THE NATION'S PREMIERE BLOGZINE!
Inspired by Style: Vin-tij by
ISSUE #2
JANUARY 2016
The Fire in Their Feet! Sherion & Shawn Cosby 5 Questions w/Author Tiffany L. Warren
V
RANDOM ACTS OF PRAISE!
Kimberly Elise
Talks new e-book Curly Halo & natural hair LOVE
POSITIVE ACTS, POSITIVE PEOPLE
New Music From Brennen John
Our Staff. Editor in Chief
o d I . e m l o ' l i Senior Editors l t s u j s y ' t i m , y Executive Art Director w h o w e tn b h g d i l R u Staff Writer co h c i e h h t w . . e . l L b Columnists L m e s e it A r y l ! nt z e i Contributors r r W u e c h T n i curls p Chief Photography Editor o t p o m 's , w e Copy Chief o c r n c e i e t a p Scar t u Associate Art Director B n . ) o e e e h r a e rs o (He Photography Editor t u b i r t n o c t o Associate Photography Editor g s e p n m o u y l n r a a g u Designer n S e h t l i t a n r U o ! Intern y r a o t a v i t the w c a l r u y c M e r ? a d p n u o r any s a g n i y l r a b s! s r m e r k a c i n e EDITORIAL OFFICES Sn p o / w DALLAS TX ts i a w y t sani Deputy Editor
,
CONTACT (469) 231-4482 ORDERED.STEPS@YAHOO.COM Random Acts of Praise is published by grammatically inCORRECT Publishing Group
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Random Acts of PRAISE POSITIVE Acts/POSITIVE People
The Breaks...
It's alright to get frustrated. It's alright to holler. It's even acceptable to drop a tear or two. BUT giving up...is not an option!
"don't BREAK before your BREAKthrough." Wow. That's one of those WORDS that sits in your spirit like a juicy plate of soul food waiting to take your tummy on a thrill ride after Sunday Service! The friend that spoke those words to me had no idea that I was just shy of the tipping point of "take any more" to let folk know I was OVER IT. ...or maybe he did. Listen, GOD always has our feet resting steadily upon His palm - whether our toes feel balanced or not. And it's always at that time that the faith-chasers rear their ornery heads (you know: doubt, frustration - fear) that He catches us as we tumble off of HOPE from HIS promises - even when we don't immediately recognize that we've already stopped falling. Feel that breeze? HIS arms are catching us. Feel that calm? It's HIS peace. Feel that stillness? It's already DONE. Food for thought, Lambchops. Season it well.
Step inside our world of beauty, inspiration...& POSITIVE VIBES Random Acts of Praise is here! In this issue: We chat with award-winning actress Kimberly Elise about the beauty of natural hair & her new book, Curly Halo; meet the dynamic mother/daughter duo Sherion & Shawn Cosby of CenterStage Management; get divinely inspired by the elegant fashion of Vin-tij by V!There's a PRAISE inside these pages just for YOU!
Cover Photo Credit: KIMBERLY ELISE Want to be featured in Random Acts of Praise? Contact The Editor today!
CANDICE Y. JOHNSON Editor-in-Chief RANDOM ACTS OF PRAISE BLOGZINE | 2016
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Random Spotlight
A Natural Progression AWARD-WINNING ACTRESS KIMBERLY ELISE TALKS NEW BOOK, CURLY HALO & NATURAL HAIR LOVE
a conversation w/Candice Y. Johnson
"...hair is one way to reflect who we are; I love to show who I authentically am." The first time I met Kimberly Elise, she told me she loved my hair.
…and I gushed. Three years later, I’ve had the privilege of chatting with the award-winning actress again.
…and I’m still gushing.
Not just over the humility flowing through the phone as she discusses one of her passions, but I’m excited by her triumphant celebration of natural hair.
The mane attraction
The stunning Elise (known to her fans for her stellar cinematic appearances alongside entertainment legends bearing respected names such as Denzel Washington, Forest Whitaker, Cicely Tyson, Danny Glover & Oprah Winfrey) has successfully embraced the spirit of evolution as she embarks on a new journey, sharing with fans a fresh dynamic of her advocacy for well-living: author. Curly Halo (Your Natural Hair Care and Reference Guide) reads like an elegant prose penned to inspire, enlighten & educate women of color on a journey to happy, healthy tresses. And our crowns couldn’t be more excited!
