Sistah's Cafe December 2009

Greatest Gift of

Sistah’s Café

♥ The Greatest Gift of All…

Maarreeee FFeeaattuurreedd A Arrttiisstt:: IIbbaannddaa G G.. R Roollaanndd FFeeaattuurruueedd A Auutthhoorr SShhaarroonn D D.. H Hoolllliiddaayy FFeeaattuurreedd PPooeett:: JJoocceeee M

♥Encouraging “God’s Woman” ♥

…Jesus

December 2009

~Subi~

SSkkyylleerr’’ss PPllaaccee A A ppllaaccee ooff w wiissddoom m ffoorr SSkkyyeerr aanndd FFrriieennddss

Hello! I’m Skyler. I like reading and talking to my friends. I’m a junior editor, wow, I’m grateful to be doing something I like… …join me inside. ``````````````

Join the Fellowship!

EEnnhhaannccee Y Yoouurr W r i t i n g M i Wr it ing M inniissttrryy Grab a cup of your favorite brew and come on in…

M Moorree T Thhaann aa N Neew wsslleetttteerr IItt’’ss G Goooodd N Neew wss,, FFeelllloow wsshhiipp & &O Ouuttrreeaacchh

H Hoolliiddaayy PPuunncchh RReecciippee iinnssiiddee:: M Miixx w weellll w wiitthh SSiissttaahhss//FFrriieennddss ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

www.voicesofchrist.org

CChhooccoollaattee KKiisssseess ffrroom m H e a v e n i n F Heaven in Feebbrruuaarryy!!

Upcoming Spring/ Fall Get-a-way 2010 Events posted online/email SC online: www.sharonholliday.org click on Sister’s Café and http://www.sistahscafe.blogspot.com /

Inside the issues of Sistah’s Café♥  “Morning Brew” to get your day started right in the word of God.  “ Midday Tea” here to help you power up and get you through the day.  “Evening Comfort” as the day is coming to an end evening comfort is here to remind you of the God of our peace,  joy, love, faithfulness and even more, is forever present and will comfort you as you close the day in Him.  Poetry/Creative Writing  Embracing Wisdom  Skyler’s Place (addressing questions from our young audience)  Outreach, Fellowship and more… www.voicesofchrist.

org

VOL.1 ISSUE 7

Morning Brew

“You Are Blessed and Highly Favored” I have walked through the doors of Christian fellowship many times, I’ve been greeted by people saying this wonderful thing to me, “you are blessed and highly favored of God.” My reply is always with a smile and those words of gratitude, “thank you.” It doesn’t matter how many times I have heard those words or say them to myself; each time the word is spoken, I feel an uplifting energy pronounced on my life; no matter what’s challenging me; in that moment I am invigorated. Why? For me, I know that they are words of truth and life. I know that God favors His children. God’s word does something that we all connect with, it encourages us. No matter who or where we are in life, we all need encouragement as we move forward, but there is far more to this than a moment of emotion.

Didn’t God say, in my presence there is pleasure forever more? God meant His w ord to be effectively changing our lives for victorious living everyday.

What does the word favor mean? It means “pleasure and delight.” Think about these words.

Since life poses disappointment, hard situations and trouble, you may be thinking how can one enjoy life in the midst of all that? You may think you have to be superwoman or something. No, but living a supernatural life changes your mindset, and eventually changes your life. Supernatural thinking is to think beyond the natural realm. Instead of focusing on the situation focus on Jesus our redeeming Savior. Look for your answer in Him. Although I hurt and bleed red blood if I cut my flesh; I choose the life that Jesus died to give me day after day. I choose not to live in that down beaten life that Satan desires for us to live. I have learned that Satan cannot be trusted; there is no truth in him. He is a liar. I have learned what he offers, the end is death. I have learned where true pleasure is. According to the word of God, I have learned through the renewing of my mind to resist Satan and remain in the presence of God where there is pleasure forever more. I have learned that I can have a life that I love and enjoy everyday. Limitations come only if I limit God, choose not to renew my mind, except ignorance, unbelief, or obey the flesh.

