The Holiday IssueThe Holiday IssueThe Holiday Issue

By Lisa Miller-Baldwin

‘

The Gift of Christmas? The Gift of Christmas? The Gift of Christmas? By Tinasha LaRayeBy Tinasha LaRayeBy Tinasha LaRaye

EmEmEmPOWERPOWERededed M A G A Z I N EM A G A Z I N EM A G A Z I N E

DDD E C E M B E RE C E M B E RE C E M B E R 2 0 1 2 / J2 0 1 2 / J2 0 1 2 / J A N U A R YA N U A R YA N U A R Y 2 0 1 32 0 1 32 0 1 3

Tis The Season To Be Thankful, Joyous,

& Hopeful

The Many Faces of The Many Faces of The Many Faces of HomelessnessHomelessnessHomelessness

Our EmPOWERing Editorial Staff

Lisa M. Baldwin, Founder, Editor in Chief, & Contributor

Ceanti Aldridge, Managing Editor, Layout Artist, & Contributor

Patricia Smith, Photographer

Our EmPOWERing Contributors

Tamara Walker

Helen Rambo

Tinasha Laraye

Monica Jimerson

Melody Welch

Jahnel Aska-Profit

Dawniel Winningham

Amanda Figureo

Visit us at www.empoweredonlinemag.com

Email us at info@empoweredonlinemag.com

Like us Facebook.com/EmpoweredInc &

Facebook.com/thewonderfullymadefoundation

We welcome your feedback!

EmPOWERed Magazine aims to inform, enlighten and inspire our readers through articles written from the heart, yet from different perspectives. The heart of EmPOWERed is to inspire and propel readers to excel despite circumstances and obstacles. Each one of us holds a piece of who He is in our hearts; as we come together in authentic community, sharing and empowering one another with our stories and resources we become a mosaic expression of that heart.

EmPOWERed was birthed out of the love of writing and the desire to influence readers in a creative expression of God who has uniquely designed each one of us for our destiny the Editor in Chief, Lisa Baldwin, who is a published author, Director/Writer of Mirror, Mirror on the Wall, and Espejito, Espejito (the Spanish version)stage-play addressing the effects of Domestic Violence and free-lance writer and editor.

Our desire is that through these articles and resources you find encouragement and hope. Truly these are ALL His stories – just our lives. We are hum-bled at the opportunity to be His voice into the windows of your eyes and heart as you go on these many journeys with us. The expression of who He is – is as different in all our lives as it is in yours as well. Our prayer is that while reading our stories and hear-ing our heart you experience moments of laughter, tears, and inspi-ration as you buckle up your seatbelts and get ready

In This Issue:

Life EmPOWERment”

Can You Give Me A Kiss by Monica Jimerson

The Gift of Christmas? by Tinasha LaRaye

Finances

Are You Working For Free by Helen Rambo

Health and Fitness

Staying Safe and Healthy During the Holidays

Beauty and Style

Feed Your Body and Nourish Your Skin by Jahnel Aska-Profit

Family Life and Parenting

Coping With Holiday Stress by Mom RN

A Single Parent Affirmation by Melody Welch and Lisa Baldwin

Spiritual EmPOWERment:

Soul Food—articles with content that will nourish and feed the soul

A Perfect System of Opportunity by Monica Jimerson

Literary EmPOWERment:

Causes

The Many Faces of Homelessness by Lisa Miller-Baldwin

Give Me My Flowers Initiative

Poetry Corner

The Girl In The Mirror; The Struggle with Weight Loss

Recipes

Table of Contents

On the Cover:

‘Tis the Season to be Thankful,

Joyous, & Hopeful

By Editor-In-Chief Lisa Miller-

Baldwin

On 12/12/12, a team of diverse women celebrated National Day of Sisterhood, designed to be a yearly event to cele-

brate the diversity of women and to bring like-minded women together for the purpose of doing business. We plan

on eventually making this a non-profit and this year’s campaign which kicks off soon will be a 95% virtual event

(Facebook, web, twitter) to heighten the awareness around women's health, business, community and education.

For Health - Women over 40 mammograms and women under 40 well women exams

For Business - Highlighting and supporting women owned businesses (key since this is the height of the Christmas

shopping season)

For Education - Highlighting and supporting books and education initiatives by and for women

For Community - Highlighting and supporting various non-profits who provide their primary support to women

We are asking women nationwide to serve as ambassadors for their cities in order to get the word out.

We have various levels of sponsorship available and those donating time will be recognized as sponsors on the

national platform.

We are in need of YOUR services to make this happen and if you are in agreement please let me know so that we

can provide you details and allow you the opportunity to answer questions on an upcoming Q & A call.

Not since the 70's has there been any ONE single women's movement that is designed to bring women together to

solve some of the issues we face in our community and our world. Won't you join us on this mission? More to come!

National Day of Sisterhood 12/12/2012 - because when women

work together ANYTHING is possible.

