Donald Lawrence rocked the house at the 10th Annual Grizzlies Gospel Night in Memphis, TN.  The energy from the crowd filled the FedEx Forum and Lawrence alongwith his amazing group of background singers matched the atmosphere with heartfelt songs of praise and worship. There were special performances by Memphis’ own Sheri Jones-Moffett and new solo artist, Anita Wilson.

As the mood began to feel like that of a family gathering, Lawrence shared with his fans that he had been battling with cancer. After taking time off to get rest and treatment, a recent visit to the doctor revealed that Lawrence had been healed of the very cancer that attempted to attack his body.

Lawrence closed out the mini-concert with a reminder to his fans to never forget where their help comes from. Singing, “Not Making Sense, Making Faith” there was not a dry eye in the house as the revelation of God’s healing power was made evident by Lawrence’s personal testimony.

Let’s continue to keep Donald Lawrence in prayer. He is truly an inspiration to the Gospel Community.

by Nicole S. Cooper, Networker Marketer and Internet Marketing Coach

Building your own business can be both exciting and frustrating. The joys of being your own boss, doing what you love and witnessing your dreams come true is refreshing, especially in today’s pressing economy.

BUT… here’s the flip side of the coin…

Long hours, money leaving as quickly as you obtain it, with minimal to show for it! The constant fight to be competitive in your niche, dominate for loyal business, all while attempting to generate enough profit to stay in business. Not to mention that cushion to pay yourself!

With over 27+ million businesses in the United States alone, there are key strategies that one must execute to ensure a successful business in the marketplace.

Here are 5 important strategies that you can implement to build a more profitable business:

1. Identify Your Niche

One of the biggest challenges most small businesses face, especially start-ups, is failing to narrow down their niche specific enough to have a dedicated focus they can dominate. For example, it’s very challenging to have laser focus in your business when you specialize in five different areas as opposed to one or two.

If you have a restaurant business and you want fan fare, it would be most beneficial to be known for one main thing that keeps people talking versus having a wide variety of items on the menu specializing in mediocrity.

Identify what you’re best at and make that the focus of your business. The fan fare is sure to follow!

2. Know Your Audience

Business owners often make the mistake in attempting to create what they want as a service, versus identifying the wants of their audience.

It is extremely critical to consider the following; who your audience is, what they want and how much they’re willing to pay for it. Profit can only come with sales, and if you aren’t giving your audience what they want, the sales will inevitably go elsewhere!

3. Educate Your Audience

Giving free insight to your audience is a great way to demonstrate just why they need your services and products. Begin using numerous methods of free marketing such as blogging, youtube videos and social media sites to share insight on various topics related to your niche and industry.

4. Be Social Media Savvy

The only way small businesses are able to survive this day and age is by having a noticeable presence on social media sites and with search engine results. It’s been stated if your business isn’t on the internet within the next 3-5 years, then you will not be in business at all.

Therefore, make it a point to shift your marketing efforts into the online world, and begin generating more buzz around your business today!

5. Be Innovative!

If you want your business to stand out, find common problems and challenges in the marketplace that your customers are currently experiencing. Then find a way to not only accommodate your customers but to solve those problems, considering that they fall within your niche.

By identifying new trends in the marketplace, you not only win your audience over, but you’ll be able to put your stamp in the field and reveal your genius. You’ll be able to undoubtedly show why you’re the “go-to source” within your niche!

Nicole S. Cooper is a Networker Marketer and an Internet Marketing Coach. Find out more great tips at her official sitehttp://www.mailboxmoneyqueen.com. Text “NicoleSCooper” to 90210 to join Nicole’s Mobile Club.

WHITE CHOCOLATE BREAD PUDDING WITH RASPBERRY SAUCE

 Bread pudding ingredients

 2 cups heavy whipping cream

2 cups half and half

2 cups milk

1 cup sugar

3 ½ cups white chocolate chips

6 large eggs, plus

12 large egg yolks

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon lemon extract

1 loaf day old French baguettes, 24-inch cut into 1/2-inch inch slices

Raspberry Sauce

1 cup water

1 cup sugar

4 teaspoons orange zest

4 cups fresh raspberries  or 4 cups frozen raspberries ( thawed)

White Chocolate Sauce

1 cup heavy whipping cream

2 cups white chocolate chips

Prepping the pudding

7 tablespoons unsalted butter

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Butter a 9″X12″X2″ baking pan including the sides. Line bottom of pan with parchment paper.

Combine cream, half and half, sugar, and milk in saucepan over medium heat. Stir until hot. Add chocolate morsels and stir until chocolate is melted. Set aside so it can cool slightly.

