Dear Go(o)d Girl with Pamela Smith

Pamela D Smith, Founder of Go(o)d Girl Life Enrichment Ministry & RP Smith Agency launches a women empowerment book, Dear Go(o)d Girl. 

Pamela is an Amazon Best Selling Author, Evangelist, Life and Business Coach. She is encouraging, equipping, and empowering women in all facets of life. 

Pamela collaborated with 8 of her family members on this book and the book affirms to women that no matter what they go through in life they will ultimately be good because they are God's. 

The 4 core areas in the book are motherhood, marriage, ministry, and money. 

The Go(o)d Girls had a sold-out book launch. 

The book is available on Amazon and via website www.pameladsmith.net




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ABOUT PAMELA SMITH

Evangelist, Life Coach, Author, and International Speaker Pamela D. Smith has dedicated her diverse pursuits to elevate the spiritual lives of women around the world. Born in Northern Louisiana, and now residing in Arlington, Texas she's affectionately known as the "Prayer Plug" to many. It is through fervent prayer that she has created a multifaceted ministry that connects with people through a plethora of platforms and projects. Such would include the release of the prayer cd, Quiet Time To Pray, and a women empowerment life coaching community titled, Go(o)d Girl.  She's also self-published inspirational devotionals entitled: E3: Encouraged, Equipped, Empowered and Life, Love, Liberty: A 21-Day Spiritual Life Coaching Journey.


In addition to a Life Coaching audio and workbook titled: Inwardly: The Set Free Life, she's also published a prayer journal: Quiet Time to Pray and has been featured on The Sharvette Mitchell radio show, Diva Talk Radio, The Authors Show, Jubilee Magazine, Elite Magazine,  Glambitious Online, Jazzy Creative Magazine and Sheen Magazine. She was a 2017 Pink Carpet Honoree at LaShae's Business Women Expo. Having an undergraduate degree in Social Science and a master's degree in Business Management, Pamela will soon channel her business savvy into additional efforts including and a collaborative book project with her family. Together, Pamela and her husband founded RP Smith Agency which is a small business publishing agency that assists artists and authors with publishing and marketing their work. Additionally, her services that include life-coaching, consulting, keynote speaking, panel speaking, and workshop facilitation; will continue to help pave her road of success as a ministry maven.

Pamela's first ministry is within her home. She is married to Randall Smith, Sr. and is the mother of three boys.

Are Millennial Men Rejecting “Manhood”?

A major evolution is underway among millennial men and women in their values.

Douglas LaBier Ph.D.

The New Resilience

In this era of #MeToo, and controversy about “toxic masculinity,” some new research is very relevant: It indicates a shift is underway in how young men envision “manhood” — in their attitudes, their values, and their behavior — in their relationships, their careers, and their view of “success.”  I think we’re in the midst of a generational evolution with large-scale societal and political implications. 

To illustrate, one study (link is external)of over 600 millennial-aged men found that they are likely to be selfless, in contrast to the old “looking out for number one” attitude. They are also socially engaged with issues and causes and are highly health-conscious. 

Overall, this study from the University of British of Columbia(link is external) found that the masculine value they most strongly endorsed was selflessness. As described in this report(link is external), “Ninety-one per cent of the men agreed that a man should help other people, and 80 percent believed that a man should give back to the community. Openness also ranked highly — 88 per cent said a man should be open to new ideas, new experiences, and new people — and so did health, with a majority of participants saying that men should be healthy or in good shape.” 

Moreover, the traditionally “male” values ranked lower on the scale. They are still valued by the majority of participants, but less so than other values. For example, 75 per cent of the men said that a man should have physical strength, compared with 87 per cent who said a man should have intellectual strength, and 83 per cent who said emotional strength. Autonomy was also ranked lower, with 78 per cent saying that a man should be “independent.”

