal with me. I found out why. I will myself free from negative thoughts and emotions because I know that God has purposed me on purpose.
A Woman, A Wife, A Mother Ministries
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A Woman, A Wife, A Mother Ministries
Spring 2018
Joy in Motherhood
Joy In Motherhood Truth is, I didn’t want to have kids. I didn’t want to be a mother. I didn’t want to be responsible for someone else’s life. I wanted my life to be my own. Growing up, I just felt like a Victoria Artis, LMBT child would hold (License Massage & me back and Bodywork Therapist), prevent me from living and being free to shake and move as pleased…AND I didn’t want to risk raising a child the way I was raised – in a single parent home (maybe we’ll talk about that in the future). Well, lets fast forward. I ended up having child. Her name is Destiny Nicole. I had Destiny at the tender age of 18 and I ended up raising her in a single parent home. However, mothering was not what I thought it would be. The moment that I accepted my pregnancy I was able to identify with my natural maternal instincts and I knew that I would love being a mom and that I would be good at it. I’ve learned A LOT along this 13 year journey. I learned from the mistakes that I’ve made but more importantly, I’ve learned that I have done a lot of things right. After birthing her I realized that she didn’t bring anything negative into my life. A Woman, A Wife, A Mother Ministries
“So where did I find joy in mothering?” I found joy in the mistakes that I made, the trials I had to endure, and I found joy sitting at the feet of older women and getting wisdom on parenting.” -Victoria Artis
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A Woman, A Wife, A Mother Ministries
Joy in Motherhood
Spring 2018
Joy In Motherhood So, where did I find joy in mothering? I found joy in the mistakes that I made. I found joy in the trials that I had to endure. I found joy in sitting at the feet of older women and getting wisdom on parenting and understanding that it wasn’t too late to correct to my parenting style. I found joy in seeing the fruit of my labor through the actions and conversations with Destiny. I find joy in the encouragement, instruction and correction of the older women in my life. I find joy in overcoming my fears of allowing her to grow up. I find joy when I sit back and reflect on my journey and see how my baby girl is growing and maturing into a young woman. There is joy in seeing my prayers over my daughter being answered. There is great joy in teaching her who she is and seeing her operate in her gifts. Now, I’m not saying that Destiny is a perfect child, but what I am saying is that the Lord has begun a good work in myself and in Destiny’s life and His aim is to complete it until the day of His return.
“To those of you that are struggling with finding the joys of motherhood…remember this scripture. James 1:2-8 & count it all joy! - Victoria Artis balancedbodymassage.919@gmail.com 919-750-1799
A Woman, A Wife, A Mother Ministries
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A Woman, A Wife, A Mother Ministries
Spring 2018
PUSH
“Pray Until Something Happens” For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Matthew 7:8
Colette Sherard, Instructor of African & Liturgical Dance, Instructionalist Assistant, Travel Agent, WWM Advisor
P U S H
There have been several occasions that I have had people say, “How do you pray like that” or “How do you know what to say when you pray?” I remember having the same questions, but I was taught that prayer is just an open communication with the Lord. I don’t know why when we think about prayer we think there is a format or that there are certain guidelines we must follow. So, let’s look at the above scripture and look at the words ask, seek, and knock. What does it mean to ask? It means to beg, call for, or desire. So that means that God wants you to call out to him in prayer. Sometimes if we ask more than once we think we are bothering God, but He wants to hear from us. He wants us to ask. When children need something from their parents they ask, and the Lord wants us to do the same.
One way to do this through prayer. The last word is knock and it means to strike a surface noisily to attract attention. We all know that when we knock on a door and no one answers we will keep knocking especially if we know someone is in the house or room we are trying to enter because we are determined to get the attention of the person on the other side of the door. Well God wants us to do the same when we come to Him in prayer. He wants us to be persistent until we get the answer we are longing for. He wants us to continue to knock. In the Enduring Word commentary David Guzik says, “Jesus told us to have intensity, passion, and persistence in prayer.” That’s what it means to ask, seek, and knock. We should let this scripture be our format for prayer. Ask, Seek, and Knock.
