Cindy's Featured Artist of the Week - Letrise

LETRISE CARTER

Letrise Carter is the founder and creator of the 2017 Black Excellence Award for Sistah’s Place and business owner of Sistah’s Creative Media launched in February 2016. She has added to her talents published author outside of Chief Editor, freelance writer, and blogger. In 2017, Letrise has taken her platforms to another level by adding Blog Talk Radio Showcase to Sistah’s Place. She is the creator and editor for Maya’s Blog which showcase women expressing their thoughts on various topics.

Her Blog Talk Radio Show titled Sistah’s Place has awarded her opportunities to talk to not just indie artist and authors, but has given her exposure to speak with well-known actors and directors across the sector for African American men and women in the entertainment industry. Letrise is being sought after from agents for shows like Queen Sugar, award winning playwright directors, directors of indie film, and publicist for national best-selling authors, and so many more.

Besides adding Talk Radio Show, she has taken her online entertainment blog converted to an online magazine titled Sistah’s Place Real Talk Magazine that features guest writers and three new editors added to continue to highlight and showcase men and women in the African American community in entertainment, film, theater, music, literature, and small business.

Letrise’s dream has always been to write for film and television. She will be writing her first scripts for television/film with the guidance and direction of a good mentor right here in Chicago. She never imagined writing a book due to being afraid of exposing her creative thoughts to the world. However, through blogging and her interview showcases she was inspired to share her dreams with the world. We all have a story to share and you never know how your story will inspire someone else to follow their dreams.

Letrise Carter is walking into her purpose and allowing God to elevate her dreams and bring forth her vision as a writer with big dreams of writing/producing for film and television. All while running a media business inspired by two of her favorite women in media Cathy Hughes and Oprah Winfrey.

Letrise has taken the first steps of launching her first novella series Deceitful Secrets scheduled for release mid-August 2017 on Amazon. Letrise and her team will be working diligently to get her book in other book stores along with scheduled feature interviews, book signing, and book events are under way. She will be giving away signed copies during her promotional period August 2017 to October 2017. Sign up for her author e-blast to stay on top of what she has coming up with giveaways and appearances.

About Deceitful Secrets:
Secrets have a way of making its way to the surface in the present day. However, when those secrets involve a family member, they’re no longer just secrets instead they are Deceitful Secrets that you take to bed each night. Meet Taylor Jackson whose friendship with her husband’s brother Kelly goes deeper than the eyes. Will Devin find out about his wife’s past? Will Kelly keep his promise to carry their secret to his grave? How will Devin react if he finds out the truth? But wait Devin has some secrets of his own. What’s done in the dark has a way of making its way to the light… but at what costs? Who gets hurt? Deceitful Secrets is filled with drama, lies, and cover ups.

You are never too old to share your story with the world. Dreams require work, dedication, determination, and a big vision that Letrise is willing to do that will breathe life into her dreams.

Follow her on Social media and visit her websites:

Online Magazine: www.sistahsplace.com

Author website: www.letrisecarterc.com

Business media: www.sistahscreativemedia.com

Blog Talk Radio: www.blogtalkradio.com/sistahsplace

Subscribe to Author E-blast: http://us10.campaign-archive1.com/?u=4ccfc0710a774cfb359f41bb9&id=49d1b7178a

Social Media:

Twitter: @AuthorLetrise

Facebook: www.Facebook.com/AuthorLetriseCarter

Instagram: @Letrisec

Beverly's Beatitudes

Welcome to Beverly’s Beatitudes, where being Godly is the Attitude! I am so happy for the opportunity to sow seeds of LOVE, HOPE, GRACE AND FAITH, that will UPLIFT, ENCOURAGE, MOTIVATE and RE-CREATE a new YOU!

Let me start by introducing the Purpose and Meaning of Beatitude. Jesus Christ gave us the Eight Beatitudes in the Sermon on the Mount, recorded for all posterity in the Gospel of Matthew. Jesus offers us a way of life that promises eternity in the Kingdom of Heaven. The message of Jesus is one of humility, charity, and brotherly love. He teaches transformation of the inner person. Jesus presents the Beatitudes in a positive sense, virtues in life which will ultimately lead to reward. Love becomes the motivation for the Christian. While the Beatitudes of Jesus provide a way of life that promises salvation, they also provide peace in the midst of our trials and tribulations on this earth. 

In contrast, The Ten Commandments given to Moses on Mount Sinai, in the Old Testament Book of Exodus, related a series of "Thou shalt not" phrases, evils one must avoid in daily life on earth; which seemed to be a heavy or harsh judgment or declaration that came down like a hammer. When Jesus came on the scene He offered up Mercy, and Grace, and a softer tone, which were a little less edgy and more loving, supporting and encouraging, that would Uplift us and give us Hope!

