THE BLESSED ROOM Magazine

After graduating high school, LaTonya Mason  went to Appalachian State University where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Child Psychology and a Master’s in Agency Counselor. She still works as a mental health therapist for adults and adolescents on a psychiatric unit. LaTonya Mason says, "I absolutely love working with my patients, who are admitted to the hospital with suicidal and homicidal ideations, and psychotic symptoms." In 2001, she was licensed as an associate minister at Chappell Memorial Baptist Church.

LaTonya Mason says, "Next to being a mother of three lovely children, it is one of the greatest callings I walk in." She considers it a privilege to be a mouthpiece for God. At Chappell, she also serve as an intercessor, teacher, and nursery worker. LaTonya has many hobbies, most of which she does with her children. They include: fishing, going out for ice cream, reading, writing and journaling, walking and jogging, and taking day trips. She is also a sports fanatic! LaTonya likes to play basketball, football, softball and bowling. She is an armchair boxer, gymnast, and swimmer. She also watches the entire Olympics on TV.  To learn more about LaTonya Mason and how she began writing, click the link to read her testimony.  For information about her novel, Good To Me (Walk Worthy Press, 2005) visit her website at www.latonyamason.com

Cheri Paris- Edwards is author of debut novel "Plenty Good Room", published in hardcover by Walk Worthy/Warner Books in Spring, 2005. She is 50-years old and the mother of two young men ages 15 and 25. Edwards lives in East-Central Illinois. Visit her website: www.cheriparisedwards.com.

Shewanda Riley is a Dallas-based author and media professional.  A veteran media professional, she has worked as a News Director, producer and on-air talent for radio stations in Dallas, Texas (KOAI, KRBV, KHVN, KWRD, KNON), San Antonio, Texas (KCHL, KCJZ) and for Armed Forces Network (Fuerth, Germany) since beginning her career in radio over 16 years ago.      She has also been a correspondent for Sheridan Broadcasting Network. She is currently an Instructor of English at Tarrant County College in Hurst, Texas.

Her debut book, “Love Hangover – Moving From Pain to Purpose After a Relationship Ends,” a book on relationships for singles, was released by Suncreek Books in February 2003.    It was named a best seller by Essence Magazine in June 2003 and was featured in Jet Magazine in September 2003.   She is also a contributor to The Women of Color Study Bible@ (Tyndale House/Nia Publishing). Riley has also been featured as an expert on relationships on ABC Radio Networks, USA Radio Networks, and The Potter’s Touch Television show hosted by Bishop T. D. Jakes.

She is the founder National Get Over Your Love Hangover Week, which includes a national relationship conference that addresses issues like how to effectively survive a relationship breakup.  She has conducted workshops at the Dallas Black Expo, Texas Black Women=s Conference, Destiny Ministries National Women's Conference, and Gathering of the Eagles Ministry Conference. Riley also leads the True Image Singles Ministry Team at her church home, Christian Chapel Temple of Faith CME Church in Dallas, Texas.

She is a graduate of Southern Methodist University with an MA in English, St. Mary's University with a BA in English-Communication Arts and a member of Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities.  Community minded, Riley has served on the board of the Skillful Living Center and is Jobs and Internships Committee Chairperson for the Dallas Fort Worth Association of Black Communicators.    Her awards include KRLD Radio Black History Month Outstanding Community Service - 2003 and Achievement Award for Outstanding News Coverage from the Wilmer Hutchins School District - 2003. She can be reached at lovehangover@juno.com or Shewanda@shewandalriley.com. 

Michelle Stimpson is an author, a speaker, and an educator who received her Bachelor of Science degree from Jarvis Christian College in 1994. She earned a master’s in curriculum and instruction from the University of Texas at Arlington in 2002. She has had the pleasure of teaching elementary, middle, and high school as well as training adults. In addition to her work in the field of education, Michelle ministers through writing and public speaking. 

Her highly acclaimed Christian debut novel, Boaz Brown (published by TimeWarner/AOL) hit the stands in 2004, and her second novel, Divas of Damascus Road is scheduled for release in July of 2006 and she will be touring the Anointed Authors on Tour throughout the fall of 2006. She is also currently working on her third novel and a nonfiction book on deliverance.  Michelle is a member of Delta Sigma Theta sorority and the Ft. Worth Metropolitan Alumni Chapter of Jarvis Christian College. Her home church is Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship, where she serves in the media ministry. She lives near Dallas with her husband, their two children, and one crazy dog. Visit her site:www.michellestimpson.com

Dr. Vivi Monroe- Congress, author of The Bankrupt Spirit: Principles for Turning Setbacks into Comebacks and The McMillon Family Cookbook: Something to Shout About! and founder of The Grand Prairie African American AUTHOR SHOWCASE (Author Showcase Events) is a graduate of Pace University in New York and obtained a Doctor of Ministry degree in Christian Counseling from Vision University. 

