Grace & Glory August 2013

www.gracenglorymagazine.org 1

2 August 2013 | Grace&Glory


on the cover:Dr. A. C. D. Vaughn,Senior Pastor

Sharon Baptist Church 1373 N. Stricker StreetBaltimore, MD 21217410-669-6667

™ AUGUST 2013

f e a t u r e s

19 GOVERNOR’SPAGE Governor Martin O’Malley

17 MAYOR’SJOURNAL Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake

31 TOYOURGOOD HEALTH Carla J. Debnam, MS, LCPC

Turning Point

21 EDUCATIONDIGEST Dr. Tim Tooten The Right Conversation

23 BOOKSHELF Siobhan Saulsbury

The Atonement Child (Francine Rivers)

15 WOMAN’SPERSPECTIVE Cassandra Vaughn-Fox The Greatest Love

SPECIALFEATUREDr.A.C.D.Vaughncelebrateshis75thBirthdayandhis50th

WeddingAnniversarywithhiswifeDr.LillianVaughn.AlookbackathowfarGodhasbroughtthem.

Pg.8-9Q&A Interview with Dr. A.C.D. Vaughn

c o n t e n t s

Pg.12-13Pg.10-11


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

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

Scripture Page ............................................................ 43

42 WORDOF ENCOURAGEMENT Donna Williams-Ross

Stand Your Ground

40 GOSPELINDUSTRY NEWS Ericka Johnson

33 NUTRITION&YOU Herline A. Knights Weight Gain at Midlife

38 FINANCE/FRESHMEN About.com

The New Freshmen 15: Financial Tips for College Students

35 BODYBASICS About.com Dorm Room Workouts


College life opens new and exciting opportunities for young adults. Leaving the comforts of homefor the first time to live with a total stranger in a room the size of a closet; making your own choicesabout where to go, when to return, what time to go to bed and who to spend time with; assuming morefinancial responsibility for books, groceries, and entertainment; oh, and there's that learning thing too.

DORM ROOM WORKOUTS

Most colleges and universities require incoming freshman to live in the dorms, which meansa couple things when it comes to your health:

• You have little choice when it comes to your food since you're using a meal plan andusually don't have access to a full kitchen.

• Your space is limited, which also limits your overall activity (three steps to your desk, onestep to the fridge and a few steps to the hall bathroom).

• What you are able to do in your room, whether staying up to study or waking up early toworkout, is somewhat dependent on your roommate's feelings and schedule.

This combination of limited food choices, small space, and late nights can lead to the notorious"Freshman 15". According to recent research, the odds are against you after move-in day:

Cornell University researchers found that college freshman gain half a pound per week onaverage. That's about 11 times more weight than the average 17-and 18-year old will gain, andnearly 20 times more than the average weight gain among adults.

The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) found that both male and female collegestudents eat approximately 500 additional calories between the hours of 8 p.m. and 4 a.m.

But the dreaded college weight gain is NOT inevitable. Sure, some young adults are stillgrowing in height, bone structure, and weight. But taking a preventive approach (rather thantrying to crash diet or over-exercise when it's too late) is your best bet. Making healthier foodchoices, getting plenty of sleep, and increasing your daily activity (walking instead of takingthe shuttle) will help. But one of the most important things you can do is exercise for at least30 minutes, most days of the week. Your exercise plan should include three main components:

Cardio (aerobic) exercise burns calories, trains your body to use more fat as fuel, strengthens yourheart and lungs and helps relieve stress. Aim for 30-60 minutes, 3-6 days per week.

Strength training helps you maintain and build lean muscle. If you aren't strength trainingregularly, you'll lose muscle (about half a pound per year) and your metabolism will slow downalong with it. Fit in a full body workout (about 8-12 exercises) twice per week.

Stretching or flexibility training, can help you improve your fitness level in other areasas well as reduce your risk for injury and joint problems later. Stretch after every workoutand when you need a relaxing break.

Your college recreation center will likely have all the options you need to stay healthy and fit,cardio machines, fitness classes, personal trainers, weights, a pool, an indoor track and more. Buton those busy days (or late nights) the gym might not be an option. Here's what you CAN do withlittle or no money right from the comfort and convenience of your own (little) room.Cardio Options

(FREE!) Even though you might feel corny by yourself, you can "design" your ownworkout for your small place. Try a combination of any of the following low-impact moves,always trying to get both your arms and legs involved: • Marching in place • Side steps (step touch)• Stepping up and down the stairs or running the stairs in your building • Jogging in place or high knee running in place • Jumping jacks• Kickboxing moves (front kicks, squats, side kicks, punches)• Turn on your favorite music and just dance!

What you are ableto do in your room,whether staying upto study or wakingup early to workout,is somewhatdependent on yourroommate's feelingsand schedule.

If space and ceilings allow, jumping rope ($6) can torch big calories.If you don't have room for a rope, mimic it with your hands and wrists.Jump in place, skip, hop on one foot, etc. to get your heart pumping. Workout videos or DVDs ($10+) offer a lot of variety for a very lowinvestment. Some workouts can be done in a small space, such as lowimpact aerobics, kickboxing, cardio Pilates, belly dancing, and more. Strength Training Options

(FREE!) You can use your body weight for resistance to workseveral major muscle groups.

Resistance bands ($15) offer greater resistance than your bodyweight alone, plus they're small, easy to store and have endlesspossibilities.

For just a few more dollars, a good set of dumbbells ($20) and evena stability ball ($25) can round out your workout plan, giving you evenmore strength training options. Put your chair into storage and sit onyour ball instead and you'll strengthen more than your mind while youstudy, plus it doubles as exercise equipment when you need it.Flexibility Options

(FREE!) Most stretches can be done while sitting or standing, so youdon't need any special equipment. Consider using your dorm furnitureto help increase your stretching capacity: prop up foot up onto yourchair, desk, or bed to stretch the hamstrings more deeply; use the wallsfor stretching your arms, chest, and calves.

Invest in a yoga workout video. This form of exercise not onlystretches and strengthens, but it also helps relieve stress and calm thatbusy mind, preparing you for a more restful sleep or energized day.Consider buying a yoga mat ($20) or padded exercise mat ($25+) theywill make stretching (and other floor exercises) much more comfortable.

Consider buying a yoga mat ($20) or padded exercise mat ($25+).Both can be rolled up or folded away easily, and they will makestretching (and other floor exercises) much more comfortable.

Dorm life doesn't have to be a doom. For little or no money, the singleroom that multitasks as a bedroom, study, kitchen and lounge can alsobecome your own personal gym. Leave college weight gain at the door.In just a few minutes a day, you'll see a toned, healthy, and relaxed bodyand mind. What better way to experience college life?

Source: www.sparkpeople.com


body basics

36 FRESHMENCOLLEGE TIPS


PUBLISHER/ Jackie Epps EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

EDITORIAL

PHOTOGRAPHY Mark L. Dennis Alan L. Jones GRAPHICARTIST Claire Lesesne www.JandCDesigns.com

WEBADMINISTRATOR Andre Felipe for Arts Period www.artsperiod.com

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, Jr.Pastor, New Shiloh Baptist Church, MD

Dr. Suzan Johnson Cook, U.S. Ambassador

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 VaughnMedia Executive

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 2013. All rights reserved. Reproduction without expressed permission is prohibited.

