Elisia Magazine - Issue 5

Well, hello there, Elisia Fans and Friends.My name is Arian, and I’m the lady that reads everything before you do. I know you’re used to seeing a note from our Editor-in-Chief here, but I’m hoping you won’t mind a little change of plans as we roll into the New Year.

And really, isn’t that what New Year’s is about? Whether we like it or not, change is not part of life, it IS life. You can force it, you can fight it, you can choose it, or you can roll over and let it happen to you. But no matter what, a change is gonna come.

In 2014, I made some pretty bold changes to my life. I went in a whole new direction and it has been an eye-opening, happy experience of love and gratitude. And that happiness made way for the best holiday season I have had in years. It’s been a dream.

And sometimes it’s been just short of a nightmare. I’ve lost friends. I’ve been

painfully, unbelievably broke. And many days I have felt hopeless and adrift because I haven’t been able to see my next step. This is the part of change that we hate. The part of it that is blank, void and unsure.

Here’s the thing: it’s all a lesson. And I know, I know. That’s the most overused, cliché thing I could possibly say, but it’s true. Everything is a lesson, good or bad, and the people who are paying attention will grow through it all.

So, that is what I hope for all of you as we move into 2015. Smile. Fake a smile if you have to. Grow. Through both success and failure learn everything you can, and use the changes that come your way as an opportunity for better.

Until Next Time,Arian Augustus

LifeChange is

elisiamagazine.com| ELISIA 3

ELISIA | elisiamagazine.com4

GOD’S COMFORT & JOYFUTURE TIDINGS12

FOR THE SEASONIS JESUS THE REASON14

BEYOND CHILDREN’S THEATER

COVER STORY16

FOOD & RECIPIESBREAD PUDDING6

POWER OF GOD’S LOVETHE TRANSFORMING8

SIT & REFLECTDR. G SPEAKS10

MOCHA M.O.B.MANIFESTO FOR 201522

HOLIDAY HAUTENESS

RUNS DEEP

FASHION & STYLE

WHEN AUTHENTICITY

24

26

CHILDRENS THEATERBEYOND

pg.16

Bread Pudding With the end of the year approaching, Chef and I were discussing

ideas for presents we could give our clients for the holidays.

We knew wanted it to be homemade, and we tossed around the

usual ideas: candies, cookies, a cake. But then out of nowhere

we both looked at each other and said, “Bread Pudding!” Chef

makes the best bread pudding and everyone loves it so much. So

why not give it to clients as a Christmas treat? We knew it would

make a great gift for all of our clients, and when I thought about

it, I realized it would be a great recipe to share with our readers

as well.

I hope each of you will try this recipe and make it for your families

and holiday parties. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Let me start off by saying, Merry Christmas everyone! Can you

believe we are at the end of 2014? This has been an amazing year

for me and Chef. God has really shown us who we are to Him and

that he is Faithful. As one of my favorite Gospel artists, William

Murphy says in one of his songs, “He is working for my Good.”

We have been very busy for the last couple of weeks leading up

to Christmas catering for lots of holiday corporate and private

events and having to prepare a variety of foods. My nickname is

“Ms. Cookie,” and with a name like that, it’s not a surprise that

one of my favorite things about catering these events is preparing

dessert stations. The Christmas season is great inspiration for

decorations, and I love to get creative as we design our buffets.

In fact, we just did a wedding reception for my only sister in the

beginning of December, and I had the BEST time preparing a 30

item candy buffet for our guests.

from the Tucks

|| BY YOLONDA TUCK



WHAT YOU’LL NEED:BREAD PUDDING

1 loaf of White Bread, at least a day old, cut into 1-inch squares (about 6-7 cups)

1 qt milk

3 eggs

2 cups sugar

2 Tbsp vanilla extract

1 cup raisins

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1 cup of chocolate chip morsels

1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

3 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted

BOURBON GLAZE

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted

1 cup sugar

1 egg

1 cup Kentucky bourbon whiskey

1:2

:3

:4

:

Preheat oven to 350°F. Place milk in a large mixing bowl and add the bread squares. Use your hands to press the bread into the milk until all of the milk is absorbed.

In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs. Then whisk in the sugar, vanilla, nutmeg and cinnamon. Pour this mixture over the bread and milk. Add the raisins and chocolate chips and gently stir to combine.

Pour the melted butter into the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking pan. Coat the bottom and the sides of the pan well. Pour the bread milk and egg mixture into the baking pan. Bake at 350°F for 35-45 minutes, until the liquid has set. The pudding is done when the edges start getting brown and pulling away from the edge of the pan. You can also bake the bread pudding in ramekins for individual servings.

