Jasmine's Place - Issue No. 5 by Jasmine's Place

Reaching Outwards, Reaching Upwards

FREE

INSPIRING Uplifting Stories and Features for Today’s Woman! STYLE TRANSFORMING… Love A Child’s Beautiful Brilliant Work In Haiti Hats & BOOK CLUB Fascinators! Children's Books Reviewed For You!

CF A personal experience

BUSINESS BRANDING TIPS. SUMMER SHOPPING ADVICE. TEEN BOYS’ FOCUS. A TREAT FOR FOUR. CHILDREN’S BOOK CLUB + MORE! ISSUE NO. 5 MAY/JUNE 2013

JASMINE'S PLACE

He loves me with an everlasting loveâ&#x20AC;Ś

JASMINE'S PLACE

Very grateful to everyone who has contributed to Jasmine’s Place. Writers, advisors, readers, sharers, encouragers …

Thank You! JASMINE'S PLACE

Welcome! So glad to welcome you to the fifth issue of Jasmine's Place! With true stories of miraculous shifts to provision, healing and life to inspiring visuals and more, this issue is overflowing with uplifting features for you!

If you’re an entrepreneur, you’ll want to turn to page 14 for an interesting informative article about business and idea branding! Before you hit the shops this summer for accessories, do get some really helpful colour advice for your summer wardrobe on page 18. Want to spice up your menu? Then, turn to page 22 for a treat for four! On page 28, the mother of a young child diagnosed with Citric Fibrosis shares part of her personal story to raise awareness of the disease. M and M Hats and Accessories have a beautiful collection of hats for this season check them out on page 32! On page 38, there is some great advice for you, if you’re a parent or parent-to-be of a teenage boy. You'll find the Children's book club on page 52, and other features to inspire and uplift throughout the magazine. Please send us any feedback if you have any. It would be great to hear from you! Design and Editing: Puaichie Badejo Contributors: Julie Arduini, Pam Ford-Davis, Jacqueline Ani, Lynnae Bussell, Michael J Darracott, Courtenay Bowser, JASMINE'S Jaime Scott, Mark Gregston, Michel Fleming, Rev. Frank Sherburn, Rachel Hall-Smith and Puaichie Badejo.

PLACE

Contents MAY & JUNE 2013

Inspirational 8 God Created One Erin Brockovich And I’m Not Her A great testimony of provision 24 He Finds Me Beautiful She moved from self-hatred to freedom and a healthy self image 42 Surprise Around The Corner A life changing God-incidence… 48 Taste and See A round up of some great music for you!

50 Dorcas Her kindness reaped a reward beyond her imagination

Features 12 This Summer I Will… Things to remember to do this summer! 14 How to Turn Your Idea Into A Brand Practical business tips 38 10 Steps To Maturity For Teen Boys Advice for Moms (And Dads)

Healthy Eating 22 Salmon Tagliatelle In A Creamy Cheese Sauce A treat for four!

JASMINE'S PLACE

Community 28 CF should stand for Cure Found Spotlight on Ciitric Fibrosis

Style 18 Colour Advice For Your Summer Wardrobe Tips to help you shop right this season! 32 All Things Niceâ&#x20AC;Ś A beautiful collection of hats from M and M

Reviews 52 Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Book Club Great books for your little ones!

22 All information in this publication is accurate at the time of publication. While we do endeavour to make sure that all published information is correct, we cannot be held liable for mistakes or omissions. The inclusion of articles etc. does not necessarily indicate that the editor is in agreement or sympathy with what is written. Clients submitting content to us for publication are confirming that they have a legal right to do so, and agree to neither knowingly or unknowingly submit content they have no right to publish. The client accepts that he/she is responsible for ensuring they have publication rights of use for all material provided, and agree to indemnify any losses incurred to us , the publisher using content supplied by them. This also applies to where articles etc. have been sourced by us. We acknowledge that any logos, photographs, images and trademarks remain the property of their respective owners. Disclosure Policy: We do not receive any products or payments to write reviews. Our reviews are honest and impartial.

