Good Deeds Magazine

VOL.1 | ISSUE 1

ARTHUR ROLAND BLESSED WITH A SONG

10 PLACES TO VISIT IN LIFE FOR RELAXATION AND SOLITUDE

LIFESTYLE OF THE HEALTHY

ANOINTED TIME VERSES

THE FOOD AND FITNESS JOURNEY TO SUCCESS

APPOINTED TIME

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

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From the Editor

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Anointed Time Verses appointed time

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Who is focused on Improving the State of Relationships, Love and Marriage in the U.S.?

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Leaving An Inheritance; Ensure Your House is in Order

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Arthur Roland Blessed With a Song

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Live your Best Life...Do you have

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08 - NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION SPOTLIGHT

a dream, wish or a desire?

Lifestyle of the Healthy: The Food & Fitness Jouney to Success

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10 Places to visit in life for relaxation and solitude

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What’s In Your Heart?

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05 - SPIRITUALITY

Let’s Eat

Good Deeds Magazine

10 - FINANCE

14 - FEATURE ARTHUR ROLAND

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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

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few years back I ministered in a series titled “Change Has Come.” In order to fully understand or even embrace change, we must understand that God’s timing is not our timing. Believers often say, “When is my change coming,” verses focusing on the Change Maker. Ok, yes we live in a microwave generation where waiting seems like torture; however, Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us, “To everything there is a season, a time for EVERY purpose under heaven.”

Did you receive a word from

the Lord and are weary waiting on the Promise? I want to encourage you that your change has come; however, there is a difference in the “Anointed Time” and the “Appointed Time.” The wait is your season of preparation.

Are there any bakers or dessert lovers in the house?

Sometimes a baker or person waiting on homemade treat get anxious about seeing

ANOINTED

TIME VERSES A P P O I N T E D T I M E

and tasting the final product.

Inspite of instructions to “wait” a certain time before taking a cake out the oven, a novice baker or kid keeps opening the oven before time.

When a cake is taken out the oven before the “appointed” time, the appointed time, the cake falls. This is also true in

our personal lives. When we leap before time, things begin to crumble and fall apart.

Then we run back to God for him to fix it.

David was anointed to be King; however, David did not immediately take the throne of Saul. Instead, David went right on back tending his father’s sheep (preparation).

It was not David’s appointed time to step in position. That

very anointing that came upon him as Samuel anointed him began a work in that Shepherd boy to shape him into the king he was to come. The Appointed time is a process…

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Firstly David was anointed to be king through a prophetic word. (First you

received revelation.)

• When I went through spiritual elevation, many people said to me, “I knew it. I thought it would have happened a long time ago.” My call to pastor was prophesied to me in 2011, God confirmed it 2012; however, the appointed time did not manifest until 2017. Repeat, “Change is a process.”

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Then David was prepared to be king through servanthood in Sauls’ Court. (You were led to submit to the leadership of another. All good leaders must be able to follow.)

• When I received the word in 2012 that I will be a pastor, I did not run and start a church. I served other leaders faithfully and did in the trenches Matthew Ministry in the community. Throughout the season of waiting, there was pressure for me to

start a church ; however i understand there is danger in doing things prematurely. When we run ahead of got to plant it, we have to beg God to keep it. Don’t get out of the will rushing the appointed time.

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Then David was trained to be king through trials and testing in the Cave and Wilderness (You were forced to leave the Good Deeds Magazine

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system entirely for a long season.)

• God called me to do untraditional ministry which includes marketplace ministry. In season of transition, I had to uproot every “religious” thing that I was taught that did not align with the word of God. I could not allow man’s rules to shape how God wants me to reach the masses. Drown out the voice of Pharisees and Sadducees and allow God’s voice to be the final authority.

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4.

Then David looked and acted like a king as He ascended the throne of Judah.

(You were taken back into the system and began setting up your ministry, church, business, marry or other.)

• At the appointed time, there will be a glow and greater anointing. Following the leading of the Holy Spirit, you are to set up you ministry, church, business, non-profit organization , get married or walk in other promises that the Lord confirmed for your

life. There will be no doubt that it is your time and that God’s had is upon you.

God didn’t forget His Promise!

His promises are yes and amen. Hold on to your faith and trust the anointed and appointed time or His promises to manifest.

Bio: Erica F. Brooks is the Pastor of Relentless Ministries Worldwide an extension of I Know My Value whose mission

is: To make a global impact on the world by providing spiritual, practical and transformational teachings, resources and tools to equip diverse individuals, families, and organizations on identifying their value spiritually, personally and in the marketplace. She has been in ministry for 10 years in the office of an Evangelist and Elder and stepped out as the Pastor and Overseer of Relentless Ministries Worldwide in March 2017. www.iknowmyvalue.com

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Who is focused on Improving the State of Relationships, Love and Marriage in the U.S.?

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any Americans are not embracing the institution of marriage as much as they use to; however, they are not giving up on relationships. The number of Americans who are married is the lowest in numbers since 1920. Men are remaining single longer more than women, and the main reason from those who have never been

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married varies by age for both. According to a survey of adults in the United States

by Pew Research Center, those ages 1824 are not ready to settle down, ages 2534 feel they are not financially prepared and persons 35 and older say they have not found what they are looking for in a mate.

An analysis of 2015 Census Bureau data reflected about 8% of adults are cohabitating. Survey results from Pew Research Center, revealed that 11% of the public stated that they were in a committed relationship although they were not married or living with a partner.

