sophie woman's magazine sep 2013

S phieWo m a n ’s M a g a z i n e

INSPIRATION ~ EDUCATION ~ MOTIVATION

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INSIDE:Girlfriends In God ~ Are You Prepared To Say No!| 5

Reaching Your Full Potential ~Fuel Your Inner Renegade| Page 7

Me, Myself, & Inc. ~ Do You Need More PEP In Your Life?| Page 29

shutterbuggerz pg 39

StorybookBeginnings

pg 23

Message

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From The Editor: Judy Smith

from theMessage

www.sophiewomansmagazine.com | pg 3

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They say our mind is like a computer. That must explain it then. My computer is always running slow and on some days, completely locking up. That frustrates me so much that there are times I want to throw it across the floor. My computer that is, not my mind.

Usually it is completely my lack of computer knowledge that

leads to the problem but the great thing is; I can get it fixed. It may cost me a little money but then it runs fast and smooth for quite a while. So far I have not found a fix for my mind.

Whether it is over loaded (that is my story and I am sticking to

it), or full of cobwebs (my husband’s story that he will take to the grave) or if it has a bug, my mind seems to bog down a lot lately. I can’t remember someone’s name or heck, sometimes I can’t even remember my name. I can’t remember where I put my glasses or what was I going to do?

There are a lot of things advertised that is supposed to improve

brain function and I have tried quite a few without results. One of the “tried and true” methods is a thing called memory association. It means if we link a strong memory with what we are trying to remember that we will not have a problem retrieving the information later. If that works so well then explain to me why my family always wants to know “what does that have to do with anything?”

They tell you to “Visualize the name”. Yeah, right. If I can’t

remember a name, how am I supposed to remember what picture went with it? Reminds me of a joke I heard.

Two very elderly ladies were enjoying the sunshine on a

park bench in Miami. They had been meeting at that park every sunny day for over 12 years… chatting, and enjoying each other’s friendship.

One day, the younger of the two ladies, turns to the other and says, “Please don’t be angry with me, dear, but I am embarrassed, after all these years. What is your name? I am trying to remember, but I just can’t.”

The older friend stares at her, looking very distressed, says nothing for two full minutes, and finally with tearful eyes, says, “How soon do you have to know?”

Now there is this new thing called “Mind Mapping” and this is what you are supposed to do. 1. Imagine your brain-cells are like trees, with each one storing related information on its branches. 2. Now try arranging the key points of any topic on a sheet of white paper in the same treelike format. 3. Start with the central topic - preferably with a symbol - in the center of the page, and then draw branches spreading out from it.

Huh….. I do totally agree that my mind works just like my computer.

Those passwords always do me in! One thing I don’t have a problem remembering though is how

thankful I am for you, our readers. Just don’t get mad at me if I forget your name.

It’s true, You don’t need a magic wand to be a fairy godmother. With Make-A-Wish® Central and Western North Carolina, any woman can use her powers to help grant the wish of a local child who’s fighting a very grown-up battle. Even you. Join the W.I.S.H. Society, Women Inspiring Strength and Hope, to bring some magic into a special kid’s life - and your own.

Call 704.339.0334 or visit ncwishsociety.org to learn how you can get involved.

LAUNCH EVENT

**********************************************************Disclaimer: Sophie Woman’s Magazine LLC is published monthly. The articles published in Sophie do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. All articles are intended for informational purposes only, and none should serve as a substitute for doctor’s advice and orders. Advertisers are solely responsible for the content and validity of information published within their ads and are not necessarily endorsed by the publisher. Deceptive or misleading advertising is not knowingly accepted by the publisher. Advertising is accepted with the understanding that all liability for copyright violations is the sole responsibility of the advertiser. All material submitted for publication is considered to be the sole propertyof the advertiser. Sophie Woman’s Magazine LLC’s publishers, staff, and other persons involved in the creation, production, or delivery of the magazine (in whatever format) or ti’s content, do not assume any liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information provided in the magazine, nor shall they be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising out of the use of the magazine.**********************************************************

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Message From The Heart......................................pg 3Reaching Your Full Potential................................pg 7Sophisticated Women.........................................pg 9The Front Porch.....................................................pg 11The Fly Lady.........................................................pg 13Girlfriends In God................................................pg 15Health & Fitness Tips...........................................pg 16It’s Time To Strut Again.......................................pg 18Changing Lives, One Girl At A Time...................pg 21Mandy’s Misadventures.......................................pg 22Storybook Beginnings...........................................pg 23Me, Myself, & Inc................................................pg 29Nightmare On Main Street...................................pg 31Recipes For Life...................................................pg 33Standing In The Gap...........................................pg 36Shutterbuggerz.....................................................pg 39

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It’s true, You don’t need a magic wand to be a fairy godmother. With Make-A-Wish® Central and Western North Carolina, any woman can use her powers to help grant the wish of a local child who’s fighting a very grown-up battle. Even you. Join the W.I.S.H. Society, Women Inspiring Strength and Hope, to bring some magic into a special kid’s life - and your own.

Call 704.339.0334 or visit ncwishsociety.org to learn how you can get involved.

LAUNCH EVENT


pg 6 | Sophie Woman’s Magazine | September 2013

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by Kim Fletcher, Life Coach, Author, Speaker

REACHING YOUR FULL POTENTIAL: Fuel Your Inner Renegade

About Kim...

“It only takes a little perspective… to recognize the miracles in our moments, the seed of greatness tucked into our struggles.” ~Andy Andrews, The Noticer

A few years ago, I found myself using a fun phrase that, as far as I can recall, is an original: Renegade Ambition. It may have something to do with the fact that I have always liked the retro style Jeep Renegades. But it has more to do with the fact that I often feel like a Renegade.

For me, being a Renegade doesn’t equate to rebellion of an

unhealthy sort. It refers to a pioneering spirit that refuses to conform to the cookie cutter expectations of society. It means I closely guard my right to do life My Way! (Now, I need to offer one quick disclaimer… my life is not really my own. I belong to the Lord, so this ‘healthy rebellion’ to which I am challenging you is squarely rooted in the life God created us for… so, to be more accurate, Renegade Ambition is my desire to do life His Way rather than the world’s way.)

With that said, I believe in working smart, not hard. I believe

our days should be filled with joy and passion. I even believe that the hardest of moments that many allow to disqualify them could actually be their ticket to deep inner healing and influence.

Think with me for a moment. To embrace the life of a Renegade

is to blaze a trail where there is no trail… it is to be a pioneer in your own life, trading in traditional methods for those that are unique to you. To embrace “renegade ambition” is to be motivated by a life style design that fits you perfectly, allowing you to achieve your best with minimal effort and maximal fulfillment.

If traditional work ethics and the harsh expectations of the way

you think you ‘should’ live are stifling your creativity, it may be time to redefine life … life done your way.

To live a life of renegade ambition is to live a life committed to

integrity, personal excellence, and being your absolute best. Then the ripple effect impacts those around you.

Don’t settle. Don’t live imprisoned by other’s agenda for you …

step out and embrace your RENEGADE AMBITION and live your life in a way that is as comfortable as your favorite jeans. Just to give you a head start in shifting your perspective off of the fast-paced, cookie cutter life that society seems to demand of us, here are a few mental “fire starters”:

ADOPT AN ATTITUDE OF ABUNDANCE: Start and end your day with gratitude. My most successful coaching clients are the grateful ones. Thankful individuals can often see the opportunity embedded within challenges and pain. They have the power to take the focus off of themselves and notice the divine around them. Get radical and verbalize your gratitude to God and to others! RECLAIM YOUR OWN LIFE: Ask yourself a simple question, “Who and what am I living for?” Many people need to break free from controlling and manipulative forces (and individuals) in order to establish their own rhythm and pace in life. Judy Jacobs once said, “Your voice is connected to your authority.” Take a critical look at what you speak over yourself… do you speak life or death? DOWNSIZE TO THE RIGHT SIZE: Society demands that we must drive a certain car, wear a certain brand and live in a certain place in order to have value. Your value resides deep in your spirit… nothing can increase or decrease it! Don’t fall into the trap of trends and debt to feel better about yourself. Here are a couple of ideas which will immediately unlock freedom in your life. 1. Take a credit card vacation. 2. Get rid of something that is weighing you down (My own mom recently discarded a plant that was stressing her to care for it.) 3. Think of one way to bring more freedom to your life every day. DISCOVER TRUE WEALTH: The renegade has learned that true wealth lies in the love, the relationships, the passions and gifting with which we have been entrusted. Begin investing more in people and less in things, and you will quickly find yourself re-defining and proclaiming your true wealth. Each of us probably knows of someone with a large bank account who is miserable. And we also can think of someone with limited material resources who lives in joy and peace. I hope you can feel your inner renegade awakening to a desire to shift out of mediocre thinking back into a fresh place of valuing your own life enough to live it uniquely and passionately. Grab a journal and a latte. Take a few precious moments to coach yourself on moving toward your highest life! Fuel your inner renegade and enjoy the adventure!!!

