Beauty Brains & Family by Sheree Carradine

Tarantulas, Tickets And YouTube

I SEE Me

Our Featured Y.P.W.P.…

Isaiah Miles & Raife Anthony Cover & Featured Story Photography by: Nathaniel Clint

Third Edition

From the desk of the CEO

Wasn’t the November featured story great! Wow, their love story should encourage so many singles to not give up. That special someone may come sooner than you think. Just stay focused on God. In addition to the featured story, I hope you took the time to read all the other articles, recipes and ads. Speaking of articles, someone asked me why were there so many articles and why are they so long? I explained to them that Sarah is not your average magazine, it is more like a book. So, you treat it just like you would a book, you take your time and read it, each article is like a chapter in book. As you read the articles, you will find that each one ministers to you in a different way. Sarah magazine is here to minister to the whole person, spiritually and physically. This is why I offer hard copies as well as online viewing. Some people prefer to hold it in their hands and read it. Whatever your choice, enjoy and let these great

Welcome to the third edition of Sarah magazine! Can you believe it…we have made it to 2024!! So, HAPPY NEW YEAR! 2023 had some challenges for some of us, but thank God, we made it. I pray that you all are off to a good start this year. God is truly blessing this magazine to thrive and minister to so many people worldwide. My prayer is that it continues to reach people both young and old.

these young men are headed for great things! If this is your first time reading about them, believe me it won’t be the last time. Parents instead of focusing on the negatives of our young people, read about these anointed young people and share it with your children.

writers, cooks, and entrepreneurs be a blessing to you. In the last issue, God gave me Habakkuk 2:2-3. 2 And the LORD answered me: "Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it. 3 For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end--it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay. (ESV)

In closing, you are going to see a lot of different submissions, some may seem as if they are doing the same things, such as cooks, businesses, etc. some may think it a competition, believe me it’s not. Sarah is offering you a variety of choices. It’s like going to a restaurant, everybody wants something different and no one gets offended. Some may want the same thing you have but may add a little extra something, something. I hope you get the point; we are not about competition but all about offering services to fit whatever your need may be.

This scripture is so fitting for this month’s issue of Sarah. The featured story is about four women who wrote the vision, waited for God’s timing and when He gave them the greenlight, they moved forward. If you are contemplating on started a business, read their story and be inspired to move forward. Parents, please make sure that you are sharing the young people’s section with your children. Y.P.W.P. will minster to your children. When we look at the world today, we think that there is no hope for our children. when you read the young people’s section, these young people will knock you off your feet! Naomi Martin is the head writer and every month she leaves me in amazement of how on fire for God she is. She brings on board with her so many other anointed young people. Which leads right into our Y.P.W.P featured story. Featuring Isaiah Miles and Raife Anthony. These two young men are on fire for God. Make note,

I would like to thank our new contributors to Sarah magazine and also those who continually support this magazine with their gifts and talents. If Sarah has been a blessing to you, reach out and let our writers know. You can reach out to them directly or send it to the email provided. We will address it in the next issue. Enjoy… God bless, Minister Sheree Carradine Creator/Chief Editor

ARTICLES: Encouragement-Antwan Beaden-Leach………………………………………………………..8 Packing Meaning Into Different Flowers- Dr. Calvinia Williams, D.D ……………10 Free 2 Serve- Tarantulas, Tickets & YouTube-Keith and Mary Lou Norris…………………..17 Boys 2 M.E.N.D & MTB-Mentor, Teacher, Brother- Keith Williams I……………24 Focus Forward- Maisha Y. Tate………………………………………………………………...53 ISICS- Iron Sharpens Iron Christian Singles………………………………………71 What Is Your Life’s Blueprint? – Dr. Martin Luther King……………...……………………...73 Celebrating Black Love- Dr. Calvinia Williams, D.D ……………………………76 Christian Valentines Day- Dr. Calvinia Williams, D.D ………………………………………..82 Ministry Moments- An Eternal Question, Do You Love Me? Reverend Donzella Berry…84

Beauty-Health-Fashion: Your Health Matters– Venita Freeman…………………………………………..…….12 Life Insurance- Kaelynn Lake…………………………………………………………………20 Love In A Cup -Tiffany Nakatani………………………………………………………48 Natural Hair Care Tips– Urfavstylist- Dianna Beckford & Ariana Grisby…………………….79

BOOKS/BUSINESS/SERVICS: Eagles Wings Of Grace (EWOG)…………………………..............................................16 Divorce Botted Up-Gerald W. Smith Jr………………………………………………………...28 Handy Guide for Single Parents & What is A Blessing?- Prophetess Lorin Egans …….45 I SEE Me- Tiffany Nakatani…………………………………………………...……………….51 Your Body Is A House, The House You Rented Is Now For Sale-Victoria Carradine Only…..70 Let’s get personal…Personalized Items For You………………………………………. 75 Book Publishing ………………………………………………………………………………..81

FOOD: Eat According to the Season-Kelly Simmons………………...………………………………...21 Old Fashioned Bread Pudding- Cooks.com…………………………………………...44 Love In A Cup- Tiffany Nakatani……………………………………………….……………...48 Savory Pork Chops-Cooks.com………..…………..…………………………………..52

WELCOME TO THE FAMILY Keith E. Williams I – 24

Welcome Back Tiffany Nakatani -48 Welcome Back Dianna Beckford-79

OUR FEATURED STORIES: Y.P.W.P. On Fire For God-Isaiah Miles and Raife Anthony……………………… ………. 40

Beauty Brains & Family-Rosalind Harper, Nikkie Hudson, Bre’Anna Griffin, & Kei’Shylah Griffin…………………………..…………………………………………. 55

YOUTH- EDUCATION: Y.P.W.P. (Young People With Purpose)-New Years, Love, & ResurrectionNaomi Martin & Friends ……………………………………………………………. 29

If you have questions/comments for our contributors, please feel free to contact them personally or send them to mysarahmagzine@gmail.com or shereecarradine@yahoo.com We would love your feedback and will post your comments/answers to in the next issue of Sarah.

Note: We are a Christian based magazine but not limited to only Christians. BUT… we will not publish anything that is contrary to our beliefs, such as profanity or promotion of your sexual preferences.

Eph. 3:20

Happy Valentine’s Day! 6

alentine's Day is a cultural celebration of love and affection on February 14th each year. It is named after Saint Valentine, a Christian martyr who lived in the 3rd century. The day became associated with romantic love in the 14th century due to literary creations that romanticized an opportunity to express love and appreciation for one another through gifts, cards, and gestures of affection.

think about is your relationship with God! Everything that I stated above you can have with God! I was studying about love in the bible. Deuteronomy 11:1 states “Therefore you shall love the Lord your God, and keep His charge, His statutes, His judgments, and His commandments always”. Our relationship with God is marked by two things: love and obedience. Those who love and obey the Lord will experience His blessings, and most important of all, will experience daily fellowship and love with God.

But what does love mean to you? Is it the love of people, like your parents, your spouse/significant other, or your children? Or to an inanimate thing, such as your car, house, or clothes? Or maybe you love yourself above everything or anybody. There is nothing wrong with love, but where is your love of God?

Now, blessings don’t mean that everything will be perfect, for example no hurt or negative incident. But your love of The Father will direct you to Him when those times come. If you communicate with Him when you don’t need him, through prayer and study of Him, you can give him the glory and honor that is due to Him. Studying and prayer will help you know Him better; communicating with Him helps Him get to know you better! Because of your relationship with Him, he knows your voice when you call on Him.

Love is an action word. Per MerriamWebster, the meaning is: to hold dear; to feel a lover’s passion, devotion, or tenderness for; to like or desire actively/ take pleasure in or to thrive in. Think about it, when you are going through hard times or must make a difficult decision, you turn to someone that you love and trust to help you through it. Why? Because you have a relationship with them that demonstrates that they can be trusted with something so personal. A trusted relationship is a desire of most people.

Because of my relationship with The Father, He brought a man into my life when I wasn’t looking. He came with a friend, were introduced and we learned common things about each other. He knew what love meant to him, so he taught me. Two years later, we were married. During our 38 years together, I learned that my weakness is his strength,

A trusted relationship that you may not

and my strengths are his weakness! I learned to lean on him when I am weak. We learned how to weather the storms of life together. The learning is continuous! Only God can match me with the right man that would be my life’s partner! Love is many things to many people. Again, I ask you “what does love mean to you? Happy Valentines Day!

Deacon Antwan Beaden-Leach

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Packing Meaning into Different Flowers

Roses weren’t always the go-to

Valentine’s flower. In the 19th century, bouquets could contain a variety of flowers, each chosen to convey a specific meaning. Elizabeth White Nelson, an associate professor of history at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and author of Market Sentiments: MiddleClass Market Culture in 19th-Century America, says 19th century flower dictionaries categorized and gave meanings to every flower. She explains that for Valentine’s Day, “The idea was that you could give a bouquet that was not just a bouquet of flowers. It had a whole message encoded into the flowers.” A bouquet with yellow acacia (which means "concealed love"), jonquils ("I desire a return of affection") and snowdrops ("hope") sends the message that you secretly adore the recipient and hope those feelings might be reciprocated. Nelson notes that sending these bouquets in the 19th century “depends on who you are and what kind of flowers you have access to, which I would say is a very small group of people in the middle of the winter in the United States.” She adds, “At the end of the [19th] century, you get more commercial florists and therefore more availability of flowers at more affordable price points. Then I think you see the shift toward Roses.”

compounding our time while building healthy habits. Habit bundling is pairing a behavior we want to develop with one we already enjoy. Examples include listening to educational podcasts while Our lives are the sum of all the decisions exercising, listening to audiobooks we make. Therefore, we must be sure to during our daily commute, or practicing set all excuses aside and choose to take a new language while doing household action today and continue evermore. chores. It combines a desired habit with an established routine to make positive Fitness goals are not reserved for the behaviors more permanent. We’re more first two weeks in January. They are likely to continue with a behavior when not only for acquiring our hot girl/ we are doing it with one of our favorite boy summer body prior to going on things at the same time. vacation. Fitness, like worship and consecration, is a lifestyle and should be a part of our daily experience. We simply decide that it is something that is important and valuable to us and make • Only visit social media while room for it. We are already good at making room for what’s important to us marching in place. Only listen to podcasts while (work, ministry, family, appetite, social • doing arm circles. media, phone calls, friends, shows, Only watch your favorite shows games, online accounts, portfolios, etc.). • Let’s make our physical bodies a part of while doing seated leg lifts. • Only talk on the phone while our big picture. If we lose it, we can’t doing calf raises. use it. • Only eat at your favorite restaurant once you have exercised 4 or One way to take charge is with habit more consecutive days during the week. bundles. They are a great way for

Daily Fitness For Life Challenge

More Ideas:

Identify the things that you love to do or normally do and couple them with simple exercises like leg lifts, chair sits, and stomach vacuums. These stationary exercises are effective for improving strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular health without the need for much space or specialized equipment.