Ambassadors:

Thais Mills - New Orleans Ambassador

Nicole Peters - Dallas - FT. Worth Ambassador

Lisa Miller Baldwin - Oklahoma City Ambassador

Margie Ramsey - Jacksonville Ambassador

Dorothy Gooden - Atlanta Ambassador

Janet Arnold Carter - Milwaukee, WI Ambassador

Natasha Harris - Philadelphia Ambassador

Rachel Reed - Washington DC Ambassador

Denielle Easton - Charlotte NC Ambassador

Dawniel Winningham, Pilar Torres - Karen Terry - Founding

Wonderfully Made Foundation Logo Contest

Rules and Regulations

All entries must be submitted by January 31, 2013 5:00pm with completed submission form via email to

wonderfullymadefoundation@yahoo.com OR via mail to 933 NE 32nd St. Oklahoma City, OK 73105

The contest is open to any individual. Anyone age 0-100+ years is eligible and each artist can submit 1-2

designs.

All fields on submission form must be completed in order for entries to be accepted You will receive an

email confirmation that your entry has be received and accepted in to the contest

By submitting the submission form you certify the following statement "I certify that I am the author of the

material I am submitting to Wonderfully Made Foundation (WMF), and by entering this contest I am

releasing the publishing rights, licensing and all intellectual properties to the Wonderfully Made

Foundation and Empowered Family of Companies and its licenses to be used for the purpose of branding,

identity, without expectation of future financial compensation

Designs must represent the Wonderfully Made Foundation, and must include a butterfly. You can draw it

by hand or create it digitally but it must be original artwork. Be careful of copyright infringement! We are

looking for a simple design that represents the heart of our foundation; one we can use to brand WMF.

Questions? Contact Ceanti Aldridge at ceantialdridge@gmail.com

WMF Logo Contest Submission Form

(Must be completely filled out and submitted with design entries)

Artist’s Name _____________________________________________________________

If Under 18, Parent’s Name ___________________________________________________

Artist’s Address

______________________________________________________________________________________________

City _______________________________________ State______________________ Zip Code_____________

Phone ___________________________ E-mail__________________________________________

Number of Design Entries ______

By submitting a design, you agree that you understand and agree to follow the contest rules.

**********************************************************************************

35 Ways to Help the Homeless 35 Ways to Help the Homeless Here are the numbers thirteen through sixteen of the thirty-five ways to help the homeless according “Just Give,” the online charitable giving

website. During this holiday season, make sure you take time to be grateful for what you have and show kindness to those around you who

don’t have much. Email us at info@empoweredonlinemag.com to let us know what tips you have put into practice OR if you have other tips

to share.

13. Volunteer at a shelter - Shelters thrive on the work of volunteers, from those who sign people in, to those who serve meals, to others

who counsel the homeless on where to get social services. For the homeless, a shelter can be as little as a place to sleep out of the rain or as

much as a step forward to self-sufficiency. 14. Volunteer at a soup kitchen - Soup kitchens provide one of the basics of life, nourishing meals for the homeless and other disadvan-

taged members of the community. Volunteers generally do much of the work, including picking up donations of food, preparing meals,

serving it, and cleaning up afterward. To volunteer your services, contact you local soup kitchen, mobile food program, shelter, or religious

center. 15. Volunteer your professional services - No matter what you do for a living, you can help the homeless with your on-the-job talents and

skills. Those with clerical skills can train those with little skills. Doctors, psychiatrists, counselors, and dentists can treat the homeless in

clinics. Lawyers can help with legal concerns. The homeless' needs are bountiful -- your time and talent won't be wasted. 16. Volunteer your hobbies - Every one of us has something we can give the homeless. Wherever our interests may lie -- cooking, repair-

ing, gardening, and photography -- we can use them for the homeless. Through our hobbies, we can teach them useful skills, introduce them

to new avocations and perhaps point them in a new direction.

Look for more ways to help in the next issue

of EmPOWERed Magazine

The Reason for the Season

At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire. (This

was the first census taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.) All returned to their own ancestral towns to register

for this census. And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David’s an-

cient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. He took with him Mary, his fiancée, who was now

obviously pregnant.

And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. She gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped

him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them.

The Shepherds and Angels

That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. 9 Suddenly, an angel of the

Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel re-

assured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes,

the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign:

You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.”

Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising

God and saying,

“Glory to God in highest heaven,

and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”

When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Beth-

lehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the

manger. After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the an-

gel had said to them about this child. All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished,

but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often. The shepherds

went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was

just as the angel had told them.

Today marks the second day of my world being drastically changed due to a house fire! I am now considered

homeless. The state of shock and disbelief that has accompanied this newly found state has been minimized

by my faith in God, and great family support! Unfortunately the many families I serve lack family support and/

or was prevented from staying with family due to lease occupancy clauses, not to mention lacking the mone-

tary support to adequately provide for their families. Many faces of homelessness becomes erased by societal

biases and misconceptions. Fortunately for me, I have insurance, but regrettably many homeless families lack

these inevitable lifelines. So to expand further, let me share briefly about myself. I operate the Wonderfully

Made Homeless Home, a small homeless shelter providing services and support with women and children that

are homeless. I have served many families impacted by homelessness ranging from loss of employment, evic-

tions, house fires, familial problems, and the list goes on. I now, as the shelter’s Director am faced with lying

my head to a pillow that is not MY OWN! Oh! What a difference a day can make! Homelessness defined

:

McKinney-Vento Definition of "Homeless"

Subtitle B of Title VII of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (Title X, Part C, of the No Child

Left Behind Act) defines "homeless" as follows:

(A) Individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence (within the meaning of section 103

(a)(1)); and

(B) Includes--(i) individuals who are sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic

hardship, or a similar reason; are living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or camping grounds due to the lack

of alternative adequate accommodations; are living in emergency or transitional shelters; are abandoned in

hospitals; or are awaiting foster care placement.

