HONORING WOMEN SERIES: COOKIE JOHNSON

💫Because I respect and believe in the power of a woman, I’ve decided to honor women in 2019 and beyond on my blog page. There will be one woman “embraced” at least once per week. There will be “no biases”, and the women will be representatives of all walks of life from all over the world who contribute “positively” to family, community, city, state, country, and therefore the world. 

🌟Today’s Honoree

{Photo: Internet Retrieved}

Everyone knows that COOKIE JOHNSON is married to former Los Angeles Lakers basketball star, Earvin “Magic” Johnson. Cookie has been widely admired for being a supportive wife of her husband. But her life does not begin nor end with Magic. As an independent-minded woman, her stage is large for many reasons.  She’s an author, philanthropist, entrepreneur and started a blue jeans line some years ago. She’s always had an interest in fashion. The CJ blue jeans are every woman’s dream based on size options, flexible fit, and design. 

{Cookie Models One of Her Jean Designs}

Cookie’s birth name is Earletha Kelly. She’s gone by the name Cookie, given to her by her Mother, since a small child. Everyone called her Cookie. It wasn’t until first grade when she knew her real name. Cookie was born in Huntsville, Alabama but she claims Detroit as her home. Her family moved to Detroit when she was six years old.

Cookie is a woman with her own direction.  Although very supportive of her famous husband, she’s quite philanthropic. Cookie is a Christian and very supportive of her church. She serves on the board of directors for the Magic Johnson Foundation. She has helped develop and fund programs addressing HIV/AIDS prevention, HIV testing, and effective treatments for those living with AIDS; started an AIDS scholarship program (named after now-deceased Magic Johnson Enterprises’ COO Taylor Michaels); and built technology empowerment centers in urban areas. Cookie has always been a volunteer for different charitable organizations. She devotes herself to causes benefittng battered and homeless women, such as the Union Rescue Mission and the Downtown Women’s Center. 

One of Cookie’s passionate accomplishments is becoming a bestselling author. Believing in Magic: My Story of Love, Overcoming Adversity, and Keeping the Faith was published in 2016. Her powerful and inspiring memoir shares details of her marriage, motherhood, faith, and how her husband’s HIV diagnosis twenty-five years ago changed their life. 

⚾️ So let’s talk Major League Baseball (MLB).  Cookie and her husband put their signature on the Los Angeles Dodgers. Magic leads a group which made the investment in 2012 for a U.S. sports franchise record fee of $2 billion. The Johnsons are successful entrepreneurs and their fame and fortune keep Cookie very busy with helping her husband manage their businesses and wealth. 

{Photo: Internet Retrieved}

{Cookie enjoys vacationing.}

{The Johnsons & Their Private Jet} 

{Magic & Cookie}

Cookie’s faith and strength surely have proven what’s possible when you have them. She trusts GOD and her social media posts and interviews are evident of that. 

Cookie and Magic have two adult children and reside in California.

Encouraging all women to support and empower one another,

🦚GPS - Your Innovative Blogger

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🏈 NFL Scouting Combine 2019: The 338 Invitees

⭐️The Future Stars of the NFL⭐️

🏈The NFL Scouting Combine will be held February 26 - March 4, 2019 in Indianapolis, IN.  *It’s not open to the general public.

“Top Executives, Coaching Staffs, Player Personnel Departments and Medical Personnel from all 32 NFL teams will be on hand to evaluate the nation’s top college football players eligible for the upcoming NFL Draft. This intense, four-day job interview is an exciting time for the athletes and a vital step in achieving their dreams of playing in the NFL.”

*Over 300 of the VERY BEST college players have been invited to the NFL Scouting Combine 2019.

Five (5) states will be sending the most players to the NFL Scouting Combine. 👇🏼
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.saturdaydownsouth.com/sec-football/these-states-sent-the-most-players-to-the-nfl-combine/amp/

Full List of Invitees 👇🏼
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2019-nfl-draft-full-list-of-338-prospects-invited-to-nfl-scouting-combine-including-kyler-murray/amp/

🏆Clemson University, 2019 National Champions, has eleven (11) players who have been invited:

1.  Austin Bryant
2.  Clelin Ferrell
3.  Mark Fields
4.  Albert Huggins
5.  Mitch Hyatt
6.  Kendall Joseph
7.  Trae Lamar
8.  Dexter Lawrence
9.  Trayvon Mullen
10. Hunter Renfrow
11. Christian Wilkins

South Carolina’s Complete List 👇🏼

{The 2019 SC invitees, 19 players, may be a record number.}

Congratulations to all invited players! 