I think these findings are significant as generational shifts continue. Although the study was conducted with men from Western Canada, they likely reflect a broad, growing theme among the attitudes and values among younger people who enter adulthood in an increasingly diverse, interconnected world. As lead author John Oliffe said(link is external), they “…seem to be holding masculine values that are distinctly different from those of previous generations. These values may run counter to long-standing claims that young men are typically hedonistic, hypercompetitive, and that they risk or neglect their health.” Added co-author Nick Black(link is external), they “…are expanding their definition of masculinity to include values like openness and well-being. The study was published in Psychology of Men & Masculinity. (link is external)

We’re also witnessing the impact of millennial values — among both men and women — upon the workplace, in how they deal with their work and careers. For example, a new study(link is external) finds that millennials are prone to leave their jobs when they experience a “values gap” between themselves and the workplace culture – particularly around sustainability issues.

That’s especially notable because it contrasts with older generations. That is, many people report great dissatisfaction and dislike with their management and leadership culture, as many surveys and polls show. But most tend to suffer emotionally and physically; often frozen in place, perhaps from fear of losing what they already have, or insecurity about change.

Millennials appear to have a different mentality altogether. A summary of this new study from the University of Missouri(link is external) reports that millennials tend to job hop – something well known about them, and that older workers don’t understand. And a major reason is that they feel a disconnection between their personal values and the workplace culture. As one of the researchers, Rachel LoMonaco-Benzing explained,(link is external) “Not only did we find a gap, but we also found that workers were much more likely to leave a job if they felt their values were not reflected in the workplace.”

Co-author Jung Ha-Brookshire added(link is external) “They have been raised with a sense of pro-social, pro-environment values, and they are looking to be engaged. If they find that a company doesn’t honor these values and contributions, many either will try to change the culture or find employment elsewhere.” The researchers say that companies need to understand that the new generation of workers have high ethical and social expectations. The study was published in the journal Sustainability.(link is external)

All of these changes in values, attitudes and behavior among millennials are likely to have increasing impact on all realms of our society in the years ahead. Stay tuned!

Original article

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-new-resilience/201806/are-millennial-men-rejecting-manhood

Buckaroo Buckeye with Kristin Cetone

Do you think someone could be a writer if they don’t feel emotions strongly?
My stories are built on my emotions and memories and passions and life experiences. I think ALL authors start
from one, or all, of these vantage points to create their words.


Do you want each book to stand on its own, or are you trying to build a body of work with connections between each book?
Currently, I am working on a trilogy of books with characters all connected to Buckaroo Buckeye. I am trying to build a body of work that connects to my original character of Buckaroo Buckeye and that thread the common connection to literacy and building self-esteem through finding their special place in the world, as each character travels their life journey of self-discovery.


What does literary success look like to you?
Imagine a world where you couldn't understand instructions, you couldn't get from point A to point B, discover new things, engage your imagination, achieve a positive self-image, absorb new ideas, build a better life, follow directions to prepare a favorite food, get a job, or escape the chores of everyday living? The written word is the building block of life but being able to read and understand those words is power. Imagine not being able to explore the beauty and diversity of our world? Not being able to experience people and places beyond our neighborhood? This is THE POWER OF READING, an abundant and sustainable resource for mankind and the future. DO YOU HAVE THE POWER?


What period of your life do you find you write about most often? (child, teenager, young adult)
My childhood memories and experiences.


What is your favorite childhood book?
Misty of Chincoteague.


What were you like at school?
I was an extremely shy girl. For the first thirteen years of my childhood I lived in the rural country and had no other kids, other than my brother, to socialize with on a daily basis, so I relied upon my own creativity. TV was not prevalent then. I excelled in my academics and ballet and horseback riding but relished time by myself to read, do artwork, and pretend I was a teacher.


So, what have you written?(*Include books, novellas, short stories, poems, blogs, awards or anything of interest.)
I have one published book Buckaroo Buckeye-A Little Nut with Big Dreams. It is a Mom's Choice Silver Award Winner for 2013 and this book was awarded the 2016 OneBookArizona children's book winner. I have contributed several editorial pieces on children and reading to several local print sources, and I have over 150 blogs on my website.


What are you working on at the minute?
I am currently in the process of publishing three sequels to my original book. What does a buckeye tree do? It produces more buckeyes :-). Each of my three sequels are dedicated to three very inspirational women from my buckeye family tree.


