Gratefulness in Every Season: Editions 18-19

Editions 18-19

CLASSY AND CHIC GEMS MAGAZINE In Loving Memory of my Beloved Brother, Lorenzo Flowers, Sr.

This issue is dedicated to my oldest brother who passed away this summer. When God gave me a brother, He gave me the best! You are loved and so missed, Lorenzo. We love you!

Editor’s Note CLASSYANDCHIC GEMS MAGAZINE Editor-in-Chief

Anita Ford

In this issue, we speak specifically about being thankful in every season God walks us through in this world.

Whether it be a season of hope, life, grief, learning or leaping, god continues to place gifts in our lives.

we enjoy 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 the gift of life.

Each creator is sharing about how God has moved in their lives through challenging situations. In a world that continuously encourages people to give up, we encourage you to hold on.

I dance every morning when I wake up-I call it my "victory dance". There was a time, not too long ago, when I didn't have the strength to danceSo, I dance while I can! I wake up with a new song in my heart. Im grateful to see each new day, experience life, have another opportunity to make someone smile, and most of all, have another day to count my blessings. So, the next time you find yourself feeling stressedRemember, it's a brand new day and there's always something to celebrate!

there is so much beauty found in our mess.

God meets us right where we are in this life ANITA FORD BEAUTY GEMS

ICLASSYANDCHICGEMS

We serve a God who has us covered in all aspects of our lives.-Anita Ford

Travel Diaries an article by GG Felice.

What are your winter travel spots?

Imagine living in an area where the food is abundant and the views are gorgeous. Would you enjoy being outside or would you rather sample the local restaurants?

Traveling is all about making memories. So, in this new year, don’t forget to be take an adventure.

Your heart mind and soul will thank you later.

Travel Diaries

Gratefulness in Core Memories an article by GG Felice.

What is your favorite comfort food?

Have you ever wondered why some people enjoy traveling often? I believe memories are meant to be a part of our core being. We have a choice to fill our days with happiness or we can choose our days with negativity, but at the end of the day… How we choose to live our lives will effect the trajectory of our paths. Choose to live gratefully.

GAETANO GIORNOFELICE REALTY GROUP

Let our team of professionals put your mind at ease when purchasing your dream home, or real estate investment property in the Mayan Riviera, Mexico. Gaetano Giornofelice Realty Group makes the process effortless, and stressless and we guarantee you peace of mind throughout the buying process.

Reach out to us for more information.

AESTHETIC MAGAZINE

Mental Health Gems-Anita Ford Faith Gems-Anita Ford Encouraging Gems-Erica Arrington Military Family Gems-Carolyn Ford Travel Gems-GG Felice Food Gems-GG Felice Beauty Gems-Carolyn Ford 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!

"Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful."

COLOSSIANS 4:2"

Bearing Gifts By Reginal G. Lyerly Do you come bearing gifts? This is an interesting question. The time of the year where the most gifts are given. Do we give much thought about the history of gift giving? Giving gifts dates back to the beginning of human civilization. In the beginning the gifts were more archaic and then more elaborate as society progressed.

Ever asked yourself we give gifts? There are so many reasons for why we give gifts. It is a way to build and reinforce relationships. It also allows us to show our care and feeling toward another human being. Another reason is that it is a way to show love and devotion between two people. Within relationships, certain gifts serve as a representation one’s deep love and admiration for their mate.

Another reason for giving gifts is symbolic communication. We can communicate greatly through the gift we give.

We can also look at gift giving in a more reciprocal way. More specifically, to receive something in return. Sometimes, we may be obliged to return the favor when someone has given to us. Another good reason is to help others. Some people give gifts with no expectation of a return. They simply do it from your heart. For example, we often love children and pets without expectation of a return. When we love and appreciate without expected return, we are demonstrating altruism. For many people, it simply feels good to give to someone else.

Another reason for gift giving is to find a mate. It is part of the mating ritual with the animal kingdom. We as humans are very similar in this respect. We often use gifts to attract and retain mates.

Men usually have better success based on their generosity. Women use their generosity to family and friends as more of a way to strengthen their social networks.

Let’s recap: Gift giving is a time honored tradition going back to the start of civilization. Gifts represent oneself and the giver in altruistic,expressive, and reciprocal ways. The perfect gift will depend on the situation. This does give greater strength to the phrase..”It is the thought that counts”. Gifts are more thoughts. They demonstrate some of the most powerful feelings imaginable.

This would explain why God’s gift to the world in His Son was the greatest gift ever. Jesus is the reason for the season. He continues to be the best gift ever, yesterday, today, and forever-AMEN.

Transitions Written by: Erica Arrington God transitions the seasons. We go from winter to spring and summer to fall.

Fall is my favorite season of them all.

