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FOUNDER AND EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Sherrell Straker-Valdezloqui
ADVISOR
Rachel Moore
SENIOR EDITOR
Damon Moore
EDITING COMPANY
Tiff’s Editing Café
CONTRIBUTORS
Spiritual Lifestyle Daniel Duval, Relationship Ask Dr. Inecir Matthis, Health & Wellness Cledra McCullers
Relationship Lee Coleman, Fashion Oneika Bristol, Contributing Editor Damon Moore, Poetry Devin Coleman
Empowerment Rachel Moore
GUEST WRITERS Robert Ingram, Denise Ingram, Gloria Jeffers, Joyce Gilchrist, Dr. Shannon Tucker Harrington
Promoting What God Has Already Placed In Us…Purpose!
.com/promotingpurposemagazine
@ppurposemag
Promoting Purpose Magazine, PO Box 5085
Fort Lee, VA 2380 Telephone: 804-481-77113
CEO Sherrell Straker- Valdezloqui
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FEATURES
10 COVER STORY: CHENETA JONES By: Sherrell Valdezloqui
Known as the Gospel Power House Cheneta
Jones takes a few minutes out to share with us
her goals and purpose.
13 DEBORAH HIGHTOWER
Representing a unique, multi-faceted
combination of success. Deborah believes the
components to fulfillment and happiness can
be found by expanding our horizons.
CHEF EDWARD GIBSON
Chef Buzz
Chef Edward shares some delicious recipes
along with the importance of eating healthy.
HOW TO STOP NIGHTMARES
By: Daniel Duval
Say Goodbye to Nightmares and Hello to
Happy Sleeping….
AUTHORITY ON THE JOB
By: Daniel Duval
The Ideal Work Environment
ASK DR. INECIR MATTHIS
Relationship
My Husband is Incarcerated and Save…..
IN EVERY ISSUE
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
PRAYER
CONTRIBUTORS
CREDITS
Photo provided by: Wanda Adams
(Marketing Ministry). Cover designed by:
Sherrell Valdezloqui
Now Available on
Your iPad!
November/December 2012
Tender Bake Turkey Recipe
Salvation is the perfect gift!
Overcoming Holiday Stress
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A Purposeful Holiday Season
12 What will You Give this
Thanksgiving…….
Some people give much but get back
even more. Others don't give what they
should and end up poor.
Overcoming Holiday Stress
Living a stress free holiday season!
Delicious Holiday Recipes
Enjoy delicious holiday recipes this
year.
Living on Purpose
Going for the Goal
Lee Coleman discusses how we can do
our part as individuals to create better
relationships
Train A Child Up In the Way That
They Should Go…..
Dr. Shannon Tucker Harrington, PhD
shares her life story as a child and how
important it is to train a child in the
way that they should go…
Begin Again Life Skills, Ministry
BALS ---Mission is to impart, place
emphasis, or enhance the ability of
individual’s lives by tackling the tough
life skills. Life can be challenging
sometimes but it does not mean—that
things have to end.
Allow Fall
This year like every year offers the
best of times and the worst of times for
each and every one of us. That’s the
thing about life. Unlike the calendar
sometimes you just never know when
your season is going to change.
Purpose in the Pain
Angel M. Barrino, the author of His
Purpose My Praise says that God’s
purpose in pain is not to kill us but to
rebuild us……
2013 Promoting Purpose Award
PPM will be recognizing Men and Women
of God working in the Kingdom this
upcoming year.
The Purpose Salute
Promoting Purpose Salutes Bishop Charles
E. & Pastor Amelia Wiley for walking in
their purpose training and empowering
others to do great works for the Lord.
They have overcome many obstacles, still
moving forward impacting lives all around
the world.
Job 13:15- Though He slay me, yet will I
trust in Him: but I maintain mine own
ways before him..
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PROMOTING PURPOSE WRITERS SHARE
THEIR PURPOSE & IDEAL HOLIDAY
SETTING!
Cledra McCuller PlanBe Coach, Author
My life's purpose is to help women
drop ALL un-necessary weight
(physical, emotional, and spiritual)
in order to BE able to run the race
they were created to run. It is my
passion to set women free who
struggle to release both visible and
invisible weight.
My ideal holiday now is one where I
get to create great memories. To me
the greatest gift is to BE fully
present with the people I love the
most.
Dr. Inecir Matthis Pastor, Author, Motivational Speaker
I feel that my purpose in life is to
minister to those that other people
overlook or count as a loss! To blaze
trails in ministry that others feel are
impossible!
My ideal Thanksgiving or Christmas is to
have all of my family gathered together in
one place for prayer, eating dinner,
watching movies, sharing laughter and
fond memories.
