Fit For A Cause
I have been single for several years and I have not really thought about seeing anyone in particular. Though in the past few months I have thought that if "he" exists he has to be fit on so many levels. Inclusive of mentally, spiritually, physically, financially and psychologically. If that is the direction that I'm going he has to be going there also. If I take an inventory of men that I have dated or have been in a relationship with not one, not even the one I married, can I pick up the phone and say "I need" or "The boys need" and they respond.
You know why? Because I wasn't fit for a cause when I entered into those relationships. I wasn't trying to get the weight off, spiritually or physically. If they accepted me in my present state then I was cool with it never seeing a bigger picture or the bold bottom line that would show me God's bigger plan for my life. So I've been hurt. I've been rejected. I've been left. Each experience chipping away at the beautiful woman that so many family members had vested in.
Now being single has been advantageous to me over the past 3 years. I've had this time to really read His word and reflect on past hurts and past pains. God never wanted that for me. Only I for myself. Now I hear God clearly when He speaks to me that if I enter into a relationship it will be like nothing I have ever experienced before. God wants my family and me covered by a man who is already a believer, already a worshipper and one who I don't have to drag into His presence.
Looking back at my list of qualifications for a mate, God was never at the top of the list. My mate simply had to be tall, dark and we have similar interests. Well I got that several times and got left several times. But now....that's all changed. If I decide to date again, I'm in a different space and God has set me apart for such a time as this. He's called for me to go forth with His word and to do incredible things for Him. I'm getting fit for a cause. I preparing for those things that eyes have not seen and ears have not heard.
Speaking those things that are not as though they are
Lindar
Been A Minute
It’s been almost a month since my last post. I must say that the death of Heavy D has been a bit difficult for me. I think back to when Hev first came out as an artist I was ending my high school years. His music has been with me through college, having children, and growing through life. Not to mention his reported illness mirrors when my brother was sick awhile back and scared the daylights out of everyone.
I’ve talked to my brother several times over the past few weeks and I hear the concern in his voice when he says about Hev having pneumonia, “I had the same thing.” My response, in my mind, was, “Yeah, I know.” Life is precious and you truly never know when your time is coming. Hopefully you are doing your very best to follow your dreams and seek God’s purpose for your life. At the end of the day that’s truly the most important thing.
As the year winds down our church is ending it’s P90X, to read the Bible in 90 days. I started in October and stopped in October. I picked up again in November and decided to finish strong. Now I’m reading two or three assignments a day because I want to be in the number of finishers on December 31. Reading through the entire Bible is absolutely amazing for me right now. God is speaking, healing and strengthening me for whatever is next in my life.
In my last post I wrote about how I had always dreamed of Hev performing one year for my birthday and to be truthful I never reached for that goal and that moment is lost. As I grow in my faith and breakout of this shell of low or no expectations I pray that I reach for incredible opportunities and not lose too many more memorable moments.
Be Blessed
My Dream Just Got Messed Up ~ Rest Easy Heavy D 1967-2011
Many are called…but chosen are few……
As I sit here one week and one day away from my birthday I mourn the loss of one of my favorite Hip Hop Artists, Heavy D. And I mean one of my absolute favorites. If the day had not been trying enough, then I read the news on Facebook. Ugh!!
Probably one of my favorite visions of spending my birthday was to see Heavy D in concert one night and Fred Hammond the next night. Now the dream is messed up and with Fred Hammond coming to town on Friday and my birthday being next week….well it’s a bit much knowing that that dream will never come true.
Even as I write this blog the tears just fall and fall. Not a lot of artists impact fans like Heavy D. He was cool and handsome. In interviews you felt like he could be your brother, cousin, friend or boyfriend. You never saw him slipping. He never looked bad. He never sounded bad. Heavy D….he was bad. Just simply a cool artist.
His music made you want to dance and you didn’t have to worry about being a profane image of some negative imagination. As a woman when I listen to Heavy’s music I feel pretty, sexy and sensual in a way that a real man makes a real woman feel. My favorite song? All of them.
