December 2011

2 December 2011 | Grace&Glory

www.gracenglorymagazine.org 3


c o n t e n t s

21 NutritioN & You Herline A. Knights

Eating Healthy for the Holidays

on the cover:rev. Walter Bronson, Jr.

New Christian Memorial Church3525 Caton AvenueBaltimore, MD 21229410-566-5063

™ DECEMBER 2011

f e a t u r e s

15 GoverNor’s PaGe

19 Nurse’s CorNer Maryland General Hospital

Keeping Healthy-6 Safeguards for Men & Women

23 to Your Good HealtH Carla J. Debnam, MS, LCPC

Love Unlimited

13 MaYor’s JourNal

Q&ainterview

8-9Q&A Interview with

Rev. Walter Bronson, Jr.

17 eduCatioN diGest Dr. Tim Tooten

Write It Down

SPECIAL FEATUREChURCh hISToRy oF ThE

NEw ChRISTIAN MEMoRIAL ChURChPg. 11


26 FasHioN FoCus About.com

Holiday Party Must Haves

In Every IssueContributors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

From the Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Scripture Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

45 Word oF eNCouraGeMeNt Donna Williams-Ross

29 BodY BasiCs Lazymanhealth.com

5 Reasons To Jump Rope

37 teeN CoNNeCt Pastors Greg & Tonya Dennis

Think Outside the Box

35 a WoMaN’s PersPeCtive Cassandra Vaughn-Fox

Recipe to A Merry “Christ”mas

33 Book sHelF Brandie Manigault

An Echo in the Darkness (Francine Rivers)

31 FroM tHe PulPit Rev. C. Guy Robinson

Faith To See The Glory

43 Word oN FiNaNCes Dr. Kenneth O. Robinson

Financial Peace & Blessings


PuBlisHer Jackie Epps

editor-iN-CHieF Jackie Epps

editorial Dr. Kenneth O. Robinson Dr. Harold A. Carter, Jr. Cassandra Vaughn-Fox Herline A. Knights Charles ‘Chizel It’ Harris Pastors Gregory and Tonya Dennis Carla J. Debnam Donna Williams-Ross Governor Martin O’Malley Ericka Johnson Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake Rev. Tim Tooten Brandie Manigault

PHotoGraPHY Mark L. Dennis

GraPHiC artist Claire Lesesne www.JandCDesigns.com

WeB adMiNistrator Arts Period

PriNtiNG Roebuck & Son Printing www.hgroebuck.com

For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.

Psalm 84:11

Contributors Chairman — Dr. A.C. D. Vaughn

Sr. Pastor, Sharon Baptist Church, MD

vice-Chairman — Dr. Frank M. Reid III Sr. Pastor, Bethel A.M.E. Church, MD

Dr. Jerome A. Barber Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Temple, Hampton , VA

Dr. Michael A. Battle Sr., U.S. Ambassador President, ITC Seminary, Atlanta, GA

Dr. Timothy Boddie Friendship Baptist Church, Atlanta, GA

Bishop John R. Bryant Presiding Prelate of the 5th Episcopal District

Dr. Harold A. Carter, Sr.Pastor, New Shiloh Baptist Church, MD

Dr. Suzan Johnson Cook, U.S. AmbassadorSr. Pastor, Believers Christian Fellowship, NY

Dr. WIlliam H. Curtis Mt. Ararat Baptist Church, Pittsburgh, PA

Bishop Ralph L. DennisSr. Pastor, Kingdom Worship Center, MD

Wanda Q. Draper/Media Executive

Michele J.K. Epps/Health Sciences

Cassandra Vaughn/Out Foxed Media LLC.www.Outfoxedmedia.org

Dr. Donte’ L. Hickman, Sr.Pastor, Southern Baptist Church, MD

Pastor Timothy V. Manigault

Bishop Dennis V. Proctor Presiding Prelate of the Western Episcopal Region AME Zion Church

Dr. Kenneth O. RobinsonPastor, Restoring Life International Church, MD

Bishop Walter Scott Thomas, Sr.Pastor, New Psalmist Baptist Church, MD

Dr. Timothy Tooten, Sr. Pastor, Harvest Christian Ministries, MD

Advisory Board

Grace & Glory Magazine is published monthly by JE Media, LLC,a Baltimore based, independent publisher. Copyright 2011. All rights reserved. Reproduction without expressed permission is prohibited.

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Chairman — Dr. A.C. D. VaughnSr. Pastor, Sharon Baptist Church, MD

vice-Chairman — Dr. Frank M. Reid III Sr. Pastor, Bethel A.M.E. Church, MD

Dr. Jerome A. Barber Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Temple, Hampton , VA

Dr. Michael A. Battle Sr., U.S. Ambassador President, ITC Seminary, Atlanta, GA

Dr. Timothy Boddie Friendship Baptist Church, Atlanta, GA

Bishop John R. Bryant Presiding Prelate of the 5th Episcopal District

Dr. Harold A. Carter, Sr.Pastor, New Shiloh Baptist Church, MD

Dr. Suzan Johnson Cook, U.S. AmbassadorSr. Pastor, Believers Christian Fellowship, NY

Dr. WIlliam H. Curtis Mt. Ararat Baptist Church, Pittsburgh, PA

Bishop Ralph L. DennisSr. Pastor, Kingdom Worship Center, MD

Wanda Q. Draper/Media Executive

Michele J.K. Epps/Health Sciences

Cassandra Vaughn/Out Foxed Media LLC.www.Outfoxedmedia.org

Dr. Donte’ L. Hickman, Sr.Pastor, Southern Baptist Church, MD

Pastor Timothy V. Manigault

Bishop Dennis V. Proctor Presiding Prelate of the Western Episcopal Region AME Zion Church

Dr. Kenneth O. RobinsonPastor, Restoring Life International Church, MD

Bishop Walter Scott Thomas, Sr.Pastor, New Psalmist Baptist Church, MD

Dr. Timothy Tooten, Sr. Pastor, Harvest Christian Ministries, MD

from the editor

Editor-in-Chief


Oh, Come Let Us Adore Him!

It’s Christmas! A time of good cheer and holiday festivities, a time for singing carols and celebrating with family and friends. Twinkling lights, gaily wrapped presents, laughing children, jingling bells, fresh-cut pine . . . these are the sights and sounds of Christmas.

Yet as the world celebrates the holiday, may the true meaning of Christmas never be lost. The birth of Jesus is our reason for the season. The Son of God came to give us hope and peace, to show us His Father’s love and compassion for everyone.

“Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel; which being interpreted is, God with us.” Matthew 1:23

The only way to truly enjoy Christmas, is to look up into the Father’s face and tell him you have received His Christmas gift . . . our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Eternal life and endless joy are parts of the gift. Christmas began in the heart of God. It is complete only when it reaches the heart of man.

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:11

Christmas is all about seeing Jesus in every tradition, every celebration, and every moment of the Christmas season. So we will not “spend” Christmas . . . nor “observe” Christmas. We will “keep” Christmas . . . may we keep it in our hearts that we may be kept in its hope.

During this holiday season we will remember and celebrate the coming of our savior. The one who was chosen by God and sent with a purpose and destiny. The one who was called, appointed and anointed to save all mankind. This holiday season we will honor our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who was sent to give us a hope and a future. Jesus Christ came that we might have life in abundance, to the full, to the overflow.

Go tell it on the mountain,Over the hills and everywhere,

Go tell it on the mountainThat Jesus Christ is born!

Jackie EppsMerry Christmas,

Peace andBlessings . . .


