Growth: Edition 11-What Does Growth Look Like to You?

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A note from our editor:

A N I T A A N N F O R D

Classyandchic Gems magazine offers an authentic look at life through believers who are perfectly imperfect and believe in the power of the Gospel. God’s gifts are all around us, but it’s up to us to recognize them.

Content Cre ators for ou r 11th Edition

Mental Health Gems-Anita Ford Health Gems-Luverne Fryer Military Gems-Carolyn Ford Faith Gems-Anita ford Beauty Gems-Joann Aguauo Financial Gems-Reginal Lyerly Beauty Gems-Anita Ford Self care Gems-Anita Ford

Style Gems-Featuring Cecelia New York Shoes-Bloggers Anita Ford and Wendi Vincent Photography Gems- Aerospace Engineer, Professional Photographer-Alvin Ford,Jr

stylish sandals featuring Bloggers: Anita Ford and Wendi vincent We love pieces that make a statement and our collaboration with @cecelianewyork definitely screams artsy, trendy and BOLD. You should always wear what makes you feel beautiful and we choose to wear bold, fun looks. Wendi and I love sharing trendy, fashion forward looks and Cecelia New York does not disappoint!

Gorgeous SandalsCecelia New York

co Blo lla gg bo er ra tio n

STYLE GEMS

ClassyandChic Gems Magazine

Seasons: Life with Crohn’s Disease Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory disease that may affect any segment of the gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms often include abdominal pain, diarrhea, fever, distention, and weight loss.

Complications outside of the gastrointestinal tract may include anemia, skin rashes, arthritis, inflammation of the eye, and fatigue.

The skin rashes may be due to infections as well as pyoderma gangrenrenosum or erythema nodosum. Bowel obstructions may occur as a complication of chronic inflammation, and those with the disease are at a greater risk of colon cancer and small bowel cancer.

I graduated from college in Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Social Work. With the intentions of being a psychiatric social worker, my goal was to complete graduate school in clinical counseling. I attended graduate school but did not complete it at that time.When I was 27 years old, I was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease.

At the time, I had taken a job at the water company and became sick at the office. My supervisor told me that I had to do something about my health because I was staying off work on Fridays. I was sick all through the weekend to get to work on Monday. After much pain and sickness, I called the doctor’s office to get an appointment.

The doctor I tried to get was unavailable. I scheduled with the next doctor and to my surprise, this doctor was the right doctor to make the diagnosis. The first time I walked into the office, he talked

Life with Chrohn’s Disease Written by: Ms. Luverne Fryer

to me for a few minutes.

Upon changing jobs to work as a social worker,I was still having health problems.

I told the doctor about the complications I was having, which included not being able to digest my food. Everything I ate came out of my bowels the same way it went in. For example, watermelon came out chewed, greens, etc. Upon discussing my symptoms, He knew exactly what was going on. The doctor knew I had Crohn’s and he immediately referred me to the chief of surgery for consultation. The chief of surgery told me that I was in immediate danger. He told me that he had to reserve a room right away for surgery. After all the tests were completed it was confirmed. I was told to call my family immediately.

My mother flew in to be with me and my friends were already there.

Stay tuned for Part 2 in our next edition.

Military Gems

Faith, Hope and Love Faith, Hope and Love

By Reginal G. Lyerly The month of February always evokes emotion in millions of people. Some are waiting for the groundhog to tell us how much winter is left. We must not forget Black History month. Others are waiting for the day of lovers and close friends known as Valentines’ Day. We’ve also had very important figure in history born in this month as well. The 1st President of the United States (George Washington) was born during this month. The 16th President of the United States (Abraham Lincoln) was born during this month. The 40th President of the United States (Ronald Reagan) was born during this month. The great Civil Rights Icon- Rosa Parks has a dedicated day every February 4th in California and Missouri. World Cancer Day is observed during this month. The great social reformer and women’s rights activist Susan B. Anthony was born during this month.

What do all of these people having in common? They had faith, love and hope for mankind through their various paths. President Washington set the stage for all Presidents to follow.

