My PASSION Magazine issue #2

MY 

PASSION 

MAGAZINE 

Cooking 

Corner 

Recipe Inside! 

Dr. Paulette Stewart 

July 2015 - Issue 2 - Vol. 1 

Bridal 

Beauty Tips! 

Lemonade and 

Pearls 

Father's 

House 

Crutches or 

Hurdles 

Mission to Mission 

India to Africa 

New 

Beginnings 

Official Launch 

Book is available online @ 

www.drpaulettestewart.com

5 Note from the Editor 

Dr.Paulette Stewart 

My Passion - Issue 2 - July 2015 | 3 

6 Bridal Beauty Tips 

Jalea Nicole 

7 The Importance of Prayer 

Gwen Johnson 

8 The Book Nook 

Featured Authors 

9 Baby Jack’s Story Part II 

Brittany Liberatore 

10 Ladies of Grace 


11 S.S.S. Brigade 


12 Mission to Mission 

Shana Cheeks 

28 New Beginnings 

Bride: Dakota Jones 

Groom: Robey Jones 

32 Power of Exercise 

Mohammed Bolton 

33 Family to Family 

Johnnie Gant 

Dr. Paulette Stewart’s book, Ladies of Grace, has officially 

been launched! For your autographed copy just go to 

www.drpaulettestewart.com and click on “store.” 

Order your book today. It is a great read! 

14 Crutches or Hurdles 

Karla Denis 

15 The Garden Spot 

Knock Out Roses 

16 A New Beginning 

Ruth Rhedrick 

17 Hoarder or Recycler 

Sandra Schock 

18 Cooking Corner 

Melissa Jones 

20 Father's House 

21 Wellness 

Dawn Causey 

22 Networking 

Chi Chi Okezie 

24 Detour 

Mary Lou Kehoe 

26 Lemonade & Pearls 

Cornelia Brown 

27 My Moment 

Sandra Schock 

Dr. Paulette Stewart: Founder and Editor 

Dekota Jones: Marketing Director 

Vitos St.Rose Creative Director and Designer

4 

| My Passion - Issue 2 - July 2015 

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Dr. Paulette 

Stewart 

From the Editor’s desk: 

First of all, I want to thank each one of 

you for the great response that we had 

regarding the first edition of “My Passion 

Magazine.” I hope that you will 

continue to enjoy and tell all of your 

friends about it. This is a free on-line 

magazine. However, you can purchase 

a hard copy by going on my website 

(www.drpaulettestewart.com), click on 

"store" and place your order. 

The late Johnny Cash was a famous 

country music artist. One of his hit 

songs was “One Piece at a Time.” 

The song tells of a man who, in 1949, 

leaves his home in Kentucky to pursue 

work at General Motors in Detroit, 

Michigan. The singer assembles wheels 

on Cadillac’s, watching each one roll 

by day after day on the assembly line, 

Find Us: www.drpaulettestewart.com 

Email: paulette@drpaulettestewart.com 

Blog: http://drpaulettestewart.com/blog/ 

Facebook: Dr. Paulette Stewart 

knowing that he will never be able 

to afford one. 

Beginning almost immediately, 

he and a coworker decided to steal 

a Cadillac, using their assembly 

line jobs to obtain the parts. He 

takes the small parts home hidden 

in his large lunchbox; larger parts 

are smuggled out in his co-worker's 

motor home. 

As the song goes, it took about 24 

years to gather the parts before 

they could put the car together, 

and when they finished assembling 

the car, it did not look at all like 

the Cadillac. (Pull the song up on 

the internet and read the lyrics. 

They are really funny.) 

You can have plans and accomplish 

them. As you put your "one piece 

at a time" in the right order, your 

life will look exactly as it should. 

Editor Notes 

Dr.Paulette Stewart 

My Passion Magazine 

This song reminds me of how we are today. 

Some people want to take the short cuts in 

life and not pay the price. Some of us work 

very hard at what we do and we accomplish 

a lot. But, there are others of us that ride 

the coat tails of others to get ahead in life 

and do not accomplish anything. 

We plan for our futures, but life is a oneday-at-a-time 

process. Each day we are 

building. Each day we are accomplishing 

something that we did not accomplish yesterday. 

Each day we are going forward, one 

piece at a time. 

As we put the pieces together, our lives may 

not always look like what we want, but it is 

our life and not someone else’s life. 

I like to put puzzles together. I have a system 

(I have a plan). First, I empty the box. 

I get all of my “outside edge” pieces together. 

I then try to pick out my colors and 

put them together. Then I begin. As the 

pieces start connecting, I can see a form. I 

can see a picture. I can see the front of the 

box. However, it only comes together one 

piece at a time. 

New beginnings are important! Slow down 

and try not to do too much. Let your life 

process. Yes, we can have plans and accomplish 

them. When you put your one piece at 

a time in the right order, your life will look 

just the way it is supposed to look.

6 

| My Passion - Issue 2 - July 2015 My Passion - Issue 2 - July 2015 | 7 

bridal 

beauty tips 

Jalea Nicole 

The Importance of Prayer 

(Part 2) 

By Gwen Johnson 

In the last issue of “My Passion Magazine,” we talked on the subject of the myths of prayer and what prayer 

really is. Now let’s explore a little deeper on our position in prayer. 

Before I pray, I have to be mindful of God’s unfailing love for me. This places me in a safe place of quiet trust. 

Knowing that I Peter 3:7 says, “I can cast all my cares on Him, because He cares for me.” Also Proverbs 3:5-6 

says to “Trust in the Lord with all of my heart, and lean not to my own understanding. In all of my ways, acknowledge 

Him and He will direct my paths.” 

I want to first start off with congratulations on your pending nuptials! And may your marriage be blessed. Now that 

we have celebrated, it is time to get ready for that day. The day you walk down the aisle and say I DO is going to 

be burned into your memory forever. Not only will there be pictures, but there could possibly be video footage to 

look back on this occasion. I have a few tips and tricks for you ladies to follow so that when you look back it will 

be with admiration and not horror! Our dress, hair and makeup are so important. Here are a few do’s and don’ts 

for you brides: 

1. Always have a trial hair and makeup session no later than one month prior to your 

wedding day. You want to have a clear idea of what you want, and it gives the artist the 

practice to perfect the look for you. 

2. Never spray tan, wax or change hair color in that week leading up to the day. If you 

must spray tan, do it at least 7-10 days before. For your brows, do not wait until the 

day of. You should have them done at least 3-5 days before the day. Your hair color 

should not be changed within the two weeks before your wedding (leave room for error). 

God initiates prayer as our way of conversing with Him. Whether it’s keeping our minds stayed on Him, allowing 

Him to keep us in perfect peace, or vocally, acknowledging the needs. 

His Word, in II Chronicles 7:14 says and I paraphrase, “If My people, who are called by My Name (CHRIS- 

TIANS), would humble themselves, (WOULD YIELD OURSELVES TO THE POWER OF THE HOLY 

SPIRIT), and pray (CALL UPON HIS NAME), and seek My face, (DESIRE TO KNOW HIM), and turn 

from their wicked ways, (REPENT). Then will I hear from Heaven, (THE FATHER WOULD SPEAK), I will 

forgive their sins, (WE WOULD BE MADE CLEAN THROUGH THE BLOOD), and I will heal their land, 

(BRING ABOUT RESTORATION, SPIRITUALLY, MENTALLY, PHYSICALLY, AND FINANCIALLY.) 

Spending time with God is the “sign & seal” of God’s great leader. In Acts 6:4 the Apostles thought it to be so 

important that they gave more attention to prayer and the ministry of God’s Word to the believer. 

E.M. Bounds, a great man of prayer, said, “No learning can make up for the failure to pray, or commune with 

God.” 

In case your hair is too dark, you 

need time to lighten and vice versa. 

3. Do not, and I repeat, do not try 

any new facial products within the 

month leading up to your wedding. 

