SARAHMARCH2025_pagenumber (1)

The Benefit Of Blood Donations THE WORLDWIDE BOOK SIGNING EVENT!

While Fulfilling Your

Divine

2025

From the desk of the CEO think that He has forgotten us, but right when we are about to give up, He shows up and shows out! Make sure you take time to give Him the glory He deserves.

January and February were very busy months! If you are connected to me on social media, you saw my advertisement for the Worldwide Book Signing Event. I am the Co-Founder and the Administrator, believe me…I think I bit off more than I could chew—so to speak! We had Authors attend in person as well as online.

The preparation alone was a lot of work. In spite of all the hard work, it turned out to be a beautiful event.

There are a few highlights of the event in this edition. For some odd reason, I thought I had superpowers and could launch the magazine in February as well. Once the event was over, I needed the rest of the month to rest as well as part of March. Believe me…I will not do that again.

Happy New Year and Welcome to the first edition of 2025! The months are going by so fast; we are already in the month of April. I intended to launch in February, but a lot was going on in that month—all good, but busy. We will be celebrating the Resurrection of Christ this month. I am forever grateful for the ultimate sacrifice He made just for us. His blessings are continual. He is always right on time and He never fails us. We sometimes

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We all probably made our New Year's resolutions on what we are going to do and what we are not going to do.

Did you stick to it? Did you at least make it through the first two months?? I will share mine with you…mine was to work smarter, not harder, and to be firmer in business.

Ask me, did it work…NO, it didn’t.

The month of February taught me a valuable lesson. It’s time to slow down a bit. I hope that you will do the same if you are going non-stop.

My goal is to continue to bring great stories to you that will encourage, educate, and inspire you.

Young people, make sure you are reading YPWP. The articles are so inspiring. Naomi Martin is the head writer, and every time a new edition comes out, she leaves me in amazement at how on fire for God she is. She brings on board with her so many other anointed young people. I am so honored that she makes time to write for this magazine in spite of her busy school schedule. Thank you so much. You are an inspiration to so many teens.

DID YOU READ IT? Did you read the final edition of Sarah magazine in 2024? If you haven’t, take time to read the cover story.

Pastor Amara shares her story of how she went from SHAME TO FAME. She has only scratched the surface of telling her story. Her new book will be coming out soon, and she will tell the full story of her tragedies and triumphs.

In closing, Mother's Day is in May. If your mom is still alive, make sure you treat her like the queen she is.

Mothers sacrifice so much, let’s make sure we take the time to honor them.

My mom passed in December 2014; I miss her SO MUCH! I thank God for the years she was on this earth and all that she taught me.

OUR FEATURED STORY! Get ready for another amazing story!

Dr. Dave A. Cornelius shares his story on Kingdom Living Shalom.

This man of God has written so many beautiful songs as well as many thought-provoking books. Please take the time to read his story, connect with him on social media, and make sure you purchase some of his books.

Once again, I would like to thank our contributors who continually support this magazine with their gifts and talents. If Sarah has been a blessing to you, reach out and let me and 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,

In addition to our featured story, we have so many encouraging articles and some great health tips.

Minister Sheree Carradine Creator/Chief Editor

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ARTICLES:

Encouragement-Antwan Beaden-Leach…………………………………………………….8 I AM ROYALTY! -Minister Kelvin Strozier……………………………………………… 14 “Making An Impact While Fulfilling Your Divine Assignment.” - Prophetess Leah M. Kelley…………………………………………….................................................................21 ISICS- Iron Sharpens Iron Christian Singles……………………………………………….31 Free 2 Serve- Shaken But Not Moved-Keith and Mary Lou Norris……………………………………………………………………………………….48

Beauty-Health-Fashion: The Benefits Of Blood Donations In African American And Latino Communities Akilah Gilbert ……………………………………………………………………………….11 Your Health Matters. Have You Considered Chiropractic Care?

Venita Freeman………………………………………………………………………………26

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BOOKS/BUSINESS/SERVICES:

Donations ………………………………………. ………………………………………….33 Worldwide Book Signing Event!…………………………..............................................................................................58 Divorce Botted Up-Gerald W. Smith Jr…………………………………………………… 62 Coming Soon! Revelation The Final Story- Dr. Calvinia Williams, D. D.…………………63 Book Publishing …………………………………………………………………………….64 Did You Miss It? ……………………………………………………………………………76 LET’S GET PERSONAL!…………………………………………………………………..77

FOOD: Holiday Recipe……………………………………………….…………….............................24 Holiday Recipe………………...………………………………...............................................74

EXTRAS HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY…………………………………………………………………….13 Happy Resurrection Day........................................................................................20 Poem-Easter ………………………………………………………………………………….47 Poem-Mother’s Day…………………………………………………………………………57

OUR FEATURED STORY: KINGDOM LIVING SHALOM- DR. DAVE A. CORNELIUS……………………..……..34

YOUTH- EDUCATION: Y.P.W.P. (Young People With Purpose)- School, Extra Curriculums, Goals And Visions - Naomi Martin & Friends ……………………………………………………………65

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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 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

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H

ave you ever had a thought that continued throughout your life, but you ignored it or didn’t believe it, so you did not act on it? Could it be that The Lord was speaking to you, telling you what He wants you to do, His plan for you, and you didn’t believe it? Do you still hear it, and does it resonates with your thoughts in your life?

while trying to find a job and raising my son. Midway through the semester, the tuition assistance was taken away because they said I didn’t qualify for it. I didn’t have the money on my own to pay for it, so I dropped out. But God wouldn’t let me forget!

I finally found a job! Now that I have set hours, I could go to classes at the local community On one occasion, it happened college, while my son was with to me, when I was young and in his father or a trusted friend. Then college. It was the first time that I life entered in! I had to stop was on my own, so I experienced my classes because I needed the so many new things. My education money I was earning to pay for a was no longer a priority, so I lawyer against my husband. But decided to go into the military.

God wouldn’t let me forget!

During my time in the military, real life entered in. Not only was I authorized to work 7 days a week, 365 days a year (on call), I got married and later had a child. I wanted to continue my education, but didn’t have the time. But God wouldn’t let me forget!

Now I had to move to another apartment, my son was starting school and I accepted a promotion that kept me busy. By the time I got home, I was mentally and physically exhausted. I had a boss that told me that my education would not help me be more marketable for promotions. I got When I separated from the military discouraged and frustrated, but and my husband, I started going God wouldn’t let me forget. to school again, using tuition assistance for veterans. I enrolled I remarried and was about to have in one or two classes at a time, another child. My pregnancy 7

was considered “high risk”, so I had to stay home until my due date. I took a 18-hour course load, watching cable tv for my classes.

I gave birth to another son and graduated from the community college in the same month, 13 years after my high school graduation.

Jeremiah 29:11 states “ For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” You probably have heard this scripture before, but there is so much truth in it. If God gives you something that seems so large and beyond what you think you can do, just follow it with faith! Start small!

If we continue to push for what God wants for us, He will make a way, but it won’t be easy! Barriers will come to deter you from the plan. Even people you love and trust, like family and friends, may not believe the plan can be done. God wants us to hold on to Him, because He has given us everything that we need to do it!

Watch how much your life will change and prosper, because of your increased faith and hope!

I continued my degree pursuit because there was a job I wanted and needed to have a bachelor’s degree. Once I completed the degree, I was qualified to compete for the job. I didn’t get the job!

What should I do? I was very disappointed, as the interviewing officials knew I wanted the job and worked hard to meet the qualifications. What is the next step? I asked God what to do, but He still didn’t want me to forget.

Don’t give up…just do it!

I went back to school and earned my Master’s degree. I started to apply for jobs outside of the department where I was working.

Not only did a get a promotion, but it gave me automatic promotions for the next couple of years, which I would not have that kind of opportunity where I was currently working!

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THE BENEFIT OF BLOOD DONATIONS IN AFRICAN AMERICAN AND LATINO COMMUNITIES

BY AKILAH GILBERT

J

anuary was National Blood Donor Month, and it got me thinking—how do our Black and Brown communities respond when the call for blood donations goes out? Last year, the American Red Cross launched a campaign specifically aimed at increasing donations from minorities after recognizing a troubling trend: Black and Brown communities were significantly underrepresented in blood donations, especially in the wake of natural disasters—precisely when a diverse blood supply is needed most. This raises an important question: How can we change this narrative and encourage more participation in lifesaving blood donations? Well, the first step is understanding why we need to donate…

Blood donation is a vital act of kindness that saves countless lives every day, yet the need for African American and Latino donors is particularly urgent. Sickle cell disease, which primarily affects African Americans, often requires regular blood transfusions to

manage symptoms and prevent serious complications. Similarly, Latinos have a higher prevalence of certain blood disorders, such as thalassemia, that require frequent transfusions. Because blood types are inherited, patients benefit the most from donors of similar ethnic backgrounds, making African American and Latino blood donors essential in providing the best possible matches for those in need.