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Dr. Kenneth O. RobinsonHarold A. Carter, Jr.Cassandra Vaughn-FoxHerline A. KnightsPastors Gregory and Tonya DennisCarla J. DebnamDonna Williams-RossGovernor Martin O’MalleyEricka JohnsonMayor Stephanie Rawlings-BlakeRev. Tim TootenBrandie Manigault

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Jackie EppsEditor-in-Chief

Did YouPRAY

Today?What did you pray for today? What and who is on your prayer list? What are you believing God for? No doubt you prayed for your family and loved ones today. Perhaps you may have prayed about your home, your finances and/or your health. I believe you would agree that prayer is single handedly the most powerful tool we possess. Prayer lays the foundation for sweet dreams at night, and prayer jump starts us at the dawn of a new day. Some of us even whisper a little prayer as we go about our daily activities. We know that prayer is one of the best ways to communicate with God and to spend time with God. In fact the bible tells us to, “pray without ceasing.” I Thessalonians 5:17

We all know that prayer changes things. There is plenty of proof in the Word of God to validate prayer and the benefits of prayer. One of God’s promises is that He hears us when we pray. Isn’t it good to know that no matter what we are faced with, we can go boldly to the throne and make our petitions known to God and He will answer? The Word of God tells us that, “What things soever ye desire, when

you pray, believe that ye receive them and ye shall have them.” Mark 11:24

Prayer is not only a tool but it is a powerful weapon that we all possess. It can break strongholds, heal the sick, bind the brokenhearted and send the enemy fleeing away from you. There are times when it may seem that our prayers have not been answered fast enough. But we discover while we wait for an answer that answer is always right on time. “The fervent effectual prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” James 5:16

This year alone much has happened and time waits for no one. Our world, our country, our state, our city, and our neighborhoods are in a state of emergency. There is so much heartache and devastation in the land from natural disasters, devastating fires, the effects of catastrophic tornadoes and hurricanes and manmade disasters.

The media paints a grim picture every day of gang murders, Black on Black crime, children hit by stray bullets and the total disregard for human life. There is teen pregnancy, school dropouts, child-abuse, and the cry of unemployment, to name a few. But I believe all is not lost. Why do I believe that all is not lost? Because I believe prayer still works and prayer still changes things.

There are hundreds of thousands of believers in this world, in our country and in our cities. God promises us in His Word, “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” II Chronicles 7:14

Did you pray today? “Man ought always to pray.” Luke 18:1

Peace and Blessings . . .


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, Jr.Pastor, New Shiloh Baptist Church, MD

Dr. Suzan Johnson Cook, U.S. Ambassador

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 VaughnMedia Executive

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

Grace & Glory Magazine By Mail!

For subscriptions go to our website:www.gracenglorymagazine.org

For advertising information contact443-813-6547; 410-370-2636

or [email protected]

Follow us on facebook at facebook.com/gracenglorymagazineand twitter @gracenglorymag

Check out our website at: www.gracenglorymagazine.org

from the editor


Q&A

IntervIew

Q&A

QI sat down with Dr. Vaughn and Mrs.

Vaughn to talk with them about two

monumental occasions coming up in

their lives; the 75th Birthday of Dr. A.C.D.

Vaughn and the 50th Wedding Anniversary

for Dr. Vaughn and Mrs. Vaughn. I am

so happy to be able to share some of the

highlights of our conversation with our

readers.

I asked Dr. Vaughn if he would start

the conversation and he began at the

beginning. He talked in depth about

growing up as a teenager, his college

years during the peak of the Civil Rights

Movement, his call to ministry and of

course his family. Here are highlights from

our conversation.

Jackie Epps

A&

A ConversAtIonwIth

Dr. AlfreD C.D. vAughnG&G: Dr. Vaughn for many of us, you are a living historical treasure. At this point of your life, how would you best describe yourself? How much different is the man you are now and the young man that was licensed to preach at an early age?Dr. Vaughn: I don’t think there is much difference in the man I am now and the 19 year old licensed preacher. What I mean by that is I was taught respect, morals and values as a young man; and I still live my life by those same lessons.

G&G: So much is happening in today’s society that affects our young people and much of the focus is on our Black male teenagers. What were you taught by your parents growing up as an African American male?Dr. Vaughn: My father often talked about the meanness and nastiness of a segregated society. My father’s mother worked as a maid for a white family and one day she accidentally spilled tea on the madam of the house. This white woman was so angry with her that she put out one of his mother’s eyes. My parents taught me that we were not second class citizens, and that this country was built on the backs of our ancestors and that with their blood, sweat and tears we had a right to be here.

G&G: I am sure you have witnessed many instances of injustice that affected our Black communities. Just recently the Trayvon Martin/George Zimmerman case was tried in court and its outcome caused an uproar all over the country. What were your first thoughts when you heard the verdict? Dr. Vaughn: I was not surprised at the verdict, in fact I predicted it, and there were too many factors of this trial that didn’t line up for a favorable outcome. But the final judge has not spoken yet; and we all know who that judge is. I am mighty afraid that God may move His favor from America and give it to some third world country. However



IntervIew

Q&A

A ConversAtIonwIth

Dr. AlfreD C.D. vAughn

there is still hope; for He said, “If my people would humble themselves and pray He would heal their land.” Well it will take God to do the healing not the federal government, not city hall, etc.

G&G: Dr. Vaughn, did you ever do anything crazy as a teenager? What was the worst thing you got in trouble for?Dr. Vaughn: I can’t answer that question because I was afraid of trouble and my mother. We grew up where other mothers could discipline you if they saw you acting up and your mother knew about it before you even got home; at which point she would put the icing on the cake (if you know what I mean). In addition we grew up with solid values; we spent all of our time either in school or in church. Even our recreational time was spent in church.

G&G: Dr. Vaughn, shifting gears a little I understand that you are not only celebrating your birthday but your 50th wedding anniversary as well. In fact you married Mrs. Vaughn on your birthday. Would you share with us the secret to a love that lasts for 50 years? How do you get along with another person for five decades?Dr. Vaughn: You get along with another person for five decades by remembering that just like you that person have perfections and imperfections too. The secret of marriage comes from the words of an old song, “You’ve got to give a little, take a little . . . that’s the story of, that’s the glory of love.” If you really want to survive a happy marriage for 50 years, another secret is to learn to say, “Honey you’re right.” And finally make sure it is all anchored in prayer, because the real secret to a successful marriage is prayer. G&G: Dr. Vaughn, what first attracted you to Mrs. Vaughn? How did she standout above the rest? Dr. Vaughn: What first attracted me was her stubbornness. I asked her to marry me three times and she said no three times, of course she finally said yes. Seriously, I didn’t just jump into marriage. I prayed for a wife and asked the Lord to let me know

when I found her. I was 22 years old when I met Mrs. Vaughn, and I knew then I had met my wife.

G&G: What are some of your most memorable moments of your lifetime? What are your greatest joys and disappointments? Are there any regrets?Dr. Vaughn: The most memorable moments and greatest joys of my lifetime were of course being blessed with three children and three grandchildren. I have no regrets; I thank the Lord for my successes and failures.

G&G: Dr. Vaughn, just recently your good friend Dr. Harold A. Carter passed away. How would you like to be remembered after you leave this world? Dr. Vaughn: I would like to be remembered as a servant of God and not a celebrity, the greatest thing is to be saved and then called by God. Even with that calling I never felt equal to the task. There was never anything phony about me; what you see is what you get. G&G: Dr. Vaughn, have you accomplished everything you wanted to do in life? Dr. Vaughn: I have not accomplished everything in my life, there is still more for me to do. Growing up I was always taught, “Good, better, best. Never let it rest. Until your good is better and your better is best.” I suppose when I have accomplished everything that the Lord has for me to do, He will call me home and I know I will be in great company there.

G&G: Dr. Vaughn you are turning 75 years old, what would you say you know for sure about life? What are you looking forward to in the future?Dr. Vaughn: I know for sure that there is nothing you face that you can’t conquer with the Lord; and that it pays to serve the Lord. I am looking forward to being a real example for my children, grandchildren and the world. In closing I have never understood everything about life, but I had faith and trust in the Lord that if you never doubt, the Lord will surely work it out.



