The Best Life Issue one February/March 2016

best life

DearJesus

Love

What’s lovegot to doWith it?

For the

heart

FEB/MARCH 2016 issuE 1

cheesecakesrecipe

TH

E

The First Man that ever loved me

2 FEB/MARCH 2016 | The BEST LIFE

Our Writers

Shirley Bryant

Beverly Goodwin

V. Renee Teel

Nikki Crutchfield

LyAvia Goodwin

Maria Mobley

Tammy McNair

Alvin Bryant

Kavita Goodwin

FEB/MARCH 2016 | The BEST LIFE 3

FIRST MAGAZINE FOR HOLY NATION OF WOMEN

It’s joy to start this publication within the month of February. I would like to honor Jesus for being the first man that ever loved me. He showed me real love and for that I show love to others friend or foe.

For many it means the month of love and romance. It is my pleasure to introduce to some and present to others the greatest love of all. The Son of God, Jesus Christ. Jesus so willing gave his live for our salvation from sin and death. We had to give Him the honor of being the first in the line-up of many features to come. So sit back and enjoy writings and stories from our writers. How’s your heart of love? Is it a forgiving heart, a stony heart or a loving heart?

Beverly Goodwin

Editor in Chief

The Best Life Magazine

www.holynow.org

We would love to hear from you - [email protected]

Dear Reader,

http://www.holynow.org


Contents5. FeatuRe

Requited Love?

6. HeaLtHY LIVINGFor the love of your heart

8. FItFit in the temple

10. ReFReSHeDLove is Key

12. FaMILY LIFeFamily History

14. ON tHe eDGeDon’t throw away Your Life,

throw away the trash

16. WISDOMHusbands Love Your Wives

18. DeCLaRatIONS

19. a PRaYeR LIFe

the Glory of a Prayer Life

20. eDuCatION

21. NeW BOOKS

22. DeaR JeSuS

23. tHe BeSt LIFe

outreach flyer

26. ReCIPeS FROM KaVIta

Mini cheesecakes


Requited Love?

Some of us can spend so much time chasing unrequited love. Relationships comprised of us spending energy, money, and effort with little to no reciprocity. We deem these connections as bona fide love matches.

May I take a moment to share what a timeless love resembles? A picture of passion that never disappoints? I am involved in such a relationship and we are 20 plus years going strong.

I met him when I was twelve. I felt the tug of my heart strings, but was not fully capable of returning the devotion. So I dodged him until he turned back up when I was 16. He attempted and won my affections. For two years I gave what we had a strong chance, but that would soon fade as my heart was turned to another. Soon I found out that the grass was not greener on the other side. At the age of 18, a chance meeting brought us together again. This time I swore I was ready… and I really was until freedom of choice got the best of me, and I began choosing everything over my relationship with him. When we next met, it was I who reached out to him. I had grown tired of running from the inevitable; I knew he was the only man to fully satiate my need for true love. What’s most surprising is he was waiting for me! I know what you are thinking “there is no such person, of that nature, who exists.” I can categorically assure you that there is such a one. In fact, he is famously known. There is an entire book dedicated to his existence. I will give you a slight hint…_ _ _. Okay...ohhhh I get giddy just thinking about him…..His name is GOD!

There is absolutely no one in the world who can love the way He does. Who forgives and accepts us back time and time again. His love is complete and unconditional. His love fills me to the brim. He is the only one who I can confidently trust to never hurt, damage, disregard, or disrespect me. If by chance, you are reading, and have never fully given His love a try… you are missing out on a phenomenal experience.

During our time together, He has sent me open love notes, read aloud with a roomful of people. In fact I will share one with you now “I have loved you with an unconditional love. That’s why I continue to be faithful to you.” (NET Bible Jeremiah 31:3)

During this Love month, I dare you to let go of any unanswered affections, and focus all your energy, attention, and devotion on Him. A love affair that delivers!

