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Showing posts from 2017

Sherlene Stevens: Christmas Gifts To Children of Color

Many families, who are people of color, do not celebrate Christmas in the U.S. During the Christmas-season, what should these parents say to their child(ren)? Or should they express their beliefs at all to their child(ren)? If so, when is a good age to discuss such beliefs? Should communities become more sensitive to such faith-believing view-point? Should community schools, public schools, be forced to acknowledge all (Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Buddhism)  faith-believing holidays? or none at all? There are many faith-believing families who are teaching their child(ren) to understand --"It's not about the gifts, it's about the birth of Jesus our Lord and Saviour." Such families are teaching such specific morals or values in their unique home style. Why should others or neighbors care? I, personally, care about said understanding (by young children) of such actions. Do you think these children secretly desire to have a few gifts--not necessarily all of the Chri

Sherlene Stevens: Gay Married Men and Family-Centered Holidays

For many marriages, the holidays can be a burden to dysfunctional marital relationships. Did you know that most dysfunctional married-couples separate, during this time of year? Such data reveals that these couples tend to follow through with the formal divorce actions.  There are many reasons as to why it is believed that couples struggle to remain married--just before and during traditional holidays. I have spoken to "many" straight married women who, let's blame it on the traditional holidays, complain of declines of spousal-bonding and productive emotions. Out of such discussions, these women truly believe the following actions are sure signs that believed straight-husbands may actually be gay or bisexual: Such men refuse to take time out of their plans to be with their wife or immediate family or wife and child(ren).  Such men plan quality time with their male friends instead of with the above mentioned. Such men whine that their wives spend too much time wit

Sherlene Stevens: Thanksgiving Food Prep Advice

These are just a few suggestions that I am sharing with you, your family or family business: Do not use a potato that has a stem or leaves growing from it, is turning green, or is rotten. It may make you sick. Try cooking some items the day before. Store in fridge or in a non-heated room. How long have you had spices? sugars? salt? These items are preserved to last for years. Over time, however, they begin to lose their original flavor. You will know because it seems like you have to use more to get the taste that is familiar to you. To avoid pots boiling over put a wooden spoon on top of the pan, instead of a lid. Store milk- or butter-based dessert items in the fridge. You may also freeze most dessert items up to at least three months. Applesauce should be prepared and stored in the fridge until usage. Allow your turkey to thaw in the fridge or fill your kitchen sink with water and cover. Avoid placing food in direct sunlight or near a window. Sodas and prepared drinks ca

Sherlene Stevens: Five Things To Do When Your Mate Doesn't Want Any Holiday Visitors

It's almost that festive time of year--again! This is the time of the year when friends and families visit each other's homes.  What do you do when your mate doesn't want any visitors for the approaching holidays? Try This Discuss with your mate your feelings; Choose a different place to meet up, and make it a tradition when it's your turn to host; Suggest you meet at their homes: take something special to share including the usual items; Meet the day before or after the traditional holiday; or,  If necessary, apologize for your mate's attitude towards such festive occasion. Be sure to include your mate's name on all gifts that you give.  (Afterall, such gifts are still an expense out of your household's budget that both you and your mate share.) Happy holidays!

Sherlene Stevens: What To Do When You Don't Celebrate Halloween

The national day of Halloween is October 31, yearly. Halloween has always been an interesting topic for faith-believers, and those who do not celebrates the festive season. What do you do when your neighbor(s) faithfully celebrate the day, but you don't? Do not place any colors of red, orange-and-black, or black-and -white decor outside your unique home style; The day of Halloween, remove any outside decor or furniture to avoid tampering; The evening of Halloween, manually turn off your outside lighting;  If trick-or-treaters come a knockin' simply don't answer the door. You may want to darken your lighting inside your home style, too; Do not call 911 for children simply having fun or being a little too noisey;   Check with your local town, some communities have a specific day and time for the event;  If you work from home, you may want to plan your week accordingly; Lastly, If still feel uncomfortable with these suggestions, plan to go out for the day and eveni