Whisk eggs, egg yolks, lemon and vanilla extracts. Gradually pour the cream mixture into the egg mixture and whisk until smooth. Be careful that the cream mixture isn’t too hot or the eggs will curdle. Tempering the eggs is very useful in this step.

Lay about half of the bread slices in the baking pan and pour about half of the cream mixture, allowing it to soak up the liquid. Next, layer the remaining bread slices on top and pour more mixture over it. You might need to press down the bread on top to let it soak up some of that liquid. Be careful that you don’t layer too much, since it does rise quite a bit in the oven. I usually stop layering once it hits right at the top of the pan.

Cover the pan with foil and bake for 1 hour. While it’s baking, this is a good time to get started on those sauces!

After the first hour, remove the foil and bake uncovered until it’s no longer liquid in the center and the top should be golden brown.

Raspberry Sauce:

Combine water, sugar, and orange zest in a sauce pan over medium heat. Stir until syrupy.

Add raspberries and cook on low heat stirring occasionally until the fruit falls apart. Strain out the seeds.

White Chocolate Sauce:

Heat heavy cream in saucepan over medium heat until hot.

Stir in white chocolate morsels until melted. Set aside to cool slightly.

Prepping the Bread Pudding:

By individual slices, place a slice(s) on a cookie sheet and brush each piece with the melted sweet cream butter, including the sides (don’t worry about the bottom of the slice).

Bake in oven for about 12-15 minutes. This will create a crisp “seared” outside which is very delicious.

Once the bread pudding is ready, by individual slices, place on a serving plate and drizzle with the white chocolate sauce and droplets of raspberry sauce. Enjoy!

For More Recipes Order Sharon’s Comfort Food For The Mind, Body & Soul Cookbook. Available at Barnes and Noble, Books-a-Million, all major book sellers, Amazon.com or www.goodcookin4u2.webs.com

To contact Sharon Fox, visit the following:

 FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/sharonfoxauthor

TWITTER: @ImSharonFox

LINKEDIN: AuthorSharonFox

WEBSITES: www.goodcookin4u2.webs.com

                            www.healthylivingshow.webs.com

EMAIL: authorsharonfox@gmail.com

Tyler Perry

Tyler Perry has made amazing strides as a playwright and movie producer. Many of his plays featuring the lovable and comical Madea character have been featured in the Orpheum Theater in Memphis, Tennessee. Perry was recently honored with an official star on the ”Sidewalk of Stars” displayed in the front of the Orpheum Theater. DIVINE Magazine was there to capture this huge honor!

Kudos To Tyler Perry For Following His Dreams

&  Being An Inspiration To All!

by Ken Brown, International Bestselling Author, Business Coach and Retired McDonald’s Franchisee

Having an exit strategy can give a business owner both control and freedom over their business and future. There are six ways to exit your business, the first two have proven to be highly effective and the most practical.

*To read Ken Brown’s article, “Begin Your Business with the End In Mind”, order a copy of DIVINE Magazine’s Business Issue, click HERE!

1. Sell the business on the open market: This is the most popular exit strategy for a small business. When ready to sell and or retire the business is put up for sale and the owner walks away with the proceeds from the sale.
2. Liquidation: In order to employ this strategy, you must have valuable assets to sell such as land and or equipment. This is was the strategy that I used to sell both my franchise rights and all of the equipment that it took to operate the business.
3. Sell to employee or staff member.
4. Close business and sell all assets.
5. Pass business on to Children or family member.  
6. Go Public.IPO–undergo an Initial public offering.

For more information contact Ken at ken@kenbrowninternational.com.

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Find out what makes these youngsters leaders of Today & Tomorrow!

by Patrice Edwards

At first glance, Moziah Bridges, Deidra Shores, Madison Brown, Devin Miles and sisters, Isabella and Olivia Gerasole are like any other kids: they go to school every day, complete chores and participate in extra-curricular activities. Still too young to drive and for most of them, college is still a faint and distant thought. Yet, these talented youth have successsfully managed to do what most people never do in a lifetime. By utilizing their passion, creativity and skill set, these young leaders started their very own businesses!

Teaching a child to steward their God-given talents and resources wisely is no easy task for the parents of these future leaders. Parents have to become keenly aware of their children’s strengths and weaknesses, in addition to displaying dedication, patience and a commitment to nurturing ideas and helping them flourish. Tramica Morris, mother of Moziah Bridges who owns a bowtie company, Mo’s Bows, said that parents should look for the gifts that their children have and “nurture those gifts like never before”.