Kim Fletcher is a Life Coach, Speaker and three-time Author of global impact. She and her team at Kim Fletcher Associates are bringing true transformation to the personal and professional lives of their clients. Contact her directly to learn more about her newest release, The Tension Point: Breaking Through To Where You Want To Be. 828 327 0749 / email: [email protected] / web: kimfletcherassociates.com.

GET READY TO DO THE UNTHINKABLE

Scott Rigsby’s courageous story of overcoming adversity is so inspiring that people of all ages gather together each year for Frye’s annual Do

The Unthinkable 5K. As a two time Hawaiian IronMan finisher, Scott encourages all of us to push beyond our

perceived limits and do the unthinkable in our own lives.

September 21 at 8 a.m. Do the UnThinkable 5K Run/Walk at Frye Regional Medical Center

Hickory, NC

Proceeds to benefit the Scott Rigsby Foundation. To learn more, visit www.scottrigsbyfoundation.org.

For more information or to register, visit www.fryemedctr.com/DoTheUnthinkable.


By Nicole Greer, PPCC Founder and Principle Coach at Vibrant Coaching

Reframe What They See in the MirrorSophisticated Women...

“Be yourself. The world worships an original.” Ingrid Bergman

This month commemorates the day that I popped on the planet. I can’t remember that day exactly but I am pretty sure that my mother was relieved! And I am sure your story is no different. In fact, despite the differences in the place, time, and circumstances of our births, I know that on the day you and I were born someone held the new baby and thought…

‘Look at her…she is packed with potential. She’s practically perfect! Just think of her possibilities.’

Then, what happened?Life happened. Things began to unfold. As a child you and I

didn’t have a lot of choice of how things would work out. You get the parents the creator chooses, good or bad. You are born into wealth or poverty. You have no siblings or you get lost in the pack. So, what does a sophisticated woman do with her history? Be sad? Be mad? Be un-glad?

No.She must savor the lessons. She must be grateful for the

journey. She can take all her hard won knowledge and use it to frame her future.

Reframing is a simple coaching technique. When you notice you are having a negative thought or experiencing difficulty, you choose to frame the situation as a positive instead of a negative. For example, I have many clients tell me they are ‘busy’. I immediately ask them to reframe the word ‘busy’. Nine times out of ten, they reframe their statement by saying, “I am productive.” And it’s true. They aren’t just doing busy work. They are making serious headway on projects, in careers and with their dreams. See how much more value the word ‘productive’ has versus downplaying the work getting done by calling it ‘busy’? The thoughts we have and the words we choose have a huge impact on our energy and ultimately your self-esteem. This may seem “Polly-Anna” but it’s not. It’s a choice. And a sophisticated woman always stands in choice.

Don’t be part of your own problem. Get out of your own way. Edna Saint Vincent Millay, a poet and playwright quipped, “Life is not one damn thing after another. It’s the same thing over and over again.” She wasn’t referring to life in general or your circumstances. She was referring to you. She was referring to me! We are the “damn” thing!

Birthdays are to be celebrated right? So why not use them as an opportunity to step back and take a good look in the mirror? A good look in the mirror…not a bad look in the mirror. I imagine most women get up on their birthday and pad their way into the bathroom, flip on the light and take a brief look in the mirror, sigh, and say, “Damn.” Flip off the light and keep shuffling along resigned to the fact that things won’t change.

I hope that’s not you! It’s certainly not going to be me. No, indeed I have decided

that each and every birthday I celebrate and each day in between is a new day to reframe my negative thoughts and embrace who I’ve become. When I look in the mirror, I see a woman who is (of course) sophisticated. I am a woman with serious wisdom, amazing experience and the ability to share techniques for survival and thriving with others.

I survived growing up without a mother. I have lived as the housed homeless. And I never got my education. Is that you? Do you understand me? Or do you have another set of challenges that have damned up your life and could have potentially blocked your growth but you overcame the obstacles? Or perhaps you are blocked right now sitting there reading this. Is there is a damn holding you back?

Namely…you?Go look in the mirror. What do you see? While perfection may not be staring back

at you, there is an image of a life that is not a mistake. You are an original, full of potential and packed with possibilities.

Me too.I see in my mirror an independent woman who knows

no strangers and a college student enrolled at Lenoir Rhyne University.

Now it’s your turn. Who do you want to be? You know the old saying; today is the first day of the rest of

your life. Celebrate the day you were born and choose to live into your possibilities.

Let the party begin!

It would be a gift to me if you would write to me and tell me a story of how you’ve reframed your life.

Drop me a note at PO BOX 455 Sherrills Ford, NC 28673.

Nicole Greer, PPCC is the Principal Coach for Vibrant Coaching and Workshop Leader for The Lydia Group. Nicole is on a mission to impact, energize, and influence people to lead a Vibrant Life by engaging the possibilities. As a life and business coach and workshop leader, Nicole views her role as a conduit to release all that you want to achieve. www.thevibrantcoach.com/www.thelydiagroup.com


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Save the Date14th Annual Susan G. Komen

NC Foothills Race for the Cure®

Saturday, October 26, 2013Lenoir-Rhyne University

Please mark your calendar andplan to join us as we race for a

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Summer is drawing to a close and fall is just around the corner. I wonder if fall knows that as I am not sure summer knew the date that she was supposed to start. There are assigned dates for each season and Fall’s assigned date for this year is Sunday, September 22.

So that means if you love sweaters, you can now trade your summer clothes for those long sleeves and layer, layer, layer. That is, if Fall does the right thing. For everyone who owns a swimming pool, you know Summer did not co-operate like she was supposed to so who knows if you can count on the other seasons to fall into place. Oh well, from swimming pools to football pools!

You may “switch out” your wardrobe only to find sweat under those gorgeous sweaters you were longing for. Of course there is a solution. Just don’t depend on the seasons for anything. Who says it is too late for spring cleaning just because of a date on the calender?

I will admit that Autumn is a great time of the year. Soon those ugly patches of dead grass in your lawn will be covered up -- with ugly patches of dead leaves. The worse thing is, I don’t have trees in my yard. They just all blow over from the neighbors. How wonderful it is that I don’t have to go to all that hard work and expense of planting trees.

My husband is going to be delighted that I quit asking if he has found the hedge trimmers yet. Any bets that he can’t find the rake either?

William Allingham said “Autumn’s the mellow time.” I agree with that. It seems when summer hits that we are wrapped up in getting out and about and in so many things. Days are longer and we fill them up with cookouts, vacations, Bible Schools and on and on. So when Fall arrives, we start thinking of staying in more, relaxing more, maybe even curling up with a cup of hot chocolate and a good book.

With the changing of the seasons, no matter when it takes place, there is always an opportunity to see the splendor of God at work. The fall colors show His handiwork and are one of the most beautiful times of the year.

by Judy SmithFrontThe

Porch Winter is an etching, spring a watercolor, summer an oil painting, and autumn a mosaic of them all.


At Caldwell, we’re moving forward into a new era. By joining with a nationally-recognized UNC Health Care, we’ll continue delivering the most exceptional health care, growing our services, and promoting healthy lifestyles to those who rely on us for care.

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Fly Lady

THE

by Marla Cilley

Discover Your Dreams


For more help getting rid of your clutter and CHAOS, check out her website and join her free mentoring group at www.FlyLady.net or read her book, Sink Reflections published by Random House. Help me build a Habitat Home this year. http://www.share.habitat.org/flyladybuildproj-ect Please bless others with your clutter by donating it to a Habitat for Humanity Restore near you. Copyright 2013 Marla Cilley Used by permission in this publication.