While the pudding is cooking, make the bourbon sauce. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan on low heat. Add the sugar and egg and whisk to blend well. Slowly cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, then remove from heat. Do NOT allow the mixture to simmer or the sauce will curdle! (If your sauce does curdle, just take it off the heat and blend it smooth in a blender.) Whisk in bourbon to taste. The sauce should be soft, creamy, and smooth. Whisk again before serving. Serve the bread pudding with bourbon whiskey sauce on the side. (Or pour it on top if that’s your thing!) Best served fresh and eaten the day it is made.


The Transforming Power

|| JAMIE SNOW

of God’s Love


The transforming power of God’s love is the most

compelling, supernatural, and joyful magic we can experience on this earth, and that we will indeed enjoy for eternity. If there has been a primary theme in my life in 2014, it is coming to truly grasp this love, perhaps for the first time in my life. Although I’ve been a believer for over 40 years, I have performed and earned and worked and TRIED to please God. This has led to an obsession to have the perfect house, beautiful, smart and Godly children…. Heck, even my dog is the most gorgeous dog ever!

And then these past few years I crashed. I could not perform anymore. I could hardly do anything. And it was there in that helpless state that the realization of the free gift of God’s grace and the mystery of the love of Christ came to me in a wave of mercy. So, what does all of this have to do with a health and fitness column?

I have come to believe that

the most important thing we can change to benefit our health and wellness is the mind. What do we REALLY believe about ourselves and about God? I think if we can grasp the magnificent, adoring, and cherishing love of God, it will transform us. We cannot make Him enjoy us more if we “do better,” if we lose 20 pounds, if ANYTHING. When we embrace God’s love and grace, we look in the mirror, see the imperfections, and know that we are infinitely loved just as we are. And if our Lord loves us, accepts us, enjoys us, we can also love ourselves.

When we learn to love ourselves the way God loves us, we don’t have to punish our bodies with processed food, additives, sugar, or artificial sweeteners. We can stop overindulging in alcohol and coffee. We can love the beautiful bodies that so faithfully take care of us each day by getting us where we need to go, helping us take care of others, and enabling us to play and enjoy life! When we relish in God’s love, we can feed ourselves well, not out of deprivation, but to nourish this amazing creation that Jesus so dearly loves! We can give our bodies refreshing water, walks in the sunshine, and

vigorous workouts knowing that we need these things and that poor health and nutrition could lead to both physical and mental self-sabotage down the line.

This year I had two daughters get married, and another one will follow suit in February. Each of them has lost weight in anticipation of the wedding, not by really trying, but because they are so excited in anticipation of marriage. In the same way, our Heavenly Bridegroom is waiting on us at the altar and we are beautiful to Him. So, fall in love with Him!

Listen to audible books on your commute to work that speak of His matchless love. Journal about the ways you see the love of God in your everyday life. Find music that speaks of His love for us and our love for Him. My challenge to you for today and perhaps even for your 2015 New Year’s Resolutions is to meditate upon the love of God. Take care of yourself and your health out of love for Him.

[


Richard Leider conducted a study where individuals over the age of 80 were asked

the question, “If you had to do it over, what would you have done differently?” I thought the responses would be “Spend more time with family,” or “Have more fun.” “Rest More.” It turns out that I had guessed wrong. The following are the top 3 responses:

Sit & Reflect

how often do we just

|| Kristen “Dr. G.” Guillory, PhD


1. They wish they had taken more risks.

2. They wish they had taken more time for reflection.

3. They wish they had discovered their

purpose sooner.

While all of these topics are so important, I want

to focus on reflection. I’ve been known to go from

project to project, thinking about what should be

done next. Even in my personal life, I’m always

thinking about the next thing. How to get there.

When to do it. There’s so much to get done!

Sometimes I even beat myself up and spend too

much time thinking on the not so great things.

Last year, my best friend Cherice asked me, “How

often do you sit back and think about all of the

things you’ve done to help others?”

“Umm not really ever,” I told her.

She then said, “You might want to do it. Reflect on

one of the events you host and how that has really

helped people.” I took a few moments to do so. And I

am so glad I did.

Reflection allowed me to do the following:

1. Be Still for a moment.

2. Express gratitude.

3. Review the many things I had done.

4. Be reminded of God’s goodness.

5. See my growth.

6. See opportunities for improvement (You can’t learn from mistakes if you don’t reflect on them).

It seems some of us just stay moving and busy and

don’t take time to appreciate what God has allowed

us to do and make it through. Just recently I hosted

an event, and for THE FIRST TIME EVER, I did not

leave the event or wake up the next day focusing on

what could have been better. I focused on how God

moved in that place and reflected on the fact that I

was uncomfortable which led me to have to lean on

the Lord. And that led to me being transparent. And

that led to many other women at the event being

transparent as well.

The fact that I reflected on the night instead of

conducting an in depth analysis was HUGE! It was

the FIRST time I didn’t focus on what could have

been better, and it was such a blessing. The enemy

makes us believe we aren’t good enough, but we

don’t have to give him that opportunity. We can

stop and be still and see the good to all that we’ve

accomplished.