Kimberly Elise
“[Curly Halo] is a book to instruct & empower women to care for their natural hair,” Elise tells me. “The focus is on healthy hair
– even if you wear it under
wigs & weaves.”
My spirals speak to me. Often. Like, every day. Some days, we’re like best friends - swapping secrets, sharing laughs, catching tears & secure enough to know we have each other’s backs. BUT, it’s those days when the tangles tease me & the struggle becomes all too real that I want to break up with my bestie. I’m curious if Elise has the same conversations with her mane.
“My hair says it’s creative & has various moods; she’s soft, gentle & sometimes coily.” The inflections in her voice cheerfully color the excitement & pride Elise takes in honoring natural hair. It makes me excited to read the book.
“I love that she [my hair] grows out. I live my life positive & uplifting; my hair is the same way.”
Curly Halo was birthed alongside Elise’s gorgeous daughter, co-author
There are phenomenal differences in
Butterfly. How awesome for mother & daughter to create art with each
the pallets of textures & styles our
other!
kinks and curls have to serve. The
“We work so well together! I’ve been writing since I was a child in the 70’s.
…this was a natural
Writing has always been a special outlet for me collaboration.”
21
menu of options is scrumptiously endless! What’s one of Elise’s favorite orders of the day?
“Our 4c hair is the most rare thing on the planet! You can’t duplicate it…you have to grow it. It’s as rare 36 as diamonds – Man can’t figure out how to duplicate it; that amazes me! People know if you buy a 4c wig, it won’t last. I love the way it can’t be figured out, because God gave us this precious gift.” The kinks. The curls. The tangles.
48
The tragedies. The triumphs. There seems to be a continuous To Be Continued attached to our hair-story that these heads of ours love to tell. How has Elise enjoyed the journey so far?
Photo Credit: Carl Kalamon
“It’s fantastic! When I first stopped using chemicals in 1999, there were
“There’s so much negativity & hate toward our [black women] hair texture. But our hair is a unique & special BLESSING. Curly Halo turns it [the negative connotations] around & recognizes our hair as a gift.” The people that know me from dance and such, recognize me by my mop top of spirals & I have to admit
– it sort of makes me feel like a superhero
sometimes! So how does Elise feel to be celebrated for her awesome mane?
“It’s empowering to walk the red carpet & feel GOOD about your hair! More & more, [natural] actresses are doing it, and it’s a celebration for me! If I can do it under the level of scrutiny I’m under, anyone can.” So, how has that scrutiny evolved through the years?
“Supportive. In the beginning, it was: Did Kim forget to do her hair? Now it makes headlines in a positive way. My texture is very kinky & coarse, and I love it!”
RANDOM ACTS OF PRAISE
no references available & I couldn’t hang in there, because there was no information for me. Back in 2010, when I cut off my damaged hair there were a plethora of references out there. Curly Halo is my contribution to help others on their journey.”
(continued next page)
" 4c hair is the most rare thing on the planet! You can't duplicate it...you have to GROW it."
(Curly Halo cont.)
Since the focus of this blogZINE is indeed,
…throw me three random facts about our
RANDOMness
kinks & curls. Elise: #1) - She [your mane] will tell you what she needs. Respect that. #2) - There’s nowhere on earth you can find this texture. That’s phenomenal! #3) - Black people have our own unique texture. Why would we want to look like anyone else? Sometimes, others can recognize the gift & beauty of our hair before we do.
The decision to go natural can be flaky, fickle, & FRUSTRATING! What motivation can you offer fellow
~ Kimberly Elise RANDOM
REVIEW
Curly Halo
Listen… When I check out my springy spirals in the mirror, sometimes I wish I could give ‘em a friendly peck on the cheek for turning my frown upside down on most days! BUT then there are those OTHER days. You know. The ones that try to provoke me into strapping on my gloves & box these hard-headed girls into submission! It took a while for me to embrace the “struggle” part of my natural hair reality, but it’s gotten easier as my feet travel this fun, confusing, exhilarating road! Trust: I wish I had Curly Halo to cry on after my semi-planned BIG CHOP. But I’m over the moon that it’s finally arrived! Penned by one of this generation’s most exquisite actresses – Kimberly Elise, Curly Halo is a well-versed collective of relatable anecdotes & practical hair care tips (focused on loving your mane as a GIFT…not re-inventing a new one), that is packed with those small details that can be easily overlooked on the journey. The Curly Halo e-book is a quick, easy & inspiring read filled with some pretty profound advice that’s easy on the eyes & helpful to the heart of natural hair care! Don’t go on the journey alone; purchase your copy of Curly Halo from Kimberlyelise.com TODAY! Your healthy tresses will thank you!
curlies to not smash the jojoba oil & shea butter against the wall & keep pressing on?