A published author, speaker, voice-over talent and print model, Ms. Congress is a member of The Dallas Black Academy, Texas Coalition of Authors, Writer's Marketing Association, N. Dallas Chapter of American Christian Writers and PenPoint Writer's Group. She enjoys organizing events that serve a dual purpose: displaying the giftings and talents of some while revealing the passion and purpose of others. Ms. Congress is also very strongly committed to the cause of combating illiteracy in women and children.

In Fall 2006, she'll join a lineup of Christian writers, Anointed Authors on Tour, with book signings in Atlanta, Dallas, Baltimore and other cities TBA (www.AnointedAuthorsOnTour.com). Of her many accomplishments and blessings, however, her greatest is that of being mother to three awesome children. Visit her site: www.littlelightprod.com

Denise Watson- Smith (Dee- Dee), was born August 1, 1967  in Roanoke, Virginia. She attended Roanoke City Schools, and graduated with honors in 1985. She attended Virginia Western Community College and graduated in 1988. In 1995, Dee Dee married Victor Andre’ Smith and between the two of them, they have four children, Wesle William, JeTashawna Lynn, Victoria Aundrea and Victor Andre’ II.

Denise loves the Lord with all of her heart, and she accepted Him into her life at the age of 8 in Roanoke at Greater Mount Zion Baptist Church, and then later became of member of Central Baptist Church where she taught Sunday School and worked with the AWANA program. She moved to Charlottesville, Virginia in 2002, when the military relocated her family. There she became a member of Mt. Zion First African Baptist Church under the leadership of Dr. Alvin Edwards. 

Denise is also attending Union Run Baptist Church School of Ministry and will be attending Liberty University where she will be majoring in Religion in the fall. Her favorite verse in the Bible is Psalm 91:2, “I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: My God, in Him will I trust.” Visit her site: www.xanga.com/deewatsonsmith .

 Karen Maloy

Karen, a mother of four wonderful children, and the grandmother of four as well; is currently a member of Faith By Love Family Worship Church, Inc. in Syracuse, NY; An Ordained Deaconess, Karen volunteers as Public Relations Director and Praise & Worship Leader under Apostle Leroy Legette, Sr. Pastor and his wife Pastor Hestina Legette, and is Managing Editor of the Faith By Love PWP Newsletter distributed quarterly.

Having already completed three children’s book entitled “Are You Afraid of the Dark, Too?”, “Does It Pay to Obey?” and “Hey, Do You Know My Friend?” , Karen also has a fourth in progress “Ouch, Don’t You Know that Hurts?” along with her autobiography. Karen is also the author of Happy Monday! which once ministered and encouraged over 120 readers weekly over the web and email. Happy Monday! is now available in a compilation book.

Karen Maloy’s life mission statement is as follows: “In my writings, I seek to exhort and lift up the body of Christ. If, I could just touch one life and stop them from making the same mistakes that I did, my life would have been worth it all”! Visit her site: www.karenmaloy.org

 Jackie O' Neal is a freelance writer and contributor to The Press of Atlantic City and wrote for The New York Amsterdam News among others. She holds an M.F.A. in Poetry and Fiction from Sarah Lawrence College. O' Neal teaches Developmental Writing as n Senior adjunct professor at Atlantic Cape Community College. Originally from New York, O' Neal taught at York College, C.U.N.Y. for several years. Currently, she is a nominee for Episcopal Priesthood and the only woman in 126 years to be nominated at her parish, The Church of the Ascension. O' Neal is also a producing playwright and recipient of the Through Her Eyes Award, 2001 and the Paul Aiken Encore Award, 2004. She and husband, Mason are founders of Studio Frederick O' Neal Memorial, a production company that has hosted many emerging playwrights and annually hosts a Marathon reading of the Classic Slave Narratives.

In addition, O' Neal is the founder of The Creative Touch, a company providing creative activities for Nursing Home residents particularly. Currently, The Creative Touch features Design- it- yourself Jewelry and Scrapbooking/ Collage using exclusive lay-outs and embellishments through a unique supplier, Leaving Prints. The Creative Touch is active in local nursing homes and brings a weekly program to Eastern Pines Convalescent Center in Atlantic City, N.J. For more information, or to schedule a Creative Touch event write to Jackie via email: charity@bellaonline.com 

Visit her site: http://creativetouchmarket.networkingmothers.com  http://www.bellaonline.com/site/charity

Darlene Casino is a Christian freelance writer from Plymouth, Massachusetts. Besides writing, she is actively involved in her church as a member of the Women's Board and Bible Study Coordinator/teacher. In January '06', Mrs. Darlene Casino retired from nursing, and her position as an addiction's nurse. She has a husband of 46 years, 3 sons, 2 daughter's-in-love and 5 grandchildren. 