Moziah Bridges is the nine year old owner of Mo’s Bows, a fast-growing bowtie company

Photo by Audria “Nubia” Arnold

Nine-year-old Moziah’s love for fashion came from his father and grandfather. Starting off sketching suits and men’s dress wear, Morris affirmed and encouraged her son’s skills and interests. Fast forward to the summer of 2011, they suddenly found themselves in his grandmother’s old sewing room, collecting fabric and sewing bowties. Since then, the business has grown through word-of-mouth and through advertising on his Facebook page. When asked about challenges they faced, Morris stated that as a single mom, she relies heavily on family and friends to help raise him and support him. “…it takes a village to raise a child”, she said, “community makes a big difference”.

For many kids, striking a healthy balance between school, extra-curricular activities and chores is difficult enough. However, 14-year-old Deidra Shores, winner of the NBC Today Show’s Kid Reporter Contest, reporter for Action 5 News and owner of D’Vent Productions assures “it’s important to be a kid first”. When asked if her teachers and peers were aware of her career, she revealed that they do know about her business, however she tries to “keep the school Deidra Shores and the tv personality Deidra Shores separate” to ensure she maintains a sense of normalcy while at school.

Deidra Shores on the set of NBC reacting to the news that she won the Today Show’s Kid Reporter Contest

Deidra Shores hard at work editing a news story

BREAKING NEWS: Congratulations to Deidra for recently winning the National Teen Reporter Contest for BET!

Madison Brown, 10-year-old owner of local jewelry company “Ma-Di 7 Arts”, has been making and selling jewelry for the past year. Madison’s secret to time management has been prioritizing her time to specifically work on her jewelry. Madison was originally inspired to create her jewelry company by her mother, owner of Urban Chocolate Boutique, to earn money and learn good stewarding skills early on. In addition to the inspiration from her mother there is a great deal of support from Madison’s entire family especially her grandmother. Madison stated that without the help of her grandmother, the business would not exist.

Madison Brown creating jewelry for her line of accessories known as Ma-Di 7 Arts

Madison Brown showing off her creative talent as a 10 year old jewelry designer

Isabella and Olivia Gerasole, 16 and 14, started cooking with their dad as toddlers and have been cooking up a storm since, winning the James Beard Award in 2006. They launched their cooking website (Spatulatta.com) in April of 2005 and published their first cookbook entitled “The Spatulatta Cookbook” in September 2007, featuring over 50 yummy, family-friendly recipes. Their appearances on The Today Show, The Tonight Show, The View, Rachael Ray and numerous others has kept them busy. Liv, currently an 8th grader in Evanston, enjoys math, science, piano and skating. Her sister Belle loves theater and has been in 12 productions at her high school in Evanston. It doesn’t stop there! These girls continue to share their cooking knowledge with other kids by teaching classes and making special appearances throughout Chicagoland area. This dynamic duo are currently exploring publishing an electronic version of The Spatulatta Cookbook, so more kids can join the fun!

Sisters Olivia and Isabella Gerasole started cooking when they were toddlers

The Gerasole Sisters published their first cookbook in September 2007

Undoubtedly, one of the biggest lessons to be learned as a Kidpreneur is that of money management. As a society, our piggy banks have slimmed down to the size of plastic bank cards and teaching children that each penny has a value is no easy feat. Moziah’s mom, Tramica Morris explains the importance of parents showing their children what it takes to buy life necessities, “I had a frank conversation with Moziah about the responsibilities I have as a single mom and told him that money does not grow on trees” she said. “I work hard to provide for him and I want him to understand that”. Deidra Shores learned at a young age what it takes to be an adult; starting a banking account and going to the dreaded DMV to obtain proper identification to open and establish accounts for herself and her business. She has attended several money management courses to learn how to be responsible with her money. Her mom, Vanessa Conners, stated that “parents should make sure their kids have limited access to bank accounts” to establish healthy boundaries.

Devin Miles, owner of Devin’s Gourmet Lemonade, has plans to partner with local schools, farmer’s markets and health food stores

Fifty percent of the profits Devin earns from selling his lemonade go to his famine relief organization - Horn of Africa

According to Derrick Miles, father of 10 year-old Devin Miles, owner of “Devin’s Gourmet Lemonade”, financial empowerment begins with giving. Fifty percent of the profits Devin earns from selling his lemonade go to the Horn of Africa, an organization he created to help with famine relief in Somalia and Kenya. The other half is divided between a savings account and his checking account. Devin has big plans for his business, including partnerships with local schools, farmer’s markets and health food stores to sell. He eventually wants the business to be successful to pass on to his kids – a lesson he has learned from his father who is also a successful entrepreneur. “I think the beautiful thing about it is he got these ideas [to give to charity] because he was listening to what we were doing in our business, Milestone Motivation”, explained Derrick. “It’s great to see that seed being passed from generation to generation.”