Nikki Crutchfield Owner, Words N Wisdom

feAtURe


Did you know that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the

U.S., killing over 610,000 Americans every year? Minorities, especially African-Americans, experience higher rates of mortality due to cardiovascular disease and develop the disease earlier in life. Despite these alarming statistics heart disease can be managed and even prevented, if we take the time to Love our heart.

The heart is one of the most important organs in your body as it is responsible for essential bodily functions. The fist size organ pumps blood full of nutrients, most importantly oxygen, to all of the body’s organs and tissues, simultaneously removing waste such as carbon dioxide. Certain health conditions can alter the function of the heart resulting in serious consequences. There are numerous conditions associated with cardiovascular disease, but one of the major culprits is atherosclerosis, the buildup of plaque in the arteries. Plaque is made up of fat, cholesterol,

calcium and other substances; which over time will harden ensuing limited blood flow to the heart and throughout the body. Symptoms and conditions related to heart disease include, but are not limited to, shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain (angina), stroke, heart attack (myocardial infarction), and arrhythmias or palpitations (fluttering or skipping of heart beat).

The best way to care, protect, and Love your heart is through healthy lifestyle behaviors, such as diet and physical activity. Consuming a healthy diet and avoiding foods high in fat, sodium, and cholesterol will play a major part in prevention. Participating in physical activity has many health benefits, including weight control, lowered blood pressure, reduction of “bad” cholesterol, strengthen muscles and bones, relieves stress and improves mood, just to name a few. Another behavior to avoid is smoking, which not only increases the risk for cardiovascular disease, but also hypertension, cancer, and a number of respiratory diseases. To manage cardiovascular disease,

the same behaviors should be followed, in addition to doctor visits, and taking prescribed medication regularly and consistently.

HealthyLivingFor the Love of Your Heart

Make today the day to adopt

healthy lifestyle changes to

become Heart Healthy. Love your heart and it will love you

back!

LyAvia GoodwinBS, Biology



One, two, three, four, five… too tired to pray. Six, seven…How many times must I forgive

my neighbor? 70 times 7 Jesus said! Eight, nine…I have forgiven you one too many times! Ten…What?! I am good. I got this. I paid my 10 percent. Not going any further. Exhausted!

Spiritual repetitions. Are they really? Have we gone through the motions and shouted so that the sweat is running down our faces,

messed up another dress with foundation and lipstick; sweated out another shirt from the Sunday morning calisthenics? Have we as the body of Christ “churched” so much that we can do this with our eyes closed---perhaps just going through the motions, but still it seems like not much progress being made?

In today’s society, you can read about, watch TV about, Google, and get the latest app on FITNESS.

Everybody, well most people, are focusing on being fit. That’s really great. We need to concern ourselves with our physical fitness. We should take care of these wonderful temples that we have been given. However, I wonder how many are concerned about their spiritual wellbeing? What is going on inside of our temples? What about the condition of our inner being, man or woman? If we were to get a spiritual checkup, not from

me, and of course not from anyone else, but from God –the one who holds the true measuring stick and thermometer of our lives, h How would we measure up or shall I say what would our heart rate be? Would our blood be flowing pure and freely or would we have need of cleansing?

Would there be any clots of un-forgiveness or maybe a root of bitterness? How about our mental wellness? Would the Holy Spirit,

the true revealer of thoughts and secrets, reveal what our thought life is truly like? Are we paying attention to the warning signs? You know. That still small voice that has been sending warning signals of the danger of talking too much (gossiping), negativity, jealousy, vanity, selfishness, an unhealthy driving competiveness and the list can go on and on and on. These are the things that are coming from within, but are often overlooked

f.i.t Are you FIT? (Fit in the Temple)


and sad to say, we’ve become accustomed to them.

