JULY 2012
MARRIED TO JESUS What To Do Until He Gives You Away
Victory
one girls journey over
HPV
NATURAL HAIR Guru’s In The Social Media
redeeming the legacy
LADY
QUARTERLY
DEBUT ISSUE
WAIT OR DATE? How Do I Find God’s Best?
BLAST BODY FAT FAST! Personal Trainer
Stacia Ward
Has The Scoop!
a health and lifestlye online magazine for the christian lady
Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture is taken from the New King James Version Copyright Š 2012. Lady Magazine All rights reserved. Several Photos: Stockfresh.com www.ladymagazinetoday.org ladymagazinetoday@gmail.com
www.luonline.com
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totheREADERS
WORSHIP
YOU I LIVE
Dear Reader, Welcome to LADY Magazine Online! If this is your first time visiting us, you haven’t missed out on anything! This issue is the debut! This publication was created from a word, a dream, a detoured dream, a season of silence, and a revelation. If you could follow the illustration you have great spiritual understanding. If not, there’s no need to feel awkward. Simply put, God spoke a word that was acted on too soon which caused a temporary setback but after a short period...revelation came and LADY was born. One of the most awesome things about life is the discovery of purpose. Purpose is a motivator. It pushes beyond places of familiarity. When purpose has been tapped into, there is nothing that can beset the person being driven by it. Although purpose can come in different shapes and packages, nothing gives you more pleasure than to find your purpose in God. There is a song by Steve Curtis Chapman called “Do Everything” and the message is doing everything so that God gets the glory out of your life. Besides, that’s why we were created! As you find encouragement from other Christian women sharing their stories in this magazine, we pray that you not only discover God’s purpose for your life but also that God resurrects those dreams that lie dormant that He has put on the inside of you to impact those around you. Thank you so much for joining us! God Bless You!
From one
LADY
Summer 2012
TO PSALM 102:18
...to another!
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inthisissue
3 | Dear Readers... 6 | Blast Body Fat Fast 8 | what every girl needs in her closet
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9 | natural hair...Beautiful 10 | Shalom 12 | the fit LADY diet 14 | Married to Jesus 16 | Brooklyn’s Journey: Victory over HPV 20 | Wait or Date
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22 | are you suffering from Diastasis Recti? 23 | 9 tips to avoid late night eating 24 | LADY play list 25 | ...even as your soul prospers
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Blast Body FatFast Tips from a Certified Personal Trainer and Fitness Instructor.
Stacia Ward
SPIN
AEROBICS
AEROBIC STRENGTH
First let’s define body fat. It is a compound comprised of glycerol - a substance formed in fatty acids - and fatty acids which is required as a concentrated energy source for our muscles. Fat is a storage substance for the body's extra calories and it fills fat cells (adipose tissue) that help insulate the body. When the body has used up the calories from carbohydrates it begins to depend on the calories from fat.
ELIPTICAL
BIKE
Fat is hated by the general public, but it is hated even more by the fitness community. Fat hides those toned muscles that are a result of the precious time and tremendous effort in the gym. Fat takes the definite edge off the body and gives it a round and bloated appearance. Fat has been the downfall of many, it is a very tough enemy to beat, but there is always a solution. I have only “three words” to the solution to lose body fat: CAR- DI -O!!!! In order to be effective, cardio training doesn’t require a lot of time, but requires that you remain consistent with it. Most experts maintain that a half hour to forty-five minutes a day, three or four times per week is ample. It is not a matter of training for hours on end everyday. It is a matter of making every minute of your exercise as efficient as possible. Obviously the more you are able to do without getting exhausted the more benefit you will gain. With a proper plan that you stay disciplined with, anyone should be able to commit that much time. Remember, this is a time commitment to provide you with a longer and healthier life Aerobic training is the best of both worlds. The advantages of this is to increase the number of calories you will burn, improve your aerobic capacity, build lean muscle as well as preventing you from losing interest. When you bring weights into the workout, they should be smaller and repetitions higher so as to not exhaust the muscles prematurely. One aspect of this training that appeals to people is it can be customized by anyone to fit their individual needs.
TREADMILL
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Losing weight and becoming more fit is something we all aspire for. Cardio exercise can do so much good for your body on so many different levels. When you are getting into a cardio program, there are some things that you have to be disciplined with, such as what and when you eat, and the time of day you set your training for. But there are other aspects when you should be creative and let your mind run wild. This involves the methods of exercise you use, how and where you accomplish the job, and the way you reward yourself for a job well done. If you make it fun, being consistent over the long run will be easy.
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Here are some steps you can take to lose body fat:
FAQ
1. CAR-DI-O i.e. Treadmill, elliptical, stationary bike, cycling, outdoor walking or running, aerobic strength training and dancing.
Should I vary my fitness routine? Keep your body guessing as to what your are going to throw at it next. It will get bored if your keep doing the same stuff everyday, so look to use multiple exercises to work the same muscles groups.