The leaves begin to change colors and fall to the ground. The temperature outside begins to change and cool down. It’s time to pull out your warmer clothing, go to festivals, and sit by the fire pit. What a wonderful transition!

Not only does God transition those seasons, He transitions the seasons in our lives.

God told us that he knew us before we were ever born and he told us that he will never leave us or forsake us. In this life you will go through many transitions. You will have times of sadness and times of joy. Times of sickness and times of good health. Your whole life may be going through an overhaul of transitions. God may be separating you from people and things so he can transition you into the life he has laid out for you. Transitions are not always easy or joyful. Human nature doesn’t like change. We like familiarity and what’s comfortable to us. We must not forget the author of our lives and trust that he knows what’s best for us.

God said in Jeremiah 29 and 11 for I know the plans i have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future! So the next time you find yourself in transition, know that you are not alone and you have a God that is working every thing together for your good behind the scenes.

Life’s Celebration by Reginal G. Lyerly ​ oday, we talk about life. Life is precious and fragile.

T The ones we love are only with us for a time. Make the most of this time. Make memories where they can be made. Yes, we won’t agree with everything our loved ones do. Absolutely, people are doing to make their decisions about what to do with their lives. ​The fact remains that we are only here for a limited period of time. We all are limited editions in the eyes of our Creator. We were made to be a blessing, a lesson and sometimes both. Never forget the people who make an indelible impact on your life. Let them know when you can and while you still can. ​ any people don’t speak to their friends or loved ones M for many years at a time. So much time passing. Every second that we can’t back. A cherished memory that could have been created. We can’t let pride get in the way of the love we should share with others. After all, God never withheld love from any of us. Even in the toughest times, He will be there when loved ones will take their last breath. When we have the image still fresh in our minds. When we have memories etch in our psyches. Ask yourself these questions: Where did the time go? What is the best way to make the most of the time left? On the grander scheme of things, is that difference of opinion or disagreement really going to matter after the last day your loved one is called on to Glory. I would hope answers would be: 1- Time files and can’t waste a second. 2- I’ll make the most of every minute and treat it like my last one. 3- Those petty arguments based on principle will not replace the time that I could have spent telling and showing you how much I love you. We are still on earth but time great solace that one day will make again. AMEN.

.I am filled with gratitude for a period in my life where God has never failed me. His continuous grace, favor, strength, and provision have guided me through every situation. I am aware of where my help originates from, and I have the opportunity to praise Him every day. The busyness and excitement of the holiday season often diverts our attention from the one who truly matters. It is not about finding the perfect gift in a store. The greatest Christmas gift we could ever receive occurred many years ago. My hope is that amidst the chaos of this busy season, we always make the effort to pause and give glory and honor to the King!

Live Life to Its Fullest WRITTEN BY: ANITA FORD

Many will look at your appearance and think you have a perfect life, but they don't know your story. They don't the amount of times the enemy has tried to destroy you and your family. They don't know the trials you've walked through victoriously because the Lord has never left your side. We were never designed to be perfect.

None of us have a perfect life and if we try to achieve perfection, we are going to fail. We were designed to allow the struggles we've been through to always leads us to the cross. When we are weak, He's strong. What a mighty God we serve!

​ ratitude when we are truly thankful for the good G things in our lives. Are we also grateful for the unfortunate things in our lives as well? In our lives, we will experience great joys, some disappointments and everything in between. ​G ratitude is often categorized through three qualities.

Gratitude can be an affective trait or one’s overall tendency to have a grateful disposition. Gratitude can also be a mood or one’s daily fluctuation in overall gratitude. Gratitude is also an emotion or the temporary feeling that one may feel after receiving. ​I t is also stated that Golden Rule concerning gratitude is “Treat Others The Way You Wish They Would Treat You”. The Bible even references gratitude in many verses. A more specific example is in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: “ Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” ​S ome may ask, “What is the difference between thankfulness and gratitude?” Thankfulness is more an emotion and Gratitude is more of an attitude without regard of circumstance. Psychology indicates that over time, feeling grateful boost happiness and fosters both physical and psychological health. ​G ratitude is a true superpower. Being able to be grateful for even the smallest of things that can be huge boost.

Many of us are grateful for family, friends and the like.

Feeling content safe and fulfilled is a powerful state mind. ​G ratitude is so important because it helps us focus more on what we have than we may feel that we lack. There is something more powerful than gratitude and this is regret. Anne Frank famously said “Dead people receive more flowers than the living ones because regret is stronger than gratitude”. ​A s we enter the holiday season, let’s remember the meaning of gratitude before it becomes a season of regret. We owe it ourselves and those we love.