Now, what does it mean to seek? It means to crave, demand something from someone. Now does this mean that we go to God demanding what we want in a disrespectful way? Absolutely not! We must crave the Lord and seek after Him diligently until we find Him. A Woman, A Wife, A Mother Ministries
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A Woman, A Wife, A Mother Ministries
Spring 2018
Insecurity
Can Sexy Come in a Size 12? Can Sexy Come in a Size 12?
I N S E C U R I T I Y
I tiptoed into the master bathroom and proceeded to fill the tub with lavender scented bath salts and a half bottle of pink bubble bath that I had taken hostage from my then nine-year-old daughter’s bath supply. Beverly Weeks, Executive Director, Snickering like a school Wayne Pregnancy aged girl, I reluctantly Center, Christian dropped my clothes to the Writer/Speaker floor and took one fierce look in the full-length mirror. Immediately my grown-up insecurities began to attack my mind, hound me, and follow me around like a stray yard dog. Girlfriend have you flipped out and lost your mind? He just came home from work and you're gonna’ ask him to do what? It's still daylight! Look at you, it’s winter time and those legs glow in the dark. You can't wear Spanx in a bathtub, and what about that cellulite? Do you honestly think YOU can be a sexy wife? For me it was another stake in the ground, let me remind myself who I AM in CHRIST moment! I gained my composure. Then out of sheer habit, I sucked my tummy in, held my shoulders up, and pushed back my brown wavy hair.
I took one more fleeting look in that bathroom mirror and shouted out confidently, SHUT UP Satan! You ain’t nothin’ but a liar! I am beautiful! I am funny, spontaneous, romantic and my hubby loves me for who I am! As long as we continue to listen to the enemy’s message and what the world perceives as beautiful we will NEVER be satisfied with how we look. My GOD
reminds me in is word that I am fearfully and wonderfully made! Satan had tried to attack my mind and drown it with nonsense lies. That scoundrel wants nothing more than to steal our joy and intimacy from our marriage relationships. Just getting real, I shamefully admit that there have been times that I allowed my insecurities to greatly inhibit me from being romantic with my husband. Not anymore! Honeychild, you doggone best believe it, YES YOU CAN! You can be a sexy wife at size 12 or ANY size!
I will give thanks to Thee, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; wonderful are Thy works, and my soul knows it very well. (Psalm 139:14)
A Woman, A Wife, A Mother Ministries
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A Woman, A Wife, A Mother Ministries
Spring 2018
Health & Wellness
Tips of an Organized Mom
H e a l t h &
Stacey Raidl, Health & Wellness Director WWM, B.A. Health & Wellness
When our four daughters were younger and I worked 40+ hours a week it was vital to our everyday well-being to live an organized life. As a mom it naturally falls on us to be the essence of the home and let’s face it, we run the show. Moms juggle more activities, obligations, work commitments, and family matters. To help you to not just get by in the chaos and instead live an efficient life of peace practice these tips that worked for me and other moms like to better time management and overall organization skills.
1. Plan, plan, and plan some more. In order for all these tips to actually work you must be open to planning ahead and finding a method that works for you. Some moms like to carry a planner, others use family calendars and charts hung in the home, while moms like myself use a planning app like Cozi. Write down everything and make sure it all is visible to all family members to avoid overlapping. As a bonus when everyone is involved it will teach your children time management, too.
W e 2.PlanMeals. for your week by finding recipes, knowing the weeks schedule (Tasked to provide the teams snack on Saturday? Orchestra recital on Thursday?) and out the grocery list. Consolidate food prep- chop enough vegetables l writing for salad one night then tomorrows lunch and even stir-fry the next night or recipes and freeze a meal for later in the week. Utilize mornings to l double meal prep even more by using a crock pot, prepping dinner ingredients like cheese or making a portion of the meal like peeling and boiling n shredding potatoes. Rush. e 3.OneMorning of the best organizational habits a family must rely on is to get ready for the day (school, work, activities) the night before. This includes making s next tomorrow’s school lunches, laying out backpacks, signing paperwork, picking out especially extras like gym clothes or after school practice equipment, and s outfits anything else your family needs to step out the door without feeling aggravated, saying something you might regret, and making this time peaceful setting the mood for the day.