JASMINE'S PLACE

INSPIRATIONAL

God created one Erin Brockovich

And Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m Not Her A great testimony of provision Julie Arduini

JASMINE'S PLACE

Pastor Morris gave me a solemn look as he patted my shoulder. "Betty and I are praying for you. Just this morning I asked the Lord why you guys, why this, but for now, I don't know the answers. But we both know the One who does." "Thanks Pastor. This is when God does His best work because we have no options left. If He's going to produce the total and complete victory He promised us when this insurance mess happened, well, it's go time." My husband, the choir director, walked on stage, signaling the start of the service. Pastor Morris smiled. "Speaking of go, best get up on the platform. I believe this joint service with Victory Assembly will be extra anointed tonight." Pastor bounded up the platform steps while I took an aisle seat. The extra bleachers were out that night to accommodate not only our choir, but the Victory singers joining us for the special evening service. As great as the blended harmonies sounded, my mind danced with the one two combo of fear and worry.

Fourteen months prior our daughter's medical team prescribed intensive therapy for Grace. A year full of pulmonary distress left her delayed in all areas. Months after triweekly physical, speech and occupational therapy, the insurance company sent us a letter saying all therapy after the first month was denied. Right then and there I felt the Holy Spirit promise me this would end in a total and complete victory. The verse I clung to through three levels of appeals was out of Deuteronomy about getting off the same mountain. Our family was tired of the sickness and trials. We believed God to be victorious in this. Even when local politicians wrote me to confess there wasn't anything they could do, I just held on.

Months after tri-weekly physical, speech and occupational therapy, the insurance company sent us a letter saying all therapy after the first month was denied.

JASMINE'S PLACE

I had the prophetic promise all would be well. Truth be told, I also thought that the total and complete victory would come about in a way that would make me an Erin Brockovich of sorts. In this case, I'd be a Christian insurance transformer that wore modest clothes, of course. The more my mind took over God's promise, I was just sure the insurance folks were going to apologize too.

Before Brian left for rehearsal we looked at the final letter from insurance. All appeals exhausted. No options left. We were left with $8500 in therapy bills to pay as soon as possible.

My ideas crashed at the foot of the cross during that service. Before Brian left for rehearsal we looked at the final letter from insurance. All appeals exhausted. No options left. We were left with $8500 in therapy bills to pay as soon as possible.

work. You just have to let Him work in the ways He wants to."

I looked up and realized the choir was off the platform and the pastor from Victory was speaking. He was sharing the church's testimony. As much as I wanted to keep my anxiety rolling, this man's words captivated me. "Time and time again folks asked me for a definition of what God was doing in our church because some really new and great things were happening. Every time I tried to explain, I just couldn't. It was then I realized I can't put God in the box. You can't define how He's going to

I nearly ran forward for the altar call, tears blinding my steps. It was time to let God out of my total and complete insurance victory box, a box He was never in to begin with. I drove home free of that pit in my stomach. Reality existed, insurance was waiting, but God was on the throne. As soon as I walked in the front door I noticed the answering machine blinking. I pressed play as I took my jacket off and helped the kids take care of their things. It was a voice I knew well that was hundreds of miles away. They were part of my prayer team interceding on part of the insurance situation. I froze when their words registered.

JASMINE'S PLACE

"I felt I had to call. I wanted you to know not to put God in a box. The complete and total victory isn't about you changing the insurance industry. It's about allowing God to do what He wants in this in His way, His time. You may never know how this changed people. Watching you stand on His promise transformed me. Thirty minutes ago I felt the Holy Spirit impress on me to call, and tell you I'm going to pay the bill, in full.â&#x20AC;&#x153;

*A true story but all names apart from Erin Brockovichâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s have been changed. *Erin Brockovich victoriously battled against Pacific Gas and Electric for covering up their industrial poisoning in the town of Hinkley's water supply.* Copyright @2009 by Julie Arduini www.juliearduini.com Julie Arduini, http://thesurrenderedscribe.blogspot.com/, is devoted to writing for Christ in ways that encourage and inspire. A graduate of the Christian Writer's Guild, her writing resume is on her blog's sidebar. Happily married to Tom, they have two children. Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com <a href="http://www.faithwriters.com">CHRISTIAN WRITER</a> Article URL: http://articles.faithwriters.com/reprint-articledetails.php?id=6105

JASMINE'S PLACE

11 11

FEATURE

This summer, I must remember toâ&#x20AC;Ś

JASMINE'S PLACE

12 12

Meet with family…. See at least one sunrise

Understand it’s okay to slow down!

Enjoy my favourite beach

Read Jasmine’s Place!

