| Well, let’s talk weight. The question of weighing more because you are “big boned” has surfaced again. This belief is what I would like to call, “The Big Bone Theory of Thinking!” People who say, “I’m not fat, I’m big-boned,” think they are overweight because they have big bones. This theory of thinking is not true. |  |
Photos of the same size body frames and the excess body fat attached to one of them. The excess body fat has nothing to do with being “big boned.”
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What is true is that people have different size body frames (small, medium and large). Only about 15% of people have a larger and 15% of people have a smaller than average frame; most us have an average frame size. So, blaming your extra weight on the size of your bones is not accurate.
People with larger bones are slightly larger for their heights; however, it’s the soft tissue atop and around those bones (muscle and fat) that make some people look more “big boned” than others. Simply put, most who weigh too much for their height do so because of excess body fat. Bodybuilders are the exception to the rule due to muscle mass weighing more than the same volume of fat.
For a person to not have excess body fat (overweight/obese), he/she should live a healthy lifestyle. A person should exercise regularly (at least 30 minutes daily), eat healthy (fruits/vegetables, drink lots of water), get plenty of sleep (8 hours), meditate (positive thinking), and visit your doctor (yearly physical exams).
So, next time you hear someone say, “I’m big boned,” help them to know it is not the size of their bones that determines their weight; but rather, the excess fat that is attached to it. Now, let’s get fit!
By Tracy Byrd, Fitness Instructor
On May 22, 2009, the Credit CARD Act of 2009 was signed into law by President Barack Obama. The full title of the law – Public Law 111-24 – is the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009. It amends the Truth In Lending Act, the Federal Trade Commission
Act and the Electronic Funds Transfer Act. I know…that’s a lot of legalese. I don’t personally use credit cards. If I can’t pay cash for something, then I don’t need it. I have lived without a credit card for over 10 years. But I realize I am not the norm. So if one is going to use a credit card…be EMPOWERED.
As the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau explains on the Consumerfinance.gov website, the law serves as a Bill of Rights
of sorts for credit card holders, prohibiting practices that are unfair or abusive, such as slapping fees for going over a limit or imposing a fee without warning. At its most basic level, the law seeks to make rates and fees on credit cards more transparent so consumers can see what they’re getting and make smarter financial decisions.
Credit card issuers must notify you of a rate increase – or any other significant change in terms to your credit card account – at least 45 days in advance. The Board aka Federal Reserve Board has developed rules that address what a “significant change” means.) This notice must be clear and conspicuous, and give you the opportunity to close the account. If you decide to close your account to avoid the new terms, issuers won’t be able to charge a penalty fee for closing your account, place you in default because you close your account while you still owe a balance, or require you to pay your balance in full immediately. If your card issuer does raise your rate (or says it will) and you close your account, your card issuer can require you to pay back your balance over five years or double your previous minimum monthly payment.
Issuers cannot increase the annual percentage rate, fee or finance charge on your existing credit card balance except in limited circumstances. Your rate can go up if the rate you were given was clearly disclosed as lasting for a certain period of time. For example, your card issuer could offer an introductory rate if you were told what the new rate would be after that period expired. Promotional rates must last for at least six months.
If you are 60 days late on a credit card payment, your issuer can raise your interest rate retroactively. However, you must be given the opportunity to earn back your previous rate if you make your minimum payments on time for six months. Remember, an issuer cannot raise your rate on your credit card in the first year except in the circumstances above, such as with an introductory interest rate or if you fall 60 days or more behind.
If a credit card issuer increases your annual percentage rate based on factors such as your credit risk as a borrower or market conditions, the creditor shall consider changes in those factors when determining whether to reduce your annual percentage rate. Every six months (at minimum), issuers must review accounts on which they raised the interest rate since Jan. 1, 2009 to assess whether the facts they used to raise the interest rate have changed. If so, they must lower your rate.
Do I have your attention? Stay tuned next month for more information on the ‘THE CREDIT CARD ACT OF 2009.’
Information provided by Tanika Capers, Esq.
From childhood, we have heard those words. Most of the time we had no idea what it meant. Jesus loves us so much, He left us a blueprint on how to pray. In the book of John, Chapter 17, Jesus taught his disciples how to pray; what we now call “The Lord’s Prayer”. He wants more than anything to hear from us. Whether our prayers are for healing, direction, needs, or wants; He delights to hear from us. He told us to seek His face and ALL other things will be added. He so desires a relationship with us and that starts with prayer. Whether you are driving in your car, kneeling, laying on your face, or in your prayer closet, He hears you. Don’t compare your prayer life or relationship with Him to anyone else. He has chosen you uniquely.
