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	<title>ELEV8 &#187; God</title>
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		<title>EXCLUSIVE: Up Close And Personal With Kelly Price</title>
		<link>http://elev8.com/gospel-music/tarveniajones/up-close-and-personal-with-kelly-price-part-1-of-a-3-part-series/</link>
		<comments>http://elev8.com/gospel-music/tarveniajones/up-close-and-personal-with-kelly-price-part-1-of-a-3-part-series/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 03 Feb 2010 14:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Tarvenia Jones</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Gospel Music]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bible]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[children]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[church]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[family]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[fathers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[God]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[gospel]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[husband]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[jesus]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[marriage]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[music]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pastors]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sex]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[wife]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://elev8.com/?p=168032</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Kelly Price is a mother, wife and an artist.&#160; But most of all she&#8217;s a woman who&#8217;s faith in God has carried her through some of life&#8217;s most trying times.


Where are you from?
KP – Queens, New York.
Do you miss the city?
KP – Not terribly.&#160; I miss the energy of the city.&#160; I miss shopping.&#160; I [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Kelly Price is a mother, wife and an artist.&nbsp; But most of all she&#8217;s a woman who&#8217;s faith in God has carried her through some of life&#8217;s most trying times.</p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p>Where are you from?<br />
KP – Queens, New York.</p>
<p>Do you miss the city?<br />
KP – Not terribly.&nbsp; I miss the energy of the city.&nbsp; I miss shopping.&nbsp; I miss what I love most about New York.&nbsp; It’s a great melting pot.</p>
<p>What was your childhood like?<br />
KP – That’s a loaded question.&nbsp; My childhood was rich spiritually.&nbsp; And at times confusing because it was old school Pentecostal.&nbsp; I had a lot of questions that were not being answered and could not be answered but I still asked them.&nbsp; And when we were coming up children were supposed to be seen and not heard.&nbsp; On the natural side it was challenging.&nbsp; My parents split up when I was really young.&nbsp; My mother was 22 years old raising three children alone in the ‘70’s.&nbsp; My father died when I was nine years old.&nbsp; My mother left my dad because he was a preacher in the church who left the church and backslid.</p>
<p>How did your dad backslide?<br />
KP – There was alcoholism and drug abuse on my dad’s side of the family.&nbsp; He was the only person in his family who was saved.&nbsp; He had a real battle because he would go to church on Sunday and his entire family would stay home.&nbsp; They didn’t do church.&nbsp; He had an inner battle and it got to be too much for him.&nbsp; He was a black man in the ‘70’s with a family to take care of and realized after the fact that he wasn’t really ready.&nbsp; His dad died when he was really young and he had no male figures to really look up to.</p>
<p>What was the toughest time of your childhood?<br />
KP – I remember being homeless and sleeping in my mother’s car when I was four years old.&nbsp; I remember my mother would go to family members on my dad’s side and ask can my sisters and I stay with them.&nbsp; Even if we could&nbsp; sleep on the floor.&nbsp; I remember them telling my mother there’s no room for us in the house and telling my mother she&#8217;ll be fine.&nbsp; I remember my mother bundling us up in coats with tears in her eyes and taking us to sleep in the car.</p>
<p>How did that experience shape you as an adult?<br />
KP – As an adult, I have to be honest and say that there’s not much that I’m afraid of.&nbsp; But I work the way that I do because I have a bit of fear of homelessness.&nbsp; I have to believe God to deliver me from that.&nbsp; I have such a vivid memory of being homeless.&nbsp; I remember I would not get my nails or hair done unless I had a show because I felt like it was money that did not need to be spent.&nbsp; I’m talking about Kelly Price, “The Soul of a Woman” record.&nbsp; I would have to give myself a reason to go to the mall and shop.&nbsp; I don’t splurge shop.&nbsp; I have too much in my closet to spend money on clothes.</p>
<p>How did you meet your husband?<br />
KP – I met Jeffery when I was 13 years old at the state youth convention.&nbsp; We were friends for years.&nbsp; We would see each other during the conferences held throughout the years.&nbsp; It was a different day.&nbsp; When I saw him it was because we were in church somewhere.&nbsp; He would come to wherever I was singing.&nbsp; I always had a lot of guy friends and he was one of my really good guy friends.&nbsp; It shifted when I turned 16 years old.&nbsp; We talked to each other about things we couldn’t talk to other people about.&nbsp; My family was homeless again when I was 16 years old and Jeffery’s mother was in the hospital with breast cancer.&nbsp; Back then you had to have a physical address to be registered in school or the state would take you from your parents.&nbsp; I had to keep it a secret.&nbsp; Jeffery knew that mother and I were bouncing from house to house.</p>
<p>When did you know you were in love with Jeffery?<br />
KP – I knew pretty quickly.&nbsp; After being his friend for so long…my family bounced around for about five or six months with no place to live.&nbsp; During that time his mother died from breast cancer.&nbsp; Throughout her sickness and my homelessness we got closer and closer.</p>
<p>Tell me about getting pregnant at an early age.<br />
KP – I look at my son and I do not regret my son.&nbsp; I will never let some over religious, super pious, lying individual and I say LYING (all caps) make me feel guilty about my child.&nbsp; I say that because it takes a lot of nerve for someone to act as if they’ve never sinned.&nbsp; My grandfather is a COGIC bishop.&nbsp; It was difficult.&nbsp; I think I was more concerned about my grandparents being disappointed in me.&nbsp; No one talked to me about sex.&nbsp; My mother didn’t talk to me because no one talked to her about sex.&nbsp; Much of what I learned I learned from school and television.</p>
<p>Did anyone in the church try to convince you to abort?<br />
KP – No one tried to get me to abort.&nbsp; But I was silenced and sat down.&nbsp; It was desired that I get up and apologize before the congregation.&nbsp; I have a girlfriend who’s father was her pastor and she got pregnant and she had to get up and apologize in front of the church.&nbsp; I said absolutely not.&nbsp; I sinned against God and not the church.&nbsp; I bucked a lot of things growing up.&nbsp; I got slapped in the mouth a lot.&nbsp; If you couldn’t show me in the bible where I owed the church an apology then I wasn’t going along with it.&nbsp; I owed God and my grandparents and my mother an apology.&nbsp; I was involved in the music department.&nbsp; I only did that because my grandfather said I had to.&nbsp; As the preacher’s kid you did not have options.&nbsp; But I had to sit down and not direct the choir any longer.</p>
<p>How did you get discovered as a singer?<br />