Today has been so bad that I had to turn off the radio because I can’t listen to his music right now. They were going to play 10 songs back to back. No, not today. I need a moment here. My childhood friend even texted me to check in on me. My brother called me from work to talk to me. See although I never saw Heavy D in concert, I didn’t miss a video, a new single release or a magazine interview. His music meant that much to me.
Heavy’s last Twitter message was “BE INSPIRED!”. How fitting that a man who inspired so many would leave us with those words. The dream may be messed up Hev, but thank you for so many years of good entertainment, whether it was music or T.V. Thanks for being true to you and letting that spill over in your music.
Your style, your image, and your body of work are forever timeless. You satisfy like a Caddy…
Fb Post from Dion Sampson
To all those that feel alone - Lonliness is not the absence of people it is the absence of direction. God is just trying to get your attention so He can reveal you to you. You are more than you are giving yourself credit for. So don't fight the "lonliness", just go through it and enjoy the fellowship with God and you will recognize that He needed your attention because you were settling for some...thing and someone that wasn't you. Jacob had to wrestle with God so that he could get the revelation that his name was really Israel. You are MORE than you give yourself credit for...THERE IS GREATNESS INSIDE OF YOU!! I don't care how many times you have fallen or messed up...THERE IS STILL GREATNESS ON THE INSIDE OF YOU, I DON'T CARE WHAT ANYONE SAYS ABOUT YOU!!! DON'T GIVE UP NOW, YOU ARE TO CLOSE!!! ~ Dion Sampson
Strong Challenge Card ~ Prayer ~ Write A Letter
Write A Letter
In your journal, write a letter to God that begins with, "The life I want most for myself is..." Finish the letter (or prayer) by completing this opening thought. It's okay to acknowledge mistakes you've made, but try to focus more on describing what a "good and beautiful life" would look like for you. Feel free to dream big, and let God in on your greatest hopes.
Why?
God is into dreams! He is the giver of dreams for our lives, and he assures us that the plans he has in store for us are good. (Jeremiah 29:11)
(Tip: if you don't know where to start or want to take this deeper, begin by asking God to give you the dreams he has in mind for you.)
The life I want most for myself is one that is free from fear. I think that if you get hurt enough you build up an unnecessary roughness. You say to yourself "No, that won't happen to me again. I won't allow it." In not allowing "it" to happen again I've closed off my heart. Not everyone knows my true self, my true heart. Most days it's fine for me to live this way but I know You don't want me to live a life where I fear taking steps. Where I fear friendships, and where I fear the best You have for me because all I can think about is the worst.
Lord the life I want most for myself is one that is free from fear. Lord please take that fear from me.
Because of You I am
Arlinda
Strong Challenge Card ~ Prayer ~Light A Candle
Light A Candle
First, think of a hope you have—big or little, it doesn't matter. Write it down in your journal. Then, light a candle, and as you do, share that hope with God in prayer. Watch the flame and smoke rise up from the candle and envision your prayer rising to God.
Lord I hope I figure out how to balance it all. I hope my debt decreases so that I can increase in my home and ministry. I hope that I learn to completely trust Your designs for my life. I hope I don't just let anyone come into my life again. I hope to seek out friends who are after Your heart. I hope that my children will continue to seek You after I am called home. I hope You know that even in my most difficult trials I love You and I know that You love me. On my worst days I feel Your hands drying my tears and soothing my heart. I hope You know that.
DLamb Photos
Darryl Lambert
A little over a year ago I was introduced to the name of Darryl Lambert when I was looking for a photographer for a friend’s wedding. We ended up using someone else but I thought it was good idea to friend him on Fb, just in case someone else needed some pics taken.
Well, since that time I have seen some amazing pictures on his Fb page. It kinda reminds me of when I went to a Gordon Parks Exhibit at the Art Museum years ago. Darryl’s pictures tell beautiful urban stories of family, fashion and fun. To add to his gift of having an “eye” for the camera he’s also a barber. He tags himself as the “Barber’s Barber”
I have seen incredible pics of little boys with haircuts that will have you asking them, “Who cuts your hair?” It’s been tempting to send my own child his chair. His pics are very diverse and they will immediately grab your attention.