2. Drink lots of water. Water is vital for optimal functioning of the human body. Fat loss is a very complicated process water is an essential element during fat molecules. 3. Eat 5 meals per day. In order for our bodies to better utilize the food we eat, it is necessary to eat more often. If we eat only a few large meals per day this is what happens: Remember diet is 80% of fat loss and 20 % is exercising. a) Your metabolism slows down because the brain thinks that you are starving. This is the body’s attempt to conserve energy. The slower your metabolism, the less weight you will lose!!! b) Extra calories from meals are stored as fat. The body can only utilize so many calories at one time. If you eat smaller meals throughout the day, the body can burn all of the calories you ingest, leaving none to be stored as fat 4. Eliminate junk foods. Junk food add a lot of calories from fat and sugar. 5. Learn your food groups-protein, complex carbs, fibrous carbs, healthy fats. Understand how to incorporate these four into healthy meals is the key to fat loss. 6. Buy a food scale and calorie counter book. 7. Eat a protein, fibrous carb, starchy carb and a good fat source at most meals. This combination of foods is the key to fat loss because of its effect on stabilizing blood sugar levels, raising metabolism and providing a healthy balance of food choices.
CAR
DI
When is the right time of the day to exercise? If you exercise prior to bedtime you may have trouble sleeping. The National Sleep Foundation has recommended not exercising at least two to three hours before bedtime. Consider planning your workouts before late evening. Should I change my eating habits? Yes you should!!! If you are doing cardio training to lose weight that certainly doesn’t mean you shouldn’t eat. Fat burning cardio workouts only work if you “fuel” the body with proper diet, and training on an empty stomach will shortcut all your hard work. Your optimum nutrition should come both prior to your workout as well as after. How can I lose my belly fat without losing any weight? There is absolutely no scientific way, just to spot reduce belly fat. You see plenty of people at the gym trying to get rid of their bellies by doing sit ups. The only thing this will do is build a set of nice abs under that layer of fat. Until they burn the fat, no one will be able to see or admire their hard work. The only way you can get rid of a trouble spot is by losing weight all around, with CAR-DI-O. When you eat less calories than you burn, your body is forced to start using the fat stores as energy, and as a result, your body fat percentage will decrease and you will see an improvement all around, not just in a single area.
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Can I do too much CAR-DI-O? Yes you can! Excessive cardio breaks down too much muscle, which will decrease the metabolism. Once your metabolism decreases it will become easier to put on body fat because your body burns fat is at a slower rate.
What Every Girl Needs in her closet.
Have you ever been on a job interview and you knew you knocked the ball out of the part? Your answers were right on point, you flashed a friendly smile and seemed to have made a good first impression but never got a call back? Unfortunately, this happens to many of us and the reason is usually one of those “small things”. Appearance is everything and sometimes your presentation can take you further than your experience. If you are a fashion diva and tend to go against the monotony but find yourself at employment dead ends, here are a few tips that may get you back in the door.
1. the blazer 2. basic white blouse This blazer should be black, navy, or gray. These three basic colors are common in the professional world. With the changing generations, fashion has taken on a new meaning and radical looks will never be acceptable in the professional world.
Where can you go wrong? It’s a nice, clean look and goes easily with any business suit. You can never have too many!
3. slacks/skirt
Slacks and skirts are the righthand-man to the blazer. One is just as common as the other. Some women prefer slacks because they are more comfortable. Others would rather rock a skirt to accentuate their legs. Either way, skinny jeans, mini skirts, or tubed dresses should never be worn in a professional setting.
4. pumps
Nothing says professional like a stylish pump. But let’s stay professional. There are many new looks in the shoe department. Know the difference between a stripper shoe, a club shoe, and a professional pump! Your boss will appreciate you!
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atural hair is getting to be the ‘thing’. Yes, there is still an abundance of perms and weaves! Black hair is so versatile and amazingly beautiful in it’s many forms. But sometimes it’s good to change things up a bit. Maybe you are considering taking the leap into your natural state and you are just not sure how to care for your hair. Well, these ladies have mastered their hair and share tips and regimens to all who will listen. Rocking beautiful tresses and even more beautiful, their gifts and abilities to teach others who seek guidance, these ladies give a new meaning for being naturally beautiful.
Natural Chica
C
facebook/naturalchica.com youtube.com/user/Nikkimae2003
aring for black hair is more than a notion. Certainly these ladies can each tell you that it requires a lot of TLC and patience and they can also tell you that the wait is well worth it. They are locked into the social media at your disposal! Visit their pages and subscribe to their channels! Beauty awaits!