KP – I had a dear friend name Darryl Douglas.&nbsp; He was an incredible song writer and arranger.&nbsp; He would use me to demo his songs.&nbsp; One thing led to another.&nbsp; There was another session singer who sang for Luther Vandross.&nbsp; Her name is Cindy Mizelle.&nbsp; When she was getting married, she asked Darryl to do all of the music for her wedding.&nbsp; There were a lot of executives at her wedding.&nbsp; At that time, George Michael came to New York to do an east coast tour.&nbsp;&nbsp; He was looking for a great choir to back him up.&nbsp; Cindy put in a call to Darryl who then called me and some others.&nbsp; There were about 10 or 12 of us.&nbsp; We showed up to Madison Square Garden and sang behind George Michael in January of 1992.&nbsp; In February of 1992, Mariah Carey needed a choir for her Grammy performance and once again we got the call.&nbsp; Long story short, Mariah was three hours late for rehearsal.&nbsp; I just found out I was pregnant and I was sick as a dog.&nbsp; We were on a break and I stayed around the rehearsal hall and started singing around the piano with my back to the door and Mariah Carey walked in and stood there and listened.&nbsp; Someone told me Mariah was standing at the door listening and I shut up immediately and walked away from the piano.&nbsp; I didn’t want anyone to believe that I was trying to be heard.&nbsp; When the rehearsal was over I was preparing to leave, Mariah sent one of her background singers to me and he tried to get me to start singing again and I said no at first but then I started singing and she was hiding behind a pole listening.&nbsp; Tommy Mottola arrived and heard me and said I’m going to make you a star.&nbsp; I had no idea who he was at the time.&nbsp; I looked at him and said “really” (dripping with sarcasm).&nbsp; That’s how it all started.</p>
<p>How did church folks respond to you singing secular music?<br />
KP – Are you kidding me?&nbsp; According to them I was probably going to hell faster for singing secular music then for being pregnant.&nbsp; That’s amazing to me.&nbsp; My observation of the scripture that says having a form of godliness but denying it’s power…it came to life for me.&nbsp; It’s been so clear that if you keep the form of godliness in public people really don’t care how ragedy your life is behind closed doors.&nbsp; As long as you don’t do anything that brings them to shame.&nbsp; I don’t have a problem doing what I do because I am the same Kelly in secular venues as I am in church pulpits.&nbsp; I speak Jesus at my R&amp;B concerts.</p>
<p>How have you been received by the Gospel music industry?<br />
KP – It’s been a mixed bag.&nbsp; Everyone at first was overjoyed.&nbsp; Some of that joy turned to dismissal when people realized that I was not willing to make the announcement that they wanted me to make.&nbsp; That announcement was for me to say that I was wrong for all of the years that I sang R&amp;B and that I had been converted and that I would never sing R&amp;B again.&nbsp; I refused to make that statement because I didn’t backslide to sing R&amp;B.&nbsp; Doing&nbsp; the gospel album that I did and touring with gospel artists opened my eyes to a lot more than I even cared to know about people who sing gospel music.&nbsp; We need to be careful about what we’re allowing our young people to listen to.&nbsp; I say that because I’ve been on the road with a lot of these people and just because the genre is gospel doesn’t mean that the music itself is.&nbsp; Just because people call themselves gospel singers, that’s just a title and doesn’t mean they’re living a sanctified life.&nbsp; Check my life.&nbsp; Chile Please!</p>
<p>Other Related Articles:</p>
<p><a href="http://elev8.com/gospel-music/markchappellecoston/can-kim-burrell-be-sexy/"><b>Is Kim Burrell Going Sexy And Secular?</b></a></p>
<p><b><a href="http://elev8.com/daily-offerings/tarveniajones/here-are-20-questions-for-the-grammy-awards-watchers/">HUMOR:&nbsp; 20 Questions For Grammy Watchers</a></b></p>
<p><b><a href="http://elev8.com/gospel-music/elev8-staff/kirk-franklin-rallies-gospel-artists-for-haiti-relief-song/">Kirk Franklin Rallies Gospel Artists For Haiti Relief</a></b></p>
<p><b><a href="http://elev8.com/daily-offerings/tarveniajones/the-wardrobe-on-celebration-of-gospel-makes-you-go-hummm/">B.E.T.&#8217;s Celebration Of Gospel Had Great Singing But Crazy Outfits</a></b></p>
<p><b><a href="http://elev8.com/daily-offerings/stuartmcdonald/watch-what-you-put-in-your-ears/">Watch What You Put In Your Ears</a></b></p>

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		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Are We Training Our Children In The Way They Should Go?</title>
		<link>http://elev8.com/daily-offerings/relationships-daily-offering/ingridmichelle/are-we-training-our-children-in-the-way-they-should-go/</link>
		<comments>http://elev8.com/daily-offerings/relationships-daily-offering/ingridmichelle/are-we-training-our-children-in-the-way-they-should-go/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 26 Jan 2010 14:00:27 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Ingrid Michelle</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Relationships]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[children]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[God]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[proverbs 22]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[traning]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://elev8.com/?p=163852</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[
Can you rel8 to this?
&#8220;Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it,&#8221; Proverbs 22:6
You know&#8230;Facebook is an awesome tool.  To have a place where you are able to reconnect with people that you haven&#8217;t seen in years is such a wonderful thing.  [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p></p>
<p><span id="more-163852"></span><strong>Can you rel8 to this?</strong></p>
<p><em>&#8220;Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it,&#8221; </em>Proverbs 22:6</p>
<p>You know&#8230;Facebook is an awesome tool.  To have a place where you are able to reconnect with people that you haven&#8217;t seen in years is such a wonderful thing.  It&#8217;s a surprise even, especially with those you&#8217;ve wondered about.  Anywho&#8230;the other night, I was minding my own business and I saw the request of a friend, someone I knew years ago from ministry days.  Long story short, he and I conversed a little bit via &#8220;instant chat,&#8221; and I filled him in with the details of my life.  He was a little curious that I wasn&#8217;t using my married last name and asked what happened.  After sharing with him the discovery of my then husbands double life as a homosexual and pedophile, his only response was, &#8220;I&#8217;m not sure if I&#8217;m surprised.&#8221;  To make a long story short, he asked me how I was marketing my book and decreed that I needed to use my voice to speak to the masses.  Yes!  I already knew that but when he began rattling off suggestive ideas, I was blown away.  I won&#8217;t spoil what I anticipate is forthcoming but he then invited me to speak to a group of young people at a local church.  My first reaction was, &#8220;Well&#8230;&#8221;  I could feel the himming and hawing mustering it&#8217;s head.  I had been there many times before so I immediately arrested it.  So without much thought I typed, &#8220;I&#8217;ll be there.&#8221;   He gave me the address and I prepared to make the short trek the next day.</p>
