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 writing - in the matchless Name LORD JESUS!

Hear, my children, the instruction of a father, And give attention to know understanding; ...

Get wisdom! Get understanding! Do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth.  Do not forsake her, and she will preserve you; Love her, and she will keep you. Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding.

Proverbs 4:1; 5-7 (NKJV)

Getting It!

A moment of transparency... I don't like Math.  I don't have a problem with Addition or Subtraction, Multiplication, or even Division. But Algebra and Geometry? Either I'm reading a book or completing a Math equation. I don't need letters in my Math! And now? The things that they are doing to our children in the name of Math - oh my!

Now... PLEASE - don't be offended by my attempt at humor! Don't write Cindy and offer to tutor me or to pay for me to attend Sylvan learning center. I am okay... and if your new way of doing Math gets your checkbook to balance at the end of the month... KUDOS to you! I am just 'borrowing' Math for my illustration because when it comes to Advanced Maths, Trigonometry, Common Core... I just... DON'T Get It.

When I was a child and in school back in the day, every chapter of my school books had a quiz section to test and reinforce your comprehension. But one day, I recall discovering something wonderful! Some of our books (particularly my M-A-T-H book) had - hidden behind the glossary - an answer section! You could actually look back there and get the answers to those wretched Math questions!

But I had a problem - three really:

Problem 1 - The back of the book only gave me every other answer;

Problems 2 & 3 - My Teachers and My Mother - INSISTED that I work out my Math problems to show HOW I got my answer! The NERVE! If I didn't know better, one might think that they didn't trust me to not... cheat! And the fact of the matter is that they all would have been spot on! I WAS planning on… utilizing less than honorable tactics in the acquisition of my responses.

I didn't get it. The answer section was not there to help me to cheat. It was there to help me - once I worked out the problem on my own - check my work and, if it was wrong, redo it before my Mom reviewed it or Mrs. Morgan graded it. Stealing the answer from the back of the book would never have helped me to understand how to do simple things for myself. The fact was Mom and Mrs. Morgan were not the enemies of my recreation. What they wanted was for me to get "an understanding".

I think that is what King Solomon is trying to relate to us through Proverbs 4 when he urges us to "Pay attention... Get Wisdom and in all your getting, get Understanding!"

I was sharing with my Cousin Beloved one evening after I went to hear him speak. I made the comment to him that, "You have really 'learned' me some things!" He laughingly corrected and teased me about our SouthEast DC origins, "No matter what we've done in life or how far we go, we're still from SE, right?" My reply made him chuckle, too: "No sir! You could be 'teaching' me til you turned blue, and I wouldn't get - no - you LEARNED me some things!"

I think that is what Solomon (and Mom and Ms. Morgan) want for us - to more than just 'hear' a lesson. To be more than just taught but to be 'learned'. To more than just hear what our Pastors, Teachers, and Elders are trying to impart but to be motivated by their wisdom. Then, because we have invited and allowed the wisdom to sink in when life issues come upon us, we will have a clear understanding of positive next steps.

Wisdom is the primary thing, so in all your getting, get understanding.


Val Crawford
Contributing Writer

Mindset Matters by Cassandra Williams-Herbert

February the month of Love

For years, February has been the month dedicated to show love. As a child, we are taught to love ourselves first, to understand who we are and what we want to be, enlightened with the greatness of living and loving life.

Love is a deep appreciation for how you love others as we love ourselves. That's a lot to consider when you're trying to understand what love really is in your life.

Love and Life are about an educational journey of self-discovery. It’s not selfish to love ourselves. It's understood that when you love yourself first, life becomes clearer for you; we're able to open up our hearts to love other people that we encounter in our lives. I found that when you start loving yourself, the world around you begins to change for the better.

Unfortunately, many of us will not love ourselves until a true awareness takes place in your life. Love is also in company with trauma when you lose something or someone special in our life. Love takes on a whole new meaning. I asked a loved one why she was distanced from the family over the years. Her response was “I am not sure; just living life.” That was until the love of her life was killed in an accident. Family and Love came with another meaning and understanding. The family she left behind was the family that showed pure love and support during her time of an unexpected misfortune.

When love is authentic you can use peace, hurt, pain, frustration and troublesomeness times to motivate you, rather than upset you; finding purpose in every situation.  

