June Magazine 2012 ( Divine Connections)

Volume 6 Issue 2 June 2012

Maximize your Single Life

Singles- Maximize your single life. God is faithful; he will see you through any and everything. God

loves you unconditionally. Here is a portion of my life story. I am blessed to have a whole family with a

Godly mother and father and 3 siblings. I grew up in a Christian home, so a lot of things I was not ex-

posed to because I had praying parents and a loving church family. At the age of 3 years old I experience

Jehovah Rapha, the God that heals. I pulled down a pot of hot boiling water off the stove, and my skin

rolled off of me and I was rushed to the hospital. In one week God healed my body and new skin grew

back on my body. To God be the Glory. You can’t even tell I was burnt.

When I was in high school, I studied hard , made good grades, and research scholarships As I was in

college my parents blessed me by giving me a paid for car at the age of 22. My first year in College

at NCCU I got a scholarship that covered my tuition. A year later I transferred to WSSU, I did not

believe in loans for school but believed God as my Jehovah Jirah. I constantly ask school for financial

aid after they said they had no more financial aid available. I prayed and consistently asked the advisor

just about every morning if they had some finances come in, if they said no. I would say, “ok I’ll try back

tomorrow”. I continued this until I got a release and they said come in, close the door behind you and the

advisor went to the computer and gave me money every semester there after. I graduated owing no man

and no college. It is possible but you have to do your part.

At the age of 27 I got a house built and what an awesome experience. There is nothing like receiving

blessing and favor from the Lord. He’s been better to me than I can be to myself. I encourage you not to

get caught up in the debt and loan trap, there are other options but you have to do your part. At the age

of 30 I was in a little pain I didn’t tell any one I was just hoping it would go away. My mother came to

visit because I was preparing to do a house warming, and she detected something was wrong. She took

me to the hospital; they ran some test and said you are going to have to have surgery. So, I said ok think-

ing to my self okay I’ll be back later for that because I have some other things to do, so I

said “Okay ,When?” The doctor said right now, prepare for surgery, I had not time to debate, think, or

argue with the doctor. My life was at state. So I prepared for surgery not really knowing what was going

on. I had a successful surgery, God healed my body. I had an dermoid cyst my ovary had twisted 6

times and started growing hair and teeth. They took out my right ovary and my right fallopian tube. But

to God be the Glory I am still alive and well. I was out of work for 6 weeks for healing, my family was

very supportive and all my bills were paid. I serve an awesome God. I stated my business in 2007 and

continually growing it by the help of God. I can’t even imagine what God has for me. I have traveled,

gone to London, California, Georgia, Disney world, Jamaica and some other places. I am 33 and the

Lord still has more in store for me. Ask me how I know because he says, “He that has begun a good work

in you shall perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:16

I’m excited about my abundant life and moving to the next dimension. Be encouraged and maximize

your single life. Love God, love yourself, and love others and God will not disappoint you.

In this issue you will be encouraged to hear about real life issues and experiences that ended in positive

results in various areas. Such as marriage, health and wellness, being a preacher’s kid, sex/intimacy, fi-

nances, domestic violence, and the Holy Spirit. Stay connected to Divine Connections.

I want to hear from you and what to know what you want to hear about just email me or facebook me

facebook.com/DivineConnectionsMarketing.

www.divineconnections.info Email: [email protected] 336.965.0366

Marriage is Honorable Hebrews 13:4

Marriage is far more than an arrangement for a man and woman to meet their needs for

companionship. The purpose for marriage is found in the Bible. Three purposes built on

Psalm 127:1

(1) Mutually completing one another Gen. 2:18,19-22. We complete each other

through our unique differences (weaknesses and strengths). God brings two people to-

gether to balance each other out, to fill each other's gaps. We are stronger as a team than

we were alone. We become interdependent rather than two independents. However, we

must realize that half a woman and half a man cannot make a whole marriage. That is

why we must strive to enter into the marriage covenant with the understanding that our

gender differences are to be celebrated not tolerated. Too often we see couples entering

marriage with the 50/50 mentality so you only give half of yourself and expect the other

person to give their half with the unrealistic expectation of having total fulfillment. Total

fulfillment can only come when you give your total self to the other person. The truth is

that total fulfillment can only come from God through his son Jesus as we give ourselves

totally to him first. We love God more than we love each other which is why we believe

that our 41 years of marriage have been so blessed. We must be careful not to put

our spouses in a place where only God belongs. Most couples become discouraged in

marriage because they fail to understand that they should have become complete in