<p>When I arrived at the church, the crowd was a little thin and there were young people sprinkled throughout the room.  I bowed my head to hear from the Lord the direction I was to go.  It became clearer once the service started.  After the praise dance, I rose to my feet and headed to the podium.  The room was completely full, I was slightly nervous but I knew my purpose.  See&#8230;as I had watched those young people minister in the dance, it became clear what they were doing.  They were creating a foundation for themselves.  With their flailing arms and synchronized feet and heads, they were worshiping&#8230;establishing a platform for the rest of their natural lives on which they would build when troubled waters come their way.  I told them so.  I told them that just as I had, they were going to face adversity.  It&#8217;s inevitable.  Life comes in many colors and we can&#8217;t avoid the lines becoming blurred at times.  Sometimes they are so distorted we really can&#8217;t find our way.  But because these young people were praising and worshiping the God of this Universe, because they were diving into His word, because their parents were and have been training them up, when they are older and are facing adversities that look unmanageable, they can always lean on what they have come to know as truth and that is Jesus.  I admitted, there were dark days for me.  There were.  There were days that I didn&#8217;t want to be bothered with life, motherhood, work or anything else that mattered.  But&#8230;because of the foundation that I had created for myself&#8230;I made it through.  Before my world got rocked, I was a worshiper.  I studied the Word of God viciously.  I was ravenous with it.  I woke up at 5AM to pray and talk to the Lord.  I kept volumes in journals.  I dreamed dreams and waited for God to show me the interpretations.  I was in church religiously.  I tithed my time and monetarily (as often as I could).  I gave myself sacrificially to the body as a servant.  I was a hearer and doer.  I was by all accounts&#8230;equipped.  So&#8230;when my world got turned upside down, all that I had stored, all that I had been trained with was able to sustain me.  I was able to live because of the life source of God&#8217;s Word and promise, &#8220;I will never leave you nor forsake you.&#8221;  I was able to make it because of all that training.</p>
<p>So I ask&#8230;are we training our children in the ways that they should go?  Are we preparing them for things to come OR are we assuming that they have a while before they are dealt a hand that will cause their faith to waiver?  Listen&#8230;we must be good stewards over our children.  We never know when disaster of any kind is going to strike and our children need to know what to tap into in order to receive power.  If they never see you pray, if they never see you worship, if they never see you read the Bible, that is the foundation that you are laying for them.  And when troubled waters rise and they don&#8217;t respond in the manner in which you&#8217;d hope, you can&#8217;t blame anyone but yourself because our charge is to train them.  Just saying&#8230;</p>
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<p><a href="www.ingridmichelle.com">To learn more about Ingrid Michelle, click here</a> AND <a href="www.twitter.com/ingridmichelle">follow her on Twitter.</a></p>
<p>Related Articles</p>
<p><strong><a href="http://elev8.com/prayer-support/scripture-of-the-day/sheeri-mitchell/how-dora-the-explorer-helped-this-mom-explain-the-devil/">How Dora The Explorer Helped This Mom Explain The Devil</a></strong></p>
<p><strong><a href="http://elev8.com/daily-offerings/relationships-daily-offering/sharnellblevins/should-your-child-stand-up-to-you/">Should Your Child Stand Up To You</a></strong></p>
<p><strong><a href="http://elev8.com/daily-offerings/tarveniajones/do-you-have-lazy-black-men-in-your-life/">Lazy Men Will Wear You Out If You Let Them</a></strong></p>
<p><strong><a href="http://elev8.com/daily-offerings/orethawinston/its-never-too-early/">It&#8217;s Never Too Early To Get Your Parents Affairs In Order</a></strong></p>
<p><strong><a href="http://elev8.com/daily-offerings/stuartmcdonald/parents-it%E2%80%99s-not-too-early-to-talk-to-your-kids-about-sex/">It&#8217;s Never Too Early To Talk To Your Kids About Sex</a></strong></p>

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		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Three Churches Torched In A Week</title>
		<link>http://elev8.com/daily-offerings/news/elev8-staff/three-churches-torched-in-a-week/</link>
		<comments>http://elev8.com/daily-offerings/news/elev8-staff/three-churches-torched-in-a-week/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 21 Jan 2010 14:08:44 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Elev8</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[arson]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[church]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[fire]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[God]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[tragedy]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://elev8.com/?p=158652</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[ATHENS, Texas (BP)&#8211;A Southern Baptist church was one of two churches in the Athens, Texas, area heavily damaged by what investigators believe were arson fires set in the early morning hours Jan. 12, marking the third such church fire in a week near the East Texas city.
From Baptist Press
Local authorities are being aided in their [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>ATHENS, Texas (BP)&#8211;A Southern Baptist church was one of two churches in the Athens, Texas, area heavily damaged by what investigators believe were arson fires set in the early morning hours Jan. 12, marking the third such church fire in a week near the East Texas city.<em><span id="more-158652"></span></em></p>
<p><em>From Baptist Press</em></p>
<p>Local authorities are being aided in their investigation by the state fire marshal&#8217;s office and the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Authorities suspected burglary at the churches, but Athens Assistant Police Chief Rodney Williams said the investigation is in its early stages.</p>
<p>&#8220;I would assume that it is arson, but as far as the motive, we will probably never know,&#8221; said John Green, pastor of Lake Athens Baptist Church, which sustained an estimated $500,000 in damage to its auditorium. &#8220;But our hearts are full and our spirits are encouraged. We believe God is going to bring something good out of this.&#8221;</p>
<p><a href="http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?id=32030">To read more, click here</a></p>
<p>Other Related Articles:</p>
<p><strong><a href="http://elev8.com/daily-offerings/news/elev8-staff/black-pastors-address-youth-violence/">Black Pastors Work To Prevent Youth Violence</a></strong></p>
<p><strong><a href="http://elev8.com/daily-offerings/orethawinston/respect-life-seriesviolence-is-not-the-answer/">Respect Life Series: Violence Is Not The Answer</a></strong></p>
<p><strong><a href="http://elev8.com/daily-offerings/news/elev8-staff/why-are-some-pastors-packin/">Why Are Some Pastors Packin&#8217;?</a></strong></p>
<p><strong><a href="http://elev8.com/daily-offerings/orethawinston/how-do-i-keep-the-faith-when-tragedy-happens/">How Do I Keep The Faith When Tragedy Happens?</a></strong></p>
<p><strong><a href="http://elev8.com/daily-offerings/sheeri-mitchell/video-three-year-old-saves-grandma-from-fire/">VIDEO: Three-Year-Old Saves Grandma From Fire</a></strong></p>
<p><strong><a href="http://elev8.com/daily-offerings/goodsamaritan/elev8-staff/salvation-army-serves-victims-of-california-wildfires/">Salvation Army Fights For California Wildfire Victims</a></strong></p>

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		<title>Reality Show Review: &#8220;Fantasia For Real&#8221;</title>
		<link>http://elev8.com/daily-offerings/tarveniajones/reality-show-review-fantasia-for-real/</link>
		<comments>http://elev8.com/daily-offerings/tarveniajones/reality-show-review-fantasia-for-real/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 13 Jan 2010 14:00:45 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Tarvenia Jones</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Daily Offerings]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[God]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[jesus]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[money]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[music]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://elev8.com/?p=157222</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[
Some may be aware and some are not, but I produce “unscripted” television &#8211; yes, reality, talk, game, court and variety genre television.