Today I will not fret over my loss, but what is to gain by this new experience. I have so much to be thankful

for and realize even if you cannot see the silver lining on your cloud, God can for he is the very source of the

light you seek.

Until Tomorrow

Lisa Miller-Baldwin

The Many Faces of

by Monica Wood

From the beginning of time man has made excuses for missing the mark, Adam blamed Eve and Eve blamed the serpent. In

education, high school teachers blame Jr. High, Jr. High blame Elementary, Elementary teachers blame the lack of

parental support for students being left behind. Even in our government, the current administration blames the

prior administration. Unfortunately, we’ve been mentally conditioned to play the blame game and to make

excuses.

In a perfect world, instead of looking for a person to blame or an excuse to offer, there would be a system in place

where we would find an opportunity to become greater. It would be perfect! For every occupational challenge,

broken dream, empty feeling, devastating issue, there was a method to move forward in opportunity.

Surprisingly enough, that system exists, and it’s reachable, a perfect system of opportunity. See, the One who

created this world structured it in a way that perfection is gradually growing, developing, maturing into

completion. No matter how many different challenges, tests or obstacles, we have a way to escape from the norm

of making excuses. Often the expectation we ascribe to ourselves is perfection as an All Knowing, Forever

Strong, and Never Failing Deity. But when we begin to see through the eyes of the One who created us, we can

begin to take on another mind set.

Now we have a mind set to reject every excuse as we are developing, and take on the mind set of opportunity. For

every rejection there is an opening to grow in character. With each challenge another chance to get stronger. In all

test, we now have the perfect opportunity to break into undiscovered potential to succeed.

The system we are in is unfailing, it will never miss the mark, and it is complete and perfect in itself, because it

was created by the One who is complete and perfect in Himself. It’s time to work the system.

Work the system by knowing that your belief and effort works hand in hand and that all things are possible to

those who believe. Begin to awaken and stir up the gift of curiosity and prepare skillfully to see the greatness that

is perfectly developing from you. Work the system by counting each potential excuse as a chance to celebrate.

Celebrate with no excuses, know that with every one of our life misses, it is a developing but favorable chance to

tap into the skills and abilities we have been given to be successful. That is what is known as a perfect system of

opportunity.

Empowerment Scriptures: Genesis 3:12-13, Mark 1:15, Matthew 5:48, 1 Corinthians 10:13, Colossians 3:2,

James 2:20, Mark 9:23, James 1:2

A Perfect System of Opportunity

Come Visit us at Crossroads Mall

7000 Crossroads Blvd, #1126

Oklahoma City, OK 73149

Order online:

www.inspirational-expressions.com

Or contact us:

By standard mail: Inspirational Expressions

P.O. Box 13427 Oklahoma City, OK 73113

By phone: 1-888-910-4999 (between 1:00 p.m.

and 5:00 p.m. central standard) By email:

contact@inspirational-expressions.com

"Almost Homemade" Apple Pie

Ingredients: 1 box Pillsbury refrigerated pie crusts (found in the grocery store by the biscuits,

crescent rolls, etc.)

1/2 cup unsalted butter

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1/2 cup white sugar

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1/4 cup water

8 Granny Smith apples - peeled, cored and sliced

Directions:

1. Melt butter in a sauce pan. Stir in flour to form a paste. Add white sugar, brown

sugar and water; bring to a boil. Reduce temperature, and simmer 5 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, place the bottom crust in your pan. Fill with apples, mounded

slightly. Cover with other crust. Cut a star shape, an x, or any other design you

choose, to let steam escape while the pie is baking. Gently pour the sugar and butter

liquid over the top of the crust. Pour slowly so that it does not run off.

3. Bake 15 minutes at 425 degrees. Reduce the temperature to 350 degrees, and

continue baking for 35 to 45 minutes.

Reci

pes

by

Am

and

a F

igu

reo

Easy "Homemade" Apple Dumplings

1 can "Big and Buttery" Crescent Rolls 1 Granny Smith Apple peeled and sliced 1/2 cup sugar

1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon

1 stick of butter (melted)

1 can of Mountain Dew or Sprite

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix cinnamon and sugar together in a bowl. Coat apple slices in sugar mixture. Roll each slice in a crescent roll triangle. Place "dumplings" in a 13x9 inch pan. Pour melted butter on top of dumplings. Sprinkle remaining sugar mixture on top. Pour Mountain Dew or Sprite in all of the empty spaces of the pan...do not pour directly onto dumplings. Bake for 15-20 minutes. Eat immediately! (PS- This goes great with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!) Happy Tasting!

The Gift of

Christmas?