Photo Courtesy: Stacey Raidl
A Woman, A Wife, A Mother Ministries
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A Woman, A Wife, A Mother Ministries
Health & Wellness
Spring 2018
Tips of an Organized Mom
H e a l t h &
4. House work Find a day or days that is dedicated to getting this done without interruption. While my children lived at home we dedicated Saturday mornings to deep clean. We all picked an age appropriate chore (or two) and altogether it was done within 2 hours. During the week the calendar was marked with who had dishes, vacuuming, light dusting, and light glass cleaning the most used areas. Some moms will utilize time by cleaning the bathroom while their children are taking a bath. Other moms pick one chore per week to focus on such as: Monday-mop, Tuesday-dust, Wednesday-clean glass, Thursday-bathroom, Friday-strip/wash linens. This option allows for weekends to remain open. 5. The Age-Appropriate Chores. You’re not doing children any favors by not teaching them to help around the house. Even younger children can help by putting their toys away at the end of the day. This applies even if you’re the type of mom who prefers to do things yourself because you want them done a specific way. Chores teach kids responsibility and prepare them to be husbands, wives, fathers, and mothers someday. When every household member is helping on a consistent basis, the entire home benefits because the load is lightened. A wise woman once told me, “When you do something for your children they can do for themselves, you rob them of self-respect and responsibility.”
Be Okay to Say NO. W 6.It really is okay. There must be boundaries placed on you and your family’s time. find yourself over-volunteering in at the kids’ schools, your church, letting e Ifyouryoukids sign up for too many activities at once, and over-committing to too social things like play dates and birthday parties, it’s time to say NO. l many Prioritize your social obligations and civic commitments and be honest with as to the value that these items really hold for your family. By eliminating l yourself the ones that your family just can’t take on, you’ll free up time, be less hurried, and more organized. n thus 7. Make ME time. e Pencil this into your planner! This can be going to a spa, reading a book in the tub, going to bed early, watching an episode you DVR’d, going for a s walk, having coffee with friends or working on a craft. Whatever helps you s to recharge.
A Woman, A Wife, A Mother Ministries
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A Woman, A Wife, A Mother Ministries
A B O R T I O N R E C O V E R Y M O N T H
Spring 2018
ARIN
Meet Nicole Bauer!! WWM’s Vice President!!
APRIL is Abortion Recovery Awareness Nicole Bauer, MA, LPCA, Licensed Professional Counselor-A, Vice President WWM Ministries
“Establishing joy in mothering”, is far more than part of WWM Ministries’ catchy slogan. It is one of our primary reasons for existing and is at the heart of everything we do. WWM Ministries is committed to raising awareness of issues impacting the safety, health and wellbeing of mothers and their children. We are dedicated to educating women and the community. And we are passionate about reaching women where they are and empowering them to see who they are meant to be. The next few months offer many opportunities for us to do all of these things and more. Since the ruling of Roe v. Wade in 1973, approximately 55 million abortions have been recorded in America. It is estimated that close to 43% (1 out of 3) of women in America have experienced an abortion. These are our sisters, mothers, wives and friends. These women carry an incredible burden of silence and heartache. Many struggle for years with repressed memories, guilt, shame and depression and suffer in silence as a result.
A Woman, A Wife, A Mother Ministries
Month The purpose of this worldwide movement is to share compassionate abortion recovery efforts with others and offer help, healing and hope! It is free of condemnation, judgment or negative connotations. WWM will be joining in this month long effort to raise awareness, offer support and extend opportunities for healing to women of Wayne County and beyond.