Dr. Vaughn Birthday Tribute



Dr. HarolD a.Carter, Jr.

first lady speaks

“As Dr. A.C.D. Vaughn and Dr. Lillian Vaughn celebrate their ‘Golden Wedding Anniversary’, I thought it would be fitting to include this article (written by Mrs. Vaughn six years ago) as a tribute to their marriage of 50 years. It is one of my favorite articles and once you read it you will feel the love and admiration Mrs. Vaughn has for her husband.” Jackie EppsHow to Be a Mate to God’s Special ManBy Dr. Lillian Vaughn

I began my Christian walk in 1955, on a Wednesday afternoon at the First Baptist Church in Colerain, North Carolina. I was the tender age of twelve. Little did I know at that time the great things that God was going to do in my life. I did not know at that time the way the Lord was going to direct or bless my life. It was not until September of 1961 when He directed me to enroll in Virginia Seminary and College in Lynchburg, Virginia, in the Business Department, that He began to reveal to me the path that my life would take. It was there that I first met my husband, best friend, soul mate, spiritual and Christian leader, Rev. Dr. Alfred C.D. Vaughn. As I look back over our 50 years of marriage, I know and believe this was and is a divine act of God. For He and He alone knows the path that He has designed for us. I never dreamed that He would allow me to become the wife of a Blessed Man of God. I feel that God has highly honored me by letting me be married to God’s Special Man! In my book God’s Special Man is any man that He has selected to preach His Gospel. In my case, that Special Man happens to be The Rev. Dr. Alfred Corrogan Daniel Vaughn. He is my husband who is the Senior Pastor of Sharon Baptist Church. He has been called a preacher’s preacher, but I simply know him as a “Servant, not a Celebrity for God’s Word.” For 52 years, I have known him, and he is the same man I met that wonderful day on our college campus. We have been married

for 50 years, and God has blessed us to be the parents of Corrogan, Lynnette, and

Cassandra. God has also blessed us with the apples of our eyes: three beautiful, intelligent

grandchildren, Lauren Apryle, Crystal Alease, and Caleel Larry Fox. God has blessed us over the years to parent several Godchildren and sons and daughters in the ministry. I thank God for allowing us to nurture the lives of so many and for teaching me daily on how to be a mate to His Special Man. First of all, if you are going to be a real mate to God’s Special Man, you must realize that God has given him the highest calling that any man or woman can have. This must always be remembered and respected. He sits in the driver’s seat, and no one else has the view of the Spiritual Road as he sees it. Secondly, you must see your marriage as a spiritual partnership. You must know that God has placed the two of you together that He might get the glory out of your lives. Together, if there is unity in your home, God will make you a blessing to so many others. You must also make sure that you are your husband’s number one encourager. You must always remember that even though he is God’s Special Man, he needs encouragement. He hurts like other men; he knows his midnights of sorrow he can’t often share. In some cases he is made to serve a rebellious people, and when he comes home, it will help his ministry to know that when he opens the door, his number one encourager will be there. If you give him the loving, tender care he deserves after a hard day of work, he will always know that his tomorrow will be better. As you serve side by side with God’s Special Man, you can keep little petty things away from him. If you are wise and stay prayed up,


Dr. Lillian Vaughn


Dr. HarolD a.Carter, Jr.

first lady speaks

there will be a lot of little fires that you will be able to put out before they get started. You must always realize that you are part of the covering that God has given him. You are his partner in marriage, prayer, and service. When you realize this, then you are ready to be a blessing to your partner in Ministry. As a partner with God’s Special Man, you also have the blessing of being host with him to so many others. Always let them know that the doors of your home open on welcome hinges. Let them know that your home is the house of prayer. Let them know that you and your husband boldly proclaim that, “As for me and my house we are going to serve the Lord.” You will soon discover that it is in being a blessing to others that you are blessed. If you are going to be a good mate to God’s Special Man, you must not just talk the talk, but you must walk the walk. In everything you do, let people see Christ in you. Please do

not become title conscious or caught up on the “First Lady” syndrome. Instead get caught up in being one of “God’s Lady’s” and a good wife to your husband. You must always remember that the BIBLE says, “A

woman who serves the Lord, shall be praised.” If you are going to be a real mate to God’s Special Man, make sure that the two of you give prime time to your children and each other. Your children are normal children, and they must not be treated otherwise. They need parents that they can lean on. You must make sure that they have it in you. Enjoy a good movie with them as a family. Plan trips where they will spend quality time with you and their father. Make sure that your family

has real time with each other at mealtime around the table. As a real mate to your husband and a mother to your children, stay on your knees. Keep your marriage and children covered with prayer. Pray for the ministry of your husband and the church. Pray for your city and your city government. Pray daily in thanksgiving to God for giving you a real partnership with God’s Special Man. Let Him know that you know you are highly favored to have been chosen to walk hand in hand with His servant.

I can truthfully say that these 50 years of walking with God’s Special Man has been a sweet walk. I love my husband because he loves God and gives his all to God first and his family.



womans perspective

CaSandra VaughnMedia Executive

Dr. A. C. D. Vaughn

Reflections of . . .

My Dad

Our Grandad

As a little girl you always want to have a big wedding get married and have a family. What we don’t know as kids is that as picture perfect as that may look. Marriage and love are things that are gifts from God and can only work if God provides. I have been blessed to have a dad that exemplifies love. My dad through example has showed me that true love isn’t something that you create it is something that you nurture. He shows us that love doesn’t have to be intimate but it is what you should exude everyday toward mankind. My dad chose a career of servant-hood so that he could love everyone and lead

them to Christ. As a result he has raised me to be a great parent and person. My goal every day is to be able to give as much love as my dad has shown me, my siblings, my children, and our family. Some of the fondest memories are made with Great people. I thank God for my Great father, Dr. A. C. D. Vaughn. Happy 75th Daddy, I Love you, and happy 50th Anniversary Mommy and Daddy. Until Next Time, Stay Focused, Stay Positive, Stay in Love. . .

Cassandra Vaughn

WE have known you our entire lives. The love that you show us unconditionally is something that most people never imagine is possible. People call you Doctor, Reverend, Pastor, but to us you are our Poppie, our Protector, our Spiritual leader, our father, our All and All. Poppie we are grateful that God placed us in your family. You have been with us through good and through bad. You show us on a daily basis how to be a man, a father, a leader, and a Christian. You instill values in us that make us better human beings. Congratulations on 75 years! May God bless you with many, many, more. Love, Your grandchildren,

Lauren, Crystal, and Caleel15 August 2013 | Grace&Glory

and

The Greatest Love

16 August 2013 | Grace&Glory www.gracenglorymagazine.org 16


mayor’s journal


governor’s page

Better Choices, Better Results

by Governor Martin O’Malley

Governor O’Malley joins YouthWorks’ summer jobs participants at MICA.

In Maryland, we know that there is no progress without jobs. That’s why we set out to recover 100 percent of the jobs our State lost in the national recession by 2014.

We’ve been making steady progress toward that goal, and we’re now within less than one percentage point. So far, we’ve recovered 144,900 jobs, or 99.4 percent of the jobs we lost. In June alone, Maryland businesses created 6,200 new jobs.

None of this happened by accident. These jobs are the result of the better choices we’re making together. Better choices like investing in education, and in innovation.

The most important investment we can make is in our people, our most valuable resource. We’ve built up one of the most highly skilled workforces in the country. We have the nation’s most Ph.D. scientists and researchers per capita. We’re working with our partners in the private sector to develop employer-led skills training in some of our most high-demand sectors. We have done more to hold down tuition at our State’s colleges and universities than any other state. Working together, we’ve helped our lower-income students achieve the greatest improvement in student achievement anywhere in America. And for an unprecedented five years

in a row, we’ve built America’s #1 best public school system.

We continue to target our skills and investment pipeline to bolster the life sciences, biotech, cyber security, space and aerospace, global trade, and advanced manufacturing because we know that to move forward in our jobs recovery, we must make the better choices to grow our Innovation Economy. All of this to ensure that we can continue to expand opportunity and strengthen our diverse and growing middle class.

We also know that there is no job creation without fiscal

responsibility. Through a balanced approach of record budget cuts and modern investments, we’ve constrained growth, made government smaller, nearly eliminated the long-standing structural deficit, and strengthened our State’s Rainy Day Fund. Because of these better choices, Maryland stands as one of only nine states with a Triple A bond rating affirmed by all three bond-rating agencies.