Make sweet memories…

Compiled by Pam Ford Davis http://teapottestimony.vpweb.com/?prefix=www

JASMINE'S PLACE

13 13

FEATURE

How to Turn Your Idea Into a Brand Jacqueline Ani

I was once told that the most important thing a person needs is an idea, not money. An idea is a thought or collection of thoughts that generate in the mind. An idea is usually generated with intent, but can also be created unintentionally. As human beings, we have been enriched with thousands of ideas, but it’s our responsibility to develop those ideas into tangible assets. We were ideas in God’s mind when we were conceived, and He created us with a purpose in mind. The same applies to each one of us, your idea has a purpose connected to it, but you may not understand the purpose until you do something with the idea. Just like we are God’s branded nation, your idea when branded is destined to do great things for those who need it. Here are some tips to help you turn your idea into a brand:

JASMINE'S PLACE

14 14

Articulate your idea: You have to be able to bring your idea from your thoughts to paper. When something is written down, it makes it more tangible than a thought. What is the purpose of your idea, its vision, why do you think your idea is needed and what would be its benefits? Is this idea already in the system? We know that there is nothing new under the sun, however God is in the business of giving us ideas that have never been thought of before. Even if your idea is already been used, you may have something to enhance what is already in the system. Do a thorough investigation of your idea, check to see if it has been used and how, if possible your idea can enhance an already established brand.

Patent your idea: Once youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re sure that your idea is an original, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t waste time, patent it. This is a legal requirement for all new ideas and it protects you and prevents others stealing your idea. Create a prototype of the idea: Your idea must be tested and the best way to do so is to create a sample first. Introduce your idea in the market: This is where you can test your idea; look at ways of developing it further as well as introducing samples in the market to see its viability and need. Majority of the testing in the market place requires speaking about it, promoting it, creating awareness etc.

Jacqueline Ani is an author, lecturer, inspirational speaker; transformational leader mentor and founder of Empowered Woman Ltd & The Mentoring Academy. To find out more please go to www.thementoringacad emy.com

JASMINE'S PLACE

15 15

JASMINE'S PLACE

16 16

He whispers to me, He calls me… JASMINE'S PLACE

17 17

STYLE

Color Advice For Your Summer Wardrobe Lynnae Bussell

Ladies, would you like some color advice before you hit the shops for accessories this summer? Then read on! The best way to determine the colors that will look the most attractive on you is by looking at your dominant eye color, hair color, and skin tone . Here we goâ&#x20AC;Ś Clear Skin Tones

Women with clear skin tones have a high contrast to their appearance. They have dark brown or black hair, fair to medium skin tone, and "bright" eye color such as blue, green, hazel, or brown. They look beautiful in bright colors such hot pink, royal blue, purple, and black! A fun summer look for them would be to mix a handbag, scarf, or jewelry with a black and white pattern with hot pink or a bright green.

JASMINE'S PLACE

18 18

Deep Skin Tones Ladies with deep skin tones have brown, hazel, or black eyes. They usually have dark brown or black hair. Their skin is usually a medium to a darker skin tone. They need colors that have depth such purples, royal blue, dark greens, or orange. A color that works for them is burgundy or purple.

Light Skin Tones If you have blonde hair, light colored eyes that are green, blue, hazel or brown and fair skin, you will look the best in light colors. Women with these features should wear colors such as pastel pink, blue, yellow, lavender. They can also wear black with these colors. So their best handbag color would be a very pretty turquoise blue!

JASMINE'S PLACE

19 19

Soft Skin Tones Women with soft skin tones have medium brown hair, light to medium skin tone, and hazel, green, blue or brown eyes.

They look wonderful in colors like teal blue, chocolate brown, navy, butter yellow, or pink.

Warm Skin Tones Ladies with warm skin tones have hair that is red, copper, golden blonde; or brown hair with red highlights. They have a fair to medium skin tone sometimes with freckles. They look great in colors like brown, olive green, navy , golden yellow. Their coloring favors gold jewelry.

JASMINE'S PLACE

20 20

Cool Skin Tones Women with cool skin tones have ash brown , beautiful silver or salt and pepper hair . They will often have a pink skin tone. Their eye color is blue, green, hazel or brown. They should wear silver accents such eyeglasses, handbag hardware, and jewelry.

Remember that a simple update such as handbag, scarf, necklace, or bracelet may be all you need to "pop" some color into your Summer wardrobe!