More Examples of Stationary Exercises: 1. Bodyweight Exercises: Squats, lunges, push-ups, and planks can be done without moving from one spot. 2. Isometric Exercises: Holding a position, like a wall sit or a plank, helps build strength and requires minimal movement. 3. Jumping Jacks: A simple cardio exercise that requires minimal space. 4. High Knees: Running or walking in place by lifting your knees high engages the muscles and raises your heart rate. 5. Chair Dips: Using a sturdy chair for triceps dips to work on arm strength. 6. Calf Raises: Stand on a flat surface and lift your heels off the ground, engaging your calf muscles. 7. Seated Leg Lifts: Sit on a chair or the floor and lift your legs straight out

in front of you to target the core and leg muscles. 8. Leg Circles: While lying on your back, lift one leg and make circular motions in the air. Switch legs after a set. 9. Arm Circles: Extend your arms to the sides and make circular motions, both clockwise and counterclockwise, to engage shoulder muscles. 10. Stomach Vacuums: Exhale completely, then suck in your stomach by pulling your navel toward your spine. Hold this position for a few seconds. It’s useful for strengthening the deep core muscles and improving posture.

Sleep Now let’s talk about how our sleep keeps us fit. How we prioritize our sleep is important. Eight hours is still the recommended amount for most adults. A select few with a special gene can get by on 6-7 hours regularly. Getting enough sleep is crucial for various reasons. It supports our overall well-being, enhances cognitive function, boosts the immune system, and contributes to better emotional and mental health. Adequate sleep also plays a role in maintaining a healthy weight and promoting physical recovery. Not only is the quantity of sleep important, but consistency in our sleep schedule is also a key part of our wellbeing. Did you know that it

takes 4 days on average for our body to recover from deviations in our sleep schedule? A person who normally goes to bed at 10:00 pm during the week, should keep that same schedule every day of the week. Of course, there will be exceptions for special occasions. If we’re not getting enough sleep or our sleep schedule is inconsistent, then that’s a great area to target in this new year.

Once we are sleeping enough then we will want to ensure that we are moving enough. We know that we are moving “enough” when we are not graduating upwards in pants and dress sizes. We know it when our clothes fit comfortably and our bodies feel energized. This can be a particular number goal, but it doesn’t have to be. Who wants to be hopping on the scale every day? Not me. Let’s be real. Some of us cannot afford to tackle our weight issues on our own. There are many WHY’s behind the scenes. Did you know that some people gain or lose weight when they grieve? We may need to visit our doctors, nutritionists, therapists, and specialists to determine where to start. Yes, they might find something. Yes, they are likely to say something that we already know and don’t want confirmed. Yes,

we may have to revisit old wounds and hurts that are neatly buried. Still, we have to choose to face our hang ups and make the necessary changes. We cannot conquer our weight goals, when our untimeliness, low self-esteem, procrastination, fear, perfectionism, anxiety, depression, and any other issues have root systems that are preventing us from achieving our goals. We must confront them and be willing to seek help. All weight issues aren’t food related. Let’s deal with our stuff and truly overcome our hindrances and shortcomings to become all that God created us to be. Whew! We talked about making fitness a priority, managing our movement, managing our sleep schedule, and seeking guidance from practitioners and other professionals in regards to our weight goals. I’ll end on a lighter note by talking again about the importance of drinking water.

Water Drinking water is essential for several reasons. It helps maintain bodily functions, regulate body temperature, support digestion, and flush out toxins. Water is crucial for nutrient absorption, joint lubrication, and overall cellular health. Staying hydrated also contributes to clearer skin, improved cognitive function, and enhanced energy levels. Additionally, adequate water intake

supports the circulatory system, aids in weight management by promoting a feeling of fullness, and helps prevent dehydrationrelated issues such as headaches and constipation. It plays a key role in kidney function, helping to eliminate waste products from the body. Overall, staying hydrated is fundamental for maintaining optimal health and wellbeing.

Fitness Prayer: Dear Lord, Thank you for making me strong and capable. Thank you for reassuring me that I can do all things because You give me the strength. (Philippians 4:13) With each workout, I nourish my body and mind. May I lean on and into You to push through challenges and embrace the journey to a healthier version of myself. I need You and want You near for every step of the way. In Your holy name I pray, Amen.

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TARANTULAS, TICKETS AND Maybe not! While we’ve been to some romantic YOU-TUBE places (like a trip up Albuquerque’s

s volunteers who RV fulltime, we meet many people when we travel across the U.S. Lots of them respond to our story of nomadic living by exclaiming, “That’s so romantic!” That opinion has forced us to consider our romance. What is it for us and how does it involve our Lord and Savior? The world’s answer to “what is romance” may be expensive travel, entertainment, or food as a way of showing love or winning another’s affection. It’s what love stories are made of and what cements relationships in the world’s view. But is it really?

Sandia Peak Tramway for a lovely meal and beautiful view; a cruise with lots of good food and entertainment; a trip to Kauai, HI for our 40th Discovering new places anniversary) together. Hacienda Los these are not Martinez Museum, Taos, common in our NM lifestyle. Some of our most romantic “dates” have been relatively simple. But they are remembered mostly for their humor

rather than the enchanting experience. For example:

meal”, yet, that day ranks high on our list of extraordinary outings.

• It was elk rut season while we were in the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge near Lawton, KS. Our goal was to experience the distinct mating call of the bull elk. We headed out into the wilderness where we found an abandoned parking lot, an early 20th century dam to walk across and fabulous climbing boulders. As dusk approached, we settled into our lawn chairs to eat our packed sack supper (sandwiches, pickles and Little Debbie’s) while we sat listening to the bugling elk. It was magical! But what do we remember most about that evening? Our excitement at spotting, and chasing, our first ever large wild hairy tarantula!

• Most recently we decided to splurge on dinner at Thurston’s Lobster Pound in Barnard, ME. It was an area we’d longed to see for years. We needed to do something momentous to mark our achievement of getting there. Eating a whole Adventures in eating. fresh lobster, Thurston’s Lobster Pound, Barnard, ME while looking out over the fishing boats in the bay, had to be it! We found the place, picked our live lobsters, and enjoyed the view while anxiously awaiting the scrumptious meal. Then suddenly it struck us. We’d never eaten a whole lobster! So instead of lovefilled pre-dinner conversation, panic set in! You-Tube to the rescue. I’m sure we were the only ones there watching a video on how to eat lobster, while eating a lobster! Romantic dates mean you aren’t always concerned about what the next table thinks of you!

• An example of romance gone wrong happened after a day of touring downtown Honolulu. We were ready for a lovely meal at an elegant place within walking distance. It turned out the restaurant was closed; we settled for a burger at a pub. The meal was followed by giggles and a late walk back to the car in the rain. The walk nearly saved the evening, until we arrived at the parking ramp. It was locked and our car was behind bars. After about an hour, and with the help of the Hawaii Capitol Police, we drove out with our car and a $40 ticket. We don’t remember much about our “fancy

“Love flashes like fire, the brightest kind of flame. Many waters cannot quench love, nor can rivers drown it. If a man tried to buy love with all his wealth, his offer would be literally scorned.” Song of Solomon 8:6c-7 (LASB)

hands while watching the sunset or receiving a surprise love note. Love can be deepened in romance, but romance won’t necessarily make love.

These are God’s words. A love that is based solely, or mostly, on things that can be bought, won’t stand up to the pressures of life. When things don’t go as planned and disaster strikes, bringing loss and grief; when the tire blows; the campsite is too small and tensions rise while backing in; or the navigator messes up…again, all the expensive trips and food won’t keep the love light burning.

So, yes, our lifestyle is romantic because the Lord has shown us that every moment should include love. Our prayer for you this February is that you find, first, a love built on Jesus and then someone with whom you can giggle.

Love is built on a strong foundation of trust and mutual respect. And if that foundation has a cornerstone named Jesus, the house will be even stronger for longer. A couple’s love, centered on Jesus, will survive. He wants us to Lake Byllesby Beach, enjoy human Cannon Fall, MN relationships with love, caring and belief.

Keith and Mary Lou Norris Free2Serve

Over our five years on the road, we have learned that everyday can, and should, have a romantic element… grocery day, laundry day, museum day or travel day. Some of the simplest actions can create the most tender memories such as arranging to have my favorite cookies delivered from Iowa, making his favorite dessert, holding

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Offering Healthy Eating Choices! Eat According To The Season Agriculture, can be found in many cities around the USA. It works by signing up and paying a monthly fee. This fee allows you to obtain a share of the farmers crops which is distributed at a predetermined location.

If you go to the grocery store today, you see a variety of fruits and vegetables. Many are seen year-round. Just think, years ago you would never see a watermelon during Christmas time. Today, watermelon is available year-round along with many other fruits and vegetables. To get the most flavorful and nutritious foods, eating seasonal is best.

Growing your own produce is also a good option for seasonal eating. It’s not necessary to start from seeds. You can actually start from a budding plant instead of seeds to give you a good HeadStart. To avoid having to test your soil and prepare the soil for planting seeds, you can use raise bed planters and containers.

A good way to eat seasonally is to buy from a farmer’s market. Farmer’s markets offer seasonal produce that is also locally grown. Joining a CSA is also a good way to support local farmers. CSA, Community Supported How do you know which foods are seasonal? Simply google or refer to a book on the subject. Seasonal produce for the month of February include: Brussel sprouts, cabbage, leeks, cauliflower, broccoli, carrots, cherries, asparagus, cucumbers, apricots, just to name a few.

This time of year, continues to be an excellent time for soups. Soups are a good way of eating highly nutritional meals. One of my favorite recipes, which includes seasonal foods, is a 10-Vegetable Soup recipe that is absolutely delicious. It does require a little time to put together but it is well worth every effort.

Prep time is around 30 minutes. This is called Mise en place, meaning…you should have all of the ingredients and supplies prepared and organized before you begin cooking. Pictures 1-3 shows how to prep for this tasty recipe. 1 large onion 1 cup diced carrots 1 cup diced celery 1 red pepper 1 Poblano pepper or 2 tablespoons green chili peppers 1 small zucchini 6 garlic gloves 1 teaspoon lemon zest 1 cup frozen organic corn 1 can of red beans 2 cups fresh baby spinach 3 cans of fire roasted diced tomatoes with juice 2 cups brown rice Seasonings 1 tsp chili powder ½ tsp dried mustard 1 Tbsp dried basil 1 Tbsp cumin 1 Tbsp dried rosemary 1 Tbsp paprika 1 tsp garlic powder 1 tsp black pepper 1 tsp salt 3 Tbsp tomato paste 5 cups vegetable stock 1 Tbsp Better Than Bouillon vegetable base (optional) 1 Tbsp rice vinegar 2 Tbsp soy sauce 2 bay leaves 2 Tbsp olive oil

Cooking Time 30 Minutes. Instructions:

Heat oil in a large stock pot over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, celery, zucchini, bell pepper and poblano pepper and cook for 5 minutes. Stir frequently until onions become translucent.

leaves. Stir until well combined. Bring to a boil over medium high heat. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes. Stir in cooked rice and spinach. Remove from heat and let stand for 10 minutes.

Add lemon zest, garlic, and all seasonings. Hold off on the bay leaves until the end. Cook for 3 minutes. Stir continuously.

If placed in an airtight container, this will last in the fridge for up to 1 week. It can last for 3 months once frozen.

Add tomato paste and cook for another couple of minutes, Add vegetable broth with better than bouillon (optional) and stir well.

This recipe is amazing. Loaded with nutrient rich seasonal vegetables! Give this tasty recipe a try and Enjoy!

Add red beans, fire roasted tomatoes, corn, soy sauce, rice vinegar and bay

Did you like this recipe? Would like to know more about healthy eating? Contact Kelly at: simmons.kelly70@gmail.com or mysarahmagazine@gmail.com

bachelor’s studies at Florida State University, and Columbia Southern University, where I focused on Exercise Science and Business Administration with a specialization in Sports Management. Despite my fortunate upbringing in the vibrant community of SouthCentral Los Angeles, life presented continual challenges that demanded resilience and perseverance. My dreams are to this day, big dreams and bold prayers to my Lord & Savior Jesus Christ, because I understand He is the only one who can take me where I need to go in this life.