LIVE FULLY There's something truly beautiful about being authentic. No one has a perfect life and you inspire people by showing others how you've lived through painful lessons and disappointments. At the same time, self love is so important and vital because we live in a world that is constantly trying to tell you who you are or who you should be. No matter what the world says, know that you

WRITTEN BY: CAROLYN FORD

and you alone are special. Live each day to its fullest. You are a blessing and no one can convince you otherwise.

​ 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 until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.”

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.

I believe life is filled with moments that shake you to the core and point you to the cross. And, right there in the middle of it all, if you’re blessed to be surrounded by people who support you, pray for you and believe in you… Don’t take them for granted.

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!

MILITARY FAMILY GEMS

Writer:Carolyn Ford

Classyandchic Gems

MENTAL HEALTH GEMS

Classyandchic Gems Magazine

HEALING WRITTEN BY: ANITA FORD

There is no one size fits all method to healing after the loss of a loved one. Surround yourself with people who get it. You will know who loves you by the way they set aside a few mins of their time to check in on a regular basis. I believe loved ones war through with you when life happens. One of the best things you can do for someone who is going through a loss is to simply listen to them. Your opinion isn’t always necessary. Sometimes silence and empathic understanding is golden. God never promised pain free lives, but He did promise us that He would never leave us no forsake us.

I love the way God is constantly teaching us to cast our cares up on him. Yet, many times, we lay things down on the altar & we pick them up again. The battle isn't ours to fight, the battle is the Lord's. Oh, how He loves us.. He loves us right where we are and right in the midst of our mess there is a message. In the midst of our suffering, God is always near.. In the midst of our pain, Healing is near.. And, most of all in the midst of failures, there is undeniable evidence that the author and finisher of our faith isn't through with us yet.

FAITH GEMS

Classyandchic Gems

Freedom Written by: Anita Ford

You can not assume you know what other people are going through. Some of the brightest, life-speaking souls are people who walk through many difficult situations alone. These people pour into the lives of others, but when life comes their way they often go through without the help others.

Just because someone isn’t vocal about their story doesn’t mean they aren’t walking through something life altering. At the end of the day, it’s our job to be a blessing to other people on a daily basis. If you can’t spread kindness, keep your words to yourself.

If you look for ways to judge and belittle others, look in the mirror and figure out why the need to be mean to others overpowers your life.

God gives us daily opportunities to love people right where they are. We are failing as a society when people can’t be authentic and share their hearts. No one should feel judged for seeking help. When you know better, you do better. ~Savedclassyandchic Therapist MENTAL HEALTH GEMS

ClassyandChic Gems Magazine

Victory Dance Written by: Anita Ford

I dance every morning when I wake up-I call it my "victory dance".

There was a time, not too long ago, when I didn't have the strength to dance-So, I dance while I can! I wake up with a new song in my heart. Im grateful to see each new day, experience life, have another opportunity to make someone smile, and most of all, have another day to count my blessings. So, the next time you find yourself feeling stressed-Remember, it's a brand new day and there's always something to celebrate!

FASHION GEMS

ClassyandChic Gems Magazine

Living Life…

Written by Anita Ford Life is a beautiful culmination of events that shake us to the core and point us to the cross.

God never promised us lives that we wouldn’t feel broken or hurt.Life looks so different this year because many people have dealt with losing a loved one, a friend or someone who meant a lot to them. And, while we know to be to absent from the body, is present with the Lord. God knew we would have times in which we weep and miss someone that was close to us.

There is nothing anyone can say to you to make you feel better about losing someone. Grief is something that comes in stages. Often times, random memories or familiar places bring back memories and pain begins to play a resounding melody in our hearts. And, the truth is, no matter how many times people tell you it’s going to get better, grief is often what reminds us that life is a gift.

So, I encourage you if you’re walking through a painful time in your life, allow yourself to feel emotions. Take time for yourself and don’t be ashamed to think of the person you lost. In time, you will be able to move forward.

Sometimes the smallest steps forward in a different direction often bring about the most healing. Rely on God and He will always see FAITH GEMS you through.

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

Let our voices bring healing to those who are experiencing pain.

May we constantly remind ourselves that if we were in someone else's situation, we would approach the same struggle with a different perspective..

ALVIN FAITH GEMS

FORD ICLASSYANDCHICGEMS

.EVERY DAY PROVIDES AN OPPORTUNITY FOR GROWTH AND LEARNING. GOD DOES NOT DEFINE YOU BY YOUR PAST, BUT INSTEAD SEES BOUNDLESS POTENTIAL WITHIN YOU. HE DESIRES FOR YOU TO MAKE POSITIVE TRANSFORMATIONS IN YOUR LIFE THAT WILL GUIDE YOU TOWARDS ACHIEVING GREATNESS.

In honoring my brother Lorenzo's life, let us remember his laughter, his love for his family, and his unwavering commitment to those he held dear. May we find solace in the beautiful memories we shared with him.