January and February

Classyandchic Gems Magazine

Y T I C I T N AUTHE 3RD & 4TH ISSUE EDITOR: ANITA ANN FORD

FAIT H

Life

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021

PEACE HOPE LOVE

A note from our editor:

ANITA ANN FORD 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.

You value most in life?

our

Classyandchic Gems

What do

Content Creators for January and Feb ruary Mental Health Gems-Anita Ford Military Gems-Carolyn Ford Faith Gems-Anita Ford Family Gems-Anita Ford beauty Gems-Joann Aguauo Teen Gems-Anita Ford photographY Gems- Aerospace Engineer, Professional photographer-Alvin Ford,Jr . Historical Gems-Ms.Mary Burden

FAITH GEMS

MY FATHER

Creator: Anita Ford

I wrote this piece several years ago and I thought it was only fitting to use pictures from the same timeframe as a reminder that God has always taken care of me. Though these pictures were taken years ago, I am extremely grateful to be walking in my seasons of love, life, ministry and abundance.

My father The keeper of my heart My Savior My very best friend The man who saved my soul Loves me at my worst Loves me at my best Calls me His own Heals me when I'm sick Redeems me Restores me Consoles me Never gives up on me Calls me the Apple of His eye Fights all of my battles And most of all, Knows my name.

The hope for the nations and healer of our hearts hasn't left His throne.What a mighty God we serve! Whatever it is you face today-Know God hasn't left you or your situation.

ICLASSYANDCHIC GEMS

THE GIFT OF A HEALTHY YOU By: Anita Ford

Uncertain times build courageous warriors.

Meet people where they are in this life.

As a Mental Health Professional, I know firsthand that we are walking through difficult times, but my best advice for growing through challenging times is to be someone that is there for people without judging their journey. You will see that everyone has a different way they live their lives. Some people are taking precautions and others are living as if we are not in dangerous times. But. at the end of the day. we must do our best to educate and understand each other.

Social distancing and isolating can be difficult for those who are extroverts. Going from being able to visit with family and friends to spending time with a small amount of people changes your mental health. So, I encourage to you to take the time to do things that make you happy.

Life looks so different when we allow people to be themselves.

1) Explore the great outdoors. God has given us so much peace and tranquility and a lot of it is found outside in nature. .

2) Don't neglect your physical health. If you were someone who exercised regularly at a gym, try to gather equipment or programs that help you put together socially distanced workouts.

3) Surround yourself with supportive friends and family who don't judge your way of living right now. You dont need to worry about being shamed for taking care of your own health.

4) Do not neglect your own mental health. Know your limitations.

5) If you feel as if you are in a state of mind that you may endanger others or yourself, seek the help of a mental health professional.

Disclaimer: Advice given in this article reflects my own personal views as a therapist and does not substitute therapy or psychological interventions in which you are currently engaged in.

MENTAL HEALTH GEMS

Beauty What is your favorite beauty product to use on a daily basis?

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

Creator:Joann Raguayo Joann is a dear friend and wonderful member of my blogger group, Classyandchic Gems. This month was a great opportunity for us because we had another chance to collaborate with a wonderful brand through a group collaboration with @nuevolutioncosmetics to share our Date Night Makeup Looks. @nuevolutioncosmetics is a highend, cruelty-free, organic makeup line created for the makeup lover who doesn’t want to worry about all the chemicals that are often added to regular cosmetics. @nuevolutioncosmetics has a variety of colors that compliment all skin tones and the best part is, they’re a brand that believes in supporting others!

We are incredibly blessed to see another year. And, we wish you all a Happy New Year filled with peace, laughter, love, favor and good health! It’s your time. Shine bright like the beautiful diamond you are! ✨ BEAUTY GEMS

Classyandchic Gems Magazine

The The Gift Gift of of Memories Memories

Written by: Anita Ford

My uncle went to be with the Lord this morning & while I’m a believer and I know that to be absent with the body is to be present with the Lord...It’s still difficult. I pray God continues flood my heart with memories of my uncle that will last a lifetime. My Uncle Herbert was put on this earth to spread joy. He was outgoing. He loved people. He helped others and most of all, he brought a smile to many people’s faces. At the end of the day, I know my uncle is seated at the right hand of the Father.

I lost two people that I care about in the last 4 months. Although I’m a counselor, I’m also an empath. Death has always been something that’s difficult for me. I never know the right words to say. I feel other people’s pain and suffering and I also hurt for their loved ones. But I count it on joy that God reminds us that this earth isn’t our home. I’m blessed to be someone who believes every day is a celebration. We all have a gift and that’s today. The future is unknown, but we can do our best to live out a life that is pleasing to God right now. I encourage you to surround yourself with people who truly love you. Live out your dreams. Focus on positivity and helping others. And most of all, live as if each day is your last. Rest well, Uncle Herbert.

FAITH GEMS

ClassyandChic Gems Magazine

GREATER IS COMING WRITTEN BY: ANITA FORD No one is you and no one can understand your pain. Although you’ve gained strength through the seasons you’ve been through, it is time for you to experience a life filled with peace and the promises of God. 2021 is the year you’re coming out!

2021 is your year to receive real, unconditional, dedicated, selfless love. You won’t meet someone that’s collecting hearts. You’ll meet the one that God has for you.

Gone are the days that you walk on eggshells. You will be able to speak boldly and pray boldly for others.