Skin mishaps are not something we 

can really fix on our own. It always 

takes time. And going into wedding 

month countdown of 30 days is not 

when you want to have an emergency 

skin flare up. 

4. Choose a look that is timeless 

not trendy. Yes, color is great, but 

ways match a neutral eye. I am not 

saying no to shimmer either. A little 

shimmer on the lid gives a nice pop! 

5. Be you. Be beautiful. Do not try 

to look like anyone else except yourself 

when you walk down that aisle. 

You do not need to transform. Enhance 

the beauty GOD has graced 

and things to run perfectly on this 

day, it is about the marriage at the 

end of the day. 

*JaleaNicole is a licensed cosmetologist 

in the Georgia area. She is the 

CEO of JaleaNicole Image Consulting. 

If you would like more information 

please visit her website at 

www.jaleanicole.com 

There will also be a list of product 

recommendations on her blog as well. 

Follow her on: 

At its base, prayer is talking and listening to God. We can pray alone or in a group, silently or aloud, use a 

written prayer or a spontaneous one. The scriptures tell us in I Thessalonians 5:17 that we are to “Pray without 

ceasing”. We need to practice His presence continually, and have a spirit of openness toward Him at all times. 

This causes our entire lives to be prayers to God. I Peter 3:12 says, “The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, 

and His ears are attentive to our prayers.” He hears our prayers, and answers. 

Hebrews 4:16 says, “Let us therefore come boldly before the throne of Grace to find mercy in time of need.” We 

have this right bought by the blood of Jesus as He laid down His life for us. The Church is always looking for 

“new” methods; God is looking for “new” men and women. Those who will make prayer or talking to Him a 

priority. 

Jesus came to show us how to trust God and walk with Him. He laid down His life for us on Calvary, went to 

hell to take the keys of authority from the enemy, arose on the third day, and now sits on the Father’s right 

hand making intercession for us. He left us with His Holy Spirit, (His powerful presence in us). The same Spirit 

that raised Jesus from the dead, now lives in us. According to Romans 8:26, “Likewise the Spirit also helps our 

it is not necessarily something you 

want on your eyelids when looking 

back. Neutral smokey eyes will always 

be in season! Stick to something 

soft on the eyes and bold on 

the lips. A nice red, deep pink or 

even soft mauve on the lips will al- 

you with and keep it moving. 

Now that I have given you all a little 

guideline, don’t stress! Take it one 

day at a time and always be you. So 

be easy on yourself. Remember that 

even though we want to look great 

Instagram @jaleanicole 

FaceBook @BeautybyJaleaNicole 

Youtube.com/jaleanicole 

weaknesses, by making prayers of intercession for us when we don’t know how to pray as we ought.” 

Is it getting clearer, the need to make the connection in prayer? 

Looking forward to our next time together.

8 


The Book Nook 

Feature your book here today! 

dream talk 

COULD GOD BE TALKING TO YOU THROUGH YOUR DREAMS? 

Katrina J. Wilson 

In the book Dream Talk, Katrina offers a balanced biblical and scientific approach 

to the frequently misunderstood subject of dreams. People laughingly 

say, “I had the craziest dream last night.” But what if that dream really has 

meaning? In this book Katrina gives in-depth guidelines on how to remember, 

understand, and interpret your dreams. 

Through Katrina’s years of study, she discovered that both the Bible and science agree on the importance of dreams. 

She found that approximately one-third of the Bible is dream related, and that if we sleep eight hours a night, onethird 

of our lives are spent in sleep. Could it be that the dreaming process, which occurs during sleep, is not just 

a good idea, but a God idea? Get ready for an exciting journey as you will discover the true purpose of sleep and 

dreams as Katrina examines what happens to us while we sleep and answers the question “Is God speaking to us 

through our dreams?” 

Dream Talk is a popular college course that has been translated into various languages. Katrina has traveled nationally 

and internationally teaching on the subject of understanding your dreams. In her travels, Katrina has received 

hundreds of testimonies of lives being changed through the revelation of the importance and impact of dreams. 

Order Dream Talk at www.wilsonministries.com. For further information, contact kwilson@christlifenow.com. 

The Consecrated COCOON 

EMERGING FROM INTIMATE ISOLATION WITH POWER AND PURPOSE! 

Ever paid attention to a picture of a caterpillar in a cocoon? Ever wondered 

what’s going on inside as she’s changing from a crawling, not so attractive creature 

to one that’s beautiful and soars? I’ll tell you what is happening. The same 

thing that occurs when God draws us into a lonely place of intimate isolation 

to prepare us for radical and life-transforming changes. 

The caterpillar’s internal and external features are undergoing drastic changes. She loses everything that’s no longer 

needed when she becomes a butterfly. Among many changes is the loss of her mouth and feet, while she gains more 

eyes. Hanging upside down in total surrender to the process; the old things are dying off to make room for the new. 

And so it is with you and me when God’s about to transform us into the women we desire and were created to be. 

We must lose our mouth (not speak against what God is doing); our feet (remain in the process), and gain eyes to 

see things from God’s perspective. 

Order The Consecrated COCOON at www.annthomasministry.com. 

For further information, contact annmariathomas@gmail.com 

On March 9, 2014, three and a half 

months after we found out that our 

sweet Jackson was not well, we saw 

his sweet face for the first and last 

time. We'd found out in January 

that his heart had not formed correctly, 

and that he could not live 

without his pulmonary artery. The 

doctor guessed that he might be able 

to survive for a few minutes after he 

was born, but without that artery, 

there would be no way for oxygen to 

make it's way into the blood stream. 

Our prayer was that God would heal 

him, and that if He didn't, that He 

would give us a little time with our 

baby boy after He was born. 

We went into labor anticipating only 

minutes with Jackson, but God gave 

us over two hours. He was calm and 

peaceful the whole time, and we'd 

hoped that meant he wasn't in any 

pain. I held him, held his tiny little 

hand, caressed his soft little cheeks 

and watched as his tiny chest went 

up and down with every breath. Our 

family also got to dote over him, and 

we took more pictures of a two hour 

old baby than ever, I'm sure. 

Then the time came. His chest started 

to rise a little more slowly. His 

heart rate was slowing down. The 

nurse listened to his chest and told 

us that our time with him was almost 

up. Everyone left the room and 

gave us those last minutes with him 

alone. We didn't know what to do 

except stare at him and hope that he 

knew just how much he was loved. 

That we weren't ready for him to 

leave, but we knew he had to go. I 

think I rubbed a layer of skin off of 

his poor little hand as I held him, 

dreading what was about to happen. 

After a little bit we hadn't seen his 

chest rise anymore so we called the 

nurse to check him again. His heart 

was still beating, but just barely. At 

11:25am, we called her back in and 

he was gone. We sat with him in 

tears. 

Fast forward to 10:00pm. The day 

was over. I couldn't believe it. It was 

time for us to say goodbye. Even 

though he hadn't been with us for 

hours, it wasn't real until we had 

to give him away. We'd never see 

him again. Never hold his tiny hand 

again. We wouldn't watch him take 

his first steps, say his first words, 

graduate college or get married. We 

weren't taking him home because 

he'd already gone home without us. 

I gave him one last hug and a kiss on 

the cheek, then handed him to Chris 

to carry out with the man from the 

funeral home. Instead of putting our 

newborn baby in a sweet little car 

seat to take home, Chris put him in 

the back of a hearse, never to see 

him again this side of heaven. 

The heartbreak...the sadness...the 

gut-wrenching pain...It's all love. We 

love him so much. And that same 

love that we feel for Jackson is only 

a fraction of the feelings of love that 

God has for us. How can I be so sure 

of that? Because over 2,000 years ago 

God watched his own son die a horrific 

and gruesome death for us. He 

had all the power in the universe to 

stop it. But He allowed his son to die 

Baby Jack's 

Story Part II 

By Brittany Liberatore 

because he loves us. How great that 

love must be to watch your son die! I 

would have given ANYTHING to see 

my son live. I watched my son die a 

peaceful death - I can't tell you how 

awful it was. I simply cannot imagine 

choosing that for him for the sake of 

others. 

