Speak Sheila!

CELEBRATE SPRING

Read Sheila B.'s Spring 2012 Newsletter

Ahhh, the beauty of springtime! After a long, wet and cloudy winter, I welcome the beauty of this season. It is a reminder of the work God has been doing during the winter. Many times this work is unnoticed by us, but necessary for what will happen in the spring. When I reflect upon this time of year, I think about budding flowers, bright sunshine, awakening, newness, rebirth and revival. This is a season of hope and resurrection.

As we emerge from our “caves” after a long hibernation, if you will, you will notice a common theme that is embraced by all. As soon as the sun is out a little longer, the time changes and the temperature rises, we all agree that this is the time to begin enjoying the great outdoors. The parks are filled with adults and children alike enjoying the beautiful weather. Joggers and walkers crowd the side walks; ice cream shops have lines that move beyond the main doors and our dogs have a little more pep in their steps as they too stop to smell the roses. We have a sense of FREEDOM. Free from being cooped up from the rainy, windy, chilly weather; free from the dreariness of winter and the chains of our warm homes and offices that bind us to them. We now eat our lunch outside and we leave our homes to do something—anything-- just because it is “so nice outside”.

Yes, this is a season of hope and resurrection through which become FREE. This freedom has come with a price - as God continually shows us through the seasons. There cannot be a resurrection unless there is a death. We see this in the trees and the flowers during the winter season and we see it in the story of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In a few weeks, we will celebrate the death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He died that He might be raised again from the dead so that we might be FREE from the bondage of sin. So, as you embark upon this season, Celebrate!

CELEBRATE A SPECIAL DELIVERY!
Please join Sheila B. as she celebrates the birth of her second granddaughter. Brielle Monae’ Lashon Cager was born on March 20, 2012 to proud parents Stephen & Shenikwa Cager. Paternal Grandparents: Lewis & Ruby Cager

NEWSLETTER FEATURES:
This quarter’s newsletter features a few new sections. Explore the “Ministry on the Go” column by Sheila B. as she shares her many ministry endeavors. In addition, each newsletter edition will highlight a featured writer. This edition features Rev. Karen Kelley. Reverend Kelley is a Georgia native with deep roots in Stockbridge, GA. She is a member of the Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Stockbridge. We hope you will enjoy!

Finally, let us not forget the STAND Conference 2012. S.T.A.N.D. Hand in Hand is sure to be another life-changing conference. Conference information can be found below! We hope you enjoy this spring newsletter.


Celebrating Spring,

Mrs. Michelle Williams- Newsletter Editor

Get the Spring 2012 Newsletter

______________________

Read Sheila B.'s December Newsletter

No matter where you live or how old you are, Christmas memories from your childhood have a special glow about them. I have many memories of Christmas and other holidays with my parents and sister in Stamford, Connecticut. As I reflect upon my years with my family, I vividly recall the blending of the aromas of the array of foods that my mother prepared. I remember wrapping gifts, decorating the tree, watching my father put up the outside lights, the suspense of what gifts my sister Sandra and I would receive and the anticipation of family coming for Christmas dinner made the highlights of the season.

As Sandra and I became older we helped my mother in the kitchen by peeling and chopping onions and celery, and snapping green beans, to name a few. Even though the guests were relatives, everything had to be immaculate. We had to polish the silver and furniture and floors had to be waxed and the carpet vacuumed. My mother would roast the turkey and bake the ham and nothing was bought prepared!

One of my fondest memories is when my father mounted a speaker on the outside of our house and the Christmas carols playing would grasp the attention of people as they passed our house walking to the store or to the bus stop, walking from work or just through the neighborhood. I can still hear my favorite Christmas carol playing, “Silent Night, Holy Night, all is calm, all is bright, round yon virgin mother and child, holy infant so tender and mild, sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in heavenly peace.” I am still moved to tears when I hear those melodious lyrics.

I’ve learned through the years that memories are to be made and cherished. I pray that during this Christmas season, as we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, you and your family will have memories to share for generations and generations to come.

This year was quite an exciting year for Sheila B. Ministries. As many of you know, God placed on my heart to write a book, and in July 2011, “Makeovers with Leftovers “ was published. We are still riding high on the joys of hearing all of your stories and testimonies on how the book has blessed you and others across the country. I am so grateful to God that He used me to tell a story on how when you feel all has been taken He never takes all. He wants us to live on what’s left!

