“Sizing” Your Greens!
As a nation of born again believers, we are endowed with a seeking nature; for God loves to hide and bury treasures of Himself remotely in His Word. Proverbs 25: 2, “It is the glory of God to conceal a thing, but the honor of kings to search out a matter.” Everything a human will acquire of God will be done by faith. Hebrews 11:6, “But without faith it is impossible to please Him; for he that comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.”
Having said this, allow me to meddle with your faith. Luke 17:6, “If you had faith as a grain of mustard seed, you might say to the sycamine tree….” Often, we hear this scripture quoted as the “size” of a mustard seed. Though size is insinuated, the key word here is “as,” a comparative word. Little faith does not please God. How many times did Jesus rebuke His disciples because of unbelief and little faith? Every man has been dealt the measure of faith. As God is a God of increase, faith must be sown in soil conducive for growth to its fullest potential.
The heart and mind must be conditioned with right words, understanding and thinking, that the implant (the Word of God) will grow. Thus it (faith) will be able to sustain life and all of the challenges it entails. Growth is a process. Matthew 13: 31, “The kingdom of heaven is like to (compared to) a grain of mustard seed, which indeed is the least of all seeds; but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs and becomes a tree; so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof.” Birds cannot lodge on a mustard seed, but they are quite safe on a branch. I am a garden buff. This spring, I planted some broad leaf mustard seeds. The soil was rich with mulch, compost, and decomposed seafood fertilizer. The greens grew taller than six feet, and on a spring day, birds would come and pick the seedpods. Watching this awesome scene take place, Matthew 13: 31, began to speak volumes.
Faith needs an opportunity to grow. Every challenge, every hard place, every locked door, sickness, bondage and every misappropriated identity, can be conquered by faith. When you are faced with either of these, the end result speaks to the size of your faith. Be strong in the Lord and the Power of His might!
Submitted by: Electra E. J. Adams, Gethsemane Ministries, 1024 Ethel Lane, Trussville, Ala. 35235. Like me on FB
Growth in Black Buying Power Continues
Nielsen and the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) collaborate for third report on African-American buying power, consumer behavior and lifestyle trends
WASHINGTON BLACK PR WIRE–(BUSINESS WIRE)–African-American buying power continues to increase and is expected to rise from its current $1 trillion level1 to $1.3 trillion by 2017, according to Resilient, Receptive and Relevant: The African-American Consumer 2013 Report. The report was released today by Nielsen, a leading global provider of information and insights into what consumers watch and buy, in collaboration with the NNPA during the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s 43rd Annual Legislative Conference.
Highlights from the report include:
• Fifty-three percent of the 43 million Blacks in the U.S. are under the age of 35, and the Black population has grown 63 percent faster than the general market population
• Blacks watch more television (37 percent); make more shopping trips (eight), purchase more ethnic beauty and grooming products (nine times more), read more financial magazines (28 percent) and spend more than twice the time on personal hosted websites than any other group
• Although 81 percent of Blacks said they believed that products advertised using Black media are more relevant to them, only 3 percent or $2.24 billion of the $75 billion spent on television, magazine, Internet and radio advertising was with media focused specifically on Black audiences
• How companies can avoid a “one-size-fits-all” approach to better connect with Black consumers
The findings were announced by Cheryl Pearson-McNeil, senior vice-president, public affairs and government relations for Nielsen, Cloves Campbell, chairman of the NNPA, a 73-year-old federation of 200 Black community newspapers; and A. Shuanise Washington, president and chief executive officer of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation.
“The consumer insights this year are some of the most varied yet,” said Pearson-McNeil. “From store brand loyalty, to top watched television networks, which mobile apps are most popular, a deep dive into how Blacks spend their digital time, and how companies can reach 10 million Black consumers by developing a southern regional strategy – this year’s report is really a compelling read for both advertisers and marketers.”
“This year, the report goes a step further and lists the premier 50 companies, in the top five categories committed to the Black community economically,” said Campbell. “This type of information helps the NNPA continue our efforts to create conscious consumers who better understand how their economic power has a direct impact on the marketplace overall and that kind of information is invaluable.”