If you apply the ideas shared to your selection based on your dominant eye color, hair color, and skin tone you are sure to look fabulous this Summer. Have fun shopping! ♥ Lynnae Bussell is a Professional Image Consultant and Christian Women’s Speaker. She received her certification from Shari Braendel, owner of Fashion Meets Faith. Lynnae has a background in retail sales and office administration. Her skills include training in color analysis, body type assessment, accessorizing, and understanding different personality styles. She also has knowledge and training in skin care and color cosmetics. She is the owner of Timeless Beauty by His Design. She began the business because she is passionate about helping women to discover that they are beautifully created designer originals inside and out. She lives and works in the Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati areas. She loves opportunities to speak to women’s ministry groups, corporate lunch and learn session, or girl’s night out parties. Find out more at: www.lynnaebussell.com. All accessories courtesy of Created Gifts: http://www.createdgifts.org/

JASMINE'S PLACE

21 21

HEALTHY EATING

Salmon Tagliatelle In A Creamy Cheese Sauce My name is Michael J Darracott. I have been an Executive chef in several large establishments, and in charge of cooking for 200 plus people. I have also published several books. It gives me great pleasure to offer recipes here.

JASMINE'S PLACE

22 22

Ingredients: • • • • • • • • • • • •

1 Tsp of finely chopped Parsley 1 small finely chopped Onion 40 g grated Cheddar Cheese 50 ml Milk 50 ml crème fresh 5 g Butter 4 tbs of vegetable oil 20 g whole small carrots 20 g Broccoli florets 10 g Sugar snap peas 20 g Tagliatelle pasta 200 g Salmon fresh fillets cut into bite size chunks • Salt pepper to taste • 1 tsp of corn – flour with a little water if needed to thicken sauce more

What to do: • Put the pasta into a sauce pan • Next, into a frying pan heat up your vegetable oil and fry your onions, and peas. • Boil the carrots and broccoli in a saucepan. • Melt the butter in a saucepan, add the milk, bring to a simmer, add the grated cheese, salt and pepper to taste, then slowly add the crème fresh, and stir until a thick sauce is obtained. If needed, you can use a tsp of corn flour with a little water to thicken sauce. • Steam the salmon chunks, or lightly pan fry, the choice depends on you. • Fold in the parsley to the sauce. • Drain the pasta, the broccoli and carrot’s, and add to the sauce. • Next add the peas and the onion to the sauce, and mix together. • Finally gently fold in the salmon chunks. Serves 4 people. Enjoy! Chef Mike Darracott - www.chefmikedarracott.com

JASMINE'S PLACE

23 23

INSPIRATIONAL

From self-hatred to freedom and beauty

Courtenay Bowser

I spent over a decade of my life battling self-hate and many eating disorders. Growing up as a dancer and training in front of mirrors every day did not make it any easier. I was abused as a teenager and the only thing I felt I could control was my beauty. I tried every fad diet and rotated through multiple eating disorders. The scale, the size pants I wore, and the approval of men were my gods. Those things determined my happiness, and they were miserable gods. They always left me hating myself even more and feeling completely unworthy. Even after I radically committed my life to Christ at 18 years old, the selfhate still clung to me. It wasn’t until I’d given birth to my first child that I had a life changing moment. I realized that I was going to have to choose to be free; to walk away from the false chains I felt bound me, and dive deeper into the heart of God for me, and His people. One of my favorite scriptures in the Bible is Jeremiah 29:13, “And you will

JASMINE'S PLACE

24 24

seek me and find me, when you search for me with all your heart.” (NKJV). What does that “seeking” look like as a woman? When I think of searching for and finding God, I picture a dry sponge and water. The water is poured over it and begins to seep into every dry place, to fill every nook and cranny. When I set my heart to seek God, it is not confined to Sundays or an hour in the mornings (if I can drag myself out of bed). It is all day every day. In the morning as I shower and dress, standing in the kitchen cooking or doing dishes, driving to work or the kids to school, on the couch in the evening when I am finally off my feet. He becomes my first thought of the morning and my last thought of the night. I look for Him throughout my day. HE DOES NOT DISAPPOINT ME. He’s poured out His love over me. I have found a measureless love, too marvelous for words. Today, I see others and myself as He does. And I know He sees ME. My hair, eyes, arms, legs, skin, heart, my mind, past, and future. He’s in love with me and knows who I can become. He sees my lows and highest highs, and says, “I died for it all.” He finds me beautiful. © Courtenay Bowser http://www.theignitionpoint.org

JASMINE'S PLACE

25 25

JASMINE'S PLACE

26 26

I can sleep because He doesn’t…

JASMINE'S PLACE

27 27

COMMUNITY

SHOULD STAND

FOR

Cure Found Jaime Scott

A motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s personal experience with Cystic Fibrosis.