“I don’t believe in pitting black women against each other for any reason
– especially hair. Make the decision for
yourself, whatever is right for you.”
“Going natural is a personal decision. It creates selfawareness, you gain a great sense of self & once you get through you’ll feel empowered & more beautiful than you’ve ever felt. It’s something that is uniquely you. No woman is more or less authentic based on how she wears her hair
– this is one way to express who I am.”
Where does Curly Halo go from here?
“It’s been popular & we’ve gotten a great response! To give direction/help/support
– on the journey…that was
my intention. And if that’s what readers gain from Curly
…it makes me happy.
Halo
For more information on the astounding journey Kimberly Elise has embarked on, and to order the book, Curly Halo visit www.kimberlyelise.com
..and don't forget to catch Elise on the hit series, "Hit The Floor" Monday nights on VH1!
–
“When God has revealed your purpose/assignment to you…doors open. Things happen to you that you never thought would happen.” (Shawn Cosby)
THE FIRE IN THEIR FEET
by: Candice Y. Johnson
MOTHER/DAUGHTER SHERION & SHAWN COSBY ARE BLAZING A TRAIL OF CREATIVITY, JOY & INSPIRATION THROUGH THE LOVE OF MUSICAL THEATRE!
“First and foremost…we are believers in Jesus Christ.”
Sherion
As soon as Shawn Cosby firmly utters this declaration at the top of our conversation, I’m immediately in love with where this interview is going. The dancer/choreographer (director of DC SHOWBIZ DANCERS & Creative Director of the DC Cap’s Performing Arts Gala at the Kennedy Center) speaks with a voice reflecting the eclectic hustle & bustle of an artistic mind. Yet, there’s a grace & humility gently tempering the firmness of her beliefs that makes me feel like I’m catching up with an old friend. To say I’m intrigued leaves little to the imagination; my initial introduction to Shawn’s creative vision was through a commercial that aired on NBC television during December 2015’s The Wiz Live broadcast.
I was excited when the promo popped up on the screen, as the ultimate sweet tooth quencher, Reddi-wip announced that as part of its
“Share the Joy” campaign, the company
would be contributing $25,000 to the Excel Academy Public Charter School (Hyattsville, MD)as an extension of the company’s innovative initiative to help people experience more joy every day - this time through the school’s musical arts program that Shawn just so happened to be lending her impeccable production/dance skills & experience to for a student production of The Wiz. Witnessing the celebratory hugs and verbal high-fives that the staff & students handed out all around when the announcement was made, urged me to cheer the cast & crew on from my living room as I watched the celebration unfold. I felt like I was there winning with them. But the thing that gripped my heart the most was seeing the connection between Shawn & the lovely woman she
…her incredible mother.
celebrated with on screen
“This [the arts] is a healing mechanism for us,” Sherion Cosby, (Shawn’s dynamic, energetic mother & creative partner) sounds off cheerfully. “Everyone should have a theater experience. Those who don’t have an outlet, we want to extend that experience to you.”
Shawn
And what an outlet the mother/daughter team has constructed for creative dreamers of all ages, ethnicities, genders & backgrounds!
