Cindy's Featured Artist of the Week - Angela Edwards

ANGELA EDWARDS

“My Words Have POWER!”

That is the mantra of Angela Edwards, the CEO of Pearly Gates Publishing, LLC (PGP) — an International Christian Book Publisher located in Houston, Texas. Since its inception in January 2015, PGP has been blessed with an amazing and diverse group of over 50 authors who have penned topics related to faith, love, abuse, bullying, Bible study tools, and so much more! Their youngest author is eight years old; their eldest is 73 years old. To their credit and God’s glory, PGP has almost 100 Best-Selling titles to date.

An affordable publishing option (in comparison to some of the large, traditional publishing houses), PGP works one-on-one with authors to ensure that financial hardship is not a part of their publishing process. For those desiring to share their God-inspired messages for the masses — both new and ‘seasoned’ authors — PGP provides services and support that many have said “left them feeling as if they are the only author” placed under the company’s care.

The Holy Bible states that “God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). To that end, PGP is oftentimes found hosting amazing giveaways on their Facebook Fan Page. Most recently, they hosted a contest entitled “New Words That WIN in 2018” — a giveaway that granted one individual a publishing package valued at over $1,200.00! PGP is always looking for new talent and desires to “birth the writer” in YOU! Will YOU be next on their list of Best-Selling authors?

Visit PGP on the Web at www.PearlyGatesPublishing.com.

Connect with PGP on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pearlygatespublishing.

Email Angela Edwards, CEO at BestSeller@PearlyGatesPublishing.com.

Call 1-833-PGP-BOOK(S).

**********

Angela Edwards is the CEO and Editor-in-Chief of Pearly Gates Publishing, LLC. She is a woman of God, wife, mother, grandmother, and trusted friend. Originally a New Jersey native, she has since made Texas her home and embraced the southern culture in all of its fullness. 

Angela is a domestic abuse survivor. Since first telling her abuse-survivor story publicly five years ago, she has become a ‘Trumpet for Change’. She established the “Battle-Scar Free Movement” — an online community of individuals who can freely express and share their own overcoming testimonies while, at the same time, begin the very necessary healing process. As part of her God-given mission, she provides abuse victims and survivors a FREE opportunity to anonymously share their testimonies in a book series entitled God Says I am Battle-Scar Free. Heading into its fourth year of release in the Spring of 2018, Angela is always seeking individuals who desire to help others heal with the power of their words.

Angela holds an A.A. Degree in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix and is working towards her B.S. Degree in Psychology with a Concentration in Christian Counseling from LeTourneau University. She loves life and affirms daily: “NOT TODAY, SATAN!”

Connect with Verse - Poetry Corner! Featuring Clara Freeman

Joy Cometh- 

When morning comes - 

look for joy 

not in the obvious 

Creaks and crevices 

of outside 

spaces 

but within 

to the inner “self’ 

holds the core to 

your hearts’ 

center - 

Surely everyday 

that you rise 

walk 

talk 

and 

Smile 

turn your eyes 

to 

the Heavenly 

Skies 

know that joy comes 

sits 

on your side 

When the morning comes 

and you feel 

defeat 

remember the 

less fortunate - 

Don’t question 

Why - 

know that 

God IS 

the higher power 

greater 

than 

Government Shutdown 

Big Business aplomb 

Banks greed 

Political grandstanding whilst 

Unemployment/unemployment funds - 

affects 

Everyone’s needs - 

Repentance is decreed! 

Joy comes 

In your mornings - 

It will find you 

stay strong 

prayed up - 

ready, willing and able 

to 

Reclaim your purpose-filled

power.

Clara Freeman is a freelance writer and author. A former nurse, she is a people person and lifelong learner, who uses her voice to mentor and inspire women to walk in their authentic truths. Her book, Unleash Your Pearls Empowering Women's Voices and eBook, A Life Toward Authenticity-My Authentic Woman Story, can be found on Amazon.com

Follow Clara on Twitter @c50something

Q: Should you be completely honest with your significant other? Secrets or Not?