JASMINE'S PLACE

28 28

When our son Brandon Ray Scott was born, the umbilical cord broke and he weighed less than six pounds. Our pediatrician called us first after the newborn screening tests: they suspected Brandon had a metabolic disorder, so they ordered a second test. It revealed Cystic Fibrosis. I don’t remember the specifics of what he said at that moment: it was all a blur. I believe he said the words pancreas, breakdown, mucus, and lungs. I was in shock. I had heard of Cystic Fibrosis before, and the doctor had casually said, “CF.” But I had no idea what organs it affected or what type of debilitation it caused. Once the diagnosis was confirmed, my husband, Eric, and I, cried for hours, and then for days. The CF Foundation, www.CFF.org, had all the facts. Brandon exhibited some signs: his stool was oily and he had an insatiable appetite but did not gain weight. We learned the precise mutated gene – Delta 508. Two carriers of this particular gene will have a 1 in 4 chance of producing a child with CF. Then we discovered that 1 in 3300 people carry this gene. Cystic Fibrosis is a fatal genetic disease occurring in about 1 in 30,000 births. The gravity of what the end result could be shook us to the core. We had an incredible team of doctors who gave us a warm welcome and introduction to Cystic Fibrosis at the Children’s

JASMINE'S PLACE

29 29

Hospital in Colorado. They explained CF in detail and what it would be mean for our family going forward. CF is a disease that makes the mucus throughout the entire body extremely thick, which blocks and disables many other body functions. Brandon does not absorb food properly. The medical forecast is that Brandon will be sterile, that he will continue to get lung infections, which will become progressively worse – that he will require more and more medicines, and eventually the antibiotics will change from pill to IV, and he will have many hospital stays. His estimated life span is much shorter with CF.

It’s so much to bear. I’m not even sure we’ve completely accepted it. There’s always an ache inside riding by happiness’ side.

JASMINE'S PLACE

30 30

We want Brandon and other children with CF to have a chance to eat like other babies, sleep like other babies, and function like other babies. We strongly support research. It has helped to improve Brandon’s quality of life. I have felt helpless and wanted to do more; so I thought I could give by fundraising. The CF Organization, Denver Chapter, has been there cheering me on along the way in support of my fundraising efforts. Our end goal is to eventually make CF stand for “Cure Found.” You can find out more about my fundraising efforts at: http://www.cff.org/great_strides/JaimeScott aka, Jaime Scott's Great Strides Page for "Team Brandon Ray of Sunshine"

JASMINE'S PLACE

31 31

STYLE

GELE-OGE

M & M Hats and Fascinators RED IVY

JASMINE'S PLACE

JENNY

TIFFANY

JANE

JENNY

JASMINE'S PLACE

33 33

SILK MARY

CHERYL

ROSELINE

JASMINE'S PLACE

HELEN

ALEXANDER

LILIAN

http://www.facebook.com/pages/M-M-Hat-and-Fashion-Accessories/143484325705687

JASMINE'S PLACE

I’m not perfect, but His love is… JASMINE'S PLACE

36 36

Adapted from a sermon by Rev. Frank Sherburn

JASMINE'S PLACE

37 37

FEATURE

Ten steps to maturity for teenage boys Mark Gregston Fifteen is the age when a boy moves into manhood while still holding on to the boyish ways of childhood. It is a time when parents need to be extra vigilant to help him make it through the transition smoothly, and therefore not get stuck at this stage for several years. Age 15 is when the your son’s thoughts and his expectations crash like ocean waves amidst a sea of change. It’s the end of one tide and the beginning of another. At the very least, it’s an awkward season. Increased hormones, growth spurts, voice changes, muscles, and moving from concrete to abstract thinking all tend to make a young man feel a jumble of both invincibility and vulnerability. And as a first step toward making up his own mind about life, everything you’ve taught him will be questioned. This is a “convenient” time for a mom and dad to detach and drift alongside their teen as he is busier with extra-curricular activities at school and spends more time away from home. But this is no time for parents to back off. It is a critical and pivotal point of time where a parent can steer a son away from childish thinking and move him toward more mature thinking. Your son needs to learn from you how to be respectful during a conflict, to be honest in the face of confusion, and to remain obedient in times of disagreement. It’s a time for some serious character-building. Sailing these waters can be a tough time for parents . . . but more than ever it is the right time to be avaliable and to be firm.

