Conference call from November 17, 2011

Fellow TOPS blogger Kemi led the conference call on various aspects of health. Here are notes in case you missed it or want to look over the discussion.

1. Do you think that you are in good health?

2. Health= Sound in body, mind and spirit= multifactor

a. Multidimensional= physical, psychological, spiritual, social, intellectual and environmental

3. What affects physical well-being- Fitness, smoking, alcohol use, drug use, health conditions, genetics, sleep and diet

a. Homicide leading cause of death for African American men 18-44

b. Historically minorities have inadequate access to healthcare and health services due to lack of insurance, money and other factors

c. African Americans more likely to develop cancer than any other group, have the highest rate of lung cancer in the U.S.

d. African American women 2X more likely to die from cervical cancer and breast cancer

e. High rates of bp, hypertension, hepatitis b&c

f. High infant mortality rate

g. African Americans and Hispanics make up 2/3 of adult AIDS cases, 80% of pediatric AIDS, African American syphilis rate= 30X rate of whites

h. Young adult women likely to suffer from major depression, generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder

i. Recommendations

i. Eat 1500-2000 calories/day

ii. 30 min/day exercise

iii. 8-9.25 hours of sleep

iv. 6-8 glasses of water or 8-12 cups per day!

v. Avoid extreme diets! Consume Daily

1. at least 45-65% Carbs

2. 20-35% Fats

3. 10-35% Proteins

4. Psychological

a. Maslow theory of Needs

i. Basic- Food/shelter/warmth/protection

ii. Higher- Safety, security, love, affection, self esteem

1. Self-esteem is what you believe about yourself

2. People with low self-esteem may enter relationships that reinforce their self-perceptions and seek out those that think poorly of them

3. To counteract it think positively/talk positively of yourself!

iii. Highest- Greatest possible satisfaction from life, comes from understanding purpose

5. Spiritual- ability to identify basic life purpose and to experience the fulfillment of achieving our full potential

a. Influences- Sense of purpose, values, morals and ethics

b. Scientific evidence supports claim that faith/spirituality enhances and extends life

c. Prayer and Meditation causes changes to our brains, reduces physiological symptoms and increase feelings of security, compassion and love

d. Values- How you evaluate things, events, people, self/guidelines making decisions that are right for you

e. Tips

i. Sit quietly

ii. Listen to calming music

iii. Go outside and marvel in God’s glorious creations

iv. Ask yourself questions about your beliefs

v. Church attendance/prayer group

vi. Express gratitude!

vii. Forgive- let go and reclaim power over your life!

viii. Do good= service/volunteer, do what you care about

ix. Prayer/meditation

1. Serving others is its own reward

6. Social

a. Technological generation= connected to more people/frequent networking BUT less meaningful personal interactions

b. Many modes of communication but what about face to face???

c. Introvert v. Extrovert- talk because you want to not because of awkwardness or silence, accept who you are J

d. Practice abstinence/safe sex

e. Social connections- family and friends are a source of support and encouragement

7. Intellectual

a. We are always using our brains except when we sleep

b. How we think, learn, evaluate, question

c. Not everything is about grades

i. If you do not have the grades that you want seek out help try a variety of study options, tutoring and counseling

ii. Do your best, God will handle the rest J

d. Be creative, explore new subjects and READ!!!!

i. Reading is the most empowering thing that you can do for yourself as a young lady

8. Environmental

a. God placed us here to have dominion and to care for his creations

b. Be aware of world issues- pollution, global warming, radiation

c. Be aware of products that you use

i. Our bodies are like sponges and most things are absorbed into our bloodstreams, be aware of the chemicals that you use

Closing Summary

· Health is multifaceted

· God calls us to be witnesses, when we our overall health is good we are able to do all that He has called us to do and be used by Him

· Jesus healed people so that they could should themselves to priests and others= WITNESS

· Our health is a way of witnessing

· Everything that we do points to Jesus Christ

· 2 Corinthians 4: 7-But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.

· 1 Timothy 4:8- Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come

Being a teenager in today's society has its struggles. The media always portrays the picture perfect image, which is difficult for the average girl next door to attain. Unfortunately, all girls are not going to be able to be the next Beyonce. But thats okay. We all have our own style and we should all be able to embrace it without being judged negatively. That being said, DRESS how you want to be ADDRESSED. Do not wear a skimpy dress that looks what a celebrity wore to the last award show when going to a job interview. Just because it looked good on her for the award show does not mean its appropriate for a job.