Beyond the business impact Blacks have on the economy, the report also provides more granular insights into its population growth, and demographic uniqueness, which was of particular interest to Washington. “The CBCFs mission is to advance the global Black community by developing leaders, informing policy and educating the public,” said Washington. “Nielsen’s report will prove helpful as we continue our efforts to improve the socioeconomic circumstances of African Americans and other underserved communities.”
To download a full copy of the report, please visit www.nielsen.com.
Epsilon Sigma Alpha International, Stillman College and Nickelodeon Combine Forces to Promote Good Health
On Saturday, September 28, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Epsilon Sigma Alpha International and Stillman College will provide a Worldwide Day of Play in conjunction with Nickelodeon. The event, which will be held on the Stillman campus, is not just for children. People of all ages are encouraged to participate in the program, which is designed to promote physical health and health awareness while fighting obesity in the community. Highlights include flag football, face painting, jump rope, kick ball, free facials and haircuts, and health screenings. There will also be free food, prizes, and raffles. The event is free and open to the public, but children have to be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Pictured above is a photo from last year’s program at Stillman.
Victoria Green, President of the Omega Alpha Chapter of Epsilon Sigma Alpha International, stated, “I commend Nickelodeon for starting the Worldwide Day of Play, and I’m so excited that we are able to once again be a part of such an important event that encourages everyone in the community to have fun, get active and become healthier. Both children and adults who participated last year had a great time. Childhood obesity is on the rise and almost everyone struggles with health problems that could be improved by learning to live a healthier lifestyle. We hope that the community will come out and support us as we take a stand and promote good health.”
The Word Still Works
By Angela Moore
Rest assured. There is not a trial, an issue, a challenge, a test, a temptation, a situation, a scenario or an unexpected “Oh no! How am I going to make it through this?” or “I need help right now!!!!!!” or “I know he or she didn’t just do or say what they did or said!!!!!” that the Bible doesn’t cover with confidence through Godly authority, wise advice, personable example or proven experiences, offering it to all who will receive it with everlasting support, proof, promises of well-described provisions, back-drop details, a hint at future benefits, play-by-play guidance, spiritual reinforcement and guaranteed answers.
That’s it. That’s the word on the Word. Whatever you’re going through or headed to is covered somehow, somewhere in the Word of God. You may have to do a bit of work to find it (hear and head, read and recall) and a bit of work to activate it (have faith) and a bit of work for it to come to pass (work your faith), but trust and believe… The Word still works!
@AngelaMMoore316
Angela Scott Moore has sported many hats in her lifetime. She’s a former broadcast anchor/reporter/producer, a trained motivational speaker, fundraiser and marketing/PR expert. She spent nine years as a pastor’s wife working in full-time ministry before than union ended in divorce. A majority of her time in ministry was spent empowering women and girls. She’s an avid inspirational blogger and also a philanthropic community supporter who has served with more than 25 local and national organizations over her 15+ year professional career. Currently she’s working in the fields of Social Justice and Human Resources and operates the blossoming, full-service events planning venture Amazing Kreations with her business partner, offering media and event planning assistance at low or no cost to small organizations and businesses. Taking lessons learned from each phase of her ever-evolving life, Angela’s now donning the hat of a single woman on a single mission to use spoken and written words to motivate others to “thrive while they survive”.
Contact Angela Scott Moore about speaking engagements at amazingkreations2@gmail.com, follow her blog at www.angelamooreblog.wordpress.com, on twitter at @AngelaMMoore316 or check out her facebook page for people experiencing separation or divorce at I’m More Than What Happened.
LONGING FOR PEACE
“Will there not be peace and security in my lifetime” (2 Kings 21:19)?
All civilized people long for peace in the world. We long for an end to the horrible maiming, mutilation, and death that wars bring, and to the experiences that twist men’s minds, and leave them to be haunted by fearful nightmares. We long for the day to end when our patriotic young people return to their homeland in flag-draped caskets, when we hear taps echoing across lonely cemeteries, and we see tears streaming down the cheeks of young wives, mothers, and children.
We long for the day to come when the billions of dollars spent on war can be used to provide health care, food and shelter for the needy, education and training, and job opportunities for all those willing and able to work.