JASMINE'S PLACE

38 38

So how do you go about making a smooth transition? First, determine the “state of your child.” If things are already getting strained in your relationship, move toward them out of compassion, not frustration. Approach the harshest situations with humility, but carry a big stick. I don’t mean a big stick in relation to punishment, but I’m referring to your authority as a parent to set the agenda and to say “No” when you need to. Parents today strive to be a friend of their children more than a parent. But as most soon find out at about age 15 when conflict erupts, they’ll wish that they had more of a “parent role” than a “friend role.” I’m here to tell you from years of experience that it is never too late to jump into the parental role, and trust me; there will never be a better time for boys than at age 15.

A parent will do well to start with the following list to-do’s beginning on your son’s 15th birthday:

JASMINE'S PLACE

39 39

1. Ask your son to begin making more of his own decisions. “Where should we go to eat tonight? What would be good for us to do on our vacation? What movie should we get this Friday? What charities do you think would be good to support?” 2. Ask for his input or point of view. How would you respond in this situation? How would you discipline differently? What you do think about what’s happening at school? 3. Give him an opportunity to respond correctly. He may not respond to your giving him more responsibility appropriately at first. So give him another opportunity to get it right. Display empathy rather than judgment. The way you go about it is sometimes more important than the message itself. Remember, a gentle answer turns away wrath. How you respond to him will determine how he will respond to you. Be slow to speak, slow to anger, and quick to listen, gentle, and humble, and give him another chance to respond correctly. 4. Set clear boundaries. In times of trouble, don’t move away from your child, move toward him. Immaturity demands that you place boundaries around his inappropriate behavior. You may be thinking, “Well, you don’t know my kid and how he mistreats me.” I admit, I don’t.

However, I do know that if you do nothing to rein in the bad behavior you see in your 15-year-old son, it’s only going to get worse, not better. 5. Help your son learn how to say “No” by honoring it when he says “No.” This is another boundary issue. Honoring his boundaries will help him learn to honor others’ boundaries. 6. Admit when you are wrong. Admitting when you are wrong will help your son understand that everyone makes mistakes, and models how to behave when mistakes happen. 7. Shift control before you think he is ready for it. Yes, he will blow it, but he will also learn some valuable lessons from doing so, but only when you…..(see number 8). 8. Force him to take responsibility for his decisions. Don’t say, “I told you so,” or, “I should have made that decision instead.” Allow him to figure out what he should have done instead, and force him to own up to the consequences of his choices. 9. Encourage him in his good decisions. Point your comments toward his successes, not his failures.

JASMINE'S PLACE

40 40

10. When your son responds with maturity and responsibility, then move him up to the next level. Expand the limit and expectations and expect him to meet new requirements. For instance: “Honey, I think it’s great that you have a job now. If you are willing to save your money, I will match it and help you buy your first car.” I encourage you to take advantage of this time to help your son make a strong transition to the smoother waters of responsible adulthood. Age fifteen is a great time to sail alongside him through the rough and tumble waters of adolescence. Thankfully, he won’t be 15 forever.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Mark Gregston is an author, national radio host, and the founder of the Heartlight Residential Counseling Center for Struggling Teens. More teen parenting articles can be found in his blog at http://www.markgregston.com.

Hear Mark’s daily 1-minute teen parenting tips online right now at www.parentingtodaysteens.org.

JASMINE'S PLACE

41 41

S u r p around the r corner i s e

INSPIRATIONAL

A salad. A man. A woman. A stained shirt. A recipe for disaster? Or the beginning of something wonderful?

The cookout starts in less than an hour and I still need to fix my hair and finish my salad!" Paige banged on the bathroom door in an attempt to speed up her roommate. "I'm almost done!" Tara yelled from the other side of the door. Paige whirled around and rushed to the kitchen to work on her salad. Tara entered the room as she was covering the finished product with foil.

"Bathroom's all yours," she announced and then walked and plopped herself down on the couch in front of the TV. Paige placed the bowl of salad by her purse on the counter and took off toward the bathroom to finish getting herself ready. She hated being late for anything, especially today. The new youth minister was going to be at the cookout. They would be working together quite a bit since she was the youth's drama

JASMINE'S PLACE

42 42

around the corner Michele Fleming

team leader. Therefore, she couldn’t wait to meet him.

