July/August 2010

given beauty that God placed inside you.  You are free to be exactly who God created you to be. No more, no less. Enjoy the
beauty in freedom!


-LoVetta Jenkins

A Desperate Mother’s Request: Saving Lives



Written by Jennifer Jones Austin

 
Hello, my name is Jennifer Jones Austin.  I am a 41 year old mother of two young children.  Only months ago on September 23, I was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia.  Just days before I was walking around feeling fine, taking care of my family, going to the gym daily, and working professionally as an advocate for children and families living in poverty.  I had no medical history of health problems.  Things were good. 

Today I live with the very real possibility that I may not see my children grow up.  My doctors have informed me that my chances of surviving Acute Myeloid Leukemia are small unless I undergo a bone marrow transplant that would cure me of this cancer.  And now my family, friends, colleagues and I are feverishly searching for a bone marrow donor who will help me have a transplant and significantly decrease the odds of the cancer returning.  As we search, we also are hoping to help others like me who need transplants too.  

Due to DNA, there is a greater likelihood that a fellow African American would be the most compatible donor for me.  Unfortunately, however, African Americans are grossly under-represented in the national and international bone marrow donor registries.  For this reason, we are holding drives across the country and online to both raise awareness about the need for African Americans to volunteer to help save another's life by being bone marrow registrants, and to actually increase the representation of African Americans in the registries.

There are thousands of African Americans who suffer with Leukemia who can be helped by fellow African Americans.  If we come together as a community and support our fellow African Americans -- some we know and some we don’t know -- by just stepping forward, joining the "Be The Match Registry", and being tested to determine whether we can help another by donating marrow through a medical procedure similar to a blood donation, together we can save thousands of lives.  Together we can hold each other up.

What I am asking my African American brothers and sisters to do is to engage and be a part of this very important effort -- not just for me, but for other African Americans.  One never knows what his or her destiny will be or what will happen in his or her life.  Today it’s me, this African American woman, but tomorrow it could be some other African American’s brother, sister, daughter, son, mother or the person him or herself whose in need of a bone marrow transplant.  What we do today can affect the lives of so many people today, tomorrow and in the years to come.  If we just get involved and register, get tested and make ourselves available to someone else in great need of a bone marrow transplant, we as African Americans can save the lives of many other African Americans. 

Here are four important facts I want you to know:

1.       The only thing required to determine if you are a match for me or others is the simple swabbing of your cheek.    

2.       Due to advances in medicine, donating bone marrow is as simple as giving blood.  The majority of the time there is no need for a surgical procedure to extract bone marrow.  

3.       Potential donors can either attend a drive or click the link below to go online and have a kit sent to them, swab their own cheek and send it in for processing.  (Everything is completely free)  

4.       Finally and most importantly – Prayer Changes Things!  Please keep my family and I as well as others in your prayers. Thanks in advance for your prayers, support and efforts to save my life as well as others.                                                                     
 
                                                                    Sincerely,                                                                      
                                                                            Jennifer Jones Austin
 
To learn how you may be able to help Jen as well as others in securing a life saving match go to: www.savejen.com

May/June 2010

When the month of May comes around every year, I immediately see changes taking place all around me.
The earth begins to blossom with new life. Every nest in every tree is occupied by the tiniest praisers who
sing, not only for their food but, to give God glory.  Children rush home from school with little sprouts
in foam cups to present to their mothers, and flowers begin to grow.  It is in the month of May that I
miss my grandmother the most.  Not in December around her birthday, not in October, the month in which
she received her greatest reward, but in May.  May when we celebrate the women who mothered us.  The
women who (with the Lord's help) shaped us into who we are.  My grandmother died as a result of a stroke
that she suffered in October 2008 and I have missed her every day since.

You can almost imagine my surprise when I found out that the month of May was also the National Stroke
Awareness Month.  At first, I didn't want to cover this subject but, my grandmother was always known for
dropping subtle hints, and this time she dropped me a hint all the way from heaven.  I wasn't fully educated
on the subject of strokes before I began this article.  I had very little knowledge on its causes, prevention methods,
or its risk factors.  Well, I'm happy to say that by the time I completed this article I had become somewhat of
a minor expert.  Through extensive research, I've even found a few risk factors in my own life.  I pray that
everyone who happens to read this make a covenant with themselves to take care of the one body that God
has entrusted to us while we are here on earth.

When I set out to explore strokes, I, first, had to find out exactly what they were. A stroke or “brain attack” occurs
when a blood clot blocks the blood flow in a vessel or artery or when a blood vessel breaks, interrupting blood flow
to an area of the brain. When either of these things happens, brain cells begin to die. When brain cells die during a
stroke, abilities controlled by that area of the brain are lost. These include functions such as speech, movement,
and memory. The specific abilities lost or affected depend on the location of the stroke and on its severity (i.e., the
extent of brain cell death).