Q&A interview

QA&

I n t e r v I e w w I t h

PastorWalter

Bronson, Jr.New ChristiaN

MeMorial ChurChBaltimore, mD

Church greatly influenced me in ministry. It was probably the most determining factor in my going into ministry.

G&G: Pastor Bronson you are the current President of the Baptist Ministers Conference here in Baltimore, would you give us an overview of the function of this organization and the role of the president?

Rev. Bronson: The conference is the oldest Baptist Ministers’ conference in the world being 103 years old. The function of the conference is a fellowship where ministers meet every Monday 12:00 noon at the New Shiloh Baptist Church for preaching, teaching and fellowshipping with other ministers. We also engage politicians in reminding them of their obligations to the people who are their constituents, our members and members of our communities.

G&G: Pastor Bronson, I understand you have been the pastor of the New Christian Memorial Church for more than 40 years. As you look back over those years, what would you say has been your passion in ministry?

Rev. Bronson: My passion in ministry has been people of all ages in our neighborhood and all other surrounding communities. My passion is also to see that life might be better for all the people in our communities.


G&G: Pastor Bronson, welcome to Grace & Glory Magazine. We are very excited for this opportunity to talk with you. To break the ice let’s talk about you. Most pastors have shared with me that ‘preaching the gospel’ was not necessarily what they had planned to do with their lives. Was it the same for you, did you have other plans for your life before your call to ministry?

Rev. Bronson: Yes I did have other plans. I was at Giant Food Corporation in management and that was where I intended to place my lot. Preaching was not my passion since I had a wife and five children.

G&G: Pastor Bronson would you please share with us your decision to go into ministry, how did it all begin for you. Was there anyone who significantly influenced your decision about ministry?

Rev. Bronson: It began with me critiquing sermons when I was a member of the Young People’s Choir at the church. My pastor, Rev. Thomas Godwin founder of New Christian Memorial


G&G: Pastor Bronson what is the driving force behind the ministry of the New Christian Memorial Church? How would you best describe the ministry of the New Christian Memorial Church? If this ministry could be known for one thing, what would that be?

Rev. Bronson: People are the driving force behind the New Christian Memorial Church; the preaching and teaching of people from all walks of life. The New Christian Memorial Church is known as the “The Church in the Heart of the Community Making Disciples for Christ.”

G&G: Pastor Bronson, it has been said in today’s society that it is hard to tell the difference between believers and nonbelievers. During your years of pastoring have you found any areas of ministry frustrating or difficult? Has it become more challenging to reach the lost? Rev. Bronson: I disagree with that, a tree is known by its own fruit. There is not enough time in a day to reach the lost, there are too many people in need of my help as a minister.

G&G: Pastor Bronson for many of our youth they feel that the church is not relevant to their issues and what they face growing up in today’s society; issues that

are much more intense than what we faced growing up. How does the New Christian M e m o r i a l

Church ministry address the issues that face its youth?

Rev. Bronson: Yes, because of other things that take the attention away from the church, such as mass media. We address them by supporting our youth in their issues in life and providing role models and education that enables them to deal with the pressures they face

living in a secular society.“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. (Matthew 28:19-20)

G&G: Pastor Bronson, what issues do you see as the most important ones facing the church right now? What is the most pressing need in the community surrounding the New Christian Memorial Church?

Rev. Bronson: The issues facing the church today are too many fathers incarcerated, bad schools, diminishing resources from the city, state, and federal government, substandard housing and crime. We have been in a recession for probably the last five years with no end in sight. G&G: Pastor Bronson lastly, can you share with us what’s on the horizon for the New Christian Memorial Church that will give you an opportunity to expand its ministry?

Rev. Bronson: In October 2005 we built a community center to help alleviate some of the problems in our neighborhood.

“. . . I am with youalways, even unto

the end of the world.”


Q&A interview


ReverendBRONSON, JR.WALTER

alter Bronson, Jr., pastor of New Christian Memorial Church, a native of Walkula, North Carolina, former Sunday School Teacher, Bible Class Teacher and Deacon,

was called to ministry and preached his initial sermon on April 26, 1968. Supported by his family, he was ordained by the Baptist Minister’s conference on September 19, 1969 and rose from the congregation to assume leadership of the flock in December 1969. On January 24, 1970, he was installed as the Shepherd of New Christian Memorial Church in Baltimore, Maryland.

On January 4, 1961, Rev. Bronson married the former Irma Doris Chavis and to this union five children were born, three boys and two girls.

His early childhood education was instituted in the Hoke County Public School System, in Raeford, North Carolina. He graduated from Anne Chesnutt Senior High School in Fayettesville, North Carolina. He is also a product of Coppin State College and Catonsville Community College. He went on to further his studies at The Virginia Seminary and College where he was awarded his Doctor of Divinity Degree.

During his ministry, Dr. Bronson, a tireless, energetic and inspiring leader has helped to increase the church membership. Under his leadership these past thirty-four years, great things have happened. Some of those things include the uprising of twenty preachers, the building, renovation and expansion of the new sanctuary and multiple purpose center, the addition of

offices, the renovation and dedication of the classroom wing, along with the addition of the parking lot.

Dr. Bronson believes in allowing the Lord to lead him as he leads the people of God. Dr. Bronson believes that God still has things in store for him as a leader and as well as the congregation as a whole, if they just keep their eyes on the prize.

Dr. Bronson is very supportive of the youth in the church. He has motivated them to take on multiple responsibilities and active roles in the growth of the ministry. He believes in allowing members of all ages to utilize their expertise, talents, and interest in the service of the Lord. Because of his genuine interest in problems related to social, psychological, health and personal concerns, many organizations, programs, and activities for all were developed.

His commitment to demonstrate excellence, his splendid ability and thoroughness in the execution of his ministry has impacted and is impacting all those whom have come in contact with him. He is known as a “friend to preachers”, by making his pulpit readily available to preachers starting in the ministry.

Dr. Bronson is a member of the United Missionaries Baptist Convention of Maryland, Baptist Ministers Conference, National Baptist Convention USA, Inc., and may other organizations that are too numerous to name.

pastor bio

New ChristianMemorial Church

3525 W. Caton Ave.Baltimore, MD 21229

(410) 566-5063

W



The History of theNew Christian Memorial Church

As a dynamic speaker and great leader, Pastor Walter Bronson, Jr., featured inno-vations, “firsts” and unique contributions. The following are some of the highlights of the achievements and contributions under his leadership:• Early morning worship – 8 a.m.• Established an alternate singing schedule for

the choirs.• Established a Youth Adult Choir and two new

musicians.• Continuation of increase in membership and

financial contributions.• Established a Pastor’s Aid.• A continuation of the former pastor’s dream the

main sanctuary of our church was constructed. The groundbreaking ceremony took place on Sunday, July 30, 1972 and the congregation marched into the sanctuary on July 1, 1973.

• Purchased a house and additional space for a parking lot.

• Beautification of the church grounds.• Formation of various organizations and leaders

to head up these groups which have in turn made invaluable contributions to the church.

• Groundbreaking services for the Thomas Godwin Multipurpose Center were held on June 17, 1984.

• The Thomas Godwin Multipurpose Center was erected in the Spring of 1986.

• A South Wing was added in May, 1999, expansion of the pulpit and a Baptismal Pool was added.

• Church parking lot was added to the church facilities.

• 2001 the old sanctuary was renovated and turned into classrooms along with the foyer and covenient stations enlarged to provide a lounge for the ladies.

• 2002 New Christian Memorial Community Development Corporation.

• 2004 Before & After Care for children in Community.