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A Woman, A Wife, A Mother Ministries
Maternal Mental Health
Spring 2018
Maternal Mental Health Awareness The month of May is recognized across the globe as Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month. Approximately 1 in 5 women, and about 1 in 2 women if living in poverty, are impacted by anxiety or depression during their pregnancy or within the first year of delivery. WWM Ministries will be working to raise awareness and share information in order to break down the stigma attached to maternal mental health and remind mothers who are struggling that they are not alone. We will be taking to Facebook and our other social media platforms to offer educational posts, stories from real moms who have had maternal mental health concerns, and resources from various organizations that are providing education and services to mothers around the world. As a mother of four beautiful children and a mental health clinician, I am passionate about helping women find their strength and voice so they do not have to suffer in silence. By raising awareness of issues such as abortion recovery and maternal mental health and engaging in conversation and promoting education, we are removing the stigma. We are empowering women to reach out and seek help. Be sure to join WWM Ministries on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to learn more. If you are a woman that is suffering with grief from abortion or if you feel you may be experiencing symptoms of postpartum depression, please reach out for help. You can email us at WWMMinistries@gmail.com for a list of local resources. For more information on abortion recovery from ARIN, go to www.abortionrecovery.org. For more information about maternal mental health and postpartum depression, visit Postpartum Support International at www.postpartum.net. A Woman, A Wife, A Mother Ministries
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A Woman, A Wife, A Mother Ministries
Recipe
Spring 2018
RECIPE Gluten-Free Key Lime Pie
Dana Leigh Sasser, Professional Photographer
A Woman, A Wife, A Mother Ministries
-1 Gluten-free graham cracker pie crust -1-14oz can sweetened condensed milk -3 Large Egg Yolks -1/2 c. Key lime juice -2t Grated Lime Zest -Optional Garnish: 1 c. Of whipped cream & thin slices of lime -Preheat over to 350 degrees. -Prepare 1 unbaked 9 inch gluten free cracker crust -Combine sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, lime juice, and zest in a large mixing bowl -Beat until mixed -Pour filling into prepared pie crust and smooth over -Bake in preheated oven for about 10minutes until filling begins to set -Cool complete and then refrigerate for about 3 hours -Garnish with whip cream and limes
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A Woman, A Wife, A Mother Ministries
Be Still
Spring 2018
Be Still As a young girl did you fantasize about what your wedding day would look like? I did. I pictured the dress, the beautiful church with stained glass windows, the decorations, the cake; I could see all of it! I just knew it would be perfect. I could even anticipate how I would feel on that day! I also imagined what it would be like to have children but nothing could have prepared me for the feeling I had when I first held my daughter. What I have found in life is that until we actually experience certain things we simply can’t imagine how we would feel in a certain moment. I grew up in a divorced family. It was my normal. I didn’t have anything to compare it to. It’s simply how my family was. I don’t think Lauren Maurer (Praise I ever questioned it. But growing up with that life experience being God!) MSW, LCSW normal still didn’t prepare me for the day I chose to end nearly 10 years of marriage. My wedding day didn’t play out like the visions I had as a young girl and my marriage didn’t either. Marriage is hard, addiction is harder and the two combined is nothing short of toxic. I still remember the day that I called my pastor and asked “If I leave my husband, will I go to hell?” Nothing could have prepared me for that season of my life. It was hard. It was dark. It was so uncertain. But God…….God met me in the midst of that chaos. His presence was so real. It was so tangible. I remember reading one day and it was as if Psalm 46:10 jumped off the page: “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” I wondered “What does it mean to be still and know God?” To be still (raphah) means to sink down, to relax, to withdraw. To know (yada) is to perceive, to find out, to discern, to KNOW BY EXPERIENCE!! I caught the revelation and it changed everything for me. I knew I had a choice. I could choose to worship my pain or I could choose to worship God. I could withdraw in pain, in anger and in bitterness or I could rise up on wings like an eagle. I resolved that I was not going to let this experience define me. My life and my purpose were bigger then this unfortunate circumstance called divorce. I wish I could share all the incredible ways God moved in my life during my season of healing but I’m working with a word count here! I can tell you that I know what it is to be still and totally surrender my will to that of God now. I know (yada) God now like I never did before. I have perceived Him, I have found out that He is my husband, He is my provider. I have lived through the experience of divorce and survived….by the grace of God. And I would do it all again to be where I am today. A Woman, A Wife, A Mother Ministries
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A Woman, A Wife, A Mother Ministries
