Happily Divorced And After

Lou Coleman

By Lou Coleman

Huh…. How do that work? It doesn’t! Listen, you must adopt the mentality that concludes: CHANGE BEGINS WITH ME. That’s right! If you want to see change you must first start within. It’s that simple and it’s that profound. You know Mahatma Gandhi said, “You must be the change you wish to see.” Maya Angelou said, “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.” In other words, nothing happens unless you make it happen. You must become a game changer. And what is a game changer? A game changer is someone who will step up and make a big play that affect the outcome of the game. Change can only happen if you want to see it happen, and then the only way a change could happen is if you put your effort into it. The problem is you don’t want to do nothing, you just what things to change on its own. Well boo, boo, I hate to burst your bubble, but it doesn’t work that way!

You know most of us are praying that God will change our circumstances.  Well I want you to know that God is not the least interested in changing your circumstances.  He is interested in changing your character.  When those circumstances have changed your character then God may change your circumstances. Yea, we want God to change our circumstances. We want him to take away all of the problems, all of the pain, all the sorrow, all the suffering, all the sickness, and all the sadness.  But God says, yeah, I know that’s important but what’s most important is what’s happening in you. I’m far more interested in changing your mind than I am in changing your circumstance. Because the only way change is going to happen is if you change your mind. You change your life by changing your mind. Now why must you manage your mind; because your thoughts control your life as [Proverbs 4:23] so eloquent put it…. Nothing happens in your life until you renew your mind.

So if you are serious about wanting change, you’re going to have to live according to the Bible. You will need to read it, study it, memorize it, meditate on it, and apply it because the Holy Spirit provides the power, the conviction, and the direction for life change. I tell you, you have the remedy and you have the power to rectify the situation and change things. So where does this leave you? With a decision! Change will not happen until you make it happen.

Let’s tie it all together.  God has a plan and a purpose.  That purpose is to make you like Jesus.  God has guaranteed that purpose is going to be fulfilled someday.  But he doesn’t want to wait until someday.  He wants to do it right now so that you can be a display case to the glory of God to a lost and dying world.  And so that you can be a source of life to others as Joseph became a source of life to others.  God is right now in this life trying to accomplish that purpose.  Do you know what tools God uses for that purpose?   The tool of circumstances.  God will arrange for you a set of circumstances, tailor-made, that will fit you perfectly.  The purpose of those circumstances is to accomplish God’s purpose in your life. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose. We are not afflicted, either by chance or to our harm, but by God’s providence for our great profit: who as he chose us from the beginning, so has he predestined us to be made similar to the image of his Son: and therefore will bring us in his time, being called and justified, to glory, by the cross. Not only afflictions; but whatever else [Romans 8:28-29].

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- The deadline to apply for the eighth annual San Bernardino County Operation Recognition Veterans Diploma Project is September 23.

Applications for the Veterans Diploma Project are to award diplomas to men and women whose high school education was interrupted due to military service or internment in a Japanese American camp. The effort is sponsored by the County Department of Veterans Affairs, in partnership with the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools. Diplomas will be awarded to qualified applicants at a ceremony in November.

Applicants will be notified of their status and qualified applicants will be provided with the date, time, and location of the presentation. 

Veterans who served in and received an honorable discharge from World War II, the Korean War or the Vietnam War; or individuals who were interned in a Japanese American relocation camp and are San Bernardino County residents are eligible to participate. There is no charge to participate.

For assistance with verification of military service and/or discharge papers, contact the County Department of Veterans Affairs at (866) 472-8387 or (909) 387-5516. For more information, contact Samantha Koker at County Schools at (909) 386-2412.

The Social-Lites Inc., of San Bernardino 50^th Beautillion Season will start on Saturday, October 8.  Mentoring Young Men toward a better future is there Mission.

The Beautillion Scholarship Program is designed to assist the Young Men of the Inland Empire and surrounding Communities, who are High School Seniors, College Freshman and boys of ages 8 years through 15 years old in reaching their Educational Goals.  Also the program helps to provide scholarship funding, as well as computers, gifts and awards to the young men.

