Worship for Freedom Benefit Concert

DivinePURPOSE hosted "Worship for Freedom" at the Melnea Cass Recreational Complex in Roxbury. The purpose of  the concert is to bring awareness against sex trafficking. Proceeds benefited the G.I.F.T. program. The G.I.F.T. program, (Gaining Independence For Tomorrow), works with youth who have been victimized by commercial sexual exploitation.

In addition to Rashad McPherson & DivinePurpose, Bobby Perry & RAIN, Marc Britt as well as J.J. Hairston ministered. 

With J.J. Hairston after the concert. What a blessed time!

Boston's Next Top Model - Chic Pink Showcase

Boston's Next Top Model Summer Program is a self-esteem and self-care program for girls between the ages of 11-17.

Boston's Next Top Model Summer Program culminates with a celebration. Chic Pink allows the girls to invite family and friends to a runway showcase. This event gives the girls an opportunity to share what they have learned and participate in the planning and execution of the event.

This was an exciting event. It was wonderful to see the girls blossom on the mic with their testimonials as well as on the pink carpet! 

At the showcase with Executive Director Nancy Rachel Rousseau. I am honored to be a supporter of this program!

Trini's "Young & Beautiful" Listening Party

Minister, Musician and Gospel Recording Artist, Trini, is on the move. I was so excited to attend her "Young & Beautiful" listening party in the Media Room at Codman Academy. Women are bombarded with a plethora of negative messages about what beauty is. Society focuses on external, but God looks at the heart. There was a vivid audio/visual presentation of the project, including videos of women of varying backgrounds describing what beauty is. 

The Tracklist

1. Better

2. This How I'm Feeling

3. Young and Beautiful

4. Over

5. LightsOut (Feat. Applejaxx)

6. The Source

7. Gone

8. We’ll be together (Feat. Mr. Coldstone)

9. Here I am (Feat. Odetta & Int’l SHOW)

10. Emergency

11. Clean Heart

I am loving the CD. It is on repeat!

With my Sister-in-Christ, Trini!

Chocolate Drop...

Although I like all sorts of colors, I tend to wear neutrals such as black, white, tan, gray, etc. I usually reserve the bright colors for my shoes or lipstick. My mom likes colorful clothing and bought me a pretty bright lemon yellow short-sleeve dress. It sat in my closet for at least a year. Today while getting ready for church I decided to rip the tag off and wear the dress with some exotic print stiletto pumps. I felt weird at first because it was SO bright but had nothing else that I could just throw on at the second.

My husband gave me the biggest compliment! He compliments me anyway but he did do a double-take when I walked into the room with the yellow on. At church some of the women there also gave me compliments about the color. I also want to mention that wearing vivid colors actually does brighten up your mood.

Every month my church serves ice cream and cake for the members who celebrate their birthday or wedding anniversary in that month. After service I indulged in the cake with chocolate ice cream. (My favorite!)

When I neared my last spoonful of ice cream, a tiny speck dropped right on the front of my dress! I tried to scrape it off as quickly as I could but it had already seeped into the yellow fabric. I went and dabbed the spot with water.

Upon getting home and changing out of my church clothes I read on the label that it was dry clean only but I did not want to let the spot set and leave a permanent stain. I went online to find remedies for chocolate ice cream stains. Many sites listed various products but I was hoping to find something that would utilize what I already had at home.

Any way I decided to try this one for non-washable fabric:

1. Blot spot with rubbing alcohol and let set for ten minutes

2. Rinse the area with cold water.

3. Mix one tablespoon of mild detergent with two cups of water and apply to stain by blotting the area to absorb the stain. (I noticed that blotting did not get it all out so I used a washcloth to scrub it)

4. Rinse with cold water. (Note: It ALL came out and did not discolor the fabric so I did not need the next step 5.)

5. Use hydrogen peroxide and ammonia if the stain remains. Apply peroxide to the stain with an eyedropper and then blot the stain. Then apply ammonia to the stain with an eyedropper and continue to blot the stain. Flush the stain with water and blot the area to remove excess liquid.

Anyway I was so happy to be able to get the chocolate stain out of the dress and I can put it in the cleaners and wear it again!

Woman in the Word: The Samaritan Woman

The Samaritan Woman in John 4 is a Woman Redeemed by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She is my favorite because she was an outcast, but God saw fit to meet her right where she was and set her FREE.