I grew up in church. I've known the 

words to "Jesus Loves Me" all my 

life. But never have I appreciated 

what was done for me on the Cross 

as much as I do now. Jesus died so 

that I could spend eternity in heaven. 

But before that happens, I get to 

spend my life knowing Him and living 

the days He planned out for me. 

Not because I deserve it, but because 

my Heavenly Father loves me unconditionally 

and would do anything for 

me. Even watch his own son die. How 

I wish that didn't have to happen. 

No parent should ever have to watch 

their child die - human or heavenly. 

God loves us more than I can fathom 

and there is a scar on my heart that 

will forever remind me of it. Might I 

never forget how He loves us!

10 | My Passion - Issue 2 - July 2015 My Passion - Issue 2 - July 2015 | 11 

S.S.S. BRIGADE 

Social Security Seniors 

Gracie’s Girls 

Ladies of Grace International held its 2nd Annual Tea. At LOG’s first tea, all the tables were decorated differently 

by the ladies. It was a competition and we had a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winner. It was fun, but too stressful. 

So, this year we had a Mother/Daughter Tea – Hat, Pearls and Gloves. (I had to go buy me some gloves.) All I had 

was my gardening gloves with holes at the tips of my fingers. However, the hat, pearls and gloves were optional. I 

wore my mother’s hat that she had 40 years ago and it is still in style. 

There was an engineer who had an exceptional gift for fixing all things mechanical. After serving his company 

loyally for over 30 years, he happily retired. Several years later, the company contacted him regarding a seemingly 

impossible problem they were having with one of their multi-million dollar machines. They had tried 

everything and everyone to get the machine fixed, but to no avail. In desperation, they called on the retired 

engineer who had solved so many of their problems in the past. The engineer reluctantly took the challenge. He 

spent a day studying the huge machine. At the end of the day, he marked a small "x" in chalk on a particular 

component of the machine and proudly stated, “This is where your problem is.” The part was replaced and the 

machine worked perfectly again. The company received a bill for $50,000 from the engineer for his services. They 

demanded an itemized accounting of his charges. 

We had a fashion show staring the 

daughters ages 5 – 12 as our models. 

Just think, the beginning of a 

modeling career for some. As you 

can see by the photos, they were just 

too cute. We called them “Gracie’s 

Girls” because one day they will become 

a Lady of Grace. 

Ladies of Grace International is always 

doing something to help somebody. 

And of course, we always have 

fun. If you want more information 

regarding joining this organization, 

please email me at: 

paulette@drpaulettestewart.com. 

You will enjoy, grow and be inspired 

by taking the journey with us. 

When we retire, it does not mean 

that our brains do not function anymore. 

It does not mean that we are 

all mentally unstable. It does not 

mean we do not have common sense 

anymore. It does not mean that we 

can’t function on our own anymore. 

It does not mean a lot of things……. 

But it does mean that it has taken 

us at least 65 years to learn some 

things. It means that we do not have 

to wonder what will happen if we are 

not faithful to our spouse. It means 

that we do not have to wonder what 

will happen if we try to experiment 

with drugs. It means that we do 

not have to wonder what will happen 

to us if we rob a bank. It means 

that we do not have to wonder what 

The engineer responded: 

One chalk mark . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1 

Knowing where to put it . . . . . . . $49,999 

will happen if we don’t get a job. It 

means that we do have to wonder 

what will happen if we don’t pay our 

mortgage, utility bills, car note, etc.. 

It means that we already have the 

answer to these problems in life. We 

have learned the answers the hard 

way. The one good thing about 

retirement is that you have the time 

to share the things that you have 

learned along life’s journey if people 

will take the time to listen to you. 

When I retired, I still had dreams, 

ambitions, and passions. I was not 

ready to “stop.” In fact, I was more 

than ready to start again. Therefore, 

I embarked on a “new beginning” for 

my life. 

Compliments of the internet 

I don’t believe that we as seniors 

were put here just to live a suburbanite 

lifestyle – that is to say, 

that we have our house paid off, a 

401K, vacations here we come, getting 

ready for the nursing home, 

etc. I do believe that now we have 

the wisdom and knowledge to accomplish 

things in our lives that we 

could not have accomplished 10, 15, 

or even 20 years ago. 

We know what it is to live. We 

know what it is to have 10 or 15 

t-shirts that say, “Been There, 

Done That!” 

Will you take the time to share? 

Will you go buy a piece of chalk 

and know how to use it?


Mission to Mission 

India to 

Africa 

by Shana Cheeks 

I want to share with you the importance of going on mission trips. You should start with places that have been 

vetted and are actually doing the work of Jesus Christ. Groups that are preaching the gospel, taking care of the 

needs of children, the elderly and widows, building schools, churches, orphanages and digging wells. I am a part 

of IMF (International Ministers Forum). This group has been around for over 65 years, and it was this organization 

that ordained me. IMF is very mission minded, and not only helps missionaries going into the field, they 

are also able to reassure people who donate money that it is going toward a worthwhile cause. 

It is very important to surround yourself with people who have similar visions, who see the gifting’s and calling 

on your life. Bishop Darrell and Pastor Kathy Gooden, the Presidents of IMF, along with my husband, Mark 

support and believe in the work that God has called me to do. These three people are the first to support any 

and all mission trips I undertake. 

IMF takes teams of people to different mission fields. For example: this year we took a group of eight to India 

in support of Christ for India during their Pastors Conference and we commissioned seminary graduates to go 

into the mission field. It was an honor to be a part of this exciting time for them. We prayed for them along with 

financial support and shared encouragement to those going out into missions. 

Christ for India also houses over 400 children that they feed, clothe and educate. If you are interested in learning 

more about Christ for India or donating to help their ministry, please visit www.christforindia.org. There 

you will see the family that started this legacy, Dr. PJ & Mary Titus and their children, Johnson and Jameson 

Titus. It has been a constant blessing to be associated with Christ for India. 

After leaving India, I then traveled on my own, to Nairobi, Kenya, where I was able to pray for and encourage 

the church I visited. At the end of the service I was given the opportunity to spend several hours encouraging 

and praying with the women of the congregation. 

My journey then took me to Makurdi, Nigeria, where I visited several villages, sharing the gospel, praying, 

giving out shoes, food, salt and financial support. Afterward we had a women’s conference and were able to 

give clothing, grains, soap and detergent to the widows and elderly women who attended the event. I was 

also blessed to spend time visiting with the children at an orphanage, giving them loving attention, food and 

finances to help with their daily needs. 

They say that a picture is worth a thousand words and I think these pictures speak for themselves. 

Continuing on our missions journey, we visited several other states; Mumbai, Coimbatore and Kerala. We visited 

churches there in support of our brothers and sisters in Christ. We were able to pray for them, share the 

gospel with many families, as well as blessing them financially.


Crutches 

OR 

Hurdles 

The Garden Spot 

Knock out 

Roses 

Do you know how hard it is to do 

something different, to change your 

routine, to step out of the box? It’s 

tough and we know that because 

most of us never do! In all fairness 

the truth is, it’s easier to stay as 

we are and keep that routine. I am 

not blind in considering there are 

outside factors that play a role in 

our decision as well. Stuff like being 

married, being single, having kids, 

how much money is in our pocket, or 

our crazy work schedules. However, 

I do believe that a lot of these issues 

have become more of a crutch than 

a hurdle! 

As I was driving home the other 

night, I realized that all the people 

I’m surrounded by are married! It 

seems everyone I know, my friends, 

my work colleagues, and even my 

family members are all married. Being 

married is not a bad thing and I 

hope to be someday. But right now, 

I’m a lone wolf in a pack of one (well 

one and a half if you count my little 

dog, Bruce)! Being single should be 

awesome, and it would be if it wasn’t 

a crutch or a hurdle. 