These stats and trends are compelling.

Regardless of the reasons for individuals

choosing their relationship status, increased relationship, marriage and family education is needed.

Four out of ten new marriages are remarriages; atleast one of the partners was previously married. Due to the popularity and stats for online dating, education needs to transcend traditional settings to match the increase online positive receptivity for dating. Most people know someone who has used an online dating site or mobile app. Due to the accessibility and ease of use, this trend is expected to rise.

The stability of a nation rests on each and every community, and the communities rest on the foundations created by various relationships and family. In a continued response to such complexities and needs, there is an organization created to lead the way helping individuals be successful within marriage, blended families, dating and much more.

Created in 2004 by pioneer millennials, the SMART Organization invests in peoples’ lives and relationships with the purpose of impacting the world.

SMART stands for “Strengthening Marriages and Relationships Together,” and it is dedicated to providing resources and services designed to strengthen relationships. SMART commitment is to reach and empower one relationship, one marriage and one family one day at a time and offers monthly seminars, counseling, and enrichment activities to assist in building relationships and promoting unity among family.

SMART provides support to positively enhance the unity, strength, and hope of people’s lives individually and collectively within their homes and the community.

Each event is created to give life and

cultivate families and relationships.

SMART believes that a good foundation is formed through knowledge and understanding which in turn can solve and eliminate challenges in any relationship and in every area.

Annually, the SMART Relationship Retreat is one of the most anticipated events of the year. At the two day retreat participants hear from experienced speakers sharing on subjects of personal development, money, communications, sex and parenting. It is aimed to help participants to identify areas of relationship challenges and gain knowledge and motivation to alter the outlook for success. This past years’ theme was “Teamwork Makes Your Relationship Dreams Work.”

demographics and has reached over 1600 individuals through events, workshops, trips and education within Louisiana alone. With plans to expand on the horizon, SMART is seeking individuals who would like to connect for greater impact and reach across the US. If you are interested in partnering or becoming a member of the organization feel free to email at smartactivities@yahoo.com or call 225-802-4212. Also connect with us via Facebook at www.facebook.com/ SMARTRelationshipsTogether or visit on the web to see more about us at www. smartactivities.org. In addition if your community can benefit from a SMART based event feel free to contact us.

Contributor: Tonia Askins SMART Board Secretary

Another grand annual event is the SMART GALA. This event is elegant, educational and enlightening time for singles and couples to enjoy featuring special performers and relationship Q&A sessions for relationship guidance.

SMART regularly partners with organizations and community leaders to host events, workshops and annual retreats to carry out its’ mission. The organization hosts seminars in varying areas of concentrations to include: Health and Wellness, Financial Literacy, Parenting Skills, Business Development and core of numerous Relationship Building sessions.

Strengthening Marriages and Relationships Together

The current Board of Directors, counselors and advisors leading the efforts are experienced in various relationship, community development, educational, technical and business concentrations ensuring diverse program offerings.

The organizations impact spans

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Leaving An Inheritance; Ensure Your House is in Order

By Erica F. Brooks Four out of 10 Americans do not have life insurance, and thirty-nine percent are underinsured and do not have a policy outside of work (Harris Interactive Survey).

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ome people probably don’t know they need life insurance, or feel they can get by without it,” says Marv Feldman, President and CEO of the LIFE Foundation.

Most people think they only need life insurance to pay for a funeral. However, burial is not the primary purpose of LIFE insurance. According to Proverbs 13:22, A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children…” LIFE Insurance is a primary vehicle to leave an inheritance. This inheritance vehicle assists families after a loss i.e. “Indemnify” (Compensate, protect, provide security for financial disbursement, and returns people to their previous state before loss).

Americans pay on an average of $100 per month minimum for auto insurance; yet, most cars are liabilities and not assets if you are making monthly payments. “Is an automobile more important than family?” Look at it differently; “Is replacing your car (a liability) in the event of loss, a higher priority than replacing your income? Life insurance ensures your children and spouse are financially comfortable. Additionally, it pays off debt to allow your family to keep assets after a loss (death)?

The average basic funeral is $10,000. Hence, it is imperative you and your family are not just covered (a $5k whole life policy). You must be adequately covered and have an individual life insurance policy outside of your place of employment which offers group life insurance.

There is a risk with only having group life insurance. You do not

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own group insurance policies; your employer owns it. In most cases, within 31 days of termination voluntary or involuntary, your group life coverage is cancelled. Sometimes there is an option to convert to another type of policy (usually whole life); however, the premiums will often be quadruple the cost .

A mother shared a heart wrenching story of leaving her job to take care of her child suffering from a terminal illness. The child’s illness required a lot of travel and resources. The mother testified a couple months after her child’s transition she’d lost her Group Life Insurance when she opted to leave work to care for her child during the last few months of the child’s life.

This brave mother publically shared “It was never my desire to reach out to the community for assistance with my child’s final expenses.” In her heartfelt plea to help others fresh in the

providing clarity, we need to define a few terms to ensure we are speaking the same language.

A Term Life Insurance Policy is a policy with a set duration limit on the coverage period. Once the policy is expired, it is up to the policy owner to decide whether to renew the term life insurance policy or to let the coverage end.