Sherrell Straker-Valdezloqui CEO of Promoting Purpose, Author, Motivational
Speaker & TV Host
My Purpose in life is to minister to those who are
currently enslaved spiritually. (Spiritual Harriet
Tubman)
My ideal Thanksgiving or Christmas is to celebrate
another year with family and friends while eating
lots of delicious food.
Daniel Duval
Author, Bride Movement
Ministry
It is my vision to promote
unity in the body of Christ
worldwide and assist in the
creation and development of
sheep nations.
My ideal Thanksgiving is a
laid back day that culminates
in a large meal shared by
close family and friends. I
will have time to spend
thanking God for all of my
many blessings and end the
day engaged in board games
like Monopoly and Risk.
Rachel Moore (Not Photographed) Advisor, Teacher, Author
My purpose is to love God, love my family and
to be an example to others. My assignment is to
speak the truth in love although at times, I
know this isn't easy I still am commissioned by
God to speak his Words.
My Ideal Thanksgiving is spending time with
family and friends, eating and having a wonderful
time catching up.
Lee Coleman (Not Photographed)
My purpose is to inspire others to seek more
authentic relationships with God and healthier
relationships with themselves and others. I try
to encourage everyone that I influence to live
by my motto, “Be the blessing in your
relationships!” My ideal Thanksgiving or Christmas is an
atmosphere of thanksgiving and service. Since
I’m so blessed, it doesn’t seem right to just focus
on me.
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on what is needed in order to
receive what is rightfully
yours, it tells you who are the
ones that are blessed and how
they are blessed. For some of
you it may be a few months
before you receive your
breakthrough and if so there
is always a lesson God has
behind it if you are on the
right course. For others there
are times when we put our
own selves in a situation and
think that tomorrow God is
just going to deliver us. He
can if he wants to but if He
helps you have you learned
anything from your situation?
Have you learned to trust
God and lean not on your
own understanding? Have
you realized that perhaps you
went through not for yourself
but for a testimony to
someone else. Everything in
life can be perceived in many
ways. I like to look at it as
training no matter what the
situation may be.
If you’re constantly being
attacked by demonic forces
then there may be a door
somewhere in your life that is
open that shouldn’t be, or it
could just simply be an attack
because the enemy knows
you’re just around the corner
from receiving a mind
blowing revelation or
stepping into your purpose?
But whatever the reason may
be, trust God and know that
He is a God of love, patience,
and on time. Yes your
blessing and the things that
you have prayed for, if it is
the will of God, is on the
Dear Readers,
It’s the holiday season where families all over will
be sitting at the dinner table enjoying their
Thanksgiving meals or soon be a blessing to one
another by giving gifts and acts of kindness due to
Christmas. In the spiritual realm there are those who
have been praying to God for Breakthroughs and
Miracles praying that they will soon receive it. They
are waiting for the Pastor, Prophets or other vessels
from God to say that magic word……Your
Breakthroughs and Blessings are on the way! It is
true Breakthroughs; Promises/Blessings are on the
way. But what one does not realize is that
everything God has said or promise is already here.
In order for us to receive it we must stay the course,
stay the course meaning be obedient to God, pray
and get closer to Him and allow Him to direct our
path so that we can walk towards the blessing or
walk towards receiving our breakthroughs. One of
the scriptures I love reading for this is the whole
Chapter of Psalms 119 it tells you and instruct you
on the way, but you must stay
the course to receive it. I
encourage you to always seek
God and be patient in all that
you do. Read the following
scriptures and if God gives you
more to read then do so. Psalms
119: 1-176, Philippians 1:16 and
Joshua 11:16-20
I pray that you have a safe and
joyous Holiday and remember if
you stay the course you will
receive what it is God has for
you at the right time!
Peace & Blessings
Sherrell Valdezloqui
Sherrell Valdezloqui Editor-In-Chief
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Cover Feature Cheneta Jones
ut of "The Gateway to the West" and
"Home of the Blues" hails a powerful
voice housed in a small frame. Cheneta
Jones, the St. Louis native who began
singing at the age of two, has proven that
faith can trump and hurdle and prayer
can open every door.
As a breakout solo artist, and the lead background singer for
Tye Tribbett she stays quite busy. Her current single, Be
Like You, from her upcoming 2012 studio project,
Transformed, is an urban, mid-tempo, laid-back song that
explains how Jones wants to exemplify Christ and be like
Him in every way.
Ushered into the gospel music industry with, My
Everything, an infectious ballad produced and written by
gospel hit-maker mainstay, Percy Bady, on Real Talent
Media Group, displays Jones’ astounding work ethic and
determination earning an abundance of positive feedback
and progressive radio airplay.
Jones began honing her skills early on in church and
eventually started singing at school and other events and
occasions on a regular basis. At 16, she became acquainted
with a production team that would jumpstart her recording
career as a solo artist, and a member in various R&B groups,
where she would mature and developed her own sound.
