Optimal Living Magazine - Winter Issue 2018 - NOVA

Winter 2018 

Remaining 

Open to God’s 

Leading... 

Get Registered for 

our Virtual Walk, 

Burn & Earn Weight 

Loss Challenge! 

IN ALL THAT 

YOU DO, 

Get Wisdom... 

How I Met & Married 

My Man of God 

CHECKING IN WITH 

DANIELLE PETTIFORD: 

Modern Day Proverbs 

31 Woman

2 Subscribe to Optimal Living Magazine: www.optimal-livingmagazine.com

Our Staff 

Editor-in-Chief 

Tanisha Hopson 

Associate Editor 

Mark McDonald 

The Layout Design 

Mr. Asra 

Contributors 

Alana Stephens 

DeLonda Adams 

Mishell Ellis 

Janita Colbert 

Janice McMillian 

Jason Ottley 

Table of Contents 

04 Publisher’s Perspective 

05 Purpose Driven Living Tips 

07 What’s Your Secret Sauce for 

Prospering in Marriage? 

08 Checking in with Danielle 

Pettiford: Modern Day Proverbs 31 

Woman 

10 How I Met & Married My Man of 

God 

13 Optimal Business Connections 

19 True Confessions of a Saved Man 

21 Poetic Moments 

22 Spices of Life Recipes 

23 A Time of Intercession 

Subscribe to Optimal Living Magazine: www.optimal-livingmagazine.com 

3

The Publisher’s Perspective 

In All That You Do, Get Wisdom… 

Before we endeavor to do anything 

in our lives, we must first use 

wisdom. Proverbs 4:7 says, “Wisdom 

is the principal thing; therefore get 

wisdom: and with all thy getting get 

understanding”. For this reason, I 

believe that if we would renew our 

minds daily with the Word of God and 

focus on God’s principles, we can go 

further than we ever imagined! 

When you consider embarking on a 

new road in your life, you must take 

the time to count the costs, fully 

understand what you are walking 

into, and implement a plan to be 

successful in it. Life is filled with 

ups and downs. Therefore, it is good 

to anticipate change and plan to 

make the proper adjustment in your 

life. You must take the proper time 

to pray, believe, and receive God’s 

best for your life. However, in the 

interim, you must do the necessary 

homework and get yourself together 

to properly go where God is leading 

you. 

I believe all inspiration to do 

awesome things in our lives comes 

from God. Therefore, whether you 

are starting a new business, thinking 

of branching out into a new career, 

or planning to join your beloved in 

matrimony, you must use faith and 

wisdom to successfully arrive at the 

next best place God has for you! 

This month’s issue features Co- 

Founder of Couples Academy and 

Co- Author of the book, The Audacity 

of Marriage, Mrs. Danielle Pettiford. 

She will touch on the hard topic of 

how she manages her life as a wife, 

mom, entrepreneur and author. I 

pray that this issue will be insightful, 

engaging, and thought provoking for 

your next steps in life! 

Walk in His Peace! 

Follow Me on Twitter @Olmagazine 

Follow Me on Facebook @Optimal-Living-Magazine 

Follow Me on Instagram@OptimalLivingPublisher 


Purpose Driven Living Tips 

Remaining Open to God’s Leading: 

Follow Your Bread Crumbs 

By Janice McMillian 

Our lives are filled with decisions 

- should I buy this house, marry 

this person, accept this job, 

move to this location, etc. Every day 

there are decisions that must be made. 

But until you make a decision you 

cannot move forward. 

The question is, how sensitive are you 

to subtle signs that have the potential to 

direct your steps? Or, are you the type of 

person who needs solid proof in order to 

make a decision? 

The reality is - our lives are filled 

with connections - some visible, some 

invisible. We need only to be willing to 

follow the subtlety of clues whenever 

and wherever they present themselves. 

More importantly we need to be willing 

to open our heart and listen to the still 

small voice when it directs us to move. 

So, the first thing you need to do is: 


5

1 

2 

Now 

3 

Now 

4 

Once 

5 

Don’t 

Make a decision - define what you want to do? 

Do you want to get a new job, start a bowling 

league, go back to school or make a career 

change? Whatever it is, you must first define it. 

This clarifies your starting point. You cannot run in 

the race until you line up at the starter’s block. 

that you’ve made the decision - just be open 

and willing. Don’t discount anything that occurs. 