Family is of the utmost importance to the Gerasoles. The entire family takes part in cooking, producing television and web-based shows for children and adults that teach health, nutrition and kitchen safety. Heidi Umbhau, mother of the Gerasole sisters, always empowers her daughters to carry on the family legacy. She encourages her daughters, “you can do anything if you want it badly enough” and they have definitely taken their mom’s advice to heart. They are off to a great start with their amazing cookbook and frequent television appearances. Heidi knows the sky is the limit for her girls and believes that they will always be confident in their goals. She reminds them daily not to “ever be afraid to try new things and keep the door open for opportunity to enter.”

When asked to give advice to aspiring Kidpreneurs, Madison stated that it is important for kids to maintain their confidence and start a business they really believe in and have a passion for. Moziah encourages work hard, consistency, confidence and to always “think outside the box”. Deidra Shores added that remaining true to yourself is important. “Don’t be afraid to be yourself and to take suggestions from others”. Devin suggested not to fear humble beginnings. “Start out small by getting family members to help”. He also added, “give money to others who are less fortunate”. For aspiring chefs and future business owners Belle and Liv encourages them not to be afraid to make mistakes. “It’s like a recipe…if you make a mistake, sure, sometimes it may not come out right. But it might lead to a brand new taste sensation!”

SUPPORT THESE KIDPRENEURS:

Moziah Bridges: http://www.facebook.com/mosbowsmemphis

Deidra Shores: http://www.facebook.com/DeidraShores

Madison Brown: http://ww.urchocolateboutique.com

Olivia and Isabella Gerasole: http://www.spatulatta.com

If you know a Kidpreneur who deserves to be highlighted, email their name, business name and a high quality photo to divinemagazine@gmail.com.

______________________________________________________________________________________

KIDPRENEUR FEATURE – NEW!

Zack Hix, a 16-year-old entrepreneur, has already made a name for himself. As a matter of fact, that name serves as the banner for his custom design company which features t-shirts, greeting cards and more. Each design is kid-friendly, fun and original. Good Boy Roy even has a line of faith-based shirts and greeting cards which read, “God Rocks, I’m Just Sayin’!”.  Check out all of Zack’s designs and products at http://www.goodboyroy.com and find out how he can custom design t-shirts for your next cause, fundraiser or special event.

________________________________________________________________________________________________

If you know a Kidpreneur who deserves to be highlighted, email their name, business name and a high quality photo to divinemagazine@gmail.com.

One of the guiding principles that I teach as I travel around the world pertains to self-value. Everyone should possess a clear understanding of the potential that resides within. So many people go through life unaware of this reality; consequently they allow others to diminish and taint what God intended for their lives. Make no mistake about it, how you see yourself is how others will see you. Self-reliance and loving yourself should not be confused with arrogant, isolated independence. We all need healthy friendships and relationships. These associations help to challenge, encourage and inspire us to be all that we can be.

I once said to a group of single folks, “people need to qualify for you”. If people have to qualify for a house and a car, why don’t they have to qualify for you? The value of an item often determines the criteria necessary to obtain it. The stringent application process weeds out persons who have not demonstrated evidence of proper stewardship in the past. It is impossible to love yourself and play yourself at the same time. The Bible says “love your neighbor as yourself”. The key word is “as”. How you love you is the paradigm by which you love others. I want to offer three principles that I believe will unleash the greatness inside of you. I am confident that these principles will help you love yourself as you should and develop the confidence to accomplish anything you put your hand to.

The First principle is “Being Complete”. This is a foundational principle that must be applied to your life. Oftentimes, people go through life looking for someone to complete them. When you do this, there is an assumption that you are not whole. It is so important that you never become co-dependent upon others to define and affirm you. Your destiny is not in the hands of man, it is in the hands of God. Whether you like it or not, God made you the way He wanted to so be confident. You are unique. You are one of a kind. You don’t have to augment God’s finest creation to please people. You need to have people in your life who love you for what’s on the inside.

When you are complete you don’t sit and wait on someone to take care of you. You have a mind, gifts and talents. It’s important that you pursue a house with your name on it, get a car with your name on it, and you should come to table with your own stuff. I offer this metaphor to single people: When I met my late wife, we were students. We went from the lobby of a hotel all the way to the Penthouse. When the Lord called her home, I said when I married again I would not go back to lobby. My next mate had to at least be at the club level. You need a key for that floor. I think you get the point.

