A Magazine for the Empowerment and Enrichment of Today’s Inner-City Woman

Summer

A couple of months ago I was given a

trip to Israel. Sometimes you get a gift from

God that you cannot begin to imagine….

The cover picture is taken from a

boat on the Sea of Galilee. As you can see, it

looks more like a lake. No matter; it is the sea

that Jesus walked on—where He calmed

the storm and where He taught important

lessons. He saw its beauty for much of His

life here on earth.

Near the Sea of Galilee He taught the

Beatitudes to a large crowd who was follow-

ing His ministry. He was teaching the people

about “Be-attitudes” that apply to us today

as much as they did to that group of people.

So maybe you didn’t realize this, but He was

thinking about you.

Only God could do that. Only God-

Jesus, our Savior—could concentrate totally

on the ones sitting right in front of Him and

still be thinking about those who were yet

to be born. You. Me.

As you read the Beatitudes, see if you

identify with some of the feelings Jesus

described (shown in orange). Then take a

look at what He thought about those feel-

ings (shown in blue).

Time OUT for YOU...

This issue of Reach UP will help you get your child ready for camp and get the most out of your summer days with ideas for you, your kids, and your home. So sit down, grab a glass of iced tea and take some time out....

Continued on page 3

Page 2

No one, not even Jesus said life was easy. But oh,

your back. He changes you from the inside out; He gives you a new outlook on your circumstance and He hands you eter-nal life.

So this summer, if things get a bit “hot” (and we’re not just talking about the weather) and you feel like you’re all alone, look at the cover picture, read these scriptures again, and remember what Jesus said to you, his daughter. He believes in you...and so do I. You’re going to make it. Blessings,

Crystal Wacker

3"You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.

4"You're blessed when you feel you've lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.

5"You're blessed when you're content with just who you are—no more, no less. That's the moment

that can't be bought.

6"You're blessed when you've worked up a good appetite for God. He's food and drink in the best meal you'll ever eat.

7"You're blessed when you care. At the moment of

8"You're blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world. 9"You're blessed when you can show people how

That's when you discover who you really are, and your place in God's family. 10"You're blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God's kingdom.

11-12"Not only that—count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens—give a cheer, even!—for though they don't like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble.

- Matthew 5:3-12, THE MESSAGE

Page 3

1.2.

“What Are You Going to do With That Stimulus Check?”

Take a bandana, scarf, or material remnant and fold it into a triangle. You can use two bandanas or scarves as well and overlap them for larger windows. Colors and prints can be mixed and matched for additional interest.

Using a butter knife, insert the edge of the bandana between the window molding and the blind. If needed fold in the ends of the triangle before rounding the corner of the blind.

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2.

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2.

3.

4.

Many of us are getting tax rebates. Don't just go out and blow the money. Think about what's best for you and your family. Here are tips for what to do with the extra cash:

Open up a savings account. When you have a savings account, it is much easier to put a few dollars away every month.

a fresh start.

Put money aside for school. Many women want to go back to school. Your tuition is often covered by

Fix up your house. Add some throw pillows to your couch to brighten up your living room. Buy some place mats or a tablecloth. Buy a new bathroom rug and shower curtains.

If all the above is taken care of, use your tax rebate to take a mini trip.

5.Page 4

Winter is �nally over. School is out for the summer, and for many kids, camp is right around the corner. It is time to prepare

for a wonderful summer full of fun, new friends, and exciting experiences. Whether this is your child's �rst time or not, prepara-tion is important for a positive camp experience.

Being a Summer Camp director for several years has given me a totally di�erent perspective on preparing your child for camp. Sometimes in all the emotions, fears, and rushing around, parents forget some of the most basic things, like underwear! There's nothing like the feeling of your child opening that suitcase and realizing that the pair that he or she is wearing is all they have for a while. Not a good start to what can be a really long week.

So here are some tips that will help you make your child's Summer Camp expe-rience a great and memorable one.