All young men interested in participating in the Annual Beautillion Scholarship Program are encouraged to attend along with their parents, to the Beautillion informational briefing on Saturday October 8 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the New Hope Family Life Center, 1505 West Highland Ave, San Bernardino CA 92411.

For additional information please contact Mrs. Bettye Brewster, Social-Lites President at (951) 204-0022 and Ms. Joyce Smith, Social-Lites Vice President at (909) 534-2929.  Application available via email at Sociallites@msn.com or www.socialitesinc.com.

Author T’ana Phelice will be coming to the San Bernardino Public Library to discuss her books and present workshops on Saturday, September 17. This free program will take place in Kellogg Room A at the Feldheym Central Library at 555 W. 6th Street in San Bernardino from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Phelice is the author of Jaded Diamonds, Pigs and Pearls, and a children’s book, Bratty Tatty: Liddo Kiddo’s Raps&Riddles.

Ms. Phelice will also be doing presentations on self-esteem, resume-building, and interview preparation following the book discussion. Her books will be available for purchase and signing at the event. 

 For more information on the author, visit www.tanaphelice.com. For more information on this presentation call the library at 909-381-8238 or visit www.sbpl.org or   www.facebook.com/SBPLfriends.

By Debbie Forté 

What is a health care directive? A Health Care Directive (also called a living will) is a document that express your wishes to medical personnel and your loved ones what treatments you will allow in the event of total incapacity, coma or life threatening illnesses.  In example, if you become brain dead with no chance of recovery you can elect to not be put on life support or have life support removed.  You can elect which surgeries, medications and treatment plans you support or wish to decline in the event these decisions have to be made.

It allows you to name an agent(s) to also be able to make medical decisions for you as well in the event you are unable to.

What is a durable power of attorney? A power of attorney is a legal document that gives someone you choose the power to act in your place to handle your finances in case you ever become mentally or physically incapacitated. A durable power of attorney simply means that the document stays in effect if you become incapacitated and unable to handle matters on your own.

With a valid power of attorney, the trusted person you name will be legally permitted to take care of important matters for you — for example, paying your bills, your banking needs, managing your investments, or directing your medical care — if you are unable to do so yourself. Your agent can handle mundane tasks such as sorting and opening your mail, depositing your Social Security checks, as well as more complex jobs like watching over your retirement accounts and other investments, or filing your tax returns. Your agent doesn’t have to be a financial expert; just someone you trust completely who has a good dose of common sense.

What is a HIPPA authorization and who needs one? The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), is a Federal law that required the establishment of national standards to protect the privacy of patients’ health care information. The Privacy Rule, which took effect on April 14, 2003, regulates the use and disclosure of “Protected Health Information.”

This authorization allows your doctor or hospital to disclose protected health information to a third party specified by you (your agent–spouse or family member) to obtain necessary information in order to make medical decisions for you in the event of you being incapacitated and unable to make decisions for yourself. 

By Lue Dowdy

Getting Plugged In is WHAT IT DO Inland Empire! So just like socks go on your feet or a bat goes well with a glove, so does music and fashion. Congratulating THE PLUG on their nomination for LUE Productions 2nd Annual MY MUSIC, MY MIC Indie Artist’s Awards Show, scheduled for Saturday, October 15 in San Bernardino at the National Orange Show from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Tickets now available for $15 at The Plug.

Over the years rap, hip hop, and R&B artist have walked the red carpet in stylish clothing designed by top notch fashion designers in the game. We ‘have seen styles come and we seen have some go. Some ‘cray-cray’ and some well let’s just say okay. I am happy to highlight The Plug, a local indie clothing store located right here in the Dino.

The Plug was founded by brothers James Moreno and Jamal Moreno in 2013. Starting off making custom hats, the two brothers decided to make custom shirts to match. With both of them having a good sense of fashion it came natural. Some would ask why here in San Bernardino.

“With San Bernardino being saturated with talent it works,” James Moreno said. “San Bernardino is home; we love this place, the good and the bad, it’s still home. We wanted to shine some positive light on our city and show others we can do our own thing. Don’t nobody love us like us.”