A crutch is something we use to 

support or prop us up. Crutches 

are needed when we are hurting/ 

injured and in need of assistance. 

We use crutches when we can’t do it 

alone. There are times in life when 

we need a crutch and it’s helpful, 

but there are times when the crutch is 

the problem. Right now being single 

has become a bad crutch! I use it as 

an excuse to hold back in life. I won’t 

go to a movie because I want to see it 

with someone. I won’t take horseback 

riding lessons because I want to do it 

with someone. I won’t go out of the 

country because I want someone with 

me. 

FYI, life is not just going to happen! 

I love all my married friends and family, 

but they are not in the same spot 

as I am; they have different responsibilities. 

I can’t always wait on my 

friends or family to do life with me, I 

just have to do it! The truth is, being 

single should not be the excuse to not 

live life but the encouragement TO 

live life! 

A hurdle is a barrier, but a barrier 

that is meant to be overcome! There’s 

nothing great about a hurdle or a 

barrier, but we all know life is full of 

them. They don’t offer support and 

they don’t give us any assistance! 

However most of us, when we see a 

hurdle, fight through it! I’m okay 

when being single is just a hurdle, 

because it is an issue I can overcome. 

Hurdles hinder moments in life, but 

crutches hinder life from happening. 

I have a fairly constant routine: I get 

up, go to work, go for a jog, read a 

book, watch a little TV, and go to 

bed. It would be easy to let this be 

my everyday life, but I’m bored, I’m 

tired of the same old, same old! I want 

my singleness to no longer be a crutch 

for not living life! I want to seize the 

day and use it and the freedom that 

comes with it! I want to horseback 

ride, to deep sea dive, and to travel. 

I want to learn a new language, take 

up a hobby, fight one of my fears, and 

experience life in new ways. But first 

I need to get rid of my crutches, and 

start jumping hurdles. 

Just take a minute and think about 

what things in your life you are using 

as a crutch. How can they become 

hurdles? What’s causing you to hold 

back in life, to play it safe, to keep 

your easy routine? Is it a crutch, or 

is it a hurdle? Can you get past them 

and live the life you long to live? In 

all honesty I am looking in the mirror 

as I type this and I hope I have the 

courage to follow through. 

In the end I guess all I want to 

say is get rid of the crutches! 

You don’t need them, and you 

have the ability to jump every 

hurdle! 

Karla Dennis 

(Pastor PK) 

Several years ago, I bought my first Knock Out rose 

bush. It became my favorite flower in my garden. I 

planted it and then forgot about it. There is not much 

maintenance. I just prune it (or cut it back) a couple of 

times during the summer. 

Rose breeder, Bill Radler, created the Knock Out rose 

bush. It is one of the most popular roses in North America. 

Let’s look at how to care for these roses. 

The Knock Out roses are easy to grow, not requiring 

much care. They are also very disease resistant, which, 

which adds to their appeal. Their bloom cycle is about 

every five to six weeks and are known as “self-cleaning” 

roses, so there is no real need to deadhead them. 

The Knock Out roses can reach 3 to 4 feet wide and 3 

to 4 feet tall. In some areas, an early spring pruning 12 

to 18 inches above the ground works well, while in areas 

with harder winters they may be pruned down to around 

3 inches above the ground to remove the dieback of the 

canes. A good early spring pruning is highly recommended 

to help get the top performance out of these fine 

shrub rose bushes. 

Prune in late winter or early spring, while the plant is 

still dormant. Remove any dead or damaged wood, do 

a little shaping if necessary, and take out some of the 

interior stems to improve air circulation. 

Plant them individually among shrubs, annuals and 

perennials in mixed beds and borders. Plant them in 

large groups to create a colorful hedge or along a foundation 

to provide a bright border. 

Every 2 or 3 years remove about one third of the old 

branches to stimulate new, fresh growth. If you are 

trying to keep the roses at a certain height, you can 

cut them back hard with hedge shears. No need to 

worry about usual rose pruning rule of cutting back to 

an outward facing leaf bud – just chop them down to 

the desired size. 

When caring for Knock Out roses, feeding them a 

good organic or chemical granular rose food for their 

first spring feeding is recommended to get them off to 

a good start.

16 


Hoarder or Recycler? 

As winter turns to spring, flowers 

blooming, painting a picturesque 

landscape, allowing new beginnings 

to appear, I prepare to make my 

regular visit to the Pulaski State 

Prison for Women, being thankful 

for my freedom that should never 

be taken for granted. The two hour 

and 20 minute drive gives me some 

alone time to thank God for my 

freedom and pray for those who are 

about to be released with no place 

to call home. 

When I pulled into the lot, I could 

see the line of loved ones sprawled 

out on the sidewalk waiting to be 

approved to enter. As we stand in 

line, everyone greets one another 

and begin to tell their inmate's 

story. Oh, how my heart begins to 

bleed as I read the faces of children, 

grandparents, moms, daughters, sisters, 

aunts, or grandmothers locked 

behind the twenty foot barbed wire 

gate. I hear the stories that are 

tearing families apart and breaking 

loved ones hearts. 

My heart embraces the tender innocent 

smile of a little child coming 

to spend time with their mom but 

first must be searched for contraband. 

My eyes swell with tears at 

the grandfather being wheeled in 

by a feeble legged petite grandmother 

with two great grandchildren 

attached to her arms. The 

metal detector alarms, and they 

are all removed from the line to 

determine what is being concealed. 

The officer locates a screwdriver in 

the wheelchair pouch. The grandmother 

attempts to explain that 

if the wheelchair malfunctions, he 

A New Beginning 

One Click Away 

Ruth Rhedrick 

can swiftly repair it with the much 

needed screwdriver. As innocent as 

her appeal is, the stoned face officer 

must maintained the guidelines and 

procedures of no contraband inside 

the prison. The family is removed 

from the line for a complete search 

before moving forward. 

Though I stand next in line with 

a state ID badge as a prison volunteer, 

I too must endure the 

strip search as well. As I'm being 

searched, I totally forgot about my 

new chap stick hidden inside my inner 

pocket. It was a simple solution 

to toss in the receptacle and go the 

next three hours with dry lips. 

My visit today will be a bittersweet 

one. This inmate has three 

months before her scheduled release. 

We still have no safe haven upon 

her return into society. The state 

government has housed her for four 

years at a rate of $47.00 a day, so 

far totaling $68,620 for taxpayers. 

Yet, government funded transitional 

housing spends $13.00 a day based 

on the limited facilities available. 

After four years, a change has 

evolved and she truly desires not to 

go back to the same neighborhood 

and associates who contributed to 

her demise. Her probation and parole 

officers will instruct her to stay 

away from criminal activity or face 

being placed back in the system. 

How does she escape the vicious 

cycle and trip wire affect, when new 

beginnings seem obsolete? 

Just in Clayton County alone, the 

county government owns properties 

that can be used to help rehabilitate 

and house inmates being released to 

give them a fair chance of becoming 

upright citizens in their communities. 

Psalm 117 organization needs your 

help in writing letters to our government 

officials and pleading on the 

inmates behalf for transitional housing. 

It is a handful of devoted and 

passionate people who strive to see 

inmates get a second chance in life. 

My passion grew as a middle school 

age daughter, observing my dad 

volunteering his early Saturday 

mornings visiting inmates at county 

jails and state prisons. I remember 

him submitting letters to the Governor 

in hopes of getting innocent 

men pardoned for crimes they never 

committed. Many times he was 

allowed to bring men in our home, 

give them one of his nicest suits and 

sit at our dinner table and enjoy 

a home cooked meal. For 35 years 

my dad worked with one particular 

inmate that constantly returned to 

his environment every time he was 

released. And every time he was 

returned back to a prison cell that 

became more of a home than the 

home he really never had. Upon 

his last release, he accepted Christ 

as his personal Savior. He told 

my dad and his congregation that 

he was tired of this vicious cycle 

and wasted lifestyle. He wanted to 

thank all those in my dad's church 

and especially my dad (his pastor) 

for being supportive of him for all 

the years when he didn't believe in 

More on page #34 

That is the question…… 

Hoarding!!!!!! Are you a hoarder? I’ve been told that I am a hoarder. 