It all started Friday, July 23, 1954, eight o’clock in the evening, at 1312 Edmondson Avenue. The call to worship was sounded by Pastor Thomas Godwin. He had in attendance with him, his wife Sister Grace Godwin, Mrs. M.L. Pierce, Mr. & Mrs. Floyd Goodman, Mr. & Mrs. Wilbur Godwin, Brother & Sister Stanley Hughston, Sister Ona Hutchinson, Mrs. Dorothy Fordby, Little Miss Ernestine Hunter and Miss Joyce Veasey. Brother Stanley Hughston and Brother Wilbur Godwin served as his Deacons. Under the leadership of Pastor Godwin, the church grew in membership from the original eleven to a capacity crowd, which forced him to move the following year to 1044 West Franklin Street. It was here that Reverend Paul Edwards and Reverend Stanley Hughston were ordained. Through the entire years of his ministry, Pastor Godwin served faithfully and well. He made many personal sacrifices, including refusing to accept a salary or offering as long as there was a need for extra finances in any area of the church, and purchasing the lot on which the new church was erected. Because Pastor Godwin’s main interest was to build a church where his members could worship God proudly, many hours of hard labor were put into clearing the area at 3525 Caton Avenue of trees and stumps in order to prepare for construction of our present church building. Serving on the board to assist the pastor in this project was: Chairman, Deacon Yustus Laney; Assistant Chairman, Deacon Clarence Winslow, and members of the Deacon Board. Our new church building was completed for occupancy in 1961. With a rapidly growing congregation of Christian worshipers, the opportunity to move forward in this another milestone was indeed challenging. Therefore, in the spirit of the founder we had resolved that New Christian Memorial would remain a moving force. Ministers ordained who served as our associate ministers were: Reverend James Reynolds and Elder Harmon Murphy. Pastor Thomas Godwin was called from labor to reward on September 4, 1967. His work was completed but not forgotten. He was a wonderful leader full of love and although he is gone, we will remember what he taught. The sacrifices made that year and the next two years can never be measured. Sister Grace Godwin, wife of our former pastor continued to do the work of the ministry. Her challenges were major, but were met with much success through the direction of the Holy Spirit. During these two

years, preaching was done by Elder Cornelius Jones and Elder Walter Bronson, Jr. They fed the congregation for those two years with the word of God with power and clarity. Pastor Walter Bronson joined the church in September of 1959 and served in the capacity of Sunday School teacher and superintendent, a deacon and choir member. On April 26, 1968, he preached his initial sermon and was ordained in September of 1969. In December of 1969, Pastor Walter Bronson, Jr. was elected as pastor and on January 25, 1970 Pastor Bronson became the second Shepherd of our flock. Under the pastorate of Dr. Bronson, New

Christian has been instrumental in the lives of ministers such as Elder Martin Jacob, pastor of Christ Deliverance Church; Reverend Jimmy Baldwin, pastor of Shiloh Christian Community Church; Reverend Edward Ferguson, pastor of the New Life Church; the late Reverend Dwight Caldwell was a Junior Pastor; and Reverend Tyrell Laster, pastor of St. Paul’s Institutional Baptist Church. During his services, Pastor Bronson has exhibited personal concern for all through the use of his skills and resources in the area of counseling and guidance. Standing ever by his side is his devoted wife Irma and his children and grandchildren.

The loyalty and contributions of the membership and our friends through the years, has been great. The horizon of New Christian Memorials’ future is still greater. We are proud of our Youth who are the church of today and tomorrow, who must be the conveyors of our hopes and aspirations in the future. Reflecting over the journey, which we have come, we surely cannot take credit, we feel like Paul in his letter to the Corinthian Church, “I have planted, Apollo’s watered, but God gave the increase.” We resolve to rededicate ourselves to the service of God and do more for the building and glorification of His kingdom.

church history

BRONSON, JR.


scripture page

LUkE 2:7-14 (KJV)7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, And wrApped him in swAddling clothes,

And lAid him in A mAnger; becAuse there wAs no room in the inn.

8 And there were in the sAme country shepherds Abiding in the field, keeping wAtch over their flock by night.

9 And, lo, the Angel of the lord cAme upon them,And the glory of the lord shone round About them: And they were sore AfrAid.

10 And the Angel sAid unto them, feAr not: for, behold,i bring you good tidings of greAt joy, which shAll be to All people.

11 for unto you is born this dAy in the city of dAvid A sAviour, which is christ the lord.

12 And this shAll be A sign unto you; ye shAll find the bAbe wrApped in swAddling clothes, lying in A mAnger.

13 And suddenly there wAs with the Angel A multitude of the heAvenly host prAising god, And sAying,

14 glory to god in the highest, And on eArth peAce, good will towArd men.

We pray you have a Blessed and Merry Christmas!Our prayer for the New Year is that above all things you will prosper and be in health,

even as your soul prospers.ThE GRACE & GLoRy FAMILy



mayor’s journal



governor’s page

MARTIN O’MALLEYGOVERNOR

STATE HOUSE100 STATE CIRCLE

ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND 21401-1925(410) 974--3901

(TOLL FREE) 1-800-811-8336

TTY USERS CALL VIA MD RELAY

STATE OF MARYLANDOFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

A MESSAGE FROM GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY

Dear Friends,

These are arguably the toughest times this country has ever seen and I’d like to thank you for the support you have given my administration through this economic crisis.

With President Obama’s help, over the past three years we’ve increased Maryland Energy Assistance to households by 43 percent and we’ve weatherized over 6,000 low-income homes. Through our HOPE Initiative, 17,500 homes were saved from foreclosure and 65,000 homeowners received counseling. We took the $56 million the President made available to us and turned it into 1,400 loans, so families could stay in their homes.

Statewide, we’ve driven violent crime to lows not seen since 1975, due in part to expanded access to substance abuse services which increased the average number of patients receiving treatment and decreased overdose deaths.

Reinforced by various food ministries and feeding programs in the Interfaith community, we’re feeding more of our hungry and have increased our Food Supplement Program compliance rates from 77 percent to 97 percent.

At your urging, our children’s health and education have remained administrative priorities, as we expanded health care to 290,000 Marylanders, including 135,000 children. More children have access to dental care and more children were tested for lead poisoning in 2010 than ever before.

Maryland is still recognized as having the No. 1 public school system in the nation and we have cut the achievement gap between African American and White elementary students in half.

As Marylanders and as a community, we share a belief in the dignity of every individual and a belief in our own personal responsibility to advance the common good. I thank you again for your faith and service and all you do to make our One Maryland stronger.

Sincerely,

Martin O’MalleyGovernor



Dr. Tim Tooten, Sr.

education digest

WriteDownIt

I don’t remember what led me to sit down, pick up a pen and begin writing down my thoughts. It began in the spring of 1999. It started out with just a small composition notebook. I would write the date at the top of the page and begin to recount the previous day’s activities, the challenges, the highs and the lows. I would also include a small prayer at the bottom of each page. I urge you to keep a spiritual journal. A journal or diary (whichever you prefer to call it) is a day-book, a place to record daily happenings. But it’s far more than that. A journal is also a tool of self-discovery, an aid to concentration, a mirror for the soul, a place to generate and capture ideas, a safety value for the emotions, a training ground for the writer, and a good friend and confidant.1 Author Richard Klug offers a number of helpful insights for beginners and those who have kept journals for as long as I have. He says in his book, How To Keep a Spiritual Journal: A Guide to Journal Keeping for Inner Growth and Personal Discovery, that keeping a spiritual journal can provide the time and the structure for exploring our lives, our thoughts, our feelings, our dreams, our relationships with others and with God, our gifts, our beliefs. It can increase our awareness of God’s leading and action in our lives.2 Keeping a spiritual journal has helped me to see the move of God in my family, my finances and my faith. I look often over some of my older journals and celebrate how God has transformed me. For me, the most difficult aspect of journaling was to write those first few words. I discovered that over a period of time there were weeks and months when I failed to journal. Those gaps of time caused me to reflect on the things which kept me away. I want to help you get started by passing along some helpful hints gleaned from Richard Klug’s book.