You see the outward appearance that we mask up and camouflage is ok for a season. But there comes a time to find out why there is a sluggishness in the way that we are approaching life. Maybe you are tired of putting on a show, but when the curtain closes and no one is around - you find that reality is not pretty. Perhaps your vision is cloudy and you don’t see with the sharpness you once had. Has the voice of the Spirit left your inner ear? If so, I would encourage you to get a spiritual check up and get fit in your temple. Really FIT.

I truly believe it’s time to take an introspective look within. So much time is being spent on social media and trying to get more likes, friends and followers that we forget that a lot of what being shared is not reality. It’s only what a person wants to share. It’s like when you ask a person how they are doing and they give the usual answer. Fine. Good. But really, things may not be so good. You don’t see the

true picture. It’s the selfie version. The fixed up version. Don’t get offended by the truth God tells you about you. Be happy that He cares about the condition you are in and is able to do something about it.

Right now, yes right now as you are reading this! The Lord is asking, how are you doing my friend? You see, He is your biggest follower and friend. He already knows, but He wants you to know the truth. And that’s not to say it’s all bad. Chances are you’re really good in most areas, but what about the parts that need some attention and a little adjusting. That’s okay! Isn’t it so wonderful to know that He wants to revitalize us and make us better? Why? Because there is a better life to live! He wants you to have and enjoy it! Not only that, He is coming again for His bride. Are you prepared?

Here is the defining moment. Are you ready for a change? Good, I am too! We are in this thing together. Let me encourage you while I encourage myself. It’s time to really get motivated for increased healthy diet and exercise and abundant spiritual living! It’s time to tune up and tune in to our spiritual selves. Again, are you ready?

While you ponder about this, in the meantime, I have a FIT appointment that I don’t want to miss. I will share some of my findings with you in the next publication. Until then, don’t delay. I encourage you. Call the Throne Room, I know there are openings available. Schedule your FIT appointment too! Let’s gets FIT!

V. Renee TeelEvangelist, Crowned with Beauty


Ruth 1:16 (NLT)But Ruth replied, “Don’t ask me to leave you and turn back. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my peo-ple, and your God will be my God.”

Love is an action word and not a word that lies dormant. Love is shown in our actions by how we treat and talk to people, whether a believer or nonbeliever. God still wants us to show love no matter who they are.

God wants us to show Phileo (Greek meaning) – brotherly or sister-ly love. This was the kind of love Naomi the mother-in-law to Ruth. It showed forth a true pure love that Ruth desired to know the God that her mother-in-law, Naomi, served because of the love she had to-wards her. But also to see the faith she had in her God which also drew Ruth unto Naomi to want to make her God, her God as well.

Naomi was living in the town of Moab which wasn’t her original hometown, it was Bethlehem, Judah. Naomi, her husband, and their two sons left their hometown because of the famine (food short-age) according to Ruth 1:1 (NLT)

Ruth, a Moabite, and her people worshipped the pagan God called Chemosh, the national deity of the Moabites; whose name most likely meant “destroyer,” “subduer,” or “fish god”.

Naomi’s God is the one true living creator, ruler of the universe and source of all moral authority - the Supreme Being (Israel’s God). Naomi never abandoned her God no matter where she was living, but she displayed the love that drew her daughter-in-law to not want to leave her after her husband and two sons had died. Naomi wanted to return to her hometown. Ruth in spite of being a Moabite was willing to return with Naomi and eager to make Naomi’s God, her God too.

The bible says in the book of Luke 10:27 (NLT)

In the days when the judges ruled in Israel, a severe famine came upon the land. So a man from Bethlehem in Judah left his home and went to live in the country of Moab, taking his wife and two sons with him.

You must love the Lord,your God, with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.” and “Loveyourneigh-bor as yourself.

“

“

Did Naomi display this kind of love? I believe she did and it won her daughter-in-law’s heart.

Love is Key! Now ask yourself do I have the Key of Love dwelling in my heart?

Is your love representing the love you have for your God? The faith you have in your God?