By Tinasha LaRaye

Christmas in America is one day out of the year that many people look forward to, save their dollars for to

turn around and spend in large portions for the ones they love and care about. Emphasis is highly placed on mate-

rial things to express love or to fulfill expectations that come with this time of year. But do we truly remember

why we celebrate? Did we ever really know why we have the traditional Christmas tree in the corner decorated to

the nines, or why we stuff stockings over the mantle place? Do our gifts mirror the wise men that came to give

Christ gifts in reverence, or the commercial Santa Clause that looks cute on our Christmas cards?

I am not here to answer those questions, but to simply ask them for encouragement of reflection. In light

of recent tragedies like that of Newtown, Connecticut, or hurricane Sandy, or the typhoon that ripped through the

Philippines, I find myself reflecting on the daily decisions I make and the traditions I adopt as my way of life. I am

reassessing what is necessary and precious, and what is excess.

I work with inner city kids who receive very little on Christmas day, and receive even less throughout the

year as needs pop up. These material things are on their minds, but when you hear them talk about the longing that

they have for their parents or other relatives that are gone or have chosen to not be in their lives, the look of hurt in

their eyes is deeper than the disappointment that stares back at you when they explain all they received were socks

for Christmas. Their eyes cannot lie...their loved ones are truly more precious to them than the latest iPad or pair

of Jordans.

In no way am I shunning the celebration of Christmas; I am very much for it. However, I would challenge

that we teach our children to appreciate the warm bodies that are next to them and not just the things under the

Christmas tree. Many don’t intend to teach them this, they subconsciously learn this through our actions and what

we spend our focus, time, efforts and dollars on. They begin to value where we show value is. I can’t help but

think about the many Connecticut families wishing they could trade in all of those gifts to sit next to their child

again, and many inner city kids right here in Oklahoma wishing they could spend a real night with their father or

mother.

Although there is a lot of darkness around us in this crazy world, there is yet hope. Joe Thomas, a local

Oklahoma playwright, has put a refreshing spin on this hope in his recent play, “The Birth,” which will be show-

ing at the Net Church later this month. “I wrote this play to pose a modern position on the traditional Christmas

story.” Thomas says. “The birth of Jesus Christ affects us differently in 2012 so I wanted a story that would cap-

ture how that miracle in history still affects us today, emphasizing how [we could have never arrived at HIS death]

(dying on the cross) without HIS birth.” In times of crises, many have their ways of dealing with the pain and the

difficulties. The message of Christ still brings hope to hurting hearts. Even though bad may be happening around

us, an almighty God is still in control and working out everything for our good. And even if we may not have

much under our Christmas tree, God has given us the ultimate gift…the gift of Christ.

Check out this unique take on the Christmas story and spend quality time with friends and family while

doing it. This powerful and captivating story will have you laughing as they bring you the true gift of Christmas.

“The Birth” will be showing at The Net Church on December 30th at 10:00 am. Admission is free.

Give Me MyGive Me My FLOWERSFLOWERSFLOWERS

*Winners outside of Oklahoma City, OK will have their flowers shipped

Lakecia Day is the epitome of a friend, loving at all times. I will cherish the

memories and the long talks about love, romance, our jobs, and our children!

She was there upon the passing of my father and when I needed a friend the

most after losing practically everything in a recent house fire. The person

Lakecia is she phoned me and requested that I meet her at our favorite store,

New York & Company and she purchased much needed clothing that would

aid me in recouping an entire wardrobe. Lakecia’s heart is so huge! She is a

doting mother of 2 children. She absolutely adores her children and assures

that they possess the best! Lakecia has a flair for style and every time you see

her she looks as though she has returned from a photo shoot in Vogue! I will

forever love and value the person Lakecia is and could not fail to give her

HER FLOWERS!

Eligibility:

To nominate someone, you must be 16 years or older and must be subscribed to

EmPOWERed Online Magazine. To receive your FREE subscription, visit

www.empoweredonlinemag.com and enter your email on our home page.

Nominees must be 16 years or older and living in the U.S. This individual should be

someone who has made a significant contribution or positive impact in your life.

Winners will be notified by email.

This Month’s “Give Me My Flowers” Winner is

Lakecia Day!

With Love,

Lisa Baldwin,

We are well into the holiday season and many of us may be ex-

periencing the additional stress that can make this time of year

more “Bah humbug!” than “Happy Holidays!” so I wanted to

share a few tips for managing that stress so we can all enjoy

this season more.

Let Go of Perfectionism One of biggest causes of stress during the holiday season is the

pressure we parents (especially moms) put on ourselves to give

our kids the “perfect Christmas” or perfect holidays. We may

have a picture in our minds of what that looks like, and unfortu-

nately, it is often far from our own reality. The great thing

about kids is they are much more likely to remember the love,

fun, and joy they experienced during the holidays than what

gift they had under the tree or whether everything was decorat-

ed perfectly or not. As my friend, The FlyLady, says “Holidays

celebrated imperfectly still bless your family!” Focus on the most important memories you want your kids to

have – those of being loved and cared for and celebrating together. I grew up spending much of my life at or

below the poverty line. We didn’t always have many gifts and we certainly didn’t have a “Norman Rockwell

Christmas” – like decorated home. But we had each other and we celebrated together, not worrying about

what we didn’t have. I can’t even remember what my gifts were for most of my childhood, but I remember

listening Elvis sing Christmas songs while we decorated the tree, making cookies together, and just being a

family.

