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Since the new year is quickly approaching, I felt is was time for another calendar feature.

The Walking By Faith 2015 Wall Calendar features the beautiful artwork of artist and sculptor, Darlington Dike Ike (DD Ike). As a graduate of one of Nigeria's most prominent art schools, DD Ike's work has been displayed in galleries around the world. He is also the recipient of both local and international awards. You will enjoy the rich and vibrant African American art images of the Walking By Faith calendar each month as DD Ike’s art encourages all to walk by faith and not by sight!

Calendar Features 

• 12 months of full page colorful art images
• Four (4) months (September 2014 - December 2014) mini calendars without images
• Measures 12 x 12 closed; 12 x 24 open

Have you ever thought about how much money you make for the company you work for? Have you ever considered how much less you are making than your boss who is no better qualified than you? Have you realized that you are working to make someone else wealthy? Every day you spend countless hours generating income for someone you probably don't know and for a business you definitely do not own. Unfortunately, in this economy no job is secure. So, where do you find the security? What does your future look like?

If you see more prosperity in your future, then you need to take control of your life now. And that means, working for yourself! You need to put yourself in a position to FIRE YOUR BOSS! Set your own hours and reap the benefits of your hard work.

My mom had an “Embrace the Entrepreneur Within” luncheon, to empower women in their lives and in business. We had 12 to 15 women there that all had positive comments about the illustrious speaker, Melissa Taft. She spoke about the steps needed to be taken to make a change in our lives for the better. She talked about asking yourself questions like: Are you going through life, KNOWING it's not how you envisioned it yet doing NOTHING about it? and Are you aware of your displeasure and doing all you can in your power to change your life??? She described how there are different stages to our development in life and wherever our competency level is, is how our life is developing now. So when are you going to take control of it? When are you going to get smarter about your situation and change it? When are you going to stop making excuses about your life and start making progress? 

So, today the question goes to you too! Are you living your life in complete denial, ignoring all the failures around you, saying, “Oh well, it’s life!”, OR are you stepping out on faith, and taking actions to change your life? The bible says "...faith without deeds is dead" James 2:26. If you're wanting a change in your life, you should be praying for a change. You should be taking action and doing things like:

• Giving up habits you know aren't good for you.
• Following through with personal goals
• Doing all you can to get a financial promotion
• Or even better, creating an exit strategy and taking steps to FIRE YOUR BOSS!

Do something for yourself and your family. Make a move to impact your life. Embrace the entrepreneur within and see how your life will change. 

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Encourage Yourself

© 2012 Robin Tramble

Do you find yourself overjoyed, excited and passionate
about the things Father God has called you to do only to
discover when life happens that you cannot sustain your
joy, excitement and passion?

Don’t feel bad this happens to us all. One thing you must know
is that it is not to be sustained within your own strength. We must
lean on Father God’s strength, tap into FAITH and allow Him to
work through us. Even knowing this there will be times that you just
can’t pull it together to persevere. Life may happen and hit you so hard
that you just don’t see your way.

I’d like to direct you to a story in the bible. It’s a story about David.
And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.

David’s men murmured and complained some even turned against him. David had every reason to do the same, to give up and to lose heart, however, he trusted in God, encouraged himself and found himself promoted not long after.

What is it that has your heart heavy? Do you know your Father God? This is where we miss it. We know about the bible, what the bible says about God, however, we don’t truly know God. Learn more about Him, know His names. Here are a few….

Jehovah Jireh “The Lord God who provides” Jehovah Shammah “The God who is always there” El Shaddai “More than enough, able to reverse natural law and accelerate time!” Baal Perizim God of Breakthrough as unto a flood, Jehovah Shalom “God of Peace, nothing missing, nothing broken, wholeness in every area of our life!” Jehovah Rapha “God our healer” Hallelujah, praise God and AMEN.