A Whole Life Insurance Policy is a life insurance contract with level premiums having both insurance and an investment component. The insurance component pays a stated amount upon death of the insured. The investment component accumulates a cash value the policyholder can withdraw or borrow against (Investopedia).

Most Financial Advisors including Suze Orman and Dave Ramsey will tell you to buy Term Life Insurance, which is less expensive than Whole Life and invest the difference. Comparisons The average premium for a $250K Term Life Insurance Policy for a 38year old averages $45 monthly. The $250k Whole Life Insurance Policy for someone the same and with the same health classification is an average of $350 per month. With Term Life Insurance, there are huge savings.

The average million dollar policy for a 35 year old cost $105. The same coverage in a Whole Life Policy is over $1,000 per month.

The savings with a Term Policy versus a Whole life Policy will exceed $895 in savings monthly.

Term Life Insurance simply makes sense. Buy term and invest the difference. In fact it is best to get a Level Term Policy. healing process, this mother quoted, “Please get a life insurance policy outside of your job. If I had known then, what I know now, I would’ve done things differently. This has been a hard; yet humbling experience. I am sharing to help someone else.” I did not know the young woman until after her loss; yet felt her pain and continue to have compassion. It just doesn’t seem fair.

Sharing with grieving families especially grieving parents are the hardest financial dialogues for financial professionals to have.

Let’s talk terminology, premium comparisons, securing adequate coverage and the differences between life insurance beneficiary designations and Will apportionments.

How much coverage do you need?

Life Insurance is never one size fits all and there is no standard life insurance face amount (value) suggested across the board for everyone. Each individual and family’s situation is unique based on age, health, dependents, assets to be paid in case of loss, income replacement and other variables.

Do you want your family’s quality of life and financial stability to improve or diminish after death? Life insurance can be used to be a vehicle to help them maintain the desired quality of life. Do not risk being underinsured. The coverage amount is determined by a Financial Needs Analysis.

Term versus Whole Life Insurance Distinguishing between Life Insurance and Wills Insurance is insurance. Savings is savings. Investments are investments. There is no need to combine them. For the sake of

Insurance & Will Fact: Life Insurance beneficiary Good Deeds Magazine

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designations are not the same as Will apportionments. Insurance companies do not get involved in Wills. Insurers simply pay death benefits to primary beneficiaries or contingent beneficiaries listed on the policy contract after there is a death claim with the necessary supporting documents.

Scenario: “My Will says I want my mom to have $50k…” In order for the person’s mom to be awarded $50k, their mother must be a beneficiary on their life insurance policy designating the $50k, unless, the Will specifies the $50k is coming from another source such as a bank account, money in box, etc. Life Insurance beneficiaries, supersede a Will. If you want someone to be paid the death claim from life insurance, you must make him or her a beneficiary. If you want to leave someone assets outside of life insurance, spell out allocations of possessions in your Will.

Check your beneficiaries and make sure your allocations are accurate. If you recently divorced, determine if you want to you former spouse to remain the beneficiary on your life policy.

Also, check your Will for delegations or immediately secure a Will. Your Will should spell out real estate transfers, property allocations, etc. Ensure that your Will is signed, notarized and that the person you trust to handle affairs has a copy. What’s even better than a Will is a Living Revocable Trust. We will define both and their unique features.

Wills A will is a legal document setting forth wishes for the distribution of property and the care of minor children. Wills allow one to provide direction for the care of minors.

With a Will, one can dictate their assets to spouses, adults, minor children, other relatives, and business associates. Thus minimizing tension between

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the survivors. Relatives battling over your possessions can weaken even the strongest family ties.

Seek legal advice for in depth details of business allocations via a Will, yet, communicate in your Will the desire for family or partners to acquire a business.

If you are charitable, a Will empowers you to direct your assets to the charity of your choice. Remember, life insurance beneficiary allocations are not defined in a Will.

over your estate • Avoid a conservatorship, and • Keep your document private after death.

• With a Will, not a Trust, you can: • Name guardians for children • Name managers for children’s property • Name an executor, and

Revocable Living Trusts A Revocable Living Trust is a popular estate-planning tool used to determine property distribution upon death.

Revocable Living Trusts are “living” because you make them during your lifetime.

The difference between a will and a Revocable Living Trust is, the living trust has an incapacity clause stating who may sign for your affairs in the event you are unable to do so. There is a revocable trust and an irrevocable trust. An irrevocable trust cannot be modified or terminated without permission of the beneficiary.

Nationally syndicated Financial Guru Suze Orman explains the difference as follows.

“Once the grantor transfers the assets into the irrevocable trust, s/he removes all rights of ownership to the trust and assets.” A Living Trust covers how affairs should be handled while you’re alive as well as covers where assets go after death; however, a Will only addresses the allocation of property, etc. in the event of death.

Revocable Living Trusts versus Wills

• Instruct how debts or taxes should be paid.

Save yourself and family future financial headaches and toggle wars. Secure a Revocable Living Trust. Usually attorneys initiate Living Trusts; on the other hand, there are online tools, or you can do the research and do it yourself.

We’ve covered a lot of ground explaining Live Insurance, Wills, and Revocable Living Trusts. So what’s next? Preparation!

Having each of these legal documents aligns with writing the vision and making it plain. God is not the author of confusion.

Do not give the enemy any room and set up your inheritance (Individual Term Life Insurance), spell out your desires in life (Revocable Living Trust), and delegations in death (Will).