 I believe that all of us have a choice to bring about change. To choose to love or not to love or choose to find excuses for what love is not; one thing love is is a word of action. Love brings joy to your soul. Love is one of the most powerful forces that connect the world.

 Love is a mindset that takes action. I encourage you to love Unconditionally 365 days not just in the month of February. God is Love Every Day!

Cassandra Williams Herbert

Contributing Writer 

Connect with Verse - Poetry Corner! Featuring Wynette Williams

Catch A Bubble

When you feel fear

Catch A Bubble

When negative thoughts come

Catch A Bubble

When you're in the storm 

Catch A Bubble

When God Speaks, Listen

And...

Catch A Bubble

In your season, you will find out what will 

Be in store and you will break through like never before.

So for that reason...

Peace Be Still And 

Catch A Bubble 

Written by: Wynette Williams

Q: I need help but don’t know how to ask. How do I ask for help?

Signed: M.B. ~ Afraid to Ask

A: Believe it or not, you actually took the first step in asking for help! Now, depending on what type of help you are seeking, I am unable to help you do that. However, whatever it is that you are needing at this time, you can utilize the resources that you currently have. Is it financial, spiritual, health-related, or personal growth that you need help with? Evaluate what it is that you are needing, look at your resources and move forward with that. Sometimes, the help you are looking for is staring right at you, we just have to open our mouths and ask without the fear. Stay in prayer, ask God to guide you and He will send you what you need.

Until next time, laugh, live and love life. You only have one to live!

Love ya,
Ask AunT

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

Humbly Yours by Val Crawford

Thank YOU, LORD GOD for a new opportunity to share YOU. Thank YOU for Grace, Mercy, Hope, and Faith. Speak now LORD for THY servant daughter is listening! Please use me to minister outwardly and inwardly; to grow and minister to others. Strengthen us in YOUR Word and allow YOUR Will to be examples of YOUR LOVE on this side of Life! Do it Now ABBA and we will continue to give YOU all the Honor, all the Glory, and all the Praise! It is in the Matchless name LORD JESUS that I ask and thank YOU for it all! This is what the Lord says ...

“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are MINE.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned... For I am the LORD your GOD, the HOLY ONE of Israel, your SAVIOR" - Isaiah 43:1-3 (NIV)

Don't Stop Moving

Fearfulness... sometimes when one thinks about all the things and people that they are up against and what is up against them, it can be almost paralyzing! BUT these days, I am recognizing something. I am relieved to know that when I pass through the waters, GOD will be with me and when I pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over me..."

That is good news to me! 'Things' come and always will but we can be assured that 'there will be Glory after this!' Even when we walk through the fire, the Word Promises that we won't be burned. ABBA promises to be with us just like HE was with the three Hebrews in Nebuchadnezzar's furnace! And IF HE is with us when we go through the furnace, we will come out just like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in Daniel 3 - unsigned and not even smelling like smoke.

The thing that has been repeating to me in Isaiah 43 (and in Daniel 3) was 'movement'... I think that is the lesson for me here today.

Don't Stop Moving! Isaiah tells us that GOD's message to us is "... when you p-a-s-s through the waters... when you
p-a-s-s through the rivers... when we w-a-l-k through the fire... HE will be with us! So, don't stop moving!

In Daniel 3, when King Nebuchadnezzar looked in the furnace, he said he saw FOUR men WALKING around. Those Hebrew men didn't allow that incredibly frightening circumstance to stop their trust or belief in our Almighty GOD. They believed that GOD would be with them - even in the fire and they didn't stop moving. Don't stop moving! The same way GOD was with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego; the same way HE was with Moses and Joshua; the same way GOD was with Daniel, HE will be with you and me! ABBA told Isaiah to tell you and me that HE will be with us! Through the Fire and the Flood - GOD The FATHER will be with us!

A few years ago, my Pastor, Anthony G. Maclin preached a sermon, "Don't Mess with My Momentum!" At the beginning of the sermon, he provided the definition of the word, 'momentum'...

Momentum - the force or energy that something (or someone) has when it is moving; the strength or force that allows something (or someone) to continue to grow stronger or faster as time passes.

Momentum - growing stronger as time passes! Do NOT stop moving! GOD has not given up on you! Do not give up on yourself!