Reflection can allow us to see that we’ve made it

through some tough times and if we did it before,

we can do it again. Reflection can also cause us to

see how God has moved in our lives.

So, my challenge to you (and myself) as we end

2014 and enter 2015 is to take some time to sit

and reflect on a regular basis. Really just be still

and reflect. Be prepared to see God’s goodness!

You might be surprised to see that you’re pretty

Fabulous!

Future Tidings


God’s comfort and joy|| MARI MALDONADO


It’s a Christmas Miracle! One of many for the

season I am sure. My dearest best friend and I

had been struggling to separate two strands of

Christmas lights for 30 minutes and we had made

little to no progress. Beads of perspiration sprung

from my pores and a feeling of defeat welled up

inside of me. But, I put out an outstretched hand and

called upon the name of Jesus who, in a way that only

He could do, brought about an act that separated

the two strands effortlessly. What seemed to be an

insurmountable task only seconds before was now

non-existent. Nothing is too big or too small for God.

My friend and I continued putting up my lights and laughing at what was clearly God’s sense of humor. It felt good to laugh seeing as how I had been in a bit of a holiday funk. It was the day after Thanksgiving and just two days earlier, my one and only child expressed to me via Face Time that not only did he want to stay an additional day at his father’s house, he wanted to spend Thanksgiving Day with that side of his family as well. In the 9 years since my ex-husband and I had been divorced, holiday arrangements had been a non-issue. Other than the 1 year my son went with his dad to a Dallas Cowboy’s game for Thanksgiving, he had always spent Thanksgiving with me and my family then would go to his dad’s house in the evening.

When my son asked to stay I asked him if he had talked to his dad about it. He said he had not, and then he looked at me with his big brown eyes and said, “Please? I have never gotten to spend a Thanksgiving with them.” I immediately agreed and told him I would contact his dad to confirm. I then sent my ex-husband a text message telling

him of my son’s request. My ex, of course, did not have a problem with it and said he would bring my son home Sunday. Not what I wanted to hear since this was not the norm. I felt surprised and sad all at once, but knowing how much my son needs to spend time with his dad and how excited he was to spend Thanksgiving with step siblings, cousins and grandparents, I went along with it. Because I love my son so much I sacrificed my time with him.

That Friday I sat on my comfy, happy, bright red couch and cried. I cried not just for this Thanksgiving but for what was transpiring. To me, my son’s desire to stay longer at his dad’s was foretelling of things to come. Perhaps a season where their relationship grows stronger and closer as my role as absolute and complete caregiver is somewhat relinquished meaning more alone time for me. I got myself together and prayed about it. I trust God in all things, and know that he is preparing my son and I for a new season.

In this Christmas season, let love be the gift we all give. Being divorced is never easy, especially for children. But by putting love into action we can sure make it better.

Merry Christmas to you and your family, and may God continue to bless you in the upcoming new year.


is Jesus theReason for the Season|| KELLY KRAMMER

“

“

The holiday season is my favorite

time of the year! Christians and

non-Christians alike in countries all

over the world celebrate this time

of the year as a time of giving and

love. I love it because my family

- made up of all denominations

of Christians, Jews, Mormons and

atheists - get together to eat, drink

and be merry! I love decorating

the house and baking things with

way too much cinnamon, ginger

and nutmeg. I love watching my

friends’ and family members’ faces

light up as they open their gift from

me. I love the sounds, the smells,

the sights.… I think you get it. This

really is the “most wonderful time

of the year!”

I’d like to think that the saying

“Jesus is the Reason for the Season”

has its roots in focusing Christians

on noble things rather than the

materialistic things the holiday

season has so often placed on a

pedestal. But somehow this phrase

has turned into a war cry against

sharing this season with people of

other faiths and beliefs.

How did Christmas come to be?

First, it is important to note that

Christmas does not mean the

birth of Christ, rather it is the feast

celebrating the birth of Christ. It

wasn’t until the end of the third

century that Christmas traditions

started to pop up around the

world.

Why December 25th? Well,

December 25th was and still is

a day to celebrate the rebirth of

the sun. Non-Christians would

celebrate this day with feasts and

songs and even nativity scenes

representing the rebirth of the

sun by Korah, the Virgin. In the

late third century, the Church

decided to oppose this celebration

with one of their own celebrating

the birth of the son (instead of

sun). Anthropologists Ratsch and

Muller-Ebeling state, “Christmas

is a Christian feast infiltrated by

ancient pagan customs. On the

other hand, it is also a pagan

feast over layered with Catholic

liturgical and folk rituals. It is the

feast of the birth of the Savior Jesus

Christ and of the sun’s rebirth .…”

Other Holiday Season Celebrations

Around this same time of the year,

and way before Christmas came to

be, Jewish families would celebrate

Hanukkah remembering when g-d

kept the oil lamp burning for seven

days on only one day’s worth of

oil. Fast forward a few thousand

years when in 1966, Kwanzaa

was established to celebrate the

matunda ya kwanza (Kiswahili

phrase meaning “first fruits”)

giving a name and new modern

twist to a celebration that has been

happening as far back as recorded

history can tell in places like Egypt

and Nubia. This celebration also

coincides with the Christmas

holiday season.