Christ before they even entered the covenant. When Jesus is Lord of our lives we de-

pend on him and it takes the burden off of the other person to try to fulfill all of our

needs because that is humanly impossible. Instead of saying what can my spouse do for

me, you will find yourself saying what can I do for my spouse. That means what is mine

is yours and I esteem you above myself. Selfishness is always at the root of every di-

vorce because one person refuses to give all 100% of themselves to the other. The Bible

tells us that we are to esteem others higher than ourselves.

DIVINE CONNECTIONS– JUNE 2012 / 1

Advertise your business or event with Divine Connections . Call to advertise 336.965.0366


I think sometimes we forget that our spouses are also our sisters and brothers in

Christ. To hurt my husband is to hurt God's son and to hurt my wife is to hurt God's

daughter so that should provoke us to resolve the conflict rather than dissolve the rela-

tionship. It saddens us to see so many Christian couples who say they love God, yet

show such little regard for the institution that he ordained. God gave us the example

for marriage which is the relationship of Christ to his church. Marriage is God's idea,

not the government. (Gen.2:24,25).

(2) Multiplying a Godly legacy Gen. 1:28 God's original plan called for the home to

be a "green house", a nurturing center where children grow up to learn character, val-

ues, integrity, and honor. The bible tells us that our children are a reward but if we

don't see them as a reward then they won't reward us. We must reward our children for

who they are and not for what they do. We must never place higher value on perform-

ance over character and behavior. Our children learn what God is like by watching

us. If they feel that your love is conditional based on what they do they will think that

God is the same way and stay in bondage all of their lives trying to prove that they are

good enough to deserve his love. The home is the preparation for establishing a cul-

ture that honors God in every aspect of life, family and work. There is no other setting

that will teach our children how to relate, negotiate, and communicate than in a God

honoring home and family. We are not to honor our children above our spouses. As

the husband submits to God as the covering and priest over the home, the wife submits

to the husband as unto the Lord, and the children to the parents. Submission is a word

that provides safety, accountability, and order when it is done with kindness and re-

spect modeled before children by their parents.

Eph. 5:21-33




(3)Mirroring God's Image Gen. 1:26,27 Marriage is Holy. We call it Holy Matri-

mony because we come before a Holy God to enter into a Holy Covenant, not a con-

tract. God's character displayed in marriage is what he chose by bringing a husband and

wife together to represent "his love.” The God kind of love and best be expressed by the

unconditional love and acceptance that we are to have for each other in marriage. The

God kind of love never changes based on emotions, it is always constant, consistent, and

most of all forgiving which is the oil of relationship. Every couple should read 1Cor. 13

at least once a week together. Even if you feel that you have lost your attraction to each

other, you would be amazed at what will happen to ignite the fire in your marriage

again if you would read this passage out loud together and meditate on it daily

(Josh.1:8) You must be willing to invest in your marriage with time spent in prayer and

in the word on behalf of your mate. God "so loved" that he gave so give your husband

or wife what he or she needs. The father's love is perfect, he always believes the best in

us so let's strive to be like our heavenly father and we can be sure to have heaven on

earth in our homes.

Respectfully submitted by Pastors Curtis & Jeannette Hampton

Founders of Liberty In Christ Outreach Ministries, Greensboro, NC

336-987-3633 www.libertyic.org


tel:336-987-3633

http://www.libertyic.org/


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Gifts to Give All Year Long

Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s

grace in its various forms. 1 Peter 4:10 (NIV)

As I pulled up to the drive-thru intercom at Chick-fil-A the other day, the voice on the other end

said, “Hi, my name is Ashley. I hope you’re having a great day! Welcome to Chick-fil-A. What can

I get for you?” The young lady was so happy and bubbly I ordered more than I originally intended

just because she made me feel good and brightened my mood. I mentioned the lively attitude of the

cashier to my son and he replied in a very cynical manner, “Her boss makes her say it like that.” But

being a parent and not willing to let a “teachable moment” pass, I recalled the story of Joseph.