Despite the critical need, African Americans and Latinos are underrepresented in the blood donor pool. Many factors, including historical mistrust of the medical system, have contributed to this gap.

However, increasing awareness about the importance of blood donation within these communities can help bridge this divide. By donating blood, individuals can directly impact the lives of those battling sickle cell disease, thalassemia, trauma

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victims, and others in need of lifesaving transfusions.

Encouraging more African Americans and Latinos to donate blood is not just about meeting a medical necessity—it is also about community strength and support. When individuals donate blood, they contribute to a system that helps their families, friends, and neighbors thrive.

Through increased participation, these communities can ensure that patients receive the best care possible, reinforcing the importance of health equity and community well-being. A single donation can make a profound difference, emphasizing the power of giving back through something as simple yet life-changing as blood donation.

Images from FreePik.com

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I Am Royalty!

Psalms 139:14 - 18; Genesis 1:26 - 28 We are not what we’ve done… We are not what we feel… We are who God says we are.

perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” If our faith is never challenged it can never be proven. It’s just like in our physical body, we can never get stronger physically if we never incorporate any resistance training.

As we push against some form of resistance, our muscles break down and rebuild stronger. Does that hurt at times? Absolutely it does! However, if you stick with it and build consistency, your body adapts and your strength and ability to lift more increases and you begin to look and feel like you want to; like the vision you saw in your head. It’s the same way when we face challenges in life.

Those challenges are not there to destroy us but to prepare us. They prepare us for the reality of our true purpose, the true vision God

Repeat this statement aloud to yourself:

I am not what I’ve done!

I am a child of the King!

That makes us royalty! Sometimes we don’t look or feel like it. Nor, at times, do my choices reflect it.

But that is who we are. In this life we will have challenges. There is no way around that. And in those challenges we will make mistakes.

That’s part of the human journey, but here’s the key. Our mistakes don’t define us, they refine us.

James 1:2-4 “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, when you go through trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces

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has for our lives. As long as we don’t dwell on and internalize our failures, but intentionally choose to learn from them, it is now an opportunity for growth. If we stay where we are, with no challenges then we will never be prepared for our purpose. We will stay stagnant and never be equipped to move forward. In order to reach new heights we have to mature in our walk with the Lord which increases our capacity to do more, endure more and conquer more. Think about king David.

After he was anointed to be the next king of Israel by Samuel, where did he go? He went back to the field to continue tending his father’s sheep. He was not ready at that time to become the king of Israel. He had to go through more preparation. David faced many challenges that prepared him for the rigors of royalty. He could not go from the shepherds field to the palace without being sufficiently prepared. So God, in His infinite wisdom, strategically orchestrated or used a series of challenges to build and strengthen him for his purpose. He had to defeat Goliath, learn to organize, command and lead his own men in battle on behalf of Saul’s kingdom, go through the rigors of war and ultimately endure persecution from Saul and his armies while

still maintaining his integrity as a man after God’s own heart. None of that was easy for David, but he was able to do it by staying connected to God, trusting him and learning from him through it all. Finally he was ready and God placed him on the throne, which brought with it a whole new set of challenges. He was in a continual pattern of growth, just as we are today. Each new level comes with its own set of challenges that keep us growing. Once we understand this, we will stop losing our minds when the challenges come. So how do we deal with the challenges when they arise?

We have to see them for what they are and seize the opportunity to learn and grow, dwell on them and take the opportunity to feel sorry for ourselves. In order to do that, it is important to understand that, when we dwell on and beat ourselves up for our failures, then we remain in that state. We can go into a downward spiral of defeat and failure, and that’s when we become the failure we are trying to avoid becoming. There is a universal law called the “Law of Attraction”. The basic premise of this law is that you draw to yourself what you think about most. So if you are constantly thinking of failure and defeat,

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that’s what you draw to yourself.

It’s all about perspective. If you look at failure on the surface level or constantly dwell on the fact that you failed, then all you will get from failure is more failure.

But if you persevere through failure, you can accomplish great things and shape the world around you and potentially impact your future and the future of everyone in your sphere of influence. Let

to use verbiage like, “I haven’t figured this out yet”, “how can I overcome this” or “I am seeking ideas for how to…” then your brain goes to work trying to figure out a way. On the flip side of that, when you use phrases like, “I can’t do this” or “I failed at that” then your brain takes a break and stops looking for solutions. So in essence, you were right. So in fact, whether you think you can or think

me illustrate my point. Thomas Edison, the man who created the light bulb, failed 2774 times before he created a successful prototype of the light bulb. When he was interviewed about the process, he explained that he didn’t fail 2774 times, he simply discovered 2774 ways the light bulb would not work. You see, it’s all about perspective. Once you accept defeat or embrace the idea of “can’t”, your mind stops trying to find a way. However, if you reframe your thinking and choose

you can’t you’re right. God created our mind and mouth with creative and destructive power. As a man thinks in his heart, so is he. The power of death and life are in the power of the tongue. People of the royal bloodline of the God of the universe only see the possibilities because in Him, there is no impossibility.

For that reason, it is vital for us to understand who we are and who we belong to. We are sons and daughters of the King. He is the

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King of kings. Who do you think the kings with the small “k” are referring to? You guessed it, that’s us. WE ARE ROYALTY! We have the DNA of God Almighty, King of the universe on the inside of us. He gave us everything we will ever need to successfully realize our purpose when he created us in his image. We will revisit this idea later on. For now, let’s take a look at what David says in Ps 139:14-18 about the care God took in making mankind.

care in making mankind. He was careful with every detail. When God made us he stepped back and said, “Wow! That is very good!”

He wants us to know how special we are to him. God knows every aspect of us. Nothing is hidden from him. He always has us on his mind, to the point where the number of thoughts he has about us cannot even be numbered.

He knows our strengths and weaknesses and knows how to use them for his glory. When you were born He had a purpose on this planet that demanded your presence. No matter the circumstances under which you were conceived, you are here for a purpose. God wants you to know that your past is not who you are.

Who you really are is who he says you are. He created you to be royalty. To rule over everything that is trying to rule over you. Gen 1:26-28 says:

14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. 15 My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, 16 Your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. 17 How precious to [2] me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! 18 Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand. When I awake, I am still with you.

26 Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over [a]all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” 27 So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.

Fearfully and wonderfully made?

What exactly does that mean? This means you are the awe-inspiring handiwork of God. He took great

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28 Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that [b] moves on the earth.”

us living beneath our privilege.

If you look at any civilization that had a royal family, you will never see any of the king’s children living as paupers. Quite the contrary. The king's children live in the favor of the king. They want for nothing. So with God, the King of the universe as our, we have access to everything that He owns. And He owns it all. If that is true, then why do we live beneath our privilege? Because we are wrapped in flesh and have past mistakes that still shape how we respond to circumstances. We have an enemy who doesn’t want us to embrace or even know of our identity. He knows that if we truly know who we are, then nothing would be impossible to us. It is a constant struggle trying to find the balance between who we are in the spirit and what we deal with in our day to day lives. It’s all about surrender. Acknowledging that we cannot do anything on our own.

We need our Father to remind us by his Holy Spirit, to constantly remind us we are because of who he is. You see, it is the Holy Spirit who empowers us to tap into the power given to us by our King and Father. So that when we yield to Him, we can overcome the limitations of our flesh. Let’s make a commitment today to yield to the Holy Spirit and walk in our

When God made this world and everything in it I need you to know that you are so important to him, we are so vital to this world that he had to make us differently than anything else in creation.

Everything else he created he spoke into existence. When it came to us he said let us make…

When God used the word “us”, that indicates that he needed the entire God-head in on this project called mankind. Once God declared who mankind was, He then spoke purpose over them, “Let them have dominion” in other words, let them rule over their environment. You see, given the fact that God created us in HIS image, it stands to reason that He made us with his ability to rule. In Gen 2:7 it says God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed into him the breath of life. God breathed His deity into us which made us His offspring and Him our father. That makes us royalty. Any other mindset leaves

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true identity as sons and daughters of the King. If we do that, we will truly walk in the royalty that resides on the inside of us and in so doing, we will live out our purpose in the earth.

Kelvin Strozier M.Ed.

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“Making an Impact While Fulfilling Your Divine Assignment.”

commitment. We are to give our best and pursue our purpose with passion, devotion, and consistency. The first requirement is faith: we must believe that the God who called us is faithful to complete His work in us. This requires trusting in His wisdom and timing, even when the road ahead seems unclear.