President Lincoln took actions to end slavery within the United States. President Reagan has often known and coined as “The Great Communicator” for his style of delivery when addressing the American People. Ms. Rosa Parks is forever known as “the first lady of civil rights”. Ms. Susan B. Anthony is credited and remembered through the 19th Amendment of the United States Constitution effectively securing a woman’s right to vote. World Cancer Day raises awareness, attention and inspiration to one day rid the world of cancer.

This inspires so many who have lost hope to regain it. February is the shortest month of the year.

Let us never forget the amazing people and works that others have done all over the world to better humanity as a whole. Let us never forget those who sacrificed all over the globe so that we do not allow to let history repeat itself. Faith is the start. Hope is the medium. Love is the original coup de grace to all of the hatred, suffering, famine, abuse and all things unbecoming of what we are made of as society and as a people. .

Reginal is the owner/senior marketing executive of RGL Marketing, LLC and lead consultant of RGL Credit/Financial Consultant Services. He can be reached by email at rlyerly@outlook.com and through his website:https://lyerlyr28147.wixsite.com/rglconsultant.

GROWTH IS A MINDSET WRITTEN BY: ANITA FORD Life is all about growth. And, we are all built from the fires we’ve walked through in this life. But, the one commonality about all of our journeys is that we serve a God who is constant. We don’t serve a God who is there for us one day and leaves us the next. God knew we would all walk through hardships and experience pain.

But, He also wants us to be cognizant of the fact that He is our Way Maker. And, I don’t know about you, but I’m thankful I serve a God who steps in when I’m doubted and places His favor on my life.

Growth is a tool that will help you ignore the naysayers and continue moving forward because you know that what God has in store for you is better than what anyone else can speak over your life.

FAITH GEMS

Classyandchic Gems

MENTAL HEALTH GEMS

GROWING PAINS Creator: Anita Ford Have you ever wondered why some people have such a positive/ negative outlook on life? Some of the people who bless me the most have a positive, but real outlook on life.

Life isn't perfect, but I do know that I'm blessed. I'm blessed to live each new day with the Lord. I believe some of the most beautiful lessons in this life are learned through adversity.

We live in a society that doesn't want to embrace struggle, growth, or change, but our greatest strength is often cultivated in times of uncertainty. It's hard to enter a situation and not know the outcome, but that's where our faith must be activated.

What if all we experienced in this life were happy times? Would we ever know the value of what it means to endure?

Beautiful moments happen when we endure with the one who gives us strength. May our hearts be fixed on the things that not only strengthen our core, but sharpen others as well. You never know who's looking at your life. You have no idea the generations that you can impact by allowing God to move in His own perfect timing. Growing pains are uncomfortable, but what a blessing it is to change a hurting world for Christ.

ICLASSYANDCHIC GEMS

Growth in Christ By: Anita Ford

Some of life's most beautiful moments happen when we are in a state of complete vulnerability.

The world thinks being vulnerable is a sign of weakness, but allowing yourself to be courageous and open to possibilities is the only way to truly experience life. God sees all of your disappointments, failures, scars, mistakes and He loves you anyway. Yet, you tend to run away from the idea of someone knowing you completely.

My prayer is that your heart will always remain open to the person God has in store for you.

Authentic love is worth the risk.

MENTAL HEALTH GEMS

“Growth” by Reginal G. Lyerly ​This is the time of the year that we think about Growth. At this point, we are usually 3 to 4 months into the calendar year. This is usually when Lent occurs. In other parts of the world, Ramadan, Passover and Easter occurs. Do we bloom where we are planted? At times in our lives, we may look like we are being buried by unfortunate circumstances. With the right focus and faith, we can always be lifted. ​ Growth is those small wins we acquire every day. Growth is knowing we are wiser and more experienced than before. It is making things better for future generations. It is also not letting our past determine our future. For growth is a never ending process. Even in education, the real test occurs after we graduate and fulfill the requirements for our courses of study.