Signed: A.P. ~ My Wife Won’t Talk

A: I believe all relationships should consist of respect and honesty. When we marry, we interpret the vows as though we both are agreeing to be upfront and honest with each other about everything. We don’t expect to have secrets, of any kind. However, that is not the case because sometimes there are ’secrets’ but that’s not synonymous with being abominable to the relationship. There may be some past pains/issues that have nothing to do with you and your spouse. He/she might not feel comfortable enough to release it.

If you feel as though your partner is keeping secrets, you can ask. Be gentle and nonjudgemental as you approach the situation. Be ready to listen without the feedback. Most of the time, secrets are kept because of fear. A person needs to feel safe and secure with whomever they plan on sharing with. Whatever the secret is, you have to assure them that they can trust you, no matter what it is! Also, pray about it. Ask God to help with the release journey, whatever it may be. Honesty is always good but it can also be a very delicate situation to handle.

Until next time, continue living and loving life!

Chat with you later!

Love,
AunT

Trinette Collier Green is a Certified Relationship Stylist
Submit your questions to simplycindyblog@gmail.com

Mindset Matters by Cassandra Williams-Herbert

Why  “Hello”

A simple way to start expressing your gratitude for people, places, and things is by writing everything that you’re thankful for and your essential thoughts on your life, in a journal. It’s a simple yet powerful way to ease your mind and lift your spirits.

Keeping a journal has many positive benefits. Journaling can help with personal growth and development. By regularly recording your thoughts you will gain insight into one of the most important people in your life, that is you.

Practicing gratitude is an act of self-care because it shifts your mindset to the abundance of living and enjoying life. “Hello” was designed to help release stress and worries, at the same time, helping you find happiness by tapping into your life and your purpose. 

Journaling works for me because it helps me evaluate myself and life. To be able to relate to situations that I either need to embrace or be removed from and review all matters objectively.

It is therapeutic to explore your dreams and ideas in a safe place without fear of judgement. Finding tools to better connect myself, time, manifesting my dreams, helping me grow the confidence to not walk in fear and to believe in the will of the purpose of my life.

Discover Yourself and Who You Are by Journaling.

Have you ever truly wanted to know yourself? Sometimes we can feel so disconnected from our own being, but do not know how to start looking within ourselves. Journaling allows a starting point for this process, as it makes it much easier to sit and have a conversation with yourself. One helpful approach when using a journal in this way is to write down the things you want to address; allowing yourself to regroup and examine your plan or thoughts.

This aspect is tremendously helpful when or during a catastrophe in one’s life. I found that after the loss of my father it was one of the best ways to deal with many situations in my life; good, bad, or indifferent. Although you might not use this journal every day, a best practice is to make journaling an intentional goal. “Hello” will connect you with parts of yourself you may not even know existed, or want to get back in touch with. What becomes abundantly clear is that life, the way in which we react, as well as the decisions that we make for ourselves, are all routed in perspective of how we move forward in life. By experimenting with new ways of looking at the characteristics that define you, you are opening the door to explore adventures and embrace discovery within yourself.

Journaling encourages self-awareness and once you understand your needs, you can start to take care of yourself. If you want to improve your perspective on life and clarify issues, this is a great way; start writing in this journal. When you imagine and create, it helps you with a sense of purpose.

What I love most is that you will awaken the most important person from the OLD you to the NEW you. Now that I have your attention… “Hello”.

Best wishes for your Journaling
Cassandra Williams Herbert
Contributing Writer

“In my life, writing has been an important exercise to clarify what I believe, what I see, what I care about, what my deepest values are.” —President Barack Obama

Humbly Yours by Val Crawford

ABBA FATHER, Thank YOU for another chance. Thank YOU for a new opportunity to share with another about YOUR Wonderful Grace and Compassion toward us! And now FATHER, YOU be Glorified by the words that come from this pen - in the matchless Name LORD JESUS!

