Clean Sweep

Inspirational Ink: Insight for a Woman’s Life

by Tammi Ector Fisse

“Cleanliness is next to godliness.” If I had a dollar for every time I’ve heard this, I could easily purchase that pair of black Ugg’s I can’t afford.

Throughout my childhood people quoted this as if it’s gospel, so when I was of age to study the Word for myself, it came as quite a surprise that this saying isn’t actually a verse in the Bible. Read more

Time to Move Forward

by Trudy Doleman

March, the time of year when you are not sure what to wear because “Old Man Winter” and “Miss Spring” are fighting it out. Snow and ice today, by midweek it is Sunny and warm and the birds are flirting in the front yard. Then perhaps back to cold and rainy for the weekend; you just never know.

This time of year can also be a reminder of those goals we set back in January. Remember how intense the feeling was? It seems that the thought or was it a vision, came out of nowhere. Then as the weeks progressed you returned to your post Holiday routine and those visions were put to the side. Yet, the desire did not leave.

Perhaps you went so far as to request the catalog from your local college with every intention of finishing your degree. It is your time to move forward. You may have a notebook filled with ideas, sketches and plans that you will use to start that business—one day. What is stopping you from moving forward? Is it because you are not sure if this is something you really want to do? When you look at your plans do you still feel that same excitement as you did when you first became impregnated with the vision? If you can truthfully answer yes from your heart then it is your time to move forward.

If you cannot get that nagging feeling out of your mind that there is something more, something else you should be doing, it is your time to move forward. I know, I know, how can you be sure that it really is a God-given vision and not some fleeting thought that crossed your mind while looking out the window during the last snow storm? If it fits you, if you can actually see yourself achieving that goal, see yourself doing it then it is more than wishful thinking. It is your time to move forward.

Let me address some of the arguments we as women often raise when our purpose is beckoning to our passion. You are an incredible creation and God has made provision for everything He has ordained in your life. You can achieve all that has been placed in you even with your busy schedule at work: the after school activities of your children, the obligations to your family as a wife mother, sister, daughter, cousin, auntie, grandmother and the list goes on. Even with the commitments to your local church, you can move into the things that God has birthed in you.

When you understand and accept that God is backing you and is blessing you to move according to His plan for your life, you will empower yourself with the freedom to move according to that plan. The time constraints will move around and your schedule will open up. The support system will be in place and everyone will arrive to and from safely. You will be in a position to receive the blessings of family support.

It is your time to receive some of the love you have freely shared. You will attract those people who can help you in your goals. They will not be a weight around your neck making it hard to move forward but they will be like a gentle current of air that will lift you higher, gently depositing you closer to your destiny. It is your time to move forward.

As you read this take some time to think about all of the women in your circle of knowledge that seemingly have it all. They are productive; it seems that everything they touch is a success. They are vibrant and self assured you can feel their confidence the moment they step into the room. They attract others like them. Ahhhh, I can see the smiles coming through—that’s right! You have those same qualities waiting to come out. It is time for you to move forward.

There is nothing selfish about having vision. There is nothing selfish about moving toward making those visions come to life. You will grow because of your vision; your friends and family will benefit from your vision. How? Because as you are fulfilled, you will reflect that satisfaction in everything you do and say. You will radiate a positive energy that will cause those around you to want to stretch and grow. They will want that same glorious shine that surrounds you. They will seek the source of your peace.

You have so many exciting ideas just waiting to be birthed. God has designed you to be a unique and creative person. It is time for you to celebrate all of the wonderful gifts that God has given you. It is time for you to share those gifts with others. It is time to move forward.

Trudy Doleman lives, works and worships in Jefferson County West Virginia with her son. She is a proud member of Kingdom Life Cathedral Ministries, KACWM, Ranson, WV where she serves as a local deacon to one of the most electric and dynamic church families under the guidance and leadership of Bishop Sterling V. Porter, III. Trudy has earned an Associate and Bachelor’s degree in Biblical studies from the Lamplighters School of Theology, NCCT.

Currently, Trudy is awaiting the birth of her first book, Rejoice! Wonderful Women It’s Wednesday. This newest vision is a direct result of an ongoing email ministry Wonderful Women Wednesday.

It’s Almost Graduation Time

by Alyssa Carmona

It is just about that time—graduation time that is. The big day comes on June seventh which seems like forever in high school years.

But honestly, a minute has passed like a second and an hour like a minute and for the first time in four years I am in no rush to reach this day. It is the biggest achievement of my seventeen years of life, and the piece of paper I have been working for the past twelve years.

It is the biggest bitter sweet feeling of my life. I know it is the beginning of an incredible future and a destiny that God has mapped out for me; but it is the end of a lifestyle I have called home. People I have grown up beside my whole life will now be gone.

Familiar faces and traditions will be nothing more than distant memories and as I stand here and plan after overwhelming plan for the next three months, I am constantly reminding myself to enjoy every moment of this process. Despite its stresses and discomfort it is truly some of the best days of my life.

If you find yourself torn between happy and sad come your graduation time, remember it is not the end but the beginning. It is the first step towards the unfolding of your God-given destiny. And though it is the last days of your careless innocent youth, the best is indeed yet to come. Just find peace in all that is around you.

Inspired Women Contest

After reviewing some incredible submissions, we have selected our winners for the Inspired Women Contest. The entries were absolutely amazing and inspirational. The choices were so tough that we added a fourth place category. Our panel of five judges selected these wonderful women and role models as our Inspired Women Contest Winners!

Inspired Women Contest Winners

Dream As Big As God!

by Karin Syren

And it shall come to pass in the last days, God declares, that I will pour out of My Spirit upon all mankind, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy [telling forth the divine counsels]

and your young men shall see visions (divinely granted appearances),and your old men1 shall dream [divinely suggested] dreams. Acts 2:17 AMP (see Joel 2:28)

This surely sounds like a tall order! But in actuality it is no more than what is expected of us. You might say, “But I’ve tried that and it didn’t work! I’m still sitting in the same place I was. Maybe it’s not God’s will for me to dream big.” Read more

Women of Global Action

by Lori Fox

“I want to make clothing that will help get women and children out of sex-trafficking”

A trip to Thailand nearly five years ago was the beginning of my discovery about the issue of human trafficking. A seed was planted in my heart, and it would be watered and grow in the years to come. Read more

Mujer Incompleta

Por Brendaliz Aviles

A tus treinta eres lo que otras mujeres quisieran ser tienes belleza de alma, corazón y físico no te falta tienes una brillante carrera, amigos y gente que te rodea y te quiere sin embargo te sientes incompleta. Read more

First Place Winner – Antoinette Johnson-Green

In spite of her struggles and challenges in life, Antoinette Johnson-Green is a true example of what the human spirit can achieve through perseverance and hard work. Read more

Spicy Shrimp with Mango Chutney

Ingredients

3 tablespoons vegetable or peanut oil
1 cup chopped onion
3 teaspoons minced garlic
1 teaspoon red chile flakes
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
About 12 oz. peeled and deveined shrimp (30 to 35 per lb.)
2 cups cubed fresh or frozen mango (unripe)
1/4 cup toasted shredded unsweetened coconut Read more

Second Place Winner – Patricia Lait

Patricia Lait discovered the importance of a bond between a mother-daughter relationship and not only kept it to herself but it sharing and inspiring other women with this knowledge. Read more

Next Page »