Regardless of where you are and what you are doing, He is always pleased to hear from you.
Build your relationship with God. He wants you more than you know!
Prayer truly changes things, most importantly it changes you!
Mother Janet Farmer
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I know you have heard the saying, “the rich keep getting richer while the poor get poorer.” And, for the most part, it is true. But, why? Have you ever wondered why the rich prosper and the poor don’t? I’ve heard several reasons for this. You hear things like “the playing field is not even;” “the deck is stacked against me;” “the rich are robbing the poor,” and so on. While I’ve never seen a rich man or woman chasing down a poor person and taking their money. I would agree that all things are not always even. So, with that said, should you take advantage of every opportunity to be on the other side of things?
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Let’s be frank. Jesus said there will always be poor people (Matt 26:11); but, He didn’t say it had to be us! So if I don’t have to be poor, I need to figure out what I can do to change. What can I do to be on the winning side of the money equation? I read an article published by an Ivy League business school that provided some research that brought to light some interesting facts. First, the article pointed out that similar value systems transcend racial differences. In other words, poor people, regardless of their race, share like values, and as you might expect, the economically prudent, despite racial differences, have comparable money practices. But because a large majority of races share similar values, this nuance and under-appreciated distinction gets lost in racial generalizations. I’ll come back to this point later. Secondly, when you look at the difference between the rich and poor, one of the most notable differences is their value system. For instance, wealthy people see money as a tool to advance themselves; or, a means to an end. And the “end” their pursuit is meant to add real long term value.
Now converging the two points above, consider the following 3 assertions as facts:
1. Blacks and Hispanics are, on average, poorer than whites.
2. Blacks and Hispanics spend 16% and 30% less, respectively, on education than whites of similar incomes.
3. Blacks and Hispanics spend up to 30% more than whites of comparable incomes on visible goods like clothing, cars, and jewelry.
This means that, compared to white households of similar income, the typical black and Hispanic household spends $2,300 more per year on visible items. To do that, they spend less on almost all other categories except housing, and they save less.
What is all this saying? Well, there is a lot that can be inferred here, but there are two main intrinsic themes I think we all need to internalize. First, our destiny is not determined by the color of our skin, but by the choices we make. Is life fair? No. It has never been. Was it fair for Jesus? Did the early church deserve to be hunted, persecuted, and even executed for preaching salvation through Jesus only? No. But they still overcame. And so shall we if we are willing to pray like it all depends on God and work like it all depends on us. Secondly, we have to realize that our income is too valuable to waste on temporal novelties. I know we need clothes, but does it have to be Gucci? I know we need cars to get to work, but do the cars need to be Mercedes? By making poor money choices, we are not being good stewards and we are choosing to be poor.
I believe in generational curses. And by maintaining the same errant habits and misguided perspectives, we not only are doomed to repeat the past, but we teach the next generation our folly and limit their potential too. If that is not a curse, I don’t know what is! But it doesn’t have to be that way. Change is possible, but we have to have the courage to be different. We must look at items like cars, clothes, and jewelry as short term appeasements that don’t have much long-term value. We need to place more value on education, insurances, and long term investment plans like mutual funds. Where ever you are financially, you are not bound to stay there. You can change your situation, but it will require you to change.
By Alfred King, Financial Consultant
Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. Proverbs 4:23 NLT
The season is changing and everyone desires to have that special someone to spend quality time with for vacations and everything in the air signatures family and relationships. This can be very challenging to your emotions. I want to create some dialogue in your thoughts that will provoke you to look inward, so you will understand and identify what your triggers are before you enter another relationship. Many of you reading this have not realized that being single is an option. You must learn to be content and look at what is right in your life as opposed to always focusing on the negative. Contentment doesn’t eliminate your desires. You can be content today as a single and still want to get married someday. Christ was content going to the cross, but He didn’t really want to go. He wanted to do the Father’s will, and that desire overshadowed everything else. Contentment is a decision, not a feeling. It’s a determination to be satisfied with what God has given you today. Because of this, it’s possible to be content in your single state. If you practice contentment today, you’ll be better prepared for whatever life brings your way. God’s plan for your life is to have a healthy, strong, happy, thriving, successful and lasting marriage; it will be challenged and there will be imperfections, but when you know God has joined it together, NOTHING that comes against it breaks its bond. Single’s I want to make you think.