Within the past months I saw a pic of one of his female customer’s. Darryl had shaped her eyebrows. Light bulbs went off. After a traumatic eyebrow experience over the summer I had now found someone who I knew had a good “eye” and appreciated the details. So couple of weeks ago I went and sat in the chair and experienced the “Barber’s Barber”
Professional and considerate. Yeah, that sums that experience. If you need some pictures taken, a rocking haircut that separates you from the rest, or you simply need your brows shaped so your makeup will look a bit hotter. Check out Darryl Lambert.
Here are some pics from his Fb page.
DLamb Photos
CANTON JONES- WINDOW [OFFICIAL music video]
I woke up singing this song this morning. "I see a window over your head......" and it's pouring out blessings....
Have Faith In Heart #2
Have Faith In Heart is a program geared at providing information to members of local faith based organizations so that those members can take the information back to share with ministries within their churches. The focus for this session was the importance of exercising and to provide information about the Mercy Heart Mini Walk coming up in March of 2012. The facilitator for this session was Dr. Cheri Miller, who serves as program coordinator for The Christ Hospital’s Cardiac Wellness Center.
Below are some notes taken from this session.
- You should keep your feet moving to increase your steps. Walk around or march in place while waiting for an elevator or while helping your child with their homework.
- Wear a pedometer to assist with measuring your steps.
- The goal is to take 10,000 steps a day. This may take a while. Average daily steps are 2,000-3,000
- Park farther away from your destination.
- Keep a chart of the steps you take daily.
- If you want to lose weight you need to workout 6-7 days per week 60 minutes a day.
- When you workout you need to break a sweat. I also wrote down that people who are more fit sweat more. (Sweat It Out)
- Milk jugs can be used for those who are beginning to lift weights by adding water. 1-2 sets of 8-12 reps 2-3 times per week. You should lift every other day.
- 120/70 ~ Blood Pressure Goal
- Switch up your exercise routine to keep your body guessing. That way you will burn more calories.
- When you stretch you should hold it for 30 seconds of longer. Don’t stretch cold muscles.
- Exercise 1.5 hours after a meal.
- Schedule exercise into a daily routine.
- Find a buddy and keep a record.
- Keep the time and place of your walk or workout convenient.
- Most importantly….MOVE!!!!
- GoRed! Initiative Better U
- Mercy Health Heart Mini
After the session was over I spoke to Dr. Miller about my personal weight struggle. I told how over the years it seemed like every time I would begin the path of becoming fit something would come up and I would give up. We discussed my sons and their active lives and all the things we have to or had to do over the years. She left me with a profound thought. She told me that there are “Moments in Waiting”.
So, if I am waiting for my son at a doctor’s appointment I should walk around the parking lot. Since my son is in afterschool care at a recreation center I should join it and workout often. When I am at home I can take small steps as I help him with his homework. Even in my classroom she told me to take more steps around the room, walk to ask questions, take the steps and park farther away.
I have never really thought about those things. Now that I know I am empowered to do better. I am more focused on keeping track of my steps and documenting my exercising during the week. After two weeks I can report that I have worked out on an elliptical machine for two consecutive weeks and I taking more than 1500 steps daily. On cable I have found some incredible aerobic videos On Demand.
Yes, there are moments in waiting and I am beginning to take advantage of all of them. What about you? What are you waiting for? The moment is now. MOVE!!!!!!!
Sunday Best ~ Just A Thought
This season a friend encouraged me to watch Sunday Best. On that episode all I could remember was the woman from Texas. Later I would find out that her name is Andrea Helms, First Lady of Friendship Church in Denton, TX. Weeks later I texted my friend that the season finale was being postponed because of the storm. He told me that if Amber Bullock didn’t win that it was rigged. Now mind you I have no idea who the two finalist are but there is a buzz on Twitter and Facebook that makes me want to watch the season finale.
I believed I tuned in when Amber and Andrea were singing a duet and they sounded so beautiful together. I love that song, Moving Forward. Both women have amazingly beautiful voices and Amber Bullock would go on to win Sunday Best for Season Four. Afterwards Twitter and Facebook posed some interesting questions. Is the competition based on skill or anointing? Did Andrea lose because of race? Which I actually believe could open up a healthy dialogue in our churches. How do we define “Sunday Best”? In four years four African American women have won Sunday Best. Is that how America defines Sunday Best? A gospel artist tweeted that he would like to see a man win next year? Would America vote for a man to be Sunday Best? Say, Marvin Sapp or Wess Morgan? Of course prior to their successes.