So, Actually…

Is Jesus the reason for the

season? No. But, that doesn’t

mean that Christians cannot

celebrate his birth at this time.

It also does not mean that non-

Christians cannot celebrate

family, love, first fruits, giving,

the sun, a burning lamp or

anything else!

Make this season the best

holiday season ever and give

gifts that bring smiles and meet

needs. Spend extra time with

others, share the love you have

with everyone around you,

and be thankful that we can

celebrate another year together!



|| ARIAN AUGUSTUS

children’s theaterbeyond

<<


|| ARIAN AUGUSTUS

Sherry Ward

Robyn Flatt

Elisia Magazine: So, how did you end up becoming an artistic director? That’s incredible!

Robyn Flatt: I didn’t mean to. [Laughter erupts from all three of us. Robyn continues.]

I’d been a member of the professional theater company at the Dallas Theater Center (DTC). I was put in charge of taking theater to the parks. It was a special [summer program] that the theater center was asked to do, and it meant creating a play that would work outdoors. … We did a lot of movement pieces that used mime and dance. … That’s really where I learned how to put something together. You kind of had to make up everything you did.

From 1982 to 1984, the theater center went through a transition, [and] we were all pretty well asked to leave. But I love theater. The only way for me to have a chance to continue to do theater was for me to create something in which I could do theater. So, that’s what I did. There were [about] 30 of us who had worked together closely for many years and I knew exactly what their talents were and what they could bring to the table.

EM: And you were all jobless.

RF: Right. So, they would jump in and volunteer and I would pay them when I could. We just started from total scratch.

EM: Coming from Dallas Theater Center, what made

you choose to do specifically children’s theater?

RF: Well, why compete with Dallas Theater Center? Before I left DTC, people had said to me, “Robyn, did you ever think about taking this work and doing it independently?” And I thought,” Well, no. I don’t want to do all that.” [laughter] But the shows I had done [as part of the summer program] had also toured Texas and surrounding states, so I had kind of gotten my feet wet with touring [programs for kids].

This tidbit, I later found out, is no small thing. In 2004, Dallas Children’s Theater rounded out Time Magazine’s list of the five best children’s theaters in the country. DCT is the only theater on the list with a national tour. Robyn’s early days at Dallas Theater Center are undoubtedly responsible for this unique asset.

EM: In creating spaces for growth and artistic development, how do you teach students to be their own person and build their own legacies?

RF: I think it’s just about doing it. We have very young kids that come into the classes. We start with three year olds. We tell a story to them and then we say, “Which character would you like to be?” And then they choose which character they would like to be. And sometimes all of them want to be the wolf. And sometimes all of them want to be …

Sherry Ward: [immediately chiming in] Elsa!

RF: [laughs] And that’s okay. We can have 15 of one character or 8 of another. And then the day they

Out of complete and

total coincidence

I met Robyn Flatt

leaving the gym one day in

late December. It turns out

that Robyn is the delightful

woman at the helm of one

of the most successful,

professional children’s

theaters in the country,

Dallas Children’s Theater

(DCT). In a warm and hugely

enlightening conversation

with her and Public Relations

Manager/Actress, Sherry

Ward, I learned everything

there is to know about

DCT – from education and

community involvement to

some impressive family ties.

show their parents they’ll say, “Well, no, I don’t want to be that character today.” The point is that child feels confident. He knows he did something. He knows that he walked on that stage and said his lines and he found out where the audience was and he spoke up.

SW: You’ll [also] meet a lot of Dallas adult actors that started out at the DCT academy. I think that a lot of the educational components are structured in a way not just to teach future theater professionals but life skills. All of them are getting up on stage and they’ve been doing it since they were 4 or 5 years old. That’s a skill. In trying to get those basic communication and social interaction [skills], this is the greatest place to do it because they get to use their imagination.

EM: Why do you think theater education is so important for children’s development?

RF: In theater, you’re going through a process. … You’re going to discover a character. Each of these children brings part of themselves to these characters. Maybe no one has ever told them that the way they move across the stage is really elegant and beautiful or that they have a great sense of timing. We help them identify what the gifts are that they bring to the table.

SW: There’s also something philosophical about what we do in that there’s not really another industry that puts so much time and effort into something [that will be built and torn down within a specific time frame]. You put your efforts into moments. It may be transient, but it’s worth putting all your effort into.

RF: It’s learning how to direct your energy. Are you willing to put enough energy into this project to make it happen? Maybe you’ve got to jettison a bunch of other things. Maybe you don’t get to go to all the parties.