In January 2008 she obeyed the call of ministry; God
placed upon her life, and removed herself from the R&B
group. She then turned back to her roots and proclaimed that
she would sing to the Glory of God and minister through
Inspirational/Christian music. Since then, doors have
continued to open.
Inspired by personal life experiences and encounters with
God, Jones exudes confidence. Her name is synonymous
with real music and prolific lyrics, and as the winner of
KATZ Hallelujah 1600's Praise Alive Talent Search she has
opened for gospel giants as Fred Hammond, John P. Kee,
Donnie McClurkin, Deitrick Haddon, Lisa McClendon,
Marvin Sapp and many more.
As a singer she lures you in with her unique, crisp,
powerful voice, and keeps you interested with incredible
stage presence, voice control and the element of surprise.
As a writer she reaches the hearts of her listeners with
her relatable experiences expressed through her poetic
stories. I want listeners to be able to hear a song and
reflect on how it applies to their life, she says. In
addition, for those who are not believers, it is my
intention to draw them to Christ through practical
means and not religiosity. This and more will be
displayed on her upcoming project where her desire is
to leave people feeling encouraged and motivated to
grow in Christ.
My upcoming project will entail numerous personal
experiences, and my growth as a maturing Christian,
she says. I’ve been through a lot in the last two years
and have overcome many obstacles so this new album
is very relatable and expresses my love for Jesus as
literally being my everything.
A singer/songwriter who thrives off of opportunities to
give her testimony and minister to the world, she’s on
a mission to spread the truth.
Cheneta Jones—Psalmist, worshiper and vessel of
God bringing a fresh, exceptional style to the world.
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Interview with Cheneta Jones By: Sherrell Valdezloqui
Hello Cheneta!
Thank you for allowing Promoting Purpose to interview you tell us…..
Who is Cheneta Jones I am just a vessel for God’s exclusive use. He has put a gift inside of me and I’m
just returning it back unto Him, and in the process drawing souls to His
Kingdom. I’m an ordinary person God chose to do extraordinary things with.
What makes you stand out from other Gospel Singers?
I believe that I have a unique sound. Other than that I just believe that God has
given me grace according to the measure of the gift He’s given me. God is the
creator of all things. He is more than capable of not creating duplicates
Please Subscribe to read entire interview!
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Deborah Hightower represents a unique, multi-faceted
combination of success. She believes the components to
fulfillment and happiness can be found by expanding our
horizons. She has done just that with successful careers in the
financial arena, music, speaking, and writing.
She has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Boston
Globe, Forbes, Chicago Tribune, International Business
Report, The Business Times, Investor Place, CNBC, NBC,
Thought leader in the area of Expansion, Deborah
Hightower, has recently been acknowledged by America’s
Premier Experts® as one of the leading experts in her field.
CBS, FOX, ABC, CNBC, Yahoo Finance!.
Deborah is frequently invited to host, speak and sing at a
variety of venues, including conferences, retreats, and
seminars. She has hosted international festivals and
conferences, scholarship and beauty pageants, and seminars.
Her speaking topics include a variety of personal and
professional subjects, such as The F’s of Life (faith, family,
friends and finances), Expansion (expand your personal and
professional life to find greater fulfillment and happiness),
and Diversity (find greater success by diversifying, enriching
and broadening your personal and professional perspective).
Deborah celebrated four Top 10 hits on inspirational radio and
three award nominations from her previous album, Her Name
is Deborah. The LOVE. album released in October [side
note– with emphasis on LOVE (period). The be all, end all is
LOVE period…no less. The greatest is love.] Christmas
album released in November – the working title is Beautiful
Christmas . Music has allowed her the opportunity to perform
in a variety of venues – from chapels to mega-churches to
conferences and corporate events to overflowing concert halls
to radio and television to Carnegie Hall to the White House.
A proponent of living life to its fullest, Deborah encourages
others to be motivated, uplifted and renewed by broadening
their horizons, engaging their passions and seeking genuine
expansion in all areas of their lives.
How are you walking in your purpose? While I do have a lot going on…I think it is my purpose to
encourage others to live their own plan of expansion. For me
– it’s educating others about financial issues, encouraging
others to pursue their dream/passion…for me through music,
writing, educating, speaking… I want to grab everything that
God has for me. I want the same for others. Realizing,
however, that while God has it for me, I have to do my part in
maximizing opportunities and walking through the doors He
has opened for me. Too often, we wait on things to ‘happen’
when we must make it ‘happen’.
I believe that we all have a purpose for being here. To quote
Thomas Merton, “the biggest human temptation is to settle
for too little”.
Please Subscribe to Read
Entire Article
Deborah Hightower- A fun loving person
who enjoys seeing others expand…..
LIFESTYLE-BUSINESS
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You are waking up in a cold sweat.