SYMPTOMS

Symptoms of stroke include:

SUDDEN numbness or weakness of the face, arms or legs (especially on one side).
SUDDEN confusion, trouble speaking, or understanding.
SUDDEN trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
SUDDEN trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.
SUDDEN severe headache with no known cause.
Call 9-1-1 IMMEDIATELY if you or someone else presents any of these symptoms.  Take note of the time you
experience your first symptoms.  This information is important to your health care provider and can affect
treatment decisions.

RISK FACTORS

There are two different types of risk factors involved with strokes, controllable risk factors and uncontrollable
risk factors.  Risk factors that you can control are broken into to two different types as well.
 
Controllable risk factors include:

Lifestyle risk factors- Tobacco use, smoking, alcohol use, obesity
Medical risk factors- High Blood Pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes

Uncontrollable risk factors include:

Age- Being over the age of 55
Gender- Male
Race- African-American, Hispanic, Asian/Pacific Islander
Family History

February/March 2010

With the recent deaths of Andrew Koenig (80's TV star of "Growing Pains") and Michael Blosil (18 year-old son of Marie Osmond) I felt
compelled to address the sensitive issue of depression and suicide.  Almost all of us have had bad days, a few lonely nights, or even a month
when it seemed like nothing would go right.  Almost all of us have felt the urge to throw up our hands and just walk away from it all, just
give up.  If you've ever felt that way, you're not alone. Thousands of people (including myself) have felt the same way that you do, but
I'm here to encourage us all.  Even in your darkest hour, God is there with you.

". . .I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen." Matthew 28:20b

It is to that simple promise that I cling when I feel like life's situations are getting the best of me or my circumstances are too overwhelming.
No matter how dim your situation remember that God sent His Son, Jesus:

"To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace." Luke 1:79

If you ever feel like you can't talk to anyone or that no one will ever understand, just know that God hears every tear you cry as if it were a spoken request for help.  He's with you when you're going through rough times.  He's with you when you feel like you can't go on. 
He's with you when you feel like giving up.

David wrote in Psalm 73:23 "Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand."
Give God your hand to hold when you can't bear life's burdens alone.  Give Him your hand to help you walk through life's storms.  I
encourage you all to hold on to life, come what may, and don't give up.  Joy truly does come in the morning.

Ways To Handle Depression And Anxiety

Author: Ivan Wyatt

We live in a society infused with pharmaceuticals and drugs to treat everything from depression and sleep to anxiety and indigestion.Drug companies constantly bombard the general audiences with commercials touting new prescription drugs suitable to cure or treat just about any condition or disease. As a result, many people believe that these drugs are the only option they have to ease the symptoms of their condition.But there are alternatives. Many pharmaceutical drugs are based off of naturally occurring substances and many natural supplements have been found to improve mood and memory while decreasing stress and anxiety. ThinkStraight combines these natural supplements in order to provide a balanced and effective way to naturally treat depression and anxiety.

If you know someone who is contemplating suicide please click here to find out how you can help.

January 2010

A Helping Hand

Written by Frederick Alexander Meade NNPA Special Correspondent (NNPA)

All was well for Jennifer Jones Austin and her family in the recent months leading into the holiday season.  Suddenly, her life depends on a gift from a possible stranger.  Jen ­­­­-- as she is often referred to by those close to her -- the 41 year old wife of Shawn Austin and mother to a daughter 12 and son eight, has garnered great contentment in numerous areas of her life.  The daughter of a prominent minister, the late Dr. William Augustus Jones, not only developed a fulfilling family life but a satisfying and purposeful professional existence as well. 

As an attorney for nearly 20 years, Jennifer Jones Austin has advocated for disenfranchised children and families within New York State and abroad.  The native New Yorker, Jones Austin has served the needs of the less fortunate in a multitude of capacities both within the public and private sector. 

Jones Austin served as New York City’s first Family Services Coordinator, a position to which she was appointed by Mayor Bloomberg after serving four years as a Deputy Commissioner in the City's Administration for Children's Services.  

As Family Services Coordinator, Jones Austin was responsible for leading multiple interagency initiatives for children and families of the city.  Jennifer’s services would further be called upon as she played a key role in helping to coordinate and advance the Mayor’s anti-poverty initiatives.  

Jones Austin also held the position of Civil Rights Deputy Bureau Chief for Policy, Legislation and Public Outreach for then-Attorney General Eliot Spitzer.  Within the realm of advocacy for the education rights of children, Jones Austin served as the Vice President of Development for LearnNow/Edison Schools Inc. 

In recent weeks however, Jen’s life has undergone considerable upheaval. 