I didn't think about it when I was watching Charlton Heston in the Ten Commandments but, in all honesty, if I was one of the Israelites at the Red Sea, I might not have been immediately inclined to "walk through the waters..." I may very well have run in the opposite direction - right back into the hands of my enemies. Or - I may have stood stock still - and ended up in the hands of my enemies. The Good News is that GOD knows that about us! When the Egyptians were pursuing them, GOD got between the Israelites and their enemy in a pillar of fire, which actually served two purposes:

A. It blocked the Egyptians - stopping their momentum;

B. It pushed the Israelites forward - INCREASING their momentum!

So I will offer (and take) this lesson from Shadrach (and 'em), and the Israelites, and Isaiah:

WHEN GOD gives you a push - DO NOT STOP! 

I will push through my fear and the paralysis of not doing because, like Isaiah said in chapter 43, GOD knows my name and has redeemed me to HIMSELF! WHEN I pass through the fire, HE IS with me!

Whatever you are facing - - Don't stop moving! 

Whatever is facing you - Please - Don't stop moving!

Keep Praying! Keep Trusting! Keep Believing! 

Do NOT Stop!!!

Val Crawford

Contributing Writer

Sisters of Worth Empowerment Conference

On behalf of the phenomenal women of Souls Inspiring Sisterlove, Inc., we greet you and introduce our organization. Souls Inspiring Sisterlove, Inc. was created by seven ladies who bonded together in true sisterhood and love.

We are nonprofit. Our 501 (c) (3) organization is committed to inspiring sisterhood among women worldwide through encouragement, empowerment, and education. Our mission is to globally support, nurture, and inspire women of all ages seeing no color or creed; to embrace love, healing, effective communication, unity, compassion, and sisterhood.

We are excited to announce our 2018 Sisters of Worth (SOW) Empowerment Conference focusing on total health, wealth and wellness for women.

Cindy's Featured Artist of the Week - Lauren Hunt

LAUREN HUNT

(Hunt’s Over the Top) Theatre for Children is a vision that was placed in Lauren’s heart many years ago. As a passionate educator who had been impacted by Theatre herself, Lauren wanted to share the gift of theatre with as many children as possible. Lauren previously worked at a private school in Marietta, GA, known as Destiny Academy. During her time there, she had the opportunity to work with many children ages 1-5. She introduced Destiny students to Theatre and the children, along with their parents fell in love with the stage. 

The parents at Destiny Academy encouraged Lauren to branch out and open her own performing arts space. Stepping out on faith, Lauren opened HOTT Theatre in August of 2014. Lauren has worked with many children, but her HOTT Theatre babies hold a dear place in her heart. She loves watching them grow on and off the stage, but most importantly in Christ. 

Lauren decided later to start the most career-changing event called Rep Your Act. She gives adults and children the opportunity to showcase their talents to professionals in the industry who could potentially give that actor the opportunity they have been searching for. Rep Your Act will take place November 3, 2018, at the Theater in the Square. Be sure to register if you are looking for the opportunity to be placed in front casting directors, agents, and more who could potentially change these actors careers for the best.

Visit www.repyouract.com and click on registration or email repyouract@gmail.com for more information

Connect with Verse - Poetry Corner!

Connect with Verse - Poetry Corner! Featuring Cindy H. Reed

Pieces of a dream, so real it seems, so easy for me to remember.

You loved me with all your heart, there was nothing that could tear us apart, our chemistry was oh so right. We were inseparable soul mates, caring, loving and sharing with each other. Respecting, trusting, and most of all, we were friends.

What a beautiful dream - oh how real it seems, my puzzle is once again forming. I will sleep, just to keep each treasured piece coming.

My dream is almost complete because it seems so real, and its so easy for me to remember.

Creating Designs with your Peace in Mind by Wynette Dawson

It's mid-February and spring is nearly approaching. You get home from a long work day and find yourself in your quiet space to decompress with your glass of wine or cup of tea. You kick your shoes off, you're ready to unwind from the day but then you notice "The Chair". Yes, everyone knows the chair.

You often find yourself piling it up, not intentionally but it has a mountain of clothing that didn't quite reach the closet. You have books that didn't find their way to the reading nook, better yet, a few toys from the kids that played quietly so you didn't notice that the toys didn't make it to their playroom. You start to itch and say out loud, "Oh Lord, this mess is so not me." 

Out comes the duster and Swiffer Mop and all your cleaning products galore. After that's done you say to yourself, "Hmmm, this room is boring, it needs a little bit more." So you quickly run out to your favorite linen or home supply store, with ideas that you've brainstormed. You're on a budget so you can't buy out the whole store, but a few items will do for now.

