JULY/AUGUST SPECIAL DOUBLE ISSUE

July/August issue is jammed together into the best issue to help you with your future. Confused about where you eventually want to end up in life? Or do you know but just don't know how to get there? This double issue is full of articles from experts that will help guide you to the right schools, careers, practices, etc. such as Networking to find music education jobs and Finding the right job in no time. Ofcourse, there is also the quiz which is not only fun but will also help lead you to what exactly is your gift. I am also excited to say that after this issue Beyond It All Magazine's venue will have changed to no only online but on newsstands! So look out for that!!

Your guilt is holding you back

Lately I have been receiving prayers from people, mostly teens saying that they have a hard time believing that God keeps forgiving them when they make mistakes. They want prayers so that they don't make mistakes anymore. Now, it's good to always strive for righteousness but feeling like you have to become perfect in order for God to forgive you is not. It says in 1 John 1:8-10 "If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us." This means that God acknowledges that we are going to make mistakes and that we are to believe in His forgiveness! The devil wants you to stay in guilt. The devil wants you to feel guilty more then he wants you to fail. It would be easier for him to get you to dwell on a sin that you did weeks ago then to get you to keep sinning because that burden will make you feel like being a Christian is hard and to get you to give up. The mistakes we make won't stop us from accomplishing God has for us, it's dwelling in those mistakes that will. Jesus said in Luke 15:7, "I tell you that in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance." Your repentance is important to God! God knows your heart and He knows that you are trying to live for Him. Reach out to Him and lay all your guilt and sin before Him. If God had no need for people to do that..He wouldn't have never sent His son to die.

JUNE 22 1980

June 22 1980 I was born. I grew to endure many challenges and hardships and to make many mistakes. But here I am, a blessed, loved child of God in despite of it all. And I believe that God has much more greater things for me in the future. Praise God for bringing me through! And always loving me and welcoming me home with open arms. I praise Him today and forever more.

"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations." Jeremiah 1:5

your struggle...your answer

Sometimes your struggle in life could be the answer to your prayer! I realize that a lot I am going through now is because I have been praying for wisdom, patience and humility. Below is a list of ways God could be improving your life through your struggle:

We pray for patience, and our Father sends us demanding people who test us to the limit, because... Suffering produces perseverance" (Romans 5:3).
We pray for a submissive Spirit, and God sends suffering again, for we learn to be obedient in the same way Christ did, "learned obedience from what he suffered" (Hebrews 5 :8)
We pray to be unselfish, and God gives us opportunities to sacrifice by placing other people's needs first and by laying down our lives for other believers.
We pray for strength and humility, and "a messenger of satan" (2 Corinthians 12:7), comes to humiliate us.
We pray to the Lord, just like the apostles did saying, Increase our faith!" (Luke 17:5). Then when our money seems to take wings and fly away; our children become critically ill; an employee becomes careless, slow, and wasteful; or some other new trial comes upon us, requiring more faith than we have ever needed before.
We often pray for a Christ like life that exhibits the humility of a lamb. Then when we are asked to perform some lowly task, or we are unjustly accused and given no opportunity to explain, for "he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and...did not open his mouth" (Isaiah 53:7).
We pray for gentleness and quickly face a storm of temptation to be harsh and irritable.
We pray for quietness and suddenly every nerve is stressed to its limit with tremendous tension so that we may learn that when He sends His peace, no one can disturb it.
We pray for love of others, and God sends unique suffering by sending people our way who are difficult to love and who say things that get on our nerves and tear at our heart. He does this because 'love is patient, love is kind...It is not rude, it is not easily angered...It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails." (1 Corinthians 13:4-5, 7-8).
Yes, we pray to be like Jesus, and God's answer is: "I have tested you in the furnace of affliction" (Isaiah 48:10); "Will your courage endure or your hands be strong?" (Ezek. 22:14); "Can you drink the cup?" (Matt. 20:22). The way to peace and victory is to accept every circumstance and every trial as being straight from the hand of our loving Father; to live "with him in the heavenly realms" (Ephesians 2:6), above the clouds, in the very presence of His throne; and to look down from glory on our circumstances as being lovingly and divinely appointed or selected.

