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Chapter One from my debut Novel Diary of a Sex Addict

Posted by Soul on Fire Publishing on April 15, 2009 at 5:35pm

“911 what’s your emergency?” the operator asked.“It’s my daughter Tiffany! I just came over and found her unconscious in her bed! Please send someone over here right away! She can’t die!” Tiffany’s mother cried hysterically.“Ma’am, I need you to calm down. What’s the address there?”“Hold on, let me find something with the address on it.” Tiffany’s mother ran into the kitchen and found a letter with her address on it. “Okay, I found it. The address is 2792 Edgewater Way, Apt 2.”“Okay, now is your daughter breathing?” Tiffany’s mother placed her hand over her mouth and nose to feel for air. Nothing...“No! She’s not breathing! Oh Lord, she’s not breathing! You have to hurry! She can’t die! Please hurry!”“Ma’am, we are getting there as fast as we can. I need you to calm down. Do you know CPR?”“No!”“That’s okay, I can walk you through it. Tilt your daughter’s head back and lift her chin.”“Okay.”“Now check and make sure nothing is blocking her airway. If there’s nothing there, hold her nose shut, cover her mouth with yours, and give two breaths.”“Okay, I have to put you on speaker phone.” Tiffany’s mother put the phone on speaker and placed it on the bed next to her. She put her mouth over hers and gave her two full breaths. “Now what else do I do?” she asked.“Place your hands one on top of the other on her chest between her breasts. Push down thirty times to a depth of about two inches, at the rate of about two seconds.” Her mother counted aloud until she reached thirty. “Now give her two breaths again and thirty more chest compressions.” Tiffany’s mother continued to perform CPR until the paramedics arrived, then she stepped to the side and let them take over. She continued to cry and pray as the paramedics tried to revive Tiffany.“Lord, I know my daughter has done some things that were wrong but she is trying to change. Lord, please don’t let her leave this Earth without the opportunity to show You that she can do better. Lord, please save Tiffany, don’t let her die. Give her another chance to show You that she will put You first and will overcome this addiction she has. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.”*****Before I went to bed my mother called me into her bedroom. At first I was scared she found out I was in her make up earlier that day when she left me alone to go to the store. When I didn’t see the belt sitting next to her on the bed, I knew she hadn’t figured it out and I prayed she never would. My mother had already warned me on more than one occasion that if she ever found out that I went in her stuff without asking, she would beat the black off me. I didn’t understand how you could do that, but I wasn’t about to find out so I made sure I put everything back exactly as I had found it so she wouldn’t suspect anything.My mother was lying in her bed with her favorite black nightdress on. It was long and sheer. She wore her matching bra and panty set underneath. Her hair was neatly combed straight and reached the middle of her back. Her skin was a few shades lighter than mine and her eyes were light brown. She had freckles placed perfectly on her cheeks, giving her an innocent look. My mother was beautiful. One of my mother’s men friends must have been coming over later because that was the only time she put on one of her most revealing nightdresses and wore her hair down.“Yes, mommy, you called me?” I asked, as I stood at the foot of her bed.“Tomorrow Ms. Yvette is bringing her boys, Tony and Wade, over to stay while we go out. I know you haven’t met them before but I want you to be on your best behavior. Be nice and make sure you share your toys,” she said, while getting up to light the candles around her bedroom.“Yes ma’am, I will,” I said. I really wasn’t up to sharing my stuff. I was the only child and never had to share any of my things except for when my aunt Kelly came over. She was my aunt but I am ten months older than she is. She always tried to steal my dolls so I hated when she came over to visit.“Tony is eight, the same age as you, so ya’ll should have a lot in common. You know the rule. Don’t let them get you in trouble. You understand me?” she said.“Yes ma’am, I promise I will be on my best behavior,” I said with a fake smile on my face. I really wasn’t up for entertaining Ms. Yvette’s sons, but who knew; maybe they would be fun to play with.“Okay, go on and go to bed. I have company coming over in a little bit,” she said as she sprayed some perfume on her body and around the room.The next day when Ms. Yvette arrived with her sons, part of me was excited; it wasn’t often that I had someone to play with. I always looked forward to Saturdays because it was the day Mother and Ms. Yvette would leave and I’d be home alone until almost midnight. But, I’d often be afraid to be left alone because I would hear noises all throughout the house. Every squeak and crack would cause me to run into my bedroom and hide under the covers until they came back.One Saturday I asked my mother why she couldn’t get my aunt to watch me while she went out.“Mommy, why can’t Aunt Susan watch me when you go out?” I asked one Saturday, as she was getting dressed.“Because your auntie won’t watch you for free and I don’t want to pay her. That’s my club money. Plus, you’re a big girl. You can watch yourself.” She had a point, I was a big girl and I never got into any trouble while she was away.When the boys arrived, I saw that Tony was much taller than me. He was very skinny, like the poor kids you see on TV in Africa. I wanted to fix him a grilled cheese sandwich as soon as he walked through the door. I could tell he had been playing outside before he came over because he had dirt all over his clothes. I couldn’t tell the last time he combed his hair because his little afro was matted to his head. Wade, who was five, was a chubby little thing. He reminded me of the Pillsbury Dough Boy.Tony and Wade seemed to be shy at first, but as soon as our parents left they began arguing over what cartoon we were going to watch. Wade wanted to watch Bugs Bunny and Tony wanted to watch Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. I didn’t care for neither of the cartoons they wanted to watch and since it was my house, I turned to Strawberry Shortcake. Both of the boys whined about how they didn’t want to watch a girly cartoon, but I didn’t care.While we sat on the floor watching cartoons, Tony began rub-bing on my hand. I wasn’t sure if that’s what kids did when they watched TV together, but I noticed he wasn’t rubbing Wade’s hand. When I moved my hand back, he reached over and started rubbing on it again. I pulled my hand away again, but this time I placed it in my lap. After Strawberry Shortcake went off Tony suggested that we go play hide and seek.“Not it,” I said before anyone else did.“Not it,” Tony shouted, leaving Wade to be the one to find us.Tony and I whispered to each other about places to hide. I told him that we could hide in the laundry room, my mom’s closet, or in my room under the bed. Tony told me that he wanted to hide in my mom’s closet and I told him I was going to hide in the laundry room. I really wanted to hide in my mother’s closet because I could cover myself with the pile of clothes that she always kept in there, but I didn’t want to hide in there. I knew that if Wade did look in there, we both would be caught.I told Wade to close his eyes and count to a hundred but being only five years old, he could only count to ten. I just told him to count until he couldn’t count any more. Wade went to the far corner of the living room and began counting. As I headed for the laundry room, Tony grabbed my arm and led me to my mother’s bedroom closet. I tried to pull away but he kept insisting that I come in there with him so I did. It was really dark in the closet when Tony shut the door so I cracked it so we could get some light. As I stood in the nearly dark closet waiting for Wade to try to find us, I couldn’t help but wonder why Tony wanted me to go in there with him. Something about him was a little weird to me but I just brushed it off.When I wasn’t paying attention, Tony snuck up on me and kissed me on my lips. My initial reaction was to slap the crap out of him but instead, I just pushed him away. I had never been kissed before and wasn’t sure if I wanted Tony to be first to do it. Tony pulled me close to him and kissed me again. When I tried to pull away he held me tighter. I stopped fighting and just let him kiss me. His lips were soft but I didn’t see what the big deal was about kissing. I heard Wade crying so I pulled away from Tony and ran to see what was wrong. Wade was standing in the living room crying because he got scared. Tony teased him for being such a crybaby. I went to the kitchen, got Wade some cookies, and calmed him down. I let Wade pick the next cartoon we watched on TV. Tony didn’t like that but I didn’t like how he picked on Wade, so he could go to hell for all I cared.Wade began drifting off to sleep about ten minutes into the show. Tony went to go change the channel but I grabbed him by the arm before he could reach the TV.