The interesting thing to me is ... these kids learn to focus. They get their homework done faster, quicker, better than kids who had the whole night to do it. I remember directing a production of Peter Pan and after we’d completed the show, the [adult pirate father of one of my junior pirates] came to me and said, “Robyn, I don’t know what happened, but my son was struggling to make C’s and now he’s an A student.” His son had learned to focus and to control his physicality and how

to be part of a team. He found his place in the world. And we see this over and over again. The hyperactive kids learn how to focus. The very shy kids learn how to open up and share. Kids with learning difficulties learn how to [use other skills] to become as good as or better than other kids [on stage]. … It’s just kind of magical. This can’t be true that theater can really do all this for kids!

EM: It can apparently!

Here Robyn, Sherry and I go off on a tangent talking more in depth about theater, education and empathy. DCT has an outstanding educational program that includes live performances during the day for Dallas area schools, a performing arts academy for kids 3-18 after school and during summers, and the Curtains Up On Reading school enrichment program designed to enhance topics already being discussed in the regular curriculum.

|| Miracle on 34th Street - Francis Fuselier, K. Doug Miller - DCT Winter 2014

EM: So, in all of these endeavors, what skills did you learn as a director and leader that continue to make all these programs possible?

RF: Oh, gosh! I don’t know. I’m just kind of crazy!

SW: Well, I think it’s fun to mention here, ya know, your family legacy of theater and how it’s always been part of your life.

EM: Wait. Is she holdin’ out on me, Sherry?


RF: My father is Paul Baker who founded the Dallas Theater Center.

EM: [shocked] Oh, my gosh! That is amazing! … So, it’s genetic then.

RF: I was warped in the crib. My father had a very nice singing voice, but instead of singing lullabies, he quoted Peer Gynt [the Henrik Ibsen play that originated the famous children’s song, “In the Hall of the Mountain King”].

SW: Nice!

[We laughed and laughed. “Why compete with Dallas Theater Center?” Understatement of the century.]

EM: Wow. Well, again, I’m so impressed with the work that you do, your enormous success and the reach that you have. Was that the goal? Did you want to be a “somebody”?

RF: Yes, totally! We want to be a somebody to a lot of somebodies. I guess what I learned is that you want to always reach for the heights. Whatever resources you have, you put those on stage. Whatever contacts you have, you grab those people who are live wires. You work with the people who are going to help you tell your story.

I also think it’s a bunch of bunk to say that theater people or artists can’t be business people. You get the right group of people and you trust them [to do what they do best, both onstage and in the office]. I’m very clear about what things are not my strengths.

Yet still, with a wealth of programs and opportunities for child and adult actors alike, Robyn and DCT have quite a few strengths to offer the community. In 2014, DCT received funding from the Theatre Communications Group to create sensory friendly programming for special needs children. The modified shows have been a great success, and, with continued financial support from patrons and donors, the series will remain part of DCT’s annual schedule. They also feature productions that give back to the community. Proceeds from their January 2015 production of Skippyjon Jones will benefit Operation Kindness, a no kill shelter in Carrollton, TX, and patrons bringing a canned good for the local food

shelter will receive discounted tickets for DCT’s National Tour.

SW: We’re trying to actively be good neighbors. We want to make every aspect of what we do inclusive, [and] we want all children to feel like they have a place here.

RF: We’re here to serve. … Dallas needs an institution that really focuses on young people because they are our future. So, everything we do is focused on young people. The kids are king. They are primary. And I think families feel that when they walk through or doors. I just want more families to feel like this is their home too.

Dallas Children’s Theater’s Skippyjon Jones is a book adaptation that tells the story of a rambunctious Siamese kitten with a big imagination. The brand new musical will premiere January 23 and run through February 22. This holiday season, I hope that you will make it part of your plans and your New Year’s resolutions to take your family to the Dallas Children’s Theater and get plugged in. DCT is truly a joy.

|| Mariachi Girl - Vanessa Deilvio, Aisha San Roman - DCT Spring 2014



conversationwith Jos iah Mar t in

A

salon (It was a girl’s day. Josiah was overruled.), I opened the voice recorder app on my phone, and let the conversation take over.When most of us were learning to tie our shoes, Josiah Martin was holding an audience captive with a voice I can only imagine was as powerful then as it is now. “I started [singing] when I was four,” he tells me. “I have five brothers, so we were doing a little singing group. My mother was vocally training us, bringing us up in the church.” Josiah went on to record with the Colorado Mass Choir becoming one of its youngest members. In 2004, he met and toured with P.J. Morton Jr., son of prolific pastor and singer

||Cherish Robinson

Recently, my best friend and I went to visit our friend, Barbara in Atlanta for a weekend getaway. And Babs’ (we affectionately call her) nephew

happens to also be my good friend, Grammy and Stellar Award nominated singer/songwriter, Josiah “Jo-Jo” Martin.