We long for peace in the hearts of people all over the world. Some people’s greatest conflict is within themselves. They are filled with guilt, fear, and worry; however, they need not feel this way. The Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ, offers His peace to all. The Hebrew word “peace” in Isaiah 9:6 is the word “shalom.” Shalom means more than just the absence of conflict. It means the rich, harmonious, joyful life of those privileged to live in God’s Kingdom. To have Christ is to have peace.
God’s Word tells us that as long as the world stands there shall be wars and rumors of wars. There is little, if anything, an individual can do to change that; however, every human being can enjoy the peace that God gives. It is personal, and it passes all understanding. It is a peace that one can have even in the midst of the storm. Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27)
The peace of Christ be with you.
Dr. Robert Wilkerson is a minister, writer, and founder of People For the Christian Way, an organization whose mission is to encourage all people to practice Christian principles in business, politics, and every area of life. drbobwilkerson@bellsouth.net, https://www.facebook.com/People.For.The.Christian.Way
Marrero Named Top Defensive Player in Valley Summer League
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Alabama State shortstop Emmanuel Marrero was named the best defensive player in the Valley Baseball Summer League by Perfect Game, one of the top baseball scouting services in the nation.
Marrero had a .976 fielding percentage playing for the Charlestown Cannons. Offensively, he hit .250 during the season, but hit a blistering .444 during the playoffs.
As a sophomore this past season, Marrero hit .282 with eight doubles, one home run, 17 RBI and 11 stolen bases for Alabama State, which posted its highest win total ever with a 32-25 record, advancing to the SWAC Tournament semifinals for the first time in school history.
ASU VOLLEYBALL FALLS TO ULM IN FIVE
TEMPE, Ariz.— Tiara Kelley had a game and career-high 16 kills and Rachel Smith had a season-high 14, but it was not enough as the Lady Hornets fell to Louisiana-Monroe 3-2 (18-25, 28-26, 22-25, 30-28, 15-10).
It was a game which featured 34 tie scores and 19 lead changes, but in the end it was ASU’s hitting percentage that came back to haunt them as they hit .141 for the game.
“This was a great volleyball game between two teams that were playing as hard as they could,” Head Coach Penny Lucas-White said. “I was extremely proud of how the girls never gave up, especially in that fourth game when we were down 19-10. I have said it before I never have to worry about this team playing hard.”
“I am very disappointed in the loss and the fact we had to come from behind in every game. We made almost 50 hitting and receiving errors and that turned out to be our downfall. We have to become more consistent if we are to become a championship contender.”
Three players recorded double-doubles for ASU. Brooke Beasley had 25 assists and 10 digs, Ellyn Jones had 18 assists and 10 digs and Smith added 12 digs to go along with her 14 kills.
For the 12th time this season ASU recorded more blocks than their opponent. ASU finished the game with nine total blocks compared to five for ULM. Myla Marshall and Amber Bennett led the way with three blocks each.
In the first set too many hitting errors cost ASU in the 25-18 loss. The Lady Hornets committed 12 hitting errors and hit -.086 in the game. ULM was not much better; hitting only .033 in the game, but did not commit as many errors as ASU. There were six ties and five lead changes in the game before the Warhawks went on a late run.
The second game started like the first one ended with ASU making several hitting errors and falling down by as many as seven (15-8), but that is when ASU begin to come back eventually catching ULM at 19. From there the score was tied all the way out to 26 when ASU was able to pull out the final two points for the win at 28-26.
Both teams battled back and forth in the third game with neither team leading by more than four points. ULM was able to win the final points on a side out for the final 25-22 score.
ASU trailed 19-10 in the fourth set, but was able to come all the way back to even the score at 22. After six more ties, ASU pulled out the final point on an Ellyn Jones service ace for the final 30-28 score and to send the game to a fifth and deciding game.
Another close one in the fifth with five ties and three lead changes, but ULM’s 6-2 run to end the set ended with a 15-10 win.
ASU (5-9) will play two games tomorrow facing host Arizona State at 2 p.m. and playing Cal Poly at 7 p.m. in their final game of the tournament.
-Hornets-
