Optimal Living Magazine Summer 2019 Issue

Summer 2019 

HOW I MET & 

MARRIED 

MY MAN OF 

GOD 

Just Drop 

the Weight 

Series 

Becoming One 

in Marriage 

A CRASH 

COURSE IN 

BUSINESS 

ETIQUETTE 

Eboney & 

Travis 

Crump!! 

WEDDING 

HAIR WITH 

FLAIR 

GUESS WHO’S 

GETTING MARRIED? 

much 

more

Be patient and wait for God’s timing, no matter how long 

it takes. I’ve learned that it is better to be miserable and 

single, than to be miserable along with the wrong person. 

—Spoken Word Artist/Speaker @ ViviqueSpeaks 

2 

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

Our Staff 

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief 

Tanisha Hopson 

Associate Editor 

Mark McDonald 

The Layout Design 

Mr. Asra 

Contributing Writers 

Rose Belk 

Lisa Dubois 

Mishell Ellis 

Chanel-Alexandria Washington 

Elizabeth A. Johnson 

Janice McMillian 

Candace Thornley 

Table of Contents 

04 Publisher’s Perspective 

05 Optimal Living Magazine salutes our Five 

Star Sponsor 

06 Getting Out of Your Comfort Zone 

08 Guess Who’s Getting Married? 

10 How I Met & Married My Man Of God 

12 Wedding Hair With Flair 

14 The Wifey 101 Series:The Power Of 

Becoming One In Marriage 

16 Career Leadership Insight 

18 Beauty Essentials Found in Your Kitchen 

Cabinets ... 

20 Optimal Living Confession of Faith 

22 Spices of Life Recipes 

Copyright © 2019 by Optimal Living Magazine

Just Drop the 

Weight Series 

Whether you are becoming a new wife, 

transitioning into a new employment 

opportunity, going through financial 

hardship, or coming to terms with a 

family crisis; stress has a way of stopping 

you in your tracks and blocking the flow 

of God’s intentional blessing for your life. 

Every time you “allow” someone to 

frustrate you, take advantage of you, 

disappoint you, speak doubt, unbelief 

and death over you - your soul takes a 

beating and opens the door for dis-ease. 

Dis-ease is a silent killer. It manifests 

itself slowly through The shortness 

of breath, headaches, forgetfulness, 

slurred speech, mild strokes, stiffness in 

your muscles/joints, aches and pains in 

different parts of your body. 

I use the word “allow” as a reminder 

to you of the part you play in stressful 

situations and the full control you have 

in everything concerning you. You allow 

stress from others to come in and you 

have the ultimate power to make it stop. 

When you “decide” to allow situations to 

take care of themselves and drop all the 

weight of the world at the Father’s feet - 

health, wholeness, wellness, creativity, 

innovation and joy will be yours. Psalms 

107: 19-20 says, “Then they cried out to 

the LORD in their trouble, And He saved 

them out of their distresses. He sent His 

word and healed them, And delivered 

them from their destruction.” 

Seasons come and go for a reason. 

Many times what determines the end 

of a season is you. Don’t allow people 

and their foolishness to keep you from 

fulfilling God’s divine purpose for your 

life. Learn what you need to learn from 

situations and move on. 

As you make the transition into Summer, 

I challenge you to choose life, choose to 

win, choose to detox your life & just drop 

the weight. Plug into our next weight loss 

challenge by writing us @detoxmylife@ 

optimal-livingmagazine.com. 

I hope you will be inspired & blessed by 

this issue of Optimal Living. 

Be a Blessing & Be Well. 

Tanisha Hopson 

Walk in His Peace! 

Follow Me on @Olmagazine 

Follow Me on detoxmylifeweightlosschallenge 

Follow Me on optimallivingpublisher 

4 


Optimal Living Magazine 

salutes our Five Star Sponsor 

Dr. Laketa Burgess of Fredericksburg, Virginia! 

LaKeta Burgess, PhD 

Realtor 

City Realty 

4343 Plank Rd., Suite 200 

Fredericksburg, VA 22407 

Phone: 703-598-5133 

www.realestatebylaketa.com 

If you are buying 

or selling your 

home in Maryland 

or Virginia, 

tell her 

we sent you! 

I’m never too busy for referrals! 