You may know a few more. Encourage yourself by exalting His name, encourage yourself through worship, praise, prayer, reading the word of God. Encourage yourself by remembering how He’s brought you through, made a way out of no way! Encourage yourself by journaling what you’re grateful for. Got it?

Alright. Be encouraged. God is with you!
______________________________________________________________
Want to use this article in your newsletter,Ezine on our website
or blog? You can as long as you include the blurb below and retrieve
the entire post
Robin Tramble empowers Savvy Women, aspiring, new and enterprising
women entrepreneurs to manifest their bold, brilliant, confident and empowered
self, get laser focused, get out there in a BIG way, while prospering and making
a difference in the world “authentically!” You can experience a taste of her
EMPOWERMENT via her 6 day ecourse “Empowered 4 success” http://bit.ly/empowered4success 

 _______________________________________________________________________

I’d like to encourage you with a special gift offer. My No Limite Empowerment Digital Series. It was an empowering virtual event for dynamic women who raised their hand, invested a small fee to receive from my ministry and business gifts for their personal, spiritual and professional empowerment. You can own this series for $1.97 for a limited time. That’s right only $1.97. I’d like to invest in you and your empowering success. Click here now to invest in your copy of this Empowering series. You’ll receive 2 spiritual empowerment audios that include empowering insights and a powerful prayer at the end. Thank you for raising your hand to glean from my ministry and business expertise.

 

Luke 12:24-28 Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest? Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you!

This scripture is particularly encouraging for those who are considering embarking on new endeavours, experiencing financial difficulty or a dry spout in life. The positivity, sense of love and warmth in this scripture is overwhelming. There’s an soothing of emotions, that brings a subtle smile to ease your worries, a deep breath to relax your mind and an expansion of warmth in your heart.

Though there are only four verses, they are worth looking at individual.

24. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have neither storeroom or barn; and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! 

The imagery brings one back to the essence of life and further still when we think of the animals and the simplicity of their lives compared to the unnecessary complexities of our own. We hear so often the phrase ‘keeping it real’, but how many of us really do? We have lost appreciation of the basic elements of life. The elements that are provided for us naturally and generously by God; food, water, air, heat, though we can manipulate these things none of them are dependent on us for their existence, in fact we are dependent on them. As we are so valuable in the sight of God we have been placed on an earth that has been built to provide our every need.

25. And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?

There have been times in all of our lives when our finances seemed crippling, we began to worry, make calculations, consider that second job, considered crime (O.K. that last one was a joke, hmm... for most of us anyway). The point is that the reality of the situation is a temporary phase, yes, it is temporary because look at where you are now, still breathing and still living to tell the tale. Yet every time we face adversity we begin to make ourselves crazy with worry, some of us to the point of physical or mental illness. Worrying never helps any situation, it only serves to make us less focused, confused, stressed and agitated.

26. If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest?

We must remember that the powers of God are far beyond what any of us can possibly imagine. It is pointless to stress ourselves about situations that are outside of our control or that we are unable to predict. In these events we should look to find peace and comfort in the Lord, because when you have walked that last mile, feel heavy and burdened, and as though nothing more can be done, perhaps there is  nothing more that you can do but this is not true for the Lord who has the power to part seas for his people. So put your mind and heart at rest and trust in him as he has not brought you this far to see you fade to nothing.

27. Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

Again, the use of imagery draws our mind back to the essential elements of life. Lilies just as all the flowers and vegetation on this earth when not planted or harvested by man have the ability to grow wild and naturally. They do nothing for their existence but simply exist itself and yet they are beautiful and worthy of admiration. Many people believe that depending on the Lord means that they have to content themselves with a mediocre life style or be happy to be poor. Let me remind you that the Lord has not only covered this world inch by inch with beauty and a wealth of resources but he has done the same for his people throughout history, think to King David or Solomon as in this text. Our God does not ration us with meager portions of his love, but gives in abundance to those who trust in the Lord.