It's all about color to bring this room back to life! Vibrant yet elegant; yes that will suffice. You pick out new sheer turquoise curtains to cover the window that you like to look out and watch the sunset. You pick up a cute turquoise pillow and thermal blanket to decorate "the chair" that is a white microfiber material and you tell yourself it will no longer be neglected because now it has style. 

Completed, you push the chair over to your window just in time to watch the sunset with your glass of wine and notepad as you begin to write your "to-do-list" and unwind. Next time you'll add a bit more because this is an empty room with decorations to explore!


Wynette Dawson
Contributing Writer

Q: How does a person stay true to self?

Signed: F.P. ~ Self Love

A: This is a good question and one that many of us struggle with over time. Staying true to self-seems like an easy task but it's really not.

We learn who we are through life experiences. These experiences will mold us over the course of time, challenging us as we learn who you are. We grow, make mistakes, learn to forgive and move forward. During these moments, we sometimes forget to remain true to self because we’ve built our life based on friends, family, and other relationships. We tend to find ourselves trying to please everyone, losing our identity, self-worth and more.

How does a person stay true to self? Be completely honest with your feelings about life and the things that take place in your life. Your relationships with people, your wants/desires, dreams/goals, and more. Take charge of who you are by believing in yourself. Build a wall of resilience because life will find a way to beat you down if you allow it. Establish a regimen of positive affirmations, prayers, or mantras that will help you with your true identity. Surround yourself with a village of friends and family who will build you in truth, not what you are wanting to hear but your truth. Live and walk in your truth daily. Remember that everyone will not accept your true self and it’s ok.

Until next time, I’ll chat with you later! Always laugh, live, and love life…you only have one to live.

Love ya,

Ask AunT

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

Raise 'Em and Praise Him - Testimony Tuesday! Featuring: Rayvon Carter

I recently went over my church contributions for last year and was reminded that on Sunday, January 1, 2017, I had exactly 90 cents in my bank account. 

I gave 9 cents to my church anyway during tithes and offering. 

I had a Bachelor’s and a Master’s and was not yet working in my field even though I had been out of school for two years. 

I had gone on first, second, third and fourth interviews and was told I didn’t have enough experience. 

I watched as people made statuses about new jobs and pay raises and new cars and got frustrated. 

The enemy tried to trick me into believing God forgot about me, I was being punished, and that I wasn’t deserving of God’s grace and favor. 

But God. 

I felt frustrated. I was uncomfortable. I was embarrassed. 

But I didn’t stop praying — I stayed true to what I knew to be true. I began to increase my prayer life and stand firmly on the Word of God. I had made up in my mind that I was gonna stick with Him despite what it looked like. 

2017 started off with me having 81 cents after I paid tithes and offering. 

Yet today is my one year anniversary at Apple. In my field. Doing what I love. 

I don’t know what it is that may have you feeling down, but I want you to be encouraged. 

Pray up. Faith up. Glory up. Repeat.

AUTHORS - Let your book be the Featured Book of the Week!

Authors: If you'd like your book to be featured on Simply Cindy Blog, send your book picture, what your book is about, and where it may be purchased. Send to - simplycindyblog@gmail.com. Cindy will feature one book a week and share on her blog and other social media platforms for FREE for one day. 

Cindy's Featured Artist of the Week - Vanessa DeWalt

VANESSA DEWALT

Vanessa DeWalt is a native of Indianapolis, Indiana where she was born and raised. She attended school at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. After graduating in 2013, Vanessa decided to move to the Carolina's for a change of scenery and for the abundance of opportunities she'd heard from others already living in the area. After a year and half of working odd jobs, Vanessa began a job in her career field. She began working as a Human Resources Manager which she loved. "I really enjoy working and engaging with people so this position was perfect."

Things were going really well at her job but after about a year, Vanessa started thinking outside of the box. She started thinking that there must be more she could do to be financially secure without being tied down to her corporate desk. After talking things over with her husband, they decided they were in a great place to take a leap of faith and start their own business. Her husband had already launched a landscaping business and was in the process of creating an app with some of his business partners, so he had a lot of knowledge as far as what it takes to start a business. With her husband's support, Vanessa started thinking of the kind of business she wanted to start. 