#RealEstateByLaKeta #Realtor #LetsGoFindYourDreamHome #LicencedInMDandVA 

#IDoReferralsToo #CityRealty #SellingMyCity

Getting Out of Your 

Comfort Zone 

A Practical Solution to Discover 

Your Next Move 


After the day is done and you finally lay 

down to rest, what do you focus on? Do 

you constantly rehearse the mistakes of 

your day? Do you regret the “I should have”, 

“I could have” moments? Are you tired of 

watching the same movie of your life, over 

and over, every night? Are you ready to 

change the channel completely? 

If your answer is yes to either of the last 

two questions, be encouraged. You have 

the power to create the life that you desire. 

The first step is getting out of your comfort 

zone. Sound familiar, right? But what are 

some practical ways that we can step of our 

comfort zone or eliminate it completely? 

Let’s start with baby steps. For example, 

start each day with the goal of trying 

something new. On your way to work, try 

a new route, order something different for 

lunch, or spend 10 minutes today getting to 

know someone better. Make a journal of all 

of your new experiences in detail, then read 

it. Small changes to your daily routine can 

greatly impact your week and openness to 

try new things. In other words, start small. 

Soon stepping out of your comfort zone will 

become a normal part of your daily routine. 

Imagine this, your comfort zone is a 

wall blocking your view from something 

amazing on the other side. 

Imagine this, your comfort zone is a wall blocking 

your view from something amazing on the other side. 

6 


We always want the best seats in the house 

when we go to entertainment events. We 

never intentionally choose a seat with 

an obstructed view. Choosing to live a 

life that is limited by our comfort zones 

is doing exactly that. Do you feel stuck in 

life or that you access to new possibilities 

is obstructed? Today you can choose to 

remove the barrier of your comfort zone. 

Explore a different view. Once your comfort 

zone isn’t a limiting factor, be amazed at 

how beautiful life really is and what you can 

accomplish. 

As you are trying new things, try not to be 

discouraged if others don’t understand 

your new motivation to be adventurous. 

A personal mentor of mine constantly 

reminds me that if I want others don’t have, 

I have to be willing to do what others won’t 

do. I hope that you have been inspired by 

this article and have desire to explore life in 

new ways. Please join us next session as we 

progress to effective goal setting. 

With Love, 


Subscribe to Optimal Living Magazine: www.optimal-livingmagazine.com 7

Eboney & Travis Crump 

Gainesville, Virginia 

Guess 

Who’s 

Getting 

Married? 

ARE YOU GETTING 

MARRIED SOON? 

Get your wedding announcement 

published in Optimal Living 

Magazine and choose a 

vacation stay to Las Vegas, NV, 

Orlando, FL, Williamsburg, 

Va or Bali for yourself & your 

hubby. Write editors@optimallivingmagazine.com 

for more 

details. 

8 


What do two smart aleck FaceBook 

posts get you? Our love story! We 

met through a FaceBook Group, 

called Real Black Love! The funny part is 

we didn’t even meet on the dating segment 

of the group! We both want to thank 

the young female stranger that posted a 

innocent question asking “Where are all the 

good men?” 

Travis responded “ATL” . . . to which I 

sarcastically said “Where?” After meeting 

several ATL fellas, I was not convinced that 

Atlanta had much to offer. Thankfully, Travis 

changed my mind. That FaceBook post 

lead to Travis contacting me. Travis sent 

a sweet can I get to know you message and 

I was instantly drawn to those light eyes 

and pretty teeth. In fact when we first met, 

I used to send my girlfriends daily pictures 

of his beautiful teeth, and they got sick of 

me quickly. Needless to say, we have been 

inseparable ever since. 

PATIENCE, LOVE & COMMUNICATION. Just 

like every other couple, we continue to learn 

each other daily. So, our stance has always 

been to communicate, no matter what the 

situation is. We also had to come to terms 

with the idea that neither of us are perfect. 

We realized over time that we must be patient 

with one another, as we grow together. 

FAVORITE THINGS TO DO TOGETHER. 

Shop and travel! 

CAREER PATHS. Eboney is a government 

employee and owns her own business as a 

Leadership and Empowerment Life Coach. 

Travis is a Marine Corps Veteran and welder 

for a small company in Northern Virginia. 

HOW WE KEEP CHRIST FIRST IN OUR 

LIVES. We pray together daily and 

attend church together. Most of all, we 

acknowledge what God does in our lives 

daily and we share that with each other. 