Let's start o� with a checklist (one that you can actually check o� as you obtain each item). Make a checklist of how many pairs of pants, tops, jackets, bathing suits, towels etc. you need so you can make sure you don't forget small, but very important details like toothpaste and a comb and the ever-important underwear (one or two per day).

Make sure your child can manage basic personal hygiene such as brushing teeth, changing clothes, and bathing.

If bed-wetting is an issue, that should not prevent a child from attending camp; however, the camp sta� needs to be aware of the issue so that appropriate arrangements can be made and to ensure the camper's dignity is protected.

It is important to write your child a couple of letters or even emails. "Mail Call" is a pretty big event at camp, and children love to receive mail from home. I would even pack a surprise letter in their suit-case, telling them that you love them and miss them.

Your child will probably lose several personal items at camp. So to minimize that, put your child's name or initials on all clothing (at least important items) with a laun-dry marker. Make sure your child helps you pack, so they know what they are bringing with them. Also, include plastic bags or a laundry bag for wet or dirty cloth-ing

Encourage your child to pack a favorite picture or stu�ed animal as a reminder of home, along with some stamped envelopes or pre-addressed postcards so they can write you.

Continued of page 9

Vashti now takes care of hundreds of AIDS orphans in Durban South Africa with her husband, Martin, and their two adopted boys.

Victor Velez

Page 5

Remember, sweetheart, at night it may be darker there than it is here. That's because in the country they don't have as many lights as we do in the city. Don't be afraid. God is with you, and people are there taking care of you. They will make sure you are safe. I will miss you and think of you every day! You are a treasure to me and I love you very much.

Have fun at camp! I'll see you in just seven days!

Hugs and kisses, Mom

Dear Angel, I'm so glad you are going to camp this week. You will have a lot of fun. You are growing up, and it is fine for you to be away for a week. But when you come home, watch out! I'm going to give you lots and lots of hugs, and we'll have your favorite foods for dinner! Then I want to hear all about what you did at camp.98

You will meet some new people at camp. You are good at making friends. Have fun with them! They may have food you're not used to. Go on and try it. I bet you'll like it.

You may get to do things you've never done before. That will be great! I can't wait to hear all about everything you do!

Ask Pat:Mirabel from Harlem asks,

“My son is going to camp this summer, but he

takes medication daily. What do I send with

him?”

Going to camp is fun! I have been a camp

need while away. Sending medication and

making sure it's given at the right time is a

concern we all have, whether we’re moth-

ers, grandmothers, or caretakers. What will

happen when the child is out of his or her

routine?

All camps must have an RN, LPN, or EMT on

the premises at all times. Plus, a First Aid

center is as important as the camp kitchen!

1) Does your child have allergies? Peanuts,

milk, grass, etc.? Be sure the camp contact

person knows about any medical dietary

restrictions. This is very important.

2) Label all medications. Place them in a

pill box or prescription bottle with enough

for the entire camp time. So if the camp is

two weeks long, put fourteen (14) pills in a

bottle. How about an inhaler? Send it.

Sometimes heavy physical activity brings

on wheezing.

Continued on page 7

Here’s an example of a letter that a mom wrote to her daughter. You might want to write a letter

well….

Page 6

Winter is �nally over. School is out for the summer, and for many kids, camp is right around the corner. It is time to prepare

for a wonderful summer full of fun, new friends, and exciting experiences. Whether this is your child's �rst time or not, prepara-tion is important for a positive camp experience.

Being a Summer Camp director for several years has given me a totally di�erent perspective on preparing your child for camp. Sometimes in all the emotions, fears, and rushing around, parents forget some of the most basic things, like underwear! There's nothing like the feeling of your child opening that suitcase and realizing that the pair that he or she is wearing is all they have for a while. Not a good start to what can be a really long week.

So here are some tips that will help you make your child's Summer Camp expe-rience a great and memorable one.

Let's start o� with a checklist (one that you can actually check o� as you obtain each item). Make a checklist of how many pairs of pants, tops, jackets, bathing suits, towels etc. you need so you can make sure you don't forget small, but very important details like toothpaste and a comb and the ever-important underwear (one or two per day).