When an option is presented to you, look at it from 

all angles. Don’t be like most people who retreat to 

these two neutralizing words - “I can’t.” These words 

will silence your options. It’s important to filter your 

emotions and clear your heart and mind from all of 

the negative internal chatter so that you can see and 

hear the choices that are being presented to you. 

that you’ve made a decision, pray and/ 

or meditate. Do whatever you need to do to 

touch heaven. Dedicate your decision to 

God. There is a scripture in the Bible 

that says, “Commit your way to the 

Lord; trust in Him and expect 

Him to bring it to pass.” (Psalm 

37:5) It’s that simple. 

you’ve prayed - now walk 

it out with your eyes wide open 

to new discoveries. Don’t be afraid 

of what’s ahead. Don’t have preconceived 

ideas about how your 

choices or options will manifest. For 

instance, you want a new job - but 

when one opens up you second 

guess yourself because it doesn’t 

fit your profile. You then choose 

to stay where you are because 

you are comfortable. The new job 

could stretch you, open new doors or 

even give you an opportunity to use 

your knowledge in a way that you 

become a valuable source to your 

present environment. Commit to 

doing the next thing that pulls on 

your heart. Usually these are clues. 

over-think the subtle 

ways in which life uncovers itself 

to you. Life is simple - but we make 

it difficult. 

Janice McMillian, Certified Life Coach, 

Motivational Speaker, Author 

As a certified life coach trainer, Janice is 

equipped to guide and help clients reinvent 

themselves as they transition into new 

phases of life. Her motto is, “It’s not over.” 

Visit her at www.janicemcmillian.com and 

www.chayillife.com for more information 

on her coaching and life development 

offerings. 


WHAT’S YOUR SECRET 

SAUCE TO PROSPERING 

IN MARRIAGE? 

We admire this couple so much! 

They will be married for 9 years 

in January 2019. David Dunkers is an IT 

Manager and a seasoned travel agent 

and Chrystal Dunkers is an HR Manager. 

When asked, “What is the secret sauce 

to keeping your marriage together?” 

Chrystal said, 

1 We are friends, and share lots of 

laughs. 

2 “A man is and should feel 100% 

responsible for the safety and 

upbringing of his family. They are the 

leaders of the family and we should 

support them. The husband’s are like 

the quarterback of a team.” 

3 You must TRUST that he is capable 

and has the ability to LEAD the 

family.. 

SEASONED WIVES: What’s your secret 

sauce to keeping your marriage 

together? 

NEWLY ENGAGED COUPLES: Let’s 

get your wedding announced in 

Optimal Living Magazine for 2019. 

Share your special date and get a 

resort vacation stay for you and 

hubby. 


7

CHECKING IN WITH DANIELLE PETTIFORD: 

THE MODERN DAY PROVERBS 31 WOMAN 

By Danielle Pettiford, Co-founder of Couples Academy 

was a self-proclaimed wife-preneur, 

I at work behind the scenes making 

everything look good. Not only was 

I playing the role of wife, mom, and 

homemaker, I was also the brain 

behind the marketing and branding of 

‘Couples Academy’, the business that I 

co-founded with my husband, Hasani 

Pettiford. And, although things looked 

great online, in photos and on TV 

appearances, there were times when I 

was juggling so many projects that I was 

completely overwhelmed. 

Suddenly, I found myself 

disconnected, snapping at the kids, 

blowing off my husband’s romantic 

advances and neglecting basic home/ 

life responsibilities. In the midst of the 

excitement of our emerging business, 

all I could think about was the next 

thing that needed to get done in the 

office. 

I quickly realized that if I didn’t learn 

how to balance my life FAST, the success 

in our business could result in the 

destruction of our personal lives. That 

was not an expense I was willing to pay. 

After a late-night business meeting 

with my husband, it became crystal clear 

to us that we needed to reschedule our 

lives. Each day, was ruled by the current 

event, and we needed to be the rulers 

of our day. It wasn’t that we didn’t have 

a schedule before; it’s that things had 

changed in our lives, in our business, 

and with the activities, the children 

were involved in. Our old schedule was 

obsolete, and it was time to create a new 

one. 