Celebrating the players, 

🦚GPS - Your Innovative Blogger

Read more of my blogs. 👉🏼 1goya.blogspot.com

Send a private message. 👉🏼 1goyaspry@gmail.com

HONORING WOMEN SERIES: HISTORICAL MOMENT IN GOVERNING

 #leadership  #diversity  #usgovernment  #congresswomen

💫Because I respect and believe in the power of a woman, I’ve decided to honor women in 2019 and beyond on my blog page. There will be one woman “embraced” at least once per week. There will be “no biases”, and the women will be representatives of all walks of life from all over the world who contribute “positively” to family, community, city, state, country, and therefore the world. 

🌟Today’s Honorees: U.S. Representatives 

{Congresswomen stand in solidarity on Capitol Hill before the 2019 State of the Union Address}

Historic Governing:  There are a record number of women serving as legislators for the first time, making history in the United States, and most are Democrats. “Each representative is elected to a two-year term serving the people of a specific congressional district. Among other duties, representatives introduce bills and resolutions, offer amendments and serve on committees.”

Read more here about Democrat Congresswomen. 👇🏼

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.latimes.com/politics/la-na-pol-democrats-women-congress-20181107-story.html%3foutputType=amp

{Nancy Pelosi:  52nd Speaker of The U.S. House of Representatives}

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is the only woman to have served as Speaker, and is the highest-ranking elected woman in United States history.  Pelosi is second in the presidential line of succession, immediately after the vice president.

Read Pelosi’s biography here. 👇🏼

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nancy_Pelosi

I applaud the newly-elected women who have been entrusted to make decisions for not only their perspective state of residence but the nation as a whole. No matter an American’s chosen political party; i.e., Republican, Democrat or Independent, our country must support unification and make the best decisions for the American people.  As Americans, we should routinely exercise our right to vote during local, state and national elections. 

Celebrating ALL women in politics, 

🦚GPS - Your Innovative Blogger

Read more of my blogs here. 👉🏼 1goya.blogspot.com

Send a private message. 👉🏼 1goyaspry@gmail.com

WOMEN OF DISTINCTION: FEMALE ASTRONAUTS

February is Black History Month. There’s a lot to learn and celebrate about Black-African Americans. But let’s not do it once per year; learn the contributions of Black Americans year-round. “Know the past; shape the future”. 

{Image: Internet Retrieved}

In celebrating Black History Month, President Gerald Ford said in one of his messages, “We can seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”  Ford was right. Today and in honor of Black History Month and History [period], I lift the heroism and accomplishments of five (5) Black American female astronauts.

Before spotlighting all of them, let’s give credence to the “1st Black female astronaut”, Dr. Mae C. Jemison.  Dr. Jemison didn’t allow anyone to place limits on possibilities; certainly, she didn’t allow limits to be placed on her.  She said, “Never be limited by other people’s limited imaginations.”  Just imagine if adults lived by that mantra.  Imagine if children were taught it very early and throughout their life. Children should know that every success story started with an imagination. They should know that their dream can become a reality.  All young girls should know that just because there may not be many or no women in a particular profession does not mean they cannot break the mole, the stereotype. Our children can change the statistic. 

{Dr. Mae C. Jemison, “1st” Black Female Astronaut}

{Dr. Mae C. Jemison}

📌Jemison’s Short Video: How To Be A Strong Woman
👉🏼 https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=Mae+C.+Jemison&ibp=askj;krj7WXGw%7CAT0PSJ

{Astronauts: Mae C. Jemison, Stephanie D. Wilson, Joan E. Higginbotham, Yvonne Cagle, and Jeanette J. Epps}

{An Evening of Recognition}

⭐️Get To Know Our Astronauts⭐️

👩🏽‍🚀Each astronaut has a fascinating biography. Read about each one. 

👉🏼Mae C. Jemison: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mae_Jemison

👉🏼Yvonne Cagle:  https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yvonne_Cagle

👉🏼Stephanie D. Wilson: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephanie_Wilson

👉🏼Joan E. Higginbotham:  https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joan_Higginbotham

👉🏼Jeanette J. Epps:  https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeanette_J._Epps

Celebrating  imaginations and possibilities, 

🦚GPS - Your Innovative Blogger

Read more of my blogs: 1goya.blogspot.com

Send a private message: 1goyaspry@gmail.com

HONORING WOMEN SERIES: DEANNA ANDREWS

💫Because I respect and believe in the power of a woman, I’ve decided to honor women in 2019 and beyond on my blog page. There will be one woman “embraced” at least once per week. There will be “no biases”, and the women will be representatives of all walks of life from all over the world who contribute “positively” to family, community, city, state, country, and therefore the world. 