What genre are your books?
Children's picture books


Why do you write?
I am inspired by my deep roots in the Buckeye State of Ohio along with something my father used to ask in his elder years. He would often ask “do you know what a buckeye is?” To indulge, we would always answer, “No, Dad, what is a buckeye?" His response was always, “It’s a worthless nut.” Such is the premise for Buckaroo Buckeye’s story. 

As a Reading Specialist, literacy and struggling readers was my career focus. The value of reading had been instilled and nurtured in me from an early age. As I worked with struggling readers, I witnessed how an inability to read had eroded their self-esteem and made them vulnerable to bullying. I want to inspire and encourage all, especially struggling readers, that there is a special place for each-and-every one of us in the world and through determination, nurturing, and guidance, success will be found, despite the bumps and bullies and setbacks along our life journey of self-discovery.


Buckaroo Buckeye: A Little Nut with Big Dreams 
by Kristin Anderson Cetone (Author)
http://amzn.to/2FT5ppw
https://buckaroobuckeye.com/shop/buckaroo-buckeye-book/
https://www.facebook.com/BuckarooBuckeye

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About the Author

Winner of the 2016 OneBookAZ and 2013 Mom's Choice Silver Award! Buckaroo Buckeye grew out of author Kristin Anderson Cetone's imagination and joy of reading. 

Born in Dayton, Ohio, she traveled many miles before putting down roots in the Arizona desert. Influenced by family, education, life experiences, and a desire to teach others, Mrs. Cetone discovered her purpose---just like Buckaroo Buckeye did. 

Her true calling and passion is writing and helping others become successful readers. She created Buckaroo to encourage children to believe in themselves and follow their dreams while dodging the bumps and bullies along the way. Reading will help guide the way. Being a Reading Specialist, she has also created Nuts About Reading™ an informal, supplemental, online reading service. She shares her insights and suggestions to help parents strengthen their children's reading process and become successful readers. 

Her joy now is to inspire and help kids to find the Buckaroo Buckeye in themselves.

God, Will I Ever Find Happiness? The Journey Toward Healing Your Inner Child

This book was created from the question "God, will I ever find happiness?" found in the introduction. The author has often tussled with this question and statements out of exhaustion and hopelessness most of her life. Through asking, there was also a process of searching. Thus, this book was born out of the questioning if there was truly more to life. That more included peace, love, and most of all, happiness. Through her personal experiences of overcoming hardships and depression, Mitzy seeks to provide wisdom to help others become the conquerors they were born and created to be. 

This book provides helpful tools and perspectives that give guidance to those who are struggling to enjoy their lives to the fullest. The purpose of this book is to let you know that happiness is possible for you!"



Pick up your copy!

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2G5HuDz
Barnes& Noble: http://bit.ly/2FNULkM
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMTwS9-PlSQ


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About the Author
Mitzy is an Artist, Author, and Coach to many who are seeking to improve their lives from minimum to maximum! She is a native of Jacksonville, Florida and a proud alumna of Spelman College and an anticipatory graduate of McAfee School of Theology in Atlanta, Georgia. Her education entails a background in Psychology, Studio Art, and Pastoral Care. 

From a variety of circumstances in her life that range from depression, homelessness, to even find the ability to deal with the day-to-day “hustle and bustle in life” Mitzy has sought to lend the knowledge and guidance that she has earned and learned. It is through her work that she hopes encouragement and inspiration can be born back into the lives of those who have given up on life and feel like all hope in a better future is gone. 

Through her writing and presence, Mitzy desires to bring back that fire and passion that is buried deep down within us all.

Are You Really Ready for Change?

As we wrap up the 3rd quarter of 2017 it's time to start preparing for 2018. There are two main questions you need to ask yourself -- who are you spending time with and who is influencing your day-to-day? There are some people you need to better UN-derstand in order to progress.

Check it out these 3 groups.