My name is Keith E Williams I, I was born in Los Angeles, CA to John and Ada (Morgan) Williams on March 20, 1971. I graduated from Morningside High School in Inglewood, CA. Previously attended Junipero Serra High in Gardena, CA and Fremont High in Los Angeles, two blocks over from where I grew up on East 75th Street. Both my parents played Sports, my Mother played Basketball and my Father Football, that competitive blood was in my DNA. I played Football through my junior college years before retiring, focusing on my career. I pursued my academic endeavors at Long Beach State University and West L.A. College, ultimately culminating in the completion of my

I am blessed to be married to Mrs. Lisa Clausell-Williams, a wonderful woman who is both the Queen and the boss of our household, lol, allowing me to fulfill my role as the leader and the man ordained by God. We have 3 grown children together (Terrence 29) from my wife’s previous relationship, (Keith II 24, Keiahja 20) from my previous relationship, so together we have this wonderful, blended family. My wife and I have been married 10 years, (together for 12) but have known each other for our entire lives. Growing up I watched my parents continually give their time to the

hardships, a tough upbringing, abuse, neglect, loneliness, etc. The Bible says in Proverbs 3:5 (kjv) that; “For His anger endureth but a moment; in His favor is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. Morning may not be tomorrow but could be 3 months, 6 months, a year or longer but the sun will shine again in your life as is stated in Galatians 6:9 (kjv); And let us not be weary in well doing, for in due season we shall reap if we faint not. All that means is that what you have been believing God for, you will have with Faith and Trusting God. I’m a witness to what I’m saying, there have been times when I didn’t know how, what, why or when, but I put my trust in God and He has showed up every time, so in closing in the words of former NFL Hall of Famer and Player Michael Irvin at his Hall of Fame Speech; “Look Up, Get Up and Don’t Ever Give Up.”

Gospel of Jesus Christ and their ministry was servicing and helping others. I saw my Mom make a plate for a homeless person she didn’t know as we returned home from Church right in front of our house. I watched them minister at the convalescent home every 4th Saturday of the month. I watched my Pops be a deacon, usher and treasurer, and my Mom be president of the hospitality committee at out Church at the time. I said all that because that gift has been engrained in me, but God, I believe has given me a different calling and that is the mentorship of young men and women. I see too many of our youth get into domestic violence situations, dui’s, suicide etc. I’m not a psychologist or pretend to be, but just try to share some of my life struggles, issues and biblical teachings that are written on God’s word. I’ve been through PTSD from a work accident having 3 surgeries to repair my right leg in which a plate and screw still remain to this day, having a chronic sciatica issue to having no cartilage in either of my knees, to having been hospitalized with a pulmonary embolism (blood clots). If not for the prayers of my parents and others covering me along with the Blood of Jesus, I wouldn’t be here. So, when I tell you it may not look great, you may go through some struggles because God never said it would be easy, you may go through

Ministry I would like to share with you two organizations that I’m very passionate about. The first one is through my Church, The Potter’s House of Dallas called Boys 2 M.E.N.D which stand for the following: The Boys 2 M.E.N.D. is a foundational mentorship program with a guided mission in mind:

Motivate young boys to succeed • Expose them to greatness • Navigate the waters of maturity into manhood • Disciple young males We help boys, ages 11-17, discover the principles of manhood that evolve them into young men of strong character, sound judgement, scholarly excellence, and positive inspirations to their peers. By equipping them with the right tools in a fun, safe and engaging environment that keeps Christ at the center, they are driven to the place where their greatest potential is possible. Scriptures: Malachi 4:6, Jeremiah 31:29, Ezekiel 18:2, Matthew 28:19

Inc. Founded and started by fraternity founders Marvin Randolph and Dr. Lamont Taylor in Chicago, Illinois. There are different chapters of M.T.B. around the country. Mr. Carlos Baggett also assists in running this program in Chicago, Illinois. My motto is “Each One, Teach One”, So the more youth you can reach the better. You can find more information on the program at the website, www.mentorteacherbrother.org.

•

Our mission is as follows: The mission of Mentor Teacher Brother, Inc. is to help young men get the right start in life by providing them opportunities that otherwise would not have existed. We understand that life changes can occur through “defining moments” in a person’s life. So, to that end, we strive to create those defining moments. We want our members to learn to socially interact, on a positive level, with each other, other leaders, and young men in local communities. Thereby becoming positive productive role models exemplifying a positive “Standard of Manhood”. In doing so, the members, as well as those they come in contact with, will have a better understanding of how to interact with one another peacefully and productively. What we learn, and already know, we pass on

You can connect with them @

www.thepottershouse.org/boys2mend

The program is directed by Associate Pastor Venshard Dobbins. I’m still new to this wonderful program. The other program I’m connected to for young men is through my fraternity, Phi Rho Eta called Mentor, Teacher, Brother or M.T.B.

to the young men in troubled communities.

college students, professionals, community leaders and volunteers who have made a commitment in principle and action to transform the plight of troubled young men from despair and apathy to hope and possibility.

MTB’s focus on in-depth experiences of each member’s life has enabled the program to model and teach positive ethically grounded behavior in extraordinary ways. MTB members do well in school because of frequent monitoring practices and support from mentors. MTB members stay out of trouble because they are engaged in positive constructive activities that lessen their risk of engaging in troubling behavior. MTB members graduate from high school, further their plans academically or vocationally and lead successful lives because they enjoy a first-row view of what it takes to become successful.

In closing I love having a hand in helping our youth. I was also a youth football coach for 15 years and helping mold young men into grown men is very fulfilling to me spiritually. I don’t want to see another child go by the wayside for any reason, and there are enough good men besides me that can help in this process, as previously stated “Each One, Teach One.” Proverbs 22:6 (KJV) says: “Train a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it” In the Amplified version it says: “Train a child in the way he should go [teaching him to seek God’s wisdom and will for his abilities and talents], Even when he is old, he will not depart from it.

In short, adolescence is a time of risk and opportunity; it is one of life’s major transitions. During the critical transition from adolescence to adulthood, teens often develop the skills, attitudes, and behaviors that could substantially affect their ability to lead a quality of life that is productive and self-fulfilling. Mentoring has been widely noted for its potential to positively affect adolescents during this critical transition period. Mentor Teacher Brother, Inc. created programs specifically designed to cultivate youth through the host of social skills they are forced to deal with every day. MTB is comprised of a collective group of college students, former

Praise God! I hope this was beneficial and helps someone or a child in need! God Bless! Mr. Keith E. Williams Sr. Phi Rho Eta, Fraternity, Inc. mrwilliams320@gmail.com CSU-FSU Alumni "Faith, Family, Athletics"

By Gerald W. Smith Jr. Why This Book? When my parents divorced, I felt like I had no Voice or jurisdiction to say anything. I kept my feelings Bottled Up inside of me trying to please my parents. Who Are You Trying To Reach? The young, old, girl, boy, men, women of all ethnicities. Why Now? As a child of divorce, I never realized how it affected me from childhood to adulthood. Relationships, feeling insecure, all these things followed me because I was never able to share my feelings. We don’t realize that unresolved issues remain Bottled Up and end up causing us to do negative things. My prayer is that this book helps you as I share my story. Order your copy(s) today. Available on Amazon.com Click on the picture, or scan the QR Code to order. This book is a must read!

Want An Autograph Copy? Contact Me @ gws821@gmail.com or on 26

Hello everyone, it’s Naomi, representing Y.P.W.P (Young Person With Purpose). Happy New Year! I am back to share with you some more great topics. But before I go any further, I would like to welcome my friends, Isaiah Miles and Raife Anthony. This month we are having a conversation about the New Year, Love, and the Resurrection. My friends Anaij and Gabriel, will be back soon writing for Sarah magazine as well. Isaiah and Raife will be sharing how God is using them to build His Kingdom through music and reaching other youth. I pray that our conversations and interviews inspire and encourage you. If you have a story or a topic, you’d like us to discuss, please contact me at mysarahmagazine@gmail.com It is our ministry to help other young people. I am looking forward to hearing from you!

LET’S GET STARTED! 28

Let’s Talk About New Years, Love, And The Resurrection! NAOMI

way it becomes more is through seeing ourselves through the lens of God. Evaluating our hearts, desires, actions, and thoughts and checking to see what needs improvement and what needs to be taken out. To put into shorter words, look at yourself internally. That's what God pays attention to, and he says this himself in 1 Samuel 16:7. “But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.’” NKJV This year personally I want to try

1. A lot of people like to use phrases such as "New year, new me". What's your opinion on this relating to what God has to say about who we are?

My answer I am all for the idea of starting new and fresh for the new year, but I also believe that this isn't something that can just be said. It must be put into action too. A lot of new year’s phrases such as this one is just something that people, me included, like to speak out loud but there should be more. The

and focus less on what I can present on the outside materialistic area, instead focusing on the character God wants to build in me as I start off fresh this year.

January is for packed out gyms, healthy restaurants at capacity, and motivational reposts all over social media. As a victim of this January mentality, I recognized that I had formed the habit of starting out strong, and finishing frustrated. The first few weeks of January would be a walk in the park, but by March I would be right back in the same mud I was attempting to get myself out of. I realized I needed to chase God and allow him to make me new in September with the same zeal I possessed in January.

ISAIAH For some reason we’ve formulated this concept as a society that, after 365 days, the Earth gets a factory reset. It doesn’t matter what was going on just HOURS before the year turned, because it’s a new year, new me, right?! Incorrect.

We can’t allow the calendar shift to also shift our steadfastness in the Lord. As followers of Jesus, we make the commitment to be made new every single day, not just on January 1st . Jesus says it himself in Luke 9:23-24(NIV) “. Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it.” The more we focus on dying to our flesh, the

Our calendar is a concept that has been created by man... I personally don’t believe God ushers in the New year like we do! Now don’t get me wrong, I LOVE the idea of starting fresh, having a new motivation to put yourself in a better position than you were in the year before. But the deception here is that everyone goes hard in January.

more space it gives for the Lord to transform us into a new version of ourselves that we can’t do on our own!

those now? So, while everyone else is posting pictures in the gym saying “Day 2” on their Instagram stories, what would happen if you were posting the same thing but saying “Day 10,” “Day 50,” or “Day 100.” What would happen if you stopped listening to society and changed your ways now? “New Year New Me,” should not be a thing. Rather it should be, “New Day, New Opportunity to glorify God.”

RAIFE The phrase “new year new me” implies that our current day, current situation, or current season isn't good enough for us to change the habits of our lives. A pivotal point in being a Christian is repentance, which simply means to turn back. God gives us an opportunity every single day, minute, and second to change how we live our lives. But for some reason, society decided to tell people, “I know I don't get it figured out right now. But, come New Year's, yall gone see.” As if the clock hitting midnight changes us like Cinderella. There is no magic dust at midnight or special spell from a fairy Godparent. A sermon from Pastor Charles Metcalf at Transformation Church said it best. Instead of waiting until New Year to change your habits, what would happen if you changed

NAOMI 2. Can you describe a moment you have experienced where you felt and/or knew God's love was upon you?