Kimmaytube
kimmaytube.tumblr.com youtube.com/kimmaytube luvnaturals.com
Natural Hair - b e a u t i f u l Naptural85
www.naptural85.com youtube.com/naptural85 follow her on twitter: #Nap85
My Natural Sistas
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ou visit your local laundry mat for a quick wash and you are accompanied by the blaring sound of an i-pod or cell phone whose owner feels obligated to entertain his neighbor. As you are cruising down the street, your car picks up a slight vibration which is partnered with loud bass coming from the car next to yours. Walking around the mall, your day away for shopping is filled with whaling children and giggling school girls. It seems that everywhere you go you are followed by noise. How do you get peace when the world around you is so chaotic? Some people find it easier just staying in the house but what if everything around you is quiet on the outside but there is constant noise on the inside? You constantly feel overwhelmed with decisions. Your family life is in an uproar. The cares of your day to day life seem to grow louder and louder. Even when you find yourself secluded because you’ve withdrawn yourself, you experience internal chaos that seems to never subside. There’s a saying that is used by many and is even seen on bumper stickers that reads: “No Jesus, No Peace. Know Jesus, Know Peace.” Isaiah 26:3-4 says “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord is the Rock eternal.” The word is very clear as to how to obtain this perfect peace. TRUST. Trust in Hebrew is “batah” which means “to rely on or put confidence in.” When you put confidence in the Lord, you are simply saying that you depend on Him. The most common issues that plague our thoughts are those of physical health, financial security, employment, family matters, and spirituality. It’s not unusual for us to make one or more of these issues our points of focus. If we are obedient to the word, we will find ourselves thinking on Jesus when things are chaotic. It’s normal for us to be concerned. It is a human response and Jesus knows that. He made you. However, we have to remember that if we share our concerns with Him and trust in Him to workout whatever problems that may arise, He is faithful to keep us in perfect peace. Isaiah knew all too well of the security that we have in Christ Jesus and when you can accept this promise that has been etched into your covenant, there is no problem that could arise to get you out of His perfect peace!
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Shalom
Memory Verse: Isaiah 26:3-4
“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the Lord for ever: for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength.”
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The Fit Lady Diet
ONLINE ...From One Lady To Another...
Follow us on Twitter @LadyMagazine
Take the 8 week challenge! Here is a diet plan to jump start your dream body! For the next 8 weeks, combine this meal plan with the exercise regimen. Just show up and do the work! Expect amazing results and let us know how you did!
Meal Plan: Meal 1: 1 cup of oatmeal and 3 egg whites Meal 2: 1 can of tuna and 1 serving of fruit Meal 3: 3 oz. of lean meat, 1 small sweet potato, 2 cups of low carb veggies. Meal 4: Any protein shake and 2 tbsp of fat source (olive oil, flaxseed oil, or almond butter) Meal 5: 5 oz. of lean meat, 2 cups low carb veggies, green salad w/2 tbsp of oil vinaigrette dressing.
{link up}
Meal 6: 4 egg whites
Workout Plan: Cardio: 3 days per week (30 minute sessions) Strength Training: 2 days per week resistance cords or weights Disclaimer: This plan is intended for healthy individuals. Consult your health physician before beginning any diet plan.
Study with Thousands world wide!
Lady’s Studies starts July 20th!
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rising gospel artist Brandon Joseph Hines Born in Shreveport, Louisiana on January 23, 1983, Hines discovered his love of singing and music at an early age. During his youth, he refined his gift by per forming with various R&B groups in local talent shows. Since then, Hines has appeared on major stages such as Miss Teen USA and 106 & Park, and as a member of Ment 2B, he vowed audiences on Showtime at the Apollo where the group was crowned winners three times in a row. While singing with Ment 2B, Hines opened for well-known artists such as Nelly, Mystical, Dave Hollister, Patti LaBelle, and K-Ci & JoJo. Brandon also embarked on a brief journey with the group Rare Breed, launched by rap icon Da Brat. After parting with the group, Brandon answered the call on his life to minister the love of Jesus Christ around the world through gospel music with an R&B and hip hop flavor.
Listen to and buy Brandon Joseph music on CD Baby. Download or buy the CD "Higher Calling" by Brandon Joseph on the independent record store by musicians for musicians.
“Higher Calling” www.cdbaby.com www.cdbaby.com/cd/brandonjoseph1
THE FIT LADY Visit us online for the latest fitness videos!
Michelle Mckinney Hammond is the founder and president of HeartWing Ministries and is a sought after speaker and singer for churches, women’s conferences, and retreats.
Whether you are pressed for time, have a small weight loss goal or want to maintain your current weight, we have great effective tips that will keep you living a fit life!
CLUB
“The Power of Being a Woman”
LADY
BOOK
Read some great books and join in on meaningful conversations! Our first quarterly book, “The Power of Being a Woman” by Michelle McKinney Hammond, can be ordered online!
{mind} {body}
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Married to M JJesus What To Do Until He Gives You Away “I wanna be married!” “God send me a husband!” “I’m so lonely!” “Will I ever get married?”
S
ingle Christian women hope and dream for the day that mister Boaz comes strutting though the door decked down in his Armani, stacks in his hands and an open heart ready to receive her. Every man that’s visually appealing is a potential candidate. That is until he opens his mouth and every word coming out of it is foul language. Or she discovers his narcissistic personality and realizes that he believe’s he’s God’s gift to all women. It’s easy to trust in our own intuitions when choosing Mr. Right but nothing proves our need to be married to Jesus during our singleness more until we are faced with moments like the above.
their cell phones because they’ve gotten tired of hearing the same old stories. So what’s a girl to do? What’s the remedy to this plagues that seems to terrorize the single Christian community? Singleness has been shunned and gets a bad rep. Although it’s not one of those moments that you want to celebrate when the “singles” are called out, there are many positive things to take from your season of singleness. God has created man and woman for one another. In Gen. 2:18 God said “It is not good for that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him”. We are created to be companions for someone and God has placed a special blessing on the institution of marriage. Since we know that God is the originator of companionships, it only makes since to find true companionship in HIM! Develop a relationship with Jesus until your man manifests. While you wait, there are many things to consider doing to improve your own eligible status.