W

hen God gives us a task, it's more than just a mission—it's a calling. This calling shapes our purpose and drives us to make a meaningful difference in the world.

The responsibility that comes with fulfilling God’s assignment may seem daunting at times, but it is one of the greatest privileges of our lives. Fulfilling this purpose requires trust, resilience, and dedication. The process isn’t always straightforward, but with divine guidance, we can make a lasting impact, shaping the world for His Kingdom.

Obedience is the second key. When God directs us, we must act swiftly and fully.

Partial obedience or hesitation can hinder the fulfillment of His plan. Our obedience opens doors to blessings, favor, and opportunities that align with our divine purpose.

Finally, we must carry an attitude of humility.

Our assignments are not about our own glory—they are about advancing God’s Kingdom. Living humbly means serving others with love and integrity, even when it's difficult, knowing that everything we do is for His honor.

The Struggles Along the Path of Purpose Every path to fulfilling God’s assignment comes with obstacles. It’s part of the process.

The journey may bring challenges that feel heavy and discouraging. You might face resistance, experience setbacks, or even find yourself in situations where you wonder if you can continue. But rest assured, these difficulties are part of the refinement process, meant to strengthen your faith and help you grow in ways you never expected.

Understanding Our Responsibility as Chosen Instruments As God’s chosen vessels, we are entrusted with sacred work. This calling compels us to live with integrity and excellence in every area of our lives. Whether it’s in our work, our ministry, or our daily interactions, we must always reflect the character of God. Our lives should showcase His love, truth, and grace to a watching world.

Throughout my own journey, I have encountered numerous difficulties and moments of personal trauma. Yet, through these experiences, I have learned that God uses the hard times to build us up, to deepen our reliance on Him, and to make us more effective in the mission He has set before us. The struggles you face today are not for nothing; they serve as a foundation for the testimony you will share tomorrow.

Additionally, we are responsible for developing our talents and gifts to their fullest potential. God equips us with abilities meant for His service, and we must steward them well. This means honing our skills, gaining knowledge, and applying our unique gifts to fulfill our calling.

What God Requires from Us

Perseverance is also a core responsibility. The journey may not always be easy, but we must

God’s calling demands more than just recognition—it demands a wholehearted

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press forward. There will be waiting seasons, times of testing, and moments of uncertainty.

But the work God has called us to is worth every sacrifice. We must remain steadfast, trusting that every challenge is part of the preparation for the greater things He has in store.

should be the standard. This requires intentional growth, consistent practice, and a mindset of continuous improvement.

We must also approach our gifts with boldness.

Fear, doubt, or insecurity can hold us back from fully embracing our calling, but God has given us everything we need to succeed. We are not called to hide our talents but to use them with confidence and clarity, knowing that He is with us every step of the way.

The Blessings of Serving God Serving God brings unmatched joy and fulfillment. An unexplainable peace comes from walking in His purpose for us. As we surrender to His will, we find that everything we need is provided—strength, resources, wisdom, and favor.

Obedience: The Foundation of Our Impact The key to making a lasting impact is obedience. When we align our will with God’s, incredible things happen. Every act of obedience unlocks opportunities for growth, influence, and change. Our assignment isn’t just about personal success—it’s about advancing God’s Kingdom on earth.

Moreover, our service has the power to impact others. By faithfully pursuing our divine purpose, we become examples of God’s faithfulness, inspiring those around us. We are called to be light in a dark world, offering hope, encouragement, and guidance to those in need.

Through obedience, we position ourselves to touch lives, change situations, and break barriers. God’s plan is far bigger than we can imagine, and our willingness to follow Him paves the way for His power to move in and through us.

Serving God is also rewarding in ways we can’t always comprehend. While the immediate benefits may not always be visible, the eternal rewards of walking in obedience and faithfulness far outweigh anything this world offers. Our labor for His Kingdom is never in vain.

Your Testimony Matters—Don’t Give Up There will be moments when the weight of your calling feels too heavy to bear. When the challenges seem endless, and the road ahead unclear, it’s crucial to remember the power of your testimony. Every setback, every challenge, and every moment of struggle is part of the story that God is crafting.

Taking Our Gifts Seriously God has entrusted us with specific talents, And, He expects us to use them wisely. These gifts are not just for our own benefit but for the blessing of others. If we neglect or misuse our abilities, we miss the chance to fully participate in the divine plan.

Each gift we have is an opportunity to honor God and make a positive impact. Whether your calling involves teaching, leading, creating, or serving in any other capacity, excellence

Your testimony will inspire others to keep going. It will show them that they, too, can endure and overcome. God has not called you to quit but to persevere. In your weakest moments, He is strengthening you. The

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strength you gain today will carry you through tomorrow’s battles, and your story will encourage others to hold on to hope.

Conclusion Fulfilling God’s purpose is not always easy, but it is always worth it. By embracing faith, obedience, and perseverance, we can rise above the challenges that come our way. The impact we make goes beyond our immediate circles—it affects lives, communities, and generations.

Each of us has a unique assignment, and when we step into it fully, with confidence and trust in God, we are fulfilling a divine calling that has eternal significance. No matter how hard the journey may seem, we must remember that our labor in the Lord is never in vain. Our obedience to Him will bear fruit that will last for generations.

Prophetess Leah M. Kelley

Photo by <a href=”/photographer/scasha-46779”>scasha</a> on <a href=”/”>Freeimages.com</a>

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This was my grandmother's recipe. Don't know why they call it bread; it's a lemon pound cake. Every time I make it; I am always asked for the recipe.

Recipe by SKYTE https://www.allrecipes.com/ 22

30 mins 1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Grease and flour 2 loaf pans.

1 hour

10 mins

Total Time: 1 hr. 40 mins

2. Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt and set aside.

3. Beat the butter and 2 1/2 cups sugar with an electric mixer in a large bowl until light and fluffy. The mixture should be noticeably lighter in color. Add the

Servings: 20 Yield: 2 loaves

room-temperature eggs one at a time, allowing each egg to blend into the butter mixture before adding the next.

Beat in the almond extract with the last egg.

4. Pour in the flour mixture alternately with

• •

3 cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons baking powder • •

•

2 teaspoons salt ½ cup butter, room

temperature 2 ½ cups white sugar

•

4 eggs, room temperature ½ teaspoon almond extract

• •

1 cup milk, room temperature • 2 tablespoons grated lemon • •

the milk, mixing until just incorporated.

Fold in the lemon zest and chopped walnuts, mixing just enough to evenly combine. Pour the batter into the prepared pans.

5. Bake in the preheated oven until the loaves are very lightly browned and a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean, 60 to 70 minutes.

6. Mix the lemon juice with the 1/2 cup sugar in a bowl until the sugar has dissolved. Pour the lemon glaze over the

zest 1 cup chopped walnuts 6 tablespoons lemon juice

hot cakes; allow to stand for 10 minutes before removing cakes from the pans.

•

Cool before serving.

½ cup white sugar

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roommate to drive me to the emergency room. I was sure I was going to die first or certainly be admitted.

I was in a desperate situation when I made the decision to try chiropractic care. I was a broke college student, and I was feeling super sick. I was so sick that I finally decided that I should see a doctor. I thought I was going to die so I made time to write down all my symptoms just so that the doctors who had to handle my body would be able to give my family an accurate description of what caused my death. After I wrote my symptoms down, I asked my

On the way to the emergency room, every bump in the road felt like agony. My head was pounding, my body temperature kept fluctuating, and I was so weak that I could barely keep my eyes open. My roommate kept glancing over at me, her face filled with worry.

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“You okay?” she asked for the third time.

you have a virus and it will just have to run its course.”

“Not really,” I mumbled. “But thanks for asking.”

Before I knew it, I was being ushered out the door — still feeling just as awful as when I’d arrived. But now, the physical pain was joined by something even heavier: a crushing wave of disappointment, a heap of frustration, and a suffocating sense of hopelessness.

When we finally pulled up to the hospital, I could hardly walk. My roommate had to half-carry me inside.

The waiting room was packed — people coughing, kids crying, and the harsh fluorescent lights made my headache even worse. I handed the nurse my list of symptoms, and she raised an eyebrow as she scanned the paper.

I expected them to take this seriously — to run tests, admit me, and keep me overnight for observation. But when they sent me home half-dead, my body barely hanging on, I was too drained to fight it. And yet the thought of going back home while still feeling this way filled me with fear. Desperate and out of options, I found myself considering something I never thought I would — a chiropractor.

“Take a seat. We’ll call you soon,” she said. But her eyes flicked back to my list, and I saw something in her face — something that looked a lot like concern.