Let’s face it, our most recent history made it seem like we were planted, fixated and immovable by an uncontrollable and rampant force. Thank Goodness that “Trouble Doesn’t Last Always”. We were motionless yet in faith that God would see us through. Growth is not easy. For most of us, it is most painful things we can endure.

The good news lies in having the faith that moves mountains that leading to our growth.

Seeing the educator who never quit on his/her students. Seeing the pastor never giving up on his/her flock. Seeing the counselor genuinely seeking a breakthrough from their clients. Seeing that couple work out their differences. Seeing someone who comes from nothing to be the example to many. All are great examples of growth. Bryant H. McGill said this “Whatever makes you uncomfortable is your biggest opportunity for growth”. Let’s Grow Together!! Let’s Work Together!! Let’s Love Together!!

Reginal is a Licensed Life Insurance Agent. He is currently partnered with the company Primerica.

He services the entire state of North Carolina. He can be contacted by e-mail at rlyerly@primerica.com or by DM on Facebook @ Reginal G. Lyerly or by DM on Instagram @the_differencemaker.

Restoration Gems

Beauty How do you incorporate color into your spring makeup routine?

Connect with Joann via social media on Facebook and Instagram at @jcindyraguayo.

BEAUTY GEMS

Classyandchic Gems Magazine

Bold in Color Blogger: Anita Ford

I love pieces that make are trendy and BOLD. You should always wear what makes you feel beautiful and I choose to wear bold, fun looks. This edition, I am featuring looks from my blogger owned fashion boutique. A lot like choosing your outfits everyday, it’s important to clothe ourselves in love, peace, and joy. God has called us to be a fountain. The more we pour into others and love them through their own trials and tribulations, we begin to grow and understand that we are not meant to live this life alone.

Bo pie ld ce , be on s au l f in @ o Sa e b und tifu l ve ou a hic dc tiq t m _ la y u e bo ss ut ya iqu nd c e BEAUTY GEMS

ClassyandChic Gems Magazine

FAITH GEMS

I Am Who God Says I Am

I Am Who God Says I Am Written by Anita Ford Love and hate cant occupy the same space Comparison is the thief of joy. There is a reason the rear view mirror is small, because you should spend most of your time looking forward.

Repeat after me…

I am enough.

Everything I've been through has made me into a beautiful person.

I refuse to let the world change me.

I am strong.

I am capable.

I am loved.

Living someone else's life won't make me happy.

I choose to live out the life that was planned for me.

Chaos and peace can not exist in the same space.

I will continue to send love into the world even when it seems like there is chaos on every side.

I will be who God has called me to be.

I am who God says I am.

ClassyandChic Gems Magazine

Christian/Mental Health Activities for Children and Teens

By Anita Ford, Master’s Level Clinician

For those of you with children and teens who may be having a tough time navigating through our current situation, here is a quick family exercise that can be done.

1) Allow your children/teens to express themselves. Whether it’s fear, anxiety, happiness or uncertainty it’s important to allow their voices to be heard.

2) Encourage your children/teens to ask questions. Even if you don’t know the answers, it’s important for them to know you are willing to help navigate through tough times.

3) It’s important for children and teens to recognize that stress is an every day component of life. Coping skills are imperative in order to navigate through good times as well as, bad times.

Bloom Where You are Planted: Written by:Anita Ford

While families are spending more time inside, here’s a great object lesson for kids and teens. You may adapt each lesson depending on age.

Christian/Mental Health Activities for Children and Teens

By Anita Ford, Master’s Level Clinician Part 2: tems you will need:: 3 small or medium size pots Potting soil Flowers Seeds Plan a fun time to plant all the flowers and remind your children/teens that each plant has a unique purpose and it even has a name, but the way each plant grows will vary upon the conditions it’s placed in.

Label your plants, Plant 1-Plant 3 Plant 1-Will receive plenty of sunlight and water.

Plant 2-Will receive plenty of sunlight but this plant will only receive water twice a week.

Plant 3-Will receive water once a week and plenty of sunlight.

Monitor the plants over the next several days to see the way in which they begin to bloom. Have your children/teens make a chart that monitors the progress of Plant 1-Plant 3. As each plant blooms, it’s important to discuss the conditions in which each plant had in order to flourish. What is the common source all of the plants needed in order to grow?

