Good Deeds Magazine
1
From the Editor The magazine you have before you is a true demonstration of Good Deeds every second and every day. It’s a remarkable achievement if we say so ourselves, but it’s particularly a joy given the climate of the world today. The inception of Good Deeds Magazine is to motivate, inspire and be a catalyst in your pathway of purpose. We are thrilled to have a publication to speak to your mind, body and soul. In this issue, we focus on well your well-being and wholeness. Yes, there is finally a publication that focuses on you. Having a strong support system is a must in your purpose. With tenacity, hard work, and a positive attitude, we can do anything. We have taken the mantle to pave the road to opportunities and a real voice to shout from the mountain-top that Good Deeds occur every second of every day. Thank you for entrusting us with this task. We will connect in the next issue. Blessings, Dr. Renee Sunday – The Platform Builder Visionary & Editor
4
Good Deeds Magazine
Every Child Has a Story Building Confidence & Self-Esteem One Child at a Time
I
have to admit, I’ve always known that my specifically designed path would lead me right to my purpose. Some people call me strong, but the truth is, that’s not always the case. Being strong is over-rated. Courage, on the other hand, is paramount. I’ve always been courageous.
As far back as I can remember I’ve always felt comfortable talking to people; either one, or hundreds. My mother once told me that I was born talking. Can you imagine that? Words have always attracted my attention…they create a visual picture in my mind and come to life in true color.
Reading books is still my favorite pastime. I have never been afraid to speak up, but I know what that fear looks like on the face of a child. Imagine sitting in class avoiding the teacher’s attention so she won’t call on you. Keeping your head down, and even though you know the answers to her questions, you’re praying she doesn’t call your name. But she does, and now you have to stand in front of the whole class to answer the question. Your throat is dry, your hands are sweaty, and you just want to run out of class and go home. Thoughts run through your head.
They will laugh at me, I will open my mouth and nothing will come out, I’m going to forget the answer. Have you been there before? My best friend Katie lived in this fear. She was so fearful that she literally got sick… and yes, the class laughed. It’s what kids do when they don’t really understand what just happened. I knew what happened, and I never forgot the look on her face as she ran out of the room. Since then, this scene has played out more times than I care to count. As a child, when I saw the pain and fear of speaking publically on the faces of so many of my classmates, I felt helpless. I
Good Deeds Magazine
5
Renewing Your Mind: You Can Conqueror Your Finances
T
he United States is in economic crisis. Employers are downsizing, bankruptcy filings are increasing, student loan rates are shifting upward, lending guidelines are stricter, lots of households have defaulted on debt, and foreclosures are at an all-time high. Contrary to what is often preached, “Yes, you can be a faithful, gifted and tithing Believer and still be affected by the downward shift of the economy.” The Good News is that regardless of your past or current financial status, “In all things, you are more than a conqueror” (Romans 8:37).
8
Good Deeds Magazine
Financial Freedom does not start with a certain amount of money in your bank account or a detailed financial plan. It starts with a renewed mind.
1. Money is evil.
The apostle Paul wrote, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:12).
3. Money is mine; therefore, I can do whatever I want with it.
In laymen’s terms, in order to conquer your finances; you must change your mindset. Ask yourself a question. “Is my thinking stinking?” Unfavorable financial thoughts lead to unhealthy actions. Below are some “wrong” thoughts about money.
2. Money should be first in my life and it brings long-lasting happiness.
4. When I give (sow), I am losing and not gaining. 5. Making more money is the solution to my financial problems. 6. I have money; therefore, I know everything about money and do not need a financial plan.
Wow, this is stinking thinking! None of these thoughts line up with the Word of God. Satan’s goal, and he’s the Author of Confusion, is to baffle the Body of Christ. If you believe any of these lies about money or have struggled in any of these six areas in the past, it’s ok. God’s truth is available. He is not a man that He should lie. There is liberty in God’s word. “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32). So, how do you renew your mind? Cross reference the “wrong thinking” number from above with the “renewed-mind thinking” below. This is God’s truth. From this day forward, meditate on what God says and let His word be the final authority. 1. Money is not evil. “The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil” I Timothy 6:10. 2. Money is never first. “But seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” Matthew 6:33. 3. Nothing belongs to you. You are a steward (manager) over money and other things you have been entrusted with. “The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it” Psalm 24:1. 4. There is no loss in giving (sowing into good ground). “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you” Luke 6:38.
5. You must be able to successfully manage the resources you currently have to properly manage more. “You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things” Matthew 25:23.
be ready to apply practical principles to reposition yourself financially. Start a financial plan by recording your financial goals and assigning deadlines. Include your reason “why” to keep you motivated to stay on the course you’ve set.
6. Coaches have coaches. Solomon was the wisest man in the world, and very wealthy, yet he was continually in the company of other persons with wisdom. “For which one of you, when he wants to build a tower, does not first sit down and calculate the cost to see if he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who observe it begin to ridicule him, saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’” Luke 14:28-30.
In spite of economic conditions, walk by faith, not by sight. You are “More Than a Conqueror.” Author - Erica L. Brooks www.iknowmyvalue.com
Once your mind is transformed, you will
Good Deeds Magazine
9
12
Good Deeds Magazine
Introducing WOMEN IN HISTORY
]
]
Sculpture honoring the four little girls killed in the 1963 bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church, Birmingham, Alabama - Star Photography
Photography: Sherry Williams - Star Photography, LLC.
ROSETTA SUNDAY
Proverbs 31 Woman, Civil Rights Activist, Mentor, Breast Cancer Survivor
God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, Courage to change the things I can, And wisdom to know the difference. Reinhold Niebuhr I say to the community we need each other, love is the key. Have respect, love, and a grateful heart. My generation endured it all‌.Now you embrace your purpose , dream big and achieve all of your dreams.
18
Good Deeds Magazine
RENEE FERGUSON JONES Paralegal at Adams and Reese law firm
What inspires you to finish a goal? A. What inspires me to finish a goal is a sense of accomplishment. Having the feeling that I can high-five myself after doing something I set my mind to do. Finishing a goal is always more difficult than starting one. Even if the goal is to make up my bed every morning or get out of bed the first time my alarm goes off, that’s an accomplishment and I have finished that goal and the rest of the day should be easy. What are your favorite quotes? My Pastor, Chris Hodges (Church of the Highlands) - “It’s not about a religion, it’s about a relationship with God” and “Respond well to correction. Own it, move on. Leaders make adjustments, not excuses.” What are your favorite quotes? “Not everybody needs to sit at your table of life”. If your friends do not make you want to be better, then they don’t deserve a seat at your table. Always try to leave better than you came! My daddy, Robert Ferguson – “Life is not fair but God is good.” This is a great quote we say often since my mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.
Good Deeds Magazine
19