Is your love drawing people’s (unbelievers) hearts to want to get to know the God (Jesus) that you serve, because of the love they see operating in you towards them?

The main point is our love which is “Key” should show the entrance to unlock/open the door to Jesus!

Put the pure love of Jesus in action every day and everywhere you go, at home, work, school, grocery store, etc.! Naomi’s love led Ruth to the true living God. For Love is the Key to eternal Life!

The BEST LIFE is a loving life.

Love isKey!

RefResHeD

Tammy McNairPastor, Way of Life Ministries Church


Blessed Touch


Health care professionals have known for a long time that common diseases - heart disease, cancer, and diabetes - and rare diseases - like hemophilia, cystic fibrosis, and sickle cell anemia - can run in families. If one generation of a family has high blood pressure, it is not unusual for the next generation to have similarly high blood pressure. Tracing the illnesses suffered by your parents, grandparents, and other blood relatives can help your doctor predict the disorders to which you may be at risk and take action to keep you and your family healthy.To help focus attention on the importance of family history, the Surgeon General, in cooperation with other agencies with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, has launched a national public health campaign, called the Surgeon General’s Family History Initiative, to encourage all American families to learn.

fAMilY lifeSurgeon General’s Family Health History Initiative


Americans know that family history is important to health. A recent survey found that 96 percent of Americans believe that knowing their family history is important. Yet, the same survey found that only one-third of Americans have ever tried to gather and write down their family’s health history.Because family health history is such a powerful screening tool, the Surgeon General has created a new computerized tool to help make it fun and easy for anyone to create a sophisticated portrait of their family’s health.The revised version of the “My Family Health Portrait” tool is a Web-enabled program that runs on any computer that is connected to the Web and running an up-to-date version of any major Internet browser. The new version of the tool offers numerous advantages over previous versions, which had to be downloaded to the user’s computer.The Web-based tool helps users organize family history information and then print it out for presentation to their family doctor. In addition, the tool helps users save their family history information to their own computer and even share family history information with other family members. Access the My Family Health Portrait Web tool at https://familyhistory.hhs.gov/.

Each year since 2004, the Surgeon General has declared

Thanksgiving to be National Family History Day. Over the holiday or at other times when families gather, the Surgeon General encourages Americans to talk about, and to write down, the health problems that seem to run in their family. Learning about their family’s health history may help ensure a longer, healthier future together.For information on other activities of the Office of the Surgeon General, please visit www.surgeongeneral.gov.

My Family Health Portrait Tool

National FamilyHistory Day


DON’T THROW YOUR LIFE AWAY THROW THE TRASH AWAY

I t’s not about them, it’s about you beloved. You

aren’t going to change your life by waiting on someone else to change beloved. They’ve made their choice and you have to choose to either go down with their decision or stand up for your life. You have to choose to be a victim or a victor. You have to choose to walk with God or wait on someone to give you permission.Nothing is going to make them do different, think different or act different except their own readiness. Don’t waste another day worshiping

anger or resentment. Every day that you give energy to them is another day that you take energy away from thoughts that promote your life, your peace and your power. Your thoughts either promote or demote your potential beloved.Write down the thoughts that have been living in your head rent free. Write down the thoughts about them that have been controlling your emotions. Write down the thoughts that have robbed you of time, peace, joy and focus. Write them down on a nice piece of paper. After you’ve written them

down, write the date on the top. Ball up the piece of paper and cry your last cry, say a prayer over your deliverance from thoughts about anything on that paper. Take the paper outside and throw it away in a garbage can that you cannot retrieve it from.Know that everything you wrote down is finished. At first, it will be hard to break the habit of revisiting old thoughts but you have to take a position that says to every thought that tries to come back up, “You’re dead.”

ON tHe eDGe


“Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it.