So let me ask... Have you ever had a time in your life where people, things, situations or circumstances were rough, harsh or seemed to be coming down on you like a hammer, for whatever reason, deserving or not? Can you remember what that felt like, and the anger, pain, shame, or blame it caused or that you endured at that time? Can you take a QUICK glimpse back at those memories or moments in your life that seemed deadening, horrid, or down right hopeless? {Now make sure you take a HEALTHY glimpse back, lol, because I don’t want anyone to get stuck in the past!} Sometimes when we look back and see things, it stirs up old feelings and emotions and we find ourselves right back there tapping into those old feelings and emotions and mindset. Before you know it you are tangled up, back in that moment and have opened up that old door and a new found anger.

Ok, now let’s come back, lol, how was it? How did it make you feel? If you got caught up in it then ask God to continue to show you, YOU! To expose and deliver what you thought was gone and now you see may have been lying dormant on the inside. Repent and ask God to close every door that you may have opened, known or unknown, willingly or unwillingly. Now if that wasn’t the case for you, then give God the praise for your testimony and for delivering you out of the hand of the enemy in that area of your life! Either way, God has His hand on us all, and all of our struggles and accomplishments are a process.

I said all of this to say, God has brought us all from somewhere, from gross to GREAT! From failure to FULLNESS! From lost to FOUND! We should all have something to be grateful and thankful for! I just want to encourage you today, NO MATTER what you are going through right now, GOD has NOT turned HIS face from YOU! HE knows the plans that HE has for YOU and ME! No matter what any of us are going through right now, let’s stop and give HIM a praise! Let’s stop and thank HIM! Let’s stop and ask for forgiveness! Let’s just STOP, take a moment with HIM and then GO in Peace! Let’s not get distracted by the attitudes or words of others that are not speaking life, edifying, encouraging, and motivating us in a POSITIVE, PEACEFUL and PRODUCTIVE way! Get yourself a positive circle of people or friends and an accountability partner to help you get in, over and through all that GOD has DESTINED for you; and remember, IT’S NOT OVER! YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN! THE WORK GOD STARTED IN YOU HE WILL COMPLETE! STAY FOCUSED ON FAITH AND FAVOR IN LOVE!


THE EIGHT BEATITUDES OF JESUS

"Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are they who mourn,
for they shall be comforted.

Blessed are the meek,
for they shall inherit the earth.

Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they shall be satisfied.

Blessed are the merciful,
for they shall obtain mercy.

Blessed are the pure of heart,
for they shall see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they shall be called children of God.

Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

Gospel of St. Matthew 5:3-10

Beverly's Beatitudes by Beverly Branch
Contributing Writer

Raise 'Em and Praise Him - Testimony Tuesday! Dexter

My name is Dexter and I'm not much of a talker but I wanted to share my testimony.

God blessed me to have four ministers in my family. My wife is a Cancer survivor and  I have 3 daughters that are in the ministry. I have 10 children, 8 girls, 2 sons.

God gave me the talent to play the guitar and I've been blessed to travel across the country, spreading the news about His greatness! He keeps opening doors for me, even when I don't deserve it; HE IS AN AWESOME GOD!

He delivered me from cigarettes and drugs. I'm 29 years free, no treatment required. God did it all at one time! He opened doors for me on my job where I beat out a lot of qualified people to become a lead person for the entire shift! God is showing me that if you TITHE the 10%, He will stretch the 90%! If I had 10,000 tongues I could tell it all, but like I stated, I'm not a talker.

Keep the FAITH ALWAYS, Psalms 91/92

Introducing Simply Cindy's Newest Team Member - Cassandra Williams-Herbert

It's my pleasure and honor to introduce Cassandra Williams-Herbert, who joined my team as a Contributing Writer.

In 2004, Cassandra became the Founder and Executive Director of a non-profit organization that started in her home called POW-WOW Inc. (People Often Wonder What? or Why?). This became a support group for the people in her community to help guide them in the goal/career direction, conflict resolution, team affectedness, and most important, living an essential lifestyle. This movement helped Cassandra achieve all that she could, and it began to show individuals just what it takes to reach their goals and desires in life. She then started support group sessions, workshops, conferences, and vision board socials. She also developed a workshop called “Dream Builder”. 

Cassandra earned a Master’s degree of Arts in Theology Practical from Bible Faith Seminary College (Leadership Training) and two Associate degrees of Arts/General Education from Johnston Community College, along with numerous certifications and training. Cassandra Williams-Herbert became a motivational speaker and educator from Clayton, North Carolina. She is a Master Life Coach in Self Awareness and Personal Development (Handle your Business Girl Empowerment Zone).

She also serves as a Certified Recovery Coach with Recovery Coach Academy; Co-Author with EYG group; Vision Board Strategist and Level 2 W.R.A.P. Facilitator of the (Wellness Recovery Action Planning) program, developed by Mary Ellen Copeland and L2 Learn and Lead simulcast events featuring John C Maxwell and his team members Linda Kaplan Thaler, Tim Sanders.