OUR CHURCH HOME. Grace Covenant 

Church in Chantilly, VA 

WEDDING VENUE & DATE. May 14, 2019, 

a complete Marine Corps Ceremony on 

Sandbridge Beach! 

We would like to give a special thanks to this 

lovely couple for announcing their special day 

and sharing their story with Optimal Living 

Magazine. We pray God’s grace, blessing and 

love over their marriage. Eboney & Travis 

have chosen to take the vacation stay in 

Orlando, Florida for sharing their wedding 

announcement with us. 


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? 

Featuring Mrs. Vivianne Jenkins 

Vivianne Jenkins: I first met my husband 

back in 2011. I was 27 years old and we 

were introduced by a mutual friend. By 

that time in my life, I had been through 

a lot relationship wise. After my last 

unsuccessful relationship, I made a vow to 

God that I would not settle and that I would 

wait on HIM for the right person, even if that 

meant waiting until I was 50 years old. 

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 changer/let you know that he was the 

one for you? 

Vivianne Jenkins: God definitely brought 

conviction to areas I needed to improve 

as far as my spiritual walk, selfishness and 

attitude towards relationships. I had to 

learn to put God first in all things including 

a relationship. As far as selfishness, I 

A man should know your worth without you having 

to spell it out for him. My husband made it known on a 

regular basis that he saw and knew my worth. 

10 


also had to learn that when it comes to a 

relationship, you have put a lot of effort into 

ministering to the needs of the other person, 

instead of mainly expecting the other person 

to minister to your own needs. A game 

changer was that he was consistent with 

being a man of his word. There was nothing 

I did or that he learned about me from my 

past to make him love me any less. I don’t 

have to do anything to make him love me 

or convince him of my worth. A man should 

see your worth without you having to spell 

it out for him. My husband made it known 

on a regular basis that he saw and knew my 

worth. 

OLM: Was there anything that you did specifically 

to prepare for meeting him by faith? 

Vivianne Jenkins: To prepare for my 

husband, I kept a prayer journal including all 

the qualities I desired in a husband, as well as 

prayers to God asking for him to mold me into 

a woman with good wifely qualities. 

OLM: Were you currently dating someone 

that you realized, wasn’t the one and why? 

Vivianne Jenkins: At the time I met my 

husband, I was not dating anyone else. 

OLM: How did you know he was the one 

God made for you? How did he propose? 

Vivianne Jenkins: I knew he was the one 

God made for me because God gave me a 

peace about him. He fit all the qualities I 

had desired and written in my journal. He 

always made an effort to put me first and 

cater to my needs. He took the initiative 

as a man to court me. He didn’t have a 

big ego, he was a true gentleman. Above 

all, he brought out the best in me. I’m 

a pretty reserved girl, but from our very 

first conversation, I was comfortable and 

surprisingly talked a lot with him. He 

proposed at our favorite date spot. It was by 

the beach in the evening on the pier. He got 

on bended knee, told me how he felt about 

me and popped the question. 

OLM: When did you marry him? How long 

have you been married? 

Vivianne Jenkins: We got engaged after 

dating for 9 months, then we got married 

a year later on February 23, 2013. This 

February will make 6 years. 

OLM: What do you feel are the key things 

that keep your commitment & love strong 

throughout the years? 

Vivianne Jenkins: Things that keep our 

commitment and love strong is constant 

communication. Though it will be more 

challenging now that we have 3 children, 

we also make an effort to set aside 

exclusive time with each other on a regular 

basis. 

OLM: Is there any word of advice that you 

would give to a woman waiting to meet and 

marry a man after God’s own heart? 

Vivianne Jenkins: Be patient and wait for 

God’s best and God’s timing, no matter how 

long it takes. I’ve learned that it is better to 

be miserable and single than to be miserable 

along with the wrong person. 


Photo By: @Chloejackmanphotos 

Photo Credit: Chloe Jackman Photos 

Wedding Hair With Flair 

Spring/Summer Hairstyle Highlights 

Feature Stylist & Makeup Artist 

Mrs. Ninah Wee 

Northern California 

Let the festivities begin! The Queen has 

arrived in all her elegance, calmness 

and style. If you have natural hair, you 

definitely want to take note of how 

elegant and regal her hair sets off her 

wedding attire. The black and gold jacket 

with tiara to match are definitely making 

a statement. She came to captivate, she 

came to confess her love, she came to 

say, “I do.” May God bless her marriage 

and may all her dreams come true for 

this new chapter of her life. Shop regal 

wedding accessories, bridal gear & more 

@ www.weddingveilsetc.com 

12 


The classic summer updo! 