An hour passed. Then two. By then, I was slumped in the chair, barely conscious. My name was finally called, and my roommate helped me into the exam room. A doctor came in, flipping through my paperwork.

His eyes widened as he read my list.

I passed by one every morning while on my way to school. The cost was $20 and walk-ins were welcome. It was about to be the best thing I’ve ever done with $20 other than tithing.

“How long have you been feeling like this?” he asked sharply.

The next day, still feeling like death, I called the chiropractor’s office. They squeezed me in for an emergency appointment. My roommate drove me there, and I stumbled into the office, barely able to fill out the paperwork.

“A few days,” I moaned.

He frowned and started his exam, checking my vitals, asking questions.

But at the end, he stepped back, looking thoughtful and said, “I think

The chiropractor was an older man with a calm, steady presence. He

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listened as I described my symptoms and studied the list I had written.

Then he did his own exam, gently probing along my neck and back.

throughout the process. Suddenly, the strangest sensation washed over me. It was like a release of pressure I hadn’t even realized I’d been carrying.

He stopped, his hands hovering over my neck. His fingers pressed gently on one side, and I winced.

Within minutes, the fog in my head started to lift. My nausea eased, and some of my energy returned.

“You’ve got some serious tension here,” he muttered.

I sat up slowly, blinking in disbelief.

“What… what did you do?”

When he reached a spot just below my skull, I nearly jumped off the table.

“Sometimes,” the chiropractor said with a small smile, “the right adjustment makes all the difference.”

“That’s what I thought,” he murmured. “Your atlas vertebra is way out of alignment.”

But as I left the office, feeling better than I had in days, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something bigger had just happened. That this wasn’t the end of the story.

He explained that this tiny bone at the top of my spine was pinching nerves and cutting off proper blood flow — which could explain the headaches, nausea, dizziness, and everything else.

It was only the beginning, and several decades later, I am still amazed by the way one adjustment changed my life.

I still go to the chiropractor’s office on a regular basis. I also take my children and I even convinced my husband to go too.

“I think I can help,” he said quietly.

“But you need to trust me and you have to come back once per week for a month.”

At that point, I had nothing left to lose. I agreed.

I tell this story and encourage everyone who will listen to try chiropractic care for their health and well-being. It’s much cheaper than health insurance, though I still keep both. When I am consistent with my adjustments, I almost never get sick and when I do catch something, it doesn’t stay around long.

He positioned me on the table and told me to take a deep breath. Then, with swift and precise motions, he adjusted my neck, my back, my knees, and even my toes. There was audible snapping and popping

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1-520-304-6324 (US number) +972-50-5620762 (Israel number)

Below are a few of the chiropractors and natural doctors who have helped me stay healthy and well over the years. I am currently on zero prescribed medications and hope to keep it that way until I take my last breath.

The Fix Medical Dr. Adam T. Molden A chiropractor who has a team that does hormone therapy and physical therapy

Each doctor that I list has their own specialty. They all are committed to helping humans heal from the inside out.

thefixmedical.com (520) 575-5833

All are in Tucson, AZ except one.

That one will see clients virtually and will mail your remedies to you or have someone local make them.

Inspired Healing Dr. Joanne Haupert The gentle chiropractor (never any snapping or popping)

Keifer Wellness Center

inspiredhealing.org

Dr. John Keifer

(520) 584-0343

Gentle chiropractor, with quality supplements, therapies, and healing technology.

Aragon Care Centers

keiferwellnesscenter.com

Dr. Richard Aragon

(520) 577-1717

The soft tissue master chiropractor that also has a team that provides aesthetics, regenerative medicine, IV Therapy, & Welness Programs.

Dr. Sharon Benham The inner healing doctor who uses timeline therapy.

chiropractorsoftucson.com Phone: 520-290-8892

drsharonbenham.com

Email: AragonCareCenters2@gmail.com

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Lord, thank You for the gift of health and the wisdom You provide through natural doctors and chiropractors. As I seek care, give me discernment to choose the right paths for my body’s healing and strength. Bless the hands and knowledge of those who treat me, that they may bring restoration and balance.

Help me to honor You by caring for this temple You’ve given me, making choices that lead to wellness, energy, and peace. May my journey toward health bring me closer to You, filled with gratitude and trust in Your perfect design.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend

©

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So, you’re tired of being single. You’re a Christian and you want to meet other Christian singles who are sincere about their faith, love the Lord, and have a strong relationship with Him. You want to share your faith interests and not be afraid to say that Jesus is your Lord and Savior. A single that wants to keep your temple clean and unblemished.

Are you just tired of being the third wheel? Sometimes, don’t you want to go out with like-minded people and not have to worry about feeling out of place?

If you can identify with the above questions…THEN JOIN US FOR OUR FIRST MEET AND GREET! Coming in 2025!

Here are a few questions for you…

What are your struggles as a single Christian woman or man?

What would you like to discuss at our first meet and greet?

Are you looking for a spouse or other Christian friends to hang out with?

Contact us and let us know your struggles and what topics you want to address at our first meet and greet!

Join our mailing so that you will be notified of the date and time.

HURRY SPACE IS LIMITED! The ages excepted are from 19 on up− Divorced, never married, separated, widowed, single parent…all are welcome. We will meet bi-weekly, the day and time will be determined by everyone’s availability.

If you would like more details on Iron Sharpens Iron Christian Singles contact us at: mysarahmagazine@gmail.com or isics.3cs@gmail.com Founders: Sheree Carradine Gerald Smith Jr. Donzella Berry

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.

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and spoken word. His educational journey includes a BS in Computer Science, an MBA, and a Doctor of Management in Organizational Leadership.

Professionally, he thrives as an organizational and executive coach, learning facilitator, and tech innovation explorer. But at his core, he is a devoted family man, cherishing life with his wife Carmen, their children Dave and Devan, and grandson Aden.

Dr. Dave’s mission is simple yet profound: to inspire, uplift, and empower others to embrace Kingdom Living and unlock their fullest potential.

D

r. Dave A. Cornelius, affectionately known as "Dr. Dave," is a leader, innovator, and creative spirit dedicated to helping others discover their own level of awesomeness. Born in Antigua & Barbuda and raised in Frederiksted, St. Croix, USVI, he now calls Tucson, AZ, home, where he is an active member of The Gathering At Tucson church.

With a passion for spiritual growth and personal development, Dr. Dave blends his expertise in organizational leadership with his love for creative expression—writing music, books,

I spent most of my career coaching and facilitating learning for corporate business leaders and their team members to achieve success. I partner with leaders and teams in for-profit, startup, and nonprofit organizations to deliver exceptional results that meet their goals. I work with Fortune 50 to Fortune 500 companies, helping them create over $1 billion in customer value.

As I give back to my community, I volunteer to coach our veterans and

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nonprofit leaders pro bono, and they are thriving. By supporting STEM education for high school students, my coaching and facilitation allow students aged 13 to 19 to explore career opportunities in the STEM field. I currently serve on the International Coaching Federation (ICF) Arizona chapter board.

with people from every corner of the world. Individuals would prioritize living with purpose and integrity, striving to reflect in every aspect of their lives the examples Christ Jesus demonstrated. Communities would become beacons of unity and cooperation, with neighbors supporting each other and pooling resources to meet shared needs. A Kingdom Living mindset would foster stewardship of creation, as people embrace their responsibility for the environment and view it as a gift to be nurtured. Global movements could emerge to tackle issues like poverty, hunger, and inequality, driven by individuals who perceive these actions as part of their higher calling.

Today, I’m transforming my life’s journey into a powerful practice to help others unlock their full potential.

Whether it’s about finding clarity, building confidence, or achieving freedom, I am here to partner with you as we work toward a life of fulfillment and endless possibilities.

Can you envision the possibilities for each person, our communities, our planet, and the world? Each person would experience a profound sense of fulfillment and belonging, and joy would become the standard. People would discover their identity and purpose not through material success but in their capacity to create, serve, and love. Divisions within communities would lessen as unity and shared values develop. Picture communities where crime would yield to cooperation and everyone feels

What if Kingdom Living gained popularity? I am not referring to a fad but a transformation that resonates

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appreciated. Restoration begins as Kingdom Living encourages sustainable lifestyles, minimizes waste, and rejuvenates ecosystems.

A creativity, kindness, and leadership ripple effect inspired by the Kingdom could lead to global transformation.

Peace treaties, humanitarian efforts, and cultural exchanges would arise from a desire to see the world flourish under God’s principles.

Spending time in prayer, meditation, and worship intentionally increased my ability to hear the voice of God through the Holy Spirit. I spent months walking the Sabino Canyon terrain, conversing silently with my Abba Father God. Many times, there was silence. I began to split my prayer and meditation time between worshiping in gratitude, asking, listening, and observing.