 To be honest I love what I do.  I have worked on some of the craziest shows, some of the most popular and some of the most embarrassing.  I think it would [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p></p>
<p>Some may be aware and some are not, but I produce “unscripted” television &#8211; yes, reality, talk, game, court and variety genre television.</p>
<p><span id="more-157222"></span> To be honest I love what I do.  I have worked on some of the craziest shows, some of the most popular and some of the most embarrassing.  I think it would be somewhat rude if I didn’t discuss a new show on VH-1;  “Fantasia For Real.&#8221;</p>
<p>After learning Fantasia’s story of rape, abuse and an all around hard knock life growing up, I, like many people rooted for her to win her season of American Idol.  I don’t consider myself a “fan” per se.  I do, however, enjoy some of Fantasia’s music.  And I find her interesting enough that I stopped and paid attention while channel surfing last night.  So let’s get to it.  If you’ve seen the show, Fantasia starts off by telling the viewers how she’s tired of supporting an entire household of six people, one of which is her adult brother, Joe, aka Teeny.</p>
<p>Now that doesn’t sound all bad that she would want to financially help her family.  But “Teeny” needs Jesus and a role model.  In the first episode, he decides he doesn’t need a job because he’s a recording engineer and he’s going to convert Fantasia’s pool house into a recording studio.  But before he started knocking out walls and tearing up expensive floors, he has a come to Jesus meeting with Aunt Bunny.  Aunt Bunny told Teeny that he needs some ‘schoolin’.  I kid you not.  By this point, I’m out done and floored.  What strikes me more is the fact that education seems to be non-essential in this family.</p>
<p>How is it that both Fantasia and her brother were both allowed to drop out of school and like not return?  Ur ra ta…I’m just saying, if you were my mother’s child, graduating high school was not an option…it was a must. Heaven forbid my four brothers and I decided we were just gonna call it quits!  Jesus be a fence is all I can say.  While Teeny is writing checks with Fantasia’s money, Fantasia is busy trying to complete her latest album.</p>
<p><object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/BWs3fs9nnzc&amp;hl=en_US&amp;fs=1&amp;"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/BWs3fs9nnzc&amp;hl=en_US&amp;fs=1&amp;" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object></p>
<p>The episode ends with a tease that seems to reveal Teeny packing his bags and moving out.  It also shows an argument between Fantasia and Teeny, who screams at her that she’s changed ever since she won American Idol.   This is the same man (I use that word loosely here) who went out to test drive a Ferrari, yet he has no job and admitted he has no driver’s license.  Yet, Fantasia is the one who’s changed?  Chile Please!</p>
<p>Grade:<br />
Entertaining:     B -<br />
Funny:                 B<br />
Casting:               C+</p>
<p>Follow me on Twitter @TJonesWho</p>
<p>Other Related Articles:</p>
<p><a href="http://elev8.com/daily-offerings/tarveniajones/the-wardrobe-on-celebration-of-gospel-makes-you-go-hummm/"><strong>B.E.T.&#8217;s Celebration Of Gospel Had Great Singing But Crazy Outfits<br />
</strong></a></p>
<p><a href="http://elev8.com/daily-offerings/orethawinston/movie-review-the-princess-and-the-frog/"><strong>Movie Review:  The Princess and The Frog</strong></a></p>
<p><a href="http://elev8.com/daily-offerings/best-of-year-2009/orethawinston/top-5-lessons-i-learned-from-reality-tv-in-2009/"><strong>Top Five Lessons I Learned From Reality TV In 2009</strong></a></p>
<p><strong><a href="http://elev8.com/daily-offerings/orethawinston/movie-review-precious-based-on-the-novel-by-saphire/">Movie Review:  &#8220;Precious Based on the Novel by Sapphire&#8221;</a></strong></p>
<p><strong><a href="http://elev8.com/better-living/movies-better-living/orethawinston/movie-reviewtyler-perry%E2%80%99s-i-can-do-bad-all-by-myself/">Movie Review:  &#8220;Tyler Perry&#8217;s I Can Do Bad All By Myself&#8221;</a></strong></p>
<p><strong><br />
</strong></p>
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		<title>Transfer Real Wealth To The Next Generation</title>
		<link>http://elev8.com/daily-offerings/judimason/where-is-your-generational-transfer/</link>
		<comments>http://elev8.com/daily-offerings/judimason/where-is-your-generational-transfer/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 06 Jan 2010 14:00:06 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Judi Mason</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Daily Offerings]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[blessings]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[bloodline]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[family]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[God]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[inheritance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[power of God]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://elev8.com/?p=154752</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[
I had the wonderful pleasure of attending a business anointing service on New Year’s day. The service was held at The Ark of Salvation church in Atlanta,  Georgia. I share this with you because the Pastor that facilitated the service was Nathanial Bronner of the Bronner Brothers dynasty. The purpose of the service was [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p></p>
<p><span id="more-154752"></span>I had the wonderful pleasure of attending a business anointing service on New Year’s day. The service was held at The Ark of Salvation church in Atlanta,  Georgia. I share this with you because the Pastor that facilitated the service was Nathanial Bronner of the Bronner Brothers dynasty. The purpose of the service was to transfer a business anointing to entrepreneurs in the same spirit in which  the anointing was transferred from Elijah to Elisha. (1 Kings 19:15-19)</p>
<p></p>
<p>Members of the Bronner family participated  in the service, that currently serve on the Board of Directorsof Bronner Bros Enterprise:</p>
<p>Bernard Bronner- President</p>
<p>Charles Bronner- VP of Finance</p>
<p>James Bronner- VP of IT</p>
<p>Nathanial Bronner-VP of Manufacturing</p>
<p>Robbie Bronner- Wife of Bronner Brothers founder and Mother to the 2<sup>nd</sup> generation of Bronners</p>
<p>In his sovereignty, God had each of these individuals pray for the various entrepreneurs and Mrs. Robbie Bronner, prayed for the spouse of business owners, covering every aspect of the business. The Bronner family hails from four generation of entrepreneurs; because of the faithfulness and foundation that was initially set; the current 2<sup>nd</sup> and 3<sup>rd</sup> generation is able to carry the torch of this 60 year old enterprise, which was established by their forefathers.  The service not only reminded me, but showed me the true meaning of the scripture- that we are to leave an inheritance to our childrens children. (Proverbs 22:13)</p>
<p>2009 was a rough year for so many. Many lost homes, jobs, money, family, etc. It was a devastating time for America, everything that could fall, did. Lessons were learned, hard lessons but by the end of the year we were wiser and stronger. According to the news reports 2010 doesn’t look much better. This is a time where we must walk in our authority and take control over our  own destiny. For to long we have settled to work for someone else, retire and live out the rest of our days. We were created for much more than that and if the hardships of 2009 didn’t teach us anything, they taught us not to depend on another man’s resources for what we need. We have to create our own wealth.</p>