Singleness
Spring 2018
SINGLENESS Greetings to you Single Lady, Greetings to you!! As I began to write I can actually hear Beyonce singing in my head, All the Single Ladies Latrice Raynor, All the Single B.A. Business Ladies now put Administration, cha hands up!! WWM Advisor It's so amazing what our minds can do!! Hmmmm‌.. I have some questions to ask you Single Lady. Are you operating on an Optimum level and Maximizing your season of singleness? Are you preparing yourself or should I ask, positioning yourself for GREATER. If not, NOW is the time. Optimum means the most conducive to a favorable outcome and the most favorable conditions of growth and reproduction. Maximizing means to increase something to get the best results. Optimum and maximizing should continuously be in the forefront of the mind in the season of Singleness. How do you maximize and operate on an optimum level? So glad you asked, Self Examination,Self Evaluation, and Self Developnent. When you are examining yourself, 1.Be Intentional, by examining your own life.2. Be specific, ask God to reveal anything in your life that no longer serves you and use his word to bring you the solution. And most importantly, 3. Be a Believer,
So please, please don't waste this privilege of being Single.. yes I said,privilege... on wanting to be married, being a parent if your not a parent already or Dating, courtship and so on and so forth, but FOCUS on being the best individual you can be ,so prepare yourself, position yourself for what you think and know you want, so when Mr. Opportunity presents himself you are ready!!. Be prepared is ringing so loud...how do you prepare?....Mentors, Prayer life, Men and Women of God, education, skills, and a simple relationship with the creator of the universe. My Prayer for you Single Lady is to become the Bride of Christ and for you to know your worth and value. I pray you walk in love and for you to be confident, bold, and always remember to keep God first and acknowledge him in all your ways and know that God will direct your path and make all your crooked places straight. There is no GREATER LOVE than God's LOVE. Adjust your your crown walk & walk by FAITH and not by sight. Amen. All the Single Ladies All the Single Ladies now put cha hands up!!!
If we confess our sins he is faithful and just and will forgive us of our sins(1John 1:9) and lead us to righteousness. Self Evaluation is all about assessing your weaknesses and strengths and finding ways to become stronger in the areas of weakness and even stronger in the areas of your strengths and that's where self development automatically kicks in and helps us to rise to maximizing our single season on optimum levels. A Woman, A Wife, A Mother Ministries
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A Woman, A Wife, A Mother Ministries
Be Mindful
Spring 2018
Be Mindful There are a lot of challenges going out for husbands, upcoming husbands, and want to get a husband. As we pray and seek God for these things are we as women being mindful to nurture the relationships with our mates. When we Pamela Bell are laying hands on or praying for our spouse and spouses to be, are we taking time out to turn the looking glass of love and life upon ourselves. Most of the time we as women are concerned with what we want God to give us in a husband and what we want God to do for us but are we preparing our minds, hearts, and bodies for him? We have to do conditioning through the word to prepare for our Boaz. For those women who have their Boaz an have not be doing the things that the Word calls for them we have to be reconditioned through the Word.
EZER Take time to study your role as a Ezer Kenegdo: to be his helper; his strength, his power. When you take out time to become that help meet and minister to your spouse mindfully, spiritually, and physically, you just don’t know how far that nurturing will take you. On the other hand do not be so involved in the church and the Pastor, that all your spouse (who you are trying to win for Christ) hears is I have to do this or that for that Pastor meanwhile you are neglecting him and your home but as soon as you get a call from the church you are off and haven’t gave a thought to taking care of the home. 1 Corinthians 7:14 says, “For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife: else were your children unclean but now they are holy.
So you see that even when you are mindful of your role as a spouse you will sanctify your husband and even your children shall be holy but if you do not you will bring about animosity. Your unsaved spouse will have animosity toward your Pastor. The word animosity means-a strong feeling of dislike or enmity towards a person. We need to walk in our roles as Godly spouses and humble ourselves and change if need be so we can push our men to the forefront; that they may shine and be the leaders that God would have them to be. Singles do not be in such a rush for a man but a Godly husband; that will love you as Christ loved the church and gave his life for it. Stop looking at the outward appearance, something pleasing to the eye but look to the heart. Have you counted the cost on your behalf? Do you have what it takes at this time to be a wife? Can you handle some of the challenges that will arise? Because challenges will come and if you are selfish right now think again before you take on a mate.Be mindful to always keep the lines of communication oen and keep God as the HEAD and you can conquer anything as a couple. Last but not least hopefully when your significant other thinks of you, this poem comes to mind.