Make sure your child can manage basic personal hygiene such as brushing teeth, changing clothes, and bathing.

If bed-wetting is an issue, that should not prevent a child from attending camp; however, the camp sta� needs to be aware of the issue so that appropriate arrangements can be made and to ensure the camper's dignity is protected.

It is important to write your child a couple of letters or even emails. "Mail Call" is a pretty big event at camp, and children love to receive mail from home. I would even pack a surprise letter in their suit-case, telling them that you love them and miss them.

Your child will probably lose several personal items at camp. So to minimize that, put your child's name or initials on all clothing (at least important items) with a laun-dry marker. Make sure your child helps you pack, so they know what they are bringing with them. Also, include plastic bags or a laundry bag for wet or dirty cloth-ing

Encourage your child to pack a favorite picture or stu�ed animal as a reminder of home, along with some stamped envelopes or pre-addressed postcards so they can write you.

Continued of page 9

Vashti now takes care of hundreds of AIDS orphans in Durban South Africa with her husband, Martin, and their two adopted boys.

Victor Velez

Page 5

ake a little time for yourself when the kids are away. After you prepare some of these natural spa recipes, light some candles around your tub, turn on music that you love, and take a long soak.

These easy at-home body scrub recipes can bring life back into tired skin and give you that youthful glow of having nourished, healthy skin all year round!

“Ask Pat” continued from page__

3) Write the name of the medication and any instruc-tions on the camp application. Sending a second copy with the child is a good idea.

4) When your child checks into the camp site, have them give the medication to the First Aid staff. Sometimes kids are so excited when they arrive they forget every-thing. If you child is 10 or older, put the medication in a side pocket of the duffle bag and put a string around the handle. This reminds your child to check for the medication. But if your child is 7-10, give the medication

to the person who is picking up your child. All camps have someone besides the bus driver riding along to make sure the children are safe.

Do not send any over-the-counter medications like Children's Tylenol, Advil, or cough medications. The First Aid center has everything!

Following these guidelines will help you as well as your child enjoy the camp experience.

Patricia M. Gonzalez, RN, CPAN, Assistant DirectorPost Anesthesia Care Unit at Beth Israel Medical Center,

New York, NY

Cinnamon Sugar ScrubIngredients1 cup white sugarJuice from 1 lemon2 Tbsp olive oil1/4 c. milk (if desired)Dash of cinnamon

InstructionsMix together and massage onto your hands and feet to soften your skin. Best to do in the tub for easy clean up.

Facial ScrubIngredients2 Tbsp oatmeal (chopped or ground)2 tsp brown sugar1 tsp lemon juice2 Tbsp olive oil or (the absolute best choice-- aloe vera)

InstructionsFor a skin softener that leaves a healthy glow, mix all ingredients into a paste. Massage in circular pattern on dampened skin. Rinse well.

Coffee Body ScrubCo�ee tightens and rejuvenates skin, raw sugar (or regular) exfoliates (taking o� dead skin), and olive oil seals in moisture.

Ingredients2 cups of coarse ground co�ee 1/2 cup raw or regular sugar 3 Tbsp olive oil

InstructionsCombine all ingredients in medium bowl. Take a warm bath or hot shower to open your pores and hydrate your skin. Rub the co�ee mixture into your skin in large circles with even, �rm pressure. [Be sure to have a drain sieve in place so that the ground co�ee doesn’t plug up the drain.] Shower to rinse, pat dry, and follow with unscented body lotion or light vegetable oil.

Page 7

Summer is almost here, and many parents don't know that kids need to keep their brains active so that they don't losound on what they have learned during the school year.

Studies show that children who do not read during the summer actually lose some of what they already learned. This is particularly harmful because it puts them even further behind.