Did you ever just wonder why you are here and what it is you are supposed to be doing with your life? When I was a child I never knew what I wanted to be when I grew up. Even as a young mother I did not have a clue about who I was and what I really wanted.

My life was so busy that I barely had time to breathe much less think

about what was next for me. This busy life is another form of clutter that keeps us from pursuing anything. How can we stop this vicious cycle and find out who we are and what we want.

What I have realized is that we all have desires but we don’t know how

to take the babysteps to achieve what we want. When I think about how I can help you discover your dreams; I go back to what has happened in my life. My desire is to help you find the peace that I have and how I discovered who I am. You can do this too.

If you had told me several years ago that I would become a writer,

mentor, county commissioner or a business woman; I would have told you that you were crazy because I didn’t have time to do any of these things. Who me? Who am I to even think about any of this? I didn’t or couldn’t even go to these places in my mind. Even in my wildest dreams these things never occurred to me. My mind was so full with just trying keep my head above water; how could I step out of my comfort zone to do anything more than I was.

It was only when I got rid of the stress from a cluttered chaotic life

that I could hear what was being put in my head. My sweet darling calls them God Breezes. He told me about these breezes on our very first date. I will never forget how he described them to me. Imagine that God is that picture you have seen of that ole north wind and that you are sitting in a tiny boat on a still water. Now think about that old gentleman puffing out his cheeks to blow a breeze in the direction of your little boat. You get to choose if you are going to harness that breeze or not. It is up to you to put up your sails and allow the wise wind to take you where you are supposed to go or your other choice is no choice. You don’t have to do anything; you don’t have time to put your sails up; so you do nothing and sit dead in the water.

Isn’t that how we feel inside anyway; a dead unfulfilled useless going

through the motions daily existence. This is such a sad way to live because we know there is something else out there but we don’t have a clue how to put up our sails to try to capture the God Breeze.

These words are going to help you find the strength to pull up your

sails and find your direction. If I could to this then you can too. All it takes is a willingness to FLY! Finally Love yourself.


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Don’t Say Noby Gwen Smith


Today’s Truth And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father (John 14:13, NIV).

Friend to FriendI was on my way home from running errands. As I approached our

neighborhood, my cell phone rang. The call was from my tween-aged daughter.

“Hi, Mom. It’s Kennedy. Where are you?” “Hey, baby! I ran some errands and will be home in just a few minutes.

What’s up?” “Well, I wanted to see if you and I could go shopping for a new bathing

suit this afternoon, and— don’t say no—I’d like to get a feather in my hair. Can we, Mom?”

Oh. No. She. Didn’t! I was taken aback by the bold expectations of my daughter. Don’t say

‘no’? I thought. Really? C’mon girl. I’m the parent. You’re the child. Get a grip.

What I said to her was, “Honey, we are several weeks away from swim season. I’m not sure that today is a good day for all of this. And by the way, you’re free to share your heart with me and to tell me your desires, but you do not get to tell me what I can and can’t say no to. I’m pulling into the neighborhood now and will see you in a minute.”

Later, as I considered her angle—the way she positioned her request—my heart leapt with conviction. How often do I approach God with a request wrapped up in a demand that He not tell me no?

Jesus told His disciples that they could ask for anything. He even said that when we ask in His name that what we ask for would be given to us.

“I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it” (John 14:12-14).

Let’s consider the context here. When Jesus said “You may ask me for anything,” it wasn’t an open invitation for the will of man to reign. It was an invitation for man to participate in the will of God through prayer. It was about us asking for things that will bring glory to God the Father. Asking “in my name” is all about the will of God being done on earth as it is in heaven – not the whim of mankind.

Then what about the “Name-it-and-claim-it” theology? Is God obligated to answer our prayers in the way we want Him to? No, He’s not. Does God want you to have a million-dollar home and drive a Hummer? Not sure. Does God want you to be healed of that diagnoses, disease, or physical challenge? Possibly. I don’t know His exact plan for your life. What I do know is this: God is a good and faithful God. “The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy. They are steadfast forever and ever, done in faithfulness and uprightness”(Psalm 111:7-8).

All throughout Scripture we see that God is faithful. When it comes to God’s character, faithfulness doesn’t mean that He will always come through for us in the way we expect. It means He will see His plans through to completion, that He will keep His promises, that He will continue to work in our lives for our ultimate good – not necessarily our immediate happiness.

If we think that God can’t say no to us, then we’ve put ourselves on the throne and not God. Prayer is not about getting God to do what we want Him to do; it is about releasing God’s will on earth as it is in heaven (Matthew

6:10). It doesn’t change His mind and He’s not a genie in a bottle whose wish is our command. God is God—and He is faithful, no matter which way He moves.

I love my daughter. I mean, I really, really, really love my daughter. But just because she asks me for something doesn’t mean that I’m going to grant her request. I love her too much for that. God is our heavenly Father. Our parent. He wants mature, wise children. Not spoiled children. He loves us too much for that.

He even told His own son “no” in order to accomplish His great purposes. On the night He was betrayed, Jesus was distraught to the point of sweating blood in the Garden of Gethsemane. Crying out to God, He “knelt down and prayed, saying, ‘Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done’” (Luke 22:41-42, ESV).

God said no to Jesus because the request of His Son did not line up with His will. And because God said no, you and I can experience grace, forgiveness, peace, and salvation. In order for God to be glorified in His life, Jesus had to submit to the will of the Father. In order for God to be glorified in our lives, we, too, must submit to the will of the Father—and His will is always what’s best for us because He is faithful.

Coming to terms with this truth is tough, no doubt about that. At times the wounds of life leave us reeling. At times God allows trials and temptations that seem unbearable. Even in those times, God remains the same and He can be trusted. It’s a choice we have to make. And that choice is directly linked with the promise of blessing. Psalm 84:12 says, “O Lord Almighty, blessed is the man who trusts in you.”

God’s names reflect His character and He is our Faithful God. So no matter what you pray for or desire, you can trust Him, whether His answer is “No,” or “Yes.”

Let’s Pray Dear Lord, Faithful One, You are my Father and I know that you have a plan for me. Please bind me to Your will and teach me to desire Your heart above all else. Help me to hold unswervingly to the hope that I profess, because You who promised are faithful (Hebrews 10:23). In Jesus’s name, amen.

Now It’s Your Turn Hebrews 10:23 says, “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.” What hope does this verse encourage us to hold unswervingly to as we remember God’s faithfulness? God is faithful even when we are not. We all fail and have selfish tendencies. In spite of our wandering ways, God remains steadfast. Read and consider the following verse: “If we are faithless, he will remain faithful, for he cannot disown himself” (2 Timothy 2:13). How does this verse encourage you? Have you been praying for the Lord to answer according to His will or according to yours? Let’s take this conversation deeper. Come over to my blog or my Facebook page and leave a comment.

More from the Girlfriends Today’s GiG devotion is adapted from Knowing God by Nameby Sharon Jaynes, Gwen Smith, & Mary Southerland by permission of Multnomah, division of Random House, Inc. This is the perfect book for individual study or for gathering a group of friends in what we call GiG Groups. With impactful devotions, study questions, journal pages, free on-line video intros, and this book is a resource you’ll refer to time-and-time again.

Circuit Training ExercisesExercise Number One- Goblet Squat

This exercise will strengthen the muscles in front of your legs, the quadriceps. It will also help to stretch your hips, and strengthen your glutes and core as well.

Step One- Hold a weight vertically in your hands and against your chest. Position your feet so your stance is a smidge outside shoulder-width, with your toes pointed slightly out.

Step Two- Sit back and down between your knees, keeping your chest up the whole time. Make sure you’re not falling forward or rounding your back. Go down as low as you can while keeping your feet flat on the floor. If your heels come up, your stance is too narrow. Repeat 12 times for one set.

Tips- Keep your chest lifted and shoulders back. Start with 5 pounds and increase the weight as you progress.

Exercise Number Two- Low Plank

This exercise will help strengthen the lower back as well as working your abdominals, glutes, triceps, and chest muscles.

Step One- Lie down flat on the floor, face down. Bend your elbows 90 degrees and rest your weight on your forearms. Your elbows should be directly beneath your shoulders, and your body should form a straight line from your head to your toes. Makes sure your thighs, knees and ankles are together.