Sherlene Stevens: Medical Condition: The Hypnosis State

Have you ever allowed hypnosis to be performed on you?  I don't believe that you have to go to a skilled medical profession to become seduced by hypnosis. In fact, I don't believe that some people, who are hypnotized, desire to be under such medical condition at all. Do you understand that each state and community has its own culture and identity? normalcy of citizen actions?  How is it possible that large groups of people can undergo hypnosis--at one time?  How is it possible that police are not seduced by the acts of hypnosis vs. politicians or the general public?  My goodness, we all know that it rains on the just as well as the unjust (the Holy Scriptures). So why would it not happen to police officers, too?! No, I think that hypnosis can happen to white officers, too. I recall that one time my own maternal grandmother had gone to a local courthouse to complete a task, and then she didn't even remember doing it!  A maternal aunt had visited a local mall, and then sh

Sherlene Stevens: Celebrities Pay to Work

What does it take to be a judge on the upcoming season series of American Idol? I heard they are looking for one more judge!  Do you enjoy working for several supervisors at once? How about your multi-tasking skills in receiving instructions from several different people all at one time? That is the lifestyle activities of our most favorite entertainers. There are many people who would like to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. For a person, who isn't disciplined, a celebrity employment contract can be very risky. The challenges can be harsh: It can actually ruin one's career, or keeps the working partnership going--no matter the dysfunction--to avoid financial penalties. A typical employment contract demands consideration, before signing.  Can you imagine the responsibility of adhering to a celebrity's contract? There are so many internal and external staff that one deals with throughout the contract timeframe. Then there are the sponsors who have their own

Sherlene Stevens: Hurricane Relief "Help, I No Longer Have A Vehicle!''

Are you a recent weather-disaster victim who is now experiencing the loss of a personal or business vehicle? Of course, most of us know that riding the local, public-bus line is probably the most reliable transportation option. Here are a few more options that you may not have thought about for short- or long-term commuting. I learned these commuting choices, after a divorce and relocation to more urban areas of our country. Get ready to purchase more comfortable shoes.  Every three - six months, you will be purchasing new casual/walking/athletic shoes. Runners' sneakers may or may not be the best shoe-option for you. And ladies, who work in  a professional office,  it may be a little awkward at first--especially if you've always worn heels or dress shoes. Carry them along with you inside of a utility tote bag or tote bag. Here is my personal life-experience advice to you on commuting: Going Shopping Don't want to ask a neighbor or family member? Advice: Get

Sherlene Stevens: Hurricane Harvey Neighbor Help

UPDATE: Hurricane Irma is a very challenging storm, category 5 winds and rain. It expands over 400 miles, and is defined as the biggest storm on U.S. record. Florida families are preparing to evacuate. Most schools are now closed until further notice.  Pop-up shelters are needed. Shelter facilities' main goal is to provide the very basic of human needs and wants.It is suggested that families stay at a hotel/motel, with family, or friends. All families are advised to take picture of important documents.  Whenever possible, during picture taking, create duplicate pics. Store a set of pics in a waterproof or fireproof container or area. Neighbor o' Neighbor-- Let's help in an organized and productive fashion:  What's needed? Who's going? When are they going? Where is the drop-off point(s)? From the many social-media posts that I have seen, there are many neighbors, all around the country, who are willing to provide donations and manpower. Before we all get exc

Sherlene Stevens: Where Is This Education Taking Me

It's Back-To-School Time for most students. Hashtag #WhereIsThisEducationTakingMe is my current hosted social theme (8/22-9/22). Local governments and communities, of the U.S., are debating the pros and cons of the public-school and college-brand models (private and state colleges). In my opinion, all school models should have adequate heating and cooling. Not every old-school building has proper insulation. This means that we have school-buildings that are more challenging to heat and cool: more expensive to keep open than building energy-efficient schools. There is also the issue of the decline of young families in our local communities. Millennials aren't producing large families like many of us grew up in.  I guess the decline is mainly due to familiarity of such experiences. Experiences that many would say was a little dysfunctional growing up in such a big household. "Is the charter-school model more productive than the public-school?" "Which school m

