Dreams, Priorities and Time: Edition 13

C L AND A S S Y

C HE D I I T CI

O G N E 1 M 3 S

Mental Health Gems-Anita Ford Faith Gems-Anita Ford Military Family Gems-Carolyn Ford Faith Gems-Anita Ford Beauty Gems-Joann Aguayo Restoration Gems-Reginal Lyerly Fashion Gems-Anita Ford Self Care Gems-Alvin Ford, SR Photography Gems- Aerospace Engineer, Professional Photographer-Alvin Ford,Jr

Many thanks to all the creators who give of their time and talents to the magazine every month. You are appreciated!

Editor’s Note CLASSYANDCHIC GEMS MAGAZINE

Anita Ford

Editor-in-Chief

In this issue, we speak specifically about dreams, priorities and time. We bind busyness and self doubt. As people, we have to realize that there is so much power found in knowing our worth in Christ. God gives us dreams for a reason and it’s up to us to take the time to fulfill those dreams.

Will never stop providing content that is faith filled, insightful, inspiring and Christ centered.

With all that is going on in our world, we want to be a voice that points you to the cross and motivates to achieve your dreams. This month we are talking about dreams, time and priorities. Each creator is sharing about how God has moved in their lives through changing their perspectives. In a world that continuously encourages people to fill their schedule, we encourage you to sit back, relax and stay awhile.

Never give up on your hopes and dreams.

God uses the most unlikely people to live out His will in a big way.

ALVIN FAITH GEMS

FORD

ICLASSYANDCHICGEMS

“And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions. Joel 2:28

EDITION 13

DREAMS, PRIORITIES AND TIME:

No one is immune to struggles, tribulations, hurtful situations or disappointments. Which is why God wanted us to walk in freedom and not bondage to the past. I believe forgiveness is the fibre in our being that transforms us from brokenness to wholeness. Yet, often times we hold on to a situation that we should’ve given to God a long time ago. We are given a limited amount of time on this earth and it’s important for us to savor our days.

Worrying often makes us captives to fear and offense. Often times, we don’t realize that there is so much freedom found in knowing when to let go.

Forgive yourself for accepting less than you deserve. Forgive those who couldn’t see your value.

And, most of all, forgive those who took you for granted.

WRITTEN BY: CAROLYN FORD

At the end of the day, we all have a limited amount of time of this earth. You can spend your time getting better or being bitter... Ultimately, the choice is yours. Choose to live in freedom. Choose to walk in love. Choose to dream big. Choose to speak confidently and reclaim what is yours. Your days are meant to be filled with goodness from above not pain from the past.

J​ ohn C. Maxwell proudly stated that “Dreams don’t work unless you do”.

The real question is “What is it that we are truly working for?. We have different aspirations and grow at different stages. This is a daily thought for me as someone who chose entrepreneurship at his new path. We often think there is some magic formula to seeking what we desire out of life.

There is no magic formula; however, everything achieved comes with a cost. Some costs will be minute and others will be truly altruistic. ​The “self-made” are never self-made. The price is failed projects and experiments. Some prices were huge financial losses and bankruptcies.

Some prices were not having their loved ones beside them as they reached the pinnacle of their chosen path. Within the Christian faith, God paid a price by allowing His Son to come to earth and die for all of our transgressions.

Some will tell another person “In Your Dreams” to something that looks impossible on the surface. Well..there are spiritual references that clearly debunk that something is not possible. Here are some examples: Matthew 19:26; Luke 1:37; Mark 10:27; Mark 9:23; Matthew 17:20 and Mark 11:24. This is not to impress anyone with scriptural references. This is solely to impress upon you that God doesn’t limit us but we sometimes limit ourselves.

Yes. Dreams do not work unless we do. Dreams come to fruition when we pay the appropriate price and pray with a heart of belief and humility. Once the praying has been done, it is time for the dreams to come life. We stopped for a brief moment at life’s intersection. The need for answers was the red light. Weprayed and we petitioned to make our dreams a reality.

Question: If nothing is impossible, Did God already give you the green light to pursue your dreams so as long that it doesn’t harm another soul?