My answer I remember not too long ago I unsuccessfully did not meet the spiritual goals I had set for myself that day and I felt very defeated and disappointed because no matter how hard I tried I felt like I couldn't get what I was trying to

ISAIAH

accomplish right. I was driving home with my mother and looked out the window feeling sad and I saw God's beautiful creation. There were many stars in the sky which I don't see often because of where I live and the moon seemed brighter than ever. Suddenly the gospel music my mother was playing seemed to get louder and the melodic words of encouragement and comfort started to speak to my heart. Then I looked at my mom and realized how blessed I was. I had someone who would always be willing to listen to my problems and help me in the best way she could. The beautiful scenery, sweet music, and loving reminder of the people in my life made me realize just how GOOD God is. How loving, gentle, and patient he is. I thought hard and I knew God wasn't mad at me for “failing” or not reaching the expectations I had for myself. Instead, he was ready to pick me backup and help me try again with him. I felt comforted and cared for in that moment and I knew God had his eye close on me.

2023 is what I like to call my “Rookie year” in the Kingdom. God picked me up and turned me back to his everlasting love and mercy, but he also gave me a job to do. That job required a daily commitment to the ministries of my Church and of my School, and that was no easy task. It required me to break out of my comfort zone in more ways than I ever had. From public speaking, to singing as a guest in churches I knew nothing about, to kickstarting a youth ministry, to dropping my first album. On paper it was the greatest year of my life, but I can't lie, it felt a little uncomfortable. I thank God every day for my father Demetrius Miles, and my Church family at the Gathering at Tucson for their constant support and faith in me on this journey. In November at our 25th year anniversary at our church, they honored me in the greatest ways possible; they debuted my first album, Predestined, to the whole congregation, and more importantly I received prayer from

is worth the price we pay to spread His word!

the whole church over my life. It was a moment for me where, for the first time ever, I felt like I had actually put the work in to get to that moment. It wasn’t just another Pastor's Kid participation trophy; this was some real Kingdom work we started as a team in 2023.

RAIFE In 2021 I experienced the death of a close friend of mine. Over the following few years, I had thought I had dealt with my grief. I thought I was truly in a better place and had moved on from the pain I felt. That was until just a few months ago. I accepted an internship at Transformation Church in Tulsa, OK. One of the first things we did as part of the internship was a retreat. Myself and the other interns along with a few of our leaders went to a secluded cabin in Broken Bow, OK. While at the retreat we were challenged to face our brokenness and let go of the mistakes we had made in our lives to start our internship experience with a fresh slate. God revealed to me through this experience that I had not worked through all my stages of grief from that death. I spent days of the retreat in tears. It was as if the incident had just happened. Finally, there came a time when I was standing on the

I think we tend to overlook the pride that God has in us when we walk out his will. We’re always so clouded by our mistakes and failures, that sometimes God has to force us to a stop for a second to simply show us that he’s proud of us. These moments where we feel his pride and genuine love for us are what makes this relationship with our Father so amazing! That one moment propelled me and continues to do so as I enter 2024, ready to take on the new assignments and calls that God is going to give me this year! So, I ask you, what is God calling you to put your fingerprints on this year? I promise you that whatever it is, the standing ovation from heaven

My answer

edge of the pool and looking over the horizon. While tears flowed down my face, my fellow interns all placed their hands on me and began to pray. While in prayer myself, the lord spoke to me. God said, “I brought you to your knees so I could bring you home.” My tears immediately got worse. But it wasn't for sadness anymore. It was tears of joy. Tears of happiness. Tears of knowing that I had a God who loved me so much, that even when I was at rock bottom mentally, he made sure that I knew that he was the rock.

He has empowered me by encouraging me to just be myself. As a person I make a lot of big decisions spontaneously and when I really put my mind to something I will get it done. I'm also someone who loves having deep and meaningful conversations. These are just a few things that describe how God made me to be. These God given traits are things that allow me to move forward in spreading the good news. The topic of Jesus Christ/resurrection and Christianity in general is something so many people have an opinion on or may not know anything on the subject at all. Either way, the name of Jesus has the power to create meaningful discussion between a believer and someone who needs their souls to be saved by knowing the truth. This is where my joy for deep conversations comes in and I'm left with the delight of knowing opportunities to discuss Jesus are very present. The opportunity aspect is how God works my spontaneous personality into the

NAOMI 3. Think back to the story of Jesus rising from the tomb after his crucifixion, specifically in Mark 16. Jesus commands his disciples to preach the good news and make more disciples! From your experience how has God empowered you to be bold concerning the good news and plant seeds in others?

ISAIAH

equation. When I sense that I have a chance to tell someone about Jesus I think to myself “There is no time to wait” and I start speaking even if I am afraid or unsure of myself. So, you see these natural characteristics God has gifted me is what gives me the power and the strength to share the most important message anyone could ever hear. God sent Jesus to die on the cross for our sins because of his love for us and Jesus rose three days later, defeating death. I am 100 percent confident that God has also gifted you with uniquely picked personality traits that will be more helpful to the sharing of the gospel than you might think. Think of the story of Samson in the book of Judges. God gave him the natural born gift of incredible physical strength in order for Samson to carry out God's purpose for him later in his life. Your natural born gifts, personality, and quirks are tools God can use to fulfill His desires; we just have to be willing to let Him.

God is a creator, THE creator at that. We are his sons and daughters, and I believe he’s given each and every one of us the power and authority on this earth to create reflections of his glory. That sounds like a hard task, but lucky for us He’s so masterful in the way He can pull greatness out of you when you surrender to his will. After losing my love for track and basketball, the only way I found a new motivation and passion was by falling to my knees and telling the Lord, I couldn't do it on my own anymore. I had to let my guard down and let God do what he needed to do to EQUIP me to spread his word. God has blessed me with a gift and passion to make music. Once you receive the passion, the next step is to walk it out. See where that gift takes you, and allow God to direct your path. So many people have a gift that God gifted them years ago, but there was no

the earth. When you live life with the understanding that your job here is to simply be a vessel that the Lord is using to fulfill his plans on the earth, it allows you to pop your chest out a lil bit, and get to the work he’s called you to!

action taken to activate the gift. God is a communicator, and he deserves a response. And if you’re scared to activate that gift, that’s okay too. I realized it wasn’t Isaiah alone that was going to take on the daunting task of spreading his Gospel through music, but I would have a companion in the holy spirit that would assist me on the journey!

First things first, how great is our God for sending the Good News of his Son Jesus so that we could have eternity with Him! Gets me so excited every time. Anyway!

If you keep reading Mark 16, Jesus describes what will come with being a disciple of His, “. In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.” Mark 16:17-18 (NIV). I don’t know about you, but that sounds CRAZY! But I believe the point Jesus is making is that those who spread the Gospel of Jesus will be given power that is above our understanding, and that we are to receive the dominion and authority to walk out God's will on

RAIFE This is a very simple answer to me. I spread the good news of the gospel because of what God did for me. God took a kid addicted to all kinds of things and transformed his life. All my life my identity was found in sports. I was always Raife the football player, or Raife the basketball player. My identity was in what I was, not who I was. God picked me up and turned me around and not only gave me my identity back, but he also gave me my purpose. Instead of being Raife the football player, I am now Raife

the son of God who uses his talents with creative design and digital media to spread the gospel. It is easy for me to plant seeds and disciples to others simply because I know that if God can save me, he can save anyone. No one is too far gone.

Did you enjoy the conversation? Don’t forget to send us your feedback. Now it’s time to read our featured story of two young men on fire for Christ! Naomi Martin Head Writer/Interviewer

Featuring… This month’s Young People With Purpose

Isaiah Miles & Raife Anthony 38

zay.music.genfreeent.go

Isaiah Miles is a worship leader and recording artist from Tucson, Arizona. Currently in college pursuing a music degree in Bethany, Oklahoma, a lifestyle of worship, praise, and a little bit of rapping too, just about sums it up. Saturday services leading worship at the Gathering, to chapel services at Southwestern, to dropping his first studio album in October 2023, his heart is on fire to reach the lost and found through music. His first album, Predestined, is available on all platforms now! (linktree available above). As a personal project and burden for the youth, he and Raife are working to kickstart a movement, and be the spark that illuminates revival in their generation through “Gen Free”.

Raife Anthony Is a 20-year-old man of God currently living in Tulsa, Oklahoma. As a Next Gen Creative intern at Transformation Church, Raife gets the opportunity to use his gifts in creative arts and digital media, along with production and programming to introduce God to the younger generations in a fresh new way. Over the past few months, Raife has helped direct short movies, edited Sunday experience videos, and even write scripts for future online experiences. On Sundays, Raife is a part of “kids church” as either a host (as you see in his pictures) or as the head of production and programming. In his personal life, Raife is working on building a nationwide youth movement called Gen Free. More to come on Gen Free soon.

Raife Anthony and Isaiah Miles are currently living in Oklahoma. Raife is a Next Gen Creative Intern at Transformation Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Isaiah is in his 3rd year of college at Southwestern Christian University in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, where he is currently working towards a degree in music. They both call Tucson home and are on staff at The Gathering at Tucson, in addition to the work they do in Oklahoma. Isaiah and Raife have been friends for over 5 years. Since meeting in a website design class as sophomores in high school, Anthony and Miles haven't left each other’s side. Through both battling heartbreak, addiction, divorce, and depression together, their friendship and their bond remain. From chasing girls and fighting for attention in high school to starting a youth movement of their very own as young men, Miles and Anthony go through every battle head-on and together. You will hardly find one without the other. This is just the beginning for Raife and Isaiah. These two young men are about to set the world on fire with their ministries! Contact them and follow them on social media. Follow Isaiah:

Zay.vs.everybody ALL MUSIC PLATFORMS

Zay.music.genfreeent.go Follow Raife:

Raife_Anthony Raife_Anthony

Raife, Isaiah and their Pastor/father in Tucson, AZ., Bishop Denetrius Miles

Prophetess Lorine Egans Lorine Egans is a Special Education Teacher from Chicago, Illinois. She is gifted with a positive attitude and patience, which is critical in teaching children with special needs. As a proud member of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, she shares the vision of raising the consciousness of people which fosters the idea of unity among all people. Her journey began as a Specific Learning Disabilities Teacher at Bogan High School in Chicago in January 2001 working with students with physical and cognitive disabilities. She created curriculum for core academic areas to meet the needs of mentally and physically disabled students, while using the Positive Behavior Support (PBS) methods. She assisted students’ progress with individualized lesson plans.

Ms. Egans moved back to Chicago to work as a Special Education Teacher at Gage Park High School in January 2005. Using various instructional techniques and technologies, her focus was the curriculum for special-needs students. She continued working with struggling students by creating learning and content strategies to meet the needs of mentally and physically disabled students. Since January 2016, Ms. Egans is a Special Education Teacher-Resource English, specializing in Learning Disability Students at Valencia Middle School in Tucson, Arizona.

Ms. Egans moved to Austin, Texas and worked at Austin High School as a Special Education Teacher in January 2003. She continued working with students, parents, as well as other teachers and district personnel in evaluating progress and implementing Individualize Education Program (IEP) objectives. 43

Handy Guide for Single Parents This book is a resource for single parents. The book gives biblical standards by which we are to live and how to overcome the devil in

this situation. We overcome through the blood of the lamb and the word of our testimony (Rev.12:11). God gave me these guidelines and instructed me to write a book to help others and to encourage single parents not to give up because God is with them despite natural circumstances. We must follow God’s way of doing things, not the world’s way. The book is not meant to be lengthy but as a refreshing, user friendly resource. As single parents, we can become overwhelmed because it is not an easy task. Available resources are needed to help you make it through successfully and to maintain your dignity, integrity, and appropriate self-esteem because you are fearfully and wonderfully made and accepted by God! I had to trust God to provide the basic human needs for my son and me because I was the only parent in the household. Although I worked, my income was not enough to meet all our needs. I had to rely upon God for direction and help. As I developed a closer relationship with God, I gained wisdom, understanding and knowledge about how to survive with my son. My son is now an adult, and has earned a Master of Science Degree. God gave us the victory!