JESUS answered, "I am the Way and the Truth, and the Life. No man comes to The FATHER except through ME." John 14:6 (NIV)

The Honor of Being Invited into The Room

In August 2017, I was blessed with an invitation to attend the Inaugural Negro League Legends Hall of Fame Vintage Game. It was held at the Bowie Baysox Stadium in Bowie, Maryland. I am a fan of Baseball and it's history, so this invite was more than I expected. But then some things happened that I really had not anticipated! A few days before the game, I was informed that I was also invited to the VIP Room to enjoy the game! As if that was not enough, I was invited onto the field to engage with some of the players! Then (be still my heart!) I was actually invited to throw out a ceremonial pitch! It was amazing!

You may ask why all these honors were thrust upon me. Henry 'Lefty' Crawford played for a brief time with the DC Homestead Grays of the Negro League. And he was my grandfather. My 'PaPa' is the reason I had the honor of being invited into the room. Long before I was born, Papa played the Game. I didn't even know the extent of his baseball career until he was gone to Heaven. He never talked about being a baseball player. To me (and my siblings & cousins), he was just PaPa.

It was because of my connection to Papa that I was invited to the VIP Room and I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Sanders of the Kansas City Monarchs. All afternoon, each time I met someone - every time someone took pleasure in shaking the hand of or taking a picture with 'Lefty Crawford's granddaughter' - I was a little more humbled and honored at the same time. I was in the room not because of anything that I had done. I was invited into the room... because of him. I couldn't help but think, "Wow, this is nice - really nice."

Then my imagination reminded me of another invitation. I happily thought "This is probably how it will feel (only better - way better) when I get to Heaven. I'll be invited into The Room - because of HIM."

JESUS was so clear when HE said that our way to The FATHER is through HIM. When we accept a relationship with JESUS, we have immediate access to the Presence of The FATHER. We have automatic Celebrity Status! BUT let us remain humble - recalling to our minds that it was not anything that we have done. It is GOD's Grace and Mercy through CHRIST JESUS that we are invited into the Room ... Presented Faultless before The FATHER... Because of HIM.

Val Crawford

Contributing Writer

Cindy's Featured Artist of the Week - Stephen Price

STEPHEN PRICE

Stephen Price is the Pastor of New Jerusalem Fellowship Ministries, Inc. in the suburb of Atlanta, Georgia. He is married and the father of one daughter and two sons.

Stephen is definitely a man on a mission. His passion is about assisting couples in understanding and keeping covenant relationships. He has over twenty-three years experience in the ministry field and has studied at Luther Rice Bible College Seminary in Lithonia, Georgia.

One of his most prominent areas of anointing is soul winning. “There is nothing like seeing the eyes of a new convert being awakened to the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ”.

Stephen’s career in the military has given him a unique perspective on soul winning. He has traveled the world, evangelizing the lost in many different countries and settings from Okinawa, Japan to Bahrain, to Indonesia, Australia, and Hong Kong.

In the past twenty-three years because of his gifting and travel, Stephen has served for various ministries in the capacity of Pastor, Intermittent Pastor, Associate Pastor, Associate Minister, Director of Education, Trustee Board Member, Adult Bible Study Teacher, Sunday School Teacher (adult and children), Financial Administrator, Choir Director and Member, Evangelism Ministry, Brotherhood Director and Vacation Bible School Director. 

Stephen's book - Husbands Love Your Wives As Christ Loves The Church: A Love Story may be purchased at  https://www.amazon.com/Husbands-Wives-Christ-Loves-Churchebook/dp/B077SY2VLJ/ref=dp_kinw_strp_1
Email: pmanword3@yahoo.com

Connect with Verse - Poetry Corner! Featuring Felicia Malone

"Fractured"

Stretch marks across,

My upper-thigh,

A road map of my,

Growth as a woman.

The world will break you.

It is only a matter of time.

We are all fractured.

I paint the crevasses gold,

In an ode to the perfect me,

The me of history.

I am kintsugi,

Repurposed in the flames.