Answer: We think were always waiting on God. In all reality, He is always waiting on us. He knows what is in our dreams, in our hearts, in our thoughts, in our actions and in our respective purposes. Too many times, we “tap out” on ourselves before the dream is realized when we should be “tapping in” to Him. His providence is without respect of persons and for all to request. We get in the way of it because we often rely on what we think is best.

There's something incredibly special about the way 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.

ALVIN FORD PHOTOGRAPHY PEACE

NATURE

We are so grateful for the gorgeous views Alvin Ford Photography has provided us this month of Yellowstone National Park. Time is of the essence in our world and it’s so important for us to take the time to slow down, rest, relax and make memories.Life is meant to be savored.

Creator: Joann Aguayo BEAUTY GEMS

Surround yourself with people who want to help you make your dreams a reality.

ANITA FORD ICLASSYANDCHICGEMS

Priorities Written by: Anita Ford

Connect with Anita via social media on Facebook and Instagram at @savedclassyandchic

MENTAL HEALTH GEMS

Classyandchic Gems Magazine

DREAMS HAVE POWER WRITTEN BY: ANITA FORD When I was a little girl, I always loved to singing and practicing speeches. I'd practice my speeches and sing to an audience of all of my stuffed animals. But, little did I know, God was preparing something inside me that was being birthed when I was younger. I recognized my love for singing and speaking in front of people, but I had no idea what God was going to do with it. My point is, many of our dreams are birthed when we are younger, but when we get older we often lose sight of our dreams.Today is the day that you start dreaming again. There is a dream inside of you that's waiting to be fulfilled. You haven't stopped thinking about what you are called to do, but maybe the opinions of others have kept you from working toward your dream.Or, maybe your own thoughts are hindering you.Today is the day that you realize, You and you alone are enough. God has called you to make a difference in this world and it's time for you to step out in faith and do what He has called you to do. Our time on earth is short.

Don't spend all of your days wondering what you could've done.The time is now to start working toward achieving your greatness!

FAITH GEMS

Classyandchic Gems

Freedom Written by: Anita Ford I love the fact that God makes us all unique and He also gives us talents and abilities that are specific to our particular calling in life. God has made me very comfortable in my own skin. I know who I am and I know who I’m not. But, most of all, I know where God wants me to be in the grand scheme of things. While the journey to finding your purpose may seem difficult at times, it’s important to never allow the voices of the world to confuse you.

The world wants everyone to be cookie cutter versions of each other. The world wants people to compete and compare. The world wants people to assume the identity that doesn’t belong to them in order to be accepted.

But, I take comfort in knowing what’s for me will always be for me, and what’s for someone else will always be for them.

As we walk through this unprecedented time, it is my prayer that we choose to walk through life with the freedom only God can provide.

Though our world looks completely different now, it’s important for us to make the most of what we have in this moment. Navigating through our new normal and finding our own identity is essential. We must be able to show up for each other and pray for one another. Focus on the promises of God during this time. God will give you peace that surpasses all understanding and the confidence to move forward when He tells you to do so.

MENTAL HEALTH GEMS

ClassyandChic Gems Magazine

Dreams

Written by: Alvin Ford,SR.

The beautiful thing about life as a Christian is there is FREEDOM in Christ Jesus.You are no longer a SLAVE to the things which have bound you up, yet you continue to surround yourself with people who LIMIT you and your dreams.

There are some people who wont be able to go where God is taking you.God needs you focused, steadfast and ready.

Identify the things in your life that are distractions and road blocks that continue keeping you from achieving your DREAMS and let them go.You are an eagle and you were born to SOAR.God is calling you & and you must prepare yourself for FLIGHT. Greater is coming!

FASHION GEMS

ClassyandChic Gems Magazine

Time Written byAnita Ford God gives us time and a community to navigate through the trials and tribulations life brings our way. You do not have to walk through life alone. But, one of the hardest parts about developing a sense of community is being vulnerable to someone else. Getting to know someone new may seem hard at first, but you never what God has in store for you by developing new a friendship.

Speaking of faithful friends, one of my favorite stories in the Bible is the story of Jesus Healing and Forgiving the Paralytic.