BET Networks ‘Sunday Best’ Season Finale Strikes A Chord
Let’s face it we live in American and race often comes up in various situations and conversations. Many comments online speak of Andrea Helms and the anointing that poured from each song. Does that qualify for Sunday Best? In recent years we have seen Martha Munizzi, her sister Mary Alessi and Vicki Yohe bring worship to another level. Who has not heard “Because of Who You Are” and just immediately reflect on the name of Jesus? Do they qualify for Sunday Best?
I sat there Sunday night waiting for the winner to be announced and watching the Tweets on my phone. And then it happened, Andrea Helms ministered a medley that sent me rewinding the segment about four maybe five times. I was in tears, I worshipped, and I praised. I was messed up thinking about how much God loves me. Thinking about how He does everything well. Does that qualify for Sunday Best? Just a thought.
Jonathan Butler - You Are So Beautiful
I just heard this song on a gospel station in Atlanta.......This song is Beautiful!!!!!!!!!!!!! I don't think I've ever heard a song of his that I didn't fall in love with the first time hearing it.
Get “Back To Worship”
If in one word I could describe last Saturday, September 3, I would use the word incredible. No, I would use awesome. Better yet, phenomenal. “Back To Worship” was just that phenomenal. It was a true worship experience that brought genders and cultures together in a way that I don’t believe I have ever experienced.
Over the summer Isaac was given the vision for “Back To Worship” and we worked hard making sure that all the i’s were dotted and the t’s were crossed. One of the things that I appreciate about Isaac is that it’s in his nature to accept the vision, see the vision and work the vision. Isaac had rehearsal at one in the morning on Saturday. When I arrived, Saturday evening, they were still rehearsing and making sure everything was in place. Even during that time, a couple of hours before the program, you could sense something amazing was occurring in the sanctuary.
You see at this event people had come together, not seeking a concert but to worship. All this week the songs, that were ministered on Saturday, would just come to mind and I would stop and simply worship. “I Give Myself Away” and “I’m Available To You” to name a couple. There were so many moments of awe, inspiration and hearing from God in that service. Although I didn’t think I was crying, tears just kept falling from my left eye. My ears were opened to His Word and so was my heart.
From Isaac Quaye, to Waymond Dean, to Hosea, to Praise Charles, to Mark Robinson, to the band, to Priceless Poss, to the background singers, and everyone else who ministered it was truly a time for true worshippers to come together and shout unto God. This wasn’t a “I’m gonna be the best singer and show out” service. This was a “God is real in my life and I choose to worship Him” service.
The next day Isaac and I talked and we were both still in awe about the movement of God. Isaac shared what people had been expressing to him about “Back To Worship”. At the end of the conversation we tried to summarize the prior day. It was hard because so much could have been said but Isaac said it best. “Back To Worship” went beyond our expectations.
When I reflect on how God goes beyond my expectations I bow down and worship Him. I wanted a job He gave me a career. I wanted children and He gave me future church leaders. He makes my dreams come true. He erases my doubts and fears. He stops my enemies in their tracks. God is All of that and more and because of that we should get back to truly worshipping God who makes all things new.
Angelo And Veronica - All Things Work
This song had me searching the scriptures after hearing Angelo and Veronica sing it live several years ago, while on tour with Iyanla Vanzant. Every since then I have considered myself a Romans 8:28 Woman
Let It Rain – 2011 Midwest BFR Gospel Concert Experience
Back in May Isaac Quaye and I had discussed him auditioning for the talent portion of this year’s Black Family Reunion. To our surprise he was selected to sing twice at the event. We were so excited. The excitement went to another level when we learned that Pastor Marvin Sapp would be the featured artist at the Gospel Concert. Wow! Isaac would be on the same stage as an artist that he has admired since he was a teenager.