28. But if God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you!

The lillies of the valley, the grass of the fields and even the raven are not as valuable as we are to God, we have been made evidently superior to all other beings on this earth. If so much care is placed into the birds and the bees, how much more love do you think the Lord will place into our care? Bundles and bundles more!

There comes always a point when you have done as much as you can but even at that point it’s not over yet because God is able to continue working long after you have and much further than you can. So do your best, go as far as you can, work as hard as you can and then remember to enjoy your life also even through the struggles. The Lord has got your back, whist your sleeping he’s still working so trust in him, place no worries in your mind but little reminders to God in your prayers.

Have a wonderful Sunday!

original text can be found on All Black Woman

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What is Transformation?
1: an act, process, or instance of transforming or being transformed
In the bible it reads; Be not conformed to this world but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind. Notice it states renewing which is continual. It’s not a place of arrival and then you’re done. There are many things that come to stop us from reaching our destiny and fulfilling our purpose.

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Total Transformation, manifest as the
unstoppable irresistible Kingdom
woman you were meant to be with
laser focus, an EMPOWERED mindset
and live an Authentically Brilliant
Diamond life!!”

Topic this week: Kingdom Woman Total Transformation:
Simple Secrets to Maximum Empowerment,
MEGA Mindset Breakthroughs and overcoming limiting
beliefs!!

When: First call
Thursday, February 24 at 1:00 pm PST, 3:00 pm CST, 4:00 pm EST
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My BIG dream is to be a model and I will strive towards that until I reach success. I started off in the absolutely wrong direction by taking up an offer from Model Productions, a model search agency, that were promoting their search throughout the malls. This will be Tip One: Mall model searched are most likely scams. I was young and about 13 and begged my mother to pay the $250 for the CD and the registration for some convention where all the "top model agencies" were going to be. This includes Tip Two: Don't pay for ANYTHING... and I mean ANYTHING! It just makes sense that if an agency was really legit and REALLY wanted to work with you, they would NOT ask for money, because well... they really shouldn't need it. At the most, the only somewhat "OK" payment is a registration fee, but that is still pushing it!

Okay, so after realizing that all of these model agencies and schools that make everything sound OH SO GOOD on the radio and their "interviews" (which hundreds of people come to and not even get a chance to get "interviewed") was all... excuse me... BULL!, I decided that maybe craigslist was a good choice to find opportunities. Wrong! Tip Three: Don't use craigslist! It is full of scams and people who are very unprofessional just looking for money; about 90% of these people probably do not care about your dreams for being an actress or model. Let me tell you... I went to a 'meeting' for the selected models for a photo shoot with the Atlanta Falcons bird mascot... tell me why this so called "mascot" was an very old lady dressed in a red and black home made costume that looked like she was a Broadway performer with a Vegas theme with all those darn feathers. It was a mess ! I could tell many stories from scams ALL from Craigslist. 

But let me tell you guys something that DID work. Keeping my faith not only in myself that I would someday live my dream, I always kept my faith in God. And well, I fasted for 3 days by giving up just one item that I love the most... chewing gum.LOL It sounds simple and its probably funny to you, but I chew gum so much... I may even chew it in my sleep. Its just something that I HAVE to have. and I'm telling you... day one from the fast.. I got a call from my friend about a agency having an open call and (long story short) , I went and they sent me the contract in the mail and I am now a signed talent ! : ) They never once asked me for a dime and they instantly started sending me auditions and model/acting training courses! I felt the need to tell this story because ONE... models and actresses really become serious and determined and its so hard to not fall for these scams because we really really want it. And I would have never thought I'd get signed that day! 

God bless to all aspiring models and actresses reading this and please keep these tips in mind because you don't want someone to take advantage of you and your will to reach success. Trust me.... I have been through it all. And even if modeling/ acting is not your goal.... try your faith in the lord anyways and see what happens! : ) 

Love,

         Joslyn  Shavonne

         http://www.bronzediva.ning.com

Please view my lastest Youtube video! Thanks! BE blessed!