Kingdom Living is a life marked by alignment with spirit-led principles and habits. It involves embracing a transformative relationship with God that impacts every aspect of life— spiritual, emotional, and practical. It is living as a citizen of heaven while still on earth, embodying the values of love, grace, humility, and justice.

Kingdom Living aims to reflect God’s character in everyday actions, promoting unity, compassion, and service to others. It is a journey of faith, surrender, and growth, where individuals discover true purpose, joy, and fulfillment by prioritizing the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, trusting that all other needs will be met. At its core, Kingdom Living involves cultivating a life of integrity and purpose that glorifies God and brings His light into the world.

Kingdom Living is a harmonious expression of God’s love and purpose, where every note played, word spoken, story written, and act of kindness reflects the beauty of the Creator’s heart. It involves using our God-given creativity to inspire, heal, and bring light to the world— composing music that uplifts the soul, crafting spoken words that encourage and unite, creating literature that awakens hearts, and demonstrating kindness that embodies God’s grace.

Kingdom Living is a rhythm of faith, hope, and love—a life that intertwines creativity and compassion to narrate the story of God’s Kingdom in ways that touch lives and transform hearts.

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It’s a call to use our gifts for selfexpression and as instruments to build, connect, and glorify the One who bestowed them.

It worked out. Erica, LaMont, and Naomi visited my home studio for the first session. The second visit included Erica and LaMont, who reacquainted themselves with my wife, Carmen. Eventually, enough trust was built for Erica and me to collaborate and record worship songs to honor God. I pray that these worship songs are worthy of being sung at the Gathering at Tucson worship house and beyond.

A special word of heartfelt gratitude goes out to Erica Martin for singing several songs to launch the ‘Psalms of Our Lives’ reflections. Erica also dedicated her time and vocal talents to the three songs mentioned in this section. It’s incredible to witness someone like Erica, who has a servant’s heart, willingly investing her time and talent to give these songs an identity.

I am somewhat old-fashioned. Before asking Erica to work on my music, I consulted my sister, Lateefah (Dawn), a longtime friend of the Martin family, to see if I should approach LaMont, Erica’s husband, first. I have also known the Martin family for many years, but I felt it was important to have a respectful conversation with her husband before reaching out to Erica. Additionally, I understand that Erica is working on her doctorate and how hectic that can be, having experienced it myself.

Listen to a Sample: https://bit.ly/WalkingInTheGardenSoundCloud

Support the Kingdom and Buy a Copy: · iHeartRadio (https://bit.ly/WalkingInTheGardeniHeartRadio) · Spotify (https://bit.ly/SpotifyWalkingintheGar den)

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· DistroKid (https://bit.ly/WalkingintheGardenDistroKid) In the summer of 2024, I spoke at the Agile2024 conference in Dallas, TX. The conference occurred at the Gaylord Resort, where the attendees Stayed. Part of the experience was reconnecting with people I hadn't seen since the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of those I encountered seemed down and demoralized. It was hard to find conversations that lifted your spirits. I left the experience, which I had hoped would be uplifting, with a sense of doom and gloom.

I returned to my room, picked up my six-string Gretsch ukulele, and started strumming a few chords. Looking out at the courtyard, I felt tears filling my eyes. I began playing the melody and realized that what I felt was fear and despair. I shouted that I was not given a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. I understood I was already victorious and could free myself from that spirit of fear. The lyrics flowed out of me: ‘I don’t have to run; I don’t have to hide when we are walking in the garden. When you call my name, I won’t be afraid when we’re walking in the garden.’ The song's words depicted Adam and Eve when they

Listen to a Sample: https://bit.ly/OnlyYouJesus-SoundCloud

Support the Kingdom and Buy a Copy: • iHeartRadio (https://bit.ly/OnlyYou-JesusiHeartRadio ) • Spotify (https://bit.ly/OnlyYou-JesusSpotify) • DistroKid • Apple Music (https://bit.ly/4iqtzX1) I’m not sure what happened on January 20, 2009, but I was playing with a worship team that I loved in California. Spiritually, many good things were happening, and I can only

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imagine that a spiritual pursuit guided me to write this song. When you enter into a relationship with the alpha and omega, your life has no limits to what is possible. It is incredible to know you have the creator of all things within you. When life does not go according to your plan, you can always lean in and say, Only You (Jesus) can dry the tears of my heart.

similar words but different arrangements. https://soundcloud.com/dave-cornelius-drdave/the-gathering-chorusonly?si=85f27893f0584904b84928c82cb05 16b&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium= text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

Listen to the Gathering for the Good News Spoken Word: https://soundcloud.com/dave-cornelius-drdave/gathering-for-the-good-news-chorusonly?si=6840c74139c74cdcaa91e571b2f23d c2&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=t ext&utm_campaign=social_sharing

Spoken Words refers to intentionally using words—through poetry, declarations, prayers, testimonies, or storytelling—to glorify, honor, and connect with my Abba Father God. This form of worship is rooted in the power of speech and language to convey deep emotions, gratitude, reverence, and personal encounters with the sacred.

My experience at The Gathering in Tucson church originally inspired the Gathering song. In August 2024, during the hot summer months, I listened to a message by Pastor Demetrius Miles about Ecclesia (Ekklesia), the gathering of those summoned by Jesus. Many versions of this song were written and recorded. Another version exists and goes by the name Ekklesia. It has

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Listen to Time is on the Move: https://soundcloud.com/dave-cornelius-drdave/time-is-on-themove?si=a7f47673c43841d7b6960d2c26a4f ec6&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium= text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

Listen Here.

Watch the Video The spoken word ‘Soar on High on Wings like Eagles’ took almost a year. It was challenging to speak in a tone that did not mirror the political discourse in the world. Sincerely, the desire was to talk about the kingdom of God so that many would listen and not walk away.

Time is on the Move is a recent creation exploring time and our relationship with this dimension of our world. Time is a progression of events from the past to the future and a crucial component of many measurements. The first spoken phrase about time is titled ‘Time is on the move.’ This is a conversion between a man and time. Time speaks in a West Indian dialect and uses Bible verses to converse with a man who wants more time.

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conversation switched from impatience with how long everything seemed to how quickly time passed.

The parent is now elderly, and the young person is grown. My greatgrandmother Ma Ruby often said, ‘Once a man and twice a child.’

There is a possibility this spoken word is from that lens since I heard it many times as a young person growing up.

Listen to Time is Near, Time is Far: https://soundcloud.com/davecornelius-dr-dave/time-is-near-timeisfar?si=fa74b4918c4947ecb77dfafd2 e10f641&utm_source=clipboard&ut m_medium=text&utm_campaign=soc ial_sharing Time is Near – Time is Far came as a vision about a young person’s first encounter with time and explained by their mother. As time passed, the

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guide for my past, present, and future spiritual self.

Ayo, a character in the third book of the Ashanti MWendo series, needs a roadmap to guide his family. He struggles to be a spiritual leader for his family, just as his father was for him while he was growing up. I cannot finish the third book without first writing this one.

There’s more to it than just writing the third book. I worry that young men are growing up without a spiritual leader to guide them in their homes. My family's legacy might have looked different if strong spiritual leaders had been in my life.

My daughter might not have become a teenage mom, and my son could have desired a family. The Holy Spirit would have been present in my marriage.

Listen to the Audio Book Introduction Get your copy on Amazon.

I was on a writing journey to complete the third book in the Ashanti MWendo series. I was continually prompted to write “Seven Principles and Habits for Kingdom Living: A Guide for Your Past, Present, and Future Spiritual Life.” I had no intention of ever writing this work, but it was the Holy Spirit’s insistence that I start capturing my thoughts as a

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What is this journey all about? It is drawing nearer to God in all aspects of my life. My vision for 2025 is to align every aspect of my life with Kingdom principles and habits that embody the fruit of the Spirit. My relationships with God, family (wife, children, relatives), finances, friends, and work must harmonize with God’s purpose.

The seven Kingdom principles and habits include:

Published Author Books on Amazon.com that include 1) Trust Fidelity: Removing Engagement Friction 2) Generative Leadership To Thrive 3) Beyond the Windowsill 4) The Innovation Catalyst, Leading with Empathy 5) Deliver Value: happy contributing people, satisfied customers, and thriving business 6) Belonging and Healing: Creating Awareness for Yourself and Others 7) Elastic Minds: What are you thinking?, 8) Prayers to my Abba Father God, 9) Transforming Your Leadership Character: The Lean Thinking and Agility Way

Principle One: Love God, Yourself, and Your Neighbor.

Principle Two: Be Holy.

Principle Three: Store up treasures in heaven for yourself.

Principle Four: Give generously with your heart.