She was a strong woman who went through five marriages and was shacking with another man that she was not married to. Because of the circumstances in her life she was shunned by other women and had to gather water alone, later in the day. I know how it feels to be rejected because of others’ perception and lack of effort in getting to know me. I’ve also dealt with relationships that left me feeling empty.

Jesus saw through all of the exterior stuff and addressed it without condemnation. Some of us may not have been married five times but have five different things going on that is not aligned with our purpose in God.

I am about ready to SHOUT because as I type this in Word, I am reminded that the number FIVE also means God’s GRACE, goodness and FAVOR!!!

The Woman at the Well did not allow her five failed marriages to keep her from running back to the townspeople to tell them ALL about the Man who told her all about herself! Jesus Christ!

Testimony....Our Father.....

‪#‎Testimony. I grew up being constantly told that I was unwanted, more specifically that my "Daddy didn't want me". I was not raised "in the church" so I totally felt insignificant and abandoned. I did eventually have a relationship with my father but the words (lies) were always in the back of my mind. Fast forward to adulthood. I became a Christian. I KNEW that I was GOD'S daughter but still felt the sting about my physical dad because of what was always told to me. My father died suddenly last year on May 19th. As I was going through my pictures and a box of letters I found one written by my dad and addressed to my mother in 1977. (I was going on ten years old) The whole ENTIRE letter was about me. How I was doing? About my schooling. He wanted to SEE ME, but we had moved and had not given him our new address etc. He had to get our new info from someone else, etc. The tone of the letter was NOT of someone who did not CARE. In fact it seemed like he was pleading to be able to see me. (We were in Boston, he was in Virginia) Tears streamed down my face as I was reminded of how God never forsaked me. Even though my parents had their issues with each other, I was STILL the apple of God's eye!

Depending on YOU

Focus - Interview with Natasha White

Natasha White is a budding author, growing Christian, and community supporter. Though she works a 9-5, in her "spare" time, she is also a student, dedicated family member, and seeks to bring hope to those around her.

FF: Describe your Christian Journey in three words.

Natasha: Ongoing, beautiful struggle

FF: Tell us a little about the Score4More organization.

Natasha: Score4More was established by African-American men, with Massachusetts athletes in mind. The goal is to equip young men and women with the tools needed to help ensure success. Our flagship program, “Faster, Smarter, Stronger” provides the skills building piece, while our tutoring program is set to be piloted in March, 2013. Throughout the year we hold numerous events such as our renown summer basketball tournament, “Save our Streets”, and this year we held our first holiday party, “We LOVE the kids” where we gave out 500 gifts.

FF: What is your role within Score4More?

Natasha: HA! (laughing out loud), my title is that of Secretary of the Board, but my role is ever evolving. For the most part I am responsible for the administrative arm of the organization which I do enjoy. During our events, I am mostly handling the registration piece, and being available to handle whatever comes up.

FF: What are some of the programs that you offer the youth?

Natasha: The cornerstone of our organization is “Faster, Smarter, Stronger”. This is held year round, on an eight week on/two week off schedule. Here we offer skills building and nutritional tips to the youth we serve. As stated previously, the tutoring arm is being piloted in March, 2013, where the focus is on academics. We realize that being able reading a book is of equal importance as being able to read a play, and we want to make sure our kids are equipped and ready.

FF: The “We love the kids” Christmas Celebration at the Melnea Cass Sports Complex was absolutely beautiful. It had a winter wonderland feel to it and so many people in the community were blessed by it. It was wonderful to see that it was truly a collaborative effort. What are your goals for this year’s celebration?

Natasha: Thank you! Our goals are to have a better impact on the communities we serve. We want to be a resource and be available for many years to come. Our goals are to continue to establish ourselves and to collaborate with those who share our mission. We want the kids and their parents to know we are here for them in any way we can be.

FF: In what way can one get involved?

Natasha: One can get involved through volunteering. We have a GREAT need for volunteers. Whether it be at an event we host, or behind the scenes, we can always use an extra pair of hands, and some fresh ideas. Giving is also another way. Donations are accepted and are greatly appreciated. For more information, people can visit www.score4more.org

FF: What’s next for Score4More?

Natasha: We are constantly growing and evolving. We have an event for young ladies that will be held in April. Faster, Smarter, Stronger is in full effect, and “Save our Streets” will be held in July. In the meantime, we as a team are growing and we are excited about serving our great community.