So what are you to do while you wait for your Boaz to come on the scene? This question is not just asked by many but it is left unanswered. Countless women are lost in translation wondering around like lost puppies pretending to be content when all Find yourself engaging in your hobbies. the while they are miserably lonely. Rather If you enjoy going the movies, football than finding themselves enjoying life, they games, or even museums, find yourself sit around creating an ideal marriage that engaging in these activities regularly. they repeat over and over to themselves The good thing about this is when you and to others around them. At some point do meet your mate, you will be able to their friends become associates and then share these things with him. later disappear into the list of contacts in 14 JULY 2012 LADYMAGAZINETODAY.ORG
Get out of the house. Even if you are only going to the park, the library and the mall. You never know where you might meet your ‘him’. Being in a social environment allows you to come in contact with others. Get involved in church activities. There are even single’s ministries at many churches. This is a good place to meet other Christian singles who share similar values. If you are expecting someone to come into your life to save you from your financial woes, DON’T. You should already be working on clearing up those matters yourself. When God made Eve, she was a blessing to Adam, not a burden. You taking responsibilities for your own finances maybe what God is waiting for. There is a saying “become what you want to attract.” If you want to attract someone successful, start doing things well. You may not be a business owner or have a substantial education background but you can take what you do have and be your best at it. If you know you want a hottie, start taking special care of your appearance. It’s great being a Christian woman but being a trophy wife takes more work. Besides, every man loves a trophy! This is also the perfect time to access your inner self. This is a great time to start working on having a pleasant disposition. That way you won’t have to be concerned with working on your attitude when you finally meet your mate. Practice makes perfect. If you know you have a short fuse, NOW is the time to work on that. Having a man in your life doesn’t mean it goes away! LADYMAGAZINETODAY.ORG
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LADY testimony
Victory
brooklyn’s journey
Memory Verse: Matt. 8:17
over
“He took our infirmities and bore our diseases.” (NIV)
HPV
The Day My Life Ended It was the scariest day of my life. I sat in the doctors office waiting to get my annual check up. I could only hope for news that nothing was out of the ordinary. Maybe a yeast infection. That would have been acceptable. But nothing worse. My symptoms were a little different this time. I remember the rough texture along with the discharge. The two together caused a lot of discomfort and irritation. Maybe something was really wrong. The doctor finally came into the exam room. I laid back thinking to myself that I should not feel embarrassed, besides, she’s probably seen this a lot. It wasn’t even one minute into the exam before I heard the report. “Oh honey, you have HPV.” “I have WHAT?!” Before I could even process what she had just told me, I responded...loud. I was 19 at the time. I had no idea what HPV was. Ironically, during my grade school and high school sex education classes, I cannot even to this day recall ever hearing about HPV. “Human papillomavirus...genital she said.
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My heart sunk into my stomach and all I could feel was numbness. She began explaining the details of this awful disease that I had contracted from my 1st and only sexual partner. My thoughts wandered back to that day I let him convince me into having sex without a condom. At that moment, it was like yesterday, except I couldn’t change warts”, my mind and say “no”. It only took one time. Why didn’t I just say “no”?
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Of all of the information she began laying on me, the only things that stood out for me were, “unfortunately there is no cure” and “there’s a chance that you can pass it to your child if you become pregnant in the future.” I was haunted by this. For me, my life had just ended and I had barely gotten started.
become too massive for cryosurgery so I was prescribed another form of treatment. My doctor educated me on a cream called Imiquimod cream. Of course I was very skeptical about it. So far I was making no progress. This cream was about $250 for a months supply. I didn’t have a job and had no medical insurance so I had to take out a temporary emergency loan from my school. I immediately filled my prescription and began this treatment. There was hope in my heart for a better outcome but that hope was short lived.
At that moment, it was like yesterday, except I couldn’t change my mind and say “no”. It only took one time. Why didn’t I just say “no”?