Step Two- In a push-up motion; raise your body off the floor, supporting your weight on your forearms and your toes. Work your way up to holding for one minute.

Tips- Keep your abdominal muscles engaged and do not let your stomach drop or allow your hips to rise up. To avoid letting your hips or buttock rise up, tilt your pelvis towards the floor. Remember to breathe. Beginners can drop down to their knees if needed.

by Sharon RashidiB.S. Health Education

Owner of The Perfect Workout


Lose Fat and Condition Your Heart with Circuit Training

Do you want something worth posting on Facebook? What if your next post looked like this: “12 goblet squats, 100 step ups, 1-minute low plank, done four times, through in less than 20 minutes.” Imagine all the “good jobs!” and “likes” you’ll get. As fall approaches and the weather turns colder, I receive a lot of emails from people who want to bring their workout routine indoors. Usually they have been slacking most of the summer and want to figure out the best way to get back on track.

Circuit training is one of the best ways to condition the entire body. It can help build strength and endurance without losing valuable muscle. It is also a great way to challenge your heart and lungs. A circuit is a series of strength and cardio exercises repeated three to four times with little or no rest between sets. Since you move quickly from one exercise to another, you do not have time to get bored. Studies show that circuits which combine cardio and strength moves help to burn fat and sculpt muscle much more efficiently than a typical weight only or cardio only workout.

Follow my 20-minute circuit workout that will take you to your maximum physical effort as well as your maximum heart rate. Complete 12 goblet squats, 100 step ups and one minute low plank for one set. The object of this workout is not to rest in between exercises. You will see that one minute of a particular exercise will burn out the targeted muscle group as well as increase your heart rate to a fat burning zone. If you find that it is not challenging enough for you try it again, totaling only 40 minutes of your time in the gym.

If you are new to working out, you can scale it down to fit your specific abilities. For example, if holding a weight during goblet squats is too difficult, try completing the exercise without it. For many people five squats are plenty. Feel free to decrease the number of repetitions if needed. Also, if 100 step-ups are too much, start with 50 or less. If your knees are too tender for the prolonged exposure to the step, then use the elliptical for 3 minutes.

The plank is the built-in recovery time for this circuit. During a plank, you just hold the position. Concentrate on letting the heart rate come down and catching your breath. If a 1-minute plank is too much, then try 30 seconds or even 15 seconds. You can always come down to your knees if needed. Remember to rest when you need it. By the time you get to your cool down you will have given yourself a heart-healthy workout.


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It’s Time for a Street Strutting CelebrationBy LeAnna Graves

It’s that time of year again…time to put on your struttin’ shoes, and hit the streets of Viewmont! The 4th annual Viewmont Street Strut, a celebration of the diverse nature of the community is happening in Hickory, NC, on Saturday, September 28. Area businesses, retail shops and restaurants are uniting together, once again to bring this event to life.

This year’s event is sponsored by, Roasted ‘Tater restaurant, Lowes Foods, and a new sponsor, the City of Hickory. Hickory’s “Life. Well Crafted.” brand has been woven in with many non-profit and government organizations, schools, civic groups, festivals, and music, to show that all of us working together makes a stronger community.

“The City has been impressed with the response to past Viewmont Street Strut events, and we wanted to show our support, as well. We believe that collaboration is the key for success, and with the help of community partners, Hickory is being noticed locally and beyond,” said City of Hickory Communications Director and Brand Manager Mandy Pitts. “We plan to continue to keep the momentum going. All of our collective efforts help the community attract people and businesses.”

This year’s Viewmont Street Strut event is guaranteed to be a day filled with exciting activities. There will be free trolley and shuttle buses running all day through the heart of the Viewmont community, so you will not have to deal with traffic or with finding that perfect parking space. Designated shuttle stops are being placed along the route, making it easy to visit as many businesses as possible.

There will be a Viewmont Scavenger Hunt again this year. You are going to want to drop in on as many places as you can and be a part of this fun activity. Scavenger Hunt game cards and instructions can be found at all of the participating businesses.

The ideas is simple - collect all of the stickers on the scavenger hunt list and receive a free goodie bag that’s chock full of special offers and gifts from area businesses. Also, everyone successfully completing the scavenger hunt is entered into a drawing for a huge gift basket filled to the brim with even more items.

A daylong event, the Street Strut is designed to allow neighbors to gather and sample the wide assortment of restaurants and shops, right here in our own back yard. It also showcases many extremely talented artists and musicians who live and work in the area.

“We love the community feel of the Viewmont area. It is impressive how the Street Strut unites different types of businesses together to create a positive experience in the area,” commented Natasha Bouldin, of Roasted ‘Tater restaurant. “It brings the whole community together in support of each other.”

Every location is doing something different to celebrate the day. There

will be wine tastings, live dancing and musical entertainment, free food, special sale discounts, fun activities for the kids, talented artists and sculptors for us to meet, an antique car show, a live petting zoo, plus so much more!

So, plan to start early, and finish late! See you at the Street Strut!


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One Girl at a TimeLost, forgotten and left out. That’s how Alycia felt when she

started her eighth grade year. Over the summer she lost touch with many of her school friends and found it’s difficult to fit back in once school began in the Fall. Alycia felt abandoned. Her esteem was low. No matter what she did she didn’t feel like she belonged.

“It’s hard being a girl. There is all this quiet fighting,” Alycia confides. She found herself changing who she was without realizing what she was doing.

After her first semester in eighth grade, Alycia’s mom Wendy witnessed a change in her daughter’s personality and grades. Her once vibrant and energetic girl was now sad and lonely. Anxious, Wendy exhausted many resources before encouraging Alycia to participate in Girls on the Run. Her intention was to include Alycia in the program for the physical benefits. She believed the endorphins would boost Alycia’s self esteem and confidence. At the time she didn’t realize the huge difference the positive youth development program would make for her daughter.

Girls on the Run inspires girls to be joyful, healthy and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum that creatively integrates running. Girls in third through eighth grade can participate in the program that meets twice a week for 10 to 12 weeks. Trained volunteer coaches meet with the girls as positive adult role models, and help the girls navigate difficult life choices while training to run an end of season 5k.

Alycia’s experience in Girls on the Run helped her make new friends. “Friends who know the real me.” She no longer felt alone and found a support system in her new friends and coaches. She admits she feels more social and can identify the positive even in negative situations. “Nobody can knock me down.”

At the end of Alycia’s Girls on the Run experience, Wendy noticed a complete turn around in her daughter. “Alycia still struggles, but has such a positive outlook now.”

Alycia agrees. “Before Girls on the Run, I was not confident. I was unsure. After my season, I now know who I am.

The most important lesson Alycia learned through Girls on the Run was to make herself happy first. She hopes other girls will join the program to find courage and confidence in themselves too.

To find out more information about Girls on the Run and to locate a program in your area visit www.girlsontherun.org or call 800-901-9965.

Alycia finishing her Girls on the Run 5k

I want my daughters to grow up strong, independent women. Sometimes, I think about how it will be when they’re older, fending for themselves with ease because I taught them so well. Or maybe they’ll give great advice, because they were so studious in school, and had excellent homework help from yours truly. Who knows, maybe they’ll even be president; although I assure you I probably won’t vote for either of them because I have seen them when they’re hyper and that level of madness is just terrifying.

Plus, I’m pretty sure that at least one of them would try to make a My Little Pony their vice president, and I just can’t see that ending well.

But I digress. When someone asks how they know how to change a tire, they’ll

recall the moment we were broken down on a back highway in Citronelle, Alabama next to a “No Trespassing” sign dotted with bullet holes, and how their mother calmly told them that someone had better learn how to change a tire, and man, oh man, their lives were forever changed.

When someone asks how it is they came to have such high aspirations for their lives (that are completely achievable, by the way), I want them to remember how we overcame temptation during the summer to sit around in our pajamas and eat all day.

When someone points out that they are wonderful decision makers, I want them to smile demurely and completely avoid the story in which their mother purchased pepper spray and ended up spraying both herself and a toddler in the face with said pepper spray.

The point is this: I want my girls to learn from mistakes others make (read: me), to seize every opportunity to become the women I know they can be. I also want them to smash bugs. No, really, I do.