In early 2017, Vanessa saw something on the news that was very disturbing, but very inspiring. A young woman was shopping in a beauty supply store near Uptown Charlotte. The young woman was accused by the store owners of stealing. After she was accused of stealing, she was then attacked and thrown to the ground by a man while a woman stood over her screaming at her and calling her a thief. The woman had not stolen anything, but was racially profiled and then attacked by the Asian store owners. With Vanessa being a resident of the area and having shopped in that store, that story hit very close to home. It was that unfortunate event that helped bring Vee’s Beauty Supply to life. 

When Vanessa saw that news segment, it made her angry and hurt for that young woman who had to endure such treatment. "I felt that no one should ever be treated in such a horrible way, especially when they are spending their hard earned money in your establishment."

It was then that Vanessa's wheels started turning and she started thinking about how this situation could be avoided in the future. She thought about how she had to travel to Charlotte when she needed certain beauty and hair supplies because there weren’t any places like that in her neighborhood of Fort Mill. She felt that opening a beauty supply in the area would fill a void that was needed. It would also give people a place to come and shop where they would feel comfortable knowing that they would not be harassed or profiled simply because of their skin color.

After months of research, finding vendors and distributors, Vanessa decided it was time to leave her job. Vee’s Beauty Supply has been open since October, 2017 and Vanessa couldn’t be more excited. "I love when customers come in and they're excited because they no longer have to travel for their beauty needs. I love being a black business owner who can give others like me a comfortable and inviting place to shop. My goal is to build and grow my business to its highest potential. This store has given me the opportunity to meet and work with other like-minded individuals and I'm enjoying networking and learning more about the business."

Another goal that Vanessa has is to use her store as a platform for other creative people. Most recently, she began working with individuals who have products that they create themselves, where she gives them a space to showcase their talents and products. "It's been delightful being able to meet new people and give them an opportunity to grow. I look forward to seeing where Vee’s Beauty Supply will grow into, in the future."

Q: A friend of mine stated that I was in a toxic relationship. What are the signs of a toxic relationship?

Signed: T.O.~I Love Him

A: Well, due to the lack of details provided, let’s take inventory. Here are some questions that you can ask yourself to see if you are in a toxic relationship or not. This is not a complete list but it will give you a start in evaluating your relationship.

1. Is this ONE friend or MANY friends who are telling you that you are in a toxic relationship?
2. What is happening around this friend to cause such concern?
3. Are you being abused physically, mentally or orally?
4. Are you unable to think for yourself? Is your partner telling you when, where, what, how?
5. Has your partner alienated you from your friends, family or both?
6. Is your partner jealous of you or your circle of friends/family?
7. Does your partner add value to the relationship?
8. What goals are set for you, him, both?
9. How does your partner treat his family (parents, siblings, friends)?
10. Is your partner experiencing any mental illness that is causing you to make unhealthy decisions?
11. Is your partner supportive of your personal and professional goals?
12. Are YOU happy in your relationship?

Until next time, laugh, live and love life!

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 - Evelyn C. Hoskins Carter

Evelyn C. Hoskins Carter

Evelyn C. Carter, a native of Long Island, New York currently serves as Director, Community Relations for the Central New York Region of Wegmans Food Markets. In this role, her primary responsibilities are oversight of activities in the media relations, community investment and consumer affairs arenas. She also serves as the company’s regional spokesperson. Wegmans Food Markets, Inc. is a 95-store supermarket chain with stores in New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Virginia, Maryland, and Massachusetts. The family-owned company, recognized as an industry leader and innovator, celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2016. Wegmans has been named one of the ‘100 Best Companies to Work For’ by FORTUNE magazine for 19 consecutive years, ranking #4 in 2016.

Evelyn is a graduate of the S.I. Newhouse School of Communications at Syracuse University where she majored in public relations. She is also a graduate of LeMoyne College where she received a Masters in Business Administration in Human Resources. 

Her professional experience includes managerial positions of increasing responsibility in the fields of public relations, marketing and human resources at United Technologies Carrier Corporation and Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharmaceutical Company. Evelyn is a graduate of Leadership Greater Syracuse and currently serves on the Board of Directors for Centerstate CEO, Central New York Community Foundation, Hillside Work Scholarship Connection, the Jim and Juli Boeheim Foundation, the Salvation Army, the United Way of Central New York and WCNY Public Broadcasting Corporation. 