Now the critic corner would say, “you are trying to be too spiritual, or doubt the ability of being able to stand in every situation, or can’t nobody experience this all the time”. I differ with them of course. This is not possible in the natural sense, but the battle has already been won, doubt and unbelief is not for me so, I trust God and receive what is mine. I choose to trust His word; it is wise council. When we walk in the council of God, His word becomes the deciding point and makes life better. Let read Proverbs 2:10-12, “When wisdom enters your heart, and knowledge is pleasant to your soul, discretion will preserve you; understanding will keep you, to deliver you from the way of evil.” When you r enew your mind with the Word of God, you will begin to see your life through the eyes of God, you will walk above the circumstances; therefore, not being moved except by what God has spoken. As Christians , we are to do this and those around us will benefit. You will be a light to them. Our lives, as Christians should reflect our Father well. Start where you are right now and trust the God of our salvation and walk in His council.

Psalm 30:5… “His favor is for a lifetime.” When I read that something rose up inside of me all over again. I am blessed and highly favored for a lifetime. This is something God purposed and gave to His children. God provided for us in every way. Glory to God, praise the Lord! Now look at Genesis 1:22 with me, “God created man in his [own] image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. And God blessed them, and God said unto them, be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion.” Even after the fall of man, God continued to make known to his people that his full desire is for them in every area of their life.

Genesis 12:2 God spoke to Abram, later change His name to Abraham “And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing.” When God favors us, He also blesses us and others will delight in us too. He made this life possible! He sent His Son to be born, (fulfilling His purpose) Jesus died for us to make all of this possible and give (available) manifestation of the promises of God. Luke 1: 30, “And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.” (Favored: that which affords joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness, charm, loveliness: grace of speech of the merciful kindness by which God, exerting his holy influence upon souls, turns them to Christ, keeps, strengthens, increases them in Christian faith, knowledge, affection, and kindles them to the exercise of the Christian virtues.)

No doubt! I am blessed and highly favored of God and man so are you! Trust God and r eceive it for yourself. ♥

Midday Tea: “For unto us a Child is born, a Son is given.” Isaiah 9:6 While you prepare for this great celebration, don’t forget Jesus is our Gift of Salvation. What can you bring to Him? Your life, accept Him! Make a lifetime commitment of a sanctified life, wholly unto Him.

December 2009

VOL. 1 ISSUE 7

Sist ah’s Café Visit SC online : http://sistahscafe.blogspot.com/ www.sharonholliday.org Join the fellowship and reach out to others!

Embracing Wisdom Four Easy Steps to Credit Safety There are some simple steps you can take to protect yourself from the nightmare of identity theft.

1. Don't Carry All of Your Identity with You- You should not carry your social security card, PIN number, or credit cards you don't use in your wallet or purse. Rather, keep them in a safe place in your home and only pull them out if you need them.

2. Use a Paper Shredder -Your junk mail and other documents can contain enough personal information for someone to steal your identity. Keep dumpster divers from obtaining this information by shredding everything that contains any information about you.

3. Secure Your Mail -Unsecured mailboxes are another way for identity thieves to get people's personal information. You can install a locking mailbox to ensure that your incoming mail is inaccessible. All outgoing mail should be placed in a larger blue mailbox or taken to the post office.

4. Watch Your Credit Report -You are entitled to one free credit report from each of the credit reporting agencies a year. Be sure to take advantage of this and order a copy every year. You should then check it for any errors or irregularities and report those back to the credit agency. You can get your free reports from AnnualCreditReport.com. If you feel your identity is at risk , you can also put a fraud alert in your file. Contact each of the three agencies (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) directly to activate this alert.

“May the Lord bless and protect you” Numbers 6:24 NIV

We are coming to your café…meet us there

Attention Youth!

Hi, I am taking this time to fellowship with my friends so I will be back in the New Year. Gather your questions and send them to me at sistahscafe@live.com we will discuss them in 2010.

Maude’s Naturally 114 Wilson St. Dunn, North Carolina

For Natural Products and Herbals Workshops also held at Maude’s Contact: Maude 910 892-2460 maudesgifts@dockpoint.net or Drop in! And have a great smoothie!

Tell her hometown Author Sharon sent you by

We are praying for you at Sistah’s Café. Stop in let’s sup with him together, there is nothing impossible for our Father. When we call on Him, He answers.