2021 is the year you stop looking back at the past and set your eyes on the future!

There isn’t an opportunity lost in the past that is greater than future opportunities.

Last, but not least, in 2021 you will walk in forgiveness. Forgive yourself for accepting less than you deserve. Forgive those who purposely hurt you, plotted against you and schemed behind your back. Forgive those who couldn’t see your value. And, most of all, forgive those who took you for granted.

At the end of the day, you have a limited amount of time of this earth. You can spend our time getting better or being bitter... Ultimately, the choice is yours. I choose to live in freedom. I choose to walk in love. I choose to dream big. I choose to speak boldly and confidently and reclaim what is mine. Go forth and

We serve a God whose sovereign will outweighs every situation we face in this life. No matter how difficult the circumstance, God always turns trials.

Every champion was once a contender that refused to give up.

“Rocky Balboa.When I think about the word, faith- I think about trusting God in all circumstances.

ICLASSYANDCHICGEMS

BLOOM WHERE

.

YOU ARE PLANTED WRITTEN BY: ANITA FORD

By Anita Ford, Master’s Level Clinician Bloom Where You Are Planted 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.

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.

Items you will need:3 small or medium size potsPotting soilFlowers 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 1Plant 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?

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

Coping Gems

Classyandchic Gems Magazine

The The Gift Gift of of Uniqueness Uniqueness

Written by: Anita Ford Photography by: Alvin Ford Photography Never let anyone change who you are. Many years ago, God placed a passion in my heart that began with writing poetry.

I don't write for fame or popularity. In fact, I've never been popular. My personality is often misunderstood as being stuck up and standoffish, but I am neither one of those. I'm actually an introvert with a huge heart for others. So, I write for all the introverts like myself who want to have a voice. I am not bothered by the voices of people who misunderstand me because my calling is mine not theirs. I am not distracted by those who want to dim my light so they can shine brighter. I am not ashamed to express my love for God. I want to give people hope and remind them of their God given purpose. God could've used anyone, but he chose me. I want to live my life out in such a way that I've exhausted every single talent God has given me. I find it beautiful God chose someone like me who is painfully shy. God has made me bold to speak His word.

God has a calling on each of your lives. It doesn't matter whether you feel equipped or not, He will equip you according to His purpose on your life. Step out and be bold in your life. Be fearlessly authentic. Those who are meant to be in your life will stay and those who aren't will leave. But, always remember to be true to yourself. Never allow people to cause you to be a watered down version of yourself because you are His precious prize! You are strong! You are capable! You are loved!

FAITH GEMS

ClassyandChic Gems Magazine

A Mama’s Heart

Army wife, educator, .sister, best friend, Christ follower and mother, Carolyn enjoys encouraging and speaking life into mothers.

Growing up in a family with 5 siblings, my parents made it a point to show us the value in having family time, fellowshipping with others and being thankful for what we had in life.

Writer: Carolyn Ford

Nothing will ever compare to the joy of being a mom.

As a military wife and mother, my joy has always been found in Christ, family, friends and service. The more you understand that your worth isn’t based on the unrealistic expectations the world places on mothers you will soon begin to realize that you are valuable.

When you look in the mirror you should realize that you’re a mom who is not only engaging with family, friends and social responsibilities... You’re also raising precious humans who look up to you. So, what does this mean? You’re children do not care if the house is spotless every day. Your children do not care if you miss a night or two of cooking healthy meals. Your children do not mind if your hair is a mess and you haven’t showered since the day. In their eyes, you are perfect.

When you begin to look at your life through the eyes of Christ, you become aware of the very important fact he has designed you to be His masterpiece. You were never designed to feel inadequate. You were designed to feel empowered, loved and set apart.

Surround yourself with likeminded ladies who lift you up when you feel as if you’ve failed. Develop a group o friends who pray for each other,. Set aside 30 minutes every day that is dedicated To you,. Continue the great work, mama! You’ve got this!

Loved, Empowered, and Set Apart MILITARY FAMILY GEMS

Classyandchic Gems

Historical Gems

Author: Ms. Mary Burden Chatting with a great friend, Ms. Mary Burden this month. She will be sharing her love of family, cooking and encouraging others in the next couple of Magazine issues.

Pictured:Aether and Anna Quinn, parents of Ms.Mary Burden.

As a young girl growing up in rural Mississippi, my parents were always up at the crack of dawn, getting the kids ready before they headed to work! My dad a sharecropper, and my mom who was a cook at the local hospital and later became the head Dietitian at that hospital, and this is where I began to pick up a lot of my cooking habits. We always raised our food and yes....we all worked the gardens in the proper seasons, and when it came time to gather the vegetables, we worked just as hard to can, freeze and whatever we needed to do. I was about 10 years old when my mom started me in the kitchen. I usually had to make sure I added water to the vegetables are whatever, my job was to make sure nothing burned. This is a brief ideal of why I love to cook. I have so many old fashioned recipes to share with you, I promise to include a few of my favorites in your next issue!

HISTORICAL GEMS

Classyandchic Gems

LIFE IS FILLED WITH EVENTS THAT MAKE US ACHE AND MAKE US WAIT, BUT WHILE WE ARE WAITING ITS AMAZING TO KNOW, WE ARE IN THE BEST HANDS. INSPIRATIONAL SPEAKER ANITA FORD