That being said, I understand that in order for them to learn how to be

fearless with bugs, I’ll have to lead by example. And while I do try to do that, sometimes it’s easier said than done. Especially lately, when I keep finding silverfish in the house.

Now, I’m not afraid of most bugs, but if it has more legs than necessary (I mean, four or six, fine, but eight is showing off, and more than that is just plain creepy), then I’m going to have a problem with it. And if you’ve ever seen a silverfish, you’ll know that those nasty little bugs have legs coming out of their head! I mean, I’m sure that it’s supposed to be antennae, but really, silverfish, you’re not fooling anyone.

So, yes, I’m a bit wary of silverfish. Which is not to say that they are on the level of spiders, because those

things are spawns of Satan and basically aren’t good for anything but nearly giving me a heart attack and being generally disgusting. But that’s another article entirely.

I’d been doing fairly well in my march against bugs until this month, when a single moment of letting my guard down led to some pretty catastrophic results.

It was a hot day, the kind that made you want to laze inside, doing nothing but pouring water on yourself and moaning about how hot it was because doing anything else just took up too much energy. The girls and I sat in the living room beneath the fan - which was cranked up to the highest setting and still not doing anything but stirring the heat – watching My Little Pony, .

I was pretending to be reading a book (because I do not watch My Little Pony, or know every word to all the songs), minding my own business when a movement caught my attention. There, scrambling across my carpet was a huge silverfish – at least the size of my pinky. And, as any woman teaching her children the ways of bug killing would do, I screamed.

I’d like to say that it was a war cry, that I got up from my seat and attacked the thing with all the ferocity of a warrior princess, but sadly, it was not. Instead, I leaped to my feet, shrieking so loudly that both of my girls jumped.

What happened next was pretty much the best thing I could have ever done as far as leading by example. I yelled “SAVANNAH, KILL IT!” and took off running to my room, where I stood screaming right by myself.

Of course, Savannah and Addison both ran after me, wailing and in tears. Every time I thought I’d be okay, I’d walk back out into the living room, see the bug staring at me, and run back into the bedroom. It wasn’t until Savannah begged me to call the cops that I realized how out of hand things had gotten.

Taking a deep breath, I reached for one of my flip flops and made my way out to the living room, where I beat the thing into the rug, screeching the whole time. It wasn’t until I was satisfied that it was dead that I stopped, and even then I gave it two more whacks for good measure.

See that? Perfect demonstration on how to deal with bugs. I have no doubt that my girls will be every bit as brave in the face of insects as I am.

That’s my story, anyway.

by Mandy ThomasMisadv en tur e sMandy’s


Sophie Woman’s Magazine

StorybookBeginnings

Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Phillips of Keezletown, VA, announce the engagement of their daughter, Rachel Elizabeth Phillips, to Bradley Curtis Tenny, son of Mike & Della Tenny of Weddington, NC.

The future bride graduated from Lenoir-Rhyne University, where she and the groom met while in involved in Greek life, with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She is employed as a Recruiter & Staffing Coordinator at Recruiting Solutions in Columbia, SC.

The future groom received a BSN from Lenoir-Rhyne University and is currently enrolled in the Nurse Practitioner program at the University of South Carolina. He is employed as a RN, BSN at Palmetto Baptist Hospital in Columbia, SC.

A September 2013 wedding is planned in Virginia. The couple recently moved from Hickory to Columbia.

Rachel Elizabeth Phillips to Bradley Curtis Tenny

by Mandy ThomasMisadv en tur e sMandy’s

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How Did You Meet-Part 2 Since the first article I wrote on this subject, I’ve had many people come forward and share with me the circumstances on which they met their future partners. It’s always interesting and I am usually totally surprised at what they tell me.

Libby and Sam have the most amazing story. Libby’s dad owned a funeral home in Florida. She was a licensed embalmer there, as was her mother. She was an only child so it was expected that she would take over the family business some day. As she told me, her mom and dad handled the front part of the place and she handled the back. Now being in the back all the time, she rarely spoke to anyone or met any of the family members of the deceased. But that was about to change. A young man (Sam) and his dad, both attorneys, came in to discuss the arrangements of his mother who has just passed. (Don’t jump ahead; it’s not what you think.) Libby’s mom saw the opportunity (as a mom would) of setting up her daughter with the young man. So as usual, she asked them to make sure everything was done to their satisfaction. Normally, Libby would not be there but her mother asked her to be there out of respect and in case something else needed to be done. Things went well and a few weeks later Libby announced she was going over to Sam’s house for dinner. Her mom and dad were elated. They were so happy that she was going out and doing things. Well, time went by and things escalated so she had asked Sam and his dad over for dinner at her house. She told her parents that she and Sam had an announcement to make. The doorbell rang and there stood both men. Everyone did the “meet and greet” then sat down for dinner.

During dinner, the young man made a toast,” To my dad and Libby, may their future be long, happy and healthy.” It turns out that it was not Sam Jr. BUT Sr. She said her mom looked liked she was going to pass out, but her dad just smiled. Her dad told her later that he had met Sam Sr. on the street and he told him that he had met a great woman and was going to marry again, not knowing it was his own daughter.

Reba and Pete owned a pig farm. Yes, a working pig farm. All of their children had married, except for Lucy, and were involved one way or another in the farm. Lucy kept the books for the farm, did payroll and paid the bills. Not much of a chance to meet anyone. Every year part of the family attended a convention about farm machinery, livestock and about anything associated with farming. Lucy had never wanted to go, but with encouragement went anyway. Her dad and a brother were all over the place looking at everything, but she just sat at the food court hoping that time would fly by. “Are you a farmer?” she heard someone ask. She turned around and there sat the cutest guy in a plaid shirt and jeans sitting all alone. “I’m the bookkeeper for our family farm”, she responded. They started talking and soon didn’t realize that three hours had passed. They exchanged email addresses and phone numbers and each left in a different direction. All she knew about him was his name and that he was part of his family business. She had also decided years before that she didn’t want to marry a farmer. Over the next year they emailed occasionally but never talked on the phone. She had met someone but they just hung out together, nothing serious. The next convention came around and she gladly went, hoping to see the guy she had met the year before. At first she didn’t see him, didn’t really want to call him so she looked around to see where he might be. Suddenly she heard someone call her name. It was him and he was


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Tera Brooke Hayes from Granite Falls, NC and Andrew Joseph Chance of Lincolnton, NC will marry on September 21, 2013 at 5:00 pm at WoodMill Winery in Vale, NC . Earlynne Bartley will officiate. Tera is the daughter of Cindy Shook of Granite Falls and Ray “Eddie” Hayes Jr. (deceased). The bride’s grandparents are Ruby Keller and Wayne Keller (deceased, Ray and Shirley Hayes (deceased). The groom’s parents are Alice and Don Chance. Grandparents of the groom are Andrew and Phyllis Chance, Fred and Ruth Shuford (deceased). The maid of honor will be Whitney Thacker, matron of honor: Amber Hullette. Lauren Winkler, Katie Griffin, Monica Markham, and Jenny Smith will serve as bridesmaids. Junior bridesmaid will be Savanna Creaseman and Isabella and Reese Sturgill will serve as flower girls. Ring bearer will be Owen Wike. Don Chance will serve as Best Man and groomsmen will be Thomas Chance, Mark Lackey, Tommy Smith and Derrick Cline. The bride graduated from South Caldwell High School and Campbell University. She is currently employed at Bethlehem Pharmacy. The groom is a Graduate of East Lincoln High School and a graduate of Appalachian State University and is currently employed by Lincoln County Local Gov’t. Ceremony music will be provided by Denise Yoder on the harp and Suzanne Williams on the flute. Wedding Director is Heather Lackey. Reception will follow at the Winery with entertainment by The King Biscuit Trio. The couple will honeymoon in December and will reside in Lincolnton, NC.

Tera Brooke Hayes & Andrew Joseph Chance

dressed up. “I have to do a seminar, so can you wait until it’s over?” “I do want to talk to you.” So she followed him and sat in the back of the room where he was to speak. She saw him walk on stage and introduce himself as the son of one of the largest meatpackers in the US. Then she thought his name had sounded familiar. After a whirlwind romance, they married. He told me it was hard to find someone who truly understood the business he was in. Her family had been selling meat to his company for over twenty years but they had never met.