What is a Blessing? This book aims to bring clarification, understanding, knowledge, and wisdom about what a blessing really is. In America, we have the concept that a blessing is a material entity, such as a house, a car, extravagant clothes, and expensive jewelry (the bling-bling). A blessing in Western civilization is self-centered, whereas, it is supposed to bless others, as well. We see being blessed as being happy all the time (a state of bliss). This desire for a state of happiness and a propensity for a strong feeling of repugnance toward apathy, unhappiness, suffering, distress, anguish, afflictions, difficulties, no problems, no hardships, and no worries come from the philosophy of John Locke (1632– 1704). John Locke lived in England, and his philosophy influenced the Founding Fathers so much that when they wrote the Constitution of the United States, they relied heavily upon Locke’s

philosophy about natural rights, which they stated in the preamble of the Constitution as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. John Locke is also known as the father of liberalism. Liberalism is defined as the belief in the value of social and political change to achieve progress. To be blessed, you must make progress.

biblical standards, not philosophical rationalizations (Psalm 19:7–8). These books are sold on Amazon and other bookstores.

Locke lived in England during the time of ruling kings and queens, so Locke posited in his Second Treatise of Government that people had sovereign power and the monarchy was merely a delegate. John Locke, Francis Bacon, and Thomas Hobbes were three of the major philosophers during the Age of Enlightenment who embraced reasoning (rationalization) to serve God. The Age of Enlightenment resulted in atheism, and it has also contributed to an erroneous conception of what a blessing is. The notion of happiness has penetrated and become a component of one of the characteristics of what we think a blessing is. The blessing must be what we want to make us happy, prosperous, healthy—selfcentered blessings just for ourselves. The prosperity-theology doctrine emphasizes the importance of personal empowerment proposing that it is God’s will for his people to be happy. My goal is to help people align their thinking with what a blessing is according to

Is Fresh or Dried Herbs Best To Use For Tea? What's Your Preference??

Find my teas at www.loveinacupblends.com

The Answer Is.... I get this question a lot from people. What I would say is it depends on what you prefer. To help you decide, here's a breakdown of dried vs. fresh herbs: •

Using dried herbs for tea is a great way to make a delicious cup of tea without having to worry about purchasing or storing fresh herbs. Dried herbs will have a more concentrated flavor, as the drying process removes some of the water content and intensifies the flavor. Additionally, dried herbs are easier to measure and store, making them a great choice for tea.

•

On the other hand, using fresh herbs for tea can create a unique and vibrant flavor, as the freshness of the herbs will be more evident in your cup. The flavor intensity of fresh herbs may also be milder than that of dried herbs, so you may need to use more to achieve the same flavor. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which type of herbs you prefer for your tea, but both fresh and dried herbs can create delicious cups!

Make Your Own Tea with fresh or dried fruits that you already have at home: Note: If you are using loose leaf tea for any of these fruit teas a general guideline is to use about 1 to 2 teaspoons of loose tea per 8-ounce cup. Again, adjust the quantity based on your teapot size and personal taste preferences.

If you are using tea bags, for both fresh fruit tea and dried fruit tea, you can use approximately 1 tea bag per 8-ounce cup. Adjust the quantity based on the size of your teapot or the number of cups you want to make. Fresh Fruit Tea: Fruit Quantity: Use approximately 1 cup of fresh fruit per 4 cups of water. Water: Boil 4 cups of water for every 1 cup of fresh fruit.

Sweetener: Add sweetener (honey, sugar, agave) to taste, if desired.

Dried Fruit Tea: Dried Fruit Quantity: Use about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of dried fruit per 4 cups of water. Water: Boil 4 cups of water for every 1/4 to 1/2 cup of dried fruit. Sweetener: Sweeten to taste, as dried fruit can add natural sweetness

General Steps for Fresh or Dried Fruit Tea: Prepare Fruit: Wash fresh fruit thoroughly. If using dried fruit, measure the desired quantity. Boil Water: Bring the specified amount of water to a boil. Add Fruit: Place the fresh or dried fruit in a teapot or heat-resistant container. Pour Boiling Water: Pour the boiling water over the fruit. Steep: Allow the tea to steep for about 5-10 minutes, or longer if you want a stronger flavor. Strain: Strain the tea to remove fruit solids. Sweeten (Optional): Add sweetener to taste, if desired. Serve: Pour the tea into cups and enjoy. Feel free to adjust the ratios based on your taste preferences. You can also experiment with different combinations of fruits and teas to create unique flavors. Keep in mind that the sweetness of the tea may vary based on the type of fruit used and personal taste, so adjust accordingly. Also, think about adding herbs from your pantry as well such as sage, mint or thyme. Try it for yourself or when entertaining guests, You'll thank me later!

I SEE Me. Melodies of self-love A journey within to discovery & acceptance A poetry collection & spoken words By Tiffany Nakatani

This book is a chronicle of my personal voyage—a journey toward self-discovery and self-love that spans the tapestry of my life. As I reflect on the chapters of my past, I recognize that the very struggles and anxieties that once consumed me were, in fact, the stepping stones to my own awakening. As you delve into the poems of this book, reflect on the lessons drawn from your unique journey, the intricacies that shaped you. As you immerse yourself in these words, my wish is that you find inspiration to embrace self-love a little more and take a moment to reflect on the remarkable distance you've traveled. Available on Amazon.com

https://www.amazon.com/dp/166640716X?ref_=pe_93986420_774957520 Or contact me to get an autographed copy:

pourteaselfcarepractice@gmail.com

loveinacupaz@gmail.com

a new thing! Now it springs up: do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”

As we enter into a new year, many believers are in hopeful expecta�on of what God is going to do in this new season. It’s a great �me to seek God for clarity, and vision cas�ng. The word of God says in Habakkuk 2:2, “…write the vision, and make it plain on tablets, that he who reads it may run.” In my personal reﬂec�on and �me with the Lord, I heard God say plainly, “in 2024 I want you to focus forward.” Then the Holy Spirit led me to the scripture in the book of Isaiah, in chapter 43: 18-19 it says, “Forget the former things: do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing

When I began to ponder the Word of the Lord for 2024, I remembered the �me when God called my family and I to Leave Tucson, AZ and move to Frisco, TX in 2019. This was a huge leap of faith for us, because we were leaving behind our family, church family, friends, and community. Although, we had to make the transi�on, we were excited about what God had for us on the journey ahead. I can remember it like

it was yesterday. The U-haul was packed, we said our goodbyes and I hopped into the driver’s side. I buckled my seatbelt and a myriad of emo�ons came over me, I looked at my sister and she buckled her seatbelt, and I started the moving truck. The engine sounded powerful, yet I felt so scared. I glanced up with fear and hope in my eyes and looked at the windshield to adjust my rearview mirror, only to discover that there was no rearview mirror. In that very instance, I heard the voice of the Holy Spirit say, “Don’t look back, only look ahead.” All of my anxiety disappeared and I had a deep sense of peace in knowing I was given my marching orders and the only thing I needed to do was, “focus forward.” Maybe you are reading this ar�cle on the verge of a major life transi�on, and I hope this snippet from my tes�mony encourages you to not look back and only look forward.

God is doing now, in this present moment. We can nurture a memory as though it is the only way He can do things, thus clouding our vision for what He is currently doing. On the contrary, focusing forward increases our expecta�ons and deepens our trust in God as our Redeemer. As we forget the old, we posi�on ourselves to perceive the new by the unc�on of the Holy Spirit. Forge�ng the old is not denying its magniﬁcence; nevertheless, beholding the new is an�cipa�ng an even greater work. At the �me in which this text was writen by Isaiah, the children of Israel are coming to the end of an era and now they are standing on the precipice of the glorious wonder of a new dispensa�on of God’s miraculous power. The prophet Isaiah released this word before Christ and I believe it's s�ll speaking in our current 2024 context. Let your faith project ahead as you embark on the new year, and remember to focus forward.

It's impera�ve for Chris�an’s to understand that focusing on the former things can rob us from experiencing the wonders of what

SAY YES, MOVE FORWARD My name is Rosalind Harper. I was born in Tucson, Arizona to Mrs. Josephine and Mr. Fred Proff. I am one of six siblings born to the Proff family. I have been married to David Harper for 37 years. We have 2 grown children, Nicarwia Josephine Hudson and David Allen Harper II. We are blessed to have 11 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. In my spare time I love to sew, biking, going to the gym and reading books that educate you.

Ministry My ministry as an Evangelist is for lost souls and to women saved and unsaved. My ministry goes from Tucson to where ever I am needed.

My Gift I started out at Empire Beauty School as a cosmetologist. It was then, I realized my gift of teaching women how to embrace their beauty.

How It All Started I am going to take you on a journey which has inspired me to go in the path of creating a God sent dream. Creating a place which all women and men feel equal and receive Royal Care. Yes, I said Royal Care. So, let’s get started… I knew for a long time that I wanted to start a business, God had spoken to me many years ago about starting my business. When it was time, His words were for

me to Move Forward And Say Yes. I said yes, and stepped out on faith. When God gives you the greenlight to move forward, do it! He has people in place and everything you need; you just have to believe that He will take care of you. My daughter came to me with the vision of starting a family business, which was confirmation of what God had told me to do. We collaborated on it and we did what God said to do, and that was to move forward. I don’t claim to be the all wise one, however, I do believe God’s a plan is to make the people that enter into the Salon feel a sense of being taken away into a place where there is rest and peace. Being led by God in creating such a place, I am required to follow Him in creating and sharing what He wants for His people.

So, What Does He Want? A place called Palace of Beauty Styling Salon. A place where you can come to and be treated like Royal Queens and Kings. We welcome you into the door at Palace of Beauty. Our endeavor is to bring you a place of relaxation and trust that the professionals will create the hair style you are looking for. We have a team of professional ladies that will treat you with utmost respect and mannerism. We want you to feel special the minute you walk in the door. Have a cup of coffee or tea, take a seat in our lobby, enjoy the environment around you, put your feet up, close your eyes if you like. From the time you enter our salon, remember, we are here to make you feel good, we will do our best to please you, because we love what we do and that is caring for you. I believe our staff is handpicked, not by me but by our Almighty Lord and Savior!! They have very skillful hands, and are very knowledgeable in the latest styles and hair treatments. I take my hat off to these ladies, their work is awesome! We at Palace of beauty are all one, we are on one accord, we are walking together in one vision. Our shop opened in 2023, approximately three months ago. Since then, God has blessed us with clients of all ethnicities.

I would like to introduce the ladies in our corporation that create hair styles that bring out the Kings and Queens in you: Rosalind Harper Nicarwia Josephine Hudson (Nikkie) Bre’Anna Griffin Kei’Shylah Griffin On the following pages you will read more about them and how this vision to become a family business came together. In closing, my words of encouragement to those of you who have dreams but are afraid to step out. It’s not going to be easy but don’t give up. Keep pressing forward. Understand that if Christ is in it, He will be with you through the journey, He won’t leave you. Remember nothing is impossible with Him.