Pray with us daily!

Answers: Pen quin Frosty Flakes

Gotta Laugh A Little!

Q: What kind of bird can write?

Q: What does a pol ar bear eat for breakfast?

PPaaggee 33

Artist Ibanda G. Roland Sample Greet ing Card CIG Creating Cards with a mission!

Featured Artist: Ibanda G. Roland Jinja, Uganda

ABOUT I. G. Roland

At the tender age, of eight Roland began working numerous jobs to help support his disabled mother and siblings. His mother had sustained extensive injuries from an attack by robbers. In spite of his enormous responsibilities, Roland was a successful student. He completed secondary school and qualified for advanced level high school education in U ganda. Students in Uganda must pay for their high school education. Roland helped pay his tuition by working at the high school doing maintenance cleaning. Now a young man Roland is still pursuing his dream of coming to America to attend college - and to be able to grow his art and writing — through love.

Email: ibanda.g.roland@gmail.com For M ore information about Roland, his art and writings, please visit http://www.astarrynightproductions.com/creative/pages/ibanda.ht Sistah’s Café Helping Hands is using our resources to reach others on behalf of I.G. Roland and has made a list of things to aid him in reaching his dream to fulfill what God has for him.

Look for his work in Sistah’s Café.

December 2009 24 Christmas Eve 25 Christmas 31 New Year's Eve Coming February

Sistah’s Café is recognizing someone special in February’s Issue Chocolate Kisses “Kisses from Heaven” Submit your story about someone you feel deserves this special recognition by January 15, 2010.

Submit to: sistahscafe@live.com P.O. Box 13093 Durham, NC 27709 Attn: SC Chocolate Kisses

Framed Art Also Avail able!

Visit online to see more.

Sistah’s Café Helping Hands Is Outreach Proverbs 31 Woman♥ “…Extends her hand to the poor, and she stretches out her hands to the needy.”

Prov. 31:20 Gi ve Your Best Gift♥ Too often people think that giving a little isn’t a lot and too often people measure giving by the number or how much; giving by God’s standard is unlike man. I think we can sometimes miss the value of the gift by placing a numerical value to it even when it can be counted numerically. This kind of thin king can push us to compare, boast, and completely miss it with God’s blessings in this area. A few points here, (1) Do not minimize your gift or someone else’s. (2) Don’t hold back on your best gift, God didn’t. (3) Don’t take advantage of people that are willing to give. (4) Seek and listen to God concerning all things including, g iving. (5) Have a pure heart in giving, and remember your g iving is between you and God. ~Thank God for all the co mforts of life we have and eternal life He provided for all through His giving~ read John 3:16 ~ Thanks for hel ping Sistah’s Café hel p others. ~Your love goes be yond words~ Formal & Semi Formal Invitation Corporate Greetings

Christmas Cards for your Company Wedding Invitations by

McPherson’s

www.sharonholliday.com come’n see our books Call Denise 919 596-1013

Churches, Organizations, Business and Personal Order your Christmas Cards Today!

Evening Comfort: Receive Him as your Savior and Lord¸ there is no life without Him! “That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.” Romans 10:9-10~ There is no greater comfort than knowing you are in Him! Page 4

ppaaggee 33

December 2009

Order Today!

“God's Woman in her o wn destiny will take you back to your beginning place with God to start a heart to heart journey of truth and change to your very own ordained destiny. In this dynamic book you will get to know who you are created to be.

You will be persuaded to join in l ove toward one another as women, because you are God's Woman.

It is a book that both men and wo men can grow and become a godly examp le to the generations to come.

In this book Sharon joins life experiences and truth to convey God's never forsaking presence and love.

She also encourages you in being all of who you are through poetic meditations and enjoying time with God. Sharon gives you an opportunity to access and strengthen your spiritual life through personal time with God with intimate mo ments and scripture readings. God's wo man is a book that reveals love, joy, peace, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control through a day to day walk wi th God in real life situations and circumstances. Order: www.sharonholliday.org; www.amazon.com; www.target.com

VOL. 1 ISSUE7

The Pen of His Anointed Scribes When He speaks to my heart, I listen, I write….