This bride has just a few flowing curls on the side 

and plenty of hair delicately pinned up in the back. 

Just beautiful! 

Shop classic bridal veils, robes and tiaras 

@ www.weddingveilsetc.com 

Photo: @christineglebovphotography 

This bride is absolutely stunning in her strapless 

wedding dress and ready to make her special day 

last forever! Her makeup is natural, flawless and 

matches her effortless long tresses swooped to 

the side - perfect for an outdoor or indoor wedding 

ceremony. If you would like more wedding day 

make-up and hair ideas, follow @Ninahwee on IG 

Shop wedding day accessories @www.weddingveilsetc.com 

13

The Wifey 101 Series: 

THE POWER OF BECOMING 

ONE IN MARRIAGE 

By: Mrs. Rose Belk 

“Can two walk together except they be agreed?” 

(Amos 3:3). There is power in agreement. Two minds, 

two hearts, and two hands uniting on one accord can 

bring about changes that the human mind cannot 

begin to comprehend. The word of God says, “One 

can put a thousand to flight and two can put ten 

thousand to flight” (Deuteronomy 32:30). If two 

people can come to some kind of mutual agreement 

or sumphoneo (the Greek word for ‘agree’), they 

become powerful. 

My husband and I are in our 40th year of marriage (to 

each other). All we knew, at that time when we first 

got married, was that we loved each other and 

wanted to spend the rest of our lives together. 

However, what we did not know could have 

caused a breaking point in our marriage. 

Our love for God and the things of 

God were on point, but we were far 

away from becoming one. We did 

not recognize our differences until 

we actually lived together. I had my side of the bed 

and he had his side (metaphorically speaking). We 

were two different people from two different families, 

living under one roof, yet had different ideas about 

marriage, bills, and what it meant to become one. 

Mark 10:7-8 says, “For this cause shall a man leave 

his father and mother, and cleave to his wife; and 

the twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no 

more twain, but one flesh.” Most people relate 

this scripture to sex only. Although sex is a very 

important component in marriage, it is not the only 

component. 

A married couple must agree on what they think, 

what church they will attend, how they will pay 

their bills, where they spend their holidays, 

if they will shop every week or every other 

week, how much quality time will they 

spend together, how they will raise 

their children, etc. When two 

14 


people become one, they think alike and they 

believe the same things. These are just a few 

areas. The objective is to become one in ALL 

things. 

So, what steps should a couple take to 

become one? Keep in mind, I am only 

talking about a couple who is married or 

contemplating marriage. The oneness 

that God speaks of cannot happen in 

relationships with single individuals. 

Becoming one can only happen in a marital 

relationship. So this is how it happens: 

GIVE YOUR MARRIAGE TO GOD. Do not 

base your marriage on how your parents 

did it. Though they may have had many 

successes, remember, you are two different 

people from two different families who 

are trying to become one. God has all the 

missing pieces of the puzzle; trust Him to 

help you pull it together. 

PRAY (TOGETHER) EACH DAY. Ask the Lord 

to help you understand the concept of 

being one – spiritually, physically, 

and emotionally. Only He can do 

the supernatural in a marriage; He is not 

limited. As you pray together, also pray for 

one another. You will begin to see the hand 

of God in your relationship. 

KEEP YOUR BUSINESS TO YOURSELF. 

Family and friends may mean well; 

however, they can be the very cause 

of problems in your marriage. It is best 

to not share your family business with 

other people. Again, learn to keep your 

business to yourself. Otherwise, it will 

be hard for your spouse to trust you with 

information. (This does not apply to an 

abusive marriage. If you are being abused, 

verbally or physically, you need to get help, 

immediately.) 

Rose C. Belk, a woman after God’s own heart 

is a wife, mother, minister of the Gospel and 

a recording artist. Rose learned through 

many struggles that God is the true source 

for victory. Her vast experience as wife and 

mother has proven that marriage is still a 

holy institution and that godly children can 

be raised in an ungodly world. 