The most important job we create is the next one. We have made great progress together, but there is more work to be done to ensure that Marylanders can compete and win in the 21st century global economy.


Dr. Tim Tooten, Sr.

education digest

It’s taken me a few weeks to sort out my emotions surrounding the outcome of the George Zimmerman trial in Sanford, Florida. Zimmerman had been charged with second-degree murder and manslaughter in the shooting death of an unarmed African-American teenager Trayvon Martin. On July 13, 2013, the jury in that case returned a not guilty verdict. I can’t say I was surprised. Here’s why. If there is one thing I have learned as a journalist. The criminal justice system, although complex, is designed to give individuals a fair trial under the law. These are some of my thoughts. First of all, I am a proud native of the state of Florida. I was born and raised in a little sleep north Florida town called Live Oak. All of my family members continue to reside in the state. Like so many people across this nation, I sat on the edge of my seat in the hours leading up to the Zimmerman verdict. I knew that regardless of the outcome there would be plenty of conversations taking place in the days and months ahead. I waited until now to put my thoughts on paper. In our newsroom, the trial, verdict and national coverage became a topic of discussion among fellow journalists. But there was more to be said. On Friday, July 19, 2013, President Barak Obama spoke to the nation. He shared his opinion. Here’s a portion of that speech I chose to highlight: “There are very few African American men in this country who haven’t had the experience of being followed when they were shopping in a department store. That includes me. There are very few African American men who haven’t had the experience of walking across the street and hearing the locks click on the doors of cars. That happens to me -- at least before I was a senator. There are very few African Americans who haven’t had the experience of getting on an elevator and a woman clutching her purse nervously and holding her breath

until she had a chance to get off. That happens often.” I can relate to all of those statements. I’ve been followed in a department store. I’ve walked across the street and heard the click of car doors. I’ve had the experience of getting on an elevator and sensed the fear of a woman standing next to me. I’ve had the experience of attending segregated schools, being led to the black section of our local movie theatre and being verbally abused for asking for the menu inside of a predominately white restaurant. This all took place in my hometown of Live Oak, Florida. As an adult African-American male living in Baltimore, Maryland, I have been racially profiled several times just minutes away from my suburban home. In a few of those instances, the policeman stopped me, took a look at my driver’s license and then realized I was a local television reporter. I was allowed to continue my day’s business. These are just a few of the reasons why I believe that talking about race in America is the right conversation. It needs to be discussed. All of us have to be willing to have the conversation and then to prayerfully open our hearts to change and to be honest about our own biases. A few hours before President Obama spoke to the nation about the Florida case, I listened to the words of Martin Luther King, III. He was in Baltimore to drum up support for the 50th anniversary of the historic march on Washington. It was the march in which his father, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., talked about having a dream. There is one specific part of Dr. King’s speech I believe is worth mentioning in 2013: “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.” Martin Luther King III talked that day about the issue of race as it relates to what happened to Trayvon Martin. He said, “This is not a one ethnic group issue, this is an issue that should impact all Americans, because no child should have to be concerned about whether he or she in some context would be able to get home safely.” King added, “50 years later while we have made some strides that the climate in our nation at this moment has dictated that the civil rights struggles and movement is not complete.” This is why I believe we need to create opportunities to have the right conversations about race, conversations that should start at home.

Dr. Tim Tooten, Sr. is an Emmy-Awarding win-ning television journalist and is the Senior Edu-cation Reporter for WBAL-TV (NBC) in Balti-more, Mary-land. He’s the Pastor and Founder of Harvest Christian Ministries in Baltimore, County Maryland.



by Brandie ManigaultBook Shelf

The Atonement Child By Francine RiversThe Atonement Child by Francine Rivers follows the story of 19 year old Dynah, a college student who is raped and one of the results of the rape is her becoming pregnant. Although a fictional novel written in 1997, the message remains relevant, especially during times like these when human life seems to be so undervalued in our society. This is an intense subject and the author does an amazing job exploring it. The Atonement Child will have you asking yourself questions like “What do I believe?”, “Why do I believe it?” and “Could something happen to make me change my mind?”

In The Atonement Child Dynah is a young Christian girl attending Bible College when the unthinkable happens- she is raped. Things are bad enough dealing with that kind of violation, but then Dynah finds herself with child as a result. She has always had pro-life views, so did her parents, so did her boyfriend... until this unplanned, unwanted pregnancy occurred. Now, they must honestly take a hard look at what they believe: no sugar-coating anything! Like so many families, tragedy has a way of revealing secrets and bringing us together. When serious challenges come along, faith is tested and we have a choice to make: trust God or go our own way. As the story unfolds, Rivers delicately address the controversial topic of abortion while exposing the reader to the challenges of challenging your faith. This life altering

Francine Rivers Francine Rivers began her literary career at the University of Nevada, Reno, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Journalism. From 1976 to 1985, she had a successful writing career in the general market and her books were awarded or nominated for numerous awards and prizes. Although raised in a religious home, Francine did not truly encounter Christ until later in life, when she was already a wife, mother of three, and an

established romance novelist. Shortly after becoming a born-again Christian in 1986, Francine wrote Redeeming Love as her statement of faith. This retelling of the biblical story of Gomer and Hosea set during the time of the California Gold Rush is now considered a classic work of Christian fiction and continues to be one of the Christian Booksellers Association’s top-selling titles; it has held a spot on the Christian bestseller list for nearly a decade.

Since Redeeming Love, Francine has published more than 20 novels with Christian themes - all bestsellers- and she has continued to win both industry acclaim and reader loyalty around the globe. Her Christian novels have been awarded or nominated for numerous awards including the RITA Award, the Christy Award, the ECPA Gold Medallion, and the Holt Medallion in Honor of Outstanding Literary Talent. In 1997, after winning her third RITA award for Inspirational Fiction, Francine was inducted into the Romance Writers’ of America Hall of Fame. In 2007, the feature-length film version of her novel The Last Sin Eater was released in theaters by Fox Faith. In March 2010, Francine officially became a New York Times bestselling author, when Her Mother’s Hope debuted at #12 on the hardcover fiction bestsellers lists. The sequel, Her Daughter’s Dream, debuted at #12 on the same list just 6 months later, in September, 2010.

Francine and her husband Rick live in Northern California with their three grown children and five grandchildren. She uses her writing to draw closer to the Lord, and that through her work she might worship and praise Jesus for all He has done and is doing in her life.

About The Author

event occurring in and to Dynah effects more than just Dynah. It causes everyone around her to go on a life examining journey as well.

If you’re interested in some light reading, The Atonement Child isn’t it. If you’re looking for something insightful and thought-provoking, this is the

book for you! This story is great

for starting discussions with friends and family about not-only abortion, but other hot-button topics where Christian values don’t line up with popular culture and secular opinion. Will you stay true to what lines up with God’s Word or will you make excuses and concessions because it affects you personally? Hmm...

-Siobhan Saulsbury

bookshelf

Dear Readers,Check out my good friend and avid reader, Siobhan Saulsbury’s review on Francine Rivers’ book The Atonement Child. I hope it inspires you to go pick up a copy, dive right in, and make yourself vulnerable enough in reading to go on the journey with the characters.