Remember to always be yourself, and to look nice for YOURSELF. It does not matter what other people say to bring you down. God loves us just how we are, as we were made in His image and likeness.

XOXO

Opeyemi

Beyonce is not perfect! No one wakes up like this!

BE YOURSELF!!!

Do you LOVE me?

"‘I love you’ means that I accept you for the person that you are, and that I do not wish to change you into someone else. It means that I will love you and stand by you even through the worst of times. It means loving you even when you’re in a bad mood, or too tired to do the things I want to do. It means loving you when you’re down, not just when you’re fun to be with. ‘I love you’ means that I know your deepest secrets and do not judge you for them, asking in return that you do not judge me for mine. It means that I care enough to fight for what we have and that I love you enough not to let go. It means thinking of you, dreaming of you, wanting and needing you constantly, and hoping you feel the same way for me."

If he/she can't love you to this extent and much more...then don't waste your time!

True love is unconditional, it involves sacrifice and in most cases those two words are foreign to teens...so take your time...True love will come when it's right...when you're prepared to handle it!

Just enjoy getting to know who YOU are and fall in love with YOU first....Gotta love yourself before you can truly love anyone else!

*Just food for thought*

Who Am I?

Ever asked yourself that question???

Well, Good News!!!! We have the answer for you!!!

Join Us at our 2nd Annual "SELF IDENTITY" Conference

FREE FOOD! LIVE ENTERTAINMENT!! FREE PRIZES!!! AND A POWERFUL MESSAGE!!!!

YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS IT!!!

Hope to see you there!

YOU'RE GIFTED! BE PROUD OF IT...

God has created all for a specific purpose, be proud of who you are.
We were are created differently to make a difference
Believe in yourself, your special....unique...strong...beautiful...full of power...

BE GIFTED AND PROUD TO BE A CHRISTIAN...

STAND ON HIS WORD...

Dear Mommy

At times we make mistakes, it's okay...we're only human! The most important thing is to learn from our mistakes and be careful not to repeat them. Take responsibility for your OWN actions and live with it...


**********************


Hi Mommy! 
I am only 3/4 of an inch long, 
But I have all my organs. 
I love the sound of your voice. 
Every time I hear it, 
I wave my arms and legs. 
The sound of your heart beat 
Is my favorite lullaby. 
•••

‎​Month Two, 

Mommy, 
Today I learned how to suck my thumb. 
If you could see me 
You could definitely tell that I am a baby. 
I’m not big enough to survive outside my home though. 
It is so nice and warm in here. 
•••

Month  Three,

You know what Mommy, 
I’m a GIRL! :):):)
I hope that makes you happy. 
I always want you to be happy. 
I don’t like it when you cry
You sound so sad :(  
It makes me sad too, 
And I cry with you even though 
You can’t hear me. 
•••

Month ‎​Four,

Mommy, 
My hair is starting to grow. 
It is very short and fine 
But I will have a lot of it. 
I spend a lot of my time exercising. 
I can turn my head and curl my fingers and toes 
And stretch my arms and legs. 
I am becoming quite good at it too. 
•••

Month ‎​Five. 

You went to the doctor ‎today. 
Mommy, he lied to you. 
He said that I’m not a baby. 
I am a baby, Mommy, your baby. 
I think and feel. 
Mommy, what’s abortion? 
•••

Month Six. 

I can hear that doctor again. 
I don’t like him. 
He seems cold and heartless </3. 
Something is intruding my home. 
The doctor called it a needle. 
Mommy what is it? It burns! 
Please make him stop! 
I can’t get away from it! 
Mommy! Help me! 
•••

Month ‎Seven. 

Mommy, 
I am okay. 
I am in God’s arms:). 
He is holding me. 
He told me about abortion. 
Why didn’t you want me, Mommy? 
                             ••••••

Every abortion is just… 

One more heart ‎that was stopped. 
Two more eyes ‎​that will never see. 
Two more hands ‎​‎​that will never touch. 
Two more legs ‎​that will never run. 
One more mouth that will never speak.