Copyright 2017 Felicia Malone

Introducing Wynette Dawson - Simply Cindy's Newest Team Member

It's my pleasure and honor to introduce Wynette Dawson, who joined my team as a Contributing Writer.

Wynette is a domestic violence survivor who knows that she has a higher purpose and calling on her life. She is a single mother of two amazing boys D'Anthony and Brandon. They are her pride and joy which gives her the strength and courage to keep reaching her future endeavors and to keep fighting for happiness. She couldn't ask for a better support system than her family and close friends that love her unconditionally no matter what life throws at her.

Wynette enjoys cooking, writing poetry, teaching her children, interior design, watching HGTV, and spending time with family, She loves being there for others, is an animal lover, and she cherishes her inner peace.

Please help me welcome Wynette to the Simply Cindy Blog team and to our blogging community!

Q: Valentine’s Day is approaching and I don’t have a ‘Valentine’. I feel lonely and embarrassed. What should I do?

Signed: B.B. ~ Lonely Girl

A: I’m sorry to hear that you are already feeling lonely before the holiday has arrived. I'm not being sarcastic but we tend to prepare our lives for instant hurt and sorrow before thinking positive. 

Let’s do a quick inventory.

1. What is Valentine’s Day? (Very brief history) According to the History Channel, each year February 14th is the day of romance and is named for a Christian martyr dating back to the 5th century. It is a very popular holiday but I encourage you to REALLY research this holiday in depth.
2. Why are you feeling lonely on this day?
3. Do you have a relationship with yourself?
4. How do you show yourself, love?
5. What is the definition of love?

I’m not dismissing the feelings that you are experiencing because I once felt the same. I felt lonely, I was embarrassed because it seemed as though all of my friends had dates and were receiving gifts, etc… 

However, after really praying about it and researching, my perspective changed. I began dating myself, buying gifts for self and I changed that holiday around. I also learned to LOVE myself and realized that I didn’t need a ‘special day’ to feel loved. I created my own! Have fun with it and if anyone tries to make a big issue about not having a ‘Valentine’s Day’, then you look at them, smile, and say “God loves you and so do I!” ;)

Until next time, live, laugh and love life to the fullest!

Love ya,
AunT

Trinette Collier Green is a Certified Relationship Stylist

Submit your questions to simplycindyblog@gmail.com

Cindy's Featured Artist of the Week - Debbie Evans

DEBBIE EVANS

Debbie is a lifelong entrepreneur, corporate marketing professional, and part-time blogger. She's on a personal journey to inspire and empower others to an improved spiritual, physical and mental way of life. 

Featured in Crain’s NY Business News, as publisher of Connections in Black, a bi-monthly magazine in New York City, Debbie has a strong sense of community, which was the focus of her publication. Her corporate experience includes investment research for a large Wall Street firm, international corporate marketing with a Fortune 500 oil/gas behemoth, and promotions marketing for a grocery giant. 

Scratching her ever-present entrepreneurial itch, Debbie, along with her husband owned-operated a Class A contracting company in the Northern Virginia area where their design and construction impact is evident in houses throughout the area, stretching in Washington, DC.

A final move to the Carolina's birthed an accessories boutique/jazz lounge in Salisbury, NC and Debbie now makes her residence in the South Charlotte area where she enjoys sharing time with her husband, daughter, and granddaughter.

As a wife, mother, daughter, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, she is purposed to help others seeking a better life for themselves and their families with her current work as a Founding Member and Better Life Consultant for Sheago Cosmetics.

https://evansgrind.wixsite.com/life/blog

Djevans.sheago.com

Connect with Verse - Poetry Corner! Featuring - Sophia Johnson

SOPHIA JOHNSON

Did You Know

By: EnFenaTi

Did you know you're a QUEEN

Did you know that you're BEAUTIFUL

You were created to be great

Did you know that you are LOVED

Did you know that you're UNIQUE

You are like no other

Did you know he never left YOUR SIDE

Did you know that no matter what has

happened, you came BACK from it

You are blessed

Did You Know

Beverly's Beatitudes by Beverly Branch

A mother at church told me one time these words, "Stop denying to accept, or saying no thank you when someone's offering to give to you or show their appreciation when you help them out."