The type of clothing that can be bought include Hometown Nativez brand, one of their best-selling and in-house brands. You can find local clothing, headwear at its finest, The IE as a whole San Bernardino and surrounding cities, up and coming street brands, hip-hop brands, and some major brands across the U.S. They also carry up and coming independent artists across The IE apparel and music.

The Plus is located inside The Waterman Discount Mall at 999. N waterman Avenue in San Bernardino (92410). Store hours are: closed Tuesday, Wednesday – Monday open at 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. except on Sunday’s where they close at 6 p.m. There’s no telling what you might come across at THE PLUG. So please stop in and SUPPORT! Until Next Week L’ZZZZZZ!

By Naomi K. Bonman

 The best Hollywood success stories are those that have testimonies of triumph, courage, and strength. They are the ones that capture the audience’s hearts and inspires them that they too can overcome whatever they are going through or where they are from in order to accomplish their dreams. Kimberley Zulkowski is a former foster child that has broken the mold and has become a successful Hollywood filmmaker.

I recently was able to catch up with Zulkowski for a second interview where she went deeper into her life’s journey. She shared her story of strength, survival, and sparkle through her upbringings in Milwaukee. She is now using her experiences to inspire others and to also give back to her community. 

In the interview, Kim chatted about her current crusade to help #OperationSaveMilwaukee, which is on a mission to stop the killing and clean up this 52306 zip code. The area has been seeing a spike in homicides within the last two years which has become a nightmare for such a small town. In lieu to #OperationSaveMilwaukee, Zulkowski is also working on a new production titled, “53206” where she has used local city actors who are now up to par with big names, such as Loretta Devine, Denzel Washington, and many other greats.

In addition to the film, Zulkowski also serves as a private donor of ‘Angels of Darkness’ to families who are unable to pay for funeral services for those that were victims of the violence in the community. She helps victims of homicide with their transition to heaven from outfitting them in the most beautiful of clothes, often releasing doves with a horse and carriage with proper prosthetic make-up and complimenting casket.

“From 9-year-old children gunned down in the comfort of their own home watching television on their couch to grown men, Kimberley dedicates herself entirely to the repair of her former community. Though successful and with a beautiful family of her own in the safety of the suburbs,  Kimberley still returns to serve as a mentor to those in dire straights needing guidance, food, “blessing bags” stuffed with personal hygiene products and more. If anyone knows how to #GiveBack, it is Kimberley Zulkowski.” stated by Kelly K. of Jaded Umbrella. 

To listen to the interview, click below:

https://soundcloud.com/naomi-mznay-bonman/meet-kimberley-zulkowski-former-foster-child-turned-hollywood-filmmaker

LOS ANGELES, CA – LAGRANT COMMUNICATIONS (LC), a multicultural integrated marketing communications agency, announces the promotion of Keisha N. Brown (KB) to executive vice president and chair of the new Health and Wellness Practice. As chair of the practice, KB will drive creative solutions for all of the agency’s healthcare clients. With more than two decades of healthcare experience working with clients on a local, regional and national level, LC is excited to launch their Health and Wellness Practice with a skilled professional that works across all disciplines and cultures.

“I look forward to leading the new Health and Wellness Practice at the agency and utilizing my experience and passion to make a difference in the lives of African Americans and Latinos,” said KB. “I have worked on health care accounts for more than 20 years, and understand the challenges that impact behavioral change to make our communities healthier and people live longer.”

KB brings a wealth of experience, insight and maturity to the Health and Wellness Practice. She has worked with corporate, not-for-profit and government clients, including American Cancer Society, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF), Novartis and the Office of National Control Drug Policy, to name a few. Relying on her keen understanding of health disparities and cultural nuances amongst African American and Hispanic communities, KB has successfully executed award-winning campaigns with multi-million dollar budgets and led multidisciplinary teams. She now manages the advertising and marketing account for Covered California, educating African American consumers about their services and maximizing the number of Californians enrolled in health insurance coverage. In addition, under KB’s leadership the team will focus on entities such as hospitals, healthcare plans, not-for-profit, government, biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies

“KB is the biggest success story of the agency’s internship program,” said Mr. Kim L. Hunter, President and CEO of LAGRANT COMMUNICATIONS. “She is the epitome of what an IMC specialist is and does. KB is one of the few communicators that has a good understanding of the three disciplines (advertising, marketing and public relations) and how they intersect with one another to create a truly holistic campaign.”