Sherlene Stevens: Parents, What To Do When You Can't Afford School Meals

Most public schools have now upgraded their cafeteria's meal-buying system.  In many schools, students who do not have adequate funding on their meal-account card go hungry. Meanwhile, bus students complain about arriving too late to eat breakfast at their given school. Bus students believe that it's unfair that their peers, who walk to school, are able to purchase a school breakfast. If students arrive late, to their morning classroom, they often are marked as "absent" or "tardy". Suggestion: If necessary, contact your school's principal, morning teacher, and/or cafeteria manager to make arrangements. You may be referred to speak to your child's guidance counselor, if an ongoing challenge with your child's bus route or financial situation. Along with "How was you day?", add to the conversation by asking your child(ren) what items they chose from their school's cafeteria's menu.

Excuse Me, When Are Y'all Going To Pay Your Fee Portion

Have you ever considered opening a business? a family business? I have often asked my maternal family "why should we not try?"  Are these some of the answers that you have received when exploring entrepreneurship as a family? Who is reliable enough to do all that is necessary to maintain the everyday activities of running a business? It's too much work, and I'd rather we not. What about retirement?  A full-time job provides a steady paycheck, and there is too much of a risk in running a business. Where is the start-up money going to come from? The sky? Why should I put in more of the start-up money, if I earn more at my job than her/him or you? Being a family member is enough, we don't need to be in business together. Oh no, I am always the one that pays for most family-oriented gatherings now.  Sounds like a business plan, now you go try it if you want to and when you fail or achieve I'll be ---.  (encouraging realizing it takes a lot to run a b

Amazon: The New Factory Model In a Town Near You

On Wednesday, August, 2, 2017, Amazon will pursue its goal of hiring 50,000 new employees, nationally--in one day! There are also virtual, customer-service, job opportunities available in various states (not all states). Web URL Link: Amazon.jobs I know that some of you have been in search for the traditional factory job for a while. I guess the Amazon business model is as close as you're going to get. Working in a factory requires constant to-and-from walking actions choosing specific items to package for shipment.  Most often workers must walk on a cement flooring so quality work/comfortable shoes are mandatory.  Amazon still has some work to do in its job-website platform. There are some job opportunities, which were available last year, that are still listed. Maybe those jobs still need to be filled. Never the less, it doesn't give a great impression of their current hiring promotion. Can you imagine 50,000 American citizens applying on the Amazon website at the

Sherlene Stevens: Emotional Stages: Spring/Summer Weather

Most U.S. adults and families are now realizing the weather patterns of spring and the approaching summer season.  International continents, months ago, were expressing their concerns of their most recent weather patterns. Some days, the Asian continent's weather temperature was reaching over 110 degrees. Such dramatic temperatures is a new experience for all global citizens. King James Version Bible declares "We all shall notice at the same time." This may be true. Locally, the northern states would generally have cooler temperatures than the South. Now the majority of our states are experiencing the same weather patterns. Parents with children. Realizing that most U.S. households are being maintained by female parents, who work, that rely on entrepreneurs who offer summer childcare services.  I think it is important to find a summer childcare-program service that does not require for children to be outside for most of the day. Maybe this would be a summer where you

Sherlene Stevens: Community Investments

In our local communities, has the overall definition of religion become an idol? Are we now afraid to discuss religious beliefs outside of places of worship? Are reclusive clergy opportunities, as the only local community help, causing most of local, community financial setbacks?  Currently, the U.S. is considered to have most of modern-day practices of Christianity--including, sadly, American Christians whose habit is booze drinking. Fact: Most faith-believing citizens (Muslims and others), of international continents, do not drink alcoholic beverages--at all. If there is a social venue or stores that sell alcoholic beverages, in international Muslim areas, their political laws state that such beverages can only be sold to Christians! In America, we must remember, always, that religious laws are much different than our political or goverments' laws. Then, we have the proclaimed atheists or simply non-participating citizens--Are you an enemy of any state? Have you ever been unjus