There are many ways parents can help their children with reading during the summer. First, show your children that reading is important to you. Read in front of them, tell them that reading is important, and read with them. If they believe that reading is important to you, they are more likely to want to do it. To show that reading is important, there must be fun, interesting, and exciting reading materials available for both of you.

The public library is one of the best resources for reading materials that children can choose and enjoy. Most public libraries do not charge for a library card, and many have summer reading programs where students can

earn rewards for reading. Going to the public library about once a week to get new books can be very exciting for kids. Make sure they have enough time to look through and explore

department. Also, public libraries have internet access. Explore together websites that have read-ing games. Sometimes learning can be disguised as fun!

It is important that your child is choosing books that are

out if a book is the right for your

ask your child to read it to you. If your child reads the page quickly with no errors, the book is too easy. If your child reads the page and struggles with many words, the book is too hard. Books that

are too hard frustrate children and make reading less fun.

If a book is just right, your child will read almost all of the words but will not know a few. Caution: Many children can "read" the words on the page, but do not understand what they read. If the book is just right, your child will be able to tell you what is happen-ing in the book.

When choosing books, it is okay to let your child choose a few books that are too easy, but make sure that most of the books are just right" and none are too hard.

=SUCCESSSummer Reading

ome other ways to keep kids reading during the

summer.

Continued on Page 9

Page 8

“Packing It” cont’d. from page 5

Care packages can be the highlight of your child's day when at camp, but think smart when putting one together.

Check with the camp regarding guidelines on food as many do not allow it. If you do send food, be sure to include enough for everyone in the cabin.

Be realistic. Like the rest of life, camp will probably have its high and low points. Make sure your child does not feel pressured to succeed at camp, and remind your child that the main purpose of camp is to relax and have fun. But most important of all—please, please don't forget the underwear!

Sample Checklist

• Jeans 2• Shorts 4• Shirts 4• Underwear 7• Bathing Suit 1• Toothbrush• Toothpaste• Towel 1• Soap 1• Shampoo 1• Socks 7• Flip Flops 1• Comb/Brush 1• Plastic Bag• Pajamas 1•••

• Read recipes together as you

cook. Cooking by recipe is also a

great math refresher as you mea-

sure ingredients together.

• Read schedules together, such as

bus schedules, TV schedules, etc.

• Read aloud to your child to help

develop listening comprehension

skills.

• Read aloud together: you read

one page; your child reads the next

page.

• Read the comics from the news-

paper together.

• Have your child look for ways in

which the reading relates to or

reminds him of something in real

life and use that as a springboard

for discussing what was read.

Showing your child that reading is

important to you, giving children

just right books to read, and being

an active participant in your child's

reading are simple but powerful

ways to help your child be success-

ful in the summer and all year long.

Julie Livingood has worked with inner-city families for over 15 years. She holds three college degrees including a Master of Arts in Teaching. Currently she teaches 3rd grade in an inner-city school in Louisville, KY.

SUMMER READING FAVORITESFOR YOU!!

FICTION:Redeeming Love, by Francine Rivers Angel expects nothing from men but betrayal. Sold into prostitution as a child, she survives by keeping her hatred alive. And what she hates most are the men who use her, leaving her empty and dead inside. Redeeming Love is a powerful retelling of the Book of Hosea--a life-changing story of God’s unconditional, redemptive, all-consuming love.

The Physician, by Noah Gordan

SELF-HELP/MOTIVATION:10 Stupid Things Women Do to Mess Up Their Lives, by Dr. Laura Schlessinger

Being Happy!: A Handbook to Greater Con�dence and Security, by Andrew Matthews

CHRISTIAN:Captivating, by John & Stasi Eldridge

“Successful Summer” continued from page 8

Page 9

TThe popular Japanese carp, or koi, is a very interesting �sh. Given good food and good water, this �sh will hap-pily remain 3-4 inches long while living in a small bowl. Place it in a tank, and it will grow to 6-10 inches. Placed in a small pond, it may grow to 18-24 inches. In a large lake, this �sh will grow up to three feet long. Its size is dependent on the size of the body of water in which it lives. Its potential size is determined by its environ-ment.