The Bible says that the Lord was with Joseph and he prospered and the Lord gave Joseph success in

everything he did. Joseph had a special gift; the gift to interpret dreams. But Joseph’s brothers were-

n’t very impressed with Joseph or his special gift. As a matter of fact, they had so much envy

towards Joseph they sold him into slavery and told their father he was killed by a ferocious beast.

Joseph was thrown in an Egyptian jail where he sat for about two years. When the Egyptian Phar-

aoh had a dream that the Egyptian magicians and wise men couldn’t interpret the Pharaoh was told

that a young Hebrew in jail could possibly interpret the dream. When bought before Pharaoh,

Joseph said, “I cannot interpret your dream, but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires.”

Joseph’s interpretation of the dream warned the Egyptian Pharaoh of a severe famine that was

coming. Because of the timely interpretation, Pharaoh was able to prepare for the famine and keep

his people from suffering.

Many would believe that “gifts” are something of value; tangible tokens of affection that can be

given to someone that will be appreciated and esteemed. And when we think of receiving gifts we

inevitably want “stuff” that we can show off or brag about. But I would argue that the best gifts we

have to offer are those that can be shared without any cost or inconvenience. Time is a gift that we

can freely give to our families and children. As a successful business owner, the gift of good advice

and mentorship can help another entrepreneur as they grow their business. As a good friend, the gift

of compassion and a listening ear can go a long way. A smile and sincere words of encouragement

can keep a young person focused on reaching for a positive future. You have a very special gift in-

side of you so remember this advice, “it’s better to give than receive.”

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ning subjects. She is expressing personal and professional opinions and views. Her advice or

recommendations should not be relied upon in making (or refraining from making) any deci-

sion relating to investments or any other matter. You should consult your own independent fi-

nancial advisor and obtain professional advice before exercising any investment decisions or

choices based on information featured in this article.

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Sex Now, Intimacy Late

By Shea Neal

In most relationships sex is a source of painful memories. Why? Because most

husbands and wives don’t understand the role of intimacy and how it creates an

atmosphere where the sexual relationship can thrive, unharmed. If there is no intimacy,

there is no trust, no security, and no harmony. There will be only the duty of intercourse

in order to keep one spouse from cheating. But, if there is no intimacy interwoven within

love-making, one spouse will eventually cheat if they began seeking other means outside

their marriage to satisfy these deeper needs.

Matt Williams, author of Eden Derailed believes that “the issue isn’t sex, the issue

is intimacy.” But what gets in the way of pure uninhibited intimacy? Emotions do, and

they come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. How about these scenarios: most of us keep

our emotions in check in order to keep our jobs, most of us even keep them in check at

the restaurant so they won’t tamper with our food in the back. Why in marriage does it

seem to be a natural reaction to lose a sense of decorum with our spouse?

It is as if we’re saying that our spouse isn’t as important to respect as others are in

the outside world…that we can treat him/her how we want, and they must deal with it. If

we want a genuine closeness with our spouse, we have to be aware that negative and

bitter emotions are the obstacles that get in the way to keep affection from blossoming.

How can we hold our spouse in our arms if we are too preoccupied with holding

jealousy, resentment, or cynicism closer to our hearts instead? Sometimes we wonder

why God has grown silent and left us to deal with a dull relationship, but the solution is

in the mental choices we make. Sometimes the Lord shows us where our heart truly is by

allowing us to make our own decisions. Instead of turning our heart toward our spouse,

most of us try to find someone else to turn toward.

Whether people believe this, or not: everything you crave, desire, and want can be

found in your spouse. Yes, it takes some work getting there, sometimes, but that is the

whole purpose of the relationship: growing, exploring, and discovering together. How

can anyone see the full potential of a marriage if they keep pressing the “quit” and

“restart” buttons every time there is a bump in the road?



Sex Now, Intimacy Late

By Shea Neal

Granted, it is difficult to do the right thing when one spouse is unwilling, content

with bringing chaos into the home. However, your determination to bring order and

harmony (in a loving and respectable way) could move things in your favor, and win

them over. The type of relationship being referred to here is one where there is no

violence, no verbal abuse, or no constant adultery of any kind. If you are allowing

these matters to be the weeds creeping through your foundation, you will make it hard

for your spouse to find a place where they can feel safe to open up to you.