Mrs. Belk has released two CD projects titled, My Song of 

Praise and Simply Rose – Nothing But Praise. She is also the 

host of an online program called Morning Boost: 

https://www.facebook.com/MorningBoostRM 

https://www.instagram.com/MorningBoostRM 


&CAREER 

LEADERSHIP 

INSIGHT 

A CRASH COURSES IN 

BUSINESS ETIQUETTE 

By: Mrs. Chanel-Alexandria Washington 

When most people hear the word 

“etiquette” they think about butlers, 

white table clothes, crumpets, and 

of course, the accompanying nasal tone while 

strutting pinkies and sipping tea. This is why 

most people feel that etiquette is for “those 

people,” only to be emulated at special times. 

With this in mind, I challenge you to reshape 

your views and consider how etiquette is simply 

facilitating a comfortably shared experience in 

a congenial manner. With this definition, you 

will soon realize that etiquette is for all people, 

always; including you. 

Seems easier said than done. Especially 

in workplace situations when you feel the 

stakes are high. This is why it’s imperative 

to simplify all of those preconceived notions 

and take ownership of what etiquette means 

to you. Being calm, cool, and collected is 

the only way to manage such high pressure 

interactions with ease, so here are a few tips 

to help in lieu of praying that force majeure 

will abruptly end the meal: 

1. KNOW YOUR ROLE. If you are the one 

organizing the meal and inviting the guest(s), 

you are the host/hostess for this event. With 

that being said, it is your responsibility to 

lead the meal in a way that makes everyone 

comfortable. You should be familiar with 

the restaurant’s level of service, dietary 

restrictions of your guests, menu favorites, 

location, and any other nuances that will 

make your dinning choice a glowing success. 

Another key component of hosting that is 

often overlooked is table placement. As 

the host/ess, ensure that your guest(s) of 

honor enjoys the seat with the best view and 

least amount of aisle traffic. This includes 

securing a table within the best section of the 

restaurant as private booths or water feature 

views often require early requests. 

2. SMILE, YOU’RE ON CAMERA. Your next 

leadership role begins simultaneously with 

being seated as your knowledge of napkins, 

place settings, and the passing game will 

quickly move the meal forward in a gracious 

16 


way. Again, this is your event and it’s your 

job to know what’s appropriate as your guest 

will be watching you for cues if they are 

unsure. Even more important, should you 

be accompanied by someone else from your 

firm, this is a great way to showcase your 

ability to represent the organization with 

class, so be sure to brush up on these things 

ahead of time. 

3. TAKE CHARGE. As the host/ess, make 

your guest(s) feel comfortable by offering 

entree suggestions, appetizers, and desserts 

to demonstrate that you truly enjoy the 

offerings and that they have full reign to try 

whatever they would like. In other words, 

if you have to hold your breath and hope 

that they opt for a salad because that’s the 

only affordable item, you’ve selected the 

wrong establishment. Another way to take 

charge requires understanding the libations 

expectations of your firm and guiding the 

meal accordingly. Although you personally 

may not care to partake in spirits (other 

than the Holy Ghost), you should always 

be prepared to communicate your wishes 

without being offensive. 

4. PRACTICE THE 6 P’S. This means 

posture, pitch, pace, protocol, presence, and 

panache all count, as it is imperative that the 

others at the table know that they have your 

undivided attention at all times. Refrain from 

checking smart phone messages, whispering, 

slouching, or looking elsewhere while 

conversation takes place. Within this same 

realm, never talk with a mouth full of food or 

make audible sounds while you eat as either 

faux pas will immediately shift attention away 

from what you’re hoping to accomplish. The 

best way to avoid such critical errors is to eat 

in small bites. This ensures that you’re ready 

to chime in to the conversation as needed, 

without awkward pauses due to chewing 

a mouth full of food. Slowing down in this 

manner will also set the tone for a more 

leisurely experience that encourages open 

and ongoing dialogue instead of a rush to 

finish. 

5. PARTNER WITH YOUR SERVER. One 

of the easiest ways to ensure a successful 

dining experience is to communicate the 

importance of your visit with management 

and your server ahead of time. Throughout 

the meal, maintain this partnership with 

the appropriate utensil, napkin, and other 

non-verbal cues to keep him or her abreast 

of what should and should not be happening 

during each phase of the meal. 