When I help, I help from the heart so I don't look for returns. I was offered gas money for dropping off a few church members after church. She said, "You are BLOCKING their BLESSING!" When she put it like that, it made me think and repent! She said, "GOD could be TESTING them and their obedience!"

When you know one may be in a bind, circumstances, or doesn't have it like that, that's more of a reason to not want to take what they're offering. Even if I needed it, or I may be going through something myself, I still would not have taken it. I kept saying, "No ma'am I'm good, it's okay." The mother said, "Girl take that money from this child and allow GOD to Bless her out of her Need!" And so I did!

I smile and tell this story times over because being obedient to the voice of GOD is more important than listening to the voice of self or man! GOD will NEVER leave US nor forsake US! HE is our EVER PRESENT Help IN the time of Need, Distress, Sorrow, Lack, More than Enough, Failures, Achievements, Successes etc. There have been times I was in this very same position in life, on both sides of the fence, not knowing who, what, when, where, or how? Early on in life stressing and crying or operating in unbelief; should I or shouldn't I? Even when I was in need myself, I always extended a hand or gave what I had, even having three children, not knowing again - who, what, when, where, or how, I still sacrificed, opened up my doors, or assisted whatever the need and even when I couldn't.

But once I heard Mother Bessie speak those words to me, it did something to me, it changed something in me! It grew me, it matured me, see even in my struggle or others, I don't want to be one involved in blocking others Blessings! But I did learn this, to be more sensitive to the Spirit First, know when to and when not to, When GOD says DO IT... DO IT! It has nothing to do with You or Your Status or Situations or Circumstances! 

You know the saying - You can't help Nobody until you help Yourself! Again, this is where Discernment and Wisdom come in because GOD won't STEER YOU WRONG! I've given out of Plenty and I've given out of Less, I've given out of Great Health and I've given out of Failed Health AND EVERY TIME I DID IT, FOLLOWING THE LEADING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, I WAS SUPER BLESSED BEYOND MEASURE, DOUBLE PORTION, PRESSED DOWN, SHAKEN TOGETHER, RUNNING OVER ETC!

I would be healed as I prayed for others while attacked by a Migraine, right in the middle of praying! I would see the supernatural manifestations of blessing others come right back to me. And when my children were there to witness these acts of kindness, I made sure right there, openly and publicly, I let them know it was the hand of GOD and reminded them of the prayers we prayed. I said all this to say, you or someone you know may be in need of something. It could be anything, or you may just feel compelled to be kind to someone; God may have put in your spirit to plant, water or sow. Pray, seek HIM and follow suit. If you've already Prayed, just act. TRUST ME BUT TRUST GOD MORE. HE WILL RETURN TO YOU MORE THAN YOU CAN IMAGINE! He sits High and Looks Low, HE sees everything, knows everything, and surely TESTS US ALL!

So if someone is Offering you Assistance, or if you're Offering Someone Assistance, Showing Gratitude, Lending a Helping Hand, Ministering, Praying, Planting, Sowing into your life, your families life, just accept it, don't worry, don't ponder, don't fret, rebuke second guesses, Don't Block Their Blessing, Messing with the Plan of GOD for their lives and yours. 

Help comes in all forms, just make sure you have the CAPACITY to receive it! It may not always look good, feel good, it can be a bit embarrassing at times, but DON'T let yourself or others bring in the spirit of shame, blame or judgment. GOD WILL BLESS YOU RIGHT OUT YOUR NEED BECAUSE WHEN GOD IS IN IT, THERE IS NO LIMIT! Thank you Mother Bessie for Planting and Watering that Seed, and Thank You GOD for Allowing it to GROW IN ME. And THANK YOU SELF FOR BEING A WILLING VESSEL! So Bless someone today but do it without looking at You, but looking at THEM! Through the eyes of GOD!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!
I HOPE 2018 BRINGS FORTH RIVERS OF LIVING SPRINGS! FROM EVERY DIRECTION, MAY BLESSINGS FLOW THROUGH, AROUND AND TO YOU! KEEP YOUR CISTERNS FREE TO HOLD THE CAPACITY!