We can look for wise counsel, we can consult our pastor, but the choice to do the

right thing is still ours. It is our duty to apply the Word, the wisdom, and the work to

our situations if we want unity, harmony, and joy to flow.

But most of us are so distracted by the fact that we are displeased with our

relationship that we allow offense to strike the heart, and refuse to do what it takes to

make things right. If I was your enemy, and I wanted to disrupt the true purposes of a

married couple’s life, I would strike the heart. This will then affect the bedroom, after

which the rest of the relationship will begin to crumble.

A marriage does not have to be overtaken by adversity. Use it to make your bond

stronger. Use it to reveal to you where your heart is, so that you can weed destructive

emotions out or sow some nurturing affection back in. And if adversity shows you that

your heart is turned away from your spouse, make an effort to turn it back to your

mate, your teammate. Read books on intimacy and relationships that incorporate the

Word into their prose. Apply sound wisdom to your situation, be patient, be loving, be

determined to make your sexual relationship a constantly thriving, evolving, and

vivacious diversion you and your spouse look forward to sharing when you come

together. Yet, don’t forget one of the most important elements: true intimacy.




The Call and the Response

You know God is calling you when you are sitting alone in the room during quite

time and your kids are outside playing with your wife and the Voice says “Here is

what I want you to do…”

So it was in November of 2011. God wanted me to do something that has never

been done before. Why me? Why not you? I was so full of excuses but He was

ready with responses. I was faithless but He has faith enough for the world. My

sentences started with “but” and His began with “because”. At the end I had a

mission and a vision to act upon.

My point here is not to elaborate on the event itself but to share the lesson I learned

from that day on. As men we are appointed the head of the household. We are

leaders in the eyes of God. There are days that you have asked and prayed, “God

use me”, “God give me a chance to live a life of abundance in You”, “Lord I am

ready to serve You!” However when the opportunity arises and you are called out

to lead and serve you say, “I have to check my schedule”, “I just don’t know if I

can fit it in”, “I am not ready”. Do you really question God? Is that your response

to the Master of Time? Are you willing to turn the blessing aside because of your

lack of Faith? Do you really think your situation is that different and impossible to

God? Remember Jeremiah 29:11 and do not think just follow Him!

Fast forward to today. Obstacles pushed aside. Naysayers’ are non-existent. My

sweat, blood and tears wiped away with the robe of triumph and victory! My time

gave way for His time! I was blessed with more provision. MISSION ACCOM-

PLISHED!

God bless you, Angel Guerrero, MS, ACS, ALB 2009 Toastmasters District 37 Champion Evaluator



Nutrients by Nature By Thomas Faison

For several years, there has become an obsession with weight loss and being physically fit. Here

is a question, is physically fit and healthy the same thing? Think about how many athletes’ ca-

reers are shorten by major injuries or that have died before the age of 50. Think about friends or

family members that were ideal weight for their height, exercised, and maintained what ap-

peared to be a healthy diet. However, they have had blood pressure issues, blood sugar issues,

or other health challenges. Some may have even died prematurely. Why? The answers may

never be known. However, a lack of proper nutrition is a likely cause. Exercise is great but

when we sweat, nutrition is lost from our bodies. It must be replenished through proper diet and

nutritional supplements. Also, lack detoxifying our bodies is another potential cause. In our

modern society, we have a lot of luxuries but too many of them come with a health penalty. Pes-

ticides, food preservatives, cleaning products, air pollutions can be sources of toxins that we di-

gest or inhale into our bodies.

Here are some recommendations as an alternative approach to your health to gain total body

wellness.

Step One: Body Foundational Product

Regardless of how beautiful the house is, the most important part of the house is the founda-

tion. Address the foundational needs of your body first. To attempt to build upon a weak founda-

tion would mean building upon a structure that will, over time collapse.

The body uses nutrition to heal itself. That is the way our CREATOR design it. Use a complete

body foundational product every day.

With our diet today, this is the nutrition that is uses:

· Too much sugar (white flour, white pasta, white rice, white bread).

· Too much salt (processed foods).

· Too much meat that will not digest in adequate time.

The brain sees a bucket of sugar, a bucket of salt, and a bucket of undigested meat to use

to heal the body.