“What do you think you are doing?” I said, as I yanked on Tony’s arm, pulling him down to the floor.“I’m turning the TV. I don’t want to watch this crap,” he said, as he tried to get back up to turn the TV. Again I pulled him back down, but this time I pulled him much harder than before.“Ouch! You’re going to pull my arm off. Let me go, Tiffany,” he said, trying to free him self from my grip.“No. I’m watching this so you better just sit down and watch it too. You’re not turning my TV,” I told him. Tony just looked at me and smiled.I was really beginning to think this boy was getting weirder and weirder. I let go of his arm. As soon as I did, he jumped on top of me and we began to wrestle. I wasn’t in the mood to play with him but he kept laughing and wrestling me. Eventually, I gave in and gave him a run for his money. We rolled around on the living room floor until we grew tired. Wade somehow managed to sleep through all the noise. I pushed Tony off me and sat up to catch my breath.“Hey, Tiffany, I have another game we can play,” Tony said, getting up from the floor.“What game?” I asked. I got up and went into the kitchen to fix me something to drink. Tony followed me.“I don’t know what it’s called, but I know you will like it,” he said, with a huge grin on his face.“Okay, show me,” I said, finishing the last of my juice. I placed my glass in the sink and headed back toward the living room and Tony followed.“Let’s go in the room ‘cause I don’t want to wake Wade up,” he said. He grabbed me by the hand and led me into my bedroom. Tony closed the door behind us and told me to get in my bed.“What I need to get in the bed for?” I asked him.“Because that’s where the game is played,” he said. I followed his instructions and got in the bed. Once I was in all the way he joined me. He told me to lay flat on my back and I did. Tony climbed on top of me and began rubbing his body on mine.“What are you doing?” I asked.“This is the game. I saw it on TV last night and the people seemed to really like it,” he said. He continued to move his body up and down on mine. I could feel his pee pee on my private through our clothes and it felt weird. I didn’t understand the game but since it wasn’t hurting me, I didn’t see any harm in playing.As Tony rubbed himself on me, he kissed me as he had earlier in my mother’s bedroom closet. His kiss was nice and I didn’t want him to stop. I heard my bedroom door squeak and I quickly pushed Tony off me. I thought that maybe my mother had came home early and I didn’t want her to see what we were doing. I knew he said it was only a game but I wasn’t sure if it was a game I was allowed to play.Wade walked into my bedroom rubbing his eyes. You could tell he had just woke up by how slow he was moving. Tony and I got out of the bed and led Wade back into the living room. I turned on cartoons and all three of us sat directly in front of the TV. I felt Tony watching me but I was too scared to give him eye contact. The game he had introduced me to was different and made me feel weird. I wasn’t sure what to think of it but I knew I wanted to play it again.At some point, we all fell asleep while watching cartoons. I woke up when I heard my mother’s key unlocking the door. I woke Tony and Wade up to let them know their mother was there to get them. They both grabbed their shoes and headed toward the door. My mother and I walked Ms. Yvette and her sons out to the car and said our goodbyes, then headed back into our house. Mama instructed me to go take a bath and get ready for bed. I obeyed her orders and got right to it.As I lay in bed, I began to think about the game Tony and I played. I had never seen anyone on TV play such a game and I was beginning to wonder what the purpose of the game was. Tony’s pee pee felt weird rubbing up against my privates, but it was a good weird. I had never felt anything like that before. When I wiped myself as I bathe or used the bathroom, I never got that kind of feeling. Maybe only he could make me feel that way?Saturday came again and my mother announced that Tony and Wade wouldn’t be coming over that weekend; I would be going to their house. Gathering my things, I prepared myself for the long car ride over. Ms. Yvette lived on the other side of town. My mother always teased me about falling asleep. Whenever we took long car rides I would fall asleep like I use to do when I was younger.We arrived at Ms. Yvette’s house thirty minutes later. My mother walked right into the apartment without knocking. Ms. Yvette stood in the kitchen drinking a glass of water. She wore a pretty purple dress with shoes to match. Her hair was pulled back into a neat bun with soft curls in the front.“Yvette, I’m going to go change in your bathroom, is that okay?” my mother asked. She held up her duffel bag of clothes.‘Yeah, girl, go ahead,” Ms. Yvette told her. Mama went into the bathroom to get dressed.Tony and Wade sat on the living room floor in front of the TV. I took a seat on the floor next to Tony and put my bag filled with dolls next to me. Ms. Yvette brought us some snacks to eat while we watched cartoons.“Now don’t make a mess ‘cause I just vacuumed the floorearlier,” she said.“Yes ma’am,” we all said in unison.There was a knock at the door and Ms. Yvette went to answer it. When she opened the door, two men entered and she told them to take a seat at the dining room table.My mother came out of the bathroom looking like a movie star. She wore a tight, black dress with black and gold heels. Her make- up and hair was flawless. She had twisted it into a neat French roll with spirals in the front. Just the day before she’d gotten her nails manicured. They were painted red with black rhinestones and her toes matched. My mother was fierce and no one could tell her otherwise.One of the men at the table said, “Damn, you look good enough to eat!”The other guy sitting next to him burst out laughing. I really didn’t understand what was so funny. If that man dared try to eat my mother I was going to kick him in his knees.My mother politely smiled, walked over to him, and gave him a hug and kiss on the cheek. The men rose from the table and walked toward the door. My mother and Ms. Yvette followed. Before Ms. Yvette closed the door she stopped and looked back at us.“There’s some fried chicken in the kitchen if ya’ll get hungry. Don’t answer the door for anyone, not even the police, you hear me?”“Yes ma’am,” we said in unison again. Ms. Yvette blew her boys some kisses and closed the door behind her.Once our parents left, Tony suggested we go into their room so that we could play video games. Wade was the first to hop up and run in the room. We entered the room more slowly. Tony and I sat on the bed and Wade sat on the floor. Tony took his cover from behind us and put it on our laps. I wasn’t cold and wasn’t sure why we needed cover, but I let it stay. As Wade started to play the video game, I watched as Tony rubbed on my thigh. I nervously looked over at Wade. He didn’t see anything that Tony was doing because he was so into the game. Tony continued to rub on my leg for a while.“I have to use the bathroom,” Tony said. He removed the cover and stood up. He left the room, heading in the direction of the bathroom.After Tony didn’t come back for a while I went in search of him. I wondered what was taking him so long. When I opened the bathroom door Tony grabbed me and pulled me in.