-Brandie@iambandaid


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Carla J. Debnam, MS, LCPCExecutive Director,

Renaissance ChristianCounseling Center

This summer has started off with a bang. The voting rights act has been dumbed down, George Zimmerman has been found not guilty, and shooting sprees have taken place in cities across the country. We have had what many have said is a wake up call. We are at a turning point; a critical juncture in the world where decisions need to be made that will have impact for generations to come. We have to begin assessing the signs of the times and then make intelligent decisions based upon what will benefit others not just ourselves. We live in a world where people have become more selfish and self-seeking. It is never about what is best for others but some have adopted the ‘what’s in it for me’ mindset. In order to combat the proliferation of this attitude, we have to nurture the desire to be more concerned about the well being of others in our personal sphere of influence. We have to begin heeding the words of Jesus so we can make better choices when we are at a turning point in our lives. He reminds us in Matthew 7, “In everything, do to others what you would have them do to you.” A divorce, death of a loved one, new job, and birth of a child, sickness or marriage can also be turning points. All turning points are a time when the outcome of a situation can make a difference for good or bad. We need to make the most of all the information we receive and take into consideration what our choices have on someone or something else. Using our best judgment can benefit not only us but also others. Thinking

before acting can save us the grief of regret and may also keep others from living out the consequences of our mistakes. Take the time to be more considerate and thoughtful of others. If the Supreme Court had considered the number of years of racial injustice and not just the past few years of what seems like racial tolerance then they would have continued protecting the right to vote. If George Zimmerman had not been driven by fear of a young African American male then Trayvon Martin would still be alive. If people were open to problem solving, gaining understanding and had options other than criminal activity due to their lack of choices for job opportunity. None of these are excuses for the action described but must be taken in the wider context of their impact beyond their personal influence. We are reminded that we have power for good or bad. The choice is ours. The next choice we make can be the turning point in the lives of others and not just your own life. Make sure you make the right ones.

Turning PointTurning Point

to your good health


nutrition & you

By Herline A. Knights,RD, LD

Midlife weight gain seems almost inevitable, but is it? Learn what you can and what you can not avoid during your 40s and 50s.

These are the main reasons that people gain weight in midlife:• Hormones • Stress• Overeating • Lack of physical activity

You can only blame approximately 2%-5% of weight gain in midlife on hormones.

Weight gain as you ageYou will gain weight if you do not decrease the amount of food that you eat or increase the amount of physical activity that you do. Metabolism slows down by about 10% during every decade after your teens. The average person gains 10-15 pounds (lb) between the ages of 30 and 40. It is very important that a woman’s waist doesn’t measure more than 35″ and that a man’s waist doesn’t measure more than 40″. Once you exceed these limits, your risk for developing cardiovascular disease and diabetes increases.

Exercise With age, people tend to lose ½ lb of muscle mass, and gain ½ lb of fat each year. This is why it is so important to begin strength training two to three times/week. Moderate aerobic exercise at least 5 days/week will help to keep the weight off by burning calories and decreasing your appetite.

Other steps to prevent weight gain These tips, in addition to exercise, can help to prevent weight gain as you enter midlife: • Learn proper portion sizes. Yes, this means actually getting out the scale, the measuring cups, and the measuring spoons. You will not need to use them forever. Today we are surrounded by enormous portions, and many of us have lost the ability to determine what a normal portion size looks like.• Do not bring junk into your house. The best way to prevent eating junk food is to not have it available. If you must have junk food, buy yourself an individual serving bag. Stop thinking of warehouse sizes as money-saving options. It is not saving you money if you do not even really want 10 lbs of gumdrops (or whatever your vice is) especially if you only eat it because you “spent good money on it.” • Prepare for the munchies. You are going to get hungry, and your best plan of action is to keep your house, office, car, or briefcase stocked with healthful options. A handful of nuts, an apple, or a little bag of pretzels really can take the edge off. Do not tell yourself that you are just “never going to eat between meals,” because you are setting yourself up to fail.• Practice relaxation, and read up on stress management. It will do your body, your mind, and your spirit good.• Do not try to lose more than 1-2 lb/week. To lose 1-2 lb/week, you will need to cut 250-500 calories/day. A regular can of soda often contains 180 calories; so, if you drink many soft drinks each day, this is an easy thing to cut in order to reduce your calorie consumption.



College life opens new and exciting opportunities for young adults. Leaving the comforts of homefor the first time to live with a total stranger in a room the size of a closet; making your own choicesabout where to go, when to return, what time to go to bed and who to spend time with; assuming morefinancial responsibility for books, groceries, and entertainment; oh, and there's that learning thing too.

DORM ROOM WORKOUTS

Most colleges and universities require incoming freshman to live in the dorms, which meansa couple things when it comes to your health:

• You have little choice when it comes to your food since you're using a meal plan andusually don't have access to a full kitchen.

• Your space is limited, which also limits your overall activity (three steps to your desk, onestep to the fridge and a few steps to the hall bathroom).

• What you are able to do in your room, whether staying up to study or waking up early toworkout, is somewhat dependent on your roommate's feelings and schedule.

This combination of limited food choices, small space, and late nights can lead to the notorious"Freshman 15". According to recent research, the odds are against you after move-in day:

Cornell University researchers found that college freshman gain half a pound per week onaverage. That's about 11 times more weight than the average 17-and 18-year old will gain, andnearly 20 times more than the average weight gain among adults.

The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) found that both male and female collegestudents eat approximately 500 additional calories between the hours of 8 p.m. and 4 a.m.

But the dreaded college weight gain is NOT inevitable. Sure, some young adults are stillgrowing in height, bone structure, and weight. But taking a preventive approach (rather thantrying to crash diet or over-exercise when it's too late) is your best bet. Making healthier foodchoices, getting plenty of sleep, and increasing your daily activity (walking instead of takingthe shuttle) will help. But one of the most important things you can do is exercise for at least30 minutes, most days of the week. Your exercise plan should include three main components:

Cardio (aerobic) exercise burns calories, trains your body to use more fat as fuel, strengthens yourheart and lungs and helps relieve stress. Aim for 30-60 minutes, 3-6 days per week.

Strength training helps you maintain and build lean muscle. If you aren't strength trainingregularly, you'll lose muscle (about half a pound per year) and your metabolism will slow downalong with it. Fit in a full body workout (about 8-12 exercises) twice per week.

Stretching or flexibility training, can help you improve your fitness level in other areasas well as reduce your risk for injury and joint problems later. Stretch after every workoutand when you need a relaxing break.

Your college recreation center will likely have all the options you need to stay healthy and fit,cardio machines, fitness classes, personal trainers, weights, a pool, an indoor track and more. Buton those busy days (or late nights) the gym might not be an option. Here's what you CAN do withlittle or no money right from the comfort and convenience of your own (little) room.Cardio Options

(FREE!) Even though you might feel corny by yourself, you can "design" your ownworkout for your small place. Try a combination of any of the following low-impact moves,always trying to get both your arms and legs involved: • Marching in place • Side steps (step touch)• Stepping up and down the stairs or running the stairs in your building • Jogging in place or high knee running in place • Jumping jacks• Kickboxing moves (front kicks, squats, side kicks, punches)• Turn on your favorite music and just dance!

What you are ableto do in your room,whether staying upto study or wakingup early to workout,is somewhatdependent on yourroommate's feelingsand schedule.

If space and ceilings allow, jumping rope ($6) can torch big calories.If you don't have room for a rope, mimic it with your hands and wrists.Jump in place, skip, hop on one foot, etc. to get your heart pumping. Workout videos or DVDs ($10+) offer a lot of variety for a very lowinvestment. Some workouts can be done in a small space, such as lowimpact aerobics, kickboxing, cardio Pilates, belly dancing, and more. Strength Training Options

(FREE!) You can use your body weight for resistance to workseveral major muscle groups.

Resistance bands ($15) offer greater resistance than your bodyweight alone, plus they're small, easy to store and have endlesspossibilities.

For just a few more dollars, a good set of dumbbells ($20) and evena stability ball ($25) can round out your workout plan, giving you evenmore strength training options. Put your chair into storage and sit onyour ball instead and you'll strengthen more than your mind while youstudy, plus it doubles as exercise equipment when you need it.Flexibility Options

(FREE!) Most stretches can be done while sitting or standing, so youdon't need any special equipment. Consider using your dorm furnitureto help increase your stretching capacity: prop up foot up onto yourchair, desk, or bed to stretch the hamstrings more deeply; use the wallsfor stretching your arms, chest, and calves.