#mindset #mindshift #newlifedra #people #changeisgood #life

Never Forsaken [Lessons of 250 Miles]

An Interview with the Nicole A Jones, Editor of "Never Forsaken" by Bishop Ted G. Thomas

Never Forsaken by Ted G. Thomas

I understand you served as Bishop Thomas' Developmental Editor on his book “Never Forsaken”. What was that experience like?

For me it was a privileged experience. It’s always a pleasure working with someone who truly has something to say and sound words to share. But I believe God poured wisdom and understanding directly into me through my collaboration with Bishop Thomas.  I’ve been blessed by the experienced.

How did your collaboration on this project start?

Mother* Charletta Clifton Thomas. I was set to work with Mother Thomas on a book but she changed her mind and told me Bishop Thomas would be interested in writing a book... but I would have to call him. Well, Bishop Thomas is the prelate of the Virginia First Jurisdiction of the Church of God in Christ so naturally I hesitated. 

Mother Thomas told me on three separate occasions to contact him about the book. Eventually, I sent an email to Bishop. Impressively enough, he immediately responded to his email and the collaboration began. That was pretty nice.

Nonetheless, I admire how Mother Thomas was mindful of Bishop and put his ambition above her own.

You said Bishop Thomas immediately responded to his email. What was it like working with an 81 year old?

It was a pleasant experience. Ha ha. ha.  Honestly, I'm beginning to prefer it. You never have to guess how seniors feel. They say what they have to say and keep it moving. I love it and respect it!

Let me also add, I love how Bishop is a senior person but he respected my skills and my recommendations. Whenever, I suggested more input in a particular chapter, he never got short with me; he respected my recommendation. And he went back to the drawing board and added more to it. When we spoke again he had all of the details. I believe this book is as great as it is because of the wisdom and insight he continuously added to it.

What would you say you have taken away from this book "Never Forsaken"?

Pure wisdom. Some of the stories are hilarious but it shows that (for all of us) it takes a process to get to where were going in God. But it’s a blessing to hear and read how God is still rewarding our faithfulness and obedience to Him when we put Him first.

Where can we find Bishop Thomas’ book “Never Forsaken”?

Bishop’s team will release the book on August 26, 2017 but you can pre-order as early as July 4th. The books will be available online in paperback and e-book formats.  But of course you can always contact New Community Temple Church of God in Christ in Portsmouth, VA and someone there can assist.

June 29, 2017

Interview with Nicole A. Jones

Developmental Editor of Bishop Thomas’ memoir “Never Forsaken”

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Never Forsaken is a profound memoir of Bishop Ted G. Thomas Sr. It chronicles his journey from Hoke County, North Carolina to Norfolk, Virginia and beyond.

Each experience gained from his two hundred and fifty mile transition to the city and his upward climb to community and church leadership transforms into powerful messages and principles that encourages each reader to apply to their lives.

This book recounts Bishop Thomas’ life of humility through submission to God and obedience to the scriptures.  He affirms that if we seek God by putting Him first in our lives, the material possessions we desire will be added to us.

*Mother or Mother of the Church: Mother of the Church (in Latin Mater Ecclesiae) is a title, officially given to Mary during the Second Vatican Council by Pope Paul VI. The title was first used in the 4th century by Saint Ambrose of Milan, as rediscovered by Hugo Rahner. Serving in such Christian denominations as the Baptist and Pentecostal  predominantly African-American churches, "Mother" though shortened is used as a title of respect. 


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Life. Love. Legacy.

When I find a product/service that I think is pretty awesome I like to share it with you. Well, that's the case with Myfamli.com.  Think of it as-- Facebook meets Ancestory.com.  In fact, the website shares this description:

MyFamli is a new and exciting way for family members and relatives to easily connect, share and create their personal legacies all in one site, for free.

Myfamli allows users to build current, living family trees in order to share their lives with each other. Using intuitive interfaces, family members are able to chat or send messages to each other, share photos and videos, stay in touch with distant relatives, and maintain their life story for generations to come.

As a native Virginian, who now lives in California, I find this to be an invaluable tool. Social media is great but who wants the additional issues and drama that come with many of the platforms? That's what I think is great about Myfamli -- it's just you and your family; it's not for the world to see or comment on. 