“She was beautiful but not like those girls in the magazine. She was beautiful for the way she thought. She was beautiful for that sparkle in her eyes when she talked about something she loved. She was beautiful for her ability to make other people smile even when she was sad. No she wasn’t beautiful for something as temporary as looks. She was beautiful, deep down in her soul.” —Author unknown !15
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Know Your Worth
Spring 2018
Know Your Worth Worth is the level at which someone or something deserves to be valued. Psalms 139:14 I will praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know Kim Gagliano that full well. God Secretary, WWM reminds us that since we are made in his image we are beautiful. God loves us and never wants us to doubt ourselves and our value because he made us with love. If we don't like something about ourselves then we are doubting our maker, so we need to learn to love ourselves as we are. Our God doesn't look at our outward appearance like people. He looks at our Heart and looks at our Soul. Isaiah 43:4 God tells us that you are precious in his eyes and honored. We can't see this at times because we don't see our true value in ourselves. God made us with a purpose. In Luke 12:7 Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
In Jeremiah 1:5 God says that, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart.”
A Woman, A Wife, A Mother Ministries
Before you were in your mother's womb God already knew you and set you apart, gave you a spiritual gifting and a purpose. In Luke 12:22 we are reminded, “Be not anxious for your life, what ye shall eat; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. For your life is more than food, and the body more than clothes.” A Woman, A Wife, A Mother Ministries has helped mentor me through my spiritual growth and helped hold my arms up when I needed support! I have learned how to grow as a mother, a wife, and a woman. Through this ministry I have been given opportunities and received encouragement to let my light shine and I have had a sisterhood to walk beside me while doing this. Most of all WWM has shown me how to allow the river of flowing water inside of me to flow onto others and walk/ stand, and live in my PURPOSE! Also, this ministry has shown me ways to pick myself up when I have felt down through sisterhood and other avenues. I have learned to love the body I am in. I have realized how much I am WORTH because I am fearfully and wonderfully made and God knew me even before I was in my mother’s womb.
In times of darkness when I am sad the ministry has lifted my arms, helped wipe my tears, given scriptures to help build me up like women should do, and gave me words of wisdom to help give me push through that narrow gate when knowing that is not easy.
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A Woman, A Wife, A Mother Ministries
Know Your Worth
Spring 2018
Know Your Worth WWM has helped with my three children by encouraging, loving, and listening to them and offering an ear when I had questions about what to do next in parenting or what would they would do. My children are always welcomed and as a mother that pleases me and brings me joy!
WWM has entered my heart along with Gods word where I have grown and I can see, where I have been enlightened and transformed further, letting my light SHINE in JESUS NAME and continuing to live in a way that my fruit THRIVES!
Each day I wake up in complete AWE of our GOD... Complete THANKFULNESS of our GOD, Complete PRAISE of our GOD, Complete WORSHIP of our GOD!!!!
I feel safe with WWM. I feel peace, joy, and love. I also have a family even when I may be dealing with rejection in my own biological family. I have a sisterhood bond no one can ever break through Jesus Christ because my sisterhood is based on biblical truth.
I know I was born 42 years ago with a gift and the enemy doesn’t like it and our AMAZING GOD has shown me how powerful he is and how Forgiving he is when the enemy tries to steal, kill, and destroy and how God can restore my soul... even at the age of 42!
I found my love language and my strongest spiritual gifts. I have met numerous women who have been in my shoes before or may just be starting to walk where I may have walked and I can join, connect, unite with them to help in any way I can! I can share parenting nuggets and get ideas for healthy snacks. I have learned how to study my bible, meditate on Gods word, and the difference between a Hebrew and Greek meaning/mindset.
A Woman, A Wife, A Mother Ministries
Psalm 23:3 “He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.”
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A Woman, A Wife, A Mother Ministries
Social Media
Spring 2018
4 Things to Consider Before Posting to Social Media We may have this love/hate relationship with social media. It’s a great outlet to express yourself, keep up with the latest news, stay in touch with Sherry Ginn, family and Licensed Cosmetologist friends, and possibly attend to your small business. It can be all so overwhelming, yet so satisfying at the same time. In a nation where freedom of speech is expressed on every platform and forum available, how are we, as believers… ambassadors of Christ, to handle these situations? Here are a few things to think about before pressing the ‘send’ or ‘post’ button. 1. Does it mirror the greatest commandments in scripture? Is it coming from a place of ‘Love for God’ and/or ‘Love for your neighbor? You can find these scriptures in Luke 10:27. Think on how this thought would make you feel if it were directed toward you or God? James 1:19 tells us “to be slow to speak, yet quick to listen.” What better place to practice this than on social media. 2.Is it encouraging? Hebrews 3:13 tells us to “encourage one another as long as the day is called today.” We are to build each other up. In world where there is an abundance of negativity and undermining, we honestly need all the encouragement we can get. This would be an excellent opportunity for the church rise up and stand out amongst our natural instinct to point out the wrong. Find what is good, just, and pleasing and call those things as they are.