“Hey, what’s going on?” I said, slightly startled.“Nothing, I’ve been waiting for you. I knew you would come looking for me sooner or later,” he said, closing and locking the door behind me.“Well, yeah I did. You were taking forever. I came looking to see if you fell in the toilet or something,” I said, knowing that wasn’t the real reason I went looking for him. I wanted to play the game again.“Come here,” he said, holding his arms out. I walked into his arms and he wrapped them around me, and kissed me. This time, he put his tongue in my mouth so I backed away.“Why did you put your tongue in my mouth? That’s gross,” I said, while wiping my lips.“That’s what the people were doing on TV. What’s wrong? You didn’t like it?” he asked.“No, it was nasty. I don’t want your tongue in my mouth. Are you crazy?” I said with a look of disgust on my face. I knew the boy was weird but that took the cake.“Come on, Tiffany, I’m sorry. I won’t do it again,” he promised. He walked towards me. Before he reached me we heard a knock on the door.“Hey, what are ya’ll doing in there? I have to pee really bad,” Wade said from outside the door. I quickly opened the door letting him in.Tony and I gave him his privacy and went back into the bedroom. I hopped on the bed and Tony did the same. He reached on the floor and picked up the cover we had on our laps earlier and covered us again. Wade came back from the bathroom and sat in front of the TV. He didn’t waste any time before he started playing video games again. Tony continued to rub on my thigh under the cover without Wade noticing.By the time our parents came back that night we were already asleep in the boys’ room. My mother woke me up and told me to get my things so that we could go home. I grabbed my book bag full of dolls and my sandals and headed out the room. I looked back and saw Wade asleep in front of the video game while it was still on. Tony was lying on the floor next to him under the cover that he had used earlier to rub on my thigh. Half asleep, I walked to the door as my mother and Ms. Yvette said their goodbyes. I hopped in the backseat of the car and lay down to go to sleep on the long ride home.For the next three years I spent time with Tony and Wade while our parents hung out. Tony and I continued to play our game. At some point, I found out that what we were doing was called “hunching”. Whenever we were alone, we would start to kiss one another and hunch. We hunched outside, in my mother’s room, in Ms. Yvette’s room, and in the laundry room of my house.On one occasion in particular, Tony told me that he wanted to hunch but this time he wanted to do it differently. Tony told me how he had been watching some movies on TV late at night. He said the men and women in the movies didn’t have any clothes. He said we shouldn’t wear any either. I went along with it. Tony and I got undressed but left on our underwear. Pressing up against him, I could feel his pee pee getting hard as it rubbed up against my private area. It wasn’t the first time that I felt his pee pee, but it felt much different than before. I guess since we didn’t have the layers of clothes between us I could really feel him. I liked the way his pee pee felt on my private so much that I didn’t want him to stop, but we knew Wade would be coming in from outside at any moment so we quickly got dressed.Tony told me that the next time we hunched that he wanted to do it completely naked. I was nervous because I knew how good it felt when we just had on our underwear, so being completely naked had to be even better.Since Tony watched people on TV doing the things he did to me, I was curious to see for myself. Late at night, when my mother was out with one of her men friends, I found a sex channel on TV. I watched men and women having sex with each other. There were also women having sex with other women, too. As I watched the two women together, it made me feel really good. They both looked as if they really enjoyed each other. Some of the things they did grossed me out, but I couldn’t stop watching it. At the end of every scene the people would make a really loud noise and would get an ugly look on their face. For some reason, that was funny to me. There was no way I was going to look as silly as they did so I knew I had to practice because I didn’t want Tony picking on me.After watching the sex shows on TV, I practiced how I would groan when Tony and I hunched again. I wanted to really get it right so I grinded on the pillows from my bed. I couldn’t get that feeling in my private like I would get when Tony rubbed his pee pee on me. I needed something firm that I could hunch on so I decided to get the pillows off the couch in the living room. Those pillows had hard edges and I knew it would do the job. Taking the hard end of the pillow, I rubbed it up against my private area. I kept rubbing it until I felt an explosion inside my stomach. I had never felt anything like that before, not even with Tony. I knew what I felt was what the people on TV had felt when they were groaning and screaming.For months I continued to use the pillows to make myself get the good feeling. I used the pillows so much that the end began to get soft and they weren’t doing the job anymore. I knew I had to figure out something else before I lost my mind. I desperately needed that good feeling.One day while I was in the bathroom, the toilet seat lid came off and I noticed that the two pieces that snapped the lid on the toilet were hard. I began to think about the hard ends on the toilet seat, how I could put something soft over them and use that to rub up against myself so I could get that feeling again.I took the lid off and lay it on the bathroom floor. I ran into my room, took a pillow off my bed, and returned to the bathroom. I placed the pillow over the lid and positioning my private part on the hard piece of the lid as I lay on my stomach. The pillow was to keep the rough part of the lid from hurting me. In an up and down motion, I rubbed my private part on the pillow that was over the lid until I had that good feeling that I liked so much. Afterwards, I lay on the bathroom floor until the feeling left.After a while, I couldn’t use the toilet seat anymore because it started to hurt my private. I would also get sore because I used it too much. Not being able to use the pillows or the toilet seat, I started using my hands. Taking all my fingers, I rubbed in a circular motion until I got that good feeling. I would stay up late at night and watch sex movies on TV while rubbing my private parts until I got that good feeling. When I watched the movies I focused really hard on the women’s bodies. I liked to look at their breasts and private areas. I liked to watch the women strippers on the adult channel as they took off their clothes. If I wasn’t watching the movies I wasn’t able to get that good feeling as quick as I would when I did watch them.Tony and I never hunched again and my mother and Ms. Yvette saw each other less and less. Ms. Yvette ended up getting engaged to a man she met at the bar and didn’t hang out with my mother anymore.For months I used my hands to get that good feeling. It became obvious to me that it was something I needed, because I couldn’t stop. I began to think that something was wrong with me. Sitting in my room at night, I would cry because I feared that I was going to go to hell. I knew the feeling had something to do with sex. I thought I was the only person that had this feeling. Something about it had to be wrong.Whenever I went to church on Sundays with my mom, I made sure that I stayed away from the pastor. I didn’t want to get close to him. I felt that somehow, he would know about the feeling that I was having and would go around telling everybody. Knowing that I would probably go to hell for having this feeling, I couldn’t risk anyone else finding out about it.I kept my head down most of the time while I was in church. I didn’t want other people to look into my eyes and be able to tell what I was thinking. I thought they’d figure out what I was doing when I wasn’t in church. My mother would kill me if she ever found out.Every night I prayed that God would make me stop but I just couldn’t. I often wondered what was wrong with me. Was the devil making me do it or was what I was doing even a sin?