Here are a few more:

Met while they were on parole and had the same parole officer. Both • were domestic abuse.He was her arresting officer when she was drunk and disorderly at • a bar.He was training for a marathon and she hit him at a crosswalk with • her car. (His fault)He was the pizza delivery guy. (Not kidding)• She was his law professor.• She was the kindergarten teacher of his son.• He was the landscaper for her former husband’s company.• Neighbors for over 25 years. Neither had ever been married.•

Sometimes you don’t have to go looking for love, it finds you. And it can find you in the strangest places under the most unusual circumstances.

Mackey S. Carpenterwww.mscdesigns.net


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The Wedding Cake: A Ceremony by Itself by: Joy Cagil

When my son and daughter-in-law held a knife and cut the first slice out of their all traditional, butter-cream frosted, lavish, and very expensive wedding cake, I couldn't help smiling. If we had been in the early Roman times, the wedding cake would not be one huge, tasty, decorative creation, but many small, possibly cupcake-sized, salty wheat cakes. In addition, the guests wouldn't be eating the cakes but throwing them at the bride or crumbling it over her head for fertility and single women would try to catch the crumbs for the same reason they catch the bridal bouquet today.

In the olden times when children didn't make it to adulthood due to childhood illnesses, fertility was important, and that is probably the reason the wedding cake tradition was born. Later on during their empire, Romans turned their salty cakes into sweet cakes. This time, they made a slightly larger bridal cake with many smaller cakes surrounding it. The smaller cakes were brought as gifts by the guests. These cakes everyone ate, but still crumbled some of those over the bride.

After the Roman conquest of the British Isles, Roman customs influenced the natives who baked dry cakes for their weddings and drank their ale with them. In old England and Ireland, there also was, and still is, the custom of a groom's cake, dark in color and made of dried fruit.

When the English sent their pioneers into the new world, they

also sent their customs with them. First European settlers in the Americas made fruitcakes for their weddings because their preservation was easier.

The fancy wedding cake with several tiers was created through

the initiative of the French, and although scorned by the English at first, it was later adopted and became the norm through all Europe. The wedding cake, owing to its long history, became an individual affair for a modern wedding party, with different shapes and styles and with a rich variety of flavors, fillings, and icings.

A wedding cake, after the vows, has become a vital part of

wedding ceremony in our day. It is assumed that a wedding cake reflects the style, elegance, and delicacy of the couple's upbringing, in addition to their enthusiasm for their marriage.

Not only the ingredients and the making of the cake, but the

ceremony of its cutting has become another reception by itself. Traditionally, the bride and the groom cut the cake together, with groom placing his right hand over the bride's right hand to cut the


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first slice. Then, they feed each other that first slice while everyone applauds. Sometimes, the top tier is saved for the first anniversary or the birth of the couple's first child, whichever comes first.

In some new world weddings nowadays, smearing each other

with the icing has been taking hold as a custom, adding hilarity to the reception. My favorite wedding cake anecdote is a real one that may have seemed like a disaster at the time; however in hindsight, it has become an amusing joke. Yet, since the marriage has lasted, the incident might have been a good omen.

Several years ago, we attended a large wedding reception. Over

the several steep stairs to the main reception hall, the wedding cake had to be carried rather than wheeled. I don't know why nobody thought of a ramp but two waiters, one on each side, took the cake up the steps.

Suddenly, a waiter tripped and the cake fell on the floor, but

with luck or heavenly intervention, the top two tiers stayed intact. A pandemonium broke out with the bride's mother fainting and maintenance people scurrying about. Since the reception hall was part of a big hotel, the management came up with their version of a wedding cake. Several small cakes were arranged as the bottom layer with the two top layers of the original cake placed over them.

Judging from that experience, I think it might be a good idea to

have a just-in-case second cake. After all, cakes are loved by most anyone and they don't go to waste.

Kandy Jordon and Joshua Ceragioli will be celebrating our love on this day. We will marry the one we laugh with, live for, dream with love. We have chosen to continue our growth through marriage on Saturday the 14th of September 2013 at 3pm on Topsail Island followed by a reception at our beach house Carolina Dreaming with our Friends and family. Kandy owns and operates Kandy Jordon Photography in Morganton and Joshua is employed by Piedmont Corrugated Specialty in Valdese.

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Announcing the Marriage of... Kandy Jordon & Joshua CeragioliSeptember 14, 2013


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Bio: Sherré DeMao inspires millions through her monthly columns, weekly Insight eZine and national contributing writing. An expert strategist and marketer focused on entrepreneurs, her unique perspective and innovative approach has earned numerous awards regionally, nationally and internationally including being named among the Top 50 Enterprising Women of North America in 2007. Her books, Me, Myself & Inc. (www.memyselfandinc.com) and 50 Marketing Secrets (www.50marketingsecrets.com) have received national acclaim as Top Business Shelf picks and must-reads.

Do you need more PEP in your life?I have a confession to make. I have not been practicing what

I preach in honoring my Me, Myself and Inc. Specifically, the “Myself” aspect of me was getting ignored and I was rationalizing that all the other demands on the “Me” side (the aspect being shared with everyone else) and the “Inc.” side (the professional business aspect) were more important. What used to be a regular regimen of getting up and spending the first hour working out, stretching and kicking off the morning taking care of myself, had given way to computer demands and life demands. Meditating and other nurturing practices had also gone by the wayside. As a result, I was not happy with how I felt physically, stress was affecting me more, and I was feeling the repercussions of having put on a few pounds.

Sitting at an executive luncheon, I was possessed to share my disappointment in myself with another female executive, who quickly proclaimed feeling the exact same way (Proof that there are no coincidences)! We immediately determined we would be partners in helping each of us focus more on the “Myself” aspects of us. We jokingly refer to each other as our “Pounds Eliminator Partner,” but we are finding we are so much more. The result of having that accountability partner has been phenomenal.

There can actually be several valuable PEPs in one’s life, if one is open to letting them in. Could you use some PEP?

PEP#1 - Pounds Eliminator Partner: As a pounds eliminator partner, this is NOT just about the physical weight getting off, it is also about the mental weight getting off. When you feel as though you are carrying the world on your shoulders, it can feel like an unbearable burden. As a result, you give up doing what you know is good for you because you feel you must put your total attention on everything else. My PEP also holds me accountable that I am doing some of the other nurturing things that keep stress at bay. As a result, it is amazing how much more productive I have become in spite of taking that precious time for myself.

PEP #2 – Positivity Energizer Partner: Are you feeling surrounded by negativity at every turn? Then this PEP is just what you need to bring some of that positivity back into your psyche. This person can be a real person who just exudes positivity and so you love connecting with them, or this PEP can be a motivational authority who you resource for that boost of optimism on a regular basis.

PEP #3 – Professional Engager Partner: When you are ready to take your career or business to another level, this PEP is the person who knows just who you need to know or connect with to help you get where you want to go. Sometimes, taking this to the level of a mentoring relationship is ideal with the right person, who can nurture your potential while helping you make the best possible connections.

PEP #4 – Personal Embracer Partner: Even when we are physically taking care of ourselves, we may not always be nurturing our inspired selves —what makes us unique, passionate and feeling totally alive. Part of being all that you can be is embracing all that makes you “you.” This PEP helps you bring your creative, inspired, passionate self into being because they share some of these same passions.

PEP #5 - Perspective Enlightenment Partner: Having someone in our lives who can provide objective or insightful perspective when we are challenged with something or dealing with a particular situation is invaluable in helping us better know what to do or how to best handle. Most important, this person is not necessarily going to agree with your perspective, but help you look at the whole situation in a way you may not have done on your own. The wonderful gentleman in my life is a godsend in this regard and I truly appreciate this ability in him. For you, it could be a spouse, friend, life coach, or a mentor.

My PEP #1 has enabled me to get back to honoring “Myself” resulting in truly enjoying myself again in all that life and work have to offer. Having someone in your life, either ongoing or temporarily, to help you get back on track or stay on track will reinforce how wonderful life is as a result of the beautiful relationships we can have on so many levels.

You will know that you are never alone when you have that added supportive push just when you need it the most. The energy and focus you regain truly reinforces the power of PEP because of these people in your life. It continues to be a real boost for me on all cylinders and know it will prove the same for you.