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3. Does it look to honor others or to exalt yourself? We are called as the body of Christ to serve others and put their needs before ours. This could easily be mirrored on social media. If we are constantly looking to elevate ourselves it comes with the price of making others feel inferior or that they don’t measure up. 4. How will I feel about this post or comment a year from now? 5 years from now? We live in a world of instant gratification. We think in the moment and not how decisions or comments can affect others down the road. I bet we all can recall that hurtful comment someone yelled at us in middle school. For this reason, we have to consciously “think long”. Sometimes we know exactly what to say, but is it the right time to say it? This draws a line in the sand when it comes to knowledge and wisdom. We should operate in wisdom. Proverbs 1:20-21 says, “Out in the open wisdom calls aloud. She raises her voice in the public square: on top of the wall she cries out, at the city gate she makes her speech.” Wisdom is crying out to you to make the right choices. Although, these are just a few questions to ask yourself, we should consciously consider the discernment of the Holy Spirit before we make any comment, post, or click ‘send’ on that email.Whether you love or hate social media we know that we can use these platforms for the Glory of God. Let’s choose to exalt Him in everything we do. !18
A Woman, A Wife, A Mother Ministries
Spring 2018
Doula Testimony
Doula Testimony My husband and I met with Mrs. Alaine Strozier for the first time at Wayne County Public Library. She gave us a breakdown of her role and what we would expect from her if we decided to bring her on as our doula. My first impression of Mrs. Alaine Strozier was that she had a gracious and humble spirit. She was passionate and knowledgeable about doula work. We knew that day that we were going to choose her to be our doula.
Leah & Tyrone Starkie Family
She was always available to answer any questions or concerns that we had. She would check on us periodically to see how I was progressing as my due date approached. She met with us a couple other times at our home to discuss the next steps in the process. She worked with us on comfort measures and breathing techniques. With my husband being disabled, I think she did a great job working with him and giving him different options in how he could help me out during labor. As labor approached my husband and I stayed in contact with Mrs. Strozier and would give her updates.
When I came home Thursday, November 3,2016, My husband and I walked to the store that was next door to our apartment and I had to use the restroom. While in the restroom, I felt that I lost my mucus plug and I knew that I would be going into labor soon. Tyrone was waiting for me outside and I told him what I saw. He told me that maybe I should call my mom and of course, Mrs. Strozier. However, I did not need to call my mom because she called me and asked how I was doing and I told her that I was fine, but I think I lost my mucus plug. She asked me if I wanted her to come stay with me that night and I said yes, I think you should. That evening my husband and I decided to walk around the neighborhood to try and get things stirred up because I was ready to have a baby. That night I began having my first contractions and at that time my mom and my husband was with me and they kept a log of each contraction. I would have contractions every few minutes, but my contractions were never consistent with one another and never developed a pattern, therefore the 411 rule that you learn in birthing classes did not work for me. My dad showed up around 5a.m. Friday morning with breakfast for all of us after just getting off of work that night. We encouraged him to get some rest because we knew it was going to be awhile before little man was going to be here, but he was just too excited as this was my parents first grandchild that was about to be born. During all of this, we are keeping Mrs. Strozier in the loop and she would ask questions about my contractions and give us advice according to where she felt we were in the process. This was also a busy time for Mrs. Strozier as she was preparing to speak in a women’s conference that weekend. As a matter of fact, a few days before jokingly, she told me that I could have that baby any other day but that Saturday on the fifth of November, which was the day of the conference. All day Friday I would have contractions off and on. I got to the point where I did not know what else to do because I was in a lot of pain, so my parents and my husband drove me to Wayne Women’s Clinic. A Woman, A Wife, A Mother Ministries
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A Woman, A Wife, A Mother Ministries
Doula Testimony
Spring 2018
Doula Testimony I spoke with Dr. Brooks and he examined me and told me the total opposite of what I wanted to hear. He told me that I was only 1cm and was not in labor, but gave me the option to go into Labor and Delivery later on that night if I was still having contractions. I showed him the log that my mom and husband kept up with and how often I had a contraction and he did not care anything about that piece of paper. I was not real thrilled with his bedside manner and in my mind I was thinking I hope he is not going to be the Dr. who delivers my son. We left the doctor’s office, got something to eat, and went back home. That evening Mrs. Strozier came by and used some of her techniques to help me get through the contractions as they began getting closer together and were more intense at this point. She kept encouraging me to go for a walk, but my mind was not on walking anywhere until finally I gave in. My mom, my husband, Mrs. Strozier and myself went for a walk and they encouraged me and were my cheerleaders along the way. We came back in the apartment and my contractions got even more intense until I got to my breaking point and was ready to go to the hospital.