She walked out the front door with ten minutes to spare. Unfortunately, it would take her about that long to make the walk to the church. Paige wrapped her arms around the large container of salad and started walking. Finally, she made her way up the walk in front of the church. Even though she was out of breath, she decided to forego a quick rest and

cut around the side of the building. Just as she turned the corner . . . wham! She ran headlong into a man and dumped every bit of the salad down the front of his shirt. "Oh, my! I’m so sorry!" She started raking the mush and muck from his chest. "It was an accident, I wasn’t watching where I was going," he said as he started helping with the cleanup. "I should be the one

JASMINE'S PLACE

43 43

apologizing." They both stopped what they were doing and looked up at each other. Paige's breath caught in her throat. First, because of the tremendously handsome face looking back at her. Second, because she realized he had to be the new youth minister. Suddenly , she felt mortified. "Please don’t tell me . . . you’re Nathan Price, our new . . . youth minister." He gave her a brilliant smile and chuckled. "Okay, I won't tell you." She couldn’t help smiling. "I’m truly sorry." "It’s okay . . . really. I’ve got some extra clothes in the rectory. I’ll run and change." He gave her another knee-melting smile and turned to walk away. Looking back over his shoulder, he added, "Sorry about your salad.” Paige made her way the back of the church. Searching the crowd which had gathered for the cookout, she spotted Tara over by the food tables. Tara handed her a paper plate as soon as she made it to her side. "Where's the salad? I was looking forward to it.”

Suddenly, she felt mortified. "Please don’t tell me . . . you’re Nathan Price, our new . . . youth minister." He gave her a brilliant smile and chuckled. "Okay, I won't tell you."

Paige rolled her eyes. "Don't ask." Tara gave her a questioning look, shrugged her shoulders and moved on to finish filling her plate. Paige decided to do the same. She then walked to the large oak tree and sat down at its base. Concentrating on her food, she didn’t realize she had company until he spoke.

JASMINE'S PLACE

44 44

"Mind if I sit with you?" Nathan towered over her holding his own heaping plate of food. "Are you sure you’re not afraid to?" "I think I’ll take my chances."

There’s that smile again. He really is going to have to stop doing that! She thought as he claimed the spot on the grass next to her. "So . . .," a teasing glint flickered in his eyes, "you’re Paige, the drama queen." He refered to the nickname the kids had given her. Paige laughed. "Yes, that would be me, all right!" "Well, I’m pleased to meet you. I am really looking forward to working with you."

"Same here." After a moment's pause, Paige leaned over and looked at the contents of Nathan's plate. "No salad?"

Paige burst out laughing and Nathan followed suit. Paige and Nathan would tell the story, for many years to come, of how God brought them together with a cookout and one giant bowl of salad.

"No, I had some earlier." He chuckled. "There’s still some in my shirt pocket as a matter of fact. I am planning on eating it later."

JASMINE'S PLACE

45 45

JASMINE'S PLACE

He cherishes me, He values me… WOMAN

JASMINE'S PLACE

INSPIRATIONAL

Taste & See

JASMINE'S PLACE

48 48

•

Lovely Day: Out of Eden • Just Start Shouting: Ricky Dillard and New G Glory to Glory to Glory: Fred Hammond • Blessed: Ekklesia • I Believe: Darlene McCoy • Give Him The Praise: Virtue • God is Good (All The Time): Truce • No Looking Back: Damita • Merciful God: Vizion •

Sources include www.ucb.co.uk

A round up of some great music

JASMINE'S PLACE

INSPIRATIONAL

DORC By Rachel Hall-Smith

Her acts of kindness reaped a reward that she could never have imaginedâ&#x20AC;Ś Rachel Hall-Smith

JASMINE'S PLACE

50 50

“I only get a brief mention in the Bible. I was no dynamic teacher or apostle or evangelist. No – I chose to give my time and talents to care for others. The greatest need around was to provide clothes for the widows who couldn't afford them. So, I got out my sewing-machine, so to speak! You may think that you have little to contribute but ask God to commission you and equip you to meet someone's need. We're saved by faith not good works but a simple act of kindness conveys God’s great love. So, I say, ‘Be sure to make your time on earth count!’ I did - and I was raised from the dead as a consequence!” (Based on Acts 9:36-39) Further Biblical Blogs can be found at www.rachelhallsmith.co.uk