Talking to your problems

Today I woke up in the dumps. Just thinking about financial problems and this and that and I began to sink. But then I remember what's the best way to immediately raise yourself up again. I didn't feel like it at first but I just began doing it and I began feeling better and better. I spoke out loud to my problems. I said, "you will not get me down, God is my father and He loves me and will make a way." I continued to say, "God loves me so much more then the birds and yet they are fed and taken care of" I began to speak aloud scripture like, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!" Some may say this sounds crazy, but it really isn't. It makes you feel great and reminds you the truth when the devil start sneaking in lies. So try it! I bet you will get great results.
Below is a poem I wrote on just this subject:

Talk To It
By Telika Howard

words as a weapon
speaking your shots
to kill your fears
and your doubts
say out loud
what you know you know
that eventually
you will receive and grow
Don't believe the lies
that you won't make it
declare the truth
you're not crazy
it's crazy to wallow
in your sorrows
pick up your voice
and reign your cheers
your problem will flee
when it hear

Worldly Wise Vs. Truly Wise

I was thinking about my wisdom series I blogged in April and what the Bible says on being wise. If you remember, the first thing about being a wise person is fearing the Lord. But many famous people that are considered wise because of money they have made or business decisions or fame they have been given do not fear the Lord or the words in the Bible therefore in God's eyes they are not truly wise. Sure, they may have donated alot of money or may be able to say the most insightful things but if they don't have Christ in their heart they are not of God and they are not truly wise. Stop to think about who you admire. Does that person honor God and His words? If not, God doesn't consider them wise. Oprah Winfrey is known to be a very wise woman. She has changed many lives, but I have never heard her speak of Jesus Christ. I never heard her say that Jesus is the way the truth and the life. I know I have heard Oprah speak on meditation(a commonly known buddhist practice) and finding yourself but I have never heard her talk about finding God. (I have heard her mention a "higher power" but she never says what she believes that is) Maybe I'm wrong, but if the most influential woman of this world is not saved then she is not wise in God's eyes. Sounds harsh? Not really, everyone has the opportunity to become wise and to accept the gift God has so graciously given He doesn't hold that back from anyone no matter how many mistakes or what they previously believed.
Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline

Hosea 14:9 Who is wise? He will realize these things. Who is discerning? He will understand them. The ways of the LORD are right; the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them.

Matthew 21:31-32 Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you. For John came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him.

John 14:6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

I can't be stopped! (June Issue)

I had problems left and right getting this June issue out. I was promised this and that and suddenly people changed their minds on me. I almost wanted to give up but I can't be stopped! The June issue is out and ready to read! so...what are you waiting for? Go! Go! Go!

About the issue...

June! The start of the summer! School is out, the sun is shining and yes, my birthday. (Just had to throw that one in, haha) But what also sometimes come with the beginning of summer is temptation. Skin is everywhere and just the feeling to act a fool begins to bubble up in some of us. But if you follow what you think is fun you end up with emptiness, regret and sometimes much worst. Read the cover article, summertation and find out how you can have fun in the summer without falling for the "heat fever" I am also happy to have aboard Angel Ortiz who will be writing a monthly column for Beyond It All. He is a youth pastor who knows how to come with it to help you succeed in life. Take the quiz and find out how healthy is your thought life, it is so important to get your mind right for peace and happiness. Lastly don't forget to check out some cd reviews and the continuation of what Deanna Jones is up to in her life.

Humiliation...A good thing

Last week I got in a fight with my brother. The first time he saw me he began to verbally bash me. I did nothing to provoke this. I tried to ignore him but eventually let my anger get the best of me *big mistake* next thing I know we are in a shouting match and everyone is taking his side! At first I was so angry and frustrated but then my dad lectured me. He said that I should know better then let my brother get to me, that God wants us to always humble ourselves and stay in love. I couldn't believe this! My dad, who smokes like a chimney, drinks like a fish and the last time he went to church Moses parted the red sea was preaching to ME! But then I had to check myself and my thoughts. He was right. I was humiliated at my weakness. Even though humiliation is seen as a bad thing God doesn't think of it that way. He doesn't want anyone thinking they are better then anyone else. We are children of God, yes, but we are to work towards saving others and putting others needs above our own. It says in Ephesians 4:2, "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love." If I could do it all again I would've met my brother's harsh words with gentle ones and I would've reacted in love. But I had to feel like I had to win and to "one up" him and that was what caused me to become humiliated. God will humble you and teach you when He finds you thinking you are above another person.