Evelyn served as the 2015 Chair for Go Red for Women campaign sponsored by the American Heart Association. The campaign significantly exceeded the campaign goal and realized the highest amount of dollars raised in the history of this campaign for this region. The campaign is now used as a benchmark for campaigns in other markets. During her campaign, Evelyn was supported by many community individuals and organizations including her sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Evelyn was again asked to be the 2018 Go Red for Women Chair. She agreed to do so and is currently actively involved to raise awareness of heart disease and stroke. She is working diligently to raise funds for the American Heart Association to enable the research of heart disease to continue. 

Evelyn is an active member of Links Inc, one of the nation’s oldest and largest volunteer service organizations of extraordinary women who are committed to enriching, sustaining and ensuring the culture and economic survival of African Americans and other persons of African ancestry.

Evelyn was appointed Women’s Department President of her church, Tucker Missionary Baptist Church. She also serves in the Praise and Worship Ministry and the Public Relations Department.

Evelyn was recently featured on the cover of Syracuse Woman Magazine as part of a women’s affinity group for the United Way of Central New York called Women United. The goal of this newly formed group is to be a resource for women in all sectors of leadership. 

Evelyn has been honored to receive numerous awards in recognition for her service to the community. These awards include:

NIA Award from Juneteenth Committee for Outstanding Civic Leadership

Outstanding Community Leadership Award from the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women

Award for Service and Dedication to the Syracuse Community from the Iota Nu Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Citizen of the Year Award from Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc.

Champion of Diversity Award from a non-profit agency called PEACE Inc.

Community Leadership Award from Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. Pioneer Award for Community Impact from People’s African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church

Despite her many achievements, Evelyn feels her greatest accomplishment has been the birth of her son, Austin Anthony Carter, who is a ninth grader.

http://www.syracusewomanmag.com/category/featured/

Model P31 Moms by Bridget McCray

Role Models

Dad: “Son, you are not allowed to smoke.”

Son: “…but Dad, you smoke. Why can’t I do it, too?”

Dad: “Do as I say, not as I do!”

Mom: “Sweetheart, you should always tell the truth.”

Sweetheart: “…but Mom, you just told the person at Amazon that your package never arrived, and they’re sending you a replacement. The package did arrive, and you opened it yesterday.”

Mom: “Do as I say, not as I do!”

These scenarios may sound vaguely familiar. If you experienced this as a young person, do you remember how it made you feel? Did it seem hypocritical? Was there something you learned from it?

Of course, there are things that parents have the liberty to do, simply because they are adults. However, regarding life principles, should there be a different standard for parents than there is for children?

In the above Dad-Son scenario, what if the dad’s response was along these lines: “Son, I know that I smoke. It’s a terrible habit that I wish I’d never started, and it’s a very difficult one to break. As a result of my years of smoking, I am now dealing with several health problems. Son, this is why I never want you to develop such a habit. I want you to have the best life possible. Do you understand?” Would the son have walked away with a sense that his dad loves him and wants the best for him? I’d almost bet on it!

What about the Mom-Sweetheart scenario? Not only did the mom tell a lie, but if she were to keep the original package, that would also be stealing. I wonder if that mom was intentionally trying to teach her daughter to lie (and steal). I doubt it. That mom may not have considered what she was teaching her daughter in that moment.

Whether we like it or not, as parents, we are role models. Contrary to the “do what I say, not what I do” concept, children typically do the opposite; they “do as we do.” Be it integrity, respect, compassion, generosity, good work ethic, and so on, our children usually model our behavior.

As a parent, I am far from perfect. Every day, I recognize the need I have for wisdom from the Lord to do the toughest “job” I’ll ever love alongside my husband. As parents, we are blessed to learn lessons from our children, as well. Though we are the earthly authorities in our homes, we can still mature together with them. 

We, as parents, are responsible to God for how we rear the children He has entrusted to us. We have the wonderful opportunity to teach the next generation through our actions, not just our words. May our actions be worthy of emulating.

Bridget McCray

Contributing Writer

Connect with Verse - Poetry Corner! Featuring Tom Green

Beauty At The Cross

It's purpose

first meant for life’s loss

Took on a higher meaning

There’s beauty

now found at the cross

God’s gift of intervening

In the affairs

of wayward man

He could have chosen

otherwise

Than to fulfill

salvation’s plan

Not sharing

love’s eternal prize

Tom Green

Copyright © July 2007

Theo's Sports Corner by Theo Abbott

Can the Washington Capitals finally when the Stanley Cup this year?