Keep to Your Schedule and Routines as Much as Possible The holidays can wreak havoc on our schedule as parties and activities may last past kids’ bedtimes, school is

on break for a couple of weeks, and there is so much more to do. It won’t be completely possible to keep your

routines and schedule every single day, but try to keep to them as much as you can. This will help you and

your kids to avoid getting overly tired and stressed out from not enough sleep and over-doing it with all the

holiday activities. When the kids are out of school, they may want to stay up later and you may be tempted to

let them, but if you let their bedtime vary too much, it will be that much harder to get back on track when

school starts again and everyone may end up tired and grumpy.

Coping with Holiday Stress

Focus on the Reason for the Season instead of Gifts Whether you are a follower of Christ or have a different faith or do not have a faith you follow, the holidays are

still supposed to be a time of focusing on others, sharing love, peace, and joy, and generosity. Unfortunately, we

are bombarded with ads and commercials telling us that in order to have a happy holiday, we have to have the

latest toy, phone, computer, tablet, clothes, cars, and the list goes on and on. And if you do not have the money

to buy many gifts (or any at all), it can feel like you are failing your kids and not giving them a good holiday.

The pressure to buy, buy, buy is everywhere. But what our kids really NEED is more important than wants and

if that is all we can provide, then that is enough. Don’t worry about what you can’t give your kids. Focus on

what you can give them – your love and your time. Spend time with them playing a game, making cookies,

building a snowman, reading stories, and just having fun together as a family. Can’t give a physical gift? Give a

gift of your time. It is more precious and valuable than anything that can be bought in a store and your kids will

remember it for the rest of their lives.

Help Others Have a Happy Holiday Season When we are stressed and going through a difficult time, it is so easy to fall into self-pity and being self-

focused. Yes, we do have to take care of ourselves. But sometimes it can help to shift our focus on to doing

something kind for someone else. It can take your mind off your own troubles and concerns and make you feel

good because you are helping others. You don’t have to have money to make a difference in someone else’s life.

A simple handwritten note of encouragement, a smile, a hug, an “I’m here for you if you need to talk”, or sur-

prising someone by doing a favor for them with no expectations of anything in return; any of these can spread

Christmas cheer to your recipient and to you too.

Get your kids involved too. When my kids were little, one of the ways they helped spread Christmas cheer to

others was to draw homemade Christmas cards for residents of a nursing home. We also caroled at a nursing

home. It didn’t cost any money, just time well spent making others feel cared about during the holidays. Last

Christmas season, my mother was grieving the loss of my stepfather and dreading spending her first Christmas

without him. To take her mind off her grief and to focus on helping others, she volunteered as a bell ringer for

the Salvation Army. She said it made her feel better and she actually enjoyed the holiday season more than she

thought she would. What can you and your kids do this year to help someone else?

Have a Happy Holiday Season, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year! My family and I want to wish

each of you many blessings now and in the new year to come. We pray for all of you and are blessed by

you.

Love, Tamara Walker aka “MomRN”

I hope this information has been helpful to you and I look forward to sharing more parenting information, ad-

vice, support, encouragement, and resources with you in the coming months. Each month we will discuss a dif-

ferent parenting topic or issue. If you have questions, please feel free to email me at MomRN@MomRN.com.

What a season, a time of family, friends,

food and festivities. This is a time of anticipation

and re-dedication to relationship and spiritual

commitments. Time where splurging is expected

and graciously forgiven. This may be “the most

wonderful time of the year” after all.

Unfortunately, this is not true for everyone

or has not always been for some. Some of us can

remember a time when this time of the year

brought feelings of sadness and displacement.

For many, the months between November – Feb-

ruary brought about feelings of darkness, and with

each holiday approaching more darkness com-

piled by more darkness. Thanksgiving, what do I

have to be thankful for? Christmas, I don’t have

any money and we don’t even know when that

“baby” was born. Then comes New Years, I’m

still trying to lose the weight I resolved to lose last

year, New Year same mess, ugh…pessimistic and

rejected, the theme of life.

It’s time to redefine and refocus on the

simplest meaning of the season. This is a good

time to over indulge in something that may take a

little emotional and spiritual effort but will not

break us financially or physically. Thanksgiving

may have passed, but giving thanks for the

smallest things is

never out of season. Every morning we wake up is

an opportunity for change which is worthy of

whispering, thank you. Christmas, let’s focus on

re-evaluating the truth of our own spiritual

foundation. Has that spiritual relationship been

faithful to me, even when my faith was weak?

Then by the time New Years rolls around a lifting

in our emotions and total well-being will arise. It

will be as if light has broken through the heavi-

ness of darkness.

The more we keep it simple the more

grateful and thankful we will become. The more

we will realize that the simplicity of life, faith and

friendship brings about a new determination for a

New Year. The New Year will bring about new

hope, for a new opportunity, in a new direction. A

direction we can simply move forward in.

The next time you see a “Santa” and began

to feel overwhelmed, blow a kiss and simply say

“Keep It Simple Santa” and know that you have

already determined to move in a new direction

filled with hope, love and a solid faith full of

thanks giving no matter what time of the year it is.