Not a nasty, can’t walk through my house, hoarder. But I hoard all of 

(what I call) “my treasures.” I can see recycle potential in just about everything. 

I don’t like to throw away anything. 

For instance, on a warm day, before I got our summer clothes out, Dennis, 

my husband, wanted a pair of shorts. He had some old worn out blue 

jeans that had holes in the knees, so he just chopped them off at the holes 

(both legs of course). I put the chopped off legs in the trash…………….then 

I got them out of the trash. Again, I put them in the trash……………….got 

them out again. Put them in again. Every time I walked past the trash 

can, I thought: “What can I make out of these old ragged pants legs?” 

One more time I got them out of the trash can and put them on my sewing 

machine I just couldn’t see myself throwing them away. They have to 

be good for something. Crazy, huh? So, am I a hoarder? Yes, I probably 

am. 

These ragged old pants legs stayed on my sewing machine for a few weeks 

until finally I decided to make something out of them. “But, what can I 

make?” I asked myself. They aren’t very large and there were only two of 

them. 

I got the bright idea to make me a blue jean purse. But, would it be 

enough? I cut them the size I wanted the purse to be. Sewed it up on 

three sides. Now, I need a lining. Don’t laugh, but I just happened to 

have this old dress in my recycle bin that I had saved to “make something." 

It was red with small flowers. The top was made out of denim material. 

Hey, this was great! I got the dress 

out of the bin and cut a lining for 

my jean purse from the red part of 

the dress. Put together two straps 

and sewed them all together and 

WAA-LAA; I have myself a “new 

old recycled blue jean purse.” 

I really am trying to get better and 

clean out, and not hoard EVERY- 

THING. But, there IS potential 

in just about everything. You just 

have to think of WHAT that potential 

is. I’m still thinking on a lot of 

my recycling treasures. 

Are you as bad as me? Is this 

normal? Or am I a true hoarder or 

a recycler? You be the judge and 

jury. 

Sandra Schock

Cooking 

| My Passion - Issue 2 - July 2015 

18 

We all have different ways of expressing how we feel about our loved ones. Food is my way. Food can 

be beautiful, delicious, comforting, or nostalgic. Food can transport you to another land far away; it can 

remind you of your childhood; or it can bring your family and friends together after a long day. If cooking 

is a way that you show love, then you will adore “Steak Tacos with Charred Salsa.” This recipe is simple, 

scrumptious, and healthy. You will truly impress your family and friends when you grill up this fiesta in 

no time flat. 

Corner 

with Melissa Jones 

STEAK TACOS 

with CHARRED SALSA 

INGREDIENTS 

4 ears fresh corn, husked 

1 medium-size onion, cut into eighths 

1 red bell pepper 

1 large poblano pepper 

1 lb. grape tomatoes 

¼ cup olive oil, divided 

2 lb. skirt or flank steak 

2 tbsp. your favorite steak seasoning 

2 garlic cloves, minced 

2 tbsp. fresh lime juice 

¾ tsp. salt 

12 (6 inch) corn or flour tortillas, warmed 

1. Preheat grill on HIGH. 

2. Brush the first 5 ingredients with 2 tbsp. olive oil. Cook corn, 

peppers, and onions first, turning occasionally, 10 to 12 minutes 

or until charred. Remove from the grill and set aside. 

3. Cook tomatoes for 5 to 6 minutes or until charred. Removed 

from the grill and add to other veggies. 

4. Rub steak seasoning, and grill on HIGH heat for 5 or 6 minutes 

on each side or to desired degree of doneness. 

Recipe continued page 25

20 


Father's House 

WELLNESS 

Touching Lives One at a Time 

Sometimes, we get so absorbed with our own problems that we forget 

about others. We don’t think about that there are lot of people in this 

world whose problems are much, much greater than others. Sometimes, we 

need to stop and see what is going on around us. 

A few years ago, I met a wonderful couple, Rev. Jayan and Suja Daniel, 

who looked beyond their needs and saw a world full of orphans and destitute 

children of the nation of India. They are doing a wonderful job in 

reaching out to these children, but they need help. 

Here are a few facts that you need to know about the children of India: 

• There are 18 million street children in India. 

• Over 59 million children in India have no access to school. 

• One out of two children between the ages of 6 and 14 have no access to 

primary education. 

“Touching Lives One at a Time" 

• A total of 6.75% children work, of which 4.73% are boys and 8.93% are 

girls. 

• 46% of children under the age of five are malnourished. 

• Statistics reveal that India has 17 million child laborers – the highest in 

the world. 

• About 60 million Indian children under the age of six live below the 

poverty level. 

• 5.2 million are HIV/AIDS infected children. 

• Out of 27 million children born in India every year, two million do not 

survive to celebrate their first birthday. 

• 500,000 children are forced into commercial sex trade every year. 

• One out of every three girls does not live to see her 15th birthday. 

• Every sixth female child’s death is due to gender discrimination; 300,000 

more girls than boys die every year. 

In 2007 Jayan and Suja established “Father’s House” to meet the needs of 

the orphans, semi-orphans and destitute children of the nation of India. 

Their passion and desire is to care for a maximum number of children by 

providing physical, emotional, educational and spiritual care to some of 

India’s most needed children. 

Homes have been constructed to provide shelter for the most desperate 

children. Jayan, Suja, and their team are strongly committed in placing 

children into a family environment rather than in a large institutional 

orphanage. 

Each home consists of 8-10 children and will have a housemother or a 

couple to care for them. The house consists of three bedrooms, three bathrooms, 

a living room and a kitchen 

with all the necessary facilities for 

them to feel at home. 

Their future plans include about 10 

homes; English medium school for 

Father’s House children and for children 

from outside; a medical clinic; 

a multi-purpose hall to use a chapel; 

and a community center. 

How can you help these children 

have a “new beginning” or a “fresh 

beginning?” You can help them 

by partnering with Jayan and Suja. 

You can adopt a child or a mother 

as she raises her young family or an 

entire family or just sow a seed each 

month to “Father’s House.” 

Please visit the website or email for 

further information. 

www.fathershouseasia.org 

email: lwmioffice@gmail.com. 

Did you know that your skin generates new cells every day! Since our 

skin is the largest organ of the body, it’s important to take care of it. 

If you are looking to get that youthful glow back or keep it, here are 

some tips to do just that: 

Hydrate- Drinking water helps the 

skin do its job by regulating body 

temperature through sweating. It 

also carries nutrients throughout 

the body so that various cells can 

grow. About 60% of our bodies 

are made up of water, thus it is not 

only beneficial for our skin, but all 

of our organs. Dehydration makes 

your skin look dry and wrinkled. 

This can be improved with proper 

hydration, but you do not want to 

over-hydrate. If you drink at least 

8-8 ounce glasses of fluid a day, 

that’s adequate hydration. 

Now, let’s not forget the outside! 

A nice moisturizer helps protect 

the outer skin layer. During the 

summer months, be sure to have a 

moisturizer that’s water-based with 

at least a SPF of 30. In the cold 

and winter months, you will want 

to use an oil-based or “ointment” 

moisturizer. 

Exfoliate-Dry brushing is a great 

way to make your skin softer, helps 

the body rid itself of toxins and 

increase blood circulation. It also 

removes dead skin cell so the new 

ones can shine through. When you 

have skin that is dry and rough, it 

tends to look dulls but when you 

exfoliate and remove the dead skin, 

the new cells are reflective to light 

and give you the youthful glow! To 

start, use a natural bristle brush (I 

like to get the one with the handle 

so I can reach my back). Next, 

brush your skin upwards from foot 

to neck, then from your hands to 

your heart. This helps the blood 

flow to the heart. You may want to 

begin to brush softly and then work 

up to firmer pressure. 

