Issue FOUR

Even In Pain You can live ALIVE ON PURPOSE September 1, 2011

Dear Reader,
Over the past few weeks God shared with me something that was life changing for me. Did you know that at this very moment the words that you speak go out of your mouth, walk into your future and begin to build something? The big question is what exactly are our words building? Take a minute and think about some of the things that you are saying, have said, or are thinking about saying. Think about yesterday what did you say? What if I told you that you out of your words spoke a piece of your future. Was it positive? Recently God allowed me to deal with my words and learn that my words have power and that I needed to begin to pay close attention to what I was allowing to enter into my mind, heart and spirit. Proverbs 18:21 tells us clearly that life and death are in the power of our tongues. As I began to gain control over these areas I began to realize that my words were beginning to improve. I no longer spoke words of defeat into my future but rather I began to encourage my future to be successful. Lets try an example, tell your future (Yes, talk as if there is a person standing right there) and say Future, you are going to be great! Future, you are going to accomplish everything that God desires for you to accomplish! One moreFuture, you will not respond to distractions and you will not stop producing. See dont you feel encouraged. Dont you feel like something great will actually happen tomorrow as a result of those three short but mighty sentences? What do you think will happen if you told your future, your heart, and your mind things like that everyday? I dont know about you but I am committed to trying: I declare that the next 30 days of our purpose walk will be greater than the last 30 days! Speaking Life Into You!

(Left to Right) Tla Marie Hairston, Briana Johnson, Maya Sirmons, Logan Johnson, and Brianna Felton

WORDS OF POWER!
Think about the words that you use every day, now take a look at this list are there any that you use to strengthen your vocabulary?

ACTIVATE: to make active; cause to function or act. DECLARE: to make known or state clearly; to announce officially. ABUNDANCE: an extremely plentiful or over sufficient quantity or supply. THRIVE: to prosper; be fortunate or successful. WIN: to succeed by striving or effort. ACCOMPLISH: to carry out; perform; finish
Please note that most of these words if not all of them require ACTION: something done or performed!

LaToyia D. Jones

I Have Been Educated: By Briana Johnson

If I learn my ABCs, can read 600 words per minute, and can write with perfect penmanship, but have not been shown how to communicate with the Designer of all language, I have NOT been educated. If I can deliver an eloquent speech and persuade you with my stunning logic, but have not been instructed in God's wisdom, I have NOT been educated. In Teens in Prayer Ive learned the importance of prayer and repentance because We have all sinned and fell short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23. In Word in Motion Ive learned not to air dirty laundry on Facebook nor seek counsel from friends who dont know much more than I do. I go to God for help, and thus I have been educated in prayer. If I have read Shakespeare and John Locke and can discuss their writings with keen insight, but have not read the greatest of all books the Bible and have no knowledge of its personal importance, I have not been educated. If I have memorized addition facts, multiplication tables, and chemical formulas, but have never been disciplined to hide God's Word in my heart, I have not been educated. Since I was a child I have been introduced to the Word of God. I can remember being bribed and paid by my Nana to learn scriptures now they are a part of me. My biblical education has not been neglected. I thank God for the adults in my life that have stressed that the Word of God be hidden in my heart that I may not sin against Him. I HAVE been educated Psalm 119:1. If I can explain the law of gravity and Einstein's theory of relativity, but have never been instructed in the unchangeable laws of the One Who orders our universe, I have not been educated. Everything around me is changing. Boys no longer have cooties. Ill be going to college in a few weeks. My world is expanding. I am exposed to ideas which at times challenge my core values. But I am encouraged by the old Hymn that I've heard many times at Greater Abyssinia to hold to Gods unchanging hand. I will build my hope on things eternal. God is unmovable, steadfast and I am anchored. I HAVE been educated. If I can classify animals by their family, genus, and species, and can write a lengthy scientific paper that wins an award, but have not been introduced to the Maker's purpose for all creation, I have not been educated.

I give myself away. Here I am Lord send me. We are all created to glorify and serve Him. As a Christian youth I am called to be the salt and light to a dying world. It is my duty to spread the gospel through all nations. Matthew 5:13-14. I HAVE been educated. If I can recite the Gettysburg Address and the Preamble to the Constitution, but have not been informed of the hand of God in the history of our country, I have not been educated. Although having been exposed to diverse cultures I am keenly aware of the importance of Gods hand in our rich history. He has sustained us and kept us. What a mighty God I serve. I HAVE been educated.
If I can play the piano, the violin, six other instruments, and can write music that moves men to tears, but have not been taught to listen to the Director of the universe and worship Him, I have not been educated. If I can run cross-country races, star in basketball, and do 100 push-ups without stopping, but have never been shown how to bend my spirit to do God's will, I have not been educated. As a praise dancer of nine years, a former angels choir member and a youth choir member at The Greater Abyssinia Baptist Church. Ive learned to worship Him in spirit and in truth. I have learned to love the music of the church and I have also learned to honor him in dance. I can remember going out Saturday night with friends and waking up a few hours later with my Auntie Joys words still lingering in my ear saying If you party on Saturday you will be in church on Sunday. And I was there sleepy, tired and sluggish but I was there. Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and these things shall be given to you. Matthew 6:33. I HAVE been educated. If I can identify a Picasso, describe the style of a da Vinci, and even paint a portrait that earns an A+, but have not learned that all harmony and beauty comes from a relationship with God, I have not been educated. If I graduate with a perfect 4.0 and am accepted at the best university with a full scholarship, but have not been guided into a career of God's choosing for me, I have not been educated. Apart from God I can do nothing. I have been showered with much needed scholarships, awards, compliments and gifts. But I have sense enough to know that all that I am and all I hope to be is due to Gods grace and His mercy. I owe it all to Him. I HAVE been educated. If I become a good citizen, voting at each election and fighting for what is moral and right, but have not been told the sinfulness of man and his hopelessness without Christ, I have not been educated. I give myself away. Here I am Lord send me. May I never be overtaken by envy, arrogance, or a haughty spirit. So full of myself that God can no longer use me. I bury myself in you, for I know the plans that you have for me. Plans to prosper me not to harm me. Jeremiah 29:11. If Ill just be humble and obedient. I HAVE been educated. However, if one day I see the world as God sees it, and come to know Him, Whom to know is life eternal, and glorify God by fulfilling his purpose for me. Please know I HAVE BEEN EDUCATED!