A fever requiring the hospitalization of the active mother would serve as a precursor to an ultimate diagnosis of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML).  Such a medical diagnosis requires that Jones Austin receive a bone marrow transplant in the immediate future if her life is to be extended.

Individuals in need of a bone marrow transplant essentially require a donor of the same ethnicity, as a transplant may only occur between parties in possession of matching genetic tissue.  This reality however functions to present a challenge for most individuals of African descent, as this group is dramatically underrepresented within national and international bone marrow registries. 

In the face of this reality, Jennifer and others of African ancestry must often rely on the will of the immediate public if they are to identify a life saving match. 

Her fellow activists, including the National Action Network’s Rev. Al Sharpton, have launched drives in attempt to save her life.  Her father, the late Rev. Jones, was a spiritual mentor to Sharpton.  Scheduled bone marrow drives have emerged throughout the country in an effort to not only save the life of this community activist but also those who require the same medical procedure as well. 

Due to considerable advances in medicine, the process by which one is determined a match for a needy recipient is as simple as placing a swab along the inside of the potential donor’s cheek. 

Additionally, if an individual is identified as a match for a patient, a bone marrow transplant generally only requires the donor give blood. 

Jennifer Jones Austin has dedicated her life to protecting the natural rights of those whom society has very often marginalized and seemingly cast aside.  A stalwart agent in working to procure greater measures of social and economic justice for the least of these within our society, Jennifer now requires the public she has served for almost two decades to assist in helping her to survive. 

When recently interviewed on a NBC New York Local News broadcast and asked of her hopes with respect to her unsettling circumstance, Jen true to form, simply stated she felt encouraged that not only would she find a match, but through the public’s efforts in assisting in this endeavor, many others in need of a similar transplant would also receive help.  

To learn how you may be able to help Jen as well as others in securing a life saving match go to:

 www.savejen.com

Follow the link to view a short video regarding Jennifer Jones Austin’s circumstance.  

http://www.webcastr.com/videos/news/jennifer-jones-austin-needs-a-marrow-match.html

Frederick Alexander Meade is an educator and journalist providing analysis on social and political matters.  His works appear in news magazines and publications across the country.  Meade may be contacted at:

December 2009

Welcome to the wonderful month of December! It's a time for family, great gatherings, and love, but most of all it's the season to remember Christ.
It's a season to remember that the greatest gift that we could ever give one another in the knowledge and love of God.  There are many ways to
introduce someone to Christ, be it through music, a testimony, or through reading His Word.  It's a known fact that they youth of today are very
different from the young people of yesteryear.  They dress differently, act differently, and even use their own "language".  It is this generation
that we are striving to bring to Christ BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY!

On Saturday December 19, 2009 31tenMagazine will take part in one of the biggest Christian outreaching events of the year.  Two of our favorite
Christian groups, Carnival and Half Mile Home, have joined together to spread the Word of the Lord.  The concert in fittingly entitled "The Kingdom
Building Concert" and will feature several other artists as well.  This concert has been a long time in the making and is highly anticipated by those in the
city as well as Christians nationwide!  These two groups have proven to be diligent workers for Christ and keepers of His word.  Young people are
drawn to their style of music, their true-to-the-heart lyrics, and their sense of urgency and longing after the heart of God.  If you are anywhere near
Youngstown, Ohio on this Saturday, then you need to be in attendance at "The Kingdom Building Concert" taking place at the Everlife Worship
Center 474 Early Road in Youngstown, Ohio 44507.  The concert begins at 6pm.  Be sure to stop by the 31tenMagazine media table and meet
your favorite staff members and radio personalities.

We've included the comment box below so that you may give your own personal feedback about the concert, your own personal testimony,
or your ideas on spreading the Word.  Be sure to stop next week for EXCLUSIVE concert footage and interviews with both groups!

Free website - Wix.com

November 2009

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I'm inclined to have a little reader-participation.  So many times we focus on the things that we are thankful for without ever considering the blessings of others. No matter how great or how small, we should give thanks for everything.  Everyday I choose to thank
God for something new.  Nothing is off limits, trivial, or juvenile.  I've thanked God for things as big as my house, my health, my businesses, and things as small as my fingernails and eyelashes.  Every trial, every victory, every chance to see a new day, I give thanks.

I'm asking everyone to join me on this month by thanking God for something new each day.  Stop by on a daily or weekly basis and post what you're thankful for in the box below.  You will be surprised at how many of us forget or overlook some of the most important things. Join me, and everyone else at 31tenMagazine.com, in telling the entire world what we are thankful for!

Free website - Wix.com

September/October 2009

Clich here to purchase your copy of "A Silent Cry".

