Classyandchic Gems Magazine Edition 8

C L A S S Y

A N D

C H I C

E D I T I O N

G E M S 8

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.

Content Cre ators for ou r 8th Edition Mental Health Gems-Anita Ford Military Gems-Carolyn Ford Faith Gems-Anita ford Beauty Gems-Joann Aguauo Financial Gems-Reginal Lyerly Beauty Gems-Anita Ford Self care gems-Featuring Ellue Activewear photographY Gems- Aerospace Engineer, Professional photographer-Alvin Ford,Jr .

WRITTEN BY: ANITA FORD PHOTOGRAPHY BY: ALVIN FORD

Peaceful Adventures

When was the last time you took a little bit of time for yourself? It’s important to explore, unwind and most of all, prioritize what’s important to you. Life looks so different when you stop aiming to be the busiest person in the room.

Instead, aim to be the person who contributes to others, balances stressful situations and learns to relish in the beautiful blessing life brings your way. We are all given moments in our lives, but it’s up to us to treasure the time we are given.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY: ALVIN FORD

Military Gems

The Quest for Peace The Quest for Peace By Reginal G. Lyerly ​ o you remember where you were on September 11th, 2001? Who knew such a horrific series of D events could affect millions on people? I remember being stationed at Fort Eustis, Virginia. This day seemed like a normal day. Suddenly, everyone is rushing to turn the news on. A series of emotions flooded the hearts and minds of the people of the United States of America. Shock because of the unexpectedness of everything that transpired. Sorrow because thousands of people left their homes not knowing that it would be their last day on earth. Anger because of the vulnerability revealed by those who obviously oppose the American way of life.

The Quest for Peace is such a path that has been sought out in various ways. This quest brought the best out of people. Those who selflessly rushed to be service of our nation and recommitment of freedom. An increased presence of American Flags grew in every community and hometown. The newfound appreciation for those who sacrificed, is sacrificing and will sacrifice at an all-time high.

For others, a newfound appreciation for a higher power to deliver strength, resolve and victory.

The Quest for Peace is commonplace and an enigma. It’s one thing to know what it is and a different matter together to find it. It is the constant challenge to not to live one’s life in fear.

Seeking normalcy when things are clearly not going to be what they used to be. Seeking calm in the midst of unrest writes new chapter. Many are seeking the peace by fighting in a foreign land and still finding none at their own residence.

There is a calming and soothing experience of knowing we are in this together. Individually and collectively, how do we find peace in the midst of a pandemic? Our masks protect our respiratory systems. Our vaccines may build our body’s defenses. Our promise to get through this is one step closer to the Quest for Peace. Many will say that the Quest for Peace will finally be realized when God returns to save us from all of this. There is too much evidence supporting this. May Peace, Love and Serenity bring us one step closer to a better tomorrow.

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.

Restoration

CHOOSING PEACE AND RESTORATION What is your WHY? AT ALL TIMES WRITTEN BY: ANITA FORD

In my life, I had the privilege of knowing a woman who not only loved the Lord with all of her heart, but she also inspired the life I live today.

I was fourteen years old when my grandmother went home to be with the Lord.

Although she's isn't on this earth anymore, her legacy lives on in my heart. When I think of a courageous woman, I'm reminded of the woman my grandmother was. After facing two leg amputations, multiple surgeries, extended times of sickness, and discouraging reports from doctors, my grandmother never gave up. She had a spirit that wouldn't quit. She didn't succumb to the hand she was being dealt. Instead, she drew strength from the Lord and used every ounce of strength she was given to carry out her mission on this earth. We’re surrounded by beautiful spirits, but it is up to us to recognize them. In all things, God has a plan. What may seem like it will knock us down doesn't always disqualify us from the race. The Lord hasn't left us and He never will. I am thankful I had the opportunity to live life with an angel. I'm reminded daily of my grandmother's sweet spirit. I remember her gorgeous face and beautiful smile. I remember the life she lived out in front of me, her encouraging words, her grace, inspiring attitude and her strength. It warms my heart to know The Lord had a plan in it all. Strength is best defined in our weakest moments. There’s not a day that passes by that I don’t think about my grandmother. My grandmother's legacy continues to live in me. Every time that I feel as if life has dealt me a difficult circumstance, I think about her determination. So, if my grandmother could deal with living a life with her legs amputated, I can deal with pain that comes and goes. When I look at life through the shoes of another person, I often find myself seeing new reasons to be strong.