• Personal events: What did I do today? or What happened to me today?• Reactions to events: Your journal will be of more value to you if you move beyond the level of

what happened to record your reactions to what happened.• Conversations: When people reveal something significant about themselves, or when we

succeed in sharing some of our deeper feelings, these moments are worth recording.• Memories: Sometimes an event of the day triggers a memory or something we had not thought

about for years or even decades.• Insights: An insight may be a new understanding of yourself and why you act as you do. It may

be an insight into another person, or into the character of Jesus Christ or God.

I often think about the words I’ve recorded in my journal and how they’ll be able to bless my children and their children’s children.

1Ronald Klug, How To Keep A Spiritual Journal: A Guide to Journal Keeping for Inner Growth and Personal Discovery (Minneapolis: Augsburg Fortress, 1993) , p. 11. 2Ibid., p. 9.


Dr. Tim Tooten, Sr. is the Pastor and Founder of Harvest Christian Ministries and the Senior Education Reporter for WBAL-TV (NBC) In Baltimore.


ARMORY PLACE827 Linden Ave.

Baltimore, MD 21201410-225-8800


nurse’s corner

There aren't many guarantees in life. But here's something that comes close: Certain safeguards can help you stay as healthy as possible. Six especially important ones are these: 1. Get screened. Testing can detect some serious medical problems before they cause symptoms, when treatment is often most effective. Key screenings include tests for:

• High cholesterol, a major risk factor for heart disease. Starting at age 20, this test is a must if you use tobacco; are obese or have diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease or blocked arteries. Testing is also advised at this age if a man in your family had a heart attack before age 50 or a woman had one before age 60. Otherwise, ask your doctor when you should start testing. • High blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart attacks, strokes and kidney disease. Starting at age 18, have your blood pressure checked at least every two years. • Diabetes, which can cause problems with your heart, brain, eyes, feet, kidneys, nerves and more. Get screened if your blood pressure is higher than 135/80 mm Hg or if you take medicine for high blood pressure. • Colorectal cancer. Most adults should start testing at age 50. Several tests can find this cancer, so ask your doctor which is best for you. If you're a woman, ask your doctor when and how often you should be screened for breast cancer, cervical cancer and osteoporosis. If you're a man between ages 65 and 75 and have ever been a smoker, talk to your doctor about being screened for an abdominal aortic aneurysm. 2. Consider preventive medicine. If you're a man 45 or older, ask your doctor if you should use aspirin to help prevent heart disease. If you're a woman 55 or older, ask if you should take aspirin to avoid a stroke. 3. Roll up your sleeve. Protect yourself from potentially life-threatening complications of the flu by getting a yearly flu shot. Also ask your doctor what other vaccinations you might need—such as pneumonia shot if you're 65 or older. 4. Move more. Do your best to be active for at least 2½ hours every week. Include activities that raise your breathing and heart

rates and strengthen your muscles. 5. Know the risks of drinking alcohol. If there's any chance that alcohol may be hurting your health, ask your doctor for help. 6. Don't smoke. If you've tried unsuccessfully to quit in the past, don't be discouraged. It often takes several attempts to quit for good. If you have any concerns about your health—not just those mentioned here—talk to your doctor. Linden Medical Group, Maryland General Hospital’s primary care practice brings together primary and specialty care in a single network, making it more convenient for you to get the quality care to help you stay healthy. The group has three convenient locations in the community. Primary care is available at our Armory Place office on the on the campus of Maryland General Hospital, in Bolton Hill and a new location in the Heritage Crossing neighborhood. The group welcomes new patients and there is no long wait for appointments. Each office is full service and offers.

• Preventive care such as check-ups, flu shots and other immunizations • Care for minor illnesses and injuries • Health screenings to catch common problems early • Ongoing management of chronic health issues such as heart disease, diabetes and asthma.

Through its relationship with Maryland General Hospital, Linden Medical Group also provides patients access to specialty services including: Breast Health, Behavioral Health, Cardiology, Dermatology, Diabetes and Endocrinology, Gastroenterology, General Surgery, Geriatrics, Infectious Diseases, Nephrology, Neurology and Pain Management, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ophthalmology, Orthopedics, Otolaryngology, Reconstructive and Plastic Surgery, Urology and Vascular Health.

Six safeguards from Maryland General Hospital for menand women.

ARMORY PLACE827 Linden Ave.

Baltimore, MD 21201410-225-8800

BOLTON HILL1501 W. Mount Royal Ave.

Baltimore, MD 21217410-225-8855

HERITAGE CROSSING312 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.

Baltimore, MD 21201410-225-8855

www.gracenglorymagazine.org 19Sources: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services



nutrition & you

By Herline A. Knights,RD, LD

With the upcoming holidays and traditionally high calorie holidaycooking, this article serves to provide some healthier

alternatives for these treacherous times for diet

FOR PARTIES: Don’t arrive hungry; have a low-fat snack before you leave. Begin by socializing, spend-ing more time with your friends and less time eating. Start off with water and continue to drink it between other beverages; this will always give you a full feeling. Look over all available appetizer options and choose fresh vegetables and fruits, wheat crackers, plain breads, boiled shrimp, cocktail sauces, and non-alcoholic beverages (or suggest a mock champagne mix of lemon lime soda and cranberry juice). Try to avoid mayonnaise and cream-based sauces, dips, and soups. Offer to bring your own low-calorie hors d’oeuvres. Try to stick to small portion sizes and don’t go back for seconds. Stretch out less food over more time, chewing each bite thoroughly and savoring each mouthful. This leaves you more satisfied. When you start to feel satisfied, stop eating and dispose of the remaining food; now may be a great time to excuse yourself to brush your teeth, signaling the end of the meal. Plan ahead for these high-calorie events by decreasing calorie intake or increasing exercise for several days prior to a party. Even if you have not had time to calorie bank, following the same ritual after a high calorie event will help you to balance your calorie intake over several days (remember, it takes an excess of 3500 calories to increase your body fat weight by one pound, so one day of overeating can easily balance out for weight maintenance).

FOR hOLIDAY MEALS AT hOME: Start off the day with a light breakfast; consider replacing the usual breakfast sausage with a home-made breakfast sausage made from ground turkey and dry bread crumbs mixed with pepper, paprika, sage, and diced onion; go easy on frozen biscuits and crescents with butter and eggs early in the day; save up those calories for the big dinner! Instead, try oatmeal, grits, toast, fresh fruit, etc., for a lighter start. For snacks before the big meal, have raw vegetables, fruit, and low-fat whole wheat crackers with yogurt dips or part-skim milk cheeses; try to avoid nuts, chips, and sweets. Low-fat options for holiday meal compo-nents are homemade cornbread stuffing made from bread crumbs, crumbled corn bread, low-sodium bullion, onion, pepper, and poultry seasoning; mix all of these ingredients in a large mixing bowl and baked in a non-stick pan at 350 degrees for 45 minutes. Traditional stuffing cooked inside the turkey will absorb much of the meat drippings. Other low-fat options are to use low-sodium chicken bouillon instead of meat drippings for gravy mixes, acorn squash casserole as an alternate to sweet potato cas¬serole, home-made cranberry sauce made from fresh cranberries to lessen high sugar levels found in canned varieties, and meringue pies with graham cracker crust as an alternative to high-fat pecan pies. Choose light meat versus dark meat turkey cuts for less cholesterol and total fat; also don’t forget to remove the skin!