Invest in a yoga workout video. This form of exercise not onlystretches and strengthens, but it also helps relieve stress and calm thatbusy mind, preparing you for a more restful sleep or energized day.Consider buying a yoga mat ($20) or padded exercise mat ($25+) theywill make stretching (and other floor exercises) much more comfortable.

Consider buying a yoga mat ($20) or padded exercise mat ($25+).Both can be rolled up or folded away easily, and they will makestretching (and other floor exercises) much more comfortable.

Dorm life doesn't have to be a doom. For little or no money, the singleroom that multitasks as a bedroom, study, kitchen and lounge can alsobecome your own personal gym. Leave college weight gain at the door.In just a few minutes a day, you'll see a toned, healthy, and relaxed bodyand mind. What better way to experience college life?

Source: www.sparkpeople.com


body basics


1. Go to all orientations. Do you really need to go on yet another campus tour? Yes. The faster you learn your way around campus -- and around all the red tape -- the more at ease you’ll feel and the better prepared you’ll be when issues arise.2. Get to know your roommate and others in your residence hall. The people you live with, most of whom are going through similar experiences and emotions are your main safety net -- not only this year, but for all your years. You may change roommates after the first semester or you may stay roommates for all four years -- just take the time to get to know your fellow first-year students.3. Get Organized. In high school, the teachers tended to lead you through all the homework and due dates. In college, the professors post the assignments -- often for the entire semester -- and expect you to be prepared. Buy an organizer, a PDA, a big wall calendar -- whatever it takes for you to know when assignments are due.4. Find the ideal place for you to study. It may be your dorm room or a cozy corner of the library, but find a place that works best for you to get your work done -- while avoiding as many distractions as possible. 5. Go to class. Obvious, right? Maybe, but sleeping in and skipping that 8 am class will be tempting at times. Avoid the temptation. Besides learning the material by attending classes, you’ll also receive vital information from the professors about what to expect on tests, changes in due dates, etc. 6. Become an expert on course requirements and due dates. Professors spend hours and hours preparing course syllabi and calendars so that you will know exactly what is expected of you -- and when. One of the lamest excuses a student can give a professor: “I didn’t know it was due today.”

7. Meet with your professors. Speaking as a professor, I can assure you there are only upsides to getting to know your professors, especially if later in the semester you run into some snags. Professors schedule office hours for the sole purpose of meeting with students -- take advantage of that time.8. Get to know your academic adviser. This is the person who will help you with course conflicts, adding or dropping courses, scheduling of classes for future semesters, deciding on majors and minors. This person is a key resource for you -- and should be the person you turn to with any academic issues or conflicts. And don’t be afraid of requesting another adviser if you don’t click with the one first assigned to you.9. Seek a balance. College life is a mixture of social and academic happenings. Don’t tip the balance too far in either direction. One of my favorite former students always used to say her motto was to “study hard so she could play hard.” 10. Get involved on campus. A big problem for a lot of new students is a combination of homesickness and a feeling of not quite belonging. A solution? Consider joining a select group -- and be careful not to go overboard -- of student organizations, clubs, sororities or fraternities, or sports teams. You’ll make new friends, learn new skills, and feel more connected to your school.11. Strive for good grades. Another obvious one here, right? Remember the words of the opening paragraph; while good grades could have come naturally to you in high school, you will have to earn them in college -- and that means setting some goals for yourself and then making sure you work as hard as you can to achieve them.12. Take advantage of the study resources on campus. Just about all


college life

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college lifecolleges have learning labs and tutors available. If you’re having some troubles, these resources are another tool available to you. Another idea: form study groups.13. Make time for you. Be sure you set aside some time and activities that help you relax and take the stress out of your day or week. Whether it’s enlisting yoga techniques, watching your favorite television shows, or writing in a journal, be good to yourself.14. Don’t feel pressured to make a hasty decision about a career or a major. It doesn’t matter if it seems as though everyone else seems to know what they’re doing with their lives -- believe me, they don’t -- college is the time for you to really discover who you are, what you enjoy doing, what you’re good at, and what you want to be. It’s not a race; take your time and enjoy exploring your options.15. Take responsibility for yourself and your actions. Don’t look to place the blame on others for your mistakes; own up to them and move on. Being an adult means taking responsibility for everything that happens to you.16. Make connections with students in your classes. One of my best students said his technique in the first week of classes was to meet at least one new person in each of his classes. It expanded his network of friends -- and was a crucial resource at times when he had to miss a class.17. Find the Career Services Office. Regardless of whether you are entering college as undeclared or have your entire future mapped out, seek out the wonderful professionals in your college’s career services office and get started on planning, preparing, and acting on your future.18. Don’t procrastinate; prioritize your life. It may have been easy in high school to wait until the last minute to complete an assignment and still get a good grade, but that kind of stuff will not work for you in college. Give yourself deadlines -- and stick to them.19. Stay healthy/Eat Right. A lot of problems first-year students face can be traced back to an illness that kept them away from classes for an extended period of time that led to a downward spiraling effect. Get enough sleep, take your vitamins, and eat right. If you haven’t heard the jokes about college food, you soon will. And without mom or dad there to serve you a balanced meal, you may be tempted to go for those extra fries or cookies.

Stay healthy and avoid the dreaded extra “Freshman 15” pounds by sticking to a balanced diet.20. Learn to cope with homesickness. It’s only natural that there will be times when you miss your family, even if you were one of those kids who couldn’t wait to get away. Find a way to deal with those feelings, such as making a phone call or sending some email home.21. Stay on campus as much as possible. Whether it’s homesickness, a job, or a boyfriend or girlfriend from home, try not to leave campus too soon or too often. The more time you spend on getting to know the campus and your new friends, the more you’ll feel at home at school. And why not take advantage of all the cultural and social events that happen on campus?22. Seek professional help when you need it. Most colleges have health and counseling centers. If you’re sick or feeling isolated or depressed, please take advantage of the many services these offices provide students. You don’t have to face these issues by yourself.23. Keep track of your money. If you’ve never had to create a budget, now is the time to do so. Find ways to stretch your money - and as best you can, avoid all those credit card solicitations you’ll soon be receiving. The average credit card debt of college grads is staggering.24. Don’t cut corners. College is all about learning. If you procrastinate and cram, you may still do well on tests, but you’ll learn very little. Even worse, don’t cheat on term papers or tests.25. Be prepared to feel overwhelmed. There’s a lot going in your life right now. Expect to have moments where it seems a bit too much. As one student says, be prepared to feel completely unprepared. The trick is knowing that you’re not the only one feeling that way.

Final Words of Advice for First-Year College StudentsYou’ve done all the prep work -- you’ve gotten good grades in high school, scored well on a standardized test, and been accepted into the college you want to attend -- so enjoy all your hard work while laying the groundwork for a successful college career. Don’t be a statistic; be determined to make it through your freshman year -- and beyond. Take advantage of your network of new friends and professors, have fun while learning as much as you can, and get the most out of your college experience.


Forget the “freshman 15,” the dreaded additional pounds freshmen frequently pack on when they settle into life on their own. More important are the 15 smart financial moves you need to know to get through freshman year and beyond without racking up unnecessary debt.

“Waiting until after college to take control of your finances could cost you,” says Nick Certo, senior vice president in University Banking at PNC Bank. “And like any good fitness regimen, getting started is half the battle.”

The New Freshman 15:Financial Tips for College StudentsHere’s how to pass finance 101.

1. Be careful with credit. Free T-shirts are the late-night burritos of finances, Certo says. “They look good now, but you’ll pay later. Think twice before signing up just to score some cool swag,” he says. It’s not worth it to saddle yourself with a high-interest, annual-fee credit card that you don’t need. Buy a T-shirt instead, and your bank account will thank you later. Remember that a credit card doesn’t equal free money. If you can handle a credit card, start with a $1,000-limit card that offers points or other rewards and pay your balance monthly. “Don’t look at your credit limit as a goal for spending,” says Steve Weisman, a senior lecturer at Bentley University. “Carrying too high a balance on your card can hurt your credit and cost you more.” Late fees can add up quickly. Research which card makes the most sense given your spending habits and paying ability. Look at the annual percentage rate, annual fee, grace period and penalty fees. Also, keep track of your credit score and your credit report.