Can You Give Me A K.I.S.S.? “Keep It Simple Santa”

by Monica Jimerson

Are You Working For Free?

by Helen Rambo, MBA

Because of my occupation, I often get questions from people on how to save. The reference is not to

coupons or discounts, but actually setting money aside. Seems like a novel idea but why don’t more people

save? And better yet, how do you get started?

Most people have the basics bills which may include a car payment, house payment, lights, gas, cell phone,

cable, diapers, food, and daycare. Oh! Let’s not forget the hair

and nails. That’s a lot of bills and often leads to more month than

money.

If you are fortunate enough to have money left over at the end of

the month, consider yourself very lucky and part of an elite

group. But don’t be so naïve that you stop reading this article. It

doesn’t mean you are making wise financial decisions. It simply

means you have a little extra cash. What you choose to do with it

is the key.

Setting Priorities

Uncle Sam usually takes his right off the top by way of taxes.

But what’s next?

Have you defined what your financial priorities are? If you don’t

know where your priorities are, just look at what bills you pay

first. Or better yet, exactly what do you spend your money on?

They say a man puts his money where his heart is. After going through your check book, it will become

very clear where your heart is and what your financial priorities are.

God is always first on my list. Giving my tithe and making offerings is my top priority. I understand that

without Him nothing is possible and with Him all things are possible. Giving is a fundamental principle that

is often overlooked as one of our “basic” needs. We live in a society of microwaves and instant gratification

with very little concern for our fellow man. We walk daily in a spirit of expectation for what we think we

deserve and what the world owes us. Oftentimes, we don’t understand that if we just prioritize our gifts back

to God, He WILL supply the increase that we need in abundance. Giving back some of our time and money

is the least we can do, all things considered.

Second on my list has to be self. You have got to pay yourself! Make it a priority. There are

several ways to pay yourself. Of course making consistent deposits into a savings account is

a good start; however that’s not the only way. It could be as simple as putting aside a set

amount of money for entertainment or jewelry each pay period. Paying your self could be

paying on that dream vacation or splurging on a fancy dinner or concert. Paying yourself is a

sound practice that’s also manifested in retirement savings and investment accounts.

While paying yourself seems like a good idea, there are still so many people that haven’t pri-

oritized their finances to include themselves. Instead, there is a lot of attention and effort

placed on covering all of the “basics”. Then there is that squeaky wheel that gets the grease

thing that sucks the life right out of our bank account.

You have to recognize that you can’t spend the rest of your life JUST paying bills and cover-

ing the “basics”. What’s in it for you? How do you stay motivated?

Getting Started

You’ve got to start somewhere and there is no time like the present. Consider opening up a

savings account at your bank or local credit union. Every pay period commit to depositing a

set dollar amount with a specific goal in mind. $5 a week is enough to get you started. If

you save $20 a week for 20 years with 5% interest, you will have saved $36,161!

Be creative in how you save if it will keep you motivated. If you have online banking, you

may want to set yourself up as a bill collector. This way when you pay your bills, you are on

the list and you can PAY YOURSELF FIRST.

The key is to do what works for you. You control your financial destiny by prioritizing your

goals and working to achieve them. After Uncle Sam and God, PAY YOURSELF! Those

squeaky wheels will be there. Let them squeak! If you don’t pay yourself, at the end of the

day it will feel as if you have been working for nothing. And nobody wants to works for

free.

You have been EMPOWERED!

Eating right should consist of eating more whole

grains, fruits and vegetables. What we eat for our

bodies, we eat for our skin. So if you are about

healthy eating, your body is definitely getting antiox-

idants, vitamins, and minerals it needs for your

health. And even more, it shows in your skin’s

health.

When your body lacks proper nutrition, the first

place it looks to borrow from is your skin. The job

of the skin is to protect your body (outside and in-

side). Therefore, your vital organs always come

first. Your skin will lose out on nutrients it needs to

maintain its youthful appearance. Skin can be dull,

dry, dark, and lifeless. This issue can go double for

smokers, for All smoking is a primary cause of

premature aging.

Caffeine or alcohol in your diet can also dehydrate

the body. All skin types, even oily, can become de-

hydrated. Dehydration in the skin weakens skin cells

causing them to collapse. The body on average is

70% of water which is essential to healthy skin. On

average you should drink half your body weight in

ounces of water. For example, if you weigh 150

pounds simply divide 150 by 2. You would then

consume about 75 ounces of water a day. If

you love to drink coffee or any other caffeinat-

ed beverages every day, your water intake

should increase.

On the flip side, it is equally important to have

regular skincare. Nutrition alone may not al-

ways be enough to keep your skin healthy.

Vitamins and minerals are generally fed to the

vital organs first before nurturing the skin.

Nutrients placed directly on the skin is im-

portant because you are feeding the skin direct-

ly. Regular at home exfoliates and clinical

peels are essential for keeping the pores open

to receive these nutrients from your daily care

products.

A professional consultation with your esthetician

can guide you to purchasing the right professional

products that contain active nutrients to nourish your

skin. That’s important because many over the coun-

ter skincare products have added vitamins and min-

erals but are non-effective. The packaging process

alone can deactivate these potent nutrients leaving

you with empty hopes for

better skin.

What you put on your

body is equally important

to what you put in your

body for healthy skin.

Healthy eating fights free

radicals, reduces mild

swelling, and overall im-

proves your health for

beautiful skin. So eat

healthy, feel healthy, and

look healthy.