What are you reading? Check out the book selection for September!
Battlefield of the Mind for Teens Joyce Meyer Specifically designed for teenage readers, an upbeat guidebook based on the author's best-selling volume provides an inspiring message of encouragement and hope for those suffering from such negative emotions as anger, confusion, depression, fear, worr y, and doubt.

Meet Miss Black America Cleveland, Ohio

Marie Payden
Were you ever told that
you were a princess.

is for PURPOSE

My name is Marie Payden, and I have recently been crowned Miss Black America Cleveland. In lieu of the fact that we are in back-to-school season, I just wanted to encourage you to do your best and to be the best you this year! No matter what goes on in your life, keep in mind that you are in control of where you end up, and how you get there. Childhood wasnt easy for me. I come from a difficult upbringing, but Gods grace kept me. As a young girl, I watched my father physically abuse my mother, and in turn, my mother abused herself with drugs and alcohol. I was born in LA, but moved to Cleveland as my mom tried to escape. We moved around a lot during the first several years of my life, until I ended up at my aunt and uncles house. Things seemed to start looking up, living with them. My aunt kept me busy with Girl Scouts, Pioneer Girls, marching band, symphonic band, volleyball, Black United Students, National Junior Honor Society, and the list goes on. However, she too, became physically abusive toward my brother, sister and I.
Most of my peers thought that we had the perfect family. They called us the Cosbys because we had the mom, dad, and several children in our home. To outsiders, everything seemed perfect, but behind closed doors, I endured hell. My aunt was so controlling and evil, but I knew that one thing she had absolutely no control over was my education. I am proud to say I excelled as a student. I graduated high school with well over a 3.7 GPA, and received the Oscar Ritchie Memorial Scholarship and Minority Book Award to Kent State University. First, I attended the University of Akron for a year, where I stayed on the Presidents List because my GPA was always 3.8 or higher. I learned early on that any and everything can be taken away from you, except for your wisdom, understanding, and knowledge. Therefore, get all you can while you can. Be active in your classes, dont just exist. Exert your efforts on bettering yourself. Look at it as a self-investment. You cant rely on your parents, your friends, family or anyone else to propel you in a positive direction. Dont settle for becoming a product of your environment. Be the exception! You owe that much to you! When life pulls you down, keep pushing through. Only you have the ability to rise above your problems and pain. I never thought in a million lifetimes that I would be Miss Black America Cleveland, a college grad, single, no children, and standing right where God needs me be. But look at me now. Use my life as an example of how you can make something out of nothing. School is just one avenue to prove how great you are! I strongly encourage you to become involved in extra-curricular activities so you can stay balanced. Learn to appreciate music and art and dance and sports. Stay on top of your schoolwork. Dont just meet deadlines, beat them. Turn in your work a day earlier than when its due. Also, make sure you eat breakfast before you start your day. It fuels your brain and body for energy throughout the day. Get plenty of rest, despite whats going on at home. Take a short walk to get away from stress and struggle. Keep your head held high at all times. Try not to let external events affect you internally. Stay strong. Keep your eyes on the prize. You are the prize! Lastly, always walk with the King and be a blessing.
Meet Miss Black America Cleveland, Ohio: Marie Payden attended Firestone High School where in her junior year, she earned the Oscar Ritchie Memorial Scholarship from Kent State University, as well as the Minority Book Award. During her senior year, she took postsecondary courses at the University of Akron. There she stayed active with Black United Students, was the chairman of Rock the Vote, and played intramural volleyball. She was always on the President's List whole maintaining a 3.8 GPA. She recently graduated from Kent State University in 2007 with a BA in Interpersonal Communication.
www.msblackamericaclevelandohio.com

Marie Paydens Calendar of Events Sept 3, 2011 - Wade Park Back to School Bash Sept 5, 2011- Kinsman Rd Labor Day Parade

Coming Soon!!

Alive On Purpose KIDS!

A Workshop created to reach the mind of a Child!
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Alive On Purpose Teens Have Been Educated and are off to college!

Please Celebrate With Us As:

ALL OF THE RECENT HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES BEGIN TO: Make up their beds ~ Make friends with their roommates ~ Complete their homework ONTIME ~ Learn how to balance fun and class ~ Save money ~ Communicate their thoughts ~ Impress their professors ~ Make an impact on campus ~ Change the world ~ Create new ideas and inventions ~ and of course LIVE ALIVE ON PURPOSE!

Have a Poem, Story, or Thought that you want to share in next months newsletter? Or do you wish to be added to the newsletter mailing list? If so please,

EMAIL ALIVE ON PURPOSE!

jones.latoyia.d@gmail.com

I use to think that I was

brokenUntil one day I caught up to my healing. Alive on Purpose 2011

For Booking Information

LaToyia D. Jones, BS Facilitator/Certified Christian Counselor/ Grief Recovery Specialist Jones.latoyia.d@gmail.com
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