WELCOME TO THE YA STOR!

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DON’T WORRY, GOD’S GOT YOU

Don’t Worry, God’s Got You
by Jonli Tunstall

The question is asked:
“How can you say don’t worry when my life is a mess? I ain’t experiencing no peace, just continual stress. You see I went to work on Monday with a smile on my face, but by Thursday, I had been replaced. There was no 2-week notice, time to prepare or save; just a pat on the back, “its tough out there, be brave.” Well now it’s 6-months later and I still can’t find a job or a way to make ends meet. I’ve been on 23 interviews and keep experiencing defeat. Well now there’s nothing left to borrow, pawn, or sell-I get evicted on Tuesday; my life is a living hell. So don’t tell me don’t worry!”

In the midst of our country’s economic recession, to hear the words, “don’t worry,” can cause us more frustration than relief. Bills are piling up, final notices are sent out daily, families continue to be evicted, and there aren’t any jobs in sight. So when told, “don’t worry,” it doesn’t make any logical sense and seems to contradict and ignore our current situation. But God’s word commands us, “Be anxious for nothing (don’t worry about anything), but in everything by prayer and supplication (specific prayer requests), with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4: 6-7).

We can trust that God will handle all of our worries and concerns when we lay them at his throne and pray specifically for what we need. In exchange for our problems, He will give us peace; and not just any peace, His perfect peace, that peace that surpasses all understanding. It’s that kind of peace you get that doesn’t even make sense to you. When you’re supposed to be going crazy, stressed out, on the verge of giving up and breaking down, He gives you a peace that surpasses all worldly understanding, peace to trust that He is going to look out for you. Peace to trust that He sees your situation, your tears, and your pain, and will respond at just the right time. The peace will keep your heart from being anxious and your mind from going crazy. So Don’t Worry, God’s Got You. Tell yourself that until you believe it, “I won’t worry because God’s got me.”  Do you believe it?

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ON CAMPUS w/CARLA @ UC BERKELEY

How was your experience this past semester at Cal?
CARLA: My experience at Cal this past semester was my best so far. I believe it was greatly influenced by the classes that I took, the professor’s teaching style, and the small class size that allowed for student engagement.  For example, I had a class with a count of about 20 students and a professor that has been teaching in her field for about four decades.  Another aspect that has contributed to a better year was joining the Cal Women’s Rugby team, which allows me to travel and stay in shape.

Now I would like to tell you how I stayed in control of my experience. First I stayed in control of my academics.  I went to office hours, study sessions with other classmates and kept up with the reading.  My strategy was to incorporate the office hours and study groups after my classes so that there would not be any problems getting to campus, since I would already be on campus.  I would also email my professor to let them know I was attending their office hour. It puts me in a position to attend even if I do not have the desire to attend. After going I usually get a better understanding of the reading, paper prompts and exams. Going to office hours, study group sessions plus attending class regularly are beneficial to learning and earning a good grade.

Explain a challenge that you have faced in school?
CARLA: When I was in the 9th grade, I had an experience in high school that taught me a valuable lesson. I had a Spanish teacher that got sick in the third week of school and was out for the rest of the semester. The fact that we were given subs and not taught lessons became an obstacle later in my higher Spanish classes. The reason I tell you this story is because this is the lesson I had to learn and mistake that I do not want you to make.

Although I had substitute teachers in my Spanish 1 class, I should have done more on my own to learn the language. I want emphasize the importance of being proactive in your education. Now that I’m in college I plan to minor in Spanish. I want to stress that it is vital to take the initiative to learn the information even if the teacher is not present to teach you.

How are you incorporating fun in your school schedule?
CARLA: It is Rugby season so my schedule is busier than before, but it includes team outings and games. One aspect of joining a sports team is the companionship of your fellow players. Another aspect is that your leisure time is limited. Time management is very important in college and throughout life. In terms of college, good time management is a wonderful skill to have. In my life I am able to go to my classes, practice, do my homework/study and run errands when needed. One thing I want to point out about classes in college is that a lot of classes do not assign homework. Your final grade comes from your exams and papers, so you must study and do the reading.