REDEMPTION 2009/ The Sharen Rooks Agency, PR

Posted by Sharen Rooks Agency on April 7, 2009 at 2:27am

Three hundred churches throughout the Memphis area sponsored a multicultural, multigenerational revival for women this past weekend. In doing so, they answered Ellen Olford’s heartfelt prayer.Redemption 2009, the free two-day gathering held March 27 and 28 at the Cook Convention Center, drew 7,000-8,000 women on balmy Friday night while 5,000-6,000 braved gusty winds and rain on Saturday morning.Sharen Rooks, a conference volunteer and a member of Morning Chapel Missionary Baptist, found many reasons to celebrate as people of different backgrounds came together in a shared act of faith. Morning Chapel was among the African-American churches partnering with local white churches in the revival effort, and the bond already has produced interesting results.“There are changes taking place because of Trinity Baptist and Morning Chapel,” said Rooks, as she, Redemption 2009 event co-chair Vicki Reed and Linda Stephens of Central Church completed final preparations on Friday. “I think this is going to stick. You can see it now and the event hasn’t even taken place,” said Rooks, a minister’s wife and author of “What Happens When God Moves.”The revival comes at the end of the story, however. This tale unfolds 4 ½ years ago when Ellen Olford and husband, David, of Memphis met Priscilla and Jerry Shirer of Dallas. Shortly thereafter, Ellen, who is white, shared her vision – her burden – with Priscilla, an African American who is an internationally-known speaker, author and the daughter of well-known minister Dr. Tony Evans.The multiracial, multigenerational relationship established a foundational guideline for the Redemption movement: prayer partners not only from different churches but from different races and cultural groups.“Four and a half years ago, I said to Priscilla, ‘Would you be my friend? Would you be my prayer partner?’” Olford recounted at Saturday’s gathering.Olford, chair of Redemption 2009 and a member of Central Church, said, “Memphis is a great city with great people and great churches – a town that needs Jesus (to remove) racism and other-isms that separate us.”Prayer partners are encouraged to meet weekly to pray by phone together and once a month in person.The second step is participation in upcoming prayer meetings that will be taking place in the Memphis area, where area coordinators have been assigned in Orange Mound, Whitehaven, Uptown, Midtown, Hickory Hill, East Memphis and Frayser as well as Bartlett, Collierville, Cordova, Germantown, Southeast Shelby County, Southaven, Miss., and Marshall County, Miss.Finally, Olford is asking for more black-white church partnerships, like those shared by Trinity Baptist and Morning Chapel, Bellevue Baptist and Impact Ministries, and Central Church and Mt. Moriah East Baptist, just to name a few.A Rainbow of FaithsAccording to the Web site (www.redemption2009.com), movement leaders, volunteers and participants are “Godly women with hearts burning to see evangelical Christians of different races unite to further God’s kingdom (who) have been dreaming and praying and planning …to see revival sweep the Mid-South…. Churches will come together for Redemption 2009 to create a catalyst for unity and reconciliation among sisters in Christ, spanning generations, evangelical backgrounds, neighborhoods, cultures and races.”The unity among sisters was evident as dozens of women stopped by the Marriott Hotel’s Magnolia Grille, across the street from the convention center, to eat before for the conference. Black women and white women sat together at tables, engaged in both light and meaningful conversations.Young women from Fellowship Memphis were among restaurant-goers. Group leader Suzanne Presley said 100 members of the multicultural church were attending the revival and they were expecting a “word from the Lord.”“We’ve just been praying for it,” said Ariyana Rimson.RevivalIn addition to first-rate expository teaching, Redemption 2009 showcased contemporary and hard-core gospel music. Priscilla Shirer’s brother, recording artist Anthony Evans and his band performed contemporary gospel, such as “You Are Good,” “Everlasting God,” and “Mighty to Save.”Grammy-nominated gospel vocalist Beverly Crawford brought the hard-core gospel with “If the Lord Never Does Anything Else” and other songs.Ephie Johnson directed the Unity Choir, a city-wide group from 30 churches that performed and backed up Crawford and Evans. A member of Hope Presbyterian and director of Neighborhood Christian Centers, Johnson said the choir has 115 members.Her participation extends beyond the choir , however, as she has several prayer partners, including Kelly Johnson, executive director of Two by Two Ministry. who is 40 and Ephie’s same age; Lucy Long, a 50-something and Carlee Pettis, 70. “They influence me in my walk with Christ,” said Johnson.For her part, the Unity choir director is well ready for a Memphis revival. “This is an integral moment. People are ready to rise up and be a city of pride, leadership and unity.”“My goal is to encourage and help Memphis sing again,” said Johnson, who is the daughter of JoeAnn Ballard and has been directing choirs since age 13.“In some ways, we lost our song.”

Too busy to live?