Beverly Branch

Founder of Women In Fellowship Ministries

Q: Should you expect an apology or acknowledgment when you’ve been wronged or offended in relationships?

Signed: T.F.~So Sorry

A: It’s the human emotion that expects an apology right after an offense happens. Think about the times as a child when we did something to someone; our parents or teachers would make us apologize with a quickness! We really didn’t mean it but for the sake of not being punished or dragging it out, we sourly said: “I’m sorry!”
We didn’t mean it, we were not sincere, we were forced, and most times we didn’t even realize what was so offensive that an apology was needed. We just apologized because we were told to.

Well, that has carried into our adulthood and for most people, apologies are unnecessary in their eyes. Many people voice their own opinions and may not think that something offends the next person. In my own marriage, I’ve had to help my husband understand that sometimes the words that come out his mouth are offensive. We would battle why he should apologize or not because he clearly didn’t believe that he should. The battle would continue but then God showed me how to come through the side door! I had to explain to him in a loving and less sensitive manner how his words really hurt. I also learned that because he is from the Northern part of the states, he is very blunt with words and I’m very sensitive. Believe it or not, people don’t know how to apologize or better yet WHY they should have to apologize.

Until next time, be sure to live, love and laugh because life is still good!

Love,
AunT

Trinette Collier Green is a Certified Relationship Stylist
Submit your questions to simplycindyblog@gmail.com

Cindy's Featured Artist of the Week - Frank Scott, Sr.

FRANK SCOTT, SR.

My business consists of helping families and individuals get out of debt through Debt Stacking by eliminating the rolling down effect. 

The best low-cost insurance that only has a one child cost. Many children can be added to a low-cost family plan with a large coverage amount available. 

We have Legal Protection so that we may put your estate in order. Also, settle any legal matter without the high costs. 

We have a Home Security system that keeps watch over your home; you can as well, from anywhere in the world. You can open a door for someone you know and see them on your phone or tablet. 

We can save you money on your Auto and Home coverage. We also have Identity Theft protection at a very low cost. All available to you, through me. 

If you need any of these services, contact me at 813-458-6435. 

Connect with Verse - Poetry Corner! Featuring Clara Freeman

Clara Freeman

For the Many Etched In My Brain-Spills Over

girls, babies, toddlers, teens

Little Girl Lost

Walks in my dreams

tugs on my skirts

beseeches me to Speak

for her,

for others like her

sad eyes in black and brown faces

children of other races

lost little boys

lost little innocent in between-ages

fearful eyes

staring out from tear-stained faces

voiceless in the silence of neglect and abuse

the defeated

can you

feel the screams of hopeless fears

pouring from the pores

of their brutalized skins?

Help me lord guide my tongue

to humanize this little girl lost

and others like her,

her little hand tugs on my skirts,

her face tears at my heart

my soul cries

remembering eyes of sadness

the tears of your suffering

See something say something

I cry for you and for others like you

I mourn for you and for others like you

I speak prayers in your name and others like you

In hopes that you are happy in the hereafter…

*In loving memory of Semaj and others like her.

Clara Freeman
http://wisewoman2.wordpress.com

Q: Who's really the head of the home if the woman makes more than the man?

Signed: M.C. ~ MoneyMaker

A: Happy New Year!
This topic is very sensitive for both involved. Statistics have shown that many women are now making more money than their spouses/significant others. This is due to many factors such as the level of education, type of job, and position. When you are dating, this discussion will come about and you have to be strategic in how you approach it. Some men are still dealing with the fact that they are not where they would like to be financially and their egos can easily be bruised. 