Together, my husband and I mapped out 

our day, listed all of our obligations and 

what was important to accomplish each 

day and week. After we had a solid calendar 

that we could both agree to stick with, it 

went up on the bulletin board. With this 

new calendar, we essentially re-invented 

our lives on paper, and we decided to 

submit to it daily. 

Scheduling our lives turned out to be the 

single most life transformational decision we’ve 

ever made. We now know when our work day 

ends, we have date nights, family time, private 

time for prayer and meditation and an overall 

sense of fulfillment and satisfaction. 

HERE ARE THE STEPS WE TOOK 

TO GET BACK ON TRACK: 

• Recognize that there is a problem: 

You’d be surprised how many 

families function with total 

disorder because they have failed 

to acknowledge that there’s a 

problem. 

• Decide to organize your life: Once 

you realize that there’s a problem, 

commit to going through the 

process of change. 

• Create a schedule: Write out your 

daily activities. Start with nonnegotiable 

tasks, and then add 

other tasks in order of priority. 

An example would be: 

5am: Prayer & Meditation 

6am: Getting the kids off to school 

7am: Check and reply to personal 

emails | Work on personal projects 

| Exercise | Get ready for work. 

8am: Start Housework | Listen 

to an audiobook during your 

commute. 

• Submit to the schedule: Determine 

to do what you say you want to 

do and follow your calendar. If 

something changes in your life 

and you’re unable to obey the 

calendar, you must change the 

calendar. By sticking to your 

schedule, you’ll begin to notice a 

positive transformation in your life. 

Today, Couples Academy is thriving and not 

at the expense of our family life. As we grow 

and see the needs of married people, we are 

committed to showing them the hidden path 

we discovered that led to a balanced and 

fulfilled life. 

As a wife, I can’t tell you how many 

times I’ve been asked, “How do you do it?” 

I say, “You know... One day it just hit me 

that I can create the life I want to live, and 

it doesn’t mean that I have to abandon my 

duties as a wife or mom.” 

Everything that I do alongside my 

husband is focused on helping people see 

themselves through Christ, whether it’s 

how you treat your spouse, your kids, your 

neighbor or yourself. 

Although Couples Academy is a thriving 

force to be reckoned with impacting 

marriage globally, we quickly learned the 

same principles we were teaching married 

couples could be applied in the lives of 

anyone to improve all of our relationships, 

especially the one with God. 

As a Wife to an international speaker and 

now Pastor’s wife, I don’t know where God 

will lead us next. But, I do know that I intend 

to be at my prayer post, keeping watch and 

celebrating the impact of blessing on the 

lives of many. 

If you’d like to learn more about 

Danielle Pettiford or participate in one 

of her upcomong events, go to: www. 

couplesacademy.lpages.co/unbrokenwomens-retreat 


9

HOW I 

MET & 

MARRIED 

MY MAN 

OF GOD 

OLM: When you first met your husband - how 

old were you, and what was your emotional 

and spiritual state? 

TCL: I met my husband eight years ago in 

2010 when I was 42 years old and in my second 

year of seminary. We were both in other 

relationships. I knew he was a graphic designer 

and I asked him to design a special card for my 

boyfriend and he did. 


OLM: Did God speak to you about the 

things you needed to change or improve 

on (within yourself) before meeting him? 

Was there something he did that proved 

to be a game change to let you know that 

he was the one for you? 

TCL: In 2012, I was no longer in a 

relationship. During the process of 

getting over my past relationship, I found 

a list that I had started with God entitled, 

“100 traits that God & I desire in a Man 

for Me (Write the Vision)”. In the process 

of making this list, I stopped at 40. God 

revealed that 40% was what I asked for in 

a man and that is what I got. I eventually 

completed the list to make it 100 and I 

put it away again. God also told me that 

I needed to clean up some things in my 

own life before He would give me His 

100% of a man. 

TCL: In 2013, I was diagnosed with 

breast cancer for the second time in my 

life. Derek asked my Mom if he could take 

me to Chemo and she said yes. Derek 

was a true friend who took me to every 

Chemo appointment for 3 months. Derek 

held my hand, helped me when I was too 

weak to walk, prayed for me, read the 

bible with me and told me I was beautiful 

with no hair. He treated me like I was a 

queen and he made laugh constantly. I 

had never felt like this before. During 

my recovery, Derek asked me out on our 

first date. He shared with me his love of 

Photography in Cary Town. We walked, 

talked and took pictures. It was an 

amazing evening. On our second date, 

we went to the museum which I love. 