Posted by Robin Tramble on March 15, 2009 at 8:30am

Are you too busy to live?Every year Americans die from a lack of proper management andcare for our health . I know you don't have time to take a 20minute walk at least 2 times per week. It's too much to take time toplan my meals so that I don't consume too much food with empty calories,or overwork your heart with saturated fats.....sure we only live onceand must enjoy ourselves with over indulgence with desserts, fats,carbohydrates, sodas, fries, burgers, alcohol and...need I say more?Read the following study done by HHS' Centers for DiseaseControl and Prevention (CDC)...........Mortality for several leading causes of death declined in 1999,according to preliminary figures from HHS' Centers for DiseaseControl and Prevention (CDC), released today by HHS SecretaryTommy G. ThompsonAt the same time, there were increases for other leading causes ofdeath, including septicemia (6.6 percent); hypertension (5 percent); chroniclower respiratory diseases (4 percent),and diabetes (3.3 percent).http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/releases/01news/declindea.htmOne thing that I wanted to point out was where it was said that most of the other leading causesof deaths mentioned were preventable.Are we too busy to live?"Good health is literally a walk away," Secretary Thompsonsaid. "You don't have to work up a big sweat at the gym or becomea long-distance runner. Just 30 minutes of walking a day, five days a week, can significantlyimprove your health. Playing with your kids in thebackyard for an hour each day can help the whole family stayhealthy."http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/releases/02news/physical_activity.htmWell, I don't know about you, but I'm not to busy too live."Don't bother me....I'm living!" That is my desirefor you that you will get busy living a super-charged empowered life of success "Spirit, soul and body."So what are you doing at least three timesper week for 20 - 30 minutes a day...... walking to good health...(or whatever form of exercise you choose)....living!Now I invite you to gain access to two free resources for stressed-lessliving http://budurl.com/64vd and toboost in your self esteem and confidence to realized a new empowered youhttp://budurl.com/wrm9 .To your best empowered life!Beloved I wish above all things that you would prosper and be in healtheven as your soul prospereth. 3 John 2

Press Release

Posted by Sharen Rooks Agency on March 4, 2009 at 3:54pm

PRESS RELEASE MONA LISA.doc

Top Selling E-Books and Software

Posted by Teresa on February 17, 2009 at 5:49pm

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Putting myself back on the list!

Posted by Sheya on January 23, 2009 at 1:30am

I watch Oprah a few weeks ago and one thing I remember her saying she was “putting her self back on her to do list”. I got so caught up in building a business, developing a new marriage, that I put myself on the bottom of the list. I quit exercise, stop preparing healthier meals and started eating fast food! Because I stop taking care of me I gain over 30 pound (WOW) just to say that is painful but I am not ashamed! Before the New Year had begun I started getting back in the grove of exercising and taking steps to eating better.I am putting myself first on my two do list. I get up in the morning and I go to God before I do anything. Through prayer, reading the bible, listen to great biblical teaching on God word, it has help me for two weeks to maintain my exercising routine and today I started running! WOW I thank God for the will and the strength to get my health were it should be both spiritually and naturally. My personal scripture for the yearZechariah 4:6:6Then he answered and spoke unto me, saying, “This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, `Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ saith the LORD of hosts.Make 2009 your year!Sheyawww.naturallynurturingbeauty.com/blog

What are you possessing for 2009?

Posted by NATASHA Your Wellness Informant on January 1, 2009 at 12:39am

Leave disease and illness in 2008, renew your mind daily on The Well-Side.For many years I suffered with several illnesses and was told that it was normal. Then I realized the importance of food and how it can heal the body. I released my ownership of disease and illness and decided to choose Wholeness. I can hear my body more clearly; I make better choices, and live with the respect of self and others.So I ask you, “What are you possessing?” On this last day of 2008 make the choice to renew your Total Body-Consciousness daily by making choices that add to you.You no longer have to live a life where food is your enemy.Tips to come to The Well-SideAche or pain - find the root cause of the issue before using medication to mask the symptom.Proactive - ask questions when you visit your care provider, know your body, never take possession of a diagnosis, seek options to make an informed choice to eradicate the cause of the illness.Self-Love – respect yourself enough to get the proper rest (no just sleeping), take time to spend alone to meditate/pray, be honest with yourself and others, know when and how to say “NO!”Leave the baggage behind – let go of foods you know are not working for you. Stop trying to convince yourself that this is the last time, find an alternative.Recreate – if you do not like your reflection change it. Stop receiving how others define you and create yourself for who you are (Be-come who you desire to BE). You make your own reality.Exercise – do it. Start small and increase but get started. Walk, jump rope, roller skate, run, play with your children, too many options for excuses.If you do not make these changes for yourself think of those who love and care for you, do it for them. Why shorten your life when you can live a long abundant life.“Total Body-Consciousness possess yours in 2009”Say this until you begin to live it “Wellness is Mine in 2009!”

A Delightful December with Author Monica Marie Jones

Posted by Monica Marie Jones on December 3, 2008 at 8:23pm

Hello Everyone,Recently I posted a status message saying that I was so excited about all of the magazines, websites and radio shows that I will be doing in December. One of my dear Facebook friends left a comment asking me to list everything so her it goes....Wednesday December 3rd -Howie Bell's Comedy Show- Book Signing at Bert's Marketplace Theatre @8pmThursday December 4th - I will be signing up to read for the open mic at They Say Jazz Club @9pmSaturday December 6th- Soul Lounge at 1515 Broadway - I will be signing and selling books and I may do a reading :) (I have tickets for sale for $25)Sunday December 7th - The John Oakwood Interviews with Push Nevahda on readersrooms.comDecember 8th -12th I will be facilitating a training of trainers in Kentucky (so if you live in that area and want a book just let me know :)December 11th -Victorious Voice Radio Show with Brooks J Youngwww.BlogTalkRadio.com/VictoriousVoiceDecember 13th - Motown Writer's Network Holiday Gathering at the Wayne State Barnes and NoblesDecember 14th -24th I will be going on the cruise of my dreams and I will get to see my father for the first time in 15 years! I will be making stops in Florida, Panama, Costa Rica and Belize. If you live in any of those areas let me know :)Websites and Magazines in the Month of DecemberSister Divas Magazine- www.sisterdivasmagazine.netTabu Thick and Sassy Magazine- www.thicknsassy.com/Urban Reviews (Featured Review and Interview)- www.urban-reviews.com5 Minutes 5 Questions Author Series - joeypinkney.comExpressions Literary and Fine Arts Magazinehttp://woman2womanlounge.infoFor more informations visit my website at www.monicamariejones.com

Last Minute Christmas Gifts For Him & Her by Usher and by Sean John

Posted by Theresa Brazle on December 17, 2008 at 5:03am

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Pamper Your Hands

Posted by Tamyka Washington on December 15, 2008 at 2:49pm

DO YOU WANT TO HEAL YOUR DRY HANDS?Try the Satin Hands Pampering Set by Mary Kay Cosmetics!The Satin Hands Satin Smoothie Hand Scrub cleanses and exfoliates.It’s an everyday treatment for hands to leave them feeling smooth andsoft instantly. You’ll love the fresh peach scent. It’s part of the SatinHands Pampering Set for irresistibly smooth, super-soft hands in threeeasy steps.The Satin Hands Pampering Set includes Extra Emollient Night Cream(great for eczema), Satin Smoothie Hand Scrub with a convenient pumpdispenser and Satin Hands Hand Cream to condition and moisturize forhours. All three come in a pretty peach colored bag.