August 2009

June 2009

It’s not unusual for little girls to grow up absolutely adored in the eyes of their fathers and want to marry men who are just like them.  It’s not unusual for little boys to walk in their fathers shoes or be found slathered in shaving cream standing in the mirror next to him.  We are all shaped, formed, and fashioned by the men who father us, whether they are biological fathers, step-fathers, father-figures, or grandfathers.  Being fathered is just as important as being mothered to the development of  a child.  Men add balance to the scale of our lives. 

A mother’s instinct is to kiss every scraped knee and challenge anyone who has been unfair with her child.  Fathers teach us to “shake it off” sometimes when it’s just a simple scrape and to walk away when a situation isn’t headed toward being resolved peaceably.  If life was such a piece of cake, like some believe, then fathers would be the pinch of salt in the recipe that really helps the cake have full flavor.  There is no one as invincible, in a child’s eyes, as their father.  He is the destroyer of monsters in the closet.  The defender from all bullies, the strongest of the pickle-jar-openers, the tallest of the top-cabinet-reachers, and always the hero that saves the day. 

In a child’s eyes, their father is no ordinary man.  He will live forever, he will love them no matter what, and he will always be there to bail you out when you’re in trouble.  Sometimes he won’t give you what you want, but you always have what you need.  He knows that some things may be too hard for you at first, but you have it in you to accomplish anything.  In a child’s eyes, a father is a miracle worker, turning ordinary wooden crates into go-carts, and old boards into fantastic tree forts.  He’s stronger than the Incredible Hulk and has more powers than Superman.  All in the eyes of a child…

If we were to all see our Heavenly Father through the eyes of a child we would never have a single care in the world.  If only we could see that He is capable of banishing all of our personal demons, annihilating all of our hidden foes, and conquering all of our inner-enemies.  If only we would see that He can fix the problems within us as well as the problems concerning us.  He’s greater than our most stressful problem, He is capable of calming every storm that rises up against us.  He will live forever, He will never leave you, He will always love you no matter what and He will never let you go without one single thing that you need.

“But my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” Philippians 4:19

Your Heavenly Father desires to be there to catch you when you fall. He wants to hold your hand when you feel alone.  He wants you to depend on Him just like you depended on your natural father when you were a child.  He wants you to trust Him, honestly and completely, just as you did the father he gave you here on earth.  Fathers are given to us by our Heavenly Father so that we may experience His love on earth.  He wants us to know how much He loves us each and every day.  He wants us to look at our own children and suddenly realize “Wow, this is how much God loves me.” He wants us to pattern ourselves after Him and do the things that He does.  He wants us to be there for each other, help each other, and most of all love each other just as He loves us.

What a loving and wonderful Father!

May 2009

The Measure of a Mother

March/ April 2009

February 2009

January 2009

Have you been looking for great music that goes against the grain of traditionalism but still shares the love of God?

Half Mile Home

“Half Mile Home, formerly known as After the Rain, left their gospel roots to pursue a career in R&B.  During that time they worked with R&B artists Ginuwine, and toured with Jodeci.  They became writers for Babyface/Edmonds Ent. and also wrote and produced for Toni, Tony, Tone’.  As their relationships grew stronger with their Hip Hop and R&B peers they were offered a deal with Columbia Records.  They looked forward to doing a lot of positive things in the R&B field, however, the Lord had other plans of returning them back to where they belonged.  Realizing what the Lord wanted them to do, they were obedient and followed the Lord’s calling.  They were led to transition the R&B group, After the Rain, into the new Rhythm & Light sensation, Half Mile Home.”

And the rest, as they say, is history!

Proclaimed “the real thing” by Gospelflava.com and a group slated to “become a household name” by others,  Half Mile Home definitely is striving to live up to the world’s expectations of them.  But, even more, they are trying to please God.  They have proven themselves time and time again with their debut release “The Movement” and are aiming to take the world by storm with their Sophomore release “Message in the Madness” (marked for release this coming Spring).  Their music has a sound that our younger generation can dance to, the older saints can worship to, and  the entire world can  relate to.

They possess the supernatural sound of true auditory rapture.

Half Mile Home, or HMH, was the brain-child of brothers Lil’ Bull and Ty Traxx and was originally compiled of only four members: the brothers along with their cousin Weezie and Deaken.  For their debut in 2004 they asked Woody Rock, formerly of the R&B group Dru Hill, to appear as a guest on their songs “Still Blessed” and “Realist Love”.  They got along so well that, early in 2008, Woody Rock cast in his lot with the group and became a full fledged member of HMH.  Since then, there has been no stopping this dynamic quintet of skilled musicians.  They have been recording tirelessly, working diligently, and producing perfection almost effortlessly in order to bring forth their newest God-given revelation in sound. 