<p>We have to make up in our minds that we will be successful in 2010. We are survivors. As a people we have been here before: hard times, little money, unemployment we know it all to well; but we also know tenacity, hard work and survival. We come from strong stock that made lemonade out of lemons, collard greens out of leaves and leftover pig intestines into a delicacy- aka chitterlings.</p>
<p>This is a time like never before to pull on the stock that we come from and turn this crisis around. Tap into that entrepreneurial or creative spirit within. Utilize your God given gifts and talents to create new and exciting opportunities not just for yourself but your bloodline.  There is so much greatness in you. Use it!</p>
<p>Live Again! Dream Again! Begin AGAIN!</p>
<p><span>&#8220;With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible.&#8221;  ( Mark 10:27)<br />
</span></p>
<p>Remember  we really do  WIN!</p>
<p>God Bless you,</p>
<p>Judi</p>
<p>For more information:</p>
<p>Business Anointing Service: <a href="http://www.thebusinessanointing.com/">www.thebusinessanointing.com</a></p>
<p>Bronner Bros: <a href="http://www.bronnerbros.com/">www.bronnerbros.com</a></p>
<p><strong>Written by:</strong> Judi Mason for <a href="http://www.elev8.com/">www.elev8.com</a></p>
<p><strong>Contact Judi:</strong> <a href="mailto:judi@divaink.com">judi@divaink.com</a></p>
<p><strong>Twitter:</strong> <a href="http://www.twitter.com/judimason">www.twitter.com/judimason</a></p>
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Judi’s Tidbits</span></strong></p>
<p><strong>Business</strong>: <a href="http://www.fatnhealthy.com/">www.fatnhealthy.com</a> (join the sweet-list for newsletter)</p>
<p><strong>Blog-</strong> follow Judi’s cooking blog- Cake Therapy! (recipes, tips and more) <a href="http://www.fatnhealthy.blogspot.com/">www.fatnhealthy.blogspot.com</a></p>
<p><strong>Facebook:</strong> become a fan: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Atlanta-GA/Fat-Healthy-Dessert-BarBistro/132558910614">www.facebook.com/pages/Atlanta-GA/Fat-Healthy-Dessert-BarBistro/132558910614</a></p>
<p><strong>Twitter:</strong> <a href="http://www.twitter.com/fatnhealthy">www.twitter.com/fatnhealthy</a></p>
<p><a href="http://elev8.com/daily-offerings/judimason/are-you-fearless/#ixzz0VvLiO0Oq">Why Aren&#8217;t You Fearless?</a></p>
<p><strong><a href="http://elev8.com/better-living/finance-better-living/georgethompson/what-is-holding-you-back/#more-98161">What’s Holding You Back?</a></strong></p>
<p><strong><a href="http://elev8.com/daily-offerings/lisaclaiborne/forgotten-where-you-come-from/#more-94247">Forgotten Where You Come From</a></strong></p>
<p><strong><a href="../daily-offerings/how-did-i-get-here-how-to-get-back-on-track/#more-80797">How Did I Get Here? How To Get Back On Track</a></strong></p>
<p><strong><a href="../daily-offerings/dont-be-afraid-of-that-next-level-in-your-life/">Don’t Be Afraid Of That Next Level In Your Life</a></strong></p>

<div id="TixyyLink" style="border: medium none;overflow: hidden;color: #000000;background-color: transparent;text-align: left;text-decoration: none"><a href="../daily-offerings/judimason/are-you-fearless/#ixzz0bnfByGG8"><br />
</a></div>
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		<title>Make 2010 A Year Of Prayer</title>
		<link>http://elev8.com/prayer-support/sheeri-mitchell/make-2010-a-year-of-prayer/</link>
		<comments>http://elev8.com/prayer-support/sheeri-mitchell/make-2010-a-year-of-prayer/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 30 Dec 2009 16:58:37 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Sheeri Mitchell</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Prayer & Support]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[charity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[family]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[God]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[hope]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[love]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[prayer]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://elev8.com/?p=151737</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[As we move closer to the start of a new year, it is natural to reflect. Some of us make resolutions to do better. Others of us end commitments or make fresh starts. Wherever you may find yourself, making prayer a priority in your life will only enhance 2010.

Why pray? There are many good reasons [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span id="more-151737"></span>As we move closer to the start of a new year, it is natural to reflect. Some of us make resolutions to do better. Others of us end commitments or make fresh starts. Wherever you may find yourself, making prayer a priority in your life will only enhance 2010.</p>
<p id="gallery_79537">
<p><a href="http://elev8.com/prayer-support/scripture-of-the-day/sheeri-mitchell/why-bother-to-pray/">Why pray?</a> There are many good reasons to do so. The most important reason, however, is that talking to God changes your perspective. Spending time in his presence makes you a better human being. You certainly have important personal issues you want to talk to him about, but please extend your concern beyond yourself and your loved ones in 2010.</p>
<p>The list above is not comprehensive, but it is a good start. Make a commitment to pray more often and more consistently this year. Include some or all of the worthy topics above.</p>
<p>God bless your efforts, Family.</p>
<p>Written by S<a href="http://elev8.com/author/sheeri-mitchell/">heeri Mitchell</a> for <a href="http://www.elev8.com">Elev8.com</a></p>
<p>Follow <a href="http://www.twitter.com/sheeri_mitchell">Sheeri on Twitter!</a> Or Visit her on <a href="http://www.blackplanet.com/sheeri_mitchell">Black Planet</a>.</p>
<p>Other Related Articles:</p>
<p><a href="http://elev8.com/daily-offerings/news/elev8-staff/study-prayer-makes-you-forgive/"><strong>STUDY: Prayer Makes You Forgive</strong></a></p>
<p><a href="http://elev8.com/daily-offerings/news/elev8-staff/china-possibly-a-christian-country-in-a-decade/"><strong>China: Possibly A Christian Country In A Decade</strong></a></p>
<p><a href="http://elev8.com/daily-offerings/news/elev8-staff/can-prayer-reshape-your-brain/"><strong>Can Prayer Reshape Your Brain?</strong></a></p>
<p><a href="http://elev8.com/prayer-support/sheeri-mitchell/why-is-prayer-so-hard-and-boring/"><strong>Why Is Prayer So Hard (And Boring?)</strong></a></p>
<p><a href="http://elev8.com/daily-offerings/news/elev8-staff/christian-arrested-for-praying-at-home/"><strong>Christian Arrested For Praying At Home</strong></a></p>
<p><a href="http://elev8.com/prayer-support/scripture-of-the-day/sheeri-mitchell/video-adorable-little-girl-prays-anointed-prayer/"><strong>VIDEO: Adorable Three-Year-Old Prays Anointed Prayer</strong></a></p>
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		<title>VIDEO: Mary J. Blige Smacks Husband At Party?</title>
		<link>http://elev8.com/daily-offerings/tarveniajones/mary-j-blige-allegedly-smacks-her-husband-at-party/</link>
		<comments>http://elev8.com/daily-offerings/tarveniajones/mary-j-blige-allegedly-smacks-her-husband-at-party/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 28 Dec 2009 14:00:10 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Tarvenia Jones</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Daily Offerings]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[anger]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bible]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dr. Weeks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[God]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[husband]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[marriage]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[wife]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://elev8.com/?p=150217</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[What happens in a marriage or a relationship that leads people to act out in violence?  What is it about two adults who cannot seem to reason together without one or both reacting to a disagreement by hitting or striking the other?