2. Stick to a budget. Make a budget. You don’t have to go crazy with the details. Just outline how much money you receive monthly and what you need to spend. “Include an allowance for walking around money, and don’t just go to the ATM for more than you budgeted, or you will frequently run out of money before you run out of month,” says Burton Speer, a certified public accountant with Mengel, Metzger, Barr & Co. Then, track your spending to make sure you’re sticking to your budget. Check out your bank’s website budgeting tools, as well as software programs like Quicken, to help keep your budget on track. And take extra care of your wallet when you’re out partying. It’s easy to get caught up in the moment and dish out more than you want

to spend when you’re having fun.

3. Save early and often. In your 20s, you have a small window of opportunity to wield the power of compounded interest. Consider this: If you save $3,000 a year when you’re between 20 and 30 years old, put the money into an IRA with a 7% average annualized rate of return and never save again, you’ll have $442,000 by the time you’re 65, calculates Nicole Rutledge, a certified financial planner with Resource Consulting Group. However, if you wait to begin saving until you’re 30 years old and put in $3,000 each year until you’re 65, you’ll end up with only $283,000 at the same rate of return. That’s 35% less than if you had just saved the money in your 20s, even though you’d have put in more than three times the amount of money. So save regularly now. Skip a pizza or a couple of pitchers of beer a week and save for emergencies and retirement. Just save.

4. Take advantage of student perks. Don’t spend extra money on food if you have a cafeteria. Research college meal plans, which can be much cheaper than outside meals; and when you do go out, take advantage of any student discounts at businesses or venues you frequent.

5. Pay less for textbooks. The average student can pay $1,000 a year for books, an often

38 August 2013 | Grace&Glory www.gracenglorymagazine.org 39

finance


finance


unexpected high cost for college freshmen. Don’t buy new books at the campus bookstore. Campus prices are almost always higher than at online retailers like Amazon.com or eBay.com. Consider renting textbooks at your school’s bookstore or from sites like Chegg.com. Renting books or buying them used can save you 50%. If you’re using an online site, sign up for a rebate program, such as Ebates.com, which gives money back on each purchase. And remember to sell used books back at the end of the semester.

6. Borrow as little as possible. The average college student leaves school with about $23,000 in debt. Borrow just enough to pay for your legitimate college costs. Explore all options. A student loan should be your last resort. If you do borrow money, make sure you fully understand the cost and other terms of the loan before signing on the dotted line. The cheapest loans come from the federal government. Remember to start looking into funding early and to submit applications before the deadlines. Search online for scholarships, grants and other financial aid based on gender, religion, race, ethnicity, and the type of degree you want or other relevant criteria. Also consider working part time, which can decrease the amount you have to borrow.

7. Get organized. Little things can chip away at your budget. Avoid parking fines or late fees for library books or videos and CDs rentals. Also, nail down your schedule early. “Many students wander into each semester and don’t meet with their adviser and figure out which classes to take,” says Rachel Cruze, host of the Graduate Survival Guide. “This can be costly when it comes time to register. If a class fills up before you can get in, you may have to take it during summer school or even stay an extra semester.”

8. Avoid unnecessary fees. Avoid paying extra ATM fees by researching your bank’s ATM availability on campus. These small fees can add up. After all, if both your bank and the bank hosting the ATM charge a $1 fee for each $10 withdrawal that amounts to a cost of 20% says Kathryn Mullaney, vice president for finance at St. Lawrence University. If your bank doesn’t have a branch in your college town, it might be smart to open an account at a different bank so you can get cash without paying those fees. Overdraft fees range from $35 to $50, so consider getting overdraft protection to avoid those charges.

9. Use technology wisely. Set up text and email alerts for your bank accounts and credit cards to help you keep tabs on your spending and avoid missing payment dates. “It’s an easy way to stay in-the-know about your own finances,” says Justine Rivero, credit adviser at CreditKarma.com. “Plus you can make sure you don’t ruin your credit by missing a payment or maxing out your credit card.”

10. Protect yourself from fraud. Research conducted by Javelin Strategy & Research found that it takes 18 to 24-year-olds nearly twice as long to detect fraud compared to other age groups, making them fraud victims for longer periods of time.

Young adults are also more likely to fall victim to fraud and identity theft by people they know. Living in a dorm, where other students or strangers might easily access a student’s room, also ups the need for vigilance. Take advantage of services that allow you to monitor your accounts regularly, such as by reviewing statements online or using mobile banking to see a snapshot of your account information, suggests Secil Watson, senior vice president at Wells Fargo Internet Services Group. Students can also forward sensitive mail, like financial information, to their parents’ homes.

11. “Insure” success. Parents can help you save money through insurance. June Walbert, a certified financial planner with USAA, advises parents to re-evaluate their insurance when a child heads to college. “The increased liability of a child away at school potentially opens the door to a number of financially catastrophic events,” she says. “Re-examining your family’s insurance needs in the wake of a college-bound child can not only safeguard your finances, but even lead you to insurance savings.” Homeowner’s policies provide limited coverage of children’s personal property, and usually come with a large deductible. Opting for a renter’s insurance policy provides better coverage with lower deductibles, Walbert says. If your child is taking a car with them, update the usage. If school is 100 miles away or further, some insurers will offer a discount. Insurers also usually provide discounts for students with B averages or better.

12. Capitalize on coupons. It’s no longer geeky to clip coupons. Don’t think your friends will mock you and call you a coupon-clipping grandma if you use coupons or deals. They’ll probably be jealous of the additional money you’ll have to spend for next week’s party. Daily deal sites like Groupon offer deals on dining out and other services that can help you maintain your budget. And if you have unused gift cards you don’t want, you can trade them for cash on sites like CardCash.com and CouponTrade.com.

13. Master relationships. Personal relationships that you make now can turn into business relationships in the future, says Dan Greenshields, president of ING Direct Investing. Make friends and also find a mentor in your desired field to get career advice. Being social now could boost your prospects in the future.

14. Invest in your future self. Seek out internships and volunteer. Learn skills that will help you land a job later. Employers are increasingly expecting more from candidates. Investing in yourself as a freshman will pay you back for years to come.

15. Set limits. If you’re going to spend more than $50 on something, figure out if you really need it. The $50 dollar limit is a good point to stop and ask yourself if you can do without it. Is the restaurant too expensive? Do you really need that video game now, or will it drop down 30% in three months? Ask yourself what you can do without.


Congratulations!!Pastor Jason Nelson, Jr. and Pastor Duane Johnson were both elevated to the office of Bishop during the Annual Convocation of WAR (World Assemblies of Restoration) under the leadership of Bishop James Nelson, Sr.

Michelle Williams Former Destiny’s Child member Michelle Williams is continuing to make noise with her music career. The Grammy award winning singer, songwriter, actress is just coming off a national tour with the Broadway Musical Fela’, and she’s been in the lab creating musical magic, working on her upcoming album. Her new single “If We Had Your Eyes” produced by Harmony Samuels was released to digital media outlets as well as to radio and is creating all the buzz and anticipation of the new album. The YouTube sneak peek she released got her fans hyped. While Beyoncé’ and Kelley have chosen to continue in R&B, and Pop, Michelle has stayed her course in Gospel and Inspirational music where her heart is! Congrats Michelle looking forward to the new album! Gospel Music Workshopof America (GMWA) Last month was the annual GMWA Convention at the Duke Energy Convention Center, in Cincinnati, Ohio aka “The Queen City”. Every year the major components in music anticipate coming together for this huge week in Gospel. This is the time the various labels and its executives both major and independent, radio announcers, promoters, media, and music fans convene at this major music event. This year’s itinerary included academic classes, evangelism and outreach services, showcases, and musicals. This year’s speakers for the services included Baltimore’s own Dr. Jamal H. Bryant, Bishop Rance Allen, Dr. Frederick D. Haynes, and Bishop Neal Roberson. This year’s Consecration Service speaker was

Bishop J. Drew Sheard.The Late Night Musicals were highly anticipated and this year’s musical guests included John P. Kee, Anthony Brown & Group Therapy, VaShawn

Mitchell, Tasha Cobbs, Jessica Reedy, Isaac Caree, Earnest Pugh and many more! This year the New Artist Showcases were back in full swing! Congrats to My Big Cousin, Min. Eric Waddell and his choir The Abundant Life Singers who were afforded the opportunity to sing at this year’s convention. The nightly Youth Musicals this year

included Joshua Rogers and Alexis Spight of BET’s Sunday’s Best, JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise, and Charles Butler & Trinity. This year’s

tributary concerts honored Dr. Charles Fold as well as Rev. James Cleveland the founder GMWA.