FIRE CONT'D)
(
In 1991, Sherion & Shawn fused their talents together to form a dance company - Cosby CenterStage Productions, which eventually evolved into CenterStage Management: a full production/talent management company with emphasis on dance, choreography, & event planning. The company also offers theatrical, musical, technical & fashion productions complete with workshops for expert instruction. Mom Sheridan has spent years teaching & functioning in various theatrical positions as a graduate teacher in the University of Maryland’s Radio, TV & Film department, and a 35 year tenure as Master Teacher in Theatre for the Montgomery County School System. It wasn’t long into her daughter’s childhood when Sherion noticed a light in her daughter that needed nurturing. And just like that, at the age of seven, Shawn was introduced to dance classes as a means to share just one of her many gifts. It was a fire rapidly igniting; however, the journey would not prove to be easy. She told me she wanted to be on the front row,” Sherion recalls fondly of her daughter’s foray onto the stage. “I told her she’d have to work hard to get there, and she did! At 15, she began to choreograph; the next thing I knew, various churches would call me to direct programs and it all spiraled into CenterStage.” Cut from the same comfortable cloth tailored from their creative gifts, Sherion’s attentiveness to Shawn’s fierce knack for the arts paid off. Today, Shawn’s professional resume boasts major credits in productions/choreography/acting for Dr. Pepper, The Washington Post Awards, the MTV “
Awards, BET’s Teen Summit, numerous show choirs & my sentimental favorite – the feature film Step Up. And when it comes to CSM – the dreams for both of these gems are just getting started! “Anyone that has a pulse & can breathe is welcome [to work with CenterStage Management]; we love diversity!” Shawn’s infectious laugh travels through the phone with the ease of a woman confident in her purpose. That same confidence, the absolute love & passion for what she obviously loves to do flows effortlessly when I inquire about what motivates her. I know it’s purposed for me to do this, because I would do it for FREE. I HAVE been doing it for free. When you wake up in the morning & there’s nothing else you’d rather do…that’s your calling.” Mom couldn’t agree more. “This is our calling, it’s a passion for us,” Sherion expresses jovially. I’m curious about the “aha” moment that keeps her pressing forward with her creative vision, even when adversity tries to rear its disrespectful head. “
When we were getting our make-up done for the Reddi-wip commercial, we just looked at each other, laughed & said ‘This is where we belong!’” The inflections of her voice carry gratitude bringing a grin to my face that Sherion is unable to see. But it’s most definitely there as I feel the joy of the Lord covering her. “They [Reddi-wip] brought in a crew that made us look & feel good about what we are doing. That was our moment that makes it all worthwhile. God is so good!” she exclaims. “
Dreams. Never-ending. Sometimes fleeting. Oft futile. Accidentally, intentionally fulfilling. And as Shawn expresses, many
…frustrating. In spite of the adversity that creatives face when striving to finish the race, there are bright days &
days
triumphs that can never be silenced.
“When I did not see anything happening. We (CSM) weren’t making any money. We put forth the effort, the time, the blood/sweat/tears – and nothing was happening. At least in the physical realm.” The hurt of the anecdote as Shawn recalls has a tinge of hope attached to it. I’m encouraged before she completes the story; I can feel where this is going. “I wondered why everything for us was like pulling teeth. We strive to do everything in excellence, & it feels like all we do is get knocked down 40 steps! But in the midst of all this, God said: ‘When I do it, you ain’t gonna have nobody to thank but ME.’ Then all of a sudden, out of everybody in the United States, NBC found little old us. It was our time!” And what an APPOINTED time it was, as Shawn & Sherion’s sowing from their hearts suddenly helped them reap the benefits of center stage as their community service efforts for the Excel Academy was captured for the entire world to see! [The awesome victory makes me think of the Word declaring the last shall finish FIRST.] They didn’t ask for the attention or the glory
– their hard labor was favored & remembered by God.
I could say she never saw it coming, but I wholeheartedly believe that from the initial introduction to the stage she experienced through her first dance instructor, Joyce Mosso-Stokes, Shawn discerned in her heart that there are plans for her life larger than her dreams. And Sherion (who has paid her dues and fought through the trenches with her daughter) is a believer, too. I’m definitely a witness, & CSM exudes the kind of grace, humor, likability & humility that provokes onlookers like me to cheer them on. The kind of work that Sherion & Shawn have committed their passion to requires time,
…& a heart willing to
effort, funds that aren’t always there
be invested in the kiddos & the diverse group of ages, genders and races they join together through artistic commonality. And even though Sherion’s seen her share of dark moments while building their dream together, she stands firm in acknowledging that they are & remain blessed.
“If there’s a dark moment (in pursuing your dream), there’s usually a variable you can’t be in control of,” Sherion wisely advises. “For me, it’s sometimes battling the parent’s fears. We’ve had opportunities for kids to do some great things, only to have mom & dad pull out for various circumstances. But unless it’s (success) just in your blood & you have a hook-up, you’re going to have to work for it.”
So, what does the Cosby duo dream about now?
“I really want to build a dinner theater in DC, so people can get that experience,” Shawn’s excitement spills forth with certainty as if the vision has already been realized. “I want
…singers. I
it to be top notch: sound, seamstresses, dancers
want to bring in the kids who otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford it. I want lives to be forever changed.”