🌟Today’s Honoree

{Photo Image: Andrews’ Facebook Post}

PASTOR DEANNA ANDREWS has a passion for JESUS and helping lead people to HIS Kingdom.  She’s a compassionate woman which explains her commitment to help others. It’s becoming more and more contagious in her community and elsewhere because of her vision, consistent, positive example as a pastor and community leader and proven dedication to people in need of help.  She wants everyone to know about Christ’s love for all people.  She’s consistently encouraging her community [by example] to assist those in need. Pastor Andrews has been a warrior for the LORD all of her life. She was raised in the church as if it was her home because in her family, church meant worshipping HIM and helping family, friends and the community. Her parents ignited the Christian fire in her as a child and it was never extinguished. She never lost the fire to be “in service”, whether on Sundays or any other day of the week.  Pastor Andrews knows that “church” does not open on Sunday mornings and closes on Sunday afternoons. Church is every day of the week; it has no closed door schedule. 

Pastor Andrews and her husband, Senior Pastor Kennedy Andrews, both minister at the Harvest For Lost Souls Outreach Ministry in Beaumont, TX.  There are three (3) locations: Beaumont, TX; Katy, TX and W. Palm Beach, FL.  Pastor Andrews does not look for prominence rather support from anyone who wants to plant a seed and invest in the lives of others. Her dedication and commitment to serve others are truly commendable but she looks for no rewards, no accolades from Man. Her reliance is on what Scripture teaches in 

Matthew 25:21 KJV:

“His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” 

In the Old Testament, Isaiah 52:7 joyfully declares, “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, ‘Your God reigns!’ ”  Harvest For Lost Souls Outreach Ministry hosts many programs, conferences and events throughout the calendar year. Pastors Deanna & Kennedy Andrews’ ministry continuously serve the community in many capacities. Over the years, they have transported people to church, medical appointments, given away food, school supplies, clothes, cars, and the list is extensive. 

To Support The Ministry 

Phone: (409) 212-1399

Learn more.  👉🏼 www.harvestforlostsouls.com

Pastor Andrews will host “Marriage Moments”, a Facebook Live session every Monday from 7:00pm - 7:10pm, beginning February 4, 2019. 

{Image: Andrews’ Facebook Post}

Pastor Andrews and her husband Pastor Kennedy Andrews have two children. The ministry keeps them extremely busy. Their children assist them with community outreach.  The Andrews love attending their children’s sports events and other activities, and they enjoy traveling together as a family and spending quality time at home. 

{Photo: Andrews’ Facebook Profile}

Encouraging all women to empower and celebrate one another, 

🦚GPS - Your Innovative Blogger

📌Click here 👇🏼 for more of my blogs.  

 1goya.blogspot.com

Be Obsessed With Your Heart Health

FACT: Heart Disease is the #1 killer of women. Women must take better care of their heart. 

American Heart Association

Read information from the experts here.

👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼

https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-attack/warning-signs-of-a-heart-attack/heart-attack-symptoms-in-women

Mayo Clinic:  Symptoms & Risk Factors 

Read information here. 

👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-disease/in-depth/heart-disease/art-20046167

📌National Wear Red Day: 1st Friday in February Every Year

February 1, 2019

*See your physician regularly and pay close attention to symptoms. Never hesitate to contact your doctor when you are concerned about “any” noticeable symptom.  Listen to your body. 

Love your heart; love your life.

From the heart,

🦚GPS - Your Innovative Blogger

HONORING WOMEN SERIES: TAWANA B. FOLSTON

💫Because I respect and believe in the power of a woman, I’ve decided to honor women in 2019 and beyond on my blog page. There will be one woman “embraced” at least once per week. There will be “no biases”, and the women will be representatives of all walks of life from all over the world who contribute “positively” to family, community, city, state, country, and therefore the world. 