Your heart is frantically beating, trying
to escape from its place in your chest.
You have stress, anxiety and fear all at
the same time. Surrounded by darkness,
you are trying to collect your thoughts.
Your palms are sweating, and you're
breathing is heavy. What is going on?
As the moments pass, you begin to
settle down. There is no threat. You are
safely in your bed. Then you realize
that it was all a dream. Or should I say
a nightmare?
Nightmares are the dreams that no one
wants to have. They are scary,
disturbing, and unpleasant. The evil that
accompanies them can be felt,
sometimes even after we have
awakened from them. True nightmares
are often inspired from the kingdom of
darkness. Admittedly some are not.
How can we tell the difference? When
the nightmares include a component of
evil that can be "felt," it is a good
indicator that the dream has been
inspired by the kingdom of darkness. If
the source is normal stress or anxiety,
the dreams are typically not much more
than unpleasant.
Many people don't consider that
because we are members of the
kingdom of light, we actually have the
ability to go to sleep in a spiritual
fortress. Instead of taking advantage of
these potential sleeping conditions,
many Christians opt to simply sleep
with no defenses.
Subscribe to this issue to
read more…
LIFESTYLE
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Daniel Duval shares the importance of having Authority on the Job by understanding who we are in
Christ…..
here it is. It's the same sarcastic smile you are greeted with every morning.
Yuck! The receptionist, who puts on an air of friendliness for everyone
else, makes no effort to hide her distaste about you. It's no mystery as to
why she does this. She gave you the same air of friendliness until she
found about you and the C-word. That's right, the day she found out you
That's right, the day she found out you were a Christian everything changed.
Unfortunately it wasn't just her. Others began to act funny around you. Then you
started getting accused of being ignorant and judgmental. You weren't consciously
judging anyone, but you were labeled because you are Christian. Suddenly, you
became a magnet for negativity. Why would people intentionally ostracize you? Why
would people go out of their way to tell dirty jokes right in front of you as often as
possible? Could it be because you are Christian? Of course. It can be challenging to
balance our spiritual persuasions while working in a secular field. There is no doubt
that the easiest thing to do with our religious convictions is to keep them to
ourselves. The reason is because when we begin to become vocal with our coworkers
about what we believe, people can begin to respond negatively. So what can we do
about this? I have found myself in several awkward situations at the various jobs I
have held in the past. I don't expect this to change for jobs that I will hold in the
future. Since I tend to be rather straight forward about my relationship with Jesus,
this is something I have simply come to accept. However, I have learned that there is
an edge that I will always have over those that seek to create problems for me. I have
an awesome prayer life! "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against
principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against
spiritual wickedness in high places." (Ephesians 6:12)
While I do not discount practical
tips and tricks for making peace
and keeping friends, there is a
very real spiritual element to
every situation. On this note we
must always remember that our
battle is not against people, but
against evil spirits in the kingdom
of darkness. As a matter of fact,
what I have learned is that there
are key evil spirits that oversee the
activity occurring in just about
every business. These spirits are
usually things like alcoholism,
drug abuse, gossip, revenge,
hatred, slander, antichrist, jezebel
and so forth. It's usually very easy
to tell what kind of spirits are in
operation by simply having a keen
eye and picking up on the
obvious. If you know what
everyone did last weekend
(without any specific individual
telling you their own story) it is
pretty easy to conclude that a
spirit of gossip is at work. If there
is a strong rebuttal every time the
name of Jesus is brought up, there
is probably a spirit of antichrist.
"And every spirit that confessed
not that Jesus Christ is come in the
flesh is not of God: and this is that
spirit of antichrist, whereof ye
have heard that it should come;
and even now already is it in the
world." (1 John 4:3)
In order to circumvent the
strategies of the enemy, we must
remind ourselves about who we
are in Christ. We must then exert
the authority that Jesus has given
us. In Him we have been given
power over the power of the
enemy. This is relevant for every
setting and situation.
LIFESTYLE
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It doesn't matter if we are
not in the church building.
God intends for us to partner
with Him to the end that the
works of the devil are
destroyed. As it is written:
" Behold, I give unto you
power to tread on serpents
and scorpions, and over all
the power of the enemy:
and nothing shall by any
means hurt you." (Luke
10:19)
Whenever I am working a
secular job I make sure to
bind all of the evil spirits
and activities I have
identified (or that the Lord
has pointed out to me). This
is not something I do only
once on my first day of
work. This is something that
I do daily during my
morning prayers. I have
found that when I bind the
works of darkness and loose
the things of God (according
to Matthew 18:18), my work
environment is radically
changed in my favor. It
actually positions me for
favor with my superiors.
Moreover, it breaks the
spiritual resistance to the
testimony of Jesus Christ.