I have definitely defied the odds and can speak from experience that “it’s not about where you’ve been, but where you’re going! Growing up poor in Stockton, CA with limited resources, I fought hard for the opportunity to attend college and become somebody. I barely escaped the hands of death at the age of eighteen when I attempted to take my own life to flee the harsh road and lies that were whispered into my spirit about my self-worth. But my mother’s hard work and struggle to give my siblings and me better opportunities superseded those lies and gave me the strength to press on and become the women I am today.

As an African-American military veteran and prevailing entrepreneur, I know that my purpose is to give a voice to women from all walks of life through the pages of my publication, Average Girl Magazine, now The Girlfriend Connection, and through the sharing of my story. I know that stepping out on faith when the odds are stacked against has set me on a path that only God knew I could handle.

Now, don’t get me wrong. I have had many a days that every first stage entrepreneur who steps out on faith dreads: hearing that your idea is great, but because you have no resources (i.e., money), you'll never make it happen. In the past four years, I have heard every excuse from high powered business persons to those just starting that there’s no way I will be able to grow this company because I don’t have those thousands of dollars behind me. If I had a quarter for every time I heard that, I'd be able to buy a condominium...in the Hamptons.

So, when does one "give up"? Or in business jargon, "when do you start executing your exit strategy?" When every door closes in your face? When you turn off your cell phone to avoid the bill collectors? When your spouse starts to give you that "this is bull*&^%" look? When you run out of faith? My entire life has been about battling the odds and taking the road least traveled. There’s something in me that just has to march to a different drum beat.

The day that I tried to take my life was the actual beginning of my journey through faith. I let my doubt about who I was and what I could be cloud my vision and distort my faith. As I swallowed those pills, though, something whispered to my spirit that I was worthy…that my family needed me more than I knew. God told me that I would always be somebody to him…if only I would believe and have faith. He told me that he had a gift in me that needed to come out…if only I would believe. I have been moving and walking in faith since that day.

I will admit, though, that there are days when I do feel like giving up on everything. What human being doesn’t? I think aloud everyday about giving up this “foolish” idea of entrepreneurship and going back to work for someone else because at least then I'd have a steady paycheck, health insurance and the coveted 401 (k). But then my spirit would die and that scares me more than not having a paycheck. Sometimes, I think that I must be an alien. Why else would I risk my security to save my spirit?

This past Christmas, I was sitting in a Christmas play called “The Gift” when I heard a character say something that gave me an “Ah hah!” moment. The character said: “God’s gift to you is potential. Your gift to God is what you do with that potential.” How profound for me that statement was because what I realized was that my potential is my purpose, and my purpose is my gift to God, but only when I move in it. The blessings don’t come until you MOVE.

One of my favorite inspirational quotes is by Maya Angelou: “I can be changed by what happens to me. I refuse to be reduced by it.” What this means to me is that no matter what happens with my business or in my life’s purposeful journey, I will not let it change the essence that is me. I am a child of God and He has given me my purpose…no matter the odds, I have to fulfill it. I can see it, feel it, touch it and even smell it. That’s purpose!

So what’s yours? What steps have you taken to pursue your purpose? There’s an ancient Chinese proverb that says: “Ambition knows no obstacles.” I think now is the best time to be ambitious and purposeful. Whatever you call the Divine Being, know that He has blessed you with potential, purpose - a gift. Use your faith to guide and move you towards fulfilling your purpose.

Know that this is the year of your completion…whatever that may be for you. Believe in your gift; work on your gift; and share your gift. But more importantly, write it down on a piece of paper and carry it with you in your wallet or purse, and when you have a moment when you feel as if the world is coming down on you – and it will because that is life – take it out and repeat it to yourself until you feel calm enough to put it away again and go on with your day.

Remember! Life isn’t easy. If it were, we wouldn’t have the chance to show God, the Divine Being, what we can do with his gift to us. Your purpose is waiting for you. Get started on your purpose plan today and don’t let your past be the roadblock to your purpose-driven life. MOVE! It’s time to step out on faith.