The second principle is “Refusing to Live in the Past”. Many people cannot move forward with their lives, because they are tormented by yesterday. There comes a time when you have to move beyond the hurts and pains of your past. Get counseling and ask God to move you beyond what happened. Your future is awaiting, but you will never arrive there carrying the luggage of yesterday. The Apostle Paul said, “forgetting those things which are behind and reaching for those which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14. I tell people all the time that there is a reason your windshield is larger than your rear view mirror. One is for glances and one is for gazing. You should only glance at the rear but gaze toward the future.

I encourage you to claim the victory over your life. Cry your last tear and move on. What’s ahead of you is far greater than what is behind you. Remember that your set-backs were nothing more than set-ups for your come back. Everything that happened to you was designed to make you stronger, wiser, and better.

The final principle that I want to share with you is one that changed my life. I have deemed it “Pursuing Purpose”. If there is any evidence that you love yourself and have moved toward in self-reliance, it is purpose. Each of us was born with a purpose. It is the fulfillment of that purpose that must consume our lives. This is why it is essential to have the right people in your life. You need positive and progressive people who can motivate you toward excellence. You don’t need people who are negative and gossipers. You need people who are going somewhere and who are not intimidated by what God is doing in your life.

When you pursue purpose, you commit yourself to a path toward destiny. Within you lies great vision. There are some things that you want to accomplish and there are other things God is showing you that are so big that you may have difficulty sharing it with those around you. You must remember this about vision. When God gives vision, He desires that vision to be under Divine supervision. I know you are self-reliant, but you cannot accomplish this without Him. Once it is under Divine supervision, He assures provision. You will never have a vision that you can afford. Vision is always bigger than your budget. It is always bigger than your bank account. Remember, if it’s His will, it’s His bill. Chase it. Go after it. Don’t allow the thing that God has shown you to be hindered by circumstances. You were born to do great things. If there ever was a time to believe you can do it, it is now. YES, YOU CAN!

In closing, remember that when you love you there are investments you are willing to make from within. When you recognize the value God has placed within you, you are not validated by others. The world awaits you. Go complete God’s will for your life. Go looking forward. Go pursuing purpose. God promises if you go, He will go with you. Who wouldn’t love that?

Dr. Joseph W. Walker III is a popular preacher, with the highest educational degrees from Southern University, Vanderbilt University and Princeton, who at the age of 24 began his pastorate at Mount Zion with only 175 members. Currently his ministry has grown to over 25,000 members with eight weekly services in three church locations in Nashville, Tennessee. Additionally, in 2010, Dr. Walker accepted the honor and position of “National Spokesman” for the Association of Marriage and Family Ministries. www.josephwalker3.org

We are halfway through the new year and some people have already given up on their new year’s resolutions to become fit and healthy. Some simply lack the discipline needed to continue their exercise regimen; however, others may not know where to start. Don’t become intimidated. A personal trainer will be there to support you and educate you while on the road ahead to becoming a healthier you. Hiring a personal trainer may seem overwhelming, but I can assure you that it will be a good decision. Here are 7 reasons why a personal trainer can be instrumental in helping you to reach your health & fitness goals.

One: Personal Trainers (PT’s) help set realistic goals
Without clear goals, you may not produce the results you want. PT’s allow you to set goals and provide you with the most effective way to reach them.

Two: Personal Trainers provide education about nutrition
Do you really know what foods are good for you? PT’s often introduce food plans that aid in weight loss.

Three: Personal Trainers are great motivators
Motivation is something that you must possess in order to be successful. PT’s will give you the motivation you need while on your fitness journey.

Four: Personal Trainers will help you increase your knowledge of exercise.
Most people don’t know what kinds of exercises will benefit them the most. PT’s are there to instruct and provide an exercise program that helps you understand how your body can be physically sculpted. PT’s will also assess your results and modify your program if needed.

Five: Personal Trainers will hold you accountable
It is common knowledge, that old habits are heard to break. PT’s will hold you accountable to prevent setbacks. However, in the event that you do have a setback, your PT is there to get you right back on track.

Six: Personal Trainers can be life coaches
Once you reach your goal and even while you’re going through the process, you will not be the same mentally. PT’s help to instill the confidence and assurance that you can stay fit on your own and that you can conquer challenges outside of the gym.

Seven: Personal trainers are in great shape
You wouldn’t want an out of shape person trying to help you get in shape would you? PT’s set the example of looking good and feeling good.
Personal trainers are there to support you. If you are considering hiring one, make sure that they are certified and knowledgeable. In my opinion, it is an investment that will yield a great return. Having a personal trainer could make the difference between success and failure.
*Travis McGarr is a certified personal trainer and owner of Starfit Xtreme in Nashville, TN.