Sherlene Stevens: Christian Cross is the Fly On the Wall

The Cross is really faith believer's actions of what each of us does--seen and unseen everyday. Sort of like a fly on the wall that hears all and sees all. If you could pick up your personal cross, what would it reflect? Yahshua-Yahweh/JESUS/Isa wasn't welcome in many places, but it didn't change his morals or purposes.  I admit that some places he did instruct his followers to forget that they were ever there, and to shake the dust off of their feet. During Jesus's life span, people wore open-shoe styles (flip flops, sandals) even if it meant having dust or sand dust all over one's feet. With the warmer climates, many of us will probably replace tennis shoes and high heels for the average flip flop.  Though most podiatrists (foot doctors) believe that flip flops are "the worst" creative invention. Why is it that many people, globally, wear them? Americans must not be wearing the correct flip-flop/sandal material of quality then. We now know that Chris

Sherlene Stevens: Traditions Are Changing

Eastern Season Topic. Due to the decline of American white civilization and international traditions, our holiday- and social-shopping traditions are changing. There is still a demand for chocolate-item products so much so that we may not have enough for the demand in coming years. Though you would never know when you visit most large retail or grocer chain--shelves filled with unused products after a holiday tradition. Easter-egg activities are still trending in most American cultures. Don't forget to have that one special egg, otherwise known as "the golden egg!" For a more serious discussion of a topic that I have been wanting to share for a while. I thought it would be highly appropriate to share during the eastern season. I know, I know, there are a lot of American citizens who consider themselves no longer doing the religious practices and traditions anymore. I realize that maybe one of those citizens may be you. It wouldn't be strange for the majority of my a

Sherlene Stevens: The Woman's Gold: Queen of Sheba

Reference: Queen of Sheba, Holy Bible, King James Version. During this last week of women's month, I wanted to take time out to acknowledge all women of all faiths.As many of you have heard me say this before, "When I was going through relationship challenges with my then-husband, I was not accepted to proceed in pastoral training by the request of the attending congregation of the United Methodist Church denomination"--a woman valued in training as a lay speaker only. All the religious titles that defined me and the actions that I participated in seemed to simply vanish, once I left my home-town community or shall we say my husband's family's communities and neighborhoods. After my separation from my husband and the Church, which happened to be the denomination of most churches within my community (90%), I explored the Nation of Islam. It was my first time, living on my own, without my husband, in Wilmington, Delaware, that I actually attended worship at a loca

Sherlene Stevens: A Taste of the Germans Beer

That's how it began for many whites in our country.  Yup, drinking habits that were taught to the Native Americans, then the African slaves of how to survive without good, clean water. Some German immigrants even suggested that mothers give their infants and children beer instead of milk or dirty water.  That's how it began-- Our continent has less population of whites now because: (1) they're moving back or staying put in the Europe continent, and (2) they're dying from addictions (opiods, heroin, and Oxycontin). The opposite of population, some people of color have a personal attitude of "whatever whites can do, I can do far better." WARNING. Some humanly actions should never be imitated. Yet, they're are people of color, on a daily basis, that are abusing or selling drugs within our towns and neighborhoods. I believe if Americans would accept and teach the reality that most of our generational, skilled and unskilled workers had wish-and-a-prayer, lo

Sherlene Stevens: The Gayish Americas

Simply put--As it were, there is nothing new under the sun. (Or for this week's topic, there is nothing new of humanly actions of distinct sexual emotions and behaviors within the earth realm). The following sexual behaviors can not really be summarized into specific sexual styles.Each person's participation is unique which causes more anxiety by straight people of the meaning of, you know, "them kind". Don't believe me? Just ask anyone who considers themselves to be of the LGBTQ gender-community. Though today's world offers more clarity of these group-name labels: L esbian G ay B isexual T ransgender Q ueer             Is America really the land that is made for both "you and me"? -(This Land is Your Land song) As we are so eager to express, "North America's continental land is the symbol of democracy to be acknowledged by the rest of the world's continents." And with that being said, the reality is, all other conti