I’m awaiting their new release with great anticipation and you should too! I was personally so blessed by their first album that I made sure that almost every member of my family owned it as well as my co-workers and friends.  Trust me people, this isn’t your grandmother’s Gospel (not that they can’t sing a good traditional song, too) but this is the NEXT DIMENSION in Gospel music! It’s Praise, it’s worship, it’s “Rhythm & Light”.



You can look for their first single off of “Message in the Madness” to debut later this month but, until then, you can enjoy listening to the wonderful songs from “The Movement” on or show 31tenLive! 

Click here to purchase  your copy of "The Movement"

Group Bios

   Lil' Bull began his in musical journey on the drums at his grandmother's church at the early age of 3.  He would play till he was exhausted while people danced around the church praising the Lord.  One Sunday Lil' Bull was asked to sing a song that his aunt usually sang but, she was sick this day, and he said he didn't know that he had such a gift.  The house went up and that's when he knew that  he was headed for the major leagues.  Lil' Bull continued grooming his voice and as he did, people started to take notice and wanted to help him. Lil' Bull was asked to become the lead vocalist  for the R&B group '1-900' that was formed by 'JODECI' then later became the lead vocalist for 'After The Rain'.  He has also worked along side some heavy weights in the business. He sang background vocals for Toni,Tony,Tone' and became a songwriter for Babyface.


Ty Traxx began playing piano at his grandmother's church at the tender age of 13, with his brother Lil' Bull on drums. When he knew that was the gift that had been passed down from the heavens to him, he began playing for various groups.  He was asked to help his brother Lil' Bull and his cousin, Weezie, in a concert they were having for 1-900'. He agreed to help them and from that point on, he became their musical director, a group member and spokesman. Ty Traxx traveled around the country with the group as they made their way back home to Akron, OH. Ty Traxx decided to learn more about production he studied under Darr'yl DX Pearson and Devante Swing of JODECI. As he grew in that area, he wanted simulate that sound for his group so he started putting his skills to work by producing for the group. When '1-900' became "After The Rain" he produced majority the project,and now Ty Traxx is currently producing the next Half Mile Home project
.


Raised in a Christian family, Woody was forbidden to listen to anything except gospel, and had to listen to R&B music in secret. In 1992, he,along with several of his friends, founded the group Dru Hill and began performing around the Baltimore area. While with Dru Hill he wrote and sung lead on songs such as "5 Steps", "April Showers", and "Angel". He has also recorded his own solo gospel album, Soul Music, for Kirk Franklin's Gospocentric Records. He has recorded with such Gospel greats as Natalie Wilson & the S.O. P. Chorale and many, many others. In early 2008 Woody Rock decided to add his God-granted talent into the already formed Half Mile Home. He has been a welcomed addition to the group 


Weezie was born in Baltimore, MD and lived there most of his life.  Weezie wanted to become a singer since he was a child.  As he pressed towards the microphone, he later realized God had something very different for his life.  As an up and coming musician, Weezie noticed  he could play the bass very fluently.  He began to fall in love with the gift that God had given him.  He started learning from other musicians in Baltimore MD area.  Weezie was hired as a Bassist for "JODECI", a national act.   He toured with them and played with groups like "Boys 2 Men" and "Mary J.Blige".  Weezie wanted to form his own group and he did so with the help of Devante Swing of "JODECI".  That group, called "1-900", teamed him up with "Lil Bull".  Together, they later formed the R&B group, "After The Rain".  Today, Weezie is the Bassist for the Rythym and Light group "Half Mile Home"


Deaken started playing drums and guitar along with his father in Youngstown, OH and by the age of  7 he  had grown into an established musician. Raised in a multi-talented traditional Christian family, he also noticed that he had been blessed with yet another gift.  Deaken had a raspy but smooth sounding voice which enabled him to travel around the world with a Broadway show choir, "The Youngstown Connection".  He also played the trumpet, was voted most talented and, best vocalist in his Senior year of High School.  One Sunday, Deaken sang a solo at his home church, until then, his church family had no idea he could sing.  It was that day his Pastor said to him, "Young man you sing like your daddy, Deacon Brownlee."  From that day forward "Deaken" was known for his God-given gift, a raspy and smooth sounding voice.

Can't get enough of Half Mile Home? Check out this video!

November/December 2008

"Pastels"

October 2008

Words of Wisdom from Author Michelle Stimpson

When I was a teenager, the biggest problem I had was the fact that I didn’t get along with my mom.  We didn’t see eye-to-eye philosophically, spiritually, emotionally, or “fashionably”; and we certainly didn’t agree about boys.  We disagreed on so many levels; all I could do was count down the days until my blessed 18^th birthday. 

Well, now I’m on the other side of the fence.  I’m the mother of a 12-year-old daughter and a 14-year-old son.  Yikes? No – thanks be to God. 