to your good health

Carla J. Debnam,MS, LCPC

Executive Director,Renaissance

ChristianCounseling Center


There are many ways we express our feelings for one another. Some persons are verbal and make sure their spoken words are heard by all they care about, some show their love through hugs, embraces and kisses while others give gifts to those they love. Helping others with acts of kindness and showing you care with the ministry of presence are all ways that show you care. Christians have a more profound expression of our care, concern and respect for others. It is through our love. Jesus lived a life driven by his love for God and his love for us. In fact, Jesus was so serious about his mission of love that he commanded us to do the same. “So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples” (John 13:34-35). We are called to love because he first loved us. Jesus gave us the greatest gift and we are to pass it on as well. It is important to show love in our world now more than ever. There is a deficit in our communities of people with empathy and compassion. This is evident in the number of crimes committed against persons by those who are supposed to love and care for them. Teachers, preachers, coaches, police officers, and others that have access and influence with the public and children in particular are violating their trust. It is up to us who know better to begin doing better. We are to take care of the widow and the orphan who represent the most vulnerable in our population. The example set in Acts 2 of the church working

together and combining their resources, praying and studying the scripture was an example of love in action. Somehow we have missed the boat in this current generation and have not followed the example of the early church or that of our grandparents who had a sense of community that went beyond their immediate family but it spilled over into their neighborhoods, schools, churches and more. This is what Jesus showed us when he fed the five thousand, took time out to heal lepers, the blind and the lame. He was on a mission to proclaim the Gospel but took time out to meet the needs of those in his hometown and surrounding cities. He was not limited by the demographics or the neediness of the people. In fact, the more they lacked the more he showed them love.

Our reflection of love, an important yet overlooked gift and fruit of the Spirit, is to begin acting on the good work Jesus has begun in us. It is time for Christians to act like Christ and show love to others by being our brother and sister’s keeper. We do not want to enable people in their dysfunction but we want to love them into functional people of God. Showing love is the foundation of our faith and without love our faith is not authentically Christian. What love language you share with others will not matter. It is more meaningful that you share love. Jesus is our example and the greatest witness to God’s love that we can ever know. God showed us his love through the life of Jesus. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life”. (John 3:16) You cannot surpass God’s love but it does not hurt to try. Give love, the gift that keeps on giving, and you and the recipient will not be disappointed.


Amber BullockAmber Bullock’s (BET Sunday’s Best recent winner) debut CD release will be available in stores on December 6. The album is titled “Thank You” and is produced by Eric Dawkins of the male duo group Dawkins & Dawkins. I have enjoyed the music and production of Eric as well as his brother Anson Dawkins throughout the years and I’m sure this project will be just as great. Amber will feature cover songs “For Every Mountain,” “We Must Praise,” and “How Great Is Our God,” songs that we had an opportunity to hear her sing on Sunday’s Best, she did a phenomenal job giving them her signature

“Amber Flavor.” Kirk Franklin didn’t waste any time taking her under his wing! He allowed her to be featured on his “Fearless Tour,” along with “Baltimore’s Own” Jason Nelson, Issac Caree, and Deon Kipping. Congrats Amber and I’m looking forward to grabbing the album on December 6 when it hits the stores!

BeBe and CeCe Winans Congrats are in order for BeBe and CeCe Winans who received a Star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame. They are the only living gospel artists to receive a star other than Gospel Legend Andre Crouch. Such an honor, I’m very happy for the two of them and we are looking to have more gospel artists to make their mark and receive this honor, especially the artists that are impacting the world as a whole with their music. Again, Congrats Be Be and Ce Ce Winans on such a monumental honor!

Isaiah Thomas & Elements of Praise Isaiah Thomas & Elements of Praise are returning with the release of their new project “I Dare You.” They are signed to Bronx Bridge Entertainment in association with Fred Hammond Family Entertainment. I had the opportunity to be at the live recording a few months ago at Empowerment Temple here in Baltimore (Pastor Jamal H. Bryant). Singles that are being released to radio are the title cuts “I Dare You,” “Ain’t No Harm,” and “Touch and Agree,” penned by one of the kingdoms great songwriters’ David Frazier. The album hit stores last month on November 15.

Mary MaryMary Mary is preparing for their Christmas Tour “Have a Mary Mary Christmas.” It kicks off December 8 in Austin, Texas. The tour will

feature many Christmas favorites along with hits from their most recent album “Something Big,” which has earned them six Stellar Award nominations. The R&B Group “Committed” the second season winners of the NBC Show, “The Sing Off ” will be the opening act for the tour. If during this holiday season you plan to be in Houston, Dallas, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Phoenix, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, California, Oakland, California or Seattle, Washington add their tour to your itinerary for you and your family. The tour ends on Dec 18.

gospel news


Rapper Heavy DRapper Heavy D, born Dwight Myers passed away last month at age 44. The official report of his cause of death is not known as of yet. His music was infused with positive messages, both uplifting and energetic! Heavy D was one of my favorites, and will truly be missed. We certainly want to keep his family and friends in prayer.

Joe FrazierBoxing World Icon, Joe Frazier, also passed away last month at age 67, from liver cancer. ‘Smoking Joe Frazier’, as he was affectionately known, earned many titles in the boxing world including 1964 Olympic Boxing Heavyweight Gold Medalist, former Heavyweight Boxing Champion, and International Boxing Hall of Fame Member. Our prayers are with his family.

Mali Music Mali Music has signed to R&B/Hip Hop label Konvict Music headed by R&B/Hip Hop icon Akon. I feel it’s admirable that Akon, CEO of a secular label has decided to sign a gospel artist such as Mali Music. This speaks volumes about Mali’s ability to reach the “unchurched” and give them messages through his music that reach the heart and bring them to Christ. It’s all about building “the kingdom” at large and going beyond the confines of the church and reaching the masses. Mali had this to say about Akon,

“He’s a Mogul. He’s done so much, and it’s a blessing that he was affected and impacted by the ministry and the song.” The album will be released the first quarter of 2012.

Top Gospel Albums #1 The Awakening of Le’Andria

Johnson -Le’Andria Johnson (holding strong for 7 weeks)

#2 From The Heart -Jessica Reedy

#3 Free -Kierra Sheard #4 Hello Fear -Kirk Franklin #5 The Attributes of God -Shai

Linn

Top Gospel Singles #1 “I Need Your Glory” -Earnest

Pugh (holding strong for 7 weeks)

#2 “In The Middle” -Issac Caree #3 “Spiritual” -Donald Lawrence

& Company #4 “Be Still” -Yolanda Adams #5 “I Smile” -Kirk Franklin

Stellar Awards Buzz VaShawn Mitchell- 9 Nominations, including “Artist of the Year”, “Male Vocalist of the Year”, and CD of the Year Kirk Franklin- 6 Nominations Mary Mary Deitrick Haddon- 5 Nominations Earnest Pugh Rance Allen- 4 Nominations John P Kee- Recipient of The James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award

I will see u guys in 2012. It’s been a great year! I’m extremely grateful to Miss Jackie Epps for this opportunity, to express my gift and keep you informed about what’s happening in the music industry. She is such a jewel to the kingdom and the best is yet to come!!! I’m excited about what’s to come in 2012. Happy Holidays to you and your family! Peace and Blessings! SEE YOU IN 2012!