At the time I was dating the guy who gave me this STD and I began to develop resentment towards him. I was angry because he told As I used this me he’d never had cream, I began unprotected sex before. Despite my anger, developing a horrible odor. It was so noticeable to me. From we maintained a relationship and he was time to time I would ask a close friend if she was smelling as supportive as he knew how to be. what I was smelling. I was relieved that her answer was always no. She had no idea what I was enduring. I never The Beginning of Treatment wanted to talk about it. I became very self-conscious when Weeks went by and my symptoms got I was around people. I started suffering emotionally at this worse. My doctor suggested that I began point. cryosurgery. This treatment is used to freeze the warts so they fall off. It was a nightmare. The Point of No Return Sessions and sessions of cryosurgery were A visit to the clinic one particular day was a turning point for like sessions and sessions of torture. The me. Everything was the same. What was so different about procedures were unbearable. The virus this particular day was the news. “Honey, I hate to say this affected every sensitive area and made it but you are going to need surgery. Because of the severity nearly impossible to muster through. of your outbreak, you certainly qualify.” SURGERY! Of all things I imagined doing in my life, I never pictured having My doctor must have felt so sorry for me. surgery for an STD. Reality was really starting to set it. She couldn’t do it longer than a few seconds My fear had grown into near panic. Surgery meant a laser before I broke into tears. I kept thinking of surgery. the freedom I would feel once they were gone so I bared through it. But the worse When I broke the news to my boyfriend, he began to cry. I was just around the corner. didn’t know if he cried because he felt remorse for what he had done or if he felt a sense of fear for himself. It wasn’t While I felt that the cryosurgery was going until the day of the surgery when he embraced me with well, I was surprised to see how this virus tears when I knew he actually felt sorry for me. As bad as had taken a turn for the worse and started I would love to say that his sympathy helped me through, growing at a more rapidly. The disturbing I felt more emotional hurt than his tears could ever ease. I thing about genital warts is that it thrives was simply mad! There’s no easy way to put it. in moist areas. The goal was to keep the area dry but because of the discomfort, I The day of the surgery I was greeted by several spent more time trying to relieve pain with physicians at the medical center. I was thinking, “wow, creams and baths, not realizing that I was how embarrassing is this going to be.” I am thankful for making it worse. anesthesia. I was comforted with friendly conversation until I went under. About what felt to me like 10 seconds of My next doctor visit would become more sleep, I woke up and the surgery was done. I had been in trying. By this time, the outbreak had surgery for 2 hours.
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This is where recovery began but the road ahead of me was long and extremely painful, and it was far from glamorous. Without being too explicit, the best way to explain the aftermath is to say that the entire layer of dermis on my private area was removed. There was only open flesh. I was given Lidocaine cream to ease the pain and sent home. Recovery Days went by; then weeks. Although the worse seemed over, I was experiencing different types of problems. I had open flesh to maneuver around and the Lidocaine was not the best remedy during the first 15 seconds of application. It was the most intense and horrible pain anyone could ever experience. Once the pain subsided, I was okay for a few of hours. With time, I healed. Continuing my doctor visits over the next few months proved that there was progress and I felt positive about my health. While I was physically recovering, my emotional health suffered. I found it hard to be a peace. My heart was heavy all of the time. Not only was I beginning to question the relationship I had with my boyfriend, I began questioning the relationships I had developed with other friends. I felt so lost. I sunk into an overwhelming pit of depression and nothing made sense to me anymore.
moment. I began seeking out churches and looking for a place to worship so that I could get back in right standing with God. I searched and search and found nothing. Lo and Behold... About a year after I was fully recovered, I took pleasure in knowing that all was well with my body. Things were back to normal and I was no longer self conscious. Despite my improved health, I was extremely observant and I took serious looks at myself all the time. I had somewhat developed a fear of going through all of that again. One day, I noticed something unexpected. I brushed my hands past my inner thigh and felt a bump. I fell into a panic and felt the other thigh. Lo and behold, there was a small bump on the other side as well. I immediately broke into tears. I remember falling to the floor on my face and begging God to remove this disease from me. I repented for all of my sins and begged Him to have mercy on me. Fear consumed me. I made a decision that day that I needed God. He was the only way I would be able to survive this. At this point, my relationship had pretty much ended. Now I was in this alone. I spent the majority of my evenings laying in bed in silence. I even considered ending my life. I knew I needed help. I found a local psychiatrist and made an appointment. I began regular weekly sessions of therapy. Even though I poured my heart out to this total stranger, I never disclosed the source of my depression. It was too hard to face but I kept going.