The third date he fixed me lunch at his 

home. And, he has been asking me out 

ever since that first date. He still takes 

me on amazing dates. I was in LOVE and 

each day I fell deeper and deeper in love 

with him. 

OLM: How did you know he was the 

one God made for you? How did he 

propose? 

TCL: The list that I created with the 100 

traits that I made with God, Derek had 

them ALL. I knew he was my 100% God 

man. Derek proposed to me at Christmas 

during gift opening time with my family. 

OLM: When did you marry him? How 

long have you been married? 

TCL: Derek and I married on April 

30, 2016. Our wedding theme was 

“Celebrating our Love through Music, 

Dance & Art”. 

OLM:. What do you feel are the key 

things that keep your commitment & love 

strong throughout the years? 

• Date Night is very important. This 

allows us to have intimate time out 

with one another. 

• Vacations with the family and with 

one another. 

• Communication about everything. 

• Space to be individuals. 

• Laughter everyday. 

• Honesty. 

• We Kiss several times per day. 

• Tell each other daily “I Love You”. 

• Fun, Fun, and fun – Enjoy each other. 

• Prayer 

OLM: Is there any word of advice that 

you would give to a woman waiting to 

meet and man after God’s own heart? 

Don’t desire an earthly man without desiring God first. Talk with God about what 

He wants for you and what you desire. Write the Vision. 100 traits that God and 

you want in a man. Don’t leave the vision half written because God will give us the 

desires of our heart. If you want a strong man talk it over with God. If you desire 

a tall man, discuss it with God and don’t stop until you have built the man that God 

and you desire. 


11


OPTIMAL BUSINESS CONNECTIONS 

HER1HIM 

TYECH, LLC 

VINE GROVE, KY 

I 

am SFC Tamicka Coffee-Hogan and 

one of my missions in life is to fill 

the need of every woman. I have 

been through the struggle of having 

relaxed hair and trying to keep my hair 

healthy. About ten years ago, I decided 

to start fresh. After all my trial and error 

with other products; I made the decision 

to make my own products. 

I have been doing hair since the 

age of 12, so I’ve pretty much seen it 

all. Everyone has some of the same 

concerns; we all want healthy, beautiful 

hair without the harsh chemicals. Taking 

these women into consideration, TYECH, 

LLC was formed. I used all natural and 

organic oils to bring our hair to its 

natural healthy state. These products 

strengthen hair while adding softness. 

My hair products also rejuvenate 

your crown to the pristine condition 

it deserves. I didn’t stop there, I also 

created skin care products. I’ve had 

eczema all my life, so I understand 

having dry skin and sporadic break-outs. 

Searching to find the right products to 

help combat and soothe inflamed skin 

sent me in circles. No longer did I want 

to run out to the store to find products 

that didn’t fulfill my needs. Therefore, I 

made my own body butter that soothes 

dry, irritated skin and moisturizes all day 

long. My products are safe for both body 

and face. 

What keep me going through the 

tough times is my family. Those days 

when I think no one understands my 

drive, they continue to push me and let 

me know how much they admire it. 

My favorite bible verse is: 1 Corinthians 

16:13 

Be on your guard; stand firm in the 

faith; be courageous; be strong. 

For more information about my 

products, I can be reached by email at 

weareher1urhim@gmail.com. 

Facebook: www.facebook.com/her1him 

Instagram: www.instagram.com/ 

her1him 


13

OPTIMAL BUSINESS 

CONNECTIONS 

Mrs. Mary Craft 

www.legalshield.com 

It is unfortunate that many people believe only the 

wealthy need a will. Everyone should prepare a will, 

regardless of their income level. We can recount news 

stories of wealthy people who also fail to make a will. The 

truth of the matter is that no one wants to confront their 

inevitable demise, understandably. However, we must 

make a choice to either continue to procrastinate or to give 

priority to our loved ones who should not have to manage 

our affairs at a time of overwhelming grief. Let’s spare 

them the burden of our responsibility. 

A will is the first step in estate planning; it makes clear 

how you want your property to be distributed after you die. 