Follow me on twitter, www.twitter.com @MissEricka J, facebook www.facebook.com/ErickaJohnson,or via email [email protected]

with Miss Ericka Industry news


gospel news


fashion focus


HolidayPartyMust Haves

Little Black DressIt just doesn't get any better than a perfect little black dress for party wear. The newest (and most flattering) length falls modestly right below the knee. Satin, velvet, jersey and crepe are some of the best fabrications for this style.

Beaded TopHead-to-toe beading is too much, but a sparkly top is festive enough to stand on its own. An embellished cardigan looks especially fresh right now. Pair with black trousers or a straight skirt, pull back your hair and slick on red lips for a classic party look.

Soft TrousersA wider-leg pant is the perfect special occasion partner for sexy tops and jackets. Choose basic colors -- black and winter white are faves -- and festive fabrics (velvet, satin, crepe).

Dressy WrapA beautiful shawl does more than just look good: it can cover bare shoulders, too. Embroidered styles go great with basic strapless dresses; velvets and fringed pieces add richness to separates. Stick with a shawl in approximately the same fabric "weight" as your outfit (you wouldn't want to pair a heavy velvet piece with a gossamer gown).

Perfect Clutch BagComplete your outfit with a sophisticated clutch bag. Look for clean lines with subtle details (like gold or silver hardware) to get the most mileage. Some styles have short straps to go over your shoulder or a loop to hang around your wrist, but holding a dainty bag in your hand is still the chic-est way to go.

Dressy MulesThese high-heeled backless shoes will go with everything from pants to little black dresses. Added bonus: unlike


fashion focus

Holiday Party DefinitionsBanish pre-party jitters about attire with our quick reference to dress codes for social events .

Black TieA Black Tie invitation calls for formal attire . Men wear tuxedos, women wear cocktail, long dresses or dressy evening separates .

Formal usually means the same as Black Tie, but in some trendier cities like New York or Los Angeles, it could mean a black shirt, no tie with a tux . Women wear cocktail, long dresses or dressy evening separates .A White Tie or Ultra-formal invitation requires men wear full dress, with white tie, vest, shirt . Women wear long gowns .

A Black Tie Optional or Black Tie Invited gives you the option of wearing a tuxedo or formal dress but it should clue you into the formality of the event, meaning a dark suit and tie would be your other option . Women wear cocktail long dresses or dressy evening separates .

Semi-FormalSemi-Formal or After Five means that tuxes are not required, nor are long dresses . An evening wedding (after 6 PM) would still dictate dark suits for him, and a cocktail dress for her . Daytime semi-formal events mean a suit for him and an appropriate short dress or dressy suit for her .

Business Formal is the same as Semi-Formal for him, but for women it suggests that women opt for more tailored dressy suits and dresses (nothing too slinky or sexy) .

Cocktail AttireCocktail Attire means short, elegant dresses for her and dark suits for him .

InformalInformal is often interpreted as the same as Casual but it actu-ally calls for the same dress as Semi-Formal -- dark suits for him, short dresses for her -- especially when associated with a wedding or special event .

Festive AttireFestive Attire is usually seen around the holidays, with the mood of the party being Informal or Semi-Formal . For her, it means to choose looks with a bit of sparkle or holiday bent (i .e . a beaded sweater with black pants, a red silk blouse with a black skirt) .

CasualDressy Casual calls for dressed-up versions of casual looks . For him, it could be trousers and a sportcoat, for her a dressy pants look . Jeans, shorts, T-shirts and other casual looks are not appropriate for Dressy Casual. Casual generally means anything goes .

sandals, where you have to worry about your hose seams showing on the toes, mules have covered toes so sheer hosiery looks great!

Velvet JacketThe dressy jacket is a staple because it classes up everything from simple white blouses to plain black trousers. Burn-out and embroidery are two finishes that add interest; look for traditionally rich velvet colors like black and burgundy.

Diamond EarringsIf you can swing it (and there are plenty of good buys out there), real diamonds are the only way to go. Hoops, drops and studs are all popular styles. Just pair your earrings to your

updo (the more pulled back/up your hair, the longer the earring).

Shimmery PowderDust sparkly powders in pink or flesh tones wherever you want more attention: bare shoulders, arms, backs, etc.

CamisoleLooks great bare or under a jacket. Pair with a dressy skirt for special occasions or toughen it up with faded jeans for daytime.


arty



Jump To It!

body basics

5 Reasons to Jump Ropeby lazymanhealth.com

When we were kids, we loved to jump rope and somehow it never really seemed like exercise. If you’re trying to get fit and having a difficult time finding exercises you like, jumping rope may be just the ticket you need. It’s fun, anyone can do it, and it’s relatively cheap to get started. You can usually find a jump rope at just about any store, but there are special weighted jump ropes for adults that come with features to ensure that you are getting a good workout. Before you even begin jumping rope, always make sure that your rope is long enough, without being too long. A kid sized rope will only lead to injury.

Let’s look at five reasons why getting back into jumping rope can be very beneficial for your health:

It’s a great cardio exercise. If you’re looking for an easy cardio exercise, this is the perfect fit. You’ll be moving around, burning calories and you’ll be getting your blood pumping. This is a workout in and of itself and you don’t even need to have any expensive classes or machines to get it done.

You can do it anywhere. I’m on a trip this week, and my jump rope fits easily in my suitcase. You don’t need to sign up at a gym or join an exercise class to start jumping rope. If you’ve got a rope, you’ve got all that you need. You can try it outside, inside or pretty much anywhere. Keep in mind that if you will be jumping on a hard surface you’re going to need to have the right shoes. If you


have joint problems, you may want to purchase a yoga or exercise mat to jump on. It will help absorb the impact.

It doesn’t matter what the weather is doing. If you’re into running or going outside for your exercises, a rainy spell can put a serious damper on your fitness plan. The good news is, if you’re jumping rope, you can still do it inside, provided you have enough ceiling clearance and the proper flooring to avoid injury. You’ll never have to worry about the weather cutting into your workout again.

It works the whole body. There are few better exercises I can think of for working every part of your body. Your upper body will be getting a workout from swinging the rope (and an even better one if the rope is weighted), your heart gets the benefit of reaching your target rate, your stomach muscles will need to be engaged during the jumps and you’ll be able to tone your legs as well.

No training needed. If you can jump in the air, you can jump rope. That’s probably the best part about this exercise. You don’t need a fancy personal trainer or any equipment. Just you, the rope and a willingness to get fit is all that is required. Give jumping rope a try and see what it can do for your workout! Chances are, you’ll have just as much fun as you did when you were a kid.



from the pulpit

Fromthe

Pulpit By Pastor Guy RobinsonJones Tabernacle Baptist Church

Baltimore, MD

Faith to See the Glory!

G lory is the revelation of God’s power in action. Throughout the Bible, “glory” is associated with

revelation, or an “unveiling” of God’s power. But in John 11:40, Jesus attaches a profound conditional clause to our human ability to experience and appreciate this revelation for what it is: “Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?” The implication is that there are times in our lives when it takes faith to see the transforming power of God at work. And in a world where disease, delayed dreams, and distress are commonplace, Jesus’ words still minister to some of the realities of our existence.

Jesus’ reminder came to Martha at a time when she was dealing with the reality of disease. Her brother Lazarus had just died of an unidentified sickness (John 11:1). Disease means “not easy” or “not at ease.” But notice that Jesus, fully aware that things hadn’t been easy for Martha and her family, yet said, “If you believe, you shall see the glory!” And today, as we face a world full of uneasy realities: wars and rumors of wars, economic downturns, ethical dilemmas and morality debates, my pastoral prayer is that we the children of God continue to exemplify faith in action: faith that prompts us to engage our communities, our culture, our churches and our own circumstances with determination and holy expectation. Amid the reality of disease, we must persevere with the blessed assurance that we shall see and be the manifestation of God’s power!