As the host typically covers the check, the most 

impressive component is how seamless you 

handle this final act. Again, your server should 

know ahead of time and be in concert with 

whatever method will allow you to take care 

of it in the most discreet fashion, yet ensuring 

dessert and coffee options are presented before 

wrapping up. Last, but not least, don’t forget to 

show gratitude for all your server did to create 

a stellar experience. Be sure to thank them with 

25% to 30% plus, as building a solid relationship 

is always a key component of effortless 

etiquette. Now, take this crash course to go forth 

and host with ease! 

Chanel-Alexandria, “The R.E.G.A.L Diva” 

is the President and CEO of Polished to 

Perfection, a boutique firm dedicated 

to working with organizations and 

executives who want to convey excellence 

with civility, style, and charm...every 

time. She is a graduate of the Emily Post 

business etiquette trainer program and the 

author of “The Art of A.R.C. - Appearance, 

Relationships & Credibility”. 


HEALTH & BEAUTY 

By: Lisa S. DuBois 

Beauty Essentials Found 

in Your Kitchen Cabinets ... 

It really isn’t necessary for you to frequent 

a spa for a good facial. Most of what you 

need for a facial is right in your kitchen. 

If you have honey, brown sugar, eggs, 

avocados, yogurt, lemons, oatmeal and 

apple cider vinegar you have everything you 

need to give yourself a good cleansing and 

moisturizing facial. 

The most popular ingredient for the home 

facial is honey and brown sugar. Honey is 

an excellent deep cleanser and moisturizer 

and when combined with brown sugar, it 

becomes a moisturizing scrub. Honey also 

has antibacterial qualities, which help with 

the healing process of infections, wounds, 

minor burns and acne. Adding honey to 

your skin care regimen can help neutralize 

free radicals and help maintain the skin’s 

softness and elasticity. You can easily tailor 

your facial to meet the needs of your skin 

type. If you have dry skin, you can make a 

hydrating mask using honey, avocado, and 

yogurt. If you are suffering with acne, you 

can make an acne fighting mask with honey, 

egg white and lemon juice. If you happen 

to suffer from oily skin, try using yogurt, 

oatmeal and lemon juice. 

There are five basic steps to a facial— 

cleanse, exfoliate, mask, tone and 

moisturize. Before you begin, be sure to 

remove all of your make-up with a fragrance 

free make-up remover and cleanse your face 

with a sodium lauryl sulfate-free facial wash. 

Then follow one of the three mask regimen: 

18 


Dry Skin Mask: Take 2 to 3 ounces of raw honey, ½ ripe 

avocado and 1 ½ teaspoon of plain yogurt. Mix these 

ingredients together in a bowl until the mixture is pasty. The 

honey will help hold the other ingredients together so they 

do not slide off your face. Allow the mask to sit on your face 

for fifteen minutes, then gently rinse off with water. 

Acne Fighting Mask: Take 2 to 3 ounces of raw honey, 1 egg 

white and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice. Whip ingredients. The 

egg white may cause a slightly fluffy or creamy appearance. 

Apply mask to face. Allow mask to sit for fifteen minutes, 

then gently rinse off with water. 

Oily Skin Mask: Take 4 ounces of yogurt, ½ teaspoon of 

lemon juice, 2 teaspoons of plain oatmeal. Mix contents 

together until well blended. Because of the yogurt, this 

mask slides off the face. Allow to sit for fifteen minutes, then 

gently rinse off with water. 

Exfoliating Mask: 2 tablespoons of honey, 1 teaspoon of 

olive oil or Grapeseed oil, add in brown sugar. The mixture 

should have a granular feel to it. Apply mask to face in 

circular motion to cleanse and remove dead skin. After 

you finish this portion of the facial remove the mask with 

warm water and a clean towel. Tone your face with apple 

cider vinegar diluted with distilled water and use a natural 

moisturizer of your choice. 


Optimal Living 

Confession of Faith 

I am anointed in Christ and a powerful person of God. 

I am a joint-heir with Jesus and more than a conqueror. 

I am a doer of the Word of God and a channel for His blessings. 

If God be for me, who can be against me? 

I am blessed coming in and I am blessed going out. 

As I speak this confession, my enemies 

are fleeing before me Right Now! God has 

commanded His blessing on my storehouses. 

He has opened His Good treasures and I shall 

lend and not borrow. I am the head and not 

the tail. 

He has given me power to make wealth. 

I dwell in the secret place of the Most High. 

I have His protection and provision. 