Writing a will can be as simple as typing out how you want 

your assets to be transferred to loved ones or charitable 

organizations after your death. If you don’t have a will 

when you die, your estate will be handled in probate, and 

your property could be distributed differently than what 

you would like. 

A quick and easy way to get your will prepared is through 

membership in a legal plan. A last will and testament and 

healthcare directive is included in a LegalShield legal plan 

membership. And the process is efficient as preparation 

can be processed via smartphone or internet. LegalShield 

membership includes other legal services such as Advice 

and Consultation, Family Matters, Motor Vehicle Services, 

Trial Defense Services (Representation), IRS Audit Legal 

Services, and additional benefits. 

For more information, visit MaryCraft. 

LegalShieldAssociate.com for details of these legal 

plan services and to join LegalShield. Membership will 

empower you to preserve and protect your assets! 


Optimal 

Wellness Corner 

Ms. Serena Wills, 

author of Reconstruction, Pieces of Life 

& Ovarian Cancer advocate 

On my healing journey with Lyme Disease, I have learned a lot of great 

and affordable ways to detox the body by getting toxins flushed out, 

adding in anti-inflammatory agents, cooking with different oils, and 

eating healthier. Some remedies are right in our kitchens or can be 

found easily in a grocery store for under $10.00. Here are a few things 

that I use. 


15

Lemons: 

Lemons help your digestive system and serve as a great way to flush/cleanse 

the liver. The great health benefits of lemons are that they are anti-bacterial, 

anti-viral, packed with vitamin C, calcium, magnesium and a solid immune 

booster! One lemon can cost a mere .58 cents! You can use them in water, tea, 

salad dressing, squeeze some on your food such as chicken and some even 

put some of the lemon juice in bath water. 

Lemons also help alkalize your body (proper pH level). Other benefits to 

lemons, it helps with acne, lemon balm helps with anxiety, keeps tissues 

supple, reduces inflammation which helps fight off diseases and strengthens 

bone. Lemon water also gets rid of canker sores and it’s a natural mouthwash. 


Coconut Oil: 

There are over 100 ways you can 

use coconut oil but I won’t list them 

all. A lot of people know this oil 

for hair conditioning, as it helps 

replenish damaged scalp, hair and 

roots. It’s great for skin care (really 

helps with dry skin and eczema), 

stress relief, cholesterol level 

maintenance, weight loss, boosted 

immune system, proper digestion, 

assists with glucose levels and 

regulated metabolism. Coconut 

oil has a different kind of acid in it 

called lauric. Your body converts 

lauric acid into monolaurin, which 

is helpful in dealing with viruses and 

bacteria that cause diseases such as 

herpes, influenza, cytomegalovirus, 

and even HIV. It also has capric 

acid and caprylic acid which have 

antifungal, anti-microbial anti-viral 

properties. It’s a great fatty acid as 

well and packed with Vitamin E, K 

and iron. Also fatty acids help with 

brain function and stimulation. I 

would suggest buying organic virgin 

coconut oil. They sell jars for $6.99 

in Trader Joes and stores of that 

nature. Add it to smoothies, cook 

with it, or take a spoon full and eat 

it. If you want to really get rid of 

bacteria from your mouth and other 

areas of your body take a spoon 

full (melted), put it in your mouth 

and swish it around. The goal is to 

do that for 20 minutes, but start 

off slow. Some people can only get 

to 5 minutes because it begins to 

taste sour (that is all the gunk and 

bacteria). Then spit it out in the sink 

and rinse your mouth with water. 

Lastly, Coconut Oil is a great way 

to combat yeast (such as Candida). 

I was once put on an antibiotic 

called Diflucan for Candida. It did 

nothing for me, so I stopped taking 

it. I then switched to adding garlic 

pills into my daily regimen and 

added in coconut oil to smoothies or 

would just eat 3-4 teaspoons a day. 

Within a week, I started to notice a 

difference (my hands were severely 

broken out) and within a month they 

were practically cleared up. 


17

Turmeric/ 

Curcumin: 

Tumeric has been used in places like 

India for centuries. Curcumin is the 

main active ingredient in turmeric. 

It has powerful anti-inflammatory 

effects and is a very strong antioxidant. 

You can use it on your food, salads or 

digest it by buying turmeric tablets, 

buying the extract or just mixing some 

of the powder in water and drinking it. 