We are eight months away from S.T.A.N.D. 2012 and plans are underway for an awesome conference. Come expecting to be blessed by some awesome and dynamic teachers and preachers.

In January 2012 I will celebrate my 65th birthday! We were planning to have a high time in New Orleans on the Bayou in April, however we have to reschedule the “Bayou Bash.” I know many of you were looking forward to getting away to New Orleans for some fabulous food, fun and relaxation. However, it brings me great joy to share with you why we have to reschedule the Bayou Bash. In March 2012, I must be in town, ready at any moment for the birth of my second grandchild! Yes, my daughter Shenikwa and Son-in-Love Steven, are expecting their second baby
girl and you know GiGi has to be here. Stay tuned for updates on when we will reschedule the Bayou Bash. I pray that this Christmas season is filled with the love of Jesus.

I pray that this Christmas season is filled with the love of Jesus.

Celebrate the season with Him and enjoy your family and make memories for generations to come. It is the most wonderful time of the year!

Sheila B.
December 2011

______________________

Have you ever had leftovers that were so good they lasted for three to four days?  Each day they seem to taste better and better. The term “leftovers” is used collectively to refer to food which is left over after a meal. Many of you at home deliberately plan for leftovers so that they can be integrated into other dishes or eaten on their own.

Sometimes when we eat out we have leftovers due to generous portions given by the restaurant and we take them home to snack on later and it reminds us of how good the original meal was.

As I reflect on the 2011 Women’s STAND conference, I am still dining on the leftovers! The leftovers are such a great reminder of how good the original meal was. It has been three months since we dined at a buffet of gifted speakers and preachers from across the country and it is just as delectable the second time around!

This year we are excited to report that STAND 2011 represented women from cities and states across the U.S. and as far away as Canada. We were blessed to have for the first time June Hunt, best selling author and renowned speaker. As an international ministry, we want to continue to reach and minister to women from across the globe to come and be a part of STAND. We have already begun to plan 2012, so mark your calendars to attend July 16-19 2012 in Dallas.

As many of you know, this year I celebrated another milestone in my life. As a first time author, I have had so many emotions since the book “Makeovers with Leftovers” was published. I am so very thankful to God for using me to be a vessel to share His word.  My home church, Concord, under the leadership of Pastor Bryan Carter was the pilot church to teach “Makeovers with Leftovers”. Also, Christian Stronghold Baptist Church in Philadelphia, PA; First Baptist Church Bracktown - Lexington, KY; Kettering
Baptist Church, Upper Marlboro, MD; Mt. Hebron (The Mount) in Garland, TX; Antioch Baptist Church, Dallas, TX and Fellowship Baptist Church in Chicago, IL have all joined in as well. Ladies are having “Makeover Parties” across the country to celebrate what God is doing in their lives.

It seems the older I get there’s a milestone to celebrate! In January 2012, I will celebrate 65 years of life and I will celebrate it on the Bayou! Please plan to join me in March for “Birthday on the Bayou” in New Orleans. Continue to check your email for updates and details. 

As 2011 draws to a close, remember our theme from STAND 2011, “Standing 24/7”. Whatever comes your way, STAND, whenever circumstances face you, STAND, however hurdles and obstacles block you, STAND! Whatever, whenever or however…..remember what God told the woman from 2 Kings, “Go and sell the oil, and make good on your debts. Live both you and your sons on what’s left”…remember, God never takes all, so celebrate what’s left of your life!

Sheila B.
October 2011

Honor!

May and June are very special months celebrated in America. In 1905 when Anna Jarvis died, her daughter, also named Anna, began a campaign to memorialize the life work of her mother. Legend has it that young Anna remembered a Sunday school lesson that her mother gave in which she said, “I hope and pray that someone, sometime, will found a memorial honoring mother’s day”. In 1914, Anna’s hard work paid off when Woodrow Wilson signed a bill recognizing Mother’s Day as a national holiday. What an awesome experience it was for Anna to honor her mother in such a special way. How could we celebrate Mother’s Day without celebrating fathers? Father’s Day was inaugurated in the early twentieth century to complement Mother’s Day. It was to celebrate fatherhood and male parenting.