The news about the concert kept getting better and better. Soon I would read that Trin-I-Tee 5:7, Isaac Carree, and Brian Courtney Wilson would also be ministering at the concert. It was set in eternity for this moment to happen because I really don’t go out to a lot of events but I had no choice but to show up at this one.
Just as the news could get better, it also could get worse. A storm was coming. At the beginning of the concert it rained and they had to stop the concert. So I knew that after the rain passed we were set for an awesome worship experience. All of the acts prior to Pastor Marvin Sapp was awesome. Trin-I-Tee 5:7 were simply amazing and they got the crowd going. Isaac Carree came out and got us ready to be “In The Middle” of it. {His cd dropped yesterday, you have to go get it.} Brian Courtney Wilson came out and rushed through his set because a storm was coming and he wanted Pastor Sapp to hit the stage but it was too late.
I looked behind me and yes, a storm was coming. It was the darkest cloud coming over a very large crowd. The rain came down hard and fast. I tried to sit through it with my Walgreen’s umbrella. The rain soon proved too much and many people ran, or walked, for cover. Some people went home. I saw a tree that I was headed for when I spotted an older woman sitting in her chair with no umbrella, no poncho, no nothing. I asked her if she wanted me to help her to a shelter. She told me how her mother had recently passed and that she had to ship her mother’s body to Mississippi but she couldn’t do so until her siblings got into town.
This woman poured her heart out to me in the rain about how rough her week had been and she just needed encouragement. She told me that she was going to sit in the rain and wait out the storm to hear an encouraging word from Pastor Sapp. I stood over her and gave her what shelter I could with my umbrella, that I now need to replace. Minutes later, I looked behind me and I could see the storm passing. Because so many people had left the concert area there was now plenty of room near the stage. The lady asked me to go with her to the front of the stage and sit with her. And so I did.
Afterwards we hugged and I could see some of the heaviness lifted from her spirit. It was as if the rain had refreshed us and Pastor Sapp’s ministry had renewed us. The storm did pass and we endured the wind and the rain for a brighter moment. The next time I see a storm coming I’m going to say “Let it rain!” I’ll praise Him in the middle of it.
Pastor Zachery Tims 1969-2011
For several years I have watched TBN’s Spring Praise-A-Thon. It was one of the few opportunities to see many of the pastors I’d watch on BET, The Word Network, and TBN together on one program. Dr. Zachery Tims was one of those pastors.
With the passing of Dr. Tims last week I have seen the good and the bad side of ministry both online and in personal conversations. Many are waiting to hear what the cause of death was to further prove their point that Dr. Tims was not a true man of God. Though who are we to judge? Are we always true to our calling, to our purpose?
We only have our opinions and our thoughts. Remember that our ways are not His ways and our thoughts are not His thoughts. It’s not hard for me to believe that God places people in our lives and in positions for His purpose to be full-filled.
One of the programs of New Destiny Christian Center that has stayed with me over the years was when they built an incredible youth center for youth to attend so that they could stay out of trouble. Maybe, so that they wouldn’t have some of the same issues Dr. Tims had growing up.
Dr. Zachery Tims has shared about his growing up in a negative environment and how he fought to be a better person. Even as he continued to deal with his own personal demons, the better person continued on with his calling in life and I believe that is part of Dr. Tims legacy that no toxicology report can taint.
I send condolences to Dr. Zachery Tims’ children, Pastor Riva Tims, his family, and to his church family. For if this past week has been difficult then it will be more so today as Dr. Zachery Tims is laid to rest.
No matter how he died, Dr. Tims was still a father and still a pastor. Dr. Tims was created in God’s image and as for me I have no stones to cast as I pray for his church to continue on with his vision.
Isaac Quaye Worshipping at The 2011 Midwest Black Family Reunion (Cincinnati,OH)
Isaac Quaye Ministry is excited to let you know that Isaac Quaye will be ministering from his debut cd My Secret Place at the 2011 Midwest Regional Black Family Reunion on August 21, 2011.
Isaac Quaye will be at The Young Adults Pavillion at 12:30p.m. and on the Main Stage at 3:52p.m. The Gospel Concert on the Main Stage is from 3-7p.m. and will feature Pastor Marvin Sapp.