Queen E. F. Phillip is a freelance writer currently residing in Houston, Texas.  She is a Spirit-led writer with over twenty years devoted to the Christian writing ministry. She is a published author, poet and speaker. For speaking engagements, or to contact her for more information about her ministry, visit her website at www.majesticpublications.com.

Rev. Keisha McAllister at a young age started keeping a Journal to keep sake her deepest thoughts, pains, and desires. It wasn’t until her adult years that she realized that writing was an outlet for her. Between Two Lives is the first of many writings hiding in her heart. Keisha L. McAllister is the oldest of three sisters Taynay, Tasonya, and Skaketta and one brother Andrea. She is also an ordained Minister currently living in Orange Park, Fl, with her husband Pastor Stanley Mc Allister, Jr. and her son Nygel Mark Williams.

Sharell E. Gordon- Love is a new author, her first novel "When He Calls" was released September 23rd of 2002, published by La Caille Nous Publishers. Sharel started writing in school, and would turn out many essays and short stories. While taking a course in college in 1993, Sharel wrote a true-to-life essay about the "Black Male" that was submitted and published in Black Child Magazine in their Nov/Dec issue in 1994.

Rev. Sinclair Grey III has a message for the people of God. His message is one of encouragement and inspiration. He believes that God’s people should be the most empowered people in the world and he’s made it his life’s mission to help each and every Christian walk in the fullness of their God-given calling.

Rev. Grey is pastor and founder of The Liberation Temple, a non-denominational Christian Church in Mt. Rainier, MD (www.theliberationtemple.org). Even with all of his impressive accomplishments, certainly one of his proudest is penning his book. Seeds of Freedom: Inspirational Messages for Ordinary People with Extraordinary Potential is a book full of tidbits of wisdom with practical insight. Using personal experiences, Rev. Grey provides 80 messages of hope helping the Christian to see God in some of the most mundane circumstances. The book actually started from a daily inspirational e-mail ministry that continues to this day. “One of my members recommended that I take my messages and compile them into a book because she didn’t have a computer,” recalls Grey. “Initially, I thought, ‘I’m not an author’, but she kept encouraging me and I prayed about it. Then, I decided to put the book together,” says the pastor. It’s just another extension of a man who truly wants to see the children of God blessed. In addition to authoring his book, Rev. Grey is a featured writer for Gospelcity.com, Streams of Inspiration and The D.C. Gospel Update, an e-zine reaching 10,000 in the Washington, D.C.

Evangeliste Celeste Kelley was first anointed musically, playing the organ and piano, and served for over 10 years as Minister of Music.  The Lord elevated Evangelist Celeste to be the Co-Founder and Co-Director of The S.I.S.T.A.H.S. Ministry (http://www.sistahsministry.org).  Being a single, teenage mother at age 16, she has developed a heart for teenage girls and single mothers, and has a call to evangelize to, support and encourage all women.  One of those avenues is through volunteer   services for "Looking for My Sister" Domestic Violence Organization of Detroit, Michigan.   It’s Not That Serious! was motivated by the calling  of  God on Evangelist Celeste’s life  to minister to the issues that women and girls face in these days and times, prayerfully giving them principles for spiritual motivation.

Pastor Noel Vaughn Pastor & Mrs. Noel Vaughn appear on the local TBN station in Canton, Ohio, host the "Learning To Live By Faith" Television Broadcast and travel throughout the United States teaching the word of faith, prosperity, healing and restoration of vision by the help of the Holy Spirit. They have touched tens of thousands of people with the gospel of Jesus Christ, and have gained partners worldwide. Email Pastor Vaughn at NVCM@Yahoo.com.

Dr. Gail M. HayesWhen looking for a speaker or writer who ignites your spirit and creates an atmosphere of nspiration, motivation, and contagious enthusiasm, you have but to look directly at Dr. Gail Hayes or Dr. Gail, as others affectionately call her. Dr. Gail is the author of the book Daughters of the King, Finding Victory Through Your God Given Personal Style. Available at your local bookstore. Contact Dr. Gail at (919) 286-4200 or visit her website at   http://www.daughtersoftheking.org.

Jackie  Moore

Stacy Hawkins Adams

V. Helena

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