God is doing great things! Stay tuned, my new book is coming out soon…

Evangelist Rosalind Harper

Nikkie Hudson Nikkie Hudson, a seasoned hairstylist with over 20 years of experience, is the proud owner of Posse’s Styling Emporium in Tucson AZ. Alongside her talented team, which includes her mother Rosalind Harper and daughters Bre’Anna Griffin, Kei’Shylah Griffin, and Kei’Yanna Griffin, they have created a unique family-friendly hair salon. This dynamic team not only excels in hairstyling but also actively contributes to the community, engaging in philanthropic efforts such as feeding the homeless. Their commitment to excellence has earned them 1st place at the Tucson AZ Hip Hop Awards show, not once but twice, showcasing their consistent dedication and creativity. Nikkie’s journey has seen three different locations and two-name changes since 2010, culminating in the thriving third location in 2024. Transition from Vanity Hair Studio to Posse’s Styling Emporium, Nikkie envisions this venture as a legacy she would love to pass down to her children and grandchildren. Together, as a tight knit family, they continue to build a salon that is not only a beacon of style but a symbol of unity and community impact.

The Visionary In the bustling world of beauty and self-care, Nikkie stands as a visionary entrepreneur, the driving force behind Posse’s Styling Emporium and Palace of Beauty with a passion for creating transformative experiences. Nikki embarked on the journey of establishing her own salon, weaving together a tapestry of creativity, skill and community engagement.

The inception of Posse’s Styling Emporium wasn’t just about providing exceptional hair and beauty services; it was a manifestation from the very beginning. Nikkie faced challenges head-on, learning the intricacies of running a business while sculpting an atmosphere that radiates warmth and innovation. Amid the trials Nikkie found inspiration in the stories of clients. Each visit to the salon became an opportunity to enhance not only appearances, but also self-esteem. The salon evolved into a sanctuary where clients discovered their confidence, thanks to Nikkie’s dedication to staying at the forefront of industry trends and techniques. As Nikkie blossomed, so did her aspirations. Beyond the stylist’s chair, she envisioned a salon that echoed the heartbeat of the community. She was actively involved in local initiatives. Nikkie committed to giving back, organizing events, and supporting causes that resonated with the neighborhood. This community-centric approach transformed Posse’s Styling Emporium into more than just a beauty destination; it became a hub of inclusivity and support. The journey wasn’t without its hurdles, but Nikkie embraced every challenge as an opportunity to grow. Through perseverance and a keen entrepreneurial spirit, she turned setbacks into steppingstones, shaping Posse’s Styling Emporium into a thriving business that not only meets but exceeds the expectations of diverse clientele. Looking ahead, Nikkie envisions Posse’s Styling Emporium as a beacon of innovation, constantly evolving to meet the ever-changing needs of the beauty industry. With an eye on the sustainability and a heart committed to community service, she aims to create a legacy that extends far beyond the salon walls. In the world of Posse’s Styling Emporium, beauty isn’t just skin deep—it’s a reflection of Posse’s Styling Emporium, resilience, and dedication to making a positive impact, one haircut at a time.

The Vision/The Harmonious Union In a harmonious union, Posse’s Styling Emporium and Palace of Beauty have seamlessly come together under the visionary leadership of Rosalind Harper, Nikkie Hudson, Bre’Anna

Griffin, and Kei’Shylah Griffin, crafting a legacy that transcends the ordinary—a family-owned salon that embodies the essence of both heritage and innovation. The fusion of Posse’s Styling Emporium and Palace of Beauty signifies more than a business collaboration; it symbolizes the culmination of shared values, talents, and a deep-rooted commitment to excellence. As the guiding force behind this amalgamation, Nikkie orchestrates a symphony where the strengths of both entities converge to create an unparalleled experience within the realms of beauty and selfcare. Palace of Beauty, the offspring of this harmounious union, stands as a testament to the power of unity, family, and entrepreneurship. Every corner of the salon whispers the stories of Posse’s Styling Emporium and Palace of Beauty, interwined in a seamless dance that reflects a commitment to artistry, tradition, and creation of beauty in all its forms. The journey of Palace of Beauty unfolds as a tapestry woven with the threads of Posse’s Styling Emporium, each contributing a unique hue to the vibrant canvas. It’s not merely a salon; it’s a living testament to the harmonious collaboration of two entities that have come together to redefine the standards of family-owned businesses in the beauty industry. As Palace of Beauty thrives, it stands not just as a place of beauty but as a beacon of unity, diversity, and a celebration of shared values. The salon becomes a sanctuary where familial staff, and clients alike converge to experience a legacy in the making –one that embraces the past, negatives, the present, and paves the way for a radiant future. With Posse’s Styling Emporium and Palace of Beauty joining forces under the astute guidence of the best salon staff in town, the legacy is not only a mark of success but a living testament to the resillience, creativy, and famillial bonds that have shaped Palace of Beauty. To our esteemed community and future patrons, we extend a heartfelt invitation to experience the fusion of Posse’s Styling Emporium and Palace of Beauty. Palace of Beauty is nestled within the walls of our family-owned salon, we invite you to embark on a journey of beauty, tradition and innovation.

At Palace of Beauty, we believe in more than just hairstyling; we believe in the transformitive power of unity, heritage, and a commitment to excellence. Whether you seek a classic cut, a trend setting style, or a rejuevenating treatment, our doors are wide open to welcome you into a space where artistry and familial warmth converge. Our skilled team, inspired by the rich tapestry of Posse’s Styling Emporium and Palace of Beauty, is dedicated to providing personalized experiences that reflect the diverse beauty within our community. From the moment you step through our doors, you become part of a narrative that celebrates not only indivdual beauty but the collective spirit of togetherness. Join us at Palace of Beauty for a journey beyond the ordinary—a journey where the legacy of two entities, Posse’s Stytling Emporium and Palace of Beauty intertwines to create an atmosphere where tradition meets innovation whether you’re a loyal client or a newcomer, we invite you to indulge in the warmth of our familial salon, where every visit is an opportunity to enhance your beauty and embrace your uniqueness. Come, be a part of our story. Discover the beauty that lies within you and experience the difference that a family-owned salon can make. Our doors are open wide, and our chairs are ready to welcome you for all your hair care needs. Palace of Beauty is not just a salon; it’s a sanctuary where beauty and community converge, and we can’t wait to share this experience with you.

Words Of

Encouragement From Nikkie:

Stay educated, stay with the trends, you are your own walking billboard. Remember that customer service is key. AND… always remember that God is the number one planner!

Bre'Anna Griffin My name is Bre’Anna Griffin, and I am a stylist at “Place of Beauty Salon”, which is located in the beautiful city of Tucson, Arizona. Born and raised in Tucson, Arizona, I come from a family of strong women who are gifted hair stylists; my grandmother Rosalind, my mother Nikkie, my sister Kei'Shylah and of course, myself. I started doing hair and launched my hair line called “The Samorra Collection” in 2019. Specialized services I provide are Wig Installs, Weave Extensions, Boho Locs, Boho Braids, Dread Locs, Dread extensions and any other creative styles I can design for you. I also do various kinds of trendy kid hairstyles. My mission is for every person who leaves my chair to be the best and most beautiful version of themselves. You can book your next appointment now. https://www.styleseat.com/m/v/breannagriffin7

Loc you.

The Samorra Collection The Samorra Collection is where you can find Tucson's Best Custom Human Hair Wigs, Homemade Body Butters, Lashes, and other beauty products that will meet your every need. I developed the Samorra Collection in honor of my firstborn daughter, Italy Samorra Griffin, who is no longer with us. The Samorra Collection provides High quality custom wig units that are prepared and styled to your satisfaction. We sell human hair wigs that are ready to wear. Bundles, Closures and Frontals can be purchased at “Palace of Beauty,” right here in Tucson, Arizona. I started this company for all the woman who are going through challenging times in their lives. Regardless of whether you are grieving from a Personal loss, Depression, Cancer, or Hair Loss such as Alopecia, I want to make sure that whatever you are going through in life, that you keep fighting! Most of all, my biggest goal is to build up the confidence of my clients when they are shopping with me. Come and experience the soft, silky touch of our wigs. Everything is made from 100% virgin human hair sourced from single donors. My main goal is to make each, and every client look beautiful and feel confident. I want you to be satisfied with your personalized purchase. I strive and will continue to give every one of my client’s exceptional services and an unforgettable experience

You can purchase your next Wig or Bundle now. www.samorracollections.com

Words Of Encouragement From Bre’Anna: Make sure that God is always in your plans, you can’t do it without Him. Go for it, own that business, don’t wait, step forward. Remember that consistency is the key to your success.

Kei' Shylah Griffin

Meet the extraordinary Kei'Shylah Griffin, a multifaceted individual whose passions intertwine seamlessly across the realms of dance, culinary arts, modeling, and hair styling. From the grace of the dance floor to the precision in the kitchen, Griffin is a true virtuoso, crafting a narrative that resonates with creativity and flair.

In the world of modeling, Kei' Shylah Griffin brings a unique blend of elegance and charisma, captivating audiences with each pose. Beyond the glamorous lights, her culinary expertise transforms ordinary ingredients into culinary masterpieces, delivering a feast for the senses.

Adding to this eclectic mix is Kei’ Shylah Griffin 's flair for hair styling, where each strand becomes a canvas for artistic expression. Rooted in a deep love for

family, Kei’ Shylah Griffin finds inspiration and support in the bonds that shape her journey. To our valued clients, we invite you to experience the magic firsthand. Book your next appointment with Kei’ Shylah for your natural hair care needs and let us be part of your journey to radiance. Indulge in a personalized and nurturing experience at “Palace of Beauty” formative and natural hair care. Discover the artistry, embrace the passion — book your appointment with Kei’ Shylah today! https://wmv.styleseat.com/m/v/keishylahgriffin

Words Of Encouragement From Kei’Shylah Stay true to yourself. Be unique, don’t get frustrated by social media, just be you! Be patient and commit to your dreams. Always make sure God is first.

We hope that you enjoyed our story. If you have any questions or would like to book an appointment, there is a seat waiting for you.

Palace of Beauty Styling Salon 3997 E. Grant Road Tucson Arizona 85712 All Are Welcome Hours Of Operation: 10Am – 5pm Tuesday through Saturday Call Us To Book An Appointment At: 520-278-3210 Walk-Ins Are Welcome As Well.

We Treat You Like The Kings And Queens You Are!

A special shout out to Nathaniel Clint for stepping in and taking such beautiful pictures. YOU ROCK NATE! You are an excellent photographer. Sarah magazine appreciates you so much!

SINGLE LADIES…THIS IS A MUST READ FOR YOU!

YOUR BODY IS A HOUSE: The House You Rented Is Now For Sale

By Victoria Carradine Only A young lady mentioned to me that she was just simply tired of being disrespected and taken for granted. She was tired of not being able to experience being in a committed relationship and not being wifey material. She looked at me and asked the question; “How Did You Finally Find Someone To Love And Appreciate You?” I looked at her and said … “I decided to stop being a rental.” I finally put up the For Sale sign. No longer was I going to be lived in for years with no real investment, no longer was I going to be unappreciated by someone who never had any intention on making my house a home, no longer was I going to let them move in and not take care of the property, touching the walls in every room making them look so dirty that wiping them down doesn’t even work. No longer was I …BUY THE BOOK!