1. Are you waiting for Love? Never sit around and wait on a person to discover your worth, always give yourself a space of grace. What you see in yourself, others will eventually see. Do not compromise your worth for anything or anyone. You are a gem of great price!
2. Are you emotionally healthy? – Facing the truth about your partner, yourself, or your life can be painful and scary. How are you deceiving yourself? Sometimes we pretend our relationships are healthy, but deep down we know that they’re toxic and unhealthy. Don’t ignore the truth; it won’t change if you don’t confront it.
3. Are you chasing a Ring or a Reality? Society convinces us that we’re old by the time we’re 25. And instead of enjoying the fact that we’re getting wiser and more inspired and sure of ourselves, we’re being forced to stress over our “fading youth.” Instead of turning to marriage once we feel like we have a good grip on who we are as an individual and who we are in a partnership, we’re expected to turn to marriage before our youth and beauty and attractiveness waste away.
4. Are you Building a Closer Relationship with God? Make daily prayer a must, and don’t be afraid to be honest with God. God already knows our thoughts, fears, imperfections, and mess-ups, so when we open our prayers with honesty, repentance and seeking forgiveness, our minds are cleared to praise God and begin hearing from Him.
5. Are you Financially Secure? Build yourself a solid budget and stick to it, save your money, buy a home, travel and see the world. You will never be happy with anyone in any relationship if you are not happy and secure in yourself.
Singles, God has given you this opportunity to get your life in order and live out your maximum potential. I encourage you to walk this journey of Singleness in wholeness and discover your path in discovering the Will of God for your life. Find your identity and when the time is right, when you are healthy and in the right place with God, then the right one will come! Confess every morning that number 1 is the new whole number!!!
Be blessed.
Pastor House
Water Does a Body Good
Over 70% of our body is made up of water; therefore, it is important to replenish your body with water daily! There are several important reasons why water is vital to the body. 1. If you don’t drink water, you will die. The body cannot live without it. 2. Prevent cancer. Research has noted that staying hydrated can reduce […]
Your credit report contains pertinent information about where you live, how you pay your bills, and whether you’ve been sued or arrested, or have filed for bankruptcy. Credit reporting companies sell the information in your report to creditors, insurers, employers, and other businesses that use it to evaluate your applications for credit, insurance, employment, or renting/buying a home. The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) promotes the accuracy and privacy of information in the files of the nation’s credit reporting companies.
Should you periodically review your credit report? ABSOLUTELY… BUT WHY YOU MAY ASK?
- Because the information it contains affects whether you can get a loan – and how much you should pay to borrow money.
- To make sure the information is accurate, complete, and up-to-date before you apply for a loan for a major purchase like a house or car, buy insurance, or apply for a job.
- To help guard against identity theft. That’s when someone uses your personal information – like your name, your Social Security number, or your credit card number – to commit fraud. Identity thieves may use your information to open a new credit card account in your name. Then, when they don’t pay the bills, the delinquent account is reported on your credit report. Inaccurate information like that could affect your ability to get credit, insurance, or even a job.
How to Order Your Free Report
The FCRA requires each of the nationwide credit reporting companies – Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion – to provide you with a free copy of your credit report, at your request, once every 12 months.
The three nationwide credit reporting companies have set up one website, toll-free telephone number, and mailing address through which you can order your free annual report. To order, visit annualcreditreport.com, call 1-877-322-8228, or complete the Annual Credit Report Request Form and mail it to:
Annual Credit Report Request Service
P.O. Box 105281
Atlanta, GA 30348-5281
P.O. Box 105281
Atlanta, GA 30348-5281
Do not contact the three nationwide credit reporting companies individually. You may order your reports from each of the three nationwide credit reporting companies at the same time, or you can order from only one or two. The FCRA allows you to order one free copy from each of the nationwide credit reporting companies every 12 months.
To maintain the security of your file, each nationwide credit reporting company may ask you for some information that only you would know, like the amount of your monthly mortgage payment. Each company may ask you for different information because the information each has in your file may come from different sources.
Other situations where you might be eligible for a free report
You’re also entitled to a free report if a company takes adverse action against you, such as denying your application for credit, insurance, or employment, based on information in your report. You must ask for your report within 60 days of receiving notice of the action. The notice will give you the name, address, and phone number of the credit reporting company.