Turmeric is a potent antioxidant that 

can neutralize free radicals by blocking 

them and then increasing your body’s 

antioxidant enzymes to fight them off. It 

also helps with brain function as well. 

One of my main symptoms that I 

struggled with was shortness of breath. 

By adding turmeric to my diet by 

taking pills and/or using the powder 

with water, I relieved the symptom and 

after a while I didn’t have this horrid 

symptom every day. It helped clear my 

airways and of course knocked the free 

radicals out the box! 

If you’re unsure of a detoxifying 

agent, then always consult your doctor, 

a nutritionist, or any practitioner 

that you trust that knows about 

detoxification before you start or use 

anything mentioned. As mentioned 

above, use some of these items with 

caution. Slow and steady wins the race. 

You don’t want to detox your body too 

fast because it could make you feel ill. 

Stay tuned for more affordable and easy 

ways to detox through foods, herbs.. 

Stay healthy and be well. 

We invite you to join our Virtual Walk, Burn & Earn Weight Loss Challenge! This is your 

opportunity to stretch your legs, increase your memory, boost your immune system, 

lose 10 - 20 lbs in 30 days, plus much more! Start walking with us today and earn 

money for every step you take. Register for $15 + shipping by writing: detoxmylife@ 

optimal-livingmagazine.com 

Stay Fit, Fabulous & Full of Faith All Year Round! 


True Confessions 

of a Saved Man 

Love Lessons from the Queen of Sheba 

By Dr. Jason Ottley, Ph.D. 

Kings 10:4-7 says, “When the Queen 

of Sheba saw all the wisdom of 

Solomon and the palace he had 

built, 5 the food on his table, the seating 

of his officials, the attending servants 

in their robes, his cupbearers, and the 

burnt offerings he made at the temple 

of the Lord, she was overwhelmed.6 

She said to the king, “The report I 

heard in my own country about your 

achievements and your wisdom is true. 

7 But I did not believe these things until I 

came and saw with my own eyes.” 

It is fairly easy to be captivated by the 

glitz and the glamour of today’s society. 

Diamonds shine brighter, houses are 

constructed larger, shopping malls are 

several stories high, and opportunities 

to make money are more readily 

available for women now versus 30 

years ago. However, in the race to 

keep up with the rest of the world, 

it is so easy to get distracted 

by the luxuries of life. The 

luxuries of life do not guarantee 

happiness, but it can make life 

more manageable. Paying the 

monthly mortgage and car note 

without reservation lends 

itself to provide a lifestyle that is less 

chaotic. 

Traditionally, the customary 

expenditures of our day-to-day lifestyles 

have fallen on the shoulders of the men 

in the home. In modern day, women 

have met the challenges of men at 

the workplace and have superseded 

all odds. Now, our society’s economy, 

as quiet as it’s kept, is dependent on 

the hard work, ingenuity, professional 

prowess, and best practices of women. 


19

In the biblical text mentioned 

above, the Queen of Sheba served 

as the modern day women in an era 

where it was unheard of for women to 

accumulate great wealth and social 

status. She had her own kingdom, her 

own servants, and the fortitude of her 

voice rang throughout the land. It is 

interesting how the only person the 

bible records as raising her interest 

was a King. Now, this was not just any 

ordinary “King”. This was a King whose 

accumulation of wealth was greater 

than other kings combined. The Queen 

of Sheba was in disbelief, so she set out 

to find out for herself. 

Here is my point: Often times, women 

can become so enamored with what 

men say without taking time to find out 

the truth for themselves. He might drive 

a nice car, but how do you know another 

woman is not paying the car note? Too 

many women are falling prey to what 

men say, rather than paying attention to 

how he lives. By the time most women 

find out about the lives of men they fall 

in love with, their emotional capacity 

has already been filled and it’s next 

too impossible for that woman to pull 

away. At this point, many women tend 

to attempt to make their man better. 

While allowing excuse after excuse to 

build monuments of nothingness; you 

remain hopeful in a desolate situation. 

As many of you make sighs of relief and 

frustration for others, the signs were all 

there in the beginning, but you failed to 

challenge him at his words by patiently 

waiting for his actions. 