🌟Today’s Honoree

FIRST LADY TAWANA B. FOLSTON is no ordinary young woman by any means. She’s extraordinary. Today, First Lady Tawana is being honored for her commitment to “the church”. The church that I refer to is not a building rather people who are Believers in Christ and also those who need to hear the good news about HIM.  First Lady Tawana is a soldier for the Kingdom.  She’s not a woman who limits herself nor does she allow others to place limits on her.  She knows what her Divine assignment is and she respects it. First Lady Tawana is fearless because she’s GOD-fearing; beautiful because her heart is genuine. When others may think she’s being stubborn, it’s quite the opposite. In fact, the correct description would be relentless—relentless because she has a vision; she knows her purpose.  What makes her an extraordinary woman is her dedication to her mission to serve others—to serve as an example for women and people in general with a foundation to lead with GOD as her counselor. As a leader with her husband, pastor, at Life Destiny Church in Columbia, S.C., she’s committed her life to increasing the Kingdom. First Lady Tawana fell in love with GOD many years ago and she never looked back. 

{Image: Folston’s Facebook Post}

First Lady Tawana, like many Christians, has “powered through” during her life journey. Her strong faith and tenacity kept her standing. And let’s not forget about her relentless spirit which has helped her survive circumstances that may appear insurmountable to some. If anyone expects her to give up on anything that can help others and promote self-improvement, it would be a mistake. She may change her course, but giving up is not an option for First Lady Tawana.  She knows and will affirm for anyone that [with GOD, all things are possible]. Patience and Strength have become her refuge. 

“If it doesn’t challenge you, it won’t change you.”  

-Anonymous 

First Lady Tawana has a smile that’s like medicine for the soul. It draws you in to want to get to know her.  Churches have several ministries: hospitality, worship music, ministry for the incarcerated, children’s church, marriage counseling, etc.  First Lady Tawana has the gift to serve in any area of ministry because her purpose is to serve others when she’s needed. She loves people and her overall desire is to reach wherever they are and lift them up. She realizes that helping others to heal can be done by kind gestures and talking about the LORD. It may be beyond some people’s imagination, but First Lady Tawana knows all too well that a love for GOD can help save anyone. She knows that she has to tell HIS story and HE will do the rest. 

First Lady Tawana is married to Pastor Fred Folston and they have three children.  As a Family, they are very active in their community and other communities where needed. They take every opportunity to have Family fun at home and at events held in various cities. 

{Facebook Photo: Family Fun Day}

Encouraging all women to empower and celebrate one another,

🦚GPS - Your Innovative Blogger

1goya.blogspot.com

South Your Mouth With Southern Food

Eating well In the South: From fine, white table cloth dining to backyard BBQs, the South knows how to do it! There are restaurants galore, and there are people who live in the South who can cook better than your Mama. I know; I took a chance saying that. 

The South has a reputation of having a cuisine that will easily leave your palate with a wow factor. For my readers who live in the U.S. and countries outside of the U.S., the southern states include (by region): 

South Atlantic States: Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia. East South Central States: Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi and Tennessee. West South Central States: Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas.

I’m a foodie and love a good meal whether prepared by the “chefs” in my Family or the chefs at a reputable restaurant. The South has plenty to choose from. Every year, many cities host Restaurant Week. Several restaurants participate in a culinary celebration for customers to partake in enjoying a menu of palate-pleasing dishes, usually at a fixed price. Depending on the restaurant, a reservation may be required or there just may be open table service. 

Here is a 2019 schedule for Restaurant Week by city that started in January. If you missed one this year, check it out next year. All participating cities may not be listed. Search your city of interest. 

Charlotte, NC
https://charlotterestaurantweek.iheart.com/

Alexandria, VA
https://www.visitalexandriava.com/restaurants/restaurant-week/

Charleston, SC
https://restaurantweeksouthcarolina.com/city/charleston/

Columbia, SC
https://restaurantweeksouthcarolina.com/city/columbia/

Baltimore, MD
http://www.baltimorerestaurantweek.com/

New Orleans, LA
https://www.neworleans.com/event/restaurant-week-new-orleans/3324/

Georgia
http://www.findrestaurantweeks.com/ga/

Alabama
https://alabamarestaurantweek.com/restaurants/

Delaware
http://www.findrestaurantweeks.com/de/

Washington, DC
https://www.ramw.org/events/winter-restaurant-week-2019

I apologize in advance for causing your hunger pains and showing mouth-watering photos of great southern food dishes. You can find these at many restaurants in the South. Sorry guys—no recommendations.  You just have to use your “food compass” and explore! 

Live, love & eat well, 

🦚GPS - Your Innovative Blogger

1goya.blogspot.com