Rejuvenate- Since the skins cellular 

structure changes daily, it's good 

to provide it the nutrients that it 

needs. Proper foods and mineral 

supplements can help keep your skin 

do its job of protecting all of your 

organs. Power foods such as dark 

leafy greens, dark chocolate, blueberries 

and/or strawberries are filled 

with anti-oxidants that help eliminate 

your skin of free radicals. Mineral 

supplements such as Omega-3 

fatty acids (fish oil) help keep the 

top outer layer of the skin strong. 

Now, you are all prepped and ready 

to show that glow! These are just 

some fundamentals to help you on 

your journey, but please keep in 

mind that everyone’s journey is 

different, so be sure to use the best 

solution for your skin. I leave you 

with the quote by dermatologist 

Doris Day, MD, author of Forget 

the Facelift: Turn Back the Clock 

with a Revolutionary Program for 

Ageless Skin. “"The beauty of the 

skin is that you can affect it from 

both inside and out." 

Dawn Causey 

Host of Remarkable Essence 

WebTV & Radio Show 

Founder of The Essence of a 

Woman: Health, Wellness & 

Empowerment Conference

"Networking Follow Up" 

The Importance of Networking 

Chi Chi Okezie 

Once you have identified your networking goals, have an objective and a plan, then the next step is to execute it. 

Networking is not just about attending events. It is about building a network and support system. In my first article 

for this magazine, I stated that we operate in networks. Building relationships is key. Listed below are ways 

in which you can follow up in a timely manner and build a viable networking for success. 

Induct 

Induct individuals and companies into your networks 

through social media. Give each person a position or 

title to gauge engagement and interest. Be strategic 

and even create subcategories when necessary. Make 

sure that the members in your network are diverse and 

compliment your core values. 

Inform 

Be an informational expert. Reach out to those you 

have met with relevant subject matter. Do your research 

and due diligence to show professionalism and 

credibility. Look for information that can benefit the 

other person and add value to your growing relationship. 

Use a diverse spectrum of information, as well. 

Inquire 

Inquire about future networking opportunities or 

ways to stay connected. Be open to doing more 

business and enlarging your circle of influence with 

others. Ask targeted and practical questions to keep 

the networking going in the right direction. Show 

levels of interest and follow up with the success of 

referrals and leads when applicable. 

Invite 

Invite your counterpart to a similar networking 

event or function. Be the host and accommodate 

them. Learn about their interests and reasons for 

wanting to network and build relations. This will 

definitely improve your credibility, professionalism 

and brand for future success. 

Contact: 

Chi Chi Okezie, cokezie@snseminars.com, http://www.snseminars. 

Lemonade 

& 

Pearls 


I have two beautiful strands of 

pearls that were given to me by my 

mother and grandmother. I cherish 

those pearls so much. Quite often 

I sit, look at them, and cry a little, 

because I miss them both dearly! 

You see, they both have made the 

transition to heaven a while ago but 

left a deep impression in my heart. 

I show some of their ways in my 

day-to-day activities. I release what 

I have been taught by these strong, 

tenacious women as I deal with life 

and its beauty and hardships. 

These pearls represent the beautiful 

and tough times in life, because you 

see, a pearl develops from friction 

caused by a foreign object in the 

oyster. This irritation and friction 

creates a reaction, a kind of defense 

mechanism around the object until 

it is isolated and smothered by 

beauty! Isn’t that so interesting? 

Irritation and friction can create 

something so beautiful. 

Well, both of these women in my 

life had their fair share of issues. 

My mother and her older sister 

grew up during the war and had to 

endure and see things that forever 

scared these little girls. They both 

dealt with this differently throughout 

their lives. Here is one of the 

horrifying stories my Mom used to 

tell me. 

My grandfather was captured and 

became a prisoner of war in Russia 

for seven years. My mom was very 

close to her daddy and was heartbroken 

and missed her father terribly. 

My grandmother and her two 

girls were left to their own devices 

and had to run the hotel called 

the “Isarburg” all by themselves. 

The girls had to walk daily to fetch 

bread and eggs from the nearby 

farms, and quite often, would be 

interrupted by bombers flying over 

the Alps. As they watched the 

bombs drop, they would hide in 

the woods until they felt safe to go 

back home. They never knew if they 

would see their Mom safe and alive 

again. Once my grandfather was 

released from prison, he became a 

cook in Munich, about 60 

miles from the beautiful little hotel 

and my grandmother would take 

the girls by train to visit. One day 

the bombers came and bombed the 

train station and my grandmother 

had to take the two sobbing, shaking 

little girls and drag them over 

dead bodies and screaming people 

to meet her husband. They had to 

hide in the cellar so no one would 

find out that the family came to see 

him, only to make their way back 

the next day over all the devastation. 

My grandmother would fuss at 

the girls and tell them to keep their 

eyes closed as she dragged them 

with tears rolling down her cheeks 

to the train. She would look straight 

ahead, lips tight and every muscle 

in her body in stress mode until 

they sat down and just stared at the 

ground in front of them. My grandmother, 

my aunt and my mother 

were known as some of the strongest 

business women in the Ober Bavaria 

region. 

My grandmother became wealthy 

but remained a deeply, troubled, 

hardworking woman who had a 

hard time showing love freely. My 

mother was the kind and soft one 

of the girls and longed to have a 

family of her own, but she also 

had a tough edge to her that came 

through when danger seemed to try 

to attack her family. As soon as she 

got married, she moved away from 

the hotel industry to have children 

and enjoy the beautiful life of a 

close knit family with a mother and 

a father she never had! My aunt 

chose the path of the powerful business 

woman that no one could out 

do or get to close to! 

The pearls formed the defense 

mechanism that protected them 

from feeling the deep pain they had 

to endure during the war. 

I grew up noticing all of it and 

formed my own defense mechanism 

to deal with the journey that would 

come my way! Once I got to the 

United States, I began to hear the 

statement “make lemonade out of 

lemons” and began to incorporate 

Continued on page # 26

My Passion - Issue 2 - July 2015 | 25 

Mary Lou Kehoe 

It is commonly said that in the state of Minnesota there are two seasons, winter and road construction. Once the 

snow clears and the weather starts to warm, the road crews are hard at work closing roads and ramps to accomplish 

the repairs. If drivers are not prepared, the way to their destination can be riddled with confusion and 

frustration. They can be stuck on the road for long periods of time and sometimes, they are not even able to find 

the way to where they want to go! 

Have you ever felt that life has taken you on a detour? You start on the road that you are certain God wants you 

to go, sure that you know your destination. You are speeding along, cruising down the road and then all of a sudden 

- BAM - you hit a detour. You end up going in a direction that is completely unfamiliar to anything you have 

known before, and you are certain that you have completely lost your way. You are out in the wilderness with no 

map or GPS and there are no road signs to be seen to guide your way. You come to a complete stop and have no 

idea why or where you are supposed to go. Sometimes fear takes over, and you wonder if you will ever be moving 

in the right direction again. 

That is exactly how I felt when I moved to Minnesota almost three years ago. I was so certain that I was doing 

what God wanted me to do, and I even had a job interview for a job with the city that paid $20/hour for parttime 

work. I was going to live with my sister for a short period of time, and then all things were going to work out 

for me to get a brand new house and get all my “things” from Georgia sent to me. As it turned out, I didn’t get 

the job. However, exactly one week after I got here, my sister ended up having emergency abdominal surgery and 

was required to have a feeding tube for six weeks. I learned how to be a nurse making sure she received her feedings 

every two hours, even through the night – it was like having an infant all over again. She needed help bathing 

as well as getting dressed. I drove her to all her doctor’s appointments and made sure that she received all her 

meds. It was no sooner that she was cleared from that, than she needed to have both rotor cuffs replaced in her 

shoulders. Again, I was called upon to be her nurse and chauffeur. 