So, how do we overcome giants in our daily lives? First, we must be ready for battle and equipped in the word. Second, we must remain thankful.The enemy wants us to grumble, complain, and be ungrateful. But, the truth is, we are blessed beyond measure. Often, it's so easy to look at things with eyes that only see our current situation. But, when we fully trust in God, we know that He will make a way when it seems like there is no way. Many of you may be facing life-altering situations at this present moment in your life, but be confident in this very thing, He who began a good work in you will see it unto completion. God will never leave you nor forsake you. When we trust in the one who knows our hearts and knows what’s best for us, we can’t fail. I pray that even as we walk through the valley. May we always remember our protector walks beside us and keeps us from harm. What a mighty God we serve!

Contrary to popular belief, great opportunities don't just rely on sheer luck. New jobs, great business ideas, and the right people–you have to develop habits to attract them at the right place, at the right time.

FAITH GEMS

Classyandchic Gems

MENTAL HEALTH GEMS

PEACE IN CHAOS Creator: Anita Ford

I can’t think of anyone that God used greatly in the Bible or here on earth without allowing them to walk through the valley. The difference is when you walk through tough times, you’re never alone when you have God. Your peace can’t be found in the things of this world or even people in this world. True peace and contentment comes from Him. It’s a beautiful thought to know that EVERY single person in this life has a story and it’s God who is perfecting their story until He calls them home. Don’t allow the world to change your perspective.God is still in CONTROL! I C L A S .S Y A N D C H I C G E M S

SELF CARE By: Anita Ford Peaceful Moments

It’s important to do the very best you can in everything you do, but it’s also important to take the time to refill your cup. My friends, you can not pour from an empty cup.

Today, I am sharing one of my favorite ways to relax...

Working out! I think it’s so important to establish a sense of peace after a long day. Our brains were never designed to hold on to stress and worry. God designed is to cast ALL of worries on Him. So, even in the moments when we feel as if we have it all figured out, it is NECESSARY to give every aspect of our lives to Him. Self care is the best kind of care!

What brings a sense of peace into your life?

Self Care Days with Ellie Activewear MENTAL HEALTH GEMS

Peace of Mind Written by: Reginal G Lyerly When we think of peace of mind, what does this mean to you? Many of us think of this as looking out for our loved ones and providing the best protection possible. The end state of this proves to be most disproportionate throughout society. The topic that I make reference in article is the use of life insurance. Insurance defined is a contract between a policyholder and an authorized insurance company/provider. It is designed to attempt to make whole what has been lost, minimize disruptions and provide adequate financial stability in the event of lost income due to someone’s death. Who can really ever replace a loved one once they’ve departed from us? This is intended to be the peace of mind that those we leave behind will have some guarantees when in an irreplaceable loss occurs.

Many families consistently utilize life insurance as a means of taking care of various things. An important reason to help replace the income of the “designated breadwinner”. Another important reason is to ensure some type of income after retirement. Here are some other ways that life insurance can help a family: Provide income for spouse and possibly provide dependents with the means to go to college, help clear liabilities associated with one’s estate, can be borrowed against it provided the policy has cash value and/or pay off the remaining balance of a mortgage.

This knowledge is available but not always accessible to all families. For example, I knew of a young man who was murdered by gunfire in Cleveland, Ohio less than one month ago. It was very much a traumatic loss for the family. Sadly, the young man didn’t have a life insurance policy. The family was forced to initiate a Go Fund Me page to raise the proceeds for his funeral and burial. One of his siblings was forced to borrow against his 401K to raise the remaining balance. If the young man would have been insured at the time of his death, this would have drastically lessened the financial, psychological and emotional impact on everyone associated with the loss.

Many view monthly or annual insurance premium payments as just a bill to be paid. An insurance premium applied toward a policy is actually an investment. Life Insurance Policies are aleatory in nature meaning in exchange for premiums the company agrees to pay a death benefit in the event of loss. In most cases, when the premiums are paid and no contestable factors are present, the death benefit is usually delivered in a timely manner to the designated beneficiary upon proof of loss (i.e. death certificate).

Lastly, having a life insurance policy is never about the one who passes away. The policy is to help take care of the people who one leaves everyone behind in the event of their timely or untimely passing. Remember, the peace of mind comes from being able to provide for those who follow you. Directly and indirectly, use of life insurance can help some families acquire some generational wealth due to its immediate opportunity for estate creation.