Write 4 Him Café

Every Time Excerpt from Creation’s Path a Poetic Journey of Faith

Every time you see me through Life’s seemingly difficult storms, I stand in awe of you.

Your mighty hand, Your power that prevails, Your amazing grace That comes upon me to stand Every time.

Sharon D. Holliday © 2009

Every Woman has the potential to be God’s Woman.

Being God’s woman is being the woman that God purposed you to be, fulfilling your specific destiny.

Sharon D. Holliday Woman of God Poetess, Author, Speaker Telephone 919 596-1013

Facsimile 919 596-1013 P.O. Box 13093, Durham, NC 27709

Many Thanks for all we did in 2009!

I am grateful for all of 2009 events and engagements. Thank you for inviting me and attending guest speaking and Sistah’s Café hosted events. For the outreach, thanks for joining in, I am thankful for His guidance and for giving me new writing opportunities. ♥

“No matter what, God is our ever present You are help, stand in faith.”

invited! …Meet Me at the Café

I am inviting my sistahs, friends, and you to meet me at some of this areas nicest coffee cafés. I may even take in some other venues or two. If you see us there please don’t be shy…as a manner of fact join us for a cup of coffee or tea.

2010 New Authors! Join me!

Where?

I will list some of the places in next month’s issue.

Email me let me know you want to join me. sistahscafe@live.com 2010 Sistah’s Café is on the move encouraging God’s Woman Praying I’ll see you there!

Sharon D. Holliday

Give thanks each day unto the Lord for all His goodness.

Merry C hristmas from A ll of Us at S istah Cafe♥ Please do not copy or use any of the writer’s work wi thout written permission of the author.

Sistah’s Café is Creati ve Words Publications © 2009 page 5 Page 5

Sistah’s Café 2010

Write 4 Him Café

Fellowship Request fellowship details! sistahscafe@live.com Email us to be added to the mailing list! sistahscafe@live.com Come Join the Fellowship!

5th Saturday's 2pm-5pm January May July October (Also Silver Queens Month) Other events as planned March/Spring or Fall/September 2010 Get-a-way

------------Community Outreach ---------

Planning Team Bi- Monthly Meetings Via email

Holiday Punch Recipe

Light and Tasty Holiday Punch 1/3 cup sugar 1 quart cranberry juice 2 cups unsweetened pineapple juice 3 tablespoons almond extract 1 (2 liter) bottle ginger ale In a large container, mix together sugar, cranberry juice, pineapple juice and almond extract.

Ref rigerate for 1 day. To serve, pour juice mixture into a punch bowl. Stir in ginger ale.

Mix with F rie nds

.

My Praise My praise is humble and truly sincere I praise God for health and a mind that is clear for my ability to think see and hear.

I praise God for each day I praise him for strength to make my way and for him teaching me how to pray.

I praise God for the good and the bad.

I thank him for the life I’ve had.

I thank him for patience when people make me mad.

I praise him for the small things that are valuable to me, worship, family, happiness, friends and a desire to succeed.

I praise him for peace and a goodnights rest.

I thank him for being his child and calling myself blessed.

I praise him for breath that I breathe and the ability to give as I receive. I praise him for bread on the table and paying my bills just because I am able.

I praise him for the simple things in life.

I don’t need it all. I praise him for love, peace and healing when my joyful tears begin to fall.

“Praise God for the tiny morsels and the bigger bites will come” Josciaa Maree Expressions © 2009

Page 6

What is Sistah’s Café?

Three Parts of Sistah’s Cafe

Newsletter: A printed & online newsletter/outreach.

Online: Reaching beyond our city.

O u r C a f é i s o n l i n e t o se r v e t h e n a t i o n s i n t h e s a m e u p l i ft i n g , i n s p i r i n g , c r e at i v e , l i f e ch a n g in g a nd e y e o p e n i n g w a y!

T h e p r i n t a n d o n l i n e n e w sl e t t e r s a re b o t h an e v a n g el i ca l o ut r e ac h , s ha r i n g Hi s l o v e an d b o d y b ui l di n g be y o n d t h e w al l s .

919 730-8904

Dunn, NC Online!