This means that it is much
easier to engage coworkers,
pray with coworkers, and
even lead coworkers to
Christ. Now that is what I
call the ideal work
environment!
Recipe for two 9 inch pie:
3 Sweet Potatoes
2 1/2 Cups of White Sugar
¾ Cup Evaporated Milk
½ Cup Butter Melted
4 eggs lightly beaten
3 tablespoon of all purpose flour
1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg
2- 9 inch unbaked pie crust
Directions
1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add sweet potatoes and cook until
tender but still firm, about 30 minutes. Drain, cool, peel and mash. Preheat
oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. In a large bowl, combine sweet potatoes, butter, sugar, vanilla and nutmeg.
In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk and blend into the sweet
potato mixture.
3. Pour into pie shells and bake in preheated oven for 60 minutes, or until
done
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Actress in Sparkle Vocalist, Comedienne and Voice Over Talent…….
Her undeniable delightful, spirited smile and charm captivates those in her
presence. She describes herself as a Fun, Fearless and Faithful woman of
God. Actress Brely Evans is a young Hollywood talent rising rapidly in
notoriety with her feet firmly planted in a faith ever increasing. Brely is
emerging as a multi-talented actress, singer/songwriter and passionate
motivational speaker whose career is being fueled by her ability to connect
with audiences on-stage, on-screen and on a personal level. With increasing
opportunities in film and TV, Brely boldly continues to stand firm in Godly
character against the opportunities that might challenge and taint her integrity
and faith. “I’ve been blessed with a team that covers me, therefore, a lot of the
challenges I would potentially face are checked at the door,” Brely shares.
“When I am asked to play a role that does not ‘kingdom build’, I step back
and talk to GOD about it. There have been times when the role was way on
the other side, but either the character got delivered or the entire story line had
a message to get people to see themselves and change.
That’s when the greater good is being served and my faith and integrity are
left intact!”
Bre’ly can be seen in TriStar feature film remake
of the 1976 hit movie Sparkle. Brely is cast in the
role of “Tune Ann” alongside of an all-star cast:
Grammy® nominated recording artist Jordin
Sparks (“American Idol” winner, Season 6), the
late Multi-Grammy® Award winner Whitney
Houston (The Bodyguard, Waiting to Exhale),
Derek Luke (Antwone Fisher, Captain America:
The First Avenger), Mike Epps (Jumping the
Broom, Friday After Next), Carmen Ejogo (I,
Alex Cross, Pride and Glory), Tika Sumpter (“The
Game”, “Gossip Girl”), Omari Hardwick (The A-
Team, For Colored Girls), Grammy® Award
winner Cee-Lo Green (“The Voice”), and Tamela
Mann (“Meet the Browns”, Diary of Mad Black
Woman, Kingdom Come).
Her role in Sparkle came after a daunting year of
personal obstacles. “I slowly stopped reading my
word and slipped back into my old routines and
the offers came to a halt,” tells Brely. “I knew it
was because my focus had shifted to the natural in
front of me instead of on the supernatural and
God’s Word. On Sept 25th of last year, I
rededicated myself, connected with prayer
partners, began fasting and got serious! About a
month later….Sparkle!”
LIFESTYLE
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Since he came on the national scene in
1990, there have been many titles
associated with Ben Tankard, from the
Quincy Jones of Gospel to the father of
Gospel Jazz.
Ben explains, "Technically, the music
is the same. A Christian "C" note sounds
the same as a non-Christian note, but as a
minister, God releases His Spirit and
power through me and the music
becomes a vehicle-of-salvation to carry
God's love, healing and deliverance."
As a modern day "David" and often
referred to as "The Minstrel," Ben
Tankard has a strong anointing to play
under the unction of the Holy Spirit and
has witnessed tumors melting, people
being raised out of wheel chairs, deaf
ears opened, and relationships mended in
his concert-crusades.
Tankard states, "signs and wonders
must follow when a minstrel plays. We
should expect debt cancellations and all
other yokes to be destroyed and burdens
lifted when our music is played."
He has won 9 Stellar Awards, 34
Stellar, 8 Dove, 3 Grammy nominations
and is the best selling Gospel Jazz
instrumentalist in the world.
Also a "hit-maker" producer, Ben
discovered Yolanda Adams and has
produced several top records for her, as
well as collaborated with Take-6, Fred
Hammond, John P. Kee, and others.
Tankard's 1997 hit song "Git Yo Praize
On," with his ensemble, Tribe Of
Benjamin, has become the most used
phrase among praise teams.
All this from a man who has never had
one lesson!
The key is to concentrate on taking
care of God's business and He will
in return put people and materials
in your hand to accomplish his
plans, purpose and destiny for your
life.
Promoting Purpose:
Congratulation on all of your
success so far and those to
come, what is it that keep you
so humble still glorifying God
even at the level you are in
society today career wise and
etc?