Control – According to the dictionary:
1.  To exercise restraint or direction over; dominate; command.
2.  [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span id="more-150217"></span>What happens in a marriage or a relationship that leads people to act out in violence?  What is it about two adults who cannot seem to reason together without one or both reacting to a disagreement by hitting or striking the other?</p>
<p>Control – According to the dictionary:</p>
<p>1.  To exercise restraint or direction over; dominate; command.</p>
<p>2.  To hold in check:  curb.</p>
<p>3.  To eliminate or prevent the flourishing or spread of.</p>
<p>4.  To check or regulate.<br />
This past week, R&amp;B/Hip Hop singer, Mary J. Blige was accused of smacking and or punching her husband  Kendu Isaacs at her album release party “Stronger With Each Tear”.  See viedo:</p>
<p><object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/XZI0uXMQAoI&amp;hl=en_US&amp;fs=1&amp;"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/XZI0uXMQAoI&amp;hl=en_US&amp;fs=1&amp;" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object></p>
<p>Though from the video it’s very difficult to see anything definitive in the way of a hit or a punch, however it’s clear there was some sort of dust up.  The fact is Mary and her husband Kendu have both professed Christ as their Lord and Savior.  What happened?  I guess we can all ask the same question to Bishop Thomas Weeks and Juanita Bynum.  These are two people who are supposed to be pillars in the faith.  So what happened?</p>
<p></p>
<p>I’ll tell you what happened, someone wanted more control over the other person than they felt they had.  Violence between adults  is usually a result of someone not getting their way and deciding to have a grown up tantrum’.  Why is it so hard for two adults to disagree without being disagreeable?  Sometimes it has to do with good old fashioned jealousy in a relationship.  See #3 under the definition for the word control.  When someone feels threatened by the success of their life partner, they sometimes act out in this manner.  In other words, how dare you flourish and spread your wings and fly while I’m still trying to figure it all out?</p>
<p>I’m not sure what happened at the album release party between Mary J. Blige and her husband, Kendu Isaacs, but I do know from experience that intimidating words or threats and even physical violence is all about control – either a lack of or a need to dominate the other person – see # 1 under the definition for Control.</p>
<p>R&amp;B singer, Chris Brown is fighting to rebuild his image and career after his very public split from singer, Rihanna.  Chris Brown has seemingly accepted responsibility for his role in why Rihanna’s face went from easy breezy Cover Girl to this:</p>
<p></p>
<p>If we are really loving each other the way that the word of God teaches us then why are we behaving like heathens and beating each other up?  I’ll tell you why!  Because I personally don’t believe most of us take the word of God as seriously as we claim.  We have become so conditioned to simply justify our behavior or to excuse the behavior of others who act in such a violent way.  I have read so many mean spirited charges at Rhianna because she was beat up by Chris Brown.  Most of the things I’ve read or heard have come from other women claiming Rihanna is just trying to pump her new CD and capitalize off of being beat up.  Really people?  Have you ever been hit by a man with an open hand or a closed fist?  Do you truly understand what that does to your mental and emotional stability?  I doubt it or you wouldn’t spout such foolishness.</p>
<p>Have you ever had your wife smack you and threaten to kill you because you had the nerve to disagree with her?  That does a number on the trust factor in a relationship.  Chile Please!  If we can all learn to first maintain our own self control we wouldn’t feel the need to try and control the actions or even thoughts of others.  Grow up people and understand that it&#8217;s okay if someone doesn&#8217;t see things your way all of the time.  Chile Please!</p>
<p>Other Related Articles:</p>
<p><a href="http://elev8.com/daily-offerings/news/elev8-staff/video-rihanna-finally-speaks-out-about-assault/"><strong>VIDEO:  Rihanna Finally Speaks Out About Assault</strong></a></p>
<p><a href="http://elev8.com/daily-offerings/stuartmcdonald/can-you-respect-someone-without-agreeing-with-them/"><strong>Can You Respect Someone Without Agreeing With Them?</strong></a></p>
<p><a href="http://elev8.com/daily-offerings/news/elev8-staff/rihanna-to-testify-against-chris-brown/"><strong>Rihanna To Testify Against Chris Brown</strong></a></p>
<p><a href="http://elev8.com/better-living/elev8-staff/juanita-bynum-its-all-about-me-now/"><strong>Juanita Bynum:  It&#8217;s All About Me Now</strong></a></p>
<p><a href="http://elev8.com/gospel-music/markchappellecoston/courts-dismiss-bebe-winans-charges/"><strong>Is BeBe Winans The New Chris Brown?</strong></a><br />
</p>
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		<title>Is Praise What You Really Do?</title>
		<link>http://elev8.com/prayer-support/worship-prayer-support/judimason/is-praise-what-you-really-do/</link>
		<comments>http://elev8.com/prayer-support/worship-prayer-support/judimason/is-praise-what-you-really-do/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 24 Dec 2009 14:00:38 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Judi Mason</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Worship]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[God]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[praise]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[revelation knowledge]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[wisdom]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[worship]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://elev8.com/?p=148327</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[

The classic novel, Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens starts out with:
&#8220;It was the best of times and the worst of times.&#8221; 
As of this writing, December 2009 has been one of the best months of my life, but at the same time the minor agitations that were assigned to take me off course [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p></p>
<p><span id="more-148327"></span></p>
<p>The classic novel, Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens starts out with:</p>
<p><strong><em>&#8220;It was the best of times and the worst of times.&#8221; </em></strong></p>
<p>As of this writing, December 2009 has been one of the best months of my life, but at the same time the minor agitations that were assigned to take me off course were on triple duty. They were focused on completing their assignment to irritate, distract, destroy and conquer my joy during this monumental season. And they almost succeeded. For a brief moment, the opening line to Tale of Two Cities became the tale of my life.</p>
<p>However one day, when I hung up the phone from the key irritant that was about to send me over the edge, I reached over and put a praise CD in and just began to sing praises unto the Lord. At that moment the reality of the power of praise set in. Peace and tranquility flooded the car and more so my spirit. Each time I was faced with a challenge, I began to praise. From that experience, I truly understood why Saul needed David to play music to soothe his spirit when he was tormented by demonic forces.(1 Samuel  18: 10;19:9)</p>