The Washington Capitals (Caps) find themselves in a familiar position again this year atop the standings of the National Hockey League’s (NHL) Metropolitan Division.  However, the regular season does not seem to be a problem for the Caps.  The team this year and as in past years continues to perform well in the regular season.  Yet, the Caps will truly be judged when the Stanley Cup Playoffs start.

The team is again led by NHL superstar Alex Ovechkin.  Since joining the Capitals in 2005-06, Alex has not been beyond the second round of the playoffs.  It is starting to be believed that Ovechkin may go down as the best player ever to never win a championship.  Despite the past shortcomings, Alex, this year is still surrounded by a lot of talent, including players Brooks Orpik, Matt Niskanen, Brett Connolly, Braden Holtby and coach Barry Trotz.

The past two seasons the Caps have had the best record in the entire NHL.  The team this year again is leading their division despite losing six players from last year’s team, replacing them with three rookies and three young project players.  The question is how far can the Caps go?  Can they beat the playoff demons that have plagued the team in the past?  Can they get past their nemesis, Pittsburgh Penguins, in the playoffs?

The Caps believe they have found a new identity and that they are mentally tough.  The team believes they are ready for a long playoff run and hopefully a place in the Stanley Cup Final.  Yet, let’s not get ahead of ourselves.  First, this team needs to make the playoffs and then make it past the second round of the playoffs.  If they can do that, then maybe the team’s ultimate goal can be achieved; until then it remains to be seen.  Let’s hope this is finally the year the Caps break thru.

Theo Abbott
Contributing Writer

Q: I’m going through a divorce and I’m not sure if it’s the right thing to do or not…What are your honest thoughts about divorce?

Signed: D.C. ~ Confused Christian

A: This is a question that I am so familiar with because I am a Christian woman who experienced a divorce, even wrote a book about it~Woman On Fire. I was very confused about divorcing because I was always told that I shouldn’t and it was wrong according to the Bible. It confused me because I didn’t understand why God wanted me to be unhappy. I knew that He could heal and save marriages because I had witnessed a few that had gone through tumultuous times. However, I was still confused. I never thought I would have to make a decision such as that.

After much prayer and consulting with a few pastors, it was confirmed through many signs that God did not want me to be unhappy or in an unhealthy relationship. Although it was very emotional and painful, I was at peace with the decision. It took much time to understand what was happening and I really had to stand firm in prayer because there were some who did not agree at all. I was told to work it out, stay and endure, etc… I had to shield my ears and really rely on my resources. If you rely on God’s guidance, He will reveal and order your steps for the both of you. I’m not a fan of divorce but I do believe that God wants us to be in HEALTHY, THRIVING and GODLY relationships.

Until next time, remember to laugh, live, and love life!

Love ya,
AunT

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

Divine Wellness by Traci A. Fonville

Let yourself be silently drawn by the stronger pull of what you really love

-Leo Tolstoy

Think for a moment of a food from your past, one that makes you feel great after you eat it for no specific reason. Maybe its macaroni and cheese, slow-simmered tomato sauce, ice cream cones or potato pancakes. Eating comfort foods (every now and then) can be incredibly healing, even though your rational brain might not consider it highly nutritious.

Food has the power to impact us on a level deeper than just our physical well-being. What we eat can reconnect us to precious memories, like childhood playtimes, first dates, holidays, our grandmother’s cooking or our country of ancestry. Our bodies remember foods from the past on an emotional and cellular level. Eating this food connects us to our roots and has youthening and nurturing effects that go far beyond the food’s biochemical makeup.

Acknowledging what different foods mean to us is an important part of cultivating a good relationship with food. This month when we celebrate love and relationships, it’s important to notice that we each have a relationship with food and that this relationship is often far from loving. Many of us restrict food, attempting to control our weight. We often abuse food, substituting it for emotional well-being. Others ignore food, swallowing it whole before even tasting it.

What would your life be like if you treated food and your body as you would treat your beloved – with gentleness, playfulness, communication, honesty, respect, and love? The next time you eat your soul food, do so with awareness and without guilt and enjoy all the healing and nourishment it brings you.

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.

Traci A. Fonville
Contributing Writer