Bloom Where You are Planted: Written by:Anita Ford

Just like plants need a source to grow, God has equipped all of us with different skills, talents and emotions. But, when we are under certain conditions, we all bloom differently and that’s okay. Each of us is uniquely made to handle crisis. We turn to God at all times because He comforts us in a way that only He can provide. We have a source we can run to and He is always there for us. It’s important to remind your children/teens that it’s okay to feel upset, sad and even disappointed that so many things have changed in our world, but God wants us to continue to place our faith in Him.

All Roads Lead to You-Written by Anita Ford Photography by: Alvin Ford Photography I was in Atlanta the weekend before I had major surgery. I remember sitting in the parking lot waiting on my dinner for the evening and Laura Story's song, Blessings comes on the radio. I remember listening to the song and feeling peace come over me. I knew at that very moment, while I had been praying for healing and no surgery at all-God was about to bring me through one of the greatest experiences of my life. When I say greatest, I'm not saying it was the happiest day of my life. In fact, that day was one of the hardest, trying times of my life. But, I knew that no matter what happened to me that Wednesday morning, God was near me. I believe some of the darkest times in our lives keep us on our knees and trusting in God. My blessings didn't come from an easy road.My greatest strength came from enduring and fighting my way back to life. Sometimes bumpy roads lead us to the greatest places. If you’re going through right now, keep going! God is there!I C L A S S Y A N D C H I C G E M S FAITH GEMS

There's something incredibly special about the way that God shows you your purpose in this life. He places a dream in your heart and allows that dream to grow until it becomes a reality.

Your dreams are given to you because you are wise enough to work hard to obtain your dreams.

Growth is essential in this life because you are not destined to stay the same. You are meant to flourish and change the world around you.

Writer:Carolyn Ford MILITARY FAMILY GEMS

Classyandchic Gems

Renew and Restore: The Credit Restoration and Reemergence .by Reginal G. Lyerly ​ pring is a time of renewal and rebirth. Many of us look forward to the blue skies, S warmer weather and the breeze that feels so great to the skin. Many of us dread the pollen and the insects. Millions are still dreading and suffering from the economic aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic on their credit histories and their financial lives. ​Our recent public health crisis has had countless unintended consequences on our lives and families. Some of the most unlikely people were suddenly furloughed, laid off and had to seek jobless benefits for the first time ever. Conversely, there were also millions who were deemed essential and flawlessly performed to keep our country’s infrastructure functioning at our most critical time. Many essential personnel while remaining employed faced and still face many of the same economic challenges as those deemed nonessential by this crisis. ​Our world and nation is doing everything possible to turn the page and transition to a new normal. This is the spring renewal and rebirth that so many of us desperately need.

As a credit repair referral agent, it is an honor to serve the public by helping others gain the necessary tools in order to improve their financial literacy thus improving themselves and their families. This improvement has the propensity to create future generational wealth in ways that would have never existed before.

This is an area of life that should be taught in every aspect of primary and secondary education. So many people learn about this area in life when there is an eventoriented situation that suddenly requires changes in one’s financial habits and practices. I am optimistic that turbulence times will become triumph times for many in relatively short order. The American spirit has always had the resilience to come back from anything it has ever faced. We came back from the Great Depression. We came back from the Great Recession. We will emerge from this pandemic with a stronger resolve unlike anyone has ever seen in this nation’s history.

Financial Gems

Reginal is the Senior Managing Partner for RGL Marketing, LLC based out of the Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina area. He specializes in the functional areas of digital marketing, network marketing, credit repair/restoration referral, advertising and promotions. He can be contacted by email at rlyerly@outlook.com, by DM on Facebook @ Reginal G. Lyerly or by DM on Instagram at the_differencemaker. ​ Classyandchic Gems Magazine

BE DEFINED

BY THE THINGS IN THIS WORLD THAT WILL NOT FADE AWAY. INSPIRATIONAL SPEAKER ANITA FORD