In the midst of our singing, laughing, and cackling at brunch, my best friend tells me that I should write my next article on Josiah. I thought that was a brilliant idea. (That’s why she’s the bestie!) So, we left brunch, headed to the nail

Bishop Paul S. Morton Sr. That relationship paid off for Josiah, as he recently completed an album with P.J. Morton. His latest single, “Temporary Tears,” is set to drop in early 2015. Josiah also shared some recent health concerns with us, and, honestly, you’d have thought I asked him about the weather. He’s in end-stage kidney failure on dialysis, yet not once did he bring on the “woe-is-me” song and dance or try to change the subject. Martin’s calm was truly beyond my understanding. He calls it faith. “Miracles are still possible [and] there’s no obstacle too great that should tear you away from God. The more things [that happened] to me, the closer to Him I would draw. Not only does everything happen for

conversationwith Jos iah Mar t in

a reason, but sometimes God uses situations to take you from level to level. And so that’s what’s happened to me. After every sickness, death, and heartache, I’ve been greeted with a new level. … God rewards you for faithfulness in the time of trouble.”

Truer words have never been spoken. Josiah’s faith is not only defining and shaping his health and his day-to-day life. It’s also shaping his career. “I have the understanding that man plans his way, but it’s God that brings it to pass. So, my hope isn’t in a label. It’s not in getting records. It’s really in the plan of God. I mean, I ain’t gonna lie to you. Every no is a letdown.

the encourager. Wow. Still stunned by his humility and light spirit, I asked Josiah what keeps him motivated. “My kids. I have 3 little ones. They’re amazing. And despite what I’m going through, they’re always looking for me to be cheerful and happy. You know. Just Dad. [I’m also motivated by] my desire to honestly please God. As an artist my desire is to help people just be better. It’s nothing deep about it. You don’t have to be a Holy Ghost weirdo! [Josiah reprises the preacher voice] You don’t have to be wrapped up, tied up, and tangled up! You just need to have a DESIRE!” Oh my goodness, this guy.

But, [and here, out of nowhere, Josiah put on his best preacher voice] somebody said a set down is just a set up!”

My best friend and I died laughing, and in that moment I learned something. I had been sitting there in the nail salon talking to someone that I thought had the most immense hardship. But, he was taking it all in stride. It was as if through his story, God held a mirror up to me and said, “Talitha koum.” (That means “Little girl, arise!” from the Mark 5:41 story of Jesus raising a child from the dead. Ya, know. For those of you who may not have heard that one.) The one you’d think would be in need of encouraging became

I came back to Dallas reflecting on what Josiah had said. Right now, my artistic life is pretty quiet. There’s not a lot on my calendar, and I had been feeling a bit discouraged. But the upcoming New Year can’t be faced as just another day. It must be conquered. In Josiah’s own words, “When you think of Christmas and New Year’s, you always think of the final quarter and how to start the year off winning. It’s about a game plan.” And he’s right. We may not know what tomorrow brings but we do know who holds it. So, knowing who holds my future, I’m eager to see what 2015 has to offer, and I wish you peace and prosperity “in JE-sus name!”


|| Cheryl Skinner Rischer

Ilove the New Year and the excitement it brings. It is an opportunity for me to start fresh, begin anew and see things from a different perspective.

I love that the New Year makes people pause, even if only temporarily, and plan for how the next year will be better. So today, I am doing exactly that. I am taking a moment to reflect, reassess, and reconsider my priorities, and I’d like to share this time of reflection with you. Here goes.

ManifestoMO

CH

A M

.O.B

.’SF

OR

20

15


I know that a New Year

brings a renewed sense of

commitment to things that

lost their importance in

the old year. The New Year

starts with good intentions

but rarely does it end as

intended. I hope that I can

sustain the momentum that

is always a part of my New

Year better than I sustain

my annual diet. I believe the

upcoming year will be easier

than the previous years,

because if I am older, I must

be wiser. I’ve learned that

the New Year is not a time

to front load my life with

unrealistic expectations.

Instead, I will be clear

about the things that really

should be a part of my life

throughout the year to

come.

I imagine what it will take

for me to end the year as

strongly as I start it, and I

confidently write a plan. If

I am honest with myself,

I admit that I hesitate to

share my plan because then

I will be held accountable

for what I do not achieve.

I understand that the

decisions I make will impact

the life I live, and my life can

and must positively bless

others. I recognize what

I can actually accomplish

versus what I want to

accomplish. I do not set

goals. I plan for action.

As I plan for the New

Year, I realize that there is

work to be done. My plan

of action requires that I

rid myself of bad habits,

unproductive ways, time

wasting activities, negative

thoughts, insignificant

people and determine what

I will leave behind and

what I will allow to occupy

space in my mind in the

New Year. I acknowledge

that the New Year has no

room for delayed decision

making, procrastination,

disorganization, pride,

jealousy, worry, fear,

hypocrisy, selfishness,

depression, excess,

anxiousness, confusion,

discontent, debt,

hopelessness, illness, an

overwhelmed schedule or an

underwhelmed soul.