Ben: Thank you! My mother
raised me in the Lord and we
had a very poor living
environment coming up. I
learned to walk in great
gratitude and appreciate every
little thing. She taught me that
the more blessed you are the
sweeter you should be to
people. Also, my wife Jewel
and I keep each other
accountable. No one knows
you like your spouse. So we observe each other
getting a little " off " in any area, we give each
other the latitude to comment and check each
other, without getting offended.
Promoting Purpose: When others look at you
they think you have it so easy with the amount
of success you have. Were there ever a time in
your life when you felt like giving up?
Ben: No! There were times that I was
challenged but I never considered giving up
though. People say, "Ben you were an overnight
success ". And I say “yes you are right, but that
night lasted 20 years " lol.
Promoting Purpose: What scripture have you
hold on to dearly that keeps you going through
the good and bad times in life?
Ben: I actually have 3!!! Proverbs 23:7. As a
man thinketh , in his heart , so is he. -------- I
realize that if it “is to be" then it is " up to me "...
Therefore, I have to get the answers from my
kingdom spirit. If I think the right thoughts, and
then move accordingly, then I should be able to
“make my way prosperous" according to Joshua
1:8 and have "good success” according to
Ps.1:1-3.
Promoting Purpose: What is your purpose?
Ben: In a nutshell my purpose is to worship
God. My assignment is to use my talents: To
take people from the middle to the top.
Promoting Purpose: What is it in your heart
that you truly want the people of God and others
to grasp on to in order to have a successful life
both spiritually and physically?
Ben: On the spiritual side I want people to know
that God has already done ALL he is going to
do. He gave us his Will in his Word so all we
have I do is act on it.
LIFESTYLE
NOV/DEC 2012 PROMOTINGPURPOSE-MAGAZINE.COM 21
Stop waiting on God to perform a miracle when
he has already given you instructions how to
achieve you request through his word by faith.
We can't be sooooo busy (or lazy) we can't pray,
mediate, confess his word and act on it. Faith
developing takes time.
On the physical side it is the same thing. Stop
waiting on the president or government make
your life better. YOU are the prophet of your
life and the captain of your ship. Stop waiting
on someone else to give you permission to
success. Always remember this... There is
someone out there less smarter than you that is
richer then you. There goes your excuse. Lol.
Promoting Purpose: How important is it for
you to take time out to spend time with God as
well as your family?
Ben: It is the center of my existence. I plant my
time with God from 1am to 4am in the morning.
This I don't have to compete with family
demands for God time or meditation time. You
are living beneath your privilege given to you
by God to create your own world through your
imagination if you don't spend at least 30
minutes a day alone in a quiet place just
dreaming ( without your cell phone in your
hand ! ).
Promoting Purpose: What is your ideal
Thanksgiving or Christmas?
Ben: The whole family at home in our mansion
with me with an apron on cooking my famous
24hr Turkey, with " It's A Wonderful Life " on
repeat !
Promoting Purpose: Are you currently
working on any projects?
Ben: working on a couple surprise artist for my
record label " Ben-Jamin' Universal Music".
Also we signed major TV deal for our own
Reality Tv Show. I also have a clothing line,
and several endorsement deals that will launch
within the next year as well as a new book.
Promoting Purpose: Would you like to leave a
word of encouragement with our audience?
Ben: My motto: If it's not on your mind, it's
not in your future.
The Church Gathering Place By: Denise Ingram
It’s midnight on a wintry night, the
snow is falling, and you can hear the
sound of the snow coming down.
Everything is covered in white, like a
blanket; it’s beautiful. I see across the
ground crystals sprinkling in the night
air. The trees are covered in white.
It’s a quiet sound almost, like
someone out there wants to say
something to you. The night air is so
cold; it goes down deep to the bone.
It’s hard to stay warm.
All the ladies in the church are busy
cooking.
All the ladies in the church are busy
cooking. There are Thanksgiving
Day pies, cakes, and cookies. Oh my,
those homemade pumpkin pies with a
little extra cinnamon in them, well
you should try one! There is nothing
better in this world than adding a
little more cinnamon in those pies.
Gail was always busy baking pies,
cakes, and you name it, to take to
Rebecca Hebner’s Old Country Store
for them to sell.
This was the first time Rev. Tom
Williams and his wife, Gail, decided
to have Thanksgiving dinner at the
church for everyone to come and
have a good time. Gail’s best friend,
Rebecca, lives nearby. Her husband,
David, works very hard.
He is a shoe smith and owns an old
country store where the two of
them work together. They know
just about everyone in that small
town of Winchester. Up in those
mountains, it wasn’t a thing for
them to have a foot of snow
overnight.
