A Magazine to Empower and Enrich Today’s Inner-City Woman Winter 2008

Health

Beauty

LifeStyleFaithMore Grace Where You Need It

Writing a Winning Resume

Make-Up Your Holiday

Ask Pat

Table of ContentsBeautyMake-Up Your Holiday ........................ Page 4

FaithMore Grace Where You Need It .............. Page 2

HealthAsk Pat ............................................. Page 3

LifestyleWriting a Winning Resume .................. Page 6Christmas Cookies .............................. Page 7

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Editor-in-Chief .......................... Crystal WackerWriting Editor ....................... Christina WilliamsSpanish Translation ..................... Jodi-Kay EllisContributing Authors .............. Patricia Gonzalez Veronica V. James Wendy Ranny Nadine Raphael Dr. Doug StringerGraphic Artist ................... Jonathan HernandezPhotos .................................... Nadine Raphael

Merry Christmas! Reach UP is celebrating its one year anniversary! It’s been a great year, and I thank YOU for letting Reach UP come into your home. This issue, Doug Stringer of Somebody Cares America talks to women, especially single mothers, about growing up without a fa-ther’s love and affection. It’s a subject strong in his heart – so much so that he’s written two books on it: The Fatherless Generation and Who’s Your Daddy Now? It’s a timely topic anytime of the year, but I think especially during the Christmas season. You see, tradition tells us that Joseph must have died while Jesus was still a child – when exactly, we don’t know. But at some point Mary was a single mom. And while Jesus may not have been running the streets, He was a unique child, and I can imagine she didn’t always know what to do next.... You’ll know what to do for your holiday make up after the make-up tips from Nadine and Hilthia. And Wendy brings us a recipe to try sometime during December. The smell of freshly baked cookies just makes a home seem cozier. Veronica’s resume-building article is right on time with new year’s goals, whether you’re going for your first job or looking for a different one. Keep her advice on file. Grateful that Jesus came,

Crystal Wacker

More Grace Where You Need It

*this little tree is dedicated to my constant reminder of the beauty of God’s grace

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You don’t have to look around very far to see how growing up without a father affects kids of all ages for many years. I have had a great burden for those who do not know a father’s love and affec-tion. My heart cries out for healing and justice for kids and teenagers in cities all over the world. Deep in my heart I know that each one of these boys and girls has a destiny in Christ. And I know that the love of their Father in heaven can set them free.

I can say this strongly because I know firsthand the effects of living without a father. My dad was in the military, which often took him away. He also struggled with alcohol, and so even when he was around, he was really “gone.” Eventually he and my mother divorced, and I was left searching to fill the emptiness in my life. I drank, I took drugs, and I was homeless for a time. But ultimately, it was a journey that led me to the One who cared for me like no other—my Heavenly Father.

This isn’t about me, but what I am saying is this: I discovered that as a child who grew up without a dad’s influence, God took my situation and turned it around. I also realize He looks out for moms. I saw how He did that for my mother.

Often people overlook how not having a father in the home af-fects mothers. Although it’s not true in every case, you and I know that most children living with only one parent in the home

are being raised by single mothers.

It’s good to talk about “hero” mothers who carry the load of being both mom and a dad. But,

let’s be clear—this is not God’s design. God never intended for women to have to play the role of both mother and father. God made mothers to be life-givers and nurturers. And when they are forced to wear many hats at the same time—comforter, disciplinarian, provider, counselor, and on and

on—the result can be burn-out.

God’s design is for children to be raised with both mother and father so that they benefit from the strengths and gifts He gave to moms and dads.

Hope for the Fatherlessand the Widow

How do we stop the cycle in our homes and neighborhoods? After all, we see it all the time. Boys raised without fathers learn that men don’t stay with their wives and children. Girls raised without fathers learn not to expect a faithful and com-mitted husband. And so the cycle goes on and on. What is the answer? Where is the hope?

Psalm 68:5 says, “A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling.”

There is an answer for the chil-dren who do not know the love, provision, and protection of a father. There is an answer for the

single mother who is struggling to do everything on her own. God sees you. He knows you. You are precious in His sight. He has a plan for you.

Grace Abounds

Dozens and dozens of verses in Scripture emphasize this mes-sage: God has a special place within his heart for orphans and widows. I don’t believe that just losing a father or husband through physical death is the only thing that qualifies the surviving family as orphans and widows. There are countless women who have been abandoned by their husbands—physically, emotion-ally, or spiritually. If you’re raising a child without the father in the home, in a way you are a widow.

And kids who have been aban-doned by their fathers are or-phaned, in a sense, so the scrip-tures that talk about orphans include them. The same applies for the many kids being raised by a grandparent or an aunt.

Psalm 146:9 says that He will support them.

When you read Exodus 22:23, you see that God says that He will hear their cry and will be

on their side.