All during this time, I attempted to find a job without any luck. I spent the next 10 months living with my sister 

and brother-in-law and tried to pay for my keep by cleaning the house, making dinner, doing the laundry and even 

helping my brother-in-law with his stamp collection (I became quite good at soaking stamps off paper). I began to 

question if I had heard God correctly regarding the move and tried to stay focused. However, it became difficult 

since I had not connected spiritually with a church yet and I really started to question as to why He had me move 

to this heathen, Democratic state! 

But God was at work and finally the road jam cleared and traffic starting moving again. I was able to get a job 

where my brother-in-law works, and although it doesn’t pay a lot of money, it is a good place to work and the 

owners treat all the employees as family. I have found a good church that has small groups and I am even facilitating 

a small women’s group. I have been able to move out of my sister’s house (I miss her though) and am currently 

living in an apartment with my youngest daughter, Megan, and my two youngest grandchildren. My oldest 

daughter, Angela, and her children live exactly two floors below us. All of this is because of God and His direction. 

Although I felt that I was stuck in traffic and that I would never be able to maneuver again, the roadblocks have 

cleared and I am moving ahead again. I still am not sure of the final destination or how things are going to work 

out, but I know now more than ever, that God is always in control. 

5. Remove and let stand 5 minutes. Cut 

up the steak. 

6. Cut corn kernels from cobs, and place 

in a large bowl. Discard cobs. Chop 

onion, peppers, and tomatoes and 

add to the corn. Stir together garlic, 

next 2 ingredients, remaining 2 tbsp. 

olive oil, and chopped veggies. 

7. Serve steak and salsa in tortillas with 

desired toppings. 

Makes 6 serving 

STEAK TACOS 

with 

CHARRED SALSA 

***If you have any leftovers, add them 

to scrambled eggs for a “southwesternstyle” 

breakfast. Also, add any remaining 

salsa leftovers to dress up your favorite 

soup or stir-fry. DELICIOUS! 

3 “SAVE TIME” TIPS: 

1. CHOP AS MANY VEGGIES AS YOU CAN 

For example, if you know that you will be making 3 meals with chopped onions and/or garlic, etc. throughout 

the week, go ahead and cut them up all at once. Store them in zip lock bags and refrigerate them until you are 

ready. 

2. PORTION OUT YOUR PROTEINS 

For example, if you know that you will need 2 chicken breasts (or any proteins) for a certain meal this week, 

portion them out into baggies when you have the time. Put them in the freezer. On the morning that you will 

be cooking the chicken (or any other protein), take it out, and put it in the sink. It will be perfectly thawed 

when you get home. 

3. FREEZE YOUR PASTA 

I know this sounds crazy, but it is such a time saver. Cook the whole box or package of pasta whether you need 

it or not. Again, store it in freezer bags, pull it out in the morning, and it’s ready when you are.


Lemonade&Pearls Continued 

We travel not to 

escape life, 

But for life not to 

escape us! 

this to overcome hardships of having left home at 17. I returned 

at almost 18 only to have major power struggles with the three 

strong ladies in my life. Alone at the age of 19, I immigrated to 

the USA. I struggled through language barriers, loneliness, and 

culture shock. Thank GOD, I had that strength of the lionesses 

deep within me. 

I began to learn to make lemonade out of lemons the older 

and more mature I got. I began to embrace the changes in 

my life that frightened me so deeply, and once I accepted 

Christ in my heart, the AGAPE love I began to feel, revealed 

my mission on this earth. I am so grateful to GOD for this 

mission of bringing awareness about the hurts and pains, but 

mostly joys and amazing love of multi-cultural families to the 

world. I am also deeply grateful for the two strands of pearls 

that remind me of a strong female background and foundation 

given by my grandmother and mother who endured 

great hardships at a young age. They became successful and 

powerful, but always had that aura of a deep sadness that war 

inflicts on those who have to endure it, live in it and overcome 

it daily! 

Here is to you Gramdma (Oma) and Mother (Mama) I lift my 

cup of lemonade to you in heaven as your pearls flow down 

my back. I will be strong! I will always cherish you, and guess 

what, my two daughters have the same tenacity of a lioness 

that you had when you dealt with your challenges! 

Cornelia Brown, Author 

For more information visit her on 

Facebook:CorneliaBrown.ILoveIt 

slow down 

My Moment 

By Sandra Schock 

Don’t Let Your Dreams 

Be Dreams! 

Travel Your Dreams! 

Francine Mason, Travel Agent. Earn as you 

Travel, Live your Dream. Listen to this call: 

1-646-222-0102 For more information go to 

her website: 

www.francinetravel.paycation.com. 

Have you tried ‘having your moment’ since the last issue? I hope you did and I hope it 

worked! But……………………………. 

Have you ever gotten up late in the mornings, had to rush to get dressed for work, and it 

seemed like everything went wrong because you were in a hurry? Sure, we all have done 

that at one time or another. 

You’re in a hurry driving to work, sitting on the edge of your seat, gripping your fingers 

tightly around the steering wheel, every car is ‘poking’ in front of you, and you’re saying 

to yourself, “will you please go faster? I’m in a hurry. I’m going to be late for work.” 

Well…………….the next time this happens, just try to ‘take a moment,’ and slow down. 

Take several deep breaths and be patient. Besides, one more moment might just save your 

life. 

Sometimes, we do get impatient when we’re running late. But, all this does is stress us 

out more and clogs our mind with STUFF again. 

Are You Patient or Impatient? 

Try to be patient and not impatient with your daily chores.Without the stress and stuff in 

your life, a greater day will be yours.


Robey Jones and Dakota Padgett met in 

Orlando, Florida, in 2014, and everything 

clicked. Their likes were the same, 

their taste were the same, their ambitions 

were the same, everything was just 

right. He is good looking and she is 

beautiful. What more could you want? 

They were in loved and knew beyond 

a shadow of a doubt that they wanted 

to spend the rest of their lives together 

as “husband and wife.” So in March of 

2015, they tied the knot. 

They started their “new beginning,” a 

new life. 

It is amazing to find out that so many of 

our young married couples are now doing 

the “destination wedding” in lieu of 

a church or chapel. For instance: getting 

married at the beach, mountains, skydiving, 

hotels, Disney World, cruises, 

etc., etc. Moms and dads could probably 

save $10,000 - $15,000 if the couple used 

the traditional church. Robey’s father 

and mother pastor a church. The church 

is beautiful and a wedding there would 

have been awesome. Dakota’s father 

and mother live on the beaches of St. 

Augustine, Florida, where a beach wedding 

would have been perfect – just walk 

out of her house and there you are. 

But, they wanted to get married where they first met (which is so romantic to us ladies that crave romance). Oh, well, anything 

to make the couple happy and to remember their wedding day. So, Dakota’s mom found a beautiful hotel in Orlando; the hotel 

had a wedding planner; and the hotel catered the event. “Mom and Dad” did a great job. The wedding was absolutely beautiful 

as you can tell by the pictures. (As you can see, the reception had a Disney World flavor – Dakota’s family and Robey’s 

family are Disney World lovers.) 

New 

Beginnings 



Photographer: Eternal Light Photography, St. Augustine, FL. 

MORE>>> 

on the next 

page


Now the wedding is important, 

but so is the honeymoon. So, Disney 

cruise here they come! Robey 

had been on several cruises, but 

it was Dakota’s first. What fun 

they had and NO sea sickness. I 

thought that was miracle in itself. 

I met with Dakota and Robey to 

ask them a few questions about 

this great event. The interview 

went something like this: 

Dr. P: Now that the wedding and 

honeymoon is behind you, if you 

had to do it all over again and 

could change something, what 

would you change? 

Robey: I would just elope. I just 

wanted to marry Dakota. If it 

wasn’t for family, it would have 

been much simpler. I’ll admit the 

memories will always stick with 

me, but if I could have done it 

any other way, I would have just 

eloped. 

Dakota: I would just keep it really 

simple to eliminate extra stress. A 

wedding is a happy time! In all, I 

married the perfect guy and had 

a beautiful wedding surrounded 

by the people we love. Not much 

more I could ask for. 

so awesome! She practically became 

our DJ for the entire wedding and 

was there every step of the way. 