With every thought tries to come back up, replace it

with a thought that builds you up. Replace, “How could they do this to me,” with, “Thank you for showing me that you didn’t deserve me.” Replace, “Why did this happen to me,” with, “It didn’t happen to me, it happened for me.” Replace, “I can’t take it anymore,” with, “I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13). If you sit in the dark beloved everything looks dark. Turn on the lights in your life. Through grace, you control what you focus on, who you say you are and what your next chapter will be.

Yes, they weren’t right. Yes, we all wish our trial or tribulation would have skipped over us -- even Christ did (Matthew 26:39). Yes, we all wished that everyday, every decision and every person in our life was perfect. Truth is, they never will be. We cannot stop what was meant to be but we can stop participating in what is not meant to be. There

is nothing new under the sun beloved: “What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 1:9), don’t throw your life away for what was supposed to be thrown away.

Take your position. Write down the vision for your life and make it plain: “Then the LORD replied: “Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it” (Habakkuk 2:2, NIV). Put your vision into thoughts, prayers and actions. Change your circle if you have to, make time to meditate on who and what you need to add to your life to move your vision forward. Take steps every day to do something that moves your life forward -- read, meet new people, remove peace breakers and drama makers, speak life over yourself, start each day with a power prayer and commit to blocking thoughts to contradict your truth, your potential and your powerful ability through faith and work.

You and God have always come out on top and you always will. Remember, nothing in life is meant to stop you, defeat you or kill you beloved. Change comes when change is necessary. Follow the wind beloved. When you go through a storm with faith, winds meant to stop you will blow you into God’s purpose: “You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people” (Genesis 50:20).

Share with someone you love. Be BlessedPatrick Weaver, Patrick Weaver MinistriesReprinted with permission

(Habakkuk 2:2, NIV).

http://ebible.com/query?utf=8%E2%9C%93&query=Philippians%204%3A13&translation=ESV

http://ebible.com/query?utf=8%E2%9C%93&query=Matthew%2026%3A39&translation=ESV

http://ebible.com/query?utf=8%E2%9C%93&query=Ecclesiastes%201%3A9&translation=ESV

http://ebible.com/query?utf=8%E2%9C%93&query=Ecclesiastes%201%3A9&translation=ESV

http://ebible.com/query?utf=8%E2%9C%93&query=Habakkuk%202%3A2&translation=ESV

http://ebible.com/query?utf=8%E2%9C%93&query=Genesis%2050%3A20&translation=ESV


WisDOM speAks

“Husbands, love your wives like Christ loves the church:Who can find a love like this?”

It’s February!!! On the 14th day of the month many will pause to honor, pay tribute as well as salute those they love. Love will be expressed in many forums and in different ways with those we share relationships with. These relationships can be romantic, friendships, family, school-mates, co-workers, colleagues, etc. The expressions will show up and may include: chocolates, flowers, jewelry, cards, poems, dinner dates, text messages, voice messages and other ways to catch the attention of the one you love or care about. But if I may, I want to take a moment to share a nugget with our men. The first human species and masterpiece created by God; made in his image and in his likeness! The headship and priest designed to be leader, protector, and provider in the home.

To some it may seem like an enormous task; but to take the pressure off, and make it not so challenging, I invite you to go to the

originator of it all!! God the Father, creator, and master of the universe who spoke and created everything into being. This word is specifically shared with those who are married, seeking or soon to be married. You see men, women are very complex, complicated and filled with so many emotions. God made us that way, however, we also came out of you. In order to get the best understanding of love, we must go to the originator of love. For it is God who is love, who created it and continues to demonstrate His love to us over and over and over again. It is often we throw this word around too loosely, and can sometimes find ourselves growing out of love with someone whom we at one point in time could not imagine living without! Love can be such a powerful and passionate force where it can overtake all of you - mind, will and emotions!