If Dorcas could send just one blog to the 21st century, what do you think she would say? I think she would say something like this:

JASMINE'S PLACE

51 51

REVIEWS

Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Book Club Spending time reading with your children goes a long way. You build bonds with your child and the time and space you create to share books with them, gives them a fertile environment to articulate any hidden or half formed thoughts they have into words. And it does not have to be a new book all the time. You may discover an old favourite takes on new meanings and continues to provide foyers into stimulating conversation as you child grows and relates the book to his own expanding world. On the following few pages, you will find reviews of some great early learning books for you to enjoy. As usual, they are all sturdy board books made with hard paper card, so they are perfect for inquisitive minds and hands. Parents and carers of little ones, you are doing a good job. Enjoy!

JASMINE'S PLACE

Mealtime Roger Priddy

Bright, simple, touch-and-feel photographs set on contrasting backgrounds help to teach the concept of mealtimes.

Farm Felicity Brooks This book illustrates different activities on a farm as well as night time animals. Each animal or object is drawn on its own for easy identification, and then drawn within the context of the activity it belongs in. For example, a sheep is drawn on its own, then it is shown grazing on a field.

The book features different fruits and foods and shows the difference between drinking and eating. It compliments concepts in a child's daily life, helps to increase or strengthen his vocabulary, and with its textures - increases his sensory awareness. Simple but very effective.

The book ends with a summary of all the sights and animals in the book giving your child the opportunity to go over all that has been learnt from the book. 3d models discreetly placed, add another dimension and a greater sense of realism to the bold and bright illustrations that fill the book. Flaps help to identify the section your child may want to go to and also make it easier to turn over the pages. This is a well designed and thought through book.

JASMINE'S PLACE

53 53

Goodnight, Poppy Cat! Lara Jones

This is a lovely, sweet, reassuring book and it's perfect for bedtime with its clever use of deep rich nighttime colours.

Hop In The Garden Julie Fletcher

Nicely designed book with soft gentle large illustrations; rounded flaps that will help a young child turn over the pages easily thus encouraging interaction with the book; and textured surfaces to feel and talk about. Your child will be introduced to the bee, the rabbit, the bird, the kitten and the fish.

It follows Poppy Cat as she gets ready for bed doing all her favourite things - bathing, playing with bear, snuggling up for stories in the chair, looking at the stars and then lying in her soft bed. The book has also got touch and feel bits and pieces - your little one can feel the squidgy bathtime bubbles, teddy's soft tummy, the shiny stars and Poppy Catâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s oh, so soft bed. Of course, there is lots to see and talk about in the illustrations as the book prepares your little one for bedtime. Good night Poppy Cat! Sleep tight!

Be prepared for a little fun exercise because the bee swoops and flies, the rabbit hops, the bird flaps, the kitten bounces and the fish splishes and splashes! Nice book!

JASMINE'S PLACE

54 54

Where’s That Duck Dan Crisp

Another great book from Dan Crisp. Your little one will learn about farm animals and farm life in general as you both look for the inimitable duck.

Postman Bear Julia Donaldson

Your little one will enjoy following Bear as he invites his friends and prepares for his birthday party. Children will lift flaps and uncover surprises and learn about numbers and animals at the same time. The rich illustrations provide good fodder for new words and opportunities to enhance communication with your child. Bear bakes a cake in the book and you can use the opportunity to point out your oven to your little one. You’ll be delighted to see him link the picture with the actual physical object.

Each illustration is a treasure trove and provides lots to look at, talk about and learn. The clever illustrations and peep through holes also provide for fun and interaction because they will make your little one think “there's duck!” - only to find that not to be the case when the page is turned over. Finally, though, you and your little one will find duck swimming along happily with her ducklings. It's a great book!

So, next thing he'll want to bake a cake for you as Bear did. Better begin to think about which cake you’ll want him to bake for you!

JASMINE'S PLACE

55 55

JASMINE'S PLACE

56 56

He’s got a great plan for me…

JASMINE'S PLACE

57 57

Jasmineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Place Web: http://issuu.com/jasminesplace Twitter: https://twitter.com/jasminesplacex Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jasminesplaceextra To subscribe, comment or make any enquiries, please send an e-mail to jmagazine33@gmail.com. Thank you.

Thanks for reading!

Please send us e-mail if you have any feedback.

See you soon!

It would be great to hear from you!