Sherlene Stevens: Uber Travel Service for Celebrities

Recently I traveled by Uber in the Atlanta area. With over 30,000 entertainers in Atlanta, Georgia, I wondered how on earth could an Uber driver be discreet of celebrity-passenger pickup. The following are a few tips of why I believe celebrities should avoid the Uber and Lyft service whenever possible: Discretion isn't available! ALL DRIVERS IN THE AREA WILL HAVE YOUR LOCATION AND FIRST NAME. In turn, the quickest driver can choose to pick you up; first-come-first-serve basis. Uber requests first-name identity for paying. Then, the driver can address you by your name during pickup and travel time. They will also have your phone/text info to contact you, if necessary (before pickup) Uber can't guarantee that you will always have the same driver, within the area. The good thing is that you will have the driver's name and contact info before and a few minutes after an Uber ride. You must choose the UBER X to ride alone without pickup of additional passengers (the gene

Sherlene Stevens: New Orleans: Mardi Gras Week

Those of you who are planning to attend this year's Mardi Gras in New Orleans, Louisiana: There are a variety of parades to enjoy. Some will last for a few minutes to a couple of hours. Most of the main-traffic streets will be blocked off. There may be shuttle availability, be prepared to walk. Those streets will be crroowdded . Similar to New York, some New Orleans attractions will be open 24/7. Purchase an all-day public-transportation ticket or a Jazzy Pass ($3.00), even if you think you will only need to use it for a couple of stops. You can use your ticket for their in-town street cars and public buses--New Orleans Regional Transit Authority. Have correct change, and the nice thing is that you can purchase your ticket on any street car within Orleans Parish! Have exact change  when paying for ticket. 3-Day passes are $9. Resource link: www.norta.com  There is a public park near Canal Street. You may want to dress your kids in same-color attire, etc. There are plenty

Sherlene Stevens: Touchdown on the Topic of Equality

One of my hosted theme for February is African American Appreciation Month. The following is a quote by Reverend Jesse Jackson when interviewed by  Ebony magazine (October 2014). The interview concluded with the discussion of economic justice for blacks. I believe that the conversation is appropriate because we, last Sunday, Americans, of all racial identities, recently watched the 51st Super Bowl  (111.3 million viewers estimate for FOX reports the LA Times ). Let's compare the recent football game to the overall sportsmanship conversation led by Jackson:     "You look for jobs where you have the skill capacity to be creative and to gain leverage. Why are we so good at football, basketball and baseball?  It's because whenever the playing field is even, the rules are public, the goals are clear, referees are fair and the score transparent, we can make it.  When you think about the things that we use and consume every day, we have no leverage.  When you vote less

Sherlene Stevens: Receiving is Prosperity

Continuing on the discussion of my hosted theme of December Family Holiday Traditions, did your home style take part in acknowledging the Feast of the Epiphany (Jan. 6th)? The Epiphany is a faith-based celebration of the travels of the three kings, who received godly wisdom of the announcement of Jesus's birth. They traveled, from great distances, to present their finest gifts to a baby--their king, our king, and the king of all kings. The king of all rulers and leaders (past, current, and future) within the earth realm. As a prosperity non-ordained clergy, you will often hear or read my phrase                                "You must receive in order to give." It took a lot of challenges for me to understand this concept or thought. It was only until I read a similar passage in detailed story form, within the Holy Bible, that I received true meaning of my own unique dysfunction. I finally grasped the understanding! I truly believe that I received the actions of what

Sherlene Stevens: Holiday Dinner After You've Lost a Loved One

On October 1, 2016, my grandmother passed away.  So my immediate maternal family decided we should all give up our own planned goals for Christmas to unite to have one memorial dinner to celebrate and remember mother and grandmother, and to be with stepfather or step grandfather (grandchildren, great grandchildren) on Christmas day.  As many of you know I am a biological co-parent of four kids (3 daughters and 1 son): it ain't easy.  In fact, as the years go along, it has been a little more challenging then we thought it would be in dividing time with all the maternal and parternal family sets. Both family sets are active in family gatherings for birthdays, holidays, etc.  My children have now learned how to label and identify the fun habits or traditions of both maternal and paternal sets.  As they become older, they are making choices to do or not to do...  As we sacrificed our time--a memorial dinner--I noticed that There were no arguments about who would sit where. We