That night it snowed hard, and it
came down fast, freezing the
ground. Rev. Tom Williams
decided to go to the church that
evening after midnight. He knew
Gail would be up because she was
busy cooking. He walked in the
church, went down the front, and
said a prayer for everyone to be
able to attend Thanksgiving Day
for dinner. He noticed there were
wet foot prints on the floor. He
walked around the whole church
but didn’t see anyone. He said to
himself, “Who on earth could this
be?”
Rev. Tom went back to the house.
Gail looked up at him and said,
“Tom, you look like you have seen
a ghost. Are you okay, honey?” He
said, “Yes,” with a smile. You see
Rev. Tom didn’t want Gail to be
afraid of anything, she would
worry too much. Rev. Tom prayed
and pleaded the blood of Jesus over
them and the people in Winchester
that night. He thought, “How on
earth could anyone stay out there in
the cold snowy night?” Gail put
the turkey on a cast iron rack to
cook for the rest of the night. Rev.
Tom told Gail to go to bed and get
some rest; he would watch
everything for a while.
Gail went to bed, read her Bible
and fell asleep in bed. She prayed
for the Lord to cover them with His
blood. She knew by the look in
Tom’s eyes that something was
wrong. The next morning, Gail
went to the kitchen and Rev. Tom
had fallen to sleep in the rocking
chair with a blanket over him.
NOV/DEC 2012 PROMOTINGPURPOSE-MAGAZINE.COM 22
Gail got breakfast started, and woke up Rev. Tom to give him a
cup of hot coffee. The turkey still had about four more hours
before it would be done.
Rev. Tom Williams told Gail he was going to the church to build
a fire in the fire place so the church would be nice and warm. As
he walked to the church, Rev. Tom thanked the Lord that the
snow was not too deep so everyone could come and gather at the
church for dinner. He said a prayer again thanking God for
keeping them safe. As Rev. Tom was entering the church, he
saw that there were wet foot prints again, but this time there
were more. As he walked closer to the dining area, he noticed
someone had started a fire already. He wondered if it could have
been David; he was so good about helping everyone if he could.
You see, the church was in great need of a Holy Ghost revival.
People needed the Lord. Some needed to renew their faith
again. It seemed to Rev. Tom Williams that people where dried
up in their spirit. He had been praying for a good revival for
almost a year. The church was in need of change. People really
needed to get hold of God. They were not committed to the Lord
or on fire for the Lord. You see, Rev. Tom didn’t even tell his
wife about praying for revival to break out in Winchester. He
was a man of great faith and old fashioned in what he believed
in. One thing he knew, God was getting ready for something
great!
Rebecca is a prayer warrior and strong in her faith. She prayed
with many a person in Winchester. At times she would give
coffee or flour to people who couldn’t pay for them, but David
never knew. Sometimes, you know, men have a problem giving.
It never stopped Rebecca.
Winchester Church had a lot of good people. There were those
who couldn’t pay by cash, but gave in other ways. They gave in
eggs, or chickens, or apples… you name it! Everyone was
always trying their best to help each other.
Rebecca had long, thick, black, beautiful hair. She had the
sweetest spirit about her and the sweetest smile about her; she
was a true giver. Her husband David, at times, could get very
stubborn and upset at people who wouldn’t pay their bills on
time. On the other hand, Rebecca didn’t worry about it; she
knew that by giving the Lord would take care of them.
All the ladies had been cooking a Thanksgiving Day meal to
take to church on Thanksgiving Day. Everyone was excited
about going to church, eating with friends and having good old
fellowship with one another. The snow didn’t seem to stop
anyone; the kids could hardly wait to get to church. It was very
cold and the wind was blowing some; the snow was still on the
tree limbs, it was almost frozen a little.
Everyone was on the way to the church. David and Rebecca
decided they would try to get to the church first to light all the
oil lamps on the tables and to see what needed to be done.
Rebecca was walking up the steps and saw foot prints. She said,
“Boy there is a lot of little foot prints!” As she and David
entered the church they could smell smoke coming from the
fireplace. They had their hands full of food. When they walked
in, there was a family setting all around the fireplace, a sleep.
David said under his breath, “free loaders.” Rebecca said,
“David you should be ashamed of yourself.” John Stewart stood
up and spoke up, “Are we in the way?
My family and I didn’t mean to impose. We were trying to
get warm. You see, our wagon is stuck in the snow not far
from here.”
Then, Rev. Tom Williams and Gail came in with their arms
full. The preacher looked over to David and thanked him for
making a nice fire for everyone. David said, “I can’t take the
credit for this.” Then, Rev Tom Williams turned around after
putting the food on the table. He went to say something to
this nice family. John Stewart said, “We are leaving now.
We didn’t mean to cause any problems. I made the fire so
our family could get warm. I am so sorry.”