In a season of disease, Martha and her family were also dealing with the reality of life’s delays. Notice that Jesus, after hearing about Lazarus’ sickness, stayed where he was (verse six records) two more days! Yet the gospel writer is clear that Jesus’ delay was not a matter of love, for Jesus did

love Lazarus, Mary and Martha. His delay was (verse four records) a matter of glory: “It is for God’s glory, so that God’s Son might be glorified through it,” Jesus said. And in our post-modern culture of instant gratification, there is strong temptation to become depressed or despondent by the reality of delays in this life. But Godly delays are not denials; they are opportunities to exercise our faith! We often forget that the word “wait” is a verb! And as believers, there are many things we can do while we are waiting on the Lord: We can pray. We can praise. We can take training courses or go back to school. We can spend quality time with our families. We can “work” our faith until we see the glory of God!

Finally, it takes faith to confront the reality of distress. Sorrow is a part of this life’s experience; as such, we all will encounter the phenomena of attachment, separation and loss. The gospel writer records that when Jesus saw Mary and the others mourning, he too was moved to tears (verse 35). Jesus wept. The brevity of this statement is paradoxically packed with theological power. Jesus is confident that God is going to be glorified, confident enough to declare (in verse 25), “I am the resurrection.” Yet Jesus is empathetic enough to pause and share in the season of distress before moving on to deliver them from what they were all going through. The good news in our seasons of distress is that Jesus knows and cares about what we experience; moreover, he is willing and able to deliver us.

In closing, I am reminded of one of my favorite hymns, ‘Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus, particularly the line “O for grace to trust him more . . . ” Beloved, my prayer is that we remain steadfast in the faith; for if we believe we shall see (and be) the glory of God!



by Brandie ManigaultBook Shelf

Dear readers,

This month I have asked a good friend of mine, Siobhan Saulsbury, an avid reader, to chime into our book review with one of her picks for the month. Books are her passion and encouraging people to read is her “soap box.” I pray that you are blessed by her recommendation. You will hear more from her in the months to come!

-Brandie

An Echo in the Darkness Francine Rivers An Echo in the Darkness is a work of fiction that does an outstanding job of showing us how the love of Christ can operate in our lives. Written by Francine Rivers in 1994, this book is 2nd in her ‘Mark of the Lion’ trilogy. It is a classic that continues to inspire millions of readers! It tells the story of a young Christian named Hadassah, who was sent to the lions of an arena for her faith in Jesus Christ. One year later, she is veiling herself because of her terrible scars and is believed to be dead by those from her former life. She begins to work with the doctor who saved her life, because of her knack for healing through the power of her faith, Hadassah comes into contact once again with the very woman that ordered her death. She has a choice to make- should she take the easy way out and avoid those from her past or should she return to the household, risking exposure and death? I know what choice I would’ve made before reading An Echo in the Darkness. Many times, as fallible humans, we are quick to remember the wrong someone has done to us or the pain they’ve caused. In this book, through Hadassah, we see a shining example of what it can be like to not only accept the unconditional love

Francine Rivers Although Francine Rivers was raised in a religious home, she didn’t truly encounter Christ until well into her adult life – after she’d already married, had three children, and established herself as a successful author in the secular romance market. It was then that she and her husband, Rick, began attending a Bible-believing church with their children. “We became born again,” she says, “and God changed our lives.”Did Francine’s newfound faith affect her writing career? Yes – and at first, the impact was devastating! Right after she

accepted Christ, Francine contracted such a terrible case of writer’s block that she couldn’t write for four years. She spent those years drawing close to God and reading her Bible. Finally her creative gift returned, stronger than ever – but it was tugging her in radically new directions. Francine’s novels took on deeper, more spiritual themes. Her most personal book, The Atonement Child, was written a few years later. “It dealt with an issue that was so huge for me – abortion...Thirty years ago, I had an abortion,” she says, “and for thirty years, I’ve lived with the shame and anguish of that decision. ” ... After becoming a born-again Christian, I knew God had forgiven me. Yet, I couldn’t forgive myself. It took me eight years to bring myself to a Bible study for post-abortive women at a local pregnancy counseling center. It was through this course that I was finally able to face the full truth of what I had done, confess my sins and experience the mercy, love and healing Jesus Christ offers. Despite what I had done, God loves me. Jesus died for me. And He arose. It was time I came out of the grave I had dug for myself and accepted His forgiveness.” She and her husband, Rick, live in Northern California. They have three grown children, Trevor, Shannon, and Travis.

About The Author

of Christ but also to show that love to others. I admit there were times when reading, that I wanted to write

some people off as unredeemable, but thinking about how God views sin and how repulsive we must be to Him while we are still sinners and the fact that He loves us anyway is mind-boggling! We are sometimes able to categorize sin in our minds, make some out to be worse than others and justify

things that we’ve done but we forget that whenever we disobey, it’s like telling God “I know better than you so I’m gonna do things my way.” Yet He still forgives us, how can we not share that with others? If you want to read a story that really helps you appreciate God’s love, this is it. If you want to read a story that makes the co-worker or family member who talked badly about you seem easy-to-forgive, this is it. If you just want to read a great story that has a thread of God’s love running through it, this is it. You’ll put this book down feeling grateful and ready to brush-off any offense. It’s just that good!

Photo by E

laina Burdo



S ometimes in the mixture of life we forget what it is all about. We get caught up in the hussle and bussle of life's everyday worries and we forget the true meaning. We get caught up in Christmas lists and Christmas dinner but we sometimes let the true reason for this blessed season slip through the cracks. What is your Recipe to a Merry Christmas? • Is it filled with Christ's love or the love of Nordstroms, Coach, and Target? • Is it filled with God's promise of Eternal Life or is it filled with the rush to eat thanksgiving and nap before the BLACK Friday Rush? • Is it filled with The Holy Spirit or is it filled with the office parties and holiday egg nog? If your answers were filled with anything other than Christ, God, or the Holy Spirit then it is time to recalculate and re-evalutate. Take this time to meditate on everything that God has done for you in the last 365 days, have a grateful heart for the good things that kept you and the bad things that made you stronger. And after you have done all that take a momnet and thank the Father for Giving us His only begotten son. After you do that write down your recipe and share it daily not just in December. See Ya in 2012!! Until next time . . . Stay Focused, Stay Strong, Experience Life at its fullest but most of all, Stay In Love with God. Cassandra

CassandraVaughn-Fox

Out Foxed Media,www.outfoxedmedia.org

a woman’s perspective


body basics


teen connect


Have you ever thought about what God intended when He made you? The mind has the ability to imagine. Imagination is the faculty of imagining, or of forming mental images or concepts of what is not actually present to the senses. It helps provide meaning to experience and understanding to knowledge; it is a fundamental facility through which people make sense of the world and it also plays a key role in the learning process. God’s imagination has played and is playing a KEY ROLE in your process.

God’s original intent for us is described vividly in Genesis Chapter 1 in verses 26 through 28. And God said; “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in his [own] image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and

multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.”

God really meant for you to have dominion in every area of your life. He just didn’t imagine you NOW in December 2011 existing . . . He thought about this from the beginning. Wow what an imagination! He believed in you and your process and wants you to believe it also. Imagine with God all of your dreams coming to pass. Get ready for 2012 and think outside the box!