Challenge: 

As you are being prepared for the 

relationship you’ve so earnestly been 

praying for, don’t allow your excitement 

of someone new to cause you to move 

too fast and too soon. Embody the 

intelligence and forthrightness of the 

Queen of Sheba by ‘checking’ everything 

out. Watch the patterns. Is there 

consistency? Does his “yes” mean yes, 

and his “no” mean no? Don’t allow the 

glitz and the glamour of what you hoped 

your life would be like to distract you 

from getting to know the man behind 

the glitz and glamour. Spend some 

alone time with God and ask Him to 

show you anything that is not right. 

Once He does, it is up to you to listen. 


POETIC MOMENTS 

THE COURAGE TO LOVE AGAIN... 

By: Alana B. 

Hurt, bruised, damaged broken.... 

wanting to give up but still hoping. 

Hoping that someone comes to take away the pain, 

praying that it is within me .. to love again... 

I built up a wall around my heart, one that’s tall and strong, 

each brick represented a love over, a love gone wrong. 

The bricks are packed tight, one close to another so no one can get in... 

but even in my protected heart.. I’d like to love again... 

I don’t want to be alone, to love is to really live, 

I want to be like Jesus.. willing to forgive. 

Don’t want to carry baggage, no hatred for women, no bitterness about men, 

I simply want to heal from past hurts.. I want to love again... 

I’m praying everyday - praying for strength that comes from within... 

I am moving forward walking in forgiveness.. yes I will love again!!!! 

Mother, daughter, friend, and, as she describes herself, “inspirational instrument”. Since 

2000, this woman of God has self-published two books, Inspire Me Volumes 1 and 2, 

which were both treasures to her readers. She also took her poetry to another level 

by enlisting a group of friends and reciting her poetry over sounds of nature. The CD 

is available through her producer, Romero Wyatt. You can order your CD by emailing 

drumtalk39@aol.com. Alana is currently working on a third collection of poetry to share 

with her reader 


21

SPICES OF LIFE RECIPES: 

Candace Thornley’s Sweet Potatoes 

with Pecans & Marshmallow 

• Prep Time: 10 minutes 

• Cook Time: 65 minutes 

• Total Time: 75 minutes 

Ingredients: 

• 12 large sweet potatoes 

• ¾ cup (11/2 sticks) unsalted 

butter 

• ¾ cup light brown sugar 

• ¾ cup all-purpose flour 

• ¼ teaspoon ground 

cinnamon 

• ¼ teaspoon salt 

• 1 cup toasted pecan pieces 

• 1 cup miniature 

marshmallows 

Preparation: 

1 Preheat the oven to 400 degrees 

F. 

2 Wash the sweet potatoes, 

scrubbing them well to remove 

any dirt. With a fork, prick the 

sweet potatoes in a couple of 

spots and place them on a sheet 

pan. Bake for about 45 minutes, 

or until a knife inserted in the 

center goes in easily. 

3. In a large bowl, mix the butter, 

brown sugar, and flour together 

until it’s crumbly-looking. Add 

the cinnamon, salt, pecans, and 

marshmallows; fold the streusel 

topping together to combine. 

4. Slice the sweet potatoes 

lengthwise down the center 

and push the ends towards the 

middle so it opens up. Stuff the 

sweet potatoes generously with 

the streusel topping and return 

to the oven. Bake for another 20 

minutes, or until the topping is 

bubbly and brown. 


A Time of 

Intercession 

Father God in the name Jesus, we 

come to you thanking you for this 

day. We lift Your name on high and 

come humbly before Your throne of 

grace with thanksgiving in our hearts. 

We ask that you bless, protect, and pour 

Your favor upon our families, children, 

spouses, and friends. 

Father, we pray for divine intervention 

in all areas of our lives. Where there 

is sickness, we pray for wellness; 

where there is brokenness, we pray for 

wholeness; where there is grief, we pray 

for Your comfort; where there is loss, we 

pray for restoration. We pray that Your 

loving kindness will be felt throughout 

this land. We pray that lost souls would 

be restored to You from the east, west, 

north, and south. 

Father, we trust You with everything 

concerning us and thank You that as 

we speak Your Word, it will not return 

void. We thank You that wherever we 

go and whatever we do, Your favor goes 

with us. The effectual fervent prayer of a 

righteous person avails much. Therefore, 

we believe we receive what we pray for 

right now. In Jesus’ name, Amen! 


23

Optimal Living Magazine - Winter Issue 2018 - NOVA

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