I have so many fond memories of my sister and I presenting our mother and father with expressions of love. Whether it was a card, an outfit, dinner or attending church together, we always wanted to show them how much we loved them on Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. We not only honor and celebrate our biological mothers and fathers, but we also recognize and pay tribute to men and women who have nurtured and encouraged us through this journey of womanhood. We honor those who have poured into our lives and made an investment in our growth as women of God. How will you celebrate the men and women in your life this year? The bible says “Honor your father and mother. Then you will live a long, full life in the land the LORD your God will give you. ~ Exodus 20:12

Finally, as a grandmother, godmother, mother, daughter and sister, I receive an array of different gifts each year. Sometimes I know my children may not know what to get me and I’m grateful for whatever they purchase because I know it was purchased with love. As a person who enjoys both receiving and giving gifts, I would like to recommend a special gift. As you know, S.T.A.N.D. 2011 is fast approaching and what a great idea it would be to bring your mother or “like a mother to me” to the S.T.A.N.D. conference! For more information please click on the link or go to www.sheilabaileyministries.org.

This special Mother's Day edition includes a special poem from Ashlee Crump and a wonderful article from our ministry friend and brother Pastor Stephen G. Brown.

Join us as we celebrate and honor men and women across the nation on this Mother’s and Father’s Day 2011.

Sheila B.
May 2011

__________________

Resurrection Time!

of the greatest Resurrection…the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! Join me as we celebrate and enjoy the blessings of the Resurrection!

I am sure you will find this month’s newsletter informative and inspirational. From the inspirational message by Cokiesha B. Robinson, to an update on Sheila B. Ministries and exciting news about the 2011 S.T.A.N.D. conference; it’s a newsletter to enjoy!

Sheila B.
April 2011

__________________

On New Year’s Eve afternoon, I rushed to the grocery store to purchase a few additional items. I had already purchased the traditional New Year’s dinner items including black eyed peas, but I wanted some chips and dip for when I returned home from church later that night. The noticeable hustle and bustle of people preparing for New Year’s Eve and Day punctuated the air with excitement and anticipation. What should I do? Where should I go? What should I cook? With whom should I spend New Year’s Eve? These were all subjects for discussion and conversation in the checkout line.

However, as the clock struck midnight and I realized how blessed I was to see another year, my thoughts turned towards the future. What will our individual lives become after we say “Happy New Year”? After we have enjoyed the culinary delights, blown the party horns, attended the parades, thrown the confetti, watched the endless football games, and made the New Year’s resolutions, what newness will we bring into 2011?

Let me challenge and encourage you to begin the New Year with positive thinking, perseverance, and praise. I offer the following scriptures to help you in this journey to bring newness into 2011. II Corinthians 10:5 encourages us to “take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” Not only will positive thinking help you bring newness into 2011, but also perseverance through prayer, faith, obedience and service. Consider Ephesians 6:18, Hebrews 12:1-2, Revelation 14:1-2, and I Corinthians 15:58. As we persevere and focus on positive thinking, then offer praise to God for what He has already done and will do in the future. Psalms
34:1 states, “I will extol the Lord at all times;His praise will always be on my lips.”

I don’t know what your plans entail for 2011, but my prayer is that you will bring newness into the New Year with positive thinking, perseverance, and praise!

Blessings upon the New YOU in the New Year!

Sheila M. Bailey
January 2011

Get the January 2011 Newsletter

Hooray for Fall!

Hooray for Fall, one of our favorite times of the year! Orange, yellow, green, brown and red leaves seem to remind us of the earth's commitment to transition.

Our prayer is that you will enjoy being "captured by the colors of God's character" as you are transitioning in life as well. May this issue remind you of the beauty of this season and of the never changing character of our Heavenly Father.

A special thank you to everyone that helped to make the 2010 S.T.A.N.D. Conference a success this summer. We appreciated your hard work, presence and prayers. Our hearts are still celebrating how God used every speaker/presenter and how so many women enjoyed learning and connecting with new and old friends. We would love for you to join us on July 11-14, 2011 for our S.T.A.N.D. 2011 Conference. Prepare to be enriched!

As you know, in October, millions of people around the world paid tribute to those persons who are surviving breast cancer and thriving despite various setbacks and challenges. Our prayers are with all survivors and their families. We salute you for your resilience, determination and your faith. We also praise God for those heroes and heroines who reside in heaven now after fighting various forms of cancer with great strength and dignity. We will look to the day when each of us will celebrate a cure to all cancers and until that day we will keep our hope in God who sustains us continually. "He is able to do exceedingly, abundantly above all that we can think or ask..." (Ephesians 3:20). Thank the Lord for His promises and His protection! Enjoy this e-letter and this color giving season. We will look forward to sharing with you in our upcoming Thanksgiving edition.

Sheila M. Bailey
November 2010

Click here to Sign Up for My Newsletters