I passionately greet the New

Year because I am excited

about all of its possibilities.

I position myself to

receive blessings, and I am

reminded of my purpose. I

await God’s direction and

His instructions for things

unseen, and I agree to not

run myself ragged in the

meantime.

I will approach this New Year

with a sense of wonder and

discovery while I accept the

challenge to try new things.

I courageously welcome

the future and I confidently

embrace all that it has to

offer. Happy New Year!

holid

ay

HAUTNESS|| Nikki Hurd

Tis the season of glitter,

sequins, sparkling belts and

rhinestones! If ever there

was a time to “Do it big,” I believe

the holiday season, especially

Christmas and New Years, is it!! I’m

the ultimate girly girl, so as early as

Halloween I’m pulling out all things

shiny!

This time of year you can go to any

department store and find shiny

accessories to rock ALL season.

Macy’s is my go to spot for

holiday goodies. I’ve found that

they have gorgeous garments in

ALL sizes. Sometimes these items

can get a little pricey. I like to call

those purchases “investment

pieces.” But for the most part,

Macy’s and other department

stores are great places to shop to

get your holiday shine on.

Now, once you have all your

sparkly winter wear in the closest,

there are definitely a few things

you need to keep in mind so that

you don’t look like a string of

lights. And of course I am going

to share my wealth of knowledge

with you gals! I can’t hold out on

my good Judys!

Here’s how to do holiday glam

without going overboard:

1. DON’T put on all your

holiday bling at once. I always

tell my clients you don’t have

to wear earrings, a necklace, a

bracelet and a ring. Pick 2 out of

the 4 and go be great! Let’s leave

Mr. T in the 80’s shall we?


2. If your skirt is shiny, dull

down the top and add gorgeous

accessories. Vice versa if you’re wearing

a shiny top. If your holiday ensemble is

brighter than the Christmas tree, you did

it wrong.

3. Let go of all the ribbed, polka

dotted, engraved, and hand stitched

tights! Leave those girls for the office.

They have no place on the body when

you’re all dolled up for a holiday party!

4. Lastly, PUT ON A COAT! It’s

cold outside, girl! Like my mom always

said, “You’re not too cute to get a cold!” I

know we want to show off our fancy rags

but, ladies, seriously? It’s cold in the D!

As this year comes to a close, my prayer is

that when you enter 2015 an abundance

of blessings meets you at the door. And

when you open that door, make sure you

have on the fiercest dress you can find!

God Bless, Merry Christmas and Happy

New Year!!

“Fashion is what’s trending, Style is who

YOU are.” - Nikki Hurd


CHILDREN’S BOOKSGod's Faith is Real Connaelia M. Moyston Tracks in The Snow Regina Stone Matthews

CHRISTIAN LIVING Consciously Wealthy Richard R. Harper Consciously Wealthy Richard R. Harper

MOTIVATIONALIf I Only Had…Lisa Burkhardt Worley & Catherine Weiskopf Lemons to Lemonade Christopher L. Walker

NON-FICTIONLady Preacher Brenda Carradine

The Missing Peace Phillip E. L. Brown

YOUTH & YOUNG ADULTHouse of Cars Shelia E. Bell The Princess Within for TeensSerita Ann Jakes

DEVOTIONALThe Waiting Room T.C. Spellen Back on TrackBrenda Ashley

FICTIONPenny Wise Dave & Neta Jackson Penny Wise Dave & Neta Jackson

TESTIMONIALLost and FoundSarah Jakes Lost and FoundSarah Jakes

For the past four years, the Christian Literary Awards (CLAs) have sparked a light of excitement among faith-based authors. Now, going into their fifth year of planning, event originators Joy Lewis and Rosemary Legrand are scouring ways to take their event to the next level.

While I’ve attended the award ceremony in the past, this year I decided to brace the red carpet, not to show off my fabulous dress (though it was pretty amazing), but to grab hold to some of the essence of what makes this event what it is. What I heard was nothing short of amazing. From a husband and wife who bore a child with no

vocal chords, to an ESPN sports journalism veteran who abandoned it all for something new, stories of faith and courage graced my ears the entire night, proving to me that the CLAs are far more than just an event. It is a chance to honor those who share the stories that make us better. It encapsulated what I believe the human experience is all about - life to life, faith to faith.

I encourage you to check out some of the winners from this past year’s event. Buy their books. Support their dreams. Hear their stories. They might just change you for the better, too.

2014 WINNERS

their stories

Top Line: Henri Award Second Line: Reader’s Choice

The Dallas Black Dance Theater Company II performed for the second time at this year’s CLAs.

Founders Joy Lewis, Rosemary Legrand with host Frankie Wilson

While waiting for Mr. Right, author TC Spelling went on a search to find the perfect book to speak to the single woman. She couldn’t find one, so she created her own. The Waiting Room is a daily devotional is designed to teach single women the fundamentals that will lead them to the true art of living purposefully.