But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things -- and the things that are not -- to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him.
1 Corinthians 1:27-29

Do you dig your own cistern?

"My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water."
The above scripture is from Jeremiah 2:13. This scripture was my daily Bible verse that I am e-mailed. (one of the very few subscription e-mails that are welcomed lol) Usually when I read the daily verse, I nod and move on. But this one really held my attention. This is something that I tend to do that I know is holding me back from real blessings in my life. Whenever there is a problem or something bad happening, I try to deal with it first. I try to face it, and fix it, ultimately making it worst. How many of us forget how Jesus is our living water? That once He is in our lives digging our own cistern or well for water is pointless. Instead of always trying to quench our thirst on our own we need to reach above where Jesus will never fail us. Or maybe you are someone who do reach for God first but when things don't change right away you give up and try to use your own means. That is also the wrong way to go. Have faith that God will see you through. No matter how bad things look you have to resist the temptation to dig yourself deeper into the hole of life's problems.

Temptation

I am working on my June issue of Beyond It All Magazine and it is focused on temptation. I decided that that subject is perfect for the beginning of summer because it's just something about this summer sun that brings all the temptation out of the woodwork. This memorial day weekend really is what starts it. The temptation to drink with your barbecue, to dress half naked, to flirt and to spend more time hanging out then focusing on the word of God. You may think"But it's just so hard!" But it's acutally easier then you think, you just have to remember to stay focused on the love of God and remember who You are. We are children of God. Not many think about that when we are out about focused on this world and what the world provides. If we realize that God loved you so much that he paid for you with His son's blood you have more desire to want to give Him glory all the time. Everything you do, just knowing that should make you think about how you should be pleasing to Him. Just think about where you would be if He didn't love you enough to save you? Despite all the problems in this world.. you know that you aren't going to pay for your sins. That should be enough to walk away from temptation forever.

ONE YEAR BLOGIVERSARY!!!!

Hello Everyone! Today is my one year blogiversary!!! yeah!!! Now unlike other anniversary blogs I won't be posting a bunch of links just two: My first Blog written 5/20/2005 which I done about LaShawn Barber the woman who inspired me to do a blog after I heard her speak at the Christian World Journalism Conference in Atlanta and this link of my favorite blogs just in case you want to know all of my favorites over this one year. Anyway, I just want to give a BIG THANK YOU to all my blog readers and for listening to all I write. I really love sharing what's been put on my heart to share and I really believe that none of what I write come from me but from the words of God. Now I am asking something of all of you if you can. Below I am posting a brief survey and I would like for you to fill it out. Send it back either by my e-mail or in the comments! Thank you! And I look forward to writing for more years to come in this blog! God Bless Everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

*Survey*
1. How did you find this blog?
2. What is your favorite read so far?
3. Did you learn anything from this blog?
4. What religion/denomination are you?
5. How old are you?
6. Is there anything you would like for me to write about in the future?
7. Any additional comments would be great.
Thank you!

Below is my Blog stats from sitemeter as of 5/19/06 THANK YOU!
Matthew123 6-37 (sm6telika) -- Site Summary --- Visits Total ........................ 3,800 Average per Day ................. 10 Average Visit Length .......... 0:50 ThisWeek ...............68

Page Views Total ........................ 7,478 Average per Day ................. 17 Average per Visit .............. 1.7 This Week ...................... 117

Major Day of Prayer this Friday

This Friday the DaVinci Code is out. I know I blogged this before but I just want to call all Christians to prayer on that day that the enemy will not get out his lies and will not succeed in stealing the souls who watch this movie! I know some say that it's only a movie how serious can this be? but actually the author of the DaVinci Code has been quoted in saying that everything except the characters are historical fact and this is not true! Want proof? Below is the article I received with links that you can read that shows that the DaVinci Code is filled with lies that attack Our Lord! I believe prayer is powerful and if we all arm ourselves with the weapons of spiritual warfare we have nothing to worry about!