CARLA: You may wonder how I practice time management? Well, I practice time management by planning my schedule, using an agenda/planner can be very helpful to organize your day accordingly and also mark dates in your calendar for special events like birthdays.

What are your plans for the summer?
CARLA: For the summer I plan to take summer school classes at Los Angeles Southwest College, and study abroad in Trinidad and Tobago.

THE SPIRIT IS INDEED WILLING…

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Often we use this scripture when we are about to or already have made the wrong choice… as if it will excuse everything because the flesh is weak. We use it to validate and medicate the disease of the human nature. We even say it with a humerous edge, in order to take some of the pressure off of us, when we know we just did something foul. But the way in which we use it is completely out of context. This scripture is no excuse or way to not feel so bad about what we’ve done. It is a spiritual truth! A statement of conviction!

In this passage, Jesus is persuading, compelling, encouraging, and admonishing his disciples to choose between the spirit and flesh. You see the thing that stands between the willing spirit and the weak flesh is our choice. Yes we have a choice of whether we will fornicate, over eat, cuss him or her out, lie, steal, cheat, smoke and/or drink until we are out of our minds!  Aren’t we tired of our own sin cycle? I know I am.

The Bible says Choose Ye This Day Whom You Will Serve! If we are believers we are no longer enslaved to fear! Our outcome is based on the choices we make on a daily basis. Every choice we make is an opportunity to deny or proclaim our belief in Jesus Christ. Often we know what we aught to do but fear holds us back.  We are so scared of pain that we don’t realize that without pain there is no gain. When God created us he breathed his breath of life into us…Yes He lives in us! That makes us spiritual giants not spiritual wimps! This means that we possess all of God’s power and authority. God’s spirit in us is so willing to help us make those painful but righteous decisions that we know must be made in order for us to maintain our relationship with God. His spirit in us in not only willing but it is indeed willing!  Indeed means without any question, truly, undeniably, as a matter of fact, and guaranteed. What is it indeed willing to do?  It’s willing to kill, annihilate, mortify, and destroy the flesh!  So if you are like me and just tired of doing the same thing and getting the same thing. If you’re like me and you’re just sick and tired of your flesh punking you into doing things you regret. Then lets call on the spirit of God in us to do what it does best. Choose to use the power in you to make a God choice, not just a good choice. In 1 Cor. 10:27, Paul says I will beat my own body into submission and make it my slave so that I don’t disqualify myself for the prize.  Let’s get the prize! God killed his flesh for us…why can’t we kill ours for him?

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SALVATION or ENTERTAINMENT…by Patrick White

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SALVATION

or

ENTERTAINMENT

Salvation: The deliverance from the power and penalty of sin; redemption, the act of saving or protecting from harm, risk, loss, destruction...

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Entertainment: Something affording pleasure, diversion, or amusement, esp. a performance of some kind.

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In the world we live in today, where the prosperity gospel has somewhat taken a break, and the faith message has fallen to the side in most local churches, what is the next generation supposed to stand on now? I have had the privilege of going to about 10 or more churches within the last few months and ALL, every last church is trying to move or buy a new building. Right after the pastor has finished his last point or right before the offering bucket goes around there’s a power point presentation on what is to come in the near future and that the building will be for the people. Some of the projects include, 5000 seat auditorium, gymnasiums, schools and in a few plans retirement homes. Don’t get me wrong all these can be powerful outlets, but when I talk to other young believers in the faith, I’ve come to find out that they choose there church according to the level of  prosperity and entertainment.  Some would suggest that receiving sound doctrine is not at the top of the list, but would rather go to a church with big screens and celebrity status and the flashing lights…

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Question, is that the only way to tell if the Spirit dwells?. Wake up people God is still in control!!  There are pastors and God is raising up leaders that give their lives to serve in the ministry but you’ll choose to bypass your blessing just because the praise team is okay and there isn’t a big choir. The word that I hear many young believers say nowadays is “Bored” as if church should entertain only, its cool to have the dancing, rapping, comedy, drama, but when its time for the word of God people tend to check out. It’s time for a change. It’s bigger than a new building.  It’s bigger than the best praise team and best dressed saints.  God needs us to step up to the plate and make it happen.  Too many people are falling in the world that need salvation; that need to know how to deal with their pain, addictions, anger and hate. I know those of you who are reading this have great talent.  Don’t use your talent to merely entertain but through the power of God use those talents to make an impact in this world.  Again I understand the new building, growing and standing in faith that people will get there, but in the meanwhile what are you doing???