Pastors Gregory & Tonya Dennis

Kingdom Worship Center6419 York Road,

Towson, MD 21212

410-377-3500







It is so good to know that in a time of economic uncertainty and job insecurity, we can still have peace. Many people are overwhelmed by the financial pressure they are currently facing, not knowing if they will keep their house, job, marriage, or family. The national news is filled with hardship stories of families losing their homes and businesses going under. All of these negative reports have created an environment and culture of apprehension and fear. However, as believers in Christ, none of these things should catch us by surprise. Jesus Christ foretold us of these turbulent times, He said, “These things have I spoken unto you, that in me you may have peace; but in the world, you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer for I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) Jesus gives his followers what the government cannot give; peace. Peace will be the Christian’s greatest asset in the days to come. Most especially in this holiday season, that often heightens the financial pressures on families, businesses, and churches. The word “peace” is called “shalom” in the Hebrew. Shalom has several words to describe its meaning; let’s list them: completeness, wholeness, health, prosperity, fullness, harmony, and rest. This meaning implies the absence of agitation, conflict, or discord. The word occurs about 250 times in the Old Testament. The New Testament Greek word for peace is “eirene”(I-ray-nay) which means a state of quietness, calmness, and the absence of strife. This peace includes harmonious relationships above all; with God and man. Jesus Christ is the Prince of Peace and He promised to give peace to those who call upon Him for personal salvation and deliverance. This salvation does not just imply deliverance from sin but from any oppressive agitation that the human experience brings. This is important to know because this peace includes our finances. Jesus can bring financial peace also. Financial peace was a term I heard of several years ago when I purchased a book called, “Financial Peace” authored by financial expert, David Ramsey. The essence of the book talked about the importance of having your finances in order. It also spoke of the importance of putting money in its proper place in your life. Good financial stewardship can bring peace to a marriage, relationship, as well as to a family. It is so critical to note here that poor financial management can disrupt a Christian’s peace. So often believers feel that the presence of an indwelling Christ automatically means peace, unfortunately many have found out that even with Jesus, you need to have your finances in order to have the peace and wholeness that Jesus talked about. You see it is important to note here that the peace in the Bible includes prosperity. God knows that it is very difficult to have peace when all your bills are overdue and creditors are harassing you with phone calls and threatening to take your house and car. God’s peace comes when we know all of our needs are met, physically, financially, emotionally, and of course above all, spiritually. Perhaps like many other people today, you are feeling the financial pressure and threats that are permeating our society. However I want to say to you, don’t panic. Let me give you some advice that will work despite your financial condition and will ultimately bring what I call financial peace in your life, family, business, or church.1. Don’t Panic – Panic is a natural response to financial pressure. However to give into this emotion will only make things worse. Panic will stifle the creative juices you will need to strategize a plan to escape your situation. In Matthew 6:25, Jesus says, “Be not anxious about your physical needs…” In other words, He is saying whatever you do, DON’T PANIC.2. Seek Knowledge Regarding Your Finances - This sounds so simple, but so few people invest the time to get the knowledge they need to change their financial condition. Peace comes from knowing. Do some research, go to a seminar, attend one of our Financial Crusades, and see how much you will learn about your situation. What you get most out of research, seminars, workshops, etc. is the benefit of others sharing their similar experiences and much needed solutions.3. Stay Away From Negative People – Negative people fuel anxiety, worry, and fear. They are internally frustrated and miserable. Therefore, they seek to make everyone around them feel the same. Find the financial champions in your area and listen to them. They will give you the solutions you need.4. Collect Positive Thoughts – Isaiah 26:3 “For Thou will keep him in PERFECT PEACE whose mind is stayed on thee.” You must collect good, positive thoughts because they are out there floating around. That’s why Jesus said, “Take no thought for your life….” Matthew 6:25 because you have the power and responsibility to collect the thoughts that will foster peace in your life.5. Pray About Every Financial Decision – God is the peace factor. He is the source of peace. It is prudent (wise) to prayerfully invite His spirit to lead and guide you in financial matters today. The economics of our day are more complicated than in the past, however our God is all wise and His wisdom brings peace. That’s what Christ meant when He said, “In the world (or world system) you will have tribulation (pressure), but in Me you will have peace.” Jesus Christ will not abandon us in these tough economic times, but He will give us the financial peace we need to overcome the world. Follow these steps and allow His peace to rule your heart.


word on finance

Dr. Kenneth O.Robinson, II

Pastor & Certified Estate Planner

To book Dr. Kenneth O. Robinson, II for your next seminar, conference or service, call: 410.415.6400, ext. 105


Bonaparte’s Florist1200 W . North Avenue, Baltimore, MD

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March Funeral Home1101 E . North Avenue &4300 Wabash AvenueBaltimore, MD

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His Way8450 Baltimore National Pike

Ellicott City, MD

Jones Tabernacle Baptist Church2100 W . Baltimore Street

Baltimore, MD





















Southern Baptist ChurchAberdeen HS251 Paradise Rd, Aberdeen, MD





In the Book of Isaiah, the proclamation is made about our Savior. His name is Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, and The Prince of Peace.Two of the meanings of Wonderful are (1) exciting and (2) unusually good. Our God is an exciting God. Exciting in such a way that we too can get excited about the things that are happening in our lives. You may say, "I am being challenged right now. There is nothing in my life to get excited about.” Oh yes there is. In James 1:2-4 it says, "Count it all joy when you fall into different temptations knowing that the trying of your faith produces patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” Our thoughts are not His thoughts and our ways not His ways, so it becomes exciting to see what He is going to doing in various aspects of our lives. He is working all things together for our good regardless of how it looks and that is exciting to know -- Good News. Our God is unusually and exceptionally good. In fact our God is awesome. How many people do you know in your life that are unusually good? Your God is a good God. Psalm 25:8 says, “Good and upright is the LORD: therefore will he teach sinners in the way.” He is so good that in spite of knowing all the presumptuous things that we do He loves us anyway. Now that is a good God.Two of the meanings of Counselor are (1) a person who gives advice (2) one that gives advice in law and manages cases for clients in court. Not only does God through His Precious Holy Spirit give us advice that leads us in the right direction and to make godly choices, but like an attorney He manages our cases when satan attacks us. Isn't it wonderful to know that we serve a God who has never lost a case? He is our Advocate -- Satan is the accuser of the brethren. However, God is ever present to defend us when satan accuses us. Two meanings of Everlasting are (1) lasting or enduring through all time [eternal] and (2) continuing long or indefinitely. The

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)

word of encouragement

donnA

williAms-ross

Everlasting Father – The Eternal One. From everlasting to everlasting He changes not. What a refreshing thought and reality to have a Father that will never die, never forsake us or even condemn us. Before the foundation of the world God knew you and loved you. After this world has passed away God will not stop loving you. There are people in the world that say God loves them too much to let them go to hell. But it is because He loves us so much that He gives us the free will to choose or not choose Him. In Deuteronomy 30:19 – “I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live.” He is our Everlasting Father and desires to spend eternity with you and I. We all have had earthly fathers who may have disappointed us, neglected us, abused us emotionally, verbally or mentally, but we have a Father that never disappointed, neglected or abused us. Now, that’s Good News.If you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior know that truly Jesus was born to die for your sins. If you have not accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior today know that He is waiting for you to make Him the Lord of your life. He loves you so very much. Know that He gave His life for yours.Today I encourage you to reflect upon the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Know that beyond the shadow of a doubt Jesus is the reason for this season.Prayer: Father, in the name of Jesus, I thank You for sending Your Son to the cross for my sins. I am eternally grateful, amen.

On behalf of In Trust Designs, we want to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year. Catch up with you in 2012!!!!!!!





December 2011

Documents

southern baptist church

ararat baptist church

sharon baptist church

new shiloh baptist church

new psalmist baptist

life international church

md wanda

timothy tooten