Another verse for you to hold onto is Proverbs 15:25. It says that He will protect their property.

Deuteronomy 10:18 tells us God will grant them justice. There are many scriptures that tell us about God’s deeply personal relation-

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He Knows You.You are Precious in

His Sight. He has a plan

for you.

Trust Him.Trust in His Word.

Trust in His Promises.

And Lots of ItGraceWhen and Where You Need It

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'ship with kids who are “orphans” and the widow.

God Has a Special Grace for These

Romans 5:20 states that where sin abounds, grace abounds all the more. This is good news for those of us who don’t have many fathers in the homes, and for whom life seems so complicated. Great grace from our Heavenly Father is avail-able to us! Even when things look really bad, because of Jesus and what He did for us, we can have that grace!

Finding and Trustingthe Father

If I have any advice for single mothers or for their children, it is this: Trust Him. Trust in His Word. Trust in His promises that He will provide for you, protect you, love you, heal you, and restore you. No mat-ter how hard the journey is, you can trust that He will not fail you.

When you trust Jesus not only in your mind, but with your actions showing your faith in His Word, you allow your eyes to be opened to things unseen to the natu-ral eye. You will experience the heart of God for you and for your family. And soon, you will sense His presence and see His provision in your life in practical ways. Never forget—if you are an “orphan” or a “widow,” God has special grace for you and cares just for you.

Helpful Hint:Look up these scriptures in your Bible and copy them onto a piece of paper. Read the verses often so you think about them natu-rally throughout the day.

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Grace When and Where You Need It

Dr. Doug Stringer is founder of Somebody Cares America and lives in Houston, Texas. He’s the author of sev-eral books, most recently, Who’s Your Daddy Now?

Patricia M. Gonzalez, RN, BSN,CPAN, Director of ICU at Kingston/benedictine Hospital, Kingston, NY

“Ask Pat:” Serina from the Queens asks:

Why should I get a flu shot ?

The single best way to protect against the flu is to get a flu shot (or to “get vaccinated”) each year.

The flu shot is actually a flu vaccine that contains the killed virus, and it is given as shot in the arm. It has three viruses in one. About two weeks after you get the shot, little antibodies, or fighting cells, pro-vide protection against the virus that could develop in your body.

When should I get vaccinated?

NOW, or as soon as you hear about it on TV, in the doctor’s office, or in the newspaper. Flu season is December, January, and beyond.

Though you can get the flu at any time, many people get sick in January or later.

Who should get the flu shot? • Children from age 6 months to age 19 • Pregnant women • People 50 years of age and older • Anyone who is depressed • Older adults living in a nursing home • Anyone who takes cares of anyone listed: health care workers, stay-at-home moms, and those taking care of elderly parents.

Who should not get the flu shot?

• People who are allergic to chicken eggs • Those who have had a bad reaction to a pre vious flu shot (this doesn’t include a sore arm after the injection) • People who have ever developed a sickness called Guillain-Barre Syndrome within 6 weeks of getting a flu shot • Those who have a fever or cold at the time of getting the flu shot • Children less than 6 months of age.

The holidays are fast approaching, and these are the times we get to play up our look. Makeup can be the “wow” factor that spruces up any ward-robe.

Since the holidays bring not only daytime family dinners but also nighttime outings, let’s look at what we can do for both events.

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Applying just beneath the brow

Applying liner to the lower lash line

MakeUpyourHoliday

Applying to Eyelid

The Daytime Family Dinner LookFor this, we want a simple, clean, and chic look. So we went with a shimmery, gold shade applied heavily on her eyelids (the lower part below the crease), to brighten the area and make her eyes the focus. Then we accented the crease (just above the eyelid) lightly with a warm bronze. To accent these colors we used a shimmery illuminator (it brightens the skin) just underneath her eyebrow. (Instead of an illuminator you can use a small amount of white eye shadow in the same area). Finally we applied thick, black liquid liner under the eye to pull the eyes up and out.

For the cheeks we used a coral blush with hints of bronze. Stroke your blush brush from your cheeks up towards the direction of your hairline, without touching your hairline. During the colder months, you should go with powder blush instead of a liquid to pull off a clean look.

You only want one focus point. The eyes shouldn’t compete with the lips! So that we don’t overdo the look, we went with a light coral lipstick. It blends well with the blush while adding a bit of daytime glam-our.

Hint: You can always mix your blush (small portion) with lip gloss to make a lip color that matches your cheeks.

The Nighttime Holiday Glamour LookAgain, the eyes are the focal point. For this look we created what is called “smoky eyes.” This new trend works best for those nights when you want to make a statement. I’ve seen too many smoky eyes that look like raccoons in fashion shows, so practice the steps.