People are much the same. For us to grow to our full potential, we need to expand who we are by developing the physi-cal, emotional, social, spiritual, occupation, and mental parts of lives. Youth who choose to grow will become great men and women. Youth who do not choose to grow will just grow... old.

Unless we decide to grow, we will always be who we are today. Unlike koi that are put into an environment in which to live out their existence, we humans have the freedom to determine what our lives will be. And because we are humans, we are capable of and must use well thought-out choices to decide our future.

To choose means to make a selection between things over which we have some degree of control. We may choose ice cream over chips, assuming we can possess

either. We could choose studying over cheating; it is possible to do both. Control is a key element in a choice. Learning what is within our control and clearly under-standing what needs to be controlled will help us to focus our energies toward positive growth. Have you ever stopped to consider the things that we can and can't control about life?Following are a few examples:

Things we can control:•Personal habits: Our grooming, makeup, clothing, accessories, tattoos, use of time, study habits, and com-munity involvement• Personal growth: Our character development, use of talents, and practice of our faith• Attitudes: Our emotional responses to others; our communication style, our treatment of others, and the amount of e�ort we expend.

Things we can't control:• Physical characteristics: Our height, race, gender, hair, facial features, color-ing, and physical handicaps• Other people: Their thoughts, ideas, opinions, and lifestyle choices• Life circumstances: Our family com-position, place of birth, natural events, the economy, things in the past, and personal or family illnesses

The only thing we really have control over is ourselves—our own attitudes and behaviors. Everything else we must learn to adapt to. This includes our physical characteristics, other people, and our life circumstances. We can't change them, but we are able to change our attitudes about them and learn to accept or manage them in positive ways.

Youth have much more control than they realize. They will choose to be a person of courage

Unless We Decide To

Grow, We Will Always Be Who We Are Today

Continued on page 11

Younger Women’s Forum[ [

Page 10

or cowardice, to use or not use drugs, to get involved in

or postpone sex until marriage, to respond calmly or

lash out in anger. They will also decide whether to apply

the Golden Rule in their relationships with others and

whether they are going to take school seriously and

invest in their future. These are all aspects of self-

control-choosing activities and emotional responses

based on common sense and principles of character

rather than on feelings. Without self-control, we cannot

make wise decisions, especially under pressure.

Our perception of who is in control of our own lives will

think that they are mostly responsible for what hap-

pens to them are more assertive and able to manage

their lives in positive ways.

Those who feel that their life

circumstances are largely

the result of outside

forces—whether the actions

of others or outside life

events—tend to blame

others for circumstances

that they themselves should control. For example, a

student with this type of thinking who fails a test would

likely say things like, "The teacher gave us an unfair

test," or "My mom made me babysit," or "I was distracted

by the person sitting next to me." Who was the problem:

the teacher, the mom, the person sitting beside the

student, or the student herself?

The other kind of students, those who feel that they

determine most of their life events, would likely say, "I

didn't study the right material," or "I didn't take the test

seriously enough." The problem was "I." By helping

young people to understand what they can and can't

control, and teaching them to take responsibility for

what is within their control, we are increasing their

ability to follow through on their personal decisions.

Crystal Wacker

Christina Williams

Dr. Marcia Ball

Karen Blake

Dr. Jennie Cerullo

Patricia Gonzalez

Julie Livingood

Victor Velez

Rebecca Wacker

Cono Onorato

Karen Blake

Julie Livingood

Victor Velez

Crystal Wacker

Editor - in - Chief.......................................................................................

Writing Editor......................................................................................

Contributing Writers..................................................................................

Graphic Artist...............................................................................................

Photos..............................................................................................................

This Magazine is given to you by:

Without self-control, we cannot make wise decisions, especially

under pressure.

“Decision to Grow” continued from page __

Adapted from It Takes Courage! by Marcia L. Ball, Ed.D. and Jennie A. Cerullo, Ph.D. from Kerus Global Education

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