Score4More Team: Natasha White, Derrone Greaves, Roger Roberts, Marlon Benjamin, Ray Noiles, (top row) Tiffany Benjamin, Clayton Weston, Liz Miranda (bottom row)

Fashion Film Festival

This film festival was launched in San Francisco last year. Check out the video.

YOU Deserve

Peanut Butter Treat

An alternative to DESTROYING a large bag of Doritos or Crunchy Cheese Doodles. #FabFitSnack (Apple-Cinnamon rice cake with 1 or 2 tablespoons of peanut butter and mini apple chunks on top)

Woman Will Thou Be Made Whole?

Through her life changing book “Woman, Will Thou be Made Whole?” Alishia takes her powerful testimony of overcoming divorce, homelessness, and poverty to millions of women across the nation.

I interviewed Minister Alishia Louis for this blog last year. I was finally able to meet her on this past weekend at the “Woman, Will Thou be Made Whole” Luncheon at Revival Time Flame of Fire Ministries hosted by First Lady Regina Frazier in West Roxbury, MA.

What a powerful time in the Lord! The ANOINTING breaks yokes! Minister Alishia peeled back the layers and gave it to us straight. The message was titled “Crippled AND destined”. She referenced 2 Samuel 4:4, 9:1-13 and Isaiah 61:7. WE are called out of Lodebar to Total Freedom! We must not be comfortable with our “limps”. In order to achieve total freedom, we must be willing to do “the work”. Minister Alishia uses the analogy of gardening when describing the healing process.

My blogging about it does not capture the essence of what took place. You HAD to have been there! God used her mightily! I will never be the same! What an absolute blessing!

Minister Louis is in the Delaware area. For speaking engagements, contact her office via

http://www.alishialouis.com/book_alishia.html

 With Minister Alishia Louis at luncheon.

52 Week Money Challenge - Care to join me?

Happy New Year!
This spreadsheet graphic has been forwarded all over facebook. I love spreadsheets but need help with saving at times. There is a wonderful accountability group on facebook called "Kassondra's 52 Week Money Challenge". You just join the group and post on the wall to let others know that you made your deposit. (Whether in a jar, piggy bank, binder, bank account) the whole point is to support each other with saving and sticking to it for the 52 weeks. I recreated this scheduled in an Excel spreadsheet and put into a binder. I made my first deposit yesterday! If this graphic is not too clear and you would like the excel spreadsheet, just email me at: Faithfulandfabulous@gmail.com

Happy New Year!!!

This year has been one that challenged me to STAND when I wanted to fall out and CRY, to walk in perseverance when doubters surrounded me, to put aside my own wants and needs, to share truths that are not so flattering so that it may encourage the next one, to remember what is most important and to ACT on that. I am so thankful to be able to say that. My God is so awesome. I am so looking forward to what else is in store for me in 2013. Happy New Year Everyone! ♥

Faithful, Fierce and Fabulous!

Have a fabulous day, everyone!

Good Morning!

The summer is flying by. I've had a lot going on hence my absence and will be back soon! The Lord has been SO GOOD to me, during my peaks AND valleys. How dare I let a "challenge" silence me!?Have a fabulously blessed day!

Fitness: Inside and Out

"Transformation is only valid if it is carried out with the people, not for them. Liberation is like a childbirth, and a painful one. The person who emerges is a new person: no longer either oppressor or oppressed, but a person in the process of achieving freedom. It is only the oppressed who, by freeing themselves, can free their oppressors.” - Paulo Freire

The above photo and quote was shared over 25 times on Facebook from Paula Hannah’s wall. (You ROCK Paula!) I shared it on my personal page as well. Not only were the “before” and “after” photos inspiring, but the words in the left image spoke to a place that, unfortunately, I personally dwelled in for a long time.

Rejection

Bitterness

Unforgiveness

Shame

I can go really deep on this blog to demonstrate my point, but I will say this: Dealing with the root of rejection, in turn sprouted bitterness, unforgiveness and shame. It popped up in various areas of my life, both internally and externally. It showed up in my disposition when I perceived ANY form of rejection. Holding on to bitterness was a barrier to developing meaningful relationships. Unforgiveness, in short, was my emotional prison. Shame was the fuzzy cloud that I walked in if that makes sense. Even after I gave my life to Christ I still carried a lot of these labels.

Let me tell you, GOD is a healer and restorer! This is not a catchy phrase. YOU have to be REAL with yourself and real with God. He sees all anyway so why try to hide?