Three months after regular therapy, I decided that I needed to make a serious effort to find a church home. I needed the comfort from a group of believers. Whatever this was I was dealing with needed a different approach. I needed I grew up in a very spiritual household. My the word and my spirit cried out for it. Spending more time parents were laymen in the church and I in prayer, I began demanding direction from God. And I knew nothing outside of God. I held myself soon got it. to a pretty high standard and always strived to be a good example to those around me. And Then God Revealed Himself There was nothing that I felt would get me One day, a lady invited me to her church. I was so skeptical to step out of the will of God until I went about going but I was more skeptical about not going. I to college and reality slapped me in the was in a very critical state and knew that I needed to do face. Without a support system my sense something...anything. of security slipped away. I attended parties, started drinking and of course engaging in I was invited to a Wednesday night service. I didn’t have premarital sex. I didn’t give these things very high expectations since every other church I had much thought prior to my diagnosis. My visited in the area was unfamiliar. The service was being darkest hour became my ‘come to Jesus’ held at a small coffee shop. This was nothing like what
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Genital Human papillomavirus is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the U.S. with an estimated 6.2 million persons newly infected every
I had seen or experienced. Not even five minutes after entering service, the pastor started laughing. I was a little taken back year. because it wasn’t a normal kind of laugh. He was sloshed! Rolling around on the spiritual gifts, spoke a word from God that changed my life floor, trying to catch his breath, and turning forever. red. It was a little weird. The lady who invited me offered me a little comfort. At the end of the service, I was free! I felt as light as a feather. I felt like I could run a mile or even fly. I knew “Have you ever seen anyone drunk in the that God delivered me from something dark. Directly after spirit before?” She asked. service, I went to my friends house to share the news. What was amazing about arriving at my friends house “Only once,” I said as I reflected on my was not that all of my friends happen to be there, but that brief experience many years ago. I had as soon as I walked through the door, they all stood up only witnessed it at a distance. This was and asked me what had happened to me. totally different. He was so full of joy. It was contagious. As he laughed, others began “You look...different!” They all declared! to laugh. Their laughter was from deep within. Their eyes were filled with tears “I’ve been set free and delivered! I gave my life back to from laughing so hard. Because I was new God!” I could not help but share the good news. to this, I just kind of nodded my head and smiled. I was a little jealous because I truly A week had gone by when I gave myself another wanted what they had. examination. To my astonishment, the small bumps that The atmosphere in this service was so thick. It felt like sitting in a cloud. I was a bit shaky and felt like something was happening in me. I knew there was something taking place but I kept my composure. Near the middle of service, the pastor did the dreaded. He pointed at me and asked me to approach the alter. I walked forward completely submitting to his instructions.
were there prior to my rededication had disappeared. The only thing that remained was a short line that resembled a water drop running down a window and a subtle indention beneath the surface of my skin. The bumps that were on my body had rolled away from the root. I praised God for this like I had never praised him before.
A Good Report After I was healed, I made other visits to the doctor in which all tests and exams were completely normal. There have been no alarms, no outbreaks, and no prescriptions “Raise your hands and start praying in the since my deliverance! spirit.” He said. Immediately, my mouth opened and the Holy Spirit took over me. My inner man was resurrected that night. My hands were raised and my head was back. I cried in my loudest voice as the Spirit moved over me. It was uncontrollable. Suddenly, I felt three strong jerks. I felt three forces come from out of my chest. The jerks threw my body back. I was delivered and healed right then, right there. I know those three things that left me were demonic spirits that had been oppressing me. One of them was definitely sickness. The pastor, operating in
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My healing took place over ten years ago and I have been walking in divine health ever since. I constantly read scriptures concerning health and healing to keep God’s promises in my heart. My favorite scriptures are 1 Peter 2:24, Isaiah 53:5, Matt. 8:17, and Exodus 15:26. I meditate on these all the time! I’ve learned that my victory is in the blood of Jesus. He took HPV with Him when He was crucified and I am no longer bound to that disease or any other disease! Jesus healed me and I am forever thankful for what He did for me ten years ago! I’ve been set free!!
-Brooklyn J. JULY 2012
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by Julie Ferwerda
ait or Date
On the one hand, you don’t want to get ahead of God. You’ve done that plenty of times before... going out on dates with people you barely know, getting all smoochy-kissy-faced and cozy (or worse) on the first date, spending every waking moment talking, texting, and hanging out, planning a future together before you even know each other’s middle names...all the usual stuff. And always with the same results - disappointed, regret, and dashed hopes. Check out some reasons why, for you, any date (or mate) at this point in time would be a big mistake.
How do I find God’s Best? but he did do the next best thing - he sent one of his trusted workers back to his home country in search of the future bride.
Key Point 1: Isaac and Rebecca were ready to get married (vs 67). Do you really have to kiss a lot of frogs to find your prince/princess? If you • God had impressed upon you to not believe that God has one specific person picked get involved with anyone for a (specified or for you to spend your life with (and hopefully you will before this article is over!), what is the unspecified) reason or length of time. • God has instructed you to allow every point of wasting time, money, energy, emotions, opportunity for your unmarried ex-spouse to and lip action on the wrong person? W-A-S-T-E reconcile with you (this is usually the rule, not is the understatement, and until you’re ready to get married, I suggest you do more K.I.S.S. - ing the exception). • You are not completely healed emotionally (keeping it simple stud) - don’t complicate your from past relationships (including angry, life with the wrong thing at the wrong time. Trying out as many romantic options as possible to make depressed, needy, or bitter). • You are insecure or hoping another person sure you land on the right one doesn’t make you will complete you (emotionally, financially or more ready or more sure - it makes you more used up. spiritually) or make you happy. • You are not “technically” divorced. • You are rebounding from another Key Point 2: The future wife (and husband)-to-be had to be a believer (vs 4). No ifs and or buts...Abe relationship. • You have a history of choosing “losers” and wasn’t going to even give his son the temptation haven’t done anything to figure out why or how of settling for an unbelieving mate. It was all or nothing because just like others found out along the to stop the cycle. way, unbelieving spouses lead their counterparts Now we can safely move on to answer the question away from God or make life miserable. Aside for the rest of you...to date or not to date? Isaac from all the problems of marrying an unbeliever & Becky...ultra-radical dating somewhere around (or uncommitted professing believer), the biggest 2,000 B.C.: Crack open your bible to Genesis future problem to overcome is this: A spouse who 24 to find some solid clues for solving the dating doesn’t love God with their whole fully committed dilemma. What was good for Isaac and Becky is heart can’t love their mate with God’s love. That still good today. Here’s the basic storyline: Isaac means their love will be human, selfish, conditional, was ready to get married (hint) but his dad, Abe, and potentially temporary. just didn’t jive with the local divas. So, applying The person God has selected for you will love his deft computer skills, Abe posted Isaac’s dating profile on QualityChristianBabes.com to find a you with God’s love and will work at being selfless, wife for his son. Okay, it wasn’t exactly like that, unconditional, and God will continually put His
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unfailing love in his/her heart for you so it won’t give up or stop. That’s a great security! Key Point 3: The servant went looking (vs 10). The believers of that time were spread out - it was necessary to search for the right one. It’s not much different today. Truly committed single believers are hard to locate and need to be creative in seeking each other out. Fortunately, we live in some pretty high-tech times with options. The problem of getting ahead of God in relationships isn’t looking around or making ourselves available, it’s when we force things that aren’t meant to be because get Do you really have to kiss a lot of we impatient. frogs to find your prince? Choosing a life mate has to be done very prayerfully and cautiously, ideally wit the help of godly counsel in your life, not willfully going ahead with attributes like, “This one can cook and she doesn’t look too bad either...good enough. I don’t want to be alone...It’s a go!”