Love is not...

Love is NOT: (L)egs (O)pen (V)ery (E)asy
                                                      -Twitter Status on 6/6/11 by Reverend Run

Fornication

Hello All,

It's been a while, we apologize. We promise to be back very soon.

In the meantime, we wanted to share a quote with you.

"Fornication is nothing but glorified prostitution." Dr. Myles Munroe


How do you feel about that?

A time for Everything.

A time for Everything.



One thing that is really confusing me is how everybody is in a rush to grow up. Not even just to grow up but to rush into things---- everything. Okay relationships are the norm and sex should be highly over rated by now, but why the sudden rush? I asked myself this question all the time, why seriously date someone in high school when we know it would be hard to sustain the relationship after graduation. With the pressures of different colleges and new people why are we all of a sudden try so hard to hold on to already thinning relationships? I guess until we are in that very position we can never know right? Well lets think about it. Okay there is a guy you could probably like at your school but by the time summer hits you meet other people. Another thing, should we really give up our college prospects just for a guy? It sounds stupid to do so, you would be surprised how many girls ask themselves this question everyday. "Love" is very blinding. It is fairly impossible to think that we have met the one, because I know and you know that we still have a long way to go before we settle down. I can't seriously expect a high school crush or BF to compare. So why rush and settle for good when in the future we could just maybe get better. Here is a bible verse thought I got from Ecclesiastes 3.


A Time for Everything
3:1 For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:
2 a time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
3 a time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to build up;
4 a time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
5 a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
6 a time to seek, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
7 a time to tear, and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
8 a time to love, and a time to hate;
a time for war, and a time for peace.

Reading this reminds me that we all have our seasons and that its wrong to want to rush through your seasons and experience happiness premature because then you would be missing out on the full effect. This is relatable to love too. What we think is love is not actually love, when in doubt it is infatuation. We are infatuated with each other and the passion we are feeling is not love; its lust. You cannot rush love and not too many people are familiar with that. You build love over a period of time, it cannot be rushed no matter what you do. So there are somethings that you don't have to do just to get an, "I love you..." because that only lasts for the moment. If you truly and deeply love someone then when it comes to having to figure out your future, they shouldn't be a problem. Love understands patience. So if you decide to be wait until marriage to have sex then Love should be able to keep the relationship strong. If not, you got a classic case of "In the moment" love and stuff like that can only lead to violence and broken hearts. But until then, this “infatuation” we are feeling should not be taken too seriously. Honestly what is the need to rush when our time is coming. I’d rather wait and enjoy my teenage years having fun then getting serious. So okay, you might have this guy that you talk to… but don’t let it impact your decisions because our future is way to great to play around with.

True love waits.



-Seyi

HELL IS REAL!!!!

Ladies,

Let's live right, hell is real!

The choice is yours...

Deuteronomy 30: 19 reads "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" (NIV)

Watch This:

Now you choose, LIFE or death???


God Bless

Self Esteem

Self esteem is something everyone should have. Although we go to school, and we can feel self conscious or as though you are no pretty enough, we must reevaluate. Just because I feel any less “pretty” than she, does that mean I am less beautiful of a person? We are all created in God’s image and likeness, so why would I, even for a second, think that I am not pretty enough? Did God not create me? Someone once brought up a valid point, stating that one having low self esteem is saying to God that he didn’t do a good job in creating you.

It is definitely easier said than done, but we, as God’s children, can all do it. Ways to help increase self esteem include the following:

à Taking care of yourself (you feel good when you look good!)

à Eating healthy foods (be fit, have a clear skin, etc.)

à Repeatedly say to yourself:

“I am beautiful, no matter what.” It may sound silly but try it...you’ll begin to believe it soon enough!

For more on self-esteem:

Go to- http://www.seventeen.com/health/peace/body-peace-mariah-carey?click=main_sr

The RIGHT Man is worth the wait!!!

Please see the video below, it's is very very powerful and deep! 


ENJOY!!!!

'


NOW....wasn't that AmAzIng??????? 



Ladies, we are worth much more then rubies...let's not waste our time, energy, emotions, etc on anyone that isn't meant to hold a place in our hearts.


THINK ABOUT IT!