Cassandra believes and lives by her powerful speeches “The Power of the Letter E” and “The Y in You”. Although we all have big dreams and goals she was given the opportunity to give back to the community agency (Community Action of Johnston- Lee- Harnett Co.) that opened the doors to one of her greatest passions, speaking to individuals about designing their Life Plan, sharing her own personal experiences in designing and pursuing living a life of her own dreams. One of the best topics she speaks on is - “It Matters What You Think” - that’s because she knows firsthand that mindset is key and essential to your growth.

On top of the many things Cassandra has accomplished in life, one of the biggest moments in her life was when she became a Self-Published Author of “The Directional Organizer.” Creating this tool helped a vast number of individuals build an organized space/atmosphere for their peace of mind. She also wrote and produced her first skit called “Sweet Potatoes” featuring Julie McKnight, McKnight Boys, and other cast members. Cassandra was birthed with many gifts and talents as an individual who not only touches people through her motivational speeches but also through her skilled freehand nail art and signature line of crafts.

Cassandra Williams-Herbert is also a wife and mother.

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

Cindy's Featured Artist of the Week - Trinette

TRINETTE COLLIER GREENE

Trinette, a native of Los Angeles, California is a nationally renewed educator, entrepreneur, and author.

She received her B.S. in Early Childhood Education from Morris Brown College in Atlanta, Georgia and her M.Ed. in Curriculum Instruction from Coppin State University. She is currently an educator with the Atlanta Public Schools system.

In 2013, Trinette became a published author debuting her award-winning book Woman On Fire. In 2016, she added to her success the release of her second book entitled Sticky Note: Volume 1. Her latest book is titled - Sticky Notes...They Said What?!?! ©™  Trinette is also a certified relationship coach and has coined the title of “Inspirationalist”.

She is the owner of Trinette L. Collier, LLC which provides workshops and ideas for groups and individuals. She is a member of Strong Tower Christian Life Ministries. Trinette resides in Atlanta and enjoys being with her family, husband, and friends. She loves helping others, learning, spoken word, music, and dancing! She's also a Contributing Writer for Simply Cindy Blog.

Facebook: I Am Trinette L. Collier
Twitter: @Trinette Collier
Instagram: Trinette Collier
Website: iamtrinettelcollier.com   

Humbly Yours - by Valerie Crawford, Contributing Writer

LORD allow me to decrease and YOU to increase and receive all the Glory here on these pages. Let the words that flow from and through this writing serve to provide strength, peace, and hope for another. Edify and strengthen them and me and we will continue to give YOU all the Honor and all the Glory and all the Praise, in the Matchless Name LORD JESUS.


1 After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ aide: 2 “Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River … 5(b) As I was with Moses so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. Joshua 1:1, 2, 5(b)

A couple of weeks ago, as I was preparing for work, I heard the tear-jerking news of 15-year-old Jason Lockhart, who was hit in the face by a baseball and had been placed on life-support. I have been following his progress ever since I heard his story. My heart went out to the family of this young man in an extremely personal way. 

My youngest son David is a baseball player and has held a ball in his hand since – forever. When he discovered that there was a thing called “Little League” he would not stop asking until we found a team for him to play on. He loves baseball. David has played Little League, high school, and travel baseball. But when he was a Junior in high school, something happened that rocked our family to the core.

On David’s 17th birthday, I was home helping my other son, Daniel get ready for prom. I was beginning to wonder what was taking David so long. He had a ball game in Baltimore, MD but was supposed to be on his way home to get ready for prom. Certainly, that coach knew how important prom was! He needed to get those boys back home so they could get ready. They were teetering dangerously close to being late to pick up their dates.

Then my phone rang. It was David’s Dad. “Hey – I’m here at the school picking David up. We’re on our way, but I need to let you know, he’s had a little accident.” I remember a long pause – the kind that comes anytime someone mentions the words “accident” and “your child” in the same sentence. I started blinking really hard and really fast and I declare, I felt the top of my head pop off and flip over!

“What? What do you mean – accident? Is he okay?”

“He’s fine”, Dad said, “but he took a ball to the face and he has a black eye, but I knew I couldn’t bring him home like this without warning you first.”

Apparently, the catcher had gunned the ball to stop the runner at second base and David, at shortstop, was covering second base (oh, yes – Mommy knows baseball, too). That ball, which was traveling at about 60 miles an hour, tipped off of David’s glove and hit him in the face between his nose and his right eye. I recall my father once explaining to me that the windows at the top of the Washington Monument are sealed shut because if someone got it in their head to drop a penny (or a pebble) from the window, the speed/motion of that object could crack the concrete below. That said, anything traveling at 60+ miles an hour, and certainly a professional grade baseball, is going to leave a mark. 