In the book of I Corinthians, 13th chapter, it gives a very

descriptive and detailed illustration of what love is. The description is precise, on point and to the point! Love encompasses a lot of traits and characteristics, but what stands out for me is it never, ever gives up; love never fails. Now, when I look at marriages, I often compare it to the unyielding and unending love and marriage of Hosea and Gomer in the bible. It’s a love story where God tells Hosea to take him a wife from the block! God tells him to marry a whore and he obeys God. Now we know, there aren’t too many men that could possibly be in their right minds to marry a prostitute, and love her to no end! But in this story, the love that Hosea demonstrates to his wife Gomer after she leaves him time and time again to be with other men is mind boggling. Yet each time she leaves, Hosea receives her back into his heart every time. Now how many men today could do that? Honestly, really!!!??


The truth is, he couldn’t do it without the help of an all knowing, all powerful God. It was through God’s strength, power, forgiveness, wisdom, patience, understanding, peace, and love that Hosea was able to take Gomer back each and every time. You see God wanted to teach Hosea what true love through God’s eyes looks like. God was demonstrating to Hosea how the Israelites, his chosen people, treat Him. God wanted Hosea to experience what it feels like when those you truly love forsake you and turn to other gods. The demonstration shows that although my chosen people leave me and go and love other gods, I still love them and receive them back over and over again. That is what true love does. It looks pass the faults, failures, insecurities, bruised and broken places, abandonment and loves you still.

To have this type of love we must seek God for guidance, knowledge, wisdom and understanding. He created and ordained the first marital

institution and called it to be so (Adam and Eve). God did it!! The key to it all is, God should be at the center of it all. He is the originator and author of love and marriage and one should seek him for guidance and instruction. In so doing, be wise to include God in your marriage. He is the 3rd person in the marriage; we must build our marriages as blueprints to what God has said about marriage.

“Husbands, love your wives as Christ loved the Church and gave himself for her (Eph 5:25)!”

“He who finds a wife finds a good thing and receives favor from the Lord (Prov. 18:22)

“Marriage is honorable in all, the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge (Heb 13:4)”.

“Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed (Eccle 4:9”).

To our men who are married, seeking marriage and soon to be married, I say to you, make God’s word the center of your marriage and the Holy Spirit the 3rd person in your marriage, so that you can experience a successful marriage, yielding all that God would desire it to be!!

On that note, be blessed and live your best life!!

Pastor Maria A. Mobley, MSW, LPCPearls of Wisdom Ministry


I believe in GodI am accomplished

I am fearless

I have a victorious life –

I am a giver

I am thankful

I believe in the planof salvation

I love

I forgive

I matter

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.Hebrews 11:6

I can do all things thru Christ who strengthens me.Philippians 4:13

God has not given me a spirit of fear. He gives me power, love, and self-

discipline (2 Timothy 1:7

But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 15:57

I bring the whole tithe into the storehouse. He opens the windows of

heaven for me and pours out a blessing so great that I don’t have enough room

for it (Malachi 3:10).

always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord

Jesus Christ.Ephesians 5:20

For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.John 3:16

“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself Luke 10:27

Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against u... Luke 11:14

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11


pRAYeR lifethe glory of a prayer life

The glory of a prayer life can be experienced

by every believer that will develop a relationship with God through Jesus. How do I know this? In my earlier days, over 40 years ago, as a babe in Christ I loved praying to God. I would hear His voice saying “pray” and immediately I would go into my prayer room to pray.Trials, heartaches and tears caused me to cry out to God. For the problems I couldn’t handle, friends in Christ would say to me “Shirley, just keep praying and believe God.”The glory that I experienced in my life in knowing and feeling the presence of God in my

praying was a spiritual transformation. It was so powerful I can’t fully put into words. To every believer I would say to you: Don’t let Satan rob you of your “talk” time with Jesus. You can develop and experience a powerful and glory filled prayer life for yourself. God loves you and He wants you to come to know him in a personal way.Moses prayer was to see the manifest glory of God. Because we are finite and morally imperfect we can’t exist and see God as He is. God’s response to Moses: I will make all my goodness pass before thee and I will proclaim the name of the Lord thee. What is God’s glory? It is the manifestation of

God’s character, His power, His transcendence, His moral perfection. God’s glory is revealed in His mercy, His grace, His truth, His forgiveness, His justice and in our praying time to him. He delights in his children praying to Him. And in our consistency we will develop a closeness, a deeper depth and higher heights relationship to Him. He will transform our spirits to that spiritual realm of glory. It is awesome to know that his spirit has filled our soul with His power. There is power in prayer. For we connected to the true and living God and His Glory.