Sherion swiftly chimes in with similar sentiments; from the tag team of their voices throughout this conversation, I can tell so much about them, without them laying out for me. Mutual admiration. Respect. Love. These awesome ladies are each other’s hero.
“Good theater should happen for your city,” Sherion continues Shawn’s thoughts. “LA is a wonderful place, but you have to educate people that it’s not the only place where great theater exists! People will spend $100 on a Redskins ticket, but may not be as willing to pay $20 to see the Tap Dance Kid. That’s hard.” She says.
“[FUNDING]. There’s a lot of things we want to do, but it does not happen by pixie dust!” Shawn’s hearty chuckle ignites her mother’s own friendly chuckle as she knowingly chimes in.
“…or canned goods, either!” Sherion jokes. I’m laughing, but there’s always a smidge of truth in humor. I can see
…but in order for them to
#2
– She went through a “Lisa Bonet” stage, & she didn’t
wear shoes for five years
…as mom didn’t wear socks during this time, even in the
their dreams happening for them
snow lol! So that would officially serve as #3.
MANIFEST
#4
– these ladies & CSM definitely need the
– Sherion doesn’t wear the same shoes more than once
financial support of the community.
a year, but buys them on a strict budget in order to do so.
Money, y’all. Arts programs need cash to survive. (I’m
{Which, I kind of like, no - LOVE this strategy.} Wearing
throwing that in for free). I digress. This is about Sherion,
$10 kicks rather than $160 labels has her co-workers
Shawn & the bittersweet moment I recognize this
checking her feet for repeats on a daily basis
discussion we’ve been having is slowly coming to a close.
won’t find it. A different pair every day
Sigh. I’ve truly enjoyed meeting them. But before we end,
without socks.
…though they
…of course
you know in pure Random Acts fashion, I need the ladies of CenterStage Management to toss some totally random facts
And what scriptures do these talented women DREAM
about themselves my way.
on? [I love the fact that they couldn’t pick just one]:
…and I really wasn’t expecting the hilarious responses I got in return.
Shawn: #1
– Does not like butterflies & believes they are the
weirdest creatures ever. She was once part of a program at a church & had to open a box with some of the little guys
…it was not pretty.
housed inside; needless to say
Shawn:
“Be not weary in well doing.” (Galatians 6:9).
“There are days & hours I want to faint do something else, but it keeps me going, she says before adding: “For all things are working together for our good.” [Romans 8:28]. Sherion: “First, I always call God by His many names & say, “Stand still and know that I am God”. [Psalm 46:10] She also adds: “Cast your cares upon Him” [I Peter 5:7] …because “I can’t do it on my own.”
One thing that makes my spirit leap, is seeing people stand on, believe in & realize that dreams DO come true! So what motivation can this fabulous mother & daughter offer to the Random Acts audience to keep pressing, even when dreams begin looking like unfinished business? “It’s always good to have people you aspire to be like in your life to motivate you,” Shawn answers thoughtfully. “It’s important to have those kinds of people in your life.” And if earthly inspiration isn’t enough, Sherion looks for an assist from a higher power. “My strength comes from the Lord. In anything I do…even being able to eat. I cast my cares upon Him.” She says.
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the READ OPPOSITE APP Hey, Family...check THIS out! For all of our aspiring actors/actresses, Shawn has developed a really cool app just for YOU! The READ OPPOSITE APP (available for Android phones - coming soon for iphone users), allows you to study & rehearse scripts by acting as a scene partner! Got an audition/table read/performance coming up? Download yours today!
VIN-TIJ BY V RANDOM ACTS OF STYLE
Photo/Style Credit: Vin-tij by V (Tikisha Johnson)
I
've always been, DIFFERENT. Even in my insecurities, the strongest part of me has always been being unapologetically MYSELF. As socially awkward as I am – I remain most comfortable in the skin created just for ME.
Pearls around my neck. Flowers in my curls. Ruby-kissed lips and earrings dangling from my lobes. To honor two of my favorite loves (FASHION & MINISTRY), I called on a dear friend to bring my vision to life!
As the girl who’s always been the “only one who can pull that off,” my love of color, eccentric prints & timeless threads inspired by my favorite television show, I Love Lucy helps me to be the lone cheetah print in a sea of solids. And I LOVE it that way!
Come with me as I take a walk through the closet of Vin-Tij by V – fashionista & personal stylist to the stars!