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MALI MUSIC REVIEW

MALI MUSIC

by Geneva Taylor

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“So the sky ain’t the limit no more,

no, cause the sky is way way too low.

Now that I got the love, faith and the Holy Ghost.  There is no limit to how high I can go.  Nothing impossible;

All things are possible.

Is there anything too hard?

There is nothing too hard for my God.”

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I remember the first time I heard Mali Music (Jamaal Pollard) singing “Avaylable” with his acoustic guitar on YouTube, I immediately fell in love with his music and delivery.  I realized that he was not an average singer/songwriter, but he was sent with a heavenly sound of worship.   I sent a massive email out to my friends showing off his YouTube video....

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His sound is neo soul, rock, R&B, gospel, contemporary Christian and I could name more and more categories for Mali Music.  However, these categories don’t fully encompass his music, because his true sound comes from heaven.  One of the things I love about Mali Music is he understands his voice and his music are weapons and he uses them as such.  So, if I could put Jamaal in a category, it would be a warrior for Yahweh - that is his sound. My prayer is that all musicians and singers representing Christ, realize that their guitars, their drum sticks, horns, the piano, the voice, etc., are all weapons that do major damage against darkness.

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“The Savannah-based, songwriter, producer is breaking out of the box of traditional gospel music with his July 2009 national release of “The 2ECOND COMING” album.   Since its release, Mali Music has been traveling around the nation on tours and sharing the Gospel in a new and fresh wave.   I have never seen Mali Music in concert, but I have heard that it is an experience that you will never forget.  Some People go to hear Mali’s musical technique, or for a performance/ show.  However, they find themselves in the middle of worship, with Jamaal Pollard (Mali Music) leading them to the throne of God.  These are truly the last days and God is using Jamaal to bring his children before him to receive his love, faith and the Holy Ghost.  His concerts are like a place to receive fuel for war.  Even in my car, I play Mali and I am ready. Ready for WAR!  If you don’t know about him, NOW you know..

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Here are a few lyrics from the featured track in this review, “I Hate You”—a track speaking to the enemy.   Check it out and let me know what you think…

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“I hate you!…You try to make me do wrong when I’m right
I hate you!…Trying to speak that in my new life.
You wanted to kill me, but it ain’t goin be easy…Cause
I hate you!…I refuse to follow you and fail.
I hate you!…Aint lif’in my eyes up in no Hell.
I rebuke you and see what your tryin to do so i wrote this song for you
I hate you!”

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“I Hate You” by Mali Music……….

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GOD IN THE MOVIES & MUSIC w/DEREK NUNN (Podcast)

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YA STOR Podcast Host, Derek Nunn along with Special Guest, Gospel Rapper P.A.C.M.A.N.(Brandon Marks) discuss God in the Movies & Music and the Spiritual effect movies and music have on believers….

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God in the Movies/Music - PODCAST 1

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U-REVIEW-THE-MUSIC: “Encore”/J. Fortune & FIYA

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ENCORE by James Fortune & FIYA

Leave your brief comments on this joint by James Fortune & FIYA.

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THE SEASON OF GROWTH

by DeJuana Golden

Just the other day, I was driving in my car on the way to the grocery store.  The week was long and treacherous.  Every time I seemed to get up or take a couple of steps, something would knock me back down.  I kept saying, “Lord, did you forget about me or Are you busy with someone else?”  Knowing all that I know, I still questioned God.  I questioned whether he was there, whether he was listening, and whether he would provide what he said he would.

