Living Waters Ministries Monthly Quote
“The year end brings no greater pleasure then the opportunity to express to you season’s greetings and good wishes. May your holidays and new year be filled with joy.” ~
Charles Dickins
Inspiration
Ending 2023
By: Jennifer L Smalls
Now is a good time to look back, reflect, and review everything that happened in 2023 and start preparations for an even GREATER 2024. Did you accomplish all that you set out to accomplish? You still have some time to make it happen and if it doesn't happen that's ok to. Whether you classify this year as your best year, worst year, or somewhere in between, I'm going to encourage you to focus on those good things that you experienced. Focus on what went right, count the small wins. "Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin..." Zechariah 4:10 (NLT) The small things matter!
So what did you accomplish this year? Did you get a new job?, Did you save more money?, Did you reconcile with someone? Did you read a book from start to finish?, Did you start reading a book?, Did you add more time to your Bible Study?, Did you increase your church attendance?, Did you start tithing? These are wins and what may be small to you, may encourage someone else.
So now, what did you accomplish this year, 2023? I'm encouraging you to do a self review/self examination and make a list of all that you accomplished this year, write it in your phone or tablet, or journal it. Remember a win is a win not matter how big or small. Don't focus on what didn't happen, think of all the good that did happen. Can you list 20-30 accomplishments? Give yourself credit for what you did accomplish. "But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone and not in another." Galatians 6:4
Look back on the list you’ve created. Do you notice any themes or patterns? Was this the year of breaking out as a social butterfly or focusing on your career? Where did you seem to make the most progress? What do you want to improve?
Next, we’re going to look to the year ahead. What are some things you want to accomplish next year? Try setting an intention or a single word or mantra to guide the upcoming year, like “peace,” “calm,” “happy,” or “stress less.”
Congratulations to you and all that you accomplished this year, we declare and decree an even better 2024!
News from Living Waters Ministries
Happenings Around St. Augustine
Nights of Lights 2023-24,The 2023-2024 Nights of Lights festival turns St. Augustine into a dazzling holiday display. Every night from Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023 through Sunday, Jan. 28, 2024
First Friday Art Walk, December 1st, downtown St. Augustine 5-9 p.m. First Friday Art Walk takes place on the first Friday of every month, exhibiting creative artworks throughout St. Augustine's fine art galleries.
First Friday Art Walk Concert Series, December 1st. First Friday of each month, 6-8 p.m. This organ recital at the Cathedral Basilica in downtown St. Augustine is free and open to the public on the first Friday of every month. .
Christmas Parade 2023, Saturday December 2nd , 9:00 a.m.- 10:00 p.m. St. Augustine's 66th Annual Christmas Parade ushers in the holiday season with floats, festive decorations and plenty of fun. Lots of local organizations participate in the event, making it one of the largest parades in Northeast Florida. Holiday season decorations adorn all the entries, from floats to marching bands to antique cars and horses and carriages. Even Santa joins in the spectacle, as visitors and locals line the Historic District's streets to watch the procession.
Gullah Geechee Heritage Festival, Saturday, December 2nd, 5:00p - 10:00p, Armstrong Park, 4950 Harvey Avenue, Elkton FL. The Gullah Geechee Heritage Festival honors the journey of St. Augustine's first black settlers and their descendants through live performances, educational demonstrations, and discussions. Educational activities throughout the day will highlight St. Augustine's rich multicultural history, including a Lowcountry cooking demonstration, and a performance by the Gullah Geechee Ring Shouters. The National Park Service and Florida Folklife will share information about Gullah Geechee traditions and heritage. Admission if free.
Holiday Soiree 2023, Friday, December 8th, 5:30p - 8:00p, Lincolnville Museum and Cultural Center. Put on your holiday best and join us for the LMCC annual Holiday Soiree! to celebrate the Joy of the season. The Soiree will have festive food and fun with hors d'oeuvres and live entertainment. Please keep an eye out for ticket sales opening! Tickets will be $50 per person and available online via Eventbrite and at the front desk.
Toys for Tots, Saturday, December 16th, 9:00a.m - 12:00 p.m. Solomon Calhoun Center,1300 Duval Street. Toys for Newborn- Age 12. To register contact Debie Nantz at 9904) 834-5055 or email: st.augustine.toysfortots@gmail.com Registration deadline is December 3rd.