Principle Five: Live by the Spirit of God. Principle Six: Live Debt free.

Principle Seven: Leave an inheritance for your children’s children.

Books on Deck: • Seven Principles and Habits for Kingdom Living: A guide for your past, present, and future spiritual life.

• The Soup. The third book in the Ashanti MWendo series

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Podcast: “KnolShare with Dr. Dave” is available on Spotify, Audible, Apple Podcasts, and KnolShare.org.

My Latest Podcast is Coaching from The Desert, a collaboration with ICF Arizona.

Thought Leadership Articles published on Forbes.com.

1. Generative Leadership To Thrive 2. Generative Agile Leadership: What The Fourth Industrial Revolution Needs – Summary 3. How To Integrate AI Into Your Coaching 4. Create A Visioning Journey Map To Help Your Organization Thrive 5. Assign Business Value To Your Program Increment Objectives 6. It’s Time For Business Leaders To Address Healing—The Missing Piece Of The DEIB Puzzle

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I am a work in progress and willing to do everything possible to align with God’s purpose and will for my life.

By Dave A. Cornelius

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Free 2 Serve

Throughout this article, photos will be shared of our trip while in Death Valley For 60+ years, we lived in houses and apartment buildings. They were built on good solid Iowa ground. Never did I give a thought to the foundation giving away. We believed in the rock and the block layer who built our homes’ footings. Then we gave up living in a sticks and bricks. We traded in that secure lifestyle for the crazy fun of living in an RV. Nothing was ever solid again! Our fifth wheel rolls down the road at 60 mph. I’ve never ridden in our home as it’s moving, but I’ve read it’s like a mini earthquake inside. Often there is proof of that when we arrive at our

destination – an open refrigerator and a jar of pickles on the floor; dishes that fell out of the cupboard; a shattered microwave tray on the stove, and light bulbs jiggled loose from their connection! Needless to say, my important job before we travel is to assure everything inside is secured in a place where it will not be shaken and broken. When we set up at a new destination, the foundation is made of 4 tires, blocked so they don’t roll, and 6 stabilizer jacks with 10” diameter metal bases. Not only do the jacks hold us securely in place, they level us up so doors

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stay closed and we don’t roll out of bed!

each other, and things fell from the bedside table. This was serious! Then Keith stood I try to never compare our up (which was a relief), but the RV stabilizers to solid house shaking continued. At last sense came foundations. If I do, it makes me to him and he exclaimed, doubt our safety. It’s important to feel “Earthquake!” All that happened in secure with our foundation. That trust 15-30 seconds, but it seemed 10 times is often tested in prairies, forests, and longer! We checked for damage and deserts. We’ve been shaken. Even only found a few things that had though I can stay calm in a good old fallen over. Outside, our tires and Midwestern windstorm, my trust in stabilizers were still exactly where our anchors was tested this fall while they were supposed in Death to be. Thank Lonely roads of Death Valley Valley. you, Jesus! The remainder It was a quiet of the night was pretty warm sleepless! It had been a 4.7 night. The magnitude quake with the heat had epicenter just 12 miles from exhausted us us. Our first and we earthquake! I’ve heard headed to people say they’ve been in a bed tremor and saw the water in early. About 12:30, we woke up, but the pitcher sloshing. That was by 1:00 were drifting back into deep us…We were the contents of the sleep. Suddenly I was awakened by pitcher, sloshing from front to back the bed shaking. In my sleepy stupor, and side to side. It was a wild, albeit I assumed this was just another prairie short, ride! We were so thankful for a wind and rain storm. But there was firm foundation that held us in no noise…it was dead silent the shaking. We now know we can outside. Then my brain registered count on those anchors to hold us that it could be Keith having a secure in the tremors of seizure. I froze as the shaking earthquakes and wind storms because became more and more violent. The they have proven themselves in all the closet doors started banging against

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tests. The RV is still standing. We have been shaken, but we have not been moved! Praise God!

about the roots of our being and make us wonder why, how, and what next. Often, because we lean on our own understanding, there seems to be no answers. The upheaval has destroyed what we thought we knew.

Life’s storms can be a lot like the deep shaking of the earth-unpredictable, fierce, and scary. When everything in day-to-day life is going smoothly, no thought is given to how much turbulence the foundation can

That’s NOT how God planned for any of us to live. He wants us to grow through our adversity--not break apart. During our life on the road, we’ve discovered six anchors that hold us firmly to Whom we are grounded. Just like six stabilizer jacks hold our home secure in an earthquake, these six anchors bind us eternally to God through all circumstances and events.

One of the 6 stabilizer jacks that anchor us to our foundation.

THE ANCHOR OF JESUS CHRIST OUR SAVIOUR. As Easter nears, we find ourselves spending more time thinking about the supreme sacrifice God made. He gave up His one and only heavenly Son and allowed Him to come to Earth. Here He did wonderful things and we are blessed to have record of those from which to learn. But Jesus’ greatest gift to us was His death. He was innocent and perfect. Yet He was punished. The punishment wasn’t for things HE did,

take. We feel secure. But then one day a tremor hits life. It may be from an explosion that blows up every earthly thing we own. It may be a shocking discovery that shatters every relationship. Or it may be news that simply drags us down into the depths of the earth. Every one of those things can produce questions

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but for things that YOU AND I this truth and standing firm on it is the did, and continue to do. He took on first and most important anchor in our all our flaws, mistakes and purposeful arsenal. Without Jesus, we would be sins and put them in His tossed and shaken beyond backpack. Then He took them with recognition.

Him in death and into hell, where He “For God so greatly loved and dearly was punished for them. All the prized the world, that He even time we should spend in chains, He gave His One and only begotten Son, spent for us. Jesus Christ, the Son of so that whoever believes and trusts in God, has Him as Savior shall not paid our perish, but have eternal dues. But life.” John 3:16 AMP His gift to us didn’t end THE ANCHOR OF THE there. He HOLY SPIRIT. didn’t stay We ask, “But how in the in hell. He Sunrise our first morning in Death Valley world do I believe? I try rose from and try and yet I seem to the dead always fail. I attempt to walk the road and lived again, on Earth for a Jesus walked, but my path is so far while, and then returned to Heaven to from His. I’m appalled!” That’s be with God, His Father. Now all when we grab hold of this second we’re asked to do in return is anchor. When the bedrock is shaking, to believe this truth! When that belief we need to stop trying to fix it fills us, we will realize the great gift ourselves! When Jesus moved back we’ve been given, confess of those into Heaven, He sent Someone in His past sins and turn from our sinful place to help us here on Earth--the ways. And for our belief and Holy Spirit. repentance, Jesus will forgive us. He advocates for us with God, and He “Now listen! I will send you the gift invites us into heaven when our that God my Father has promised to give you…the power of God (Holy human body is all used up. There we Spirit) will come from heaven and it will spend eternity. Believing

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will cover you.” Luke 24:49 Easy Version

developing a firm belief in what God is doing for us. From cover-to-cover truths and promises can be unearthed. If one seems to have nothing to do with our situation, we can pray for the Holy Spirit to enlighten us and, miraculously, He can open our eyes to see something not seen before. No matter how much time is spent in the Word, God can always uncover something new for life. This is how the Word stays sharp and relevant. This anchor, that never gets old and boring, is inviting God into the reading. In this book is where we will find the rest of the anchors to the foundation of God.

So how do we get this Helper? Ask God to cover us with His Holy Spirit! Then stand out of the way and let Him strengthen, change, and guide us. Hang on to the strength of the Holy Spirit Anchor. His power is more than anyone alone can summon up. Keep calling on the Holy Spirit to guide and show us how to depend on Him more and more. This power is what gives us a strong belief. It helps us know that God loves us and we’re assured He will never leave. Holy Spirit’s constant presence is the power in all the anchors.

“God’s word is alive and working. It is sharper than a sword sharpened on both sides. It cuts all the way into us, where the soul and the spirit are joined. It cuts to the center of our joints and our bones. And God’s word judges the thoughts and feelings in our hearts.” Hebrews 4:12 ICB

THE ANCHOR OF THE WORD OF GOD. “So now what? How do I learn?” This is when the Anchor of the Word of God comes into play. It’s contained in a little book called the Bible. It’s the workbook for

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THE ANCHOR OF THANKSGIVING, PRAISE AND PRAYER.

every prayer, our anchor to the Lord grows stronger. This anchor is built on perseverance. Never give up thanking, praising and praying. If it’s hard, we go back to our Holy Spirit Anchor. He will help us find our way into a deep personal relationship with Jesus, anchored right here in communication with Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We are only as far from Jesus as we choose to be. Holy Spirit draws us more near every day. He wants us to be a main participant in His Kingdom, where no matter the fierceness of the life disturbance, we are anchored to Him.