From: Way of the Master
Date: May 17, 2006 2:05 PM

This coming Friday, March 19th, a blockbuster movie called The Da Vinci Code will be released. The movie stars Tom Hanks, and is slated to be very popular.

The problem with the movie, which was adapted from a book of the same name by author Dan Brown, is that it tells many deceiving lies about Jesus Christ. This movie has the potential to mislead many many people, costing them their eternal salvation.

What does this have to do with us? It is our job to stand and speak the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and to help save the many people that will be mislead and damned for eternity because of this upcoming movie. To help us do that, the latest blogs provide an in depth look at the lies presented by the book and the movie. It then provides the truthful answers that we can present to enlighten those deceived by Dan Brown.

The article is presented in three parts:

Crash Goes The Da Vinci Code (Part 1)

Crash Goes The Da Vinci Code (Part 2)

Crash Goes The Da Vinci Code (Part 3)

There is a link at the bottom of the blog so you can print the article if you wish. Please pass this article along to anyone you know that plans to see this movie. I also welcome your comments and questions. Please refrain from any questions until you have read the entire article.

Have a blessed day!

Luke 10:19 "Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you."
We have the power to defeat the devils plans through this movie!! Get to praying and fasting and speaking His Word!

Be Forgiven!

So many of us easily accept someone who is a non-christian who has done wrong and ready to come to Jesus. We say that it is okay and God loves them and that all that sin they lived in is paid for. But once they become a Christian they are under the watchful eye. They have a long list of things they must follow and if they don't then shame on them! That's not how it's supposed to be. Once you become a Christian you are forgiven and you continue to be forgiven. No one becomes perfect once they accept Jesus. It says in 1 John 1:8-10 "If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us." so all those high and mighty Christians who feel like because they stay at home holding their Bible and looking down on others think they no longer need forgiveness. No! no matter who we are we are not perfect and we all need God's forgiveness everyday. This quote is my favorite and it's from my pastor Gregory Dickow, "Jesus salvation didn't end when you became saved it just began." So there is no need for you to condemn yourself when you make a mistake. Believe that God love is so strong for you and that He wants to forgive you! Now once you feel God's great love it will become harder and harder to do the wrong things and God will show you the right way to live and be wise so that you are blessed. Things that I do that are good just began to come naturally because I followed the leading of the spirit that was brought to my attention either while reading the Bible, hearing it at chruch or just hearing His voice. I heard and I followed and I grew. " Walk by the spirit and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh" Galatians 5:16 You first walk by the spirit and the desire will leave. If you make this long list of things you can't do and you try not to do them you will fall short. But if you walk in love (the fruit of the spirit is love) and stay in prayer God will strengthen you and help you.

Any problems today? (What God says)

You say: "It's impossible"
God says: All things are possible(Luke 18:27)
You say: "I'm too tired"
God says: I will give you rest(Matthew 11:28-30)
You say: "Nobody really loves me"
God says: I love you(John 3:16 & John 3:34)
You say: "I can't go on"
God says: My grace is sufficient(II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)
You say: "I can't figure things out"
God says: I will direct your steps(Proverbs 3:5-6)
You say: "I can't do it"
God says: You can do all things(Philippians 4:13)
You say: "I'm not able"
God says: I am able(II Corinthians 9:8)
You say: "It's not worth it"
God says: It will be worth it(Roman 8:28)
You say: "I can't forgive myself"
God says: I forgive you(I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)
You say: "I can't manage"
God says: I will supply all your needs(Philippians 4:19)
You say: "I'm afraid"
God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear(II Timothy 1:7)
You say: "I'm always worried and frustrated"
God says: Cast all your cares on ME(I Peter 5:7)
You say: "I'm not smart enough"
God says: I give you wisdom(I Corinthians 1:30)
You say: "I feel all alone"
God says: I will never leave you or forsake you(Hebrews 13:5)
It can be so easy sometimes to wallow in your problems but if you have faith in God and His love you have no excuse!
God says so many things to you filled with encouragement and love seek His words today

ONE

We can all come together and do what we can to end poverty. So many feel like world problems are too big to conquer, but I never think that... nothing is too big for God. I support the one campaign and everyone united to pray, sign, donate to end poverty for good!