Shout out to Kelsey at the Doubletree 

at Seaworld Orlando! We could 

not have pulled the wedding off 

without her. She was priceless. 

Dr. P: What has been the biggest 

adjustment for each of you since you 

said your vows? 

Robey: I think it’s been taking care 

of two people instead of one. Before 

I made money for myself, and when 

I went out to eat or see a movie, it 

was just me. Now there’s two of us. 

We, of course, dated beforehand, 

but now there are bills that weren’t 

there before. It’s a whole new ball 

game. 

Dakota: I think it’s safe to say that 

my biggest adjustment has been 

living away from my family. I didn’t 

realize how much I would miss 

home. It’s definitely the hardest 

thing I’ve ever had to do. 

Dr. P: What would you advise 

other young couples to do as they 

plan their wedding? 

Robey: I would say just relax. 

Breathe and don’t let yourself get 

overly stressed. Getting stressed out 

is something I deal with often so 

just taking it easy was difficult for 

me, especially with such a big event. 

Just realize you’re not alone. 

Dakota: Enjoy each other! You only 

have one wedding (hopefully), and 

it is all about your love for each 

other. Don’t get so caught up in 

planning that you lose focus on 

what is most important. 

Dr. P: Dakota how are you adjusting 

being away from your family 

and the “beach?” 

Dakota: I’d like to lie and say 

it’s been super easy! Ha! But it 

has been so hard. It’s great being 

around Robey’s family, but I miss 

mine like crazy! I took the beach for 

granted when I lived there! I miss 

the water! 

Dr. P: Out of all of the marriage 

advice that you have gotten so far, 

what advice gives you hope for 40- 

50 years of marriage? 

Robey: Always communicate. Never go to sleep fighting. Always listen to each other. Wait five years to have kids. 

Never stop dating. I know how important that is. The “honeymoon phase” doesn’t have to end after the first 

month of marriage. Just love each other, and keep being so crazy about one another you can’t stand it. 

Dakota: We can be driving in the car and he [Robey] will reach over and hold my hand and I just have complete 

peace. So out of all of the great advice we have gotten, I think “never stop dating” is the best. Even though we’re 

married, he’ll always be my boyfriend! haha. 

Dr. P: Dakota, was the wedding 

planner a big asset to your mom? 

Could your mom have done it 

away from home without the wedding 

planner? 

Dakota: Our wedding planner was 



Photographer: Eternal Light Photography, St. Augustine, FL. 

More pictures on page 35


The Power 

Of 

Family 

By: Mohammed Bolton 

to 

Hello there! I am glad that you are 

back with us for the second phase 

in the progression of wellness and 

healthy living. I was so excited to 

share with you the first phase of 

beginning/continuing your journey. 

This article will focus on actually 

being proactive with the plan. By 

now, I'm hoping that you were able 

to get a medical clearance to begin 

some form of exercise from your 

physician. If you are reading this 

article, you have already gained 

significant ground in your race to 

fitness. 

Next is the hard part. “Do not 

skip this part!” Close your eyes 

and count backwards by 3s, from 

54. Example: 54, 51, 48 So forth 

and so on. Begin! 

If you took the time to count 

Exercise 

then you are ready. It means you 

have will power. If you did not, 

then you're most likely looking for 

a short cut or the easiest route. 

There's no easy way to fitness. It 

is a constant fight. Until the next 

article, try a few things: 

1) Visit www.myplate.gov to find 

an eating plan that will reduce your 

caloric and sugar intake. 

2) Jog at least one mile a day. 

Whenever you become fatigued, 

walk as briskly as possible until you 

feel that you are ready to run again. 

If you have a shortness of breath, 

stop and speak with a doctor as 

soon as possible. 

3) Use a pair of 3-5 pound barbells 

to do 3 sets of 10 repetitions of 

bicep curls followed by 3 sets of 10 

over the head presses (with your 

palm facing away from you, with a 

firm grip on the handles, making 

sure weight is even with your shoulders, 

then begin a slow, smooth 

movement upwards until your elbow 

almost locks, then lower the weight 

for one repetition. Repeat until you 

complete 10). Take a one minute 

break between sets. If you are fatigued, 

take a longer break. 

As you continue this 3-day-aweekworkout, 

you may want to 

challenge yourself to do more. My 

assertion has always been that you 

determine how far you will go as 

soon as you decide to begin. You 

MUST have the will to will yourself, 

because some days will seem 

overwhelming. Practice makes better 

practice. If you miss a day or 

slip up, don't quit. “Quitting is the 

easiest thing you will ever do while 

working out.” 

You Know You Can Do More. 

Get To It! 

Coach Mo 

Family 

I love the idea that we have a day set aside to celebrate our mothers. It offers us the opportunity to lavish in the 

personal and collective appreciation of the family, meanwhile it affords us the chance to let others know of the impact 

they have been in our life as well. 

This year was especially great for me because I was so blessed to have my mother with me which is so rare. My mom 

has gotten up in years. Much of her time is shared with her great-grand children and other aspects of the family. 

Mother has become even more important in our family now that our father is no longer with us. We have come to 

recognize her importance as the matriarch. I need her guidance and wisdom as I journey in womanhood and as a 

servant to others. 

It is necessary that families acknowledge those who have blazed the trail in our individualistic roles and responsibilities 

that life will continue to have meaning. It is odd how, at the time of the death of a parent, some people will fall 

to pieces in grief, but in days to come, we trample on all the teachings of our parents and grandparents in the demonstration 

of new found liberty. I am reminded of Solomon as he encourage his readers to live life in the fullest, but to 

always acknowledge wisdom, and use wisdom in everyday practical living. 

Honoring our elders is lived out in character and day to day decisions. “My child, do not forget my teaching but let 

your heart keep my commandments, for they will provide a long and full life, and they will add well-being to you. Do 

not let truth and mercy leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you 

will find favor and good understanding.” (Proverbs 3: 1-4) New English Translation). 

By: Johnnie Grant


himself. He begged his parole officer to let him stay in prison until they 

had a safe haven for him to go to. His wish was not granted. Two days 

after his release he went home to the same neighborhood that kept him in 

the cycle of recidivism. When he refused to hit the streets with the boys, 

they dragged him out of the house and beat him to death for being a 

sellout. My dad had to preach his funeral. He opened saying, "The streets 

may have taken his life but thank you Lord he gave his soul to you before 

departing this earth." 

Did it have to be? Could he have been afforded a new beginning had he 

had a transitional home to go to? True stories tug at our heartstrings. 

Tragedies fill us with sorrow in hopes for a better way. 

We need our inmates to be afforded the opportunity to regain their pride 

and self-worth by getting a fair chance in transitioning back into society 

and not thrown back on the street to fin for themselves to be devoured 

over and over again. Help us lead the way in the fight for Human Rights of 

inmates being released. They need transitional housing, and we need transformed 

citizens that can help rebuild themselves. 

A new beginning can begin with you! 

Ruth Rhedrick 

Psalm 117 Prison Ministry, Inc. 

Paws & Smiles of Henry county in Locust Grove, Georgia 

specializes in cost-friendly, custom on-site family, pet and 

special occasion photography. Whether it’s a photo shoot 

with your furry family member, a group, couple or single 

session, my fun and unique style will capture the true essence 

of you, your family and pets and the love you share 

with them. 

I think that Robey and Dakota 

have made wise choices in all that 

they have done so far. The adjustments 

in marriage are difficult, 

but they seem to be managing just 

fine. 

I know that all of MPM readers 

wish them all that best that life 

has for them. I plan to be at their 

50th wedding anniversary! What 

about you? 

For Bookings contact: shenan@pawsandsmiles.com 

or 404-886-6398 

Visit us on the web at: www.pawsandsmiles.com

404-919-9422 

MY 

PASSION 

MAGAZINE 

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