RANDOM ACTS OF STYLE.
RANDOM ACTS OF PRAISE!
|
“…she is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings good, not harm all the days of her life.” (Proverbs 31:10-12)
“If anyone or listen will not to your welcome words, you ... shake the dust off your feet when you leave your home or town.� (Matthew 10:14)
WE A RE H A RD PRESSED ON EVERY SIDE , BUT NOT CRUSHED ; PERPLEXED , BUT NOT IN DESP A IR , PERSECUTED , BUT NOT A B A NDONED ; STRUCK DOWN BUT NOT DESTROYED . WE A LW A YS C A RRY A ROUND IN OUR BODY THE DE A TH OF JESUS , SO TH A T THE LIFE OF JESUS WILL BE REVE A LED IN OUR BODY . ” “
(
II CORINTHI A NS 4: 8 - 10 )
" THE THING TO TRY WHEN PERSISTENCE FAILS IS AGAIN TIKISHA JOHNSON
... !"
...finding the COUTURE in MINISTRY
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Tikisha Johnson "The Visionista" Vin-Tij by V (Website) Vintijbyv.me IG: vintij_by_v
JANUARY 2016
RANDOM ACTS OF PRAISE !
5 WAYS TO GROW INTENTIONALLY
RAND OM
Inspira tion
It's a NEW YEAR! Fresh goals, new dreams...more opportunities to WIN! Forget the resolutions - let's be INTENTIONAL about this! by Candice Y. Johnson
1
INSPIRTION
ACTS OF
INTENTIONALLY DO MORE THAN WHAT YOU PLANNED! Listen, we all need a battle plan…but that vision board ain’t gonna walk itself into manifestation! Plan it – but get it DONE.
2
4
INTENTIONALLY BREAK OLD HABITS & BUILD NEW ONES!
(I’m speaking to myself here). Every great hero didn’t earn his tights overnight! It’s okay to acknowledge your humanness, Grasshopper. Planning, acting, habit-ing…it can all get to be so overwhelming! When the winds of change blow at you a little too strong, it’s alright to pause & chill for a minute to RESET/REFLECT on progress. Then…back to work!
I spent the better part of last year completing one project at a time, by making every INTENTIONAL step a habit! I scraped one of the WORST habits – procrastination, off my spirit like an old piece of gum stuck to the bottom of a shoe…& that’s when I started WINNING!
3
INTENTIONALLY KEEP TRACK OF WHAT’S WORKING ... DITCH WHAT’S NOT. This is as simple as it gets: keep a list of what’s adding to your growth; “X” marks the spot on anything that subtracts from your pending success. TRACK it/HACK it!
INTENTIONALLY RELAX.
5
INTENTIONALLY CELEBRATE!
It’s perfectly acceptable to celebrate your own AWESOMEMESS - you are the best & only YOU around! Take time to celebrate each VICTORY big/small, knowing you've been INTENTIONAL about receiving all the blessings GOD has stored up for you. It’s YOURS for the getting! Now sing in the key of TRIUMPH: “…and He did it, INTENTIONALLY!”
Random Acts of
BOOKS! THE PRACTICE WHAT YOU PRAISE NOVEL SERIES Deliverance In Praise Tabernacle is known for incredible praise & worship, a powerful, ANOINTED Word, & dedicated members who are saved, sanctified & filled with the Holy Ghost! ...but just like the disciple Peter, they stay ready to GO OFF!
Random Acts of PRAISE! The Premeire blogZINE
GRAMMATICALLY
inCORRECT PUBLISHING
Join Pastor Trigg Dennis as he tries to keep his congregation near the cross on a hilarious, insightful & sometimes heartbreaking journey,balancing ministry, life...& the search for a First Lady in Practice What You Praise & the dynamic follow up, When All Praise Breaks Loose!
CANDICE Y. JOHNSON
Written & imagined by Candice Y. Johnson Real situations. Real emotions. Real MINISTRY.
PUBLISHER
Available on AMAZON, BARNES & NOBLES & other booksellers. "Readers will be able to relate to some of the situations presented in this book, even though it is a book of fiction, she took the time to actually present real life situations that are happening in today's world inside and outside of the church." (LaBrittany Pace)
"Candice Y. Johnson has a writing style that has to be experienced to be believed! I don't remember when I've laughed so much while reading a book. But you may also find yourself between these pages, you might even learn a lesson or two." (Karen Rogers)
COPYRIGHTÂ 2016
RANDOM ACTS OF MINISTRY
ordered steps productions HEALING HEARTS THROUGH DANCE!