I Know My Value, LLC and our licensed Financial Consultants can help. Contact us at www.iknowmyvalue.com.

Erica F. Brooks CEO/Chief Consulting Officer Licensed Financial Rep I Know My Value, LLC 706-225-9076

With a Trust, not a Will, you can: www.iknowmyvalue.com • Avoid probate • Reduce the chance of a court dispute

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ARTHUR ROLAND Blessed With a Song

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orn in the small southern town of Madison, Georgia, the story of the rise to fame and stardom of Arthur Roland, a popular gifted producer, singer and guitarist is quite an intriguing and encouraging one.

How It All Began Arthur Roland is a southern artist, human justice humanitarian, man of multiple genres of music and international multiaward winning singer who was born into the family where music is embedded into their genes.

When you accept salvation at the early age of six years old and grow up in Bostwick, Georgia, an eastern Georgia town with fewer than 400 people, you learn to listen and dream of a world bigger than the one that you were born in. It was at Author’s family’s church, Mt. Vernon Baptist, that he first heard the music of the Old Negro Spirituals sung and grew to love them. When Author’s parents took him to his first Gospel show and he heard legends like the Gospel Keynotes, the Mighty Clouds of Joy, and the Williams Brothers, a chord ran through his body when he heard the guitars and the drums playing.

Author was absolutely fascinated by the Gospel quartet sound, and it charged him to go home and form a group with his five sisters. They copied the sounds and crafted it into their own becoming a children’s quartet that traveled and

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recorded music. The musical group closely mimicked the success of the Jackson Five and other pop music family acts gaining great visibility.

One night the young Arthur had a very clear dream that the quartet were performing on a huge stage and he was doing something that he had never done before, which was was playing the guitar!

When he woke up from that dream, he was gifted by God with the ability to play the guitar just as he had in the dream and immediately recognized it as a gift from God. When Roland awoke, he said, he then could play the instrument as soon as he picked it up. Even today, he still describes it as “miraculous.” This marked the beginning of a seemingly magical 35-year music career. As a young adult, Roland started playing blues and gospel music with a distinctly southern feel.

When Roland was asked what he enjoyed most about is profession and why he choose it in the first place, he had this to say; ”I enjoy interaction with people through music to try and bring healing and positive change into the world through my music.” Perhaps one of his most intriguing projects is his plans to reinvigorate St. Louis’ music culture.

Roland’s Achievements Along The Years Most notably, Author Roland toured and performed with The Blind Boys of Alabama, a group he considered mentors who were late inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Spending 300 days of the year on the road with the group provided a chance to travel to exotic places such as Amsterdam and Tokyo.

To date, Roland said his accomplishments have brought him into contact with artists spanning several genres including: Rapper Ludacris, gospel duo Mary Mary

and Crystal Bowersox, the runner-up from a season of American Idol. Roland has also performed at the White House under Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush.

In 2004, Roland toured Switzerland and other Countries on “The tribute to Mahalia Jackson Tour,” and released his first solo project in 2014, “Revival on a Tour Bus.” His release was on the Sony Music Group Label and earned him his first multi selling plat and is still a top seller in Southern Gospel. Roland’s sophomore album, “Stepping Out Of Myself,” is was released in November 2015. This album is the first project ever all written and produced primarily by Roland, prompting him to start his own record label a dream of his.

After winning a Grammy Award as a writer on “Go tell it on the Mountain” CD, the Akademia Awards, First Ballot Stella Nominations, Radio Alliance Awards, Voice Of Gospel Awards and countless

others, Roland embarked on a new in soul and R&B in prep for the Kings of Soul debut release.

In 2014, Arthur Roland was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame as a member of Lucille Pope and the Pearly Gates and became among the first Gospel groups to record and chart on a White Southern Gospel Music label (Morningstar Records). Roland also worked hits for artists like the Williams Brothers (God will Deliver), Slim and the Supreme Angels (Separated Right from Wrong), and Lucille Pope and Pearly Gates (Real Christians Stand up and Great Reunion) just to name a few.

Roland has played and sung on countless other works with artists.

When asked what is his biggest risk and obstacle ever was professionally he gave us the most shocking reply, “I gave up everything and became homeless just to accomplish my dreams.”

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hearing and seeing the faces of the people at Ground Zero. Roland said, “I pray that it honors their words, their pain, and their grief as well as the hurt caused by continuing racial intolerance.”

How Does Roland Balance His Work And Personal Life The life of a music star we all know can be really interesting; yet, very stressful.

When asked how he manages to balance the glitz, glamour and stress of his music career from affecting is personal life Author said, “Lliving a healthy lifestyle and having a balanced routine are all things that would make a significant difference in your life, your business and your ability to keep yourself sharp.”

What’s his routine? “I start with prayer, exercise followed by studio time from 9 to 5 to write or recording music.” For fun and relaxation, Roland says he love sports, family and worship.

Community Involvement In addition to this professional Gospel music career, Roland gives his time, his voice, and musical platform to the community and to speak on racial intolerance and human injustice. He has chaired the foundation “Urban Future,” a St. Louis organization that helps inner city youth focus on school musical dreams and college goals. He co-produced and donated his musical talent to “The Restoration Project” with five of St. Louis’ top blues artist.

Thousands of dollars were raised for the foundation’s cd project.

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For the past two years Roland has also spoken in Florida with Jamie Foxx and other noted celebrities after the Trayvon Martin incident and was at Ground Zero in Ferguson, Missouri.