The smoky eye look that our model is wearing is achieved by applying a dark shadow on the lower eyelid. When applying to the eyelid, start heavy on

Applying blush to the cheek bone

Applying mascara to the upper lashes

the lid and stroke slightly upward into your crease (the crease is the area be-tween the eyebrow bone and your eyelid). Use a slightly lighter color just beneath your eyebrow.

You should apply heavy color along the upper and lower lash line. For the lower lash line use black or a dark tinted eye-liner. Take the same color you use un-derneath your eyebrow and dab a small amount in the corner of your eyes to make the eyes pop. Finish this smoky eye look by applying dark mascara that also lengthens the eyelash.

Since the eyes are the main focal point, we go light on the cheeks and lips. We want a soft blush on the cheeks with a tint of rose. Again, stroke the brush up and out towards the hairline. For the lips, we used a nude gloss finish. To get this look and use what you may already have, apply a small portion of foundation to the lips (using the tip of your finger) and then smooth it over with clear lip gloss (you can also use baby oil). You can purchase a clear lip gloss or lip balm with a slight tint of pink or peach.

All the shades of above mentioned blush, eye shadows, mascara, liner and lip gloss may be purchased at your neighborhood Walgreens and CVS.

Hint: Wherever you choose to buy make-up, try not to buy liquid foundation. It gets oily and plus it clogs your pores and ages your skin. (I learned the hard way.) Powder-compact or powder-loose is the best way to go. It lasts longer and it’s healthier for the skin.

Now go, be beautiful, be creative, but more importantly—be confident!

Nadine Raphael Hilthia Diaz, model

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PROFILEVery bright, energetic individual with strong work ethic looking for opportunity that provides growth. I am detail

oriented and eager to learn. Great at following instructions, reliable and loyal.PERSONAL INFORMATION Married with two children

WORK EXPERIENCE2007 - Present Medical Center Coordinate quality assurance and insurance billing activities. 2005 - 2007 The Consulting Group, Inc. Office Assistant Handle incoming correspondence, answer phones and route messages to office staff.

Prepare reports for distribution2001 – 2005 Aesculapius Childcare Center Teach first graders colors. Help with mealtime and assist teacher in classroomEDUCATION2007-Present ABC Training Center Certification in Secretarial Science

GRADUATE Mount Sinai High School Class of ‘85 General Diploma

HOBBIESVolley ball, Jogging, Music

REFERENCESFurnished upon request

Name

Address

Phone

Email

CURRICULUM VITAE

Writing a resume is simply a matter of tell-ing a potential employer about the education, training, skills, and abilities and experience you have acquired up till now. In a resume, you publish what you have to offer to potential employers, hoping it will create enough inter-est so they want to hear more about you.

While education is important, it is recommend-ed that you start with your stron-

gest assets. For exam-ple, if you are not a high school graduate or have not yet achieved a GED, start your resume with your specific skills and training that could benefit your employer. Always put your best qualities first, and list your most recent experience, skills, and training first.

Develop your resume from your most current jobs back to your previous jobs. For example, start with jobs held this year and work backward to previous dates.

As much as possible, keep your resume to one page. Prepare a resume for each job you are seeking. Do not send the same resume if you are applying for different jobs.

Keep the type font clean and clear. Stay away from fancy fonts. They are not considered professional and can be diffi-cult to read.

Veronica V. James, is the Execu-tive Director of Our Children, Our Future, Inc. in Hollywood, FL.

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WritingA Winning

Resume

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Given to you by:

Christmas is a special, exciting time of year. Many memo-ries come to mind, but my best memories are of being in the kitchen with my mom and her mother (my “Nanny”). The house was filled such wonderful smells that still say “Christmas” to me.

Every year mom baked this Christmas cookie. She would let my brothers and I decorate them. The tradition is still going on, and now she bakes and decorates them with the grandkids.

Try this basic recipe. What fun you will have baking them and sharing new memories for the holiday with the ones you love!

Traditional Christmas Cookie1 cup butter (softened)1 1/2 cups powder sugar1 egg1 teaspoon vanilla2 1/2 cups self-rising flour Preheat oven to 350 degrees.Mix by hand until all ingredi-ents are mixed well. Roll dough out. With cookie cutters cut out shapes and place on cookie pan. Bake 10 - 12 minutes.Frost the cookies with package frosting and decorate them with colored sugar.

You can also roll the dough for each cookie into a ball, then make a small hole in the middle and place apricot jam in it (very good). My mom also taught me to toll the dough into a crescent shape and place a clove in the middle. (But don’t eat the clove. It is very bitter.) This Christmas cookie dough is like a blank canvas. You can experiment and create your own flavor and style of cookie. Enjoy your cookie making, and may you have a Blessed Christmas and Happy New Year.

Wendy Ranney is a personal chef and has her own business, Dinners Ready.

A Magazine to Empower and Enrich Today’s Inner-City Woman Winter 2008