You’re also entitled to one free report a year if you’re unemployed and plan to look for a job within 60 days; if you’re on welfare; or if your report is inaccurate because of fraud, including identity theft.
Otherwise, a credit reporting company may charge you a reasonable amount for another copy of your report within a 12-month period. To buy a copy of your report, contact the three credit report companies individually.
Stay tuned next month for how to ‘Correct Errors on your Credit Report.’
Tanika M. Capers, Esq.
During dark and gloomy days, sometimes it can feel as if it is impossible to feel God, or even to see Him. Because we are human, pain and emotions feel all so real when the stresses and woes of life surround us like a depressive cloud. However, I am reminded that dark clouds don’t last always. Let us learn from the season we are in, so that we can believe God even when we may not see Him, hear Him, or feel Him. The story in Matthew 14:24-31 reminds us that boisterous storms will come to rock our ship, but we have a God we can go to, and even in the midst of the sea, he allows us to come. He is a God who will walk through the waters with us and even when we are afraid, we can cry out, and He hears us. He will stretch forth his hand and catch us.
Let Him Be Your Guide
-Elder Robert Allen
| I love the Olympics! Every 4 years the world stops and focuses on the pinnacle of athletic ability. In particular, I enjoy the track and field sprints with my favorite race being the 100m dash. I find it interesting that all the runners have pretty much the same form when it comes to racing. They all have the form of a winner. And although winning with money is NOT a sprint (it is actually a marathon that biblically comes over years of making wise decisions), there is a lesson that can be learned from sprinters.
Have you ever noticed that at the sound of the gun, when each runner comes out of their starting block, their head is down? Each runner is focused on their initial steps, driving as hard as they can to build up as much momentum as possible. In short, they are focusing on the immediacy of the race; focused on the now! If you are going to win with money, you have to focus on your current situation first! I know so many people that have big hearts and want to help others financially, but you have to take care of you first. You have to get yourself in position. This is the same reason why the flight attendant says, “If you are traveling with a child or someone who requires assistance, secure your mask first, and then assist the other person.” It’s not selfish, it’s prudent. You want to be in a position of strength to help someone financially; otherwise, you run the risk of being in the same place as the person or people you are helping. As the 100m runners are running, they begin to lift their head slowly as they tend to look at the ground they are about to conquer. They look at their next few steps, in other words, their short-term goals. What are your short term financial goals? Do you want to pay off some of those credit cards? Or do you have a savings goal? What do you want to do within the next 5 years? A good financial plan has small milestones that need to be celebrated and are used to measure progress toward the bigger goal. Short term monetary goals allow you to fine tune your financial strategy as you enter full stride, but can only be addressed after your present situation is secured. About 40-50 meters into the race, the runners have lifted their heads as they are now looking at the finish line. They are at full stride and running with all their intensity. Their form has held perfectly and their breathing is controlled, as they sprint toward their goal. At this stage, financially, although you may have done everything right, you are the most efficient, effective, and are covering as much ground as possible. Your short-term goals are flying by you as you gain full speed and the excitement of financial progress creates an intangible, but very real, momentum which allows you to press harder toward your goal even faster. People are starting to notice there is something different about you. And although they might not know the details of your finances, they realize that your financial mentality, spending habits, and money language is different. You are a hitting on all cylinders! But be careful, this is the worst time to get distracted and lose focus. As the runners cross the finish line, they begin to coast and enjoy the fruits of their labor, training, and discipline. They here the roar of the crowd and now their attention shifts from themselves to those around them; especially their family and friends that were cheering them on. During the race, if you want to win, you must be focused to win. But when you obtain financial peace, this is the time to be even more generous and you are strong enough to help others. To win with money, you must have a plan for your finances and your plan should prioritize the immediate needs of your family first. Then you can begin to look at your future, and as you prosper your capacity to help others will grow also. But until that moment, you must say “no” to some things and some people. Quoting Dave Ramsey, “Your financial focus should be Now, Then, Us, and [then] Them.” The bible tells us that one who does not provide for his family has denied the faith and is worse than an infidel (1 Tim 5:8). God takes the family first approach seriously. So, don’t try to do too much too soon! Remember building a legacy is not an overnight affair and it will require sacrifices. The only question is, ‘are you willing to make the sacrifice long enough to win?’ |
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