Back in Jesus’ day the people came from all over to hear Jesus preach. Imagine a massive crowd of people who came hungry to receive the word, but they were all inside a one or two room home. Since the architecture of homes was different in Jesus’ day, what a wonderful sight it must’ve been to see many people praising God despite the space of the building in which He was preaching. The news traveled all around and the people had heard of all the miracles Jesus was performing. The people were eager to enter a new phase of their lives and they knew Jesus could help them. Many people came to see Jesus so they could be set free of illnesses they had suffered from for many years. Right there in the middle of these wonderful souls seeking healing,we see a group of faithful friends who want to see their friend healed. What I love most about this story is the friends saw all of the obstacles in their way, and they could’ve given up, but they chose to find a way. The friends knew there was no way they would be able to reach Jesus through the main floor of the building.

But, through faith and determination, the men decided to lower their friend down through the roof. Back in Jesus’ day the roofs were made of mud and leaves. Imagine the men digging their way through to make a hole in the roof so they would be able to lower their friend down to Jesus.

In this moment, I can’t fathom how much gratitude the man must’ve possessed for his friends. They could’ve easily given spoke doubt into the situation, but they continued to move forward knowing that Jesus was going to heal their paralyzed friend. I believe it’s one thing to say you have faith, but something wonderful happens when you put faith into action. The rest of the story continues and true paralyzed man is healed and forgiven, but Jesus is also in awe of the faith his friends expressed during this time.

So, what do your friendships look like? Are they surface level? Are they deep? Are they making more deposits than withdrawals? Are you willing to be a listening ear instead of a vessel filled with advice? Dig deep in your relationships. I encourage you to pray for your friends and family. The truth is, a lot of people you’re doing life with will not tell you everything they’re going through, and that’s where taking the time listen to the people you love comes into action. We are blessed to do life alongside many amazing people. My prayer is that you always realize every single person on this earth is a gift from God.

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.

Often times, the devil wants to fill your mind with fear so that you will not work towards your goals, but there is freedom and solice in Christ.

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. The pressure you feel around you is meant to catapult you to greatness. Don’t give up!

Writer:Carolyn Ford MILITARY FAMILY GEMS

Classyandchic Gems

It’s Your Time!

By: Anita Ford

One of the greatest examples in the Bible of a man who had life changing faith is David. First, David wasn’t afraid to face Goliath.

He was younger and smaller in stature, but Goliath’s intimidation tactics didn’t work on David. Second, David was confident. David’s job as a shepherd equipped him to be confident when facing Goliath. How different would things look in our lives if we entered life altering situations with a confident mindset instead of a negative mindset? Third, David was prepared, He went to fight Goliath with a slingshot and five smooth stones in hand. Turns out, David only needed one stone to defeat Goliath. Fourth, David didn’t trust in his abilities, He trusted in God. When we trust God, we know everything will work out for the good in our lives. Fifth, David turned his victories over to the Lord. He knew the battle wasn’t his. The victory in this battle would soon prove to the people the mighty power God has in our lives. David could’ve thought about all of the reasons why he couldn’t possibly defeat Goliath, but instead, David knew the Lord was with Him. It was David’s time. Nothing in this world could stop David because God had an appointment for him. If David didn’t have faith he would’ve missed his appointment.

I think what a lot of people fail to realize is that God will fight all of our battles; all we have to do is trust in Him. As people, we have situations that seem like giants in our lives. Giants of fear, sickness, condemnation, loneliness, and insecurity, but what a delight it is knowing we serve a God who never fails. God’s faithfulness in the past is the basis for our strength in the present.

David remembered God’s faithfulness and it gave him courage.

Another passage that comes to mind when facing trials and tribulations is, 1 Peter 5:10-And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. We serve a God, who is our way maker. God is our refuge and strength and our help in timesM EofN Ttrouble (Psalm 46:1).

AL HEALTH GEMS

​ riority vs. Option P By Reginal G. Lyerly I​ n life, we are expected to have a set of priorities. We ask ourselves “What are priorities?”.