Step Two: Body Cleanses

Toxins must be removed from the body. These toxins may have weakened the immune system

and created an environment for diseases to live and grow. Cleanse the body of toxins so it can

heal itself faster. (Use a complete cleanse product annually)

You are not what you eat.

You are what you absorb and what you don't eliminate.

Your body cannot absorb what is not natural or what it can not recognize as food.


Nutrients by Nature By Thomas Faison

Read the ingredients on food labels plus all the chemicals use in our foods and on our

vegetables.

Step Three: Regular Exercise

As you complete Steps one and two, you will have the necessary energy to feel like exercis-

ing. Some suggestions are:

a. Walking (30 minutes a day, three to four times a week)

b. Cardio exercises

c. Use a small rebounding trampoline

(2 minute intervals --three to four times a day--3 times a week)

Step Four: Monitor pH Few diseases can live or survive when the body’s pH level is where it needs to be! Therefore, when

the body’s pH is maintained at a level of 7.4 without manipulation of our body, it’s very difficult to

get sick and the body will be positioned to quickly heal itself. A simple saliva pH test can be done

by the individual to determine their pH level.

Step Five: Target Specific Areas of Wellness According to two-time Nobel Prize winner, Linus C. Pauling, most, if not, all diseases or physical

ailments may be caused by mineral deficiencies. And, when the body has the right minerals the

body has a better chance of healing itself. Therefore, once you learn what mineral(s) your body is

deficient in and you get the right mineral(s) the body will heal itself!! Targeting an organ or gland

with extra nutrition is the key to increase healing.

The information provided is meant for educational purposes only and is not to replace the advice or

care of your physician or health provider. None of the information provided is intended to diag-

nose, treat, prevent, or cure disease only to give you an alternative approach to your health and

wellness.

www.nutrientsbynature.com 336-505-9134



http://www.nutrientsbynature.com/

Make Today Count

By Chris Adams

There are times where each day, week, and month seem to collapse together into a blur. We are confronted with

changing scenarios and situations requiring unique strategies in our navigation to create efficient and proficient

results. However, in the midst of everything , do we feel productive enough or does the enjoyment exist with the

satisfaction of realizing the completion of a task, project or vision ? So many times, we begin with the best of

intentions during the outset yet find ourselves side-tracked or diverted into a different direction when circumstances,

situations, or “life” happens. These unexpected shifts have the potential to derail our self –directed goals and re-direct

them into chaos, confusion, and/ or conflict. Fortunately, there are ways to ensure that in spite of what life and people

bring in our direction, we can make each day count to achieve satisfaction, success, and serenity.

1. Priorities: These are the core directives we have set up to maintain a consistent focus without regards to

the changing elements surrounding our lives. We must maintain attention on the successful execution of these items

to ensure that our sense of accomplishment is fulfilled. Our priorities provide a blue-print of what we are trying to

achieve and who we desire to become. Address those items that are in alignment with the top priorities to ensure

maximum results.

2. Life Experience: Each day creates an opportunity to position us in our efforts to become better than yesterday.

Allow each situation, circumstance, decision, or adversity to enhance the foundational improvement in our

perspective, knowledge, and capacity to propel us towards the full manifestation of our full potential and destiny.

3. Attitude: This area will make or break our opportunities both professionally and personally. Everything

that comes of out of us is a direct result of what is within. How we think, feel, and perform rests solely on our

attitudes. Our positive outlook and perspective will change situations and circumstances in our favor and provide the

set-up to make today count.

These are but a few suggestions to make today count. We have the power and potential to visualize, create, and

produce our own masterpieces. The shelf life of today is extremely fragile and time sensitive to enjoy the essence and

unique spirit of this 24 hour period. We have the ability to do and become our very best by making each day count and

proactively look for ways to make life more purposeful, meaningful, and complete. So, Make Today Count!



The Preachers Kid By LaKesha Lyons

When you all are out, you are not only a reflection of yourself and us as your parents but you are a

direct reflection and representative of Christ. Everyone knows you because of us. So do not be out

acting unseemly. This was a statement that met us at the door every time my sister and I were go-

ing out somewhere. Whether it was a cookout, the mall, the movie theatre, church functions or even

to the club. YES, I said the club.