West Augustine Christmas Music In The Park, Sunday, December 17th, 4:00 pm - 7 pm Collier Blocker - Puryear Park.
News For Us By Us
Exonerated ' Central Park Five' Member Yusef Salaam Wins New York City Council Seat
Author and Activist Yusef Salaam, also known as one of the "Central Park Five" who was wrongly convicted and imprisoned will represent Central Harlem on the New York City Commission.
It was just a little over two decades ago that DNA evidence was used to overturn the conviction of Salaam and four other Black and Latina men who were accused of raping and beating a jogger in 1989 in Central Park. Salaam was just 15 years old and was in prison for seven years. Now known as the "Exonerated Five", the convictions of the five men were overturned after DNA and a confession connected the crime to a serial killer and rapist. The men received a 41 million dollar settlement from the City
"Salaam’s campaign focused on addressing issues such as poverty and gentrification in Harlem, drawing on his personal experiences to connect with and advocate for the needs of his community. His experience with injustice and his journey from wrongful conviction to a position of leadership resonated strongly with the residents of his district, helping propel him to victory." ( Essence, Nov. 2023)
In an interview with the Associated Press, Salaam said "This means that we can really become our ancestors' dreams". Salaam sees himself as the ambassador for everyone's pain, stating that "in many ways, I went through that for our people, so I can now lead them."
Black Churches Will Step In And Teach Black History
Black churches were the first institutions built by Black people and run independently of white society. They were then and remain today a refuge for many. "It is a place of racial and individual self-affirmation, of teaching and learning, of psychological and spiritual sustenance, of prophetic faith; a symbolic space where Black people, enslaved and free, could nurture the hope for a better today and a much better tomorrow. For a community disenfranchised and underserved by religious institutions established by and catering to the needs of white people, it served both secular and spiritual needs. Its music and linguistic traditions have permeated popular culture, and its scriptural devotion to ideas of liberation, equality, redemption, and love has challenged and remade the nation again and again, calling America to its higher self in times of testing and trial." ( Time, Feb. 2021) So it comes as no surprise that Black churches will step in and do what the state of Florida won't allow its teachers to do, and that's to teach Black History in the church.
All year the State of Florida has made headlines for banning books and AP African-American history courses and the Governor advocating teaching how "black people benefited from slavery." There is no other recourse but to step in and teach the truth of our history to our own, in comes the Black church. A church coalition called Faith in Florida (FIF), who advocates on behalf of social justice, created an “online toolkit which includes books, documentaries, and videos related to Black history. The message that greets visitors to it's website is "Because Black History is American History!"
The toolkit is not a curriculum but a guide with recommended books, documentaries to watch and articles to read, covering the history of the trans-Atlantic slave trade through the Civil Rights Movement up to the killing of George Floyd.
Other churches across the country, including those that are led by white faith leaders and Muslims have taken interest in the toolkit
The church has always been and will always be an educational institution; it teaches us how to live, how to raise our families, and how to plan for our future. The Black church will continue the fight to ensure that the next generation learns the truth of our history, American History.
Buy Black This Holiday Season
The gifting season is upon us, take this as an opportunity to contribute to our Culture's economy. Whatever your needs are or whatever you're looking for I'm sure there's a Black-owned business out there that can provide. Here's a little shopping guide to help you out:
Blaq Luxury Hair Products
This Black, female-owned hair care brand is giving life to thinning hair. If your edges need extra love and care, or you want to strengthen your mane, give these products a try.
Pear Nova
Keep your nails fresh with Pear Nova’s vegan, nontoxic nail lacquers and nail care products. The popular nail brand’s
Sarep + Rose
It’s always a good idea to purchase a new handbag, especially a high-quality one made in Africa. These Sarep + Rose colorful, chic bags will add jazz to any outfit
INALA
Show your scalp some love with Lala Anthony’s new haircare line, INALA. Her rice water products promise to strengthen and nourish your strands.
The Lip Bar
Who doesn’t need new makeup?! The Lip Bar is becoming one of our favorite beauty brands. Its sassy products go well with melanin, and we love that everything is vegan!