Please visit Isaac Quaye Ministry
Follow Isaac Quaye on Twitter
Become a Fan on Facebook
Coffey Anderson - "You Are All I'm After" "FREE" | iCoffey.com
Watching Uplifting Videos on GMTV has been so Uplifting!!! This is one of the songs that gets me going every morning!!! You are all I'm after........
Isaac Quaye Ministry Presents “Back To Worship” August 20, 2011
On March 26, 2011 Isaac Quaye released his debut cd “My Secret Place” at an album launch celebration that was filled with an amazing worship experience. If you were in attendance I’m sure it was an unforgettable evening. I know it was for me.
After months of travelling to promote the his cd, leading Praise & Worship at many events, and connecting with many fans online Isaac is preparing to get “Back To Worship” at his home church, International Pentecost Center on August 20, 2011 at 7p.m.
Words can’t really express what it’s like to witness Isaac Quaye in worship. I have witnessed it many times over the past several months and each time I find myself reaching closer and closer to Him who sits high upon the throne.
Isaac Quaye Ministry is extending the invitation for you to join us on August 20, 2011 at 7p.m. It will be a night of intimate worship as Isaac Quaye and several local gospel artists come together to sing praises to our Lord and Savior. Isaac will also be sharing a new song that he recently wrote entitled “Be Still”
Come prepared to praise Him and to lift Him up. Let’s get “Back to Worship”.
Christian Delight's Grand Opening July 22, 2011 Featuring Robert Hatcher Live!!!
Refresh
For some reason lately I have noticed the need to use the Refresh button on my computer. This is generally after I have input some new information and I want to see the new results. Or if my computer screen is frozen I’ll select the Refresh button to send a signal to my computer to update my screen.
When I think of the word refresh two things immediately come to my mind. Water and iced tea. With tea being my favorite drink of choice and water being the element that calms my soul, whether hearing it run from a fountain or watching it flow from a beach view. The picture included in this blog was taken by my son on a trip to Daytona, Florida. Is there nothing more refreshing than to walk along a beach as the water brushes us up against you?
This summer I felt God calling for me to be refreshed. He needed to send a signal to me to get some new results. Not that the current results were not good but God was saying that He needed my spirits refreshed so that His work could be done more effectively.
For several years I had traveled with my son to basketball tournaments but after after the birth of my younger son I stopped travelling and relied on my son’s pictures to take me out of town. This summer we received a gift of vacation to Kissimmee, Florida. Once I arrived in Florida God said to me, “This is how you rest, how you refresh.” We spent a lot of time at the swimming pools. While I wasn’t in the water much I didn’t ignore the clearness and the beauty of the water. Each time that I sat near the water I became still, calm and in tuned to an inner voice.
After several days of sitting near the Lazy River I finally went and sat on the wall and allowed the water to cover parts of me. To tell the truth I could have sat there for hours. What peace. How refreshing.
God needs us to be refreshed, renewed and restored. He needs us in tuned to His voice and His instructions. Think about the heat right now and how when you go outside you need to stay hydrated so that you won’t become ill, or pass out. You have to keep filling up you water bottle or whatever you are using as a container. When you are filling up the bottle you are refreshing your supply so that you can go on being productive.
So now, when you are becoming weak and you feel like you need something more from God simply say “Lord, refresh me so that I can continue on with your will.”
Lord refresh me.
So that by God’s will I may come to you with joy and be refreshed in your company ~ Romans 15:32
EDC Author Appreciation Month!
EDC Author Appreciation Month!
Celebrate with us June 20 - July 20, 2011
Hosted by Ella Curry of EDC Creations Media Group
Sixty percent of the proceeds will go to the LA Banks Share Your Heart fund. Read details here.
Thousands of people — educators, concerned parents, community leaders, authors, poets and publishers — devote their time and resources to presenting the reader with great books! However, too many outstanding books do not get the attention and reader support that they deserve. It is our mission to connect readers with these hidden gems and bring them books that will change their lives. Your book could be the next one presented!
We are offering authors and small business owners fantastic packages to spread the word about their products. Take a look below and let us know if we can help you announce your latest project to our waiting readers! We can expand your literary landscape by thousands of readers in about 2 weeks!