It's just Social enough for everyone to enjoy. Media enough to post those great pics from moments you wish to share. The best of both worlds. 

So take a moment to take a look around and try it for yourself -- it's FREE. 

Katherine Nelson-Coffey, Ph.D.Living Life Well

Treat Yourself: Does It Really Make You Happy?

New research explores its psychological effects.

Treat yourself. The premise for a funny episode of Parks and Recreation now seems to have taken our culture by storm. Feeling stressed after a long day of work? Treat yourself to a bubble bath. Feeling blue? Treat yourself to a decadent dessert. Feeling frustrated after an argument with a friend? Skip your workout and have an extra scoop of ice cream.

The message is clear: If you want to feel happy, you should focus on your own wishes and desires.

Yet this is not the advice that many people grew up hearing. Indeed, most of the world’s religions (and grandmothers everywhere) have long suggested that people should focus on others first and themselves second. Psychologists refer to such behavior that is intended to benefit others as prosocial behavior. Many studies have shown that when people focus prosocially on others—with kind acts such as buying a friend a cup of coffee, picking up an extra chore for a family member or roommate, or helping a neighbor with an errand—their own happiness increases. 

But how does prosocial behavior compare to treating oneself? Does treating oneself really make people feel happy?

In a recent study published in the journal Emotion, my colleagues and I put this question to the test.

The Study

Participants were divided into four groups and given instructions each week for four weeks: One group was instructed to perform acts of kindness for themselves (such as going shopping or enjoying a favorite hobby); the second group was instructed to perform acts of kindness for others (such as visiting an elderly relative or helping someone carry groceries); the third group was instructed to perform acts kindness to improve the world (such as recycling or donating to charity); and the fourth group was instructed to keep track of their daily activities.

Each week, participants reported their activities from the previous week, as well as their experience of positive and negative emotions. At the beginning and end of the four-week period and again two weeks later, participants completed a questionnaire to assess their psychological flourishing—a measure of overall happiness, which includes questions asking about psychological, social, and emotional well-being.

At this point, you might be wondering: Is it really possible to measure happiness? Many psychologists have devoted their careers to answering this question.

In short, the answer is yes.

Happiness is a uniquely subjective experience, which means that nobody is better at reporting on people’s happiness than the individuals themselves. Thus, in my research and in this study, I relied on individual reports of happiness.

The Results

The results of the study were striking. Only participants who engaged in prosocial behavior demonstrated improvements in psychological flourishing. Participants who practiced prosocial behavior also demonstrated increases in positive emotions from one week to the next. In turn, these increases in feelings such as happiness, joy, and enjoyment predicted increases in psychological flourishing at the end of the study. In other words, positive emotions appeared to have been a critical ingredient linking prosocial behavior to increases in flourishing.

What about the people who treated themselves? They did not show the same increases in positive emotions or psychological flourishing as those who engaged in kindness. In fact, people who treated themselves did not differ in positive emotions, negative emotions, or psychological flourishing over the course of the study compared to those who merely kept track of their daily activities.

Take Home Message

Does this mean that we shouldn’t treat ourselves every now and then?

Not necessarily.

Believe me, I enjoy a bubble bath, a glass of wine, and a good book as much as the next person. However, the results of this study suggest that if you want to feel happier in your life, then you would better reach that goal by treating others with kindness rather than having that extra piece of chocolate cake for yourself.

Original article found here

Living a Fulfilled Life

What does it mean to live a fulfilled life? Many will say look at the material items accumulated, others look to the number of friends, while others yet, contend it is simply how happy your family is at any given time. There are certain actions one can take to insure that no matter the algorithm used you will end up on the happier side of life.

Join me as we look at five tips for living a more fulfilled life.

BONUS INTERVIEW: Eleze "Lisa" Thomas-McMillan author of Living Fulfilled The Infectious Joy of Serving Others
SHOW SPONSOR: Inspirational Productions
 MUSIC SPONSOR: Triumph by JaneliaSoul also available on Amazon