Shop my personal website now!Tamyka Washington

STAY STRONG FOCUS, AND MOVE ON

Posted by Tamar on November 26, 2008 at 4:37pm

There is a popular term used that says, “Let Go and Let Flow”. During my journey to prosperity, I learned many tough lessons, including the one that co-workers, bosses, friends and especially family will discourage you in different ways. I remember when I was younger and working for the state department. For a year I had a fantastic supervisor, who always encouraged and told me to focus more on my studies, and to not get comfortable working in my department. He was promoted and replaced. I continued to keep to myself, do my work, study on my breaks, etc. After six months passed, I was told by my new supervisor that she and my co-workers felt that I was not taking my job seriously, and if I did not change my attitude I would be fired. I prayed about it, and remembered what my old supervisor told me. I stayed for another month, until ironically, my old supervisor offered me another job in his new department. My point is, although I wanted to tell the supervisor what she could do with the job, I did not. That job was helping me to pay some of my mortgages. A couple of years ago, when we were sleeping on a mattress on the floor, a relative would always ask me each time we spoke, if we finally had a bed to sleep on . Now that our bed can pay for a new car, I have no regrets about sleeping on floor. Although I always explained to this person that we wanted our money to work for us, it did not register. I have shared these stories because it is not easy to change your mind set on things. Just because you change your way of thinking, it does not mean others will change theirs. When you are going against mainstream’s society’s and beliefs, you and thinking out side the box, and this upsets and scares a lot of people What we have to remember is that wealthy people and families(with old money) like the Rockefeller’s, Morgan’s, etc, are thinking outside the box. This subject is not illegal or new. The term old money means just that; they have had their money for generations. Their money is being recycled in antiques, gold, silver, etc.We tend to get caught up in other people’s hang ups, instead of staying positive about things, and continuing to do what we need to do to get to the next level. That is a part of life, but as long as we remember that our Creator loves, guides and protects us, that should be our faith. Faith is important.The weekly challenge for the week is to do something nice for the that person who is giving you a hard time. Give him or her a magazine or book on Antiques or silver. Share this blog. Invite him or her to the Metropolitan museum or a local museum that exhibits fine art and antiques. Or just say thank-you. When I was a senior in high school, I worked at a fast food restaurant. I thanked the manager for telling me that I just was not cut out for fast food and then firing me. My point is to reverse the negative remarks and replace them with positive remarks. You can change the discouragement into encouragement. What I have learned over the years, is some people that were discouraging me were afraid, and wanted to do what I was doing. When they finally stepped out on faith he or she was very happy.

Pamper those Soles!

Posted by Daphne Porter on November 6, 2008 at 7:44pm

Standing all day, running errands, aerobics class, whatever the case, we need to take a moment and pamper those Soles! The Soul Purpose Happy Feet Collection does just that. It’s a natural and organic foot care collection that will turn your home into the finest luxury spa. Here’s how:Step 1: Enjoy a therapeutic Soul Purpose Happy Feet foot soak with Desert mineral salts and a variety of anti-inflammatory and healing oils including peppermint, wintergreen, tea tree, and eucalyptus to deodorize and freshen feet. This exclusive blend will soften, deodorize, and reduce swelling and odor.Step 2: Pamper yourself with a moisturizing Soul Purpose Happy Feet pedicure. Renew dry, rough, hard working feet with a blend of fine pumice, moisturizing oils, shea butter, peppermint oil, Vitamin D, Tea Tree oil, and antioxidant extracts. This blend leaves your feet smooth, conditioned and refreshed. After cleansing or soaking you feet, massage this exfoliating butter scrub into your feet paying special attention to your heels and calloused areas. Rinse well, towel dry and finish with Soul Purpose Happy Feet moisturizing cream. More

Fired @ 54, not supervisable!

Posted by Omitunde on November 6, 2008 at 7:30pm

I went after a job in a place where I believed I could make a difference providing a service to Black people, my people that I feel most connected to. The revolutionary side of me is passionate about affecting social change and making a difference. All fired up after finally completing my undergraduate degree I was idealistic and proudly anticipating working at a Historically Black College.My intent was to connect with African American parents and students to assist them in securing funding through Financial Aid effectively as someone who understood the anxiety they may have been experiencing. My belief is that I understood the challenge of feeling intimidated and overwhelmed but together we could come up with a plan that worked to the advantage of the student and parent and secured their admission, tuition, and housing requirements.The work proved to be more than challenging and even though I anticipated it to be difficult I expected to be trained well enough to meet the challenge. A very wise woman that had been in the industry for almost 30 years taught me as much as she could in between the demands of her own student load and time lines.The office operations were flat and loosely structured and the environment was highly charged by politics and big egos. When I needed help I would go to my co-workers and make every effort to get the right answer for the best outcome. In almost every instance, I received a different answer no matter who I went to. Seasoned individuals performed procedures the way it has always been done like before computers became the focus. It was effective in its time although time consuming. Fairly new professionals performed procedures in whatever way allowed it be done the fastest. Mistakes were made but time lines were met most of the time.Read moreOmitunde, Publisher of African American Family ConnectionAn online magazine about African American Family values and community.Visit AAFC for the latest issue each month and a copy of "The Ripple Effect".