FEED YOUR BODY & NOURISH

YOUR SKIN

By Jahnel Aska-Profit, Licensed Esthetician

Check out http://www.cdc.gov/family/holiday/ for more tips like these

1. Wash your hands often.

Keeping hands clean is one of the most important steps you can take to avoid getting sick and

spreading germs to others. Wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don’t have tissue,

cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow, not your hands.

2. Stay warm.

Cold temperatures can cause serious health problems, especially in infants and older adults.

Stay dry, and dress warmly in several layers of loose-fitting, tightly woven clothing.

3. Manage stress.

The holidays don’t need to take a toll on your health and pocketbook. Keep a check on over

commitment and overspending. Balance work, home, and play. Get support from family and

friends. Keep a relaxed and positive outlook. Make sure to get proper sleep.

4. Travel safely.

Whether you're traveling across town or around the world, help ensure your trip is safe. Don’t

drink and drive, and don’t let someone else drink and drive. Wear a seat belt every time you

drive or ride in a motor vehicle. Always buckle your child in the car using a child safety seat,

booster seat, or seat belt according to his/her height, weight, and age.

5. Be smoke-free.

Avoid smoking and breathing other people's smoke. If you smoke, quit today!

Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW or talk to your health care provider for help.

Staying Safe and Healthy During the Holidays

This month we wanted to give you tips to

help you stay healthy during the madness of

the season. Be sure to read and put these into

practice!

6. Get check-ups and vaccinations.

Exams and screenings can help find potential problems before they start. They can also

help find health issues early, when the chances for treatment and cure are often times bet-

ter. Vaccinations help prevent diseases and save lives. Schedule a visit with your health

care provider for a yearly exam. Ask what vaccinations and tests you should get based on

your age, lifestyle, travel plans, medical history, and family health history.

7. Watch the kids.

Children are at high risk for injuries. Keep a watchful eye on your kids when they’re eat-

ing and playing. Keep potentially dangerous toys, food, drinks, household items, choking

hazards (like coins and hard candy), and other objects out of kids' reach. Learn how to

provide early treatment for children who are choking. Make sure toys are used properly.

Develop and reinforce rules about acceptable and safe behaviors, including electronic

media.

8. Prevent injuries.

Injuries can occur anywhere and some often occur around the holidays. Use step stools

instead of furniture when hanging decorations. Leave the fireworks to the professionals.

Wear a bicycle helmet to help prevent head injuries. Wear a helmet when riding a bicycle

or skateboarding to help prevent head injuries. Keep vaccinations up-to-date.

Most residential fires occur during the winter months. Keep candles away from children,

pets, walkways, trees, and curtains. Never leave fireplaces, stoves, or candles unattended.

Don't use generators, grills, or other gasoline- or charcoal-burning devices inside your

home or garage. Install a smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector in your home.

Test them once a month, and replace batteries twice a year.

9. Handle and prepare food safely.

As you prepare holiday meals, and any meals, keep yourself and your family safe from

food-related illness. Wash hands and surfaces often. Avoid cross-contamination by keep-

ing raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs (including their juices) away from ready-to-eat

foods and eating surfaces. Cook foods to the proper temperature. Refrigerate promptly.

Do not leave perishable foods out for more than two hours.

10. Eat healthy, and be active.

With balance and moderation, you can enjoy the holidays the healthy way. Choose fresh

fruit as a festive and sweet substitute for candy. Select just one or two of your favorites

from the host of tempting foods. Find fun ways to stay active, such as dancing to your

favorite holiday music. Be active for at least 2½ hours a week. Help kids and teens be

active for at least 1 hour a day.

Everyone experiences interruptions in their exercise and workout schedule from time to time. Holidays, wed-

dings, vacations, injury and illness can all force us to take some time off. So how can you keep exercise a priority

when your schedule changes? And how little exercise can you get away with and still maintain your fitness?

While there isn't one right answer for everyone, most experts agree that it all depends upon your goals and your

current level of fitness. If your main goal is to maintain your fitness level during a few weeks of reduced training,

then some moderate exercise for 30 minutes every other day is all you need. If your current level of fitness is high

and you want to keep it that way, you will need to adjust your exercise time, type and intensity accordingly.

You start deconditioning (losing fitness) in about two weeks if you stop exercise altogether. Once lost, it takes

nearly three times as long to recondition as it took to "detrain."

11. Maintain Fitness With Short, High Intensity Exercise

If you need to reduce your training time for a couple of weeks, don't worry, you'll get back to your current fitness

level pretty quickly when your schedule returns to normal. Just don't stop exercising altogether.

Studies have shown that you can prevent declines in cardiovascular

fitness for up to three weeks simply by doing higher intensity exer-

cise (70-75 percent of maximum heart rate) for as little as two days

per week.

Top Ways to Maintain Fitness During Breaks

At a minimum, perform two high-quality, high-intensity, 30-

minute training sessions each week for up to three weeks and you

should be able to maintain your fitness level until you can resume

your usual program.

Add 30-second Sprint Training Session twice a week.

Add Interval Training Routines twice a week.

Add Any Short, High-Intensity Workouts in order to burn more calo-

ries in less time.