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As Iron Sharpens Iron, So A Man Sharpens The Countenance Of His Friend

Feeling like a lone ranger in the sea of love? Are you a passionate Christian yearning to connect with other singles who share your unwavering faith, love for the Lord, and an unbreakable bond with Him? Say goodbye to the solo act and embrace the thrill of meeting like-minded souls who are ready to embark on a journey filled with faith, friendship, and perhaps a divine connection.

Tired of being the perpetual third wheel, longing to shout from the rooftops that Jesus is your Lord and Savior? It’s time to break free from the sidelines and join ISICS – the Christian ministry that’s not just about finding dates but fostering genuine connections, uplifting one another, and having an absolute blast along the way.

Imagine a community where your faith interests are celebrated, where you can proudly declare your commitment to keeping your temple clean and unblemished, ISICS is the place where your uniqueness is not just accepted but celebrated, where you can go out with confidence, surrounded by kindred spirits who understand and appreciate your devotion.

But hold on, this isn’t your run-of-the mill dating site. ISICS is a ministry that goes beyond the ordinary – we’re here to create a space where Christian singles can network, forge new friendships, and revel in the joy of representing Christ in every aspect of life. And who knows, if God decides to play matchmaker and reveal your future spouse through this incredible journey, who are we to stand in the way of divine intervention?

Ages 19 and up are not just welcome, but embraced – whether you’re divorced, never married, separated, widowed, or a single parent, ISICS is your tribe. Get ready because we’re gearing up for our first meet and greet, where laughter, shared faith, and the potential for lifelong connections await. Don’t just settle for a mundane single life – join ISICS, where the extraordinary begins!

If you would like to be a part of or would like more information on ISICS, contact us at: ISICS.3cs@gmail.com Founders: Sheree Carradine Gerald Smith Jr. Donzella Berry

Iron Sharpens Iron Christian Singles Keeping Christian singles clean in a not so clean world.

We are here to impact one another. We don’t want to be dull and useless, we are here to change, shape and encourage each other.

Sometimes it is easy to feel lost in the complexities of daily life. So much so, it is easy to forget who you really are. Who is the amazing and unique person you are and will become? Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s speech offers timeless advice on how to take a step, a few steps, or a walk in the right direction. This message was giving to a school full of teens in 1967.

What is Your Life’s Blueprint?

proper, a solid and a sound blueprint. I want to suggest some of the things that should begin your life’s blueprint. Number one in your life’s blueprint, should be a deep belief in your own dignity, your worth and your own somebodiness. Don’t allow anybody to make you fell that you’re nobody. Always feel that you count. Always feel that you have worth, and always feel that your life has ultimate significance.

Secondly, in your life’s blueprint you must have as the basic principle the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. determination to achieve excellence in your various fields of endeavor. You’re I want to ask you a question, and that is: going to be deciding as the days, as the What is your life’s blueprint? years unfold what you will do in life — what your Whenever a building is constructed, you life’s work usually have an architect who draws a will be. Set blueprint, and that blueprint serves as out to do it the pattern, as the guide, and a building well. is not well erected without a good, solid blueprint. And I say Now each of you is in the process of building the structure of your lives, and the question is whether you have a

to you, my young friends, doors are

opening to you–doors of opportunities that were not open to your mothers and your fathers — and the great challenge facing you is to be ready to face these doors as they open. Ralph Waldo Emerson, the great essayist, said in a lecture in 1871, “If a man can write a better book or preach a better sermon or make a better mousetrap than his neighbor, even if he builds his house in the woods, the world will make a beaten path to his door.” This hasn’t always been true — but it will become increasingly true, and so I would urge you to study hard, to burn the midnight oil; I would say to you, don’t drop out of school. I understand all the sociological reasons, but I urge you that in spite of your economic plight, in spite of the situation that you’re forced to live in — stay in school.

Shakespeare wrote poetry. Sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will have to pause and say: Here lived a great street sweeper who swept his job well. If you can’t be a pine at the top of the hill, be a shrub in the valley. Be be the best little shrub on the side of the hill. Be a bush if you can’t be a tree. If you can’t be a highway, just be a trail. If you can’t be a sun, be a star. For it isn’t by size that you win or fail. Be the best of whatever you are. — From the estate of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Six months before he was assassinated, Dr. King spoke to a group of students at Barratt Junior High School in Philadelphia on October 26, 1967.

And when you discover what you will be in your life, set out to do it as if God Almighty called you at this particular moment in history to do it. don’t just set out to do a good job. Set out to do such a good job that the living, the dead or the unborn couldn’t do it any better. If it falls your lot to be a street sweeper, sweep streets like Michelangelo painted pictures, sweep streets like Beethoven composed music, sweep streets like Leontyne Price sings before the Metropolitan Opera. Sweep streets like

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elebrating Black Love Day on February 13 Ayo Handy-Kendi, founder of the African American Holiday Association, was inspired to start Black Love Day in 1993 after seeing Malcolm X's assassination depicted in the biopic Malcolm X. She says she wanted a holiday to focus on “increasing peace and stopping violence.” For Black Love Day, Handy-Kendi instituted “a value system based on principles, like Kwanzaa.” She says, “The

five tenets were showing love for the creator, showing love for ourself, showing love for the Black family, the Black community and the race.” Black Love Day is celebrated on February 13, not the 14th. “Most of the holidays [in the United States] evolved from European culture,” HandyKendi explains. “You’re celebrating someone else's culture on a regular basis.” Traci Parker, an associate professor of Afro-American

studies at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, says of Black Love Day, “To have a place where love can be celebrated, especially in a community where it has been historically attacked, is really important.” She adds, “Looking at the history of Black love in this country, if we go back to slavery, it's something that has been weaponized against African Americans. It's something that wasn't seen to be something that African Americans should hold because African Americans weren't even deemed human.” “Young folks by the 1950s and ‘60s have understood how to politicize their love and use it in the revolution to end white supremacy, to end Jim Crow,” Parker adds. “So, I think that the holiday allows us to take a moment and remember that history. And do the work of reminding us of how central and integral love has been, romantic love has even been, in the Black community. “Valentine’s Day, called Valentin stag, only took hold in Germany after the end of World War II. Since then, Germans have put their own spin on the day. One is by incorporating

pigs, which are a symbol of luck in Germany, into Valentine’s gifts. Germans also give out large heart-shaped gingerbread cookies, known as lebkuchen, for Valentine’s Day. These may include a personal message. Celebrating Friendship Instead February 14 is for friends, not just lovers, in parts of Latin America, including Ecuador, El Salvador and Mexico. Known as El Día del Amor y Amistad (Day of Love and Friendship), it’s meant to recognize and honor friendship. In El Salvador, people draw names and exchange gifts in a tradition known as Amigo Secreto, Secret Friend, on that day. In the 1980s, Estonia and Finland started to recognize platonic love and friendship alongside romance on February 14. Instead of exchanging cards or going out to eat with a romantic partner, people in these two countries do this with friends. In Estonia, this is Friend’s Day, Sõbrapäev. Finland's Friend's Day is Ystävän Päivä In Japan, women

traditionally offer Valentine’s chocolates to men. One origin story for this is a chocolate manufacturer's 1958 suggestion that women use Valentine’s chocolates to confess romantic feelings. Another says Japanese department stores promoted the practice in the 1970s. Women give different types of chocolate. Honmei choco, which means true feelings chocolate, goes to male romantic interests. Giri choco, obligation chocolate, is offered to male colleagues or classmates. However, the desire to distribute obligation chocolate has been declining. In a 2017 poll, less than 40 percent of women intended to hand out Giri Choco.

their choosing. The Bronx Zoo has Name a Roach for your Valentine, Chicago's Brookfield Zoo offers Name a Cockroach After Your Ex and the San Antonio Zoo organizes a Cry Me a Cockroach Fundraiser. All offer some type of certificate to commemorate the naming—and to send along to the roach’s honoree. BY: SARA KETTLER From historical figures to present-day celebrities, Sara Kettler loves to write about people who've led fascinating lives.

Dr. Calvinia Williams, D.D Resources: BY: HISTORY.COM EDITORS HISTORY.com works with a wide range of writers and editors to create accurate and informative content. All articles are regularly reviewed and updated by the HISTORY.com team. Articles with the “HISTORY.com Editors” byline have been written or edited by the HISTORY.com editors, including Amanda Onion, Missy Sullivan, Matt Mullen and Christian Zapata

Flowers, chocolates, sentimental cards, even pigthemed gifts—these things may all be wonderful. But sometimes a relationship doesn't work out, which can make Valentine's Day difficult. However, if the exresponsible for your broken heart is still on your mind, there is a Valentine's solution: cockroaches. Several zoos now allow people to pay a small fee to give a roach the name of

ASK @ URFAVSTYLISTDEE Hair tips from Dianna Beckford cowritten with Ariana Grisby

chemically altered, is completely up to you. Each of us must be committed to understanding our hair in its most basic and realistic version of itself. Equipping ourselves with this knowledge gives us the power to maintain our hair integrity while we achieve our many desired looks. I’m here to help you on your journey to understanding that your……. NATURAL HAIR IS THE STRONGEST VERSION OF YOUR HAIR!

If we are healthy, stress-free, trusted educator and resource in the receiving our daily world of beauty. I take the complexities nutrients, fully of hair and make them easier to rested, and hydrated, our bodies will understand. I’m the proud owner of operate at their optimal ability. If you Melvira’s Hair Studio and I’m excited to live a lifestyle that consists of all 5 of share all things beauty with you. the factors mentioned, you’re off to a good start in your healthy hair journey. I started writing for Sarah Magazine in March of 2014 and since then not A side effect of a healthy body is much has changed when it comes to healthy hair. Healthy hair is hair that understanding hair care. However, I grows consistently and has little to do understand that each person’s hair no breakage. So journey is unique and rarely the same many different as the next person. The goal for this things could affect series of 2024 Sarah Magazine articles our hair, but these is to encourage and educate about your mentioned are hair! Whether you chose to wear your the basics that hair locked, pressed, or any variation of

Dianna Urfavstylist is who I am! Your

routine, while the processes that take

we should all start with. Natural hair equals strong hair and that means no chemicals, no excessive heat or manipulation. As we change our hairstyles and apply different systems to our hair, we should make sure that we have a clear understanding of our true natural hair. This will allow us to retain and develop hair length.

away from our hair are almost always permanent. We must understand that our natural hair is its strongest form. Let’s appreciate the hair we’ve been gifted with and respect it. Let’s change our hairstyles safely so we can keep as much of our growth and strength as possible. The first step to doing this is understanding what you start with. Let’s discuss our hair journeys together!

When we have the ability to understand our natural hair, we can easily determine the degree of chemicals and/or heat our hair can handle. For example, if a person has fine, porous hair with low density, it would benefit them to use less heat and milder chemicals. If a person has coily, high density, coarse hair, that person would be able to handle higher temperatures during heat styling and may require stronger chemicals. I could create endless scenarios to illustrate the importance of being familiar with your natural state of hair, but we will leave the rest for the next article. Every process that we put our hair through either adds strength to our hair or takes strength away from our hair. The processes that add strength to our hair are never permanent and require

Email us at urfavstylist@ymail.com with your hair journey concerns and your story could be featured in the next article. Follow us on social media : Cowritten by @arigris Pictures were obtained from Glamour Newsletter (https://www.glamour.com/gallery/naturalhairstyle-ideas)

Christians can approach Valentine's Day from a biblical standpoint by focusing on the principles of love, selflessness, and building healthy relationships. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Genuine Love: Use Valentine's Day as an opportunity to express genuine love and care for others. This includes not only romantic partners but also family, friends, and even strangers. Show kindness, compassion, and thoughtfulness to others, reflecting the love of Christ.