Being a Preachers Kid (PK) comes with a lot of stereotypes and preconceived notions of how we

should act, what we should wear, where we should or should not go and what we should or should

not say. How could I forget, who we should or should not be around. Perhaps walking around with

our bible in hand, at all times, was the ‘right’ thing to do and reverberate the many scriptures and

sermons that we heard throughout the day. Not so much. However, Being held to such high stan-

dards and having the public eye on you at all times forced us to hold ourselves accountable for our

actions and reassess some things we were going to say and even places we had thought about going.

There are disadvantages growing up as a PK but the advantages and benefits surpass all the

disadvantages by a long shot. My parents allowed my sister and me to be individuals. There were

standards that were set and values that were instilled and they were expected to be followed but at

the end of the day you were your own person. Being a PK was an experience I would NOT trade

for anything in this world. It was like I had my personal on-call preacher readily available. When

you did something that probably was not the best thing to do, you knew you had a preacher in the

other room that had been praying and covering you so you were good. I can remember sitting and

talking to my parents and giving them scenario’s about my ‘friends’ but unbeknownst to them it was

actually me that needed that advice or words of encouragement.

In the Baptist church we had an annual celebration for the pastor and his family, Pastors Anniver-

sary. I looked forward to this time of year. This meant gifts, vacations and monetary gifts. I heard

nothing during these services other than Now we will present the first family with gifts. Another

advantage of being a PK was when there were events or special services we always got to eat first.

This may not mean much to you but when the line is 50 people deep and all you have to do is walk

in and sit down, you felt privileged.

We all know the poise and the strength it takes to be a preacher and even more to be a pastor and

first lady. The same attributes are needed to be a PK. There is just as much attack from spiritual

forces and people on them as it is their parents. It certainly takes strong, spiritually gifted people to

be PKs. I am grateful for such tenacity that I acquired over the years of being a PK. It has equipped

me for my professional, personal, and spiritual life.



A Double Portion: the Blessing of Being a Child of Pastors

By B. T. Cooper

There is no doubt in my mind that everyone has heard of “curses.” Am I right? And what about gen-

erational curses? I cannot begin to tell you how many times I have heard these terms not only in

random conversations, but also the church.

While I don’t mind being educated in all facets of spiritual life, I am deeply saddened by the lack of

balanced teaching. We hear about generational curses, but what about generational blessings! Yes,

generational blessings!

There is nothing new under the sun. No matter how dark and crazy things become, those things are

simply a contaminated form of the works of God. Isn’t that good news? No matter what you are

facing and what you see, there is a greater and lovely power and this power is a God that loves to

bless throughout generations.

Think about it. The Lord God made a covenant with Abraham in which the Lord promised to bless

all the families of the earth through Abraham (Gen 12:3). Today, we all have the right to be joint

heirs with Christ through the covenant the Lord made with Abraham ratified through the blood of

Jesus.

Amazing, isn’t it? But this is only the tip of generational blessings. Even today, the decisions and

lifestyle we live can impact numerous generations to come for either their benefit or detriment.

I cannot begin to tell you what a blessing it is to live in the blessings of my parents. My parents are

Pastors. Now, I would be lying to you if I said that life was all peaches and cream. I would also be

lying to you if I said that I always considered such a life a blessing.

But being 31 years old, I have had time to look over my life. There were so many problems and

issues I did not have to experience because I was protected by a man and woman who dedicated

their life to God. I have inherited a Godly wisdom beyond my years because of their life’s experi-

ences. The Lord has even protected me from situations because of their faithfulness. And even in

the times that my family had to deal with drama and betrayal, the Lord used those situations to ma-

ture me so that I could be equipped to handle difficult and unlovely situations in a wise and lovely

way.

Because of my parents, I can now carry a greater portion of the anointing. Not because they could

not carry a greater measure of the anointing, but because I have gleaned from their knowledge and

experience. I can now go further in life because they gave me a good and sure foundation. Because

of them, I don’t doubt my commitment to God. No matter what happens or doesn’t happen, I will

not leave the Lord. He is all I have. As He led my parents, He will lead me and even more because

of the foundation my parents laid in me. There is no limit in God, but through my parents, the Lord

has set me up for double. I must only yield to Him.