Use the days when you can't exercise for Rest and Recovery. Keep the high intensity days 2 to 4 days apart for

maximum benefit and allows plenty of time for rest, which is essential if you are doing high-intensity workouts.

Don't skip exercise for more than about three weeks or you will see an overall decline in fitness that will take

some effort to regain.

How To Maintain Your Exercise Routine During Breaks and Holidays

Exercise in the Morning and you are far more likely to do it!

Use the S.M.A.R.T. principle and set some real goals for your routine and your motivation.

Schedule exercise and put it on your calendar.

Ask your family or friends for support.

Make exercise a family activity.

Maintain a balanced attitude and enjoy the variety of shorter workouts.

Check out http://www.cdc.gov/family/holiday/ for more tips like these

2013 Make Your New Years Resolution Matter!!!

Girl! POWER for YOUR WORLD - Make your New Years Resolution Matter

2013, New Year, New YOU! Not so fast…

by Dawniel Winningham

Happy 2013! If you are like most people you are approaching this New Year as an opportunity to make some

changes. You are excited and hopeful about your opportunity to “do some things over”; well me too. This

New Year symbolizes an opportunity for us to shamelessly pursue our own purpose and greatness.

The good news is that people who make a resolution are 10 times more likely to achieve their goal. Well we

want to improve your chances even further. Below are some tips and tricks for making sure your New Year’s

Resolutions sticks with you throughout the year.

After all, KNOWLEDGE is POWER, right?

Realistic Resolutions

Keep your resolutions realistic both in number and in level of expected accomplishment. For example, making

a resolution to lose 30 pounds in January is unrealistic. Perhaps making a goal to lose 5 – 10 pounds in Janu-

ary is more achievable and would allow you to feel more powerful when you accomplish the goal! Also set-

ting too many large resolutions at once could get in your way. If you plan to lose weight, find another job,

move to another neighborhood, all at once you may be overwhelming yourself. Keep the focus on one or two

key resolutions and feel free to add more quarterly as you make the resolutions a part of your life.

From Wish to Resolution

Once you have determined which resolutions will be your focus commit them to paper. Thinking about them

in passing is equivalent to making a wish. Not saying that wishes don’t come true, but we know that hard

work often yields results. Committing the Resolution to paper makes it more than just a wish. It becomes a

promise to YOU. You can’t break your own promise now can you?

Plan for Obstacles

Even the best laid plans will encounter obstacles. Be ready for them and have a plan B as they arise. For example,

if you have committed to lose weight in January, but you know you have a special event (that involved food) in

that same month, you may want to make that your reward day, or provide some other alternative for that day. If

you fail to plan, you definitely plan to fail.

Visualize Success

As you start your resolution spend at least 15 – 30 minutes a day thinking about the results of your success and en-

couraging yourself to keep going! After all, if you say you CAN or you say you Can’t, either way you are

RIGHT!

Spread the Word

Share your resolutions with those closest to you in order for them to provide the support you need. If you tell your

support circle that you have a resolution to lose weight, then perhaps they will invite you to more active outings,

and help you to not plan outings around food; something I personally am very guilty of.

Fail Forward

Most importantly know this. It is not that you fall that is important. When we learned to walk we fell down many

times. We got up. We tried again. Eventually we got it right! That is what resolutions are about. It is not that

you fail. It is more important that you get up, learn what works, and keep trying.

Here’s a toast to a healthier, wealthier, and wiser YOU for the New Year! I believe this is the year for you to

accomplish greatness. Please join ME in believing in YOU!

http://twitter.com/yourgirlpower

http://www.facebook.com/authordawnielpattersonwinningham

www.yourgirlpower.com yourgirlpower@hotmail.com

Wonderfully Made Foundation Through the year: 2012

Wonderfully Made Foundation

A Single Parent Affirmation

by Melody Welch and Lisa Baldwin

As we all know the Christmas season is here. A season of giving!!! This

season epitomizes the journey of single parenting. Single

parenthood often requires a daily juggling act while finding a sense of

self. Parenting isn’t a seasonal job it's a year around mandate, especially

during this season. I personally want to acknowledge all single parents. I

applaud your strength: Even despite the difficulties and hardships you

face you endure. Thank you for the love: A love that never FADES and

endures through the many seasons of life.

Thank you for the security that shelters your little ones from the

storms. Lastly, each and every tear wiped, bill unpaid, and hugs given has

not left the heart or your child's memory !!!As a single parent I risk a lot

to ensure and maintain a comfortable environment for my children and I

know you do too!!!! I extend a HUGE thank you!! and I pray that

your Christmas holiday is shared with the ones you love most, "YOUR

CHILDREN" and I hope you will give yourself a pat on the back while

enjoying that cup of hot cocoa!!!

You are loved, and VALUED!!!

Be Strong , Be Empowered !!!!!

Be About I t !

Inform! Enl ighten! Inspire!

EmEmEmPOWERPOWERededed M A G A Z I N EM A G A Z I N EM A G A Z I N E

DDD E C E M B E RE C E M B E RE C E M B E R 2 0 1 2 / J2 0 1 2 / J2 0 1 2 / J A N U A R YA N U A R YA N U A R Y 2 0 1 32 0 1 32 0 1 3