Have a blessed week.

Life Lessons.

Sometimes it seems as if we take many things for granted. we see things and we barely even realize how lucky we are to have it... for some reason this really just crossed my mind today. i never stop and say thankyou... well i do, just not as often as i should. i should be thanking God everyday, for simply waking em up.. letting me see another day, allowing my family to still be together... little things like these make a whole world of difference. Do you ever sit back and wonder what life would be like if we weren;t so blessed? God has given us way more love than any of us really do deserve, true, we are very favored in the sense that we don't have to work as hard as some of those around us, but still.... i don't know, things like this bother me. people always make fun of the less fortunate, especially us teenagers... like we sit there and laugh other people's expence. it's crazy how when this happens to us, our friends are always there to gang up on the person who hurt us, but when it's one of US doing the hurting, it's okay right? wrong. it's not okay.. we need to stop the maddness and seriously think before we speak or react... we need to learn to take everything and use it as a life lesson.

-Temi Akisanya :)

Looking for Love

Growing up we are taught that there are no stupid questions, it is quite true. A Google search for "What is love" returns over 3.5 billion pages, which is about half the population of the entire world. The retail industry in the United States is expecting about $14.1 billion in sales from Valentine day sales. Every time that I log into my email or Facebook I see silly ads with headlines saying "Find a Nice Christian Man in Your area". The online dating industry has exploded in our (short) lifetime, over 20 million users visit dating sites each month in the United States. It seems as if the whole world is looking for love.

As young ladies many of us may have experienced what we may believe to be our "first love". I can personally attest that my old claims were only infatuations and nothing close to what I hope real love will be. I still do not understand fully what love is but I know that I have not experienced it yet. I have been taught that love is defined as

• Eros- Marital or sexual love
• Philio- Brotherly/friendship (Conditional)
• Agape- Sacrificial (Unconditional)

Today people all over the world are experiencing eros before they experience agape. And some people are engaging in risky sexual behavior in order to attain love. Well I am sure that most of us hope to be in a committed relationship one day with someone that will love every ounce of our being. As young (and young at heart) ladies, we must understand that we cannot rush into things without thinking it through. Songs of Solomon 2: 7 says " Promise me, O women of Jerusalem, by the gazelles and wild deer, not to awaken love until the time is right".

Most of us are in high school or even in college and it seems that everyone is in love or has found a significant other. I can honestly say that I am impatient when it comes to waiting and dating but believe me when I say that this is only a snapshot compared to the rest of your life. A boyfriend today does not mean that you will have the life that you desire (and deserve) years down the line. No matter how old you are, if you allow God to write your story you will be happy and fulfilled with or without a boyfriend or husband. So please celebrate and enjoy your life, seek God and wait for love to unfold before your eyes.

True Love Waits!

If you loved me you would give me some...

Come on now!...Everyone's doing it!

No one's a virgin now and days...

I promise, I won't go all the way...

We've been together for 3 months now, I've been very patient

I'm gonna marry you once we graduate, so it doesn't matter when we do it

I love you baby and you love me...what's stopping us?

EVER HEARD THOSE LINES BEFORE?!?!?!

Yes girl, me too! Lies Lies AND MORE Lies!!! Blah Blah Blahhhhh....

If he really LOVED you, he wouldn't pressure you like that!

What's up with those weak lines? If you want it than you gotta put a ring on it!  But, I'm trying to get my education right now...so you gotta WAIT! 

Yes he should wait, come one ladies...let's start a movement...let's keep our tops on...let's be classy NOT trashy! Let's focus on making a difference in this world, instead of making babies! Sex will always be around, it ain't going no where! So let's respect ourselves and keep it locked up! We're precious gems...I consider myself a diamond, and you never see a real diamond on just any one's finger! Diamonds are forever...don't be a cubic zirconia!

You may be saying, "It's too late for me...I've been there done that...OR...Once you pop, you can't stop!" I'm here to tell you that it's NEVER too late! You can do anything once you put your mind to it...TRUST ME you'll never regret waiting...and like they say that all good things come to those who wait! I know it's good to share and that "sharing is caring" but not when it comes to YOUR goodies...know your worth, don't give it up to every Tom, Dick, or Harry....

*Deuces* 

T.O.P.S