EDC Creations offers proven, cutting-edge approaches to online book promotion including virtual book launches that include contests and ebook presentations, eblasts, blog tours, social networking, Amazon review campaigns, online media kits, blog promotion, article placement, and more. Check out the wonderful Summer specials below for more details. You are NOT alone, let Ella and her crew expand your literary landscape!
Black Authors Network Radio Package • $55.00
Are you one of the countless authors that continue to search for free and/or low cost ways to promote your books? You are not alone, however you have come to the right place. EDC Creations offers low cost promotional platforms for today's writers and poets. One such package is listed below. We invite you to reserve your spot today on the couch with Ella!
•• BAN Radio Show Intimate Conversations with Ella Curry ••
• exclusive 60 minute interview with Ella Curry on BAN Radio Show
• full promotion and syndication of interview to Black Pearls Magazine
• interview posted in 2 RSS feed newsletters distributed to 118, 000 readers
• interview sent out in EDC Creations group eblast to 135, 000 subscribers
• interview promoted on 10 sites including Facebook and Twitter
Click here to make all payments: http://www.edc-creations.com/payments.htm
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Black Pearls Magazine Book Blurb • $75.00
We are celebrating those with the unique vision of what's important to our readers. I'd like to invite you to showcase your book with Black Pearls Magazine - where authors get their chance to shine and book lovers get the opportunity to discover priceless literary gems. Our readers can dream as big as possible and let their imaginations become unbridled as they explore the pages of Black Pearls Magazine Online!
The BPM Book Promotion Includes:
• Evening with Ella Reading and Interview on BAN Radio Show (30 minutes)
• Book excerpt posted to Black Pearls Magazine "Reading Room" for bookclubs
• Interview included on "Featured Authors" front page of Black Pearls Magazine
• Interview included on two other major pages of Black Pearls Magazine
• Book added to "Featured Section" of Black Pearls Magazine Online Bookstore
• Bookcover in the left sidebar "Featured Section" of BPM front page for 2 months
• Book included in EDC Creations traveling book show for 60 days
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chocolate Social Book Promotion • $99.00 per campaign
If you can't attend the Chocolate Social in Atlanta, let EDC Creations promote your book for the next 2 months! Ella Curry travels to most major literary events. She will distribute your promotional material in her gift bags, mail-out your material in the BAN Radio Show gifts and showcase your book to her audience of 135,000 email readers!
Your book will be included in the keepsake journal passed out to all the bookclub presidents at the event. A written interview will be posted on the front of Black Pearls Magazine August edition and on all 18 of our sites. This is a wonderful way to introduce your book to bookclubs and their presidents.
Book or products on display during the Atlanta Chocolate Social Book Expo and add to the Grand Prize gift bag at the end of the event.
• 30 minute interview on Black Authors Network Radio Show ($45.00 value)
• Black Pearls Magazine written interview posted on front page ($75.00 value)
• Group Eblast to our 135,000 readers of the EDC Creations Database ($99.00 value)
• Featured Author on Black Pearls Online Newsletter ($45.00 value)
• Book excerpt posted to 20 literary blogs, websites and discussion boards
• Book added to sidebar in Black Pearls Magazine Reading Room
• Interview included on two other major pages of Black Pearls Magazine
• Book included in EDC Creations traveling book show for 60 days
• Promotional material added to all event swag bags and mail-out from EDC Creations
Make all payments here today: http://www.edc-creations.com/payments.htm
We look forward to sharing your information with our network! Ella will email instructions within 24-48 hours.
Warmest regards,
Ella Curry, President of EDC Creations Media
Black Authors Network Radio-Founder
Black Pearls Magazine Online -Founder
Something To Draw From
Within the past two years I have prayed The Prayer of Jabez and The Serenity Prayer almost daily sometimes twice a day. I get up in the morning with the prayers and then I read daily devotionals by Pastor Jerry Savelle. I have learned to cover myself and my family before I get out the bed and before I fall sleep at night. Now that this has become a routine I can see how things are working out in my life. My territory is being enlarged. I teach amazing students and that impacts their families and communities, I go to my blog and see people from all over the world are hitting my site and to be honest I have people as friends on Facebook and Twitter that are both awesome and inspiring. For those things I am blessed indeed.