Everyone goes through a time in their life where they ask, “Why am I

here?” or “What is my purpose?” If you are a Christian or have grown

up surrounded by Religious beliefs, you may have heard many scrip-

tures that answer that question such as: Isaiah 49:1-We were created

by God, In His image, for a purpose. Galatians 1:5-for a specific pur-

pose, he has also has a specific plan for your life. But what if you have-

n’t been raised in the church or you have turned away from God. Or

better yet, you are not in the place you want to be with God. How do

you start to walk out your purpose?

For me personally it started with me humbling myself before God &

asking him for forgiveness. Next, I had to forgive myself. Asking God

to forgive me was the easy part of my journey but when it came down

to forgiving myself for what I had done, that was a horse of a different

color. But through prayer and walking with God, he showed me how

much he loved me and I needed to love myself the way he loves me.

The love of God is so pure and holy, for myself the word that expresses

the feeling I have is “Freedom.”

My love walk showed me that before I took my first breath, God had

designed me to do great things. By learning to love myself I was given

a new revelation on how to love others. We sometimes wonder why

people don’t walk in love with one another. The answer may be as

simple as they don’t know how to love themselves or they have not

been shown true Agape Love thru a brother or sister in Christ. Love is

a word that has been misused and abused for so long that for a lot of

people it does not mean anything. It is through our actions that we

demonstrate how we feel about ourselves and one another. In your

walk to your divine purpose, are you truly loving yourself and others

or do you need a refreshing on learning to love yourself again so you

can show love to others?

Walking Out My Purpose

-Lyndia A. Clarke [email protected]

My Life, My Purpose



Domestic Violence is Real Domestic violence has played a constant role in my life. I have a number of family members who

have suffered domestic violence. I was exposed to this vile behavior as a child later in life I would

become a victim as well.

During my journey I married my abuser and regressed from a woman of courage, confidence and

self-worth, to a woman lacking courage, confidence and self-worth. After many beatings,

arguments, running, crying, covering wounds inflicted by my abuser I began to focus more on

prayer and rebuilding myself. Making a choice to focus in such a way allowed me to begin to re-

claim power and control that I had willingly yet unknowingly given up! I understood the power of

prayer or where I walked with God, I knew the love of God and I had faith in God despite my

abuse. I never blamed God or became angry with him for my dilemma. I chose to trust God to help

me to continue putting one foot in front of the other regardless of how evil, violent or manipulative

my abuser became. Eventually I reached a point where I was determined to survive, I purposed to

survive. I made a conscious decision to listen to uplifting music; I spent time speaking God’s word

and speaking positive to my own spirit with consistency.

Soon the day came when I was no longer filled with fear but I was filled with faith and hope, I

knew that I would get through this and not by prayer alone but also by taking action. I began to

exercise more control of my life, I would no longer allow myself to be intimidated by threats of

fights, I was now empowered enough to start standing up for myself and not cringe fear. Having

been offered the opportunity to teach a bible study, I was encouraged and empowered even more. I

also tapped resources with Family and Children Services of the Piedmont; this allowed me to obtain

a restraining order something I’d longed to do previously but was to afraid.

While I believe it is important to be prayerful and believe God, I believe it is also important to

realize that God doesn’t do for us what he has enabled us to do for ourselves! We all have the need

and the right to be safe and to be in a healthy environment.

For me survival was critical and in order to survive, it was critical for me to remember who I was in

God and that my life had great purpose! While the process of my journey was long and difficult it

has given so much more purpose to what my life’s work is.

Today my thrust is to empower, inspire and to encourage others as they take their journey through

life. It is important to know that while they experience aloneness that they are not alone in their

quest for freedom, for wholeness and for the reclaiming of one’s own voice!! These objectives are

being accomplished in part with The Shawl Project; Celebration of Survivor’s and now our Self

Defense Classes which will start on July 10th at the East White Oak Community Center on 10th

street.

Marva Edwards [email protected]


mailto:[email protected]


Editorial Reviews

Follow Tommy as he takes us through his room putting everything in order. There's lots of fun in store for Tommy and his friends! Tommy offers a delightful story complemented by 24 vibrant pages that illustration his room and the things that are important to him. Once Tommy has cleaned up his room he can go outside to play with his friend Freddy. Tidy Up Tommy is sure to excite all little learners! This book provides clear and focus direction skills. Tidy Up Tommy is also an Educa-tional Tool that teaches children Divine order that eve-ryone has a place in God’s Kingdom and everyplace

has God’s people in it.