Our RV’s kingdom is far from being an unshakable domain! This messedup world suffers with a lot of turmoil around authority. But God’s Kingdom is wherever He is present; the Word tells us God is everywhere. How do we thank the One who gave, and continues to give, His all to make our world stable in the worst storms? Through praise, worship, and prayer.

“Since we are receiving our rights to an unshakable kingdom, we should be extremely thankful and offer God the purest worship that delights His heart as we lay down our lives in absolute surrender, filled with awe.”

Hebrews 12:28 TPT

THE ANCHOR OF LOVE. All the anchors are rooted in love. Without the supreme sacrifice God made, we would be flailing with every shake, rattle or roll moving through life. My personal support is built on God’s love for me. It’s never-ending, unconditional, compassionate, forgiving, grace-filled and protective. Then there’s my love for God – imperfect, disobedient, prideful, emotional, conditional and self-centered. But thank God for His

These are things we are always growing into. We’ll never arrive at that purist worship here on Earth. Every time we praise and with

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mercy and grace. He vessel with love received and never forgives us more give any of it away, soon I’ll have no than we deserve, even though there room for new love! Giving love away are so many flaws. That’s grace. He makes room to receive even more doesn’t give us what we deserve for love from God, which makes this all the mistakes and anchor stronger and weaknesses. That’s stronger.

Hike around the Crater mercy. This is God’s love “But God clearly anchor. I know He shows and proves His loves me because own love for us, by the through the journey fact that while we of life, He has were still sinners, shown up again Christ died for and again, proving us.” Romans 5:8 AMP to me He’s for me just because I believe in Him. So, God is living in me with THE ANCHOR OF SERVICE. This sixth anchor is all about how we daily give love away. Love and service to God go hand in hand. It’s essential to ask Holy Spirit to display the purpose He has for us, our worth and the fruit we can produce. He can show us how to enthusiastically excel in our calling, embrace the Master and give ourselves totally to Him. Service helps others through their personal darkness. Love grows as it’s shared with other believers. It

more love than any human can muster. But how do I respond to that love? SHARE IT! The Anchor of Love is all about sharing what we’ve received. If I just keep filling my

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encourages and strengthens With a foundation built on God as we give. Service to the Lord is and anchors holding steadfast, I have never wasted because we’ve victory. I win! I win when He helps built a life me weather monsoons on Father, where I’m drowning in pulled by the 20 mule teams Son and circumstances. I win Holy Ghost. when I receive freshness while I’m “Whatever thirsting for the you do, no goodness of God in a matter what drought. I win when it is, in word or deed, do Holy Spirit runs to me during a cold snap while God seems everything In the name of the Lord silent. I win when He cools Jesus and in dependence on Him, me from heated anger in situations giving thanks to God the Father where my human failures fueled through Him.’ Colossians 3:17 AMP consequences. Victory is found in Jesus. He purchased me back from satan and hell. God fixed the insecure anchors I built myself and replaced them with His immovable support. He is my foundation. I pray that He is your foundation and that you have anchors that steady you and keep you immersed in a personal relationship with Jesus, YOUR Savior.

“But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:57 NIV Lord, in every aspect of life, whether smooth or really bumpy, we will trust the foundation with which You have

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blessed us. We will place our hope in You when we can’t see the goodness because the darkness is discouraging. We will place our trust in You when fear overpowers certainty that You never leave and always protect. We will place faith in You when seeking for love and strength for the daily walk. You are our firm Foundation – the Rock on which we are anchored.

Hiking in Death Valley

In the middle of the wilderness of Death Valley, we found Ice Cream (and Wi-Fi)!

Mary Lou and Keith Norris

Free 2 Serve 54

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We had an unforgettable time! 🎉 On February 22, 2025, Tucson, Arizona, became the ultimate gathering place for book lovers and storytellers alike. Authors from near and far joined us—both in person and online—to share the magic behind their books, connect with readers, and sign exclusive autographed copies.

The atmosphere was electric, filled with passionate conversations, inspiring stories, and the joy of discovering new favorite reads. It was truly an event to remember! 📚✨ If you couldn’t make it, don’t worry—the following pages are showing a few highlights from the event. Plus, we still have some amazing souvenirs available for sale!

And the excitement doesn’t stop here—we’re already gearing up for our next book signing this fall! If you’re an author or book enthusiast who wants to be part of the experience, stay tuned—contact information will be provided.

You won’t want to miss it! 🚀

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Photos by Erika Michelle Thank You Erika!

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Bookmarkers $1.00 COFFEE MUGS $6.50

Two sided key chains $2.50

NOTE PADS-

If you would like to have them mailed to you, there is an additional charge for shipping and handling.

(front and back view showing)

$3.50 Refrigerator magnets $2.00

To place an order or for information on the next Book Signing Event, contact me @ mysarahmagazine@gmail.com or Sheree Carradine-520-392-4887 A big shout-out of THANK YOU to all those who helped make this event a success!

Thank you to all of the authors and to those who attended.

Hope to see you at the next event…

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By Gerald W. Smith Jr.

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.

The young, old, girl, boy, men, women of all ethnicities.

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!

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No More Procrastination.

Let’s Do This!

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Y. P. W. P. Hello everyone, it’s Naomi, representing Y.P.W.P (Young Person With Purpose).

I am back again with more questions and answers.

My friends and I are going to share our answers to these questions.

Would you like to join the conversation? If so, please contact me at my sarahmagazine@gmail.com. We would love to chat with you and maybe put your feedback in the next edition of Sarah.

I pray that our conversations and interviews inspire and encourage you.

Our ministry is to help other young people that are trying to stay on God’s righteous path. Also, we are here to reach out to those who would like to know Jesus as their Personal Savior and show them that you are not too young to live a Holy Life.

I am looking forward to hearing from you!

LET’S GET STARTED! 64

Naomi- 1. This time of the year can be stressful for both Seniors and Juniors with important testing and college coming right around the corner. I also know many of you are involved in sports, clubs, and other extracurriculars. And let’s not forget the goals and visions we have prepared for 2025. In the midst of it all, how do you still spend adequate time with God? Is it difficult to be still and hear his voice?

(Psalms 46:10)

Ashley- After approaching my

has for us is truly why these overwhelming emotions fade away.

Sometimes it can be very difficult to continuously grow my relationship with Christ. However, surrounding myself with those who push me to go to church and push me to truly understand scripture and interpret it into my own situations I come across in life, really helps my understanding of His plan for me.

second semester of my Senior year, I realized how many monumental moments will be happening in these next months. Knowing this, it becomes more difficult to manage my schoolwork, club activities, and sporting events. Along with all these activities, brought many different setbacks like overthinking, becoming overwhelmed, and having anxiety about what the future might hold. In the midst of all these emotions, it pushes me closer to God. As I try to seek answers around me, I realize the only person who truly understands and knows my plan for my future is God. Although the chaos of life can lead us away from our relationship with Christ, finding the beauty in the present and embracing the plan God

As stated in one of my favorite verses, Jeremiah 29:11, He states, “ ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

This part of scripture helps me be still and listen to God’s voice as if He is speaking directly to me and my situations I come across.

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Adrianna- I still spend adequate

that I may have and to bless others who may be going though dark times.

Then I tell God that I have faith in his plan. At the beginning and the end of the day, I always read this one verse that the sports med trainer at my school gave me after practice one day when I was feeling down.

Which is, Psalm 73:23-26 “Yet I am always with you. You hold me by my right hand, you guide me with your counsel and afterward you will take me into glory who have I in heaven, but you and earth have nothing a desire besides you, my flesh in my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”

This verse has helped me start the day and end it with God in faith. I hope these words find those who need it!

God bless!

time with God by setting aside time in the morning when I wake up to journal and pray to God, thanking him for waking me up to another amazing day and just thanking him for blessing my family and telling him that I have faith in his plan for me and my family. Throughout the day, I incorporate talking to him when I start to feel anxious or worried about something. And at the end of the day before I go to bed, I journal and pray again by doing three things in my prayer, I first thank God for all the things that I am blessed with and grateful for within my day and then I give my fears to God and I ask for him to bless those situations that I may be going through and the fears

isn’t just my Lord and savior in the morning or night when I am praying or reading my bible. He is my Lord and Savior 24/7.

This means that everything I do revolves around him and not the other way around.

So, for me instead of saying something like “I can’t read my bible I have to go to practice”, I instead adopt the mindset of taking him to practice. What I think are barriers in my life that stop me from spending time with God are really moments to

Manga- Being able to spend adequate time with God, with all that is going on in my life, is definitely a struggle.