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(Horrors in Designer Land)

Remember the horror movies of the 70’s like “The Blob” or “Green Slime”? As teenagers, we used to sit at the drive-in the-ater and scream loudly at the scary parts. The car would be a mess with spilled popcorn and drinks that were tossed in the air during the peak of scariness.

The greatest compliments a designer can have are a client who is overjoyed with a finished project, prompt payment, and refer-rals of the client’s friends. We love to make the entire process a seamless and wonderful experience for the customer, subcon-tractors, and everyone involved. Most of the time, a good de-signer can achieve this harmony. Every once in a while, a project turns into a horror movie and things are out of control. In every profession, there are things that happen that have never hap-pened before and could never have been imagined. Some of the things in this article have happened on my watch and some on projects of other designers or people in the industry.

At a past job at a design firm, one of the young designers was pregnant and working on a residential project. She went by the customer’s home to check on the progress and noticed that a shrub was on fire. Apparently, the painter had thrown a lit ciga-rette out of the window and it landed on the bush. The very pregnant designer put out the fire with a drop cloth, dug up the bush, went to a local nursery and purchased a new plant and planted it-all before the home owner got in from work. We still laugh about the “burning bush” experience.

Years ago, probably my first year in the business, I sold some furniture to a couple from Florida. The furniture was delivered to their home and one of the pieces, an armoire, would not go through their front door. Legally, they were responsible for tak-ing the piece, but I could not stick them with something that did not even fit in their home. I called the salesman for the furni-ture company in tears. He made several phone calls to dealers in Florida and luckily found one who would buy the piece. Since then, I have had feet taken off sofas, pieces hoisted through windows, antiques taken apart and rebuilt in the room, and one sofa back lowered so that it would fit up a tight stairway. All these experiences were scarier than the “Green Slime” movie!

Other decorating horrors occurred in furniture showrooms in High Point. Trying to get an 80 pound rug from the car into a showroom with no hand truck and no help was a nightmare. In one space, I had absolutely no budget and no accessories for the front entrance of the building, the night before the deadline. Watching some of the desperate no-budget moves on HGTV shows came in handy. I put on my thinking cap and created art by painting four canvases four different colors and attaching palm leaves off a silk tree that was headed for the dumpster. The final result was a show-stopping entrance with a unique person-ality. Another showroom with a similar situation inspired me to produce “Mallard Land”; a vignette with walls of shelves featur-ing the awful wood mallard decoys from the 80’s. The tongue-in-cheek display resulted in a comical, favorite space for visitors at market.

On one particular long, hard day at a design firm years ago, my boss came in my office to cheer me up. She had a couple of stories from a friend- a very successful furniture store owner from up north. An older lady had purchased one of his sleeper sofas and got stuck when the sleeper mechanism closed on her. Luckily her family came by to check on her and no one came to the door. Another customer received a sofa that was full of bugs. You just can’t make up these things!

Some horrors are very common in designer land- a fabric that is the inspiration for an entire space might be discontinued. Wall-paper arrives on the job and is not the paper that was ordered. The furniture takes longer that originally planned. I do not get as upset as in earlier years because I have seen divine intervention on every job. Things always work out for the best in the end. Even the worst horror shows often have a happy ending, includ-ing the nightmares on main street in Designer Land.

NightmareON

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by Emily Wickham

!

Recipes for LifeFood for the Body

Chicken Enchiladas(Recipe by Renee Colbert)

4 (3 oz.) boneless, skinless chicken breasts8 soft tortillas1 c. enchilada sauce2 c. onions, chopped1 ½ c. Cheddar cheese, grated4 Tbsp. sour cream¼ c. mayonnaise1 ¼ c. chicken broth

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Cut chicken and brown in skillet with cooking spray. Add onion. Cook 5 minutes until browned. Set aside. In mixing bowl, combine sour cream and mayonnaise. Gradually add chicken broth, stirring constantly. Pour into saucepan and cook over medium heat until it boils. Add 1 cup shredded cheese until it melts. Set aside. Dip tortillas in enchilada sauce. Fill with chicken, onion, and cheese. Roll; place in sprayed cooking dish. Top with cheese. Pour sauce over the enchiladas. Cook uncovered 20 – 25 minutes.

A Prayer for God’s Blessing

Loving Father in heaven, You are forever worthy of all my love and devoted service. I confess I intermittently allow the privilege of serving You to become burdensome. Thank You for the immense honor of helping You accomplish Your plans in this world. Please cultivate my love for You and cause my service to flow freely from my heart. In Jesus’ worthy name, Amen.

Food for the Soul

Truthfully speaking, cooking day-in and day-out wearies me from time to time. With three teenagers and one tween, leftovers rarely remain. Juggling other responsibilities with this one usually causes me to wonder at 5 pm, “What am I going to make for dinner?” Eventually a meal finds its way to the table.

Cooking involves a particular joy, however, when motivated by love. Such was the case when I prepared chicken enchiladas

for my eldest son’s last family dinner before leaving for college. I’m always assured of pleasing him when I serve this dish, which happily satisfies his discriminating palate and guarantees a huge smile on his face. I’ll gladly serve it for years to come because I. Love. My. Son.

Isn’t it curiously wonderful how love inspires us? Genuine love creates a desire to share freely instead of cling selfishly … to sincerely serve rather than wait to be served … to fully open our hearts and delight in the one we love. Convinced of another’s inestimable value and unquestionable worth, we joyfully give—in love.

Mark 12:30 clearly reveals God’s priority for us: “AND YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND, AND WITH ALL YOUR STRENGTH.” Through the years, I’ve prayed this verse for my children. It composes my strongest desire for each of them. God has also been emphasizing its truth to me lately—that my every thought, word, and deed be motivated by His love.

When it comes to serving the Lord, various motivations exist. Do we begrudgingly work for Him out of obligation? Do we carry the burden and guilt of never doing enough? Do we sigh with weariness and dread Christian responsibilities? If any of these possibilities stimulate our service, we’re traveling on the wrong track. Authentic service stems from love for Christ—a joyful overflow of an intimate relationship with Him. Now, this doesn’t signify that service always flows easily. Often it truly requires diligent work … but love should indisputably reside at its core. Delightfully serving the living God out of pure love for Him meshes with His heart. From the beginning, God has been seeking our hearts.

Colossians 3: 23 – 24 inspiringly states, “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men; knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.” Friends, we’re amazingly privileged to serve the Most High God, the one true God. His plans occasionally confound us, His ways frequently exceed our understanding, and His wisdom constantly surpasses our most excellent endeavors. Yet He chooses to use us … and additionally He rewards us!

Instead of trudging the burdened route, let’s lovingly serve our awesome God. Just as chicken enchiladas ensure success in the dinner department, Our love for God + Our service for God = Spiritual Success. Until next time, that’s a Recipe for Life …

Emily Wickham gently reaches women’s hearts as she teaches God’s Word. Through various writing endeavors, she encourages readers into close relationship with God. Additionally she hosts and speaks at the Connecting with Christ Conference.

Visit www.proclaiminghimtowomen.com to read Emily’s blog devo-tions and to learn more about life in Christ. Connect with Emily on Facebook at www.facebook.com/emilywickham.author.

Please contact Emily about speaking at women’s events such as retreats, luncheons, and conferences by e-mailing [email protected].

Emily, who is grateful to God for His blessings, enjoys life with her wonderful husband and their four treasured children in western NC.


Senior Wedding Jacob, age 92, and Rebecca, age 89, living in Miami, are all excited about their decision to get married. They go for a stroll to discuss the wedding, and on the way they pass a drugstore. Jacob suggests they go in.

Jacob addresses the man behind the counter:

“Are you the owner?”The pharmacist answers, “Yes.”

Jacob: “We’re about to get married. Do you sell heart medication?”Pharmacist: “Of course, we do.”

Jacob: “How about medicine for circulation?”Pharmacist: “All kinds.”

Jacob: “Medicine for rheumatism?”Pharmacist: “Definitely.”

Jacob: “How about suppositories?”Pharmacist: “You bet!”

Jacob: “Medicine for memory problems, arthritis and Alzheimer’s?”Pharmacist: “Yes, a large variety. The Works.”

Jacob: “What about vitamins, sleeping pills, Geritol, antidotes for Parkinson’s disease?”Pharmacist: “Absolutely.”

Jacob: “Everything for heartburn and indigestion?”Pharmacist: “We sure do.”