BOOKING: ORDERED.STEPS@YAHOO.COM BRING THE AWARD - WINNING BODY OF BELIEVERS & THE " HEALING HEARTS TOUR " TO YOUR EVENT / SCHOOL / MINISTRY TODAY !
FACEBOOK : ORDERED STEPS PRODUCTIONS CANDICE Y . JOHNSON - ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
BECAUSE DANCE IS MORE THAN AN 8-COUNT!
RANDOM ACTS OF
MUSIC brennen john ~
Don't Go Alone REVIEWED By: Candice Y. Johnson Photograph: Brennen John
The gentle melody dances through the speakers & wraps itself around you like a vintage cardigan offering comfort. There's something immediately peaceful, urgently soothing & decidedly...different about it's eclectic sound. "Don't Go Alone," the latest single from Brennen John (one of the hidden treasures of the Dallas music scene) is a bold delight of freshness in a culture being shaped through remakes, updates & covers. My mind could imagine a thousand other artists/songs the single "puts you in the mind of," but the originality of the composition forces them all to the wayside of familiarity. The artist himself, Brennen John, is a transparent heartstring of sorts, with his smooth vocals & peaceful tone delivering sentiments/emotions through chords intended exclusively for broken survivors to hear. Listen to the lyrics: simple, profound reassurance that living lonely in heartbreak & suffering is not an option; hear the vocals & catch the winds of sincerity breeze through the speakers. I've left "Don't Go Alone" on repeat for a number of reasons; mainly because the modern sound tempered with vintage overtures is a direct hit to the soul. It makes me feel like I'm curled up in a rocking chair, enjoying the last rains of the storm just as peace becomes still. Soft, Mellow. Powerful. Make "Don't Go Alone" yours. As torrid as the universe has become...this song brings us right back down to earth. NOMADIC | 24 Where we all want to be. ...and we don't have to be alone.
RANDOMNESS: 5 QUESTIONS WITH AUTHOR TIFFANY L. WARREN #1 - What inspires you?
TLW: Life inspires me. Seeing people overcome challenges
and still experience joy.
#2 - You wear a coat of many responsibilities. ..& rock it
with creativity, style & class; how do you keep it moving?
TLW: JESUS! I have to say I am blessed with an awesome
support system in my husband and children.
#3 - If one of the characters from your books manifested.
..which one would you like to meet?
TLW: Zee from In the Midst of it
All.
She is probably the
'
character I ve written who is most like a self-portrait.
Snarky, witty and insecure as a teen, with incredible
2/23/16
Do not miss the anticipated release from the pen one of the most prolific Christian authors of this generation, Tiffany L. Warren ~ The Pastor's Husband
fortitude.
'
#4 - Tell us the ultimate goods on The Pastor s Husband!
TLW: In my
Christian
Fiction, I write about things, in my
opinion, that hinder folk having a real authentic
relationship with God. This story is about a Pastor with a
true prophetic gifting, who disrespects her anointing by
giving a false word from God. The woman who receives the
word has many trials as a result of the lie, and her own
perverted sense of what the prophecy means. She then vows
'
'
to get revenge on the pastor. It s told from both character s
perspectives, so you really get both sides of the drama.
#5 - Give us a fun random fact about you.
TLW: I am very thrifty. I shop at thrift stores, outlet stores
and ONLY on sale. I will never pay full price for something! #6 (bonus) - What scripture do you DREAM on? TLW: Philippians 4:13
"
who strengthens me.
"
I can do all things through
Christ
I am a doer; an action person, so this
scripture gives me courage.
Random
FINAL
THOUGHTS by: cj
DILIGENCE. GOD spoke this word to me during prayer time, just as I woke to complete this month’s issue of RAOF. Be DILIGENT in all GOD has given you to do…not what Man THINKS you can do, Sugarlumps! Take that first step; heck – take the first FIVE & watch how GOD moves on your behalf!!!! He is faithful to those who diligently seek HIM in ALL that your heart desires to do. GO FOR IT. Let FEAR kick rocks, strap on your superhero cape & FLY!!! PRAY & MOVE! What’s your superpower?
...ps, the face to your left is about to be 42 -you can't tell me God isn't good!