As a resident of St. Louis, Roland along with other St Louis leaders and known personalities, pleaded for calmer heads after the violence erupted. “Stepping Out Of Myself, his new cd project, is dedicated in remembrance of the Michael Brown incident. The CD includes songs like Tryna Get Ready and Refuge. These songs were inspired and came about after being in the middle of, talking to, and

When asked for advice that he would like to share with readers, Roland responded as follows. “If God gave you a vision, then God will also provide everything you will need to accomplish it.” So no matter what you do or what you are currently facing, remember that you can draw strength from God and be encouraged by the life of Arthur Roland. He had a dream that he turned into clear goals and achieved them by working hard, associating with the right people and most especially believing in God. https://www.sonicbids.com/band/arthurroland-and-the-award-show-band/ Arthurroland.net https://www.youtube.com/user/ october001234

Live your Best Life DR. RENEE SUNDAY

Do you have a dream, wish or a desire?

Do you ever wake up and wonder what would it be like to love life?

People can tell you “follow your dream,” but, is anyone really doing it? your dreams no matter how large or small into goals.

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reams are necessary. Dreams inspire us to be hopeful and young-at-heart. Without dreams, there will be no ambition to chase or goals to reach. Dreams help develop us into who we are. Pursuing dreams and passions can mean different things to different people; but, no matter your definition, people usually always have a reason why they can’t do it. This cause many people to go through the motions in life not doing what they love to do. They end up constantly looking back, asking themselves, “What if?”

A dream moves you, inspires you and awakens your passion. Dreams fill you with hope, and pump your life with purpose and more meaning. You can not achieve anything in life without turning

The most successful people had dreams of where they are and what they are doing today.

Regardless of your background, it is critical to dream beyond where you are. Without dreams, it is easy to lose interest in life and finally causing you to hate your life. Do not allow yourself to become bored and tired of the same monotonous routines and not find interest in the most exciting things. Dreaming beyond where you are, helps you discover purpose.

Everyone has a purpose.

When you start working hard towards goals that were developed from your dreams, live will become more vivid. You will find yourself more motivated with internal happiness that radiates on the outside. Whether you have an abundance of support or not, do now live your life with regrets of what could have been if you pursued your passion. Not knowing what could have been is tragic.

Follow your heart, and not the words of others just to live up to their expectations. Through our dreams – we

speak to ourselves about what is going on in our lives. We guide ourselves through difficult situations and point ourselves towards what we really, truly and deeply need to live the life we are meant to live. This love of yours is one of the most important things in your life. When you can understand your dreams, you will discover that they are a glimpse of a very realistic reality. They are the way you are brutally honest with yourself when your conscious waking mind refuses to be. They are the way you nag yourself over a recurring behavior you need to correct or an issue you aren’t giving enough attention to, hence the persistent recurring dream. They are also your very best friend and advisor when you need to make a tough decision or solve a difficult problem.

Your dreams have no limits! Did you hear me, No limits! So take the limits off! You are the creator of your dreams, big or small ones. When you understand this you are able to design a way to favor your plan and accomplish your end goal.

Life is too short to waste it with regrets.

At the end of the line what we end up regretting are the things we didn’t get to do. It is in living your dreams that you get to know the true meaning of life. Ask yourself, what have I achieved so far? Am I already living some of my dreams? No one truly knows the desires of your heart, but you. Live your best life now.

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Lifestyle of the Healthy:

The Food & Fitness Journey to Success

By Tracy E. Mitchell RN, BSN

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h how I love the winter season… cooler mornings, hot chocolate and marshmallow nights at the fireplace and the excitement seen from all of the children’s faces in anticipation of eating turkey and decorating the Christmas tree; however, I loathe the stress, pain, insomnia and depression some women endure from physical, emotional and financial strains women willingly choose for our families can have an enjoyable holiday season. These pressures normally have the greatest

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effect on women bodies triggering increased stress, eating, spending and less moving as it gets colder leading to weight gain (physically and mentally).

Are you feeling uneasy about gaining a few unwanted pounds, carrying mental baggage or backsliding on your exercise regimen? I’ve had it with all the so-called quick weight loss schemes! They are proven ineffective causing one of the following: weight or baggage plateaus and increases in “yoyo” weight fluctuations.

Guess what? Many women have been doing weight or baggage loss all wrong!

It is not too late to get it right. Health and healing is a long term “Restructuring Process” necessary for breakthrough.

As women move forward, I will provide insight on how to achieve and maintain sustainable success. For many years, I found myself quitting or giving up when I failed. Now I realize that it is what I do differently and changing my behavior after failure that yields good results. Stay the course.

Mastering your Mindset is the beginning key factor in restructuring our health and healing. What are you thinking about? Are you focusing on people, problems, money or lack thereof, time, unrealistic expectations or others’ perception of us? One thing is certain, if we are gaining weight or carrying mental baggage, we are not our focus and it is reflected in what we see in the mirror and/or the lies we keep telling ourselves provoking feelings or unworthiness or little value.

Before you go to bed or first wake in the morning, what are your thoughts?

Are you thinking negative thoughts, are thoughts racing or are you choosing to replay in your mind what went right or wrong in your day? Research has proven that 40% of our happiness is based on what we think about and do daily. Many of us have created a Vision and Mission for our family, business and career. I challenge you to create a Vision Board and Mission Statement for your health and see yourself healthy and what it trans form into reality.