And just as I turned the corner and switched the stations, a song was playing.  The words “Need a little bit of dirt to grow…..Need a little rain to wash our souls” awakened my spirit.  It was as if God knew what I needed to hear and sent it via Mary Mary in their song “Dirt.”  Awww, God was there and yes he was listening.  It was that little reminder that simple act, that let me know that there is never a need to question God’s presence in my life.

Even through my trials-divorce, a child with special needs, and financial troubles-God was sustaining me.  He was the one who didn’t allow me to dwell on or feel like a failure.  God was the one who gave me enough strength to endure the extra therapy and time required for my son.  He was my Jehovah Jira (Jireh), the very one who paid my bills when I did not see the money in the bank.  Keeping me, keeping me, keeping me….through all of the struggle, all of the pain, and all of the tears.  I always made it out stronger and better than the day before.

I am a living witness that things get hard.  And I can admit that many times my faith is tested.  With all of this said, I can also attest to God’s power.  Every time I looked at my situation, my flesh said “What are you going to do?”  But when I remembered to put my trust in Him, I did my part to make the best of the situation and let God do the rest.

My life lesson:  Embrace my past and present situation and look towards the future.  Growth is on the way.  How do I know it?  God said it….so it is done!

“Your present situation is for a reason which is GROWTH

and it is not meant for you to endure for a lifetime.”

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“STREET PEACE” - INTERVIEW W/OLEINA JUDY BROWN - PT I

Former Hardcore So. L.A. Gang member now saved,

Born-again Christian and committed member of the SafeHouse…

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Interviewer: Before we get into detailed questions, give us a couple of words that best describe who you are today.
Oleina: .Woman of God, Survivor.

Interviewer:  How long have you been saved and out of the gang banging scene?
Oleina: .6 Years.

Interviewer:  When did you start banging and how old were you?
Oleina: .December, 1989.  I was 14 years old.

Interviewer:  Without naming names or affiliations, tell us a little about your life in the streets?
Oleina:   .My life on the streets was hard and scary.  As a woman you never know what might happen.  The gang I was from expected a lot out of you because of the reputation that they have.  Not only that, it was important to do whatever it took to protect each other.

Interviewer:  What attracted you to that lifestyle?
Oleina:   .I wouldn’t say I was attracted to the lifestyle, even though some are.  In my case it seemed like the only place to go to be loved and protected.  But, I have heard some say the guns and killing was their attraction, but me, I needed a family.

Interviewer:  When did you get saved and how long have you been a member of the SafeHouse?
Oleina:   .June, 2003.  I became a member at the same time.

Interviewer:  What attracted you to Christ?
Oleina: .In my heart, I always knew there was a God with me through those things.  So when I found out His son, Jesus, was the way to Him, I wanted Jesus.

Interviewer:  What would you describe as the best thing about where your life is in Christ right now?
Oleina: .The peace.  Knowing that I’m not in control of what happens in my life.  The joy.  When I’m feeling sad, Jesus is there.  There is no one thing.  Everything is better now.

Interviewer:  What would you describe as the most challenging thing about being a saved and born again young adult?
Oleina: .Going around your old friends and not getting sucked into the things that are not of God.

Interviewer:  Where you come from, I would imagine that sex, alcohol, etc..were part of the scene without hesitation or question.  How do you deal with those temptations now, knowing that they don’t please God, which is your primary goal?
Oleina: .Drugs, alcohol and sex are the main functions of the street life.  I was blessed not to have got caught up with drugs and alcohol.  Sex is something I deal with in God.  I feel like unless you, with all your heart, want to please God, it will be an issue.  But basically as a young adult, it’s hard.

Interviewer:  How do deal with the guilt and the temptation to give up the fight in those times when you’ve slipped and haven’t please God in the area?
Oleina: .God’s word, and the fact that He sent His son to die.  Just for this reason, not saying that makes it right, but it keeps me from giving up.

Interviewer:  Lastly, what do you do to keep yourself from constantly being tempted in the areas?
Oleina: .Stay away from the things that causes the temptation and run more towards God.

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