About five years ago, the Lord arranged for me to have lunch with a godly woman named Jill who, at that time, had two teenage daughters.  When she told me their ages, I expected her to share horror stories about her daughters’ rebellious antics.  But to my surprise, she spoke very highly of her girls, telling me of their involvement at church and in different sports.  She smiled as she spoke of her daughter’s friends and even their romantic interests.  I was in total and complete shock!  I had no idea that parents and teenage children could live in harmony.  For as long as I had been a mother, people warned me, “Enjoy your kids while they’re young – when they get older, it’ll be a nightmare!” and “Yeah, they’re cute now, but wait until they get to be teenagers!”  Jill’s testimony defied those negative “words of wisdom” and even my own experience as a teen.  Jill's account of how she and her husband had raised their children with godly principles and how God arranged her work schedule so that she could be more– not less – involved with the girls as they got older was truly eye-opening.

“We’re not perfect,” Jill cautioned me as my amazement became more apparent.  She explained that sometimes one of the girls misses a curfew and gets grounded, or one might get a low grade in school and lose the keys to her car for a few weeks.  Jill and her husband still had boundaries which, from time to time, got tested by their teen daughters.  But, overall, she said, being the parent of a teen can be a rewarding testament of love and faith. 

That brief conversation with Jill showed me that by the power of God, history does not have to repeat itself.  My walk on earth as a parent does not have to be what the world says it is and it doesn’t have to be the way I experienced it to twenty years ago.  Old patterns and traditions that are out of line with God’s plan can be overcome and replaced with godly expectations.  The woman profiled in Proverbs 31 has children who “arise and call her blessed” (verse 28).  She is the model of a noble woman and, obviously, she has a good relationship with her children. We must always look to God for models – not people, and certainly not our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5).

Now, as my kids enter their teen years, I have a different set of expectations.  Before the conversation with Jill, I expected strife, anger, resentment, hostility, and extreme rebellion.  I was gearing up to view my kids as enemies during their teen years which, of course, set me up to be an antagonist.  I realize that kids do have minds of their own, and the teen years are indeed a time for children to grow into their own identities under the supervision of parents who, at the same time, are learning to step back.  It’s a time of change, and change often creates some degree of friction.  However, thanks to the Holy Spirit’s revelation in that brief conversation with Jill, I can now approach this period in my kids’ life with pleasant hopes, desiring to see them grow into all that God has called them to be; a time of releasing them all the more into God’s capable hands. 

Points to Ponder:

·         What beliefs or expectations do you currently hold which are out of line with God’s word?  The next time you hear an old wives’ tale or a common saying, examine it against the word of God.  For example, how does the saying “Leopards don’t change their spots” compare with 2 Corinthians 5:17?

·         Do you know a godly woman who can speak into your life?  Are you a godly woman with a word to share?  Ask God to arrange opportunities for you to learn from and teach other women.

·         Contrary to popular belief, experience is not the best teacher – the Holy Spirit is.  God can show you things that you cannot know otherwise (Jeremiah 33:3); things you can’t find in the library, on the Internet, or within yourself.  When we call to God, He will show us His way – the best way!

About the Author: Michelle Stimpson is a wife, mother, and national bestselling author of Christian fiction.  Her first teen novel, Trouble in My Way, is scheduled for release in November, 2008.  Visit Michelle online at www.michellestimpson.com

"The Power of the Air"

“An Unknown Influence” ~ Rachel-Anna Lewis  

Ephesians 2:2 (AMPL):
In which at one time you walked [habitually]. You were following the course and fashion of this world [were under the sway of the tendency of this present age], following the prince of the power of the air. [You were obedient to and under the control of] the [demon] spirit that still constantly works in the sons of disobedience [the careless, the rebellious, and the unbelieving, who go against the purposes of God].

An unknown and invisible influence has arrived and has manifested itself strong in this earth’s atmosphere.  The purpose of this influence is to gain control the minds, hearts and souls of this lively generation.  One thing about influence is that it’s very subtle yet and still impacting – needless to say, powerful.  As a result of this persuasive influence, many have accepted the mediocrity of a worldly life and have remained literally paralyzed by this world’s dictates and illusions.  As in Ephesians 2:2, we are informed that the influence of the prince of the power of the air (the enemy) can only dwell in the hearts and minds of those who are rebelling against God.

The Body of Christ is living in a day and age when we must stand and be confident that the world literally desires and needs what we have, which is God.  The patterns in the secular industry that influence the minds of some youth and adults today only exist to push the Body of Christ into its manifesting season!  Romans 8:21-23 (AMPL) says, “That nature (creation) itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and corruption [and gain an entrance] into the glorious freedom of God's children. We know that the whole creation [of irrational creatures] has been moaning together in the pains of labor until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves too, who have and enjoy the firstfruits of the [Holy] Spirit [a foretaste of the blissful things to come] groan inwardly as we wait for the redemption of our bodies [from sensuality and the grave, which will reveal] our adoption (our manifestation as God's sons).”  Allow me to expound.