Gail spoke up with Rebecca at the same time, “You all are
not going anywhere! You will have Thanksgiving dinner
with us.” “No,” John said in a lowered voice. His oldest son
Mark spoke up “Father, we are all hungry and need
something hot to drink. Please father!” All ten of the
children spoke up, “Please!” His wife Dorothy was holding
their youngest daughter, Abigail Grace, who was three
months old. She cried all the time. Dorothy spoke up, “John
Stewart, listen to me. The children and I are hungry and cold.
If you want to go back to the wagon you go right ahead, but
we are staying!” Rev. Tom came over and said, “John it’s
okay, son.”
Gail, told everyone to please find a seat at the tables and let’s
get ready to eat. Gail said, “We want to welcome our new
visitors, the Stewart family.” Gail asked her husband, Rev.
Tom, to come and pray over the food. “Lord, I ask you right
now in the name of Jesus, to bless the hands that cooked this
good meal. Lord, bless each family that is here today on this
special Thanksgiving Day, a day of thanking you for all we
have, and how you supply all our needs Lord. You, Lord
have been good to the people here in Winchester.”
The whole time Rev. Tom was praying, little Abigail Grace
was crying. Dorothy was trying her best to stop her, but she
had Colic. “Dear Lord, we thank you for each family today.
We have so much to be thankful for, in Christ’s name.
Amen.”
The kids and all the families were eating and having a good
old time. The Stewart family kids were eating like there is no
tomorrow, but it didn’t matter to anyone. They were
thankful that the family didn’t freeze last night. Dorothy and
John’s two twins, Lydia and Ruth, were going to town on
Rebecca’s homemade sugar cookies. Dorothy said, “I think
you two have had enough.” They replied, “But mom, please
just one more, only one.” Abigail Grace continued to cry.
Rev. Tom Williams walked up to Dorothy and picked up
little Abby.
He laid hands on her, and anointed the top of her head. She
immediately stopped crying, and from that day she never had
Colic again.
To this day, we should always give thanks to the Lord, not
just on Thanksgiving but every day of the year. Most of all,
God, we thank you for your son Jesus Christ, so we can have
eternal life one day with Him. Be thankful for what you have,
and help those who have less. Ask someone to your home for
dinner on Thanksgiving Day. Watch and see how God will
bless you. Trust me!
NOV/DEC 2012 PROMOTINGPURPOSE-MAGAZINE.COM 23
Dr. Inecir Matthis helps a young woman find peace in a
decision between staying at her current church or finding
one that her now save incarcerated husband is wanting to
go to for the family once released.
Dr. Matthis, I have been married to my husband for over
7 years and we have two children together. After several years of
being locked up, he became a Christian and attends the Sunday
services there. 3 years ago I began attending the church where my
family attends and became a member shortly thereafter. My
husband will be released from prison early 2013 and has
informed me that he has no plans of attending my church services
and stated that we will need to find a church home more suitable
for us as a family.
I am concerned and disagree with him simply because he has
never attended our services so he has no idea what it is like or
what to expect when he attends. Also, our children who are
ages 5 and 8 have adjusted to the church environment and are
thriving in Sunday school, children's church and group
activities. I feel as if I would lose a solid foundation and my
children would soon become disinterested in church because of
the sudden and drastic change. I also fear that my husband may
not be strong in his Christian walk and may end up not
attending church services at all. I'm not sure what to do and
hope that you can give me some much needed insight.
Dr. Matthis:
It is unfortunate that you are faced with this dilemma long
before your husband is due to be released. It sounds as if your
religious backgrounds and beliefs were not discussed at the
round table before saying "I Do". It is one of the most
important subjects less likely to be discussed when talking
marriage and often causes couples to be unequally yoked from
the very beginning. Religious beliefs help to structure marriage
and the upbringing of children. This also brings about a
spiritual power struggle between husband and wife with the
expectation that the wife will leave her church and follow her
husband. If she refuses to do so she is considered to be less
than obedient and respectful. Your answer is simple and direct:
Prayer.....pray for wisdom and strategy to deal with this matter.
Ask God to grant you the direction or course that you should
take when approaching this delicate situation. It requires that
both of you be spiritually mature enough to discuss the matter
before making hasty and regretful decisions. You should both
be able to come to a place of compromising while seeking
guidance from God. Perhaps he could attend your church
services at least a few Sundays in the month while you both
prayerfully consider God's will for you. Don't forget to
consider your children in this matter and seek churches or
ministries that have services and activities for children, teen
and young adults.
Remember that God will give you direction, guidance and
clarity in this matter if seek and trust Him because the king's
heart is like a stream of water directed by the LORD; he guides
it wherever he pleases. (Proverbs 21:1 New Living Translation)
Do you have a question for Dr. Matthis? Or would like to
respond to a question in this publication?
Send all emails to [email protected]
NOV/DEC 2012 PROMOTINGPURPOSE-MAGAZINE.COM 24
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