However, you must be honest with yourself and your partner about what you are wanting. If you are in the beginning stages of your relationship and you are looking for a man who makes more than you, you should express that. Sometimes women believe that money equates to power in the home. If you are in a relationship and you are making more than your partner, you should have a discussion and allow him to express how he is feeling about it as well. Money should not determine what position he holds in your household! A man is a man and should be treated just as so. 

To sum it up, depending on your religious and personal beliefs, you would really need to have candid discussions about the roles in your household. In our home, my husband is the head because we follow God’s principles. We share duties and responsibilities, including finances. We set goals and we BUILD… however, he is the HEAD and not the tail of our relationship.

Until next time, live, love, and laugh out loud!

Love ya,

AunT

Trinette Collier Green is a Certified Relationship Stylist
Submit your questions to simplycindyblog@gmail.com

Introducing Bridget McCray - Simply Cindy's Newest Team Member

It's my pleasure and honor to introduce Bridget McCray, who joined my team as a Contributing Writer. 

Bridget earned her Bachelor’s degree in Accounting in the early 1990s, after working part-time while being in school full-time. She was not a stranger to hard work. A few years later, she left her native Louisiana to become a Texas transplant after receiving a job offer that she could not refuse.

In the late 1990s, she met and married her best friend and love of her life, Joel. A few years later, they started a family. During that time Bridget worked as a senior accountant at a large and rapidly growing electronics company. Starting a family was “not on her radar,” yet she was overjoyed at the news that they were expecting a baby.

As it got closer to her due date, she felt strongly in her heart that she could not take her baby to a daycare. She realized that it would not be a popular decision culturally at the time, but knew that she and her husband, not society-at-large, were responsible for this child’s welfare. After much discussion and prayer, she did not return to her job after the baby was born.

As a senior accountant in this company, she earned a nice salary, as well as benefits. Her husband, Joel, fully supported her, knowing that he would now be the sole income-earner. This was certainly a major adjustment financially. Sacrifices had to be made. They downsized their vehicles and their home. Things were tight, yet they never went without anything they needed.

Roughly a year later, they were expecting another baby; however, the end result was, unfortunately, a miscarriage. A few months later, she became pregnant again, and they were blessed with another beautiful child. Once more, they were expecting, but that pregnancy also ended in miscarriage.

Bridget does not take the role of motherhood lightly. She is passionate about it, understanding that she is helping to shape the next generation, as well as generations to come, by the grace of God. She has been blessed to stay at home with her children for almost 14 years and has been blessed all the more by her husband’s unwavering support and encouragement. She taught her children at home so that when they were old enough to start school, they would be prepared. By the grace of God, they have worked hard and have excelled in school. They are well-rounded students, taking advantage of their education academically, athletically, and in the fine arts. Bridget has been, and is, involved at their schools, yet not in a way that is overbearing. She is grateful for the opportunities every day to invest in their futures.

As her children got older, Bridget began to take her health seriously after a health scare. As she made better choices in her eating and physical activity, so did her children. Through her personal journey, she developed a passion for helping others to make small changes to help improve their quality of life by learning to live a healthier lifestyle. She is especially passionate about helping wives and mothers, as she believes that they are instrumental in setting the tone for the next generation by our example. She obtained certifications in Group Fitness instruction, Zumba, and in personal training.

Bridget also speaks Spanish at an intermediate-level and hopes to be fluent by the end of 2018. This is something with which she can help her children, as well as to serve others, especially in the Dallas-Fort Worth area of Texas, where she currently resides.

Please help me welcome Bridget to the Simply Cindy Blog team and to our blogging community!

Divine Wellness by Traci A. Fonville

New Year, Better You!

True life is lived when tiny changes occur.

-Leo Tolstoy

Most people begin the New Year by making resolutions. We’ve all been there. We take a vow to lose weight, exercise more or spend more time with our family. We start the year with great intentions, but then we quickly relapse into old habits. Why is it so difficult?