~ Copyright © 2009 Rebekah L. Pierce. Rebekah L. Pierce is the Publisher and Editor in Chief of Average Girl Magazine, a motivational magazine for women in searc h of change, purpose and prosperity. For more information, visit www.thegirlfriendconnection.yolasite.com or call (804) 274-8976.

Okay so let us break this down so we can understand where we are and where we need to be in our businesses and our lives!

Titus 3

Doing What is Good

¹Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, ²to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.

OK, this really means that you need to listen to your supervisors, abide by the law and respect each other. Stop acting like you don't know what to do in certain situations. Showing humilty means to be respectful of others regardless of how they treat you.

³At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. ⁴But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, ⁵he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, ⁶whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, ⁷so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. ⁸This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.

There was a time when we didn't know any better. When we decided to get our lives right and come in right standing with God, He forgave us of all of our sins, washing us clean. So, with the Holy Spirit within us we have to walk the walk and talk the talk. What does that mean for business and life? It means that won't be lying or cheating customers. We will always have great customer service (no longer is GOOD an option) and we will continuously put God first so that HE gets the glory. (stop worrying about what you can get from God, you're already blessed so walk in that FIRST!) We also can't hate on another that may be in the same industry as ourselves. We must be fair cordial and not backbiting.

⁹But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. ¹⁰Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him. ¹¹You may be sure that such a man is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.

No need to keep sharing the same helpful information with a person. If they dont understand where they are NOT and you have tried over and over (twice), then leave it be. They will see, one day, that you were trying to steer them in the right direction. One thing we know, as business women, is, starting a business is not easy, marketing is not easy and getting funding sure is not easy!

Final Remarks

¹²As soon as I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, because I have decided to winter there. ¹³Do everything you can to help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way and see that they have everything they need. ¹⁴Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order that they may provide for daily necessities and not live unproductive lives.

¹⁵Everyone with me sends you greetings. Greet those who love us in the faith.
Grace be with you all.

Verse 14 is very essential here. It is the best bet of what is to come for your life. If you do what is good, not cheating the system or others around you, you will live a productive life. PRODUCTIVE LIFE. With a productive life comes a prosperous life. Everything has to be in the will of God...did you know that putting HIM directly in your life and your business gives you a running start over the women of the world?

Bless you business women...let's get it!!

Dana Marie

Life is a theater so invite your audiences carefully.

Not everyone is holy enough and

healthy enough to have a FRONT ROW seat in our lives.

There are some people in your life that need to be loved

from a distance.  

It's amazing what you can accomplish when you let go, 

or at least minimize your time with draining, negative,

incompatible, not-going-anywhere relationships,

friendships, fellowships and family!

Everyone can't be in Your FRONT ROW.

Observe the relationships around you.  Pay attention to:

Which ones lift & which ones lean?

Which ones encourage & which ones discourage?

Which ones are on a path of growth uphill & 

which ones are just going downhill?

When you leave certain people, do you feel better or feel worse?

Which ones always have drama or don't really understand,

know & appreciate you & the gift that lies within you?

Everyone can't be in Your FRONT ROW.

The more you seek God & the things of God, the more you seek quality,

the more you seek not just the hand of God but the face of God,

the more you seek things honorable, the more you seek growth,

peace of mind, love & truth around you, the easier it will become

for you to decide who gets to sit in the FRONT ROW

& who should be moved to the balcony of your life.

Everyone Can't be in Your FRONT ROW.

You cannot change the people around you...

but you can change the people you are around!

Ask God for wisdom & discernment

& choose wisely the people who sit in the FRONT ROW of your life.

Remember that FRONT ROW seats are for special & deserving people

& those who sit in your FRONT ROW should be chosen carefully.

Everyone Can't be in Your FRONT ROW.

"Spiritual growth occurs when faith is cultivated."

Keep the faith!