Everyone got together and helped my husband get in the van and loaded up and we drove to the ER. An ER nurse wheeled me up to Labor and Delivery. I saw Dr. Brooks name on the board and was like Oh No!. My husband’s girlfriend at that time was a L&D nurse and I told her about my experience with him that afternoon in the doctor’s office and she agreed that he did not always have a good bedside manner, but assured me that he was good in delivery and at that point that is all that I cared about. He checked my cervix once again to see if I made any progress and I was at 4cm, which was a passing score to be in labor. Mrs. Strozier stayed by my bedside that night until she had to go home and get some rest before the conference that next morning. I’m not sure how much rest she got as she was trying to juggle both events along with the adrenaline that was being released as she was full of excitement. She was able to make it to her conference and later on I heard she did very well. I can only imagine what went on in her head as I’m sure she was afraid that I was going to have the baby without her, but God worked it all out of course, and in this case you can be in two places at once because she was. She made it back to the hospital in time for me to have my eight pounds nine ounce and twenty-two inch long beautiful baby boy. I was surrounded by love and support from my husband, my family, and Mrs. Strozier. I had Mrs. Strozier on one side of the delivery bed, my mother on the other side, my husband on the floor encouraging me and helping me throughout every step of the process. As it closer to time for me to push my dad, my brother, and my mom’s boyfriend waited my son’s arrival in the waiting room and once he was born greeted and congratulated me. Everyone fell deeply in love the moment they saw Josiah Eric Starkie for the first time. Everyone talked about how big and beautiful he was. Having a baby or being part of someone that you care about during that process is a magical experience. Mrs. Strozier was a God send for my husband and myself especially since our situation was special. She may not be my doula anymore, but we have developed a special relationship with her and she is a great woman of God, mentor, and friend. A Woman, A Wife, A Mother Ministries
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A Woman, A Wife, A Mother Ministries
Mom Prom
Spring 2018
Mom Prom
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A Woman, A Wife, A Mother Ministries
Mom Prom
Spring 2018
Mom Prom
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A Woman, A Wife, A Mother Ministries
Spring 2018
Mom Prom
Mom Prom 2018 Type to enter text
WWM Ministries would like to thank everyone who contributed or supported our first annual fundraiser! All of the proceeds goes back to the community through our programs and teachings. We’re excited to announce Mom Prom 2019, go ahead and save the date for March 9, 2019. We looked forward to seeing you there! A Woman, A Wife, A Mother Ministries (WWM Ministries) is a organization that is geared towards providing holistic instruction for women. Our programs offer life skill educational training, early childhood development training, health and wellness workshops, grocery store tours, Bible studies, conferences, counseling, and mentorship programs that will promote and encourage women in the community to live an abundant life. A Woman, A Wife, A Mother Ministries
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A Woman, A Wife, A Mother Ministries
The E.L.C. Newsletter
Spring 2018
THE E.L.C. “The Elect Lady & Her Children” 1 John 1:1-6
Melissa Punzalan, Editor-in-Chief of WWM’s Newsletter, The E.L.C.
How satisfied were you with this issue of A WWM’s E.L.C newsletter? How can we improve? If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions please send to: wwmeditorinchief@gmail.com We look forward to hearing from you!
The Elect Lady & Her Children 1 John 1:1-6 (KJV) 1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; 2 (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) 3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. 4 And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. 5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
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Stay tuned for the next issue of The E.L.C. Newsletter!
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