ShIRLEy A. BRyANTOverseer, Faith International Church


life iN eDUCAtiON Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)

“With this bill, we reaffirm that fundamentally Ameri-can ideal—that every child, regardless of race, income, background, the zip code where they live, deserves the chance to make of their lives what they will.” — President Barack Obama

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) was signed by President

Obama on December 10, 2015, and represents good news for our nation’s schools. This bipartisan measure reauthorizes the 50-year-old Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), the nation’s national education law and longstanding commitment to equal opportunity for all students.The new law builds on key areas of progress in recent years, made possible by the efforts of educators, communities, parents, and students across the country.For example, today, high school graduation rates are

at all-time highs. Dropout rates are at historic lows. And more students are going to college than ever before. These achievements provide a firm foundation for further work to expand educational opportunity and improve student outcomes under ESSA.The previous version of the law, the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act, was enacted in 2002. NCLB represented a significant step forward for our nation’s children in many respects, particularly as it shined a light on where students were making progress and where they needed additional support, regardless of race, income,

zip code, disability, home language, or background. The law was scheduled for revision in 2007, and, over time, NCLB’s prescriptive requirements became increasingly unworkable for schools and educators. Recognizing this fact, in 2010, the Obama administration joined a call from educators and families to create a better law that focused on the clear goal of fully preparing all students for success in college and careers.Congress has now responded to that call.The Every Student Succeeds Act reflects many of the priorities of this administration.

Reprinted from the Department of education – www.ed.gov


NeW bOOks


I come to you asking, seeking for answers. I need to

know that you hear me. Do you hear me? Do you even see me? Can I call on you at anytime? Can I tell you everything? Will you HELP me? Can we talk about my life? Where is my life going? How can i matter with billions of people in this earth? Can you guide me through this life? When I feel disconnected will you draw me back in? Why do I allow others to

DEAR JESUS

draw me away from your truth? Is there another life after death? Will you be there? Is heaven a real place? Everyone says you are LOVE, then where is the love in your people? I allowed my heart to be broken into pieces, can you fix it? The truth is, Jesus, I didn’t listen to you.Can I love you with all my heart? Where can I find truth? Can i find the truth in the Bible about you and God? Can I come again to you tomorrow? So

you have the time to hear me?

So all i have to do is believe in you and how you showed me your love? Then i will be safe? Then I will be connected? Then I will know what to do with my life?

Dear Jesus, thank you for listening.


tHe best life




ReCipes fROM kAVitA

INgrEdIENtS:

1/3 cup graham cracker crumbs1 tablespoon white sugar1 tablespoon butter, melted6 baking cupsFilling:1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened 1/4 cup white sugar 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract1 egg

Directions:Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Line 6-cup muffin pan with baking cups.In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and margarine with butter a fork until combined. Measure a rounded tablespoon of the mixture into the bottom of each muffin cup, pressing firmly. Bake in the pre-heated oven for 5 minutes, then remove to cool. Keep the oven on.Beat together the cream cheese, sugar, lemon juice and vanilla until fluffy. Mix in the egg.Pour the cream cheese mixture into the muffin cups, filling each until 3/4 full. Bake at 325 degrees F (165 degrees C) for 25 minutes. Cool completely in pan before removing. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Top with any fresh fruit or filling.Enjoy!

Chef Kavita

Mini Cheesecakes


Date post:	25-Jul-2016
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The Best Life Issue one February/March 2016

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