<p>Issues of life will occur that will leave you hopeless and speechless.  When it is all said and done, you just want to throw your hands up in despair. For times such as these, I am reminded of a song by William Murphy, entitled Praise Is What I Do. In the song, we are admonished  to praise during the good and the bad; the happy and the sad. And these words still ring true. Praise is what we should do. So often we know what to do, but we just forget to do it. So when you are irritated, frustrated, and completely over IT, take a moment and just praise.</p>
<p>Let the words of William Murphy’s Praise is what I do… remind you that praise is what we really should do!!!</p>
<p><object width="425" height="344"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Usx39ojcnTE&amp;hl=en_US&amp;fs=1&amp;" /><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Usx39ojcnTE&amp;hl=en_US&amp;fs=1&amp;" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></p>
<p>Here is to peace within. Peace of God be with you.</p>
<p>Judi</p>
<p><strong>Article written by Judi Mason for www.elev8.com</strong></p>
<p><strong>Contact Judi:</strong> <a href="mailto:judi@divaink.com">judi@divaink.com</a></p>
<p><strong>Twitter:</strong> <a href="http://www.twitter.com/judimason">www.twitter.com/judimason</a></p>
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Judi’s Tidbits</span></strong></p>
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline"> </span></strong></p>
<p><strong>Business</strong>: <a href="http://www.fatnhealthy.com/">www.fatnhealthy.com</a> (join the sweet-list for newsletter)</p>
<p><strong>Blog-</strong> follow Judi’s cooking blog- Cake Therapy! (recipes, tips and more) <a href="http://www.fatnhealthy.blogspot.com/">www.fatnhealthy.blogspot.com</a></p>
<p><strong>Facebook:</strong> become a fan: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Atlanta-GA/Fat-Healthy-Dessert-BarBistro/132558910614">www.facebook.com/pages/Atlanta-GA/Fat-Healthy-Dessert-BarBistro/132558910614</a></p>
<p><strong>Twitter:</strong> <a href="http://www.twitter.com/fatnhealthy">www.twitter.com/fatnhealthy</a></p>
<p>Other  Related Articles:</p>
<p><strong><a href="http://elev8.com/prayer-support/scripture-of-the-day/sheeri-mitchell/is-your-life-full-or-just-busy/">Is Your Life Full Or Just Busy?</a></strong></p>
<p><strong><a href="http://elev8.com/prayer-support/worship-prayer-support/judimason/this-is-not-the-time-not-the-place/">When You Have Been Hit Hard Worship</a></strong></p>
<p><strong><a href="http://elev8.com/prayer-support/scripture-of-the-day/sheeri-mitchell/five-jacked-up-apologies-you-should-never-offer/">Five Jacked Up Apologies You Should  Never Offer</a></strong></p>
<p><strong><a href="http://elev8.com/daily-offerings/stuartmcdonald/secular-songs-in-a-sermon/">Secular Songs In A Sermon</a></strong></p>
<p><strong><a href="http://elev8.com/daily-offerings/orethawinston/whos-gospel/">Whose Gospel Are You Preaching?</a></strong></p>

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		<title>Push The Pause Button Before Year&#8217;s End</title>
		<link>http://elev8.com/better-living/finance-better-living/georgethompson/now-is-the-time-to-push-the-pause-button/</link>
		<comments>http://elev8.com/better-living/finance-better-living/georgethompson/now-is-the-time-to-push-the-pause-button/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 14 Dec 2009 14:05:13 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>George B. Thompson</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Finance]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[attitude]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://elev8.com/?p=140372</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[

Part Four: Where Your Treasure is, your heart is also. (Luke 12:34)
One of my favorite scriptures is Proverbs 4:23 (NKJV) which states “Keep  your heart with all diligence for out of it springs the issues of life.” Essentially this scripture is telling us to guard or protect our heart because out of it flows our [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p></p>
<p><span id="more-140372"></span></p>
<p>Part Four: Where Your Treasure is, your heart is also. (Luke 12:34)</p>
<p>One of my favorite scriptures is Proverbs 4:23 (NKJV) which states “Keep  your heart with all diligence for out of it springs the issues of life.” Essentially this scripture is telling us to guard or protect our heart because out of it flows our deeps concern and issues. The heart is also the place that drives our vision, desires, hopes and dreams. If you don’t have “heart” or passion then you will probably stay right where your are. The heart is also the place that causes us to make irrational decisions or to move out of step with our plans and goals because we get impatient with waiting.</p>
<p>I am guilty of making few mistake from time to time just like you are because I decided to rush pass God and handle things on my own. I have learned over the years that it is important to pause or take time out for reflection. The bible teaches us to examine ourselves (1 Corinthians 13:5; Galatians 6:3-4) and reflect to see if we are in alignment with God’s mind and will. I think it is important for all of us to push the pause button and take a moment to see where we are, check our hearts and reflect on the events of the years. Many of us are not in the same place that when we began this year. We might of had to shake a few friends, downsize our debt and eliminated a few luxuries.</p>
<p>In any case these changes good or bad are a good reason to pause in our pursuit of success.</p>
<p>Before you begin do the following to prepare your mind and heart:</p>
<p>Find a comfortable place to sit where you won’t be disturbed.<br />
Close your eyes. Take a few deep breaths then breathe normally.<br />
Completely put your focus on your breath, for a few minutes.<br />
Let’s reflect on the following:</p>
<p><strong>God: </strong></p>
<p>Do you have a relationship? Is it strong or weak?  Do you need to draw closer? Are you reading HIs word?<br />
Others: How we doing with relating to others? Are we building better relationships? Do we need to make some changes?</p>
<p><strong>You:</strong></p>
<p>How have we grown this year? Do we need to take a class, get a mentor or advisor? What have we learned?<br />
Finances: How is your financial status?  How is your credit? Do you need to get a financial tuneup? Do you need to open up an investment account?<br />
What changes can you make or resolve? What do you need to get rid of or add to your life?</p>
<p><strong>Call to Action:</strong></p>
<p>Think about what you are grateful for: I am grateful for________.<br />
Think about what you want to wish for:  If I could wish for one thing in next year it would be ____________.</p>
<p>Luke: 12:34 (NIV) : Where your treasure is, your heart will be there also.</p>
<p>The tenants of stewardship living challenge you to be responsible with the time, talent and treasure that God has entrusted in your care.  This holiday season I am going to spend time connecting with you regarding your treasure.</p>
<p>When we think of treasure we most often think of a concentration of riches that was lost or forgotten until rediscovered, like buried jewels and big gold coins. For the sake of this blog let define treasure as something of immense value that you have in your current possession or sphere of influence, like your material wealth (finances, car, clothes, jewelry etc) and your relationship like your friends, family and neighbors.  For the next couple of weeks we will be examining your treasure through the lens of the holiday season.</p>