The word resolution is defined as “a firm decision to do or not do something”. So in order to change the New Year’s narrative from breaking resolutions (i.e. temporary decisions) to setting goals and making lifestyle changes, here are some ways you can jumpstart the new year with solid intentions leading to future results:

1. Write down your intentions and keep them in a visible place, like taped to your bedroom mirror or the dashboard of your car.
2. Get to the source of whatever is keeping you in a rut. Are you in a stressful relationship that causes you to binge on a pint of ice cream every night? Are you overworked and too tired to exercise? If you don’t tackle the root of the behavior, it will be much harder to accomplish your goal.
3. Be clear about what your life would look like once you achieve your goal. If you resolve to go to the gym more, how will this benefit you? Get connected to the result of your action and you will be more likely to stick with your plan.
4. Share your resolutions with friends and family. Hold each other accountable for achieving your goals. If you want to go to the gym more, have a friend call you two or three times a week to check on you or invite them to join you.
5. Reward yourself with every little accomplishment. If your intention is to lose weight and you lose 1 pound a week, pamper yourself with a massage.
   

Big changes do not require big leaps. Permanent change is more likely to happen gradually than through one big restrictive plan. Take some time to really connect to your why. Why do you want to lose weight? Start a new business? Change jobs? Write down the pros and cons of each decision and decide if it’s something you want or need to focus on in the new year. Your why will catapult you into the new year more focused and determined to make your intentions and lifestyle changes become permanent mainstays in your life. And remember to be kind to yourself! A misstep on the ladder to a better you does not mean defeat… just means you’re learning!

Happy New Year!

Traci A. Fonville is a board certified holistic health coach, a graduate of the Institute of Integrative Nutrition and a registered yoga teacher. She is the owner of I Affirm Wellness, which specializes in health coaching and beginner yoga classes. She is a Wellness Advocate for dōTERRA Essential Oils and a Brand Ambassador for ItWorks! Follow Traci on Instagram and Facebook @iaffirmwellness. Log onto her websites for health and wellness products at www.mydoterra.com/iaffirmwellness and www.iaffirmwellness.myitworks.com.

Theo's Sports Corner by Theo Abbott

Is this the year the Washington Wizards make the NBA Eastern Conference Finals?

The Washington Wizards again look like a playoff team this year. They have been one of the best teams in the NBA Eastern Conference for the last few years. 

The team has posted a winning record and has shown a lot of promise over the last couple of years. The Wizards were one game away from making the Eastern Conference Finals last year. However, they lost to the Celtics in a winner take all Game 7. This year they are again led by superstar John Wall and star Bradley Beal. There are high expectations for the team again this year. The Wizards need to make the Eastern Conference Finals when they will most likely face the Cleveland Cavs to meet those expectations. However, nobody expects the Wizards to beat the Cavs this year especially with the best player in the world, Lebron James, maybe playing the best basketball of his career. The Wizards still will be judged to see if they can take that next step in their playoff maturation process.

The Wizards are 19 – 15 so far this year and currently sitting in the 6th spot among Eastern Conference playoff contenders. They have had to play a number of games without John Wall as he has dealt with injuries early in this season. Yet, the Wizards are right in the mix among the best teams in the NBA. Recently, they had a showdown with the Eastern Conference-best team, the Boston Celtics, and beat them solidly. Again, they are showing promise this year but have had some up and down struggles. Along with Wall and Beal, they feature Otto Porter, Marcin Gortat, Markieff Morris, and Kelly Oubre Jr. which gives them a very talented group.

This year the Wizards don’t have a problem getting up for the big games against good teams. Their problem has been their lackluster performances against bad teams. Already this year the Wizards have lost to NBA bottom feeders Dallas Mavericks, Phoenix Suns, Brooklyn Nets, and Charlotte Hornets. Next, they face the NBA’s worst team, the Atlanta Hawks. The Wizards need to play with the same intensity they did against the Celtics in their matchup with the Hawks. Good teams are able to play that way. If the Wizards are going to make the Eastern Conference Finals they need to find a way to put together a string of victories. They definitely need to beat bad teams handily.

Could this be the year the Wizards make the Eastern Conference Finals? Stay tuned! It remains to be seen.

Theo Abbott

Contributing Writer