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 makeup routine?

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

BEAUTY GEMS

Classyandchic Gems Magazine

Faith Gems

#GETNEWIN2022 by Reginal G. Lyerly We finally made it. We are here in 2022. Any New Resolutions? Any New Goals? Any New Dreams? Any Hopes? This is the official beginning of a new chapter. Our chance for resurgence and restoration. I like to call it “Get New In 2022”. This is the chance to look back and move forward. This is the opportunity to get it right.

It is often said that if we “do what we’ve always done” we will “get what we’ve always gotten”. The reality of the matter is that it is difficult to be a beacon of light unless we are plugged into a higher source. Plugged into our hopes, plugged into our dreams and plugged into a power much greater and gracious than us. After all, it is difficult to gain power in a situation without remaining engaged and focused on all of the important things.

Getting New in 2022 is speaking life in every situation. Getting New in 2022 is not forgetting your past but it is using it to create a better future. Getting New in 2022 is not letting situations control you and you taking control of the situations. Getting New in 2022 is walking into your season with the confidence that God is ordering your steps and that your path is fully laid out.

When we wake up, what we are telling ourselves? When we move through life, which areas that we are speaking life. When we reflect inward, where is the person inside who desires to be our best version? When we succeed in life, who we are bringing with us? When we fail, what do we hope to learn and are we seeking the next opportunity to try again.

Faith over fear has to be more than a statement. Do we stand up and truly manifest what we are seeking? At every moment in 2022, we have to believe in our minds, hearts and spirits that we must win, we shall win and we were destined to win. Almighty God wants to us to win. To go from survival to revival is of Him. To go from mediocrity to excellence is of Him. I challenge all today to walk into our respective winning seasons. Ask God to be with us. Seek Him to guide us. Have Him to lead us. Getting New in 2022 is seeing the light in you and knowing the God who placed it there in the first place. #GETNEWIN2022 Reginal G. Lyerly is the Chief Marketing Officer of RGL Marketing LLC based out of the Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina area. He gives the God the glory every day for the opportunity to serve others through the area of business.

Bold in Color Blogger: Anita Ford

I love pieces that make a statement and this necklace definitely screams artsy, 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.

Bo pie ld ce , be on s au l f in @ ou tif e Sa n ve bou d a ul hic dc tiq t m _ la bo ss ue y ut ya iqu nd c e

BEAUTY GEMS

ClassyandChic Gems Magazine

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.

FAITH GEMS

ClassyandChic Gems Magazine

Renewing Your Mind-Written by Anita Ford Photography by: Alvin Ford Photogtaphy Spending time with God and reading His word allows us to not only hear from Him, but He also implants His vision in our hearts. As with any relationship, the more time you spend with someone, the more you know about them. When we choose to follow Jesus wholeheartedly, and without reservations, our lives then begin to move toward the path He laid out for us. Being a Christian is a daily process of renewing our minds and thought processes to be disciples of Jesus Christ.

Think of Jesus as your GPS. No matter where you go or what you’ve been through, Jesus will lead you back to Him. You are His precious prize and He continuously pursues you. Second, we must deny ourselves in order to follow Him completely. Is denying ourselves hard? Yes because we all have selfish desires that surface in different areas of our lives. In fact, our world encourages people to put themselves first. Our own desires can many times be the very things that draws us into a hole of despair, uncertainty and doubt. But, when we put others first, we begin to live out the call on our lives to draw others near to Him. Life is all about giving back to others. In fact, true love isn’t real until we’ve given love away. I challenge you: Love hard and always love consistently.

FAITH GEMS

ICLASSYANDCHICGEMS

5 Daily Reminders ” God never promised perfect days in which everything would go our way, but He did promise that He would never leave our side.”

You are loved!

MORE

THAN

EVER

YOU

COULD

IMAGINE.

You will make it!

You are valuable because God planted gifts inside of you that no one else possesses.

You are NOT a mistake!

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

SURROUND YOURSELF WITH PEOPLE WHO LOVE THE BEAUTIIF UL LIGHT THAT ILLUMINA TES FROM YOU. INSPIRATIONAL SPEAKER ANITA FORD

Peace of Mind AUTHENTICITY, HOPE AND HAPPINESS