Thank you for taking action with ONE: The Campaign to Make Poverty
History. Your voice DOES make a difference!

But there is still more you can do to help get the word out:

* Get local with ONE in your community

* Please help us tell your friends and family about The ONE
Campaign and how they too can
lend their voice to help beat global AIDS and poverty.

Tell them to sign the declaration now at ONE.org
. ONE by ONE, we can make the
difference.

BE A BLESSING TO BEYOND IT ALL MAGAZINE

BEYOND IT ALL MAGAZINE 5 ISSUE SO FAR GOING STRONG. IF YOU COULD HELP THE MINISTRY OF THIS MAGAZINE FOR TEENS PLEASE CONTACT ME! I SELL VERY AFFORDABLE ADVERTISING SPACE AND DONATIONS ARE WELCOME! HELP ME GET THE WORD OUT TO OUR TEENS
GOD BLESS!

MAY ISSUE!!!!!

This May issue was an experiment conceived by me when I realized that so many young people have a notebook stashed somewhere filled with their creative talents. I thought, why not have all the best spill over into my magazine? This experiment was a great experience because I got to read some of the best praises, triumphs, situations and life experiences put together in poetic form. I hope you find this as uplifting as I did. Congratulations to Clarissa Wilburn winning the cover for her poem "A Teens Prayer" I love the way it creatively conveys what teens sometime go through in their walk with Christ. Don't worry I didn't leave out the quiz, take it and find out if your hobbies are what's stopping you from having a rich and positive life. But that's not all! Read about Akiane Kramarik, I guarantee it will take your breath away! She is not just another child prodigy, at the age 4 she brought both of her Atheist parents to Christ from visions that she had. Through her talent and words this girl is walking proof there is a graceful and merciful God!
( I am having problems uploading pictures so I am going to try again to show the cover later If you really want to see go to the website)http://www.lulu.com/beyonditallmag

Immigrants A.K.A. God's Children

"More than 12 million
immigrants passed through Ellis Island between 1892 and 1954. Many Americans can
trace their immigrant ancestors through Ellis Island." What if America closed it's doors a long time ago? Where would you be?

Today, May 1st, many of God's children are marching and boycotting businesses because they are being denied opportunities because of where they were born. To me, this is shocking because God is no respector of persons (romans 2:11) and we shouldn't be either. If we believe that God can bless us with opportunity and wealth why can't He bless immigrants? Are we that selfish as Americans that we have to keep all of our opportunity and our education and our money and our jobs to ourselves? Don't God love the whole world? Wouldn't He want us to love and share with one another, not just the people who were born in the same country where we were born? Jesus said it best when he spoke on giving to others, "And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you." (Matthew 5:40-42) This passage is usually used for a relationship between two people but it can be for nations as well.

We have to constantly remember that the GREATEST commandment is love. God put that commandment before any other. Loving God and loving each other is the key to life. (1 Corinthians 13:13)

BREAKING POINT

Reading all the wonderful poetry people have submitted for my magazine inspired me to write some new ones of my own. I used to be big on poetry back in high school and last year I published a poetry book on some of the ones I really loved, and then I got involved with writing for my magazine and journalism and basically non-fiction stuff that I backed up my creative flow. So, I'm glad that it's back! Let me know what you think of my poem below.

BREAKING POINT
You wonder what's true
hearing so many praise
but all you see is pain.
Going beyond your eyes
is so hard sometimes
truthfully
I can't help
wondering and doubting
Is it possible?
Will it happen for me?
I'm now at the point
where I feel like giving up
how much longer do I have
to wait.
If only I knew that THIS
is the point of the last test
God is ready to bless
as long as I don't break

3 more days

I could kick myself for not posting this on my blog sooner. But I am looking for poetry, short stories etc for my May issue dedicated to creativity. The may issue of Beyond It All Magazine will be different it will be mostly made up with creative works! So if you want to get in there and you have something already written, e-mail it to me before the 29th of April.
Thanks!