requests. She was one of Abraham’s relatives (as he prayed for) and she specifically met the requests of the servant to a T. Key Point 5: The woman had character consistent with God’s best: pure, modest, caring/selfless/ respectful, willing to submit to God’s leading, and considerate. Before you can expect God to give you the best, you have to be God’s best for someone else. Eagles aren’t attracted to turkeys... become what you’re looking for. Key Point 6: The servant sought the counsel of the woman’s family (vs 33-49). Bringing godly counsel into a relationship is one of the best ways to safeguard against impulsive mistakes. Wise godly people can hold you accountable with objective counsel.
Key Point 7: They didn’t get emotionally or physically involved with anyone but the one they married (vs 67). Instead of doing the typical dating thing, do social things, talk on the phone, do things in groups, become friends. Think of it this way. Men are like keys and women When you don’t have a physical relationship, are like locks. There is only one key that fits one it’s amazing how much more easily and clearly lock. When trying to figure out which door your key you perceive God showing you what He wants opens guys, don’t break down the door (gals, if his you to do. Continue to be friends until God says key doesn’t fit, don’t be looking for a window to differently. Both people should be convinced of sneak him in). If your key doesn’t work (revealed God’s answer in their own personal time with Him, through prayer and patience), someone else owns but ideally the man should be the one to pace the the key to that lock and you need to try a different relationship according to God’s standards. In short door. Wait on God. - keep it friendly until God tells you differently. And remember, God doesn’t play games. If you are Key Point 4: The servant prayed specifically truly waiting on Him, He will be very specific and for God to reveal the one right woman (vs 12- direct when He feels you need to know. 14). Pray specifically and recognize there is one particular person God made/intended for you to be Key Point 8: The man (with the help of family) with. Does it make any sense that God wouldn’t initiated the relationship...while the woman was have a specific opinion about who you share the attentive and receptive. Back to the lock and key rest of your life with? If He has a specific plain for illustration, the key is the one that moves about and your life, why wouldn’t He have an opinion on who initiates an unlock situation. The lock on the door could best help you fulfill that plan once they join stays in one place. I still believe in me being the the picture? pursuers. There’s just something not right about God wants you to connect with His will and best women chasing men. To initiate time together and plan for your life. Pray specifically that God will pace the relationship, that is up to a god-fearing, show you clearly when the right one shows up. It praying man. A true man of God will pace the might not be right away for various reasons, but relationship very slowly and patiently, waiting for with God it certainly could be! Note that Rebecca God’s leading. He won’t build false hope in the was the answer to both Abe’s and his servant’s woman’s mind by getting carried away by his own emotional desires and moving too fast.
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LADY health
Are you suffering from Diastasis Recti? Diastasis Recti may appear in pregnant women and newborn babies. It is more common in African American premature newborns. The defect is caused by the stretching of the rectus abdominis by the uterus that is expanding and growing tearing the tissue in your abdomen. During pregnancy a bulging through the abdominal walls under the skin may be noticed as the baby grows. It is a visible separation between the right and left recti muscles due to hormones during pregnancy. Most women who develop this are not aware this has happened. If you are physically fit prior to pregnancy the separation of the Diastasis Recti is not as likely to occur but depending on the amount of weight can and size of the baby it may develop.