Jacob: “You sell wheelchairs and walkers and canes?”Pharmacist: “All speeds and sizes.”

Jacob: “Adult diapers?”Pharmacist: “Sure.”

Jacob: “We’d like to use this store as our Bridal Registry.”

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Tony will tell you that his life has turned out just as God has planned. It is certainly different than most, but without doubt impactful. At age 55, this Renaissance man is focused on one major calling - to stand in the gap for those who cannot or will not do it for themselves – protecting and supporting those who need it most – human or not!

Known for his philanthropic contributions to numerous charities in-cluding the Susan G. Komen Foundation, Operation Restored Warrior, the ASPCA and Humane Societies across the country, Tony is making a difference. CEO of the Change Execution Group and a nationally recog-nized expert in the field of Executive Development and Coaching, Tony is considered a thought leader in the field of high profile mergers, acqui-sitions and corporate turnarounds. Former Mattel Toys SVP, he is often credited for being an integral part of the overwhelming success of the Hot Wheels and Barbie brands internationally and helping to orchestrate the acquisition of The American Girl Doll franchise.

In his work today he teaches exceptional customer service and values based leadership, crediting his core Christian values and genuine com-passion for the underdog as the foundation for his success and impact.

In 2011, Tony purchased Mooresville-based Pampered Pets Inn, im-mediately expanding the services to include a fleet of pet taxis, a dog themed swimming pool, play areas with hypo-allergenic Ultimate K-9 turf and cooling misting systems to pamper the animals entrusted to him. “Whether they come for the day or spend their whole vacation at Pam-pered Pets Inn, your pets are an important part of the family and deserve the very best care and attention when they are our guests,” emphasizes Tony. “I have zero tolerance for pet abuse and have made it a personal challenge to eradicate it,” states Tony. “Acquiring Pampered Pets Inn enabled me to provide extraordinary care and compassion to your pets.”

Besides owning and operating a Ritz Carlton inspired pet resort, Tony is actively involved on a global basis fighting everything from terrorism, gang resistance, child neglect and bringing justice to fathers who emo-tionally and financially abandon their kids.

“He is all about passion and courage.” Pastor Ron Villar has known Tony for 15 years and tells us that, “Part of Tony’s role in the world is to use his commonality and unrelenting courage and tenacity to make change happen. He’s like a Lion from the Tribe of Judah – afraid of noth-ing or no one.”

What does a day in his life look like? When Tony is at home in Mooresville, his passion for running Pampered Pets Inn has him up early driving his Pet Limo throughout Lake Norman’s most desirable neighborhoods shuttling clients’ pets back and forth for their doggie day care and boarding activities. Tony says he feels like the milkman of old, creating a personal relationship with his customers and their prized pos-sessions. His unique approach seems to be working. Pampered Pets Inn is operating at a staggering 95% occupancy rate in an industry that aver-ages in the mid 40’s.

Leveraging his leadership, negotiation and persuasive skills, the other passions that fill Tony’s days will completely surprise you. Tony is a long

time gang intervention expert and skilled counter terrorism contributor. During my interviews for this article, two specific stories about Tony spoke volumes to where his heart is. The first involved an interven-tion that he spearheaded between some volatile motorcycle gangs while visiting Sturgis, SD - the site of the world’s largest biker rally in which recent battles had left fatalities and broken families on both sides with retribution the chant of the day. In speaking with a highly decorated gang leader, who agreed to speak with us only under anonymity, about Tony, he simply said “The dude is the real deal. No fear, no smack and definitely willing to do whatever it takes to help keep the peace.”

Tony is also a close combat expert for a high profile security firm and recently accompanied a team of highly skilled operatives to help facilitate the extraction of several executives from a large company that were being held hostage in a foreign country. As the wife of one of the survivors told us, again under the terms of anonymity, “Tony saved my husband and never asked for even a thank you.” His team leader told us that Tony brings a unique combination of leadership, courage and calm tenacity to every mission he is asked to participate in.

Standing in the gap and helping the underdog at all costs is where you will find Tony on any given day.

These days, Tony is focusing his attention on two major charities – the Susan B. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and Operation Restored Warrior. He is deeply connected to each in very different ways. Both of his sisters are breast cancer survivors. He is emotionally, physically and spiritually connected to other warriors who have been left behind with the emotional aftermath of their wartime wounds and experiences.

Recently, Tony participated in the Operation Restored Warrior event in Lake Norman where 3 of our Country’s finest Navy Seals swam over 12 miles and raised over $50,000 to send soldiers to the “Drop Zone,” a restorative retreat that brings together mission, healing, and ministry to help mend the invisible wounds of war at a cost of $2000 per person. The program has helped service members from all branches of the military and Tony hopes that his contributions will enable more warriors to ex-perience the freedom, restoration, and healing that their hearts and lives have longed for since returning from the battlefield.

For a guy that has climbed the corporate ladder to the top, traveled the world, saved people to Christ and fought for very important causes, it is apparent that Tony is not finished standing in the gap for the underdogs. When I asked him what’s next, he simply says, “God’s will.”

By: Keizo Goshima

Standing in the GapLake Norman Resident and Business Owner Serves

Others While Pampering Pets


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HOURS:Mon-Fri

9am-Noon2pm - 6pm

Sat. 9am -2pmSun. 4pm - 6pm

A Boarding Kennel for even the most spoiled dogs.....

We Feature:Suites with TV’s•

In-floor Heat & Air•

Acoustical Ceilings•

Indoor/Outdoor Runs•

And Much More•

Submitted by Leanna Frazier

Submitted by Tiffany Co. Photography


Be Sure To Visit

shutterbuggerz.com To Submit & View PHotos

Submitted by Beautiful Moments Photography

Submitted by Nichole Dailey

Submitted byLyn Caldwell

Submitted by Sweet Nothings Photography


MT. VIEW HOME & GARDEN CENTER, INC.3235 NC Hwy 127 South • Hickory, NC 28602

828.294.4444www.mtviewhomeandgardenctr.com

Friendly, Dependable Service for 38 Years!

Mt. View Home & Garden Center, Inc.38 Years in Business!

We Sell Flowers, Plants, Seed & FertilizerAll Your Home & Garden Needs!

The NEW Authorized Dealer& Service Center

for EZGO Golf Carts

E-Z-GO™ EXPRESS SERIES

Ready to break out ofyour routine? An E-Z-GoExpress will carry you andup to five accomplices incomfort and style, whetheryou’re buzzing around theneighborhood or venturingdown a trail less traveled.

A Textron Company

IT’S LIKE A FOUR-WHEELEDEIGHTEEN WHEELERMeet the big rig of Bad Boy Buggies. It’s got a 22-HP

3-cylinder CHV diesel engine, 4-wheel independentsuspension, user-selectable 4WD and a total capacityof 1,600 LBS. Plus a pile of other features to help youdominate a hard day’s work. So put it to the testbecause there isn’t much this beast can’t do!

BADBOYBUGGIES.COM

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Bring in this coupon for

$200 OffYour Purchase of a Bad Boy Buggy

Bring in this coupon for

$200 OffYour Purchase of a EZGO Golf Cart

Excellent Health CareFor All Ages!

www.PiedmontHealthCare.com | 704.873.4277

Text HEALTH

to 70403

FOR

MO

RE IN

FORM

ATIO

NMore than

140 physicians and providers across 25 specialties

Audiology

Cardiology

Critical Care Medicine

Dermatology

Endocrinology

Family Medicine

Gastroenterology

General Surgery &

Hospital Surgicalist

Infectious Diseases

Internal Medicine

Neurology

Nutritional Services

Obstetrics/Gynecology

Occupational Medicine

Ophthalmology

Orthopaedic Spine Surgery

Orthopaedic Surgery

Otolaryngology (Ears, Nose

and Throat)

Pediatrics

Physiatry – Interventional

Spine Care

Podiatry

Pulmonary Medicine

Rheumatology

Sleep Medicine

Urgent Care

Urology

Serving Statesville, Mooresville,

Huntersville, Mocksville and Troutman with 50 convenient locations.

Offering Innovative andState-Of-The-Art Health Care

To Our Patients

sophie woman's magazine sep 2013

Documents

z i n einspiration

mind mapping

new thing

great thing

truck lot

lack of computer knowledge

lot of things

inner renegade page