As a 21-year veteran of the firm, KB is an integrated marketing communications specialist that has successfully executed integrated advertising, marketing and public relations campaigns for clients such as L.A. Care Health Plan, The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and the Martin Luther King Jr., Community Hospital.

Throughout her career, KB has been recognized for her work and expertise in multicultural communications. Most recently, the firm received the Healthcare Public Relations & Marketing Association (HPRMA) Golden Advocate Award for the launch of the L.A. Care Covered Campaign, a project headed by KB. Johnson Publications, the publishers of Ebony and Jet magazine, also named KB “One of the Most Outstanding Women in Marketing and Communications” and PRWeek Magazine featured her in a roundtable discussion regarding diverse viewpoints on multicultural communications.

The Los Angeles native holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism with an emphasis in public relations and a minor in business administration from Howard University in Washington, DC.

Lou Coleman

By Lou Coleman

Now that’s what being stuck on stupid sounds like …..Ah, Ah, Ah…. Listen, if you find yourself doing something stupid, Just Stop!  My mother use to tell me, “The first thing you need to do when you find you’re digging yourself into a hole is to quit digging.” You’re already in a hole. Don’t make matters worse by digging deeper.  I tell you lying is perilous than it seems. It’s more Satan-like than Christ-like. And Jesus referred to Satan as “a liar and the father of lies” [John 8:44]. So as the actress said on the movie “Friday” “You ain’t got to lie Craig; you ain’t got to lie!”

I tell you lying have become so prevalent, that many Christians do not look on lying as the grievous sin that it is. We have come to the point where we don’t expect to hear the truth. Spouses lie to one another in the name of keeping the peace, parents lie to their own children and vice versa, employers and employees lie to each other. Politicians lie in order to spin things their way and gain votes. Advertisers lie to sell products. Careful!  [Rev 21:8] says, “But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.” Do you see how serious lying is? Breaking the 9th commandment has the consequence of eternal death! When you lie you align yourself with everything that brings death, destruction, doom, and damnation to this world. Sin is what leads to death, but that sin was brought about by a lie! Therefore, don’t take lying lightly. There’s no such thing as a little white lie. God is Truth, and anything less than truth is wrong, it is a lie, and it is sin!

So how does one overcome lying? Love the truth. When Jesus stood before Pilot, Pilot asked, “What is truth?” Truth was standing in front of Him. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. We need to love Truth and Jesus more than ourselves. The truth needs to be more important than our own life. [Philippians 4:8] say, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.” Saturate your mind with good things, like the Word of God. It’s how Jesus defeated Satan in the wilderness, with the Scriptures! Live the truth. Be accountable to others. Immediate confess, immediately correct, and immediately commit yourself again to truth. And never forget what God thinks about lying and what He will do with all liars [Psalms 26:45; 1 Corinthians 15:33].

Now if you are guilty of lying, the Holy Spirit is lovingly urging you to confess your sin, and repent by telling the truth, so God can forgive your sin and purify your heart. Do whatever the Spirit is telling you to do. And if you have never given your life to Jesus by confessing Him as Lord and Savior and dying to self through baptism, I invite you now to receive a new life born of the Holy Spirit. “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you.” [John 8:32]

“This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live” [Deuteronomy 30:19].

By Mildred Henry

Each time I travel to and from my home and see the devastation caused by the Cajon Blue Cut Fire, I utter a prayer of thanks for the firemen who did a magnificent job of protecting property and lives. I marvel at how the fire burned right up to and around the houses, yet the firemen were able to save people’s homes and possessions. 

Firemen came from near and far to fight the blaze and it is amazing how valiantly they fought and contained the inferno. These true unsung heroes do a Herculean job every day protecting their fellow citizens. For this we say thank you!