During pregnancy there is not treatment necessary. After delivering a baby most women have a gap between the two muscles. This is known as the rectus muscles which run down a woman’s body vertically to the pelvis. It is basically a type of hernia. A tummy tuck may be warranted after pregnancy correcting the gap. Cosmetic surgery creates a tighter abdominal wall correcting the folding of the linea alba and suturing it back together. Diastasis Recti Self Exam A self examination is an easy detection if Diastasis Recti has occurred. Lie on your back bending your knees placing two fingers above your belly button pointing towards your toes. Slowly lift your head which makes your abdominal muscles tighten. If a bulge in the middle of your abdomen is noticed you probably have diastasis. If there is a space that can fit two or three, sometimes even four of your fingers in, you have diastasis. Diastasis Recti and Multiple Pregnancies Diastasis Recti is more commonly seen in women who have had numerous pregnancies and the muscles have been stretched repeatedly. After pregnancy the outer layer of the rectus abdominus usually contract and close the gap within two to three weeks. Correct posture helps especially when you are getting out of bed. Roll out of bed with your arms pushing you up until you are in an upright position. This will help lessen the gap through pregnancy. In general, the Diastasis Recti usually will heal itself and the muscles will tighten with the gap closing. Exercise after pregnancy helps the rectus becoming tighter and tighter until the separation closes. If you are in pain consult your doctor as surgery may be warranted.
Courtesy of www.diastasisrecti.org
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Avoid Late Night Eating
Late night eating is a terrible problem for most dieters. Many people maintain good diets during the day only to blow it late at night. Below are 9 tips to curb late night eating.
LADY advice
1. Be sure to eat 3 good meals during the day with 1 or 2 between meal
snacks. Most people try to eat too few calories during the day only to binge late at night. A good insurance policy is to eat most of your calories before 6 PM.
2. When you feel the urge to eat late at night, try drinking 2 or more cups of water. You can also make a cup of herbal tea sweeten with honey or artificial sugar. Hot liquids have a soothing effect on emotions and appetite. 3. Remind yourself that it's normal to feel hungry late at night due to habitually eating late. Breaking this habit is like learning to quit smoking. 4. Much of late night eating after dinner can be avoided by hiding the junk food. Put foods that you're prone to eat late at night out of sight. Better yet, don't buy junk food at all, though this may not be possible if you have kids. 5. Suck on hard candy. Most hard candy have only a few calories and they give you the satisfaction of snacking. 6. Keep a written copy of your diet plan in view, which will keep your goal of losing weight firmly fixed in your mind. The temptation to snack late at night will not be as great if you don't give into the urge for several weeks.
7. Some people have great success by simply brushing their teeth late at night. This method has been known to curb late night eating for many people. 8. The most vulnerable time for eating late is 1 hour after dinner right up to bedtime. Keep your life interesting by working on a favorite hobby and NOT watching TV. The ads on TV can subconsciously trigger the impulse to eat. Boredom is your biggest danger to late night eating. 9. Psyche yourself for the battle. You know that you will feel tempted to snack late at night. It's an artificial feeling that will go away when you go to bed. The next morning, you probably won't be hungry .... eat breakfast anyway .... it's the most important meal of the day.
LADY play list music
Jamie Grace “Hold Me” www.jamiegrace.com Jessica Reedy “Put it on the Altar” www.jessicareedymusic.com
Mandisa “Good Morning” www.mandisaofficial.com Mary Mary “Go Get It” www.mary-mary.com
Christy Nockels “Waiting Here for You” www.christynockels.com
Memory Verses:
“Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness: come before His presence with singing.” -Psalm 100:1-2
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Be in good health, even as your soul prospers...
T
here is a lot of emphasis put on exercise and health in our culture. With staggering statistics, there’s no wonder why it seems to bombard us at every turn. It is a fact that our bodies are our temples and not just for us but for the Holy Spirit that dwells in us. We are responsible for maintaining this structure just as a janitor maintains the White House. In our society, the job of a janitor is looked down on when put next to a doctor or a lawyer. When you think about it, the job duty of a janitor should be considered to be one of the most reputable positions because much discipline, will, and mental strength goes into concerns of day to day maintenance of any building. This is a good time to consider yourself to be the janitor. Everyday your body needs maintenance. Your body needs to be cleaned properly. When things are “out of order” it’s your responsibility to see to it that they are fixed. With the help of the Holy Spirit, you are able to get directions in just how to fix them.
There is no book in the Bible that lays out exactly what we should do and how long we should do it when it comes to exercise, but there are some clues as to what God would like for us to do with these priceless temples He has gifted use with.
Memory Verses: “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” -1 Cor. 6:19-20 “For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.” -1 Tim. 4:8 “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” -3 John 1:2
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Did you know... • African American women have the highest rate of being overweight or obese compared to other groups in the U.S. • About 4 out of 5 of African American women are obese. • In 2010, African American women were 70% less likely to engage in active physical activities than Non-Hispanic whites. • Death from heart disease and stroke are almost twice the rate for African Americans as compared to whites. • Net Wellness Consumer Health Information Reports that nearly 78% of African American women all identified as being overweight. *U.S. Dept of Health & Human Services: Office of Minority Health
THERE IS POWER IN PASSION I heard a wise man say, “God honors our passion.” Your passion moves God! That’s saying a lot. So if I get passionate about losing weight, God will move on my behalf and help me? Wow! How great is that? To me, passion also means fighting back. Being strong. Being patient and waiting it out. Not to give up. Keep on keeping on. God will reward me for my efforts if I am persistent.
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