As a sixteen-year-old female, I do endure opposition in this earth because I stand for God no matter what I see or feel.  The boldness to declare God’s Word unashamedly comes only when YOU are persuaded.  If you’re not convinced that God is Who this world needs, then you will most likely conform to the ways of the world.  But when you’ve literally had an encounter with the manifested Glory and Presence of God and factually accept the truth of Who He is, you will then begin your journey as a standing believer.  I’ve encountered many individuals who’ve been ashamed of God, but are confident and will declare their own opinions, even when they know they’re wrong.  That same individual will shy away when offered an opportunity to stand for the Kingdom of God.  Thus reassuring you that boldness will come when YOU are persuaded.

Because of the power of God in us, when you literally manifest, it will cause a shaking in the atmosphere that will break the bonds of corruption and those that were bound will gain access to enter into the Kingdom of God as children of God without any hindrances.  How do you manifest?  Read the word of God, pray daily, live a God-conscious life, seek God, speak life, draw nigh unto Him with your desires, and He will draw nigh to you with His Presence.  Ephesians 4:4 (AMPL) says, “So then, we may no longer be children, tossed [like ships] to and fro between chance gusts of teaching and wavering with every changing wind of doctrine, [the prey of] the cunning and cleverness of unscrupulous men, [gamblers engaged] in every shifting form of trickery in inventing errors to mislead.”  Christ Jesus got up from the grave with ALL power in His Hands.  When He did so, He anointed and empowered us (His Body) with that very same operative dominion power!  With this power, God intended for us to be firm and steadfast.  As Ephesians 4:4 says – He desires for us to no longer sway with the winds of the unknown influence and the prince of the power of the air, but rather for us to believe, trust in, and rely on the One and only King of kings who can deliver this generation and the ones to come.

In closing, remember Romans 8:11 (AMPL) - And if the Spirit of Him Who raised up Jesus from the dead dwells in you, [then] He Who raised up Christ Jesus from the dead will also restore to life your mortal (short-lived, perishable) bodies through His Spirit Who dwells in you.  Always be confident that in God you can renew.

 16 year old Rachel-Anna Lewis is the youngest daughter of Bishop Charles and elder Ruth Lewis and she has one sibling, Miss Faith Lewis. Having two parents in the ministry, Rachel-Anna serves in her local assembly (For His Glory Church) located in Camp Springs, Maryland, as the Administrative  Assistant,
Media Supervisor, and Assistant to the Bishop.  She is also the author of three forth-coming books, "The New Birth", "The Heart, Destiny & Legacy of a Dreamer", and "Grace to All Nations".  With every step and every breath, her prayer is that God be glorified in her life and stand to see the Body of Christ manifest to the fullest!

September 2008

It is a rare occasion when something as unique and inspirational as this comes across my desk.  Almost two full months ago, a 31tenMagazine Staff member brought me a video excerpt from the Soul Opera “For Your Soul’s Sake” written by Mary Terry-Wiley.  I have been intrigued ever since. 

Although “For Your Soul’s Sake” had humble beginnings, it has since grown to captivate massive audiences with it’s nationally toured show.

This non-traditional production can’t be called a play, a comedy, a drama, or opera, because it is every facet rolled into one.  Originally written more than 20 years ago, For Your soul’s Sake  sheds light on women’s hidden issues such as AIDS, promiscuity, adultery, and self-esteem.  It’s the timeless stories of women and their struggle to cope with the choices they make in life and the cares of the issues that were cast upon them.  The characters range from the Biblical to the broken-hearted, the broken to the refused, they are no different from you or me. 

Easy Exercises to do at Home

A good exercise plan is vital to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Many people have schedules that make it difficult to get to the gym on a regular basis. The good news is that you don't have to go to the gym every day to stay in shape. There are many exercises you can do from the comforts of your own home. Here are a few ideas for home exercises and how to do them.