God is my refuge, my fortress I am not afraid 

of the snare of the fowler. 

Make no mistake, no Evil shall befall me and 

no plague shall come near My dwelling. 

God has given his angels charge over me and 

they are bearing me up in their hands, lest 

I dash my foot against a stone, as declared 

20 


MAY THESE WORDS ADD A 

SPECIAL BLESSING TO YOUR 

LIFE TODAY. KEEP WALKING, 

TALKING, EXERCISING AND 

EATING RIGHT BY FAITH. STAY 

CONNECTED WITH US 

@ WWW.OPTIMAL-LIVINGMAGAZINE.COM 

in Psalms 91. I Peter 2:9 establishes I am a 

chosen generation, A royal priesthood, a 

holy nation.I am a peculiar person called 

out of darkness Into His marvelous light. I 

Peter 2:24 states, “ I have been healed by 

the stripes of Jesus.” 

*Cancer, sugar diabetes, heart disease, 

sickness, afflictions, infections, mental 

illness, or any other disease can not enter 

my body. I am without spot or blemish, a 

prayer warrior, the righteousness of God, 

saved, and washed in the Blood of Jesus.* 

“No weapon formed against me shall 

prosper, and every tongue which rises 

against me in judgment You shall 

condemn.” Father God, I pray that those 

who read this confession choose abundant 

life, peace within their hearts, wisdom 

driven faith strategies for the days ahead 

and prosperity in their houses according to 

Psalms 122:6-9. 


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CANDIED WALNUT, PEAR, & 

LEAFY GREEN SALAD 

1/3 cup Blue Agave 

2/3 cup chopped walnuts, toasted 

Cooking spray 

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, divided 

2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar 

1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard 

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 

1 tablespoon capers, chopped 

4 cups torn green leaf lettuce 

4 cups chopped romaine lettuce 

4 cups chopped radicchio 

1 ripe red Anjou pear, thinly sliced 

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black 

pepper 

Preparation 

1. Carefully pour Blue Agave over nuts to 

coat evenly. Spread nuts on a baking 

sheet coated with cooking spray; 

separate nuts quickly. Sprinkle with 

1/4 teaspoon salt. Set aside until cool; 

break into small pieces. 

2. Combine vinegar and mustard, stirring 

with a whisk. Gradually add oil, stirring 

constantly with a whisk. Stir in capers. 

3. Combine lettuces and radicchio; top 

with pear and candied walnuts. Drizzle 

dressing evenly over salad; sprinkle 

with remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and 

pepper. Toss gently to combine. 

22 


CURRIED SALMON CAKES 

Ingredients 

Directions 

● 1 pound skinless salmon 

fillet, halved crosswise 

● 2 teaspoons curry powder, 

preferably hot 

● Kosher salt and freshly 

ground pepper 

● 8 tablespoons storebought 

tartar sauce 

● 1/4 cup cracker meal or 

crushed saltines, plus 

more for sprinkling 

● 2 tablespoons grated 

peeled ginger 

● 1 bunch scallions, finely 

chopped 

● 1 large egg, lightly beaten 

● 1/2 red bell pepper, 

seeded and diced 

● 2 stalks celery, thinly sliced 

● 1 mango, peeled, pitted 

and diced 

● Juice of 1 lime 

● Vegetable oil, for frying 

Put the salmon, 1 tablespoon water, 1 1/2 teaspoons 

curry powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and pepper to taste in a 

microwave-safe bowl. 

Cover with plastic wrap and microwave until the fish 

is opaque, 2 to 3 minutes. Flake with a fork and cool 

slightly. Stir in 1 tablespoon tartar sauce, the cracker 

meal, ginger, half of the scallions and the egg. Form into 

4 patties and freeze until firm, about 10 minutes. 

Meanwhile, whisk the remaining 7 tablespoons of tartar 

sauce and 1/2 teaspoon curry powder in a bowl. In a 

separate bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of the curried tartar 

sauce with the bell pepper, celery, mango, remaining 

scallions, lime juice, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and pepper to 

taste. 

Heat 1/4 inch of vegetable oil in a nonstick skillet over 

medium heat. Sprinkle the patties with cracker meal on 

both sides and fry until golden, 2 to 3 minutes per side. 

Drain on paper towels. Serve with the mango salad and 

curried tartar sauce. 


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Optimal Living Magazine Summer 2019 Issue

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