Break Ups Are Wake Ups - 7 Ups To Moving On

Posted by Victoryia D on October 8, 2008 at 2:00pm

Breaking up is hard to do. Everyone goes through it more than once in a lifetime. Some breakups are harder than others because of the emotional bond.When a love one dies, you grieve for a period of time and slowly move on with life. Theres no difference when you break up from a relationship. You grieve, moan and groan for a while, cry and think about the good times and bad.The only difference is most women think about going back to their ex even when they know it was not their fault in the first place. Some stay in a bad relationship because they been together for a long time and that's not good either.Don't dig up your ex from the grave, leave them there and move on.Here are 7 Ups every woman should know after any break up#7 - Wise up — Know this had to end for a new beginning. Life is too short to settle for less.#6 - Stand up — For yourself and let no one walk over you. No more Ms. Nice Guy. You can do bad all by yourself.#5 - Get up — Do not let the break up hold you down. Grieve for a period of time, then move on. Go out with girlfriends or yourself and enjoy a movie, dinner or other entertainment.#4 - Grow up — Do not hold grudges towards your ex. Hurt is painful, but what's more painful is holding him in prison in your mind. Break him free so you can be free. It will feel good, you'll see. FYI, the ex has probably moved on, so should you.#3 - Hush up — Listen to what your gut feeling tells you. If the evidence is there or you just know you can do better, nine times out of ten you are right. Be patient, you will find the one you desire.#2 - Give up — End the fantasy in your head of getting back together. If the two of you tried to work things out and no success, it's because one party is working hard while the other is hardly working at it. You can't pull the weight for the other. Two is an even number, meaning it has to be 50/50. Why should you wait and ponder in your mind if you will be together again.#1 - Close up — Your legs and save your goodies for someone else. BOOTY CALLS do not work for MOST women. We are not men. We get attached, while men don't. Women, our body part is the "House" and the men body part is "The Visitor". Some visitors go from house to house not even trying to find a home, just wanting a place to lay for the night. But for us, we only have one house and we have to keep it clean (if you know what I mean). So the next time "a visitor" wants to play house, tell that visitor, "This House Is Not Your Home".Sincerely,Victoria DYour Motivational FriendFounder of Me Myself and LifeA Movement To Motivate All Womenhttp://mmlcommunity.memyselfandlife.com

Facts about Organic Body Products

Posted by Christine on September 26, 2008 at 2:38pm

When shopping for personal care products, there is an amazing array of bath and body products for your choosing. The labels scream "organic", "natural", "made with organic ingredients" and the like. You certainly want to choose the best for your health and your family's health, so your question may be, "What's the difference?" Read on for the facts about organic body products.1. The FDA (Federal Department of Agriculture) does not regulate or define the term "organic" in reference to personal body care products. In other words, the government does not certify organic body care products as "officially organic" but they do regulate the ingredients that are contained within that body product.2. In order to be certified organic, the product must be made up of organic agricultural ingredients (such as cocoa butter, shea butter, herbs and oils). In addition, the way in which the ingredients are produced, the handlers of these ingredients and manufacturer of the final product must be certified by an organic certifying agent who is USDA accredited. (Water and salt are excluded from the ingredients.)There are several levels of certification for these organic body products:4. A product which is labeled as "100 percent organic" indicates that the product includes only organically produced ingredients. These products carry a USDA Organic Seal and display the certifying agent's name and address.5. A product which is labeled "organic" should contain at least 95% organic ingredients and the remaining percentage of the ingredients must be on the approved National List of approved substances organic products. These organic body products will display the USDA organic seal as well as the certifying agent's name and address.6. "Made with organic ingredients" indicates that the particular product contains at least 70% organic ingredients. These products cannot carry the USDA organic seal but must display the certifying agent's name and address.7. An "organic body product" with less than 70% organic ingredients cannot use the term "organic" on the main label. They should not carry the USDA seal, nor the certifying agent's name/address.Understand that while the USDA does regulate agricultural ingredients that go into the organic body products, they do not regulate and have no authority over the labeling or production of products that do not utilized agricultural ingredients. Which basically means if that mascara you're buying claims to be "organic" it's most likely is not. In addition, be aware that the organic body products that you may purchase in the store might also be certified by private agents that are not connected with the USDA and thus are subject to private standards, not the government's.Hopefully, this information will assist you in making an informed choice when you visit the personal care product section of your local store.Founded on the principles of natural skin and body care, neosoul.essentials, llc carries all natural, preservative free products for bath and body. Visit www.neosoulessentials.com for product information.

“Urbanny SpotLight and ArtFace Studio Presents“

Posted by jo perry on August 21, 2008 at 6:22am

The Picture Show

"Ubanny SpotLight and ArtFace Studio Presents“Creativity and Innovation... a beautiful combination.Walida "Jo Perry" Johnson Visual Matrix Artist, Teaching Artist, Creative Writer and OwnerBusiness of Art…Urbanny SpotLight and ArtFace Studio Presents are, Arts Integrated, Multimedia Presentation for Small Business Solution, Marketing and Entertainment“A New way to Advertise and Promote your voice, while supporting the arts.”About the Artist works…Artistic Portraits and DesignsAs an Visual Matrix Artist, she integrates innovation and technology with a vas array of traditional mediums, through the digital canvas and paletteArtist Statement…The Soul of CreativityWhen creating an art piece I study the image and listen… to see what that image is saying to me.It is a silent dance of creative energy, imagination between me, the image, the digital canvas and palette. I am student, to the soul of creativity, exploring the imagination, the possibilities of what could be or what lies underneath what is visible. I have found that there is more to the human image, than what is captured, each one has a story through my minds-eye. -JoWalida “Jo Perry” Johnson is currently working on two major projects, which will be complete by mid Oct-Dec. 2008Sponsorship and Advertisement Opportunities are available go online and purchase today while space is available.Great Opportunity for promote your voice and bring awareness to causes and social issues.Be apart of book projects and Multimedia Presentations.Learn more about her at,www.urbannyarts.comwww.myspace.com/joperryakawjohnsonhttp://au.youtube.com/ArtistJoThe value of Friendship is the only true currency.