The health journey is a never ending war that can be won by us gaining small but significant victories in our daily battles as we choose to keep fighting at all times.

Remember to “love on you by celebrating all of your victories” and continue to support others on their health journey.

Here are 3 suggestions on how you can begin releasing the weight or baggage: 1. Choose to think on “What Is/Was Best for Me Today” at the start and close of each day which includes considering your health, finances and daily choices.

2. Write your health vision and mission, goals, motivating scriptures and personal thoughts on paper. Read them out loud if needed, post pictures where you can see them, review them throughout the day

and resolve to do what is written.

3. Make any necessary changes based on #1 and #2 until you discover the strategy that best works for you and then repeat.

NOW it’s time for you to tackle the elephant in the room no one wants to deal with. This factor can literally change the game forever; it’s doing the work! Many of us who are carrying excess pounds or baggage look and feel the way we do because of our poor choices. “Are we all ignorant or trapped in the bubble of “nothing or no one can help me?” No. Unlike many of our ancestors, we are receiving updated health data daily. We already know what to do for weight loss but we unfortunately lack proper followthrough. We refuse to do the work and thus we create a negative cycle of pain, frustration, and playing the blame game.

It’s time for our Wake-up Call! It’s time for us to make the decision to choose life, peace and strength by choosing our health as our lifestyle. We must be willing to literally “cut off all other unhealthy lifestyle options.” A Healthy Lifestyle is far beyond just simply eating healthy and exercising routinely. Living a Healthy Lifestyle involves your total existence (what you choose to do or invest in daily, weekly, monthly, yearly). It includes what you do physically, mentally, spiritually, and financially. It includes the places you go and the people you keep in your circle. It includes how you spend your time, money, and resources. It includes how you look, feel, and speak to yourself being positive, gentle, and encouraging at all times. It includes how you choose to rest and renew. It includes who or what we choose to listen to, follow, and emulate. It also includes how you choose to make time for God, you, and your loved ones a top priority. When you are Healthy, you are ultimately Full of Life!!!

I challenge you to “Commit to Doing

the Work Consistently” required for you to live a Healthy Lifestyle. God never created us for mediocre living beneath our potential. We must remember to be accountable for our own health and stop the following immediately: blaming others, making excuses, giving up and not allowing sufficient time for success, skipping steps or taking short-cuts, and pretending we know it all. We must start positively affirming ourselves by saying “I am going to lose this weight”, start asking for help & support when needed, getting back up/starting over when we fall, and sharing both our failures and successes with others.

Here are 3 simple tips you can start to improve your diet and fitness regimen (consult your physician prior to starting or changing any diet or fitness orders): 1. Reduce your daily intake of both sugar and salt.

2. Eat breakfast daily including protein (animal or plant based) in your meal.

3. Maintain regular activity daily for at least 30 min (walking, playing sports, yoga). Find what works best for your schedule.

Bio Tracy Mitchell is an Empowerment Speaker and Certified Life Coach.

Tracy has a diverse background in nursing, personal development, coaching and mentoring, and creative writing.

Tracy enjoys speaking about life, biblical principles, health and wellness, and purpose in helping women live invincible and intentional leading to total life fulfillment. Tracy can be reached at www.teemitchellspeaks.com.

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10 PLACES TO VISIT IN LIFE FOR RELAXATION AND SOLITUDE.

W

ith 7.4 billion people (and counting) on this tiny blue planet, it can feel like you’re constantly fighting for space, especially in major cities where every square foot counts. The truth is there’s still plenty of room on this earth where you can escape the crowds and enjoy mindclearing solitude. You don’t have to go far to find these tranquil territories. Certain locations lend themselves to giving us the peace of solitude in very different ways.

Solitude is how we recover connection with our spirit that we lose in the rush of everyday life. Solitude gives us a breather, taking us away from the chatter and rush and obligations that can sometimes stress us. It exists when we spend time with our inner self in a serene place. That can be a place of meditation, a walk in the woods, a retreat we attend, a sudden decision to take a drive in our car without a specific destination, or sitting somewhere near a body of water. In each of these ways we can become more connected to the natural world around us, which is eternally present. Solitude gives us a chance to know silence, which can be a healer of worry and stress. For a little while we are not responsible for other people and obligations – only to ourselves. We can watch leaves blow in the wind on a summer’s day, or waves falling gently on the shore, or visit a museum in the city on a rainy afternoon.

Any way, which you choose to get reconnected to your inner

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self, Getting outside can do wonders for your mental health and positive effects on the brain.

sceneries. It is also a nice place to find solitude and reconnect with nature in its most basic and primitive form.

This list of serene (and seriously stunning) spots around the globe may help you reconnect with the vast beauty of nature, take a much-needed time-out from the hustle and bustle and find sweet silence, space, and serenity. It will also help you find clarity and inspiration.

Cloudbridge Nature Reserve, Costa Rica

Mt. Everest, Nepal The Sherpas and Tibetans worship...

Everest as Chomolongma, or “Mother Goddess of the Earth.” Luckily you don’t need to actually climb the 29,000 feet to the “Top of the World” to experience its magnificence and the beauty of the surrounding valleys and forests. It is unique for its sheer natural marvels and

initiatives (like FinRelax ) aimed at getting you to chill out and unwind in its lush landscapes, visitors are encouraged to enjoy the country’s jaw-dropping natural wonders and refreshing saunas.