Instead of the “black eye” David’s Dad told me that he was bringing home to me, I opened my door to orbital fractures, a broken nose, and a possible concussion! 

I took one look at my son and almost screamed. I couldn’t though because as soon as he saw me, David did what a real man is allowed to do when he gets to the safety of his Mother’s arms. He let his guard down and cried. And I did what any real baseball Mom would do to try and let him know everything was going to be okay. I asked him, “Did you tag the boy out? No? Okay – let’s get some ice and clean you up. You can’t cry anymore – it will make your headache worse.”

I called my health plan and the on-call doctor allowed him to go to the prom where his brother and girlfriend kept a close eye on him and immediately after, we spent the rest of the night in urgent care completing X-rays, MRI’s and CT-scans. The rest of the weekend – indeed, the rest of the following week, I kept peeking in his room, making sure he was breathing; whispering his name to make sure he would stir for me. With every deep breath and every slight motion my son made, I had to thank GOD again. The ball “tipped the glove.” And that slowed it down – just enough.

Monday morning we started the intense doctor appointments. He had to see an Ear-Nose-and-Throat Specialist, an Ophthalmologist, and a Surgeon. They had to make sure that the orbital bones surrounding his eye had not shattered – which would require reconstructive surgery; they had to make sure that the socket had not been displaced –which would require reattachment surgery.

Now, of course, I had been praying since before I heard “little accident.” But when we went on Monday and they had all the specialists lined up, I looked at my son and said, “You know Mom is always praying for you, right?” When he replied "Yes." I told him, "Okay – good. Now it’s time for you to pray for yourself.”

It is good, so good to have prayer warriors that will stand in the gap with and sometimes for you. But it is so important to have your own relationship with the FATHER.

I wasn’t there, but I can imagine that even though Joshua was a fighter, it had to be a bit overwhelming when Moses died. His leader – was gone. The one he had followed out of Egypt – was gone. The one who had trained him and encouraged him and had gone to GOD on his behalf and gotten results – was gone. And I wasn’t there, but I can imagine how comforting and what a relief it must have been when GOD the FATHER told Joshua, “Yes – Moses is gone, but the same way I was with him, I will be with you also!” How reassuring and encouraging it must have been when GOD kept HIS promise to be with Joshua and rolled the waters of the Jordan River back, just as HE had for Moses.

David knows Mom can get a prayer through. He'd seen the results of her prayers answered. But now it was time for his own relationship with the FATHER to be tapped. Of course, I was praying for my baby. I was praying hard. But I couldn’t pray the concerns that were in my son’s mind. It was time for David to KNOW GOD for himself. It was time for David to recognize for himself that GOD not only knows how many hairs are on his head, but that HE has numbered each one. David needed to realize that, not only can GOD call him by name, but that HE recognizes his ‘voice.’ My son needed to come to the reassuring realization that, “The same way I am with your mother, I am also with you, David.”

In the days following my son’s accident, we got several call-backs from each doctor’s office. Each call was similar to the previous one: “No surgery will be necessary.” When that last office called and I shared the news with my child, I watched that familiar expression of “a Peace that passes all understanding” come over my son’s face. And I couldn’t resist asking him, “How does it feel to get a personal response to your own request from GOD?” He just smiled and shook his head. And I smiled, too. He had no words, but I understood. What do you say when you find out that GOD really does recognize your voice? Nothing. You just smile and shake your head in awe … or dance … or take a lap. My David had learned that the same way that GOD was with Moses (and Mom) HE is also with him … because HE promised.

**Let’s not forget to remain in the gap for Jason and his family. Because contrary to what some may think – baseball is a contact sport!**

Introducing Simply Cindy's Newest Team Member - Traci A. Fonville

It's my pleasure and honor to introduce Traci A. Fonville, who joined my team as a Contributing Writer.

Traci A. Fonville was born in Bethpage, New York and was raised in Amityville, Long Island. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Media Arts in 1986 from Hampton University, Hampton, Virginia. She is currently the Deputy Commissioner of Human Services for the Town of Babylon and has served her community in this capacity for the past eight years.

In 2011, Traci obtained certification as a Health Coach from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition and in 2013, she became a Registered Yoga Teacher.

Additionally, Traci is a Brand Ambassador for It Works, a company specializing in health and wellness products such as nutritional supplements, weight loss products, and skin care.She is also a Wellness Advocate with doTERRA Essential Oils which she shares with her yoga students. Traci has been married to her husband Kelvin for 26 years and they have two children, Brandon (22) and Sydni (12). Traci looks forward to bringing yoga, health and wellness programs to her community.

Traci will write with her own creative style and flow on Health and Nutrition. Please help me welcome Traci to the Simply Cindy Blog team and to our blogging community!