In the simplest of terms, priorities are the things or people most important to us. The word priority derives from the Latin word “prioritas” meaning first in rank, order and/or dignity.

Many prioritize a good decent lifestyle over what would be considered a debaucherous one. We prioritize our loved ones getting a good education or vocation over not making the most of those opportunities. People of faith prioritize their relationship with their higher power and the impact of the relationship in everything they do. Men and women prioritize the people in their lives who are the most important to them. Many of us prioritize being able to earn a sufficient financial amount over not being able to do so.

Priorities are set by every nation, company, university, political party, group, club or any individual. A great example of this is any legislature at every level possible. Those priorities are set on what the populace regards as priorities in their lives. This could be better roads, better healthcare and so many other things.

We talk about priorities. What are options? An option can be best defined as something that one can choose to do in preference to one or more alternatives. Most of us use the word “choices”. We are often taught in life to never make options what should be priorities.

In today’s world, we are often faced with competing priorities. For some people, the pressure to provide for the household may be compete with an equally important priority of spending time with the loved ones. For others, this may mean considering themoral/ethical responsibility to do something as it competes with the legal responsibility to do something else.

We often have the decision making power to keep a priority as it should be and to keep an option as a choice. What we must be careful about in this area is not falling from grace from things that should never happen in the first place. The reality is that we as humans can temporarily lose sight of our priorities. Once we discover that we have lost sight, then we shall get back on course in the quickest manner possible. For some things we will not know until we learn them. The late Doctor Maya Angelou famously stated “Do the best you can

Dreaming…

Written by Anita Ford When I was a little girl, I always loved to singing and practicing speeches. I'd practice my speeches and sing to an audience of all of my stuffed animals, haha! But, little did I know, God was preparing something inside me that was being birthed when I was younger.. I recognized my love for singing and speaking in front of people, but I had no idea what God was going to do with it. My point is, many of our dreams are birthed when we are younger, but when we get older we often lose sight of our dreams..

Today is the day that you start dreaming again.. There is a dream inside of you that's waiting to be fulfilled.

You haven't stopped thinking about what you are called to do, but maybe the opinions of others have kept you from working toward your dream.. Or, maybe your own thoughts are hindering you... Today is the day that you realize, You and you alone are enough.. God has called you to make a difference in this world and it's time for you to step out in faith and do what He has called you to do. Our time on earth is short. Don't spend all of your days wondering what you could've done.. The time is now to start working toward achieving your greatness!

FAITH GEMS

ClassyandChic Gems Magazine

“Let’s Work Together” By Reginal G. Lyerly ​Most of us say to our family or team of people “Let’s Work Together”. Let us look at the word collaboration. Collaboration comes from Latin: com-“with” + laborate “to labor or to work”. It is defined as the process of two or more people, entities or organizations working together to complete a task or achieve some kind of goal. Usually, the result is to have a shared outcome.

Some of us are interested in healthy competition. Let us look at the word competition. The Latin word for competition is “competere”. From Late Latin, the word is “competitionem”meaning rivalry or in Classical Latin “agreement”. It is defined as the action of seeking or endeavoring to gain what another is endeavoring to gain at the time.

We have the definitions of collaboration and competition well established. We often see competition where there should be collaboration and collaboration where there should be competition. Some could attribute this to one’s self worth and what they value as important. This often causes one to see those who are best for collaboration as competitors and the reverse.

The best analogy to describe type of thing is the “crab in the bucket” complex. Better known as the crab theory which is best described by the phrase “If I can’t have it, then neither can you”. The thing that is so interesting about this analogy is that there is no lid on the bucket and there is ample opportunity for everyone to leave the bucket. The only ones who don’t know it are the crabs.

In so many aspects, we should work together but compete instead. This outlook has societal origins making it much easier to enforce than to discourage unnecessary competition. Why can’t we “work together” again? The phrase and the origins illustrate why this will be an age old topic.

Restoration Gems

MANY WILL NOT

BE SUPPORTIVE

OF YOUR DREAMS,BUT THERE WILL BE A GROUP OF AMAZING PEOPLE WHO LOVE YOU JUST THE WAY YOU ARE...