Gospel Industry NewsGospel Industry News



gospel industry news

Ericka J.

Sean Tillery & ChangedCongrats to Sean Tillery & Changed on the release of their project Sean Tillery & Changed “The Live Experience”. This album gives you the musical infusion of well-orchestrated vocal arrangements of good ole gospel music! There is something on this album for everybody! Sean Tillery who sings with Professor James Hall & Worship and Praise, and has for the past 7 years has decided to step out and do a record of his own with group “Changed”, but not without the help of “The Professor” James Hall that not only showed his support but blessed the project with a song he wrote for the album. Go grab it’s available at all digital media outlets! You will find something for you to absolutely love; it gives you much to choose from! Bishop Hezekiah Walker & the Love Fellowship Crusade ChoirFor the past few months I’ve been raving about the album by Bishop Hezekiah Walker & The Love Fellowship Crusade Choir titled Azusa: The Next Generation and how it has blessed me, well Baltimore

he’s coming here with the choir THIS MONTH!! He will be in full concert on August 11, at the Church of the Redeemed of the Lord on Old York Road for the “Back to Basics Concert”. The concert will also feature Anthony Brown & Group Therapy. This will be a night you don’t want to miss! Concert starts at 6pm doors open at 5pm. Contact Church of the Redeemed for tickets and further information!

Black Music MonthJune was Black Music Month and I had the opportunity to attend as well as provide media coverage for an event called “The Platform” which honored some of our local talent here in the DMV. I’d like to again honor them and their labor of love in the music industry, Y’Anna Crawley, BET’s Sunday’s Best Winner who is such a jewel and is consistent in her transparency and testimony. She is currently working on a new project due out early next year. DJ BoobieGrowing up almost every major party or music event DJ Boobie would be on the turntables making you dance! He has over

33 years in the business, a legend in his own right! He is saved now loving God with all his heart, working hard in ministry at his church Victorious Ministries. He has a reality show he is working on as well as a gospel house CD he’s in the process of producing! Doing big things for the kingdom and deserves to be celebrated and honored! Paula CampbellSuch a Princess in music! She has been on her grind for many years and has always represented her hometown “B’More! She is getting back in the studio bringing some fresh new music! Stay tuned!

We must continue to keep the family of Trayvon Martin in our prayers as they continue to deal with the aftermath of losing their son and the injustice of George Zimmerman being acquitted of all charges. The comfort and peace of God be with them and families of victims that have been cut down due to senseless violence. We must start making changes one day at a time. On a lighter note I would like to wish My Queen, My Mother, Rev. Sandy Johnson a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY, on August 11. I am grateful to God for blessing me with such a jewel, and as her child I rise and call her BLESSED! Thank you for being not just My Mommy but God has equipped you to be everything I need including my best friend, and my #1 Fan #1 Supporter and I yours! I Love U Mommy! ‘Remember you can’t always wait for the storm to pass, you gotta learn to dance in the rain!’ Til next monthwww.facebook.com/ErickaJohnsonlike my fan page on Facebook“Miss Ericka J”www.instagram.con/MissErickaJwww.twitter.com@MissErickaJ Top 5 Gospel Songs

1. “Break Every Chain” - Tasha Cobbs2. “Every Praise” - Hezekiah Walker3. “Clean This House” - Isaac Caree4. “God Will Make A Way” - Shirley Caesar5. “Testimony” - Anthony Brown & Group

Therapy

Top 5 Gospel Albums1. L.O.L - Alexis Spight2. Best Days - Tamela Mann3. Azusa: Next Generation - Hezekiah

Walker4. Reset - Isaac Caree5. Grace -Tasha Cobbs


Rev. SandyJohnson


word of encouragement

. . . a FigHt to

tHe FinisH

And that about wraps it up. God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no afternoon athletic contest that we’ll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels. Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You’ll need them throughout your life. God’s Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out. And don’t forget to pray for me. Pray that I’ll know what to say and have the courage to say it at the right time, telling the mystery to one and all, the Message that I, jailbird preacher that I am, am responsible for getting out. [Ephesians 6:10-20 – Message Bible]. Needless to say I was not so impressed with the verdict on the Trayvon Martin case. In fact, it is safe to say that I was disappointed in the verdict and had my own demons to fight as I continue to see the senseless killings of the young men of our next generation. However, I want us to look at it from the aspect of God and the Body of Christ that He has left on

planet earth to take back and win this world for Christ. We are told in Ephesians 6:10-20 to STAND and having done all to STAND – STAND. My question to myself and the entire Body of Christ is -- are we standing our ground? We are standing our ground when we are walking in Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation. We are standing our ground when the world sees us loving one another. In John 13:35 [The Voice], Jesus speaking to his disciples told them, “Everyone will know you as My followers if you demonstrate your love to others.” We are standing our ground when we are the leaders and not the followers, walking around as the head and not the tail; above only and not beneath. We are standing our ground when we refuse to compromise on God’s word by hating the things that God hates and loving those things which God loves. We are standing our ground when we are loving people and using things instead of the other way around. We are standing our ground when we stop devouring each other and being the Good Samaritan. We are standing our ground when we are not jockeying for positions and staying in our God-ordained lane. The apostle Paul – who once was Saul, was killing Christians. Acts 8:1-2 [The Voice] – “Some devout men buried Stephen and mourned his passing with loud cries of grief. But Saul, this young man who seemed to be supervising the whole violent event, was pleased by Stephen’s death. That very day, the whole church in Jerusalem began experiencing severe persecution. All of the followers of Jesus—except for the emissaries themselves—fled to the countryside of Judea and Samaria. Young Saul went on a rampage—hunting the church, house after house, dragging both men and women to prison.” Saul in other words, began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off both men and women and put them in prison. Even though the Christians were standing their ground,

Saul was still going about dragging men and women of the faith off and having them imprisoned. However, through much prayer, the Disciples and those who were following Christ continued steadfast in prayer and they watched Jesus our Lord and Savior humbled Saul and we see His transformation from Saul to the apostle Paul. That is how God is calling us to STAND OUR GROUND, by fasting and praying and turning from our wicked ways. We can no longer be a divided body of believers. In order for the world to see the Body of Christ for who God has called us to be, we have to begin to love each other and present a united front. No longer can we straddle the fence and expect God to move. God can only move as we purpose in our hearts to be His hands and feet in this earth realm. Binding and loosing and walking in unity for it is where unity is that God commands His blessings. Body of Christ let us STAND OUR GROUND by walking in the fullness of all that God has predestined us to be and do. I encourage you to STAND YOUR GROUND by allowing the world to see Christ through us as we purpose in our hearts to be living epistles read of men. Prayer: Father, in the name of Jesus, we thank You this day that we are the head and not the tail, above only and not beneath. Help us daily to remember that we are Your Body and as we allow You to work through us we can do great and mighty things so this earth can know how great is our GOD, amen.

DonnaWilliams-Ross

In Trust [email protected]



. . . a FigHt to

tHe FinisH

DonnaWilliams-Ross

In Trust [email protected]

scripture


Grace & Glory August 2013

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Transcript of Grace & Glory August 2013