For most of my Christian Walk I have always had the mindset of “putting God first”. What this meant for me was that no matter what was going on in my life I was always going to put God first. However, I have now adopted the mindset of making him the center of my life. He

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be in his presence and let his goodness shine in my life.

opportunities I’ve been given. It’s about being intentional in everything I do; praying in the morning, reflecting on scripture before bed, or even just taking a second in the middle of my day to acknowledge that I’m doing all of this in His vision and not alone.

The hardest part is actually quieting my day enough to be still and hear his voice. However, I’ve learned that stillness isn’t just about physically being still, but about remobilizing my thoughts towards Him no matter what’s going on.

Nicholas- My world moves fast with school, extracurriculars, and preparing for college. Sometimes, it’s just hard to find time in my day to be still with God. Isaiah 26:3 says, “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”

This verse isn’t saying peace comes from slowing down or having less on your schedule, it’s saying peace comes from trusting God while everything is happening.

For me, being still with God doesn’t mean cutting back on the

Melody- It can be difficult to

have God's guidance throughout the day. God's presence isn't always about a long-structured prayer, it can be a small, simple moment. While it can feel difficult, I trust that God listens to me and understands my struggles; it's about drawing near to him even in the midst of a hectic life.

spend time with God amidst the pressures and distractions of life. In the mornings, I take time to pray and thank God for another day, another chance to show his greatness, love and compassion through me. I also try to read a bible verse daily so I can

Naomi- 2. Kindness is one of the fruits of the Spirit. How do you think God's idea of kindness differs from a human's view of kindness? What does kindness look like in your relationships with others?

(Proverbs 3:3-6) (Galatians 5:22-23)

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Ashley- I believe that the human

Galatians 5:22, He declares that true kindness is Spirit-produced. This means that whether or not the person is treating you with a kind heart, it should never change your intentions, and you should always lead with a kind soul. As people, we tend to act on emotion, especially in conflict with one another. Learning from these mistakes, I realized that everyone goes through different situations and feelings, but I should remain looking for the needs of others.

view of kindness is vastly different from God’s view of kindness. In society today, many people choose to be kind because others have reciprocated that. For example, many of us are kind to our friends because they treat us with that same level of kindness. But I believe that God’s view of kindness is intentionally treating everyone with love and respect, regardless of any situation. In

Adrianna- Kindness looks like

looks like setting aside how I feel to serve others. I pray for all and smile and talk to others to spread God's happiness and light.

spreading the word of God. Being there for others through the good and the bad. Kindness in my relationships

Manga- I think that God’s idea of

return. Typically, us humans tend to only be kind to others when they are kind to us or give us something in return. In my relationships with others, kindness looks like giving compliments and encouraging others even when it does me no benefit.

kindness resembles his way of Love. I say that in the sense that he wants our kindness to be unconditional. God wants us to be kind to others because we have been called to, not because that person is giving us something in

That kind of kindness isn’t about convenience or your reputation. It’s about kindness that is so deeply ingrained in your identity that it isn’t shaken by circumstance or emotion.

Nicholas- It’s easy to be kind to people who are kind to you back.

Proverbs 3:3 says, “Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.”

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One way I’ve tried to practice this recently is by being bipartisan and tolerant of people who don’t share my views. I serve in multiple youth-led organizations where not everyone shares my views, including the Governor’s Youth Commission under Katie Hobbs. In this politically charged time, that can mean working alongside people who fundamentally disagree with me. At first, that can be frustrating, but I have to remind myself, Why am I here? To make an impact. And I can’t do that if I shut people out just because we see the world differently. The best advice I got about bipartisanship was this: Whether or not someone agrees with you, you both got into this field because you want to help people. You both have hobbies outside of politics.

And you both are driven by a purpose, a promise, and a vision greater than yourselves. When I started seeing people that way, working together became a lot easier. However, this does not mean compromising your principles or diminishing your worth to collaborate with those who do not respect you. During these times, there will be an increasing amount of people who refuse to work with you solely because of who you are, and others who enter the field for selfinterest rather than genuine service.

Your responsibility is to remain steadfast in your values and committed to your purpose, so that when they look over, they see not just who you are, but who they should be.

At that moment, you leave it up to them to make a change.

Melody- God's kindness is much

part of his always-forgiving character.

Human kindness can be conditional, given when it's easy or when we expect something back. But God calls us to love sacrificially, showing Kindness even when we don't get it in return. In my relationships, I try to show God's kindness by being forgiving and gracious even when it's hard.

deeper and more unconditional than human kindness, which depends on our feelings or the situation. God's kindness comes from his unchanging love and grace as seen in Proverbs 3:3-6, which highlights his loyalty and faithfulness. His kindness isn't based on what we do or deserve, it is

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Naomi- 3. What high expectations do you have for God this year? What are you counting on Him for?

Ashley- Since it's the start of the

helped me grow my relationship with Christ. I learned that Comparison holds us back from pursuing what God has set out for us. For example, many people wish they could do certain things that others can, but in all reality, that wasn’t God’s intention for you. He has other things that he wants you to accomplish and succeed in. We should focus on pursuing that instead of worrying about what others may be better at than we are.

new year and I am graduating high school, I ask God to keep me on the same path He has set out for me. I ask that he continues to guide me in the right direction and help me trust in His plans. This is something that I tend to struggle with, especially when it comes to comparison in other people’s plans. When I attended Church last Sunday, I learned a very important and valuable lesson that has

Adrianna- My high expectations

his counsel through everything in my life. I am counting on God for protection over my family and friends. I am counting on God for a blessed, fulfilling 2025 that I have faith we all will have!!

for God this year are that He will lead me through whatever trials and tribulations college and graduation may swing at me. God will take me by my right hand and guide me with

Manga- This year, my expectations

do. So I am expecting all things to work for my good this year, and I am counting on God to be my everything this year. I want everything to run through him and everything to be done for his glory.

for God are to do what He does best.

And that is to be constant in his Greatness and love and mercy. This year, I understand more than ever that there is no limitation on what God can

Nicholas- This year, I’m counting

career, and what kind of leader I want to be. And while I know He has a plan, that doesn’t mean I won’t

on God for clarity. I have a lot of decisions ahead with college, my

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struggle with doubt along the way.

But Romans 8:28 reminds us, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” This verse doesn’t promise life will be easy, but it promises that God is intentional. Every success, every failure, every moment of uncertainty is shaping me into the person I’m meant to be.

I also have personal goals this year. I want to improve my public speaking, learn new languages, and keep expanding my ability to connect with different people. But more than anything, I just want to walk confidently in whatever God is calling me to do. Overall, my future isn’t just about what I accomplish. It’s about who I become in the process.

MelodyThis year, I'm setting high expectations for God to guide me through challenges, help me grow in faith, and strengthen me during the hard times. I'm trusting that He will

help me be more patient, kind, and understanding towards others. I also want him to give me the courage to pursue the purpose he has for me.

Don’t forget to send us your feedback.

See you next time…

Naomi Martin, Head Writer/Interviewer

Y. P. W. P.

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This Orange-Glazed Ham is the way Nona does it. Delicious!

by Jose Gonzales https://www.allrecipes.com/ 72

Original Recipe

20 mins

2 hrs.

•

1 (8-pound) bone-in Smoked Ham

•

2 oranges, juiced

•

3 tablespoons brown sugar

•

1 tablespoon dry mustard

•

1 tablespoon whole cloves, or as needed

8 hrs. 20 mins.

10 hrs. 40 mins 12

1. Place ham in a large pot and cover with water. Soak for 8 hours to overnight to remove salt.

2. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Line a roasting pan with aluminum foil.

3. Mix orange juice, brown sugar, and dry mustard together in a small bowl.

4. Drain ham and pat dry. Place in the prepared roasting pan. Score the outside of the ham in a diagonal pattern and coat with orange juice mixture. Insert cloves at cross marks.

5. Bake in the preheated oven until heated through and glaze is well browned, about 2 hours.

Let sit for 20 to 30 minutes before carving.

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DID YOU MISS THE DEADLINE TO BE IN

No worries…you can be in the next edition.

It’s easy, just follow the steps below…

1. If you would like to submit an ad, write an article, share your story, have a recipe etc.

2. Simply email us at mysarahmagazine@gmail.com and let us know that you would like to be a part of the magazine.

3. We will contact you with details and add you to our mailing list so that you will be one of the first to know when it’s time to get your submissions in.

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Coffee mugs Color Changing Coffee Mugs Key Chains Magnets Pillows Picture Turntable

Stuffed Balloons Candles Wine Glass Covers Tote Bags T-Shirts Personalized Playing Cards

www.personalizeitsc2.com, shereecarradine@yahoo.com or 520-392-4887 If you don’t see any of these items on the website, contact me and will send you pictures and pricing.

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