Growing up a fatherless child with a mentally ill mother could result in a life filled with unanswered questions. Television journalism veteran Lisa Burkhardt Worley recruited the skilled hands of author Catherine Weiskopf to co-author If I Only Had, a devotional guide that confronts the daily insecurities experienced by women beginning with the ones she’s experienced personally that began as a child.

“There are no poor people but only people who are unaware of the richness of their mind.” In Consciously Wealthy, author Richard Harper has placed the universal principles of attraction applied in his own life to help readers learn how to develop conscious awareness so that you can create the successful lifestyle you desire.

AuthenticityAUTHENTICITYwhen

RUNSDEEP.

when an awards show filled with all the glitz and glam of a red carpet event penetrates the heart, you know you’ve created something special.

2014 Christian Literary AwardsGranville Arts Center, Texas


CHILDREN’S BOOKSGod's Faith is Real Connaelia M. Moyston Tracks in The Snow Regina Stone Matthews

CHRISTIAN LIVING Consciously Wealthy Richard R. Harper Consciously Wealthy Richard R. Harper

MOTIVATIONALIf I Only Had…Lisa Burkhardt Worley & Catherine Weiskopf Lemons to Lemonade Christopher L. Walker

NON-FICTIONLady Preacher Brenda Carradine

The Missing Peace Phillip E. L. Brown

YOUTH & YOUNG ADULTHouse of Cars Shelia E. Bell The Princess Within for TeensSerita Ann Jakes

DEVOTIONALThe Waiting Room T.C. Spellen Back on TrackBrenda Ashley

FICTIONPenny Wise Dave & Neta Jackson Penny Wise Dave & Neta Jackson

TESTIMONIALLost and FoundSarah Jakes Lost and FoundSarah Jakes

For the past four years, the Christian Literary Awards (CLAs) have sparked a light of excitement among faith-based authors. Now, going into their fifth year of planning, event originators Joy Lewis and Rosemary Legrand are scouring ways to take their event to the next level.

While I’ve attended the award ceremony in the past, this year I decided to brace the red carpet, not to show off my fabulous dress (though it was pretty amazing), but to grab hold to some of the essence of what makes this event what it is. What I heard was nothing short of amazing. From a husband and wife who bore a child with no

vocal chords, to an ESPN sports journalism veteran who abandoned it all for something new, stories of faith and courage graced my ears the entire night, proving to me that the CLAs are far more than just an event. It is a chance to honor those who share the stories that make us better. It encapsulated what I believe the human experience is all about - life to life, faith to faith.

I encourage you to check out some of the winners from this past year’s event. Buy their books. Support their dreams. Hear their stories. They might just change you for the better, too.

2014 WINNERS

their stories

Top Line: Henri Award Second Line: Reader’s Choice

The Dallas Black Dance Theater Company II performed for the second time at this year’s CLAs.

Founders Joy Lewis, Rosemary Legrand with host Frankie Wilson

While waiting for Mr. Right, author TC Spelling went on a search to find the perfect book to speak to the single woman. She couldn’t find one, so she created her own. The Waiting Room is a daily devotional is designed to teach single women the fundamentals that will lead them to the true art of living purposefully.

Growing up a fatherless child with a mentally ill mother could result in a life filled with unanswered questions. Television journalism veteran Lisa Burkhardt Worley recruited the skilled hands of author Catherine Weiskopf to co-author If I Only Had, a devotional guide that confronts the daily insecurities experienced by women beginning with the ones she’s experienced personally that began as a child.

“There are no poor people but only people who are unaware of the richness of their mind.” In Consciously Wealthy, author Richard Harper has placed the universal principles of attraction applied in his own life to help readers learn how to develop conscious awareness so that you can create the successful lifestyle you desire.

AuthenticityAUTHENTICITYwhen

RUNSDEEP.

when an awards show filled with all the glitz and glam of a red carpet event penetrates the heart, you know you’ve created something special.

2014 Christian Literary AwardsGranville Arts Center, Texas

While waiting for Mr. Right, author TC Spelling went on a search to find the perfect book to speak to the single woman. She couldn’t find one, so she created her own. The Waiting Room is a daily devotional designed to teach women the fundamentals that will lead them to the true art of living purposefully.


#WhatsYourStory


ELISIA STAFFFELECEIA BENTON: EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

ARIAN AUGUSTUS: SENIOR EDITORSYDNEY CORNELIUS: GRAPHIC DESIGNER

FELECEIA BENTON // editor-in-chiefARIAN AUGUSTUS // managing editorSYDNEY CORNELIUS // graphic designerERICA EDWARDS // accounts manager

@ELISIAMAGAZINEFACEBOOK.COM/ELISIAMAGAZINE

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Elisia Magazine - Issue 5

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Transcript of Elisia Magazine - Issue 5