What I am finding that is most amazing is that since my prayer life has improved over the years I have a lot more to draw from when adversity comes up. I can rest upon the promises that God has for me. I know that God will never leave me and that I never have to worry about my needs or the needs of my family being met. I thank God for awesome grandmothers who have, and had, faith that God is all you need. I am thankful for my mom who always has the right words to say and even my younger son has learned that prayer really does work.
One day last week I was speaking with a young man about a new business venture and he was a bit frustrated about all of the things he needed to do and didn’t think about before hand. On Monday I spoke with a pastor who had an idea about a book for his church organization. As I spoke with both of these men the information they needed just sort of came out of me. I had to stop and ask my sister “I sound like I’m in a workshop don’t I?” After speaking to the business owner he said to me, “Arlinda, I really appreciate what you said. I really needed something to draw from and you provided that.
Don’t we all need that? Something to draw from? To regain strength? To renew our hearts? Have you ever just been in a dark and lonely place? You wonder how did I get here? I’ve learned to ask, what should I learn here? Though even in my learning it can still be difficult and hurtful. I would be lying if I told you the tears don’t fall and that sometimes I wish it would all just come to an end. When I feel like that God has this incredible way of soothing me and honestly I fall right to sleep. I feel that God is building me up for awesome experiences that even I could have never dreamed for myself.
If nothing else I am humble about my gifts and talents. I take nothing for granted and I never know who I will be a blessing to. I never know who will be a blessing to me. I pray that you have an awesome prayer life and a wonderful relationship with God so that in those valley experiences you will have something to draw from so that you can bless another person.
Milani Nails It - Limited Edition Summer Products - Milani Cosmetics
Nail Polish Reflection – Happy Father’s Day
Today is Father’s Day and to be truthful I have been trying to write this particular blog for a while about my father.
When I was a little girl my father would often polish my nails, I wonder if he remembers that. We would sit in the living room on the top floor of our first home and he would sit with me, probably with music playing or the television on and apply coats of nail polish to my little bitty hands. I know I had to be very young because we didn’t move from that home until I was about 10. (I think)
In reflection those moments were probably our bonding moments, our sit down time together and you know what? It wasn’t until I was older that I even realized that nail polish could spill out of the bottle. Not one time when my father would use nail polish did I see it anywhere but on the brush and on my nails. So I’m thinking, “this must be magic”. I guess in a sense it was for a little girl to have this big person sit and tend to her and make her hands pretty.
I can’t remember the first time I spilled nail polish but I do know it’s hard to clean up, causes discoloration on surfaces and leaves a crazy smell for a long time. So now I am extra careful when I polish my nails. Each time I do I think about my father and those early memories. How he protected me from a potential mess that could stain me, leave me messy and smelling horrible.
Hmmmmm!!! All of that from a bottle of nail polish.
Happy Father’s Day Sonny!!!!!!
Isaac Quaye Ministering Best In Me/ I Give Myself Away
This video was recorded last night @ Happy Hour Service @ Light of The World Ministries. It was kinda hard to monitor the camera because I could feel the presence of God. I pray that you are blessed with this video. At the 10:30 mark Isaac gets lost in worship. Even listening right now I can feel God's presence.
I truly believe that God is elevating Isaac's minstry in ways that could never be imagined.
Be Blessed
To learn more about Isaac Quaye visit http://www.isaacquaye.com/ He's also on Facebook and you can follow him on Twitter
Isaac Quaye Ministry (IQM) ~ Saved. Delivered. Inspired.
Congratulations To Tyler McKinley On Scoring 1,000 Points!!!!!!!!! 💙💚
On Tuesday, January 30 during Winton Woods vs West Clermont, Tyler McKinley scored his 1,000th point as his teammates, family and friends lo...
-
I really don't get into reality shows, especially competitions. But occassionaly I venture and watch BET Sunday's Best. Why? I love ...
-
Do our boys matter? In a time when African American boys are being incarcerated and murdered at alarming rates one pastor has bold...