<p>It is my desire that you are inspired to be good steward over these three areas of your life: Time, Talent, Treasure. Time, you must learn to manage your time; talent you have skills and gifts and lastly treasure, your finances need to managed appropriately. All of these areas work together, when they are managed properly you will be able to become A BETTER YOU!</p>
<p>Pastor George</p>
<p>Written By Pastor <a href="http://elev8.com/author/georgethompson/">George B. Thompson</a> for <a href="http://elev8.com/">Elev8.com</a></p>
<p>Connect with George on</p>
<p><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS"><a href="http://www.icantfindgeorge.com" target="_blank">My Web Page</a></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7Rc__0PO1M">You Tube</a><br />
</span></p>
<p style="text-align: left"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/Georgebthompson?ref=ts" target="_blank">FACEBOOK</a></span></p>
<p style="text-align: left"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS"><a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/George-B-Thompson" target="_blank">My Blog Talk</a></span></p>
<p style="text-align: left"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS"><a href="http://www.twitter.com/georgebthompson">Twitter</a></span></p>
<p>Other Related Articles:</p>
<p><strong><a href="http://elev8.com/daily-offerings/my-plan-to-take-my-life-to-the-next-level/#more-97611">My Plan To Take My Life To &#8220;The Next Level&#8221;</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: left"><strong><a href="http://elev8.com/better-living/finance-better-living/think-positive-set-4-life-series/">Think Positive &#8211; Introducing The&#8221;Set 4 Life Series&#8221;</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: left"><strong><a href="http://elev8.com/better-living/finance-better-living/it-cost-more-to-be-broke-than-to-be-wealthy/">It Cost More To Be Broke Than To Be Wealthy</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: left"><strong><a href="http://elev8.com/better-living/finance-better-living/do-good/">Five Steps To Get Out Of Debt</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: left"><strong><a href="http://elev8.com/daily-offerings/do-you-know-where-your-money-is-going/">Do You Know Where Your Money Is Going?</a></strong></p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
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		<title>Church Bulletins Are Full Of Comedy</title>
		<link>http://elev8.com/daily-offerings/tarveniajones/some-funny-things-can-be-found-in-church-bulletins/</link>
		<comments>http://elev8.com/daily-offerings/tarveniajones/some-funny-things-can-be-found-in-church-bulletins/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 09 Dec 2009 14:00:22 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Tarvenia Jones</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Daily Offerings]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bible]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[church]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[God]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://elev8.com/?p=138572</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[
“He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy.” Job 8:21
Hey Everyone…I Hope that you all are enjoying this Christmas season.  My goal is to get a chuckle or two out of you.  Sometimes when we are faced with so many grown up decisions on a daily basis it [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p></p>
<p><span id="more-138572"></span>“He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy.” Job 8:21</p>
<p>Hey Everyone…I Hope that you all are enjoying this Christmas season.  My goal is to get a chuckle or two out of you.  Sometimes when we are faced with so many grown up decisions on a daily basis it helps to enjoy a good laugh.  After doing a little research (and I do mean a little)  I found a list of some of funny little hiccups found in church bulletins.  Enjoy!</p>
<p>1.  Don&#8217;t let worry kill you &#8211; let the church help.</p>
<p>2.  Thursday night &#8211; Potluck supper. Prayer and medication to follow.</p>
<p>3.  Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our church and community. Smile at someone who is hard to love. Say &#8220;hell&#8221; to someone who doesn&#8217;t care much about you.</p>
<p>4.   For those of you who have children and don&#8217;t know it, we have a nursery downstairs.</p>
<p>5.   The rosebud on the alter this morning is to announce the birth of David Alan Belzer, the sin of Rev. and Mrs. Julius Belzer.</p>
<p>6.  This afternoon there will be a meeting in the South and North ends of the church. Children will be baptized at both ends.</p>
<p>7.  Tuesday at 4:00 pm there will be an ice cream social. All ladies giving milk will please come early.</p>
<p>8.   Wednesday the ladies liturgy will meet. Mrs. Johnson will sing &#8220;Put me in my little bed accompanied by the pastor.&#8221;</p>
<p>9.   Thursday at 5:00 pm there will be a meeting of the Little Mothers Club. All ladies wishing to be &#8220;Little Mothers&#8221; will meet with the Pastor in his study.</p>
<p>10.   This being Easter Sunday, we will ask Mrs. Lewis to come forward and lay an egg on the altar.</p>
<p>11.   The service will close with &#8220;Little Drops of Water.&#8221; One of the ladies will start quietly and the rest of the congregation will join in.</p>
<p>12.   Next Sunday a special collection will be taken to defray the cost of the new carpet. All those wishing to do something on the new carpet will come forward and do so.</p>
<p>13.   The ladies of the church have cast off clothing of every kind. They can be seen in the church basement Saturday.</p>
<p>14.   A bean supper will be held on Tuesday evening in the church hall. Music will follow.</p>
<p>15.  At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be &#8220;What is Hell?&#8221; Come early and listen to our choir practice.</p>
<p>16.   The Scouts are saving aluminum cans, bottles and other items to be recycled. Proceeds will be used to cripple children.</p>
<p>17.   Ladies Bible Study will be held Thursday morning at 10. All ladies are invited to lunch in the Fellowship Hall after the B.S. is done.</p>
<p>18.   The pastor would appreciate it if the ladies of the congregation would lend him their electric girdles for the pancake breakfast next Sunday morning.</p>
<p>19.  Low Self Esteem Support Group will meet Thursday at 7 p.m. Please use the back door.</p>
<p>20.   The pastor will preach his farewell message, after which the choir will sing, &#8220;Break Forth Into Joy.&#8221;</p>
<p>Other Related Articles</p>
<p><a href="http://elev8.com/daily-offerings/tarveniajones/my-monthly-20-questions-for-the-black-church/"><strong>HUMOR:  20 Questions For Church Folks</strong></a></p>
<p><a href="http://elev8.com/daily-offerings/tarveniajones/tiger-just-had-a-car-accident-people/"><strong>Tiger Just Had A Car Accident, People</strong></a></p>
<p><a href="http://elev8.com/daily-offerings/tarveniajones/the-top-five-things-i-wish-the-black-church-would-stop-doing/"><strong>The Top Five Things I&#8217;d Like The Black Church To Change</strong></a></p>
<p><a href="http://elev8.com/daily-offerings/tarveniajones/somebody-should-be-a-friend-and-tell-you-you-cant-sang/"><strong>Somebody Should Be A Friend And Tell You, You Can&#8217;t Sang</strong></a></p>
<p><a href="http://elev8.com/daily-offerings/tarveniajones/super-spiritual-saints-work-my-nerves/"><strong>Super Spiritual Saints Work My Nerves</strong></a></p>
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