Be Rooted
Journal in style with Be Rooted’s stationery, planners, and notebooks. These cool pieces allow women of color to see themselves on items they usually don’t. Tap into your inner boss with motivational paraphernalia from this Black female-owned company.
Love Notes Deck
Giving the gift of love is always a good idea. Pamper your loved one with cards that express pure adoration. For a limited time, purchase your Love Notes Deck, Sage, Crystals, and incense for just $42.00.
Elizabeth Artis Candles
Nothing says relaxation like a great-smelling candle. These hand-poured, top-of-the-line artisan candles are made in Southern California from soy wax
My Mommy Wisdom
Good haircare products for babies are scarce. My Mommy Wisdom offers safe, cruelty-free products that nourish your baby’s hair and promote growth.
WELLNESS
"It's the most wonderful time of the year...the happiest season of them all." Many of us of joyously overwhelmed. Nearly nine in 10 (89%) of US adults are stressed during this season due to concerns about not having enough money, missing loved ones and anticipating family conflict. This is according to a new poll conducted by the American Psychological Association. The survey was conducted among 2,061 adults by The Harris Poll between Nov. 14 and 16, 2023.
Financial concerns were most often cited as a cause of stress during the holidays, with 58% of U.S. adults saying that spending too much or not having enough money to spend causes them stress. This was followed by finding the right gifts (40%) and the stress of missing family or loved ones during the holidays (38%). Households earning under $50K annually especially feel under pressure at this time of year and were more likely to rate their stress levels as high compared with households earning more than $100K annually (24% vs. 18%, respectively).
We must remember to pace ourselves, all things in moderation, during this time of year we can find ourselves doing too much, over indulging, over eating, over spending, trying to make all the social events, all these will cause stress and have a negative impact on our mental and physical health. Some us will spend a lot of time with family, which is not always a bad thing but then it's hard to balance between bonding and alone time and then there's the stress of family expecting the former you and not really receptive to who you are today. Then there are those of us who don't experience enough togetherness. This is rough time for people who have lost close family members and or are far away from family, they can feel deserted, sad, and lonely.
Here are some tips to help get through this season with minimal stress:
Plan ahead. You can't make all the social events, so plan which ones you want to attend, if you're hosting, organize, organize, organize! create a menu and shopping list.
Say no. It's ok to say no. You can't be in all places at all times.
Plan spending. Make a holiday budget and stick to it, don't buy gifts that will take you a whole year to pay off.
Create a relaxing atmosphere. Make sure you take your vitamin D. Get you a good book, some relaxing music, light a candle, and some hot coco or your favorite tea and just chill. Find a good holiday movie to watch with family.
Maintain healthy habits. Stick to your routine, continue with your exercise and workouts, eat healthy snacks, and don't over indulge in holiday meals.
Share your feelings. Accept and acknowledge your feelings, holidays after a loss are difficult. Share your feelings with a friend or a relative, it will feel better to get it out.
Respect differences. Remember your way is not everybody's way, we don't all think alike or do things the same. Forgive and forget, focus on similarities.
Be realistic. Be realistic about how much you can do, what you can and can not do. Don't try to be perfect, relax and enjoy.
Take a break. Don't forget about you needs and self -care. Do some things that you enjoy.
Follow these tips and enjoy a stress free holiday season! Happy Holidays
Reflections
We had a very busy October at Living Water's Ministries, From Pride in the Westside to the Cancer Walk and Fifth Sunday Fellowship. Pastor March participated and delivered a message at New Found Favor Ministries' 100 Women in White. We quietly eased into November , here's a glance back:
Harvest Season...October Sermons
100 Hundred Women in White featuring Pastor March, along with Dr. Margaret Richardson, and Lady Pamela Lee
October - November : West Augustine CRA Cancer Walk, Fifth Sunday Fellowship, Lincolnville Festival Fundraiser, Celebrating Elder Lewis' Retirement.
We welcome to the Living Waters Ministries Church Family, Sister Nakia Bryson, and Reverend Freddie and Kathy Raiford. We are excited to welcome you into the family and we look forward to kingdom building with you!
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