God dealt with me over time in layers. When I believed that I was healed from one area of my life, He brought another one before me to confront. All of these offenses were interconnected and had hardened my heart over time. I also asked God for forgiveness and prayed for the people that I have hurt in the past as well.

I love the themes on the right side of the photo!

Empowered

Renewed

Rebirth

Planted

For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. – Philippians 4:13

I can BE spiritually, emotionally, physically and financially healthy!

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. – 2 Corinthians 5:17

I am a NEW creature in Christ.

Regardless of the lies spoken over my life.

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. – Romans 12:2

I can not continue to dwell on the world’s negative thought processes.

Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, ² but whose delight is in the law of the Lord,
and who meditates on his law day and night. ³ That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers. – Psalm 1:1-3

Where are you planted?

Apple Pecan Salad

So I was inspired by a healthy salad at a fast food restaurant!

I love the mandarin chicken salad at Wendy’s! When my brother went to pick one up for me when I was in Virginia the other week, he came back with an apple pecan salad instead. I was disappointed to find out that it was not on the menu there. I believe that it is discontinued. Anyhow I tried the apple pecan chicken salad and loved it! I grabbed it for lunch twice when I returned home and then decided to pick up items to make my own at home, with or without the chicken. Here is the recipe for a single serving:

Bowl of Spring mix salad greens

¼ to ½ chopped apple

Glazed pecans (about two tablespoons)

Craisins (about two tablespoons)

Crumbled Bleu cheese

Raspberry Pomegranate dressing

Enjoy!

Note: Beware of caloric intake from the glazed pecans, craisins and cheese. In other words, go lightly.

Unlock Your Greatness

May 13 – A giant never starts out being a giant; it grows into one.

What things can you stop early before they get out of control?

May 14 – [do you feel less of a man/woman based on how much money you make?]

I am a man/woman who has a lot to offer. My value is not based on how much money I make.

May 15 – It took a while but I love myself. <3

These questions and quotes were pulled out of David Carruthers’ book titled “Unlock Your Greatness Daily Reminders for a Year of Empowerment”. He is also the author of “Kill Your Giants”.

Like King David in the Bible, we have to confront and eliminate the giants in our lives. Also when things are tough and our backs are against the wall, we have to encourage ourselves. Check out his website via http://www.therealdavecarruthers.com.



App for Losing

I have NEVER counted calories. I admit I had a horrible diet which consisted of a lot of sweets such as late night ice cream binges and Pepsi. A slice of leftover chocolate cake with chocolate frosting and a cup of coffee for breakfast was normal for me.  I never considered my daily caloric intake at all. When I was in my late teens, early 20s it wasn’t an issue. (Insert chuckle here!) Decades ago I used to smirk at people that diligently counted their calories.  

I don’t have to tell you that over the long term, this type of eating is detrimental to your health in a myriad of ways. I’ve encountered medical issues that I am sure was not enhanced by my former diet.

You know how WE know that something is not right, but we ignore the signs? I am not proud to say that THAT is how I was about certain aspects of my health. The obvious issues I addressed quickly but the issues that were self-imposed, I didn’t acknowledge it as such.

^“19 Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, ²⁰ for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.” – 1 Corinthians 16:19-20

Ok. Wake-up call yet again. This scripture calls for a closer examination of what I was putting into my body. I can’t just eat whatever I want, whenever I want, just because. How can I truly honor God if I am always tired or sick? It is easy to say “Oh I don’t abuse my body with drugs and alcohol.” but what is the heavy sugar intake doing? What does a lack of a balanced diet do? What does a NO EXERCISE lifestyle do over the long run?

I came across a video where a woman described her weight lost journey. In addition to exercise, she mentioned an app called “Lose It”. Immediately I went to my ipad and downloaded the app. This app helps you keep track of what you eat and your exercise. It is very user friendly. It was the last day of the month so I decided to eat what I would eat normally. I logged everything in from a normal day, snacks, the whole nine. It was alarming to me to see the amount of calories I consumed from junk food. The very next day I kicked Pepsi cold turkey.

My husband downloaded the app as well and we use it to encourage each other.

Have I seen results? Yes, I lost a couple of pounds. I am far from where I would like to be but it is not a discouragement. This lifestyle change is a process. As Dr. Martin Luther King said, “Faith is taking the first step when you don’t see the whole staircase.”