(Note: Stretching/warming up should be done before all exercises)

LEG EXERCISES

Squats:
-Stand with your feet slightly past shoulder's width
-Squat until your knees are slightly below hip level (use your arms for balance)

-Slowly return to starting position
-Repeat 8 to 10 times

Stationary lunges:
-Stand upright in starting position with feet slightly apart
-Take a deep step forward with either leg
Your feet should be 2 or 3 feet apart at this point, with your front knee bending but not passing your toes
-Keep your back straight as your body lowers
-Both legs should be at 90 degree angles as you lower
-Push back up and repeat with other leg

Calf Raises:
-Start with feet close together with your hands resting on a chair for balance
-Slowly raise your heels off the ground, shifting your weight to your tiptoes
-Slowly lower back until your heels are slightly off the ground
-By pointing your toes in or out you can shift the focus of your workout to a different part of your calf

ARM EXERCISES

Bicep curls: (these can be done with dumbbells or rubber exercise bands)
-You can sit or stand as long as your back is upright and straight
-With weights or bands in your hand, start with hands by your side with palms facing forward
-Slowly bend your arms upward bringing your hands toward your shoulders
-Lower back into starting position and repeat 8 to 10 times on each arm (simultaneously or alternating arms)

Tricep kick-backs: (used with light dumbbells)
-Rest one arm on a table or chair while leaning over, your other arm should be held at a 90 degree angle with the palm facing the body
-With a weight in your hand bring the weight back until your arm is completely straight and lower back into starting position
-Repeat 8 to 10 times and switch arms

ABDOMINAL EXERCISE

Crunches:
-Lay on your back with your knees bent and feet resting on the ground or in the air (held at knee level)
-Place your hands behind your ears for balance (do not put your hands behind your head, this can be damaging to the spine)
-Sit up halfway until your muscles contract (no need to go all the way up)
-Lay back until you are barely off the ground and repeat this until you feel a good burn in your midsection (typically 10-30 reps depending on your fitness level)

CHEST EXERCISE

Push-ups:


-Place your hands on the ground right below your shoulders. You should also be on the balls of your feet with your back straight and butt level with your body
-Lower your body to the ground (your arms should both be at 90 degree angles at this point)
-Push yourself back up to starting position and repeat
-Variations of this workout can be done by spacing your hands closer or farther apart to target different chest/tricep muscles

CARDIOVASCULAR TRAINING

-Running/walking
-Jumping rope
-Jumping jacks
-Aerobic videos (kickboxing, pilates, dancing, etc.)
-Treadmill/exercise bike

These are just a few good ideas to stay in shape while your at home. The key is to take the time to do it. There are many videos, books, websites with great home workouts. So have fun getting into shape and good luck!




August 2008

Last year they ministered in 41 churches in 21 different States. They’ve gone into 7 different denominations as well as a host of non-denominational churches and through their ministry they have seen nearly 1700 people born again in 2007 alone. Who’s behind this mass conversion you might ask? It’s the Jubilee Gang. Born from the minds of Jerry and Candy Moyer, the Jubilee Gang is more than children’s entertainment. It’s much more than the bright flashing lights, the huge screens, the wacky characters. It’s Evangelism on a broader scale and it’s tailor made for the thousands of young people who wouldn’t hear God any other way.

This Internationally known ministry began humbly in 1991 when it’s founder, Jerry Moyer, had a deep desire to bring the knowledge of Christ to children who were not hearing God‘s Word.  By 1998 his vision for this mass Multi-Media Children’s Ministry had become one of the premiere ministries of its kind!  Jerry, along with his wife Candy and a host of other characters and a puppet named “Wild Thing”, have been instrumental in bringing literally tens of thousands of people to Christ.  Though the Jubilee Gang offers tons of fun to children of all ages, it is steeped in the Word of God.

The Jubilee Gang crosses all racial lines and denominational barriers.
No one who attends one of their traveling services leaves unchanged.


“The Jubilee Gang’s time of ministry at our church was incredible. Because our church is made up of such a diversity of people, it is difficult to meet the cultural needs of everyone in the congregation. When a group of inner city students walked in and experienced the ministry of the Jubilee Gang, they showed more excitement than I had ever seen out of them in a church service. Their ministry broke every
distinction whether it was age, race, or denomination. Students went home excited not only excited by the event, but also the decision they
had made for Christ.”

Mike Dsane, Children’s Pastor Crossroads Cathedral 1st Assembly of God of Oklahoma City, OK

The Jubilee Gang reaches out to children on their level, making the sacred act of receiving Jesus more approachable and personal.
 

“I would highly recommend the Jubilee Gang to any church that is interested in reaching kids for Christ. They know how to minister to young people. We had them for a one day crusade, and it was simply outstanding. We had over 70 young people accept Christ as the personal Savior. Their ministry presentation was dynamic with all the lights, sound, and videos; their conduct was of the highest Christian standard, and their equipment was the best I've ever seen. Consider them for your next ‘Big’ children's event!”

Pastor Tony Watson, Manchester Church of the Nazarene in Manchester, OH

Although geared toward children, Jubilee Gang has been known to draw in quite the adult crowd as well.  There are countless stories of grandmothers joining in on the fun and children who have accepted Christ, going home and praying with their parents so that they may receive Christ as well.  The Jubilee Gang is truly taking the “Great Commission” (Matthew 28:19) to heart and teaching all nations about Christ.