Cindy Mcneil 910-892-9378 email: coffeepothot2003@yahoo.com Shop my store: http://youravon.com/cmcneil

Tinnkia Ray 919 638-4255 or 919 491-3134 Durham, NC

Word Pictures Raleigh, NC Our sponsors donate products for our women’s fellowship events and/or support Sistah’s Café Helping Hands Outreach.

Many thanks to the local venues host SC newsletter!

Word Games for Kids: Words in Words You can som etimes make words using the letters in a larger word. For example, from the word "tube" you can make "be," "bet," "but," and "tub." Now onto a harder one: how many words can you make from the word "Antarctica"?

(Hint: we found 44.)

Let us know what you find: sistahscafe@live.com

Fellowship Throughout the NT the followers of Christ gathered and grew.

What does fellowship mean? Koinonia (Greek) NT 2843 κοινωνικός [koinonikos /koy·no·nee·kos/] adj. translates as “willing to communicate” once. 1 social, sociable, ready and apt to form and maintain communion and fellowship. 2 inclined to make others sharers in one’s possessions, inclined to impart, free in giving, liberal.

As we are equipped (Eph.4:11) we are to go and do the work. Fellowship helps us grow strong in Him together and helps us become more willing to share with others.

Please take the time and read: Act 2:46; Act 5: 41; Rom. 16:3-5; Col. 4:5 It is a blessing to see the body of Christ gather and achieve His purpose and grow.

When do we meet?

Our planning/prayer team meets bi-monthly.

Quarterly Fellowships for women to grow love together with one purpose-to be an example of Christ.

Sistah’s Café…We’re here to encourage you! …Sometimes we need a word of encouragement; one word from God can change our lives. Sometimes we need to laugh, “Laughter is like a medicine” smoothing the pain; relief, I can make it now. Sometimes we need just a little reminder, wisdom imparted, a nudge that reminds us of who He is and allowing Him to be all that He is in us.

Sometimes we need reminding; we are not alone, God has not forgotten us, He said “I am with you always…I will never leave or forsake you.”

The beauty of Sistah’s Café is that it is written to bring life to your world. The Word of God is Life. We invite you to spend time each month with us in the pages of this newsletter and let God bless you with what you have need of and spur you on to do His will each day.

Our Love and Prayers ~SC ~ Our 2010 tentative Calendar will be posted online December 2009.

We are about Our Heavenly Father’s Business.

Sistah’s Café does not tolerate a spirit of division in any form *

All rights reserved. Please do not copy without written permission signed by the author and publication.

Page 7

December 2009

VOL. 1 ISS UE 7

Holliday’s Lawn Service

919 685-5000 or 919 596-1013 Ask for Holliday Keeping Your Lawn Beautiful Year Round

Eagles Nest Christian Fellowship

Located in Research Triangle Park

11100 Fellowship Dr. Raleigh, NC 27617 Pastor Jim Whitefield

It’s a great Church to attend and experience God’s Presence Service: Every Sunday 10:30am & Wednesday 7pm Listen Online:www.eaglesnest.org

Phone: 919 846-0470/ 596-1636

Youth you do not have to be members to attend so bring a friend, and come join this fun fellowship.

Impact GirlsEagles' Nest

Royal Rangers

Mpact Girls consists of

Is one of America’s

two clubs: Prims: The

largest and foremost

Discovery Club for

adventure ministries

kindergarten (age 5)

designed for boys and

through second grade

young men 5 to 17

girls and Stars Fun Club for third grade girls through fifth.

years of age.

Call for more info. information

Sistah’s Café More Than a Newsletter

Sistah’s Café Koinonia

For Advertising Call 919 596-1013 Schedule Your Ad for the Next Issue

Our Ingredients: Laughter and sometimes tears Always love Prayer and encouragement Mixed Well: Growth happens Bake at God’s Temperature: We become Sistahs

$ Affordable Ads $

Disclaimer: Sistah’s Café is a Christian Newsletter produced in every way to encourage you and to provide timely and accurate information; therefore, we shall have no liability to any person or entity with respect to liability, loss, or damage, caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly by the information contained in this newsletter. This publication is intended to provide generalized information only and not to render professional or legal advice.

P.O. Box 13093 Durham, NC 27709

SC Welcomes all Readers!

PPaaggee 88