2. Selfless Giving: Instead of getting caught up in the commercial aspects of the holiday, Christians can approach Valentine's Day with a focus on selfless giving. Consider acts of service, thoughtful gestures, or meaningful gifts that demonstrate care and consideration for others.

3. Honor Commitments: For married couples, Valentine's Day can be a reminder to honor and invest in their marital commitment. Use the day to strengthen the bond between spouses, showing appreciation and nurturing the relationship.

you have personal convictions or concerns about certain aspects of the holiday, prayerfully consider how to approach it in a way that aligns with your faith. 6. Reflect on God's Love: Take time to reflect on God's love for humanity, as expressed through Jesus Christ. Use Valentine's Day as an opportunity to deepen your understanding of God's love and to share that love with others.

4. Biblical Love Principles: Reflect on the biblical principles of love found in passages like 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. Strive to embody these qualities in relationships, including love, patience, kindness, forgiveness, and humility.

Remember, the approach to Valentine's Day should be guided by biblical principles of love, respect, and selflessness. Ultimately, it is a personal choice for Christians to decide how they will observe or engage with this holiday based on their convictions and relationship with God.

5. Discernment and Convictions: Recognize that each Christian may have different convictions regarding the observance of Valentine's Day. Respect and understand the views of others, even if they differ from your own. If

May Yahweh Bless all!

By Dr. Calvinia Williams, D.D Servant Of the Lord

sin as the Israelites were when God gave the law thousands of years ago. And “In Love”, God is looking at us today and asking the Eternal question: “DO YOU LOVE ME”?

Two words that are interchangeable. Two words that are one. God gave us the Law because He loves us. The law is love; love is the law. When he gave us the ten commandments, He gave them to us in love, because he loved us. His love has not changed. What has changed however is mortal mankind. We have disregarded, discarded, twisted and manipulated God’s love /laws (for our own justification). We have fallen out of love, and we are showing others how to fall out of love. We are as deep in

A little background. Moses brought the Israelites out of Egypt into the wilderness. But Moses problems were far from over- in fact, his real troubles were just beginning. The problem of organization and direction was huge. To administer affairs of the vast multitude of people who were inexperienced in travel and

unaccustomed to thinking for themselves, requires a lot of skill, patience and diplomacy, (just like today).

What happened to the times when we were taught to not complain, but to seek peace; to love? The more we accumulated the more we wanted. Laws were twisted and manipulated to calm us down. To make us feel better.

He was the travel guide, spokesman, had to deal with native tribes- at times- they were involved in wars. He had to get water, and food. When there were disputes, he had to be the mediator as well.

We even turned on each other when we weren’t satisfied. Greed became the norm of the day. Many felt if they couldn’t get what they wanted they would try to beat the system. What was true love for our fellow man/woman, became just a means to an end. People soon began to use the word or idea of “love” as a way to get what they wanted. The word or idea, or feeling, was used to manipulate each other into phony, non-meaningful relationships. What a mess!

Unfortunately, they complained repeatedly. He could not depend on them. They didn’t understand the unity needed to make progress on this journey. They didn’t see the whole picture! We have the same thing today in businesses and even our churches. (The meeting after the meeting.) Do we even now, at this point in our lives, see the whole picture? If you’re seeing it, do you understand it?

Back to our story… So, the Israelites wanted to be back in their comfort zone. They wanted the food and riches they once had in Goshen. Leeks, melons, etc. They were so miserable and confused. They would rather be a slave in Pharoah’s land to satisfy the flesh, than to be an Israelite, which is to be righteous. Same thing today.

Sometimes they blamed Moses for the difficulties they were having. Several times during this wilderness experience they openly rebelled against him. Today we are wandering around and blaming everyone else for our problems. We have so many problems we don’t know who to blame! We just blame anybody and everybody.

Rather than to pray and wait we just go get it ourselves.

Before the delivery of the law in the mount the people were prepared by special commandment. For 3 days they purified themselves and then led by Moses they came to the lower part of the mount where they were to remain. Under no condition were they allowed to even touch it. The Lord descended in a flame of fire and proclaimed in a loud tone the ten commandments to all people. The people were frightened and fled and then insisted Moses go alone and talk to God. Do you flee from the ten commandments? Do you call them the Old Commandments because you feel like they’re no longer relevant in these times?

The patience, tact, good judgement and unselfish spirit which Moses exhibited in dealing with this complaining and rebellious group, is one of the most amazing examples of great leadership and love in history. Did any man ever attempt a greater task than Moses? What an act of love! Or a greater act of love. We will see. We will see that God did not forsake Moses or his people. Yes, they went thru many difficult times, but they were always directed by God and their needs were supplied. Miracles were very frequent to provide necessities for their experiences in the wilderness. God kept his promises and led them in the way. So, they moved on to Mt. Sinai. In these majestic and awe-inspiring mountains there are a number of hills or peaks which may have been the scene of the giving of the law to Moses. Somewhere in these mountains, which rise out of the surrounding plains, and present an impressive appearance, God delivered the law to the people. The setting for this great drama was selected for a purpose. Amid these towering peaks accompanied by the roar of thunder, God spoke to his people.

Accordingly, Moses went into the mountain alone and God gave the “DETAILED” law to Moses. To the Israelites these laws were of the utmost significance. To them it was the absolute word of God to be forever observed. You will find that many of the laws which we think are so “modern” were incorporated into this great deliverance more than 3,000 years ago. The Moral law (is what we need to deal with) or the ten commandments

are applicable to all of us at ALL times.

us back to God; not to abolish the law, but to fulfill the law.

Many of us probably memorized them from Sunday School.

That word Love, we use it occasionally. Are we just saying it and not really thinking about what it truly means? Do we really know? Do we really know Jesus? If I know Jesus, then I know love. And then I know how to love myself and treat others. Love is a powerful thing. Soft “as a mother’s love” is my Savior’s love.

There are a few commandments I want to focus on. One admonishes us to: “Love the Lord thy God with all thy heart…”. All the laws were built on love- GIVEN TO US IN LOVE! Each one deals with our relationship to God or to Humankind. These are God’s moral laws defining our duties. They are timeless and unchanging. Throughout the bible they are emphasized as the heart of man’s obligations. They are a part of the law of people in every land. No civilized nation could exist without these laws as a basis of life. They are essential in life today because they are the Eternal Truth. God gave us the rules to survive because he loved us then, and he still loves us today. He is not a fickle God. He does not take his love away because we disobey. He is not happy when we do not obey that’s because of the love he has for us.

Many think love is not important and don’t respect it. Don’t misuse it. Don’t look someone in the eye and tell them you love them, and you have no idea what it means. It’s not always in a word. It can be the way you treat people. I tell you it gets right scary the way people act and treat you sometimes. You know-the ones- they love you but when you walk into the room, the conversation stops. When you’re feeling low and all the people that love you don’t call or stop by. Just one phone call can make the difference. I was feeling rather low one day and one of the sisters from the church called to tell me I was not alone. I was so elated that when I tried to thank her, I got tongue tied. It meant so much. You see I knew Jesus had not left me. But

You may ask how much does He love us? He loves us so much that Jesus took off his Glory robe and put on human flesh to come here to redeem

I felt like those that “loved me so much” had.

God? God says, “I see the kids haven’t rehearsed in some time. I see the kids are unhappy. I see they are frustrated. Are you having bible study with them before rehearsal? Are you praying with them? Are you teaching them the principles of following Jesus. By the way, I haven’t had any quiet time with you lately. Do you love me? And if you do why are you neglecting the teaching of my Word to the children? How can you teach them if you do not study?

LOVE? Images of war and homeless people everywhere. Children who, because of countries love for power, material things and attack their homes, become orphans because of hatred and greed. Parents mourning because they can’t find their children. All in the name of greed, yet continue to love “god”. God our creator asks the eternal question, “DO YOU LOVE ME?”

Do you love me like my Son loves me? You see, I’m looking at you right now. I’m searching…do you love me? I don’t see you sharing the love with others. You only look for the approval of the members of the church. DO YOU LOVE ME???

Why does He ask the question? Look around you, even in your own backyard. What do you see? What do you try not to see? In our churches. In our schools. In our homes. In our governments. What do we not see? What does God see that we choose not to see? He sees everything. He has not forgotten that He told us to love EVERYBODY. To do right by our fellowman. He sees we have skipped that part for the greater gain. Then you want to know why he asks The Eternal Question: Do You Love Me?

I have given you dominion over everything, why are you not taking care of things. I have given you everything you will ever need. DO YOU NOT LOVE ME ENOUGH TO BE OBEDIENT? I would like to say Jesus amplified the law of love so we could love more abundantly. Let us follow the Christ example which is his love for us. Had Christ not loved us he’d never made it to Calvary for the express purpose of dying for us. He could have been

He looks at the church. Someone says to him I formed the youth choir like you wanted God. We have over 100 kids in the choir. Are you happy now

Jesus kept and observed every law and rule and he commenced his ministry, what a record of kindly words and deeds we have. He healed the sick; restored sight to the blind; cleansed the lepers; IN LOVE. God sent His Son to do this. Do you love him?!!! He raised the dead; he fed the hungry- he was kind to all; especially children. Always, everywhere he went about doing good. Sacrificing himself, his time, His strength, His love. Do you love him? Sympathy for others – for his brothers. He was patient with his disciples even in their ignorance, and their sometimes rude and untaught ways. Someone betrayed him, yet GENTLY he addresses him as a “friend”. Another denies him- he turns and looks upon him with love that melts the soul! Do you love Him? There are many things that come to mind that He did- his unchanging love for us- in love always- keeping the law always. His love is pure deep, everlasting, eternal, fraternal and maternal. Jesus bids us to love one another. Can we have that kind of love? We can because Christ would not command anything that is impossible to us.

“out of love” that day. Can you imagine what would have happened? Do we realize how great the love of Christ was then and still is today? I don’t think so. No child or adult would go to bed hungry. No one would be homeless. Scripture says, “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed on us, that we should be called the sons and daughters of God; Love is of God. Herein is love, not that we loved God but that He loved us “. God is love and he that dwelleth in God and God in Him. For this is the love of God “that we keep His commandments”. God said not only to love Him with our hearts, but admonishes us to love our neighbor, Jesus called this the second of the 2 great commandments, a new commandment…perhaps because it calls us out of old ways of selfishness and sin and bids us not only love one another but also to love even as He has loved us. Jesus taught us by His own example. He did not preach and not practice. It was His love, was it not, for humankind, who became his brothers and sisters, which led him to come into the world, and so to unite all mankind to Himself. What an act of humility! What an act of sacrifice! What an act of Love!!

The bottom line is we have fallen out of love. What must we do? Hold up

both your hands in front of your face, now, (10 fingers) recite the 10 commandments. We must be on one accord. Christ calls us to a pure, holy and consistent love for God and mankind. We should extend the free gift of love to all of God’s creatures – our brothers and sisters no matter where they are.

emphatic YES!! YES!! From the bottom of my heart to the depths of my soul, Yes Lord! Completely yes. My souls says yes! Scripture references: 1 John 3:1-3, 1 John 4:10, 1 John 4:16, 1 John 5:3 NKJV

And the next time God asks you if you love Him you can answer with an

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