To Order your copy go to:

Amazon.com & Kindle.com

ISBN-10: 1477477365

ISBN-13: 978-1477477366

Lyndia A. Clarke is a Certified Jewelry Designer & Jewelry Repair Professional. She has been successful with her own line of jewelry since 2004. She earned her diploma & certifi-cation from Penn Foster . Lyndia is a native of Louisville, KY. She served in the United States Army , receiving Honorable discharge for Personnel Administration Specialist. She attended Tennessee State University to pursue a career in Child Psychology. Lyndia has started to build a family legacy with her company, The Jewelry Cafe. Lyndia’s creativity started at a very early age by writing stories and drawing. Her love of writing started when she was in 7th grade and her teacher asked her to enter a writing contest. Lyndia's grand-mother, Clara Bell Spencer taught her & her family the importance of putting God first.

Lyndia resides in North Carolina with her husband & their three children.

Tidy Up Tommy Written & Illustrated by Lyndia A. Clarke

Christian Kids Corner




The Holy Ghost by Ms. Yolanda Caesar

The holy ghost is our internal gps to salvation. According to john 16:13, it is de-

signed to lead us into all truths. Once He comes, and takes residence in our spirit,

we need no man to teach us. (1John 2:27) Jesus spoke, that the words he speaks is

spirit, thus we that worship must do so in spirit and truth. (John 4:24) the holy spirit

also gives us our own eternal language that is in direct communication with God. It

is by the holy spirit we have power to become the real sons and daughters of God.

(John 1:12)

June 2

Victoria Williams

( My Baby Sister)

My God Daughter

Divinity Orr

June 25, 2012 (1 year old)

June 19th

Basscum Bass

July 25th

Samuel Williams

( My Daddy)


July 19th

Monique Laloo

( My God Sister)

Lessons learned as a PK

By Janet L. Lackey

As a state and national board baptist association leaders’ daughter, there were many perks that I

had as a “PK.” I was able to travel to many states that allowed me to develop friendships with

people from different areas, that I otherwise would have never met. I have also had the pleas-

ure of knowing some incredible elders, that loved their pastor which in turn trickled down to

loving me. When you are given the opportunity to see and experience a love like I have from

the “Mother of the Church,” named Minnie Everett, your able to define what the word love

truly means, and with that alone I have been truly blessed to have been my fathers daughter.

Although I was able to enjoy the perks of traveling, meeting a lot of people from different

walks of life, eating first at church functions and getting a dollar after church from the deacons

and a peppermint for the deaconess; a preachers daughter has duties. We have a role to play,

presenting ourselves as well rounded, intelligent, conservative peacemakers that are leaders

and not followers, talented but not boastful sheltered individuals, so that our parents image is

not tainted.

When my father found out that I could sing, it was ALL OVER for me! I was in every event he

was ever apart of. I sung at the Conventions regional, state and national gatherings, at the

revivals, the rainbow teas, the wedding, the funerals and because my father is also an activist,

I sung at rallies. I could go on, but I’m sure readers get my drift. So when my mother placed

me in piano lessons at first I was joyful until I realized this would mean I was going to be in

more events. NO! So after years of practicing I decided the piano and the hymn book combina-

tion was either going to be the life or death of my teen year., I had to make a break for it, I

joined the track team at school. There went piano lessons, and I was saved by the speed of my

feet; so, I thought.

I must have forgot that I have a patient and determined parent, which is suppose to be part of a

preachers character, but I thought since I was on the track team I was excused for most of the

church functions. I was wrong again, as the preacher he had the right to change the dates and

time of events, and if there was a event during my track time, my father made sure he was

there to support me and drive me to the event after my event. There was no hiding, but it was

a lesson learned. We all have things we want to do, and that is great, but a “strong characters is

built when your able to follow your desires and continue to be loyal and diligent in your

responsibilities.”

I’ve been able to learn little lessons like this my entire life with my father never needing to

break it down, because he taught me with his demonstrations through dedication to God, God’s

House, and God’s people. I was blessed to be a PK.



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June Magazine 2012 ( Divine Connections)

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