LETS PLAY THE NAME GAME

Posted by Roberta Gregory-Maximin on July 27, 2008 at 2:18pm

How in the world do people come up with clever and catchy business names? For months now I have been trying to come up with a name for my new business. Next to doing my business plan (which I am still working on) this has got to be one of the most frustrating things to do. Well for me anyway. I thought this would be the easiest part of it all. But who was I kidding.I have tried different variations of things. I tried using my name (which just may be my best option) but it is not original enough, nor is it that catchy. I tried to think of some sort of catchy name that has to do with events and entertainment but everything that I can think of, is already being used. ; Anything that is worth using, anyway. And if it is not already being used, it has too many words and syllables in it. No one wants to say a mouthful just to say a business’s name. I tried to get some advice from friends and family members but they don’t take my business seriously enough to give me a name worth a second thought. What is a girl to do?I really can’t make any steps forward with out finalizing my name first. I cannot get incorporated. I can’t do a logo or a slogan. I can’t make flyers or build a website. I can’t build advertising banners or anything that needs to be done to make my business successful. I will not even be able to do something as simple as get business cards.Now I started using the name Black Dress Entertainment. The first time I said the name, immediately I thought of a funeral engagement. Other than that initial thought, I really do like the name. It has a classy feel to it but I am not sure if it is what I really want. When I Google the name I get a million responses. It’s only when I put quotation marks around it like “black dress entertainment” I get about 30 responses back. Which is good, right? Honestly this is the name that I am leaning towards but I want to be sure. I need to make sure of it before I have all my business cards and logo designed and decide not to use it again. That would be killer.I also looked at calling the company Word of Mouth Events, but that name or saying is in everyone’s mouth and they wouldn’t only be talking about my company. They would be talking about any and everything worth talking about. And that Google search brings up even more responses. HOLY COW! I want my name to stand out and only get about maybe 150 responses (still a lot but a whole lot better than a million).I just don’t know what to do. I want a name that when you hear it, you know exactly what we are about. But I also don’t want it to be to long or complicated where people get frustrated just saying it or try to make up their own acronyms for it. I want something that is happy and brings thoughts of joy and excitement to every ones minds. Not something that is dark and gloomy and may have you thinking about anything else but happy times. I look at all the businesses on my favorite sites, BBWO (black business women online) and SUN (start up nation), and just about everyone has a catchy business name that suites their company. The only ones that don’t are the ones named after the business owners.Everyone keeps saying just relax and let the name come to you. It has been months now and it hasn’t come to me yet. How long am I to wait for a name to come to me? Seven months, 12 months, 2 years, who knows? And what if it comes to me in a dream? Being that I am not the kind of person who remembers any of my dreams, that wouldn’t help me at all either.I am being patient though and considering all my options so that I can have the best possible name. Hopefully it will not be before long that I would have a company name…HOPEFULLY. Keep your fingers crossed!!!!Any suggestions?

HEALTH IS WEALTH

Posted by Tamar on July 31, 2008 at 3:22am

For a very brief period of my life I use to surround myself with millionaires or people who thought they were millionaires. One thing I noticed in that journey was that they were not healthy at all. I remember being told that an associate could not meet with us because he was taken to the hospital after having a heart attack. Although this was a very wealthy man it did not stop him from getting sick. I don't understand why things like steak, lobster, etc are associated with having money. You eat enough of these foods and you might not live long enough to enjoy your riches. On the other hand you may live a long life coupled with sickness. We hear of these billionaires dying from very poor health. While their money is still here they are gone. There are so many wonderful foods full of nutrients that actually enhance our bodies rather than to harm them. The scriptures clearly tells us that we should treat our bodies like temples. We were provided with so many fruits and vegetables, legumes, and nuts that is not a necessity to eat meat. And if you still want to eat meat the scriptures points out that you should only eat meat that is clean. Being a vegan or vegetarian is a blessing and not a burden.Now the saying health is wealth goes both ways. There are people who are very healthy and not wealthy or comfortable. They eat and exercise properly and do whatever is necessary to keep their bodies at optimum level. For example, I had a roommate who was 70 years old but didn't look a day past 35. She was a natural doctor and fantastic vegan chef. These were only a couple of her long list of talents. She was also on public assistance and was content on being there for the rest of her life. She is always in my prayers and I pray that she successful today. Ironically I aspired to be a natural doctor and wanted to study under her but all of that changed after we started living together. While I wanted to budget and save on what we could, she wanted to spend money that was not there. While she was a brilliant woman in many areas she had not mastered the financial area.So I mentioned both points to say that there should be a balance between health and wealth. You can do both. Again we must remember our children. The woman I mentioned earlier has children who feel that they have to take care of her. That is not how it should be. It is our responsibility to be positive examples for our children. If a little girl or boy is use to seeing his or her parents buying or selling silver,gold, or property; growing their own crops;sharing with and helping others then they will do the same when they are adults. On the other hand if that same little girl or boy sees his or her parents buying and "renting" unnecessary items, unfortunately he or she will go down the same path of making conscious decisions that leads to generations of poverty. "The sins of the father" is literal not figurative.Here's another challenge. If you are wealthy or comfortable but still eat meat try omitting meat for the rest of the week or if that is too much to ask try 1 day. If you are healthy but not wealthy or comfortable try omitting one thing from your routine that will allow you extra money for a day or the rest of the week. For example you can buy food on sale; skip a weekly massage;walk or ride your bike instead of driving a car. If you do take challenge and find it rewarding please share with us in the comments section of this blog. Todah(Thank-you)for reading this blog. Have a very blessed healthy and wealthy rest of the week.Shalom,Tamar

SILVER SPOONS FOR OUR CHILDREN

Posted by Tamar on July 31, 2008 at 3:16am

Today's big question is "Should Our Children be born with Silver spoons in there mouths?" The answer is "Absolutely". Gold or Platinum is even better. As mentioned in our first blog it is the obligation (as parents and guardians) we have in sustaining our cultural heritage, and investing all our talents wisely. Scriptures tells us throughout that we are to be prosperous an wealthy in silver, gold, and land. We must ask ourselves especially for our children's sake "will this appreciate in the future". The very first item that our son received after he was born was a sterling silver rattle and spoon. Today at age three his favorite word for when he sees at toy is "foolishness". On the other hand, if you give him a piece of silver or gold he will gladly take it and play with it. My point is this is what he knows and will continue to know. The seed has been planted. Meaning that when he is old enough to do so, he will share knowledge of wealth and prosperity through scriptures. Yes knowledge is very powerful. There are other items that have great value like old cars, trains, trucks, etc.It is tradition for people to give money only instead of toasters, blenders, silverware, etc at Jewish weddings. The idea is that Jewish young adults get an opportunity to start their lives without unnecessary financial burden as long as they take the money and invest it wisely in gold, silver, land, etc. It is also the norm to pass property and businesses to children when they become young adults.Shalom,Tamar

I've been Interviewed!!

Posted by Christine on July 17, 2008 at 6:00pm

Hi all:I recently had the distinct pleasure to interview with Sharon McMillian from New Urban Mom. We chatted about new urbanism, finding a balance between work (outside/inside the home), family and self, and the support systems available for women and families. I truly enjoyed talking to Sharon! Please take a look at her website and listen to the podcast..CeeCeewww.sheaproducts.infonatural bath and bodyPick up your $3.00 gift certificate. Register and shop today.

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Note: this page contains paid content.

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Note: this page contains paid content.