Leh-Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir A tropical haven in a remote cloud forest in the highest mountains of Central America, Cloudbridge is a private retreat on Mount Chirripo with three casitas that guests can rent for a few days or a few months. Plant trees, hike to waterfalls and reconnect with nature.

Finland Finland is an astounding natural beauty.

Explore its snow-covered landscape in the winter and marvel at the Northern Lights, great lake views and its green forestry in the summer. With tourism

Leh-Ladakh forms a huge chunk of the cold desert in the Northern part of the Great Indian Himalayas in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Rich natural beauty, stunning landscapes and beautiful Buddhist Monasteries, makes this place an ideal location to spend some days of your life connecting with nature. Besides nature lovers and holiday seekers, LehLadakh is also a hub for adventure buffs who come here to indulge themselves in the fun of trekking, mountain climbing and mountain biking.

Rwanda For the nature buff, Rwanda is a must-see.

Known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills” with its extremely photogenic landscapes and famous tea gardens, the country is full of natural wonders. Volcanoes National Park, home to fascinating golden monkeys and half of the world’s gorillas still living in the wild, is a must-visit attraction.

Alabama — Gulf Shores On Alabama’s Gulf Shores, you can find a little bit of everything, including a bit of relaxation. Take a snooze under an umbrella on the 32 miles of white sand beaches if you’re looking for a bit of a getaway.

Dominica Known as “The Nature Island of the Caribbean,” Dominica is an obvious choice for those who want to get back to nature.

It has an incredibly lush landscape that

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includes volcanic hot springs, natural mud baths, countless rivers and waterfalls, unspoiled rain forest and refreshing natural swimming holes.

Redwood National Park, California Visitors here cannot help but feel awestruck by the unbelievable enormity of the coast redwoods , the tallest and oldest trees on earth. The tallest redwood on record, known simply as “the Tall Tree,” is 600 years old and stands more than 350 feet. These majestic examples of nature, which can only be found in California and Oregon, take 400 years to mature and can live to be 2,000-plus years old. Emerging from the darkened paths on foot, bike or horseback, visitors may be shocked to find it is still daylight, and still the 21st century, in a place where

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time seems to stand still.

Madagascar This isn’t your average safari. Jungles abound here, but beaches do too, and whether on land or by sea, an overwhelming amount of indigenous species ranging from lemurs to whales are on view for the adventurous set. Almost all of Madagascar’s native species can’t be found anywhere else making the region even more unique and spell bounding.

Iceland Last but certainly not least, Iceland is filled with spectacular natural attractions that make it one of the best places in the world for reconnecting with nature. There are countless waterfalls to gaze at, hot springs to soak in and

caves to explore. Be sure to check out Seljalandsfoss, one of the nation’s most photographed falls. Located near the southern coast, it plummets nearly 200 feet into a pool below, and if you walk around to the back of the cascade, you can feel the spray of the water on your skin while enjoying a unique perspective that few others get to experience.

Whether your version of relaxation involves silence, solitude, or breaking a sweat, there are beautiful places all over the world to help you find your peace. So take the bold step and don’t stop until you have satisfaction.

Contributor: Christy Williamson

W hat’s In Your Heart?

By: DaPorscha Rufus

At the heart of things, is everything.

I

s your heart in the right place? Why or why not? I can honestly say that for the longest, my heart was symbolic to filthy and tattered rags. It was rugged and in very poor condition.

Looking back over my life, I can remember the innumerable loads of unforgiveness, incomprehensible rage, bitterness, displeasure, hurt and tsunamis of other things that harbored within the ventricles and chambers of my inner being.

My heart issues go back to my childhood folks. Keep in mind I’m only 27 years of age. I perpetually and incessantly nursed and rehearsed every thought, every painful memory, every hurt, every “bad thing”, every offense, every wrongdoing etc. that had ever happened to me. Does this sound like anyone you know? From the rising of the sun all the way to the setting of it, all I meditated on “bad things.” Does this sound like anyone you know? As a matter of fact, I never thought about anything good, had anything good to say about anyone or myself; therefore, my life was in a perpetual funk! My internal being was loaded with tons of trash.

Basically, thinking was stinking which pollutes the heart. I seemed to be always angry. In this anger, I was married to my own selfinflicted afflictions. I literally hated everything and everyone to include myself. I did not like confrontation, but because I was not healed, if someone looked at me the wrong way, I would respond the wrong way and become confrontational. Lord, have mercy.

Day and night, I resided, tossed and turned within the painful memories of my past. Perpetually, I pondered over the fact that my father was never there for me. Over and over again, I reminded myself of the bullying and name calling I experienced growing up as a child. I rehearsed and nursed the innumerable memories of past hurt from failed friendships and relationships and so on and so forth. Until one day, I said NO MORE!

I became sick of tired of being sick and tired and mad at the world. I was tired of waking up and walking throughout life with a heavy heart. I became tired of who and how I was.

If you’ve experienced similar, you have the power to also say, “No More!”

Are you tired, weary and fatigued? Take a moment now and honestly ask yourself, “What am I nursing and rehearsing?” “What am I refusing to let go of?” Now I know from experience that this might be easier said than done; but, it must be done “if’ you desire to experience true internal freedom and sovereignty. I cannot tell you the countless times I woke up every morning with a hard, dark and heavy heart. Talk about damp! Sheeshh... You know, I could actually feel the burdens of heaviness that resided within my 12 oz. organ. So what should have been the size of a fist overtime turned into a heap of mountain tops. Do you see the difference?

