2009: The Year of DIVINE...2010: The Year of DIVINE ORDER

2009 was truly the Year of DIVINE. We were privileged to do a plethora of new things--launching new events, being a part of the biggest award shows in the Christian/Gospel industry, traveling to Africa on a life-changing Mission Trip, getting connected in CyberWorld, inspiring hundreds of people to greatness & so much more! In 2010, we're expecting even more explosive things to happen and believe that it will be like DIVINE Dynamite all year long!!!

At the start of 2009 and during his Inaugural speech, President Barack Obama stated “we the people have remained faithful” and “the challenges we face are real, but they will be met.” He reminded us that now “our spirit is stronger and that we will not be broken.” However, our destiny depends on us embracing “the knowledge that God calls on us to accept” and that it will take the “faith and determination of the American people” to survive the tough times.

We have a strenuous road ahead in 2010 but we will remain faithful to what we know works to survive. Those ingredients include trusting God, being firmly planted in our places of worship, protecting our communities and creating a safe and progressive environment for our children--our leaders of tomorrow.

As we prepare for 2010 let's take a moment to recap on DIVINE Magazine's 2009 Highlights :

Stellar Awards
My staff and I had the privilege to cover the Stellar Awards and rub elbows with legendary gospel artists. (Scroll Down For Pics)

DOVE Awards We took part in covering the biggest award show in the Christian arena at The Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, TN. (Scroll Down For Pics)

BEAUTY SESSIONS/FELLAS NIGHT OUT EVENTS
We also launched two exciting events that are scheduled throughout the entire year: BEAUTY SESSIONS, an event for ladies and FELLAS NIGHT OUT, an event for men. Both events were great successes and brought the realization that gathering in God’s name and doing life together are extremely important. Click Here To View Pics!

MISSION TRIP TO AFRICA
I also had the privilege to travel on a mission trip to Africa to share the message of Jesus and love on children at Care Points. I also kept a journal while I was on my 10 day journey and shared it in the Fall 2009 Issue of DIVINE (click here to view) to encourage others to go on a mission trip or sow into others who desire to go out as missionaries.

CYBERWORLD CONNECTIONS
We have also tapped into the cyber world to increase our Internet presence by joining Myspace, Facebook, Twitter, & creating THIS BLOG. We also distribute an electronic newsletter to hundreds of readers entitled Bringing You Everything Inspirational to provide information about the positive events that are taking place around the city and beyond. The e-newsletter is also a great opportunity for business owners to spread the word about their services and connect with potential customers. (To receive DIVINE Magazine's weekly e-newsletter email us). We also launched DIVINE Digital to allow more people to be impacted by our publication and went from reaching 1,500 people to a total of 5,000 people by making the magazine available in a print and digital format. We plan to double that number in 2010.

PARTNERSHIPS We partnered with so many awesome organizations this year including the Reggie Howard Foundation, Naked Truth Singles Conference, Annual Sickle Cell Walk, Hagar's Ministry For Single Mothers, Mary Kay Cosmetics, Paradigm Dental Center, Norfleet Entertainment, Kingdom Alliance Entertainment, R.J. Groove Kingdom Party, Light Records, PKP Agency, JoVenTosh Couture, Judy Jacobs & The International Institute of Mentoring and a number of churches & ministries!

ADVERTISERS & SPONSORS DIVINE could not be where it is without the support of its Advertisers & Sponsors!
You know who you are and we appreciate all that you do & by sowing into DIVINE you are sowing right back into your business/ministry. May you, your family and your business/ministry experience extreme overflow and favor always.

READERS & SUPPORTERS Without your support our purpose of inspiring men & women to greatness would be null & void. Thank you for being with us for 3 years and for growing with us. We aim to produce a publication that gets better & better with each issue and to create as many ways as possible to keep you connected and motivated in life to do what you're purposed to do! Thanks again for motivating us & letting us know that you like what we do!!! Words can't express the appreciation.

In closing, I am elated with the concept of change and what's to come in 2010. I hope that DIVINE has been a blessing to you in 2009 and that you will continue to support us in 2010 as we move forward in inspiring men and women to walk in their purpose.

Remember Be Encouraged, Be Grateful, Be Inspired!

DIVINE Magazine Publisher

What Wonderful Child Is This

There are so many elements of Jesus’ birth that I would love to capture. The star that shone so bright, the three wise men that came as witnesses, the pregnancy of the virgin Mary, the fact that there was no room at the inn or that our Lord and Savior Jesus was born in a stable. The list could go on, however, the common thread would be the need to take notice and celebrate that miraculous occasion. Every event which led up to Jesus’ birth represented an even greater purpose in the end. Every person involved in Jesus’ birth was an ordinary person who became a part of something extraordinary.

It is so important to understand how mysteriously God can work. Sometimes, it may seem that life is moving slowly, that our chaotic workplace will never subside, that our children will never straighten up and fly right, that our spouses will always make things difficult, that school will always be a struggle, that there will always be more bills than paycheck. However, there is a light at the end of the road. That light this holiday season is that star that was shining so bright. It is the same light that led the three wise men who had never seen or met Jesus to travel to be by his side. The wise men came prepared with gifts expecting to find something worth celebrating. Speaking of expecting, the virgin Mary was given the honor of carrying Jesus in her womb. She was required by God that is, to accept her role at a young age and had to endure an awkward situation throughout her pregnancy. Even the mother of Jesus had to endure trials and tribulations.

There is a great message that should be our focus this holiday season: in every situation we face, God knows what’s best even if it seems uncomfortable for a time. Philippians 4:6 says “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. As we go into the New Year, we must continue to exhibit patience and trust God to move in our lives. Whether it is a desire to be married, steps on how to lead a spouse to Christ, whether to go back to school, or how to get out of debt, God wants us to make our requests known and then prayerfully wait for Him instead of trying to fix things on our own.

Have A Merry Christmas! Jesus is the Reason For The Season!!!

10 Reasons Why You Might Be Single

If you are single you are probably use to being bombarded with the classic question: "Why are you still single?" or "When are you going to get married?" Lately, you have even started to question this idea and ponder whether or not you should be considering a serious relationship. There are plenty of reasons why you are still single and it's about time that you start facing the facts.

Here Are The 10 Reasons Why You Might Be Single:

1. God has you in your preparation stage.
2. It’s just not your season to be in a relationship.
3. God is still working on you.
4. God is still working on that special someone.
5. You don’t need any distractions right now.
6. You need to learn to balance life (professional, personal, etc.).
7. It’s your opportunity to travel, start a book club, learn a new trade, etc.
8. You can be an example to someone else.
9. The singles ministry and other ministries need you.
10. You need to learn to be truly happy with yourself.

Any Questions? Pray About It & Accept The Season That You're In.

***Study these Single Men & Women from Biblical Times:

• Daniel
• Jesus
• Shadrach
• Paul
• Meshach
• John the Baptist
• Obednego
• Philip's four daughters
• Elijah
• Elisha
• Jeremiah

Also read "They Were Single Too: 8 Biblical Role Models" By David M. Hoffeditz