Beloved, in order to live your best life now, you must let go of the ideas, speech, and

behaviors that hold you back and weigh you down today.

Could it be possible that you are the reason for your own misery? If so, there is hope in God. Regardless if your a religious or spiritual person or not, in order to bear fruit in your life, you must first get to the root. Sour grapes can’t bear good fruit; they just produce more sour grapes.

What is your root? Your root is that thing you must dig up and do away with. You know what “thing(s)” I am referring to. You can’t just trim the thorns and disregard the weeds. You must get to the root in order to uproot the pestilence and poisons in your life. Perhaps you’ll have to forgive someone that wasn’t sorry. Maybe write out all your hurts and troubles and burn them. Perhaps you’ll have to pray, fast and ask for true deliverance. Whatever it takes, GET RID OF IT! Everyone’s “it” is different.

Identify yours and uproot it.

For at the end of everyday, heart matters are the heart of every single matter.

Shelah.

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Let’s Eat

C

hristmas season is here and nothing speaks holiday cheer more than delicious food and endless parties. This year, instead of cooking the same side dishes, add some extra joy to your dinner parties by incorporating these non-traditional recipes to your menu. Your guests will love the flavors, and no one will have to let them know that these are not only tastier but healthier too!

Caramelized Rainbow Carrots Skip the traditional sweet potatoes this year and delight your guests with this colorful carrot dish. This is an easy dish and incorporates rainbows carrots that can be found at any supermarket or farmer’s market during this time of the year. If you’re unable to find them, traditional carrots work just as well.

• 2 pounds of rainbow carrots • 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter • 3 cloves • 1 tablespoon of grapeseed oil

Instructions:

(slightly break it to release flavor), cloves, honey, brown sugar and two tablespoons of water.

• 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme • 1 tangelo (rind and juice)

1. Peel and cut the carrots into about 3 inch pieces or leave whole if using smaller carrots.

• 2 tablespoons honey • 2 tablespoons of brown sugar

2. Melt the butter and add grapeseed oil (can also use canola or vegetable oil) to a large frying pan over a medium heat.

• 1 star anise • 1 cinnamon stick

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3. Add in thyme leaves (remove from stalks), juice of one tangelo, 1 teaspoon of tangelo rind, star anise, cinnamon stick

4. Add the carrots in a single layer, rotating the carrots to coat with liquid.

Cover, reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for 20 minutes, or until tender.

5.. Remove the lid, then cook the carrots (turning often), until the glaze has reduced, and the carrots are sticky and caramelized.

6. Serve immediately or transfer to oven

heating dish for future re-heat.

3. Add almonds and cook for 1 minute.

Balsamic Glazed Green Beans

4. Mix in parmesan cheese and balsamic vinegar. Cook for another 2 minutes.

Green bean casserole is a thing of the past! Wow your guests with this easy stove top rendition of delicious balsamic glazed green beans. The chopped almonds and freshly grated parmesan give this dish the nutty warm feeling of Christmas season.

5. Serve immediately or transfer to oven heating dish for future reheat.

6. Top with fresh saved parmesan cheese when serving.

Cauliflower Mash

• 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar • 2 of cloves garlic minced • 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil • 1 ½-2 pounds of green beans, ends trimmed • 3 tablespoons coarsely chopped almonds

You will never look at cauliflower the same after your try this dish. It rivals any mashed potato recipe out there and dare I say, may even become the staple of your holiday spread. The touch of nutmeg makes it a Christmas perfection!

• 2 cauliflower heads, separated into florets • 1 small garlic bulb,

• 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese • Approximately 1 teaspoon of olive oil • Instructions: • 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise 1. Place garlic and oil in large skillet and cook under medium heat for 2-3 minutes until softened.

2. Add green beans and stir. Cook for about 10 minutes until green beans are still bright green and crispy.

• 3 teaspoons thyme/chives fresh chopped • 1/4-1/2 teaspoon kosher salt or to taste

ground • ¼ teaspoon of fresh ground nutmeg • Add oil and garlic cloves with skin on to low heat pan. Simmer garlic cloves in oil, turning frequently to ensure even “roast”. Cook for 5 minutes and remove from pan and cool until you can handle it.

2. Bring a large pot of water to boil. Add cauliflower and cook until very tender (when you pierce it with a knife it goes in and comes out easily without catching), about 10 minutes.

3. Transfer cauliflower to a food processor (you may have to add ½ first and then the other half after you process). Squeeze the individual cloves of pan roasted garlic into the cauliflower.

Add the nutmeg and mayo. Pulse the cauliflower mixture until there are no lumps and it’s smooth like mashed potatoes. This may take a few minutes and you may have to pause and push down with spatula to evenly cream.

4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Serve and top with freshly grated nutmeg.

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper freshly

Ruby E. Dieguez is a passionate writer, story teller and self-appointed home chef. She is happily married to her answered prayer (Hunky Man of God) and enjoys serving alongside him as part of leadership in church.

Throughout the year, she is actively involved in local community outreaches for kids and underprivileged youth. Most of her days you can find her working on a project for her Food and Lifestyle Blog, Dreamlifelivin.com, or taking a mini road trip with her husband up the coast of California.

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